Valmiki Ramayana - April 10

May his blessings be on all, today, Sri Ramanavami 🙏🙏🙏

April 10 - Sargas 110 and 111 of Uttara Kanda, concluding the Srimad Valmiki Ramayana. 

***

Sri Rama walked with his brothers and everyone else for a few kilometres till he reached the bank of the sacred river Sarayu. Sarayu was full of swirling waters. Sri Rama checked a few spots and finally selected a spot with steps safe enough for everyone to enter the waters.

Just then Lord Brahma arrived, with all the gods and rishis, along with several divine aerial vehicles. The entire sky was glowing with a heavenly radiance. There was a pleasant and fragrant wind, too. These were seen even when Devi Sita entered Mother Earth.

***

The gods shower huge quantities of divine flowers over Sri Rama. The sky is filled with gandharvas and apsaras. They are playing several divine istruments.

Lord Brahma addresses Sri Rama:

आगच्छ विष्णो भद्रं ते दिष्ट्या प्राप्तोऽसि राघव ।

भ्रातृभिः सह देवाभैः प्रविशस्व स्वकां तुनम्।

यामिच्छसि महाबाहो तां तनुं प्रविश स्वकाम् ॥

  

"Oh, Lord Vishnu! Greetings and Welcome! It is all our good fortune we have met you now as Raghava Sri Rama.  Kindly choose to enter, along with your radiant brothers, the body of the divine being you wish to enter now.

वैष्णवीं तां महातेजो यद्वाकाशं सनातनम् ।

त्वं हि लोकगतिर्देव न त्वां केचित्प्रजानते ॥

ऋते मायां विशालाक्षीं तव पूर्वपरिग्रहाम् ।

त्वामचिन्त्यं महद्भूतमक्षयं चाजरं तथा।

यामिच्छसि माहातेजास्तां तनुं प्रविश स्वयम् ॥

"Oh, Lord! you may kindly choose to enter your Mahavishnu form of supreme brilliance, or choose to become the all-encompassing Akasha (this is the infinite space in which all exists). After all, you are the source and destiny of all creation, and no one indeed knows you except your divine consort Devi Sita, Vishalakshi (large-eyed goddess) who is your eternal Maya who creates all and gives all experiences. Only your Maya knows you, who is beyond all thought, the eternal seed of all creation, inexhaustible, ageless. So kindly deign to enter any form of your choice."

Sri Rama decides to enter the Mahavishnu radiant energy form along with his brothers. He is worshipped by all the gods, including Indra, Agni, the Maruts, sadhyas, and others, followed by rishis, gandharvas and apsaras, garudas, nagas, yakshas, daityas, danavas, and rakshasas. They all sing his praises and worship him as Manavishnu.

Lord Brahma says," Oh Lord! All feel blessed, all sins have been washed away, by your magnificient avatara just concluded."

Sri Rama, now Mahavishnu, addresses Brahma. "Oh Lord, you should provide the next world for all those who have accompanied me till here. They have been full of affection and have followed me faithfully, having sacrificed their all in their devotion to me."

Lord Brahma confirms that they shall all be accommodated in a special heaven called Santanika Loka. This will be for everyone here, including all the animals and birds too who have served Sri Rama. It is close to Brahmaloka and is as blessed. The bears and vanaras will re-enter the gods who have created them to assist during Sri Rama's avatara. Sugriva will merge into Surya. 

All those who have accompanied Sri Rama now joyously take the steps down the Gopratara Ghat into the Sarayu river, casting aside their perishable forms and proceeding to Santanika Loka in those divine aerial vehicles. 

***

एतावदेतदख्यानं सोत्तरं ब्रह्मपूजितम् ।

रामायणमिति ख्यातं मुख्यं वाल्मीकिना कृतम् ॥

इदमाख्यानमायुष्यं सौभाग्यं पापनाशनम् ।

रामायणं वेदसमं श्राद्धेषु श्रावयेद्भुधः ॥

सम्यक् श्रद्धासमायुक्तः शृणुते राघवीं कृतम् ।

यः शृणोति सदा भक्त्या स गच्छेद्वैष्णवीं तुनुम् ॥     

This is the benediction at the conclusion of Srimad Valmiki Ramayana.

"This narrative you have heard so far, including the Uttara Kanda, is worshipped by Lord Brahma himself. This special work is called Ramayana, composed by Sage Valmiki. Its recitation confers longevity, prosperity, and good health, apart from wiping out one's sins. It is so sacred that it will be recited by the wise on all occasions of worship including rites to the departed. If anyone listens to the recitation of Ramayana with devotion, he shall surely enter the abode of Mahavishnu.

"Those without progeny will get beget children, The poor will get wealth. At least one shloka should be recited daily. Even an inveterate sinner will then be emancipated. Those who recite it should be handsomely rewarded with gifts. 

"There is no fixed time, one can recite it in the morning, afternoon or night. "

"The region of Ayodhya will be uninhabited for a long time, but will again rise as a prosperous kingdom under King Rishabha. 

"Valmiki composed this after being prompted by Brahma. One who reads or hears a sarga will reap the benefits of Vajapeya and Ashvamedha. Such a person would gain the merit of having performed pilgrimages to Prayaga and other holy places, having bathed in the Ganga and other holy rivers, and visiting holy forests like Naimisharanya and Kurukshetra. 

"The Ramayana is as sacred as the Gayatri mantra.

"Seven generations of one's forefathers will be emancipated if one reads the Valmiki Ramayana with true devotion. One will reap the fourfold values of life - Dharma Artha Kama Moksha.

प्रव्याहरत विस्रब्धं बलं विष्णोः प्रवर्धताम् ॥

"May you all be blessed to read the Ramayana with full devotion. May Mahavishnu's infinite grace confer all powers on you. "

श्रीरामजयम् श्रीरामजयम् श्रीरामजयम् 

हरिःॐ तत् सत् 

***

Here is a small bonus. 

      

Valmiki Ramayana - April 9

April 9 - Sarga 109 of Uttara Kanda. 

Next morning, after performing prayers conducted by Sage Vasishtha, Sri Rama proceeds to the Sarayu, accompanied by all, on the journey to his eternal abode. 

***

The next morning, Sri Rama requests his preceptor, Sage Vasishtha, that for his great journey, the agnihotra altar fire be carried by brahmins in the front; the Vajapeya yajna umbrella also be carried. The sage arranges for them accordingly.  Sri Rama performs all his prayers.

Sri Rama, dressed in a fine garment, holds the auspicious darbha grass in either hand, and reciting the Brahmic Veda chants himself, proceeds majestically towards the bank of the Sarayu. He walks without looking at anyone or speaking anything other than continuously uttering the Vedic chant. He looks totally serene and without any discomfort.

*** 

Valmiki says that Sri Rama was making this final journey as a part of his fulfilling the vow for the benefit of all creation, and looked like the full moon as he walked out of the palace.

On his right was seen Devi Lakshmi, holding lotuses in her hands. On his left was Bhudevi, Mother Earth herself. Both are consorts of Mahavishnu. Ahead of Sri Rama walked Mahavishnu's shakti.

All the divine weapons that Sri Rama wielded had assumed human forms and were accompanying him.

The four Vedas, the goddess Gayatri, Omkara, and Vashatkara, were all accompanying Sri Rama.

Great sages, kings, old and young, men and women, the female members of the royal palace, Bharata and Shatrughna with their womenfolk, brahmins carrying the agnihotra fire, all followed Sri Rama. Ministers, servants- everyone accompanied by their own kith and kin, followed Sri Rama. 

Men and women, animals and birds, all accompanying Sri Rama looked hale, hearty, and without the least anxiety. 

The large vanara and bear armies followed. They had bathed in the Sarayu and were making their typical high pitched noises as they walked. 

Everyone's mind was fully immersed only in Sri Rama. Valmiki says that some who had come to be mere onlookers in Sri Rama's final journey simply joined in the march. Many spirits hovering around also joined in. 

यानि पश्यन्ति काकुत्स्थं स्थावराणि चराणि च।

सर्वाणि रामगमने ह्यनुजग्मुर्हि तान्यपि ॥

All creatures, all life forms like trees and plants, whoever was present in Sri Rama's final journey to heaven simply joined him. 

Since all life had accompanied Sri Rama, no life form could be seen in Ayodhya anymore.

***

॥           श्रीरामजयम्            ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - April 8

April 8 - Sarga 108 of Uttara Kanda.

Sri Rama's messengers travelled for three days and three nights without halting anywhere and reached Madhura, the city ruled by Shatrughna. 

When he hears of all the developments, particularly the oath taken by Sri Rama in the presence of Kala, then the forced disowning of Lakshmana, Lakshmana's travel to heaven, Sri Rama's crowning his two sons, and his decision to bring the curtain down on this avatara and his assurance to Bharata as well as the citizens that they shall travel with him, Shatrughna is experiencing a future shock. He hears the glad news that Kusha has been made the king of Kushavati at the foot of the Vindhyas, and Lava has been crowned as the king of Shravasti in the north. Thus Ayodhya's population  has been reduced drastically with two groups moving to these cities. Sri Rama has made arrangements for his heavenward journey with Bharata and the chosen Ayodhyavasis.

The messengers say that Sri Rama has urged that Shatrughna shall travel at once to Ayodhya. 

Shatrughna realizes that the Ikshwaku dynasty is experiencing a violent inflection point. He calls his priest who goes by the name of Kanchana, along with his ministers and citizens. He narrates to them the developments in Ayodhya, hinting that he is going to go away too.

