Valmiki Ramayana - February 17

February 17 - Shlokas 92-125 of Sarga 128 of Yuddha Kanda.

We have come to the conclusion of the Srimad Valmiki Ramayana as narrated by the young prince-ascetics Kusha and Lava in Sri Rama's court. They describe the glory of Sri Rama's rule over all the lands and the well-being of all the peoples. They also state the phalashruti or the benedictive value of studying Srimad Ramayana of Valmiki and how it uplifts us.

***

राज्यं दशसहस्राणि प्राप्य वर्षाणि राघवः ।

शताश्वमेधानाजह्रे सदश्वान् भूरिदक्षिणान्  ॥

"Sri Rama ruled for ten thousand years the limitless kingdom of Ayodhya. He performed a hundred Ashvamedha yajnas well with the best of horses and offering the most generous dakshinas and gifts to all."

Every Ashvamedha yajna would bring together the whole populace into creative activities of all kinds in a worshipful manner. It was definitely not a mere meaningless ritual but, as the Bhagavadgita states categorically, a way of celebrating the best of life by offering back to Existence all that we have garnered and achieved through the grace of Existence itself. It was at the same time a big economic and spiritual activity for everyone's holistic growth.

Sri Rama set an example of convivial living with grace and generosity. All the members of his extended royal family were happy and prosperous and well-occupied.

There was no tribulation and distress for widows, no pestilence and disease, no threat of incursions from venomous serpents and wild animals into houses. Theft, highway robbery, and such crimes were non-existent. The young did not die prematurely causing the terrible anguish to their elders of bereavement and performance of the young ones' last rites.

सर्वं मुदितमेवासीत् सर्वो धर्मपरोऽभवत् ।

राममेवानुपश्यन्तो नाभ्यहिंसन् परस्परम्   ॥

'Every aspect of life was happy, all people were dedicated to righteousness. Everyone held up Sri Rama as the paragon of goodness and followed his example, with easy access to him whenever appropriate. They did not commit violence and harm to one another."

रामो रामो राम इति प्रजानामभवन् कथाः ।

रामभूतं जगदभूद् रामे राज्यं प्रशासति      ॥

नित्यमूला नित्यफलास्तरवस्तत्र पुष्पिताः  ।

कामवर्षी च पर्जन्यः सुखस्पर्शश्च मारुतः   ॥

ब्राह्मणाः क्षत्रियाः वैश्याः शूद्रा लोभविवर्जिताः ।

स्वकर्मसु प्रवर्तन्ते तुष्टाः स्वैरेव कर्मभिः       ॥

 

"During Sri Rama's rule, everyone had only "Rama" on their lips. The world was full of Sri Rama. All vegetation was resplendent, bore ample fruits and flowers all the time. There was timely rain and the wind blew soothingly."

"The Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras were without greed and exploitation. They were happily engaged in their respective activities with a sense of fulfillment and gratitude for what life gave them and what opportunities they secured."

***

धर्म्यं यशस्यमायुष्यं राज्ञां च विजयावहम् ।

आदिकाव्यमिदं चार्षं पुरा वाल्मीकिना कृतम् ॥

"This wonderful epic is the first and foremost poem of our civilization, composed in ancient times by the sage Valmiki. It promotes the establishment of Dharma in our land, and nurtures well-being, living with a good reputation, and longevity in everyone. The rulers will secure victory by righteous means."

राघवेण यथा माता सुमित्रा लक्ष्मणेन च ।

भरतेन च कैकेयी जीवपुत्रास्तथा स्त्रियः  ॥

"Like Kausalya was blessed to be the mother of Sri Rama, Sumitra of Lakshmana, and Kaikeyi of Bharata, women will bear good children."

शृण्वन्ति य इदं काव्यं पुरा वाल्मीकिना कृतम् ।

ते प्रार्थितान् वरान् सर्वान् प्राप्नुवन्तीह राघवात् ॥

"By the boundless grace of Lord Sri Rama, those who read and listen to this Srimad Ramayana composed by Sage Valmiki will secure boons that they pray for and realize all their aspirations."

  

"This Ramayana is the sacred epic whose recitation pleases Sri Rama, who is indeed the beginningless Mahavishnu himself, the original Ishwara, the mighty-armed Hari, Narayana. He came to earth as Sri Rama, and Adi Shesha came as Lakshmana. May all grace and benediction be with you all always!"

Thus ended the spellbinding, breathtaking, astounding, visionary, narration in song of the world's greatest epic poem Srimad Valmiki Ramayana by the divine twins Kusha and Lava in Sri Rama's court.

***

॥      श्रीरामजयम्      ॥

PS: Uttarakanda reading commences tomorrow.

 

 

Vakmiki Ramayana - February 16

February 16 - Sarga 128 of Yuddha Kanda - shlokas 51 to 91.

I do not want to hurry in this concluding section. So I have saved the final benedictory portion for tomorrow!

Sage Valmiki narrates the actual Abhisheka and the munificence of King Sri Rama. 

***

प्रत्यूषसमये "Sugriva called his four commanders, Jambavan, Hanuman, Rishabha and Gavaya, and instructed them that they should fetch the holy waters by the next morning daybreak."

These heroes, each of mountainous build, enormous speed, and dedication to the assignment, brought the sacred waters from five hundred rivers and four seas overnight.

Jambavan went eastward and fetched in the bejewelled pot the water from the eastern sea. Rishabha flew and brought the water from the southern ocean in the golden pot decorated with raktachandana flowers. Gavaya brought the cold waters from the western sea in the golden pot encrusted with gems. 

उत्तराच्च जलं शीघ्रं गरुडानिलविक्रमः आजहार स धर्मात्मानिलः सर्वगुणान्वितः "Hanuman, with the prowess matching Garuda's and his own father the Wind-god's, most virtuous and endowed with great qualities, went northward and returned with the golden pot filled with the waters from the northern sea."

Shaturghna then went and handed over the sacred waters in the four golden pots to Sage Vasishtha. 

The sage now seated Sri Rama and Sita, looking divine in their glory, on the high, bejewelled royal seats.

वसिष्ठो वामदेवश्च जाबालिरथ काश्यपः । कात्यायनः सुयज्ञश्च गौतमो विजयस्तथा ॥

अभ्यषिञ्चन्नरव्याघ्रं प्रसन्नेन सुगन्धिना । सलिलेन सहस्राक्षं वसवो वासवं यथा      ॥

"Then the eight sages, Vasishtha, Vamadeva, Jabali, Kashyapa, Katyayana, Suyajna, Gautama and Vijaya, ceremonially bathed the mighty Sri Rama as well as Devi Sita with the delightful, perfumed, holy waters from the seas and rivers, much like the great vasus (eight deities) had sanctified Indra himself during his celestial coronation."

It is noteworthy that the actual ceremony of coronation in our scriptures is the ritual of the holy bath. Abhisheka actually means the holy bath.

After these sages, many other Brahmins poured medicinal concoctions and holy water over Sri Rama and Sita. They were followed by sixteen auspicious women, eight ministers, military commanders, leading men of commerce, and prominent citizens, who were evidently most delighted while giving the ritualistic ablutions to Sri Rama and Devi Sita. Even the gods and sages assembled in the skies came down and performed the Abhisheka.

