Adhyatma Ramayanam Day 30. Uttarakandham Contd. - The End

Adhyatma Ramayanam Day 30. Uttarakandham Contd. The End

Audiobook Link - Adhyatma Ramayanam  40.20 m

Ramayanam Kilippaattu Day 30 രാമായണമാസം - ദിവസം  30

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqyM89V0K0I

Uttarakandham Contd. - The End

Ashvamedha Yaga

Sri Rama asked Lakshmana to call Vasishta, Vamadeva, and other sages, and Brahmanas along with the Vanara leaders such as Sugriva from Kishkindha, and Rakshasa leaders such as Vibhishana, from Lanka. “You go around the different kingdoms with the horse and come back without delay. Bharatha, build a magnificent arena in Naimisha, to conduct the Yaga; ensure that it would excel even the facilities available in heaven. We need to build several houses for the visiting kings, dignitaries, and Brahmanas. There should be facilities for the armies and animals to stay comfortably. People of all the four Varnas are to be accommodated. The streets are to be decorated and prepared to receive a large crowd coming to attend this great Yaga. Artistes and scholars are to be housed in distinguished houses and the royal storages must be full of all the items, including food grains. Keep enough wealth in gold and other precious things, for donating to Brahmanas and others. Work with Sumanthra and others to arrange everything.” 

Everyone worked with a sense of urgency and the venue was ready for the Yaga. Rama went to Naimisha at an auspicious muhurat, and all the dignitaries started to arrive. Brahmanas, poets, scholars, dancers, singers, drummers, and other guests came in large numbers and there were several stages of performing arts happening simultaneously. Kings came with their army showing their opulence and they paid their respects to Rama and presented their gifts to the emperor. Bharatha, Sumanthra, and others took lead in receiving the guests and settling them appropriately. Food and drinks were aplenty, and the dining halls were always open.

Lakshmana went around the kingdom and came back with the horse within a few days. Vibhishana came with his army and Sugriva showed up with his mighty Vanaras in tow. Hanuman came with them. Humans, Asuras, and Devas came together forgetting their natural differences, and enjoyed the festivities.

There was a sculpture made of gold, of Sita Devi to represent the wife of the king conducting the Yaga. Devas accepted the Havis, the essence from the Yaga, and were satisfied. Brahmanas and guests were given donations and gifts amply and everyone praised the conduct of Yaga. Some got gold ornaments, and some got silk and special clothes. Some were given lands to their name, and some were given villages to govern. In the dining halls, the guests were served food in dishes made of gold and everyone was satisfied. “Has there been a Yagna this elaborate and grand anywhere in the universe?” people asked each other. “Even Indra, Varuna, Yama, and Chandra were not able to do a Yaga like this. Have you ever seen Humans, Vanaras, Rakshasas, and Devas attending to an undertaking with such unity?” They wondered. Everyone extolled Rama’s greatness and they chanted “Rama Jaya! Rama Jaya! Rama Rajendra! Dasaratha Nandana! Kousalya Nandana!”

While the Aswamedha Yaga was in progress, Valmiki came to the venue with two of his teenage disciples. Valmiki told the boys, Lava, and Kusha to start telling the story of Rama: “Sing it melodiously in this grand court of sages, kings, scholars, and Brahmanas. If the emperor asks you to sing it, do not be nervous. If he asks about you, just tell him that you are Brahmacharis. If he offers any gifts, tell him that you would take only some fruits and roots, nothing else as gifts.” So, saying, Valmiki returned to his Ashram.

True to the sage’s advice, the boys started singing the Ramayana in their sweet voice in unison, and people got captivated. Hearing about these two bright Brahmacharis singing his story so well, Rama asked them to come to his palace. The ministers brought them in, and the boys paid their respects to the king and the royal court.  Rama asked them to sing the Ramayana and they started singing. They finished twenty chapters of the scripture on the first day itself. It was Rama’s story, auspicious, wonderful, and awe-inspiring. 

“The boys must be given a suitable gift! Bring eighteen thousand sovereigns!”  Rama ordered and the boys declined it politely. “We need only some fruits and roots. We do not have any use for gold and such worldly wealth!” Everybody was impressed with the boys singing and the attitude of detachment. They wanted to know who they were and where they came from. “Who are you and who is the eminent poet who wrote the scripture you recited so melodiously?” 

They replied: “This was composed by Sage Valmiki, our guru. There are five hundred chapters in it. We live in his Ashram by the river Gomathy, a tributary of Ganga. If you want to hear the scripture fully, we can recite it in the afternoons when the rituals of Yaga are finished for the day. Hearing it would remove ignorance from our minds.”

The next day afternoon, Rama and Bharatha along with the ministers and the citizens came to the court to hear the boys. Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Sudras came in large numbers to enjoy the Katha. Everyone sat there hearing the mesmerizing voice of the boys narrating the exciting story of Rama’s life. Several days passed and people drank the nectar of Rama’s story with renewed enthusiasm each day.

Sita’s Disappearance. 

Sri Rama understood that the boys are Sita’s sons. He sent a messenger to the Ashram of Valmiki. “If Janaki is pure, she can prove it in public and rejoin me as the queen,” was his message. Valmiki replied: “Yes, we can get her to do that tomorrow itself.” The news was spread among the people, and they waited for the day to dawn to see their queen. Rama wanted the public to witness the solemn swearing to be undertaken by Sita Devi so that he can alleviate the doubts from everyone. Valmiki and Sita set out to travel and that looked like Lord Brahma and Devi coming to the Aswamedha Yaga venue. “No one would be able to see any lady more chaste and noble than Sita Devi,” opined the onlookers. 

Upon reaching the palace, Valmiki told Raman: “I have never heard her say any lie and I know that Sita Devi, the daughter of Mother Earth is pure. She is indeed the crown jewel among noble ladies, Mahalakshmi.  If you are still doubtful, ask her directly. She will not have any hesitation to prove it.”

Rama replied: “If you say so, that is enough for me to trust her. Agni, Lord Mahadeva, and Lord Brahma had already told me the same. But because of thoughtlessness, I abandoned her blindly, fearing the scandal. Please forgive my indiscretion. I knew she is innocent and immaculate. Now let her take a solemn wow for the public to hear.” 

Lord Brahma and an array of celestial beings appeared in the sky to witness the drama and the Humans, Vanaras, Rakshasas, and the Devas stood in the Yaga venue anxiously. There was a waft of wind spreading everywhere and all stood there in anticipation. Sita Devi looked at Sri Rama and wept silently. She said in a grief-stricken voice: “Here is my solemn promise for all the fourteen worlds to hear: If you are convinced that I have never desired any other man than my husband, Oh! Mother, bless me! The substratum of everything! Mother of truth, Mother earth, take me with you!” Immediately there formed a big opening in the earth like a pit and Mother Earth appeared sitting on a throne. She grabbed Sita Devi and sat her down on her lap and disappeared into the depth of the earth in no time. The whole world stood still, and everyone was shocked. The celestials showered flowers from the sky. Sri Rama was dejected and sorrowful; sat on the ground weeping shamelessly for a while and then stood up outraged. “How dare Mother Earth did this without asking my opinion! She took my Sita away without my consent and I will teach her a lesson. I am going to flood the earth, and dilute it in water, and reduce the five basic elements to four.”

When Rama declared this, the world became sad. Lord Brahma came to see Rama and asked him: “How come you are outraged like this now? Think who you are and know the fact that you can live with Sita Devi as Lakshmi. Do not be swayed by grief. In human life, pleasure and pain come alternatively. Hear Valmiki’s Ramayana fully, and that will cut down your sorrow and your delusion will be dispelled.

The boys continued their singing of the great epic. Even the serpent Anantha with thousand tongues will not be able to do justice to extoll the greatness of the epic and the final festivities of the Yaga. Rama bid goodbye to all the kings and special guests who came to attend the Yagna.  Sugriva, Vibhishana, and Hanuman took leave of Rama with a heavy heart. After the Brahmanas and other dignitaries also returned to their abodes, Rama went to Ayodhya along with his army. He continued reigning the kingdom for a long time and as time passed, the queen-mothers went to heaven and joined Dasaratha in Amaralaya. The brothers did all the sacred rites for the departed souls and donated amply to Brahmanas. 

The Killing of Gandharva

When Rama was reigning the kingdom, Yudhajith, the king of Kekaya, sent the priest of his palace with gifts that included elephants, horses, precious stones, and gold ornaments. Rama sent with the messenger matching gifts and enquired about his uncle’s welfare in the kingdom of Kekaya. “Did he convey any message? Is everyone doing well there?” 

The priest answered: “Yes, the king is doing fine. But something is bothering him. Gandharvas are camping near the East banks of the ocean in large numbers. They are great warriors, and they have an army of three crores. If we were to conquer them, we could have made a kingdom out of that area.” Rama asked Bharatha to go and deal with the situation: “Go there with our army of elephants, horses, chariots, and enough warriors. Also, take enough wealth with you to establish a kingdom there. After killing the Gandharvas, you can divide the area into two countries that can be ruled by your sons, Takshaka and Pushkala. Bharatha took leave of Rama and went to the kingdom of Kekaya. Yudhajith was excited to see his nephew and he embraced him. They together went to fight the Gandharvas, and the fight lasted for seven days and nights. Finally, he used Yama’s arrow and killed the scores of Gandharvas easily. Bharatha established two kingdoms there within five years and gave them to his sons. He requested his uncle to support his sons in executing their duties as new kings. He came back to Ayodhya and met Rama and narrated what occurred in Kekaya.

Then they talked about establishing appropriate kingdoms for Angada and Chandraketu, sons of Lakshmana. They decided to set up a country in the path of Stars. For Chandraketu, they decided to build a city in Chandrakantha. Bharatha and Lakshmana went and established them and reported back to Rama within a year. Rama continued his reign in Ayodhya with the help of Bharatha and Lakshmana for a long time.

The Arrival of Yama

One day, Yama, the god of death, in the guise of a sage, arrived in Ayodhya to see Sri Rama. He told Lakshmana: “Tell your brother that I am a messenger from a great sage, to see him.” Lakshmana hurried and informed Rama about the arrival of the sage. Rama went to receive him, and he told the king: “I need to discuss something serious with you and do not let anyone disrupt us. If anyone comes this way, you must kill him. If you can promise this, I will tell you the message.” Rama agreed and called Lakshmana: “You keep watch at the gate of the tower where the sage and I will be in conference. Do not let anyone come in until we finish our discussions and the sage leaves.” Lakshmana agreed and kept his vigil. 

Rama and the sage went into the conference room. The sage said: “I am Dharmaraja, the god of death, came here as directed by Lord Brahma. He narrated everything about you. When you were resting, containing the whole universe in you, you created Brahma in the lotus, which originated from your naval. Then you went into Yoga sleep resting on Anantha, the thousand-headed serpent. Then from your ear wax came two Rakshasas, Madhu and Kaitabha. You killed them after a series of battles and their body was used to make this earth. You made Brahma create all kinds of living beings and the fourteen worlds. You took incarnations, avatars, to establish dharma in these worlds and to end adharma. Now you have completed about eleven thousand years here as Rama, the son of Dasaratha, the invincible emperor of Ayodhya. Brahma’s opinion is that your life on earth has been fruitful, and you have done all your duties here as a human. Treat my words as a child advising his father. It is time for you to return to Vaikundha. Lord Brahma thinks that your time has come, and I will be coming to get you soon.”

The Arrival of Sage Durvasa

As the ‘sage’ and Rama were in conference, sage Durvasa came to see Sri Rama. He told Lakshmana that he was there to see Sr Rama at once. “Go and tell him; do not make me wait here.” The sage is known for his short temper and Lakshmana was afraid of offending him. “Oh! Mahatma, please tell me what I can do for you. Sri Rama will be available only after an hour. Please be patient.” The sage was not in a kind mood: “I do not have time to wait. If I cannot meet Rama right now, I will curse you and the kingdom to ashes.” Hearing this Lakshmana thought, it would be better to break the promise to Rama and personally receive his wrath, rather than make the whole kingdom suffer. “It is better for me to die than letting Rama’s kingdom suffer.”

Lakshmana went to the meeting room and informed Rama about the sage’s arrival. Immediately Rama finished his talks with Yama, who was in the guise of the sage, and received Durvasa. He welcomed the great sage and asked him what he wanted from him. “I have been doing Tapas for a thousand years without any food and I want to end the fast here with you. Serve me food.” Rama arranged for it and the sage was pleased. He blessed Rama and departed. 

Abandoning Lakshmana

Sri Rama thought about what to do with Lakshmana’s insubordination of breaking his order and wow. “I had given my word to the sage that I will kill anyone who disrupts our meeting. He made me swear it and alas! Now I must deal with Lakshmana as he has disrupted our meeting! How can I kill him? How will I live without following through with my promise? My situation is so pathetic!” 

