||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 4 - Aranya Kandam

 Rama's meeting with Rishi Sharabhanga and Sage Sutheekshna 

Rama who is the Lord of deities, Sages, Rishis, and ascetics, prostrated before Sage Atri and Devi Anasuya and received their blessings, eventually left to woods.  Rama who is attired in saffron robes walked in the forefront, Devi Sita behind Rama closely watching his footsteps, shone like ‘Maya’ between Paramathma and Jeevathma, and followed by Lakshman. The dense wood, streams, rivers, hilltops, valleys, rough pathways recognized the arrival of their Prabhu and paved soft pathways for him. The clouds packed on the pathways of Raghurama as if they were holding an umbrella for him, while they were moving through the dense wood, they met the dreadful demon Viradha, who was killed by Rama, eventually attained union with the Lord. Thus they have continued journey to the hermitage of Rishi Sharabhanga.  The Rishi received Rama, Lakshmana, and Devi Sita, with great pleasure, offered seats and fruits, he looked at the beautiful face of Rama and took great pleasure in that loveliness like a honey bee. In this way, Rishis Sharabhanga received the highest of the fruitfulness of his life.

 

Rishi Sharabhanga speaks “Oh! Raghuveera, you are an ocean of mercy, Oh! Hamsa who takes immense pleasure in the divine pond like the heart of Lord Mahadeva, I was leaving to Bhramaloka exactly that was the moment I came to know about your arrival in the woods. I was keenly waiting for your arrival here; my heart is serene after witnessing your lovely form. I have not performed numerous religious practices or rites, although you have showered an abundance of grace upon me and considered as your sincere servant. Oh! Prabho, you are absolute truth, you have followed the promise to your sincere devotees, kindly reside here before my eyes, till I leave this mortal coil and reach your supreme abode.” Rishis Sharabhanga surrendered all those Japa, Tapa, Yajja, Vratha, and Yoga to Prabhu, prepared a pile of burning materials, leaving all his bondage, entered into that pyre and prayed with folded hands “Oh! Prabho, Oh! Rama who has the complexion of dark clouds kindly resides in my heart with Devi Sita and Lakshman permanently.” In this way, he gave up mortal coil in the Yogagni, and attained the supreme abode of Sri Vaikunda. The Sages and Rishis assembled were extremely happy watching Rishi Sharabandha’s devotion to Rama.

 

The Sages and Rishis eulogized Rama “Victory to the supreme Lord Ramachandra who is the inseparable companion and the source of compassion! Oh! Prabho Hail you!” Raghuram continued journey through the woods was followed by the Sages. On their way, Raghunatha witnessed a heap of skeletons, felt sad watching them, and enquired the reason for it was replied “Oh! Prabho, you are aware of all, you witness all that happening in the Universe, and you are the knower of everyone’s heart, Oh! Prabho, you are Sarvantharyami, there is a group of demons eating the flesh of Sages and Rishis and leaving the skeleton here.” Raghurama’s eyes overflown with tears listening to them, Prabhu raised his hands in the sky and promised to destroy all those demons from the woods. He visited the hermitages of Sages and Rishis and made them happy.

 

Sage Agasthya had a brilliant disciple Sutheekshna who was a fervent devotee of Rama. He was an ardent devotee performed words, deeds and thoughts contemplating upon Rama, took complete surrender at the lotus feet of Rama, came to know about the visit of Rama in the woods, immersed in various thoughts “Oh! Lord, Raghurama who is Dheenabandhu will he shower grace upon a dull-minded person like me? Will he accept me as a sincere servant? I have no firm devotion or faith, I have no Virakthi, Bhakti, or Gnana, I have no association with saintly men or ascetics, and I have not performed Yoga, Japa, and Vratha. I have not practiced intense devotion at the lotus feet of Raghuram. All that I have done was contemplated upon the Prabhu who is Karunanidhi. I have a thorough faith that he will protect his ardent devotees who are surrendered at his feet, his lotus feet are capable to remove the fears and anxieties of worldly existence, and it provides liberation from the cycles of repeated births as well. My eyes are yearning to witness those lotus feet.”