Sri Rama and Devi Sita were now led into the main hall of the palace and taken to the sacred throne that had been adorned by so many glorious kings of the Ikshwaku dynasty from the past. Seating them on that majestic, ornamental, golden throne, sage Vasishtha brought the divine crown (diadem) that Brahma himself had placed on the head of the progenitor of the lineage, Manu, in ancient times, and placed it on Sri Rama's head. The crown was glittering with a divine glow, having been created by Lord Brahma himself. The sage also garlanded Sri Rama with many wonderful necklaces and garlands. 

Shatrughna now came and stood, holding the royal white umbrella over Sri Rama. On either side, Sugriva and Vibhishana stood fanning Sri Rama with a white fan and a reddish fan respectively. On being prompted by Lord Indra, the ruler of Devaloka, Vayu, the Wind-god, now came with a huge garland made with a hundred golden lotuses and placed it around Sri Rama's neck. There were celestial musicians and dancers in attendance. Vayu also placed some divine necklaces that shone with celestial glitter around Sri Rama's neck. There was a blessed feeling in everyone that Sri Rama eminently deserved this great coronation.

भूमिः सस्यवती चैव फलवन्तश्च पादपाः । गन्धवन्ति च पुष्पाणि बभूवू राघवोऽत्सवे ॥

"Mother earth flourished with new blooms and shoots, the trees bore fruit, the flowers acquired a special fragrance, all to celebrate the festivities of Sri Rama's coronation."

Sri Rama now started giving the most generous gifts to all. First, he gifted to the Brahmins thousands of cows along with horses, bulls and so on. He also showered them with gifts of gold coins, jewellery and expensive clothes. 

Then Sri Rama gave King Sugriva a special gold necklace strung with pearls that had a shine like the sun. He then gifted Angada a pair of special shoulder ornaments. He then gave Devi Sita many wonderful dresses and several precious necklaces and a special pearl necklace.

Devi Sita now took off the pearl necklace and meaningfully looked at her lord Sri Rama. Smiling, Sri Rama told her she could give that necklace to anyone among the vanaras she wanted to, to show her appreciation for that person. 

प्रदेहि सुभगे हारं यस्य तुष्टासि भामिनि "Dear Sita, please deign to give the pearl necklace to anyone that you are especially pleased with."

अथा सा वायुपुत्राय तं हारमासितेक्षणा ।

तेजो धृतिर्यशो दाक्ष्यं सामर्थ्यं विनयो नयः ।

पौरुषं विक्रमो बुद्धिर्यस्मिन्नेतानि नित्यदा ॥

हनूमान्सतेन हारेण शुशुभे वानरर्षभः ।

चन्द्रांशुशचयगौरेण श्वेताभ्रेण यथाचलः ॥

"Then Devi Sita, with her captivating black eyes, signalled to Hanuman and gave him that special pearl necklace. The one and only one who combined a radiance of personality with unmatched courage, fame in the three worlds earned by his deeds, a capability to rise to any occasion, a proven competence in every task, humility belying his achievements, a smoothness and tenderness evident in his conduct always, the prowess of the highest order in deeds of daredevilry, intelligence that is rarely seen in any being - Hanuman who manifested these qualities all the time, received that pearl necklace with a deep sense of joy and gratitude. Wearing it, the supreme vanara Hanuman looked, as Valmiki says, like a huge mountain surrounded by white clouds, lustrous in the crystal clear light of the full moon."

***

Every vanara and his lady received appropriate gifts of dresses and jewels. 

Valmiki says that Sri Rama proved again how great he is in doing everything perfectly, the way he gladdened all the attendees of the coronation with gifts beyond their expectations.

King Surgiva and the vanaras thereafter left for Kishkindha with their hearts full. Similarly, Vibhishana and his chiefs left for Lanka. 

***

स राज्यमखिलं शासन्निहतारिर्महायशाः ।

राघवः परमोदारः शशास परया मुदा      ॥

"Sri Rama began to rule Ayodhya with extreme felicity, taming its enemies, protecting its vast borders, being generous towards its citizens, and increasing his name and fame constantly."

Now Sri Rama called Lakshmana. "Dear Lakshmana, this famed kingdom of Ayodhya has been ruled well by our great ancestors. I want you to be the joint ruler of Ayodhya, along with me. " In other words, the way Sri Rama had shared the responsibilities with King Dasharatha, he wanted Lakshmana to do the same with him. But Lakshmana was clear in his refusal. It was because of his total and undiluted focus on serving Sri Rama. 

Then Sri Rama appointed Bharata as the Yuvaraja to share in the ruler's responsibilities.

***

We shall conclude this section tomorrow.

***

॥          श्रीरामजयम्          ॥ 

I leave you with this glorious description of Pattabhisheka in Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar's immortal composition sung by Bombay Jayashri.

Valmiki Ramayana - February 15

February 15 - Sarga 128 shlokas 1-50 of Yuddha Kanda. 

The preparation for the coronation.

***

शिरस्याञ्जलिमाधाय कैकेयीनन्दवर्धनः बभाषे :

पूजिता मामिका माता दत्तं राज्यमिदं मम ।

तद् ददामि पुनस्तुभ्यं यथा त्वमददा मम   ॥

"With bowed head, the delighter of Kaikeyi, her son, Bharata, now submitted to Sri Rama:

"Respecting my mother's words, this kingdom was handed over by you to me. I am now returning the kingdom to you, Sri Rama!"

"Sri Rama, the reasons are simple. A fully laden cart that can be drawn only by a powerful bull cannot be drawn by a tender calf, which I am. If a dam across the waters has developed cracks and leaks, it is difficult to repair for a novice. That is how I feel about all the open challenges of our kingdom as far as my capability is concerned. I can never hope to be as capable as you, oh, lord Sri Rama, just as a donkey cannot run like a powerful steed and a crow cannot try and fly like a swan, oh vanquisher of foes!"

"You are like a great tree planted long ago with much expectation in the courtyard of a great home. The tree grew spelndidly with big branches bearing many flowers. But the flowers did not turn into fruits, and the tree was wasted. This is what happened here! From the very first, you were groomed to be the great monarch of Ayodhya। That course of destiny was subverted so far. The time is now to set right this matter."

एषोपमा महाबाहो त्वमर्थं वेत्तुमर्हसि । यद्यस्मान् मनुजेन्द्र त्वं भर्ता भृत्यान् च शाधि हि ॥   

          जगदद्याभिषिक्तं त्वामनुपश्यतु राघव । प्रत्यपन्तमिवादित्यं मध्याह्ने दीप्ततेजसम्       ॥

"Dear Lord, oh, the mighty-armed Sri Rama, I think you understand well my similes. You are our supreme monarch and therefore kindly deign to rule and protect us always. Let the whole world witness today itself your great coronation, with you, Sri Rama, resplendent like the blazing sun at its zenith at noon-time."

"Lord Sri Rama, may you wake up in the king's palace to the sounds of musical instruments and panygerics and the sounds of anklets of busy attendants. May you rule Ayodhya as long as the stars and planets revolve in the heavens, and may your monarchy extend to the far corners of the earth."

