Valmiki Ramayana - August 18

August 18 - Sargas 44 and 45 of Aranya Kanda.

Two short sargas that tell a whole story of what happened vs. what might have been. As the poet says,

The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,

Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit

Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,

Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.

***

बद्धासिधनुरादाय प्रदुद्राव यतो मृगः        ।

तं स्म पश्यति रूपेण द्योतयन्तमिवाग्रतः   ॥

With his sword, his famous bow curved in three places, and quivers full of arrows, Sri Rama pursued the deer wherever he went, as the glittering deer darted off ahead.

The deer ran out of his reach, hiding and reappearing repeatedly, drawing Sri Rama farther and farther away in the forest. This hide and seek went on for some time. Then Sri Rama decided that enough was enough. He picked up an extremely sharp arrow given by Brahma himself and aimed it at the deer. The arrow hissed as it went and pierced the deer.

व्यनदद् भैरवं नादं धरण्यामल्पजीवितः          ।

म्रियमाणस्तु मारीचो जहौ तां कृत्रिमां तनुम्    ॥  

"Crashing to the ground, with his life ebbing away, Mareecha gave a monstrous scream as he abandoned his deer form. He was seen by Sri Rama to be a huge rakshasa."

Mareecha remembered that Ravana was waiting to abduct Sita, and he had been instructed to lure Lakshmana also away from the hermitage.

स प्राप्तकामाज्ञाय चकार च ततः स्वनम्      ।

सदृशं राघवस्येव हा सीते लक्ष्मणेति च       ॥

" Knowing the moment had come, the rakshasa uttered a cry that rang through the forest, uttering in a voice mimicking Rama's, the words, "Oh Sita, Oh Lakshmana!" "

Sri Rama at once realized what had happened. The warning that Lakshmana had sounded had come true. He had just killed Mareecha but they all had fallen into a well-set trap.

Thinking what must have passed through Sita's mind on hearing this cry of distress in his voice, and what must be happening back in the hermitage, Sri Rama shuddered in utter fright.  Sri Rama hurried back towards the hermitage after killing a deer and taking its meat. 

***

Sita heard that call of distress in a voice that she thought was Sri Rama's. She asked Lakshmana to go at once and find out what had happened.  She feared that rakshasas had hurt Sri Rama badly and some calamity had occurred.

आक्रन्दमानं वने भ्रातरं त्रातुमर्हसि - "look Lakshmana, you should go immediately and save your brother who is crying out for your help in the forest. "

When Lakshmana stood firm, simply adhering to his brother's order, in spite of Sita's anguished cry to go and help Sri Rama, the worst possible thoughts flooded Sita's mind. She immediately concluded that Lakshmana was indeed an enemy and not a friend of theirs!

यस्त्वमस्यामवस्थायां भ्रातरं नाभिपद्यसे         ।

इच्छसि त्वं विनश्यन्तं रामं लक्ष्मण मत्कृते    ॥

लोभात् मत्कृते नूनं नानुगच्छसि राघवम्         ।

व्यसनं ते प्रियं मन्ये स्नेहो भ्रातरि नास्ति ते      ॥

"What, Lakshmana! Seeing that you are not interested in going to help your distressed brother, it is clear to me that you want him destroyed, just for getting me.

"It is clear to me that out of your lustful greed for me, you are not going to help Sri Rama. You seem happy at Rama's distress because you have absolutely no affection for your brother."

Sita went on to add that it was inexplicable that Lakshmana had come to the forest ostensibly only to serve and protect Rama but now was least interested in carrying out his duty. She burst into a flood of tears.

Lakshmana was tested to the limit. He said to Sita that he knew that there was no god or celestial or human or any other type of creature or any demon who could hurt Sri Rama. Nobody could defeat him in any encounter.

यो रामं प्रतियुध्येत समरे वासवोपमम्           ।

अवध्यः समरे रामो नैवं त्वं वक्तुमर्हसि          ॥

न त्वामस्मिन् वने हातुमुत्सहे राघवं विना         ।

अनिर्वार्यं बलं तस्य बलैर्बलवतामपि            ॥ 

"Oh lady, you ought to not speak thus. Whoever may meet Sri Rama in battle will find him to be as powerful as Indra himself.  Sri Rama is simply indestructible in a battle."

"I do not wish to leave your side and my duty of protecting you when Sri Rama is also not here. I know for certain that Sri Rama's prowess is unexcelled by an enemy using any power."

Lakshmana told Sita that to him it was not Rama's voice they had heard. It would have been that demon who had mimicked his voice to mislead them. It was an illusion much like when a magician conjures the apparition of a city that doesn't exist. Rama had left a clear instruction to Lakshmana that protecting Sita was his sole duty. Since the killing of Khara and his army, they three had made many enemies in the forest and Lakshmana had notice all kinds of suspicious activities.

This riled Sita uncontrollably. With blood-shot eyes, she said very hurtful words: 

"Oh Lakhmana, you are cruel and evil. How can you speak such words when Sri Rama is in terrible danger? No wonder people like you move about misleading others and going to any extent to harm their rivals. It is clear that you are in the employ of Bharata and here only to harm Rama.

"Know for sure that I have held Rama's hands (a metaphor for marriage in Hinduism). I am totally devoted to Rama, with his lotus-like eyes and the complexion of a blue lotus. I shall not ever be interested in another man. I shall not live even for a moment without Rama."

We should try and imagine Lakshmana's sentiments on hearing such words. 

He just says,  उत्तरं नोत्सहे वक्तुं दैवतं भवती मम "Dear lady, I choose not to respond to your harsh words. You are indeed divine to me (I see my god in you). It is unfortunate that women speak like this in this world, it is known to be their nature. Your words have pierced my ears like red-hot darts. They are unbearable."

Lakshmana now says something under extreme stress. "The forest and all its denizens are my witnesses. I swear I have no evil intentions. I am simply carrying out my brother's orders. By doubting me, O lady, you will go to ruin."

Sita says she will drown in the Godavari, set herself on fire, or consume poison if Sri Rama dies. That is her only course. 

Lakshmana has to go. He prays to all the deities of the forest to protect Sita. He wishes Sita well.  He wonders aloud if he will see Sita here in the hermitage when he returns with Sri Rama. Sita is crying uncontrollably.

***

॥              श्रीरामजयम्                ॥ 

  

Valmiki Ramayana - August 17

August 17 - Sargas 42 and 43 of Aranya Kanda.

The die is cast. Ravana takes Mareecha near the Panchavati hermitage of Sri Rama. The subterfuge of the golden deer succeeds in tempting Sita and drawing Sri Rama away from the hermitage.

***

Mareecha sighs deeply and says in a tone of resignation that his end as well as Ravana's end is near. He is ready to accompany Ravana on this inauspicious mission.

Ravana commends Mareecha on resuming his earlier rakshasa mindset. He takes Mareecha in his aerial chariot drawn by donkeys with grotesque gargoyle faces. Soon they reach the wooded region of Panchavati. There nestles Sri Rama's hermitage, surrounded by a banana grove. 

स रावणवचश्रुत्वा मारीचो राक्षसस्तदा        ।

मृगो भूत्वाऽश्रमद्वारि रामस्य विचचार ह       ॥

"On order from Ravana, Mareecha then assumed the form of the deer and roamed around  the entrance to Rama's hermitage."

There is considerable detail provided by Valmiki to kindle our imagination about a fantastic golden deer that could tempt anyone. Mareecha assumed the form of a golden deer with glittering silver spots, antlers studded with gems, his underbelly glowing with an uncanny whiteness, his face of mixed hues that glowed, his hooves too aglow, his ears and eyes being shining gems. There never was such a deer ever except here.

Mareecha wandered around, all very naturally, darting here and there amidst the local herds of deer. They came and smelled him, and were repelled by this strange and unholy specimen. Mareecha did not harm them as was his wont, for fear of discovery.

तस्मिन्नेव ततः काले वैदेही शुभलोचना     ।

कुसुमावचयव्यग्रा पादपानाभ्यवर्तत         ॥

अनर्हारण्यवासस्य सा तं रत्नमयं मृगम्       ।

मुक्तामणिविचित्राङ्गं ददर्श परमाङ्गना       ॥

अदृष्टपूर्वं तं दृष्ट्वा नानारत्नमयं मृगम्            ।

विस्मयं परमं सीता जगाम जनकात्मजा       ॥

  

"Just then came the beautiful-looking  (it also means one who sees only good in everything) Vaidehi Sita, in order to gather flowers and went around the trees and plants there.

"That princess, unfamiliar and out of sorts in this forest-dwelling, then beheld this golden deer studded all over with a variety of gems. That supreme lady was simply bewitched by the deer sporting pearls and gems.

"This unprecedented sight of such a deer made of gold, silver, gems, and pearls simply drove Janaka's daughter Sita to extreme astonishment."

***

आहूयाहूय च पुनस्तं मृगं साधु वीक्षते      ।

आगच्छागच्छ शीघ्रं वै आर्यपुत्र सहानुज   ॥

"Sita could not take her eyes off that magical deer and called out, "Come, come, at once, Aryaputra! (that's how she addressed Sri Rama - Oh one of noble birth!) Please come with your brother at once!"

