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A Practical
Indian Philosophy |
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The Story of Shree Raama (The
main structure of Shree Raama's story is the same in Vaalmeeki's,
Vyaasa's, Tulaseedaasa's and many other Raamaayanas. Ancillary events
and emphases vary in them. To narrate this story with its full
significance in faith, philosophy and conduct requires a volume. That
significance is glimpsed in explanations of some couplets in this
Selection. Shree Raama's brief story provides here only the reference
to the context of couplets. It is referred to as the Story in the text.
) BAALAKAANDDA
Tulaseedaasa begins his Book, the Shree Raamacharita Maanasa, by an
invocation to Saraswatee and Ganaysha. The former is the goddess of
learning, of the arts and of speech. The latter is the god who removes
obstacles, is worshipped before undertaking any benevolent work and
bestows happiness upon us. Before commencing to write Shree Raama's
story, Tulaseedaasa offers salutations to Shiva and Paarvatee, Vishnu,
his guru (1-7) Brahmins, the
virtuous, and the wicked. He contrasts the good with the bad and shows
their effect on those who keep their company. He believes that all the
living and the non-living are imbued with Shree Raama. He offers
salutations to all beings, (8-17) to
Vaalmeeki, who wrote the first Raamaayana, to the Vedas, to
Brahmaa, Vishnu, Shiva, Hanumaan and to other gods and goddesses. (18-23) (For
God, His Incarnation, gods and goddesses, please see (65) in Section III.)
In offering his salutations to Shree Raama, Tulaseedaasa shows the
greatness of His name. He expresses the impossibility of describing His
excellence and the significance of His story. (24-36)
Tulaseedaasa gives
God Almighty incarnated as Shree Raama, the son of Dasharatha who was
the King of Ayodhyaa. Shiva saw him searching in the forest for his
consort Seetaa. Seeing Shree Raama, Shiva was very happy and did
obeisance to him. (38-40) Shiva's
consort Satee accompanying him, saw this.
She could not understand Shiva, who, with Vishnu and Brahmaa was
himself a god of the Indian trinity of gods, showing respect to the son
of a mere king. Unable to explain that Shree Raama was God, Shiva
allowed Satee to test Him for herself. Satee assumed the form of
Seetaa, Shree Raama's consort. Shree Raama recognized Satee's reality
and knew why she was there. To remove Satee's doubt, by a miracle,
Shree Raama showed Satee many trinities of Brahmaa, Vishnu, and Shiva,
each with his consort, and also as many Shree Raama, Seetaa and
Lakshman all around Satee. All Shree Raama, Seetaa and Lakshmana were
identical. The three gods of the Indian trinity were all different from
each other. Wonder-struck at this miracle which only God could perform,
Satee closed her eyes and sat down. When she opened her eyes nobody was
there. Her doubt about the reality of Shree Raama as Brahman incarnate
was removed. On return, she did not tell Shiva that she assumed the
form of Seetaa, the consort of Shiva's master Shree Raama. Shiva,
however, divined it and gave up his relationship with Satee as his
consort.(41-45)
Sometime later Satee's father, Dakshaprajaapati, organized a big
sacrificial ceremony. Owing to an old unpleasantness with Shiva,
Dakshaprajaapati did not invite his daughter, Satee, and his
son-in-law, Shiva, to this ceremony. With Shiva's reluctant permission,
Satee, being keen on it, went uninvited to attend the ceremony. Not
welcome by her father and finding her husband insulted, Satee immolated
herself in the ceremonial hall by a fire created by her psychic powers.
While dying, Satee asked for a boon from God that whenever she was
reborn, she should be devoted to Shiva. On her immolation, the entire
ceremony, along with her father Dakshaprajaapati, was destroyed by
Shiva's attendants. (46)
Satee was then reborn as Paarvatee, the daughter of Himavanta, a king
in Himaachala in the mountainous north of
After Satee's self-immolation, Shiva developed detachment. Later, Shree
Raama asked Shiva for a boon that the latter should marry
Paarvatee. (51) At this
juncture, Seven Sages happened to come to Shiva. He asked them to test
Paarvatee's love for him. They tried to persuade Paarvatee to accept
Vishnu as a better husband for her. She refused. (52-53)
Concentrating upon Shree Raama, Shiva went into deep meditation.
Meanwhile a demon Taaraka made life miserable for gods. All gods
approached Brahmaa for relief. He told them that the demon would be
destroyed by Shiva's son. So, Brahmaa advised the gods to send
Kaamadayva, the god of earthly love, to wake up Shiva from his deep
meditation. Shiva should then be persuaded to marry Paarvatee. In this
undertaking, Kaamadayva risked his life. (54) By an
arrow made of flowers aimed at Shiva's chest, Kaamadayva disturbed him.
Shiva's one angry look burnt Kaamadayva to ashes.
Led by Brahmaa, all gods prayed to Shiva to marry Paarvatee. He agreed.
The marriage party comprised Shiva's associates or attendants who were
frightful in appearance. The groom was smeared with ash from pyres,
adorned with serpents and wore a garland of skulls for his jewellery.
On seeing this, Mainaa was upset. She was assuaged when Naarada told
her that Paarvatee was eternally Shiva's inseparable consort. (55-57)
Kaartikay, the son born from their marriage, destroyed Taaraka, the
demon, and freed all gods from their fear.
One day Paarvatee requested Shiva to narrate the story of the
Incarnation of God in Shree Raama from his childhood. (58-63) In reply,
Shiva explained to Paarvatee the concept of devotion, of maya and of
the impersonal and Shree Raama as the personal aspects of the
imperceptible Godhead Brahman. The same imperceptible Brahman had
assumed the form of Shree Raama to protect the godly in their pursuit
of the dharma. (64-74)
Narrating Naarada's story as a reason for God's Incarnation,
Yaajnavalkya told Bharadwaaja that once Naarada went into deep
meditation upon Hari, a name for Vishnu. The Chief of gods, Indra,
became apprehensive, lest Naarada secured the throne of the former in
heaven through meditation. Indra requested Kaamadayva, the god of
earthly love, to disturb Naarada's meditation. Kaamadayva failed. This
victory over the god of love and lust made Naarada proud. He narrated
his victory to Shiva. Against Shiva's advice, Naarada narrated his
story first to Brahmaa and then to Hari. Hari decided to uproot pride
from his devotee Naarada. (75-77)
By his maya, Hari created a city. Its princess, Vishvamohinee of
celestial beauty, was to select a groom for herself.
Naarada saw her horoscope. Her husband would be the ruler of all the
universes. It struck Naarada to marry her. He went and prayed to Hari
for His charming form. Receiving the boon, Naarada went to the marriage
ceremony. Hari, which also stands for a monkey, gave him that face. It
was visible as such only to the bride and to Shiva's two attendants
sitting close to Naarada. They smiled at Naarada's antics to attract
the bride towards himself. She ignored him
and selected another suitor. The attendants advised Naarada to look at
his face in a mirror. Seeing his reflection, Naarada was furious.
Meeting the attendants on the way, he put a curse upon them to become
demons in their next life.
Frustrated, Naarada decided to curse Hari or end his own life at His
feet. On his way, Naarada saw Vishnu, one of Whose names is Hari,
accompanied by Lakshmee and Vishvamohinee. Feeling cheated and in
boundless fury, Naarada put a curse upon Him. Vishnu would be born as a
man. He would be separated from His wife to suffer pain just as He
caused it to Naarada. Further, as a man, Vishnu would be victorious
with the help of monkeys. As a result, Vishnu was born as Shree Raama.
Vishnu gladly accepted Naarada's curse. Vishnu removed the veil of His
maya. Vishvamohinee became one with Lakshmee, Vishnu's consort. Free
from maya, Naarada saw this reality, became desolate and prayed that
his curse be annulled. Vishnu told Naarada that it was all Vishnu's own
plan (78)
On the way, Shiva's two attendants met Naarada and prayed for mercy. He
told them that as a king of powerful demons and his brother, they would
be killed and liberated personally by God. Vishnu was born as Shree
Raama. He killed and liberated the attendants who were born as Raavana
and Kumbhakarana.
