VALMIKI RAMAYANAM Uttara Kandam 

Chilukuru Venkateswarlu Ramayanam - Uttara Kandam

© Chilukuru Venkateswarlu

Year : 2014

SRI RAMAKRISHNA TAPOVANAM Chennai – 600 032, Mobile : 9884708559 Website : sriramakrishnatapovanam.org E-mail ID : [email protected]

Typesetting by : R. Anuradha Raghuram, Hyderabad. (9441186831)

(ii) Dedicated to my parents

Sri Nori Suryanarayana and Smt. Nori Seetamma 1897-1952

My father Sree Nori Suryanarayana son of Sree Nori Ramavadhani, born at Thotlavalluru. He studied from his father. He has chosen his career as a Teacher and retired as a Head Master. He was highly spiritual and initiated Mantra from his Guru Sri Kuraganti Venkata Ramana Sasti, Vemuru, Tenali. My mother Seetamma, daughter of Pisupati Vasudeva Sastri at Kaitepalli (near Repalle). They had five sons and one daughter. Their second son Sree Nori Sreenadha Venkata Somayazulu has written many books on Vedanta. Their fifth son (adopted) Chilukuru Venkateswarlu has written many Epics in Telugu and English.

- Chilukuru Venkateswarlu

(iii) BETWEEN YOU AND ME

Society is rotten and stinking – It is our duty to protect and preserve it. If our body fell sick it will not affect the society. But if the mind gets sick, the society gets rotten. Why? Mind is the mother of all desires. Even the waves in a sea might stop but the desires in a mind will not stop. Many more desires crops up even before the first one is fulfilled. When the desires did not fulfil, the man gets angry. Anger breeds hatredness. Hatredness breeds vengeance. Vengeance gives birth to violence. Such a person will resort to heinous crimes to fulfill his desires. Greed overpowers mind and encourages achieving his desires in all unrighteous ways. The greed will not die even if he is imprisoned. Why a man resorts to that? Is it due to lack of love for his own dharma and sadacharams? or does he disregards to the laws of land? Or does he lacks fear for the king (Constitution)? Or is it due to the lack of devotion to the god? In olden days people strive in gurukulams till they attain perfect knowledge. Our reveals us that and also entered in gurukulams for knowledge. Even a hundred years ago the grand parents

(iv) used to make their kids to sit on their stomachs and teach them to recite the morals from Neeti satakams like Vemana and sumati satakams . They inculcate devotion in their tender minds with stories of Prahlada and Gajendra. Thus they train their minds on Ethics on one side and devotion on god on the other side. Oh! What a great solid system that existed just before a century? Now this system is disappeared under the guise of secularism. Even grand parents do not know ethics and values of life. What can they teach to their children? On the other hand they are questioning “What gain my child benefit by learning time old morals? We want to make him an actor or a doctor etc” In this manner even the parents themselves are brain washing the child. While the Parents are dreaming the future of their children they are missing natural love and affection from their parents. As the parents are pushing their children to coaching centres and for campus selection, in turn the children also are driving their parents to old age homes when they are grown up. The undue growth of old age homes should be an eye opener to the greedy parents. Many Doctors, Layers, administrators politicians and many other professionals are being produced in the above manner and ruling the society. As a result ethical values are disappeared and jungle law prevailed. There is no protection for a common man. Possession of wealth, at any cost, is the order of the day. These are all off shoots of mental sickness. They are not visible to the doctors. Even Laws of the land also could not catch them. If one in a million is caught, he is boasting without shame that he will come out from the jail, like a cleaned pearal. Unless the mind is controlled this disease can not be cured. If mind becomes desireless it listens to sadbudhi. If it listens to sadbudhi, chittam becomes pure and associates close to antahkaranam. (In fact manassu, budhi, chittamu and Antahkaranam are all one and one and to the size of an atom, situates in hrudayam). Our society is built on Sanatana Dharma. Vedas are authority for those dharmas. The great took out the essence from Vedas and

(v) framed in the form of , sastras and puranas. Those dharmas were further simplified in the form moral poems, devotional stories and the grand parents were taught to their kids at a very infant age. Now that time old tradition disappeared. But it is not a difficult task for the almighty to put it back. In fact these thoughts are not mime. I am only an instrument, in the hands of my guru Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. Thought the society is rotten and stinking, people did not lost devotion towards God. The unending Qs of devotees at all temples is an evidence of their devotion towards God. This element of bhakti bhavana is enough to retreat the lost peace and hormoney in the society. Is not a small seed brings out a huge banian tree? Now let us came to the point. In marketing terminology the term P.O.P (Point of Purchase) occupies a significant place. Which means; normally a business man keeps many more articles useful to his customers with a view of serving him better. If a customer comes to buy an article, he buys some more articles also useful for him. In the same way T.T.D Board also providing several Savas to the Lord so as the devotees can avail a seva of their choice. For the first time I went to Tirumala to have a darshan of Lord Venkateswara in 1945. At that time a road was laid and dedicated for the service of devotees. In those days one bus used to come in the morning to Tirumala and the same bus returns to Tirupati before sunset. Devastanam used to provide us vessels freely and we used to cook our own food. Hardly there were 2 or 3 special services were there apart from dharma dersanam. Now the situation is different. Devotees are waiting in Q complex between 5 to 20 hours for darsan. Though they are confined in their comportments physically, but their minds are not confined at the lotus feet of Lord Venkateswara. Unless their mind is also made confined on god related matters, they will not get Poorna Phalam.

(vi) Keeping in view of the above, and as guided by my Gurudev I brought out 50 titles from Ramayanam, Bhagavatam, Mahabharatam etc in an abridged from not expecting 150 pages. I made an appeal to the Board of Trustees to distribute those epics freely who are all standing in Q complexes jas long as they continue the scheme of annadanam. In case the devotees develop taste in Sanatana dharmas, ethics and Sadacharams they may go for its originals and enrich their knowledge. In fact this is a divine cause. It is the duty of the god to propagate Sanatana dharma among the people. T.T.D has enough funds to for Dharma Pracharam at their command. In case they need more funds, people will stand in Q to donate for this divine cause. That is why Mahatma Gandhi advised “Choose the right cause, means follow”. Human mind is like a balance with two pans. As they enrich purity of their mind by reciting these epics, the worldly desires, greed and other impure qualities will disappear. In other words the society which is on the verge of rotting will comeback and start practicing its time old Sanatna dharmas. As instructed by my Gurudev I ventured to put this proposal before the learned T.T.D managing committee. Rest Lord Venkateswara will take care.