 

Lord Mahadeva explains “Oh! Parvathi, Sage Sutheekshna immersed in various thoughts and walked through the woods, his state of ecstasy was beyond description, he was not aware of the directions, and did not understand pathways he has crossed, he was not aware of himself or where he was heading to, in this way Sage Sutheekshna was completely immersed in the thoughts of Raghuveera. Prabhu who was hiding behind a tree realized the rush of love and emotions of the Sage Sutheekshna, showered grace on the Sage.  Immediately Sage Sutheekshna could witness the marvelous form of Raghurama in his heart. That Gnani drenched in Premasagar of love for Raghu, he was not conscious about him and he was dancing and moving to and fro, sung in praise of Prabhu and dancing to the tune, finally he sat motionless as a statue. Raghava moved closer to his passionate devotee and highly pleased watching the Sage in a transcendental state. Prabhu tried all efforts to get him out of that supreme bliss, but he could not. Rama removed the marvelous appearance of him from the heart of the Sage and showed his form with Chathurbhuja. Immediately Sage Sutheekshna pushed into a state of extreme agony like the serpent lost its precious gem on the forehead. Soon, he witnessed Rama, Lakshman along with Devi Sita before him, he elevated into a state of supreme ecstasy and fallen at their feet like a stick. Prabhu raised Sage Sutheekshna from his feet and embraced him, the dark cloud complexioned body of Rama shone in the luster of gold in the embrace of Sage who stood watching the lovely face of Rama without the blink of the eyes.”

 

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 3 - Aranya Kandam

Devi Anasuya's advice on Sthree Dharma to Devi Sita

Devi Sita prostrated before Devi Anasuya, and received her blessings. Devi Anasuya embraced Devi Sita and offered a seat next to her. She decorated Devi Sita with marvelous ornaments, and clothes, that remains pure and flawless always. Devi Anasuya described the Sthreedharma to Devi Sita  “Oh! Princess, listen to me carefully, brother and father are most promising to a girl child, but they cannot provide happiness and welfare for a long time. Oh! Vaidhedhi, a woman who forgets to serve her husband is immoral. The Dhairya, Dharma, companion, and wife will put into test during the hours of crisis. Oh! Janaki, a woman has to serve her husband sincerely, even if he is blind, ill, old, sick, dull-minded, poor, speechless, and arrogant, a woman who disrespects husband would be considered as morally wrong and undergoes hellish torture. The scriptures strongly recommend that the woman has only one duty, that’s to serve her husband with mind, deed, and words and she should have devotion at his feet.  There are four types of chaste women mentioned in scriptures, Veda, and Rishis and Sages. 1) The woman who does not give space for another man not even in her dreams, is considered as highly virtuous and highly praised in Veda and Rishis 2) Woman who considers men in the society as her brother, father or son is known as Madhyamam 3) The Adhama is a woman who follows the duties and responsibilities to her husband to protect  Dharma and for the welfare of the clan 4) Woman who completely ignore the duties and responsibilities towards her husband, due to some reasons or fear, and fall in love with another man is heaved to hell called Raurava for hundreds of Kalpa. The woman, who takes pleasure in the physical relationship with the stranger, would be considered as a grave sinner. The woman who sincerely follow the chastity and duties and responsibilities towards her husband attain Paramamgathi effortlessly, If not she would take several births and become a widow at a young age.”

 

Devi Anasuya continues “Oh! Janaki, a woman is considered as impure by birth, but she attains purity and Paramagathi by sincerely serving her husband. Devi Tulsi is beloved of Lord Hari, she is well known for her chastity, the four Vedas eulogizes the glories of Devi Tulsi. Oh! Sita, listen to me, Srirama is beloved to you, therefore people contemplate you as well, in this way they will protect their Sthree Dharma, and I have narrated all these for the welfare of the world.” Devi Janaki reverentially prostrated before Devi Anasuya. Lord Rama spoke to Sage Atri “Oh! Mahamune, I shall take leave with your permission, kindly shower your compassionate grace upon us, I shall take leave to the woods, and I am your sincere servant, kindly keep showering love upon us.” Sage Atri affectionately replied “Oh! Rama, Oh! Vathsa, you are righteous and beloved of ascetics and noble souls, you are relative of distressed people, even Lord Bhrama and Lord Shiva, Sanakadhis, Paramarththavadhis yearn for your presence, is benevolent to me. I have understood why Devi Sita refused all the deities and married to you. She is highly intelligent, who does not want to have incomparable Lord in their lives? Oh! Swami, how did I ask you to keep exploring the woods? Oh! Antharyami, Oh! Natha, kindly advise me.” Sage Atri stood before Rama with folded hands, shed tears of extreme compassion, and fixed his gaze on the lotus-like face of Rama.