Lakshmana saw his brother sitting his face down, deep in thoughts. Lakshmana said: “Do not be concerned about me, Lord. You must kill me and keep up your promise. Do not show compassion here.” As Lakshmana said these words, Rama could not bear the thought of killing his favorite brother. He called his ministers and guru Vasishta. “You must kill Lakshmana and keep up your wow or else, dharma will deteriorate. That is enough for the three worlds to decline. Your father abandoned you to keep up the truth. He died grieving over that decision, but he didn’t go back on his wows. A king must keep the truth as his topmost motto. No one in this world will remain together with their wife and children all the time. I know that your love for Lakshmana knows no bounds.” 

When Rama heard this advice, he said: “Lakshmana, I am forsaking you! It is as good as killing you!” Rama was distraught and the people in the court also were immersed in grief. Lakshmana prostrated all the elders and left Ayodhya and reached the banks of river Sarayu. There he sat in meditation fixing his mind on Paramatma. Indra arrived there on his Vimana to take Lakshmana and the celestials showered flower petals from the sky. 

Mahaprasthanam, The Great Journey

Sri Rama called all the ministers and declared that he will not live in the palace any longer. “Lakshmana has already left for the heavens, and I will be joining him soon. Bharatha should take up the reign of the kingdom.” Hearing this Bharatha and others fell at his feet and wept. “Please do not leave. Even if you were to live in the worst hell or heaven, we will be with you. Please do not make us stay away from you.”

Bharatha sent a message to Shatrughna, and he came immediately. Sugriva and Vibhishana came with their army chiefs to see Rama at this juncture and prostrated him at his feet. Then Vasishta told Raman: “Please console these people to end their sorrow.” Rama asked them what they want from him, and their request was to allow them also to join him wherever he goes. “Lord, we do not dare to live separated from you. That is why we came with the family to see you.” 

Rama allowed all of them to follow him. Brahmanas and guru Vasishta coronated Lava and Kusha as the kings. They were given all the wealth required for the kingdoms and embraced them before leaving. Shatrughna passed on his kingdom to his sons and requested Rama to take him along. Rama greed. Several Vanaras and Rakshasas also came to see Rama and to join the great journey. 

Rama blessed Vibhishana: May you live ruling Rakshasas if the sun, the moon, the earth, and the sky remain!  He blessed Hanuman: “As you had requested before, may you live as long as the story of Rama is alive and agile. All except Hanuman and Vibhishana can join me in the journey.” The next morning, he saw guru Vasishta and started the journey following all the associated rituals. Some walked ahead with holy lamps in their hands followed by people chanting the Vedas. The ministers, sages, Brahmanas, citizens, animals, birds, and other creatures also joined the retinue. They reached the banks of Sarayu. They stood there about four and a half hours. Sri Narayana, who is omniscient, stood there with Lord Vishnu’s spiritual strength and valor. Then Lord Brahma came there along with several celestials and Devas on various Vimanas and started extolling the Lord.

Brahma Stuti

“Oh! Lord, you give liberation to all devotees. Living in the milky ocean, you created me from the lotus that emanated from your naval that is as opulent as a lotus flower. You are the one who killed the Asuras Madhu and Kaitabha when they challenged you doe a fight. You created the earth using the carcass of these asuras and you inspired me to do umpteen creations of all kinds on the earth. You are the Lord Siva who is destroying everything that has had a beginning.

You are the one who took avatar as a divine fish to help Satyavrata. You became a divine tortoise to lift the Manthara Mountain to help Devas during the churning of the milky ocean. Victory to the Lord who took avatar as a divine boar to kill Hiranyaksha and to lift the earth from sinking in the sea. Victory to the Lord who came as a man-lion to kill Hiranyakasipu. Hail the Lord who came as Vamana, a dwarf, and measured the whole universe in three steps after destroying Mahabali’s ego. Hail the Lord who took the avatar as Parasurama to annihilate the cruel kings of the world. Victory to the Lord who came as Rama to kill Ravana and to protect the Devas. You will be born as Krishna to Vasudeva and Devaki to reduce the burden on the earth in the next eon. You will also be born as Kalki holding a mighty sword to kill the wicked. Your principles are unfathomable and unknowable to most of us. Those who are ripe to accept such knowledge will find a guru and that Satsang can dispel the ignorance from him. He will have a vision of the unity of Jivatma and Paramatma. Who can extoll your virtues in a way to do justice?”

“You have been famous as Rama, the son of Dasaratha, the jewel of the Surya clan. You went with Viswamitra to help him and then killed Tadaka at his behest. Victory to the Lord who brought Ahalya back to life. Victory to the Lord who broke Siva’s bow. Hail the Lord who won over Parasurama on the way back to Ayodhya after marrying Sita. Victory to Rama who lived with his brothers and families for twelve years of his youth before going in exile to the forest for fourteen years. Hail Rama, who did his father’s final rites while living in the forest. Hail Rama, who killed Viradha, a ferocious demon. Victory to Rama who visited the hermitages of Suthishna, Agastya, Valmiki, and many others during his exile. Hail Rama, who caused disfiguring of Surppanakha. Victory to Rama who killed Khara, Dooshana, and Thrisiras, along with their army of fourteen thousand men within three and a half hours. Hail Rama, who went after Maricha, the enchanting deer to please Sita. Hail Rama, who went in search of Sita after meeting Jatayu who gave the information on Ravana. Victory to Rama, who saw Sabari who got moksha upon meeting you in person. Victory to Rama, who met Hanuman and later entered a pact with Sugriva. Hail Rama, who killed the powerful Bali and crowned Sugriva as the king of Vanaras. Victory to Rama, who gave Hanuman the ring and sacred words to give Sita. Victory to Rama who was briefed by Hanuman after his return from Lanka. Hail Sri Rama, who embraced Hanuman when he narrated the meeting of Sita in Lanka and gave him the precious Choodaratna. Hail Rama, who got the thousands of Vanaras to build a dyke across the ocean to reach Lanka. Hail Rama, who led the battle with Ravana and killed most of the wicked Rakshasas. Hail Rama, who joined Sita after the war. Hail Rama, who went to Nandigram and met Bharatha after the prescribed period of exile. Hail Rama, who took charge of the kingdom and governed it as the ideal one for everyone to emulate. Victory to Rama who reigned the kingdom to everyone's satisfaction and Victory to Rama who lived the life of an ideal householder during this time. Hail Rama, who abandoned Sita to avoid a terrible scandal about her for having stayed in Ravana’s palace for a year. Hail Rama, who conducted Aswamedha Yaga for which a golden sculpture of Sita was made.  Hail Rama, who listened to the awe-inspiring story of Ramayana from Lava and Kusha, the two Brahmacharis of Valmiki’s Ashram. Hail Rama, who discarded Lakshmana, his favorite brother, and constant companion to uphold the truth.” 

“Victory to Rama who is standing here on the Banks of river Sarayu along with sages, Brahmanas, and other citizens of Ayodhya. Hail Rama, killer of Ravana, Husband of Sita, Son of Dasaratha!

Namaste! Narayana!

Namaste! Consort of Lakshmi!

Namaste! Lord of the Universe! 

Namaste! Compassionate one!

Namaste! Bliss infinite!  

Namaste! Paramatma!

When Brahma extolled thus, Sri Rama said: Please ensure that everyone who follows me must be given access to Deva’s world, heaven.

Brahma said: “Please come and immerse yourselves in the river Sarayu. Vanaras and Devas joined with others and entered the river. They all got divine garbs immediately and they reached heaven. Vishnu’s avatar Rama and his brothers, Lakshmana, Bharatha, and Shatrughna, reached Vishnu’s abode. Humans, Asuras, birds, animals, Devas, and insects went to heaven due to Sri Rama’s compassion.

Devas, rishis, sages, and Lord Brahma extolled Lord Narayana, who was lying in Yoga Nidra, on the Anantha bed, served by his consort, Lakshmi Devi.”

It is well known that those who chant Rama’s name will reach Rama’s abode. 

“I have tried to narrate the story of Rama for the benefit of ignorant people of the world. People of pious nature would enjoy it and I do not heed my ears to those who talk ill of it. May I ever keep my respect for Sri Rama always fresh in my mind and may Goddess Lakshmi bless me for that!”

Sri Rama Rama Rama, Sri Rama Bhadra Jaya!

Sri Rama Rama Rama, Sitabhi Rama Jaya!

Jai Sri Sita Ramachandra ji ki Jai

Jai Sri Anjaneya Swamiji ki Jai

Satguru ki Jai!

 

The End

Adhyatma Ramayanam Day 29. Uttarakandham Contd

Adhyatma Ramayanam Day 29. Uttarakandham Contd.

Audiobook Link - Adhyatma Ramayanam  40.20 m

Ramayanam Kilippaattu Day 29 രാമായണമാസം - ദിവസം  29

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnj-VBpVQig

Uttarakandham Contd.

The Dialogue Between Nimi and Vasishta

Rama continued: “Lakshmana, listen. I will tell you the story of Nimi, a great king of the yore who lived near the Ashram of Gautama. He wanted to do a Yagna and sought help from his Guru, Vasishta. Vasishta told him that Lord Indra had already asked for his help for a Yagya and after completing that one, he would return to conduct the one for Nimi. Vasishta left for Amaralaya, the city of Gods. In the meantime, Nimi engaged the sage Gautama and conducted the Yagna successfully. It took thousand years before Vasishta returned and when he reached Nimi’s palace, the king was asleep. So, there was no formal welcome afforded to him. Vasishta was already displeased with the king for engaging another sage to conduct the Yagna and now he felt insulted by the king. He cursed the king: “May your body and soul stay separated!”. Hearing this Nimi cursed the sage the same, in retaliation. They both became body-less, in the form of air. Vasishta, the son of Lord Brahma went to see his father to complain. He suggested that he can get a body if Mitra & Varuna would jointly donate sperm and deposit it in the womb of the celestial damsel, Urvashi. But the process of retrieving the sperms from the two and depositing them in Urvashi did not work out on time. But sage Agastya was born to Lord Brahma, out of a pot followed by the creation of Vasishta’s body. Mitra cursed Urvashi for failing in the experiment: “May you become the wife of a human being!” So, she became the wife of king Pururavas.  Nimi’s soul still did not get a new body and the sages offered to create a body for him. But he declined the offer saying, “body is the root cause of all sorrows and I do not want a body for myself. But I will live on the eyelids (nimi) of all the creatures. When the sages turned the separated body of Nimi, a king by the name Mithi was created. His lineage was known as Videha, meaning the ones who were not born out of bodies. As the king was born (janana) by the process of Madhana, churning, they are known as the Janakas.”

“How come Nimi cursed Vasishta? They are not a match to each other based on their penance and spiritual awakening.” 

“Not everyone is endowed with patience and that is what happened here. Now listen to another story. In the Soma dynasty, there was a king Pururavas whose son was Ayus. Nahusha was his son, and Yayati was his grandson. Suka’s daughter Devayani was Yayati’s wife. Sharmishta, daughter of Vrishaparva was also his wife. Yadu and Turvashu were the children of Devayani. Druhyu, Anudruhyu, and Puru were Sharmishta’s children. Devayani was upset that the king was more attached to Sharmishta. She complained about it to her father, Shukra, and he cursed Yayati. “May you suffer from old age!” 

The king was worried about having the body of an old man at a young age and called his son Yadu and asked him to give him his youth in exchange for his old age. He was not willing to do that quoting that it would be inappropriate for him to do so. He then asked his other son, Puru and he readily agreed thinking that it would bring him virtues in this life and the afterlife. became young again, and Puru, an old man at a young age. The king was pleased with Puru and lived happily enjoying his youthful body for a long time. After a while, he took back his old age from Puru and gave him his youth and made him the king to following him. He cursed his other sons: “May you lose all your royal qualities and insignia.” In this story, Yayati did not give a return curse to Shukra due to his good nature. We also should not fall into a trap that happened to Nriga. If there is anyone out there wanting to see me, please bring him to me.” Thus, Rama and Lakshmana spent time telling stories and it was almost dawn. They both got themselves busy in their royal duties. 

The Arrival of Sages Kanchana and other Rishis

When the sages Kanchana and others arrived at the gate of Ayodhya, the doorkeeper went to Rama and informed him of their arrival. They had brought auspicious gifts with them, and the king received them paying respects. After the pleasantries, Rama asked them: “I trust that everything is fine with you all. Are you facing any difficulties in conducting your daily Tapas? I am bound to protect sages and Brahmanas who are engaged in penance for everyone’s benefit. I will forsake my wealth, kingdom, and even my life for that. So, please tell me what you need me to do, and I will ensure that is done immediately.” 

Hearing this the sages replied. “Who else will offer such an unconditional assurance without even thinking whether our request is achievable or not? Oh! King, may you always prosper! Since you asked, we will tell you what is in our minds. Long ago, there was an Asura by the name Madhu. He was devoted and his penance was accepted by Lord Siva who blessed and gave him a divine spear. The spear was a special one that after killing the enemy, it would come back to the owner. But Mahadeva warned him that if he ever abuses the weapon by disturbing the cows, Brahmanas, or Devas, it will be withdrawn. Then Madhu requested the Lord: ‘please bless me to hand over this to my children when I die so that it will become our family weapon.’. 

