The abduction of Devi Sita....

So when Ravana planned to steal away Sita, he called for one of his uncle Marich, Marich was a powerful demon who could disguise himself into any shape he desired. Marich already had encountered Rama’s powers and was well aware of them. When Ravana asked for his help, he empathetically told Ravana that this was a foolishness and would only lead to the doom of his kingdom. However, Ravana didn’t heed to a word and reminded Marich of the favours he owed to him. Also he threatened to kill him should he not support his cause of abducting Sita. Finally, Marich reluctantly agreed to be a part of Ravana’s plot only after prophesying the catastrophic consequences of such an act.

Marich assumed the form of a golden deer and walked near to the shelter of Rama. Sita, who was fascinated at the sight of the deer said, “Rama look at that golden deer, I’ve never seen anything like that, please get that deer for me.” Rama to this replied, “I think this looks like a trick.” Sita didn’t heed and said, “No one can trick you, you are the hero of light, you are invincible, you are the Supreme Lord, just go ahead and get the deer for me.” Rama stated, “Sita, You have been in the forest with me for all these years (it had been almost thirteen years already, one more year was left to complete) and I haven’t been able to give you any comfort whatsoever, so certainly I will get the golden deer for you even though I think it is an illusion. 

Rama ordered Laxaman to stay and guard Sita and never to leave her side. Thereafter, he went off in pursuit of the golden deer, and when the golden deer ran farther and farther away from the ashram and the hermitage, Rama knew that there was some deceit and trickery in it, still he moved in pursuit. Finally, he was well away from the ashram hermitage and he took the arrow in his bow, and he shot the arrow and it landed into the chest of the deer, and the deer immediately became a demon and before dying called out in Rama’s voice, “Laxaman, I’m shot, I’m injured, I’m in the forest surrounded by demons, and I’m wounded and I’m unarmed and they are going to kill me, please come immediately and help.”

 

When Sita heard the Ram’s voice calling out, She said, “Laxaman, Go help your brother!” Laxaman tried to convince her and said, “Sita Maiya, no one can hurt Ram, he’s the Lord of the three worlds, this must be some trickery or deceit.” Sita anxiously replied, “How can I believe that this is trickery or deceit when my husband is calling out to me in anguish, please go and help him!” And Laxaman said, “Sita Maiya, I’ve been ordered by the Lord to stay here and guard you.” Sita to this replied, “I am the Queen, and I order you to go and find your brother!” Laxaman tried a lot to convince her but when she finally didn’t agree, he was left with no options. Before leaving, he took out one of his arrow and drew a line all around the hermitage and said, “This is a Laxaman Rekha. You must remain all the times inside this boundary. No one can cross this line. As long as you are within this line you will be completely safe and for no reasons shall you cross it unless I return with Lord Rama”. Having said this Laxaman reluctantly went ahead in the jungle in the direction where Rama had originally gone.

As soon as Laxaman departed and travelled some distance, Ravana, standing by in the woods, changed his appearance and came in the disguise of an old sadhu. He came to the hermitage gate and said aloud, “Bhiksham Dehi, Bhavati Bhiksham Dehi (meaning Please offer alms to me).” Sita was stunned, “What sadhu will come to me in the middle of the day, asking for alms. It is my dharma as an Aryan woman to give alms to anyone who asks. She said to him, “Please, you stand there at the gate and I will bring you some food.” Sita went inside the house to get some food, and Ravana came to the hermitage and he tried to cross the line. Every time he stuck his finger over the line, blazing fire would jump up and sting him. He put his foot there, and the fire burned his foot. In every way Ravana tried to cross the Laxaman Rekha, he was unable to do so. And then he understood.

Sita, came to the line, and remembered Laxaman’s word. She said, “Sadhu Baba, please, put your hands next to this line, and I will hand you the food over the line.” And Ravana said, “What do you think I am, Am I a beggar that you will feed me from afar, you won’t bring the food to me and let me sit down and have an asana and a glass of water and a clean place to enjoy my meal! What kind of woman are you to insult me? Well, I’ll tell you what kind of sadhu am I. I see that you’re traveling in the forest with your husband and his brother. I see that your husband has gone off in pursuit of a deer. I see that your husband has been wounded, and that his brother has left the hermitage to offer him help. I’m going to give you a curse that your husband will die soon, and Ravana took some water in hand imitating to deliver a curse. 

Sita who was impressed by the Sadhu’s foreseeing powers and frightened by his rage cried out “No, No, No, Stop! Don’t give a curse to my husband. I’ll come and give you the food!” Ravana put down the water and Sita decided to cross the line thinking that what harm a saint can possibly do to her. As soon as she came over the Laxaman Rekha, Ravana left his disguise as a sadhu and took his actual form. He grabbed Sita firmly and laughing aloud declared, “Sita, you belong to me.” He picked her up and carried her away in his Pushpak Vimaan (a flying chariot possessed by Ravana) by aerial route.

The revenge of Surphanakha and killing of Khar and Dushan....

In the last article, we discovered how the demoness Soorphankha was paid for her deeds by Laxaman, when she tried to attack Sita. Enraged by the insult Soorphankha went to her brothers Khar and Dushan. Khar and Dushan were two powerful demons who inhibited the local area. When Soorphankha approached them with her blooded limbs, they were shocked to find their sister in such a condition. She narrated the entire story to them and demanded the killing of Rama and Laxaman to justify her cause.