- CHILUKURU VENKATESWARLU

(vii) Preface Valmiki occupies a significant place in Indian Literature. It is also popularly known as “Adikavyamu” the first poetical composition. Valmiki has created many great characters which are of great respectability, endowed with nobility and dignity. Of all the characters Rama’s character alone is considered as the most prominent, since maharishi took every care in depicting its authority, excellence and abundance. Maharishi has depicted Rama’s character with sixteen excellent qualities. Even upanishads praised Rama as an embodiment of Dharma, Lord , as a highest supreme being. In Ramayana dharmas were significantly introduced to achieve peace, harmony and happiness in life that an ordinary man needs. Maharishi said from the mouth of Mareecha, a , as “RAMA VIGRAHAVAN DHARMAHA” (Embodiment of Dharma). Thereby maharishi advocated to mankind to cultivate the qualities of Rama and not that of . Thus maharishi has created a great epic and infused various dharmas on various occasions encouraging the path of Bakthi, Gnana, Karma to pursue the enumerated values of life which are the principal objects of a man are depicted in Rama’s character. Many learned people viewed Ramayana in different perspectives. Some viewed it as Tatvagnanamu. Some viewed as Knowledge of Mantra Sastramu. Some say it as a holy epic for recital. However it is an encyclopedia for manifestation of life. It is a treasure of dharmas for all times. Thus it has the universal acceptance. There is a controversy in determining the period of Rama’s life time. Puranas says that there are thirty kalpas. The first among them is Swetha kalpa. In that kalpa, Vyvaswatamanmantra was the tenth. In that manmantra Rama was born at the end of twenty forth mahayuga, and in the last leg of tretayuga. In Vishnu purana it is said that there will be one vyasa in each yuga and where as in twenty forth mahayuga Valmiki him self was vyasa. This version was supported by Hora darpanam and Koorma-puranam. It is said in puranam that Kaikasi had three sons and a daughter. They were Ravana, , Vibeshana and

(viii) Surpanakha. It was also said in that Vayu purna that Ravana will be killed by Rama after extinction all his religious excellence. This substantiates that Rama was born in twenty fourth mahayuga and Valmiki has written this epic during the life time of Rama. According to Vishnu dharmothara purana, Markandaya maharishi tells the story of Rama to King Vraja. Therefore it is inferred that Rama was born and killed Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Kusa were born in Valmiki ashrama and subsequently Valmiki has written Ramayana, Lava, Kusa read out Ramayana to Rama and others. So it is believed that Valmiki has written the epic Ramayana during the life time of Rama. Valmiki Maharishi : There are several versions about Valmiki maharishis are in prevalence. Retnakar a spoilt brahmin made friendship with barbarians in the forest and torturing people who were passing through the forest. One day Narada maharishi happened to pass in that way. Took pity on him and initiated a mantra and advised Penance. While he was meditating with utmost devotion, went in to an unconscious state. In course of time ant hill developed over him. After several years again Narada maharishi passed that way and noticed the advanced state of Ratnakar’s devotion. He pitied on him and prayed to pore a heavy rain so as to melt away the anthill. Since Ratnakar continued his penance inside the anthill he named him as Valmiki (in Sanskrit ‘Valmikam’ means an anthill. So he was named Valmiki.) After melting the anthill, maharishi provoked Retnakar to write the story of Rama. However there is no relevant authority for this version of story. Skanda purana narrates a story like this. “long ago there lived a brahmin by name Sumati belonging to Bhrugu family. His wife is Kausiki. They had a son by name Sarma. Sumati tried to teach Vedas to his son. But he did not show any interest in learning Vedas. However Sumati married to his son as he attained youth. After some years there was an acute famine prevailed in the country. As such, Sumati could not sustain his family. So he migrated to the forest, built a hermitage and started living. In course of time Agni Sarma developed friendship with a group of robbers. He used to support the family by robbing the people passing through the forest. Agni Sarma has become a spoilt brahmin. Did not learn Vedas. Now he has chosen a profession harassing and torturing people. One day a

(ix) group of maharishis happened to travel that way and they fell in the eyes of Agni Sarma and he wanted to kill them to rob their belongings. Among the maharishis a great saint Atri was also with them. He took pity on Agni Sarma and asked him “Oh Agni Sarma! You want to kill and take away our belongings, we have not done any harm to you. Is it not a sin to kill others and rob them? Having done such a crimes to whom you are going to give those belongings?” Agni Sarma replied “that I will protect my father, mother and wife”. On hearing Agni Sarma’s reply, Atri Maharishi again asked him “your people are enjoying the fruits of your loot. Will they share in your sins also? Go home and ascertain from them. We shall wait till you come.” Agni Sarma went home and said to his father, mother, wife “I am robbing the people and protecting you all these years, tell me will you share my sins?” for which they all said “you have a responsibility of protecting father, mother, wife and children. We are not to bother how you earned it. So we will not share in your sins.” Agni Sarma went back and told Atri maharishi what his people said to him. He has repented for all his past sinful acts. Other maharishis also requested Atri maharishi to shower his kindness on Agni Sarma. Atri maharishi took pity on him. Then Atri initiated a Dhanya sloka to Agni Sarma coupled with a mantra which will eradicate all the sins. Maharishi instructed Agnisarma to sit under this tree and commence tapasya immediately and you will achieve salvation. All those maharishis went away on their pilgrimage and returned after thirteen years. On their return journey they happened to pass that way. They saw an anthill at the place where they suggested Agni Sarma to do penance. With their divine sight they understood that Agni Sarma was continuing his penance without any body consciousness. So an ant hill developed over him. They removed the anthill and saw Agni Sarma as a skeleton. There was nothing in his body except bones and skin. Atri maharishi woke him up and had a divine touch with his hands. He opened his eyes and saw maharishis with the brilliance of . Immediately he prostrated at their feet and said “Oh maharishis! With your kind grace, I had the true wisdom and all my sins were disappeared.” Atri maharishi said “oh Agni Sarma! With our initiation you have realized the knowledge of

