||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. 

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 16 – Aranya Kandam

 

 The concluding part of Aranya Kandam - The characteristics of a Sadhu/saintly men/ascetic

Maharishi Narada prostrated before Prabhu and prayed with folded hands “Oh! Prabho, Oh! Raghunayaka, kindly listen, you are extremely generous, you are easily attainable for the virtuous, and you are the provider of an abundance of boons to your ardent devotees. Oh! Prabho, Kindly provide a boon to me as well. You are Antharyami, who is aware of all.” Rama spoke pleasantly “Oh! Munivara, you know me very well, I do not hide anything from the devotees, Oh! Munishreshta, what is that I have possessed which is not able to give?” Maharishi Narada became happy “Oh! Prabho, you have endless sacred names, Veda eulogizes you in various names, all those names are highly auspicious, Oh! Prabho, the glorious name ‘Rama’ is capable to kill all those accumulated sins of the worshiper, like the hunter kills the mass of birds. Let that glorious name ‘Rama’ shines like the full moon in the cloudless heart of your devotees, and let all other names sparkle like the stars.” The Supreme Lord who is extremely compassionate replied “Let it be”.

 

Maharishi Narada continues “Oh! Rama, listen to me, you have persuaded your Maya upon me, and I have fallen at the beauty of Vishwamohini and wanted to marry her. Why did you put a sudden halt to it?” The supreme Lord spoke “Oh! Mune, I protect my devotees from the troubles, who always contemplate upon me, and sing in praise of me, like a mother protects her child. If a child runs after fire or serpent, the mother cannot keep quiet, she will chase the child to protect it. Once, the child attains adulthood, it starts to love the mother not like before. The Gnanis/intellectuals/wise is my grown-up children, and the humble devotees are my infants. My devotees are dependent on me, Gnani depends on his prowess and knowledge, and these two have to fight against the Kama and Krodha like enemies. The intellectuals contemplate upon me, even after attaining wisdom, they do not leave devotion upon me.”

 

Rama continues “ Oh! Mune, the intellectuals speak about Sthree elaborately.  Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, and Madha are warriors of ignorance, but the Mayaroopini/Sthree is extremely pathetic and sorrowful as well. The sacred scriptures, Veda, and ascetics speaks the ‘Sthree’ is the most beautiful Vasantharithu in the ignorance of wood, Sthree is the summer season that dries up the ponds and rivers of Japa, Tapas, Dharmacharana, and various righteous deeds. Sthree represents rainy season is the provider of happiness to Kama, Krodha, Madham, Mathscharya, like the frogs. Sthree resembles the most promising Sharathrithu to the immoral deeds/Kamavasana like the cluster of lotus flowers. Sthree resembles the winter season that put Dharma like lotus flowers on the test. Sthree resembles the Shishirarithu, which helps to grow the ego like a cluster of grass in abundance. Sthree represents the dark hours of the night, which provides shelter to the bundle of sins like an owl. Sthree represents the fishing rode that catches Buddhi, Balam, Sheelam, Sathyam, etc. like fishes. Oh! Mune, a woman can be the cause for grief and miseries, Oh! Maharshi that was the reason I did not want you to marry Vishwamohini.”

 

Maharishi Narada transported to a state of ecstasy, his eyes overflown with tears remembering the compassion of Lord, and spoke to himself “There is no Master in this Universe as Lord Rama who is extremely compassionate to his sincere servants.  The people who do not leave Maya, interest in worldly matters and bondage and People does not willing to contemplate and meditate upon that supreme Lord, are unfortunate ones, Agnanis/ignorant and dull-minded.”

 

