RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI - PART II [CONCLUDING PART]

[Guest guest]

Om Sri Sai Ram

RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI - PART II[CONCLUDING PART]

The Rama Story, Stream of Sacred Sweetness

As told by the Divine Lord Himself in the present Avatar as Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Chapter 13(a)Exile for Sita

It was the practice for messengers from the Court to travel about through cities

and villages, all over the empire, and report personally to the Ruler the

information they had gathered during their secret wanderings. Rama listened to

these communications, as his predecessors used to do. One day, a messenger who

had come on this duty approached Rama with a hesitation that was strange; he

prostrated before him, and rising up, stood mute and trembling on one side.

Soon, he recovered confidence and courage and addressed Rama thus: "Maharaja!

Listen to my words! Pardon me for bringing these words to you. A washerman was

quarrelling with his wife. He was heard admonishing her. 'Fie on you!, he

shouted. Do you take me to be Rama? Get out of my house. How can I accept you?

You were living long in another person's house;

get out of here!' ". These words struck the heart of Rama like an arrow. He

could not sleep that night. Towards midnight, he sat up on his bed and thought

within himself. "It is now one full Yuga since I started ruling this land. I

have to continue for a few years more." Then, sunk in a sad reverie, that Ocean

of Compassion thought, "Alas! I have to forsake Sita. I have to uphold the Vedic

Path."

He went near Sita and spoke to her pleasantly. He had a smile on his face when

he told her, "Janaki! You have not asked any boon from me so far; yet, I shall

grant you a boon. Go to your holy Home." That very moment, Sita fell at the

Feet of Rama and went to Vaikunda (Heaven) in her subtle body. No being

anywhere, nothing was aware of this fact. Sita in her gross physical frame only

was standing before Rama on Earth.

Rama asked the Earth-Sita (Maya Sita) "Pray for a boon" and Sita replied, "Lord!

I have a desire to spend some happy days in the hermitages of Muni's

(ascetics)". Rama said, "Be it so" and told her, "Start on your journey

tomorrow morning". She collected and packed many articles of clothing and

utensils for the daughters and wives of ascetics of the hermitages. Rama woke

up early. Servitors and favor-seekers were singing praises of His virtues and

excellences. His lotus-like face bloomed. Lakshmana, Bharatha and Satrughna

paid homage to Him prostrating at his feet. But, Rama did not converse with his

brothers. He kept silent. His face was flushed with emotion. His body showed

signs of tension. Every limb was shivering with excitement. The three brothers

were lost in fear and anxiety, not knowing the reason for

his grief. They shuddered at the sight of Rama's sadness. They could not fathom

the feelings that agitated him.

At last, Rama found words to express his wish. Between sighs, he said,

"Brothers! Don't say, no. Take Sita into the forest, leave her there and

return." On hearing this, they were stunned. They were caught in the flames of

despair. Their hearts were scorched. They doubted whether Rama was serious or

was only joking. Satrughna sobbed aloud; Lakshmana and Bharatha stood

motionless, tears streaming from their eyes. They were speechless. Their lips

were quivering; their hands were shivering. At last, with folded hands,

Satrughna prayed thus: "Your words have pierced our hearts. Janaki is

Lokamatha, the Mother of all beings. You live in the hearts of all living

beings. You are the Embodiment of Sath-Chit-Ananda. For what reason has Sita to

be discarded now? She is eternally pure, in thought, word and deed, isn't she?

O, Destroyer of the Rakshasa Race! She is now pregnant and, at this time, in

this condition, is it right to forsake her alone?" Satrughna could not say

more; the sorrow surging within him flowed in tears and loud wails.

Rama said, "Brothers! Listen! If you disregard my word, breath cannot survive in

this body. May it be well with you. Brothers! As I have ordered, take Janaki

into the forest this very morning." He continued sitting with his head bent,

silent, as if he was sad at the turn of events.

Bharatha could not restrain his feelings, when he heard the words, so shocking

to the ear. He said, "Lord! I am very low in intelligence. Yet, please give

heed to my prayer. Our Solar Dynasty has earned fame and renown in the world.

Our father Dasaratha, your mother Kausalya and you yourself - Master of the

Three Worlds - have won great fame. The thousand-tongued Sesha sings by the

Vedas and your glory. Janaki is the repository of all that is beneficent. Her

name will destroy all traces of inauspiciousness; it will confer all things

beneficent. She is the soul of holiness. By her blessings, women can attain the

supreme Goal. How can this Janaki live separate from you and exist happily in

the forest? Can she live even for a moment apart from you? How can a fish live

without water? She is the embodiment of wisdom

and the personification of all the virtues. She cannot lead a solitary life."

Rama listened to his words calmly and then replied thus: "O Bharatha! You have

given utterance to words that are consonant with ordinary ideas of morality.

But, the Ruler has to foster Dharma and welfare according to the dictates of

morality. In carrying out his duty of guarding and guiding his people, he

should not cause any crisis or revolution; he has to protect them with great

affection." Then, he disclosed the information that the messenger had gathered

and communicated to him. He said: "Brothers! Our dynasty has suffered great

infamy. Its name has been tarnished. This dynasty had a series of Kings and

Emperors each one more famous than the others. Their might and majesty are

known all over the world, There is none who won greater renown than they. They

were ready to give up their lives, but, they never

acted contrary to their plighted word. Our dynasty has no taint attached to it.