Mahadeva said: “I cannot allow that, but as you wished for it, I will allow you to transfer it to one of your sons. He will not be able to pass it on to the next generation. If the spear is in his hands, he will not face death. After he dies, the spear will return to me.” Madhu prostrated at the feet of Siva and received the spear with great devotion. Madhu had a son by the name of Lavana and he was a cruel fellow from an early age. He started troubling sages and Madhu tried to advise him against it. Madhu, disappointed with his son’s behavior went to the forest to do penance again. He had given the spear to Lavana, and he became more aggressive and violent towards noble and pious people. The whole world suffered a lot under this Rakshasa, and we are here to report our distress. Ordinary kings cannot kill him, and we know, it would be easy for you, as you have killed the mighty Ravana.” 

Then Rama asked them to give him the details of Lavana’s whereabouts and his daily routines and food habits. Sages replied that he lives in Madhu Vana, follows the Rudra rituals, and his food was mainly fresh flesh of humans and animals. 

Rama assured that he will put an end to the demon’s atrocities. Then he turned to his brothers and asked: “Who wants to take care of this?” “I will do it”, Bharatha was ready. Then Shatrughna came forward and said: “Let me do this for you. When you were in the forest, brother Bharatha looked after the kingdom for you. Brother Lakshmana came with you and served you. I could not serve you in any of these times and I request you to let me do this.” Rama agreed. “You go and kill Madhu’s son and be victorious all the time. After that, you can establish a kingdom there. We will coronate you in advance as the king of Madhu Forest.” Then Shatrughna replied: “It is not right to coronate a younger brother when the older ones are there. Please do not let me incur the sin of disobedience.” 

“You do not worry about it as I am telling you, it is dharmic for you to reign a kingdom on your own.” Rama, with the help of Vasishta and his brothers, crowned Shatrughna as the King of Madhu Forest. Before starting his trip, Shatrughna prostrated at the feet of Rama, and he embraced him. “Listen, I have a special arrow that was used to annihilate the demons, Madhu and Kaitabha. With that arrow with you, you would be able to kill anyone. But be careful; I haven’t used it on anyone because of its effect on the universe. It can destroy the whole world. Also do not ignore the power of the spear given to Lavana by Yama, the god of death. You should approach the demon, only if he does not have his spear in his hands. I will tell you how to do this. In the early mornings, Lavana will go out to hunt for meat, and when he comes back, make sure that he does not go inside his house to get hold of his spear and start your fight. Please proceed; cross the river Ganga and kill the demon. Take four thousand horses and hundred thousand soldiers and enough wealth with you.” He took blessings from the brothers, gurus, sages, and the mothers. He reached the Ashram of Valmiki first and took rest for the evening, accepting the sage’s reception. After dinner, Shatrughna asked the sage: “Who from the Surya Clan did a great Yagna here a long time ago?”

The Story of Soudasa

Valmiki told him about a king Mitrasaha, son of Sudasa, a king of the Surya Clan. He was interested in hunting, and he used to kill wild animals for enjoyment. He came to know that there were two Rakshasas in the forest in the guise of tigers and he killed one of them. The other Rakshasa threatened to avenge the death of his friend. Soudasa became the king when Sudasa died. He did a Yagna as advised by sage Vasishta. There the Rakshasa arrived in the guise of Vasishta and demanded Soudasa to make a meat dish for dinner. The king happily arranged for making the meat dish. The Rakshasa again changed form and came as the meat supplier and brought human flesh, instead of animal meat, for cooking. Unbeknownst to him, the king served the dish to Vasishta. The sage was furious: “How audacious! How come you are serving me human meat? Don’t you know I am a Brahmana? I curse you to live as a demon, eating human flesh, wandering in forests” 

Later the sage came to know the truth and wanted to make amends. “My words will not go futile, but the effect of the curse will end in twelve years. Also, you will not have any memory of having led such a demonic life after that period.” After the twelve years of lowly life, Soudasa regained his kingdom, and this is the location of their Yagna. As they slept in the Ashram, at the midnight, a disciple of Valmiki came and told him the news of Sita’s delivery. “Sita Devi delivered two dynamic, beautiful boys.” Shatrughna was elated to hear the news. The sage did the rituals associated with the birth of the babies.

The Killing of Lavana

Shatrughna got ready early in the morning and started his journey. He reached the banks of river Kalindi and stayed there at a hermitage along with his army. He heard stories from the sages and enjoyed the Satsang. He asked a sage if he knew about anyone who was killed by the Asura using his special spear.  He narrated the story of Mandhata, a king who wanted to conquer the three worlds. He had already won over the earth, and he was about to attack the heavens. Shukra, the guru of Rakshasas was not sure if he could accomplish that. So, he asked him if he had won over Lavana of Madhu Forest. Mandhata went to Madhuvan and challenged Lavana. As soon as the Rakshasa arrived with the Yama Spear to fight the king, he became a fistful of ashes. The sage concluded: “We should fear the Yama spear, so be careful.”

Shatrughna got up very early and went to see Lavana at the tower gate when the Rakshasa was out to get his meat. The son of Madhu, Lavana came back before noon. Seeing Shatrughna fully prepared for a fight, he said: “Several kings have come to challenge me, but I sent all of them to heaven. Come to think of it, it is nice that you are here today. Today, I did not get enough flesh in my hunt, and I can satisfy my appetite with your flesh.” 

Shatrughna was furious hearing his boasting. “I am not going to postpone the fight as it is not becoming of a warrior king.” Lavana plucked a group of trees and hit Shatrughna, but it was stopped by the arrows. Then Shatrughna shot the arrow Rama had given him. That hit the Rakshasa and cut his head off. The arrow went to the sea and got washed by itself, before coming back to Shatrughna’s quiver. The sages in the banks of Yamuna rejoiced. In four years, Shatrughna was able to clean the Madhuvan off all the Rakshasas and made it into a magnificent city. There were forts, trenches, and towers around the city of Mathura, and it was shining better than the Amarapuri of the Devas. Shatrughna lived there for a while and then went to see Sage Valmiki at his hermitage. Then he went to Ayodhya and paid his respects to his brothers and elders in the palace. Mothers blessed him and Rama embraced him dearly. He narrated to Rama how he killed Lavana, and how he established the city of Mathura. After spending a few days in Ayodhya, Rama told him that it was time for him to return to Mathura. Shatrughna was upset that his brother was forcing him to go away from his presence. Rama consoled him: “You are still a young boy, it seems! I want you to look after the city and the kingdom you have built up so well, spending a lot of time and effort. Look after the kingdom and you may visit me any time. Take enough wealth with you, along with arms and warriors as much as you need.” Shatrughna lived in Mathura, reigning his small kingdom.

Moksha of Shambuka

In Ayodhya, there was a pious Brahmana, leading a house holder’s life. He had a son, but when the boy was five years of age, he died suddenly. The Brahmana was grief-stricken, and he rushed to the gate of Rama’s palace carrying the body of his son. Rama asked his guru Vasishta the reason for this to occur. They reported that it happened due to the severe penance done by Shambuka, a person belonging to a lower Varna. “If you kill him, the boy will come back alive,” they told him. Rama asked the Brahmana to preserve the boy’s body in an oil bath until he returns. He mentally ordered the Pushpaka to come and went around the kingdom to see if there was any adharma being practiced anywhere. He could not see adharma anywhere and finally reached the Southern province where he met with a person doing a strange penance. He was hung upside down, motionless from the branch of a tree. Rama asked him: “You seem to be very proficient in the penance you are doing. But what is your purpose of undertaking such a harsh penance? He prostrated at Rama’s feet and narrated his story.

“I am Shambhuka, A Soodra by birth. I am an ardent devotee who is longing for moksha. My mind is immersed in Paramatma, and I do not seek anything else. Lord, you show me the path to achieve that.” Hearing this, Rama took his sword and cut his head off, thus redeeming him from the cycle of birth and death. The Brahmana boy was alive again and the Devas showered flowers from the sky.

In Ayodhya, Indra came and told Rama that he is going to attend a great Yagna to be presided by the sage Agastya, son of Lord Brahma. “The sage will be excited to see you with us.” They took the Pushpaka flight and reached the Ashram of sage Agastya. They were elated to see each other after so long. The sage said: “I came to know about you giving moksha to Shambuka to save the life of the Brahmin boy. I see you in my mind’s eye all the time. Please stay with us tonight. It is so hard to get the Satsang of great men. You can leave tomorrow morning in Pushpaka.”  Sage Agastya showed him a peculiar ornament, very beautiful and special. “It was hand-made by Vishwakarma, and I do not see anyone more suited to wear this than you, Rama.” So, saying, the sage gifted that necklace to Rama. Rama accepted it gracefully. “I would like to know how you got it.” Asked Rama.

“When I was walking in the Dandaka Forest, I saw a pristine lake and a dead body near it. Suddenly I saw a Vimana in the sky and a divine being fully decked in ornaments and royal regalia with celestial men and women serving him. He had the beauty surpassing that of Kamadeva, but suddenly he entered the lake and ate up the dead body. I asked him: “You seem to be a Deva, but you are eating the dead body of a man! How come you are doing the unthinkable?” 

Then he told me: “There was a king by the name Sudeva, in Vidarbha. He had two sons, I am the older one Shwetan and my brother is Suratha. When my father passed away, I became the king. But I got fed up with the royal duties and decided to do Tapas to get a better afterlife. I made Suratha the king and went to do penance near this lake. In time, I left my body and reached heaven. I enjoyed the heavenly comforts, but I felt sad because of hunger and thirst. We did not have anything to eat and drink. I went and asked Lord Brahma about it. “I am not sure what I did wrong, but in heaven, we do not have anything to eat and drink. Please tell me what I should be eating. Please give me food, Oh! Compassionate one.” 

“You have not done any food donation in your life; you took care of just your body, and that is the reason why you are experiencing this in heaven. Your body is in the lake; go and eat it daily. It would be very tasty for you, and it will not be exhausted even if you eat it every day. You have to do this until you meet sage Agastya when he will tell you to stop this nonsense.” I have been eating my own body for a long time. You are here to redeem me”. He gave me this ornament as a gift and then went to heaven in the Vimana. It is not easy to know the dharma and adharma, appropriate to different situations. 

The sage wanted Rama to wear the ornament and Rama obliged. Then Rama asked: “How come there are no animals in this forest?

History of Danda Forest

Agastya told Rama: “In the Surya Clan, there was this mighty emperor Iswaku, who had a hundred sons. The youngest of them was Danda. His father knew that Danda will be afflicted with a bad disease sometime in his life. He made a country near the Vindhya mountains, measured one hundred Yojana in width, and made Danda the king. He had Shukra as his Guru and lived happily there. One day in the month of Chaitra, he went to see his Guru and met a beautiful young girl near the Ashram. He got smitten by love and lust and went to her and expressed his desire. She told him not to talk to her with such demands, but he could approach her father and if he agrees, she will oblige. “But if you are trying forcefully take me, my father will curse you and that will crush you.” Danda was impatient and he raped her and went to his palace immediately. Shukra saw his daughter in distress having been violated by the king, cursed the king: “May you and your army along with your wealth become ash forthwith! May that ash rain all over the kingdom for seven days! My dear daughter, you can stay near the lake, without any trouble from the ash.” He arranged for the sages and Brahmanas in the country to stay outside the kingdom. The whole area became a thick forest in no time, known as Dandaka Forest.”

The sage and Sri Rama did the oblations and pooja for the evening and retired for the night. They spent the night telling stories and when it was sunrise, Rama bid goodbye to the sage and left the ashram on Pushpaka. In Ayodhya, he narrated to Bharatha and Lakshmana, what happened.

Importance of Aswamedha Yaga

Rama called his brothers, Bharatha and Lakshmana, and told them: “You are indeed my Atman, and I am ruling the kingdom for you. I desire to do a Yaga, but you should think about it and tell me openly the pros and cons of doing it now. Bharatha said: All great men have prospered doing Yagas. Mitra, Varuna, Moon, and Kubera have done major Yagas. If you plan to do one, you must undertake a grand one, the Aswamedha Yaga.”  

“It is the greatest of all Yagas”, Lakshmana reminded Rama. “But there are other types of Yagas too. For example, the demon Vritra did a Yaga. His body was huge: three hundred Yojana tall and one-third of that wide. He started a Tapas to ensure winning over all enemies. Indra came to know about it as the demon was trying to get control of the three worlds. Indra went to the milky ocean and prayed to Lord Padmanabha. He got the Lord’s blessings and Indra wanted an assurance that he will annihilate the demon. But Lord Vishnu told him: “Vritra is a great devotee, and I cannot kill him. But with my spear, Shakthi, you can try fighting with him. You should ask the sage Dadhichi to donate a bone from his body and make a spear with it. Request Vishwakarma to make one for you. You can use it to kill the Asura.” Lord Vishnu went back to his Yoga sleep. Indra prepared the spear and fought with the asura, killing Vritra cunningly, after a great fight. Since Vritra was a devotee, the murder caused Indra to incur a Brahma-hatya level sin. That resulted in Indra losing sleep and being unable to eat.

