Ramakatha Rasavahini, Chapter 7 (c) - Winning Sita

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Chapter 7 ©Winning Sita

 

It was a pretty little new temple-like structure, situated in the centre of a

lovely garden; it was tastefully decorated with greens and festoons. The place

was heavy with silence; it was as if peace fell in heavy showers there from the

wings of Grace from heaven itself. It was quite adjacent to the Royal Palace.

Therefore, after showing them in, Janaka fell at the feet of the sage again,

saying: "Your arrival has added unto me immeasurable strength and joy. I am

sure this fortune came to me as a result of the merit earned in many lives. I

shall

now take leave. For the Yajna to begin, there is an interval of twelve days,

according to the Rthwiks. Please therefore stay on in this Mithila city itself

and bless me". Viswamitra assured him that he had no objection to his proposal,

and removed all apprehensions on that score from the mind of Janaka. Rama and

Lakshmana looked at each other, as if that was too long a time to be away!

Arrangements were made to give them rest and undisturbed sleep that night; milk,

fruits and other articles were provided for them from the palace. "I shall take

your Darsan at dawn tomorrow", said Janaka while leaving. "It is not proper to

delay your rest any longer, for you had a long and tiresome journey". Janaka

returned to the palace, with the pundits, priests and scholars. Rama and

Lakshmana talked among themselves about the devotion and humility of the

Emperor, and the Light of Peace and joy that shone on his face. They sat by the

side of the Master and partook of the fruits and milk. Then, they departed after

receiving permission, to

their apartment for rest.

That night, they slept well. When daylight spread slowly over the City, the

music of pipe and drum rose from their doorstep. Brahmins recited Vedic hymns.

Rama and Lakshmana rose and finished their bath and other rituals, and

approached Viswamitra. The sage gave them cups of milk to drink and said,

"Sons! Janaka will be here any time now. Take breakfast and be ready". Soon,

they as well as the younger pupils of the Sage repaired to the apartments and

partook of fruits and milk. They washed their hands and quietly gathered around

their Preceptor, and reverentially sat near him.

Meanwhile, it became known that Emperor Janaka was arriving with the Royal

Preceptor in order to pay homage; for, the blowing of conches and the play of

the traditional nine instruments heralded the approach of the ruler of the

realm. Janaka entered with the auspicious sandal paste and rice grains in his

hands, while Sathananda and the entourage entered the sacred residence. With

the delight of gratitude he washed the feet of the Sage. Then, Janaka fell at

the feet of Viswamitra and stood by the side of the high seat that had been

placed in front of the pedestal for the sage. As soon as Viswamitra directed

him, Janaka occupied his own seat. Rama and Lakshmana sat on the carpet laid

on the floor to the right of their Master. Janaka said, "Great sage ! Now, what

is your command? I am ready to accept and honour it. Please communicate it to

me". Janaka folded his palms in prayer. At this, Viswamitra smiled, and said,

"Last night, since there was no time I could not tell you in detail. I shall

tell now about these Princes, Rama and Lakshmana, since you desired to hear

their story. If you have no leisure now, I can tell you some other time".

Janaka exclaimed, "Master! what more important work have I than experiencing

the ecstasy of conversing with you? This chance can be the fruit only of age

long austerity. I am filled with Ananda at the expectation that you will tell

me about them; I

consider it great good fortune."

Then, Viswamitra narrated the incidents that had taken place from his appearance

at the court of Dasaratha up to the Yajna and the heroic way in which the young

boys had stood guard and foiled the attempts of the demons to desecrate the

rituals. He described the bravery and skill of the boys in their battle against

the demons and praised their achievements. During the narration, tears of joy

and gratitude welled from the sage’s eyes and he had to frequently wipe them

with the end of his garment.

