RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI - PART II [CONCLUDING PART]

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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 14

ENDING 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 brother

Swamy Mahadevan