(x) soul. With that all your sins evaporated and you became pure. While you were doing tapasya without body consciousness, Valmikams developed over you. Since you continued your tapasya from inside the anthill without consciousness, from now onwards you will be known as ‘Valmiki’. All maharishis blessed and went on their way. By the grace of God, man will secure a guru. With the grace of a guru, he will get divinity. Though Agni Sarma was a part of Brahma by birth, he became spoilt in association with sinners. For some time due to the fruits of evil karmas of his previous birth, and lived in the path of troubling people. After annihilation of evil karmas, he became a maharishi. Afterwards he built a hermitage at Kusastali on the banks of river Tamasa and worshipped lord Siva. He learnt the story of Rama from Narada. Brahma himself appeared before him and said under his instructions Saraswathi, the goddess of learning, caused him to speak and pronounced the sloka through his mouth. Brahma further said to him, know it well that Rama is an incarnation of Sri Maha Vishnu and instructed to write the story of Rama. In a way he had the blessings of all the trimurthis and completed the epic of Ramayana. The epic consists of twenty four thousand slokas, hundred episodes and five hundred sargas are divided in to seven chapters. Maharishi advocated the non duality of , Kesava wherever a context raised. In Yudha kanda maharishi says from the mouth of Rama “Shiva alone possessed the treasure of archery and again I held it”. Ramayana was popularly known as ‘Adikavyam’, the first poetical composition. Since then there exists no other epic in this world literature. That is why it is popularly known as adikavyam. What we are talking about revolutionized changes such as “Fraternity of mankind”, World citizenship, human dignity. Concern for society and nationalism are appears in Ramayana every now and then. Many people adopted Ramayana as an epic for parayanam. Some believe it preaches the knowledge of Siva. Appaiya dekshitulu has described it as a glory of Siva. Vaishnavas believe it as an authority for the followers of qualified non dualistic and preaches them the way of worldly life.

(xi) Valmiki maharishi depicted Rama as an ordinary human being till the end. In other words he himself must have instructed “his own illusion to surround him”. By that he could practice the superior qualities to preach to the world such as devotion to mother, father, guru, husband, love to brothers, to protect those who seek refuge and truthfulness. That is why people will not get tired in reading Ramayana again and again. In yudha kanda after killing Ravana all devatas came and said to him “you are no other than Sri Maha Vishnu” he replied to them innocently “I am Rama, son of Dasaratha.” In the same way some maharishis also recognized him as Sri Maha Vishnu in bala kanda to yudha kandam. But he believed himself as an ordinary human being. Thereby not only practices dharma, but also made others also to follow him. Ramayana teaches us the sanctity of matrimonial relationship and reveals how ancient it is. When Rama broke the bow of Siva, requests him to marry his daughter, . But he refused to marry her unless his father approves it. While Rama was going to forest, his mother asks Rama to take her to forest as a cow follows its calf. On that occasion while consoling her he advises her “a chaste wife should always attain salvation by serving her husband”. Similarly Valmiki maharishi depicted Manadodari’s character as a chaste and pure woman. Therefore Ramayana teaches us that love is the most powerful factor in fastening people. Those who can not love will not hesitate to do any heinous and cruel acts. So we will have to protect the institution of marriage and its purity with utmost care. The evil affects were depicted in the episode of . and his ministers strongly believed that Vali was dead. So he married Vail’s wife with her acceptance. Though it was an accepted practice in , could not digest it. He has expressed his anguish to Hanuma on the shores of southern sea. Valmiki maharishi has depicted many good customs in various occasions in Ramayana. Such as, love to parents, guru and brother. Then only they can become role models to the younger generations. So parents are to teach such good traditions to their children. Otherwise the institution of family system will collapse.

(xii) Sense organs desire comforts. Those comforts can be provided only with the help of money. But the earning of money should not exceed its limits. If it exceeds it will produce adverse results. In Ramayana, we will observe that Rama, and Baratha valued wealth like a blade of grass. Thereby they occupied most glorious positions. expresses her doubt about the sincerity of Rama going to the forest. Then Rama said “Mother! My goal is to live in a righteous path and lead people in that path. So I give priority only to dharma. Ardha and Kama are not my priority. I will lead a muni life in forest.” Rama clearly spelled out his intentions “only those who do not give importance alone will be real munis”. Lakshmana doubts Baratha when he went to Mt.Chitrakuta with an army. Rama said to Lakshmana. “Brother! The wealth (kingdom) that comes by killing near and dear is like a food mixed with poison. I will not even touch such food.” These words of Rama reveals how liberated he was on Ardha and kama. Ravana and others considered Ardha and Kama are the highest goals in life, so they were all destroyed. Even in these days also, we find people are living with attitude are giving prominence for lust and wealth. Ramayana will certainly help such people in leading a life of comfort and peace. Because the episode of Rama and Baratha will be an eye opener to them. Both brothers refused to accept the kingdom to up keep dharma and did not give priority for Ardha and Kama. Though King Dasaratha and family were blessed with royal comforts they all underwent physical and mental pressures. Sita says to Hanuma “god will tie a rope around the neck of men and drag some times in to heavenly comforts and some times in to terrific miseries.” Today men are becoming mentally week. They are not able to withstand even the slightest grief and resorting either to commit a murder or committing suicide. If we analyze we will find Ardha and Kama are the main reason and at the same time people are ignorant of spiritual values. As such they could not pursue goal of perfection. World is not a bed of roses. This universal fact is to be understood by all and thus to cultivate the strength of resistance by spiritual practice, by reciting the morals and dharmas preached by eminent maharishis like