Hearing these words and filling his eyes with his majesty and the charming

loveliness of the boys, Janaka experienced supreme delight, the delight he

often derived in Samadhi! He felt that the boys were actual embodiments of

Divine Splendour. Though he often tried to look somewhere else, his eyes

thirsted only for the sight of those charming lotuslike faces which showered

Brahmic illumination! Janaka suppressed with great difficulty the outward

expression of his inner ecstasy and sat looking intently at them, in humility

and reverence. He did not feel for a moment that he was an Emperor and that

those boys were the Princes of another Imperial Monarch. He had an indelible

impression that they had come down from Heaven to Earth; the feeling was

strengthened and increased by the description of their superhuman might and

skill. He realized that they were rare beings, akin to God himself, for they

achieved successfully, even before reaching teenage, the guardianship of a

Yajna, which the renowned Viswamitra could not carry through unimpaired. What a

marvel! he wondered.

Then, the narrative was resumed by the Sage with the start of the journey

towards Mithila. The stories related by the sage to the brothers were also

explained to Janaka. When the story of the purification and liberation of

Ahalya, the Consort of Sage Gautama at the hermitage which was near the Capital

City, was related, Sathananda was surprised beyond measure; he ejaculated,

"What! Has my mother been freed from the curse? Did these Divine personalities

render my mother holy, and restore her to my father? Ah! Without doubt, they

are Divine". While streams of tears of gratitude and joy fell down his cheeks

he became so overcome with emotion that he was unable to move, like a pillar.

Viswamitra observed him

and said, "Son! Do not be so overwhelmed with the little events that have

happened so far! In the coming days, many events vastly more amazing will

happen; they will cause amazement and ecstasy, by their superhuman glory. Your

parents too will arrive at Mithila City tomorrow or the day after. You can hear

the marvellous story of Rama and Lakshmana direct from them. Calm yourself".

At this Emperor Janaka said, "Master! How fortunate are the parents who have

such Divinely endowed sons! 0! how fortunate am I that they stepped into my

house, when the thought spurred them". He turned to Rama and Lakshmana and

addressed them, "Darlings! Pardon me if the residence I have arranged for you

is not quite to your liking or quite in keeping with your status. If you so

desire, I am ever ready to arrange a more appropriate accommodation. If you

like, I shall facilitate ‘sightseeing’ in the City for you are strangers to

Mithila; ask for anything you require, without reservation; I shall feel happy

only when you so ask". To these words spoken with exemplary goodness and

humility, Rama replied in a manner that revealed the respect he liked to offer

Janaka.

He said "Maharaja ! We are but boys. We do not feel anything wanting in the

arrangements made. We are quite happy. There is no need to take trouble

arranging somewhere else or something more, for us. If however, you have such

great affection towards us, you can fulfill one wish that we have..." and

without mentioning what it was, he turned towards the Preceptor, Viswamitra.

The sage then spoke, "Janaka! The mission on which these Princes came with me

from Ayodhya was over when the Yajna I had resolved upon was accomplished

without the least desecration. Rama and Lakshmana pleaded for permission to

return home. Meanwhile, I received your invitation regarding the Yajna you have

decided upon; so, I asked these boys also to accompany me to Mithila. Then, Rama

pleaded that, since his father had deputed him only for safeguarding the Yajna

at my Asram, he was reluctant to proceed further and be away from his father

longer than permitted. But, I spoke to them of many divine weapons you have,

objects, which they are naturally eager to see and handle. I described the Bow

that you have here, the Siva Bow, which deserves to be seen by them. I told

them the story of that Bow. Then they agreed to accompany me hither, longing to

see it. They have no yearning to go round the City or visit interesting places;

bows, arrows, weapons which can guard the fight and punish the wicked - these

claim first consideration for

their attention". Janaka felt he had no need to hear more. He said, "In that

case, I shall make arrangements to have the Bow brought to the Yajna Hall

soon", and instructed that the preceptor, Sathananda be consulted about an

auspicious hour when it could be brought there.

