||Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram||

Chapter -84 – Dhoha

Rama's visit to the arena of Dhanuryajja

One of the women gathered in the house spoke to her companions “Oh! Ladies, he is the most suitable groom for Devi Janaki, Oh! Sakhi, If King Janaka has met this handsome youth, he would forget all the promises and agrees to the marriage of Devi Janaki with this groom.” Another woman speaks “Oh! Sakhi, King Janaka has already come to know about the details of these handsome youths, King invited the twice-born, Sages and Rishis, and these youths to his palace, but he did not leave his promise to the world, it is the fate that he is firm in his decision.” Another woman speaks “If fate is promising to an individual it would bring all the auspiciousness, therefore Devi Janaki would definitely achieve this handsome youth who has the complexion of dark clouds, as her wedded husband. If it is worked with the grace of the Lord, everyone would be happy. Oh! Sakhi, if we are fortunate and have achieved piousness in our previous births, the wedding with this handsome youth to Devi Janaki would bring him again and again in the city of Mithila.”

Another woman speaks “Oh! Sakhi, you are right, this union of Devi Janaki with this handsome youth would be highly promising to all.” Another woman speaks “It is difficult to tie the bow of Shivadhanuss, this handsome youth with rain cloud complexion is delicate, not feeling right.” Another woman speaks softly “ Oh! Sakhi, I have heard of these youth from several people, even though he is too young, his prowess is endless. The dust from his lotus feet removed the curse of Devi Ahalya, therefore there is no doubt that he would tie that powerful Shivadhanuss, so do not leave your hopes. Lord Bhrama who created the most stunning Devi Janaki has already created this attractive youth with the rain cloud complexion as her groom.” All the women assembled were cheered ‘Let it be!’ These beautiful women with attractive features showered flowers upon these two youths who were walking on the pathways. The places they have visited filled with happiness and joy. Finally, they have reached the place where the preparations of the Dhanuryajja were completed, on the south side of the grand palace. It was beautifully decorated; a grand hall with huge space, in the center of this grand hall there was a huge Yagashala that was arranged. There was a stunningly decorated throne on the four sides of the Yagashala, which was kept ready for the princes to be seated. There were raised seats well decorated that were kept ready was extremely attractive, which was kept for the people of the Mithila. There were seats kept separately for the women, respecting their privacy to watch the Yaga comfortably, thus the children of the city narrated all those arrangements to Rama and Lakshman. These children were waiting to get a touch of the marvelous body of these youths; their hearts were filled in extreme bliss. Rama realized that these children are very kind and affectionate; Rama willingly listened to all their explanations with great interest. These children took the handsome brothers to all their favorite places, and these two brothers followed them sincerely to enhance their happiness. Rama explained all those grand arrangements were made for the Dhanuryajja to his brother, the supreme Lord who is the creator of Universe and its living beings with his Maya, the compassionate Lord watched the brilliance of the arrangements of the Yajjashala in awe, and eventually, they return to their fortress to meet the preceptor.

These two brothers had little anxiousness about their late return to the fortress, the supreme Lord who is formidable to drive away from the fear, reveals the power of the devotion to his preceptor. They bade farewell to those lovely children of Mithila and returned to their place of stay. They two went to meet the preceptor, prostrated before him with extreme reverence, humility, and devotion, they were little embarrassed for being late to return, took a seat with the permission of his preceptor. They went to perform the worship of Surya at the command of the preceptor. Sage Vishwamithra narrated various legends from scriptures and Ithihasa, thus they have spent two Yama of the nights. Eventually, the preceptor retired to sleep; these two handsome youth gave massage of feet to Guru.  The Supreme Lord whose feet is sought after by Vairagins, and performs various Yoga, Yaga, and Japa, these two brothers were massaged the feet of their preceptor with intense devotion and faith. Sage Vishwamithra repeatedly advised them to return to their chambers, finally, Raghuvara withdrew to sleep. Lakshmana sat at the leg side of Prabhu and given a massage with great affection and devotion, and took great pleasure in it. Prabhu repeatedly advised Lakshmana to get sleep, later he contemplated upon that lotus feet and returned to his chamber.

||Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram||

Chapter -83 – Dhoha

Rama and Lakshmana's  visit to watch the splendor of the city of Vidheha

Rama and Lakshmana walked on the pathways was followed by a huge group of children, they were enticed by the charming nature of these two youths, one has the complexion of dark clouds, and another one was fair, they both were adorned in a magnificent yellow garment with a matching upper clothe tied around the waist, they were adorned in the bow and arrow, they had broad chest adorned in the attractive pearl ornaments, their body was smeared in rich fragrant sandalwood paste, they had conch shaped neck, and long hands, their eyes have the resemblance to lotus flower petals, their faces have the luster of the full moon, which is capable to remove Thrividha Papa/sins from attachment to people, sins from the attachment to body, sins from the attachment to worldly matters, their ears were adorned in magnificent ear ornaments, they had a most attractive, compassionate and enticing look, they had bow like curved eyebrows, their forehead adorned in a beautiful mark of vermilion and sandalwood paste, they were adorned in square-shaped beautiful cap on their head, they had thick and curly hair locks, their beauty is indescribable, every limb of them were flawless.