Shatrughna crowns his two sons- Subahu as the king of Madhura and Shatrughati as the king of Vidisha. He divides his fourfold army as well as all the wealth and prosperity of Madhura equally between the two princes.  He then rushes alone to Ayodhya.

***

Shatrughna sees Sri Rama blazing like the sun in radiance, surrounded by immortal Sages, wearing a spotless silken garment. Shatrughna pays his obeisance and says,

"Sri Rama, I am joining you here and now, having discharged all tasks that you entrusted to me. I am your special servant and you shall kindly say nothing contrary to my decision."

Sri Rama nods his approval. Meanwhile, entire armies of vanaras, bears, and rakshasas, who have come to know of Sri Rama's imminent departure, have all arrived to join him. Sugriva leads them and says that they will all travel with Sri Rama and will feel dead if he leaves them behind. After all, they are all avataras of gods and celestials who have come down to earth only to be of service to Sri Rama.  

Sugriva submits that he has already crowned Angada as the king of Kishkindha. 

Sri Rama speaks, full of extreme affection, "dearest friend, Sugriva, I shall not travel to heaven or anywhere else without you." Sri Rama signals that the bears and vanaras may join him, too. 

But Sri Rama now turns to Vibhishana. 

यावत्प्रजा धरिष्यन्ति तावत्वं वै विभीषण ।

राक्षसेन्द्र महावीर्य लङ्कास्थः स्वं धरिष्यसि ॥

यावच्चन्द्रश्च सूर्यश्च यावत्तिष्ठति मेदिनी ।

यावच्च मत्कथा लोके तावद्राज्यं तवास्त्विह ॥

आराधय जगन्नाथमिक्ष्वाकुकुलदैवतम्।

आराधनीयमनिशं देवैरपि सवासवैः ॥

"Dear King Vibhishana, as long as people live in Lanka, you should stay and rule Lanka, as the lord of rakshasas, with your great valour! As long as the sun, the moon and this earth exist, and my story is sung in this world, you shall prosperously rule your kingdom.

"Dear Vibhishana, I shall provide to you the familial diety of Ikshwakus, Jagannatha Narayana. Please take him and worship him ardently, because he is the supreme god and is worshipped even by the gods and celestials."

King Vibhishana bows low and accepts the order.

Now Sri Rama turns to his dear, dear Hanuman.

जीविते  कृतबुद्धिस्त्वं मा प्रतिज्ञां वृथा कृथाः।

मत्कथाः प्रचरिष्यन्ति यावल्लोके हरीश्वर।

तावद्रमस्व सुप्रीतो मद्वाक्यमनुपालयन् ॥

"Dearest Hanuman, you had vowed that you shall live forever. Let that not be now nullified (by your accompanying me.) Indeed, as long as my stories called Ramayana are recited and sung, oh, noble lord of vanaras, may you live here happily, following my instructions."

Hanuman is very pleased to say yes. 

यावत्तव कथा लोके विचरिष्यति पावनी।

तावत्स्थास्यामि मेदिन्यां तवानुज्ञामनुपालयन् ॥ 

 

"Dear Lord, as long as your life story goes around being recited and sanctifies this earth, I shall reside on earth, obeying your orders always."

Sri Rama also turns to Jambavan, Mainda and Dvivida, sons of Lord Brahma and the Ashvani Kumaras, and asks them to dwell on earth till the end of creation. 

Thus Sri Rama excludes these five worthy heroes from joining him, and accepts everyone else in his entourage in deference to their devotion. These five will have a continued role to play on earth and he orders them for that reason to stay back.

***

॥             श्रीरामजयम्             ॥ 

 

Valmiki Ramayana - April 7

April 7 - Sarga 107 of Uttara Kanda. 

विसृज्य लक्ष्मणं रामो दुःखशोकसमन्वितः ।

पुरोधसं मन्त्रिणश्च नैगमांश्चेदमब्रवीत् ॥

अद्य राज्येऽभिषेक्ष्यामि भरतं धर्मवत्सलम् ।

अयोध्यायाः पतिं वीरं ततो यास्यामहं वनम् ॥

"After relinquishing Lakshmana,  Sri Rama was plunged in utter grief. He called all the priests led by Sage Vasishtha, all his ministers, and even the Ayodhya populace, to make an announcement.

"I hereby wish to anoint the great lover of Dharma, Bharata, as the King of Ayodhya, which he has in a way been for long in my absence. I shall immediately follow Lakshmana into the forest. Please bring all the materials at once for the coronation. I wish to carry out my plan today itself."

The citizens of Ayodhya had already been subjected to one shock after another, and this was too much. They all fell to the ground at this catastrophic announcement. Bharata lost consciousness. After some time he recovered, to utter some incoherent words. 

"Oh, my lord! I swear that I have absolutely no interest in rulership or royal pleasures. I simply will follow you wherever you go. Indeed, you should do the following. Please coronate Kusha and Lava, your wonderful, valorous, sons, without delay. Make Kusha the ruler of Koshala (or Kosala), and Lava the ruler of the northern territories. Also, send swift messengers to Shatrughna to announce our final departure."

Sage Vasishtha now spoke. 

वत्स राम इमाः पश्य मा चैषां विप्रियं कृथाः "My dear son, Sri Rama, look at these citizens. They are unable to come to terms with your decision to abdicate. You should ask them what they have in mind. Please do not do anything against their wishes."

Sri Rama looked at the citizens. You can imagine the anguish in his voice when he asked, "What shall I do!?" 

So far we have seen that Ayodhya was a flourishing democracy with the rule of righteousness, fairness, and supreme sacrifice by the ruler on every occasion. The aberration of Dasharatha's sending Sri Rama, Devi Sita, and Lakshmana at the behest of Kaikeyi to the forest was something no one ever recovered from. That was an unilateral aberration. But on every other occasion, Sri Rama had calibrated all his actions in accordance with the sentiment of his people. So this was not surprising.

"Oh, Lord, Sri Rama, wherever you wish to go, know that we shall simply follow you."

"If, Sri Rama, you do really love us, please take us along with our wives and children with you. That is all."

"Where you go is your decision - to the forest, to the mountain, to the rivers, or to the ocean. You are our supreme lord. Please take us along. Simply put, that is the only thing we wish for and it will give us the greatest bliss."

Sri Rama was deeply moved. 

He immediately arranged to make Kusha the King of Koshala, and Lava the king of the northern territories. He conducted their coronation at once. He gave them countless treasures, great wealth of all kinds, horses, elephants, soldiers, and even a start-up set of citizens to go and be with them and serve them. No start-up ecosystem could be that good. 

After installing the two princes as rulers, and bidding them goodbye, Sri Rama also sent word to Shatrughna to come at once.

***

॥          श्रीरामजयम्          ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - April 6

April 6 - Sarga 106 of Uttara Kanda. 

***

Sri Rama looked like an eclipsed moon, but Lakshmana was cheerful. He spoke tenderly to Sri Rama:

न सन्तापं महाबाहो मदर्थं कर्तुमर्हसि ।

पूर्वनिर्माणबद्धा हि कालस्य गतिरीदृशी ॥

जहि मां सौम्य विस्रब्धं प्रतिज्ञां परिपालय ।

हीनप्रज्ञाः काकुत्स्थ प्रयान्ति नरकं नराः  ॥

"Dear Sri Rama, please do not grieve for me. All this has been preordained by Fate, it is crystal clear. Please put me to death, without any qualm, as you should fulfill your oath that you took in front of Kala. Men of unfirm conviction, who break their promises, Sri Rama, go and rot in hell. "

"Dear Sri Rama, if you love me, please take my life. That will augur for your Dharma and will make me happy."

***

I am tearing up, remembering all the sagely counsel, motivational words, confident support, enthusiastic cooperation, able execution, supreme devotion, masterly ability from architecture to warfare to protection of the weak, that Lakshmana has always stood for. His devotion to Sri Rama and Devi Sita is pricelessly picturized by Valmiki and will never fade from memory. The same Lakshmana, with the same ardour towards his duty and devotion to Sri Rama and Dharma, is now asking his brother to take his life to fulfill his word! What cruelty of fate!

***

Sri Rama is so distraught that he knows not what to do. He summons his counsellors and his preceptor Sage Vasishtha and tells them about the strange events and his impossible predicament now. His word to Kala means that Lakshmana should die. But how can Sri Rama ever allow that to happen?

Sage Vasishtha now offers important advice. He says he has already seen this course of events in his mind's eye by his mystical prowess.

त्यजैनं बलवान्कालो मा प्रतिज्ञां वृथा कृथाः ।

 "Sri Rama, you have no alternative but to disown Lakshmana in this moment. Kala is supremely powerful. You should, at all costs and at all times, adhere to your promise. If you break your promise, Dharma will be destroyed. Even the gods and sages will sorely suffer from any such act on your part, given your divinity."

लक्ष्मणेन विना चाद्य जगत्स्वस्थं कुरुष्व ह ।

"Sri Rama, you have to face the certainty that in future, you shall have no Lakshmana to lean on, and have to rule this earth all by yourself."

Sri Rama now speaks, in a deathly deep voice, in the presence of all.