 

Sage Atri reverentially looked at the lotus feet of Rama and thought “What kind of austerities and penance I have undertaken to attain the presence of supreme Lord who is all-pervasive, beyond Triguna, sense, and mind? It is necessary to undergo extreme austerities, Japa and Yoga, to attain intense devotion and faith, that’s the reason Tulsidas constantly sang in praise of supreme Lord Raghuveera and his glorious legends. Whoever sings in praise of the splendor of Srirama would get rid of impurities of the mind. It is the source of permanent bliss, whoever listens to the glorious legends of Sri Rama with devotion would attain the grace of him. The Kali era is the collection of evilness, there will not be Dharma, Gnana, Yoga, Tapas, etc. Therefore whoever takes shelter at the lotus feet of Rama, leaving all other faith would be considered as intelligent.”

 

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 2 - Aranya Kandam

Rama's visit to the hermitage of Sage Atri

Namami Bhakthavathsalam  Kripalu Sheelakomalam | Bajami They Padhambhujam Akaminam  Swadhamadham || Nikama Shyamasundharam Bhavambunatha Mandharam | Praphulla Kanjjalochanam Madhadhi Dhoshamochanam || Pralamba Bahuvikramam Prabho Aprameya Vaibhavam | Nishanga Chapasayakam Dharam Thrilokanayakam || Dhinesha Vamsha Mandanam Mahesha Chapa Gandanam | Muneendhrasanth Ranjjanam Surarivrindha Bhajjanam || Manojavairi Vandhitham Ajadhi Devasevitham | Vishudhdha Bodhavigraham Samasthadhooshanapaham || Namami Indirapathim Sukhakaram Sathamgathim | Bhaje Sashakthi Sanujam Shachipathipriyanujam || Thvadhanghri Moole Ye  Nara: Bhajanthi Heenamathsara | Pathanthi No Bhavarnnave Vitharkkaveechi Samkule || Viviktha Vasina: Sadha Bhajanthi Mukthiye Mudha | Nirasya  Indhriyadhikam Prayanthithey Gathimswakam || Thamekam Athbhutham Prabhum Nireeham Eshwaram Vibhum | Jagathgurum Cha Shashvatham Thureeyameva Kevalam || Bhajami Bhavavallabham Kuyoginam Sudhurllabham | Swabhaktha Kalpapadhapam Samam Susevyamanvaham || Anooparoopabhoopathim Nathoahamurvijapathim | Praseedha Mey Namamithey Padhabjabhakthi Dhehi Mey || Padanthi Ye Sthavam Idham Nara Adharenathe Padham | Vrajanthina Athra Samshayam Thvadheeya Bhakthi Samyutha: ||

Lord Maheshwara speaks “ Oh! Devi, Sri Ramachandra performed various amusements while living in the Chitrakoot, which are like nectar to ears.  After a few days of living in Chitrakoot, Rama decided to leave the place to avoid the crowd of ascetics, Sages, Rishis who understood the nature of supreme Lord personified on the Earth. The two brothers and Devi Sita visited the Rishis and Sages and prostrated before them and took a leave from Chitrakoot, and proceed to the hermitage of Sage Atri. Maharishi Atri was immensely pleased to receive the news of Rama’s visit to his hermitage, he rushed to meet them, Rama, Lakshmana and Devi Sita walked towards the Sage and prostrated before him. Sage Atri embraced Rama and Lakshmana with extreme affection and shed tears of joy; he took great pleasure watching the lovely face of Rama and took them to the hermitage. Sage received them with great respect, offered seat and fruits, Sage Atri stood watching the loveliness of Rama.