(xiii) Valmiki, who depicted Dasaratha’s family for the benefit of mankind of all times. Recital of Ramayana will certainly helps in strengthening forbearance. It is defined by our elders that harassing others is a sin and helping others is punya. So in this kaliyuga we need hot have to perform big religious karmas like yagnas. It is enough if we resolve to do good to others in our day to day activities. For which Hanuma himself a living example in Ramayana. We will not see such a high ranked personality. We do not find such a person in all the three worlds and at all times. One has to learn from him, his way of action, his words, self reliance, courage and faith. Look how exemplary is he? ”If we can withstand boldly with out any alarm, progress will come automatically. All comforts can be achieved only through progress. Unless we are alive we can not see any good. What do any one achieve by death?” by reciting Ramayana regularly we will come across many instructions like this. These instructions are universal and for all times. When Baratha went to Mt.Chitrakootam pleading Rama to rule , Rama not only politely declined his request but also advised Baratha the following precautions to become a popular ruler: Are you driving away the sinister, thieves, wicked and atheist persons from the country? This will enable you to induce traditional customs to the people. Are you keeping a close watch on the judgments pronounced by your ministers? Sometimes false allegations will be made on the most superior and righteous persons will be punished. You make a note if such a pious person’s tears fell on the ground, those tears will destroy the king, his children, his cattle and wealth. Are the river waters are put to optimum utilization for agriculture? Are you taking all such precautions for the growth of agriculture? Does the people are obeying the laws enacted by you? Do you notice any contempt of your orders? Are you enacting any anti-people laws? Are you imposing reasonable taxes or not? Did the revenue collected is spent for the benefit of the people? That means on

(xiv) development and welfare measures in right proportions? Are you taking precautions to avoid deficit financing? Are you keeping sufficient reserves in your treasury? Are you punishing innocent? Are the criminals let off unpunished? Are you keeping an eye on cow protection and increasing the cattle wealth? From this we can understand that how able and popular administrator Rama is. This piece of advice is not only instructed to Baratha but rules of all times and all ages. From the above questions he not only proved to be an able administrator, politician but also reveals as a prudent king. Rama’s rule was praised as ‘Ramarajyam’ not only because of the welfare measures but for practicing all dharmas as dictated by Vedas.

Chilukuru Venkateswarlu

(xv)

Uttara Kandam 1. The arrival of Maharishis: After Rama was coroneted and ruling Ayodhya, many maharishis came to congratulate him. From the east came Koushika and others. From the south, came Agasthya and others. From the west, came Dhaumya and others and from the north came Vasista and others. They are all equal to Agni in their splendor. Rama worshipped them with traditional honours. Darbha grass was spread on the floor and purified deer skin was placed over it. Rama requested maharishis to take their seats. Maharishis: Rama! You killed Ravana who harassed all the worlds. You killed the most ferocious and hefty Kumbhakarna. His sons were as ferocious as their father. Finally the most thrilling fight was with Indrajeet. From now onwards maharishis and Brahmin communities can continue their tapasya, yagnas and homas with out any fear. Rama: Maharishis! Why are you giving more importance to the valour of Indrajeet than Ravana and Kumbhakarna? Is Indrajeet was more powerful than Ravana and Kumbhakarna? If so what is the reason? How come that Indrajeet had so much of strength to defeat even Indra? 2. The episode of Pulastya’s birth: Agasthya: Rama! Indrajeet defeated Indra several times and never returned without a victory. I will tell about his valour and strength. Before that, I will tell you about the

Uttara Kandam 1 birth of Ravana. In Krutayuga, Brahma created ten prajapathis to rule the earth. Pulastya was one among the ten. He was a Brahmarishi; he was equal to his father, Brahma, in all respects. He went to Trunabindu’s tapovana to perform tapasya on Mt.Meru and built a cottage. The nature on Mt.Meru was so healthy, and beautiful to perform tapasya. Young girls of munis, nagas, raja rishis and used to play, sing and dance in and around those tapovanas. One day these girls disturbed pulastya and unexpectedly a curse like words came from his mouth ‘whom ever caught in my eyes, she will become pregnant’. All the girls were afraid of the curse of Pulastya and stopped playing in his tapovana. But the innocent girl, the daughter of Trunabindu, went in search of her playmates to Pualstya’s ashrama and caught the eyes of Pulastya. Immediately remarkable changes took place in her body and had the symptoms of pregnancy. She went running to her father and cried. Trunabindu was shocked to look at the agony of his daughter and understood that his daughter became pregnant by pulastya maharshi. He went to him and said “Pulastya maharishi! This girl is my daughter. She is a girl of immaculate character and mild by nature. By the providence of god, she had become yours. She will be obedient and serve you as per your needs. So you please accept her.’’ Pulastya heard the words of Trunabindu and accepted the young girl as his wife. Then Trunabindu left his daughter with Pulastya and returned to his ashrama. From then onwards the girl was serving Pulastya and kept him happy. One day Pulastya said to his wife; “My dear! I am pleased with your character and services. I am blessing you a son. That son would be as great tapasvi as me. Since that

2 Srimadhramayanam boy was formed in you while you were listening to Vedas, he would be popularly known as Visravasu. The girl was happy at the kindness of her husband. After some time she delivered a boy. Pulastya named him as Visravasu, who also became a great tapasvi. 3. The episode of Visravasu, Vyshravana: Visravasu had became a great tapasvi like his father. He was applauded by all munis and divine communities for his religious observation, good qualities, character and devotion in learning Vedas. He had control on senses and followed muni dharma. With his good qualities Barathwaja maharishi gave his daughter in marriage to him. Visravasu had a glorious son. He was astonished at the good qualities of his son who was yet to be born. As soon as the boy was born, his grandfather was pleased at the boy and said, “He will become dhanadhipati for all worlds.” He named the child as Vysharavana. All devatas, maharishis and muni communities blessed the child with longevity and glory. In course of time the boy exceeded Agni in splendour. He made a severe penance, by meditating on Brahma without taking food for over thousand years. Brahma was pleased with his tapasya and appeared before him with Indra and other divine communities. Brahma: My son! I am pleased with your tapasya. Ask for a boon. Vysharavana: Brahma! I want to become one of the rulers of the worlds; make me as dhanadhipati. Brahma: So be it. My son! already there are Indra, and ruling the worlds. From now on you become fourth ruler as dhanadhipati. I am awarding you divinity and also Pushpaka Vimanam to discharge your duties.