Continuing his narrative, Yaajnavalkya told Bharadwaaja that God
incarnated in age after age. There was no end to the anecdotes of His
deeds. (79-81)
Yaajnavalkya narrated another story. Once King Manu and his Queen
Shataroopaa observed prolonged austerities for a vision of God. In
response, He appeared as Shree Raama and Seetaa. Manu and Shataroopaa
prayed for a son like Shree Raama. He promised to be born as their son,
when they would be reborn as the King and Queen of Ayodhyaa. (82-85)
Yaajnavalkya then narrated Prataapabhaanu's story. Prataapabhaanu
conquered many smaller kings. Nurturing revenge, one of them hid in a
forest as a hermit. Once while hunting and losing his way,
Prataapabhaanu reached this hermit. The hermit recognized him;
Prataapabhaanu didn't. He was keen to become the emperor of the world.
The hermit convinced the ignorant Prataapabhaanu of immense occult
powers to fulfil his ambition. The hermit had him carried sleeping to
his palace in the night by Kaalakaytu, a demon friend of the hermit.
On the hermit's advice, Prataapabhaanu invited Brahmins to a feast
where the hermit would cook and Prataapabhaanu would serve. The hermit
put flesh of animals and of Brahmins in the food. Mimicking a heavenly
voice Kaalakaytu warned the Brahmins not to eat the contaminated food.
The angry Brahmins put a curse upon Prataapabhaanu to be born as a
demon. He and his brother were born as Raavana and Kumbhakarana. (86-88)
Puranic stories carried conviction initially. In today's world, some
appear to blow trivialities into divine importance to make them fables.
The reality of the Incarnation of God and gods should be separated from
stories of their origin. Their reality is based upon their capability
to be experienced personally. Men with a purified heart can have this
experience.
Unable to bear Raavana's cruelties, the gods prayed to God Almighty for
protection. A heavenly voice announced that God would incarnate as a
son of Dasharatha and Kaushalyaa at Ayodhyaa. This freed the earth and
gods from their fears. (89- 92)
After these Puranic stories, Tulaseedaasa begins the story of Shree
Raama's birth. Dasharatha was the King of Avadha, with Ayodhyaa as its
capital in
In due time Shree Raama was born, followed by Bharata on the next day
and Lakshmana and Shatrughna on the following day. Sage Vasishttha
performed the naming ceremony. He gave the name Raama to the eldest
son. (93-95)
Once Kaushalyaa put Shree Raama to sleep in his cradle. She offered
food to the family deity and went to the kitchen. On return she saw
Shree Raama eating the offering. She checked the cradle to find him
asleep. Back to the deity, he was there. Seeing two Shree Raamas, she
trembled with awe. Upon this, Shree Raama showed her His cosmic form in
His full glory.
Sometime after the children completed their Brahmacharya
schooling with Vasishttha, one day Vishvaamitra came to Dasharatha's
court. He requested Dasharatha to allow Shree Raama and Lakshmana to
accompany him to the forest to exterminate demons and free hermits from
fear. Dasharatha hesitated. As Vishvaamitra did, Vasishttha also knew
that Shree Raama was Brahman in person. He persuaded Dasharatha to let
the children go.
On the way, demoness Taarhakaa accosted them. At Vishvaamitra's
bidding, Shree Raama destroyed her. Vishvaamitra imparted Knowledge to
the brothers. He also made over to Shree Raama all the psychic powers
and the arts of weaponry and warfare, which the former had acquired
through severe yogic disciplines. One day the demon Maareecha attacked
the sages. Shree Raama's headless arrow threw him miles away on the sea
coast. Shree Raama destroyed demon Subaahu and all the demon hordes.
Janaka, King of Mithilaa, invited Vishvaamitra to bless the ceremony
for the selection of a groom for Janaka's daughter, Seetaa.
Vishvaamitra took Shree Raama and Lakshmana to that ceremony. On the
way, Shree Raama wondered at an uninhabited hermitage. Vishvaamitra
explained that due to a misunderstanding, Sage Gautama put a curse upon
his wife Ahalyaa to become a piece of rock. At Vishvaamitra's command,
Shree Raama touched the rock with his foot. Ahalyaa emerged from it.
She offered Shree Raama a prayer and left for Gautama's abode in
heaven. (96)
Vishvaamitra reached near Mithilaa. Janaka hastened to receive him.
Janaka was charmed by the two princes. (97) Next
morning the princes went to the royal garden to collect flowers for
worship. There, Shree Raama saw Seetaa, Janaka's daughter, on her way
to the temple. Seetaa saw him too and both fell in love with each
other. On reaching Goddess Paarvatee's temple, Seetaa prayed that Shree
Raama be her husband. Paarvatee granted Seetaa's prayer. On return,
Shree Raama related his seeing Seetaa to Vishvaamitra. He blessed Shree
Raama that his desire be fulfilled. (98-100)
In the ceremonial hall for Seetaa's marriage, Janaka himself escorted
Vishvaamitra and the two princes to a higher seat than for other kings.
Shree Raama and Lakshmana became the cynosure of all eyes. All felt
that they had lost Seetaa. The arrogant, however, boasted that they
would defeat Shree Raama and take away Seetaa. The wise advised them to
have a vision of God Himself.(101-102)
The heralds announced that whosoever could mount an arrow on Shiva's
bow and thereby break it would marry Seetaa. All the suitors failed
even to lift the bow. Despondent Janaka announced that none was strong
and Seetaa would remain unmarried. (103)
On this insult to youth, Lakshmana's rage to break the bow was checked
by Shree Raama. Vishvaamitra asked Shree Raama to break the bow.
Seetaa's mother Sunainaa feared how a stripling could do what demon
kings Raavana and Baanaasura could not. Her companions assured her that
that was possible.(104)
Seetaa was unhappy with her father's vow. Trusting an old saying that
sincere love was fulfilled, she prayed. (105)
Shree Raama saw Seetaa in distress, moved to the dais, bowed to his
guru Vishvaamitra and lifted the bow with alacrity. Like an arc of
lightening, it became circular and broke. None could see how it broke.
The crash was heard in all the worlds. (106)
Happiness settled all round. Seetaa was escorted and was petrified
gazing at Shree Raama. Egged by her companion she placed the garland
round Shree Raama's neck as a symbol of her being won over.
At that moment Parashuraama, a Brahmin destroyer of countless Kshatriya
kings, arrived. All princes lay prostrate before him. Janaka and Seetaa
paid him homage. So did Vishvaamitra and, after their introduction,
Shree Raama and Lakshmana. Parashuraama blessed all. But his eyes were
riveted upon Shree Raama's celestial charm.
Parashuraama became furious on seeing Shiva's bow lying broken. He
wanted to punish the culprit. Shree Raama submitted that one who was
Parashuraama's servant was guilty. That enraged the sage more.
Lakshmana's taunts fanned his anger. Shree Raama defended Lakshmana who
in his immaturity was upholding the tradition of his royal family not
to submit to threats. Shree Raama submissively requested to be punished
by the sage.
As a test, Parashuraama offered his bow to Shree Raama to mount an
arrow. The bow itself moved to Shree Raama's hand. From this sign,
Parashuraama instantly recognized Shree Raama as Vishnu's Incarnation.
After praising him, the sage returned to the forest. The arrogant and
wicked kings had earlier sneaked out of the marriage hall.
Vishvaamitra advised Janaka to invite Dasharatha and Shree Raama's
brothers, Bharata and Shatrughna, for the marriage. Dasharatha's party
arrived at Janakapuree. Shree Raama and Lakshmana followed Vishvaamitra
to Dasharatha. All met and exchanged greetings.
Janaka proposed and Vasishttha approved it and directed that the three
brothers be also married. Bharata was to be married to Maanddavee, the
eldest daughter of Janaka's brother, Kushadhwaja; Lakshmana to Urmilaa,
Janaka's younger daughter; and Shatrughna to Shrutakeerti, Maanddavee's
sister. When the four brothers on horse back started for the bride's
place, Brahmaa, Vishnu with Ramaa, and Shiva were captivated by
them. (107-108)
Janaka persuaded Dasharatha to prolong his stay for a month after which
Janaka bid him a loving farewell.