Meanwhile, Rama asked Janaka, "Maharaja! If you can tell us how that Divine Bow

came into your possession, we can derive great joy." Janaka gave the details

with evident joy. "Darlings: Six generations after Nimi, the great ancestor of

my dynasty, the King named Devaratha ruled over this kingdom. The Gods placed

this Bow of Lord Siva in trust in his palace. It has been with us since then;

it is a weapon of the Gods and so, I assert it is no ordinary Bow! It weighs

some thousands of tonnes! No one has held it in the erect position so far! For,

who can lift that weight? Many times in the past, I tried to discover who could

bend the Bow and use it or hold it for public gaze and

invited people to try. But I have yet to see one who could do it. Every king and

prince who attempted the feat failed and returned humiliated. They could neither

bend the Bow nor even move it ever so slight. One day, when I was turning the

sod on the grounds where I had resolved to perform yajna, a vessel was revealed

to view, in the furrow. When I removed it and examined it, I found in it a

charming female child. Since the child came to us from the furrow, (sita) we

named her Sita, and brought her up as our own child. One day, when she was

playing with her companions, her toy rolled underneath the long box within

which the Bow was kept; the more they tried to recover the ball with the help

of various contrivances, the farther it rolled

under the box! But, our child, Sita laughed at the discomfiture of her

companions, and the palace guards. She pushed aside the box with her tender

hand and recovered her toy to the astonishment of every one! I heard about

this, through the Queens who came to know of it from the wonderstruck group

around her at the time.

"That day, I resolved to give Sita in marriage to one who proves himself worthy

to wed her, by stringing that Bow. Many a prince has since tried to lift and

bend that bow, in order to win her, but all of them had to face ignominious

defeat! They felt hurt and insulted; they said I had purposely humiliated them

and in their resentment and despair, they grouped together and fell upon

Mithila City with their combined forces. The siege lasted one full year. As a

consequence, all my armoury was exhausted and I was concerned about the fate of

the City. I had no other recourse but austerity to win the grace of the Gods.

The Gods were pleased; they blessed me with additional reinforcements of

infantry, cavalry, elephantry and

chariotry. That is to say, help came to me from regions behind the besieging

forces and when they were attacked from behind they were scattered. During

these campaigns of vindictiveness, I was able to preserve the Bow; I guarded it

like the apple of my eye. Its mysterious might is beyond description.

"Rama! Ramachandra! I shall not deny you the fulfillment of your wish; if you

but agree, the Bow shall be brought to the Yajna enclosure. I shall also

announce that any one who dare lift and bend it can try to do so." When Janaka

spoke so authoritatively, Rama and Lakshmana looked at each other but did not

reply, for they were waiting for instructions from the Master whom they had

followed so far.

Just then, Viswamitra, who knew the skill and strength of the brothers, said

that what Janaka proposed could be done, and that he need not apprehend any

obstacle coming his way. Janaka also announced that he would give Sita in

marriage to whosoever lifted the bow and stringed it, for he had vowed that

Sita will be wedded only to such a one. Viswamitra approved that procedure too.

 

Janaka took leave of the sage and returned to the Palace. He set upon the task

of taking the bow into the Yajna Hall. A proclamation was issued that the Bow

will be exposed to view, and communicated to as many kings and princes as

possible. The eight-wheeled vehicle containing the box with the Bow was pulled

and pushed into the enclosure by a large band of hefty heavy-weights; but they

could not even move it a step. So, more men of gigantic mould had to be called

in, to lend their hands, dragging the heavy chains attached to the vehicle and

pushing it from behind. When at last the Bow moved into the sacred enclosure,

the priests recited hymns of auspicious welcome.

Day dawned. The nine traditional musical instruments raised a paean of harmony

that rose to the vaults of heaven. Conches were blown in peals. The

auspiciousness of the Day was declared through song and ritual. Emperor Janaka

entered the enclosure, accompanied by a group of priests and with attendants

carrying materials for ceremonial worship of the Divine Bow. Long before that

moment, the enclosure was filled with kings, princes, ministers, courtiers.

sages and Vedic scholars. As soon as Janaka came in, the entire gathering stood

up in order to render honour to the Ruler of the Realm. The Vedic pundits

declaimed aloud hymns invoking the Gods to shower Grace; their voices rose up

to Heaven in exclamatory unison. Others

recited passages from the Vedas. All were so filled with expectancy that they

looked on in wonder, without even a wink.

