||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 10 - Aranya Kandam

 Ravana's instruction to Mareecha to assume the form of Kapatamriga

Lord Mahadeva speaks “ Oh! Parvathi, Ravana could not control his rage listening to the death of Khara, Dhooshana, Thrishirass, his eyes shone like blazing fire, he pacified Shoorpanakha and self-praised, highly about his prowess and army, but he was extremely worried inside, could not sleep that night. He immersed in various thoughts “There is no one in the army of Nagas, Manushya, deities, demons; Pakshis are courageous enough to fight against my brothers. Khara and Dhooshana are brave and mighty as me, definitely, it would be Prabhu incarnated on the Earth and otherwise, none can kill them. Therefore the supreme Lord Vishnu must have incarnated on the Earth, to reduce the burden of Mother Earth. He is the source of happiness to the deities and ascetics; I will approach him with enmity and fight against him, and meet my death with his powerful arrows, in this way I could cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence effortlessly. This body is made of Thamasic nature, therefore, Gnana and meditation will not work for it, I have decided to fight against Prabhu, with my deeds, mind, and words. If the two handsome youths are ordinary people, I could win over them in the battle very easily and I could abduct the beautiful woman from their custodian.” He got into his celestial chariot and arrived on the shores of Sindhu to meet Mareecha in his shelter place. Oh! Uma, listen carefully about the tactics of Prabhu.”

 

Lakshmana went to pick up fiber roots and fruits, Rama who is the abode of mercy and bliss spoke to Janaki with a beautiful smile “Oh! Dear one, you are highly virtuous and sincerely follows chastity, I am going to perform an amusement like an ordinary human, till I destroy the entire clan of the demon, you have to be with Lord Agni.” Rama described his future plans elaborately to Devi Sita who prostrated before the lotus feet of Rama and entered the Agni. Devi Sita left the shadow that has possessed the virtues, appearance, and humility of her remained with Rama, even Lakshman could not recognize the amusement of Rama.

 

Lord Mahadeva speaks “ Oh! Bhavani, Ravana who is extremely self-centered approached Mareecha, usually, the humility shown by a wicked will have the sharpness of spear, and arrow, the toxic poison of the serpent, selfish like a cat. Oh! Bhavani, the humble speeches of an extremely haughty person would be like flowers blossomed during the wrong season. Ravana reverentially prostrated before Mareecha was enquired the reason for his visit.  Ravana explained all that happened with his brothers and sister and revealed his purpose to visit Mareecha to request him to assume the form of a Mayamriga/golden deer/Kapatamriga, so that he can abduct the beautiful woman arrived with two handsome men in the forest. 

|Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

Chapter – 9 - Aranya Kandam

Shoorpanakha’s cries before the assembly of King Ravana

Rama killed Khara and Dhooshana and his fourteen thousands of demons in the battlefield, thus deities, Rishis, Sages, and humans got released from the trepidations of the dreadful demons. Lakshman safely brought back Devi Sita from the cave and fell at the feet of Prabhu who embraced him with extreme joy. Devi Sita looked at the charming and dark-complexioned Rama without blinking eyes; she looked at him extreme delight and love. Her eyes did not get satisfied watching the loveliness of Rama. In this way, the passionate sport of Rama in the Panchavati provided immense bliss to the deities and Rishis, ascetics and sages in the woods.

Shoorpanakha pathetically watched the destruction of Khara and Dhooshana and huge army before her eyes, she rushed back to Lanka, immediately approached Ravana who was in the middle of the assembly and initiated enmity against Rama. Shoorpanakha furiously spoke to Ravana “You are least bothered about the Kingdom or its wealth, spending whole life eating and taking pleasure in intoxicating drinks. You are not aware of the enemy who is at your doorsteps. King without the knowledge of Rajaneethi, wealth earned in immoral ways, any righteous deeds performed without offering to Lord Hari, a person who has highly educated but no wisdom, are fruitless. I have heard that interest in worldly bondage and matters destroys the life of an ascetic, the advice of a wicked minister destroys the King, pride destroys the wisdom of the individual, interest in the consumption of intoxicating drinks would destroy the humbleness, lack of affection or love destroys the companionship, arrogance, and haughtiness destroys the virtues. Oh! Brother, do not underrate an enemy, illness, fire, sins, Prabhu, and serpent.” Thus Shoorpanakha wept bitterly. She took the whole attention of the assembly of Ravana, shed tears and fallen on the ground, and spoke “Oh! Brother, you have ten heads, see my fate; while you are alive I had to face disgrace from two handsome youths.” The ministers in the assembly rushed to Shoorpanakha and pacified her and lifted from the floor.

