|| Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

Chapter – 7 – Kishkindha Kandam

Swayamprabha attains the boon of intense devotion and faith/ The conversation between Sampathi and Vanaras 

All the Vanaras stood far from the sight of the Thapasvi woman Swayamprabha and prostrated before her. She enquired the reason for the arrival in the woods and the cave; the Vanaras narrated all the incidents to her. She affectionately said “ Oh! Vanaras, go and quench your thirst, and consume succulent fruits to your heart’s content.” The Vanara took a bath, and consumed fruits and obediently stood before the Tapasvi woman; she narrated her story to them. She spoke “Oh! Vanaras, close your eyes, I am leaving to the forest of Prashravana where Raghurama is settled, you will find your way back to the woods, do not worry, you will successfully locate Devi Sita.” Thus that Tapasvi woman left the cave, and the Vanaras when they opened their eyes found them before the ocean shore. That Tapasvi woman Swayamprabha approached Raghurama, she prostrated before him and eulogized him, Prabhu was highly pleased with her devotion and offered her intense devotion and faith as a boon. Further, she traveled to the woods of Badarikashrama/Badarivan at the instruction of Prabhu who is worshiped by Lord Bhrama and Lord Shambhu.

The Vanaras settled on the shores of the ocean were extremely worried, immersed in various thoughts, and spoke “ Oh! Brother, the time limit is given by Sugriva to return with the news of Devi Sita is almost over, but we have not yet found any sign of Devi Sita, Oh! Brother, what would we do?” Angadha spoke with tears “Oh! Dear Vanaras, our death has neared, anyway, our death is confirmed, our time limit is over, and we did not find Devi Sita yet, if we return to Sugriva in this situation, he will definitely kill us. If Srirama did not protect me at the time of death of my father Bali, he would have killed me long ago. Even though I do not owe to Sugriva, but I sincerely owe to Prabhu. I think our death has confirmed, there is no doubt in it.” The Vanaras assembled were become speechless, shed tears, and sunk in deep sorrow. They collectively took a promise not to return without Devi Sita, and proceeded to the ocean. They spread the bed of grass and seated on it, Jambavan who is the elderly bear began to give lectures on the motivational stories watching the gloominess of Angadha. Jambavan spoke “Oh! Priya Thatha, do not consider Sri Rama as an ordinary human, he is Aja and unconquerable, he is Nirguna Bhramam incarnated on the Earth for the welfare of Jeeva. We all are highly fortunate to serve him, and take great pleasure in the Sagunaroopa of him. The Supreme Lord incarnates on the Earth at his own will, for the welfare of deities, Go, Bhramin and saintly men. The Saguna Upasakas of that supreme Lord abandon Moksha and serve that supreme Lord on the Earth as well.” In this way, Jambavan highly spoke about the splendor of Lord Rama, at that moment Sampathi, an elderly eagle who was settled in a cave was keenly listening to it.

Sampathi came out of his cave and saw a huge army of Vanaras before the mouth of the cave, spoke to himself “Today, I will have a generous meal; God has arranged a sumptuous meal before me. I have been starving for a long time, I was waiting for a stomach full of meal, and today God has shown extreme compassion to me.” All those Vanaras terrified listening to Sampathi, voiced in chorus “Our death has become true, he is before us.” Jambavan became extremely anxious; Angadha spoke “Oh! Vanaras, Jatayu, the King of bird left his mortal coil while serving the supreme Lord, therefore he is fortunate attained the Paramdhama of the Lord.” Suddenly Sampathi, moved towards the Vanaras with a mixed feeling of happiness and grief, he compassionately addressed them and enquired about his brother Jatayu. The Vanaras detailed the death of Jatayu to Sampathi,  he came to know that Lord Rama performed the final rite for his brother with his own hands; Sampathi felt extremely grateful to that Lord and eulogized the splendor of Rama.

|| Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 6 – Kishkindha Kandam

Armies of Vanara's leaving in search of Devi Sita / The army of Vanaras led by Angada, Hanuman, and Jambavan meets Devi Swayamprabha.

Sugriva terrified to meet Lakshmana who called out for Sugriva for a fight; he appealed Hauman “Oh! Kapeeshwara, kindly takes intelligent Tara with you to meet Lakshman at the palace gate, pacify him and bring him reverentially inside the palace.” Hanuman proceeded with Tara to meet Lakshman, she prostrated before Lakshman and eulogized the splendor of Prabhu, she respectfully invited Lakshman to the palace, washed his feet, offered him raised seat. Soon, Vanararaja/Sugriva prostrated before him, Lakshman took his hands and embraced him and Sugriva spoke “Oh! Natha, there is nothing in this world treacherous than the interest in worldly matters and bondage, it could persuade and spoil the hearts of even the illustrious Rishis and Sages in seconds.” Lakshmana pleased with the confession of Sugriva and pacified him. Sugriva narrated the measures taken in the search for Devi Sita, and Vayuputhra who sends emissaries to all directions to assemble the huge army of Vanaras. Further, Sugriva with Lakshman, Angadha, Kapeeshwara and numerous Vanaras arrived to meet Lord Rama in the hills of Prashravana.