Dasharatha reached Ayodhyaa. The sight of Shree Raama and Seetaa in
that party was irresistible for all. (109) The
city, the palace and the
Ayodhyaakaandda
Tulaseedaasa commences the second chapter of the Shree Raamacharita
Maanasa by a prayer to Shiva, Shree Raama and to his guru. (111)
Noticing the hair on his temples turning grey, Dasharatha decided to
retire and make Shree Raama the Crown prince. Vasishttha, Sumantra,
ministers and councillors joyously supported him. Learning this, Shree
Raama regretted the injustice of the family tradition of the succession
to the throne of the first son. He wished for Bharata's return. Along
with Shatrughna, he had gone to his maternal grandfather.
The gods and their Chief Indra were unhappy with Dasharatha's decision.
They persuaded Saraswatee to arrange for Shree Raama's exile. He could
then kill demons who were destroying
hermits and sages in the forests and harassing gods in heaven. With the
power of her maya, Saraswatee perverted the mind of Kaikayee's maid
Mantharaa.(112)
Mantharaa learnt the news of the crowning of Shree Raama in the
jubilant streets. Her face fell. When pressed by Kaikayee, Mantharaa
told her that only Shree Raama and Kaushalyaa were happy that day.
Mantharaa poisoned Kaikayee's mind against Kaushalyaa, a co-wife.
Mantharaa convinced Kaikayee that Kaushalyaa conspired with Dasharatha.
To secure the throne for Shree Raama, she sent Bharata away. Kaikayee
loved both Shree Raama and Kaushalyaa, but could not withstand
Mantharaa's wiles. Mantharaa suggested that from queenly robes,
Kaikayee should change into a coarse garb, feign anger and sulk on the
floor. On Dasharatha cajoling her, she should remind him of the battle
with demon Saambara. In that battle, Kaikayee brought wounded
Dasharatha in a chariot to safety. He offered two boons which she held
in reserve for future. She should ask for the boons now. The King
should first promise to grant the boons on oath on the life of Shree
Raama. She should then ask Dasharatha to make Bharata the King, and
second, to exile Shree Raama to live in forests for fourteen years.
Kaikayee was trapped. (See 113-114)
Arriving at Kaikayee's palace in the evening, Dasharatha was scared by
its desolate silence. He was shocked at seeing Kaikayee. Her appearance
looked like the omen of his death. He swore by Shree Raama to do
anything to please her. The Queen taunted her on his promises. (115-116)
She bound the King on oath. Dasharatha assured her that Kaushalyaa had
no hand in his decision to crown Shree Raama. He told Kaikayee that in
the exile for Shree Raama she asked for her widowhood. (117)
Sumantra, the King's Minister, inquired about the King's delay in the
morning. Kaikayee asked him to call Shree Raama. He saw his father's
condition. Kaikayee told him of the two boons. Shree Raama told her
that he was blessed to be of service to his parents. (118)
Kaikayee was happy with Shree Raama's obedience. She assured him that
he could not hurt his father. He requested his father not to be sad and
let him go. (119) The
news of his exile reached the people. (120) Wives
of sages and Brahmins failed to dissuade Kaikayee from her resolve.
Shree Raama went to Kaushalyaa. She was happy and offered him sweets.
His friend told her of the exile. She was stunned yet collected
herself. She said that if both mother and father exiled him he should
leave. (121)
Hearing the news, Seetaa came over to Kaushalyaa. Shree Raama tried to
persuade her to stay back. Seetaa countered that she had the same
duties towards him which he pointed out to his mother towards his
father to dissuade her from accompanying Shree Raama. How could Seetaa
stay back? Kaushalyaa worried about her. (122)
Giving precedence to dharma over tradition, Shree Raama had to agree
with Seetaa. Hearing about exile, Lakshmana hurried to Shree Raama.
Shree Raama asked him to serve the parents and Ayodhyaa. (123)
Lakshmana pleaded, would his master forsake his slave? Giving devotion
and surrender precedence over all other dharma, Shree Raama was forced
to ask Lakshmana to take his mother Sumitraa's permission. She was
shocked but being of a purified mind, she had clear vision to collect
herself. She told Lakshmana that Shree Raama was God Almighty in
person. Lakshmana should treat Seetaa as his mother and Him as his
father and serve them. Hearing this, Urmilaa saw her husband's maximum
gain by his single-minded devoted and undisturbed service to God in
person. She saw herself as a distraction for her husband to detract
from his duty. She wisely recognized Seetaa's duty to be with Shree
Raama and her duty to stay back. (124-126)
Lakshmana and Seetaa joined Shree Raama and went to Dasharatha. He
moaned that it was against the law of karma that they should suffer for
his acts.(127) He
failed to persuade Shree Raama and then Seetaa to stay back. The three
scions put on garbs of hermits and bidding farewell, left the palace. A
little further, they did obeisance to Vasishttha and moved on. The city
rose in lamentation.
On seeing Shree Raama leave him, Dasharatha lost consciousness. On
regaining it, Dasharatha directed Sumantra to show the children in a
chariot round the forest and bring them back after three or four days.
If the sons did not return, he should persuade Seetaa to return.
Sumantra persuaded Shree Raama, Seetaa and Lakshmana to ride on the
chariot. The people of Ayodhyaa followed them. Shree Raama could not
persuade them to return. After a day, Shree Raama requested Sumantra to
drive the chariot at night and leave confusing marks of hoofs and
wheels to prevent people from following them.
The party reached Shreengavayrapura on the bank of the sacred river
Gangaa. (128) All
did obeisance to, and bathed in the river. Meeting them, Guha, the
King, of Nishaada tribe of ferry-men, did his obeisance to Shree Raama
and others. He wondered why they were exiled. (129)
Sitting as guards at a distance in the evening, Guha gathered the story
from Lakshmana. To assuage Guha's pain, Lakshmana told him that Shree
Raama was God in an embodied form and was beyond the law of karma and
their consequences in His exile.(130-138)
In the morning Shree Raama and Lakshmana matted their hair. On this,
Sumantra tearfully gave Dasharatha's message to bring them back. Shree
Raama explained his duty to Sumantra. He requested him to assure
Dasharatha not to worry.(139)
Seetaa told Sumantra she would be happy with Shree Raama. Bidding
Sumantra farewell they proceeded onwards. Sumantra stayed back hoping
for their return.
Shree Raama, Lakshmana and Seetaa, reached the bank of Gangaa. Guha
called a ferry-man Kayvatt. He had heard about the touch of Shree
Raama's foot turning a piece of rock into a woman. In all humility, he
insisted upon first washing Shree Raama's feet in a wooden trough, lest
the planks of his boat flew away as women. Seetaa gave her ring to
Shree Raama for the ferry-man. But he would not accept any fare. He,
however, offered to accept anything on their return to cross the
river. (140-141)
After bathing in Trivaynee, the confluence of three sacred rivers
Gangaa, Yamunaa and Saraswatee at Prayaaga, the scions reached Sage
Bharadwaaja's hermitage. He offered Shree Raama a hymn. (142)
After a day's rest, their journey continued. On the way, Shree Raama,
Lakshmana and Seetaa bestowed bliss upon all who saw them. The
conversation among forest women and with Seetaa was charming. (143) Shree
Raama followed by Seetaa and Lakshmana appeared as the embodiments of
maya between Brahman and the human soul, respectively. (144) The
vision of their journey in a man's dream sets him on the path for Shree
Raama's abode. (145)
The three scions reached Sage Vaalmeeki's hermitage. He blessed them.
He knew that Shree Raama was God. On Shree Raama asking him for a
suitable place for stay, he pointed out that He should stay in the
hearts of His devotees. (146-148-168) Then
Vaalmeeki suggested Chitrakootta hill for a hermitage. (169)
Shree Raama moved there. Sages, hermits, and local tribesmen came to
see him. He blessed them, gave them discourses on dharma and protected
them from demons.