When Sri Rama and Lakshmana rushed to Sita's side and beheld that wonder of a deer, Lakshmana was quick to say:

तमेवैनमहं मन्ये मारीचं राक्षसं मृगम्           ।

चरन्तो मृगयां हृष्टाः पापेनोपाधिना वने       ।

अनेन निहता राम राजानः कामरूपिणा        ॥

अस्य मायावदो माया मृगरूपमिदं कृतम्     ।

भानुमत् पुरुषव्याघ्र गन्धर्वपुरसंनिभम्         ॥    

मृगो ह्मेवंविधो रत्नविचित्रो नास्ति राघव    ।

जगत्यां जगतीनाथ मायैषा हि न संशयः      ॥

"Dear Rama, I am certain that this deer is none other than that rakshasa Mareecha. I know that many times, he has used his deception and powers of assuming any form at will to kill and eat up kings who came into the forest for their celebratory hunting expeditions. 

"This form, of a golden deer, has now been assumed by that magician rakshasa Mareecha. He has become lustrous like the sun and has a glittering form that we associate with celestial creatures. 

"Otherwise how do you explain this? There can never be a deer like this, made up of gems and pearls! You are the lord of the earth, Rama, you can see that this is nothing but a magic trick unprecedented in this world."

***

Destiny had taken a firm hold on the proceedings. 

Sita begged Rama that he should go and catch that deer without fail. She described how she would bring up the deer and take him back to Ayodhya and have him roam around the corridors of her palace to everyone's unending astonishment. And if at all the deer escaped being caught alive, Rama should kill him and bring at least his glittering hide that would make a fabulous love seat for both of them hereafter. "Come on, Rama! Please get me that deer", kept saying, Sita.

Sri Rama was most anxious to please Sita. He rationalized: What if the deer were indeed magical? As long as he could capture him, Sita's wish would be fulfilled. And such a beautiful deer too! 

कस्य रूपमिदं दृष्ट्वा जाम्बूनदमयप्रभम्        ।

नानारत्नमयं दिव्यं न मनो विस्मयं व्रजेत्    ॥

"Oh Lakshmana, who can not be bewitched by this fabulous creature, made of gold and so many precious gems and pearls!? He is simply divine! Even Indra and Kubera would not possess such a deer. 

"And Lakshmana, this desire to capture such a prized deer is all but utterly human. When someone desires to possess something in this world, his desire displaces all reason and he doesn't stop and ask himself whether the desired object is worth possessing and if it is within his reach or not.

"And by the way, I hear what you are saying, dear brother. If, as you say, this indeed is Mareecha dressed up to fool us, then he certainly deserves my punishment. Remember how the sage Agastya put an end to the menace of the rakshasa Vatapi? That demon used to waylay ascetics and brahmins and invite them for a meal. He would enter their bodies in the form of a goat served up for dinner. Once he was inside them he would tear them open and come out, assisted by his younger brother, the rakshasa named Ilvala. The sage Agastya ate him up, and digested him, saying to Vatapi, "enough is enough, oh evil rakshasa! I am putting here and now an end to your menace. I am digesting you forever."

Sri Rama is supremely confident of catching Mareecha alive or dead. Before he leaves, he gives stern instructions to Lakshmana to protect Sita from all dangers:

प्रदक्षिणेनातिबलेन पक्षिणा 

               जटायुषा बुद्धिमता च लक्ष्मण   ।

भवाप्रमत्तः प्रतिगृह्य मैथिलीं

               प्रतिक्षणं सर्वत एव शङ्कितः      ॥

"Dear Lakshmana, be on your guard and protect Sita constantly, looking for danger from every side. Take the help of that mighty Jataayu, the ancient bird who has come to help us. He will be circling overhead, ever vigilant, so that Sita will not face any danger."

***

॥                               श्रीरामजयम्                               ॥ 

  

Valmiki Ramayana - August 16

August 16 - Sargas 40 and 41 of Aranya Kanda.

Ravana shows his extreme displeasure at Mareecha's unsolicited advice. He says Mareecha has no choice but to help him in his scheme by assuming the form of a golden deer and leading Rama and Lakshmana away from Sita. If Mareecha does not obey his order, Ravana will kill him instantly.

Mareecha sees the writing on the wall. But he again says harsh but well-meant words to Ravana as the course Ravana is hell-bent on will kill both of them without a doubt.

***

We have a very good example here of a man good at debate but poor in the judgement of what is good for himself or others.

Ravana replies to Mareecha's advice:

"Oh Mareecha, your "wise words" are wasted like seeds sown in a barren land. I have not come to you for advice. I need your help and I am ordering you.  It seems you do not know how to respect a king or what kind of advice is correct.

"This man you praise so much is a fool and a coward. He listened to a lowly woman's words and abandoned the king, his father, his mother, his well-wishers, and his kingdom, and ran away to the forest. 

अवश्यन्तु मया तस्य संयुगे खरघातिनः     ।

प्राणैः प्रियतरा सीता हर्तव्या तव संनिधौ  ॥

सम्पृष्टेन तु वक्तव्यं सचिवेन विपश्चिता     ।

उद्यताञ्जलिना राज्ञो य इच्छेद् भूतिमात्मनः ॥

"It is most essential that this Rama's - the one who killed Khara in battle- Rama's beloved wife Sita, who is dearer to him than life itself, is abducted by me with your help.

"You should know that a wise counsellor will open his mouth only when asked to speak and that too to speak most deferentially to his king if at all the counsellor cares for his own welfare."

अपक्रान्ते च काकुत्स्थे दूरं गत्वाप्युदाहर     ।

हा सीते मक्ष्मणेत्येवं रामवाक्यानुरूपकम्    ॥

"Draw Rama way from the hermitage by assuming the form of a golden deer with silver spots that Sita will hanker after. Take him far away. Then scream in a voice similar to his, "Ha Sita! Ha Lakshmana!" 

"It is certain that Lakshmana with his devotion to Rama and on the insistence of Sita will also leave her side and rush in the direction of this distressed call. The coast will be clear for me then to easily carry off Sita." 

आसाद्य तं जीवितसंशयस्ते

           मृत्युर्ध्रुवो ह्यद्य मया विरुध्यतः     ।

एतद् यथावत् परिगण्य बुद्ध्या 

           यदत्र पथ्यं कुरु तत्तथा त्वम्        ॥

"Oh Mareecha, if you are fearing that you will die at Rama's hands by obeying my order, know for certain that I will kill you this instant if you disobey me. Therefore apply your mind and do what you think is right for you."

***

Mareecha was certain that the course pursued by Ravana was disastrous. He knew that fate had drawn him also into this terrible enterprise. He did not hesitate to express his advice again to Ravana. 

"Oh Ravana, who is that sinner who has instigated you thus? Perhaps it is other rakshasas who have found a way to get rid of you by putting you up against a much stronger enemy. Honest and wise ministers think deeply of the welfare of their king and advise suitably so that the state prospers and they in turn prosper. Those who lead the king astray will perish. An evil or inconsiderate king brings down everyone. Alas, even good people, for no fault of their own, suffer under a bad king."

दर्शनादेव रामस्य हतं मामवधारय                  ।

आत्मानं च हतं विद्धि हृत्वा सीतां सबान्धवम्    ॥

"Oh Ravana, know for certain that I shall die the moment I set eyes on Rama. And know again for certain that you will also die very soon after along with all your people, in case you abduct Sita."

Mareecha's words made no impression at all on Ravana, just as a man about to die resists any medicine. 

***

॥          श्रीरामजयम्            ॥ 

   

Valmiki Ramayana - August 15

August 15 - Sargas 38 and 39 of Aranya Kanda.

Mareecha tells Ravana of his experiences with Sri Rama so far and how it is going to spell death to Ravana and other rakshasas if Ravana tries to steal Sita and provoke Rama.

***

Mareecha (मारीचः) now narrates his experiences of Sri Rama's personality and prowess.

"Oh dear Ravana, let me tell you of my encounter with Rama long ago. At that time I was extremely powerful and big as a cloud. I was as strong as a thousand elephants and carrying a spear, I used to torment ascetics and feed on their flesh.

"The sage Vishwamitra was engaged in some elaborate homa for the welfare of all humanity. I went and disturbed his rituals successfully. The sage went to Dasharatha and asked for help in dealing with my nuisance. The sage asked for Rama's help. But the king said Rama was a mere stripling of fifteen years and inexperienced in warfare, therefore the king himself would go with his large army to help the sage. But the sage, while acknowledging the king's mighty deeds in the past, said that Rama and Rama alone would be able to deal with m. He convinced Dasharatha and secured the king's consent.

I went and attacked the homa, like a huge dark cloud, wearing bright golden ear-rings, supremely arrogant about my powers. A young Rama, who was yet to grow a beard, stood guard there, extremely handsome, shining with his gold necklace. He saw me unperturbed and strung his bow.

अवजानन्नहं मोहाद् बालोऽयमिति राघवम्             ।

विश्वामित्रस्य तां वेदिमभ्यधावं कृतत्वरः                 ॥

तेन मुक्तस्ततो बाणः शितः शत्रुनिबर्हणः                ।

तेनाहं ताडितः क्षिप्तः समुद्रे शतयोजने                  ॥  

"Out of my delusion, I thought slightingly of that young lad Rama. I rushed with all speed towards Vishwamitra's sacrificial altar.

"Then the extremely sharp arrow that Rama shot at me was powerful enough to destroy any enemy. I was struck by that arrow and cast away a few hundred miles away into the sea.