And, when there was a likelihood of its being tainted, he who hesitated to give

up his life was certainly vile. Understand this well." At this, the brother

cried, "Lord! Janaki surely has no trace of taint. She has come out of the

blazing fire. Gods or saints will not impute even in dreams the slightest fault

in her. Not knowing this, if anyone calls her a sinner, he will suffer the

torture of hell for billions and billions of years." Bharatha could not control

his resentment at the very mention of this possibility. At this, Rama became

visibly angry and his eyes reddened. Lakshmana noticed it, and unable to

withstand it, he hid himself behind Bharatha.

But, Rama addressed Lakshmana himself directly. "Lakshmana!", he began, "Grasp

the implications of what the people are saying; give up the foolish pose of

sadness. If you disobey my command and begin arguing with me, you will have to

rue it until death. Take Janaki in a chariot and leave her to herself in a

deserted place with no human habitation on the bank of the Ganga and then

return."

Lakshmana heard the command of the Lord; he prepared himself even for death, if

it encounters him, while carrying out that command. He got ready for the

journey. Stocking the chariot with provisions and clothing, he made Janaki sit

in it and then, drove off. Rama's faithful consort was elated at the prospect

of spending some time in hermitages; she was full of delight and gratitude.

But, seeing the crestfallen face of Lakshmana, she was saddened. She became

mute and dispirited. Like the cobra that had lost its crest-gem, she suffered

unseen, in her depths.

They reached the bank of the Ganga. The forest was frightful indeed; they got

terror in their hearts. Seeing Lakshmana fear, Sita was frightened more. Of

course, she knew that she was only acting the part and that her real Self was

not there. Still, to make her role successful before the world, she acted her

part well. She wailed, "O Lakshmana, where have you brought me? There is no

hermitage visible here. Do no wild beasts and poisonous snakes roam about in

this forest? No sign of human habitation can be seen here, Lakshmana! I am

getting afraid."

When Sita lamented thus, Lakshmana was overcome with sympathy. He remembered

Rama and said within himself, "Rama! What is this you have done!" and,

gathering some courage, he looked at Sita, but a fatal thirst overcame him at

that time and he suffered much. Sita was torn with anxiety at his condition and

his struggles. Realizing that he was determined to leave Sita there and return,

the deities of the forest spoke from the sky, "Lakshmana! Leave Janaki here and

go back; Sita, the Embodiment of Fortune, shall live". These words from the

Unseen planted courage in the heart of Lakshmana. He folded his palms in

reverence and said. "Mother! What can I do? I cannot but carry out brother's

command. I have no courage to overstep it even to the slightest. I am the

vilest villain. Brother has ordered me to leave you in

this thick jungle and return." Saying so, he turned the chariot back. His looks

were fixed on the track he was leaving behind. He could hear the lament of Sita

in the distance. "Lakshmana! Are you abandoning me in the forest and leaving me

alone? Who will protect me here?" She was wailing like any common woman. Her

cries pierced the ears of Lakshmana; but, remembering his duty to follow the

commands of Rama, he made his heart as hard as rock and drove fast until he

reached the City.

Meanwhile, Sita fainted in despair. Of course, it was all play-acting. She

recovered consciousness after a little while, sat up and poured out her grief

in words. "O Ramachandra! From birth, my life has been filled with sorrow.

Alas! Life clings to my body, however much I am invaded by grief." She cried

out like this for a long time, bewailing her fate. That moment, the sage

Valmiki was passing through the forest on his way to his hermitage from the

Ganga where he had gone for his ritual bath. Her words fell on his ears; he was

surprised that a woman's voice was calling out for help from the recesses of the

forest; he followed the voice to its source, searching all round, and at last,

came to her very presence. She recognized him as the sage Valmiki and related

to him all that had happened to her. "0 Monarch of

Monks", she appealed, "I am the daughter of Emperor Janaka; I am the wife of Sri

Ramachandra; the whole world knows this; but, I do not know why He has deserted

me and cast me away. Can the dictates of destiny be escaped from? Great among

Sages! Lakshmana brought me here and left. He did not tell me why he had to do

so."

Valmiki listened to her tale of woe; he consoled her and comforted her; "0

Daughter! Your father, the Emperor of Mithila, Janaka, is my friend, my

disciple. He has reverence and faith in me. Dear one! Do not worry at all. Feel

that my hermitage is your paternal home. All will be well with you. You will

certainly rejoin Rama. You will achieve that desire". Taking Sita to be his own

daughter, he directed her to have a bath in the Ganga and return. After the

cleansing bath, she prostrated before Valmiki, and the sage led her to the

hermitage, giving her affectionate assurances. He offered her roots and fruits

and pressed her to eat a few. She could not refuse the pleadings of the great

elder. Thereafter, Sita spent her days at the hermitage, in constant meditation

on Rama and his glory and in sharing peacefully

with the pupils and disciples of Valmiki the tasks incidental to the upkeep and

maintenance of that spiritual household. The residents of the hermitage as well

as Valmiki regaled her with interesting and wondrous stories and entertained her

with humorous anecdotes and incidents.