विसर्जये त्वां सौमित्रे मा भूद्धर्मविपर्ययः ।

त्यागो वधो वा विहितः साधूनां ह्युभयं समम् ॥

"Dear Lakshmana, here and now I disown you and break all ties. That is entirely to ensure that Dharma will not suffer. Disowning someone or killing him, especially when he is dear like this, is treated as equal in effect by the wise ones. "

Lakshmana's eyes well up, and he instantly leaves Sri Rama's presence. He does not go home. He goes straight to the bank of Sarayu. He sits down in yogic meditation, and stops all his bodily activity, including his life breath. His radiance, his yogic prowess, is something all the gods come to witness.  All the gods and rishis and apsaras shower flowers over him. Indra takes him to heaven. 

Indra himself takes the spirit of Lakshmana away, and his body is seen no more.

ततो विष्णोश्चतुर्भागमागतं सुरसत्तमाः हृष्टाः प्रमुदिताः सर्वे पूजयन्ति स्म राघवम् 

"Thus, a quarter portion of Mahavishnu's essence, which had taken the form of Lakshmana, returns to his eternal abode. The gods worship Lakshmana, and celebrate with joy the denouement of his avatara."

***

॥              श्रीरामजयम्              ॥ 

 

Valmiki Ramayana - April 4

April 4 - Sarga 103 of Uttara Kanda. 

Sri Rama receives a strange guest - Kala (Destiny) in the form of an ascetic who does not want anyone else to overhear their conversation. 

***

कस्यचित्वथ कालस्य रामे धर्मपरे स्थिते ।

कालस्तापसरूपेण राजद्वारमुपागमत्     ॥

"After some years, during the time when Sri Rama was assiduously engaged in Dharmic activities, Destiny/Kala assumed the form of an ascetic and arrived at his royal entrance."

He informed Lakshmana that he was on an important Dharmic mission and demanded an immediate audience with Sri Rama. He announced himself as a messenger of "Atibala" Maharishi. Lakshmana lost no time in informing Sri Rama who gladly received the sage messenger. That ascetic exuded  a strange radiance.

The ascetic greeted Sri Rama with a benediction, "Oh, Sri Rama, may auspiciousness come to you."

Sri Rama offered his reverent courtesies to the ascetic and seated him on a golden seat, making cordial enquiries.

***

Sri Rama now asks for the message from the "Atibala" Maharishi.

"Oh Sri Rama, if you are concerned with our mutual welfare, this private conversation between us is to be kept totally confidential. Apart from the two of us, if anyone hears the message I have brought to you from the Maharishi or anything else that we speak, he shall be put to death. Do you agree to this condition?"

Sri Rama agrees. He orders Lakshmana,

द्वारि तिष्ठ महाबाहो प्रतिहारं विसर्जय । 

स मे वध्यः खलु भवेद्वाचं द्वन्द्वसमीरितम्।

ऋषेर्मम च सौमित्रे पश्येद्वा शृणयाच्च यः॥

"Dear Lakshmana, the mighty-armed one, please relieve the doorkeeper and take his place to guard our privacy. By my order, anyone who hears the conversation between this sage and me, or even sees us, shall be put to death."

***

Lakshmana understood perfectly Sri Rama's order and carried it out by relieving the guard and taking his place himself. Sri Rama meanwhile urged the ascetic to satisfy his eagerness and deliver the Maharishi's message.

***

॥             श्रीरामजयम्             ॥ 

 

Valmiki Ramayana - April 3

April 3 - Sargas 101 and 102.

The conquest and establishment of two kingdoms where Bharata's sons rule. Similarly, Sri Rama arranges for two suitable kingdoms to be ruled by Lakshmana's two worthy sons.

***

Yudhajit was very glad to see Sage Gargya arrive, accompanied by Bharata and his sons leading a huge army. His forces joined them in their attack on the gandharvas who had occupied the territory on either side of Sindhu. (My surmise is that gandharvas being celestial beings are not naturally earthly rulers and do not enter into competition with earthly rulers except in this instance.)

***

Soon there is a terrific battle described as never seen before by the gods who witness it. The seven-day and seven-night battle is finally won by Bharata after he launches a special astra named Samvarta which at once destroys all the gandharvas. 

Bharata establishes two cities, one named Takshashila where Taksha is installed, and the other Pushkalavati where Pushkala is installed. That portion is situated in Gandhara. The cities rival each other in prosperity and nature's bounty. The people who inhabit them are happy, honest, and well off. 

***

Valmiki says gardens were established and there were many vehicles drawn by horses and elephants and camels. There are shopping districts. Beautiful mansions caught the eye.

Many temples were established. After spending five years overseeing his two sons stabilize their rule, Bharata returned to Ayodhya and reports all the developments to Sri Rama.

***

Soon Sri Rama calls Lakshmana and Bharata. Lakshmana's two sons named Angada and Chandraketu are grown up and ready for royal responsibilities. Sri Rama says that they should be installed as rulers in suitable lands. However, he cautions that it should not be an invasion of good kings or cause harm to ascetics. 

Bharata suggests the region called Karupatha which is suitable for Angada. It is naturally well endowed and the people are free from pestilence and poverty. Similarly, there is a region called Chandrakanta that would suit Chhandraketu. Thus the two princes are crowned respectively and begin their rule. Angada's city is called Angadiya. Chandraketu is well built like a wrestler and rules Chandrakanta. Sri Rama makes sure the cities are well erected and the princes are successful, Lakshmana spends some years with Angada and Bharata spends a year with Chandraketu to ensure they come up to the required level.

***

Thereafter, Bharata and Lakshmana give their undivided attention to serving Sri Rama. Time flies as the three are happy and fully engaged in Dharmic activities, conducting many yajnas. The three take excellent care of the country and ensure the citizens are all prosperous and happy.

***

॥              श्रीरामजयम्               ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - April 2

April 2 - Sargas 99 and 100 of Uttara Kanda. 

Sri Rama's inward melancholy and outward conduct of royal affairs including the performance of several yajnas for many years. Kusha and Lava's growing up as royal princes.

Bharata's leading a large army with his sons Taksha and Pushkala for expanding his uncle's kingdom.

***

After Sri Rama's request to Sage Valmiki, princes Kusha and Lava started reciting the Uttara Kanda in Sri Rama's assembly from the next morning, much to the delight of all the exalted sages and others.

They sang thus:

प्रविष्टायां तु सीतायां भूतलं सत्यसम्पदा ।

तस्यावसाने यज्ञस्य रामः परमदुर्मनाः     ॥

अपश्यमानो वैदेहीं मेने शून्यमिदं जगत् ।

शोकेन परमायस्तो न शान्तिं मनसागमत् ॥

"Devi Sita, by the power of her truth and purity, entered the rasatala. Thereafter,  Sri Rama completed the Ashvamedha yajna he had undertaken, with his mind and heart plunged in sorrow. Having lost sight of Sita forever, Sri Rama saw the world as empty and meaningless. He was overcome with supreme sadness and experienced no peace within."

"Sri Rama completed the yajna and bade goodbye to all the guests including kings, vanaras, and rakshasas. He gave generous gifts and offerings to all the brahmins before they dispersed."

"Sri Rama went back to Ayodhya from the yajna site with his sons. He did not entertain any other women in his life after losing Sita. He conducted several yajnas in the succeeding years, all with Devi Sita's golden statue by his side. The entire country was full of prosperity and well-being, with all his subordinate kings, chiefs of vanaras, and rakshasas, all following his rule well. Thus Sri Rama was able to attend to his sole interest of performing Dharmic activities, mainly yajnas."

***

After many years of prosperity and peace, Sri Rama experienced the death of his mother Kausalya and later Kaikeyi and Sumitra. They all proceeded to heaven and joined his father King Dasharatha there.

Sri Rama performed the annual rites for his three mothers, his father, and his forefathers,  without any discrimination and gave generous offerings to brahmins.

***

Sometime later, there was a message from the king of Kekaya, through Brahmarshi Gargya, son of Angiras. Gargya was the chief priest of Yudhajit of Kekaya, son of King Ashvapati.

Sage Gargya offered the gifts he had brought from the king, including thousands of specially bred horses, and blankets and shawls (blankets, shawls and horse breeds from that part of the world are famous to this day!)

***

After offering the due veneration and hospitality to the sage, Sri Rama asks what is the message from Bharata's uncle. 

"Sri Rama, this is King Yudhajit's message to Bharata. "Dear Bharata! There is a land being ruled by gandharvas, that lies flanking on either side the river Sindhu (Indus). It is full of prosperity. The several sons of King Shailusha rule there. We should extend our rule over that land after conquering the gandharvas. You know that I never harbour any unfavourable idea in your case. So please follow my advice."

Sri Rama is delighted to accept the message. He arranges gladly for Bharata along with his two able sons Princes Taksha and Pushkala to take an army and proceed to conquer the gandharvas. This would be good for the two princes as they would be eventual rulers of those lands. Sri Rama in fact performs their coronation in advance of their march.

***

॥          श्रीरामजयम्          ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - April 1

April 1 - Sarga 98 of Uttara Kanda. 

Today is appropriately All Fools Day. 

Sri Rama now feels very unhappy at the way Devi Sita was taken away into the netherworld by Bhudevi. His outburst is moderated by Lord Brahma who reminds him of his and Sita's divinity and extols the unique Ramayana Kavya of Sage Valmiki which maps even the future events of Sri Rama's sojourn on earth.

***

While the sages and vanaras were exclaiming "Sadhu sadhu" in utter wonder and respect for Devi Sita's affirmation of her own state and the respect and love shown to her by Mother Earth, Sri Rama reeled in catastrophic distress. 