Uttara Kandam 3 Then Vysharavana went to his father Visravasu and said to him: Vyshravana: Father! Brahma made me one of the ruler of all worlds, but he did not gave me any place for my living. You show me a place to live. Visravasu: My son! In the middle of southern seas, there is a mountain called Trikuta. On that Mt.Trikuta there is a beautiful city already existing which is equalant to Indra’s Amaravathi. Boundary walls were built with huge gates. Inside the compound wall, wide barracks were built and huge machineries were erected for the manufacture of weapons. In those barracks, strong military force were also stationed for security. The rakshasas living on that Mt.Trikuta ran away to Patala for fear of Lord Vishnu. At present nobody is living there. You go and stay in that city.’’ Vysharavana went to Mt.Trikuta and occupied the city of and made it as his place of living. After he went and settled millions of rakshasas came from Patala and lived with his permission. From then onwards Lanka has become a suitable place by rakshasas and they stayed under the rule of Vyshravana. 4. Rakshasa dynasties: Rama: maharishi! How Lanka happened to be the place for rakshasas? I am under the impression that the origin of rakshasas was from Pulastya’s. Are there any other dynasties also? If so are they stronger than Ravana, Kumbhakarna and etc. If so, what were their origins? Why they were driven away by Lord Vishnu? Tell me. Agastya: Rama! Brahma first created water. To protect water, he created creatures. All those creatures have

4 Srimadhramayanam become weak due to shortage of food. However all those creatures went to Brahma, and said “what are our duties?”. Then Brahma asked them to protect waters. He also provided enough strength for them. On hearing Brahma’s words, some of them said, “We obey your orders”, the other creatures said, “We wish to do tapasya”. Those creatures who said, ‘we will protect’ were became rakshasas. Similarly the creatures who said, ‘we will worship’ were became . ‘‘Among rakshasas there were two brothers, they were Heti and Praheti. They were as strong as Madhu and Kaitabhu. Among them Praheti was the most righteous rakshasa. He went to forests to perform tapasya. Heti married the sister of Lord Yama by name ‘Fear’. To justify the name, she became ferocious. Heti, the leader of rakshasas, had a son by name Vidyutkeshu. He was as splendorous as sun. He married his son with Salakatankata’, daughter of Sandhya. They wandered freely in all worlds and enjoyed. After some time Salakatankata became pregnant. She did not like the pregnancy. She delivered the child and left on Mt.Mandra and went back to her husband. ‘‘On that mountain, the child cried with hunger. Lord Siva and Parvathi were passing that way and heard the cry. They took pity on the child and brought him up . That boy was named as Sukeshu and made him divine. He travelled all worlds by a Vimanam (Kaalagnanam). 5. The Dynasty of Sukeshu: Though Sukeshu was a rakshasa by birth, he lived as a righteous rakshasa,. Gramani a gandarva gave his daughter Devavathi in marriage to him. In beauty and prettiness she was as radiant as goddess . After some time Sukeshu

Uttara Kandam 5 had three sons. They were as splendorous as Tretagnis. Sukeshu named them as Malyavantha, Sumali and Mali. They were as powerful as three Sakthi’s (Prabhu Sakthi, mantra Sakthi, utsaha Sakthi). They were as ferocious as the terrific diseases viz. vata, pitta, sleshama. They made severe tapasya and obtained boons from Lord Siva. All worlds trembled with the severity of their tapasya. ‘‘Brahma, Indra and other divine communities appeared and asked ‘What do you want?’ They said Brahma! We should possess the strength to destroy all our enemies. No one should be superior to us. We should have immortality. We three brothers “should not fight among onwards Brahma said “so it be” and disappeared. In course of time, they became arrogant with the strength of their boons and tortured all creatures including suras, , rishis, charunas. One day those brothers went to the great architect and said. Eldest Brother: Viswakarma! You build for us a beautiful city. You build it on mt.Mandra. It should be as big and beautiful as lord Siva’s abode.’’ Vishvakarma: “Oh rakshasa Kings! On the shores of southern sea there are two mountains, Trikuta and Suvela. The Peaks of those two mountains are touching the clouds. The slopes of those mountains are as sharp as dagger. Even the birds cannot fly over the slopes and reach the mountain. On those peaks I built a city by name Lanka as instructed by Lord Siva. It is thirty yojanas wide and hundred yojanas in length. All the four gates were made of gold and it cannot be conquered by any one. So it is ready to occupy. You can occupy Lanka.’’ On hearing Vishvakarma’s words, the three brothers took several million rakshasas with them and settled in

6 Srimadhramayanam Lanka. A Gandarva woman by name Narmada had three daughters. Of these three, Sundari married Malyavantha; Ketumathi married Sumali and Vasudha married Mali. They were all living happily in Lanka. Rama! Malyavantha had six sons and one daughter by Sundari. Sumali had seven sons and three daughters by Ketamathi. For Mali, four sons by Vasudha. Mali’s sons became the ministers of Vibeshana. The three brothers tortured devas, asuras and others in all worlds. They spoiled yagnas and homas killed Brahmins and tapavis. Devatas went with rishis and prayed Lord Vishnu for protection. 6. Devatas seek protection from Lord Vishnu: Devatas and Rishis: “Oh Prabhu! The sons of Sukeshu are spoiling our yagnas and torturing us . They are driving away devatas from heaven. Mali declared himself as Vishnu, Sumali declared that he is Rudra, Malyavantha declared that he is Brahma. They all boast that Indra, Varuna, sun, moon, and Yama are all their servants. With their arrogance, they turmoiled creation. You save us by punishing rakshasas. We seek your protection.’’ Lord Vishnu: “Devatas! I am aware of the atrocities of those rakshasas. They became arrogant with the boons from Lord Siva. I will kill them at an opportune time. You all go to your places”. Malyavantha came to know the assurance given by Vishnu and said to his brothers: Malyavantha: “Brothers! Vishnu gave an assurance to devatas. Sooner or later he tries to kill us. Vishnu is not an ordinary person. He has killed the most valorous rakshasas like Hiranyakasipa, Namuchi and many others. Those rakshasas had also performed tapasya, yagnas and acquired