Lakshmana reached the City, with his eyes swollen with sorrow, and heart heavy

with grief. He related the sad tale to the three mothers. They broke into

inconsolable sorrow and sobbed at the calamity that had overtaken Sita. They

praised the virtues of Sita and lamented that a lady of such sterling character

should be subjected to this disaster. They blamed Rama for harshness. The

capital and the palace were sunk in sorrow; there was no one free from grief.

Wailing was the only sound that could be heard. There was no one who did not

ask in sorrow, "could such a mother be ever punished thus?"

Rama heard the wailing and weeping. He retreated into the shrine with Lakshmana

as his sole companion and spent the day away from the sight of others. Later,

he went to the women's apartments, and consoling the Queens, he counseled them

along the path of Jnana. He also explained to the people that the true Ruler

considers his people alone as his kith and kin, and treats them alone as his

friends. This, he said, is the code of Rama, He said that the Ruler should give

up his own kith and kin when need arises, since his real kith and kin are the

subjects over which he is placed.

The three mothers were so affected by separation from Sita that they became

weaker and weaker with every passing day. It resulted in their death too,

finally. They manifested through Yoga the fire latent in them and allowed the

fire to reduce their bodies into ashes. Thus they attained the Highest State of

Bliss. The brothers grieved over the loss and performed the funeral rites as

laid down in the scriptures; they gave away the sixteen great charities as

prescribed therein. Thereafter, the four brothers - Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha

and Satrughna engaged themselves in the administrative problems and assignments

set apart for them, in conformity with the wishes of the people and to their

full satisfaction.

Meanwhile, Rama announced that he desired to celebrate the Aswamedha Yaga, (the

Horse-Sacrifice) mentioned in the Vedas since the Yaga would ensure the

destruction of all varieties of grief. He sent information to Angada and

others. He proceeded to the residence of the Royal Preceptor accompanied by his

brothers and the ministers of the realm. They fell at the feet of the Guru and

the Guru also received them with respect. He inquired about their health and

the welfare of the empire, in sweet soft words. He gave them valuable counsel,

quoting stories from Puranas and incidents from the epics.

Then, Rama addressed him thus: "Master! I have one wish in my mind. You have to

help me realize it". Then, he fell at the feet of the Guru. Vasishtha, the

Guru, asked him what that wish was, and Rama replied, "I have decided on a

Yaga; the people of Ayodhya will be happy, filled with joy when it takes place.

What I desire to perform is the Aswamedha Yaga. The City can be rendered calm if

it is done. The people also are wanting that it should be performed. Bharatha

hesitated to inform you of this, since he is afraid of your reaction. So, I

felt I must approach you when you can meet us and we can communicate this wish

to you. We shall abide by your decision and gladly act accordingly."

Vasishtha listened to these words uttered with reverence and humility; he

rejoiced at the idea. "Rama! Your wish shall be fulfilled. Bharatha! Rise and

busy yourself with the preparations for the Yaga", he said. This made the

brothers and the minister very happy. They extolled the Preceptor and fell at

his feet. Many Brahmins well versed in the lore about Yagas followed Bharatha

into the City and Palace.

Sumanthra invited leading citizens and called the officials and asked them to

decorate the royal roads inside the City as well as the bazaars and shopping

centers. He wanted them to erect Mantaps in many places. No sooner said than

done; they executed the orders very soon and the City was made ready for the

big event. The City was excited and enthused into joyful activity. The elders

of the City and officers reported to Rama that, as he had directed, information

had been sent to the chiefs among sages and ascetics, and Vasishtha had also

been intimated of what was being done.

Vasishtha advised Rama thus: "Send the news of the Yaga to Emperor Janaka; he

will be able to attend the Yaga with his queen and kinsmen". His advice was

couched in persuasive and pleasant words. He also said, "Send invitations to

the chief ascetics, Brahmins and Maharshis". When the Guru agreed, Rama took

him round Ayodhya, so that he might see the preparations; they were both very

pleased at the decorations all over the City. The official messengers, visited

kingdoms far and near and presented the invitations to the rulers of those

lands. One of them proceeded to Mithila, the Capital City of Janaka.

Jambavantha, Angada, Sugriva, Nala, Nela and other Vanara leaders arrived.

Ascetics and monks came to the City in groups. They were all welcomed and

accommodated, with due regard to their spiritual eminence. Soon,

Vishwamitra arrived; Rama honored him, and offered reverential hospitality.

Agastya, [see: RRV2, Ch. 1] the great sage, also reached Ayodhya. He was given

proper reception and arrangements were made for his comfortable stay in the

Capital. They saw the sanctified Hall where the Yaga was to be held and were

delighted.