दण्डकाष्टमवष्टभ्य बाष्पव्याकुलेतेक्षणः ।

अवाक्शिरा दीनमना रामो हह्यासीत् सुदुःखितः॥

"Leaning on a wooden stick, eyes brimming with tears of utter distress, head cast down, his mood plunged in despondency, Sri Rama was a picture of sorrow."

The subject of much discussion is why Sri Rama behaved as he did towards Devi Sita, while all the time stating in no ambiguous terms that he knew of her pristine purity. Was it a sign of confusion, or a fear of disapprobation from his citizenry, a false sense of what ought to be done for the larger good of civic morality... who can say? Was it all a divine play already scripted to end the way it did?

Sri Rama now appealed to Mother Earth, in a tone mixed with sorrow and anger, "Oh Mother! In a way, you are my mother-in-law. You know I went and brought Sita back from her captivity from Lanka across the ocean. For me to tear the earth up and bring back Sita is easy. So either give back Sita or please take me also into yourself and unite me with Devi Sita in rasatala! In my rage, I can destroy the whole earth. Please give Sita back to me! Please! Please!" मत्तोऽहं मैथिलीकृते "I am crazed in distress over Devi Sita!"

Lord Brahma now spoke, with all other gods nodding in assent. "Oh, Sri Rama, you have forgotten who you are and how and why you came in this avatara. You are Mahavishnu, and Devi Sita is Devi Lakshmi herself. She has gone to rasatala by the power of her asceticism and purity in her present life as Sita. She will reunite with you for sure in your permanent abode soon. You should not give way to this sorrow."

आदिकाव्यमिदं ते वीरसुखदुःखोपसेवनम् । भविष्यदुत्तरं चेह सर्वं वाल्मीकिना कृतम् ॥  

"Indeed, this rare epic could have been written only about you, no one else. It narrates faithfully your life in full, with all your joys and sorrows. Your story is forever. It deserves your continued listening as Sage Valmiki has written down even the Uttara portion of your life story, your remaining years! Please give it a careful listen."

Saying this, Lord Brahma and the gods left. 

The sages and vanaras were most eager to listen to Kusha and Lava continue their recitation. Sri Rama spoke respectfully to Sage Valmiki. "Oh, divine sage, all the sages who have come from heaven are keen to hear the recitation. Kindly arrange for the Uttara Kanda to be recited from tomorrow itself."

Sri Rama adjourned the assembly. He now went with Kusha and Lava to their hermitage. All were plunged, particularly Sri Rama, in thoughts of Devi Sita and did not notice the passing of the night.

***

॥              श्रीरामजयम्              ॥ 

Postscript: After Valmiki Ramayana, the most famous book, one of our puranas, is Srimad Bhagavatam. For those who wonder about Uttara Kanda, it is interesting to know that Ramayana comes also in Srimad Bhagavatam in a précis form. I give you a link to that text covering this portion:

https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/9/11/

 

Valmiki Ramayana - March 31

March 31 - Sarga 97 of Uttara Kanda. 

In response to Sage Valmiki's emphatic attestation of Devi Sita's purity, Sri Rama replies clearly and assertively that he has known all along how Devi Dita is immaculately and incontrovertibly the paragon of purity and divinity. He refers to her Agni Pravesha and the blessing of all gods who witnessed that. He also knows for sure that Kusha and Lava are his sons. He had relinquished Sita purely out of the fear of public slander.

Sri Rama still asks that Devi Sita furnish proof of her own purity. He shall lovingly accept her after that. 

Devi Sita now calls as witness Mother Earth for her purity. Witnessed by all creation with bated breath, the earth opens up to reveal Mother Earth emerging on a throne. She embraces Devi Sita, and takes her into her womb forever.

***

राघवः प्रत्यभाषत  प्राञ्जलिर्गतो मध्ये दृष्ट्वा तां वरवर्णिनीम्  

"Sri Rama responded to Sage Valmiki with bowed head and holded hands, looking at Devi Sita, who could only be described in terms of divinity radiant in her, standing in the middle of the assembly."

The following words were spoken by Sri Rama.

प्रत्ययश्च पुरा वृत्तो वैदेह्याः सुरसन्निधौ ।

शपथश्च कृतस्तत्र तेन वेश्म प्रवेशिता  ॥

"Oh, noble sage, long back, in the immediate presence of gods, Devi Sita had established her purity (by Agnipravesha). Only on her establishing her own purity did she come back into the Ayodhya palace."

लोकापवादो बलवान्येन त्यक्ता हि मैथिली ।

सेयं लोकभयाद्ब्रह्मन्नपापेत्यभिजानता ।

परित्यक्ता मया सीता तद्भवान् क्षन्तुमर्हति ॥

"Then, unfortunately, a great public slander started, and forced me to relinquish Maithili Sita purely out of my fear of public disapproval. Oh, divine sage! I knew fully well, without a shadow of doubt, that Sita was purity itself. Kindly forgive my act of relinquishing her."

जानामि चेमौ पुत्रौ मे यमजातौ कसीलवौ ।

शुद्धायां जगतो मध्ये मैथिल्यां प्रीतिरस्तु मे ॥

"Sir, I know that these twin boys, Kushi and Lava,  are my own sons. Once Devi Sita gives proof of her  purity in this august assembly, I shall accept her wholeheartedly with love."

When Sri Rama said this, Lord Indra arrived along with other gods, with Lord Brahma in the lead. All deities - Adityas, Rudras, Vasus, Vishvedevas, maruts, sadhyas, rishis, nagas, suparnas, and siddhas, were all anxious to witness the avowal of her purity by Devi Sita.

Sri Rama acknowledged the presence of gods, and repeated his line that even though he was fully convinced by the words of Sage Valmiki, Devi Sita may please establish her purity and he shall lovingly take her back.

Just then, the Wind-god did something extraordinary. A most pleasant and fragrant breeze blew over everyone present to their astonished delight. They realized this was a special moment.

All the kings and commoners waited with bated breath.

सर्वान् समागतान् दृष्ट्वा सीता काषायवासिनी।

अब्रवीत्प्राञ्जलिर्वाक्यमधोदृष्टिरवाङ्मुखम्    ॥

यथाहं राघवादन्यं मनसापि न चिन्तये।

तथा मे माधवी देवी विवरं दातुमर्हति ॥

मनसा कर्मणा वाचा यथा रामं समर्चये।

तथा मे माधवी देवी विवरं दातुमर्हति ॥

यथैतत्सत्यमुक्तं मे वेद्मि रामात्परं न च ।

तथा मे माधवी देवी विवरं दातुमर्हति ॥

"Devi Sita saw all those who had assembled there from the three worlds. She was dressed in the ascetic cloth of ochre. She folded her hands in obeisance, and with eyes downcast, head bowed, she spoke:

"If I do not even harbour the thought of any man other than Sri Rama, then may Mother Earth Bhagavati Bhudevi take me into her bosom.

"If in thought, deed, and word, I have worshipped Sri Rama and him alone, then may Mother Earth Bhagavati Bhudevi take me into her bosom.

"If I have spoken the truth by saying that I do not know any man other than Sri Rama, then may Mother Earth Bhagavati Bhudevi take me into her bosom."

At that moment, to everyone's fright and amazement, a huge sound was heard as the earth opened up and a divine throne rose up into the central part of the assembly. It was raised on the head of divine serpents who guarded the innards of Mother Earth. Mother Earth, Prithivi Adhishthatri herself appeared in her full divinity. She extended her two arms and embraced Sita and placed her on the throne by her own side. The Devi now proceeded to descend into earth along with Devi Sita on the throne, while everyone watched, totally disoriented by what was happening. 

There was a shower of flowers on Devi Sita from heavens. The gods were heard exclaiming, "Dhanya Sita! Dhanya Sita! (Blessed is Sita!). Oh, Devi, you are purity itself, and your truthfulness and  fidelity stands vindicated, and you are unmatched in the three worlds."

The sages, kings, commoners, and denizens of the netherworld - basically everyone - knew not what to think or say. Some went into a trance. Some simply applauded. Some looked at Sri Rama. Some watched Sita without batting their eyelids. 

There was all-around a profound sorrow and a sense of mystery.

***

॥           श्रीरामजयम्            ॥ 

 

 

   

 

Valmiki Ramayana - March 30

March 30 - Sargas 94,95 and 96 of Uttara Kanda. 

Kusha and Lava recite Ramayana in the presence of Sri Rama and everyone else including the great sages, vanaras, and rakshasas as well as kings and commoners. Everyone is simply swept away by their recitation.

They disclose that this is the composition of Sage Valmiki and they are his disciples. They refuse the heap of gold Sri Rama asks them to accept as their reward.

Sri Rama now realizes they are Sita's children and sends for Devi Sita to come to the royal assembly and vouch for her purity. She comes in tears following Sage Valmiki who speaks emphatically about her purity.

***

तां च शुश्राव काकुत्स्थः पूर्वाचार्यविनिर्मितम् ।

अपूर्वां पाठ्यजातिं च गेयेन समलङ्कृताम्      ॥

"As the charming twin brothers Kusha and Lava went around reciting the Ramayana poem, Sri Rama also came to listen to it as composed earlier by the great sage. It was incomparable as a poem to anything he had heard earlier, and was also sung bewitchingly."