Sri Rama, benevolence itself, said, "Dear Bharata, be it so!" and went and occupied the seat placed there, reserved for the future king.

Valmiki now describes the frenetic preparations and exultant activities that were set in motion at once. On Shatrughna's orders, the best of barbers came and groomed Sri Rama after cutting off the matted locks. Bharata, Lakshmana, Sugriva and Vibhishana had their baths and thereafter Sri Rama also bathed and got ready, was anointed, and wore splendid garlands. He was looking radiant in a wonderful garment. Shatrughna brought and put on both Sri Rama and Lakshmana wonderful ornaments. All the queens of Dasharatha took great delight in getting Devi Sita ready, all decked up. Kausalya herself joyously readied all the wives of the vanaras with finery and ornaments.  

Sumantra now brought a heavenly chariot. Sri Rama ascended it. King Sugriva and Hanuman were looking radiant like Indra himself with their earrings and attire. Devi Sita and the the vanara queens advanced majestically.

मन्त्रयन् रामवृध्यर्थमृध्यर्थं नगरस्य च  सर्वमेवाभिषेकार्थं जयार्हस्य महात्मनः यद् यन्मङ्गलपूर्वकम्    

Sage Vasishtha, as requested, guided the Ayodhya ministers on the ceremony. Everything that needed to be done for the glory of Sri Rama, the prosperity of Ayodhya, the triumph of Lord Sri Rama, including all the ceremonies as per the auspicious injunctions of the Vedic scriptures was arranged.

Sri Rama travelled in the chariot like Indra himself. Bharata was the charioteer wielding the reins. Shatrughna held the white royal umbrella over Sri Rama's head. Lakshmana and Vibhishana stood on either side, fanning Sri Rama with royal fans made of yak's hair (very special in India). Rishis and gods and Wind-deities of the quarters overhead were singing hymns of benediction. 

Sugriva rode a huge elephant named Shartrunjaya. All the vanaras had assumed lustrous human forms and rode on elephants. The most delightful procession proceeded to the accompaniment of auspicious melodic instruments called Swastika, cymbals, trumpets, castanets, and drums. The citizens of Ayodhya feasted their eyes on Sri Rama's arrival in the chariot. Everyone bowed low and greeted Sri Rama in utter joy and then joined the retinue. The ministers and Brahmins followed behind the chariot. Many celebratory songs were being sung. Ahead of Sri Rama's chariot, women marched carrying sacred materials like rice grains, corn, and turmeric, as well as a variety of laddoos on trays (मोदकहास्ताः).

Sri Rama described to his ministers the major incidents during exile, especially his alliance with King Sugriva, the incredible deeds of Hanuman, and the relentless exertions of the vanara army. He also described Lanka and the might of rakshasas who were defeated. He described his meeting with King Vibhishana. 

By now the procession had reached the centre of Ayodhya where lay the palace of King Dasharatha. All the mansions were hoisting flags and banners. Bowing down to Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi,  Sri Rama now told Bharata that his own palace, with all its bejewelled decorations and the Ashoka Vatika, should be placed for the use of King Sugriva and his family. Bharata and Shatrughna respectfully took King Sugriva into the palace, bringing immediately lamps and coverlets for the couches. 

Bharata now requested King Sugriva:

अभिषेकाय रामस्य दूतानाज्ञापय प्रभो । सौवर्णान् वानरेन्द्राणां चतुर्णां चतुरो घटान् ॥

"Dear King Sugriva, for the Abhisheka coronation bath of Sri Rama, would you kindly despatch four of your vanara heroes with these golden pots to fetch the auspicious waters from the oceans."

ददौ क्षिप्रं च सुग्रीवः सर्वरत्नविभूषितान् । तथा प्रत्यूषसमये चतुर्णां सागराम्भसाम् पूर्णैर्घटैः प्रतीक्षध्वं तथा कुरुत वानराः ॥

"Thereupon, King Sugriva called to his ablest lieutenants, giving them the bejewelled golden pots, and asked them to bring them filled at once to the brim with the waters from the four oceans."

***

॥      श्रीरामजयम्       ॥ 

     

 

  

 

 

Valmiki Ramayana - February 14

February 14 - Shlokas 23- 64 of sarga 127 of Yuddha Kanda.

While the oceanic gathering of Ayodhya-vasis is descending with much celebration and anticipation in Nandigram, presumably, Hanuman has quickly flown to Sri Rama, unnoticed by Bharata, and apprised him of Bharata's restless love and eager reception prepared for the hero on his return. And Hanuman is back with Bharata. 

By now Bharata is unable to bear any more delay in Sri Rama's arrival. He asks Hanuman if this is not one of his monkey pranks, and if Hanuman has not told him the unlikely story of Sri Rama's impending return.

Hanuman replies, with all the astuteness that he is known for, in an affectionate tone, "Bharata, don't you remember that wonderful reception Sage Bharadwaja gave you and your huge army when you went looking for Sri Rama?"

"Sri Rama had received boons from Lord Indra himself that the vanaras would get enough forest fare to feed themselves heartily wherever they went." 

सदाफलान् कुसुमितान् वृक्षान् प्राप्य मधुस्रवान् भरद्वाजप्रसादेन मत्तभ्रमरनादितान् ससैन्यस्य तदाथित्यं कृतं सर्वगुणान्वितम्

  "Now Sage Bharadwaja has arranged for them to have a celebratory repast with all the trees enroute full of flowers, fruits, and honey, surrounded by buzzing bees,  and that is the reason for their slow progress."

"Listen, Bharata, listen carefully! Hear the vanaras coming with their tumultuous noise! They have crossed Gomati already! Can you notice the huge cloud of dust raised by them over the yonder forest!? Look! Here arrives the divine vehicle Pushpaka, Sri Rama has been gifted this after his victory! It is ruddy like the morning sun and travels at the speed of thought. It was given as a boon by Brahma to Kubera before. Look carefully! You can see the two glorious brothers seated along with Devi Vaidehi! Also King Sugriva and King Vibhishana can be seen!"

***

Young and old, women and men, at once raised a big cry of astonishment and delight, beholding Sri Rama arriving in the aerial vehicle. This moment is incomparable in world literature as far as I know. Valmiki says their celebration rose up to heaven itself and found an echo there.

Everyone from Ayodhya alighted from their mounts and stood on the ground breathlessly, watching Sri Rama's arrival. 

Bharata rushed towards Sri Rama with all the ceremonial articles of reception, bowing low.

Sri Rama looked like Lord Indra himself in that divine Pushpaka. Bharata thought Sri Rama looked like the sun rising on Mount Meru.

Sri Rama signalled to Pushpaka to land. Bharata prostrated himself in ecstasy. Sri Rama made Bharata climb up into the Vimana, and most dearly made him sit on his lap and embraced him tightly. Bharata then bowed down to Lakshmana and Devi Sita. He embraced Sugriva, Vibhishana, and all other vanara chiefs (Valmiki mentions each one.) They were all appearing as humans by their power of assuming any form they pleased. Enquiries of one another's welfare were made. 