 

Sage Atri eulogizes Rama “Oh! Rama who is Bhakthavathsala, Kripalu, and most pleasing to his devotees, offers his own abode to them, I shall prostrate the lotus feet of that Rama. Oh! Bhagavan, you have the complexion of dark clouds, resembles the Mandara Mount that can be used for churning the ocean of Samsarasagara. Your beautiful eyes resemble lotus flower petals, which is capable to remove the impurities and egos in your worshiper. Oh! Thrilokanayaka, your long hands have endless prowess, your splendor is incomparable, you are adorned in powerful bow and arrow, and you are the protector of three worlds. Oh! Prabho, you are the Surya in the Dhineshavamsha/Surya clan, you have broken the powerful bow of Mahesha, and you are the source of happiness to Munindhra and saintly people. You are the destroyer of the enemies of deities. Oh! Prabho, you are beloved of Lord Maheshwara and worshiped by Lord Bhrama, Devendra, and deities. You symbolize absolute Bhramam, which imparts the supreme knowledge of Prakrithi and Purusha. You are the destroyer of wickedness and impurities in the Universe. I shall prostrate before Indirapathi who is the essence of supreme bliss and source of Moksha for the noble souls and Mahathma. I shall prostrate before the Shachipathipriyanuja who is the younger brother to Lord Indra, along with Lakshmana and Devi Sita. Oh! Bhagavan, people who have taken shelter at your lotus feet are free from impurities of the mind, therefore they do not fall in the cycle of birth and death again and again. Oh! Bhagavan, people who have the utmost control over senses, and the people who have no interest in worldly matters or bondage, contemplate upon you and realizes the eternal presence of the supreme Lord in them. Oh! Jagathguru, you are mysterious, you are void of duality, you are impassionate, you have all-pervasive nature, you are mighty Lord, you are Jagathguru who imparts the knowledge of supreme Bhramam, you are eternal, you are beyond the three virtues/Rajasik, Sathvik and Tamasik,  and you are flawless. I shall take refuge at your lotus feet. Oh! Prabho, I shall meditate upon you, Oh! Bhagavan, you are beloved of passionate devotees, you are not attainable for the people who are soaked in worldly matters and bondage, you are Kalpavruksha to your passionate devotees and Yogis, you are impartial, and you are easily attainable for the noble souls. Oh! Seethapathi, your loveliness is incomparable, oh! Bhoopathi, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you, Oh! Bhagavan, kindly shower your merciful grace upon us and blesses us to have intense faith and devotion at your lotus feet. Oh! Prabho Ramachandra, whoever reads or listens to the above verses with dedication would attain immense devotion at your lotus feet; undoubtedly they would attain your supreme abode.” Sage Atri repeatedly prostrated before Rama and prayed with folded hands “Oh! Prabho, my mind, and intellect should always take rest on your lotus feet; it should not abandon contemplation upon your lotus feet.”

 

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 1 - Aranya Kandam

 The story of Jayantha who assumed the form of a crow

Prarthana Shloka:

Moolam Dharmatharor Vivekajaladhe: Poornendhumanandhadham Vairagyam Ambhujabhaskaram Hyaghaghanadhvanthapaham Thapaham | Moham Ambodharapooga Padanavidhau Swa: Sambhavam Shankaram  Vandhe Bhramakulam Kalanka Shamanam Sri Ramabhoopa Priyam ||

 

I shall prostrate before supreme Lord Shankara who is originated from the Bhruvormadhye/middle of the eyebrows of Lord Bhrama, he is the essence of righteousness, an ardent devotee of Lord Rama, he symbolizes full moon that gives bliss to the ocean like wisdom, he symbolizes Vairagya, like Surya that causes blossoming the lotus flower, he is the powerful wind that removes the ignorance like clouds, he removes the darkness of the sins, he is the destroyer of Thapathraya/afflictions caused by the body, people and wealth, and eradicates intense desires in worldly matters.

 

 Sandra Anandhapayodha Saubhagathanum Peethambaram Sundharam Panau Banasharasanam Katilasath Thoonirabaram Varam | Rajeevayatha Lochanam Dhritha Jata Joote Samshobhitham  Seetha Lakshmana Samyutham Pathigatham Ramabhiramam Bhaje ||

 

 I shall prostrate before supreme Lord Rama who has the complexion of dark rain clouds, he has a lovely appearance and physical features, he is attired in yellow silk garment, he is wielded in bow and arrows, the protective shield of arrows tied on the waist, his eye has the resemblance to the lotus flower petals, he has matted hair locks and explores through the woods with Devi Sita and Lakshman.