Khar immediately sent a troop of 14 rakshasas to search and kill both the brothers. The troop along with Soorphankha, immediately left for the forest and soon came across the trio of Rama, Laxaman and Sita. Rama was already expecting such an act of revenge from Soorphankha. He ordered Laxaman to carry Sita to safer grounds while he himself went forward to face the demons. Rama using his powers killed all the fourteen demons with a single arrow. Soorphankha, who was more than frightened on seeing this retreated.

When Soorphankha delivered to his brothers the news of all 14 demons killed in a single arrow, they decided to take upon the Rama themselves. Along with a huge asur army, they marched for the jungle through the aerial route and soon came across the trio. Sita was frightened to see such a vast devil army and wondered how his husband and Laxaman could face them. Rama assured her not to worry and ask her to wait patiently for their return in their thatch.

Having said this, Rama along with his brother marched towards the asur army. They started killing the asurs one after the other. Soon Rama killed Dushan which was followed by the killing of his brother Khar. Laxaman was tempted to kill Soorphankha as well but Rama reminded him that killing a woman was not great a deed for a warrior. They let her go once again and marched back to their shelter where a worried Sita was waiting eagerly for them to return.

Having seen the death of her two brothers, Soorphankha was frightened by the powers of Rama and his brother but she was also determined to avenge the death of his brothers. She then realized that only his most powerful brother, Ravana, could bring her to justice and left for Lanka in search of him.

She reached Lanka in the kingdom of Ravana and demanded to see him. Ravana welcomed her sister to his kingdom and immediately offered to hear all that had happened. She told him the entire tale and familiarized him with the immense powers she had witnessed in the two sages. He was shocked by the death of his brothers Khar and Dushan, for he knew they were none the lesser than he himself. Still he refused to admire any powers in Rama and assured his sister that he will bring her to justice.

Soorphankha already had a plan in her devil mind and she asked that since Rama and Laxaman had insulted her for the sake of Sita, she wanted Ravana to kidnap Sita and bring her to Lanka. She described Sita as the most beautiful princess and suggested that such a charming woman should rest by the side of a person as powerful as Ravan and not next to those sages in the jungle. She thus incited Ravana to justify her by kidnapping and marrying her.

Ravana easily fell for the description of Sita provided by her sister and he decided to kidnap the princess and marry her.

Rama meets Soorpanakha in Panchavati...

In the last post we learned how Rama, Lakshman and Sita set up a small mud hut with a thatched bamboo roof at Panchavati, and started dwelling there. They lived happily, with Laxaman lovingly looking after every need of Rama and Sita. 

Early one morning, when the three of them were on their way to the Godavari for a bath, Laxaman started reminiscing about Bharat. He missed his brothers deeply, and was upset that Bharat had denied himself the comforts of the palace and was living a life of austerity. "How could such a cruel woman like Kaikayi bear such a noble son?" he wondered aloud, but Rama stopped him from condemning Kaikayi any further. They reached the river, bathed, offered their morning prayers, and started walking back to their ashram, reminiscing about the past.

While they were thus walking in the forest, Ravana's sister (Ravana was the king of Lanka, modern Sri Lanka) Soorpanakha, was also wandering around. As soon as her eyes fell on the handsome Rama, she fell in love with him. Soorpanakha was a demoness and was horribly ugly, she had huge nose alike a vessel called Soopa used at homes to filter out rice, thats why she was named Soorpanakha (meaning nose like Soopa). Although being a demoness with her powers she transformed herself into a beautiful young woman and approached Rama. 

She asked him who he was and what he was doing in the forest. Rama stated that he was the son of King Dashratha, and was in the forest to fulfill his duty, with his brother Laxaman and wife, Sita. Soorpanakha then introduced herself stating that she was the sister of Ravana. She added that her brothers Kumbhkaran and Vibheeshan were also renowned warriors, while her other two brothers, Khara and Dooshan reigned over the Pnachvati area and everyone was afraid of them and of her. She then looked at Sita and said, "This little girl is not worthy of you. You need a real woman, someone like me." She then went on to tell Rama that she fell in love with him the moment she saw him, and asked him if he would consider accepting her as his wife. 

This 'proposal' amused Rama, and he smilingly turned it down stating that he was a one-woman man. "I am already married. The lady besides me is my wife. Why don't you ask my brother Laxaman if he would like to be your husband. He is without any lady here and perhaps he might be interested in you" stated Rama, teasingly.

Soorpanakha then turned towards Laxaman, who she also found to be exceedingly handsome, and asked him to accept her as his wife. Laxaman stated that he was but a slave to Rama. "Why would you want a slave when you could have the master?" Laxaman added that Rama could easily have two wives, so she should go back and insist that he accept her. Soorpanakha then went back to Rama, who once again turned her down. By now, she was angered, and when she saw Sita besides Rama, she declared that it was Sita's fault Rama could not be hers. She then assumed her original demonic form and advanced towards Sita. Sita was terrified when she saw this huge rakshasi advancing towards her, and called for help. Rama instantly shielded Sita while Laxaman attacked Soorpanakha and cut off her ears and nose. Soorpanakha ran wailing with pain into the forest threatening Rama of serious consequences ahead. 

This incident at Panchavati turned the Ramayana into a all new direction. Many intersting incident occured here from which finally ended with the great war between Rama and Ravana. Read the posts ahead to know more.

Rama ends the curse of Dandakaranaya...