We have seen already how many elements of classical music were highlighted by Sage Valmiki. It simply shows how ancient our system of music is, derived as it is from the Samaveda, replete with shrutis (our scale has 22 microtones versus the western 12 tone scale and follows the pure harmonic/natural scale and not the equitempered one). It was set to ragas of different types, it was set to tala cycles, it was set to different metres, and octaves. 

Sri Rama made it a point to get the boys to recite the epic poem in the presence of sages, priests, kings, scholars, scriptural reciters, grammarians, holy brahmins, musicologists, devotional poets, astrologers, great musicians, Vedic scholars, citizens, compositional experts- poets, experts in metre and syntax, laya experts, scholars specialized in Vedic recitations which follow strict rules, artisans, craftsmen, polyglots, those with insights into esoteric literature, commoners, villagers, weavers, lawyers, painters, and so on. There would be a multitude of people in such a variegated audience filling the huge yajna hall, listening transfixed to their musical outpouring of the world's greatest epic poem. It was the story of Sri Rama!

This went on day after day, and none was satisfied. They wanted more and more. 

All those who saw the boys said, 

उभौ रामस्य सदृशौ बिम्बाद्बिम्बमिवोत्थतौ "What a wonder, these two boys are an exact image of our Lord Sri Rama!"

जटिलौ यदि न स्यातां न वल्कलधरौ यदि ।

विशेषं नाधिगच्छामो गायतो राघवस्य च  ॥

"If they  were not clad in bark and wearing matted locks, there would be no way to tell the difference between these two singers and Sri Rama." 

The recitation started with the very first sarga which contains the summary of the Sri Ramayana as told by Sage Narada to Sage Valmiki. It followed the scheme of twenty sargas everyday and was sung with the accompaniment of the veena. 

Sri Rama asked Bharata to reward these two remarkable singers with eighteen thousand gold coins each. When this was graciously presented to Kusha and Lava, they exclaimed,

वन्येन फलमूलेन निरतौ वनवासिनौ ।

सुवर्णेन हिरण्येन किं करिष्यामहे वने ॥

"Oh, King! We are but forest dwellers, living on fruits and roots! What shall we do with gold coins!? Kindly do not be offended by our refusal of this gift."

Sri Rama and everyone else was astonished by their reply. Sri Rama asked, 

किंप्रमाणमिदं काव्यं का प्रतिष्ठा महात्मनः   ।

कर्ता काव्यस्य महतः क्व चासौ मुनिपुङ्गवः  ॥

"Oh, children, what is the origin of your great poem? What is its length? Who is the great epic composer of this work, he must be a great sage indeed!?"

"Oh King! Bhagavan Valmiki, our guru, is its composer. He is a Bhargava (indeed, he was descended from the lineage of Sage Bhrigu!), and indeed he is present here for the yajna. This poem consists of twenty-four thousand shlokas and has over a thousand episodes. It is in around five hundred sargas, set into six Kandas. It consists of all the episodes of your life, oh, great king!"

The two boys requested Sri Rama to continue attending their recitation during every break of the yajna, as long as the yajna continued, along with his brothers. Sri Rama was delighted to accept the idea!

***

After hearing the recitation of the epic Ramayana poem over many days, Sri Rama called his most capable messengers.  "Go at once to the great sage Valmiki. Convey my request to him that Devi Sita comes here."

यदि शुद्धसमाचारा यदि वा वीतकल्मषा ।

करोत्विहात्मनः शुद्धिमनुमान्य महामुनिम्  ॥

"If Devi Sita is a lady of a pure life, and without any blemish, may she, under permission from the sage, come to this assembly and establish her purity." "May Devi Sita come here tomorrow morning itself."

When Sage Valmiki heard this, he was indeed very positive. एवं भवतु भद्रं वो तथा करिष्यते सीता दैवतं हि पतिः स्त्रियाः "Of course! bless you, for bringing this invitation from Sri Rama. Indeed Devi Sita will proceed as told, as for a woman her husband is verily her god."

Sri Rama was most delighted with the positive confirmation from Sage Valmiki. He wanted all the great sages, kings, citizens, and everyone else, to be present to witness the event. Sri Rama's invitation to Devi Sita was hailed by everyone as a highly noble gesture that only Sri Rama would be capable of.

Sage Valmiki now lists a big array of names of the greatest sages of our Hindu epics as present the next morning in the royal assembly, including Vasishtha, Vishwamitra, Narada, Chyavana, Durvasa, Pulastya, Agastya, and so on. It is a big list.

The vanaras and rakshasas with their leaders were also present. They were all eagerly waiting for Devi Sita to come and say under oath that she was pure and blemishless. We cannot escape the irony of this - the epitome of divinity and purity in a woman was to be subjected to this ordeal.

***

Devi Sita made her appearance, shedding copious tears as she walked with her head downcast behind Sage Valmiki. She had only one thought. The thought of Sri Rama in her heart. All around, there were exclamations of "Glory to Devi Sita"! Everyone present in that assembly was plunged into sorrow on seeing Devi Sita and recollecting what an ordeal had been her lot. Many said, साधु सीते! साधु राम! "Hail Sita! Hail Rama!"

Sage Valmiki stood in the centre of that hall and spoke firmly and solemnly.

इयं दाशरथे सीता सुव्रता धर्मचारिणी ।

अपवादात्परित्यक्ता ममाश्रमसमीपतः ॥

लोकापवादभीतस्य तव राम माहाव्रत ।

प्रत्ययं दास्यते सीता तामनुज्ञातुमर्हसि ॥

इमौ तु जानकीपुत्रावुभौ च यमजातकौ ।

सुतौ तवैव दुर्धर्षौ सत्यमेतद्ब्रवीमि ते    ॥

प्रचेतसोऽहं दशमः पुत्रो राघवनन्दन ।

न स्मराम्यनृतं वाक्यमिमौ तु तव पुत्रका ॥

बहुवर्षसहस्राणि तपश्चर्या मया कृता ।

नोपाश्नीयां फलं तस्या दुष्टेयं यदि मैथिली ॥

मनसा कर्मणा वाचा भूतपूर्वं न किल्बिषम्।

तस्याहं फलमश्नामि अपापा मैथिली यदि ॥

"Oh, Sri Rama, Dasharatha's son! This is Devi Sita, the epitome of good conduct and righteousness. Just because of the disparaging and calumnious talk of people, she was abandoned near my ashrama. You were afraid of public censure, and being a stickler for righteousness as a king, you abandoned her. Now here is Devi Sita, ready to give proof of her purity, and you should accept it."

"These two boys are the twins born to Devi Sita. They are your own sons, and of redoubtable calibre, and I speak the cardinal truth, oh king!"

"I am the tenth son of Pracetas (of Bhrigu lineage, foremost among maharshis), oh Raghunandana! I do not recall ever having told a lie in my life, and I say these boys are your children."

"I have performed a severe penance for thousands of years. Let the fruit of my tapas not accrue to me if indeed Maithili Sita is not pure as I say. On the other hand, if indeed Devi Sita is pure as I say, let me accumulate all the fruits of my impeccable life of purity in thought, word, and deed." 

***

In other words, Sage Valmiki is staking his all in his defence of Devi Sita.

Sage Valmiki continues. "I swear with the five elements as my witness, with all mental faculties as my witness, that I accepted Devi Sita into my ashrama only as I knew that she was pure. She is pure like the driven snow and her god is her husband. She will surely furnish proof of her purity to you. I know from my spiritual insight that in yourself you had no doubt at all personally about her, but abandoned Sita purely out of the fear of public criticism.

त्यक्ता त्वया प्रियतमा विदितापि शुद्धा 

"In spite of her purity being known fully to you, your beloved wife Devi Sita was forsaken by you, oh, Rama!"

***

॥               श्रीरामजयम्                  ॥ 

 

 

   

 

Valmiki Ramayana - March 29

March 29 - Sargas 91, 92 and 93 of Uttara Kanda. 

The grand Ashvamedha begins. Valmiki brings Kusha and Lava, whom he has already taught to sing the Ramayana epic, and instructs them how to recite the epic and regale everyone. 

***

Sri Rama tells Lakshmana that the Ashvamedha should be organized under the guidance, and in the presence, of sages Vasishtha, Vamadeva, Jabali, Kashyapa, and others. A well-selected horse shall be let free to roam the countryside. 

The sages arrive and are received with due honours and begin the preparations after praying for its fruition to Lord Shiva, Mahadeva.

Sri Rama instructs Lakshmana to invite King Sugriva with his lieutenants, as well as King Vibhishana with his rakshasa retinue. They arrive in quick time, full of enthusiasm to participate in Sri Rama's yajna.

On the bank of the Gomati river, in Naimisharanya, a suitable large piece of land is got ready. Large numbers of citizens and kings and their people arrive. Large loads of food articles, yajna materials, clothes, and other requirements for all guests are collected and transported in carts and carriages drawn by horses, elephants, and bullocks. A large number of temporary markets with lines of shops are set up nearby.

Cooks, dancers, and musicians are enlisted in large numbers. 

Bharata is put in charge of scholars, attendees of all ages, doctors, artisans, accountants, priests, and members of the immediate royal family. They all travel in comfort and arrive at the venue.

Sri Rama orders a golden statue of Sita to be created and made ready to take part in the yajna.

***

Bharata and Shatrughna took care of all the arrangements as desired. Sugriva and his lietuenants were in charge of hospitality of all the priests and their families. Vibhishana was in charge of taking care of the great sages. 