"I realised that Rama had spared my life and got rid of my nuisance. I was unconscious. When I recovered I came to Lanka. To think of Rama's prowess even when he was so young and inexperienced is enough to convince me that your plan is extremely ill-fated.

"The others who had accompanied me were all killed by Rama then."

Mareecha then gives graphic descriptions of the calamity that will engulf Lanka and kill many innocents who would not have been accessories to Ravana's misdeed. He foresees how Rama's arrows will engulf Lanka and how fires will destroy the entire city. So Ravana should go back and be happy with his many wonderful wives instead of trying to molest Sita.

***

Mareecha now adds how he has even recently witnessed Rama's invincibility and prowess.

Recently, Mareecha decided to go to Dandaka with two other rakshasas. Whereas those two took the form of deer, Mareecha assumed the form of a strange animal with a huge and powerful body, a flaming tongue, and large, very sharp antlers. He used to visit ascetics during their austerities and drink their blood and eat their flesh.

Then Mareecha came across Rama. Rama was now living the life of an ascetic in the forest along with Sita and Lakshmana. Mareecha ignored his past encounter with Rama and decided that, now that Rama was an ascetic, he would be easy prey. As that fierce animal with dreadful antlers, Mareecha charged at Rama hoping to eat him up.

Rama shot three infallible arrows that could destroy any enemy. They flew like Garuda towards Mareecha. Mareecha was able to save himself just in the nick of time and fled far away, seeing his two companions being killed by those arrows. After this extremely scary second encounter, Mareecha had decided to turn the corner and abandon his evil ways. He was now settled here in his hermitage as an ascetic.

अपि रामसहस्राणि भीतः पश्यामि रावण ।

रामभूतमिदं सर्वमरण्यं प्रतिभाति मे         ॥

"Oh Ravana, I constantly visualise thousands of Ramas all around me. I am scared beyond description of Rama and I experience this forest as filled with Rama. He comes in my dreams and I become numb with fright. Even any word starting with Ra like ratnas (gems) and rathas (chariots) terrorise me as I experience Rama from those triggers.

सोऽहं परापाराधेन विनशेयं निशाचर          ।

कुरु यत् ते क्षमं तत्त्वमहं त्वां नानुयामि वै     ॥  

"Oh Rakshasa Ravana, therefore, through your act of indiscretion, inadvertent on my part, I shall perish if I do as you say. As such, you please do whatever you may deem appropriate, but I shall not accompany you in this misadventure.

"If Rama killed Khara and disfigured Shurpanakha, it retribution for the extreme indiscretion and provocation on her part for sure."

इदं वचो बन्धुहितार्थिना मया 

            यथोच्यमानं यदि नाभिपत्स्यसे       ।

सबान्धवस्त्यक्षसि जीवितं रणे

             हतोऽद्य रामेण शरैरजिह्यगैः         ॥

"And to conclude what I am saying, Ravana, if you do not follow these words spoken out of my filial affection and concern for your welfare,  you shall relinquish your life in an unnecessary war along with all your people, killed as you will be quickly, by the sharp, straight, infallible arrows of Rama."

***

॥           ष्रीरामजयम्            ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - August 14

August 14 - Sargas 36 and 37 of Aranya Kanda.

Ravana explains to Mareecha what is his urgent mission. Mareecha is aghast at the very idea and strongly dissuades Ravana.

***

Ravana says in a begging voice, "Oh Mareecha sir, I am in a desperate situation and only you can help me.

"You know how I had deployed a very strong rakshasa army under Khara and Dushana in Janasthana. They were, on my orders, fully engaged in tormenting, harassing and killing all the ascetics there.

"Then this rascal called Rama came to the forest. He was expelled by his father King Dasharatha for bad conduct.

"This mere human, without saying anything, without as much as a "by your leave", killed Khara, Dushana, and Trishiras and fourteen thousand warriors. He did this  standing on the ground and was alone with his bow and arrow.

"This Rama is unprincipled, untruthful and a blot on humanity. Do you know he has disfigured my dear sister Shurpanakha? 

"Rama has a wife called Sita whom he loves very much. He is served by his brother Lakshmana in the forest. 

"It is my desire to teach this Rama a lesson. I want to abduct his wife and plunge this Rama into depression. He will then be weak enough for me to kill him easily.

" I don't want to bother my brothers or army chiefs in this matter. I only trust you, Mareecha sir. You are invincible and full of magical powers.

" Here is the plan. You take the form of a golden deer with silver spots and go tempt Sita. She will send away Rama and Lakshmana in pursuit after you. As you draw them far away, the coast will be clear for me to abduct Sita.

" How do you like this brilliant plan of mine!? Mareecha, please do this much for me."

***

Mareecha's jaw fell to hear this atrocious plan of Ravana. It had evil and failure written all over it.

***

Mareecha chose his words carefully, but was carried away by the emotion he felt about the whole thing.

सुलभाः पुरुषा राजन् सततं प्रियवादिनः    ।

अप्रियस्य च पथ्यस्य वक्ता श्रोता च दुर्लभः ॥

"Oh King, it is easy to surround yourself with sycophants who only speak "feel-good" words and praise you. Indeed it is rare to find those who speak or listen to words of good intention and good advice when the words are unpleasant. "

त्वद्विधः कामवृत्तो हि दुःशीलः पापमन्त्रितः । 

आत्मानं स्वजनं राष्ट्रं स राजा हन्ति दुर्मतिः ॥

" This evil plan you suggest, born out of lust, is truly unholy, but is very much in your character. It is a plan from a king who will destroy himself, his people, and his country, all in one go." 

"Whatever you have said about Rama is totally untrue. Neither was he banished by his father nor is he evil. In fact Dasharatha succumbed to the designs of his wife Kaikeyi. Rama bailed him out and went away to the forest. 

रामो विग्रहवान् धर्मः साधुः सत्यपराक्रमः । 

राजा सर्वस्य लोकस्य देवानामिव वासवः  ॥

"Rama is the embodiment of Dharma. His might is rooted in truthfulness and goodness. He is a peaceable man. He is naturally endowed to be the ruler of the entire world and all its people, just as Indra is the ruler of the gods. 

" You will never be able to steal his wife Sita when she is under the protection of Rama's bow in the forest. She is to Rama like the flames that belong to a sacrificial fire.

" If you want to avert certain death, if you care for your life, your people, or your kingship, go and sit down with Vibhishana and your well-wishers and think over this matter." 

अहं तु मन्ये तव न क्षमं रणे 

          समागमं कोसलराजसूनुना      । 

इदं हि भूयः श्रृणु वाक्यमुत्तमं 

          क्षमं च युक्तं च निशाचराधिप   ॥

" I think you will not be able to face Rama in a battle. Therefore carefully listen once more my advice which is proper and meant for your welfare alone, oh King of rakshasas!" 

***

॥            श्रीरामजयम्            ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - August 13

Valmiki Ramayana - Sargas 34 and 35 of Aranya Kanda.

Ravana is highly provoked by Shurpanakha's verbal barbs. He asks her to describe this Rama and how he has managed to kill all his army. How come such a  beauty of a sister of Ravana's has been disfigured, and by whom? 

Shurpanakha seems a very eloquent rakshasi. She describes in detail Sri Rama's beauty, valour and capability in archery. His bow is golden and releases deadly arrows. He shoots so many arrows in such rapid succession that his action was a mere blur in the battle but she saw everyone including Khara, Dushana, and Trishiras, killed - all within 75 minutes of war.

Rama has a brother, Lakshmana, who is equally good looking and strong. He is totally devoted to Rama. Since Rama is a man of principle, they did not kill her. Lakshmana disfigured her and let her go.

But now Shurpanakha comes to the crux of the matter. Rama has a wife by name Sita. My god, what a beauty she is!

Shurpanakha describes in great detail Sita's beauty, her vital statistics, her extreme sexual appeal, and her modesty, and her nature which is one of devotion. Sita is worthy of becoming Ravana's wife. Nothing less. Ravana should at once go and make her his wife.

विज्ञायैषामशक्तिं च क्रियतां च महाबल ।

सीता तवानवद्याङ्गी भार्यात्वे राक्षसेश्वर  ॥

निशम्य रामेण शरैरजिह्मगै -

           हताञ्जनस्थानगतान् निशाचरान्  ।

खरं च दृष्ट्वा निहतं च दूषणं

            त्वमद्य कृत्यं प्रतिपत्तुमर्हसि        ॥

"Oh, supreme lord, Ravana! Knowing about this Sita, frail and ready for your abduction, you should make her your wife. She is perfect in her physical beauty! 

" Also seeing how Rama's arrows did not miss their mark and pretty much killed all the rakshasas in Janasthana including Khara and Dushana, you have to do what is your appropriate duty." 

***

Ravana was greatly excited to hear Shurpanakha's suggestion. He left his court and went into deep thought. Finally he decided on the best course of action in this matter. He hatched a plan. He went secretly to his chariot shed and asked his charioteer to prepare a suitable vehicle. A superb aerial vehicle was readied in double quick time. 

Ravana is described in all his glory by Valmiki as he travelled in the sky in his magical chariot. He travelled over the sea and over extremely attractive regions of mountains, dense forests, and rivers, and waterfalls. Coconut and banana groves, and many trees of utter fragrance are listed. There is a description of an impossibly large banyan tree under which many sages meditated. This tree was once visited by Garuda amidst his exploits. 