When Rama asked Agastya muni about the story of forest of Dandakaranaya and sought his help in eliminating the demons of the forest, the Sage dictated the following story to him:

Many years ago, famine struck the Panchavati area, which was located in the forest of Dandakaranaya. The rishis dwelling there went to Sage Gautam for help, and asked him to accommodate them until the famine passed. Sage Gautam agreed, and with his powers he gave them all they needed. Then, many months later, when the famine had subsided, the sages stated that they would like to return to Dandakaranaya, but Gautam hesitated to give them permission to leave his hermitage. The rishis were thus a little discontented, and taking advantages of this, some pseudo-rishis, intent on harming the repute of Gautam, came up with a plan. They found an old cow which was on the verge of death, and sent it into the hermitage of Gautam rishi. The rishi tried to drive out the cow, but it didn't pay heed, and when the cow was about to eat a flower, Gautam gave it a shove with his hand. As soon as the cow was shoved in this manner, it dropped dead. Suddenly the rishis stormed into his hermitage and cried out in horror. The fake rishis made a big hue and cry about how Gautam had killed a cow. They condemned him for the sin of go-hathya, (cow-killing) and stormed out of the hermitage. 

Gautam then, with his powers of meditation, sought to find out if the cow had died an untimely death at his hands, or if the cow's time was indeed up. Meditation revealed to him the trick the pseudo-sadhus had played on him, and he was truly angered and disgusted by their behaviour. As a result, he cursed the forest of Dandakaranaya, stating that the forest will be the haunt of low-life, demonic rakshasas, will remain barren, and not a leaf will grow until Rama sets foot into the forest.

Another curse too added to the wretchedness of the region. The king of the region, Danda, violated the chastity of the daughter of Bhrgu, his own guru. When Bhrgu heard from his daughter what had happened, he was filled with fury and flooded the region with dust and mud.

Thus, Dandakaranayawas twice cursed, and it was up to Rama to set things right in this wretched land.

After dictating the above story to Rama, Agastya first advised him to go to Panchavati and rid the forest of the curse that had been afflicted on it many years ago by the sage Gautam. Rama thus, under the guidance of Sage Agasthya, decided to set up an abode in the dry but dense wooded area of Dandaka. As soon as Rama, Laxman and Sita set foot in the forest, trees started to sprout leaves, the forest suddenly started turning green in front of their eyes and flowers started sprouting in every corner. They arrived at Panchavati, and found a spot by the banks of the river Godavari where they decided to put up a home. Laxman toiled the whole vicinity in search of bamboo trees and eventually built a beautiful cottage for them to reside in. When Rama and Laxman had started building the cottage, the old Eagle Jatayu flew down to pay his respects. He befriended the trio and promised to help them in their stay at the place.

Rama leaves Chitrakoot and moves ahead...

Now that Bharat had returned to Ayodhya and taken charge of the kingdom under Rama's name and blessings, Rama started feeling restless and weighed down with a profound sadness caused by the departure of the brother he loved so dearly and by the death of his father. He therefore decided to move on from Chitrakoot, to the hermitage of Sage Atri.

On reaching the hermitage of Attri, Rama was highly welcomed by the sage and his wife Anusuiya. Anusuiya was a deeply devout woman. Apparently, many years ago, when a drought had burnt the earth and life around the forest was about to perish, Anasuya, with her deep devotion, caused the Ganga to change course and flow through the forest, thus bringing an end to the drought. She was particulary happy to find Sita. Sita was also happy to find a female company after a long time. The trio spent a long time at their place. They used to help rishis in their daily routine, also they used to help the younger ones to learn the art of weapons. Sita used to help Anusuiya in her daily chores. Anusuiya was highly delighted by the service of Sita, she spoke to her about chastity and duties of a wife and presented Sita with celestial gifts which included jwellery and attire that would never get soiled or dirty.

Eventually Rama realised that the forest was full of many such great rishis. He decided not to stick with one but to visit as many saints as possible and get their blessings. Having this thought he asked Attri's permission to leave the hermitage and move ahead. Attri happily told Rama about various rishis residing nearby and blessed him for his journey ahead.

They then reached the hermitage of Sage Sarbhang. The Sages would often renounce their lives after they reached a certain stage of fulfillment. Sage Sarbhang too wished to leave for the heavenly abode, but when he heard that Rama would be passing by, the Sage decided to wait until he met Rama. He was thus greatly moved by Rama's presence, and stated that he would like to leave this world in the presence of Rama. Sage Sarbhang then sat on a funeral pyre, lit it with the help of his yogic powers, and was soon engulfed by the flames.

As they carried on with their journey, they continued making the acquaintances of various sadhus and ascetics who had been dwelling in the forest, and who would often accompany them for a short distance. Soon they reached a place, which, to Rama's dismay, had heaps of human bones scattered for miles to see. This sight greatly upset the three of them, and Rama asked the sages what this meant. They sages replied that these were the bones of sadhus who would perform yagyas here. These yagyas greatly displeased the demons, who would attack the sadhus and kill them. This news angered Rama, and he vowed that he would not leave this place until he had eliminated all the demons. However Rama knew that he would need help in order to kill the demons, as he would not be able to do so on his own. He decided to seek out Sage Agastya to help him in his conquest.

When Sage Agastya heard that Rama had come to meet him, he was very happy. Rama and Agastya greeted each other very warmly. Rama then told Agastya that he wished to kill the demons, and would need Agastya to tell him how to go about it. Agastya muni was very pleased to know this. He told Rama that the forest has been waiting for him only to arrive and free it from evils and demons. A surprised Rama asked the sage as to how the forest has been waiting for him. To this the sage spoke out for Rama the story of forest Dandakaranya and the curse that it recieved by Gautam muni years ago. Read in the next post the interesting story of Dandakarnaya which belongs somwhere between modern Orissa and Chattisgarh.