Ravana spoke “Oh! Sister, what happened to you? Who cut off your nose and ears?” Shoorpanakha spoke “Oh! Ravana, There are two Manushyasimha, the sons of Ayodhyapathi King Dhasharatha have arrived in the forest, they have come for a hunting expedition in the forest, in my opinion, they will wipe off the entire clan of demons from the Earth. The Sages, Rishis, and ascetics are freely moving in the woods without any fear in their presence. These two handsome youths are equal to Yama/ Kala. These youths are skilled in the art of archery and have an abundance of virtues. These two brothers are incomparable in splendor and prowess. They are well prepared to destroy the wicked and do good to Thapasvis and deities. The elder truly charming and handsome named Rama, and he is accompanied by a woman, is one of the marvelous creations of Lord Bhrama, is the epitome of beauty, and excels the loveliness of hundred crores of Devi Rathi. His younger brother cut off my nose and ears and teased me to know that I am your sister. Khara and Dhooshana with fourteen thousand of our warriors went to battle with these two men, were killed brutally. Rama destroyed the entire warriors in a blink of the eyes.”

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 8 - Aranya Kandam

Rama’s battle against Khara, Dhooshana and fourteen thousands of demons

The huge army of demons screamed to get hold of Rama and encircled him. Alas! The enemies could not use their weapons before Prabu, they stood helpless watching his loveliness. At that moment Khara and Dhooshana said “This prince is the ornament to the human clan, we have seen Naga, Asuras, Deva, Manushya, and Sages, and we have fought with them and killed many of them. Oh! Brothers, I have not seen a most attractive person like him, even though he disfigured our sister, he does not deserve death. Oh! Demons, convey my message to him to give us the woman he has hidden, and ask the brothers to return home safely, bring back his reply immediately.” Rama smiled at the demons and replied “ We are born Kshatriyas, we hunt animals in the woods, in fact, we are searching for brutal animals like you to fight, we have no fear of the army of enemies. If Yama appears to battle with us, we will do it fearlessly, even though we are humans, and youthful, we are the destroyers of the demon clan. We are the protectors of ascetics and Sages, and destroyer of that who harm them and causes impediments to their austerities and religious rites. If you are not courageous enough to fight with me, you can return home. I will not kill the enemies who flee from the battlefield. You have come with a huge army of warriors to fight with me, and now you are showing kindness itself reveals your weakness.”

 

The emissaries of Khara and Dhooshana informed the message of Rama; they could not control their rage, ordered the demons “Oh! Powerful demons get hold of him and fasten him, carry all your weapons, bow and arrows, spears, trident, sword, axe, etc.” Prabhu fastened the string on the bow and stretched it near to his ears, the deafening sound of it put the warriors in extreme perplexity, they have become deaf, and the intellect did not support their actions or desires. The demons understood that the enemy is the most powerful one, so they hesitated to move further, they shot various weapons against Rama. The powerful arrows of Rama crushed the illusionary weapons of the demons, and he stretched the string of bow up to ears and showered powerful arrows like a heavy downpour, it darted like several serpents against the demons. Rama furiously continued to shot several powerful arrows, the demons started to flee in different directions, watching the warriors fleeing from the battlefield Khara, Dhooshana and Thrishirass voiced against them “Whoever runs away from the battlefield would face their deaths in our hands.” Immediately all those demons returned to the battlefield and decided to die there itself, Rama shot most powerful Astra, that sieved the heads of numerous demons, the battlefield gave out the terrible appearance of numerous limbs, heads, hands, bodies, legs, etc.. The demons utilized illusionary powers and fought against Rama, were brutally killed. There were several heads and hands flew on the sky, the demons started running aimlessly without heads on the battlefield. The cluster of crows, vultures, foxes, and eagles encircled the lifeless bodies and fought against each other. Bhootha, Pretha and Pishacha carried the blood in the skulls and gulped it, Vethala played drum with the bodiless heads, Yoginis danced in merriment. The powerful arrows of Rama pierced the heart of the demons, sieved off their heads, and hands of the chief of warriors, in this way, the battlefield gave out a dreadful appearance, the headless bodies ran around aimlessly. The vultures, eagle, foxes, and crows ran out of the war zone with the intestines, a huge army of Khara Dhooshana was destroyed. They became furious watching the destructions of the army, turned against Rama, followed with the remaining army of demons, and attacked Rama with spears, trident, axe, sword, etc. Alas! In a blink of the eye, Rama showered powerful arrows against the warriors that pierced their chests; they continued to fight against Rama with illusionary powers. The deities were alarmed watching Rama fighting against the fourteen thousands of demons singlehandedly. Rama saw the deities are frightened, soon Prabhu who is the controller of Maya, played a trick utilizing his Maya and the demons saw Rama in place of the co-warriors, eventually they fought against each other and got killed. They called out for ‘Ram Ram’ and left mortal coil, have attained the abode of Lord. In this way, the huge armies of demons were killed in seconds. The deities were immensely pleased and showered flowers upon Rama, the sounds of Dhundhubi echoed in the sky. The deities eulogized Rama and returned to their respective abodes.