Maharishi Narada spoke to Prabhu “Oh! Rama, you are Vignanavisharadha, Oh! Natha, you are the destroyer of fears and anxieties of worldly existence, Oh! Raghuveera, kindly describe the characteristics of an ascetic.”  Rama speaks “Oh! Mune, I shall narrate the characteristics of Sadhus, who have owned me with their superior qualities. The Sadhus are 1) Those who won over six emotions known as  Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha, and Mathshcharya 2) Nishpapa who is unblemished and free from sins, Nishkama/impassionate, steadfast, and have no desires 3) Pure of heart and maintain personal hygiene, remains in supreme bliss at all times, 4) They are extremely brilliant, have no desires, consume a lesser quantity of meals, truthful, 5) They have poetic, and creative skills, scholarly, Yogi, 6) They are cautious, respect others feelings, 7) people have no self-pride, and have strong will-power, 8) people who have a thorough knowledge of Dharma. These ascetics are the abode of virtues, they are free from the sufferings and grief of worldly existence, and they have no misapprehension. They have nothing beloved than my lotus feet, even their own bodies and homes. They get embarrassed listen to their praise, and take great pleasure in praising others. They are impartial, serene, and always follow the honesty and integrity. They are humble, and please everyone with their generosity; they strictly follow Japa, Tapa, Nishta, Vratha, Neethinishta, and sense control. They are highly devoted to their preceptors, twice-born, and Lord Vishnu. They are extremely careful, forbearing, remains in harmony, kind, always happy in all the circumstance, and have true devotion at the feet of me. They are the abode of Virakthi, Vignana, Viveka, Vinayam, and have a thorough knowledge of Bhramam, knowledge in Veda and Shastra, and scriptures. They never take notice of the false perceptions or practices of rites without knowledge in it. They are free from Abimana and Ahamkara, they do not even walk through the immoral ways not even in their dreams. They take great pleasure in singing and listening in praise of my glorious myths. They are enthusiastic to do service to others without any expectations.  In short, Oh! Munivarya, the virtues of Sadhus are endless, and it is impossible to describe them even for Goddess Sharadha or Veda or Adishesha.” In this way, the compassionate Lord Rama Dheenabandhu described the qualities of a Sadhu to Maharishi who Narada fell at the feet of Prabhu, and repeatedly prostrated before him and returned to the abode of Lord Bhrama.

 

Sant Tulasidas speaks “Oh! Mortals, whoever takes shelter at the lotus feet of Sri Hari, leaving all the desires in worldly matters and bondage, are fortunate ones. Whoever sings in praise of Lord Rama who is the enemy of Ravana, whoever listens or recites his glorious myths, without even practicing Japa, Tapa, Yoga, Virakthi, attains intense devotion at the lotus feet of Lord Rama. The body of a woman is compared to the mouth of the fire, Oh! Mind, do not fall prey on it like a firefly. Oh! Mortals, leave your self-pride and desires, and always contemplate upon that supreme Lord Rama and be in the association of saintly men and ascetics.”

 

||Ithi Srimad Ramacharithamanase Sakala Kalikalusha Vidhwamsane  Thritheeya: Sopana: Samaptha: ||

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 15 – Aranya Kandam

Rama expresses the grief of separation from Devi Sita

Rama and Lakshman left the hermitage of Sage Mathanga, the two brothers were Manushyasimha, possessed great prowess. Prabhu could not control the grief of separation from Devi Sita, “Oh! Lakshman, look at the mesmerizing beauty of wood in the absence of Janaki, and the pair of birds and animals taking great pleasure in their company, as if they are ignoring my presence, and the female deer passing sarcastic comment on me and talking to each other that I am in search of golden deer.  The male and female elephants walking together closely, as if instructing me that no one would leave their consort, Shastras are extremely difficult to understand, it requires reading again and again. Oh! Brother, see the most enthralling autumn season, it is unfortunate that I am not able to enjoy the beauty of it in the absence of Devi Janaki, it hurts me. I am feeling powerless in the absence of my consort, the attractiveness of the woods augmenting my grief of separation from her, each and every lovely appearance in the forest kindles my heart and yearning for her presence. The trees and creepers are filled with flowers and fruits, coo of Cuckoos and Myna, trumpeting of elephants, chirping of sparrows, gibbering of monkeys, eagles, warbling of Chakora and Chathaka, the crow of the peacock, talks of parrot, cry of the swan, the quack of water birds, twittering various species of birds and cries of  animals, the growling of tigers, gibbering of monkeys, deafening noises of the buzzing of bees, rich fragrant cool breeze, as if Manmatha set out to torment his enemy with all those warriors, Oh! Lakshmana, who is firm and steadfast only win over Manmatha. Oh! Brother, the severe sins are Kama, Krodha, and Lobha, it could easily persuade the mind of even the highly intelligent and supreme ascetics, the weapon of Lobha is desire and deceitfulness, the weapon of lust is woman, the weapon of Krodha is harsh words.”