Janaka walked in reverence around the vehicle with the Bow, and offered floral

homage to it, while chants were recited to propitiate it. He bowed before the

Divine Bow, and then turned to the distinguished assembly. He announced:

"Prostrations to the Sages! I welcome all who have come to this assembly! Since

many years, my forefathers as well as many other monarchs have been, as you all

know, worshipping this Divine Bow. Besides, it is already well known that no

one, be he a God or Demon, Yaksha, Rakshasa, Garuda or Gandharva, Kinnara or

Mahoraga, no one has so far been able to lift the Bow, hold it and string it!

All who attempted have turned back, humiliated. In spite of this, this day, I

have again resolved to bring the Bow into the sacred enclosure. Whoever among

you assembled here does lift this bow or lifting, strings it, or stringing it,

fixes an arrow on to it, or who can hold the weight of the Bow in his hands can

come forward and take this chance; the Bow is before you". With these words,

Janaka bowed before the gathering with his palms folded, and sat on the Lion

Throne.

Viswamitra cast a glance, with a smile, at Rama. Rama quickly approached the

vehicle and lifted up the iron cover with his left arm. And with his right, he

raised with no concern or exertion, the Bow from its box! Holding the Bow erect

he looked around, while amazement was on every face! The thousands who witnessed

the wonder - citizens, kings and princes, sages and elders - raised such an

applause that the sky echoed the exultation! Soon Rama stringed the

magnificent Bow! With delightful ease he fixed an arrow! And he drew the string

back up to the ear, in order to release it. But the Bow snapped!

Everyone around was shocked into confusion and fear by the strange, unexpected

explosion. Many fainted; some cried out in terror; some fled in panic. The

sages uttered prayers to God. Why dilate further? The entire gathering, barring

Janaka, Viswamitra and the brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, was plunged in

inexplicable inconsolable dread!

Meanwhile, Janaka rose from his seat, fell prostrate before Viswamitra, and

said. "Master! There is no one on earth who can claim greater strength than

Rama; such strength is not of the Earth. I shall fulfill my word; I shall give

Sita in marriage to him who lifted, bent and broke this Bow."

Viswamitra replied, "Janaka! It will be good if this news is communicated to

Emperor Dasaratha and the auspicious event celebrated after he comes. This is

my desire; Rama is such a deeply dutiful son that he will not agree to the

marriage until Dasaratha gives his approval". So, Janaka had the Brahmins of

the court called to his presence, along with some Ministers. He set them on the

journey to Ayodhya as soon as day dawned. They sped on in their chariots, drawn

by swift horses, for three days and nights, and reached Ayodhya on the morning

of the fourth day. They halted the chariots right before the main entrance of

the Imperial Palace, so that there could be no delay in taking the news they

had brought to the Emperor. When the guards inquired their names and the

purpose of their arrival, the Ministers required them to announce to the

Emperor the fact of their coming from Mithila to see him. They informed

Dasaratha immediately and they were immediately called into the palace and the

Presence.

In spite of old age, Dasaratha looked a Divinely splendrous figure, when the

Brahmins and Ministers of Mithila saw him on his throne. When they stood before

that bright venerable face, they fell at his feet, without any hesitation or

reservation. They stood up and said, "Maharaja! We are messengers from the

Emperor Janaka of Mithila. He has commissioned us to inquire and learn from you

about your welfare and the welfare of your realm. We have been sent with the

approval of sage Viswamitra, and with the consent of the Royal Preceptor, the

great Sathananda, by Maharaja Janaka to communicate to you an important

message."

Dasaratha’s face was brightened by smiles; his assurance was unshaken; he was

struck by the humility and good manners of the envoys from Mithila. He said, '0

Greatest among Brahmins! 0 Ministers of the Mithila Court! There is no

deficiency in the administration of the kingdom of Ayodhya, no obstruction

anywhere for rituals like Agnihotra; no diminution in the happiness of any of

my subjects, no obstacle from any quarter in the path of their moral and

spiritual advance. My subjects are prosperous; they are progressing steadily

towards the highest goal. I am glad to tell you this. I wish to know about the

health and welfare of Janaka, the Emperor of Mithila, about the uninterrupted

performance, in his kingdom, of the religious rites prescribed in the Vedas.

You can communicate to me without any reservation the Message you have brought

with you. I am eager to hear it".