Seeing Guha return home alone, Minister Sumantra lost all his strength
in despair. He despondently returned to Ayodhyaa by night. Listening to
Sumantra and giving up hope of seeing Shree Raama again, Dasharatha
died with `Raama, Raama' on his lips.(170-171)
Vasishttha sent a messenger to Bharata and Shatrughna. The two brothers
found Ayodhyaa desolate. Bharata learnt the story from Kaikayee. Shree
Raama's exile made Bharata forget his
father's death. The exile made him furious against his mother and
himself for being the cause of the entire disaster. (172)
Bharata begged Kaushalyaa's pardon. She told him not to blame anyone.
It was all God's will. Bharata consoled Sumitraa too. Kaushalyaa
clasped Bharata to her bosom again and told him to do what was
appropriate at the time.
Vasishttha had Dasharatha's body preserved in oil in a boat. He asked
Bharata to perform the last rites of his father.
Later, Vasishttha summoned the ministers and the nobility. First he
narrated the whole story. He advised Bharata to obey the King's word.
On Shree Raama's return, Bharata could do as he wished. Kaushalyaa
supported Vasishttha. Bharata begged first to go and meet Shree Raama
in the forest.(173-175)
Led by Vasishttha and the
Gods provided clouds and a cool fragrant breeze for relief to the
journeying party. (183)
Scared of the power of Bharata's love for Shree Raama, Indra requested
Brihaspati to prevent Shree Raama's return to Ayodhyaa. Brihaspati told
Indra that Shree Raama was angry with those who were inimical to His
devotees and loved those who served them. Indra should seek His devotee
Bharata's help.(184-187)
Seeing Bharata walking and surviving on fruit and tubers, village women
remarked that no one could equal Bharata in any way. (188) The
party now reached near Shree Raama's hermitage. Tribesmen informed
Shree Raama of Bharata arriving with the army. Lakshmana suspected
Bharata. Shree Raama assured Lakshmana that power could not pollute
Bharata's mind.
Shree Raama was giving a discourse to hermits. Reaching near this
assembly, Bharata fell prostrate in obeisance. He called aloud Shree
Raama, saying, `Save me. Save me.' Recognizing Bharata's voice,
Lakshmana drew Shree Raama's attention to it. He hastened, lifted
Bharata, embraced him and all the brothers met. Guha informed Shree
Raama that Vasishttha, mothers, ministers and others had all come from
Ayodhyaa. Shree Raama and Lakshmana hastened and did obeisance to
Vasishttha and the mothers. Shree Raama spoke comforting words. (189)
Seetaa also did obeisance to Vasishttha and her mothers-in-law. He told
Shree Raama that Dasharatha was no more. Mourning was observed on the
day and father's obsequies performed on the next.
Everyone desired to stay with Shree Raama for a few days. Various
alternatives were considered. Bharata wanted to persuade Shree Raama to
be crowned. Vasishttha also suggested it. He suggested that Shree Raama
and Lakshmana could return to Ayodhyaa and Bharata and Shatrughna stay
in the forest.(190-192) They agreed. Shree Raama assured
Bharata that he would do whatever Bharata wished. Vasishttha encouraged
Bharata to speak out his heart's desire. (193) Bharata realized that he should
obey Shree Raama, his master..(194-195) At this moment Janaka arrived.
To retrace the story, when Dasharatha died, Janaka's spies informed him
that Bharata had gone to bring Shree Raama back. So, Janaka came over.
Janaka's Queen Sunainaa, went to meet the
Queen Mothers from Ayodhyaa. Kaushalyaa put the whole blame on karma. (196-197) She
praised Bharata but feared his suffering harm from Shree Raama's
separation. She requested Sunainaa to request Janaka to arrange for
Lakshmana's return and Bharata's stay with Shree Raama. Kaushalyaa
allowed Sunainaa to take Seetaa along with her. According to ancient
tradition, she returned before the sunset. (198-199)
Janaka told Sunainaa that Bharata would obey Shree Raama.
Shree Raama requested Vasishttha to arrange for all to return to
Ayodhyaa because of the hardships of the forest. Vasishttha asked
Janaka for a way out of the impasse. (200)
Indra was fearful that Shree Raama would return out of his love for
Bharata and the demons would not be destroyed. Indra requested
Saraswatee to pervert Bharata's mind by her maya. Saraswatee told Indra
that her maya was powerless.(201)
On Vasishttha asking, Shree Raama said he would obey his guru and his
father-in-law, Janaka. Bharata thanked Shree Raama for his love which
he had for Bharata even though Bharata disobeyed both his father and
his master, Shree Raama.(202-205)
Bharata begged for Shree Raama's pardon and asked for his orders for
him. In his fear, Indra made the assembly double-minded. Should they
stay on in the forest with Shree Raama, or go back to the comforts of a
home at Ayodhyaa? (206)
Shree Raama dispelled this delusion and persuaded Bharata to return to
Ayodhyaa. (207)
Bharata asked for Shree Raama's permission to leave with a prop to lean
on. Shree Raama first advised Bharata on his duty as a king. (208)
Shree Raama then gave his sandals to Bharata. (209) Out
of reverence, he touched them with his forehead. Shree Raama bade
farewell to all.
Alone in their hermitage Shree Raama, Seetaa and Lakshmana symbolized
Knowledge, devotion to God and other-worldliness, respectively. (210)
At Ayodhyaa, Janaka arranged things and left. On an auspicious day
Bharata installed Shree Raama's sandals on the throne; entrusted the
care of the state to ministers; the care of mothers to Shatrughna; and
with Vasishttha's and mothers' permission, erected a hermitage near
Nandigraama outside Ayodhyaa. With Shree Raama in his heart, Bharata
took to a hermit's life of penance in a forest but remained the king in
name.
Aranyakaandda
Moving from Chitrakootta, Shree Raama reached Sage Atri's hermitage.
Atri praised Shree Raama in a hymn. (212) His
wife Anasooyaa talked with Seetaa about women's duties. (213-223)
Tulaseedaasa comments that salvation can be achieved through devotion
to Shree Raama. (224-225)
The scions moved on. On the way they killed demon Viraadha. Shree
Raama, Seetaa and Lakshmana reached Sage Sharabhanga's hermitage. He
dedicated all his efforts by which he attained jnaana to Shree
Raama in lieu of devotion to him. (226)
Moving on, Shree Raama saw a mound of bones of hermits and sages
devoured by demons. He vowed not to rest till he freed the earth of all
demons.
Shree Raama reached the hermitage of Sage Agastya's disciple
Suteekshna, who had faith in Shree Raama's compassion. (227) The
disciple offered Him a hymn. He granted the disciple the boon of
devotion, detachment, Knowledge and its experience. (228-233)
Suteekshna then led Shree Raama to Agastya. Agastya offered a hymn to
Shree Raama. (234)
Agastya suggested Panchavattee in Ddanddaka forest for Shree Raama's
stay. On the way, they met and made friends with Jattaayu, the king of
vultures.
At Panchavattee Lakshmana once asked Shree Raama to explain to him the
concepts of Eeshwara, human soul, dharma, Knowledge,
non-attachment, devotion and the means of liberation from grief, fear,
passions, the duality of maya and from the bondage to rebirth. Shree
Raama explained him those concepts in Vedanta. (235-249)
One day demoness Shoorpanakhaa, Raavana's sister was roaming about in
forests. Falling for Shree Raama, she assumed the form of a beautiful
maiden and asked him to marry her. He told her to go to Lakshmana who
was unaccompanied by his wife. Lakshmana spurned and upbraided
her. (250)
Shoorpanakhaa resumed her demoniacal form and scared Seetaa. On a sign
from Shree Raama, Lakshmana, cut off both of Shoorpanakhaa's ears and
the nose in one stroke. Shoorpanakhaa ran to Khara, Dooshana and
Trishiraa, Raavana's demon friends, to avenge her. Shree Raama
destroyed the entire demon horde. Shoorpanakhaa went to Raavana, and
taunted him on his pride of power. (251- 252)
Raavana wondered that only an Incarnation of God Almighty could destroy
Khara and Dooshana. (253-255)
After Shoorpanakhaa left, Lakshmana went to collect fruit and tubers.