 

Sugriva prostrated before Lord Rama and with folded hands spoke “Oh! Prabho, your Maya is extremely powerful, I am not responsible for it, Oh! Rama, your Maya can be get rid of your grace, the deities, Manushya, Sages, and deities are under the constant influence of your Maya, trapped into the pleasures of the senses. Oh! Prabho, I am a dull-minded Vanara, and extremely lustful, Oh! Raghuram, 1) the person who is not gets aroused with the sharp arrows like the eyes of a woman, 2) the person who is wide awake without sleep in the anger like dark hours of night 3) the person who is free from anger and Lobha is equivalent to you. These qualities cannot be attained with the practice of asceticism; it can be attained only with your grace.” Raghupathi with a sweet smile spoke “Oh! Sugriva, Oh! Brother, you are beloved like Bharatha to me, invest all your efforts to locate Devi Sita.” Rama and Sugriva were immersed in various discussions, soon a huge army of Vanaras arrived in the hills of Prashravana, and they were in different colors and stature, packed in the woods.

 

Lord Shankara speaks “Oh! Uma, it is difficult to count the number of Vanarasena, even though I was there, it was in huge numbers, they prostrated before the supreme Lord, and stared at the face of Rama and found their Lord in him.   He inquired about the welfare of all, there was not even a single Vanara left out by Rama. It is not a difficult task for Rama who is all-pervasive, has assumed numerous forms. They were stood obediently in a line at the instruction of the leader of the army. Sugriva spoke “Oh! Vanaras, I order you to sincerely follow the command of Rama, and work for the welfare of Rama, Oh! Vanaras, you have to conduct a rigorous search for Devi Sita in all the directions. Oh! Brothers, you should be back with the whereabouts of Devi Sita in a month. Oh! Vanaras, listen to me carefully, whoever returns with empty-handed or without any information or come after a month would get killed in my hands.”

 

In a second, the huge army of Vanaras led by their leader flew to different directions. Sugriva called for Angada, Nala, Jambavan, and Hanuman and spoke “Oh! Neela, Angada, Jambavan, and Hanuman, listen to me, you all are extremely valorous and intelligent, you have to move through the southern direction and conduct an inquiry for Devi Sita. You have to utilize all your energies and prowess to locate Devi Sita and for the welfare of Rama. Lord should be served with utmost sincerity and dedication with mind, words, and action. Jeeva should have the knowledge of the impermanent nature of material matters and bondage and get rid of Maya, eventually attain the Paramagathi which is eternal bliss, it would remove all the sufferings and miseries of worldly existence. Oh! Brother, if we want to attain the fruitfulness of this life, we should sincerely serve Rama and contemplate upon him. Whoever devoted to the lotus feet of Rama is considered as virtuous and fortunate.” All the Vanaras prostrated before Sugriva, contemplated upon Rama and bade farewell to Sugriva and enthusiastically moved forward.  Hanuman stood before Sugriva and Rama and prostrated before them, Rama understood he is the only one capable to perform his task. Rama called Hanuman near to him, he patted his head affectionately, and handed his ring, “Oh! Vayuputhra, pacify Devi Sita, convince her about my prowess, and inform my grief of separation from her, and return back immediately.” Hanuman realized his birth has achieved the fruitfulness. Hanuman contemplated upon that supreme Lord who is Kripanidhi and set out. The Supreme Lord Rama who is the protector of deities, aware of all, followed the Rajaneethi. Thus all those huge armies of Vanaras set out journey through the dense woods, ponds, rivers, hills, mountains, and streams.  They meticulously conducted the search for Devi Sita, leaving all their discomforts. On their way, they have killed numerous demons, they have searched in the caves, mountains, woods, not leaving a single corner, and they enquired about Devi Sita to the ascetics whoever comes into sight. In this way, they enthusiastically conducted a meticulous search in the dense wood, soon after they were besieged with extreme thirst, did not find a source of water, lost their track in the wilderness. Hanuman thought “If the situation continues, many Vanaras would die of thirst.” He leaped into the top of the mountain and looked for the water source, he caught the attention of a unique place on the Earth, there he could see the cluster of Chakravaha, Pelican, water birds, swan from the opening in the dense forest, and there were numerous birds went inside the openings as well. Hanuman jumped down from the hill and led all those Vanaras to that unique opening he had witnessed, and everyone entered into that opening led by Hanuman. Immediately they could spot a beautiful pond of crystal clear water with the cluster of lotus flowers, surrounded by marvelous pleasure gardens, etc, there was a beautiful shrine in the middle of the garden, in that shrine they found a Thapasvi woman immersed in meditation.

|| Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 5 – Kishkindha Kandam

Rama’s beautiful description on the Sharathrithu/ Lakshman’s arrival in Kishkindha

Rama speaks “ The people who are against the righteousness and wrong perceptions destroy the purity of sacred scriptures, like the Earth covered in grass which did not leave space to walk on it and covers the pathways. There are deafening noises of croak of frogs, resembles the Vedadhyayan/children’s recitation of Veda, there are trees covered in freshly developed leaves resembles the intellect, serenity, and calmness of the Sadhakas. The dry leaves of Arkka, Yavasa resembles the unfruitful tricks of wicked under a good regime. The sky is clear and dust-free like the Dharma had disappeared in the presence of anger. The Earth is rich with natural resources, fruits, flowers, fiber roots in abundance, like the noble and the generous contributor. The presence of fireflies in the darkness of night resembles the assembly of ignorant people. The agricultural fields are over flooded with water and broken its boundaries, like the women who wander around at her own will against Dharmashastra. The expert men in the agricultural field remove the toxic plants, like the intellectuals, destroy Madha, Moha, and Ahamkara. The absence of Chakravaha during the rainy season resembles the absence of Dharma in the Kali era. The barren land is empty even after getting enough rains, like the renounced soul who has sincere devotees of Lord Hari are free from impurities like lust and desires. The Earth is in an abundance of various creatures like the people are content and happy under the good regime. The wisdom put halt to the unwarranted habits of humans like people search shelter during the hours of heavy rains. The scattered clouds in the sky due to powerful wind resemble the wicked sons who do not follow the righteousness or rites in the family. The darkness and brightness in the daylight during rainy seasons resemble the association of immoral people that causes loss of wisdom and the association of intellectuals causes brightness respectively.”

 

Rama speaks “Oh! Lakshmana look the winter is over,  the  beautiful Sharathrithu has arrived, like the Varsharithu/rainy season has grown older, the Kasa grass is covered with white flowers like the Lobha swallows the happiness. The Agasthya like a cluster of stars dried up the waters on the pathways. The crystal clear waters in the ponds and rivers resemble the heart and intellect of the ascetics without impurities like Madha and Moha. The intellectuals abandon the interest in worldly matters and bondage like the rivers and ponds dries up. The arrival of Sharathrithu brought the presence of cuckoos, like the fortune of a person. The Earth is pristine without muddy water and dust, like the Kingdom under the regime of a wise ruler. The fishes in the ponds get worried about the declining water level like an ignorant Grihastha gets anxious about the scarcity of wealth. The sky is clear without any clouds, like the hearts of the devotees of Srihari who are relieved from worldly matters and bondage. The Sharathurithu brings scattered rains like the Jeeva very rarely attains Bhakti in me.  Oh! Lakshmana, Kings conducts battle against neighboring countries and expand their Kingdom, Thapasa conduct journey in search for a suitable place to practice asceticism, Vaishyas conducts journey to sell their products, and beggars roam around to receive alms, in this manner, the noble souls who are in the sincere practice of Ashramadharma attain intense devotion at the lotus feet of Lord Hari and eventually attains his abode.”

 

Rama speaks “Oh! Lakshman, who has intense faith and devotion at the lotus feet of Sri Hari lives in supreme bliss, like fishes in the underwater. The fully bloomed beautiful lotus flowers in the ponds surrounded by the buzzing honey bees resemble the Nirguna Bhramam incarnated on the Earth as Saguna Bhramam, birds are singing melodiously, the Chakravaha sinks in deep grief during the night, like the wicked get unhappy watching the wealth of others. Chathaka birds that drink raindrops crying for water in extreme thirsts, like the non-believers of Lord Shankara lacks peace and happiness. The Chandra removes the heat of the day like the Sadhus Dharshan removes the sins of Jeeva. The devotees of Srihari earnestly look at the Sadhus, like the Chakora birds stare at Chandra. The mosquitoes and flies die in the winter, like the sins committed to a Bhramin destroy the entire clan. The Sharathrithu removes the insects from the Earth, the same as the preceptor removes the qualms and false perception of his disciple. Oh! Lakshmana, the rainy season is over, the sky is clear, the waters in the ponds and rivers are crystal clear, as a sign of the arrival of Sharathrithu. Oh! Dear Brother, I did not get any news about Devi Sita. If I came to know about her whereabouts, I would protect her even from the hands of Yama. Oh! Dear brother, if she is alive, I would have protected her. Sugriva has completely forgotten me after attaining wealth, Kingdom, and wife.  I will kill him tomorrow with the same arrow I have used to kill Bali.”