Ravana travels far across the sea again to the solitary hermitage of Mareecha. Mareecha is surprised at Ravana's repeat visit so soon. He offers Ravana all hospitality and asks if all is well. 

***

॥          श्रीरामजयम्          ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - August 12

August 12 - Sargas 32 and 33 of Aranya Kanda.

We get to see in today's reading the mastercraft of sage Valmiki. The dramatic narrative is enlivened by poetic twists that are beyond ordinary writing.

Just as Manthara played earlier a decisive hand in twisting the Ramayana story out of shape, Shurpanakha enters Ravana's court to give another major twist.

***

Shurpanakha, used to a carefree life of wreaking mayhem anywhere she pleased, is totally devastated by the way Khara, Dushana, and their fourteen thousand-strong rakshasa army,  are finished off by Sri Rama single-handedly. Frightened out of her wits, she rushes to Ravana.

Valmiki takes us through two sargas of extreme contrast. First comes a description of Ravaneshwara, the lord of all rakshasas. This is the first time we are treated to such a description of the chief antagonist of Ramayana.

***

सा ददर्श विमानाग्रे रावणं दीप्ततेजसम्     ।

उपोपविष्टं सचिवैर्मरुद्भिरिव वासवम्         ॥

आसीनं सूर्यसंकाशे काञ्चने परमासने         ।

रुक्मवेदिगतं प्राज्यं ज्वलन्तमिव पावकम्   ॥

देवगन्धर्वभूतानामृषीणां च महात्मनाम्       ।

अजेयं समरे शूरं व्यात्ताननमिवान्तकम्        ॥

"Shurpanakha rushed to Lanka and saw there, seated in an elevated aerial vehicle, Ravana, glowing brilliantly, like Indra, surrounded by his ministers who were like the gods of the eight directions.    

 

"He sat on a supreme throne of gold that shone like the sun. He himself glowed like a splendid sacrificial fire.

"Here was Ravana, unconquerable by gods, celestials, creatures on earth, sages, and great seers too. Extremely adept in war, he was looking like the god of death Yama with open jaws."

Valmiki goes on to say how Ravana had done a penance of ten thousand years and obtained the boon from Brahma that no being other than a mere human can cause his death. He had marauded several places from Amaravati to Kailasa and desecrated them. He had looted the Pushpaka Vimana from his brother Kubera. He had stolen Takshaka's wife. He had engaged in many battles and bore scars on his body as proof of his coming out alive. Indra's thundebolt had nicked him. Airavata, Indra's divine elephant, had goaded his chest slightly. Even Vishnu's discus had made many scars. All this only added to his glorious appearance of mountainous proportions, with ten heads, twenty hands, and an overall effect of someone who ruled the worlds without any opposition.

***

Now hear Shurpanakha. She has entered with a big roar like thunder. She speaks with an astuteness that is impressive. 

प्रमत्तः कामभोगेषु स्वैरवृत्तो निरङ्कुशः      ।

समुत्पन्नं भयं घोरं बोद्धव्यं नावबुद्ध्यसे  ॥

सक्तं ग्राम्येषु भोगेषु कामवृत्तं महीपतिम्   ।

लुब्धं न बहुमन्यन्ते श्मशानाग्निमिव प्रजाः  ॥

"Intoxicated and immersed in lustful pleasures, acting at will like an ungoaded elephant, you do not understand the extreme and imminent danger that confronts you.

"The citizens do not value at all such a greedy king who is always engaged in vulgar pleasures and capricious activities just as nobody cares for the fires burning in a crematorium as valuable."

Shurpanakha wastes no words. She lists a number of acts of commission and omission that a despicable king who is powerful but useless will be engaged in. He brings no good to his country. He has no knowledge of how people live and what likely dangers from enemies beset the land. He has useless sycophants as ministers and puerile intelligence agencies. Such a king's end will surely be not distant.

"Do you know, Ravana, that one man, Rama, has killed all your army in Janastahana including Khara and Dushana? He has restored peace at last there and has freed the ascetics and sages from their worries. All this, while you are immersed in trivia!"

Shurpanakha even says words of wisdom about how a king should be organized, dedicated, self-controlled, and so on.

इति स्वदोषान् परिकीर्तितांस्तया समीक्ष्य बुद्ध्या क्षणदाचरेश्वरः  ।

धनेन दर्पेण बलेन चान्वितो विचिन्तयामास चिरं च स रावणः      ॥

"Thus severely castigated and told about all his defects, the lord of rakshasas fell into deep thought. Here was Ravana, endowed with wealth, arrogance, and power, and he thought through what his sister had just told him in his assembly."

***

॥                    श्रीरामजयम्                   ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - August 11

August 11 - Sargas 30 and 31 of Valmiki Ramayana.

Sri Rama kills Khara with the divine weapon he received from the sage Agastya. Sita and Lakshmana reunite with Sri Rama with much relief and joy. The celestials and sages are wonderstruck by Sri Rama's prowess and celebrate his victory. 

A rakshasa by the name of Akampana somehow escapes from the battlefield and rushes to the chief of all rakshasas, Ravana, in Lanka. He narrates what has transpired. Ravana says nobody in the three worlds dares challenge him and he will go at once and kill Rama. Akampana musters enough courage to tell Ravana that Rama is the supreme warrior and Ravana cannot ever face Rama in battle. However, Akampana suggests, Rama will die of grief if Ravana abducts Sita, his wife of incomparable beauty.

Ravana goes to Mareecha and asks for help in abducting Sita. Mareecha is shocked to hear of this plan and advises Ravana not to test Rama's might. He should abandon the plan and go back to his female company and comfort in Lanka. Ravana returns to Lanka.

***

Sri Rama calls out to Khara, wounded and stranded without his chariot or any weapons, that his earlier boast that he will avenge the death of his rakshasa army was an empty one. He should now realize his end is near.

Khara is, however, not done yet. He looks around and selects a huge tree and uproots it. He takes it and throws it at Sri Rama who deftly avoids it and shatters it with his arrows. Then he is sufficiently enraged to end the battle decisively. He showers arrows on Khara that wound him in so many places that the rakshasa looks now like a mountain with rivulets of blood running down.

Khara rushes forward as the last resort to bring down Sri Rama. Sri Rama steps back and avoids the charge. Sri Rama then picks up the divine weapon he got from Indra (through Agastya). It is like Brahmadanda. As he shoots that astra at Khara, it rushes like a big storm and hits him.

स पपात खरो भूमौ दह्यमानः शराग्निना       ।

रुद्रेणेव विनिर्दग्धः श्वेतारण्ये यथान्तकः        ॥

"Khara fell to the ground consumed by the fire of that arrow, much like Yama who had been burnt down by Lord Shiva in Shvetaranya."

***

The celestials and divine sages all showered their gratitude and appreciation upon Sri Rama for accomplishing this wonderful deed of ridding Dandakaranya of the menace of rakshasas. They said that Lord Indra had come to Sharabhanga muni's ashrama only to set things in motion for Sri Rama's mighty act. We remember reading how Indra did not show himself to Sri Rama at that time, saying that there was some unfinished work on Rama's part. That was when the sages came and surrounded Sri Rama with their tales of the rakshasa atrocities and extracted Rama's vow that he would free them from the menace.

Lakshmana and Sita come down from the mountain cave. Sita warmly embraces her dear husband. They all feel very happy that the Dandaka forest will no longer face trouble from rakshasas or rakshasis.

***

One rakshasa by the name of Akampana is still alive. He manages to flee to Lanka and meets Ravana, the overlord of all rakshasas, feared in the three worlds. 

Ravana hears from Akampana of the extermination of all the rakshasas under Khara and Dushana in Janasthana. He cannot believe it. He thunders that no god ever dare challenge Ravana or his people, be it Indra, Vayu, Agni, Yama, or even Vishnu. He shall at once go and finish off this miscreant who has killed Khara.

Akampana is afraid to watch Ravana's fury. He musters the courage to inform him that this Rama, son of King Dasharatha, is no ordinary warrior. He is handsome, well-built, strong, and perhaps the best archer in the three worlds. He has a younger brother Lakshmana who is equally strong.

Ravana mocks that he will just now proceed to Dandaka and kill these two brothers. Then Akampana makes bold to tell Ravana that it is an impossible task.

नहि रामो दशग्रीव शक्यो जेतुं रणे त्वया   ।

रक्षसां वापि लोकेन स्वर्गः पापजनैरिव     ॥

तस्यापहर भार्यां त्वं तं प्रमथ्य महावने       ।

सीतया रहितो रामो न चैव हि भविष्यति    ॥

"Oh the great ten-headed Ravana, let me tell you that it is impossible for Rama to be defeated by you. In fact, even if all the rakshasas in all the worlds get together, he cannot be defeated. It is as impossible a task as for sinners to attain to heaven.

"But here is something else. Let me tell you, Ravana, that Rama has a wife by the name of Sita. She is young and infinitely beautiful. She has such a shapely body and lissom limbs that no celestial, demon, or any other species has a female that can come anywhere near her in beauty.

"I suggest that you find a way to go and hoodwink Rama in the forest and somehow abduct that Sita. Without Vaidehi Sita, who is dearer to him than his life, Rama will die of grief and your goal will be accomplished. "

Ravana loves this plan! He at once proceeds alone in his celestial chariot drawn by donkeys to Mareecha, the rakshasa son of Tataka ( we read of them in Balakanda!)