Uttara Kandam 7 many boons from Lord Siva. They were also good in sorcery and superior archeries. In spite of that Vishnu killed them all. Since Vishnu has given protection for devatas, we should be careful.’’ Mali: Brother! We did vedadhyanam and studied sastras. We gave many gifts to pandits. We performed yagnas. We had the boons of immortality and we are free from diseases. We are ruling a big empire without any enemy. We are all righteous and on the path of dharma. Several times we won devatas with strength of and ruling valour. Lanka is in the middle of sea, therefore it is impossible for any one to conquer us. More than any thing we are immortals. To whom, we are to afraid of? Is it for Vishnu? or Rudra? or Indra? None of these devatas can kill us. ‘‘We have no enemity with Vishnu. With out any provocation will Vishnu comes to kill us? Vishnu is judicious and reasonable. These devatas must have complained on us. So it is better to kill all those devatas who complained on us instead of fighting Vishnu.’’ Thus the rakshasas went to heaven on an expedition . With the strength of boons and their enthusiasm on war, rakshasas failed to understand that they were unwittingly becoming victims at the hands of fate. Brahma went to Lord Vishnu with all devatas and prayed for protection from rakshasas. Vishnu appeared and said, “Brahma! I am assuring you my protection. You give a good fight and I am also coming to kill them. 7. Lord Vishnu kills rakshasas: Rakshasas! rained astras on Vishnu and they all dropped, like rain from a mountain, before they reach him.

8 Srimadhramayanam Rakshasas appeared like locusts dashing against flames. Rakshasas riding on chariots, elephants, horses with infantry and rained powerful arrows on devatas and vishnu. Vishnu blew his conch ‘Panchajanya’. All the three worlds were frightened by its sound. Then he took his bow ‘Saargajanya’ and released several arrows. Each arrow killed several. Elephants horses and soldiers. After destroying rakshasas, Vishnu blew his conch and made a big roar which resembled a lion’s yell. By the sounds of it, many rakshasas were dead; surviving rakshasas ran to safety. ‘‘At that time Sumali attacked Vishnu with a big army. The arrows from both sides covered the sky as fog covered the sunrays. Sumali made a big simhanadam. Vishnu set one arrow at the charioteer of Sumali and killed him. As the charioteer was dead, the horses lost control and ran to far away places. ‘‘After Sumali withdrawn from the battlefield, Mali fought with Vishnu. He rained several astras on Vishnu, some pierced on Vishnu’s chest and wounded him. 8. Rakshasas ran away to Rasatala: While Vishnu was killing rakshasas, Malyavantha came back to attack Vishnu and said: Malyavantha: “Oh Vishnu! You are fighting against the ethics of Kshatriya dharma. You are killing rakshasas while my soldiers were fleeing for their life. By this unethical fight, you will not be eligible for superior lokas.’’ Vishnu: “Oh rakshasa! You were killing unarmed taposvis and Brahmins. They asked for my protection. I promised them that I would kill all of you and protect dharma. I will not be complacent without fulfilling my

Uttara Kandam 9 promise to them. I will not spare even if you hide in Rasatala.’’ ‘‘Rama! In this manner rakshasas fought several times with Vishnu and could not defeat him. Malyavantha and his brothers ran away with their families, and settled in Rasatala. alone stayed back in Lanka with his followers. ‘‘Sumali, Malyavantha, Mali and others are more valorous than Ravana. Except Vishnu, none of the devatas could win those rakshasas. Thus you are none other than Vishnu himself. You are eternal, indestructible, all pervading and omniscient. You are born only to kill cruel rakshasas. You stay on earth, reestablish dharma and protect sadacharams. You are the benefactor of all creatures. “Rama! I told you the origin of rakshasas. Now I will tell you the history of Ravana and others. 9. The birth of Ravana and others: After some time Sumali went several times to Lanka. One day Kubera went to see his father Pulastyu in Pushpaka vimanam. He was lustrous since he was blessed with divinity. Sumali too wanted to become as prosperous as Kubera (Vysravarna). He said to his daughter Kaikasi. Sumali: “Daughter! You attained youth. I am unable to find a suitable bridegroom in our community; The glory of any family will enhance based on good conduct of his daughter. ‘‘Daughter! You marry the great tapasvi Visravasu. He is the son of Pulasty; one of the ten prajapathi’s created by Brahma. If you marry him you will have children as prosperous as Kubera.’’

10 Srimadhramayanam Kaikasi agreed to her father’s advice and went to Visravasu’s ashrama and stood before him looking at her feet while he was worshipping Agni . Visravasu looked at her beauty and prettiness. Her waist was as small as her fist. Looking at Kaikasi Visravasu said, “Oh pretty girl! Who are you? Whose daughter are you? What brought you here?” Kaikasi: “Oh righteous Brahmarishi! My name is Kaikasi. My father’s name is Sumali, You know what I have in my mind.’’ Visravasu: “Oh fortunate girl! I understand you are expecting sons from me. You came to me in the most inauspicious time to have children. Children who are born at this time, would become horrible in form and cruel in nature. In short they will become rakshasas.’’ Kaikasi: “Oh righteous maharishi! I came here to have sons as righteous as you are. I want that my children should become Brahma Gnanis like you. So you bless me.’’ Visravasu: “Kaikasi! You desired children from me on an inauspicious time remembering your father. The sprout has already been formed you. That cannot be rewritten. However your last son alone will become a righteous person and belong to my family.’’ After some time, Kaikasi delivered horrible and cruel sons. The eldest son had ten heads on his shoulder with long teeth on either side. He had twenty hands and black hair and looked like a dark cloud. At the time of his birth, all cruel animals spat fire and circled anticlockwise. Blood rained from the sky. Sunlight became dim. Visravasu named him as ‘dasagriva’ (Ravana). The second son she delivered was Kumbhakarna with an unusually hefty body. There was none equal to his heftiness. After Kumbhakarna, a girl was born