 

Lord Shankara speaks “Oh! Uma, do you think Rama would become angry on Sugriva? His grace is capable of remove the Madha/arrogance and Moha/desires of the Jeeva, cannot be angry not even in his dreams, the intellectuals only understand the inner-meanings of the behavior of Rama. Lakshmana realized his brother is angry, immediately he took his bow and arrows as if prepared to fight against Sugriva. Raghupathi who is Karunamoorthi, watching the preparation of Lakshman advised “Oh! brother, Sugriva is our companion, you have to threaten him and bring him here.”

 

The son of Lord Vayu, Kapeeshwara in Kishkindha immersed in thought, “Sugriva has forgotten his promise to Prabhu”. Hanuman arrived to meet Sugriva and prostrated before him, advised him with these four techniques of  Sama-Dhana – Bhedha – Dhanda. Sugriva frightened, spoke “Oh! Kapeeshwara, my interest in worldly matters and pleasure destroyed my intellect, Oh! Vayuputhra, send a message to the army of Vanaras who are in different directions, ask them to assemble before me immediately, otherwise, I will kill them with my hands.” Hanuman immediately called for the emissaries and treated them with respect, and made them understand the seriousness of the matter with his polite words, thus emissaries prostrated before Hanuman and left. In the meantime, Lakshman arrived in the city of Kishkindha, watching his fury the Vanaras created chaos in extreme fear. Lakshmana stood before the palace of Sugriva and proclaimed “I will burn down the city of Kishkindha”, soon Angadha who is the son of Bali arrived to greet him and the entire people of Kishkindha got worried. Angadha reverentially prostrated before Lakshman and invited him to the palace. Hanuman informed Sugriva about the arrival of Lakshman. 

|| Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 4 – Kishkindha Kandam

The coronation of Sugriva as King of Kishkindha/Rama arrives in the wood of Prashravana/Rama’s beautiful description on Varsharithu

 

Bali attains Paramdham, the people of Kingdom of Kishkindha devastated at the news of the death of Bali, the wife of Bali, Thara wept bitterly, with disheveled hair and trembling body approached Rama.  Prabhu imparted the supreme knowledge of Jeevathma and Paramathma, removed her Maya/Thrividhathapa and grief as well. Rama spoke “Oh! Devi, the human body is made of five essential elements known as Agni, water, Earth, ether, and Air.  It has destructible nature, it undergoes ruin. You are seeing the mortal coil of your husband in deep sleep, but the soul is eternal, for whom you are crying now?” Immediately intelligent Tara got out of her illusion, she prostrated before Rama, and got hold of his feet, she requested for a boon to have intense devotion and faith at his lotus feet.

 

Lord Shankara speaks “Oh! Uma, the supreme Lord Rama influences us like the puppets in his hands. Rama advised Sugriva to perform the final rites of Bali, he instructed Lakshman to perform the coronation ceremony of Sugriva as the King of Kishikindha. Thus, Sugriva, Hanuman, ministers, army men along with Lakshman prostrated before Prabhu and left to the Kingdom of Kishkindha. Lakshmana called for the people of Kishkindha and several twice-born, coronation ceremony of Sugriva as the King of Kishkindha was performed and honored Angadha as the crown prince of Kishkindha. Oh! Uma, there is no other deity most promising as Rama in this Universe; he is mother, father, brother, and the companion to his beloved devotees. The deities, humans, and ascetics love others due to specific reasons, unlike Rama. He performed the crowning ceremony of Sugriva who was living in constant threat of Bali, had to undergo various miseries and grief, and always been under anxiousness and threat from Bali in the woods. Raghuveera is extremely compassionate to his people, knowing all these, living a life without the knowledge of that supreme Lord is like diving into endless miseries and sorrows.”

 

Prabhu described Rajaneethi to Sugriva, and spoke “Oh! Sugriva, Oh! Vanararaja, listen to me; I will not enter into the Kingdom for fourteen years as I have promised to my father. The summer season has ended, and its already winter now, I shall take shelter in the mountain which is close to Kishkindha, you and Angadha should look after the regime of the Kingdom, and remember my task as well.” Thus Sugriva returned to the Kingdom of Kishkindha and Rama moved to the hills of Prashravana.