The entire villagers assembled to witness the handsome youths who came to have a look around the city, the villagers were gathered around them like a beggar rush to abduct the wealth, these villagers left all their jobs and ran after Rama and Lakshman, they felt their lives have become fruitful after witnessing them. The woman folks looked through the windows of their homes and took great pleasure in the beauty of Rama and Lakshmana and they began to converse with each other, “Oh! Sakhi, he excels the beauty of crores of Manmatha, even the deities, humans, Nagas, and Sages does not have that marvelous appearance. Lord Vishnu has four hands, Lord Bhrama has four faces, and Lord Tripurari has a fierce look and five faces, Oh! Sakhi, none of the deities could win over the beauty of these two men. These two youth has the complexion of dark clouds, and fair complexion respectively,  they are the epitome of beauty, and the abode of bliss, and their each and every attractive limb cannot compare with crores of Manmatha. Oh! Sakhi, who is that Jeeva does not take pleasure in the mesmerizing beauty of these youths?” The other women spoke softly “ Dear ladies, listen to me, these two handsome youth resembles the pair of the swan are the sons of King Dhasharatha. They are the protectors of Yaga of Maharishi Vishwamithra, they have killed numerous demons.  The dark cloud complexioned Rama who is the son of Devi Kausalya has beautiful eyes resembles lotus flower petal, wielded in bow and arrow, crushed the pride of Mareecha and Subhahu. The younger one who is following Rama is Lakshmana, he is the son of Devi Sumithra, he has a fair complexion and wielded in bow and arrow. These two charming youth protected the Yaga of Sage Vishwamithra, removed the curse of Devi Ahalya, and arrived here to witness the grand Dhanuryajja going to be held in the city of Mithila.” All the ladies were extremely happy to listen all about Rama and Lakshman.

||Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram||

Chapter -82 – Dhoha

The arrival of Rama and Lakshmana to the city of Vidheha

King Dhasharatha prostrated before Maharishi Vishwamithra and spoke “Oh! Sage, Is these two handsome youths are the jewel of the clan of Sage? or Protectors of the royal clan? Or that supreme Bramham which is beyond comparison eulogizes by the Veda ‘Nethi Nethi’ took birth on Earth? Oh! Sage, my mind and intellect always take interest in abandonment has become joyful like the Chakora bird that takes pleasure in the presence of the full moon, I am completely thrilled to witness these charming youths. Oh! Sage, why did my mind and intellect stop taking pleasure in Bhramanandham after witnessing these two youths? Kindly explain to me.” Maharishi Vishwamithra smiled at him and speaks “Oh! Rajan, you are right, your words will not become untrue, and the whole Universe and its living beings love these two youths. These two handsome youths are the son of King Dhasharatha, these are the jewels of the Raghu clan, and the King has sent these youths with me for the welfare of the whole world.” Rama smiled at himself listening to their conversations.

Maharishi Vishwamithra speaks “ Oh! Rajan, These two brothers Rama and Lakshman are the storehouse of virtues, symbolize beauty and simplicity, and prowess. The whole world knows the fact that these two fought against the demons and protected my fire sacrifices. King speaks “Oh! Sage, I am fortunate to meet you and these two handsome youth, one is in dark cloud complexion and another one is fair, these two are extremely pleasing to eyes, the true affection they share with each other is beyond description, it extremely pleasing to heart as well. These two are sharing the love of Paramathma and Jeevathma.” King Janaka repeatedly looked at these handsome youths, his heart filled with devotion and bliss. He appreciated the Sage and repeatedly prostrated before his feet, and took them to his palace and provided them a beautiful fortress with all the amenities.  The King received Maharishi Vishwamithra, Rama, Lakshmana, and all the sages and ascetics with great honor, and served them and returned to his chamber.