 

Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Uma, the supreme Lord Rama who is the Lord of living and non-living things, is beyond Thrigunas. Rama revealed the pathetic state of the lustful person and the courage of the Vairagin with the above words. The grace of Lord Rama removes all the impurities like Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Madha, Moha, and Ashcharya. Whoever attains the grace of that divine actor Rama would not drench in illusion/Maya. Oh! Uma, I shall narrate my experience to you, there is only one truth prevails, that is the worship of Lord Hari and sing in praise of him. The whole Universe is wielded in Maya.  Prabhu and Lakshman arrived on the shores of the beautiful river Pampa, its depth and the crystal clear waters resembled the mind of ascetics, it has beautiful stone steps, there were a huge number of animals quenching their thirst, like the wealthiest and generous man’s home crowded with beggars. The ponds were clustered with the lotus flowers therefore it was difficult to get a view of the crystal clear water like the Bhramam is wielded in Maya. The deep pond is the dwelling place of colorful fishes like the righteous people lives in extreme serenity. The pond was crowded with the various colors of lotus flowers, and there were deafening buzzing sounds of honey bees. The cries of swans and pelicans sounded as if they were welcoming and appreciating Prabhu, the beauty of Chakravaha, and pelican are beyond words, its melodious music was soothing to ears. There were hermitages around both the sides of the stone steps to the Pamba, there was beautiful forest surrounded by this river, there were trees of Champaka, Bakula, Kadamba, Thamala, Padala, Panasa, Plasha, and mango trees were loaded with flowers and fruits, was packed by the honey bees. There was a cool breeze carrying the rich fragrances of the flowers. The sounds of Cuckoo was creating an obstacle to the meditation of Tapasvin. The trees loaded with flowers were touching the ground due to the heaviness of the fruits, like the generous people attained immediate wealth in abundance.”

 

 

Rama took bath in the beautiful river Pampa, and felt highly refreshing; they took a seat under the beautiful tree. All the Rishis and deities arrived at the place where Rama settled; they eulogized him and returned to their hermitages. The Supreme Lord who is Kripanidhi discussed on various subjects with Lakshman. Maharishi Narada could not live in peace watching Prabhu suffering from the pain of separation from Devi Sita, he gravely thought “Prabhu is going through all the sufferings because of my curse, therefore I should go and meet that divine-human, I won’t get another chance to meet him.” Narada with his Veena approached Rama and sung in praise of Ramacharitha melodiously.  Narada prostrated before Rama was carried from the floor and remained in the embrace of Rama. Prabhu enquired about the welfare of the deities and made Narada seated next to him. Lakshmana massaged the feet of Maharishi Narada.

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 14 - Aranya Kandam

Rama removes the curse on Kabandha/ meets Shabari

Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Uma, Raghunatha is kind and compassionate, he provided the status of Yogi and Paramamgathi to an eagle that eats on meat. The people who take immense pleasure in the material world and comforts, leaving Srihari are unfortunate ones. The two brothers conducted a meticulous search for Devi Sita in the woods, gradually they have entered the dense forest, and it was the dwelling place wild animals and numerous creepers and woods. On their way, Rama provided liberation to the demon Kabandha who was a celestial Gandharva cursed by Sage Durvassa, and attained the Moksha, Rama spoke “Oh! Gandharva, I do not tolerate the cruelties against the twice-born. Whoever serves the Bhramin with mind, deeds, and words, would attain the grace of Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu and Lord Maheshwara as well. The ascetics strongly believe that a Bhramin is venerable at all times, if he curses someone, or punished or poured harsh words, should not be disrespected. A Brahmin who is pleasant or not should be honored highly, a Shudra even though he is highly intelligent do not deserve any appreciation.” Prabhu advised the Bhakti Marga to Kabandha and highly pleased with his devotion. Kabandha attained his real form as Gandharva, prostrated before Rama, and returned to his celestial abode.

 

Rama and Lakshman visited the hermitage of Sage Mathanga, where Shabari was eagerly waiting for the arrival of Prabhu.   Shabari saw two handsome youth attired in saffron robes, wielded in bow and arrow, long hands, matted hair locks, adorned in prayer beads on the chest, one youth in dark cloud complexioned and another one was fair, Shabari remembered the words of her preceptor Sage Mathanga and guessed it as Rama and Lakshman. She prostrated before them, and took hold of their feet, shed tears of joy, she could not utter a single word due to the rush of love for Prabhu, she repeatedly prostrated before their feet. She brought some water on the wooden vessel and washed their feet, and made them seated in a comfortable place.  She brought succulent fruits from the woods and offered to Rama. Prabhu happily ate whatever she had offered; she stood before him with folded hands, her love and devotion for Prabu multiplied while watching his loveliness. She spoke with tears “Oh! Prabho, I have born in a lowly clan, and am a dull-minded woman, how did I praise you? Oh! Papanashana, ‘Sthree’ is considered as impure by birth, and I am the dull-minded among them.”