Mareecha is in his hermitage. He offers respectful hospitality. He enquires if all is well and what is the occasion for Ravana's sudden visit. Ravana informs him that there is one Rama who has eliminated his entire army of Khara and others in Dandaka. Ravana wants to teach Rama a lesson and therefore wants Mareecha's help in abducting Rama's wife, Sita.

Mareecha is shocked at the very idea. He says only a man who has some deep-seated wish to destroy Ravana and all rakshasas would have given him this idea. It seems that someone has hit Ravana on the head when he was sound asleep. After all, Mareecha says, Rama is simply incomparable in his might and valour. He looks like a whole array of divine weapons in a human form. He is like fire. He is like the whirlwind. He is like a tusker. He is like a lion who trifles with deer. He is invincible.

चापापहारे भुजवेगपङ्के

      शरोर्मिमाले सुमहाहवौघे         ।

न रामपातालमुखेऽतिघोरे

      प्रस्कन्दितुं राक्षसराज युक्तम्   ॥  

"Oh, supreme lord of Rakshasas, to steal Rama's bow will be impossible because his arms are like the whirlwind. His arrows are endless like ocean waves and will not stop their onslaught in a big battle. It is indeed totally unwise to enter into the most terrible mouth of hell called a confrontation with Rama."

Mareecha convinces Ravana to abandon the misadventure and to return to Lanka and his queens.

***

॥           श्रीरामजयम्             ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - August 10

August 10 - Sargas 28 and 29 of Aranya Kanda.

The final battle between Khara, a supreme warrior, and Sri Rama ensues.

***

Khara was himself taken aback by the total debacle of his army, and on seeing how his invincible warriors including Dushana and Trishiras died at the hands of this Rama. But he was undeterred in his attack on Rama.

ज्यां विधुन्वन् सुबहुशः शिक्षयास्त्राणि दर्शयन् । 

चचार समरे मार्गाञ्शरै रथगतः खरः            ॥

"Seated on his chariot, Khara exhibited great expertise as he released a multitude of arrows in all directions while twanging his bow loudly." 

As Sri Rama responded in kind, the sky was clouded by their arrows that flew noisily and full of sparks. 

Khara advanced towards Rama on his chariot and thought this was the time to strike hard as he believed Sri Rama had tired fron the incessant fighting. He shot fierce arrows that broke Sri Rama's bow. He shot more arrows that pierced and shattered Sri Rama's armour. He advanced menacingly sensing that Rama was ready to be conquered. 

Sri Rama was injured all over his body. Valmiki says that he looked like a smokeless fire with many  tongues of flame. 

Sri Rama was severely provoked. In Sanskrit poetry, when they say enraged, provoked, etc., in war, they refer to that flow of adrenalin that propels one to escalate the fight with a fierce focus and mustering all of one's strength. 

Sri Rama took up the Vaishnava bow given by sage Agastya. He aimed infallible arrows and pierced Khara all over. He broke his bow deftly. He decimated Khara's horses, his charioteer, and his chariot, after felling its flagstaff that fell to the ground looking like the sun god despatched from heavens by order to illumine our sky. 

***

Khara was now on the ground. We have to imagine in a quick playback how a mere mortal in ascetic robes had so far weathered the onslaught of innumerable, hitherto undefeated, rakshasas who attacked him all at once incessantly. In fact this was the most decisive battle that Sri Rama fought in the entire Ramayana. Later, in the Lanka war, he was needed only to deal with Kumbhakarna and Ravana who were protected by divine boons that meant that only he could kill them. 

***

As Khara rushed towards Rama on the ground, about to launch his gada, Sri Rama addressed him:

वसतो दण्डकारण्ये तापसान् धर्मचारिणः       ।

किं नु हत्वा महाभागान् फलं प्राप्स्यसि राक्षस ॥

अद्य त्वां निहतं बाणैः पश्यन्तु परमर्षयः        । 

निरयस्थं विमानस्था ये त्वया निहता पुरा      ॥

"Oh Rakshasa, what did you achieve by killing all those holy ascetics doing tapas in Dandakaranya, those blessed people who did no harm? 

" Now you shall die, reaping the fruit of your sins. Those great sages whom you killed before will witness, from the heavens, as you die from my arrows". 

Rama mentions how his father, King Dasharatha, had sent him on a mission to kill the rakshasas in Dandakaranya because they were tormenting the ascetics. Khara says he is unimpressed by all this boastful talk. He is going to finish off Rama. Does Rama not see that his end is very near as Khara hurls this deadly mace at Rama!!?

***

 "This will avenge all those warriors killed in this battle by you and they shall rejoice at your death!" Saying this, Khara launched that thunderbolt of a mace that went destroying trees and shattering rocks and descended towards Sri Rama.

तामापतन्तीं महतीं मृत्युपाशोपमां गदाम्   । 

अन्तरिक्षगतां रामश्चिच्छेद बहुधा शरैः      ॥

" Then Sri Rama shattered into smithereens with his several arrows that deadly mace which looked as infallible as Yama's noose as it rose up into the sky and started to descend on him." 

***

॥             श्रीरामजयम्             ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - August 9

August 9 - Sargas 26 and 27 of Aranya Kanda.

After Sri Rama decimates the large contingent of rakshasas with his Gandharvastra, Dushana decides to make another decisive effort.

After Dushana's death, another terrific warrior Trishiras (three heads) attacks Sri Rama and even hurts his forehead. Sri Rama finishes him off also.

Khara enters the fray.

***

Dushana marshalls his forces again. He orders five thousand warriors to attack Sri Rama. They all hurl deadly missiles of all kinds - rocks, trees, maces, spears, swords, all at once on Sri Rama. Valmiki says that all these weapons did not bother Sri Rama and he stood firm in battle just as a bull stands in heavy rain unperturbed.

Sri Rama countered the attack with his shower of infallible arrows. Valmiki says that no one could see him actually releasing the arrows. It was all over in a flash. One only saw the rakshasa warriors dying.

Sri Rama then brought down Dushana's chariot. He killed the four horses. He released a crescent-tipped arrow that decapitated the charioteer. This enraged Dushana.

Stranded on the ground, he invoked his ultimate weapon, called paridha. It was a kind of spear but it had a multidimensional array of sharp objects and deadly parts. It had soaked up the marrow of many enemies. It was huge like a cloud. It could eliminate even an army of gods. It was sure to spell death to the enemy.

तं महोरगसङ्काशं पृगृह्य परिघं रणे                  ।

दूषणोभ्यपतद् रामं क्रूरकर्मा निशाचरः           ॥

तस्याभिपतमानस्य दूषणस्य च राघवः           ।

द्वाभ्यां शराभ्यां चिच्छेद सहस्ताभरणौ भूजौ.    ॥

"Dushana, that merciless killer rakshasa, then picked up his parigha, which looked like a monstrous, dragon-like serpent.

" Just as Dushana was about to launch it, Sri Rama released two deadly arrows that cut off Dushana's two shoulders with ornamented hands."

The effect was that Dushana fell to the ground like a tusker falls when his giant tusks are broken. His parigha rolled to the ground like a fallen flagstaff. Dushana died on the spot.

Seeing him dead, a dozen warriors of Khara came and attacked Sri Rama. There is much detail about their names and how each one was attended to by Sri Rama. Suffice it to say that they were all killed soon.

I must at this point say how fascinating are all the battle descriptions by Valmiki. Obviously, we belong to a civilization with a big history of weaponry and war tactics and manoeuvres. At the same time, as we discussed early on about the weapons that were bestowed on Vishwamitra and subsequently given to Sri Rama, these were not passive elements. They were endowed with supernatural powers and did the bidding of the warrior who owned them rightfully.

So when the parigha is going to be released by Dushana, what does Sri Rama do? He incapacitates the warrior and hence nullifies that superweapon.

***

Khara is infuriated by the debacle so far. He picks up a thunderbolt of a weapon and begins to attack Sri Rama. But he is stopped by Trishiras, his mighty commander. He tells his king Khara, "please allow me to go and kill the enemy. If I kill Rama, you can go back happy to Janasthana. On the other hand, if I am killed, you can personally take on Rama."

Khara is pleased. Trishiras is like a mountain with three peaks. He boards a mighty chariot and goes towards Sri Rama. A terrific battle ensues. Each launches countless deadly arrows at the other. In fact, three of Trishiras's arrows go and wound Sri Rama's forehead. Sri Rama comments that Trishiras is indeed a great warrior and managed to cause three wounds that feel like flowers on his forehead.

Sri Rama then decides to end the game. He launches fourteen arrows at Trishiras. He decimates his four horses with four arrows. He kills the charioteer with eight arrows. He brings down the flagstaff with an arrow. Then Trishiras, seeing that he is being finished off, decides to make a run for his life. As he is running away, Sri Rama sends three sharp arrows at his three heads and kills him.

Khara's army runs helter-skelter.

तान् खरो द्रवतो दृष्ट्वा निर्वर्त्य रुषितस्वयम्    ।

राममेवाभिदुद्राव राहुश्चन्द्रमसं यथा             ॥

"Seeing his army dispersing in utter fear of death, Khara was enraged. He  personally commandeered them to regroup and fight. He decided to attack Sri Rama himself and launched himself like Rahu engulfs Chandra during an eclipse."