When the citizens of Mithila saw the emissary from Ayodhya, they were very

happy. He (the emissary) informed Janaka, the Emperor, of the Yaga that was to

be performed by Rama. As soon as he heard the news, Janaka rose from his

throne. He was thrilled when he listened to the emissary. His eyes streamed

tears of bliss. He enquired whether Rama was well and whether his brothers too

were well. He replied that the letter he had brought would satisfy him on all

scores and handed over the auspicious message. He could not speak more. And,

who can describe the condition of the Emperor? His kinsmen were transported

with delight. The City resounded to the shouts of 'Jai'. The Emperor read the

Message over and over; he was overwhelmed with joy. He called a courier in and

ordered him, "Spread this news in cities, towns and

villages throughout the empire. Announce it with the play of the ten musical

instruments". Then, he called in the Minister and handed him the Message. He

received it most respectfully and pressed it on his eyes, before reading it for

himself and being thrilled thereby. Bringing to mind the glory of Rama, he shed

profuse tears of joy. In front of every home in the city, the master of the

house installed a pot of auspicious significance. The Emperor gave away

countless valuables in charity to celebrate his receiving the good news. The

City of Janaka was swaying in ecstasy.

Janaka arrived at Ayodhya, after the long journey from Mithila. On the way, he

alighted to pay his respects to Sathananda, his Preceptor. He blessed Janaka

and directed him to proceed fast to Ayodhya, accompanied by his entourage and

army - the latter including all the four fighting forces, chariotry,

elephantry, infantry and cavalry. Janaka left behind a section of the army to

safeguard the City. He assigned a palanquin for his Guru, Sathananda, and

himself rode in another. When the entire party left for Ayodhya, the earth

quaked. Who can count the number of generals, commanders and heroes that the

army had in its ranks? Journeying thus, Janaka reached Ayodhya at the end of

two days. When he knew that Janaka was approaching the City and had come very

near, Rama went forward to receive him and they met in great

mutual affection. A magnificent residence surrounded by a vast plain had been

set apart for him. It was a charming heavenly residence, right on the bank of

the Sarayu river. Rama had deputed his brothers to receive and render

hospitality to the Royal guests.

Chapter 13(b)Exile for Sita

Rama fell at the feet of Janaka and rising, sat by his side. Janaka was

overwhelmed by the joy that welled within him. He stroked Rama's head and

accosted him softly and sweetly. Rama too replied expressing similar sentiments

in felicitous language. He assigned helpers and aides to look after the comforts

of Janaka and his entourage. He directed Bharatha to be at the service of the

Emperor.

Meanwhile, Vasishtha arrived in the presence of Rama, accompanied by his

disciples, ten thousand in number. He said, "Ramachandra! Listen to my words:

The Vedas, Sasthras, the Puranas all of them without exception proclaim that a

Yaga, performed without the duly wedded wife by the side of the celebrant, will

be barren of results. Great sages also declare the same. Therefore, arrange to

bring Janaki back. She is very necessary during the Yaga." Rama was surprised

at these words spoken by the Chief among Sages. He kept silent, without

explaining the truth or untruth of that belief. He said, "Chief among Sages!

You have to carry out my wish without causing breach of my vow, and without

bringing down the reputation of my dynasty. If Janaki is brought back, the

reputation is bound to suffer. And, I shall not marry to

have a wife for the Yaga."

At this, Vasishtha consulted many famed Sages for a solution. They all held fast

to the rule that Janaki must be brought; they said, it was an unavoidable

pre-requisite. But, Rama, who was Himself the master of all codes of morality,

the embodiment of all the forms of God, and the essence of all the Sasthras,

thought over it for a while and announced that a golden idol set with gems be

made of Sita and kept in place of Sita. He said that all the Sasthras support

this view and that there can be no objection to this procedure on any score.

The ascetics, sages and scholars versed in all fields of knowledge could not

contradict this opinion. They were all surprised at the validity of the

solution offered. They admired his omniscience and acknowledged that He was

Himself the core of all

codes.

The golden Sita was got ready in one single day; it was made more charming and

realistic through jewels and garments. Everyone who saw it mistook it for the

live Sita; it was so realistic. If Sita had seen it, she too would have been

struck with wonder. Many believed that Sita had returned, when they saw the

idol. They praised the makers with a thousand tongues. Rama sat on the lion

throne over a tiger skin spread over it. The golden Sita was placed by his

side, where the wife had to take her position. The assembly was led to believe

that Sita herself was there. All present prostrated in gratitude and joy.

Vasishtha addressed the courtiers and asked them to extend hospitality to the

assembled guests according to the rules in practice. "Give everyone what they

wish for and make everyone happy and contented". They seated them in proper

lines and in appropriate places, with the help of Bharatha who supervised the

arrangements. Each one of them congratulated himself on the grandeur of the

reception accorded to him and praised the organizers for the care and

consideration they showed.

500 masters of the Vedas guarded the Yaga Hall on the outside by 500 warriors

and inside the Hall. The Yaga began on the second day of the bright half of the

Magha month, after Rama had initiated Himself with the necessary rites.

Vasishtha directed that the Horse, chosen for the Yaga, be brought so that

experts might examine it, whether it had the auspicious mark prescribed.