 

Rama spoke pleasantly “Oh! Bhamini, listen to me. I do not look for anything other than Bhakti, Oh! Passionate woman, listen to me carefully, even though a person born in illustrious clan, have good relationships, prowess, courage, Dharma, Keerthi, Dhanam, the strength of people and relatives, virtues and qualifications, if he has no devotion it would be like the cloud that cannot give rains. I shall narrate nine types of Bhakti to you, listen to them carefully, and keep it in your mind. 1) Association with saintly men and ascetics 2 ) Interest in listening and reading the glorious myths from the scriptures that praising my glories 3) Worship at the feet of preceptor 4) singing in praise of my glories and virtues without any desires 5) Reciting the sacred names as mentioned in the Veda 6) Performance of austerities, celibacy, righteousness, 7) serving the devotees of mine without any impartiality realizes the presence of me in everything 8)  The practice of sense of contentment and satisfaction, and do not look or listen to the mistakes of others  and 9) The practice of humility, kindness, compassion, and practice of devotion and faith. Whoever possesses any one of the above said qualities would remain beloved of mine. Oh! Bhamini, you are highly fortunate one, and devoted, you have attained the status even the Yogis cannot achieve. You have achieved the highest of the meritorious reward that the Jeevathma attained the Paramathma. Oh! Excellent woman, if you know anything about Janaki, kindly describe it to me.”

 

Shabari speaks “Oh! Prabhu, Oh! Raghava, kindly move to the shores of Pamba, you will meet Sugreeva and make friends with him. He will describe all that you wanted to hear. Oh! Raghava, you are omniscient, Oh! Raghuveera you are powerful, you are the knower of all, still asking me for advice.” She repeatedly prostrated at the feet of Rama and Lakshman, described her stories affectionately. Shabari explained Sage Mathanga’s instruction to wait for Rama and her long-cherished wish to meet Rama. She kept looking at the loveliness of Prabhu, contemplating upon the supreme Lord, she left mortal coil in Yogagani, eventually attained the abode of Prabhu.

 

Saint Tulsidas speaks “Oh! Mortals, leave all the immoral deeds, attachment to Karma and various beliefs, these could bring grief and sufferings only, hence cultivate intense devotion and faith at the lotus feet of Rama. Oh! Mahamandha Manas/dull-minded, do not get attached to worldly matters and bondage, leaving the supreme Lord who is extremely compassionate provided liberation to a woman of a lowly clan.”