 

The deities understood the arrival of Rama in Prashravana Parvatha and his decision to reside there for some time, so they have arranged beautiful wood for the compassionate Lord. It was a marvelous forest, full of auspicious flowering plants surrounded by the buzzing of honey bees, soon after the arrival of Prabhu, the wood flourished with rich natural beauty, trees loaded with succulent fruits, and an abundance of fiber roots. Deveshwara Lord Rama immensely pleased watching the beauty of the hills and the surrounding woods decided to stay there for some time. The deities, Siddhas and ascetics, assumed the form of honey bees, animals, and birds and served the Prabhu. The forest has achieved a spectacular view and all the auspiciousness from the day Ramapathi Lord Rama started residing. There was an abundance of white-colored crystal stones, Rama and Lakshmana took seats comfortably on that stone, Rama imparted the knowledge on Bhakti, Virakthi, Rajaneethi, Viveka, etc. to his brother. It was the rainy season, the sky was packed with rain clouds, and the heavy downpour was extremely beautiful to watch.

 

 

Rama spoke “Oh! Lakshman, look at the dancing herds of peacocks watching at the rain clouds, like the Vairagin Grihastha happy to meet the devotee of Lord Vishnu. The crowd of rain clouds crushing each other and making deafening noises, followed by lightning and thunder, all these beautiful sights rekindling my desire to be with Devi Sita, I could not control the grief of separation from Devi Sita. The clouds transform into a heavy downpour and touch the Earth, like the humility of a learned people. The mountains and hills bear the heavy downpour, like the Sadhus remain silent watching the wickedness of arrogant people.   The small streams flooded with rain waters, rip opening its boundaries, like the greedy and deceitful person attained wealth. The showers touch the Earth immediately assumes the colors of the mud, like the Jeeva, wielded in Maya immediately after the birth. The heavy shower assembles in the well and pond from all the directions, like the virtues assembled in the heart of noble souls. Finally, these rivers and streams merge in the ocean, like the Jeevathma attains union with the Paramathma.”

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

Chapter – 3 - Kishkindha Kandam

 The vicious battle between Sugriva and Bali/Bali Moksham

Sugriva spoke “Oh! Raghunatha, listen to me, Bali is extremely powerful and skilled on the battlefield.” He showed a heap of the skeleton of Dhundhubi, and seven palm trees to Rama. Raghunatha cut off them effortlessly with a single shot of an arrow. Sugriva highly appreciated the prowess of Rama, and believed that Rama could kill Bali easily; Sugrivah repeatedly prostrated before Rama and highly praised his archery skills. Kapeeshwara became extremely happy watching the progress of the friendship between them.  Sugriva spoke “Oh! Prabho, I am feeling serene with your grace and I shall remain your sincere servant always. The intellectuals and Sadhus say the attachment to the house; wife, children, attachment to fame, companion, relatives, pride, etc. are the hindrance to enhance Bhakti on your lotus feet. Oh! Prabho, I shall abandon all those and serve you. The powerful Maya creates enemies-friends, happiness, and sorrow, which have no existence, and in fact, there is no duality. Bali is a close friend of mine, it was his grace I have to live in Mount Rishyamooka, and hence I could meet Prabhu who is the destroyer of grief and miseries. The powerful Maya works like a dream of fighting on the battlefield, soon after getting out of sleep feel embarrassed. Oh! Prabho, I shall abandon the interest in all those material comforts and bondage, and surrender to you. Kindly shower your compassionate grace upon me.” Rama who is Dhanushpani smiled at Sughrivah, pleased to see him prepared to abandon everything and live like Vairagin.

Rama spoke “Oh! Sakha, you have spoken the truth, my promise to you will not be untrue.” Sage Kakabhushundi speaks to Garuda “ Oh! Pakshiraja, The Veda eulogizes that Rama who persuades whoever he meets, like the owner of Vanara who teaches various tricks to it, act before the public. Raghunatha wielded in bow and arrow, took Sugriva with him and instructed him to fight against Bali. Sugriva produced huge roar before the palace Bali, revealing his presence to battle against Bali, with the confidence that he has Rama to protect him. Bali rushed out of the palace in extreme rage was stopped by his highly intelligent wife Tara and prostrated before him, and pleaded “Oh! Natha, Sugrivah has the strong support of the mighty brothers; they are extremely valorous in the battlefield. They are the sons of King Dhasharatha of Kosala, Rama and Lakshmana are capable to win over Yama in the battlefield.” Bali sarcastically laughed at her and spoke “Oh! Priya, fearful one, Raghunatha is impartial, If he killed me in the battle I would attain his Paramdhama, and he is my supreme Lord.” The haughty Bali stepped out of the palace and the two brothers had an intense fight, Bali threatened Sugriva with the power of his hands and boisterous voice, he got a smack with the powerful hands of Bali, it was like the weapon Vajra. Sugriva perplexed and ran towards Rama, and spoke “Oh! Prabho, he is not my brother, oh! Raghuveera, Oh! Kripalu, he is my death.” Rama replied “Oh! Sugriva, you both the brothers look alike, that is the reason I am not killing Bali.” Rama patted on the back of Sugrivah, instantly his body has achieved the hardness of Vajra, all his pains flew away. Rama adorned him with a flower garland and sends him to fight against Bali; once again Sugrivah had a fierce battle with Bali and Raghurama who stood behind a tree watching the vicious battle. Sugriva utilized all his prowess to fight against Bali were miserably failed, Raghuram who was watching the same standing behind the tree shot an arrow against Bali, it pierced the heart of Bali and he fell down on the ground with a huge thud.