Sages advised Indra to conduct an Aswamedha Yaga to get rid of his sin. The sin was divided into four parts and distributed the parts in the water foams, in murderers of Brahmanas, in places of gambling, and in the places where ladies spend time during their menses. Indra was relieved. Aswamedha Yaga is such a powerful one.” 

Then Rama narrated another incident. “Ila, the mighty king was hunting, and he reached a place called Ilavrita. The place is such that every man who ventures into Ilavrita will become a lady immediately. The king also turned into a lady, and ‘she’ roamed around in the forest when Buddha happened to see ‘her’ and got infatuated. 

The king went home to regain his manhood and prayed to Lord Siva requesting his help.  But Mahadeva asked him to approach Parvati. He propitiated Parvati and she appeared. She said: I can give you half the blessing to regain your manhood, the other half needs to be obtained from Mahadeva. So, you will be a woman for a month and then become a man for the next month and alternatively, you can live the lives of a man and a woman. You will not feel any ‘woman sensations’ while you are a man and vice versa.” 

“‘She’ became pregnant with Buddha’s seed and Pururavas was born. He became a famous king, and he was the first king of the Surya clan. King Ila had to go through this ordeal due to Lord Siva’s curse and the sages advised the king to conduct Aswamedha Yaga to please him. After the Yaga was concluded, Mahadeva blessed the king and gave him moksha. Such is the importance of Ashvamedha Yaga, Rama reminded.”

Adhyatma Ramayanam Day 28. Uttarakandham Contd

Adhyatma Ramayanam Day 28. Uttarakandham Contd

Audiobook Link - Adhyatma Ramayanam  36.20 m

Ramayanam Kilippaattu Day 28 രാമായണമാസം - ദിവസം  28

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZJA4j7YADE

Uttarakandham Contd.

Chapter 3

Sage Agastya narrated the story of Rakshasas in Rama’s court and the guests departed from the palace. Sri Rama reigned the kingdom with the help of his brothers, at the same he found time to enjoy family life with Sita. They went to gardens and engaged in water sports in the lakes and streams. The whole world seemed to have been rejoicing Rama’s life in Ayodhya. To make matters more exciting, Sita became pregnant. Rama was elated. He asked her lovingly: “My dear, I have heard that if a pregnant lady desires certain things during this period and the husband must fulfill that. Also, if you do not satisfy those desires, the child may be born with problems in its body or mind. I will ensure to satisfy your desires however difficult they are.” 

Sita Devi said: “Long ago when we were living in the forest, we used to visit and stay at the Ashrams of several sages, and I yearn to stay with those ladies and have a day-long Satsang with them. I do not desire anything else.” Rama said: “I will get Lakshmana to take you without delay, perhaps tomorrow itself.” Sita was excited and got herself ready for the excursion and Rama sat on his throne contented.

Abandonment of Sita Devi

That day at the place, several royal messengers came together and got Sri Rama’s audience. Vijaya, Madhu Datta, Kashyapa, Pingala, Suraji, Magadha, Kalaka, and Bhadra paid their respects to Rama, and he asked them: “Please tell me, what is the news around the kingdom? Are the people happy about how my brothers and I are governing the kingdom? Are they happy with our behavior? What do they talk about us brothers and the queen Sita Devi?” 

Bhadra replied: “Oh! Lord, I will summarize what they are telling about you. They are still singing about how you built a dyke to cross the ocean and how you annihilated Ravana to rescue the queen. Who else can accomplish all these other than our king, they are amazed! They are sure that there has never been a ruler like you, and they swear that there would be no other king like you in the future too. They are all saying great things about you.” Rama stopped him and said: “It is enough that you say about all the good things you hear about us. It is customary for the messengers to say pleasing things to the king. I know that there cannot be a situation where everything is good and nothing bad is going on. Life is such that it is a mix of both good and bad. Now tell me what all they are talking ill of us?” 

Hearing this, Bhadra said: “They are saying, you are equal to Lord Vishnu and how can you justify this? He has accepted the lady as the queen even though she was once abducted by Ravana and has stayed at his palace for a while. Is it the right conduct for a king? Who knows what is behind that act! Is it because Rama is a king, it is acceptable, or is it the new normal for us commoners too? These are some murmurs, and no other issues are being talked about.” Rama heard this candid report by his spies and sent them away after gifting them amply. After they left the court, Sri Rama’s mind was confused and went deep in thoughts as he went to bed.

The next morning, after the daily rituals, he asked for the brothers to see him. They hurried to see the king anxiously and Rama embraced them tightly. He said: “My dear brothers, you are indeed my life force. It would be like giving up life if the one you were to disappear from my sight. I rule the kingdom for you, and you know that we have been holding our father Dasaratha’s name high without fail. There has never been a blemish on our dynasty either. But unfortunately, there is a rumor about our moral conduct, and I asked for you to come to discuss appropriate action. 

People are gossiping that it was not right for Sri Rama to have accepted Sita Devi as she has spent almost a year under Ravana’s custody. I know, you have never heard of this rumor until now. I have also thought of a solution for this situation.  Yesterday I had asked Sita what her desires are as a pregnant lady and she said she wanted to visit the Ashrams in the forest and spend a day there with the wives of the sages, just as we used to do a long time ago. I offered to get Lakshmana to take her to the forest today. So, Lakshmana, please get ready at once. Get Sumanthra to prepare the chariot and go to the Ashram of sage Valmiki and abandon her in the forest and come back immediately. Do not even try to question my decision. Know that anyone who is trying to oppose my decision will be my enemy from now on. Lakshmana, when we were staying in the forest, remember the time when I went in search of the golden deer? Then you had to come to the forest in search of me upon Janaki’s insistence. Then Ravana abducted her. Then we met Sugriva and entered a pact with him, and I killed Bali as agreed. After Hanuman went to See Sita in Lanka, we made a dyke and crossed the ocean. We killed Ravana and his army and coronated Vibhishana as the Asura King. After the war, Sita had proven her purity by taking an Agni test. God Agni assured me that Sita is pure, and no blemish has ever fallen on her. Devas, Mahadeva, and Lord Brahma had also declared that Sita was pure. That is why I accepted her wholeheartedly. The same Sita Devi is the reason for my infamy now. To avoid disrepute, I will abandon anyone- even one of you, or our parents, for that matter. Go and leave Janaki in the forest near the river Ganga. If you think it is an act you cannot do, you will end up being my enemy. Do not worry, this is my decision.”

Rama wept profusely and the tears flowed like a river from his eyes as he retired to his chamber that day after ordering Lakshmana to do the unthinkable. Lakshmana went to Sita Devi and asked her to get ready early in the morning for the journey to see the sages. Sumanthra got the royal chariot ready and Sita was excited thinking that her husband has arranged everything as she wanted. She had collected special food items, silk clothes, and gold ornaments, and precious stones to give as gifts to the wives of the sages. Lakshmana loaded all those in the chariot and they drove away slowly out of the city. 

Sita told Lakshmana that the omens were not auspicious. “What is happening? Is there anything bothering my Lord, Rama? Are you brothers not doing well?” Lakshmana pacified her: “Everything is fine, Sister, all is well and will end up in good.” He tried to control his sadness by pretending to be normal and courageous. They reached the banks of Gautami and the next morning they reached the banks of Ganga. They did the daily oblations and then crossed the river when Lakshmana started weeping uncontrollably. “Why are you crying, my brother?” She asked. “Is it because you are separated from your brother Rama for a day? You have never been away from him, I know. See, I have survived the separation from my Lord for a year. Today we will visit the Ashram and we can go back to Ayodhya tomorrow.” Lakshmana wailed even more profusely. She asked again: “Why are you crying so pitifully? I have never seen you this grief-stricken ever before. Tell me what is bothering you? You are not an ignorant youngster. Tell me your sorrow.” 

Sumanthra stood there strong, reminiscing about what was previously predicted by the sage Durvasa.

Finally, Lakshmana said: “See, my brother has several people to undertake any commands he gives out, but he chose me to do this brutal deed. I am sure my bad karmas are catching up with me in this life. There will be no worst sinner than me to do this. If he asks me to jump in the fire, I would have done it without complaining. If I must drink the Kalakuta poison, I would have readily obliged. But he has entrusted me with this! I cannot end my life without finishing my duty either. He cried again and fell on the ground.” Seeing this, Sita asked: “Oh Lakshmana, tell me my husband’s command, whatever it is, I must hear it now. You do not worry about the consequences of telling me.” Lakshmana told her reluctantly. “I am finding it difficult to verbalize it. In Ayodhya, there is a rumor about you and the people say that it is not morally right for Rama to have accepted you as the queen, after being in the custody of Ravana for a year. Hearing this, the king asked me to bring you to the sage’s Ashrama and leave you here. Please do not be upset with me and your husband. If you curse us, we know that we will be burnt alive as I know how chaste you are. I will not see an unsullied woman like you in the three worlds.  Agni, Mahadeva, and other sages have talked highly about your purity. Please stay in the Ashram with the ladies of the hermitage without any sorrow.”

Sita’s Wailing 

When she heard Lakshmana uttering those words, Sita fainted and fell on the ground for a while. Then she got up and started wailing: “Oh my lord, have you abandoned me? Why did you do that? What is the reason for taking such an action? I have caused pain to many people in the past and those karmas are coming back to me with a vengeance. When the sages and their ladies ask me, what will I tell them? I cannot believe that I am still alive even after hearing this terrible development. If I take my life, there will be no one to carry on the Surya Clan.  Lakshmana, the mothers in the palace must be feeling bad for me. Sri Rama is abandoning me as he fears the ill repute I brought to the kingdom. May the king rule the kingdom worry-free, without any sorrow of having separated from me! You, brothers, must serve him well. You can leave now.” 

Lakshmana walked around Sita Devi three times and went away shedding tears. Sumanthra and Lakshmana crossed the river Ganga and returned slowly. Lakshmana reminisced the difficulties Rama and Sita went through in their life. He could not recall any bad karma they have done to deserve such a predicament. Hearing Lakshmana, Sumanthra consoled him: “There is no point in us grieving so much. Can we push aside the will of God? Hear an old story from me. When you four bright boys were born, King Dasaratha was elated, and he went to see the Royal Guru Vasishta. Then Sage Durvasa also came to the Ashram to spend the four winter months there. The king paid his respects to both sages and stayed in the Ashram enjoying the sage’s hospitality. After the pleasantries, the king asked the Sage Durvasa: “amongst my four sons, does Rama has a long life? What are in store for the boys in the future? You must be able to foresee their future clearly because of your Tapas and divine vision.” Then the sage replied: “Rama will reign the kingdom for eleven thousand years happily with the citizens and his brothers, and then will return to his abode at Vaikundha. But know this; he will end up abandoning his wife in the forest. If we assess the duration of time, we know that the period of sorrows surpasses that of pleasures in life. He will have two sons and Rama will give them two separate kingdoms to rule. In the end, Ayodhya will become a forest and all the inhabitants will attain Vaikundha.” The sage declared more about the situations and the king asked me to be discrete about these prophetic words of the Rishi. I have never divulged this to anyone until now.”

In the forest, Sita Devi woke up from her shock and moaned again. “I did jump in the fire as per your directions and came out without any burns. I cannot even take my life by jumping on fire anymore. Is it better to die by jumping in water by tying up my legs together? Or shall I hang myself? Otherwise, I should resort to getting bitten by a poisonous snake. I have had enough life on this earth.”

Sita Reaches Valmiki’s Ashram

Sita’s moaning reached the ears of some of the young monks walking in the forest. They told Valmiki about it: “A royal lady is sitting on the riverbank and crying profusely. She could be a celestial woman or Lakshmi Devi herself. We do not know the reason for her sorrow, but we noticed that the creepers and trees are also shedding tears seeing her grief. Rivers are not flowing, and the Sun is not moving. The wind is stagnant, and snakes remain in their caves. Birds do not chirp either. Oh, Sage, we must rescue her. No, we must welcome her properly.” 

When the Brahmacharis said so highly of her, Valmiki understood who it would be.  He went to Sita carrying the necessary offerings to give her and told her the words of welcome. “I know, Devi, you are the queen of Ayodhya, Sri Rama’s wife. I know you are the daughter of King Janaka, and I am convinced that you are blemishless. In my divine vision, I see the reason for Rama abandoning you. Please accept our welcome offerings and come to my Ashram. You will have the company of ladies in the hermitage who will look after you through your pregnancy. You will have no reason to grieve in the Ashram. Treat it as your home.” Sita Devi agreed and followed the sage to the Ashram. The sage requested the ladies to look after her and they were happy to receive her. Sita’s grief subsided, and she rested a while in the Ashram.