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 13 - Aranya Kandam

Srirama performs the final rites of Jatayu

Rama did not expect Lakshmana in the dense forest, leaving Devi Sita alone in the hermitage; he was perplexed at the sight of Lakshmana and spoke “Oh! Lakshmana, how did you leave Janaki alone in the hermitage, without following my order? There are several demons all over the place in the woods; definitely, Sita won’t be in the hermitage.” Lakshmana prostrated before Rama and took hold of his feet and wept bitterly “Oh! Prabho, it was not my fault.” Rama hurried to the hermitage on the riverbank of Godavari was followed by Lakshman. Rama found the hermitage and surrounding places are empty, became confused and traumatized like an ordinary human, and wept bitterly “Oh! Sita, Oh! Janaki who is the storehouse virtues, disciplines, beauty, humility, austerities, where are you? Oh! Birds, Oh! Animals, Oh! Pack of honeybees, did you see my beloved consort who has the eyes of antelope/Mriganayani,” Rama became inconsolable, Lakshman took all efforts to pacify his beloved brother, was miserably failed. He continued to enquire all the creepers, trees, animals, shrubs, cuckoos, myna, swan, deer, fishes, rabbits, flowers, lightning, serpent, lotus flowers, autumn moon, Varunapasha, fruits, etc.. all those Chara and Achara were listening to the praises of Rama,/theses are compared to the beautiful limbs of Devi Sita, in her absence, all these Charachara caught the attention of Rama. He could not bear the grief of separation from Devi Sita, cried out “Oh! Janaki, where are you? Kindly appear before me, all those living and non-living things taking pride in them in your absence.” Rama who is supreme bliss, beyond birth or death, flawless, became devastated at the separation of his wife, like an ordinary human. Suddenly Rama’s eyes fell on Jatayu/Gridhraraja, who was contemplating upon the lotus feet of the supreme Lord. Rama with his lotus-like smooth and supple hands patted affectionately on Jatayu who looked gravely at Rama who is the abode happiness and beauty, immediately forgot his pain. Jatayu regained his conscious and began to speak “Oh! Prabho, Oh! Bhavabhayanashaka, Oh! Ramachandra, the ten-headed Ravana put me in this pathetic situation. That wicked demon abducted Devi Sita.  Oh! Prabho, he traveled on the southwards, she was shrieking out for help like a bird, Oh! Prabho, Oh! Kripanidhe, my Prana was waiting to see you and it will leave at any moment.” Rama spoke kindly “Oh! Thatha, kindly live for another few more years.” Jatayu spoke with a smile “Oh! Prabho, The Veda affirms that your name is capable to give liberation from repeated births even for the wicked, you are in front of my eyes, why should I live long?” Raghuveera with tears filled eyes spoke “Oh! Thatha, you will attain Paramagathi with your pious deeds, whoever gets pleased in the happiness of others would definitely attain the highest of the piousness, and nothing would be impossible for them to achieve in this world. Oh! Thatha, after leaving mortal coil to reside in my Paramdhama, all your desires have fulfilled, what else should I provide you? Kindly do not reveal the news of the abduction of Devi Sita to my father, if I am a true Kshatriya born in the clan of Raghu, Dhashamukha with his clan would narrate all those incidents to my father. ”

 

Jatayu leaving his mortal coil, achieved a divine form of Lord Sri Hari, attired in magnificent silk garments, four arms adorned in Shankha, Chakra, Gadha, and Padma, with folded hands, tears overflowing, eulogized the supreme Lord “ Hail Rama!  The Supreme Lord, who is incomparable, has beautiful appearance, Nirguna, and Sagunaswaroopa, the storehouse of virtues, whose powerful hands are capable to cut off twenty powerful hands of Dhashamukha. He is the jewel on mother Earth, has the complexion of dark-clouds, the lustrous face resembles the lotus flower, beautiful eyes have the appearance of lotus flower petals. Oh! Karunanidhi, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you. The Supreme Lord Ramachandra whose hands are capable to elevate the souls from the fears of the ocean of worldly existence has neither beginning nor end, has no birth or death, and has no dual forms, he is invisible, he is beyond perception, attainable with the recitation of Vedic chants.   He removes the sufferings of worldly existence, provides the supreme state of the absence of sorrows and happiness, birth or death, happiness, and joy. He is the essence of wisdom and Universe, he is the provider of happiness who is surrendered at his lotus feet, and constantly recites his sacred names. I shall meditate upon supreme Lord who is compassionate and sought after by noble and renounced souls, he destroys the lust and impurities in the Jeeva. He is supreme Lord  who is eulogized by Veda, he is absolute Bhramam, pure, omnipresent, impassionate, and Aja, he is sought after by the Tapasvis, with the performance of extreme austerities like Tapa, Dhyana, Gnana, Vairagya,  and Yoga, he is the storehouse of bliss and loveliness assumes marvelous forms and attracts the Charachara. He is honeybee in my lotus like- heart, he excels the beauty of crores of Kamadeva, he has supreme radiance, and he is easily attainable to the noble souls and non-achievable to the wicked. He is unblemished, impartial, and serene; he is envisioned by supreme Yogis who undertake strict austerities and controlled senses and mind.  The Supreme Lord Rama whose chest is dwelling place of Goddess Rama, he is the Lord of three worlds, he is Dhasa/attendant of his ardent devotees, and the recitation of his glorious myths would remove the Jeeva from the cycles of repeated births, let that Rama reside in my heart.” In this way, Jatayu eulogized Rama and attained the abode of Srihari and Srirama performed the final rites of Jatayu.