The great Rama-Bharata meet...

In one the last post we learned how Lord Rama met Nishad Raj on his way out of Ayodha and Nishad helped them to cross the river. The story continues here:

After crossing the river Ganga, Rama decided to walk bare foot towards Prayag (at modern Allahabad).The trio reached the holy confluence of Ganga and Yamuna at Prayag (also known as triveni sangamam). They arrived at the hermitage of sage Bharadwaj. Bhardwaja is one of the greatest hindu sages, descendant of Sage Agirasa and father of Guru Dronacharya. He is also one among the Great Sapta Rishis and is also accredited to be the author of Ayurveda.

Rishi Bhardwaj counseled them to seek the area near the mountain of Chitrakoot, about 3 miles from Prayag, for a peaceful stay. As per the advice of the sage Rama headed towards the Chitrakoot. They crossed the river Yamuna on a raft and walked for 2 days to reach Chitrakoot.River Malyavathi flew at the foothills of the mountain Chitrakoot.Laxmana built a modest hermitage on the banks of the river for them to reside. Life in the sylvan setting was peaceful. The two brothers used to spend there days in vicinity to arrange for their foods while the princess Sita used to take care of the hermitage.

Days started to pass by and everything went well until one day when Laxmana saw Bharata and his army coming. He thought Bharata after becoming king wanted to meet and fight with him so that he may become king for ever. Rama calmed Laxmana and said: "It is wrong of you to think ill of Bharata and speak such harsh words about him.  I am certain he is coming now to give the kingdom to me and take me back to Ayodhya." Laxmana agreed and was ashamed that he thought badly about his brother Bharata.

As he neared the hut, Bharata saw Rama with matted locks of hair on his head dressed in the bark of trees; Sita and Laxmana were by his side, dressed in a simple manner. He sprang forward to the spot where Rama was seated. He could utter no word, beyond "Brother," and fell at his feet, and sobbed.

Rama embraced him, and kissed him on the head, and said: "Brother, why did you leave our father's side and come all this way into the forest?" Bharata replied: "When you left Ayodhya for the forest and before I returned from Kekaya (native place of queen Kaikeyi), our father gave up his life, slain by the grief of separation from you. Rama couldn't control his sorrows on hearing the news of his father's demise. Sage Vashishta then asked Rama not to give ways to sorrow and advised Rama to perform the obsequies of his father to satisfy his spirit."

The Princes, with Sita and other elderly people went to the river and offered libations for the peace of the departed soul of the King. After other customary ceremonies,Bharata, in the presence of all, pleaded with Rama to return to Ayodhya and become the King. But Rama refused, saying: "Our father the King gave you kingship after him and he ordained for me life in the forest. What right have we to alter or reject his plans? When Bharatha continued to press Rama to return, Rama told Bharata his unalterable decision. "I cannot possibly disobey my father's word. You will please me by not persisting in trying to persuade me. Satrughna is there to help you in ruling, as Laxmana is here to help me in forest life. With Laxmana by my side, I lack nothing. Let us all four do our father's will."

Finally, the wise Vasishtha suggested a solution for the problem: "O, Bharata, rule the kingdom under Rama's authority and as his deputy. No blame would attach to you then and the pledge would be kept." Bharata then told Rama: "Brother, you are my father and my God. Your least wish is my dharma. Give me your sandals. That token of yours shall reign in Ayodhya till you return. And for fourteen years I shall stay outside the city and discharge the King's duties in your place, paying reverent homage to your sandals. At the end of that period, you will return and accept the kingship."

Rama was highly pleased at such words of Bharata. He hugged him tightly and said "O Bharata you have shown the true love for a brother. Your name shall be praised for ages and you shall always be remembered as an epitome of brotherhood". Having said this he placed his feet on the sandals a last time and handed them to Bharata who prostrated himself on the ground, accepted them and put them on his head.

Bharata then along with sandals and his retinue returned to Ayodhya. He established those sandals on the royal throne and for himself he made a hermitage alike the one Rama had at Chitrakoot. For fourteen long years, he lived in the hermitage and ruled the kingdom under Rama's authority.

Shabri...epitome of devotion...

Shabari was a hunter's daughter and belong to the Nishadha tribal community. The night before her marriage, she saw that thousands of goats and sheep were brought by her father, which were going to be sacrificed for the marriage dinner. Moved by compassion, during the early hours of the morning, she renounced the world and ran away to meet a Master. After days of traveling, she met Sage Matanga at the foot of the Mountain Rishyamukha and accepted him as guru, serving him with devotion. When her guru Matanga was about to die, Shabari—now an old woman—says that after serving him throughout her life, she wanted to reach the same "abode of peace" which Matanga reached. Thereupon, the sage said that by the virtue of her seva (service), Lord Ram shall give her darshan and asks her to wait for his arrival. Saying thus, the sage sitting in lotus posture attains Mahasamadhi. As per her guru's words, Shabari waits for the arrival of Ram.