 

Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Uma, listen to me carefully, Rama’s virtues are highly confidential, the intellectuals and noble souls attain Virakthi after listening to his glorious myths. People who have no devotion to Sri Hari, people who do not take any interest in righteousness, people who are soaked in worldly matters, and bondage would get confused listening to his glorious myths. I shall make an earnest effort to narrate the devotion of Bharatha and the people of Ayodhya to Lord Rama. I shall describe the marvelous legend of Prabhu who provided immense bliss to Sages, Rishis and ascetics, deities, and the people in the woods. Once, Rama collected fresh alluring flowers from the woods, and created an attractive garland with it, and adorned it on the long curly hairs of Devi Sita who was seated on the crystal stones, and took a seat with her. At that moment the son of Indra who has assumed the form of a crow pricked on the feet of Devi Sita and flees from the sight, it was like an ant wants to measure the depth of the ocean, he wanted to experiment the female force of Rama. That dull-minded son of Indra caused to bleed Devi Sita’s feet.  Suddenly, Ramachandra who is extremely compassionate and kind noticed the bleeding feet of Devi Sita and shot an arrow of Bhramasthra aiming at the crow, it chased Jayantha. He terrified and assumed his real form, approached his father Lord Indra, but he refused to give shelter to his son knowing that he is an enemy of Rama. Jayantha terrified of the Bhramasthra that was following him everywhere, he rushed to Bhrama Loka and Kailash, but he did not get freed from the Astra,  it was like Sage Durvassa chased by Sudharshana to the three worlds. None of the deities were willing to give shelter to the enemy of Rama.”

 

Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “ Oh! Garuda, listen to me, the person who keeps enmity to Rama, would consider their mother as death, father as Yama, nectar as toxic poison, companions as hundreds of enemies, sacred river Ganga as Vaitharani, and the whole Universe as a furnace.  Maharishi Narada felt sad for Jayantha who was exhausted running all over the three worlds, Oh! Garuda, the saints, and ascetics are extremely compassionate and kind, he advised Jayantha to return to Rama and take shelter at his feet. Thus Jayantha took shelter at the feet of Rama and requested “Oh! Pranatharththiharin, kindly protect me. Oh! Raghunatha, I am a dull-minded person, wanted to test on your incomparable prowess. Oh! Prabho, I have received the punishment for my evilness. Oh! Prabho, I shall surrender at your lotus feet. Kindly protect me. ” Oh! Parvathi, that compassionate Prabhu felt empathy on Jayantha and left him with one eye. Jayantha committed a grave sin which deserves death punishment, but that kindhearted Lord Raghuveera did not hurt him, hence there is no one in the Universe benevolent as Rama.”

 

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 56– Ayodhya Kandam

 The concluding part of Ayodhya Kandam - Bharatha's life in Nandigauv

Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana lived in that beautiful hermitage in the Chitrakoot, it was like Gnana, Bhakti and Vairagya personified on the Earth. The sages and Rishis, preceptors, ministers, King Janaka, and the people of Ayodhya and Mithila were besieged with the pain of separation of Rama and Sita. They were contemplated upon Lord Rama, and traveled in utter silence, they have crossed the river Yamuna, that day they did not consume a meal. On the next day, they have crossed the river Ganga and arrived in the village Shrungabheripura. Guha was already arranged for their comfortable stay and meals; they have crossed river Gomathi on the fourth day, and took a bath in it, and reached the city of Ayodhya. King Janaka stayed in the Kingdom of Ayodhya for four days and took an inspection of the administration of the Kingdom and the duties of the Kingdom was assigned to preceptors, Bharatha and Ministers, and returned to Mithila. The people of Ayodhya sincerely followed the instructions of the preceptors and lived happily.