 

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 8 - Aranya Kandam

Shoorpanakha’s meeting with Rama and Lakshman

Rama, Devi Sita and Lakshmana settled in the beautiful woods of Dhandakavanam of Panchavati.   Ravana has a sister Shoorpanakha who is wicked natured and cruel like a serpent. Once, she arrived in Panchavati and saw the two handsome youths Rama and Lakshman.   Sage Kakabushundi speaks “Oh! Garuda, a wicked and immoral natured woman fall for all the beautiful men, whether it is her brother, father, or son, like the stone of Suryakanthi melts in the sunrays. These kinds of women get easily feel for men and could not control their emotions. Shoorpanakha assumed the form of a beautiful woman and approached Prabhu and spoke in a melodious voice “There is no attractive women like me or men like you in the world. Lord Bhrama has created both of us with an intention I have searched for an appropriate man in three worlds, unfortunately, I did not find any, that’s why I have remained unmarried in my life. I am glad I have met you today, I am extremely happy.” Prabhu looked at Devi Sita and told her “My brother is unmarried you can approach him.” Immediately Shoorpanakha hurried to Lakshmana who understood the woman is none other than the sister of their enemy. Lakshmana spoke “ Sundari, listen to me, I am a sincere servant and dependent on my Master. Therefore you cannot live happily with me, my master is the King of Kosala, whatever he does for good only.  The servants who yearn for comfort, a beggar who yearns for respect, wicked yearn for wealth, prostitutes yearn for admiration, the proud person who desires for Purusharththa is like milking the sky instead of a cow.” Shoorpanakha looked at Rama desperately, but he hinted to stay with Lakshman, who was annoyed and spoke “People who have no self-respect would marry you, I cannot.” Shoorpanakha got angry and returned to Rama, and showed her dreadful appearance, Raghava noticed Devi Sita got frightened, so he looked at Lakshman and spoke in gesture.

 

Lakshmana cut her tongue and nose effortlessly, as it was an initial sign of the Great War between Rama and Ravana. Shoorpanakaha, could not control her rage, she approached her brothers Khara and Dhooshna and wept bitterly “Oh! Brother, someone has arrived in the woods to put shame on your prowess and courage.” Khara and Dhooshana watched at their sister who has got disfigured her marvelous appearance; she narrated all that happened in the woods. The two brothers of Shoorpanakha assembled a huge army of demons, which has the size of Anjanadhri and rushed to the woods in their vehicles, wielded in various weapons, led by Shoorpanakha who symbolizes inauspiciousness. They have experienced several dreadful omens on their way, but they were already on the edge of death did not get scared of anything. They moved through the woods vehemently, producing boisterous voices and abusing the deities. One of the demons said, “Kill those two men and bring that woman here”. The entire sky was covered in the dust raised from their colossal feet. Rama instructed Lakshman to take Janaki to a nearby cave, and keep her safe inside the cave. Lakshmana who is wielded in bow and arrow moved with Devi Janaki safely to the cave. Rama stood before the demons, all prepared with bow and arrow and smiled to himself. Rama stretched the bow aiming at the enemies; it was like the lion set to pounce upon the herd of elephants.