As ordered, a beautiful black horse was chosen as the Ashvamedha horse. It was worshipped and allowed to roam, accompanied by priests and attendants. Lakshmana went in charge of the horse.

Kings from many lands with allegiance to Sri Rama arrived. Sri Rama ensured hospitality in each case as appropriate. Bharata and Shatrughna ensured that their stay was comfortable in all ways.

Many magnificent structures were erected for housing the kings of various lands during the yajna. 

यावात्तुष्टन्ति याचकाः छन्दतो देहि छन्दतो देहि 

Sri Rama was giving away gifts most generously. No one was allowed to feel they deserved more or needed more, as all their expectations were more than met.

Valmiki describes that the large numbers of people who attended Sri Rama's yajna were all good-looking, healthy, and cheerful. There were no destitute or disgruntled people.

The sages were remarking that in their long life (they were all immortal),  they had witnessed many sacrifices but none where the host was so generous and where his prosperity was dedicated so completely to the cause. People who asked for gold, or material wealth in kind, or heaps of gems and jewels, got them as gifts. The sages remarked that neither Indra, Soma, Yama, nor Varuna, had performed Ashvamedha with such opulence and dedication.

The yajna lasted longer than a year.

***

The great sage Valmiki was specially invited by Sri Rama for the Ashvamedha. A separate cluster of cottages had been erected for the sage. Its location was close to where the food was prepared. In addition, there were many fruit-bearing trees close by. Valmiki was extremely happy to receive such hospitality.

The sage now called Kusha and Lava. They were his favourite disciples. 

"You two should be single-minded in the recitation of the Ramayana epic I have taught you. You should sing with all the sonority and cadence as you were taught. Go ahead and sing the Ramayana in every street, every cluster of brahmin quarters, in the palaces of kings put up here, on royal avenues, in the large yajnashala hall, at the main entrance to the yajna venue, and other such places. Please treat the special priests conducting the yajna to your recitation of the holy epic. 

"If Sri Rama calls for you to go and recite in front of him, show him the same reverence as you show me. 

दिवसे विंशतिः सर्गाः गेया मधुरया गिरा ।

प्रमाणैर्बहुभिस्तत्र यथोद्दिष्टं मया पुरा     ॥

"Dear Kusha and Lava, recite exactly as I had taught you before the sacred Rama story. Recite it at the rate of twenty sargas per day, in your sweet voices. Ensure you stick to the measure and order I had taught you. You should sing expecting no rewards or money. 

किं धनेनाश्रमस्थानां फलमूलाशिनां सदा 

"Of what use is money for us hermits living the ascetic life, eating fruits and roots."

यदि पृच्छेत्स काकुत्स्थः युवां कस्येति दारकौ ।

वाल्मीकेरथ शिष्यौ द्वौ ब्रूतमेवं नराधिपम्      ॥

"Boys, if Sri Rama asks you two whose children you are, just reply that you are disciples of Sage Valmiki."

" Accompany yourselves on this veena with its most melodious strings. Stick to the shrutis of the veena. As long as you have the opportunity, play the veena and sing the Ramayana epic, at your musical best."

आदिप्रभृति गेयं स्यान्न चावज्ञाय पार्थिवम् ।

पिता हि सर्वभूतानां राजा भवति धर्मतः     ॥

"Dear Kusha and Lava, make sure you begin the epic at its very start. At no point should you conduct yourselves in any way to offend the great king. Sri Rama is rightfully the lord of all creation. Begin your recitation tomorrow morning itself."

As Sage Valmiki concluded his instructions, the wonderful twin sons of the great Devi Sita bowed to him and assured him that they would obey all his instructions.

Long ago, the Ashvini twins had learnt the Nitisamhita from Sage Shukracharya, and had felt most fulfilled. The same feeling swept over princes Kusha and Lava now, and they joyously spent the night as they went over the sacred epic taught in his most musical voice by their guru, Sage Valmiki.

***

॥            श्रीरामजयम्            ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - March 28

March 28 - Sargas 86,87,88, 89 and 90 of Uttara Kanda. 

Another story of King Ila and his emancipation through Ashvamedha. 

***

With Indra having disappeared, there was a crisis in creation. All life became disorganized and the elements seemed to be vexed. Indra was languishing comatose in the netherworld, whereas all life-forms were threatened with destruction. Naturally, the gods, who owed allegiance to Indra as the lord of gods, went with Brihaspati and other sages and found where Indra was. They placed him as their leader and performed the Ashvamedha, as enjoined by Mahavishnu. 

At last, Indra was restored to his original glory and self-confidence. But the presiding deity of punishment for Brahmahatya, of which Indra was the culprit, was not easy to get rid of. " Where should I go now!", asked that deity. The gods advised that deity to portion herself into four parts. One part would dwell in rivers, and show her power when they were in spate during the monsoons. That would tame the dwellers on river banks to behave themselves. 

The second quarter would repose permanently in the earth. The third quarter would go and live in women during their menses, as a reminder that they should not become too proud of their beauty.  The fourth would look out for those who cheated or slew brahmins, and torment them.

This seemed a reasonable distribution. Lord Indra also was emancipated through Ashvamedha. Thus concluded Lakshmana, exhorting Sri Rama to perform Ashvamedha.

***

Sri Rama laughed, and said he also had a story on Ashvamedha.

Kardamaprajapati (one of the Brahmas) had a son by the name of Ila. He was a prosperous king of Bahlika kingdom.

Ila was a good ruler. Once he went on a hunting mission into the forests with a large army. He hunted indiscriminately and killed countless wild animals. He was still not satisfied. They ventured then into the region known for the birth of Karttikeya. There, Lord Shiva was sporting in the waters with Parvati, having assumed the form of a female companion of Devi! In fact, he had made all creatures around female. 

Ila and his army were astonished to find only female humans and creatures in that area. Further,  they discovered that they had also become females! Ila realized this was some kind of a punishment and also found out it was the mischief or curse of Lord Shiva. When he supplicated to Shiva, Shiva laughed and said, "ask for any boon except to be made male again!" 

Ila was in great distress and then went to Devi Parvati. She said, smilingly, that being the half part of Shiva herself, she could give him half a boon. Finally, it was ordained that Ila would be a woman for a month and a man for the next month and so on, without any memory of the previous alternate state of having been a woman or man. That way Ila now became a beautiful woman.

When Ila and his army, all as females were roaming, they drifted into another region and came upon a lake, Lord Budha, son of Chandra, was meditating there. The women had a great time sporting in the lake and stirred up enough noise to catch his attention. Budha saw Ila, a almost beautiful woman, and fell in love. Budha approached Ila, who had also been smitten by Budha, saying she was one of unprecedented charm and beauty. Budha offered a safe haven for all her attendants around his ashrama, and offered his love to Ila. She also agreed. Thereafter, they lived as man and wife. A whole month passed. When Budha had gone to the lake for his morning prayer, Ila work up from bed as a man! He went to Budha and said, "Oh Sir, I had come here with my army, but find now everyone gone. Please help me find them!" Ila had lost all memory of his having been a woman for the past one month and having sported with Budha. 

Budha consoled the king, saying that there was a strange rain of stones that had killed all his attendants. He offered King Ila shelter. But King Ila wanted to return to his kingdom. Budha knew who Ila was. He told him, "Oh king, spend one year here and then leave. I will take care of you. All will end well."

Ila went through his male/female time cycle the next few months, sporting as Budha's wife whenever he was a woman. Eventually, after nine months, Ila delivered a wonderful boy who became later the king Pururavas.

***

So did Ila ever get back his permanent male form? Sri Rama answered the curiosity of Lakshmana and Bharata.

During one of his male phases, Ila was given the opportunity by Budha to serve great rishis who came there at Budha's request, including Chyavana and Durvasa. Budha explained the strange situation that Ila had fallen into. Soon Kardamaprajapati himself arrived. Pulastya, Kratu and others accompanied him. 

All the sages advised that Ila should perform the Ashvamedha and propitiate Lord Shiva and beg him to free him from his strange cyclic gender changes. Ila followed their advice, performed Ashvamedha, and pleased Lord Shiva, who restored him to manhood and kingship.

Ila gave up the Bahlika kingdom and established a new kingdom called Pratishthana at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. He ruled well and eventually, on giving up his body, reached Brahmaloka.

Sri Rama concluded that in this story one could see how Ashvamedha was powerful enough to remedy as bad a situation as Ila's. 

***

॥              श्रीरामजयम्              ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - March 25

March 25 - Sargas 77, 78 and 79 of Uttara Kanda.

Sage Agastya tells Sri Rama stories of how that divine ornament was gifted to him, and so on.

***

Sage Agastya begins. "Sri Rama, long ago in Treta yuga, there was a huge forest of a hundred yojanas, peculiar as it had no animals, birds, or creatures, even though lush with trees and creepers. I went there intent on performing my penance. There was plenty of fruit and root for me to subsist on. The forest had a huge, placid lake. That lake was attracting birds of many kinds! The lake was full of lotuses and lilies, too. The water was crystal clear and tasty.

There was a beautiful but deserted hermitage near the lake. I stayed in that hermitage one summer night and proceeded to the lake in the morning. Amazingly, I found a human corpse on the bank, radiant. I was wondering about this when all of a sudden a celestial vehicle descended, carrying a divine person of radiance, full of adornments, surrounded by many apsaras tending to him. They were singing and dancing, too.

That divine person alighted from the celestial vehicle impressively like the sun-god himself setting on the edge of a mountain peak. He went directly to that corpse on the bank of the lake, and started eating it!