Lakshmana reached back to Ayodhya by midday and saw Sri Rama. He was sitting with his head down, weeping and silently wailing. Lakshmana paid his respects and thought about what to tell him. “Why are you sitting here desperately like an ignorant person? Once we take up a body, we are all bound to be separated at one time or the other. Life is like a wayside inn where people come and stay for a while and then leave. Mother, father, wife, children, and wealth, etc. are with us for a few days and then they get separated from us when the time comes by the individual’s karma. Grieving over such separations is ignorance. Wise people do not fall prey to these fleeting emotions.  I realize that you understand all these but grieving too much can make you blind. Also, we do not want the world to think that the king is under the spell of grief because of separating from his lady. Even sages are subjected to vacillations of the mind, but they consider you very daring and steadfast. Life is a mixture of pain and pleasure, and you must get rid of this mood and behave as the renowned king you are.” 

Sri Rama regained his composure and replied: “What you said is true. We must look forward and do whatever is necessary. If we sit four days like this, the time will pass and our opportunity to think will be delayed by that much time. For a king, deliberations on strategic matters are paramount. Any lack of care in that can invite greater consequences for him and his kingdom.”

Story of Nriga

In Ayodhya, there was a king by the name of Nriga. He was the brother of Ishwaku. He was known for his donations of crores of cows to Brahmanas and other needy people. Among the cows donated by him, a cow got mixed up with the wrong group and went to a different recipient Brahmana. The Brahmana who lost the cow went in search of it and found that it was among the other Brahmana’s cows. He called the cow by name, and she went with the owner. Then the other Brahmana stopped him, and they argued about the ownership of the cow. “This is my cow, given by the king,” he said. But the other person also had the same argument.  Finally, the issue reached the king. When they reached the palace gate, they could not get an audience with the king. So, they decided to stay there for a few days until they got to see the king. Still, they could not meet the king. They cursed the king: “you become a lizard and live in a well and suffer for what you did to us. When Lord Narayana takes an avatar as Krishna, you will be redeemed with his touch.” So, saying, they donated the cow to a third Brahmana and left to their homes. The king came to know what happened and decided to coronate his son and suffer the effect of the curse. He asked his son to make a well with enough vegetation and trees around it so that the water will not get too warm or cold. Vasu, the young king made a well as desired by his father and the king is still living there, suffering for the inadvertent mistake he made. 

Lakshmana asked: “Brother, is it fair to receive such a punishment for a mistake done unintentionally? Also, the king was known for his bequests. Still, he had this terrible fate!” Rama replied: “Karma works in such a way that its effects can be allayed only by experiencing them. Some effects of the karmas are ordained to be experienced and in Nriga’s case, he must be experiencing the results of his past karma ordained to be experienced in the present lifetime.”

Adhyatma Ramayanam Day 27. Uttarakandham Contd

Adhyatma Ramayanam Day 27. Uttarakandham Contd

Audiobook Link - Adhyatma Ramayanam  45.00 m

Ramayanam Kilippaattu Day 27 രാമായണമാസം - ദിവസം  27

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYzvYBnCoWQ

Uttarakandham Contd.

Ravana Gets a Vision of the Hell.

Ravana saw various hells in Yama’s abode. He noticed that there are several torture chambers destined for sinners and golden palaces with pleasure chambers for people who died accruing good karmas. Kalasootra, Asipatravana, Soolaprota, and Vaitarani, etc. are cruel places executing varying degrees of punishments in hell. People are crying out loud when the dogs and jackals bite and chew their limbs. Some fall unconscious when hundreds of thousands of insects raid their bodies. Some are roasted in the red-hot sand of the deserts and there the people are forced to walk on their knees. Some people fall into deep, dark pits and wander without knowing where they are going or what is in front of them. Some others are burned alive and some cry out of thirst and hunger. Some are forced to embrace red hot copper statues. Yama’s servants laugh at them asking “aren’t you happy to be getting this colorful body?” Some people are taken to a hilltop and once they reach the summit, they are pushed downhill. Several arrows come and hit people from all directions, and they are confused. Some are forced to drink molten lead, and some are forced to swim in the pool filled with blood, pus, urine, and feces. Some are forced to lie down on sharp metal spikes, pierced halfway through their body. Vultures use their beaks to cut open the eyes of some of the sinners while thousands of hound dogs bite on their bodies, all while alive. Some people are made to suffocate as the Yama servants close their noses and mouth with their tough hands. Then they are drawn on thorns making red marks all over their bodies.  Ravana felt sorry for these people suffering in hell and took them out with the intent of rescuing them. 

Yama warriors were furious. “Who is the fellow trying to obstruct the justice and orders of our king Yama? He has ten heads and twenty eyes and hands. He is dark and huge like a blue mountain but looks like he is ready to meet Yama.” They approached Ravana with their arms when the Rakshasas stopped them. Yama warriors shot arrows and shattered the towers on the Vimana, but they were rebuilt instantly as if by magic. Ravana also used his skill in shooting thousands of arrows at the Yama army. They retorted with spears, maces, and pestles. Rakshasa's army got tired and Ravana stood there drenched in blood. He jumped out of Vimana with a resolve to kill everyone and used the Pasupata arrow. That arrow was so powerful that it started burning everything in the earth and the sky, and both armies roared aloud.

The Fight Between Ravana and Kala

Kala is another name of Yama, as the keeper of time. “I better jump in the battle and win this guy over,” he thought. Kala’s rage was so ferocious that the whole world was worried. Dhumraksha and other Rakshasas ran away but Ravana stood there to fight. Both used their might to shoot arrows back and forth for seven days and nights at a stretch with no success or failure for either, Finally, Death, an assistant of Yama offered to hit the Rakshasa with his shaft to kill him and Yama accepted it. It is well known that no one can escape the shaft of death. But, just before hitting Ravana, Lord Brahma told them not to hit him. “Do not kill him. I am destined to put an end to Ravana, and we do not want to stray away from the divine will. I had given a boon to him that he will not be killed by the Devas. So please go back to your abode.” Yama and Death agreed and receded. Without knowing the divine work, Ravana boasted that he has won over Yama and returned to his Vimana. He went to Vasuki’s abode and fought with the Serpent. There also, Ravana was victorious. 

The War of Nivatakavacha

Then Ravana went to Mahapuri, the kingdom of Nivata and Kavacha. They were blessed by Lord Brahma due to their penance. Dasamukha challenged them. They came out to fight and the battle was fierce, which lasted a year without any side winning or losing. Again, Lord Brahma came down and said: “There is no use even if you fight for a thousand years. I had given a boon to Ravana that he will not be killed by Devas or Asuras. You are also great warriors, but you two should enter a pact and move on.” They agreed and entered a treaty. Ravana stayed there for a year enjoying their hospitality. Then he realized that it was more than a hundred months since he left Lanka. Still, he went to the city of Kalakeya for another fight. There he killed seven Asuras. 

Victory over the Sons of Varuna

Ravana then went to Varuna’s abode. He went and paid his respects to the divine cow, Surabhi, who is the source of the ocean of milk. Then he challenged Varuna for a fight. Varuna’s sons and came to fight Ravana. Ravana’s army was so powerful that the army of Varuna could not resist them. However, the sons of Varuna fought hard and Ravana fell unconscious. Then Mahodara broke the chariot of the sons of Varuna. Ravana got from his stupor and fought with added vigor. This time Varuna’s sons fell unconscious. Their warriors showered water on them and pacified them. Ravana yelled at them and asked for Varuna to come and fight him. Varuna was not there as he was away at Lord Brahma to attend a musical concert. Prabhasa told Ravana: “You may leave victorious; consider that you have won Varuna as you defeated his sons. There is no one else available here to win over you.” Ravana was elated on winning several opponents and his arrogance grew.

Stealing Other People’s Wives.

Ravana took by force the wives of several Devas, Asuras, Gandharvas, Sages, Siddhas, Men, Kinnaras, and Yakshas and their heart-wrenching wailing was pathetic. “Ha Ha, father! Ha Ha my lord! Ha Ha, mother! Ha Ha, my son! Ha Ha, my friend! See our fate! This wretched fellow is not allowing us to leave. We are afraid of him all the time. Is he going to eat us alive? He has no discrimination! We are cursing him to face death due to a divine woman.” But Ravana was oblivious to the curses he accumulated due to his atrocities. Finally, he reached Lanka where he was received with grandeur, and he continued reigning Lanka. One day Ravana told Surppanakha: “I was busy fighting all these years and so far, could not find a husband for you. You may go and live in the Dandaka forest along with Khara and Dooshana. There you may choose any one of your likings that comes along your way.” She left and reached Dandaka forest.

Meghanada Gets Several Boons.

Ravani, Son of Ravana, Meghanada, did many a penance and got several boons from Devas. He started to challenge and win over everyone. He went and paid his respects to his father when Shukra told Ravana: “Your son has done several penances and received several boons from Devas. He can drive his chariot at his will and his enemies know his prowess. Lord Siva gave him a quiver full of arrows that would never go empty and a chest shield to protect him in wars.” Then Ravana told him: “There is no point in propitiating the Devas by doing Aswamedha and other Yagnas as Devas are our arch enemies. It is better to serve the Lord of the universe.” He went to the Vimana and got the crying ladies out. Seeing this, Vibhishana told: “Look at his indiscretions! Forcefully grabbing chaste ladies like this will bring misfortune and infamy for sure. Those who have done cruelty to other people’s wives in the past have suffered for it. Hear such an incident occurred in our family. You know our grandfather Malyavan’s daughter Pushpolkkata, our mother’s elder sister. Her daughter Kumbheenasi was abducted by the demon, Madhu. Meghanada was busy discussing with Sages and no one noticed the act. I was not in the city either. It hurt our reputation badly. If we kill him, it would be like making her a widow. So, we relented and decided to let it be.”

Hearing the news of abduction, Ravana was outraged. He declared: “I am going to kill Madhu and win over Devas as well. As Kumbhakarna and his army assist me, Meghanada should lead it and I will be joining on my chariot. Vibhishana, you be here and watch Lanka.” The army got ready with drums, pipes, and all the splendor for a mighty war.  They went to Madhu’s palace where Kumbheenasi met his brother and said: “Please do not kill my husband. He will support you in all your endeavors. If you are going to fight the Devas, he will work with you.” “OK, ask him to come and see me. I will give him refuge.”, Ravana ordered. Madhu went to Ravana and paid him respects. Madhu welcomed him with a feast and a grand reception. Ravana asked him to join his warriors going to fight the Devas.

The Ravana took rest near Kailas and the Rakshasas went near Alakapuri. There was a waft of fragrance in the cool air, and it was a night of the full moon. In the city of Kinnaras, the couples were singing songs of love and he got mesmerized in love and lust. While he was in a great mood, longing to get a lady companion, he saw a damsel, fully decked in her fineries walking towards him slowly. He asked: “Who are you and who is the fortunate man of your life? I am eager to join you. There is no one as great as me around here. Please spend some time with me. Then you can leave.” Hearing this, Rambha replied: “I am the wife of Nalakubara, son of your brother Kubera. So, you should treat me like your daughter. Do not have any ill thoughts about me and leave me alone.” Ravana tried to talk her into agreeing to his demand. “Common rules of conduct do not apply to celestial ladies.” So, saying he grabbed her and embraced her forcefully. She ran away and complained to her husband Nalakubara. He cursed him: “if you ever embrace a lady without her will, may your head shatter into seven pieces!” Since then, Dasamukha would not touch any ladies without consent.

In the morning, Rakshasas started their war against the Devas. The whole world trembled out of fear. Hearing the commotion, Indra was afraid. He escaped to the banks of the sea of milk and praised Lord Narayana. “If we fight with them, we will not win. As Lord Brahma had blessed him, Ravana cannot be killed.”

Narayana consoled them: “Do not worry, I will resolve the issue, once for all. If I enter a fight, I will see that my enemies reach the world of Yama. Your time will come and then you will be victorious.” 

The battle of Indra and Ravana

Then a great commotion ensued from the sound of the battle between Asuras and Devas. Several elephants, horses, and warriors were fighting each other and several of them died immediately. Sumali’s son shot a series of arrows upsetting the Devas. Then Vasupravara got on the battlefield and shattered Sumali’s chariot and then hit him once that sent him to Yama’s abode. Seeing this, Meghanada jumped onto his chariot and made noise with his bow. Devas ran hither and thither. Then Indra declared: “Do not run away, my son Jayandan is going to fight him.” Jayandan was a great warrior who made the Asuras run amuck. Meghanada fought with Jayandan and both sides suffered the loss. Meghanada shot an arrow at Matali’s son Gomukhan and Jayandan shot one on Meghanada’s charioteer. The Devas and Asuras made each other suffer badly on the battlefield. 

Puloma, the grandfather of Jayandan took him away and hid him in the ocean. Indra asked Matali to drive the chariot fast. All the celestials were rooting for Indra, but there were bad omens seen all over. Ravana also came to give cover for Meghanada. Kumbhakarna came to attack Devas. Rudra came to help Devas and killed many Asuras. Asuras started falling by thousands and Ravana’s son got angry. He shot continuously and Indra was busy shooting arrows as well. When Asuras advanced to the middle of the field, amidst the Asuras, they were rounded by the Devas. But they soon realized that they could not kill Meghanada due to a boon given to him by Lord Siva. When Devas rounded up Ravana, Meghanada started showering rains of arrows from his hiding. When the Devas got tired of getting hit with the Asura’s arrows, Indra started searching for Meghanada. He could not locate him, and Indra was tired. Suddenly Meghanada came out of hiding and tied up Indra. Gandharvas, Haha, and HooHoo went to fight Ravana. Ravana’s son again continued his flight from the hiding and rescued his father. Devas went to Lord Brahma and informed the situation. They all went in their Vimanas and waited in the sky above Lanka.