Lakshmana prostrated before the Guru and hurried to the stables of the palace to

seek out the horse and decorate it before leading it into the Hall. A gem-set

saddle was placed on its back; it was a horse immaculately white in complexion.

The horses of the sun would have felt ashamed to stand before it! When it was

fully caparisoned, it became so charming that people thought the God of Love

and Beauty had a hand in adorning it. It was an impossible task to describe its

splendor. It could be said that the horse gave the impression that the Sun god

(Suryanarayanamurthi) had turned into a horse, and was prancing proudly; on its

forehead was placed a peacock feather with emerald gems shining in it. Like the

stars shining in the sky, that feather shone brilliantly with its scintillating

gems. Silk cords that shone

like lightning flashes were placed round its neck and held by attendants. It was

accompanied by 5000 great warriors - heroes of many a battle - fighters of

invincible mettle, led by Lakshmana, all on horseback.

When the cavalcade entered the Hall, Vishwamitra instructed Rama to worship the

sacred sacrificial Horse, which was to be sent out on its mission of conquest.

He gave away the sixteen articles in charity; he performed the ritual

purificatory bath. Then, he tied on its brow the gold plate with the

inscriptional message to all rulers of the land. This was the writing it

carried: "In the City of Ayodhya, there is a Hero; He is the destroyer of

enemies. Even the Lord of Gods trembles at the sight of Him. This horse is his

sacrificial animal. The strong may lay hold of it; or, they have to pay him tax

and tribute; or if you cannot do either, flee into the jungles". Rama inscribed

thus on that gold plate and tied it on the brow of that horse.

Meanwhile, Bhargava and other sages came to Rama and related to him the

atrocities perpetrated by the demon Lavana. The assembled sages were saddened

at the news. Rama called to his presence Satrughna; he gave him an arrow-case

full of the most powerful weapons. Then he told him, "Use these weapons with

the appropriate mantras on the enemy. Go, achieve victory and return

triumphant". Then, he wanted Vibhishana to come to him. He fell at Rama's feet.

Rama asked him. "Tell me all about this Lavana". At this, Vibhishana described

everything about his power and nature just as he knew.

Vibhishana had a stepmother and she had a daughter named Kumbhinasa; Ravana gave

her in marriage to a Danava (member of a demonic clan) named Madhu. Madhu

accepted her and in course of time, she gave birth to the demon, Lavana. He

underwent severe asceticism and prayed to Lord Siva to bless him with boons.

Siva was pleased at these austerities. He gave him a trident, describing its

prowess thus: "Lavana! Whoever wields this trident shall not be easily overcome

in battle by any one." With the help of that trident, he has been terrorizing

gods and men, demons and serpents and parading his powers over the entire land.

He was pursuing all living beings and ill-treating them. No living being was

left unconquered by him. Hearing this from Vibhishana, Rama gave vent to a peal

of laughter. Of course, there was nothing

He did not know. But, since he was wearing a human vesture, he had to act as if

he did not. He had given him the trident in the form of Siva and he laughed at

the stupidity of the recipient and the evil use to which he was putting it. He

blessed Satrughna with a portion of his Divine Power and sent him on the

mission of destroying Lavana, the Demon.

Under Rama's orders, 3000 war-drums beat in unison, and the dhan-dhan shook the

earth. Horses and elephants cried out in joy, the soldiers blew conches and

marched on the capital city of Lavana. Lavana heard their war cries. He emerged

from the fort with 64.000 soldiers. He roared like a lion, eager for the kill.

He played several magic tricks to evade defeat and to confound to enemy. But,

his army was shattered to pieces. The son of Satrughna, named Subahu, killed

the sons of Lavana who entered the battle. They reached the heaven reserved for

heroes who die fighting. At last, Satrughna shot an arrow invoking the name of

Rama and that arrow dealt a mortal wound on Lavana. He drew his last breath as

a result and ended his vicious career. The gods acclaimed the victory with a

chorus of Jais and they showered

blessings on Satrughna.

Satrughna moved on with his army and came to the banks of the Yamuna. He

prostrated before the holy river, and led his army further. While proceeding

thus, venturing in the four directions along different routes and encountering

different places, he happened to reach the hermitage of Valmiki. There, Janaki

was living with her twin sons, each redoubtable in splendor like the Sun.

Those two boys saw the Horse, read the golden plate tied around its brow and,

led it away, to be bound and kept at the hermitage. Then, they came forward

eager to fight back the guardians of the horse, with an arrow-case tied around

their waists and bows and arrows in their hands. By that time, the warriors

accompanying the Horse reached the place. They saw the Horse tied to a tree and

finding that those boys did it, they cooled down. They said, "Sons! Your parents

are indeed blessed to have such charming children. Well. Let that horse loose,

and go home". But, the little boys replied, "O ye heroes! You have come for

battle and not for begging, we believe. When you beg the horse from us, you are

tarnishing the fair name of Kshatriya." Hearing this, the guardian soldiers

said, "Brave boys! Yes. Do not tarnish the

fair name of the Kshatriyas. That is why we ask you to be careful in speech."