Bharata told Sugriva, त्वमस्माकं चतुर्णां वै भ्राता सुग्रीव पञ्चमः "Sugriva, you are the fifth brother of us four!"

He told Vibhishana, दिष्ट्या त्वया साहाय्येन कृतं कर्म सुदुष्करम् "Oh King, only by your help was an impossible mission accomplished!"

Shatrughna also bowed down to Sri Rama, Devi Sita, and Lakshmana. 

Sri Rama now went to Devi Kausalya, who was shedding copious tears, and as he clasped her feet tightly, she felt a thrill of joy. He went and bowed low to Sumitra and Kaikeyi.  Then he bowed to all other queens.

स्वागतं हे महाबाहो कौसल्यानन्दवर्धनः ।

इति प्राञ्जलयः सर्वे नागरा राममब्रुवन्    ॥

"All the Ayodhya citizens bowed as one and proclaimed, "Dear Sri Rama, the mighty-armed one, the delighter of Devi Kausalya! Welcome! Glory to you!"

Bharata felt that the countless Ayodhyavasis prostrating themselves to Sri Rama looked like lotuses in full bloom filling up a huge lake!

Bharata now took the padukas, and wiping Sri Rama's feet, placed them on the padukas. He submitted,

एतत्ते सकलं राज्यं न्यासं निर्यातितं मया ।

अद्य जन्म कृतार्थं मे संवृत्तश्च मनोरथः ॥

यत्त्वां पश्यामि राजानामयोध्यां पुनरागतम् ।

अवेक्षतां भवान्कोशं कोष्टागारं गृहं बलम् ।

भवतस्तेजसा सर्वं कृतं दशगुणं मया ॥

"Dear Lord Sri Rama! I am now handing over the kingdom back to you, given to me in trusteeship thus far. I consider that my birth has been fulfilled and my deepest aspirations have been realized after seeing your lordship back in your own kingdom.  Revered Lord, kindly assess the state of the nation, its economy, its military, and the wellbeing of its people. Ayodhya's prosperity has multiplied tenfold in the interim by the power of your glory!"

तथा ब्रुवाणं भरतं दृष्ट्वा तं भ्रात्रुवत्सलम् ।

मुमुचुर्वानरा बाष्पं राक्षसश्च विभीषणः  ॥

"Witnessing the great Bharata's love for his elder brother and his devotion to duty, all the vanaras and King Vibhishana shed tears of joy and reverence for such a great soul."

Sri Rama now directed Pushpaka with words of gratitude that the Vimana shall now travel directly to Lord Kubera, its rightful original master, and report there. The Pushpaka Vimana immediately rose up into the sky and travelled majestically northward towards Kailasa.

Sri Rama now approached Sage Vasishtha, the Kulaguru and his first and foremost preceptor, bowed low to him, and made him take an exalted seat. He then also seated himself near him.

***

॥        श्रीरामजयम्        ॥ 

  

 

 

     

Valmiki Ramayana - February 13

February 13 - Shlokas 48-55 of Sarga 126 and shlokas 1-22 of Sarga 127 of Yuddha Kanda.

We are approaching the summum bonum, Sri Rama Pattabhisheka! 

***

Hanuman wraps up his narrative to Bharata in a few succinct passages. It is like listening to someone who narrates his trip to Kailas Mansarovar. You will get much detail in the beginning but they sum up the actual parikrama part rather quickly!

उद्योजयिष्यन्नुद्योगं दध्रे लङ्कावधे मनः ।

जिघांसुरिव लोकान्ते सर्वान्नोकान्विभावासुः ॥

"Sri Rama now spurred on the entire army to undertake the destruction of Lanka, looking as he did like the Samvartaka cataclysmic Fire-god who undertakes to annihilate the entire creation at the time of the final dissolution."

ततः समुद्रमासाद्य नलं सेतुमकारयत् अतरत् कपिवीराणां वाहिनी तेन सेतुना 

"Reaching the shore, Sri Rama arranged for the Nalasetu to be built and the huge army crossed over."

"Prahasta was killed by Angada, Kumbhakarna by Sri Rama, Indrajit by Lakshmana, and Ravana himself was killed by Sri Rama." 

"Then the gods Indra, Yama, Varuna, Maheshwara, and Brahma, as well as King Dasharatha himself, appeared and congratulated Sri Rama."

तैर्दत्तवरः श्रीमानृषिभिश्च समागतैः सरर्षिभिश्च काकुत्स्थो वराँल्लेभे परन्तपः 

"The glorious Sri Rama, the indomitable vanquisher of foes, then received many blessings and boons from the gods, from also the various ascetics who had come, as well as from the devarshis (ascetics who live by their great merit always in heaven)."

पुष्पकेण विमानेन "Then Sri Rama, accompanied by all, flew in the celestial aerial vehicle Pushpaka via Kishnindha to the precincts of the ashrama of Sage Bharadwaja. He halted there as advised by the rishi."

अविघ्नं पुष्ययोगेन श्वो रामं द्रष्टुमर्हसि 

"Oh Bharata, by auspicious circumstance, tomorrow, in Pushya Yoga, you shall meet Sri Rama!"

ततः स वाक्यैर्मधुरैर्हनूमतो निशम्य हृष्टो भरतः कृताञ्जलिः     ।

उवाच वाणीं मनसः प्रहर्षिणीं चिरस्य पूर्णः खलु मे मनोरथः ॥

"Thereupon, hearing Hanuman's sweet words and his delightful narrative, Bharata bowed down to him, and said these words that delighted Hanuman's mind: "friend, you have given me the great news I have been waiting for, and I have been waiting for it for a very long time indeed!"

***

Bharata at once called Shatrughna and shared this unbelievably great news. 

"Let there be worship with flowers, fragrances, and music at every temple in Ayodhya.

Let everyone- the scriptural narrators, the priests, the music ensembles, auspicious women, the queens,  ministers, soldiers, their wives, Brahmins, chief members of the traders' and soldiers' groups, and all distinguished citizens, come at once out of Ayodhya here to have the darshan of Sri Rama!"

The exact words he used are: रामस्य द्रष्टुं शशिनिभं मुखम् 

Shatrughna set to work at once. He ordered all artisans and masons to flatten and prepare the road well from

Ayodhya to Nandigrama.  "Let cool waters be sprinkled to settle the dust and make the passage enjoyable!"

'Let people sprinkle auspicious grains all along the way. Let flags and festoons be flown! By tomorrow morning, every house and mansion should be decorated with flowers and garlands of fragrance in five different colours! Let there be floral rangavallis! Let there be order and decorum on the highway, monitored by many volunteers!" Shartghna's orders were at once taken up for implementation.

"Let the eight ministers Dhrashti, Jayanta, Vijaya, Siddhartha, Arthasadhaka, Ashoka, Mantrapala and Sumantra, arraigned splendidly, with flags, arrive on great elephants!"

"Let military officers arrive on elephants and horses tied with golden reins."

"Let the cavalrymen arrive in thousands, with flags, and bearing splendid weapons, for the reception."