In his absence, Shree Raama told Seetaa to stay in fire till he
completed his task. Seetaa entered fire leaving behind her human
replica. Just as energy can subsist in matter, matter too can subsist
in energy. Thought, a form of energy, can
materialize matter, e. g., miracles. The followers of Sanaatana Dharma
believe that thought causes the creation and encompasses the universe.
When Lakshmana returned he did not know that the living replica was not
the real Seetaa. (256)
To test if Shree Raama was God, Raavana asked Maareecha to change
himself into a deer and frisk about near Seetaa. She would be attracted
by it. When Shree Raama went after it, Raavana would abduct her.
Maareecha could not convince Raavana not to fight God Almighty in the
human form of Shree Raama and was forced into Raavana's plan .(257)
Attracted by it, Seetaa requested Shree Raama to bring the deer skin
for her. Shree Raama asked Lakshmana to guard Seetaa. Following the
deer for some distance, Shree Raama shot an arrow. When dying,
Maareecha truly mimicked Shree Raama's call of distress, `Lakshmana,
Lakshmana.'
Seetaa heard it. Lakshmana could not convince Seetaa that Shree Raama
needed no help. Forced to go, he drew a circle with the point of an
arrow in the ground round Seetaa's hut and requested her not to step
outside it.
In the garb of a hermit, Raavana begged Seetaa for alms. By threats and
guile he persuaded Seetaa to step across the circle and forced her into
his flying chariot. Her cries brought Jattaayu to her rescue. Raavana
left it mortally wounded. Further on, Seetaa saw some monkeys on a hill
and threw them a piece of her scarf. Raavana put Seetaa guarded in the
Ashoka garden in Lankaa.
Seeing Lakshmana, Shree Raama told him Seetaa would not be in the hut.
Lakshmana submitted his innocence. Reaching the hut, Shree Raama wailed
Seetaa's loss just like an ordinary man. Searching for Seetaa, they
found Jattaayu. He told them that Raavana took her away. Shree Raama
caressed Jattaayu but it preferred to die in Shree Raama's arms. Its
astral body in Hari's resplendent form sang a hymn in Shree Raama's
praise and reached Shree Raama's abode. (258- 260) Shiva
commented on Jattaayu's story to Paarvatee that Shree Raama's kindness
for those in distress needed no cause. (261)
The search for Seetaa began. On the way Shree Raama killed a demon
Kabandha. The brothers reached tribal woman, Shabaree's hut. She
instantly recognized Shree Raama by recalling her guru Matanga's words.
Her faith in those words made her Shree Raama's exemplary devotee.
Revering him, she expressed her inability to praise him. Shree Raama
himself offered a hymn to her which is a famous discourse on
devotion. (262-269)
Shabaree told him to proceed to Pampaa lake where Sugreeva would tell
them about Seetaa. Imbibing Shree Raama's celestial charm, Shabaree
created a fire by her psychic powers, immolated herself
and merged into Shree Raama. Tulaseedaasa here advises the reader to
give up worldly desires and single-mindedly devote himself to Shree
Raama. (270)
While Shree Raama was searching for Seetaa in forests, he was also
imparting lessons in spiritual wisdom to Lakshmana. (271- 273)
Shiva commented to Paarvatee that the world was a dream. The reality
was Shree Raama's name and deeds. (274) At
Pampaa lake Naarada visited Shree Raama. On his asking, Shree Raama
explained why he, as Vishnu, prevented Naarada's marriage. When as a
devotee, such as Naarada was under the influence of lust, a woman was
the source of all evil for him. (275)
On his request, Shree Raama described the qualities of good and bad
persons.(276-282)
Concluding this chapter, Tulaseedaasa comments that the fortunate ones
give up lust and anger and are devoted to Shree Raama. (283-284)
Kishkindhaakaandda
Hanumaan cemented the friendship between Shree Raama and Sugreeva to
rid the latter of his fear of Baali. Shree Raama recognized Seetaa's
scarf which Sugreeva brought out. Sugreeva promised that he would do
his utmost to trace Seetaa. He told Shree Raama that his brother Baali,
the King of monkeys, and Sugreeva loved each other. Once a demon
Maayaavee attacked Baali. He made the demon run for his life into a
cave. Baali followed him. He instructed Sugreeva to wait outside the
cave for fifteen days. If by then Baali did not come out, to treat him
as dead. Sugreeva waited for thirty days when a stream of blood flowed
out of the cave. Sugreeva thought Baali was killed. He put a heavy slab
on the mouth of the cave to stop the demon's exit and returned to
Kishkindhaa. On Baali's death, ministers and citizens pressed Sugreeva
into being crowned as the King.
In fact Baali killed the demon and came back shortly after. He kept
back Sugreeva's wife and ran to kill Sugreeva. Sugreeva escaped to the
haven of Rishyamooka hill. Baali suspected Sugreeva sealed the cave to
usurp Baali's kingdom. He ignored Sugreeva's entreaties of innocence.
Baali once killed a demon Dundubhi. Baali threw pieces of the demon's
body far off all around. One piece desecrated the hermitage of Matanga
on Rishyamooka hill. The sage put a curse on Baali that if Baali ever
approached Rishyamooka Hill, his head would be shattered.
Shree Raama assured Sugreeva that as a good friend, He would kill
Baali. (289) To
convince Sugreeva that he had the power to do so, Shree Raama pierced
the trunks of seven massive trees by a single arrow. Sugreeva expressed
his gratitude and love for Baali for becoming the cause of friendship
with Shree Raama. Shree Raama prompted Sugreeva to challenge Baali for
a fight. Baali had a boon from God that whoever faced him in battle
lost half his strength to Baali. His Queen Taaraa warned Baali that
Sugreeva's strength was imbued with Shree Raama's who was God. But
Baali came out and gave Sugreeva a beating to make him run for his
life.
Sugreeva protested. Shree Raama restored his strength by a caress of
his hand. Shree Raama said He could not distinguish between the
brothers. They looked alike to him. (Both were Shree Raama's devotees.
Sugreeva loved Baali. It was unethical to kill a friend's friend. After
the beating, Sugreeva no longer loved Baali.) Shree Raama placed a
garland round Sugreeva's neck and asked him to go and fight again.
In the second combat when Sugreeva lost heart, Shree Raama killed Baali
by an arrow from a hiding place. (290-292)
Being God's devotee, Baali recognized Shree Raama as God in person and
recited a hymn in his praise. Baali requested that Angada, his son, be
accepted by Shree Raama in his service and care. Baali died and reached
Shree Raama's abode. Shree Raama directed Lakshmana to crown Sugreeva
as the King and Angada as the Crown Prince of Kishkindhaa. Shiva
commented to Paarvatee on this story that Shree Raama made everyone
dance like marionettes. Further, none was such a selfless benefactor of
the world as Shree Raama was. (293-294)
In the rainy season, Shree Raama illustrated to Lakshmana some of the
eternal truths by similes from nature which was a great teacher for
all. (295-297)
After the rains, nothing was heard from Sugreeva. Shree Raama bid
Lakshmana to put mortal fear in Sugreeva as a reminder of his promise
to help in Seetaa's search. On this, Shiva commented to Paarvatee that
Shree Raama was never angry with anyone. (298) On
Hanumaan's reminder, Sugreeva had earlier sent his soldiers from
Kishkindhaa to search for Seetaa. On Shree Raama's bidding, Lakshmana
entered and threatened to burn Kishkindhaa. Knowing Lakshmana to be shy
of women, Sugreeva requested Taaraa,
On the sea-shore in the south, a vulture Sampaati came out of a cave to
devour the monkeys. He became friendly on hearing Jaambavaan's loud
praise of Jattaayu who happened to be Sampaati's brother. The latter
told them that anyone, who could leap 800 miles and back, could
accomplish Shree Raama's work. (301)
Jaambavaan reminded Hanumaan of his powers, who said that He would leap
across the ocean in sport.
Sundarakaandda
Hanumaan found a temple dedicated to Hari in Lankaa. Assuming the form
of a Brahmin, He reached it. Vibheeshana, Raavana's brother inside, was
repeating Hari's name. When Vibheeshana came out, he directed Hanumaan
to Seetaa in Ashoka gardens. (304-305)
Hanumaan hid in a tree close to Seetaa. The next moment Raavana,
accompanied by his Queen Mandodaree also reached there. He threatened
to kill Seetaa if she did not consent to marry him within a month.