Uttara Kandam 11 by name Surpanakha. She was as ugly as Ravana and Kumbhakarna. The last son was , a righteous person. At the time of his birth devatas rained flowers on him. All the children of Kaikasi were living in that tapovana right from their birth and were engaged in cruel acts. Ravana and Kumbhakarna used to kill maharishis and eat. Not satisfied with that, they wandered all the three worlds and killed many people. Vibhishana right from his childhood learnt Vedas served guru. He not only remained vegetarian but also had a limit on his diet. He gained control on senses. Thus he led a muni life. One day Kubera came to see his father on Pushpaka Vimana. Kaikasi became jealous looking at the radiance and glory of her step son Kubera. she called Ravana, Kumbhakarna and said: Kaikasi: My sons! Are you looking at the glory of your step brother Kubera? Look at him, how splendorous he is?. In fact, both of you are cousins only. But there is a vast difference in your fortune and luster. Hence you have to work hard to become as glorious as Kubera. Ravana: Mother! I will not only become as big as Kubera but also I will become greater than him. I will do tapasya and achieve all your expectations. Ravana went to Gokarna with his brothers, built a cottage and did a severe tapasya. All the three brothers meditated on Brahma. 10. Ravana and others receive boons from Brahma Rama: Agasthya maharishi! What type of tapasya did they perform? What type of boons they secured? Agasthya: ‘‘Rama! Ravana and Kumbhakarna followed all dharmas of tapasya and did severe tapasya i.e. In

12 Srimadhramayanam summer, they sat in the middle of Panchaagnis in rainy season, they stood in open sky. During winter, they stood in a river water up to their neck and did tapasya for many years. ‘‘Ravana did tapasya with out taking any food. For ten thousand years. After each thousand years, he cut one of his head and offered it in homa. In this manner he offered nine heads as an oblation in homa. At the end he was about to cut his tenth head also to offer in homa. At that time Brahma appeared and said.’’ Brahma: ‘‘ Ravana! I am pleased with your relentless tapasya and offerings. Tell me what do you want!’’ Ravana: ‘‘ Worshipful Brahma! Normally people are afraid of their death. You bless me immortality.’’ Brahma: ‘‘Ravana! Every thing that is created has to be perished one day or other. it is impossible for any one to escape or avoid from death. So you ask for any other boon.’’ Ravana: ‘‘Prajapathi! You bless me immortality from birds, nagas, Yakshas, daithyas, danavas, rakshasas, devatas except human beings. I can protect myself with my own strength from humans and other beings. Rest are like a blade of grass for me.’’ Brahma: ‘‘So be it. Oh superior of rakshasa! I am pleased with your devotion and I am giving back all your nine heads. From today onwards, I am also blessing you to take any form you like’’ Vibheshana did his tapasya standing on one leg for five thousand years looking at sun. With folded hands, meditating on Brahma. Brahma: ‘‘Vibheshana! I am pleased with your tapasya. What do you want from me?’’

Uttara Kandam 13 Vibeshana: ‘‘Brahma! You bless me to keep my mind firmly fixed on dharma. Whatever difficult situation I may be placed. Whatever ashrama I may be placed, let my mind be fixed on dharma. Bless me strength to follow such dharma. You bless me Brahmastra.’’ Brahma: ‘‘Vibeshana! you will become a righteous person as you desired. Though you are born as a rakshasa, your mind will always be fixed on dharma and I am also blessing you a long life.’’ All devata communities witnessed from the sky blessed Vibeshana for his righteous desire. They all requested Brahma not to give boons to Kumbhakarna, because of his crud nature. Brahma understood the mind of devatas and asked Saraswathi “! You enter Kumbhakarna and make him speak as desired by devatas.” Immediately goddess Saraswathi entered Kumbhakarna and stood on his tongue. Immediately Brahma asked Kumbhakarna “What do you want?” Kumbhakarna wanted to seek a boon of “nirdaya” (cruelty) before he expressed his desire, Saraswathi stood on his tongue and made him to ask for “Nidra” (sleep). Immediately Brahma said “so be it” and disappeared. With him Saraswathi also disappeared. Kumbhakarna realized the great damage done to his hard tapasya. He presumed it must be a conspiracy of devatas. 11. Ravana invades Lanka: Sumali came to know that Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Vibeshana had several boons from Brahma. So he came out from Rasatala to the earth. Along with Sumali, Mareecha, Prahasta, Virupaksha, Mahodara and other ministers with enthusiasm. They went to Ravana and said. Sumali: ‘‘Ravana! You acquired many boons. All our rakshasa communities are hiding in Rasatala for fear of

14 Srimadhramayanam Vishnu. Now since you have become a strong man among rakshasas, we all go back to our Lanka. You employ any one of the four upayas) which are usually enumerated for winning an enemy viz. sama, bheda, dana, danda; to drive away Kubera from Lanka. You conquer Lanka and rule rakshasas from there. We become your faithful and loyal servants. You rejuvenate the dynasty of rakshasas.’’ Ravana: ‘‘Pitamaha! Kubera is my elder brother and a glorious person. It is not fair on your part to develop a rift between us. Sumali understood the mind of Ravana and kept quiet for the time being. After some time Prahasta went to Ravana and said. Prahasta: ‘‘ Ravana! You are a great, brave and courageous rakshasa. Besides your bravery you have many boons from Brahma. The sentiments expressed to Sumali were not befitting to a valorous hero like you. A valorous person always depends on his valour and not on sentiments. To that matter Diti and are also sisters. They were so affectionate to each other. They both were the wives of Kasyapa maharishi. Aditi gave birth to devatas. Diti gave birth to daithyas. You know all dharmas. You read Vedas and sastras. You are aware the entire earth including the sea and mountains belongs to daithyas. But Vishnu with his bravery and tact defeated daithyas in a battle. He gifted all the three worlds to devatas. So the enemity between brothers did not starts with you. The old enemity continues. So you listen to my advice and pocess Lanka.’’ Ravana was convinced with the worlds of Prahasta and also the logic behind it. He said to Prahasta that he would drive away Kubera from Lanka. On the same day, Ravana