After feasting on that corpse, that person washed himself clean, proceeded to board his vehicle to go away. I stopped that person and spoke.

को भवान् आहारश्च विगर्हितः  त्वयैव भुज्यते "Oh, sir, why did you eat this polluted and unsuitable food, being a celestial?"

He replied.

"Oh, noble sage, here is my story. My father was a famed king of Vidarbha by the name of Sudeva. I am Shveta, his son, and my step-brother is Suratha. I succeeded my father as the king, and having ruled well for a thousand years, I handed over the kingship to Suratha and proceeded to the forest after coming to know when I was going to die. I went to the forest in preparation. I also came to this forest as it had no sentient beings. I stayed in the hermitage on this lake for long, doing tapas. By my tapas, I earned the honour of going to Brahmaloka on my passing. 

But I was strangely tormented by hunger and thirst constantly in heaven. I asked Lord Brahma why this unjust suffering. Brahma replied that even though I had always taken good care of my needs including food,  even while in this forest, I had omitted to do any charity. Since I was totally self-centred even in my austerity, and never did anything for anyone else, I was in this suffering. 

Brahma suggested a remedy. I had left my dead body on this lake shore. I should go and satisfy my hunger by coming here and eating that same corpse! I have been doing this for long now, as the corpse gets restored everyday. Lord Brahma had told me that this strange predicament and unsuitable diet would end when the great sage Agastya would come here. Now, oh great sage, you are here, kindly free me from this! I have brought also a gift of gratitude to you, this divine ornament. This ornament also has the power to bestow any wishes for wealth, fine clothes, good food, and so on."

Sage Agastya accepted that gift and released Shveta from that curse, and the corpse disappeared. Shveta went happily to heaven.

***

Well, you guessed it. Sri Rama now wanted to know from the sage why that forest had no animals or birds in the first place.

"Sri Rama, the original ruler of this entire world was Manu, during Krita yuga. He had a worthy son by the name of Ikshwaku. Before leaving his body and proceeding to heaven, Manu crowned his son and advised him on the duties of a ruler. He also told him that he was going to produce all the lineages of kings of the world, and would be called their progenitor. ( Even today, the Thai and Vietnamese kings claim descent from Ikshwakus).

दण्डेन च प्रजा रक्ष मा च दण्डमकारणे  

अपराधिषु यो दण्डः पात्यते मानुषेषु वै स दण्डो विधिवन्मुक्तः स्वर्गं नयति पार्थिवम् 

"Son, know that you should use the force of law, symbolized by the royal staff, and rule well. However, never punish or be cruel to anyone unnecessarily. The royal staff of power, wielded well, to punish the deserving culprits, will take the ruler to heaven."

Ishwaku kept this in mind and ruled well. He also, as advised by Manu, begot a hundred sons, all future kings. The last son, however, was dull-witted and given to indiscretions. Ikshwaku realized that his last son was perhaps a future culprit for the danda (डण्डा पडेगा) and named him Danda only. 

Danda was appointed by his father to a dense, forested region between Shaivala and Vindhya. Danda went and established himself well there, creating a beautiful country with its capital called Madhumanta, and appointed Sage Shukracharya as his preceptor. He ruled his kingdom well as Indra was doing in heaven with Brihaspati as his preceptor.

***

॥             श्रीरामजयम्            ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - March 24

March 24 - Sargas 76 and 77 of Uttara Kanda.

That ascetic reveals he is a shudra and he is striving to go to heaven in his own material body. After he reveals this, he is slain for his transgression by Sri Rama. Sri Rama is thereafter greatly congratulated by the gods and even Sage Agastya for his righteous act. The brahmin boy is restored to life instantly by the gods. 

***

शूद्रयोन्यां प्रजातोऽस्मि तप उग्रं समास्थितः । देवत्वं प्रार्थये राम सशरीरो महायशः ॥

न मिथ्याऽहं वदे राम देवलोकजिगीषया । शूद्रं मां विद्धि काकुत्स्थ शंबूकं नाम नामतः ॥

"Lord, I am born of a shudra woman, and am doing this severe penance to attain heaven in my own body and get the resultant glory (note: something impossible). I shall not lie to you, oh, Sri Rama, as I am keen on achieving this reward. Know me to be a shudra by the name of Shambooka."

Sri Rama pulled out his marvellous, glittering sword and instantly executed Shambooka. At once, the gods assembled, led by Agni (who presides over all austerities) and Indra and so on, proclaimed, "साधु साधु "Well done, Sri Rama", repeatedly. There was a shower of fragrant flowers. 

"Sri Rama, this shudra was hoping for the impossible, that by his austerity he would wrest the boon of going in his own human body to heaven, which is forbidden. Therefore we commend your act. Indeed, such decisive and principled kingship surely confers prosperity and wellbeing on all society."

There is a lot of "liberal-minded" criticism of this story. What I have read in the original and a well-argued commentary is that Shambooka was given the death penalty not because he was practising austerity, but because he had transgressed on two grounds - the practices of austerity required a prequalification and it is the time-honoured Hindu tradition that one's prequalification for different pursuits comes from one's guna and karma (past merits and traits passed down to this birth). Just because I see my neighbour practising medicine, I cannot pick up a stethoscope and practice medicine. Also Shambooka was coercing the gods to give him a boon of going to heaven in his own body. This was not allowed. We know this from the story earlier of King Trishanku, an Ikshwaku!

The gods also offered a boon to Sri Rama. Sri Rama requested them that the dead brahmin boy be brought back to life. He was greatly relieved to hear from the gods that the boy had already been fully restored to life, and he was happily united with his family.

***

The gods said they were now proceeding to meet Sage Agastya. Sri Rama also decided to follow them. Soon after the gods had had a happy meeting with Sage Agastya and taken their leave, Sri Rama arrived at his hermitage in the Pushpaka. The sage was immensely happy to see Sri Rama. He also complimented him on his decisive act of putting an end to Shambooka's asceticism. He requested Sri Rama to spend the night at the hermitage.

त्वं हि नारायणः श्रीमान् त्वयि सर्वं प्रतिष्ठितम् ।

त्वं प्रभुः सर्वदेवानां पुरुषस्त्वं सनातनः ॥

"Sri Rama, indeed you are Lord Narayana himself, the lord of Sri Lakshmi, and in whom all the creation subsists. You are the lord of all the gods. In reality, you are the primordial Paramatman Ishwara. 

"Sri Rama, please accept this gift from me, it is an ornament crafted by Lord Vishwakarma himself. This ornament is self-luminous. Kindly accept this gift and make me happy."

"Sri Rama, it is enjoined that a recipient of a gift, if he gifts it in turn to a deserving recipient, earns great merit. You are the lord of all and the protector of even the gods. So you richly deserve to receive this ornament from me."

Sri Rama was in a dilemma. He spoke haltingly. "Oh Sage! For a brahmin to receive a gift is fitting. But not for a kshatriya. How can I accept this? And that too, a divine ornament bestowed on you, made by Lord Vishwakarma? That too I would be taking a gift from a brahmin, being a kshatriya!? Please explain this to me."

Sage Agastya now replied.

"Sri Rama, long ago, during the Satya yuga, there were only citizens, i.e. people, but no kings. Then Indra was created to rule in heaven. Then humans approached Lord Brahma to create a lord and master for them on earth too. Brahma acquiesced, and taking one portion from each of the eight lokapalas (Indra Varuna Agni Kubera Yama Ishana Vayu Nairuta) created a king by the name Kshupa, by the gesture of a mere yawn. Brahma then sent Kshupa to rule humans. Kshupa lorded like Indra, nourished like Varuna, gave prosperity like Kubera, ruled firmly like Yama.

"Sri Rama, you also have the elements of all the lokapalas. So in your portion of Indra, please accept this gift from me. "

Sri Rama now gladly agreed to accept the ornament, but he had a question. "Oh, Sage Agastya, my obeisance to you. How did you receive this ornament as a gift in the first place? Kindly narrate the story to me."

Sage Agastya began to narrate a story from long long ago.

***

॥               श्रीरामजयम्              ॥ 

  

Valmiki Ramayana - March 23

March 23 - Sargas 73,74 and 75.

The strange story of a brahmin boy's death. Sage Narada asks Sri Rama to find out what ritualistic transgression has occasioned it. 

***

One day, an aged brahmin came wailing to the royal gate, holding the corpse of his son, bemoaning his untimely death, blaming his own past lives' karmas.

अकाले कालमापन्नं मम दुःखाय पुत्रक "Oh, son, you have died too young, giving me great grief."

"Surely, your mother and I will die of grief soon. I cannot recollect any evil act that would have incurred this bad karma in this life - no untruth, no violence towards animals. You, who should have conducted my last rites, have now gone to the next world! I have not seen such untimely death occurring thus far in Sri Rama's kingdom. This must have been caused now by some wrong act of Sri Rama alone! Oh, Sri Rama! Boys don't die like this in other kingdoms. So you should take responsibility and bring my son back to life! Woe to us who suffer like this in your kingdom! If people sin in your land, and you have no law and order to regulate people, this will be the outcome."

***

Sri Rama was moved by this distress. He called all the sages like Vasishtha, Gautama, Vamadeva, and so on, into his assembly. Even the great divine sage Narada was present. Sri Rama honoured them and narrated this episode. He wanted them to throw light on this event. Seeing Sri Rama himself gloomy, Sage Narada spoke:

"Oh, King! I shall explain for what reason young boys die. Listen to it and then decide on your next course. 