Bali quivered in pain, seated on the ground, and saw Prabhu who has dark cloud complexion, matted hair locks, reddish eyes, wielded in bow and arrow. Bali looked at the Prabhu and contemplated upon the lotus feet of Rama, he realized that he has attained the fruitfulness of his life. Bali’s heart was full of love for Rama, but words were difficult to come out and those were harsh. Bali spoke “Oh! Prabho, you have incarnated on the Earth to reinstate the Dharma, but you have killed me like a hunter, Sugrivah became your companion and I have become your enemy, what did I do to you? Why did you hunt me down?” Rama spoke “Oh! Wicked, listen to me carefully.  The righteous people always treat the wife of brother, sister, daughter-in-law, and daughter, with respect and humility. Whoever mistreats or put an evil eye on the wife of brother, sister, daughter-in-law, and daughter is deserved to kill, and there is no sin in killing those sinners. Oh! Fool, you are arrogant and proud, so you did not pay attention to the advice of your dear wife. You are aware that your brother has taken shelter in me, still, your haughtiness did not stop you to fight against him and you were prepared to kill him.”

Bali spoke “Oh! Rama, listen to me, I am aware that my intelligence cannot win over my Lord. Oh! Prabho, although I have taken shelter at your lotus feet at the final moments in my life, will you consider me as a sinner?” Rama patted Bali affectionately and spoke, “I shall make your body immortal.” Bali spoke “ Oh! Kripanidhe, listen to me, ascetics and Sadhus constantly contemplate upon your lotus feet, and perform various austerities, finally while leaving the mortal coil, they become helpless to recollect you. Lord Shankara whispers your name on the ears of the Jeeva while leaving the mortal coil, and eventually attains the Mukthi, I have seen that supreme Lord before me, I won’t get a good opportunity like this again in my life. I am fortunate to see that Prabhu who is sought after by the Munishwaras with extreme austerities, penance, good sense control, and control over Prana, even though it is difficult to attain for them. The Veda and scriptures describe that supreme Lord as ‘Nethi Nethi’. Oh! Prabhu, who is compassionate and Kalpavruksha to your devotees, kindly shower your grace upon me and give me a boon as I have desired. Oh! Prabho, kindly bless me to have intense devotion and faith at your lotus feet in all my births. My son Angadha has might and humility like me, Oh! Kalyanapradha kindly accept him, Oh! Suranareshwara, hold his hands always, and keep him as your sincere servant.” Thus, Bali left his mortal coil effortlessly, like the garland that slipped out of the neck of the elephant.

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 2 - Kishkindha Kandam

 Rama meets Sugriva/ Rama describes the characteristics of an ideal friendship 

Sugriva who immediately understood that he attained fruitfulness of life in the presence of supreme Lord Rama, he prostrated before the Prabhu.  Raghunatha and Lakshmana embraced Sugrivah, watching them Vanaramukhya thought “Will they keep friendship with me?” Hanuman described the current situations of both the parties and convinced them that their friendship would be most beneficial to both. They promised to remain as companion forever, before the pile of fire, in this way they have entered in a mutual agreement.  Lakshmana described all that happened to Rama in the woods to Sugrivah who shed tears of grief and spoke “Oh! Natha, do not worry, we will find out Devi Maithili.   Once, I was sitting on the hilltop and was  desperately having a discussion with my ministers, I saw helpless Devi Sita was taken away in a celestial vehicle through the skyway, she was shrieking out ‘Rama Rama’, and dropped a piece of cloth, that we have kept it safely.” Sugriva handed that piece of clothing to Rama was kept close to his heart and wept bitterly. Sugriva spoke “Oh! Raghuveera kindly leaves all your worries, I will do all the arrangements to locate Devi Sita.” Prabhu who symbolizes prowess was highly pleased to listen to his companion and enquired “Oh! Sugriva, why did you live in the woods? What was the reason for it?”