Rama and Lakshmana took a meal with the Sages and ascetics and went to relax for a while. It was almost a quarter of the daylight left; Rama took a seat near Lakshmana who revealed his desire to take a look around the palace of King Janaka. He was not expressed to anyone, waiting for the permission from his elder brother, Rama understood the desire of his brother, he affectionately looked at his brother, went to get permission from the preceptor. “Oh! Muni, Lakshmana wanted to have a look around the palace of the King, he did not express to you due to fear and embarrassment, if you permit I can take him out to see around and bring him back.”  Maharishi Vishwamithra replied with a smile “Oh! Rama, you are a compassionate one, there is no doubt in it, Oh! Vathsa, you are righteous and impartial, as well as the source of happiness to others. Oh! Compassionate brothers, go and watch the beauty of the Kingdom of Vidheha, and come back. People would make their lives fruitful watching your charming faces.” They prostrated before Maharishi Vishwamithra and came out of the fortress.

||Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram||

Chapter -81 – Dhoha

 The description of the City of Vidheha

Lord Rama and Lakshmana followed Maharishi Vishwamithra and arrived at the sacred river Jagathpavani Goddess Ganga. Vishwamithra, the son of Gadhi explained the origin of Devanadhi Ganga on the Earth. He took bath in Ganga with all those saints and Rishis. Thus, Rama and Lakshmana along with a group of saintly men arrived in the Mithila, Kingdom of Vidheha.  They were highly impressed with the magnificence of the Kingdom; there was number of attractive fortress, wells, ponds, rivers, streams, with gem decorated stairs. The pleasure gardens, trees, shrubs filled with flowers of rich fragrances, the honey bees were taking great pleasure in it moving around with buzzing sounds. There were numerous species of attractive birds producing chirping sounds, there were different colors of lotus flowers in the ponds, there was cool braze of rich fragrances spread in the atmosphere. The city was well maintained with many pleasure gardens, mangroves, creeper gardens, and auspicious trees which are the dwelling place of numerous species of birds, filled with alluring flowers of rich fragrances and fruits. The mesmerizing beauty of the city of Mithila was beyond description, beautiful villages, markets, and houses decorated with various decorative, the whole Kingdom of Vidheha were shone like the city constructed by Lord Bhrama. There were wealthiest traders equivalent to Kubera, and traders were taking care of their business, there were attractive junctions, the pathways were sprayed with the fragrant waters, all those houses resembles the abode of auspiciousness, with decorative paints on the wall, looked like Kamadeva portrayed them with his own hands. The people of the Kingdom were pure, unblemished, attractive, sincerely followed righteousness, simple, innocent, highly intelligent, and virtuous as well. The palace of King Janaka was stunningly beautiful, even the deities’ get surprised by its splendor, the fortress wall was massive and attractive, appears as it has covered all the auspiciousness of the three worlds. There were numerous fortresses made of marbles, decorated with gems, with exquisite artwork. The palace where Devi Sita lived was beyond description.

The huge palace gates were decorated with diamonds and carved in strong wood, the palace was filled with the dignitaries, well-wishers, poets, Kings, dancers, etc. There was a huge place for keeping the livestock, shelter homes, and stable, for keeping those elephants, horses, and chariots. There were huge army men for King Janaka, and all those warriors were lived in grand fortresses, there were many ponds and rivers out of the city where the kings from neighboring countries took shelter. Maharishi Vishwamithra found a beautiful Mango tree garden, and advised Rama, Lakshman and the sages accompanied to stay for a while. They all assembled under the shades of that beautiful Mango tree garden. King of Mithila understood the arrival of Maharishi Vishwamithra with all those saints and ascetics, hurried to the garden accompanied by all his ministers, twice-born, army men, and preceptor and relatives to invite Maharishi to his palace.

King Janaka reverentially greeted Maharishi Vishwamithra and all those ascetics, prostrated was blessed by the Rishi. He went to meet twice-born and greeted them with great respect; he repeatedly praised his fortune to receive them as his guests. Maharishi Vishwamithra took the King and offered him a seat and enquired about the welfare of the Kingdom and its people. At that moment, the two handsome Rama and Lakshman returned back after visiting the beautiful garden. The one youth was dark cloud complexioned and another one was fair, they had a charming appearance, pleasing to eyes. All the ascetics and Sages rose from their seats when Raghupathi arrived, Maharishi Vishwamithra took his hand and made him seated next to him. All of them were extremely happy to witness these charming youths, their eyes filled with tears, and transported into a state of ecstasy.  King Dhashratha could not take his eyes off from watching the mesmerizing beauty of Rama, he sat like a statue.

||Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram||

Chapter -80 – Dhoha

Khara Dhooshana Vadham and Ahalya Moksha

In the early hours of dawn Raghurama met Maharishi Vishwamithra and asked him to precede the Yaga, thus all the Rishis engaged in the fire sacrifices. Rama stood as protector of the Yaga. At that moment, Mareecha with all his demon warriors who are the enemies of the sages and ascetics began to appear all over the place of Yaga, Rama shot an arrow on Mareecha that heaved him several thousand miles/hundreds of Yojana, away with a single shot of an arrow.  An Agneyaasthra shot against Subhahu and killed him instantly. Lakshmana killed the entire army of demons, in this way the two brothers killed the numerous demons and freed the Sages from their atrocities. The Sages, Rishis, and deities eulogized the valor of the supreme Lord. Later, Raghurama lived in the woods with the Sages and Rishis and showered his grace upon them. Prabhu who is the essence of Veda and scriptures sincerely listened to legends narrated by the Sages and Rishis with intense devotion. Maharishi Vishwamithra advised Rama and Lakshman to visit the Kingdom of Ayodhya to witness the grand Dhanuryajja. Raghunatha sincerely followed Maharishi to the place of Dhanuryajja, on their way, they have seen an abandoned hermitage, there was no people or animals around it, there was a rock stood before the hermitage, Prabhu enquired the legend about that stone statue. Maharishi Vishwamithra answered “Oh! son,  Oh! Raghuveera, the stone statue is the chaste wife of Sage Gautama, who was cursed by him, waiting for the touch of your feet to get relieved from the curse. Kindly shower your grace upon her.”

The Supreme Lord, whose feet remove all the grief, liberated Devi Ahalya from the curse at the touch of his feet. Devi Ahalya stood with folded hands before the Prabhu who showers happiness to his passionate devotees,  she was in a state of ecstasy could not speak a word, she fell at his feet and shed tears of happiness, with tears overflowing she has realized the compassionate Lord’s presence, it increased her devotion to that supreme Lord. She eulogized the supreme Lord Rama with marvelous verses “Victory to Rama who symbolizes wisdom! Oh! Rama, you are attainable for the intellectuals, I am an impure woman, you are capable to purify the whole Universe, and provide happiness to your sincere devotees. Oh! Rajeevalochana, Oh! Bhavabhayamochana, I shall surrender at your lotus feet, kindly shower your mercy upon me. I have received a curse from Sage Gauthama, I am fortunate one, and therefore I could witness the supreme Lord who protects the Jeeva from the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence, and provide Mukthi. Lord Shankara considers your Dharshan as the highest of piousness and grace. Oh! Prabho, I am innocent by heart. I have a sincere request to you; I do not need any boons, other than intense faith upon your lotus feet, like the bee that takes immense pleasure in the honey on the lotus flower. Oh! Bhagavan, Suranadhi Ganga descends down Earth washing your lotus feet were adorned in the matter hair locks of Shambhu, your lotus feet are worshiped by Lord Bhrama, you have placed that lotus feet on my head, hence I am the fortunate one.” In this way, Devi Ahalya praised Lord Hari and repeatedly prostrated at his feet, eventually, she took leave to the hermitage of Sage Gauthama.

The supreme Lord Hari, the Prabhu is Dheenabandhu, showers endless mercy upon the Jeeva, Oh! Dull-minded people, Oh! Tulsidas, leave the wickedness and conflicts and contemplate upon that supreme Lord Hari.

||Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram||

Chapter -79 – Dhoha

Maharishi Vishwamithra returns to forest with Rama and Lakshman

Maharishi Yajjavalkhya speaks “Oh! Bharadhwaja, King Dhashratha’s face went pale, his heart started beating faster than ever, listening to the speech of Maharishi Vishwamithra and spoke “Oh! Mune, I have blessed with four sons at these latter years of my age, therefore you did not think of it at all and asked for my children. If you have asked for Go, wealth, money, or gold I would have offered them happily. Oh! Mune, for everyone their Prana and body is most desirable, I am ready to offer these two instantly. Oh! Mune, all my children as beloved as my life, but I cannot give you Rama, he is the most charming and skilled among all my children. How did these tender aged children fight against the demons?” Maharishi Vishwamithra heartily pleased with the affection of King Dhasharatha towards his children.  In the meantime, Sage Vashishta advised  the King Dhasharatha about the children’s fortunate, spiritual progress and advancement of knowledge in Astra Shathra, if they proceed with Maharishi Vishwamithra,  immediately  it removed all the worries of King Dasaratha, thus he happily called for his two sons Rama and Lakshmana, embraced them and advised them to sincerely follow the advice of Maharishi Vishwamithra.