"Let all the queens of King Dasharatha, led by Devis Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi, arrive in royal palanquins."

All this was carried out precisely.

Prince Bharata now started, holding the padukas on his head, surrounded by  Brahmins, noblemen, leaders of commerce, women, all bearing garlands and sweets on trays, accompanied by musical instruments and chants. He was greeted with auspicious benedictions and panygerics. Bharata was looking emaciated and weak and was still attired as an ascetic, but there was the glow of joy in him. Valmiki says that there was an uproar of auspicious sounds from the huge march of elephants, horses, and all the chants and musical instruments as they advanced to receive Sri Rama.

***

॥       श्रीरामजयम्        ॥ 

 

Valmiki Ramayana - February 12

We have seen yesterday that Sri Rama does recount to Devi Sita that he had worshipped Lord Shiva on the seashore before proceeding to build the Nalasetu or Ramasetu. This was not mentioned by Valmiki in that section of the text and we had wondered about it too. This shows that the available versions of Valmiki Ramayana may have omissions and interpolations which are inescapable in such ancient texts preserved by disciples in various corners of the country over centuries on independent, fragile, hand-engraved, palm leaf and bark sheets.

Here is another instance. The following words of Sage Bharadwaja were missing in our text (Gita Press) in yesterday's reading. But the IITK supersite quotes this:

मित्राणि धनधान्यानि प्रजानां सम्मतानि वा |
जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी || ६-१२४-१७ ॥

My translation:

One's friends, one's wealth, and the affection one enjoys from one's own people (in Sri Rama's case the citizens of Ayodhya) are highly valuable. Indeed, more valuable and precious than even heaven is one's own mother and one's motherland. "

The reference to this shloka is cited as follows:

This sloka is seen in the edition published by Hindi Prachara Press, Madras in 1930 by T.R. Krishna chary, Editor and T. R. Vemkoba chary the publisher.

Interestingly, this shloka is almost the motto of Bharatiyatva. It is also the official motto of the nation of Nepal!

***

February 12 - Sarga 125 and shlokas 1-47 of Sarga 126.

चिन्तयामास राघवः प्रियकामः प्रियं रामस्त्वरितविक्रमः "Hearing about the welfare of Ayodhya, Sri Rama fell into thought about what should be done immediately, as he was always considerate towards the aspirations of others."

Sri Rama looked at all the vanara heroes and Vibhishana. Then he affectionately called Hanuman. 

"Oh, Hanuman! Please proceed at once and ascertain the welfare of all in Ayodhya. Please first meet Guha, who is like my alter ego and wishes me well. Find out from him about the whereabouts of Bharata, and go and meet him.

सिद्धार्थं शंस मां तस्मै सभार्यं सहलक्षमणम्  

हरणं चापि वैदेह्या रावणेन बलीयसा

सुग्रीवेण च संवादं मैथिल्यान्वेषणं 

कारितः सेतू रावणश्च हतः वरदानं 

महादेवप्रसादश्च पित्रा मम समागमम्

उपयातं च मां सौम्य भरताय निवेदय 

सह राक्षसराजेन हरीणामीश्वरेण च

"Please tell Bharata about my wellbeing along with Sita and Lakshmana. How we were in the Dandaka when Ravana abducted Sita, how I forged an alliance with Sugriva, how you went and discovered Sita in captivity, how we built the bridge over the ocean, how Ravana was killed and the gods came down to bless me including Brahma and Lord Shiva, as well as the meeting I had with our dear departed father."

"Please tell Bharata that we are now back in the vicinity of Prayaga in the company of King Vibhishana and King Sugriva."

भरतस्येङ्गितानि च तत्त्वेन मुखवर्णेन दृष्ट्या व्याभाषितेन च

"Dear Hanuman, kindly closely observe Bharata's reaction by watching his face, his eyes, and his voice, as he listens to all this. "

सर्वकाम समृद्धं हि हस्त्यश्च रथसङ्कुलम् 

पितृपैतामहं राज्यं कस्य नावर्तयेन्मनः 

प्रशास्तु वसुधां सर्वामखिलां रघुनन्दनः  

तस्य बुद्धिं च विज्ञाय क्षिप्रमागन्तुमर्हसि

"Dear Hanuman, during my absence, Bharata has been in charge for fourteen years. Who indeed would not be tempted to rule over a prosperous Ayodhya, full of riches and military strength, including elephants and chariots. It has been handed down by a great lineage of our forefathers. If indeed Bharata (on his own, or on the advice from Kaikeyi, or from the influence of his advisors), wishes to rule Ayodhya himself, he should do so well and unhindered, being also a Raghunandana. Kindly discover his mood about all this diplomatically, as I fully trust in your abilities. Kindly come back quickly after doing this, before we go too far from here."

***

Hanuman understood the mission and left at once, assuming the form of a human. He crossed the Yamuna and Ganga rivers swiftly, flying like Garuda himself. He first went to Sringaverapura and met the chief there, Guha. Coming to know from Hanuman about Sri Rama's welfare and the happenings over the years immensely pleased Guha. Hanuman informed him that Sri Rama had stayed at Sage Bharadwaja's ashrama on his request overnight. 

Then, as directed by Guha,  Hanuman flew over the region full of lovely cities and settlements, fertile and enchanting lands and forests, seeing many rivers like Gomati, and so on. Then he saw Bharata in Nandigrama.

ददर्श भरतं दीनं कृशमाश्रमवासिनम् जटिलं मलदिग्धाङ्गं भ्रातृव्यसनकर्शितम्

"When Hanuman saw him, Bharata was looking miserable, thin, and living the ascetic life, with matted locks, worn out and soiled by dirt all over, evidently deeply afflicted by grief on account of his elder brother Sri Rama."

There were men and women of obvious prosperity and good looks moving around, in sharp contrast to Bharata's condition. Bharata shone with spiritual radiance gained from great austerities. He was ruling Ayodhya keeping Sri Rama's padukas on the throne as his representative.   

Bharata was ruling well, doing justice to all sections of the four varnas. His ministers and administrators had also attired themselves in ochre and were serving Ayodhya under him ably. The residents of Ayodhya also were moderate in their ways, respecting Bharata's feelings.

Hanuman, in his human form, approached Bharata with obeisances and spoke.

"Dear Prince, the one for whom you are pining and living this ascetic life sends you news of his wellbeing! I want to give you the best news ever that you are soon going to meet Sri Rama. Sri Rama killed Ravana, recovered Sita, and is coming here very soon, accompanied by Sita, Lakshmana, and his wellwishers and friends. "

Hearing this, Bharata fainted in ecstasy. 

कपिमालिङ्ग्य सम्भ्रमात् सिषेच भरतः श्रीमान्विपुलैरश्रुबिन्दुभिः 

"After regaining his consciousness, Bharata tightly embraced Hanuman, sprinkling him in tears of joy."

देवो वा मानुषो वा त्वमनुक्रोशादिहागतः प्रियमाख्यानस्य ते सौम्य ददामि ब्रुवतः प्रियम् "Oh noble sir, I don't know if you are a god or a human, but I would like to give you whatever you ask for, you have come with great compassion and given me the best news ever!"