पुरा कृतयुगे राजन्ब्राह्मणा वै तपस्विनः ।

अब्राह्मणस्तदा राजन्न तपस्वी कथञ्चन ॥

"Oh, King, in the Kritayuga (the first epoch in the universal four epoch-time-cycle of Brahma), only brahmins undertook tapas (severe asceticism and austere practices). Others, i.e. non-brahmins, never undertook asceticism.

"Brahmins enjoyed a high status by virtue of their meritorious lives. Their pure practices conferred immortality and omniscience on all men. Then came the Tretayuga. This was the epoch of the kshatriyas with able bodies and valour. In that epoch, even kshatriyas undertook asceticism. But there were more holy men in the first epoch than in the second. In Treta, the two orders, brahmins and kshatriyas had valour and brilliance. But adharma had taken one step forward. Then Manu and others established the four order system. Treta yuga gave space for adharma to take a foothold with one leg. 

"In Krita/Satya yuga, farming and trading activities were considered acquisitive activities and "untrue". Those activities were looked down upon as dirty. This type of engagement in the Treta yuga caused people to live shorter lives. 

"In this Treta yuga, only brahmins and kshatriyas engaged in asceticism. Other orders like men in trade and commerce served them with prosperous activities.  The fourth order practised duties of service to the other three orders. The start of the third epoch, Dwapara, allowed a second foothold for adharma, and further reduced the spiritual ardour of men and gave rise to further "untrue" activities. The Dwapara gave an opening to even vaishyas (those in commerce and industry) to undertake asceticism. Thus far, know that the fourth order has no scope for asceticism. In the future, Kali yuga may come and further weaken the social order. Even men of the fourth order may undertake ardent asceticism in Kali yuga. If that be the degradation in Kali, and progressing from Dwapara, what to speak of the present Treta? If one of unsuitable social order undertakes asceticism in this age, it seems to be a good cause for this boy's death. "

यो ह्यधर्ममकार्यं वा विषये पार्थिवस्य तु।

करोति चाश्रीमूलं तत्पुरे वा दुर्मतिर्नरः    ॥

क्षिप्रं च नरकं याति स च राजा न संशयः ।

"If a man with a corrupt attitude undertakes adharmic or proscribed acts for his own social order, it will lead to the poverty and downfall of the kingdom, and drive the king to hell. There is no doubt about this."

We need to understand this. The social order and division of responsibilities were rigid 5000 years ago. The collective wisdom of the time was that adherence to prescribed roles conferred prosperity. It was therefore not egalitarian in our sense but egalitarian in the sense each social order accepted their own role and discharged it well for all-around good. Nobody felt low or high in that sense.

Narada continued, "The king collects one-sixth of all the accumulated merit or wealth from asceticism, study of Vedas, and righteous conduct of their roles by his citizens as his levy. That behoves the king to ensure proper social order. Find out, Sri Rama, if the order has been transgressed anywhere in your land. Stop it at once. This will halt the downward slide in your people's fortunes. It will bring this boy also back to life."

***

Sri Rama felt cheered to understand this from Sage Narada. He asked Lakshmana to go and console that old brahmin at the gate. He asked that the dead body of the boy be preserved well with unguents in a tub of oil. The body should be preserved such that it can be restored to life.

Sri Rama called the Pushpaka in his thought to appear for his service. The Pushpaka came instantly. He bowed down to the Pushpaka. Entrusting the management of the kingdom to Lakshmana and Bharata in the interim, he boarded the Pushpaka and travelled in search of the dharmic transgressor, first far into the west, and then toward north, and then toward east. He found all the people to be spotless like mirrors, says Valmiki.

Then Sri Rama rode on the Pushpaka towards the south. Just north of the Shaivala mountain, he spotted an ascetic. There was a huge lake there. On its bank was the ascetic, hanging upside down from a tree holding on to one of its branches with just his entwined legs. 

Sri Rama approached the one engaged in such severe asceticism.

"Oh, sir, you are blessed. You have advanced in asceticism, and have ardour. What social order do you belong to? I am Rama, son of King Dasharatha.  I have this question. What do you wish to accomplish through this? What order does this body belong to that you subject thus to severe austerity? Are you a brahmin? Or kshatriya? Or vaishya? Or shudra?  Tell me what is your order and why you are thus engaged."

***

॥             श्रीरामजयम्            ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - March 22

March 22 - Sargas 70,71 and 72 of Uttara Kanda.

Shatrughna is blessed with boons and builds a great city Mathura on the Yamuna. 

After ruling well for twelve years, he is unable to resist the great desire to go and meet Sri Rama. On the way, halting at Sage Valmiki's Ashrama, he hears an amazing musical recitation of Sri Rama charita emanating from inside the hermitage. He is simply thrilled. 

He meets Sri Rama and feels fulfilled. 

***

Lord Indra, Agni, and other gods descend to confer boons in gratitude on Shatrughna. He asks for only one boon - he simply wants the city of Madhupuri to become a great city of beauty, prosperity and peace. The gods are pleased to confer that boon and leave.

Shatrughna's army is encamped so far on the bank of the Ganga awaiting his instruction. The moment he sends for them, the entire army reports. 

The next twelve years witness the great rule of Shatrughna, and the creation of a great metropolis of all convenience and beauty. Valmiki describes it with as much enthusiasm as if he is describing Rome. The Mathura city is obviously the future Mathura of Krishna. It is the capital of the kingdom also described as belonging to Shurasena, a king. 

Valmiki says

अर्धचन्द्रप्रतीकाशा यमुनातीरशोभिता ।

शोभिता गृहमुख्यैश्च चत्परापणवीथिकैः ।

चातुरवर्ण्यसमायुक्ता नानावाणिज्यशोभिता ॥

"The great city of Mathura was crescent-shaped, skirted by the Yamuna. It shone with splendid mansions as well as a well-laid out matrix of avenues and shopping districts. The city catered to the livelihood of all four varnas equally, being also famous for many kinds of commerce."

Shatrughna proved to be an able king as he improved every aspect of the city after Lavana's demise. Valmiki makes a special mention of the patronage of arts, murals, and architecture. The result was seen throughout the city and pleased even the gods. It attracted merchants from several lands!

After twelve years of his able rule, Shatrughna got an irresistible urge to go and visit Sri Rama in Ayodhya. He decided to go at once, but with only a small complement of his army and support staff. They left and soon reached the hermitage of the great sage Valmiki.

***

Sage Valmiki offered the best of hospitality to Shatrughna and his army. He regaled Shatrughna with many stories. He also pointedly mentioned that he was an invitee to Lord Indra's assembly which went to witness the great battle that Shatrughna fought with Lavana and won with so much ease. 

Valmiki said that killing Ravana had been an arduous task with a prolonged battle. Lavana's defeat was done quickly and decisively single-handedly by Shatrughna. So he showered praise on Shatrughna as 

a great warrior and smelled his head with great affection. ( This gesture was a time-honoured way for an elder to bless a younger person with affection.)

***

That night, while resting, Shatrughna heard the strains of musical chanting of the story of Sri Rama! Valmiki writes:

तन्त्रीलयसमायुक्तं त्रिस्थानकरणान्वितम् ।

संस्कृतं लक्षणोपेतं समतालसमन्वितम् ॥

शुश्राव रामचरितं तस्मिन्काले पुरा कृतम् ॥

"Shatrughna heard the great composition of Sri Rama's story, apparently already composed some time before as a Sanskrit classic, full of literary adornments and exquisite features of language. It was being sung to the accompaniment of stringed and percussion instruments, in three octaves, with different ragas and talas, with every special musical element possible. It was bewitching in its impact."

Shatrughna shed tears as he lay awake alone, enjoying the recounting of a story he was so close to, the story that sanctified every singer and listener. What a divine treat! It was surely not a human creation but the gift of the Almighty himself!

***

The next morning, all his army thronged Shatrughna, full of their amazement at having heard such a great musical recitation of Sri Rama's story here, of all places! How were they to know that Shatrughna had indeed met Sita and her twins before in this very hermitage? 

They wanted Shatrughna to find out how Valmiki ashrama had this Ramayana recitation. Shatrughna dissuaded their enquiries, saying that Sage Valmiki was a Brahmarishi and such curiosity and inquisitiveness was inopportune in his ashrama.

***

On his reaching Ayodhya, you can imagine the great thrill of joy that Shatrughna experienced in homecoming. He saw a radiant Sri Rama on the throne, like Lord Indra himself. His other two brothers and Sri Rama received him with overflowing love. Sri Rama was full of praise for the way Shatrughna had killed Lavana and established his rule over Mathura.

Shatrughna was quite frank. "Dear Sri Rama, you cannot imagine how much I have missed being with you. I want to stay back here." Sri Rama smiled, embraced him warmly, and said,

मा विषादं कृथाः शूर नैतत् क्षत्रियचेष्टितम्

"Oh, brave Shatrughna, know that this kind of sentimental grief does not befit a great kshatriya like you. We have only to rule single-mindedly. All our personal emotions and attachments are totally subservient to our duty as rulers and administrators. "

Sri Rama bade Shatrughna goodbye and sent him back after seven days of great togetherness in Ayodhya. Valmiki says that Bharata and Lakshmana walked behind Shatrughna's chariot for a long distance as he drew away on his way back to Mathura.

***

॥                श्रीरामजयम्                 ॥