Dhasharatha spoke to Maharishi Vishwamithra “Oh! Prabho, Rama and Lakshman as favorite as my life, Oh! Mune, now onwards you are the father of these children, there is no one to protect them.” King Dhashratha blessed the children and sends them with Maharishi Vishwamithra. Soon, Rama and Lakshman retired to the chamber of their mothers and prostrated before them and bade farewell. Thus, Rama and Lakshman who is the lion among the men, Kripanidhi, courageous, the essence of Universe and its living beings happily followed Maharishi Vishwamithra, to remove his afflictions.

The Supreme Lord Rama has Thamalavarnna/dark cloud complexioned resembles Thamala flowers, he has beautiful red eyes appear as lotus flower petals, he has a wide and broad chest, and long hands. He was wielded in bow and arrows, attired in magnificent yellow silk garment, thus Maharishi Vishwamithra got the two precious gems, one brother has dark cloud complexioned and another one has a fair complexion. Maharishi Vishwamithra understood “The compassionate Lord left his parents to save the twice-born, in this way he has proved him as the protector of Vipra.” While walking through the woods, the female demon Thadaka rushed towards them with a boisterous voice, Rishi Vishwamithra advised to kill her. Prabhu shot an arrow on the chest of Thadaka and killed her in a single shot of an arrow, thus he provided salvation to demon Thadaka at his feet. Further, Rishis Vishwamithra advised them of the highly confidential sacred hymns to remove hunger and thirst; it multiplied their valor, brilliance, and prowess. Rishi Vishwamithra taught them knowledge in the usage of armaments, brought them to his hermitage, and offered fiber root vegetables and fruits as a meal.

||Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram||

Chapter -78 – Dhoha

Maharishi Vishwamithra's visit to the palace of Ayodhya

Rama took his brothers and associates to the woods for the hunting expedition on a regular basis. He killed the animals which are not against the Veda and produced before the King. The animals killed with the arrows of Rama attained the Paramapadham. He partakes meals with his brothers and the family. He sincerely followed the command of his parents. He found every means to please the people Ayodhya. He listened to Veda and Puranas sincerely and explained the greatest philosophies to his brothers. He gets up early hours of dawn, prostrate before parents and preceptor, and with their permission engages in the various deeds of the administration of the Kingdom.  King Dasaratha was highly pleased with the righteousness of Rama.

Maharishi Yajjavalkhya speaks “ Oh! Bharadhwaja, The supreme Lord Hari who is all-pervasive, has no desire, eternal, has no birth or death, void of Trigunas, has no specific names or forms, performed various amusements, for his sincere devotees, I have narrated them in detail.  I shall describe an interesting legend, listen to them carefully. Once, Maharishi Vishwamithra who is profound in Shastras, resided in a dense wood to perform various auspicious deeds, he had chosen the place to perform Japa, Tapa, Yoga, and Yaga was under constant threat of the demons Mareecha and Subhahu. Maharishi Vishwamithra performs various Yagas were destroyed by these two demon brothers; he was extremely disappointed by this act. He understood these powerful demons can be killed only by the Supreme Lord Hari. Immediately, he remembered the incarnation of Lord Hari as Rama who was born to reduce the burden of the Earth, he decided to prostrate before the lotus feet of that supreme Lord, and request the King to bring the two brothers to the forest. In this way, he decided to live too close with that supreme Lord who is the storehouse of virtues, represents wisdom and Vairagya. Maharishi Vishwamithra dreamt of several things being close to that Paramathma and approached the city of Ayodhya in a short time. He took a dip in the sacred river Sarayu and arrived in the assembly of King Dhasharatha.”

King Dhasharatha accompanied by several twice-born reverentially greeted Maharishi Vishwamithra, received him with great honor. He prostrated before the Maharishi and washed his feet, and offered his throne. He exclaimed, “ I am the most fortunate one, there is no one in this world fortunate than me.” King offered a sumptuous meal to the Maharishi who was highly pleased with the King. He instructed the four children to prostrate before Maharishi Vishwamithra, the moment he witnessed Rama, it took him to a state of ecstasy, like the Chakora bird that looks at the full moon in extreme desire. King Dharashatha was too happy and spoke “ Oh! Muni, you have not showered compassion and your grace upon us like this before; kindly explain the reason for your visit. I am all prepared to follow your command.” Maharishi Vishwamithra said “Oh! Rajan, a few of demons in the forest disturbing me while performing various rites, I have come here to beg for something, kindly give your elder son Raghunatha and his brother to me, I shall send them back after destroying the demons in the woods, then I will be free to perform all the rites. Oh! Rajan, kindly give them in utmost willingness, make sure the ignorance or desire should not cross your righteous path. Your righteousness and fame would multiply and your children will have all the auspiciousness in their lives.”