When Dasaratha granted permission so softly and sweetly the Ministers signed the

Brahmins to speak out. The Chief Priest rose from his seat and delivered the

message thus: "Great Sovereign Ruler! Our Maharaja Janaka has vowed that his

daughter Sita Devi will be given in marriage only to heroic might; no doubt you

must be aware of this, you might also be knowing that many princes have tried to

prove their prowess and returned humiliated from Mithila. By Divine Will, your

two sons Rama and Lakshmana accompanied the Sage Viswamitra eager to see the

great Yajna which our Maharaja is celebrating; it happened that your eldest

son, Rama, won Sita Devi by means of his incomparable valour! Maharaja! What

shall we say! How shall we describe it? In full view of the distinguished

gathering of sages, kings and princes, Rama, who has attained the highest

pinnacle of valour, lifted and held the Bow of Siva by its middle, kept it

erect and stringed it! More than this, he broke, as if in play, the Indomitable

sacred Bow into two pieces! Since Sita Devi is to be given in marriage to him

who lifts the Bow of Siva, the sages who had assembled, as well as our

Maharaja, have decided to give her hand to Rama.

"We have been sent to request and receive your assent, to offer you cordial

welcome, to invite you, with the preceptor, priests, ministers, courtiers and

kith and kin, and attendants and followers, to the City of Mithila. Our

Maharaja desires to celebrate the marriage of his daughter after receiving your

Darsan. We are sent by him to your presence, in order to inform you of this".

The priests and ministers stood with folded hands, reverentially awaiting the

reply from Dasaratha. But, Dasaratha rolled it over in his mind with earnest

care and sent for the sages Vasishta, Vamadeva and others, for consultations,

before speaking a word in reply. He also invited the foremost among the

Brahmins of the court. When they all arrived, he asked the party from Mithila

to repeat the message they had brought. When they had listened to the news, he

wanted their comments. But first, Dasaratha fell prostrate before sage Vasistha

and prayed that he should give his approval. Vasistha, Vamadeva and others

responded with joyous acclamations, "Most auspicious"! "Most auspicious"! They

asked, "Why spend further thought on this?

Make preparations for the journey to Mithila"!

The ministers jumped in joy; news of the wedding of Rama spread in a trice all

over the City and into the Inner apartments of the Palace, where the Queens

were. The citizens raised exclamations of "Jai! Jai!" in their exultation.

Attendants and servants quickly made preparations for the journey. Jewels, silk

brocades and other gifts were packed in large quantities and varieties;

countless chariots were loaded with them.

The Emperor and the Imperial Escort, Vasishta the Royal Preceptor, the chief

Priests and other Brahmins and Pundits, ascended their chariots and took their

seats. It was as if Ayodhya itself was moving out to Mithila to witness the

marriage. For all who longed to join, Dasaratha made suitable arrangements. No

one eager to go was left behind! The horses seemed to share the joy that filled

the hearts of the inmates of the chariots; for, they trotted fast, without

slackening speed, or showing signs of exhaustion. Two nights and two days they

spent on the road, and the third night, they reached Mithila!

Maharaja Janaka welcomed Emperor Dasaratha at the very Entrance Gate of his

City. He welcomed the Ministers, Sages and Priests as befitted their position

and status. He arranged that they take rest for the night in allotted

residences. As soon as the day dawned, Dasaratha sent for the rthwiks (priests

who have specialised in ritual lore), the queens and the kinsmen, and alerted

them to be ready and available the moment they were wanted. Meanwhile, Janaka

arrived at the mansion where Dasaratha was, and took him to the special

enclosure where the Yajna was being celebrated. Seats had been allotted there

for the Preceptors, the Emperor and his

entourage, according to their rank and authority.

When all had occupied their seats, Janaka welcomed Dasaratha with the words:

"Your coming to Mithila with these great sages and those foremost Brahmins and

your kinsmen and escort augurs great good fortune for us. It marks the fruition

of the good we have done in past lives. I am sure great joy has filled your

mind, at the valour and victory of your son. I am about to enter into

relationship with the great Raghu dynasty, resplendent with the 'boundless

heroism of its scions. My dynasty is about to be sanctified more then ever

before by this kinship. I believe this is the result of the blessings showered

on me by my forefathers. Maharaja! This morning, the Yajna we have been

celebrating is coming to a close. I have thought of

celebrating the marriage of Sita and Rama after the conclusion of the Yajna. I

plead with you to confer your assent."

