|| Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

Chapter – 1 – Sundara Kandam

Hanuman meets Devi Surasa and Mount Mainaka/The destruction of Simhika/Chayagrahin

Shantham  Shashvatham Aprameyam Anagham Nirvana Shanthipradham| Bhrama Shambhu Phaneendhra Sevyam Anisham Vedanthavedhyam Vibhum | Ramakhyam Jagadheeshwaram Suragurum Mayamanushyam Harim | Vandhe Aham Karunakaram  Raghuvaram  Bhoopala Choodamanim ||

Nanya Spruha Raghupathe Hridhayeasmadheeye  Sathyam Vadhami Cha Bhavanakhilantharathma | Bhakthim Prayashcha Raghupungava Nirbharam Me Kamadhidhosharahitham Kuru Manasam Cha ||

Athulitha Baladhamam Hemashailabha Dheham | Dhanujavanakrishanum Gnaninam Agraganyam | Sakala Gunanidhanam Vanaranam Adheesham | Raghupathi Priyabhaktham Vathajatham Namami||

I shall meditate upon the supreme Lord Rama/  Raghuvara,  who is precious gem Choodamani of the Bhoopala/Kings, he is serene and eternal, he is not perceivable, he is unblemished, he is the source of Nirvana, he is worshiped by Lord Bhrama, Lord Shambhu, Adhishesha, he is eulogized by Veda and Vedanta, he is the essence of Veda, he is all-pervasive, he is Jagatheeshwara who is the Lord of Universe and its living beings, he is Lord of Lords, he is Karunakara, he represents the precious jewel adorned on the head of Emperors, he is incarnated as Mayamanushya, I shall repeatedly prostrate before that supreme Lord Srihari. Oh! Raghupathe, Oh! Prabho, you are Sarvantharyami, resides as a soul in living beings, kindly bless us with intense devotion and faith at your lotus feet. Oh! Raghukulathilaka, kindly remove the impurities like the Kama, desire, lust, ego, pride, anger, etc. I have no other wish to fulfill.

I shall prostrate before Lord Hanuman who is the son of Lord Vayu and passionate devotee of Raghupathi, he is a storehouse of virtues, prowess, courage, intelligence, and shrewdness, has the complexion of precious yellow metal, like Mount Meru, he resembles the forest fire that destroys the woods like demons, he is foremost among the Gnani/intellectuals/Gnaninam Agraganya, he is the commander of Vanara.

Hanuman felt extremely happy listening to the advice of the elderly Jambavan. Hanuman spoke “Oh! Brothers, continue to live depending on the fruits and fiber roots available, and patiently bear all the troubles till I return after meeting Devi Sita. My heart says we will be successful in our task.” He prostrated before all the Vanaras and Jambavan, contemplated upon the supreme Lord Rama, and headed to his journey. There was a huge hill on the shores of the ocean, he enthusiastically leaped on the top of the mountain, he repeatedly contemplated upon the supreme Lord, and with all his strength took a giant leap across the ocean and elevated to the sky, while doing so, the hilltop crushed under his feet, and he darted like the powerful Astra of Raghupathi to the direction of the city of Lanka. Varuna who was watching the great prowess of Hanuman, the emissary of Rama, instructed Mount Mainaka to receive Hanuman to his abode with great honor. Mount Mainaka approached Hanuman and reverentially greeted and invited him to his abode to remove tiredness of the journey, was amiably refused by Hanuman, and patted Mount Mainaka gently and spoke “Oh! Mainaka, I have decided not to take rest until I accomplish the task of Rama.”

Vayuputhra darted like Garuda on the sky, the deities wanted to test the intelligence and prowess of Hanuman, so they have instructed the mother of serpents Devi Surasa. She assumed the form of a demon and approached Hanuman and spoke “Today deities have sent a meal to me,” Hanuman replied to her “Oh! Devi, I am traveling to carry out the task of Rama, once I accomplish the task, and inform Prabhu about the whereabouts of Devi Sita after that I shall return to your mouth. Oh! Mother, I promise you, kindly let me go.” But Devi Surasa was not willing to the terms of Hanuman, was instructed to open her mouth. She opened her mouth to the length of one Yojana, soon Kapeeshwara doubled his size of appearance. She opened her mouth sixteen Yojana length; soon Vayuputhra increased his size into thirty-two Yojana. In this way, they both have concurrently repeated the sizes of the mouth and size of the body. Suddenly, Surasa widened her mouth to a hundred Yojana, immediately Hanuman assumed a minuscule form and entered her mouth and darted out. He prostrated before Devi Surasa, she spoke “Oh! Hanuman, I was assigned by the deities to test your prowess and shrewdness that I have understood clearly, you are the storehouse of intellect and power, and you will successfully complete the task of Rama.” Thus, Surasa blessed Hanuman and returned to her abode, Hanuman continued his journey towards the opposite shore.