Freeing Indra.

Seeing Lord Brahma coming to Lanka, Ravana paid his respects. “Live long without any enemies and reign the three worlds! You are fortunate to have Meghanada as your son. There are no warriors to match him. As he has won over Indra, I am naming him Indrajit. Untie Indra and set him free. I will give you a boon in return. Ravana asked Lord Brahma the boon he wanted. “If I do a fire sacrifice properly, I should get a chariot from the fire that would make me immortal, and I should be invincible. If I were to be unable to complete the Yagna properly, let death fall upon me; otherwise, no one should kill me. Many others in the past have received boons by doing penance. But I am getting them with my muscle power; I can let Indra go if you agree.” Lord Brahma had to agree to his strange demand and Meghanada let Indra free.

They all left for Deva’s abode, but Indra was still upset. “You have abused Ahalya in the past and now you are suffering the consequence. Do the Yagna – Mahamakha- without delay to get rid of all bad luck from you.” Indra conducted the Yagna and got back his enthusiasm.  Sage Agastya continued: “This is why I said, Ravani is more powerful than Ravana.” Everyone who heard Sage’s narration of the history rejoiced. The sage left the palace after bidding goodbye to all. 

Rama, along with his brothers did the daily rituals and rested in the palace happily. Some singers would wake him up on time and all his relatives and kings from the kingdoms nearby gave him company. He lived in Ayodhya as Indra lives in the city of Sudharma. 

Send off given to Kings.

When Sita’s father Janaka bid him Goodbye, Rama sent with him lots of gifts including precious stones and ornaments. “Do not forget us” he requested his father-in-law. Their uncle Yudhajith bid goodbye to the king and left with a lot of gifts including silk and other fineries. Then Kasi’s king left with hundreds of elephants, chariots, and horses. There were three hundred prominent kings who were sent off with innumerable gifts of various kinds. They were relieved that they did not have to get involved in making the dyke across the ocean and in fighting with Ravana. They counted their blessings to have met Rama, their victorious emperor. Rakshasas and Vanaras also stayed there for about two months and had a great time, and the time passed as if it was just a couple of days. Rama bid goodbye to Sugriva. “Take care of all your Vanara subjects without giving them any trouble. Live a life of dharma.” All were given several gifts and they returned to Kishkindha.  

To Vibhishana, Rama said: “Let us not lose sight of this relationship we have developed. May you rule Lanka, for long, as a devotee of the Lord!” Then it was the turn of Hanuman to leave. “I do not have the courage and strength to think of being separated from you. So, grant me enough life to continue to be your devotee as long as your name and your story are alive in this world.” Rama smiled at him and said: “Maruti, do not be concerned. If the worlds exist, my name and fame will be alive. You will live to see that. I bestow you with the Brahma’s stature. May you never face the sorrow of birth and death!” All guests left and lived happily in their abodes.

The Vimana, Pushpaka, paid respects to Rama and said: “When I went to Alakapuri, Kubera told me that “Ravana had taken the Vimana away from me and Rama killed him. That means the Vimana belongs to Rama. Go and serve him.” I am here to serve you and Lord; I am also reluctant to be separated from you.”  Rama said: “OK, come to me whenever I think of you; stay in Chitraratha for the time being.”

The spring season arrived, and Sri Rama enjoyed his time with Sita Devi in the Royal palace of Ayodhya. After they spent four months thus, Janaki Devi showed signs of pregnancy. Citizens of Ayodhya rejoiced to hear the news and Sri Rama, the embodiment of Vedanta, reigned the fourteen worlds fully observing the Varna dharma, happily with his brothers, ministers, and sages.

 

Adhyatma Ramayanam Day 26. Uttarakandham Contd

Adhyatma Ramayanam Day 26. Uttarakandham Contd

Audiobook Link - Adhyatma Ramayanam  33.20 m

Ramayanam Kilippaattu Day 26 രാമായണമാസം - ദിവസം  26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8MCCeM1xqo

Uttarakandham contd.

Lifting of the Mountain of Kailas

After winning over his elder brother in the battle, Ravana took charge of the Pushpaka Vimana and flew it at his will. But as he reached the area of Saravana, the aircraft stopped and would not move any further. As Ravana was thinking about the reason for this to occur, Maricha said: “Perhaps the Pushpaka would obey the commands only from Kubera?” As they were discussing, Nandi came there in the guise of a Vanara and told Ravana that the area is reserved for Lord Shankara to frolic and to perform his Tandava dance. “No one else is allowed here. So, go back immediately. Do not think of coming here with your arrogance.” Hearing the Vanara, Ravana laughed at him with contempt. “I am not killing you now as you have a boon from Lord Brahma. Since you laughed at me because I am in the form of a Vanara, I curse you. You and your clan will face destruction due to a Vanara. Your death is sure because of the cruelties you have been inflicting on Devas and Brahmanas.”

Ravana did not hear Nandi’s curse as he was still thinking: “Who is this fellow, Shankara?” He was taken over by rage and he tried to lift the mountain of Kailas with his twenty hands, and it wobbled. Lord Siva’s attendants were scared and Parvati, Siva’s consort ran to her Lord with fear and embraced him. Siva was delighted to have been embraced by his dear lady and fixed the mountain back in place, pressing by his toe. Ravana’s hands were still under the mountain, and they got crushed when Siva fixed the mountain with his toe. The whole world felt the pain of Ravana, and he knew there is no other go than to please Mahadeva to escape from the predicament.  He started singing Sama songs, making a lute out of his hands. His devotion increased and he continued his penance for thousand years. Siva relented and came to see and bless him. “There is no one as powerful as you in the three worlds! Your voice (Ravam) filled the three worlds, and you will be known as Ravana from now onward. I am gifting you this mighty sword, Chandrahasa. I am pleased with your devotion. If you keep me in your mind, you will not face any defeat. You may continue your journey in your Vimana.” Ravana prostrated the Lord and left in the Vimana. He lived happily in the forest near the Himalayas for a long time.

The Curse of Vedavati

As Ravana was living in the forest, he happened to see a beautiful girl living in a hermitage. He approached her and asked her: “Oh! Dear, how come such a beautiful girl living in a hermitage leaving all the worldly comforts, controlling the senses, and performing austerities? Who are you? Are you one of those celestial ladies – Rambha, Tilottama, or Urvashi? Are you Mahalakshmi? Who are your parents?” 

When Dasamukha asked thus, she replied: “I am the daughter of the famous sage Kushadhwaja and granddaughter of Sage Brihaspati. I am a Veda scholar and the great sages have given me the name Vedavati. Several people came asking my hands in marriage, but my father would not agree, because he wanted Lord Madhava to marry me. Because of this, one Rakshasa was upset with my father, and he killed him. My mother also died immediately after that. I have been thinking about Madhava from then on. I am doing Tapas intending to get Madhava as my husband. I know you have achieved a lot by doing Tapas and I respect you. I bless you. But now, leave me alone and you may leave.”

Ravana got down from the Vimana and approached her: “I cannot leave you that easy, my dear. Your Madhava is not as powerful as me. You have done enough Tapas and you can stop the austere life of a monk now. Please do not waste your youth in penance. Come with me.” Vedavati was furious: “Do not speak to me such lowly words.” Dasamukha was outraged and caught hold of Vedavati by her hair. Immediately a curse as an outburst came from her: “Since you touched me with the wrong intention, I should be killing you, but I am not doing that lest I lose continuity of my penance. I am going to leave my body now and I will be born on earth to cause a painful death for you. Your family also will perish with you!” So, saying, she jumped in the fire. Know that she is here as the Queen, Sita Devi and you are indeed Lord Madhava, who is Lord Narayana.

Winning over Marutta

Ravana traveled again to the place where Marutta was conducting a Yagna. Seeing Ravana, Devas went in disguise to avoid a confrontation with the Rakshasa. Indra became a peacock. Yama became a crow and Varuna, a swan. Kubera became a lizard. Marutta remained without any movement. Ravana challenged him for a fight and Marutta retorted: “Are you planning to reach the Yama’s abode soon? Who are you?” Ravana replied that he was the Rakshasa king. “I am the brother of Vaishravana and son of Pulastha. I have won over my elder brother in battle and took his Vimana. No one is in the world who is not afraid of me.” Hearing Ravana boast, Marutta laughed at him and said sarcastically. “Great! You are indeed a follower of the dharma! You have defeated your elder brother, whom you are supposed to treat like your father! Bravo! You are such a pious fellow! I must kill you and protect people from fear.” 

Hearing this, the chief of Yagna, Samvarttaka, said: Before finishing the Yagna, no one should turn their attention to anything else. You should not disrupt the Yagna conducted to propitiate Mahadeva.” Marutta agreed and Dasamukha walked away with his army of Rakshasas, imagining that he has won the debate. After Ravana left the Yagna venue, Devas came back in their original form. Indra blessed the peacock – “May you become extremely beautiful to look at. Your feathers will have charming blue eyes just like my eyes. When I shower rains on the earth, may you feel exhilarated!” 

Yama blessed the crow: “You will not die of illness or old age. You will die only if someone kills you. You can eat the food offered to the forefathers living at my abode and that will satisfy their needs. Swans were blessed by Varuna: “You will become stark white in color, living happily in the water enjoying the lotus roots.” Lord of Kinnaras, Kubera, blessed the lizards. “May you live with a golden crown on your head!” The Yagna was completed without any disruption and Marutta gave appropriate Dakshina to all. 

Ravana challenged Marutta again. “Come and surrender, or else fight with me.” Several kings, such as Gathi, Surathan, Pururavas, Dushyant, etc. conceded defeat with Ravana. Then Ayodhya was ruled by Anaranya, who would not go back on a challenge and decided to fight Ravana. A fierce battle ensued and both warriors lost several of their fighters. Finally, Ravana hit him with his mace and as he fell, he cursed Ravana; “I will die now, and that way you will not be victorious in this battle. In the Sun dynasty, Rama will be born to king Dasaratha to destroy you and your clan.”

Kartavirya Arjuna and Ravana

When sage Agastya narrated the story, Rama was pleased and asked him: “How come the kings of those times were incapable of fighting with Ravana? Was it because they were weak or was it because the Rakshasa was invincible?” The sage smiled and replied: “Listen, Ravana kept on creating havoc, disturbing the sages and Devas. He reached the city of Mahishmati which was ruled by Kartavirya. One day, the king went frolicking in the river Narmada with his ladies when Dasamukha, traveling in his Vimana, saw the beautiful Vindhya mountains below. He saw the river Narmada and decided to descend there and take a rest. 

He told his warriors: “Go and fight with kings there so that you will not be bored. We should take bath in this golden river, and I will be here performing the necessary rituals, including the Mrityunjaya Yagna.” Hearing this, Rakshasas arranged flowers and sandal paste to adorn the Shivalinga. They created a beautiful arena on the riverbank and set the Shivalinga there. Ravana did an elaborate pooja to Lord Siva following his guru’s direction. They danced and sang a stuti extolling Siva. 

“Salutations to Siva who has won over the death. I feel that the trinity that consists of me, my preceptor, and god is one.” As they were conducting the ritual, the water in the river started rising. The arena was flooded and the Shivalinga was submerged as if the river was pouring water over it.  “How come the river water is backing upstream instead of flowing downstream? Go and check why is this strange flood occurring now?” Ravana ordered. Ravana’s attendants, Suka and Sarana, walked downstream along the riverbank for half a Yojana and found that a king was playing there along with his lady friends. He has stopped the water from flowing downstream by keeping his thousand hands across the river, forming a dam. 

They reported this to Ravana, and he was outraged. “Who is this Arjuna? He must be a pitiful fellow! I must go and win him over before returning to Lanka. He could not complete his pooja properly. Ravana sent his messengers to challenge Arjuna, the son of Kartavirya. Arjuna’s ministers sent the reply: “The king is busy taking a bath today but will be ready to fight tomorrow and suppress your arrogance for sure. If you cannot wait until then, come fight with us now. If you end up killing us in the battle, our king will come and finish you. Prahasta and other Rakshasas started fighting with the ministers and hearing the commotion, Arjuna finished his water sports and asked his ladies to go to their chambers. “I will be with you momentarily,” he told them.