Bharata offers Hanuman in gratitude one lakh cows, villages, sixteen most beautiful women as wives, and so on. His words display his delight as much as his generosity.

***

Bharata says, "it was so long ago that my brother went into exile. Your news proves true the adage that simply by living long (a hundred years), one is bound to get good news! "

Bharata is full of questions about how Sri Rama met and allied with vanaras, why, and so on.

Hanuman, seated on a kushasana (offered as a mark of respect by Bharata), narrated in detail all the happenings ever since Bharata had taken leave of Sri Rama in Chitrakuta. This is a delightful narrative that again displays Hanuman's mastery in story-telling. I shall quote only a couple of shlokas.

एकेन सहसंगम्य रामेण रणमूर्धनि 

अह्नश्चतुर्भागेन निःशेषा राक्षसाः कृताः

लोभयामास वैदेहीं भूत्वा रत्नमयो मृगः 

"Bharata, after your departure, the animal life in Chitrakuta had become very disturbed by the invasion of a large human army even though for a short period of time. To let it heal, Sri Rama moved away to Dandaka, killing Viradha, the huge rakshasa who attacked and captured Sita, on the way. In Janasthana, he encountered the attack of fourteen thousand rakshasas, after the rakshasi Shurpanaka was spurned by Sri Rama. Within one-fourth of a day, Sri Rama accounted for all those rakshasas single-handedly, including Khara, Dushana, and Trishiras. Later Mareecha, the rakshasa who was under orders from Ravana, came as a golden deer and tempted Sita Devi. On her insistence, Sri Rama went after the deer and had to kill it. When the rakshasa's deceit was revealed, Lakshmana had already been sent away by Sita to go looking for Sri Rama. Ravana came and violently abducted Sita who was alone and helpless in the hermitage, killing the giant bird King Jatayu who tried to protect her...."

Hanuman mentions how he and other vanaras in Rishyamuka witnessed Sita being carried away by Ravana in the sky,

शुभे महति वेश्मनि प्रवेश्य मैथिलीं वाक्यैः सान्त्वयामास रावणः "Ravana placed Sita in a beautiful, large palatial palace, and entreated her with words designed to placate her."

तृणवद्भाषितं तस्य अचिन्तयन्ती वैदेही "Devi Sita treated Ravana and his overtures to be as insignificant as a blade of grass with her mind totally immersed in Sri Rama."

Kabandha's encounter, meeting Sugriva, Vali's death, Sugriva's kingship, the search for Sita, Sampati's tip-off, Hanuman's crossing the ocean in a giant leap and discovering Sita... His winning her confidence with Sri Rama's mudrika, his bringing back her Choodamani to Sri Rama as a proof of his meeting Sita truly...

श्रुत्वा तां मैथिलीं रामस्त्वाशशंसे च जीवितम् ।

जीवितान्तमनुप्राप्तः पीत्वामृतमिवातुरः ॥ 

"Sri Rama, on hearing the news of Maithili being alive and holding her spirit intact, regained his interest in life. It was similar to how a man in the throes of death, would, when revived by a drink of the elixir of life, spring back to sanguinity."

***

॥         श्रीरामजयम्         ॥ 

 

  

Valmiki Ramayana - February 11

February 11 - Sargas 123 and 124 of Yuddha Kanda.

Sri Rama, Sita, and everyone else delightfully retrace the timeline and the geography filled with so many significant events in the Ramayana, as they fly back in the Pushpaka Vimana. 

Read on for a couple of beautiful surprises!

***

Imagine you have had a great adventure, traversing a rich and variegated geography filled with memories of your own life-changing events. You now traverse back through the same places and review the events with your loved ones, luckily sitting in a divine aerial vehicle. What a joy it would be! 

The same joy immerses Sri Rama and Sita as he shows her every place (you should visualize that she is clinging affectionately to his arm and listening with the greatest interest).

"My beloved, look at this Lanka, a celestial city built on this golden Trikuta peak that compares to Kailasa! Look at this huge battlefield, filled with the remnants of a terrific battle between the vanaras and the rakshasas! Behold the place where Ravana was killed by me! Look at this place...that place.. where Kumbhakarna, Indrajit, Prahasta, ..." Sri Rama names every significant rakshasa warrior and who from the vanaras accounted for him. We of course see Sri Rama's Lakshmana's, Hanuman's, Sugriva's, Angada's, and others' names mentioned diligently.

तव हेतोः विशाकाल्क्षी नलसेतुः सुदुष्करः सेतुबन्ध इति ख्यातं पवित्रं परमम् - "Dearest large-eyed Maithili, behold this incredible Nala-setu, constructed with very great effort as suggested by the lord of the ocean. Beholding this is indeed supremely sanctifying!"

अत्र पूर्वं महादेवः प्रसादमकरोत् विभुः "Dear Sita! This is the holy spot where Lord Mahadeva Shiva graced me with his darshan when I propitiated him before embarking on the ocean-crossing!"

"This is where King Vibhishana came to me on the shore." 

हिरण्यनाभं शैलेन्द्रं विश्रमार्थं हनुमतो भित्त्वा सागरमुत्थितम् "This golden Mahendra mountain was rent by the dint of Hanuman's mighty leap from it as he took off to cross the ocean!"

सुग्रौवस्य पुरी रम्या "Here is Kishkindha, the charming city of Sugriva! I made an agreement with him and handed the kingdom to him after killing Vali. "

Immediately, Devi Sita has a beautiful thought. 

सुग्रीवप्रियभार्याभिः वानरयोषितः गन्तुमिच्छे सहायोध्यां राजधानीं त्वया सह : "Dear Lord! I have a request. I would like Sugriva's queens and in fact, all vanara women to join me in this journey back to your capital Ayodhya!"

Sri Rama is simply delighted with the thought. He directs the Vimana to descend. He requests Sugriva to bring along Tara and all the vanara queens. They all come with extreme joy and join the party. Imagine what a joy Sita and Sri Rama gave to all!

नेपथ्य विधिपूर्वं तु कृत्वा चापि प्रदक्षिणम् "The vanara women came all dressed up beautifully and worshipped the Vimana circumambulating it for a safe and auspicious journey." 

Sri Rama shows where he encountered Kabandha, where he met the great devotee Shabari, the spot where Jatayu was killed fighting Ravana to save Sita, the beautiful hermitage in Panchavati where they had lived long before Ravana abducted Sita, the ashramas of great sages Agastya, Sharabhanga, and Atri  where they were blessed by holy sages and Sati Anasuya, the Chitrakuta spot where Bharata had come to plead for Sri Rama's return, the holy rivers Yamuna, Ganga and Sarayu too... the spot where they were received by Guha...

Even as we read these mentions, our mind races back to the stories we have been blessed to read!

Sri Rama says, "lo and behold! yonder lies the great city of King Dasharatha, Ayodhya!"

ततस्ते वानराः सर्वे राक्षसाः सविभीषणाः उत्पत्योत्पत्य संहृष्टास्तां पुरीं ददृशुस्तदा 

"Immediately all the occupants of the Vimana, which was by now filled with a large number of vanara heroes and their women as well as Vibhishana and his rakshasa ministers, leapt up from their seats repeatedly to get a good look from several thousand feet above in the air at the great city of Ayodhya, the capital of Sri Rama!"