After Raavana left, Trijattaa, the head guard, narrated her dream of
the previous night to Seetaa. Trijattaa saw the burning of Lankaa, ill
omens of Raavana's death and Seetaa's return to Shree Raama. Seetaa
asked her to light apyre for Seetaa's self-immolation. Saying that no
fire could be found in the evening, Trijattaa left.
Hanumaan dropped the ring close to Seetaa. She picked it up and
immediately recognized it. On Seetaa's asking, Hanumaan revealed
himself as Shree Raama's messenger. Hanumaan's eloquent portrayal of
Shree Raama's agony on separation from Seetaa saved her from committing
suicide. Seetaa blessed Hanumaan. He asked her and she let him eat
fruit from the Ashoka garden.
Hanumaan ate the fruit, destroyed the garden, killed demon guards and
Raavana's son Akshai Kumaara. Mayghanaada attacked Hanumaan with a
weapon gifted by Brahmaa. Hanumaan succumbed to honour it. On
recovering consciousness, He advised Raavana to surrender Seetaa with
honour to Shree Raama and seek His refuge. (306) On
Raavana's anger, Vibheeshana advised him not to kill a messenger. It
was decided to maim Hanumaan's tail by burning it. Hanumaan lengthened
his tail to use up all the cotton and oil in Lankaa. Hanumaan was
paraded in the city and his tail set on fire. Immediately Hanumaan
diminished his size, escaped from loosened ropes and leaped from roof
to roof. Lankaa was in flames and filled with cries of distress. Only
Vibheeshana's home, Hari's temple and Ashoka garden remained safe.
Hanumaan returned to Seetaa. She gave him a pendant from her forehead.
She asked him to remind Shree Raama of his reputation of rescuing the
distressed.(307)
After a roar which frightened Lankaa, Hanumaan leapt back across the
ocean.
Sugreeva's brigade returned to Kishkindhaa. Hanumaan gave Seetaa's
message to Shree Raama and received his thanks. (308- 310) Shree
Raama asked Sugreeva to march to Lankaa. The horde of monkeys and bears
reached the sea-shore across Lankaa.
On the other side Mandodaree, Raavana's Queen, advised him to surrender
Seetaa and avoid fighting Shree Raama. Rejecting her advice, Raavana
went to his council chamber. Reminding him of his victory over gods,
his ministers advised him to wait and not worry.(311)
Vibheeshana entreated Raavana to give up lust, return Seetaa to, and
seek refuge in Shree Raama. An old minister Maalyavaan agreed with this
advice. Raavana ordered both to be thrown out. Maalyavaan went away but
Vibheeshana fell at Raavana's feet. Raavana kicked him to go and join
the young hermits He cherished. (312-316)
Vibheeshana reached Shree Raama's camp. Sugreeva advised his detention
as a spy. Shree Raama never refused refuge to anyone. (317-320) He
addressed Vibheeshana as the King of Lankaa. (321)
Vibheeshana praised Shree Raama. (322-324) He
explained to Vibheeshana his nature to grant refuge to any seeker. (325-329)
Vibheeshana advised Shree Raama to ask the ocean for a passage for the
army. This suggestion did not please Lakshmana.(330) The
ocean did not respond for three days. Shree Raama fitted the fire arrow
to his bow. (331-333) The
ocean god emerged and begged Shree Raama's pardon.(334) He
told Shree Raama that any rock touched by Generals Nala and Neela,
would float on water to make a bridge.
Concluding this chapter, Tulaseedaasa points out that those who listen
with reverential faith to hymns to Shree Raama easily cross the ocean
of rebirth without a boat. (335)
Lankaakaandda
Shree Raama sent Angada to persuade Raavana to surrender.(342)
Scared by Hanumaan's recent exploit, on Angada's entry, Raavana's
council chamber stood up in awe unwittingly. Angada failed to bring
around Raavana.(343-345)
Raavana belittled Shree Raama. Angada was furious and struck both his
fists on the ground. The earth shook. Some ministers fell down. Raavana
managed to balance himself but his four crowns fell. Angada threw them
afar. Hanumaan caught them and brought them to Shree Raama. Raavana
shouted that Angada be seized. No one dared. Angada planted his foot in
the chamber with a challenge. If anyone could move his foot, Shree
Raama would return without Seetaa. Everyone tried and failed. Raavana
rose. Angada shamed him to clasp Shree Raama's feet. Humiliating
Raavana, Angada returned. Mandodaree taunted Raavana that to abduct
Seetaa, He could not even cross Lakshmana's circle of security round
Seetaa's hut. Monkeys had already killed Raavana's two sons. Was death
beckoning him?(346)
Angada told Shree Raama that Raavana's four crowns were four elements
of a ruler's statecraft. Angada gave a report on the fortifications of
Lankaa. The siege began. Demons were destroyed but Raama's compassion
gave them salvation. (347)
Raavana consulted his ministers. Maalyavaan ventured that abduction of
Seetaa brought unhappiness to Lankaa. Raavana should give her up.
Raavana called him a wretch. Raavana's son, Mayghanaada, promised to
show glory in battle next day. Next day Mayghanaada attacked and made
Lakshmana unconscious but could not lift him. Hanumaan carried
Lakshmana to Shree Raama. On Jaambavaana's advice, Hanumaan went and
lifted physician Susayna with his house and all from Lankaa. Susayna
named a herb and the mountain where it
grew. Hanumaan left to bring it.
Not recognizing the herb, Hanumaan uprooted the mountain and flew back
with it. On the way across Ayodhyaa, mistaking him to be a demon,
Bharata brought him down with a headless arrow. Hanumaan fell with
Shree Raama's name on his lips. Bharata put at stake the purity of his
love for Shree Raama on the former's prayer to restore Hanumaan to
health. Immediately Hanumaan became well. Bharata inquired about Shree
Raama, Seetaa and Lakshmana.
Waiting for Hanumaan, Shree Raama lamented like an ordinary human
mortal for his unconscious brother. (348)
Hanumaan returned. Susayna administered the medicine. Lakshmana
recovered. Hanumaan replaced Susayna with his house and all in Lankaa.
Learning of Lakshmana's recovery, Raavana woke up his brother
Kumbhakarana from his six monthly slumber
and told him the predicament. Kumbhakarana called Raavana a fool for
expecting some good to come out of abducting Seetaa, the mother of the
universe. Kumbhakarana advised Raavana to worship Shree Raama.
Regretting all that happened, Kumbhakarana told Raavana to embrace him
with love at this parting to let him feast his eyes on Shree Raama's
divine figure in the battlefield.
Seeing Kumbhakarana in the battlefield, Vibheeshana fell at his feet
and related his story. Kumbhakarana lifted Vibheeshana, called him
thrice blessed and the jewel of the demon race. He told Vibheeshana
that Raavana was in the grip of death. Vibheeshana should worship Shree
Raama and leave Kumbhakarana as He too was in the grip of death and
could not distinguish between friend and foe. Kumbhakarana played havoc
among the monkeys. Shree Raama killed him and his head flew and fell in
front of Raavana. Kumbhakarana's soul, in the form of light, entered
into Shree Raama's mouth. On this, Shiva commented to Paarvatee that
even demons were given by Shree Raama a place in his own abode. (349)
Next day Mayghanaada created havoc among monkeys. He tied up Shree
Raama and Lakshmana by snakes as if they were ropes. Jaambavaana lifted
Mayghanaada by his foot and threw him into Lankaa. On Naarada's
request, Garurha released Shree Raama and Lakshmana by snapping snakes.
Recovering in shame before his father, Mayghanaada went to perform
rites and ceremonies to gain invincibility. On being informed by
Vibheeshana, Shree Raama sent Lakshmana, Angada, Hanumaan and others.