The boys only laughed at this repartee. They said, "Ah, how brave must be the

person who sent this horse under the protection of people like you? If you have

no strength to take it from us, you can proceed home."

When the boys, Kusa and Lava, spoke so sharply and sarcastically the soldiers

were provoked to fall upon them in spite of the fact that they were but tender

boys. Lava shot a succession of arrows at them, quite in a sportive manner,

humming tunes within himself and rather carelessly as if engaged in a play. The

bodies of the warriors were shot through in so many places that they were

rendered meshy. They fell fainting on the ground; some of them ran into the

camp of Satrughna. They cried, "Maharaja! Two boys, evidently children of the

hermits, have captured our Horse and in the fight that ensued, they have killed

a large number of our soldiers". Satrughna was enraged at this effrontery; he

gathered the four sections of his army and marched towards Kusa and Lava. When

he confronted them, and saw their handiwork,

on the field, proving their overwhelming prowess, he was shocked into shame.

"How can I enter into battle with these two boys?", he hesitated. Satrughna

addressed them thus: "O Ye Children of hermits: Let loose the Horse and go

home. You are worthy of worship; it is not right to wage battle with you."

The boys would not yield. They said, "King! What is your name? From which City

are you coming? Why are you moving through this forest at the head of an army?

What is the reason for your letting this Horse wander about as it likes? Why

have you tied this gold plate round its brow? Well if you have the strength and

the courage, remove the plate from its brow, loosen the Horse and take it home."

When Lava and Kusa spoke straight and sharp like this Satrughna bowed his head

in shame and ordered his men to take up arms and march forward. At this, the

boys laughed among themselves. "Aha! This King is pretty powerful! But, listen.

Can a lion be frightened when you clap your hands?" They took up the bow and

arrow, remembering their Guru, the sage, Valmiki. Their arrows shattered the

chariot of Satrughna to pieces. They

also entered his body in many places and made it a patchwork of holes. His

veteran warriors fainted and fell. They called each veteran forward and shot

arrows at them with fatal effect.

Soon, Rama was informed of the exploits of the two boys from the hermitage. Of

course, he knew that they were not children of the hermitage. But, he did not

disclose that fact. He made them believe that what they said was true. He

doubted for a moment how anyone could battle against the tender boys belonging

to the monks. At last, he said, "Fighting cannot be avoided. Take Lakshmana

with you and proceed." Those who had fled to Rama had to return perforce to the

same place. Rama also commanded: "Bring those two boys hither. Since they are

from the hermitage, they do not deserve death in any case."

Lakshmana marched forward at the head of a fully equipped army. He reached the

place where the engagement had already taken place. He saw the heroic warriors

who had fainted and fallen. He was surprised at the audacity of the ascetic

boys. He addressed them thus: "Boys, I warn you, save yourselves. Flee from

this place back to your homes. You are Brahmin boys and it would be harmful for

us if we fight against you. It is against the injunctions of scripture. Get away

from before my eyes." Kusa and Lava greeted these words with a peal of laughter.

"O brave Commander! See how your brother has fared; take refuge in your own home

soon". Lakshmana heard them and with one look at Satrughna who had fallen in a

faint, he took up his bow and arrow.

But, he doubted whether fighting against the children of monks was right or not.

He tried to persuade the boys themselves. "Boys, he said, you have no reasoning

faculty. You are mere boys. There is no profit in fighting against you. Go,

bring those who are supporting you in this adventure." Even while Lakshmana was

importuning thus, Kusa, without paying the least attention to his suggestion,

shot an arrow right against him. The earth shook in terror at the impact of

that arrow. That arrow spread all over the sky. Its splendor was such that even

the sun was rendered dim.

Unable to withstand the valor of Kusa and Lava, Lakshmana grew in anger and fell

on them with enormous violence. He placed his chariot before them and began

attacking them with no dread of the consequences. The brothers broke his arrows

into pieces; they fought most admirably, with many new stratagems. Lakshmana

threw his mace at them and when it hit Kusa, he suffered great pain. He rolled

on the ground. Seeing this, Lava got enraged; he aimed an arrow at the chest of

Lakshmana. Though it hit him straight, being a stronger and older hero, he did

not fall. Lava jumped on him and they both had a personal duel with fists. The

contest was balanced with no one winning; both of them used many holds and

evasive tactics. Each of them fought using all his strength. Lava pounded

Lakshmana with his thunderbolt hits.

Lakshmana bore the brunt with pain and appreciated the little fellow's mettle

and skill. Meanwhile, Lakshmana took Rama's name and aimed an arrow at Kusa.

Kusa who had raised himself up fainted and fell again. He remembered Valmiki

and Sita as he fell and so he could stand up soon. He recovered his bow and

arrow and attacked Lakshmana. Though Lakshmana replied with an arrow that he

had used against Meghanada, it could not harm the boys. The boy cut it into

pieces, and the pieces fell on the ground. Lakshmana said to himself, "Ah.