 

The people of Ayodhya conducted fasting and various austerities to extend their life span to see Rama’s return after Vanavasa, they sacrificed luxuries and ornaments and waited for the return of Rama. Bharatha instructed the ministers and attendants in the administration of the Kingdom, they sincerely followed his instructions,  Bharatha called for Shathrughna and instructed him to take care of mothers, he called for twice-born and prostrated before them, and spoke with folded hands “Oh! Vipradevatha, kindly inform about everything, whether it is minor or major issues, good or bad in the Kingdom of Ayodhya from time to time.” He invited the people of Ayodhya and his families, and he went to meet Preceptors with Shathrughna and prostrated before them and spoke “Oh! Swami, with your permission I shall take leave to conduct the life of a Tapasvi.” Preceptors replied “Oh! Bharatha, whatever you do would be for the welfare of the Kingdom and its people, it must be the essence of the righteousness as well.”

 

Bhartha felt highly pleased with the advice of preceptors, he called for the astrologers and found an auspicious day to install the Padhukas of Rama on the throne of Ayodhya, and eventually, the throne was sanctified with the Padhukas of Rama. Bharatha who symbolizes righteousness, prostrated before his mothers and took permission from the preceptors, and settled in the hermitage in Nandigauv close to the city of Ayodhya. He attired in saffron robes, has matted hair locks, adorned in rosary beads, slept on the divine grass, consumed fruits, and fiber roots, he sincerely followed austerities, and Niyama and conducted Rishidharma. He abandoned all those worldly pleasures by words, actions, and heart. The throne of Ayodhya roused jealousy in Lord Indra. The wealth of King Dhasharatha put shame on Kubera, even though Bharatha lived like a honey bee in the wood of Champaka, the honeybees never take honey from the flowers of Champaka.   Bharatha has no interest in wealth or the throne of Ayodhya. Whoever attains intense devotion at the lotus feet of Rama would abandon the worldly matters and bondage like spew.

 

Bharatha's devotion to Rama was like the Chathaka which is famous for its sincerity, and the Swan for its intelligence to separate the milk from the water.  Thus Bharatha started living in the hermitage of Nandigauv, his body emaciated due to the rigorous fasting and austerities, the strength of the body and brilliance of the face remained. His fire like devotion to Rama was blazing day by day. His righteousness multiplied, like the scarcity of the water does not stop the water plants to grow and the lotus flowers to blossom. He was free from grief, sincerely followed Niyama, Dhamam, Shamam, Samyamam, and Upavasa, that sparkled like the stars in the sky as the heart of Bharatha. His faith and devotion were like the pole star/Dhruva, Rama’s return after Vanavasa was the full moon, and contemplation upon Rama cemented his devotion. His love for Rama was pure and unblemished, shone like Chandra amid the stars. Bharatha’s austerities, renunciation, virtues, splendor, and life in Nandigauv was beyond description, that was caused perplexity in Adishesha, Sharadha,  and Lord Ganesha.

 

Bharatha gave instructions to conduct the detailed worship of the sandals of Rama, with intense devotion and faith. His heart filled with devotion to Rama and Sita, he constantly recited the name of Rama and shed tears. Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita lived in the woods. Bharatha living in the city of Ayodhya undertook the life of a Tapasvi and undertook extreme austerities. Everyone praised Bharatha’s devotion and love to Rama. The saintly men and ascetics felt gloomy watching the extreme penance and fasting of Bharatha. The Maharishis felt ashamed of themselves watching the extreme austerities of Bharatha. The legend of Bharatha and his austerities in the Nandigauv is the source of happiness and auspiciousness, it removes the evilness in the Kaliera, it removes sufferings and sins, and it removes the darkness of ignorance as well. It removes the Mahamoha/Jeeva who completely soaked in worldly matters/ of the Jeeva like the brilliance of sunrays. It’s like Mrigaraja/lion who kills the herd of untamed elephants like sins, it removes all the sufferings of the worldly existence, it gives bliss to the devotees, it removes the hurdles of worldly existence, and it is the essence of Sri Rama Bhakti.

 

If Bharatha was not born, who would instruct those Vratha, Niyama, Yama, Shama, Dhama, which is not understandable even for ascetics? He is the essence of Sri Ramaprema. Who would remove the sufferings of worldly existence, extreme afflictions, sufferings of poverty, impurities of the mind, with their fame other than Bharatha? Who would transform the evil mind as the dwelling place of Sri Rama?

 

Tulsidas Maharaj speaks “Whoever listens to the legend of Bharatha with intense devotion and faith, would attain extreme devotion at the lotus feet of Lord Rama and Devi Sita, and they would get relieved from the interest in worldly matters.”