Kartavirya Arjuna took his mace and jumped at Prahasta, but he resisted it by a pestle. Arjuna hit him with his mace, and he fell unconscious. Dhumraksha and other Rakshasas ran away and Ravana, with twenty hands, ended up fighting with Arjuna with one thousand hands. After a long battle, Dasamukha fell when Arjuna hit him with his mace. His bow fell from his grip, and he lay unconscious. Arjuna tied him up and his servants carried him to the prison. Kartavirya took Ravana’s sword, Chandrahasa. Devas were elated and they showered flowers on the king. Asuras were distraught seeing the plight of their king and thought of a way of rescuing him. Maricha suggested: “Let us request Sage Pulastha to help us.” Hearing what happened to his grandson, Pulastha went to Mahishmati. Arjuna welcomed the sage properly and prostrated at his feet. He enquired the reason for the sage’s visit. The sage smiled and said: “Kings of Chandra dynasty are great warriors possessing valor and courage, and as one of them, I bless you to live long with fame and fortune. Amazingly, you could conquer Ravana, who can make mountains and seas behave on his command. Since you are dear to me and you are a devotee of the lord, I request you to free my grandson, Ravana. Arjuna obliged and untied Ravana. The king gave a feast to the guest and gave gifts of gold and silk, before bidding goodbye. Ravana stood there with his ten heads down in shame. He paid his respects to the sage and said goodbye to Kartavirya Arjuna. The king bid him best wishes and returned his sword. The sage was relieved. Rakshasas arrived with the Vimana, and they left the city as fast as they could like a river flow breaching a dam.

Ravana’s Fight with Bali

As they were flying, Ravana saw the city of Kishkindha. He wanted to win over someone badly to get rid of the shame of having been rescued by his grandfather. He decided to fight Bali, the king of Kishkindha. He went and challenged Bali, but he was not there. Taran told Ravana: “The king is not here now, so wait for a moment until he gets back. He will come back after finishing his daily routine of taking bath in all four oceans and finishing the ritual of giving oblations. Earlier also many people came to fight with him, but they all ended up reaching Yama’s abode quickly. You can see there a hill of bones formed of all those killed in the battles with Bali. You will also face the same fate if you fight Bali. But if you are in a hurry to die, go and see him at the shore of the Southern Ocean. He will honor you with a good fight and kill you soon. 

Hearing Taran’s words, Ravana felt insulted, and he went to the shore of the Southern Ocean with his army. He spotted Bali there, but he did not see Ravana as he was facing the sea. Ravana went behind Bali to catch hold of him and Bali in no time twirled his tail around Ravana and tightened it. Other Vanaras did not approach out of fear and Ravana was hung from the mighty Vanara’s tail. Bali jumped to the Eastern Sea and did his daily oblation there. He jumped over to the Northern Sea and Western Sea as well to finish his routine, all the time, with Ravana hanging from his tail. Finally, he reached Kishkindha and took a rest. He ate his food and relaxed. Then he remembered about the creature who was hanging on his tail. He smiled and asked Ravana: “Who are you? Why did you come without anyone to help you?”

“I am Ravana, son of Vishravas and the grandson of Sage Pulastha. It must be my karma that I am in this situation now. I would like to make friends with you and enter a pact as Kishkindha and Lanka are quite compatible.” Bali agreed and entered a pact with Ravana with Agni witnessing the deed. Ravana stayed in Kishkindha for a month before returning to Lanka. He reached Lanka and lived there happily, continuing his atrocities to noble people.

We all know how Rama killed this mighty Vanara king Bali with a single shot of an arrow to protect dharma in the world.  

Narada Meets Ravana

One day Sage Narada went to Lanka, to see Ravana. He was welcomed by the Rakshasa king and treated with pleasantries, food, and gifts. “I was thinking of visiting you, the most well-known devotee of Lord Siva. You are also one of the most powerful kings with principles. So, please listen to my words.  You have been killing many people in the world in unnecessary battles and what is the use? Human beings are subjected to illness, old age, and death anyway. What is the benefit of killing those who are already in the grip of severe illness and worldly afflictions? By killing them early, you are incurring unnecessary sins.” Ravana agreed with the Sage and said: “Glad that you opened my eyes on this. I better go to Patala, the nether worlds and fight Rakshasas and to the world of Devas to fight Indra and other Devas, instead of chasing the lowly humans.”

Narada asked: “That is a good idea, but how would you go to Patala? You have to pass by the world of Yama to get there, but he will not let you pass by his area.” Ravana laughed and said: “Ha Ha, I got your hint. I will have to win over Yama and that is the first order of business for me.” He took leave of Narada and prepared to fight the god of death, Yama. Narada left Lanka thinking that “I can witness a fierce war now”.

Narada then went to Yama singing a Sama song on his lute. Yama was sitting on his throne in the court along with his ministers, thinking about the good and bad karmas of human beings. The god of death, known as Dharma Raja, got up and received the sage. He asked: “What is the news from the three worlds? Hope everything is fine everywhere.” Narada replied: “I do not know what to talk about, but something is bothering me and that is why I came to see you quickly. Ravana, the ten-headed asura wants to win over you and he can show up at any time here to challenge you. But I have heard that once a Jiva, gets hit by you, there is no return for him to life.” As they were discussing, they saw a glittering Vimana up in the sky. Yama knew it would be Ravana coming to challenge him. He asked his army to get ready and they came in large numbers beating their drums and playing pipes. 

Adhyatma Ramayanam Day 25. Uttarakandham Beginning

Adhyatma Ramayanam Day 25. Uttarakandham Beginning

Audiobook Link - Adhyatma Ramayanam  61.00 m

Ramayanam Kilippaattu Day 25 രാമായണമാസം - ദിവസം  25

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LMoOWNnzDY

Uttarakandham Beginning

Chapter 1

Agastya and other Sages Arrive at Sri Rama’s Court.

Sri Rama was ruling the kingdom of Ayodhya after the historic battle in Lanka where Ravana was killed with the help of the Vanara army. After the war, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita had flown back to Ayodhya in the Vimana, Pushpaka accompanied by the Vanaras, Rakshasas, and others. Rama was the emperor of the fourteen worlds, ruling over the kingdoms when sages from various places gathered and came to Ayodhya to see him.  Sages Kanva, Koushika, Dhoumya, Viswamitra, Jamadagni, Gautama, Atri, Bharadwaja, Kashyapa, and Vasishta led the group and informed the sentries at the gate of Ayodhya to inform Rama of their arrival. Rama was elated and he, along with prominent citizens of Ayodhya went to receive the sages. They exchanged pleasantries and the king treated them with a royal welcome. After they were settled in, Rama asked them: “Oh! Great sages, I hope you are all doing well, and I would like to know the purpose of your visit today.”

Sages replied: “We wanted to see how you are doing as the king, after the epic war at Lanka. What else can make us happy than to see your eminence as the emperor reigning the world with Sita Devi by your side? People all over the world celebrate your victory over Ravana as if it is a great feat. That is indeed out of their ignorance. But we know that winning over somebody is not a big deal for you who can achieve anything as the omnipotent Paramatma. Lakshmana’s victory over Indrajit was also such an incident.”

Hearing the sages talking about Ravana and his son, Rama asked: “How come you are mentioning their names now? I would like to hear the origins of these Asuras and their heroic deeds. Hearing this request, sage Agastya said: “I will narrate for your benefit, all the background stories of Ravana and his son Meghanada. I will tell you the powers they obtained by spending years in meditation, doing penance to propitiate Lord Siva and other gods. Sage Pulastha was Brahma’s son, a pious Rishi who lived in the Ashram of Trina Bindu near the mountain, Meru. He lived there performing austerities and doing penance comfortably. Young maidens used to visit the Ashram for taking bath and as a monk, he was not comfortable seeing them around. To teach them a lesson, he cursed them: “If any virgins come here in the garden, they will become pregnant at once.” From the next day onward, girls did not go there to play fearing the curse. But unfortunately, the daughter of Trina Bindu went there looking for her friends without knowing about the curse. She got pregnant instantly and she went to her father to report what happened. She was scared. The king went to the Ashram and asked the sages about the strange curse. “Who else would be able to resolve the issue created by your curse? So, it is only appropriate for you to accept my daughter in marriage and preserve our family’s prestige. The sage agreed and married her. As her pregnancy was from the words of her husband, he was named Vishravas. Sage Bharadwaja gave his daughter to Vishravas in marriage and their son is Vaishravana. 

Vaishravana did severe penance for forty-nine thousand years and Lord Brahma gave him several boons including control over the eight directions and the wealth of the world. He was also gifted a Vimana, famed as Pushpaka. After gaining all these boons, Vaishravana went to see his father, Vishravas, and seeing his son’s good fortune, he embraced him happily. Vaishravana asked his father: “Where would I find a place for me to live comfortably?” The father replied after thinking for a moment: “Vishwakarma, the celestial builder had created a wonderful city called Lanka, in the Southern Sea, on top of Trikuda Mountains. That was inhabited by Asuras for a long time. But they were killed by Lord Narayana as a punishment for abusing the Devas. There were only some Rakshasas left and they escaped to the nether worlds. You may choose to make Lanka your abode.” Hearing his father, Vaishravana went to Lanka and lived there happily.

Hearing the story of Vaishravana and Vishravas, Rama asked the sage: “I have heard that the clan of Pulastha is Asura, but Rakshasas were there even before that. Pray, tell me how they came to Lanka and how were they killed by Lord Narayana?”

The Story of Rakshasas and Yakshas.

Sage Agastya said: “After Vishwakarma, son of Lord Brahma had built the magnificent city, a few inhabitants were also created. The created beings asked Brahma, where to find food and water for them to survive. Then the creator agreed to protect them with all that is needed for their survival. He named the inhabitants, Rakshasas, and Yakshas. In the Rakshasas, two brothers, Heti and Praheti were born. Heti married the sister of Kala, the god of death. Praheti continued to be a Brahmachari. Heti had a son, Vidyul Keshan. He married a damsel, Salakatamkata, the daughter of Sandhya. They roamed in the forests fulfilling their lust and got a son, whom they abandoned. But the child started crying and Lord Siva and Parvati heard it. They saw this bright child from the Vimana and descended near him. Parvati felt the motherly love and suckled him. Siva was also pleased with him and blessed the child. In that forest, a palace rose suddenly, and the child became a young man. Parvati named him Sukesa and blessed him to live happily with progeny.  Sukesa prostrated the divine couple and lived in the palace for a long time. King of Gandharvas, was pleased with Sukesa’s prowess, gave him his daughter Tanuja, in marriage. Their sons, Malyavan, Sumali, and Mali were great warriors. They decided to perform a severe penance and stood meditating on Lord Brahma, near the Meru Mountain, without food for a long time. Brahma was pleased with them and appeared before them. He gave all the boons they asked for and they became very arrogant of their abilities. They lived there joyfully, abusing everyone in the world.

They went to Vishwakarma and requested him to build a city for them to stay. Vishwakarma said: “I had built a city with wonderful buildings on top of the Trikuda hill in the Southern Sea as requested by Indra. It is Lanka, a big city full of palaces, gardens, and lakes. You will be safe there.” They went to Lanka and stayed there and got married to Gandharva ladies. Malyavan and his wife Sundari had seven sons and one daughter. Sumali and his wife Ketumati had ten sons and four daughters. Mali and his wife Vasudha had four sons. They were a formidable force, and they reigned the three worlds disrupting everything noble and pious. Devas, monks, sages, celestials, serpents, and others lived in fear and hid in forest caves. After suffering for a long time, they decided to meet with Lord Siva and complain about the atrocities they were suffering from the Rakshasas. Lord Siva said: “I cannot kill them, as Sukesa is like a son to me. But you can approach Lord Narayana who is reclining on the Anantha Serpent, in the milky ocean. He will find a solution.  He will kill the wicked and protect dharma.” 

They went to see Lord Narayana and extolled his virtues in a hymn. “Salutations to Narayana! Mukunda, Janardhana! Vasudeva! Govinda!” When Vishnu heard the singing of Devas, he woke up from his Yoga and enquired the purpose of their visit. “Are you here just to please me or are you here because something is bothering you? I will help you whatever the issue is.” They told the story of Sukesa. “Sukesa is dear to Lord Siva, and he had three sons, Malyavan, Sumali, and Mali, who are Rakshasas. They propitiated Brahma and got boons and that became a big problem for the three worlds. Siva is reluctant to do anything against them as Sukesa is like a son to Siva and Parvati. Rudra told us that only you would be able to help us by killing the Rakshasas. We do not know where to go other than seek refuge at your feet.”

Hearing their problem, Vishnu agreed to kill the Rakshasas. “If they commit any atrocities on anyone, please send me a messenger, I will go there right away and deal with them.” Malyavan heard about the promise Lord Vishnu had given to the Devas and warned his brothers. “We must be careful and start living seriously abandoning our childlike behavior. I heard that the Devas told Lord Siva all our faults, but he refused to punish us due to his affection for our father. But he asked them to see Lord Vishnu and he agreed to help them and protect the three worlds. Now the Devas think they are invincible. In the past also, the Lord had killed our forefathers as requested by Devas and our fate will be the same too.” 

The brothers were ready to go for a battle with the Devas. “Let us get ready to fight and destroy Deva’s arrogance.  Let us invite the Rakshasa people from the nether worlds and increase our strength.” They came in large numbers with elephants, horses, chariots, and all kinds of weapons. The omens were not very good for them, but the Asuras decided to fight anyway. They went to the gate of Indra’s city fully prepared to attack. Indra sent a messenger to Lord Vishnu and immediately the Lord flew in sitting on his vehicle Garuda, ready with his weapons. Lord Vishnu fought with the Rakshasas, and it is difficult to explain the details of such a mighty battle, justifiably.