These calamities are happening to me since Sita was exiled. I can never have

peace unless I discard this body". Just then Kusa fixed on his bow the Brahma

arrow that Valmiki had taught him to use. At the very prospect of its release,

the three worlds shook in fear. He aimed it straight at the heart of Lakshmana

and let it go. Lakshmana was hit and he lost consciousness.

Messengers carried the news to Rama. Bharatha was sunk in sorrow; he folded his

hands and stood before Rama. "Lord!, he said, we are experiencing the

consequences of the wrong we committed when we exiled Sita." Rama told the

brother: "What! Are you adopting this tactics, because you are afraid of

fighting in battle? Well, if that is so, I myself can go into the field. Get me

the chariot. Adjourn further rites in the Yaga; I shall go and find out the

antecedents of those boys. Brother! Send word to our former allies and friends.

Bring Hanuman to the battlefield". Then, Rama reached the spot where the

fighting was going on. Rama was surprised to see the streams of blood.

At that very moment, Kusa and Lava, the unbeatable warriors, also came to the

place. The Vanaras who accompanied Hanuman to the field were stricken with

terror. But, Hanuman addressed the brothers and said: "Boys! The parents who

have given birth to such magnificent heroes as you are, are really blessed".

But, Kusa declared, "O Monkey! If you have no strength to meet us in battle, go

back! Don't prate". At this, Bharatha developed much anger; He shouted to his

men, "Well! Use your weapons!" When he said so, the Vanaras cast upon them

trees, rocks and mountain peaks. Lava pulverized all of them by means of a

single arrow. In a short time the forces of Rama were in complete rout. The

field was one full flood of blood. All the valiant soldiers lost their lives.

At last, even Bharatha fell

fainting.

Then, Rama came into the battle area, red with anger, at the head of a large

army; he saw the two boys and without letting arrows against them, he got them

near him and asked, "Boys! Who are your parents? Where are they living? Which

is your native land? What are your names?". In reply, Lava said, "O King! Of

what use are these inquiries? You brothers, all four of you, have the same

mannerism, I believe. Come; take up bow and arrow, and fight. Why do you bother

about parents and native place; this is no parley, preliminary to marriage

negotiations. No, this is serious business". But, Rama insisted on continuing.

He said, "Boys, your bodies are so tender. I shall not fight with you until I

know your names and your lineage."

"King. Our mother is the daughter of Emperor Janaka. The sage Valmiki is

fostering Janaki. We do not know the name of our father nor do we know the

lineage to which we belong. Our names are Kusa and Lava. We reside in the

forest", they said. Rama pretended to have discovered just then that they were

his children, and told them, "Boys! Give fight to the army which is coming

behind me". Saying this, he raised up Angada, Jambavantha, Hanuman and others

from the fainting fit into which they had fallen. He also raised Lakshmana,

Bharatha and Satrughna so that they might see the happenings of the future.

Then, he addressed the soldiers. "Men of the army. Fight, so that fame and

status might be protected and strengthened". Then, when the battle was renewed

Rama watched with immense delight the heroism of the boys with

their bows and arrows, and their superior skill and bravery.

The Vanara heroes failed to find any means to overpower the boys; so, they spoke

to one another that no one in the fourteen worlds could gain victory over them.

They could not say or do anything more. They had to keep silent.

Just then Kusa fell upon Rama. The impact forced Rama to faint and fall. Kusa

pulled down the decorative ropes and chains on the chariot and the horses of

Rama and both brothers bound Hanuman with them. They led Hanuman at the end of

the rope and took him home. They also took other Vanaras and a few bears, all

with bright coloured clothes and decorations on them. And, the sacrificial

Horse was among the possessions they paraded. With these, they approached the

mother, Janaki. They prostrated before her and offered the booty acquired as

homage to her.

Chapter 14ENDING THE PLAY

Janaki was amazed at the sight of the Vanaras and others, as well as the way in

which they were decorated and dressed up. Just then, Valmiki the Sage reached

the place, evidently overcome with anxiety. He described all that had happened

before Sita. He loosened the bonds on Hanuman, Jambavan and others and

bewailed, "Boys! What is this you have done? You have come here after felling

to the ground Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Satrughna." Sita was shocked at

this. She said, "Alas! Dear children! On account of you, the dynasty itself has

been tarnished. Don't delay further. Prepare for my sathi, that I may ascend the

same. I cannot live hereafter." Sita pleaded for quick action.

The Sage Valmiki consoled her and imparted some courage. Then, he went with Kusa

and Lava to the battlefield and he was amazed at what he saw there. He

recognized the chariot and the horses of Rama and finding Rama, he fell at his

feet. Rama rose in a trice and sat up. Kusa and Lava were standing opposite to

him. Valmiki addressed Rama thus: "Lord! My life has attained fulfillment. O,

how blessed am I!" Then, he described how Lakshmana had left Sita alone in the

forest, and how Sita lived in his hermitage, where Kusa and Lava were born. He

said, "Lord! Kusa and Lava are your sons. May the Five Elements be my witness,

I declare that Kusa and Lava are your sons." Hearing these words, Rama embraced

the boys and stroked their heads. Through the Grace of Rama, the fallen Vanaras

and warriors rose alive. Lakshmana,

Bharatha and Satrughna caressed and fondled the boys. Lakshmana hurried to where

Sita was, for, Rama directed him to find out from her what she proposed to do

about her "vow". Nearing her, Lakshmana fell at her feet. Sita was desirous of

fulfilling the "vow" if that was the wish of Rama; so, she accompanied

Lakshmana to the presence of Rama. Seeing the group she made this pronouncement

as the Truth: "O Gods! O Elements Five! I have not dwelt even in my dream on

anyone other than Rama, in mind, speech, body or deed. O Mother! Goddess Earth!