Valmiki says that what they saw from high above was a city like Indra's Amaravati, with tall powers, beautiful residences, precious decorations as well as elephants and horses.

***

Sri Rama now decided to pay his respects to Sage Bharadwaja. He accordingly landed the Vimana and approached the sage in his large hermitage. Valmiki says that at that moment the fourteen years of exile had been completed and it was Panchami.

Sri Rama requested the sage to update him about Ayodhya and its goings-on. 

Smilingly, the sage replied:

आज्ञावशस्ते भरतो जटिलस्त्वां प्रतीक्षते पादुके तेपुरस्कृत्य सर्वं च कुशलं गृहे 

"Oh, Sri Rama, by your order, Bharata, living the ascetic life sporting matted locks, has conducted the royal duties by worshipping your padukas. He now ardently awaits you. All is well in Ayodhya."

***

Sage Bharadwaja summarises the incidents so far, from the moment of Sri Rama's exile by Kaikeyi, mentioning whatever he has been through, including the destruction of rakshasas in Janasthana, Sita's abduction, Hanuman's discovery of Sita, the building of the bridge, and Sri Rama's killing of Ravana. The great sage has witnessed all these with his divine vision. He adds that his disciples visit Ayodhya often and bring all the news of its welfare.

The sage now offers Sri Rama a boon and tells him to ask for anything.

Sri Rama expresses his respectul gratitude and asks,

अकालफलिनो वृक्षाः बहूनि विविधानि च भवन्तु मार्गे भगवन्नयोध्यां प्रतिगच्छतः 

"Oh, respected sir, I request that on the way to Ayodhya from here, let all the trees irrespective of this season bear bountiful fruits of several varieties."

The sage is glad to bless, "Be it so!" Immediately, everything around is resplendent in a divine way with luscious fruits.  Even dried trees bloomed with plenty of honey too. 

ततः प्रहृष्टाः प्लवगर्षभास्ते बहूनि दिव्यानि फलानि चैव कामादुपाश्नन्ति सहस्रशस्ते मुदान्विताः स्वर्गजितो यथैव

"Then the vanaras in their thousands delightedly feasted on the bountiful fare of fruits en route as if they had conquered heaven."

***

 

॥      श्रीरामजयम्       ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - February 10

February 10 - Sarga 121 and 122 of Yuddha Kanda.

Vibhishana offers the best of hospitality and royal enjoyments to Sri Rama in gratitude and to celebrate the victory over Lanka. But Sri Rama wants to proceed without any delay as Bharata is waiting for him in Ayodhya.

They leave for Ayodhya in the great Pushpaka Vimana immediately.

***

After Sri Rama and all others rested for the night, King Vibhishana approached Sri Rama deferentially and affectionately and submitted that perfumed baths, anointing pastes, choice garments, wonderful ornaments, and many garlands were ready and would Sri Rama be so kind and proceed to enjoy them and accept this grateful hospitality. Sri Rama replied most cordially,

"King Vibhishana, kindly invite Sugriva and the vanaras to enjoy these royal baths and adornments. "

स तु ताम्यति धर्मात्मा सुकुमारो भरतः सत्यसंश्रयः "Dear Bharata, full of Dharma, devoted to truth, awaits me. These ceremonial baths are inopportune for me as I have to go back to him right now, and the path to Ayodhya is long and arduous. "

Vibhishana said that indeed, Sri Rama could reach Ayodhya on the same day! 

अह्ना त्वां प्रापयिष्यामि तां पुरीं पुष्पकं नाम भद्रं ते विमानं सूर्यसन्निभं मम भ्रातुः कुबेरस्य 

तदिदं मेघसङ्काशं विमानमिह तिष्ठति तेन यास्यसि यानेन त्वमयोध्यां गतज्वरः 

"Dear Rama, today itself, I shall arrange for you to reach Ayodhya, worry not! There is here the divine vehicle Pushpaka Vimana that belongs to Kubera which was wrested from him by Ravana in the past. Luminous like the sun, big as a raincloud, it stands ready and you can travel happily without any anxiety. "

"But Sri Rama, I beseech you to stay on for a while and accept my hospitality if you think I am worthy. I place before you, Lakshmana and Devi Sita whatever I can offer. It will give me the greatest joy if you partake of my hospitality along with your wellwishers and your army."

Sri Rama replied, for everyone around to hear:

पूजितोऽस्मि त्वया वीर साचिव्येन परेण च चेष्टाभिः सुहृदेन "Oh lord of rakshasas, indeed I have already been propitiated by you with your supreme counsel, and supremely affectionate help on all fronts. Please do not mistake me, 

तं तु भ्रातरं दृष्टुं भरतं त्वरते मनः  मां निर्वर्तयितुं योऽसौ चित्रकूटमुपागतः शिरसा याचितो यस्य वचनं न कृतं मया 

"My mind is impatient and in a hurry for me to go to Bharata, who came to Chitrakuta pleading that I should return to Ayodhya then. He bowed down and begged, but I did not accede. He came with our mothers, ministers, Guha, the citizens of Ayodhya, to importune me. I, therefore, request you to kindly permit me. Please do not be displeased thinking I am rejecting your kindness. Indeed, please arrange the Pushpaka at once and oblige me."

King Vibhishana arranged to present the Pushpaka Vimana immediately. Sri Rama and Lakshmana were astounded to see a mountain-like divine vehicle with its glitter, decorations, adornments, and facilities.

It was multi-tiered, full of silver and gold, and had been crafted by Vishvakarma, the gods' architect, himself. It could travel at the speed of thought, unhindered. 

When Vibhishana presented with all humility the vehicle for Sri Rama's service, Sri Rama was delighted. He then said this, after some thought, within hearing of Lakshmana, with much affection in his voice, "Oh King Vibhishana, kindly honour all these vanaras with precious gems, and gifts, as they richly deserve this. It is owing to their relentless effort and help that Lanka has been won. They were happy to fight without caring for their lives. Your generous gifts of gratitude will please the vanara chiefs immensely. All will praise you for unstinting generosity and appropriate expression of gratitude."

Sri Rama added that a king who does not generously reward his army or people for all that they have done will be forsaken in the hour of need for his ingratitude and miserliness and exploitative attitude.

King Vibhishana understood Sri Rama and generously rewarded all the vanaras with gems, wealth, vehicles, and so on.

Satisfied with the proceedings, Sri Rama then held a bashful Sita in his arms as he boarded the Pushpaka along with Lakshmana. Bidding his affectionate farewell, he addressed Sugriva and Vibhishana:

मित्रकार्यं कृतमिदं भवद्भिर्वानरर्षभाः अनुज्ञाता मया सर्वे यथेष्टं प्रतिगच्छत 

"Dear brave Vanara warriors, you have rendered me great, friendly, help. Thank you again. Now you are free to go where you please."