Everyday Shabari would go out of her ashram, with the help of a walking stick and pluck berry fruits for Lord Ram. She would pluck a fruit, first taste it, and if it was sweet she would put it in her basket and discard the bitter ones. She wanted to give the good and sweet fruits to Ram. The thought never came to her that she should not taste it before it was offered to a deity. Traditional writers use this narrative to indicate that in bhakti, faults are not seen by God. Thus collecting a few fruits, Shabari went back to her ashram and eagerly anticipate Ram's arrival. Shabari is commonly used as a metaphor for an endless wait for God.

According to the story, even though hundreds of other yogis were waiting to receive Rama in their ashrams, Rama went only to Shabari's ashram because of her sincere devotion. On seeing Rama, Shabari became ecstatic and said, "There were so many exalted yogis waiting for your darshan, but you came to this unworthy devotee This clearly shows that you will neither see whether a devotee lives in a palace or humble hut, whether he is erudite or ignorant neither see caste nor color. You will only see the true bhakti I do not have anything to offer other than my heart, but here are some berry fruits. May it please you, my Lord." Saying so, Shabari offered the fruits she had meticulously collected to Rama. When Rama was tasting them, Lakshmana raised the concern that Shabari had already tasted them and therefore unworthy of eating. To this Rama said that of the many types of food he had tasted, "nothing could equal these berry fruits, offered with such devotion. You taste them, then alone will you know. Whomsoever offers a fruit, leaf, flower or some water with love, I partake it with great joy." Lakshman didn't taste the fruits. He brought them to his mouth but threw them aside considering them as impure. Pleased with Shabari's devotion, Rama blesses her with his vision. Rama notices the donas or bowls of handmade leaves in which she had offered the fruits and is impressed by the hard work Shabari has gone through to make them and hence blesses the tree, so that the leaves naturally grow in the shape of a bowl.[citation needed] Shabari also tells Rama to take help from Sugriva and where to find him. The Ramayana says that Shabari was a very bright and knowledgeable saint.

Journey ahead of Chirakoot...

Having left Chitrakoot, Rama reached Dandakaranya, a place in modern Chattisgarh,at the ashram of Muni Attri. Atri Maharishi is one of the ten sons of Creator Brahma and first of the Saptha Rishis, created by just the will of the Almighty and therefore designated as a Maanasa-putras. He lived in his ashram at dandakaranya with his wife Anusuiya, a daughter of Kardama Prajapati and an embodiment of chastity.

On reching the hermitage of Attri, Rama was highly welcomed by the sage and his wife. Anusuiya was particulary happy to find Sita. Sita was also happy to find a female company after a long time. The trio spent a long time at dandakarnya. They used to help rishis in their daily routine, also they used to help the younger ones to learn the art of weapons. sita used to help Anusuiya in her daily chores. Anusuiya was highly delighted by the service of Sita and thus gave her few precious jwellery.

Eventually Rama realised that the forest was full of many such great rishis. He decided not to stick with one but to visit as many saints as possible and get their blessings. Having this thought he asked Attri's permission to leave the hermitage and move ahead. Attri happily told Rama about various rishis residing nearby and blessed him for his journey ahead.

While moving out Rama was accompanied by many Rishis who wished to escort him out of the territory. On the way Rama found many piles of human fosils. He enquired the rishis about the cause for the same. The rishis then told him about the demon Viradha who terrified the nearby saints and often killed them. Rama decided to move out only after freeing saints of the terror of Viradha. Eventually they encountered Viradha across the jungle. on seeing the two Rishis with a beautiful lady she attacked Sita. Angrified at such an act of Viradha, the two princes killed him then and there.The trio after this moved out of the territory in search of many other rishis.

Rama then travelled through many places and met many rishis on the way. He would stay for a while with each one of them and then again march ahead in serach of the other. In this way, he finally reached the Malaya mountains (modern day Kerala) at the ashram of Rishi Agastya. Agastya is one of the Saptarshis who are extolled at many places in the Vedas and a revered Vedic sage. Rama spent som etime with Agastya who blessed him and gave him few divine weapons as well.

By now, Rama had already spent around 12 years of his exile. One day he thanked the saint for all that he did for him so affectionately and then asked the rishi to suggest a place for him to reside and spend the remaining days of exile peacefully. The saint suggested Rama to march towards Panchvati. Rama thanked the saint greeted him and left for Panchavati with his brother and his wife.

Ayodha...Post Rama's departure...

The exile for Rama was badly received all across Ayodha. The citizens of Ayodha were very angry with the king and queen Kaikeyi. There was a wave of anger, resentment  and rumours across the kingdom.

Inside the kingdom also, every thing was uneasy. Apart from Kaikeyi and Manthara not a single being was happy. The king's condition turned all the more pathetic. He couldn't tolerate the departure of his beloved son. He waited eagerly for the royal minister to return with his son, but when minister Sumant returned alone, the king fainted once again. He eventually left eating and drinking and finally on the 6th day after Rama's departure the King left the world forever.

It is important to note here that while this whole incident took place, unfortunately Bharat was not present in Ayodha. He had been to his mother's home to visit his maternal grandparents. Only after the demise of the king, Bharat was informed and was asked to return back to Ayodha.

When Bharat came to know of the entire incident, he couldn't believe his ears. He was completely taken aback by the deeds of his mother. He was so furious that he said many unpleasing words to his mother. On seeing the reaction of his son, Kaikeyi finally realised the consequences of her action and felt guilty of herself.

After performing the cremation of his father, Bharat decided not to take over the kingdom. He claimed that the kingdom belonged to his elder brother Rama and only he deserved to be the king of Ayodha. Having decided that, he announced that he would go to forests in search of his brother and shall respectfully bring them back to the kingdom. These words spread fast across the kingdom and soon many people from kingdom decided to accompany Bharat in this task.