Take me into yourself". Immediately, the Earth sundered where she stood, with a

great rumbling and from the trench so formed, there arose a Divine Lion-Throne,

with the Goddess Earth seated therein. As She came to the surface, She held out

Her Hand, and lifting Janaki from the ground, She blessed her thus. "O Janaki!

>From birth until today, no day passed without your sorrowing therein. You

streamed tears always. Come in my Home, be happy". The

next second, they were both out of sight. Her glory spread over the three

worlds. This was clearly seen by Lakshmana and others.

They shed tears. Rama acted the role of a saddened person. He thought within

himself. "Janaki has gone in consonance with the inclinations of my mind. She

was always moving in accordance with the plans I had in mind. Now, we should

also proceed to our Vaikunda residence." But, to others, he appeared sad and

grieving a little. Soon, he left for the Capital City with his brothers and

sons. He performed the concluding rites of the Yaga as planned. He gave away in

charity the sixteen prescribed gifts in quantities that were beyond description.

Rama honored Emperor Janaka as befitted his status and took the sons to his

presence. He was immensely delighted when he saw his grandsons. Since Janaka

was replete with wisdom, and since he was aware through his divine insight of

the Divinity of Sita, he did not exhibit any

surprise or wonder, anxiety or worry, over what had happened; his mind was

unaffected because he knew that what had to happen had happened. His attitude

was also not affected to the slightest extent by the incidents that took place.

Janaka left for Mithila City filled with unbounded joy.

The Gurus and the Brahmins came into the presence of Rama, according to the

message sent by Him. And, they took leave of Him, happy that they were enabled

to witness the great Yaga; they returned to their homes fully content.

Thereafter, calling the sons to his side, Rama advised them about the means and

methods of administration of the empire; then he formally invested them with

the insignia of imperium. He placed the son of Bharatha, Thaksha, over the

Southern Kingdom; his second son, Pushkara, was given the Pushkara Kingdom.

They destroyed the remnants of Rakshasas that were there and established

themselves in those Kingdoms. The sons of Lakshmana, Chitrakethu and

Chitrangada, were mighty warriors, heroic fighters, veterans of wars. They were

deputed to the Western Region and destroying the Rakshasas there, they ruled

over that area. Rama invested those two with regal authority over Cities with

different names, which became their capital cities. He also gave all the sons

valuable advice on political and administrative matters.

Kusa was installed in Ayodhya and so Lava was awarded the Northern Region, the

treasure chest of riches. The City of Lavapura (modern Lahore) was fixed as his

capital City. Rama gave away cows, lands, clothes and money to the fullest to

each.

Meanwhile, the news that Rama was contemplating return to his own place came to

be known by the people of Ayodhya; they came in immense numbers to his presence

and prayed that their requests be listened to. Their request was that he too

take them to His divine Home. The Lord said that it was a right request and he

agreed to do so. He was glad at their affection and the devotion and dedication

they had towards their Lord. Lakshmana led them all.

The Kishkindha Kingdom was allotted to Angada, Sugriva, Jambavantha, Vibhishana,

Nala, Nela and other individuals embodying parts of Divinity, and billions of

Vanaras come to fulfill the Divine Mission, came to the Presence of Rama at

that time. Rama accosted them and said, "Vibhishana! You have to rule over

Lanka; you will attain my Presence in the end"; He blessed him thus. Then, He

turned to Jambavan, and told him, "Jambavan! Be on the earth till the end of

the Dwapara age. Then, incarnated as Krishna, a fight with you will happen to

me. You will then recognize me as now". He blessed him in that manner.

Then he proceeded to the bank of the Sarayu River. Bharatha walked on the right

side of Rama and Satrughna on his left. Behind him walked the ministers and the

people of the city. As they entered the waters, Bharatha merged in the Lord;

Satrughna touched the water and shone in the Lotus and merged in the Lord.

The Lord uttered a Blessing that all who come to the Holy Land of Ayodhya and

all who bathe in the sacred Sarayu can reach Him.

JAI SAI RAM

RAMA KATHA RASAVAHINI CONCLUDED

MAY THE LORD SRI RAMA AND SATHYA SAI RAMA BLESS ALL THOSE WHO HAVE READ THIS. WE

STARTED THIS STORY OF RAMA ON THE EVE OF 'RAMANAVAMI' AND CONCLUDING ON THE EVE

OF THE RETURN OF OUR DIVINE LORD SAI RAM TO BRINDAVAN.

With Sai love from Sai brothers - ''

Mail - You care about security. So do we.