 

Sugriva spoke “Oh! Prabho, Bali and I are brothers, we were inseparable from each other, and we had great affection for each other.  Oh! Prabho, once, it was during the dark hours of night the demon Maya visited the Kingdom of Kishkindha and called out Bali for a battle with him. Bali could not control his rage, came out of the palace to fight against Maya, but he began to run away after seeing the might of Bali. I followed my brother, Maya rushed to a cave in the huge mountain and hid in it, Bali instructed me “I will be going inside to get caught of Maya, wait for me for fifteen days, if I did not return during that period of time, and consider I have met death, after that, you can leave this place.” Oh! Kharashathro, I have waited for a month for the return of my brother Bali. I have noticed a stream of blood from the mouth of the cave, I have assumed that my brother must have met death in the hands of Maya, and I will be his next prey, so I have closed the mouth of the cave with a huge rock and returned to Kishkindha. The ministers advised me to take up the regime, in the absence of the King. In the meantime, Bali who killed the demon Maya and returned to Kishkindha and found me seated on his throne, could not control his rage, he fought against me, treated me as his enemy, he took away all my possessions and even my wife. Oh! Raghuveera, Oh! Kripalu, after that incident I have been wandering all over the woods miserably.  Eventually, I took shelter in Mount Rishyamooka, Bali cannot enter into the woods of Rishyamooka due to a curse, even though I am living in extreme anxiousness and fear of him.” Rama could not control his anger listening to the pathetic story of Sugriva.

 

Rama spoke “Oh! Sugriva, listen to me, I am capable to kill Bali with a single shot of arrow, even if he takes shelter at the feet of Lord Bhrama or Lord Maheshwara, he could not save his life. Oh! Sugriva, I shall narrate the characteristics of an ideal friendship described in Veda, it is sinful to see a person who is not feeling sad for his friend’s struggle and miseries. 1) A good friend always consider his own troubles as equivalent to sand, and worries about his friend’s trouble as Mount Meru, if not, it is not a great friendship at all, it is for the namesake only 2) A good friend always guide his/her friend through good and righteous path 3) A good friend will not leave his/her friend in troubles or lead  in immoral ways 4) A good friend always appreciate the goodness in his friend, and ignore his/her mistakes 5) Good friends never argues on the things exchanges  in their lives 6) A good friend always loves his/her friend dearly during the hours of crisis, and remains most promising always. 7) The person who talks pleasantly before the face, but work against the wellness of everyone should be avoided 8) the person who keeps secrets within them, and watchful like the serpents and deceitful is not deserved to keep as a friend, should be abandoned. The dull-minded servant, King who does not like to spend, wicked wife, unfaithful Friends are like spears, they create miseries in life. Oh! Dear friend, do not worry or grieve over anything, I will do the necessary to remove your enemy.”

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

Chapter – 1 - Kishkindha Kandam

Rama meets  Hanuman in Mount Rishyamooka

Prarthana Shlokam

Kundhendhivara Sundaravathibalau Vignana Dhamavubhau  Shobhadyai Varadhanvinau Shruthinuthau Go Vipra Vrindapriyau | Maya Manusharoopinau Raghuvarau Sadhdharmavarmau Hithau Seethanveshana Thathparau Padhigathau Bhakthipradhau Thau Hi Na: ||

Bhramambodhi Samudbhavam Kalimala Pradhvamsanam  Cha Avyayam | Srimad Shambhu Mukhendhu Sundaravare Samshobhitham Sarvatha | Samsaramaya Bheshajam Sukhakaram Sri Janaki Jeevanam | Dhanyasthe  Krithina: Pibanthi Sathatham Sri Rama Namamritham ||

I shall meditate upon Rama and Lakshmana who was born in the illustrious clan of Raghu assumed the form of Mayamanushya, lustrous like blue lotus and jasmine flower, and extremely valorous, they are the storehouse of Vignana, has attractive physical features, skilled in the archery, eulogized by Veda and Vedanta, beloved of Go, and Bhramin, protectors of righteousness, benevolent, and most promising to all, conducted a rigorous search of Devi Sita, I shall earnestly pray to those Mayamanushya to provide us intense devotion and faith.

The ascetics, Rishis, Sages, and Sadhu who relentlessly contemplate upon the supreme Lord Rama, who is the essence of Veda, destroyer of Kalimala/impurities of Kali era, he is eternal, sparkles in the full moon-like face of Lord Shambhu, he is the supreme cure of miseries and sorrows of worldly existence, he is the provider of welfare and happiness, he is the life of Devi Janaki, the Sadhus who constantly meditate upon that Lord Rama are extremely fortunate ones.