"King Sugriva, I assure you that you have done whatever a wellwisher friend ought to do. I am saying this because I know you are loath to act deficiently in Dharma. Kindly travel quickly with your army back to Kishkindha, your kingdom. Vibhishana, you also establish your rule well in Lanka. Henceforth even the gods cannot challenge you. I myself shall proceed now to my father's kingdom, Ayodhya. Please give me your permission to take leave of you."

Then, in one voice, the vanara chiefs as well as Vibhishana said, with folded hands, "Oh, Lord Sri Rama, we also want to come to Ayodhya! Please allow us to come and witness your great coronation, offer our greetings and respects to Devi Kausalya,  and roam in the delightful gardens around Ayodhya! We shall then quickly return to our homes."

प्रियात्प्रियतरं लब्धं यदहं सुसुहृज्जनः "Of course, dear ones! This is dearer than anything else for me! I would love to go to Ayodhya with my dearest friends and well-wishers! Please come along!"

The overjoyed vanaras and Vibhishana with his ministers quickly boarded the vast Pushpaka and settled themselves well and appropriately.  On Sri Rama's order, the Pushpaka Vimana now took off into the skies. 

One can imagine that divine sight of the huge aerial vehicle glittering like a heavenly ornament as it majestically cruised in the skies, led by swans in the front. Valmiki says anyone would have mistaken Sri Rama for Kubera himself. Everyone was hugely enjoying the flight!

***

॥        श्रीरामजयम्        ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - February 9

February 9 - Sargas 119 and 120 of Yuddha Kanda. 

The supreme lord Shiva and King Dasharatha now shower their blessings on Sri Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita.

Sri Rama requests Lord Indra to restore life and full health to all the vanaras and bears killed in the battle, which Indra does gladly.

***

एतत्श्रुत्वा शुभं वाक्यं राघवेणानुभाषितम् ।

इदं शुभतरं वाक्यं व्याजहार महेश्वरः        ॥

"Hearing the auspicious words of Sri Rama, Lord Maheshvara Shiva spoke the following words, conferring even greater auspiciousness."

"Oh, Sri Rama, lotus-eyed, endowed with mighty arms, and a broad chest, you have fortunately completed your mission and you are the foremost among upholders of Dharma."

दिष्ट्या सर्वस्य लोकस्य प्रवृद्धं दारुणं तमः ।

अपावृत्तं त्वया सङ्ख्ये राम रावनजं भयम्  ॥

"Sri Rama, fortunately, the utterly terrible darkness that had engulfed the whole creation and the great fear created by Ravana has been removed by you by winning this battle."

"Dear Sri Rama, go and console the grieving Bharata. Give joy to Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra by your return. Establish your rule well in Ayodhya, take care of good people, perform Rajasuya, donate generously to Brahmins, and thus complete your mission and then return to your eternal abode. Please see here, your dear father King Dasharatha is seated in this celestial vehicle. He was your glorious guru in this human birth. He reached Indraloka by the dint of your good deeds and your service to him. Bow down to him along with Lakshmana."

दीप्यमानं स्वया लक्ष्म्या विरजोम्बरधारिणम्  "Sri Rama and Lakshmana saw their father, lustrous in his own divine radiance and dressed in a spotless garment.

"Dasharatha was gladdened beyond description after beholding Sri Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita. He embraced Sri Rama dearly and made him sit on his lap. 

Dasharatha spoke: "Dear Rama, as I was separated from you, heavenly life and gods' reverence to me meant nothing to me. You have completed your mission of killing Ravana and have also completed your fourteen-year exile. This gives me immense joy. Dear Rama, I still remember clearly Kaikeyi's words that exiled you. But I am at peace after seeing you and Lakshmana well. You have uplifted me like sage Astavakra saved his father Kahola. I came to know only now from these gods that you are Purushottama who was born as Sri Rama to kill Ravana. Kausalya is blessed to be your mother and will be so happy on your return. The people of Ayodhya will be blessed to see you crowned. I wish to see you reunited soon with the righteous and devout Bharata. I bless you:

भ्रातृभिः सह राज्यस्थो दीर्घमायुरवाप्नुहि - "Along with your brothers, rule well and live long!"

Sri Rama bowed low to Dasharatha, and now made a plea.

कुरु प्रसादं धर्मज्ञ कैकेय्या भरतस्य च "Oh lord, you know Dharma well. Kindly be gracious to Kaikeyi and Bharata. You had disavowed them at the time of my exile. Please take back that terrible curse." Dasharatha was glad to revoke his curse. Now he embraced Lakshmana, standing with bowed head.

रामं शुश्रूषता भ्क्त्या वैदेह्या सह सीतया कृता मम महा प्रीतिः प्राप्तं धर्मफलं च ते "Dear Lakshmana, by serving Sri Rama and Sita so well, with devotion, you have made me extremely happy and also earned great merit by your Dharma. Your name will be renowned for this glory. Sri Rama's grace will confer heaven on you.  Continue to serve Sri Rama well as he will cater to the welfare of all. Just see this - all the gods and rishis are bowing down to him. He is none other than Avinashi Brahman!"

Now Dasharatha addressed Sita, standing with reverence. He called her, "Dear daughter!"

In sweet and soft words, he spoke: "Dear Sita, the delight of Videha, please don't take Sri Rama's hard stance just now to heart. Forgive him. He had only your welfare at heart and considered what needed to be done to establish your glory and purity in the eyes of the whole world. Your completing the Agni-pariksha by the power of your glorious character is an act well-nigh impossible. Forever, you shall excel all other women. I need not tell you that serving Sri Rama is your foremost duty."

Dasharatha now departed to Indraloka, looking a picture of infinite joy, blessing Sri Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita.

***

Lord Indra bowed to Sri Rama now and asked, "Please ask me for any boon. Our meeting should not be in vain."

Sri Rama was overjoyed. Look at what he asked!

मम हेतोः पराक्रान्ता ये गता यमसादनम् । ते सर्वे जीवितं प्राप्य समुत्तिष्ठन्तु वानराः ॥

"Oh, Lord! For my sake, all these vanaras and bears and golangulas forsook their wives and children and fought this deadly war. Many have died. Kindly bring them back to life. Give them health and restore their limbs completely. Be gracious and grant that they shall be provided with plenty of forest fare and river water always wherever they may be. "

Lord Indra was immensely pleased to fulfill Sri Rama's request.

All those vanaras and bears who had died in the battle now got up as if awakened from a deep sleep. Fully restored, they could only marvel at what might have happened. 

मैथिलीं सान्त्वयस्वैनामनुरक्तां यशस्विनीं भ्रातरं भरतं पश्य त्वच्छोकाद्व्रतधारिणम् 

"Sri Rama, please console this divine lady Sita, totally, lovingly, devoted to you. Also, go at once and cheer up Bharata, who has been engaged in hard austerities on account of the grief of separation from you." 

***

All the gods blessed Sri Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita again, and bid them a happy journey to Ayodhya. They then left in their divine vehicle. 

Bidding the gods farewell, Sri Rama addressed all those around and requested them to take the much-needed rest for now.

Valmiki says that the huge army looked like the expansive night bathed in the moonlight of the gracious protection of Sri Rama and Lakshmana.

***

॥       स्रीरामजयम्       ॥