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 55– Ayodhya Kandam

 

 Bharatha, preceptors, King Janaka, and the people of Ayodhya and Mithila leaving the forest 

Bharatha prostrated before Prabhu and bade farewell was tightly embraced. Devendra became immensely pleased watching the scene and played his trick on the people who were already besieged with immense grief of separation from Rama, Lakshmana and Devi Sita.   It gave them hope to wait for Rama’s return after Vanavasa, otherwise they might have died on the spot. It was the grace of Rama, the deities relieved from their qualms. Brothers remained in the embrace of each other, their love and kindness were beyond description, they shed tears of grief, they have lost courage, and the deities became gloomy watching the pain of separation among the brothers. It did not leave the highly intelligent preceptors, and Vairagins, who underwent extreme penances, King Janaka who is extremely valorous, and the Jeevanmukthas who abandoned worldly desires and bondage, lost their words, intellect, and Vairagya, and they too became emotional watching the love and affection between the brothers. King Janaka and preceptors became restless watching the bonding between the brothers, it was beyond description. Rama embraced Bharatha and Shathrughna, the ministers and the attendants immersed in their duties and responsibilities. The people of Ayodhya and Mithila began preparations to leave the woods; they could not control the grief. Thus, Bharatha and Shathrughna, prostrated before Rama and attentively listened to his command, began their journey. They prostrated before preceptors, Vanadevatha and all the sages and Rishis assembled, Bharatha embraced Lakshman.  Shathrughna prostrated before Lakshman. Bharatha and Shathrughna prostrated before Rama and Sita, and adorned the dust from their feet on their forehead; they have received abundant of blessings of Devi Sita, which is the source of all the auspiciousness.

 

Rama with his brothers prostrated before King Janaka and spoke “Oh! Swami, you have been very kind to us and took all the troubles to visit the forest with your people. Kindly bless us and return to Mithila.” King Janaka and the people of Mithila prepared to leave the forest; Rama worshiped the twice-born and illustrious Rishis and Sages, as Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Rama and Lakshmana met their mothers-in-law, and prostrated before them, and received their blessings. Rama, Bharatha, Lakshman, and Shathrughna prostrated before the preceptors, Vamadeva and Vashishta, Kaushika, Jabali, and people of Ayodhya and his ministers and families, and bade farewell to them. Rama spoke compassionately to the males and females of his age, and bade-farewell to them. Prabhu prostrated at the feet of Devi Kausalya, and embraced her; he pacified her and helped her to get seated into the attractive palanquin. Devi Sita bade farewell to her parents and the people of Mithila eventually returned to her dearest husband. She prostrated before her mothers-in-law and embraced them, Devi Sita enthusiastically bade farewell to all of them, and it was beyond description. She listened to her advice and received an abundance of blessings from them; she was soaked in the love with parents and mothers-in-law. Raghupathi helped his mothers to get seated inside the beautiful palanquin kept ready for them. Bharatha and Shathrughna embraced Rama and Lakshmana repeatedly. A huge army of men mounted on elephants, horses, and chariots, was followed by Bharatha and King Janaka and the people of Ayodhya and Mithila. All of them left the wood as if in their dreams. The various animals in the forests ox, horses, elephants, were walked away heavy heartedly. Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita, prostrated before the preceptors Vashishta and Vamadeva and returned to their hermitage, they were in a state of mixed feelings of grief and happiness which was unexplainable.

 

King Nishadha was highly revered by Rama, Lakshman, and Devi Sita, prepared to take leave from the forest, he moved away from heavy heartedly. The tribes in the forest Kola, Kirtha, and Beela were repeatedly prostrated before them and took a leave. Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana took a seat under a huge Vatavruksha and grieved on the separation of his dearest people. He narrated all those conversations that took place with Bharatha to Devi Sita and Lakshmana, and continuously praised the virtues and love of Bharatha. He was completely drenched in the love of Bharatha, his face revealed his boundless love for Bharatha. It was a difficult time for the creatures in the forest; even for the fishes in the rivers and ponds, birds and animals and non-living things were saddened. The deities showered flowers upon Rama, and they returned to their respective abode in absolute peace.

