||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 15 – Aranya Kandam

Rama expresses the grief of separation from Devi Sita

Rama and Lakshman left the hermitage of Sage Mathanga, the two brothers were Manushyasimha, possessed great prowess. Prabhu could not control the grief of separation from Devi Sita, “Oh! Lakshman, look at the mesmerizing beauty of wood in the absence of Janaki, and the pair of birds and animals taking great pleasure in their company, as if they are ignoring my presence, and the female deer passing sarcastic comment on me and talking to each other that I am in search of golden deer.  The male and female elephants walking together closely, as if instructing me that no one would leave their consort, Shastras are extremely difficult to understand, it requires reading again and again. Oh! Brother, see the most enthralling autumn season, it is unfortunate that I am not able to enjoy the beauty of it in the absence of Devi Janaki, it hurts me. I am feeling powerless in the absence of my consort, the attractiveness of the woods augmenting my grief of separation from her, each and every lovely appearance in the forest kindles my heart and yearning for her presence. The trees and creepers are filled with flowers and fruits, coo of Cuckoos and Myna, trumpeting of elephants, chirping of sparrows, gibbering of monkeys, eagles, warbling of Chakora and Chathaka, the crow of the peacock, talks of parrot, cry of the swan, the quack of water birds, twittering various species of birds and cries of  animals, the growling of tigers, gibbering of monkeys, deafening noises of the buzzing of bees, rich fragrant cool breeze, as if Manmatha set out to torment his enemy with all those warriors, Oh! Lakshmana, who is firm and steadfast only win over Manmatha. Oh! Brother, the severe sins are Kama, Krodha, and Lobha, it could easily persuade the mind of even the highly intelligent and supreme ascetics, the weapon of Lobha is desire and deceitfulness, the weapon of lust is woman, the weapon of Krodha is harsh words.”

 

Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Uma, the supreme Lord Rama who is the Lord of living and non-living things, is beyond Thrigunas. Rama revealed the pathetic state of the lustful person and the courage of the Vairagin with the above words. The grace of Lord Rama removes all the impurities like Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Madha, Moha, and Ashcharya. Whoever attains the grace of that divine actor Rama would not drench in illusion/Maya. Oh! Uma, I shall narrate my experience to you, there is only one truth prevails, that is the worship of Lord Hari and sing in praise of him. The whole Universe is wielded in Maya.  Prabhu and Lakshman arrived on the shores of the beautiful river Pampa, its depth and the crystal clear waters resembled the mind of ascetics, it has beautiful stone steps, there were a huge number of animals quenching their thirst, like the wealthiest and generous man’s home crowded with beggars. The ponds were clustered with the lotus flowers therefore it was difficult to get a view of the crystal clear water like the Bhramam is wielded in Maya. The deep pond is the dwelling place of colorful fishes like the righteous people lives in extreme serenity. The pond was crowded with the various colors of lotus flowers, and there were deafening buzzing sounds of honey bees. The cries of swans and pelicans sounded as if they were welcoming and appreciating Prabhu, the beauty of Chakravaha, and pelican are beyond words, its melodious music was soothing to ears. There were hermitages around both the sides of the stone steps to the Pamba, there was beautiful forest surrounded by this river, there were trees of Champaka, Bakula, Kadamba, Thamala, Padala, Panasa, Plasha, and mango trees were loaded with flowers and fruits, was packed by the honey bees. There was a cool breeze carrying the rich fragrances of the flowers. The sounds of Cuckoo was creating an obstacle to the meditation of Tapasvin. The trees loaded with flowers were touching the ground due to the heaviness of the fruits, like the generous people attained immediate wealth in abundance.”

 

 

Rama took bath in the beautiful river Pampa, and felt highly refreshing; they took a seat under the beautiful tree. All the Rishis and deities arrived at the place where Rama settled; they eulogized him and returned to their hermitages. The Supreme Lord who is Kripanidhi discussed on various subjects with Lakshman. Maharishi Narada could not live in peace watching Prabhu suffering from the pain of separation from Devi Sita, he gravely thought “Prabhu is going through all the sufferings because of my curse, therefore I should go and meet that divine-human, I won’t get another chance to meet him.” Narada with his Veena approached Rama and sung in praise of Ramacharitha melodiously.  Narada prostrated before Rama was carried from the floor and remained in the embrace of Rama. Prabhu enquired about the welfare of the deities and made Narada seated next to him. Lakshmana massaged the feet of Maharishi Narada.