Chapter 2 

The battle was fierce, and scores of Rakshasas were dead, and they went to the nether worlds. Vishnu blew his Conch and that sound itself was frightening and the earth seems to have trembled. Several headless bodies were seen on the battlefield. When Sumali saw his army was receding, he was outraged. He started showering arrows at the Lord and Mali joined his brother. When Mali hit Garuda, the Lord did not hesitate and cut his head off. When Vishnu started killing all the Rakshasas, even the ones without any weapons, Malyavan tried to reason with him. “Is it fair to fight with unarmed soldiers? Are you not afraid of getting a black mark on your name and fame? That can lead you to hell and you claim to be the protector of the dharma!” So, saying he hurled a spear towards the Lord’s chest. As soon as it hit him, he pulled it out and returned it. He was hit badly, but still, he fought back. He hit the Lord and Garuda with his fist. Garuda was also actively involved in the war. Sumali ran away along with the Rakshasas who were left on the battlefield. Malyavan joined his brother and reached Lanka. Whoever left on the battlefield could not survive there and so they went to the nether worlds. You recently killed Ravana.”

Sumali wanted to know what was happening in the world, and he came to earth from the nether world along with his daughter Kaikasi. Vaishravana was a celebrated fellow then due to his penance. Sumali saw him coming from Lanka on his Vimana, on the way to see his father, Vishravas. When he saw him, Sumali told his daughter: “My dear, it would be great if you also had a son like this who would serve his parents. But I fail to see how to make that happen because of the rivalry between Devas and Asuras. Your relatives cannot marry you and the Devas will not accept you as they do not trust us. If you try, you can beget a son from Sage Pulastha. Serve him well, you will get a son who will be famous in the three worlds.”

Birth of Ravana, Kumbha Karna, Surppanakha & Vibhishana.

Kaikasi decided to approach the Sage and beget sons from him. As the sage was doing his oblation of the evening twilight, she approached him and mentally requested for the gift of progeny. The sage expressed his concerns and said: “This is not an auspicious time and heeding to your request for children will result in mishaps in the society.”

Kaikasi was relentless: “If a great sage like you beget wretched sons, that will not suit your name and fame.” Hearing this Sage Pulastha replied: “Oh! Beautiful! Do not worry. You will get a son, well-liked by Lord Vishnu. He will be considerate to others and will live for long, making name for himself and his clan.” Kaikasi was excited and she left to her abode. In time, she became pregnant, and the child she delivered had a strange form. Her Rakshasa son had ten heads and twenty hands; and his body was like a mountain, blue. He was named Dasamukha. Her next son was also a mighty Rakshasa, equally strong as the first one; named Kumbhakarna. The third child was a Rakshasa girl, Surppanakha. The fourth one was a son, a pious and noble character, although born into the Rakshasa clan. His name was Vibhishana, and he was devoted to Lord Narayana from his childhood days. Kaikasi lived happily in the Shleshmodaka forest along with her children. One day she saw in the sky a Vimana in which Vaishravana, in his finest garbs, going to pay his respects to his father, Pulastha. She told Ravana: “Look, your elder brother is going in his Vimana in style. You are also the son of the Sage, but to what avail?”

Hearing his mother, Ravana consoled her: “One day I will become more famous and prominent than him. One needs to do severe penance in achieving anything.” He went to the banks of river Gokarna along with his brothers and started performing severe Tapas, to propitiate Lord Brahma. Dasamukha undertook penance like no other. He meditated standing at the center of five fires in summer and winter, he immersed his body in cold water. He did not care if there was rain. Kumbhakarna stood staring at Sun during his Tapas. Vibhishana, the pious among the three, meditated on Brahman, the Paramatma. Despite the severe penance for ten thousand years, Lord Brahma did not appear before them. Ravana decided to make his Tapas more severe. He cut one of his heads himself and submitted in the fire.  Then he did the penance for a thousand years. Still no sign of Lord Brahma. Then he did the same with his second head. Another thousand years passed. Still, the Lord was not pleased. He ended up submitting nine heads, performing severe austerities for nine thousand years. After the long Tapas of nineteen thousand years, Ravana was about to cut his tenth head with his sword, Lord Brahma could not ignore him. “Enough of your sacrifice and penance. Tell me what you want. I will give you the boons you want.” Ravana was happy and he expressed his wants. “I must not face death by anyone from the Deva, Gandharva, Asura, or Serpent species, except humans.” Ravana knew humans will never be a match for his power. Lord Brahma was about to be blessed with the level of invincibility he wanted when the Devas came and intervened. “Be careful, Lord, these are dangerous fellows. Please do not give everything they ask for”. 

Brahma requested Vani, the Goddess in charge of words and letters, to control what Kumbhakarna was going to ask for. “Please reside on the tip of his tongue and create confusion to his words of wants.” Vani Devi went and occupied his tongue. Lord Brahma asked what he wanted as a boon. From his tongue came out the words: “Bless me with ‘Nidrathvam’ meaning craving to sleep, although in his mind he meant to say ‘Indrathvam’ meaning the position of Indra, the king of Devas. Brahma said: “So be it” and thus Kumbhakarna became addicted to sleeping. When Brahma approached Vibhishana, his wants were very pious, true to his attitude. He prostrated the Lord and uttered in a devotion-filled voice: “I am already blessed as you have given me your vision to behold. My only prayer to you is to bless me with devotion all the time. May I do not deviate from dharma in all my endeavors! May I not be attracted to sinful thoughts and deeds!” Brahma blessed him to lead a long and devotional life without sorrow.  After Brahma departed the brothers, they went back to their homes and enjoyed life with their families. Kumbhakarna slept a lot. Hearing the news about the boons they obtained, Sumali also joined them and Kaikasi was elated.

Vaishravana Moves out of Lanka.

One day Prahasta narrated the story of Diti and Aditi.  “They were both married to Sage Kashyapa. Aditi had Aditeyas (Devas) and Diti had Daityas (Asuras) as their children. Children of both mothers wanted to rule over the three worlds and that resulted in a rivalry between the two groups. They fought each other and finally Lord Vishnu came to Deva’s help and Asuras ran away to the world of Nagas. Lanka, the magnificent city as great as the city of the Devas, was my abode a long time back. Malyavan, Sumali, and Mali lived there in their childhood days.  My father gave Lanka to Vaishravana, your brother. Did you not know this?”

Dasamukha replied: “You go and tell Vaishravana that Lanka belongs to Asuras. He better hand over the city to us. Give this message and bring me their reply.” Prahasta went to Vaishravana with the message. He went to Vaishravana. “Your brother Ravana has sent me to you with a message: “Lanka belongs to Asura kings, and you have been ruling over it for a long time. Now it is time for them to take over the reign.” Hearing Prahasta’s words, Vaishravana, the Lord of wealth replied: “This place was abandoned by Rakshasas and so, after a while, my father gifted it to me and asked me to take care of it. I am happy to share the city with Dasamukha and we siblings can live together happily. Ask him to come here, I am eager to meet my brother in person.” Prahasta took the message back to Ravana. Vaishravana went to see his father and told him about Ravana’s message and sought his opinion and advice. 

Vishravas advised Kubera: “Ravana is wicked and not trustworthy. You give the city to Dasamukha and come here. Bring your wealth, wife, and children here and live happily serving Lord Shankara. You can build a palace near Kailas and live a life of devotion to Lord Siva.” He followed his father’s advice and moved from Lanka, settling in Alakapuri, with his wealth and family. Dasamukha came to know about it and with the help of their relatives, he became the king of Lanka. Ravana along with his grandfather, mother, and brothers, went to Lanka and established a kingdom. He built a special chamber for Kumbhakarna to sleep in. Looking at his brother’s addiction to sleep, Ravana was worried. He decided to meet with Lord Brahma and told him about his brother’s addiction. “I am upset that my capable brother is obsessed with sleeping. I cannot have a good conversation with him.” Lord Brahma consoled him. “Ok, He will sleep for six months and then wake up for a day before going back to sleep.” 

Ravana continued ruling Lanka and spread havoc arrogantly in the three worlds. One day Ravana was hunting in the forest for wild animals when he came across Mayan, along with his daughter. ‘Who are you and why are you roaming in the forest?” He asked Mayan. “I am Mayan, and she is my daughter, Mandodari. My wife is Hema, and she lives in the city of Gods, Amaralaya. I am looking for a suitable groom for my daughter. Who are you? Tell me all about yourself.”

Ravana answered: I am Dasamukha, the king of Lanka, son of Sage Pulastha. Give me your daughter in marriage and that will make everybody happy.” Mayan agreed considering the lineage of the groom and thinking that he would have the noble qualities of his father. He did not know the true nature of the son-in-law and gave him ample dowry and a special weapon. Kumbhakarna married the granddaughter of Virochana. Vibhishana married Sarama, daughter of Shailusha. Vidvijihva married Surppanakha.  Mandodari delivered a baby boy who roared like a cloud as soon he came out. He was named Meghanada. Ravana reigned the three worlds using fear as his weapon. He attacked Devas regularly. Vaishravana heard about his brother’s atrocities and decided to advise him reluctantly as he was part of his family. “I better speak with him and advice,” He sent a messenger to talk with Ravana. The messenger met with Vibhishana first, and then they both went to See Ravana. They expressed their respects to the king and passed on the message: “Oh! Compassionate one, a great warrior known around the world, please heed to these words. You have done severe penance to achieve what you have now. But know that all those achievements will deteriorate when you immerse in worldly pleasures. Who will get punished for all the atrocities committed? Thinking that wealth and body are permanent is a foolish notion we have. When you abuse noble people with your arrogant attitude, you will face the consequences for sure. People are spreading bad comments about you comparing with me. – “that Dasamukha is not right. Is he the younger brother of Vaishravana?” people ask. I cannot even imagine the atrocities you are doing to noble people. Devas started talking about how to stop Dasamukha from doing these again. I live here establishing a strong bond with Lord Siva. Hope you will also behave properly doing activities following dharma.”

Hearing this, Ravana was outraged. He clenched his teeth and twisted his arms. He yelled at the messenger in a sarcastic voice: “Yes, my elder brother is a great one who is the custodian of world’s wealth, and I am the wretched fellow! He is boasting his closeness to the Devas, and his position as the chief of Yakshas and Kinnaras. He is proud of his lineage and various status in the world. If he is so noble, he could excuse his brother’s indiscretions! He is thinking too high about himself and talking ill of others! Why is he hiding inside the fort?” Saying thus he used his sword and cut off the messenger’s head. Since he killed a messenger, he must face his invariable fate due to another messenger, for sure. 

Ravana decided to win over his elder brother first and then the Devas. He started preparing for a war with a large army of warriors. He gifted generously to his guru and others and propitiated their clan’s deity. He jumped up on a chariot and drove in the Northern direction. Maricha, Shuka, Sarana, Veera, Mahodara, and Mahaparswa led the war processions and reached Alakapuri, the abode of Kubera. His messengers saw them and informed Vaishravana. His Yakshas fought with Ravana’s Rakshasas. When these two started fighting, the three worlds trembled. When Yaksha had an upper hand in the battle, Ravana jumped in and attacked them with his mace. Then a Yaksha warrior fought with Maricha. He fell to the ground but got up soon and hit the Yaksha in retaliation. He ran towards Alakapuri for cover. Ravana followed him and Bhaskara Bhanu hit him with a post at the city gate. He replied with a hard hit and Bhaskara Bhanu fell. The Manichara, a Yaksha chieftain came with four thousand men and Mahodara killed all. Prahasta killed thousand of Yakshas.  Maricha killed two thousand. But the Yaksha was able to kill Dhumraksha. Seeing that Dasamukha came forward and Mahayaksha hurled a spear at him. Ravana jumped at Manichara with his mace and his crown went sideways. 

Then Vaishravana got into the war field holding his weapon and told Ravana. “In the past also, many have achieved boons based on their penance, but they are all dead now. So do not be arrogant just because you have done so many Tapas.  Good and bad karma will follow you. All the benefits of your tapas will be over within this life period. Know that the body and wealth come and go. Without this knowledge, people give too much importance to their food, sleep, wealth, etc., and act out without thinking about the consequences of bad karma. Those who abuse animals without any compassion will fall into the worst type of hell and die painfully. When I talk to a fool like you about dharma, other people will think that I must be a bigger fool to do so. As you continue to disturb others, you will face terrible consequences, for sure.” He started showing his valor on the battlefield and the Asuras ran around. He went to Ravana and hit him hard, once. Ravana was not perturbed, and he fought back at an equal level. The Yaksha (Kubera) used Agneyastra which was stopped by Ravana using Varunastra. Then Ravana resorted to magical warfare and that made Kubera fall unconscious. Sages Padma and others picked him up and took him to Nandana forest and treated him. When he woke up, Ravana had taken control of the Pushpaka Vimana.