Lord Mahadeva speaks “ Oh! Uma, There was a haughty female demon lived in the ocean, she captures the shadows of the bird and kills them, she is capable to capture anything that creates a shadow on the ocean water, and she freezes their action and eats them. Simhika utilized the same trick to Hanuman; she caught the shadow of Hanuman, thus completely put a halt to his movement. Hanuman gave a hard spank on the female demon and killed her, and continued.  Shortly, he reached on the other side of the ocean, he looked at the beautiful woods, packed with trees and plants loaded with flowers and fruits, there were buzzing noise of the honey bees, there were numerous wild animals and birds crowded in the forest.  He took a giant leap on the hilltop. Oh! Devi, Hanuman performed the fearless task, not because of his power, it was the grace of Prabhu who represents ‘Time’. He stood on the hilltop and closely watched the city of Lanka.”

|| Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

Chapter – 8 – Kishkindha Kandam

The concluding part of Kishkindha Kandam - Sampathi informs the whereabouts of Devi Sita/Hanuman prepares to cross the vast ocean

Sampathi appealed to Vanaras “Oh! Vanaras kindly take me near to the seashore, I want to offer final rites for my brother, I have no physical stamina, but I can definitely help you with my words, kindly take me to the seashore so that I can offer water and sesame seeds as a final oblation to the departed soul. If you follow my instructions, you will definitely locate Devi Sita and will be successful in your mission.”

Sampathi performed the final rite of his brother, and began to speak about his life “Oh! Vanaras, listen to me, while I and Jatayu were youths, we brothers had a competition to fly high, Jatayu could not go near the Suryamandal, he has withdrawn because of the scorching heat of the Surya. I was haughty and arrogant, moved to the Suryamandal, and my wings were burned and fallen down on the Earth became helpless. I met a saintly person Chandrama, he felt pity for me. He advised me and enlightened me with the knowledge of self, thus I have got rid of the attachment to the body. Sage Chandrama advised “In the Thretha Yuga, the supreme Lord incarnates on the Earth as Rama, and his wife would get abducted by the Raksha King Ravana. Prabhu will send a huge army of Vanaras to locate Devi Sita, you will meet them and would get rid of your afflictions, and eventually, you will attain a new pair of wings. All you have to do is to instruct the Vanaras about the whereabouts of Devi Sita.” Oh! Vanaras, the words of Sage Chandrama came true, I shall guide you to locate Devi Sita and serve that supreme Bhramam with the entire possible manner. There is a marvelous city Lanka located on the hills of Trikoot. The demon king Ravana who is fearless is residing in that Trikoot, he imprisoned Devi Sita in the Ashokavatika surrounded by several demons to keep an eye on her, I could see, Devi Sita is extremely distraught but you could not get a glimpse of her with your own eyes. We eagles have extremely powerful eyesight, could witness things from several thousands of miles, I am already too old to help you. Oh! Vanaras, listen to me carefully, who can cross the hundred of Yojanas across the vast ocean, and shrewd can fulfill the task of Rama. Oh! Vanaras, Look at me, do not leave your hopes, see how did I attain fresh pairs of wings with the devotion and endurance, have faith in the grace of Rama, even the sinners attains  Moksha from the sufferings of worldly existence with the recitation of his sacred names. In this way, they cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence easily, you are the emissaries of Rama, do not get worried, contemplate upon the supreme Lord Rama, and do the necessary.”

Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “Oh! Garuda, in this way, Sampathi spread the light of hope in the hearts of Vanaras and disappeared from their sight. All those Vanaras began to speak about their capacity to travel skyway, but none has the courage to cross that vast ocean. Jambavan who is an elderly bear spoke “Oh! Vanaras, I am in my latter years of age now, I have not that strength like olden times.  Once, the Supreme Lord Rama who is Kharashathru has incarnated as Vamana on the Earth, and those days I was too young and powerful. The supreme Lord Vamana assumed colossal size of the body to measure the whole Universe in three strides, at that moment I have circumambulated that supreme Lord Vamana seven times.”  Angadha spoke, “I am sure I could cross this vast ocean and reach on the other side, but I am doubtful, whether I could return from there.” Jambava spoke “Oh! Angadha, you are an efficient warrior, you are the leader of Vanara, and how could we send you there?”

Rikshapathi/Jambavan looked at Hanuman and spoke “Oh! Powerful Hanuman, listen to me, why are you keeping quiet? You are the son of Vayu, and you are the storehouse of strength, intelligence, shrewdness, Viveka, and Vignana, Oh! Vathsa, tell me which is not impossible for you? You have born on this Earth to serve Rama.” Soon Hanuman assumed a colossal body, resembled another Giriraja/Mount Meru, with the golden complexion, he produced a deafening noise and spoke “I can take a huge leap across the vast ocean, I will kill Ravana and his entire clan, and pluck the hill Trikoot and bring back. Oh! Jambavan, I need your advice.” Jambavan spoke “Oh! Hanuman, you have to meet Devi Sita, convey the message of Prabhu, that’s all you have to do. The lotus-eyed Rama, Rajeevalochana would take care of the rest of the things; he will battle against Ravana and destroy his entire clan, and bring back Devi Sita. Rama with the huge army of Vanaras will battle against Ravana and bring back Devi Sita.  The deities, Sages, and Rishis would eulogize the glories of Rama who is capable to purify the three worlds. Whoever listens or recite the glorious myths of that supreme Lord Rama would attain Paramapadham.”

Sri Tulsidas Maharaj constantly contemplates upon the lotus feet of Ramachandra and sings the glorious legends of him like a honey bee.  Whoever listens or recite the glorious legends of Rama with intense devotion and faith, would get fulfilled all the desires with the grace of Raghunatha who is the destroyer of Thrishirass. Oh! Mortals, listen to the marvelous myth of Srirama who has the complexion of lustrous blue lotus, and has the effulgence that excels the crores of Manmatha, is the hunter of the flock of birds like accumulated sins.

||Ithi Sri Ramacharitha Manase Sakala kali Kalusha Vidhvamsane Chathurththa: Sopana: Samaptha: ||

|| 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.