 

 

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 7 - Aranya Kandam

Rama's lecture on Bhakti, Gnana,  and Vairagya

Mama Gun Gavath Pulak Sareera | Gadhgadhgira Nayan Bah Neera | Kam Adhi Madh Dhamb Na Jakem| Thath Niranthar Bas Mey Thakem||

 

Rama, Lakshmana, and Devi Sita arrived in Panchavati, there he met Gridhraraja/King of birds Jatayu, and they have formed a great friendship with him. Lakshman built a beautiful hermitage on the riverbank of Godavari and started living there. The Rishis and Sages lived happily and fearlessly in the presence of Rama. The woods, hills, rivers, streams, ponds, multiplied its beauty in his presence, and the birds and animals lived in complete harmony and roamed in the woods fearlessly. The trees, creepers, and flowering plants filled with fresh alluring flowers and fruits of rich fragrances there were buzzing of honey bees all over the forest, it is difficult to describe the beauty of woods even for thousand tongued Adishesha. Once, Rama was sitting leisurely in the hermitage, Lakshmana approached Rama and asked “Oh! Prabhu who is worshiped by Suras, Naras, and Muni, Oh! Lord of living and non-living things, kindly advises me how did I serve the dust from the lotus feet of you? Kindly enlighten me with the knowledge of Gnana, Virakthi, and Maya. Oh! Prabho, kindly narrate me in detail about the practice of Bhakti which is beloved of you, kindly describe the difference of Jeevathma and Paramathma, hence it would enhance my devotion at your lotus feet, it would remove my misconceptions and grief as well.”

 

Rama replies to Lakshman “Oh! Beloved brother, I shall narrate them in briefly, listen to me carefully, Maya is the false beliefs are known as me, myself and mine, no creature in this Universe is free from Maya. It is influenced by mind, intellect, actions, and words. There are two kinds of Maya/Gnana and Agnan.  The Maya caused by Avidya/Agnan is extremely impure and sorrowful as well, the people who are influenced by this Agnan Maya heaved to the depth of the Samsarakoopa/well of worldly existence. The Gnana is under the control of the Supreme Lord who is the creator of the Universe and its living beings, and he is beyond the Trigunas/Sathva, Rajas, Tamas. The wisdom removes the pride and impurities of the mind of the Jeeva, eventually, it realizes the presence of supreme Bhramam in living and non-living things, and it envisions the all-pervasive nature of Bhramam. Oh! Beloved brother, A Paramavairagin is the one who abandons Siddhis/supernatural powers and the Trigunas as grass.  The Jeevathma is the one who lacks the knowledge of Maya, the supreme Lord, and the supreme soul. The Supreme Lord Shiva/Eshwara is the provider of fruits of Karma in the form of Bandha and Moksha, he is the controller of Maya as well.”

 

Rama continues “Oh! Lakshmana, our sacred text Veda describes Dharma is the source of Vairagya, the practices of Yoga provides Gnana, and the wisdom provides Moksha. Oh! Brother, I easily get pleased with the devotion and faith of Jeeva, the devotion is the source of bliss, it is effortless to practice and free from obstacles. Gnana and Vignana remains under the devotion. Oh! Vathsa, there is no comparison for Bhakti is the source of supreme bliss. It can be achieved with the grace of preceptor. I shall narrate the methods of practice of Bhakti in detail, which are the easiest way to approach the Supreme Lord. 1) The person who has an intense devotion to twice-born 2) Person who is enthusiastically practicing the duties and responsibilities performed in Veda, it would keep the Sadhaka free from interest in worldly matters and cultivate the habit of Virakthi, and it enhances the devotion 3) Person who has an interest in Navadha Bhakti/Shravanam, Keerthanam, Smaranam, Padhasevanam, Archanam, Vandhanam, Dhasyam, Sakhyam, and Athmanivedhanam, 4) The practice of Navadhabakthi cultivates interest in listening and reading scriptures and the various passionate sport of Lord 5) Service to the devotees of Lord and saintly, ascetics, and preceptors 6) following strict austerities by words, mind, and deeds, and sung in praise of the Lord 7) Worship of Lord as Matha, Pitha, Guru, Bandhu, Swami, and deity. 8) The person who takes great interest in singing in praise and glories of me would attain intense devotion, with tears overflowing, voices break due to the rush of emotions, eventually, the worshiper would be removed from impurities like Kama, Dhambha, Madha, Moha, and Ashcharya, etc. Oh! Thatha, I shall remain the Bhakthaparadheena/who is under the control of Bhakta. I shall take rest in the lotus-like hearts of those devotees who perform the deeds, words, and intellect, without any desires, and constantly engages in the contemplation of me.” Lakshmana was highly pleased to hear the speeches of Bhakti, Vairagya, Gnana, Neethi, and virtues in detail, in this way the lectures and discussion between Rama, Sita, and Lakshman continued for several days.

 

||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.”