Finally Bharat, along with his three mothers, royal minister Sumant, royal Guru Vashistha, King Janak (father of Devi Sita) and many citizens from the kingdom marched towards the forest in search of Lord Rama.

Rama leaves the kingdom for an exile...

When Lord Rama came to know about the happenings of the palace, he at once went to visit his father. On knowing the intentions of mother Kaikeyi and pitiful condition of his father, Rama gently smiled and said to Dusseratha: "O Father! What can be more pleading to a son than to do what his mother desires and what keeps his father's head held high. If a mother desires something for his child it is ought to be good. With your orders and blessings of mother Kaikeyi I shall very soon complete the ordeal and shall once again return to your service. Please issue the orders for me to leave the kingdom as soon as possible".

On hearing such words from Rama, the king's heart sank, he didn't want Rama to leave the kingdom just because of his own words. The King said: "Rama! you need not to leave the kingdom just for the sake of my words. You are powerful enough and also the entire kingdom loves you and want to see you as the king. You can easily revolt against me and can acquire the kingdom easily". Rama to this replied: " What use can be a kingdom to a son if that hurts his mother's feeling and also destroys the name of his clan". Dusseratha tried hard to convince Rama but Rama somehow consoled his father and decided to leave the kingdom then and there.

Rama then went to see Kaushalya and Sumitra and asked them to bless him to complete the task assigned to him. After that he went to see his newly married wife Sita. Rama told Sita of his departure and asked her to look after the family in his absence. Sita replied: " How can a wife whose husband shall in forest roam day and night can live peacefully using all the earthly pleasures. The best place for a wife is with her husband and the best service of a wife is also to his husband. So I too have decided to come along with you". Rama tried to persuade Sita in many ways but she didn't listen at all and finally Rama allowed her to come along.

The couple came for the final see off to their parents when suddenly Laxmana announced that he would also accompany his brother in the exile. He claimed that since the birth he had been in service to Lord Rama and he shall carry the same ahead. Having said this finally the two princes and Sita left the kingdom. Dusseratha who was pathetic by then anyhow ordered the royal minister Sumant to escort them till the kingdom's boundary.

In this way the Lord Rama left his kingdom. On his way he was accompanied by his people who wanted there prince to stay back. Keeping all this behind he marched for the forests for an exile of long fourteen years.

Also read: What happened back in Ayodha after Rama's departure.

The Kaikeyi's two boons...

In the last post we read how Manthara incited Kaikayi against Rama's  becoming king of Ayodha. The story continues below:

Incited and convinced by Manthara's words Kaikeyi decided to follow what she says. When the whole kingdom was busy preparing for the auspicious ceremony, Kaikayi went to Kope Bhawan (a place where the Queens used to go when they were upset, the Kings were then supposed to convince them and bring them out from there. This however was considered to be a bad omen and was observed rarely). Manthara then spread out the news of Kaikayi's being upset.

The news spread like fire across the kingdom. All those who heard it could not believe their ears. Everyone was aware of Kaikayi's love for Rama and hence no one was expecting anything of this sort at such a auspicious moment. When Dusseratha came to know of it, he immediately went to Kope Bhawan to see Kaikayi. He approached Kaikayi and in a very good mood asked her what the reason for her being upset was. Kaikayi initially refused to talk but when the king insisted she said she will only disclose the reason when the King would promise to fulfil what she desired. The king promised the same happily.

Kaikeyi then reminded the King of the two boons which he promised her years ago. She demanded that she be rewarded with those two boons. The king asked queen to ask whatever she wanted, and convinced her that all demands would be fulfilled. The queen said what she desired was a big deal and would be hard for king to afford. In return, the king reminded her that he belonged to a Suryavanshi kingdom and the Suryavanshi kings would prefer to die than to turn away from their words. The queen felt highly secured on such words by the king and she then asked her two boons.

She asked the king to carefully listen what she desired. As the result of first boon she demanded the throne for her own son Bharatha instead of Rama and as the result of second boon she asked the king to send Rama to the forest, away from the kingdom for a period of fourteen long years.

The king was highly taken aback on hearing such words. He pleaded the queen many times to ask for anything else apart from this, but the queen was firm about her desires. She told the king that she had demanded whatever she desired and now it was up to his wish whether or not to impart her wishes. The king again tried to convinced queen and told her that her son would be made the king but she should not ask for the Rama's exile. The queen was resolute and didn't change her mind at all. After many unsuccessful trials when the king could not succeed he laid back, couldn't utter any words from his mouth and fainted then and there.

When Lord Rama came to know about this himself went to see the king. On coming back to the senses, King Dusseratha told Rama the whole story. Rama at once came to know of his father's helplessness. Being a Suryavanshi king he couldn't revert back from his words also he couldn't let Rama go away from his sight even for a while leave apart for fourteen years.
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Manthara and her evil mind..

After the Swayamvar episode at Mithila the father of Devi Sita and King of Mithila, Janak, invited King Dusseratha to his palace. Dusseratha was overwhelmed at hearing the news of the Swayamvara being won by his son. He at once along with his family left for Mithila.

On reaching Mithila, Janak proposed to marry his remaining daughters to rest of Rama's brothers. The proposal was readily accepted by Dusseratha and his wives. In this way, Laxman, Bharatha and Satrughana got married to Urmila, Mandavi and Shrutkeerti respectively. King Janak arranged a grand marriage for her daughters and departed her daughters with their husbands. The four couples were highly welcomed in Ayodha. The couples started to lead there married life happily.