***

॥           श्रीरामजयम्            ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - August 8

August 8 - Sargas 24 and 25 of Aranya Kanda.

Sri Rama sees that a huge dark cloud of a rakshasa army is descending on them. Meanwhile, he has sensed many omens that portend his victory over these rakshasas. Indeed the end to the rakashasa menace in Dandaka forest seems near at hand.

Sri Rama sternly instructs Lakshmana to proceed with Sita at once and protect her in the cave on top of the mountain nearby. He says he will deal with these rakshasas single-handed.

The gods assembled in the sky are somewhat worried to see Sri Rama facing such a mighty rakshasa army single-handedly.

There is a terrible battle. After hurling all their weapons at Sri Rama and sufficiently injuring his body, the rakshasas start seeing his superhuman prowess at war. He pretty much flattens the entire, diverse, army of Khara. Dushana has to deal with a decimated force and those warriors still alive but scared out of their wits.

***

सम्प्रहारस्तु सुमहान् भविष्यति न संशयः        ।

अयमाख्याति मे भाहुः स्फुरमाणो मुहर्मुहुः      ॥

"Dear Lakshmana,  brave one, there is absolutely no doubt that there is going to be a huge battle. My right shoulder is repeatedly shaking in horripilation as a sign that the defeat of the enemy for certain."

तस्माद् गृहीत्व वैदेहीं शरपाणिधनुर्धरः           ।

गुहमाश्रित्य शैलस्य दुर्गां पादपसंकुलाम्        ॥

"Therefore, please escort Vaidehi to safety at once. Take all your weapons. Go to that cave surrounded by trees on top of the mountain."

प्रतिकूलितुमिच्छामि न हि वाक्यमिदं त्वया      ।

शापितो मम पादाभ्यां गम्यतां वत्स मा चिरम्     ॥

"My dear, you shall not counter my orders. I forswear you on the power of my feet (which Lakshmana has been always worshipping)  that you shall obey my instruction to proceed with Sita to safety immediately." 

Sri Rama says that he knows that Lakshmana is also entirely capable of dealing with the enemy, but Sri Rama wants to kill all these rakshasas single-handedly. Therefore Lakshmana should leave.

After Lakshmana and Sita leave, Sri Rama wears his armour, holds his weapons, and stand ready for battle. Valmiki compares Sri Rama arraigned with full weaponry, fiery with rage, to Lord Shiva himself holding the infallible Pinaki bow.

***

Khara attacks Rama with a thousand arrows. All his warriors hurl an uncountable number of weapons of all kinds, spears, battle axes, hammers, and so on, at Sri Rama. Sri Rama stands firm like Lord Shiva.  He stands like the sea unaffected by the onrush of rivers. He looks like a majestic mountain unruffled by lightning bolts. Sri Rama starts to bleed from the many wounds that appear on his body as those weapons strike him, but he seems totally unconcerned. 

***

ततो रामस्तु संकृद्धो मणडलीकृतकार्मुकः        ।

ससर्ज निशितान् बाणाञ्छतशोऽथ सहस्रशः    ॥

अन्तरिक्षगता रेजुर्दीप्ताग्निसमतेजसः              ।

असङ्ख्येयास्तु रामस्य सायकाश्चापमण्धलात्   ॥

तत्सैन्यं विविधैर्बाणैरर्दितं मर्मभेदिभिः              ।

न रामेण सुखं लेभे शुष्कं वनमिवाग्निना           ॥

"Then Sri Rama in terrible fury bent his bow almost full circle. He released extremely sharp arrows by the hundreds and thousands. 

"Those arrows filled the sky and sparkled with a fiery glow. They were simply countless and continued to emerge from Sri Rama's bent bow in an unbroken flow.

"That army of Khara was pierced in its vitals by Sri Rama's arrows and each warrior was rent to death. Sri Rama's onslaught was unbearable as a forest conflagration and the army was decimated."

The soldiers that were alive ran helter-skelter. Some brave warriors rushed towards Rama with their weapons. In an instant, Sri Rama cut off all their heads with his arrows. 

A few warriors that were left regrouped under Dushana. They now brought boulders, trees and other objects and started hurling them at Sri Rama. Sri Rama's arrows were countering those missiles even as they were in the sky and destroying them.

A stage came when the entire area was a terrible sight, full of broken chariots, shattered weapons, decapitated and rent bodies of thousands of soldiers and animals.    

***

॥          श्रीरामजयम्           ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - August 7

August 7 - Sargas 22 and 23 of Aranya Kanda.

Khara promises Shurpanakha that he will quickly get rid of Rama and Lakshmana and she can happily avenge her injury by drinking their blood. 

He orders Dushana, his war chief, to assemble his entire army of fourteen thousand rakshasas. Valmiki describes how the army gets ready and marches from Janasthana to Panchavati. Khara leads them from the front in his chariot resplendent with fantastic decorations. 

There are elaborate descriptions of all their weapons and how their march terrorised the denizens of the forest. 

प्रवृद्धमन्युस्तु खरः खरस्वरो

             रिपोर्वधार्थं त्वरितो यथान्तकः     ।

अचूचुदत् सारथिमुन्नदन् पुन-

             र्महाबलो मेघ इवाश्मवर्षवान्       ॥

"Thus did Khara, with a voice that bayed like a donkey (hence his name), who was swollen with extreme rage, show his great impatience to kill his enemy. He looked like Yama himself. He was like a large dark cloud about to rain hailstones. He roared at his charioteer to make haste. "

***

As Khara with his impressive and deadly army marched noisily, a number of evil omens occured. Valmiki describes them in some detail. 

Dark clouds started pouring blood-like red rain. The sun aopeared eclipsed, with a bloody ring around his orb. Wild animals shrieked. A large vulture descended and settled on Khara's chariot. There was an unbearable screeching of birds. It appeared that all animals of prey were on to an impending feast of dead bodies. 

The strange sights in the sky, the rain, the animals and birds, the most ugly noises, made no impact on Khara. His left shoulder shook violently. His eyes were horripilating and started s) hedding tears. But he was so hell-bent on attack that nothing would stop him now. He called out to his army:

महोत्पातानिमान् सर्वानुत्थितान् घोरदर्शनान् ।

न चिन्याम्यहं वीर्याद् बलवान् दुर्बलानिव      ॥

"Bah to all these highly evil omens that have suddenly arisen and look terrible to you all. Believe me, I give absolutely no thought to them, because I know how strong I am. My feelings are the same as those of a strong man who doesn't care for a weak enemy. 

"Remember, my men! I have never faced defeat. I can even take on Indra on his Airavata and vanquish him. I do not know any retreat. We shall march on and soon kill those two brothers. My dear sister is thirsting for their blood." 

Hearing his words, his army was galvanised into great fervour and made huge war noises. Valmiki lists twelve of Khara's ablest commanders and how each was deadlier than the others. They all surrounded Khara and marched forward in full anticipation of an easy victory. 

Valmiki says that those man-eating warriors rode forward as if an unseemly dark cloud had engulfed the day. 

Meanwhile, celestials and sages had assembled in the heavens to witness the impending extermination of these rakshasas, something which was overdue. They were speaking among themselves that Sri Rama should annihilate this rakshasa army like Vishnu would his enemies in the war against demons. 

***

॥       श्रीरामजयम्      ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - August 6

August 6 - Sargas 20 and 21 of Aranya Kanda.

The fourteen powerful rakshasas go with Shurpanakha and attack Sri Rama. They are all eliminated in one stroke by him. A scared Shurpanakha goes back to Khara challenging him to kill the mighty enemy in the form of Sri Rama and Lakshmana.

***

The fourteen raskhasas of terrible appearance and obvious might come to Sri Rama's hermitage with Shurpanakha. Sri Rama and Sita are seated in the courtyard with Lakshmana in attendance. Seeing them, Sri Rama asks Lakshmana to take care of Sita and go inside. He will attend to these rakshasas.

Sri Rama first speaks to them. 

"We are Rama and Lakshmana, sons of King Dasharatha, come to this dense Dandaka forest with Sita. We live as ascetics eating fruits and shoots and are engaged in the study of scriptures. We have no enmity with you and have done you no harm. 

ऋषीणां तु नियोगेन सम्प्रापः सशरासनः. ।

यदि प्राणैरिहार्थो वो निवर्तध्वं निशाचराः  ॥

" On the order from rishis, we are carrying weapons for their protection. In case you value your lives, I suggest you better go away quietly, oh rakshasas!"

Of course, the rakshasas have come on a mission. "Oh Rama, you have provoked the wrath of our master Khara. It is you who will now lose your life in battle. How do you even imagine that fighting by yourself, you will face so many of us in battle? When we release these fierce spears, you will fall dead with your bow and arrows in an instant. "

***

They threw their spears, with full force, all at once, aimed directly at Sri Rama. 

तानि शूलानि काकुत्स्थः समस्तानि चतुर्दश    । 

तावद्धिरेव चिच्छेद शरैः काञ्चनभूषितैः        ॥

" Sri Rama simultaneously shattered those fourteen spears aimed at him by shooting fourteen golden arrows." 

Then Sri Rama released arrows like Indra would release his thunderbolt. The arrows went and rent the raskhasas' chests. They all tumbled to the ground bleeding, much like snakes prised out of their anthill forcibly. 