Oh! Dull-minded mortals, why do not you take shelter in the sacred land of Kashi which is the dwelling place of Lord Shambhu and Devi Bhavani? It is the land of superior wisdom, land of Mukthi, storehouse of wisdom and it is Papanashini. Oh! Fools, why don’t you contemplate upon that supreme Lord Shambhu who consumed the toxic poison and protected the Universe and its living beings, Oh! Mortals, there is no deity benevolent than Lord Shankara.

Raghuram moved to the woods of Mount Rishyamooka, where Sugrivah and the chief of Vanaras/Kapeendra along with his ministers and army lived. Sugriva alarmed watching the two mighty young and attractive youths, spoke to Hanuman “ Oh! Hanuman, listen to me, those two charming youths are the storehouse of courage and loveliness, you assume the form of a Vatu, and approach them, try to find out their intention to visit Rishyamooka, and inform me in gestures. If they are the men of wicked Vali, then I have to leave this wood immediately.”

Hanuman assumed the form of a Bhramin youth and approached Rama and Lakshmana, prostrated before them, and spoke “ Oh! Swami, I could see two Kshatriyas, one has the complexion of dark clouds and another one is fair, who are you? I guess you are walking all the way to woods with your soft and supple feet, what is the purpose of your visit to this dense forest? You both have an attractive physique, why are you walking all over the forest in the harsh climate of extreme heat and rough breeze? Are you Nara Narayana or two among the trinities/Thrimoorthi? Hanuman immersed in meditation and realized the presence of the supreme Lord.  You are Jagathkarana, you are the supreme cause of Universe and its living beings, you are the Prabhu of the Universe,  are you incarnated on the Earth to reduce her burden and become the bridge to cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence?”

Rama spoke “Oh! Bhramin, we are the sons of Dhasharatha Maharaja of King of Kosala, I have followed the instructions of my father Dhasharatha, and arrived in the woods. We are brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, we had a beautiful girl with us, Vidheharajaputhri, who was abducted by a demon in the Chitrakoot. Oh! Bhramin, we are searching for her, Oh! Vipra who are you?” Hanuman recognized Prabhu and prostrated before him and got hold of his feet.

Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Uma, it is difficult to describe the joy of Hanuman. He could not speak a word, he stared at the Prabhu who is attired in a strange garment of saffron robes, and he regained consciousness and eulogized Rama in supreme bliss, “Oh! Prabho, I have questioned you that are very normal, how could you question me? Oh! Prabho, I was wielded in your Maya, that was the reason I have enquired your whereabouts, I could not recognize you. Prabho, I am a dull-minded, an ordinary Vanara, and an ignorant as well. Oh! Dheenabandhu, have you forgotten me? Prabho, I have various inappropriate qualities in me, Oh! Prabho I am your sincere servant, you should not forget me. Oh! Prabho, Jeeva forget your nature due to your Maya, it can attain Mukthi only with the grace of you. Oh! Raghuveera, I promise you, I do not know meditation or contemplation upon you, or any method of austerities or vows to please you, a sincere servant always depends on his Master, like the infant depends on its mother, therefore a servant and an infant never gets anxious or agitated. Oh! Prabho, you are my Master, it is your duty to protect me.” Hanuman repeatedly prostrated before Prabhu, his heart drenched in love for Rama and Lakshman, and once again he assumed his real form of Vanara and stood before them with folded hands.

Raghupathi raised Hanuman from his feet, embraced him with tears, and spoke “Oh! Hanuman, listen to me, you are beloved of mine; you are beloved than Lakshman, everyone says I am impartial to them. Oh! Hanuman, my devotees are special to me, they are most beloved of me because my devotees are entirely dependent upon me, has no one to protect other than me. Oh! Hanuman, whoever worships me as a sincere servant of mine, and meditate upon me as the Lord of living and non-living things, and constantly contemplate me with intense faith and devotion, are my sincere devotees.” Hanuman highly pleased, and forgot his grief and spoke “Oh! Prabho,  Sugraivah resides on the top of the hill of Rishyamooka, he is your servant, Oh! Prabho, kindly meet him and have a friendship with him. Kindly consider him as your refuge, and protect him. He will do all that needed to locate Devi Sita. He will send thousands and crores of his army of Vanaras to different directions in search of Devi Sita.” Thus, Hanuman convinced Rama and Lakshman to visit the Mount Rishyamooka, and graciously carried them on his shoulders and took them to top of the hill of Rishyamooka.