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 12 - Aranya Kandam

Ravana abducts Devi Sita

Mareecha left mortal coil and attained the abode of Lord.   Rama hurried back from wood looking for Devi Sita and Lakshman. Devi Sita got alarmed listening to the miserable cries of Mareecha while leaving the mortal coil, mistaken it was Rama got into trouble in the woods. She cried out ‘Oh!Bhratha, your beloved brother is in trouble, go to him immediately.” Lakshman without leaving calmness addressed Devi Sita “Oh! Mother, listen to me, my brother Rama is capable to destroy the whole Universe with the movement of his eyebrow. Therefore how could he get into trouble?” Devi Sita could not take the pacifying words of Lakshmana in the right manner, she blamed him and suspected his virtue, soon due to the influence of Maya of Lord Ramachandra, Lakshmana moved to woods in search of Rama. Lakshmana left the protection of Devi Sita under Dikdevatha and Vanadevatha, rushed to the woods. At that moment, Ravana assumed the form of a Tapasvi and approached the hermitage of Rama. The deities and Asuras were under the constant threat of Ravana, could not take the meal or sleep in the night due to extreme fear, he scrutinized the place, looked around like a wicked Jackal and approached the hermitage. Sage Kakabhusundi speaks “Oh! Garuda, when a person practices the immoral ways of living immediately his Ojas, Thejas Buddhi, and courage will leave him." Ravana approached Devi Sita in the form of a Tapasvi, advised her Rajaneethi, and expressed extreme love and affection towards her. Devi Sita did not like his attitude, immediately Ravana assumed his original form, Devi Sita got terrified listening to his name. She gathered her courage and spoke “Oh! Wicked Ravana, My Lord Rama will be back in any minute, Oh! Rakshasaraja, you are inviting destruction to yourself and your clan, like the rabbit approaches the female lion.” Dhashamukha could not control his rage, in heart, Ravana was meditating upon the supreme Goddess who is Jagathjanani, Paramba, Bhagavathi cause of Universe and its living beings. He seized Devi Sita and got into his celestial vehicle and hurried through the skyway. He was extremely terrified to abduct the Jagathjanani, Jagamba, Paramba Bhagavathi, hence he could not drive the vehicle properly.

 

Devi Vaidhehi cried out loudly “Oh! Sharanagathavathsala, Oh! Raghunath who is the source of bliss to the cluster of lotus like Raghu clan, how could you become cruel to me? What was my sin? Oh! Lakshmana, you have not committed any mistakes, it was my anger that put me into a miserable state. My beloved husband is extremely compassionate; My Lord is not with me, how did I express my grief? It is like the offerings of fire sacrifices consumed by donkey.” Listening to the loud cries of Devi Janaki, the entire forest sunk in deep grief, all the living and non-living things stood motionless in utter shock. The king of birds Jatayu, recognized the cries as Devi Janaki who is the consort of his beloved Lord Rama. Immediately he could visualize Devi Sita in the custody of  Ravana in his celestial vehicle, was like a cow under the clutches of  Mleccha.  

 

Jatayu darted to the vehicle of Ravana, like Vajrayudha of Indra to the Mountain, and spoke “Oh! Daughter, do not worry, I will take care of this demon.”  Dhashamukha stunned watching the eagle and thought, “Is that Garuda or Mount Mainaka? Garuda and his Lord know my powers.” Soon he realized that it is aged Jatayu, Ravana haughtily spoke “Oh! Jatayu, you are going to meet your death in my hands.” Jatayu furiously darted to him and spoke “Oh! Ravana, listen to my advice, leave Devi Janaki, and return home safely. Otherwise, the colossal fire like Rama would burn down your entire clan like a firefly.” Jatayu dashed to Ravana and seized his hair and brought down to Earth, Jatayu took Devi Sita safely out of the vehicle and made her seated in a place, and he rushed back to Ravana and brutally attacked him with his sharp beaks. Ravana lost consciousness for half an hour, he regained consciousness and took his powerful sword and sieved off the wings of Jatayu. Soon, Jatayu lost its strength fallen on the ground remembering Lord Rama. Ravana seized Devi Sita and kept her back on the chariot and moved through the skyways. On their way, Devi Sita noticed a few monkeys were sitting on the hilltop; she loudly recited the names of Sri Hari and put down a piece of cloth. In this way, Devi Sita was taken to Lanka on the skyways, like a baby deer trapped in the catch of a hunter and kept her in the Ashokavatika. Devi Sita was threatened and pacified by Ravana and the female who was in charge of the Vatika, but Ravana could not break her mental courage and devotion to Rama, she kept contemplating upon that mesmerizing form of Rama who chased after the Mayamriga, she constantly recited the names of Sri Hari. She was kept under the stronghold of Ashokavatika, under the watchful eyes of dreadful female demons.