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 54– Ayodhya Kandam

 Bharatha receives the 'Padhuka' of Rama 

Siddhas who constantly recite the ‘Ramanama’ and attains supernatural powers, Bharatha who is the Prana of Rama does not seem to get surprised watching the mesmerizing beauty of the forest. Bharatha and Shathrughna walked all over the woods, even the saints and ascetics felt ashamed of their dedication watching Bharatha’s devotion to Rama. Sage Athri described the water-courses and its origin, birds, animals, hills, mountains, mangroves, forests, etc. They took bath in sacred rivers, explored the forest and its beautiful landscape, they took seated in a place and contemplated upon Rama and Lakshmana.  The deities of the woods/Vanadevatha blessed them, praised their virtues and devotion to Rama. It was on the third Prahara of the day, Bharatha and Shathrughna returned to their hermitage and contemplated upon Prabhu. In this way, they have visited all those sacred Theerthas of Chitrakoot in five days, and engaged in the listening and reciting the glories of Lord Hari and Lord Hara.

 

It was early morning hours, after finishing the morning rites, all the twice-born, Bharatha, King Janaka, and preceptors assembled before Rama. Bharatha prostrated before Rama and with folded hands, began to speak “Oh! Prabho, you have fulfilled all my desires, everyone has to undergo troubles because of me, Oh! Swami kindly gives me permission to return to the Kingdom of Ayodhya, I shall wait for your return from Vanavasa. Oh! Kosaladheesha, kindly advise me on how to keep me alive during the period of long separation from you, and when I could see this lotus-like feet again. Oh! Prabho, Ramachandra, the people of your kingdom and families are extremely happy serving your lotus feet, you are omnipresent and omniscient, and you reside as a soul in living beings, Oh! Swami, Sharanagathavathsala, you are the protector of Jeeva in this Universe and their afterlife as well. Oh! Prabho, Kindly order your sincere servant. ” The people assembled were highly praised the nobility and humbleness of Bharatha.

 

The Supreme Lord Rama who is Dheenabandhu and Sarvajja was highly pleased with the devotion and plea of Bharatha, he began to speak after taking into consideration time, zone, and circumstances “Oh! Dear Brother Bharatha, it was Guru Vashishta and King Janaka is worried about us and the people of Ayodhya while we are in the woods or the Kingdom. We have Sage Vishwamithra and King Janaka as guardians; therefore we will not have any afflictions not even in our dreams. Our prime duties are listening to our parents; it is the Dharma, Paramarththa, Janmasaphalya, wealth, and fame as well. It is a highly promising act to follow the command of our father, according to Veda and Shastra. People who sincerely follow the command of preceptors, parents, and Lord, even if they commit mistakes they would remain protected. Therefore leave all your worries and qualms, and continue ruling the Kingdom of Ayodhya until my return after Vanavasa. Our preceptors will take care of our treasures of the Kingdom, people and relatives, the dust from the feet of our preceptors are capable to protect them. You have to sincerely follow the instructions of our preceptors, mothers, and Minister Sumanthra, and wisely rule the Kingdom, and its people and the palace.”

 

Rama continues “Oh! Bharatha, a significant person should perform the duties of a mouth, it performs the task of consumption of nutritious meals for the growth of the body, and the internal organs take care rest of the process and keep the body healthy. The duties and responsibilities of the King are well described in the Shastras.” In this way, Prabhu consoled Bharatha, but he could not keep himself free from trepidations and anxiety. He has an extreme love for his brother Bharatha, on the other side, the presence of preceptors, ministers, and King Janaka put Rama in a state of embarrassment. Prabhu showered his compassion on Bharatha, he offered Padhuka to Bharatha that was respectfully carried on his head. This pair of Sandals of Prabhu was like 1)  the  two powerful guards to protect the people of Ayodhya 2) it was like two jewel boxes to keep the gem-like devotion and love of Bharatha 3) It was like the two sacred syllables that are capable to protect the people to safely cross the ocean of worldly existence 4) It was like the two powerful wooden doors to protect the clan of Raghu 5) It was like the two hands to perform all the righteous deeds and 6) it was two powerful eyes which show the path of righteousness and service to humanity. Bharatha was extremely happy to receive those pairs of sandals, and considered as if Rama and Sita’s willingness to reside in the Kingdom of Ayodhya.