Eventually Dusseratha decided to give up the responsibility of his kingdom to his eldest son Rama and throned him as the King. He advised with his royal gurus and decided to organise the function for Rama's throne-taking. The news for the same was spread across the kingdom and all the preparation was started to welcome their new king.

Everyone across the kingdom was happy except for one, Manthara. As the family servant of Kaikeyi, Manthara lived with her from the time of her birth. At the time of Kaikayi's marriage she too came along with her. When she heard that King Dasaratha was planning to make his eldest son, Rama, prince regent (rather than Bharata, his child by Kaikeyi), she flied into a rage and reported the news to Kaikeyi. Kaikeyi too was delighted to hear such a good news from Manthara and handed her a necklace as a gift. Manthara however threw the gift and poisoned Kaikeyi's mind against Rama. She convinced Kaikeyi that if Rama comes into power, he will have Bharata exiled or killed in order to eliminate a possible threat to his power. Although Kaikeyi loved Rama more than his son, but eventually she started to find logic with Manthara and realised that Bharata and not Rama should be made the king.

Kaikeyi than asked Manthara what she should do in order to change the King's decision. Manthara reminded Kaikeyi of the two boons Dusseratha had given her when she had once saved his life in a celestial battle. Kaikeyi had kept these boons for later and Manthara declared that this is the right time to ask for them. She advised Kaikeyi to lie in her room wearing soiled clothes and no ornaments. She should weep and cry, pretending anger. When Dusseratha would come there to console her, she should immediately ask for the boons. The first boon would be that Bharata would be made the king. The second boon would be that Rama should be sent into the forest for exile for fourteen years. Manthara reckoned that the fourteen-year banishment would be long enough for Bharata to consolidate his position in the Empire and weave his way into people's hearts.

The childhood of Lord Rama......

In the last story you read about the birth of Lord Rama after the yajna performed the by the King Dusseratha. As such the four princes began to spend their childhood in the royal kingdom with all the joys and luxuries. All the four princes were raised with great love and care. Rama, was especially beloved to the king and all the queens.

As the time progressed, the king realized that the princes should be send to the Gurukul for their education. Unlike our time, during those days a student had to go to the place of a Guru (usually in their Ashrams) leaving behind all the luxuries. The student had to live at the ashram and shall acquire knowledge from the Guru. Usually the Guru would teach them about the knowledge of mysterious weapons and shall train them to be a good warrior. On the other hand the Guru’s wife would impart them the knowledge of Vedas and other holy books and would enhance their worldly knowledge.

So Lord Rama along with the other three princes were sent to the ashram of Guru Vashistha and his wife Arundhati. Sage Vashista is a manasputra of God Brahma and is considered to be one of among the Saptarishis (seven great sages of the world). During their stay in the Gurukul, the four brothers lived a simple life of serving their Guru. They learnt to be disciplined, sincere and determine to receive true knowledge from their guru. They learned the knowledge of various vedic books and Upnishads.

Years later, the four princes returned to the kingdom after completing their education from their teacher. Once again the king and queen rejoiced on meeting their sons. But this joy couldn’t stay for a longer period. Soon after this Guru Vishvamitra came to visit the king and told him as to how the powerful demons were terrifying him and his kind in their ashrams. On hearing this, the king offered to go along with the sage and protect him from the demons. But Vishwamitra who knew of Rama being Vishnu’s avatar asked the king to look after his kingdom and demanded just  to send Rama and Laxman along with him. King Dusseratha was not ready for it as he thought Rama and Laxman were too young to fight such monsters along. However, Vishvamitra convinced the king and reluctantly the two prince were sent with the sage.

Vishwamitra presented Rama with several astras and sastras(divine weapons) to fight the demons  and Rama mastered the knowledge of all the weapons and their uses. He killed many demons like Taarika, Maarich, Subahu and liberated many sages from the fear of such demons who would otherwise hinder their yajnas and would torture them. Rama also freed Ahalya, the wife of Gautama Maharishi, from a curse. She was cursed to turn into stone by her husband after a displeasing incident. However, the dust on Rama's feet touched the stone and turned it back into a woman again. Gautama Maharishi was gratified that everything was back to normal again.

Eventually Vishvamitra was invited by King Janak of Mithila to attend the swayamvara of his daughter. Vishvamitra took the two princes along with him. Read next how Rama married princess Sita there.

Ramayana....The beginning......

While the exact beginning in the book may vary a little (including the history of the kingdom of Ayodha and the ancestors of Dusseratha) but the beginning of Ramayana basically begins with the introduction of King Dusseratha. Dusseratha was a Suryavamshi king and he ruled the reigns of Ayodha in Northern India.

Dusseratha was a noble king, and was beloved among his citizens. He had a powerful kingdom and all the earthly luxuries apart from the joy of being a father. He had three wives but from none did he have a child. In order to fulfil his wish of being a father, he performed a great yajna with the help of Sage Rishyasringa on the advice of Maharishi Vashistha, invited many sages and performed all rituals gracefully. As a result of his yajna, a bowl of porridge emerged out of the yajna's fireplace.  then asked the king to distribute the porridge equally among his three wives.

While eating the porridge the eldest wife Kaushalya ate half the kheer, Sumitra ate a quarter of it. Kaikayi ate some and passed the pot back to Sumitra who consumed the kheer a second time. As a result of this, by the God grace, the king had four child, two from Sumitra and one each from Kaushalya and Kaikayi.