Dasaratha thrilled with Ananda. His face was lit by bright smiles. He said,

"Maharaja! You are the donor; elders declare that a gift is to be received at

the sweet will and pleasure of the donor! So I am ever prepared to take the

gift whenever it pleases you!" When Dasaratha spoke with such wit and wisdom,

with such heart-melting warmth of affection, Janaka was overwhelmed with Ananda

surging within him.

By then, Rama and Lakshmana entered the enclosure with the Sage Viswamitra; they

prostrated before their father and their preceptors - Vasishta, Vamadeva and

others. Dasaratha’s eyes glistened with delight as they fell upon the sons he

had missed so long. He drew them to himself; he placed his hands on their

shoulders; he pressed them to his bosom. Seeing the Ananda of the father while

fondling his sons the Brahmins and ministers forgot themselves in appreciation

of the depth of his affection. They were lost in admiration.

Dasaratha conversed intimately with his sons, and listened to their sweet simple

descriptions of the Yajna which they guarded from desecration by demonic forces;

they told him the incidents of the journey from the hermitage of Viswamitra to

Mithila City. The narrative was heard also by Vasishta, Vamadeva and other

sages, as well as by Bharatha and Satrughna, Sumantra and many ministers,

courtiers, and nobles. They spent the night recapitulating the wonder and

mystery that formed the warp and woof of that narrative.

Meanwhile, Janaka was immersed in preparations for the wedding. He was mostly in

the palace itself; he invited the Chief Priest, Sathananda, to the court, and

prayed to him reverentially to start collecting men and materials for the

various rites preliminary to the actual wedding rite. The sage replied,

"Maharaja! The Yajna concluded just today. During the next two or three days,

there are, I notice, a few hours that are auspicious for the ceremonials. I can

give details, if you desire to know".

At this, Janaka said saluting Sathananda and standing with folded hands,

"Master! I received the assent of the Emperor Dasaratha, last night. This is

indeed a sign of extreme good fortune. My younger brother Kusadhwaja is not

present here now; he was all these days very busy supplying provisions for the

Yajna as and when the high priests asked for them. I am reluctant to celebrate

this most auspicious ceremony without his being present by my side. I do not

want to deprive him of his share of joy. I have set afoot plans to get him here

quickly. I feel it would be best if we fix the day and hour after his arrival".

Sathananda responded, "Good! Good! That will make us all happy beyond

calculation!" With this,

he left the palace.

Janaka sent messengers with instructions that they should bring the brother to

Mithila, with expedition. They found him in his capital City, Sankasya, for,

they were taken thither by fleet - footed horses which sped faster than others.

They reported to him the developments at Mithila, in detail; Kusadhwaja was

overcome with the flood of Ananda that surged through him. He collected his

kith and kin, as well as his entourage, in great haste; he had chariots loaded

with gifts and presents, offerings and precious materials. He started off that

very night and quickly reached Mithila.

Janaka hastened to meet him, for, he was counting the minutes that were hurrying

by. He clasped his brother in fond embrace; he was filled with inexpressible

delight. Kusadhwaja fell at the feet of his elder brother; he prostrated before

Sathananda, and then all three sat on raised seats, in order to deliberate on

the further course of action. They consulted among themselves and when they

decided finally on what they have to do, they sent for the highly respected

elder statesman, Sudhama, and told him: "Minister of State! Proceed now to the

Presence of Dasaratha and pray to him to come here, to this Palace with his

Ministers, Priests, Courtiers, kinsmen and others he would like to bring with

him. Bring him

with due honours".

 

Bhajan: Ayodhya Vasi Rama

Ramakatha RasavahiniThe Sweet Story of Rama's GloryOriginal in Telegu written by

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai BabaRendered into English by Professor N. Kasturi

Source: http://www.vahini.org/ramakatha/chapter7c.htmlVahini.org: 'Vahini' Books

written by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

 

 

 

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