Ramakatha Rasavahini - Part 1

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COLOR: #003300; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bookman Old Style'">Chapter 3No Progeny from his

Loins Ravana, the Rakshasa King of Lanka, heard of Dasaratha and

his fame. He was so filled with envy that he determined on a sure plan to

destroy him, by means, fair or foul. Ravana sought for an excuse to provoke

Dasaratha into a fight; one day, he sent word through a messenger, that unless

tribute was paid to him, he would have to meet Ravana on the battlefield and

demonstrate his superior might in war. This call was against international

morality, but what morality did a Rakshasa respect? When Dasaratha

heard the messenger speak, he laughed outright, in derision. Even while the

messenger was looking on, he shot sharp deadly arrows which reached Lanka

itself and fastened the gates of that City!

Style'"> Addressing the envoys, Dasaratha said, "Well, Sirs! I have now

made fast the doors of your fortress city; your master cannot open them, however

hard he may try; that is the 'tribute' I pay to your impertinent lord". When the

envoys returned and informed Ravana of this, he was shocked to find all the

doors closed fast; the desperate efforts made by Ravana with all his men met

with failure; they could not open the gates. When Ravana was struck with shame,

strangely enough, the arrows returned to Ayodhya and the doors flew open.

1"> Ravana, however, decided that he must overpower all the rulers of

the world and, realizing that he could do so only by winning Divine Grace, he

went over to the depths of the forest and selected a favourable, auspicious

spot for his ascetic practices. The asceticism of Ravana was so

intense and satisfying that God Brahma was compelled to appear before him and

offer to grant him whatever boon he desired. "Ravana! Ask for anything you

want! I shall give you your heart's desire", said Brahma. Ravana was revolving

in his mind the insult he had

suffered at the hands of Dasaratha; he argued that Dasaratha might get even

mightier sons from whom he might suffer more; so, he asked the boon he wanted,

"Lord! Bless me with this gift of Grace: let no child be born from the loins of

Dasaratha". At this, Brahma said, "So be it", and immediately vanished from the

scene, lest Ravana might frame another foul request if He were present before

him! Ravana strutted about, proud and devoid of fear, exulting over his prowess

and success. (Chapter 3 To be continued..)

FONT-FAMILY: 'Bookman Old Style'">SaiRam.