They wrecked Mayghanaada's rites and killed him. Mandodaree made
lamentations. Raavana tried to assuage the pain of the widows of his
son and of other demons with words of wisdom. (350)
Raavana entered the arena on a chariot. Shree Raama was without any
armour and bare footed. Vibheeshana nervously asked him how He could
defeat Raavana. Shree Raama explained to Vibheeshana the qualities
which made a man ever victorious.(351-355) The
battle was furious and fate appeared to be swinging from one side to
the other. Lakshmana attacked Raavana and felled him. His charioteer
took him to Lankaa. When Raavana recovered He set himself to perform
some sacrificial rites to secure immortality. Vibheeshana warned Shree
Raama. He dispatched Angada, Hanumaan and others. They attacked
Raavana. He fought leaving ceremonies to be destroyed by other monkeys.
He knew He had lost.
The big battle began. Raavana tried many tricks of illusion to confuse
the monkeys. But Shree Raama effortlessly dispelled them. Indra sent
his chariot for Shree Raama. Giving respite to monkeys, Shree Raama
engaged Raavana in a duel. Raavana boasted of his power to Shree Raama.
He told Raavana not to ruin his reputation by self-praise.
(356)
Shree Raama struck off Raavana's heads many times. Each invariably
cried when falling, "Where is Raama?" New heads grew up instantly on
Raavana's shoulders. Jaambavaana attacked Raavana and made him
unconscious. His charioteer took Raavana to his palace because of
nightfall.
Recovering from consciousness and wild with the charioteer, Raavana
again entered the battlefield at dawn. Shree Raama then shot thirty one
arrows. One arrow dried up the nectar in Raavana's navel. The other
arrows cut off his ten heads and his twenty arms. Shree Raama's next
arrow cut Raavana's torso into two to fall dead on the ground. His soul
entered Shree Raama's mouth.
Shree Raama asked Vibheeshana to perform Raavana's last rites. Shree
Raama sent his generals with Lakshmana to crown Vibheeshana as the King
of Lankaa. Shree Raama asked Hanumaan, Angada and Vibheeshana to escort
Seetaa honourably to Shree Raama's camp outside Lankaa. Seetaa was
brought with honour in a palanquin. Before she could reach Shree Raama,
He directed her palanquin-bearers to let Seetaa come on foot. Shree
Raama said a few reproachful words to Seetaa. On hearing them, Seetaa,
asked Lakshmana to kindle a fire for her immolation. Tearful Lakshmana
not daring to disobey Seetaa's command which Shree Raama's silence affirmed, lighted a pyre. Seetaa prayed that if
she always had only Shree Raama in her heart and no one else, then let the fire be cool to her. She then
entered the fire. The fire assumed a human form which escorting the
real Seetaa, presented her to Shree Raama. Gods, led by Brahmaa, sang a
hymn to Shree Raama. (357) With
moist eyes Dasharatha also came down from heaven for the occasion.(358)
Shree Raama asked Indra to restore to life all those monkeys and bears
who died in the battle. Shree Raama wanted to give credit to Indra. His
nectar revived monkeys and bears some of whom were gods in that form to
serve Shree Raama. Demons were not revived. Having absorbed Shree
Raama's image when dying they were free from rebirth. (359) On
this, Shiva commented to Paarvatee that no discipline or path equalled
selfless love for Shree Raama for securing His kindness. (360)
Vibheeshana brought out Pushpaka, the aerial carriage, for the return
journey to Ayodhyaa. Shree Raama yielded to the desire of Vibheeshana,
Sugreeva, Angada, Jaambavaana, Hanumaan, Nala and Neela, to accompany
him in the aerial carriage.
On the return journey to Ayodhyaa, Shree Raama pointed out to Seetaa
the spots where Raavana and Kumbhakarana died, the bridge over the
ocean, Raamayshwaram, and the Ddanddaka forest. They alighted at
Chitrakootta. After meeting sages and hermits Shree Raama moved on and
landed at Trivaynee. Shree Raama asked Hanumaan to go in the garb of a
Brahmin to Ayodhyaa, inform Bharata and bring back news. Shree Raama
then visited Bharadwaaja's hermitage. Guha heard of Shree Raama and
joined him.
Uttarakaandda
When Shree Raama saw the people coming over He landed his aerial
carriage Pushpaka and dismissed it. Dropping his bow and arrows, Shree
Raama walked over and did obeisance to Vasishttha who embraced him.
Bharata fell at Shree Raama's feet. Everybody felt as if Shree Raama
met him personally.
Reaching the palace, Shree Raama met mother Kaikayee first who embraced
him. Sumitraa embraced her son Lakshmana. Thereafter they met all the
mothers. Seetaa bowed to greet and met her mothers-in-law too. Calling
them as his comrades, Shree Raama introduced Vibheeshana, Sugreeva,
Angada, Hanumaan and others to Kaushalyaa and Vasishttha. She called
them all as dear to her as her son. Shree Raama went and consoled
remorseful Kaikayee.
On an auspicious day, Vasishttha himself crowned Shree Raama as King.
Bharata, Lakshmana, Shatrughna, Vibheeshana, Sugreeva, Angada,
Hanumaan, Nala, Neela and others stood around the throne on which
Seetaa was seated on Shree Raama's left. Shiva came and sang a hymn to
Shree Raama. (361)
Following a tradition, Tulaseedaasa conveys the message of Shree
Raama's life also through the conversation of Kaakabhushunddi, a crow.
It narrated Shree Raama's story to a majestic bird, Garurha, to remove
the latter's ignorance about Shree Raama being an Incarnation of
Brahman, a name for the Almighty God. The dialogue of these two birds
explains many deep concepts of Sanaatana Dharma. (362-365)
Six months passed in festivities. Shree Raama,
thanked his comrades again.(366) He had all of them
invested with robes and jewels. With Sugreeva's permission, Hanumaan
stayed back. Guha was the last to leave. Shree Raama's coronation ended
their sorrow and brought joy to all the three worlds. (367-368)
One day, Shree Raama showed his humility in the welcome of four sages
who visited him. (369) They sang a hymn to
Shree Raama and left. Later, in response to Bharata's enquiry, Shree
Raama explained the qualities of good and bad people and the concepts
of dharma, sin, karma and maya. (370-389) One
day, Shree Raama gave a discourse to the citizens of Ayodhyaa. He
prefaced it by requesting the assembly to think for themselves. If they
found something in Shree Raama's talk which was contrary to traditional
wisdom, they should point it out. He emphasized the importance and the
best use of the human body. (390-393) He
brought out the superiority of devotion to God over the path of
knowledge and the value of godly company and good conduct. (394-397) He
cautioned against forcing others to the devotee's own faith. (398) The
assembly praised Shree Raama for explaining to it what was in its
highest interest. (399)
One day, Vasishttha told Shree Raama that on Brahmaa's advice, He was
working as the royal family priest which was not the highest calling.
So, He could serve God in Shree Raama. (400)
Shiva commented to Paarvatee that Hanumaan was very fortunate in his
devotion to Shree Raama. (401) He
also told her that even those who secured freedom from rebirth in life
enjoyed Shree Raama's story. (402) It
created love for Him and gave the listener bliss and salvation. (403)
Paarvatee then asked Shiva how Kaakabhushunddi, a crow, could attain
devotion of a high order to Shree Raama and could recite his story to
Garurha, the King of birds. Shiva told Paarvatee that Garurha released
Shree Raama and Lakshmana from the snakes with which Mayghanaada had
tied them up. Shree Raama allowed Mayghanaada to do that to honour a
boon the latter had earned. Maya created a doubt in Garurha if such a
helpless prince could be God's Incarnation. To remove that doubt Shiva
sent Garurha to Kaakabhushunddi, a crow. The crow was spiritually
highly advanced. It was a human being in its earlier lives. It became a
crow by a curse put upon it. Under God's inspiration, power and grace,
it used to pray, narrate Shree Raama's story and give discourses to
animals and birds which freed a living being from maya. (404-405)
Tulaseedaasa's comment is that even Brahmaa and Shiva could not escape
from being ensnared by Shree Raama's maya. (406)
Garurha asked Kaakabhushunddi how He acquired devotion to Shree Raama.