The son of the eldest wife Kaushalya was Lord Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu himself. The son of Kaikayi was named Bharata, and the sons of Sumitra were named Laxman and Sathrughana. In the order of there age Rama was the eldest followed by Bharata, Laxman and Sathrughana in the same order. The King Dusseratha was extremely happy on getting four beautiful children. The eldest son Rama was especially beloved to the king.

Thus is the story of the birth of the Lord Rama, which was followed eventually by many interesting stories thus marking the progress of Ramayana.

When Lord Rama met Nishad Raj..............

When Lord Rama left Ayodha (to fulfil his father’s order) for his exile, he eventually reached the bank of river Ganga. He along with his younger brother and Sita had no means of crossing the river.

At the bank of the river, lived a boatman Nishad who was the king of all the boatmen residing at nearby places. He had already heard of Lord Rama and was a devotee of him. When he came to know that Rama had been ordered for an exile of fourteen years and he was waiting at the shore to cross river, he hurriedly approached Rama.

He greeted Lord Rama and was extremely happy to see his Lord before him. Rama requested him to help them cross the river. To Rama’s surprise Nishad completely refused to provide them the ride across. Rama gently enquired him why he was not willing to offer them the ride like all his other customers. Nishad replied “Forgive me Lord, but all my customers are not as great as you. I have heard about you that once you touched a stone with your foot and the stone turned into a lady. I am a poor guy and this boat is my only mean to fulfil the needs of my family. If you put your great feet on my boat and something happens to my boat, how will I take care of my family".

Also read: When Lord Rama touched the stone and turned it into a lady.

Rama gently smiled on hearing such an excuse from Nishad. He tried to tell him that he should not worry and nothing will happen to his boat. But Nishad didn’t listen to any of his words. Finally Nishad said if not your feet, at least the sand of your feet must be magical so as to turn a stone into lady. So first I will properly wash your feet and then you can board my boat.

Rama agreed to this, and Nishad gracefully washed the feet of Lord and drank the water of his feet. In this way Nishad easily got to get that what otherwise is not even possible to get after years of hardships and devotion to Lord. Finally after washing Lord’s feet he allowed them to board them the boat and rode them away to the other side of the river.

On reaching the other side, Rama felt that as he was a customer to a boatman, he must pay something to Nishad for his service. But having left everything in Ayodha while leaving for exile, he had nothing to offer Nishad. Devi Sita immediately realised this and offered her ring to Rama to pay Nishad for his service.

When Rama offered the ring to Nishad, he completely refused to accept it. He told Rama that he and Lord were equal by their profession and how one should not ask for fees to someone in his own profession. Hearing this everyone was surprised that how Nishad was comparing Lord Rama equal to a boatman. But Nishad explained “ Hey Lord! I carry people from one end of this river to the other and help them cross the river. Similarly you My Lord help all of us to cross the endless journey of this life cycle and reach the other end of Moksha or freedom for the cycle of death and birth. So  we are of the same profession and Lord I don’t deserve any payment from you, all that I want is a promise that after death when I shall come to you, you too will help me cross this cycle of death and birth and will impart me the Moksha.” Rama was extremely delighted to hear such a befitting reply and he thanked Nishad for his service to them.

Having said this Rama, along with Laxman and Sita , left Nishad behind and continued his journey ahead.

How Lord Rama married Devi Sita.......

One of the most astonishing and interesting stories of Ramayana is that of Sita’s Syamvara.  Sita was the daughter of Janak, the king of Mithila (presently Nepal). It was a custom those day to arrange the marriage of all princess by Swamyavara. Swamyavara used to be a function where the princess was married to a prince who would fulfil a given condition.

When Janak thought of Sita’s marriage, he was confused as to what can be a fitting condition to be fulfilled to marry a daughter as capable as Sita. He consulted his royal Guru, who reminded Janak of an incident that once in her childhood while playing Sita easily lifted the bow of Lord Parshurama, which otherwise was too heavy to be lifted by anyone else except Parshurama himself.

So, Janak organised the Swamyavara and put the condition that anyone who would lift the bow and put an arrow on it shall be Sita’s deserving groom. All the deserving kings and princes were invited. Also all the great saints from the kingdom and nearby kingdoms were invited to attend the function.  Lord Rama during those days were with Guru Vishwamitra for his service. Since Guru Vishwamitra was also invited he took Rama along with him to attend the Swamyavara.

Many Kings and princes from different kingdom came to participate and tried to lift the bow but they even couldn’t move it leave apart lifting it and putting an arrow. Janak became very disappointed to see that there was no matching alliance for his daughter who could lift the bow and thus his daughter will be left unmarried.

On seeing the condition of king Janak, Vishwamitra asked Janak to allow Rama to lift the bow. With the permission of Guru Vishwamitra and king Janak, Rama went up to the bow. He sincerely greeted everyone present there and then without any difficulty and with perfect ease lifted the bow. Everyone was amazed to see that Rama lifted the bow so easily while the other kings tried their best but couldn’t even move it a bit. Rama then tried to put an arrow on the bow, he kept the bow but as soon he stretched the chord, the bow broke into two pieces.

Also read:  What happened when Lord Rama broke the bow.

However, in this way the condition of Swamyavara was fulfilled and Lord Rama was married to Devi Sita. Eventually the other three daughter of king Janak were also married to rest of Rama’s three brothers.