Shurpanakha was extremely scared to see the carnage. Valmiki says her wounds had stopped bleeding by now. She again rushed to Khara's presence screaming even louder than before. 

Khara was irritated. In fact Valmiki says he spoke to her clearly unhappily, thinking she brings more trouble now (तामनर्थार्थमागताम्). 

Shurpanakha replied that his fourteen invincible warriors were eliminated by Sri Rama in an instant. 

***

Shurpanakha asks, "Where is Khara's valour? Does he think still that he is in control around here?" 

रामतेजोऽभिभूतो हि त्वं क्षिप्रं विनशिष्यसि  । 

स हि तेजःसमायुक्तो रामो दशरथात्मजः      ॥

भ्राता चास्य महावीर्यो येन चास्मि विरूपिता । 

एवं विलप्य बहुशो राक्षसी प्रदरोदरी           ॥

"Oh brother, this Rama, son of King Dasharatha, is no ordinary mortal. If you come in conflict with him and face his radiant prowess, you will be annihilated quickly.

" Alas! It is my fate that I have been mutilated by his powerful brother thus...! (basically asking: of what worth is my own brother now when I am in my distress....)", so bewailed the ugly Shurpanakha with her protruding belly. 

***

॥       श्रीरामजयम्       ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - August 5

August 5 - Sargas 18 and 19 of Aranya Kanda.

Valmiki describes a very worldly scene. Here is a rakshasi overcome with passion and unable to see sense. She, naturally, comes to grief.  Then she sets in motion a series of unsavoury happenings that form the core of drama in Ramayana. 

***

तां तु शूर्पनखां रामः कामपाशावपाशिताम्        ।

स्वेच्छया  श्लक्ष्णया वाचा स्मितपूर्वमथाब्रवीत्  ॥ 

"Then Sri Rama addressed that rakshasi Surpanakha, totally bound up in the coils of uncontrolled passion, these words, with a smile, conveying his response clearly and lucidly. "

कृतदारोऽस्मि भवति भार्येयं दयिता मम    ।

त्वद्विधानां तु नारीणां सुदःखा ससपत्नता  ॥

"Oh lady, here is by my side, my dear wife. I am a married man. For women like you, being a second wife will only bring great misery."

अनुजस्त्वेष मे भ्राता शीलवान् प्रियदर्शनः     ।

श्रीमानकृतदारश्च लक्ष्मणो नाम वीर्यवान्       ॥

अपूर्वी भार्यया चार्थी तरुणः प्रियदर्शनः         ।

अनुरूपश्च ते भर्ता रूपस्यास्य भविष्यति          ॥

एनं भज विशालाक्षि भर्तारं भ्रातरं मम            ।

असपत्ना वरारोहे मेरुमर्कप्रभा यथा              ॥

"But here is my brother, full of virtue and handsome. This gent is unmarried, and his name is Lakshmana. He is full of valour.

"Having had no wife, he is desires connubial bliss. Young and good-looking, he suits you in looks and will make a good husband. 

"So, oh large-eyed one, you take my brother here as your husband. You will not be a second wife then. With your attractive figure, you will shine with him like the sun casting his brilliance on the Meru peak."   

We can see a bit of a tease here. That was inescapable since Shurpanakha did not appear to have cooled off even after Sri Rama told her he was not available. There is also some poetic justice here, as Lakshmana was in the forest for long in total self-abnegation.

Shurpanakha was so blinded by carnal passion that she at once left Sri Rama and rushed to Lakshmana. She presented herself as one ardently wooing him claiming that she was beautiful and would make a lovely wife for him. They would sportingly roam the forest at will.

I am reminded of what Sri Krishna says in the Bhagavadgita.  काम एष क्रोध एष रजोगुणसमुद्भवः महाशनो महापाप्मा विध्येनमिह वैरिणम् । "Know that this lust and hatred are qualities springing from rajas. They lead to great sin, are unquenchable, and are man's worst enemies."

Laksmana at once tells her that he would make a terrible husband for her. He is but a servant to Sri Rama. Would she reconcile to life as a servant, too?  "You would make a wonderful wife with your beauty for my elder brother and master here. In fact, he will discard, for your sake, his current wife as ugly, unchaste, and frightening." It is the stuff of comedy that Shurpanakha again pounces on the suggestion and pressures Sri Rama to accept her. She says Sita is indeed ugly, unchaste, flat-bellied, and aged. So Sri Rama should at once accept Shurpakankha.

Seeing Sri Rama is unmoved, she says that the right thing for her is to get rid of Sita by eating her up. She pounces with burning eyes on the doe-eyed Sita like a meteor. An enraged Sri Rama holds Shurpanakha and restrains her firmly. He says,

क्रूरैरनार्यैः सौमित्रे परिहासः कथञ्चन               ।

न कार्यः पश्य वैदेहीं  कथञ्चित् सौम्य जीवतीम् ॥

इमां विरूपामसतीमतिमत्तां महोदरीम्              ।

राक्षसीं पुरुषव्याघ्र विरूपयितुमर्हसि               ॥

"Oh Lakshmana, it is indeed wise not to try and be humorous or light-hearted with people who are cruel and uncivilised.  Oh Lakshmana, you’re a man of tenderness, see how Sita was saved in the nick of time from death. 

"Oh tiger among men, I ask you to disfigure this ugly, unchaste, fat-bellied, rakshasi who is totally lost to reason by her passion."

In an instant, Lakshmana flashes his sword and lops off Shurpanakha's lips and ears. She utters a roar like thunder and rushes away bleeding all over profusely, uttering fierce cries true to her nature.

***

The rakshasa Khara, terrible in reputation and terrible in looks, is in his assembly inside the Dandaka forest.  His profusely bleeding, mutilated, and screaming sister descends and drops like a huge cloud on the floor in front of Khara, True to the stereotype, he flies into a terrible rage. He says not even Indra dare do something like this to his sister. So this has to be someone who is powerful, and he shall reap the whirlwind by this audacious act. 

Khara compares the man who has incited his revenge to be like someone who goes and touches a King Cobra and challenges it to bite him. Such a man's life is going to ebb away shortly. That culprit is like someone who has garlanded himself with the noose of death.

Shurpanakha narrates how two powerful warrior brothers, sons of King Dasharatha, dressed as ascetics, have come to Dandakaranya with the elder one's extremely beautiful wife. The brothers did this to her, on account of that lady in their midst.

तस्याश्चानृजुवृ्त्तायास्तयोश्च हतयोरहम्       ।

सफेनं पातुमिच्छामि रुधिरं रणमूर्धनि        ॥

"Oh brother Khara, I wish to drink the foamy blood of that crooked woman and those two brothers after they have been killed by you in battle!" 

Like sister, like brother. Khara immediately orders his best fourteen men to go without delay and kill those three who have committed this heinous mutilation of Shurpanakha. Valmiki says those raskhasa warriors spelt death like Yama.

***

॥        श्रीरामजयम्        ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - August 4

August 4 - Sargas 16 and 17 of Aranya Kanda.

A quaint description of how Sri Rama goes to bathe in the Godavari river early morning with Sita and Lakshmana in winter. They remember how Bharata must also be experiencing the cold and difficult conditions as they are.

Then enters an important persona. She is going to tweak the story of Ramayana a few notches up. Announcing the rakshasi Shurpanakha!

***

The Hemanta ritu arrives. It is the season from mid October to mid December.

Hemanta is so called because it is the period of hima (snow), mist, and early morning fog. The temperature dips and a cold wind blows to make us experience chills and crave for the afternoon sun.

One early morning, just before sunrise, Sri Rama goes with Sita and Lakshmana towards the Godavari for bathing and prayer. Lakshmana describes nature in this season and how life responds to the misty, dewy, foggy, cold weather.

नीहारपरुषो लोकः पृथिवी सस्यमालिनी  । 

जलान्यनुपभोग्यानि सुभगो हव्यवाहनः   ॥

प्रकृत्या हिमकोशाढ्यो दूरसूर्यश्च साम्प्रतम्    । 

यथार्थनामा सुव्यक्तं हिमवान् हिमवान् गिरिः   ॥

रविसंक्रान्तसौभाग्यस्तुषारारुणमण्डलः      । 

निःश्वासान्ध इवादर्शश्चन्द्रमा न प्रकाशते      ॥

"People are encountering so much of snow, fog and dew, and the earth is decked with vegetation. Water bodies are too cold to be attractive. Instead people love the warmth of the fireplace.

"Nature dictates at this time that the sun is distant from the earth (remember he is farthest from October to January) and there is so much snow settling on the Himavan (the himalayas) that it suits his name.

"The sun is dimmed by the atmosphere filled with mist. Even the moon is clouded by mist, like an image fuzzy in a fogged mirror."

Lakshmana continues in this vein describing nature. He also says this is a time for romance, celebration, travel and even conquest. There is harvest and prosperity all around. 

He also makes a surprising comparison to Sita's beauty. The days look dull like Sita when she has developed a deep tan by moving around in the sun.

People look forward to the afternoons when the sun warms up every space. The wind blows to accentuate the feeling of cold. Tuskers come all thirsty to the river to drink water but their trunks recoil at the touch of such cold water. Birds stay on the banks not interested in sporting in water, much like soldiers shying away from battle.