Kaakabhushunddi answered by a discourse on the role of Shree Raama's
hand-maid maya and other subjects. (407-410) It
pointed out to Garurha that it was easy to believe in an indiscernible
Almighty God. But it was difficult to understand His embodiment in an
Incarnation. (411) It
explained to Garurha that Shree Raama removed pride from his
devotees. (412-414)
Kaakabhushunddi told Garurha that one day at Ayodhyaa, the former
started wondering what was so special about
Shree Raama's play as a baby. Shree Raama's maya caused this though.
The moment the thought struck the crow, Shree Raama started crawling to
catch it. It flew away but looking behind found Shree Raama's hand
nearly catching him. It flew to Brahmaa's abode but that hand was still
there. The crow was scared and closed his eyes. When it opened its eyes
it found itself in Ayodhyaa again near Shree Raama who smiled to see it
back.
Once when Shree Raama laughed the crow was drawn inside His mouth and
into His stomach. The crow saw there thousands of universes, with their
suns, stars and planets, men, beasts and demons, the animate and the
inanimate; each universe with a distinctive stamp; and each with its
own different Brahmaa, Vishnu, Shiva, Dasharatha, Kaushalyaa and Shree
Raama's brothers. But Shree Raama was the same in all and so were his
childlike plays. The crow wondered and pondered. Shree Raama laughed at
its distress. That pushed it out from Shree Raama's stomach. It cried,
`Save me, Save me,' and dropped to the ground. Shree Raama's caressing
hand on its head restored it to its joy in watching Shree Raama as
before.
The crow prayed to Shree Raama and received the boon of continual
devotion to Him and freedom from maya for ever. Shree Raama then told
it that giving up all other means and faiths one should only worship
him because none was as dear to him as one who served him. (415-416)
After receiving that boon, Kaakabhushunddi returned to its hermitage.
Kaakabhushunddi told Garurha the great importance of faith, devotion
and a guru. (417-420)
Garurha asked Kaakabhushunddi how it acquired the body of a crow and
escaped the power of death? (421-422)
Kaakabhushunddi replied that Lomasha gave it a boon that it could give
up its physical body whenever it liked. But the crow did not do so,
because it needed a body with which to sing devotional songs. (423)
Kaakabhushunddi then related that in one of the past Kaliyugas,
it was born in Ayodhyaa as a human being in the lowest caste. He was a
Shiva's devotee. Describing the many evils of Kaliyuga,
Kaakabhushunddi also gave two instances, viz. ,
that men danced like monkeys to women's tunes and some Brahmins were
lustful. (424-425)
Kaakabhushunddi added that the three ages, Satyayuga, Traytaayuga
and Dwaaparayuga did not equal Kaliyuga, with all its
faults, in its facilities for securing the highest by men. (426-431)
In an earlier human body, Kaakabhushunddi ostentatiously worshiped
Shiva, as the only God supreme, in a temple at
Passing from one life to another, Kaakabhushunddi was at last born as a
Brahmin. Whosoever He met, taught him the knowledge of unmanifested
Brahman. But Kaakabhushunddi wanted to have devotion to God in His
manifested and visible form. In his search, Kaakabhushunddi reached the
hermitage of Lomasha. This sage also gave a discourse on the
unmanifested Brahman.(435)
Kaakabhushunddi hotly argued with Lomasha. (436)
Lomasha lost his temper and put a curse upon him to become a crow.
Kaakabhushunddi bowed in reverence to Lomasha even after becoming a
crow. Lomasha's heart melted at its humility. He called it back and
then taught it like his child how to meditate on Shree Raama. Lomasha
blessed Kaakabhushunddi that it would always remain Shree Raama's
devotee. At will, it could leave one and enter into another body. This
blessing was confirmed by a heavenly voice. Kaakabhushunddi thus ended
its story how it acquired devotion to Shree Raama.
Garurha asked Kaakabhushunddi, what was the difference between the path
of Knowledge and that of devotion or bhakti to God?(437)
Kaakabhushunddi replied that there was no difference. He added that
Shree Raama's maya was very powerful. (438) This
maya and bhakti were both treated as women. Bhakti was
dear to Shree Raama. So, where there was bhakti in a man, maya
dared not distract him. (439) So,
the wise preferred bhakti to Knowledge for reaching Shree Raama.
Kaakabhushunddi further explained that the human soul was
indestructible but remained bound in a human body. The human being fell
into the clutches of maya or desire. Maya attracted man to the world of
objects making him believe it to be real. (440) Till
He freed himself from maya, a man could not get happiness. By following
the path of Knowledge man could secure his liberation. This path was
like a double edged sword.(441- 442)
Devotion to God secured liberation effortlessly even without the
devotee wishing for it. Kaakabhushunddi recommended devotion because He
believed that the devotee was greater than Shree Raama himself.(443-446)
Garurha then asked Kaakabhushunddi seven questions; what was the most
precious body for a being in the cycle of rebirth, the greatest
suffering, the greatest happiness, the
characteristics of the virtuous and of the wicked, the greatest
meritorious deed, the greatest sin and the diseases of the mind. (447-449)
Kaakabhushunddi replied that the most precious was the human body, the
greatest suffering was poverty, the greatest happiness was the company
of the spiritually advanced, the wicked hurt others, the highest
meritorious conduct was non-violence, the most heinous sin was false
criticism, the diseases of the mind were excess of desire including
lust, anger, greed, attachment (the idea of mine and thine) pride and
envy. Any one of these was fatal.(450-454)
Discipline, righteous conduct (dharma), Knowledge, performance of
sacrifices, prayers and charity, all these means could not cure the
diseases of the mind. (455) But
Shree Raama's grace could cure them all. (456-457) A
healthy mind was marked by a discriminatory intelligence, aversion to
worldly pleasures and was free from sensuous and selfish desires.(458)
Concluding his discourse, Kaakabhushunddi told Garurha that the company
of the spiritually advanced was the most difficult to get.(459)
Though a crow was the lowest of all birds, it was blessed by Shree
Raama to deserve devotion to Him. Though impure in every way, it was
blessed by Shree Raama with the ability to purify others by his
discourses which removed Garurha's doubt that Shree Raama was God's
Incarnation. Garurha thanked Kaakabhushunddi and flew away.
Shiva commented to Paarvatee that association with holy persons,
listening to their discourses on Shree Raama's life and the singing of
His praise, was the most profitable activity. The availability of this
association needed Shree Raama's grace. (460)
Shiva told Paarvatee that he narrated to her Shree Raama's entire story
and Kaakabhushunddi's discourse to Garurha. This was because listening
to them destroyed sins committed by man by thought, word and deed. (461)
Devotion to Shree Raama was not easy to attain even by sages. It could
be secured effortlessly by listening to his story. (462)
Shiva said that that family was blessed indeed which had a member who
was humbly devoted to Shree Raama. (463)
Those persons deserved to listen to his story who loved holy company
and sought devotion to Shree Raama. (464-465)
Shiva said to Paarvatee that He narrated Shree Raama's story because it
destroyed man's sins of the present age, Kaliyuga and all the
diseases of the mind and also secured man salvation. (466-467)
Paarvatee thanked Shiva for removing her doubts about Shree Raama being
both a man and Almighty God. (468-470)
Tulaseedaasa commented that narrating or listening to Shree Raama's
story with reverential faith and devotion, ended man's cycle of
rebirth. In the present Kaliyuga, yoga and other means could not
achieve anything but through this story devotion developed to Shree
Raama, which was the only means for a man to attain liberation.
Completing Shree Raama's life story in the Shree Raamacharita Maanasa,
Tulaseedaasa submitted that none was in distress like He was and none
cared for those in distress like Shree Raama did. He, therefore, prayed
that Shree Raama be pleased to eliminate all distress from the
world. (471-473) |
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Home
Dedication
Reviews
An Appeal
Author's
Note
Arrangement
of Book
Hindi
Spellings
Table of
Contents
Tribute to
Gandhi
Introduction
The Raama
Story
Philosophy
Baalakaandda
Ayodhyakaandda
Aranyakaandda
Kishkindhaakaandda
Sundarakaandda
Lankaakaandda
Uttarakaandda
Index
Glossary
Proper Names
Bibliography
Acknowledgments
Appendices
Ghazal