||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 6 - Aranya Kandam

 

Rama’s meeting with Sage Agasthya

Rama prepared to leave to the hermitage of Sage Agasthya was enthusiastically followed by the Sage Sutheekshna who expressed his desire to meet his preceptor after a long time. The Supreme Lord Rama who is Kripanidhu understood the desire of Sage Sutheekshna to be with him. Rama and Lakshmana smiled affectionately at the Sage and followed him. All their way, they have engaged in the discussion on the topic of devotion to the supreme Lord, finally arrived in the hermitage of Sage Agasthya. Sage Sutheekshna prostrated before the sage Agasthya and spoke “Oh! Mahamune, the supreme Lord Rama who is Jagadhadhara, son of King Dhasharatha, has arrived to meet you. Oh! Swami, whose name is always contemplated and meditated by you, has arrived with Devi Sita and Lakshman to meet you.” Sage Agasthya could not control his happiness rushed to meet Rama, his eyes welled up watching the compassionate Lord Hari, and fallen at the feet of both the brothers, was raised and embraced by them. The highly intelligent Sage Agasthya engaged in various conversations with them, offered raised seats, and worshiped them and highly praised his fortune to see them in the woods. All the Sages assembled were extremely happy to see Rama and Lakshman who took a center seat among them; it was like a group of Chakora bird yearningly watching at the autumn moon.

                                       

 

Raghuveera began to speak “Oh! Mune, I have nothing to hide from you, Oh! Thatha, you know everything and the reason for my arrival in the woods. Therefore I need not explain them all, kindly enlighten me with the glorious hymns that could be helpful to destroy the enemies of the Sages and Rishis in the woods.” Sage Agasthya smiled at him affectionately, and spoke “Oh! Vathsa, why did you ask me? I have learned a minuscule portion of your splendor with the devotion at your lotus feet, your Maya is like a colossal Udhumbara tree, and the fruits of this tree are numerous worlds, and the worms in the fruits are Jeeva and creatures/living and non-living things in the worlds. They do not know other than the fruits, and the fruits get destroyed in the intervention of dreadful demon-like time, even that ‘Time’ gets terrified of your valor. You are the commander of all the worlds, and you are acting like an ordinary human being before me, and request for advice. Oh! Kripanidhe, I shall request a boon from you, kindly reside in my heart with Sita and Lakshman permanently. Kindly bless me to have intense devotion and faith at your lotus feet, and bless me to achieve Bhakti, Gnana and Vairagya, and constant association with the saintly men and Sages. Oh! Bhagavan, you are eternal and supreme Bhramam, you are attainable for Rishis, sages, and ascetics; you are sought after by the Vairagin, with constant contemplation and meditation, Oh! Prabho, I have drenched in the marvelous Sagunaroopa of you. You are compassionate to your ardent devotees, Oh! Raghuram, you are humble and pleasant, that is the reason you are asking for advice. Oh! Prabho, there is the most beautiful and stunningly attractive place in the wood known as Panchavati, which is under the curse of Sage Shukracharya,  kindly remove the curse of Shukracharya on Dhandakavanam and purify it. Oh! Prabho, Oh! Raghava, kindly reside in Dhandakavanam and shower your kindness and compassion to all those ascetics, Rishis and Sages in the woods.” Thus, Prabhu Rama along with Devi Sita and Lakshmana bade farewell to Sage Agasthya and proceeded to the woods of Panchavati.

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 5 - Aranya Kandam

 

Sage Sutheekshna eulogizes supreme Lord Raghuram

 

Sage Sutheekshna prostrated before Rama, and reverentially appealed Rama to visit his hermitage; Ram could not resist watching the devotion of the Sage.  Thus, Rama Lakshmana and Devi Sita arrived in his hermitage.  Sage Sutheekshna received him with great respect and eulogized “Oh! Prabho, I am a dull-minded, how did I eulogize your endless splendor? I am like a firefly before Lord Surya, how did the firefly describe the brilliance of Surya? I shall reverentially prostrate before supreme Lord Raghuveera who has the complexion of dark clouds and the luster of blue lotus, adorned in matted hair locks, wielded in bow and arrow. The Supreme Lord who burn down the grave sins like woods of the worshiper, he is the source of supreme bliss to the lotus-like hearts of virtuous and noble souls, you are the powerful lion that kills the demons like untamed elephants, Oh! Bhagavan, you are the powerful Garuda that hunt birds like the sufferings of worldly existence, I shall reverentially prostrate before you, kindly protect us. I shall eulogize the supreme Lord Rama whose lustrous eyes resemble red lotus flower petals, attired in a marvelous garment, has a broad chest, and long hands Oh! Bhagavan, you are full moon to the Chakora like the eyes of Devi Sita, you are Swan that explores in the sacred pond like the heart of Lord Mahadeva. Oh! Bhagavan, you are the Garuda who destroys misconceptions like the serpent, you are the destroyer of grief and conflicts, you are the destroyer of fear and anxieties of worldly existence and you are the source of happiness to the deities, Oh! Kripanidhi, Oh! Prabhu, kindly protect us always. I shall praise the supreme Lord Rama, who is beyond virtues, assumed in marvelous form, impartial, he is beyond intellect and words; he is pure, all-pervasive, unblemished, and omniscient. Oh! Bhagavan, you are the forest of Kalpavruksha to your ardent devotees, you are the destroyer of Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha, and Mathscharya of the worshiper. You are most pleasing; you are the bridge to cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence. Oh! Suryavamsha Shikhamani kindly protects us. I shall prostrate before the supreme Lord Rama, who is immeasurable, great prowess, the recitation of his sacred names would remove the impurities of the Kali era. He symbolizes righteousness, and protector of righteousness, he is the treasure house of virtues, Oh! Srirama, kindly shower auspiciousness always, I shall meditate upon supreme Lord Rama who is impassionate, omnipresent, and indestructible, resides as a soul in living beings, the enemy of Khara, kindly reside with Devi Sita and Lakshmana in my heart. Oh! Bhagavan, kindly shower your grace, not forget that you are my Master and I am your sincere servant.” Rama was highly pleased and embraced the Sage affectionately. Rama instructed the Sage to ask for a boon, Sage Sutheekshna began to speak “Oh! Bhagavan, Oh! Raghupathe, Oh! Bhakthavathsala, kindly gives a boon whatever you feel appropriate to me.” Rama spoke “Oh! Mahamune, I shall give you intense Bhakti, Virakthi, Vignana, and Gnana, as a boon, you are the storehouse of the virtues and wisdom.” Sage Sutheekshna spoke with folded hands “Oh! Prabho, I am extremely happy I have attained the boon as I have desired, kindly fulfill my desire, and reside in my heart with Devi Sita and Lakshmana permanently. Oh! Prabho, kindly reside as Chandra in my heart like sky always, in your glorious form as Rama, wielded in bow and arrow, along with Goddess Janaki and Lakshmana.”

 

||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.”