Suddenly Lakshmana remembers that even Bharata must be suffering from cold dips in the Sarayu. He bemoans the fate of Bharata, tender and unexposed to hardships in his growing years, now sleeping on the cold ground and living an ascetic life. He also says that it is common belief that a son always takes after his mother, but not our Bharata. Indeed, how could Kaikeyi, wife of the noble king Dasharatha, and mother of such a noble Bharata, be so wicked? कथं नो साऽम्बा कैकेयी तादृशा क्रूरशालिनी? At once, Sri Rama cuts Lakshmana down. "Never speak like that of our mother. Of course, whatever you say of Bharata is so right. Indeed I am constantly remembering him as he came full of tears to Chitrakuta and importuned me to return to Ayodhya, even when he knew that I was firm in my promise to father."

After they bathe and offer their prayers, the three return to the hermitage. The mild sun has arisen. In that light, Valmiki says, Sri Rama with Sita followed by Lakshmana resembled Lord Shiva with Parvati and followed by  Nandi!

***

Some time later, it is nearing noon and Sri Rama and Sita are sitting in the courtyard (पर्णशाला). Lakshmana is standing by. There arrives a huge rakshasi (demoness). Valmiki spares no detail to describe her ugliness. But she is simply besotted to see a radiant youth of obvious valour and infinite beauty ( lotus petal-like eyes, moon-like face, broadchested, long limbed, holding weapons, all in all a god.) She is overridden by lust (Kama's arrows). She boldly approaches Rama and asks who he is, what is he doing in these parts that belong to rakshasas, dressed as an ascetic, and with his wife by his side?

I should summarise how Valmiki contrasts Shurpanakha's appearance to Sri Rama's appearance. She has a very ugly face with crooked eyes, unlike his moon-like face and lotus-petal like eyes. She has a protruding belly unlike his flat and attractive middle. She looks old and haggard, unlike the youthful Rama. She has ugly red hair unlike his long tresses of jet black. She has a very scarily harsh voice unlike Rama's very melodious voice.

Sri Rama politely replies, saying he is the eldest son called Rama of King Dasharatha, this is his younger brother Lakshmana,  this is his wife Sita Vaidehi, and he is fulfilling his father's orders to be in the forest and is dedicated to performing his Dharma.  He asks,"Oh beautiful lady, you seem to be a rakshasi. Tell us about yourself and what you are doing here".

That Sri Rama calls Shurpanakha beautiful is interpretable in two ways. He was being courteous as usual. Or that just before she accosted Rama, Shurpanakha by her powers had transformed herself into a very pretty maiden.

Shurpanakha replies that she is the sister of Ravana. Of course, you would have heard of the famous rakshasa, world conquerer, Ravana, son of Vishravas? She has two other brothers- one always sleeping called Kumbakarna and one who is not at all like a rakshasa - Vibheeshana. She has two other famous warrior brothers Khara and Dushana who rule this forest. She herself is a formidable raskhasi. She can assume any form at will, and travels around this forest doing whatever she pleases.

अहं प्रभावसम्पन्ना स्वच्छन्दबलगामिनी            ।

चिराय भव मे भर्ता सीतया किं करिष्यसि          ॥

"Look Rama, I am full of powers, I can travel anywhere with my might and speed. You better become my husband forever and discard this Sita. Of what use is she?"

"In fact, she is so ugly and totally unsuitable for you. I shall at once devour her and this brother of yours, and we can get together and frolic happily in the mountains and forests doing whatever we please!"

Sri Rama smilingly replies Shurpanakha. We shall see that tomorrow!

***

॥                       श्रीरामजयम्                          ॥ 

 

Valmiki Ramayana - August 3

August 3 - Sargas 14 and 15 of Aranya Kanda. 

Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana proceed in the direction towards Panchavati where Sage Agastya has recommended them to set up their hermitage. On the way, they meet the ancient bird Jataayu and establish a bond.

***

As they proceeded towards Panchavati, Sri Rama saw a giant bird eagle-like atop a huge banyan tree.  Sri Rama and Lakshmana were curious to know who this creature might be, and so went up and spoke to him, asking him who he was.

The giant bird replied in sweet words that he was an old friend of their father's. The brothers paid him respect and requested him to tell them his antecedents.

The bird Jataayu had an interesting story to tell.

As we know, in our scriptures, the evolution of all life has been described as a descent from the original creator, Lord Brahma. Brahma created many sons who in turn fathered sons and daughters, who in turn gave birth to several forms of life.

Jataayu says that Brahma had several sons including Angirasa, Pulastya, Atri, and Daksha. They were called Prajapatis (demi-Brahmas). They were all sages or rishis. They in turn fathered many. 

Out of Daksha's sixty daughters, Sage Kashyapa married eight. Among them, Aditi gave birth to all the thirtythree gods. Diti gave birth to Daityas (demons). Serpents, birds, sea creatures, animals of all kinds, even trees, were descended through several rishi patnis. This is the origin of the Gotra system in Hinduism. Manu gave birth to all humans. Kadru gave birth to serpents. Vinata gave birth to Garuda and Varuna. To Varuna was born Jataayu and his elder brother Sampati.

Jataayu concludes his narrative with an expression of filial concern as he knew Dasharatha. He says he will come with them to Panchavati and take care of Sita whenever Sri Rama and Lakshmana are out of her vicinity on any errands. Sri Rama embraces Jataayu very fondly and thanks him for all the stories of his friendship with their father King Dasharatha.

स तत्र सीतां परिधाय मैथिलीं

    सहैव तेनातिबलेन पक्षिणा          ।

जगाम तां पञ्चवटीं सलक्ष्मणो 

    रिपून् दिधक्षञशलभानिवानलः    ॥ 

"Sri Rama along with Sita henceforth under the vigilant care of the mighty bird Jataayu, and Lakshmana  proceeded to Panchavati. Sri Rama along with Lakshmana was embarking on his mission of destroying the rakshasas like a fire burns down moths."

***

When they arrive at Panchavati, they find it to be an exceedingly charming part of the forest with many flowering trees. It is a home to many wild animals. Sri Rama then tells Lakshmana, "dear brother, we have arrived at this place described as Panchavati by Sage Agastya. Would you please look around and select a suitable spot to erect our hermitage? You are an expert in assessing forest ranges." Sri Rama specifies that the location should be close to a good water source, with easy availability of firewood, fruits, and flowers. 

Lakshmana replies that even if he lives for a hundred years, he shall always be an obedient attendant of Rama, and therefore the best spot for the hermitage to suit the comforts and needs of Sri Rama and Sita should be selected only by Sri Rama.

Sri Rama gives a happy smile of concurrence and himself selects a lovely spot on flat ground surrounded by flowering trees and near a beautiful pond full of fragrant lotuses with swans and other birds in constant sport. The spot is near the lovely river Godavari, and gives a view of the mountains in the vicinity. Valmiki then makes Sri Rama point out to the wide variety of trees around: 

"The place is covered with sal and palmyrah trees, other trees including mango, jackfruit, dates, kadamba, punnaga, ashoka, champak, tilaka, ketaka, sandalwood, spandan, dhava, asvakarna, parnasha, khadira, sami, kimsuka and patala trees. It is full of wild paddy, flowering bushes, and creepers that run on the ground."

He asks Lakshmana to build the hermitage there.

Valmiki describes how Lakshmana goes about building a wonderful cottage. 

Lakshmana first digs up the earth. Then he plants strong bamboo poles. He takes sami tree branches and makes them into horizontal beams. He ties everything up with strong ropes he fashions out of grass. He clads the hermitage walls with leaves and grass. He creates a comfortable floor with kusha grass and leaves. The final product is a delightful and comfortable cottage of attractive appearance. 

After completing the cottage, Lakshmana goes to the river and has a bath. He comes back holding flowers and fruits for offering to the deities to sanctify the new home. 

***

When Sri Rama and Sita came and saw the cottage, they were delighted beyond measure.

स तं दृष्ट्वा कृतं सौम्यमाश्रमं सह सीतया  ।

राघवः पर्णशालायां हर्षमाहारयत् परम्  ॥

सुसंहृष्टः परिष्वज्य बाहुभ्यां लक्ष्मणं तदा  ।

अतिस्निग्धं च गाढं च वचनं चेदमब्रवीत्   ॥

प्रीतोऽस्मि ते महत् कर्म त्वया कृतमिदं प्रभो   ।

प्रदेयो यन्निमित्तं ते परिष्वङ्गो मया कृतः        ॥

भावज्ञेन कृतज्ञेन धर्मज्ञेन च लक्षमण             ।

त्वया पुत्रेण धर्मात्मा न संवृत्तः पिता मम        ॥

"Seeing that lovely cottage completed, Sri Rama along with Sita entered the cottage expressing supreme happiness.

"Sri Rama, full of great joy, then fervently put his arms around Lakshmana in a tight embrace. He spoke the following words suffused with affection and full of insight:

"Oh Master! (Sri Rama is addressing Lakshmana thus!), this wonderful accomplishment of yours in constructing this magnificent cottage makes me supremely happy. All that I can give you in return is this affectionate embrace.

With you full of emtional intelligence and love, master of accomplishing difficult tasks, and always rooted in righteousness, dearest Lakshmana, with a son like you, my father King Dasharatha is not dead but still alive for me through you!"

Sage Valmiki concludes the sarga by saying that Sri Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana lived extremely happily in that comfortable and well-provided-for cottage for a considerable time. Their life was indeed heavenly. 

***

॥                         श्रीरामजयम्                          ॥