Uttara Kandam 15 and other rakshasas entered Lanka and stationed in Mt.Trikuta. He said to Prahasta: Ravana: ‘‘Prahasta! You go to Kubera as my messenger and tell him as my words. ‘Kubera! This Lanka belongs to rakshasas. You occupied in our land. Sinless people like you will not do such unrighteous acts. So it is not fair on your part to encroach our land. Oh valorous Kubera! You give back Lanka to us and make us happy.’ Prahasta! You tell these words in a most pleasing.’’ Prahasta went to Kubera and said, Prahasta: ‘‘Oh Sinless! Oh great principled person! Oh superior among the archers! You are the controller of finance of all the worlds. I am deputed by your brother Ravana. I am telling what Ravana wanted me to tell, kindly listen; ‘this great city of lanka was under the rule of rakshasas. You are also aware that Sumali was ruling it. So you leave this city to rakshasas and leave.” Kubera: ‘‘Prahasta! My father has given me this city. No rakshasas was living at that time. The entire city was in a dilapidated condition. I cleaned and made them habitable. You go and tell my brother as my words. ‘Brother! This city and the kingdom belong to you only. There is no need to have a partition of this kingdom. You come down, and settle here, we both can live together.” Immediately kubera went to his father and said, “Father! Ravana came and asked me to vacate the city for rakshasas. He sent Prahasta as his messenger. you instruct me what I should do.” Visravasu: ‘‘My son! That wicked Ravana had come to me also. I told him in several ways not to disturb kubera.

16 Srimadhramayanam I also told him if he don’t listen to my advice, It will brings you great disaster”. Ravana became arrogant because of his boons. He ignored dharma and became proud of his vigour. He was not in a position to see the difference between good and bad. So you leave Lanka and settle in Mt.Kailash with your people. There the divine river Mandakini is also flowing. Many Devatas, Gandarvas nagas, kinnaras, apsaras and many divine communities come there with their wives. Don’t develop enemity with that wicked and cruel Ravana’’ As advised by his father, Kubera went to Mt.Kailash, settled there with his people. Prahasta was happy with the decision taken by Kubera. He went to Ravana and said. “Ravana! Kubera and his people vacated Lanka and settled down in Mt.Kailash. Now the city is vacant. You can go and occupy.” Ravana happily entered Lanka which is as beautiful as Amaravathi. 12. The marriage of Ravana: Ravana was coroneted as the king of Lanka and stayed with his brothers and sister Surpanakha. He celebrated the marriage of Surpanakha with Vidyutjuhvana. After some time, Ravana went to forest for hunting. There he saw Mayu, and a beautiful girl with him. Ravana asked. ‘Who are you? Why are you wandering in this forests? Mayu said. Mayu: ‘‘I am Mayu, son of Diti. I am married to Hema, an woman. We lived for more than ten thousand years. About thirteen years back she went to heaven on a divine cause and did not returned. This is my daughter . I am searching for a suitable husband for her. Apart from this girl, I have two sons. The eldest son is Mayavi, the second is Dundhubhi. Who are you? From where are you coming? Why did you come to this forest?’’

Uttara Kandam 17 Ravana : Mayu! I am the son of Visravasu, people call me as Dasagriva. My father is third in the Brahma’s dynasty. Mayu: “Ravana! She is my daughter, Mandodari. She was born to Hema an Apsara. You accept her as your wife.’’ Ravana agreed to Mayu’s request and made an agnihotra and married her in the presence of Agni. ‘‘Rama! Though Mayu was aware that Ravana was cursed by his father to be a cruel rakshasa, still he gave his daughter in marriage, because he hailed from Brahma’s family. Mayu gifted the most powerful Sakthi weapon which was created by him. The same Sakthi was casted on Lakshmana and made him fainted. “Ravana went to his city with his wife Mandodari. He performed the marriage of Kumbhakarna with Vajrajbala, daughter of emperor Vairochana. After his marriage, he performed Vibeshana’s marriage with , daughter of a gandarva king. After some time Mandodari gave birth to a boy. At the time of his birth, be roared like a cloud. So he was named as Meghanath. He was also popular as Indrajeet. 13. The atrocities of Ravana: With the boons of Brahma kumbhakarna went in to deep sleep. Ravana engaged viswakarma and built a palace for him to sleep comfortably. ‘‘Ravana made an expedition of war on devata communities and defeated them. He tortured tapavis, rishis and many other brahmins who were performing yagna and homas. He agitated all the worlds as an elephant entered a lake. Ravana entered heaven and destroyed ‘Nanadavana’ pleasure garden of Indra. Knowing the atrocities of Ravana his step brother Kubera has sent a messenger to Vibheshana.

18 Srimadhramayanam Vibheshana honoured the messenger with many valuable gifts and took him to Ravana’s court”. The messenger bowed his head before Ravana and praised his glories. He said, “Oh king! Your brother Kubera has enquired about your wellbeing and asked me to convey the following as his words. ‘Brother! I understand that many tapasvis were killed and many homas, yagnas were destroyed by your men. I myself saw the beautiful Indra’s Nanadanavana was destroyed by you. You are torturing devata communities also. They are all praying for your death. Since you are younger to me I feel obliged to advice you in your own interest. I also did a sinful act that is, while I was doing tapasya, meditating on Siva. At that time I saw Siva is wandering in those forests with Parvathi. I mistook her for some other divine woman and looked at her with my left eye. Though I did not had any sinful thought, Parvathi was annoyed at me. By the heat of her anger my left eye turned green. Then I went to another location and meditated on Siva and intensified my tapasya. Siva was pleased with my tapasya and blessed me; ‘From now you are my friend. Because of Parvathi’s curse your left eye turned green. Because of her anger you will be known as ‘Ekakshi Pingaludu’. In spite of the fury of Parvathi, Siva made me as his good friend because of my repentance and tapasya. In view of my personal experience, I would like to advice you not to do any inglorious deeds which will lower the prestige of our family. Do tapasya as a matter of repentance for the past cruel acts so that the curse of rishis and devatas will disappear.” Ravana: ‘‘Oh messenger! my brother is boasting himself as a friend of lord Siva. I tolerated his words because he happened to be my brother. Otherwise I would have

Uttara Kandam 19 killed him by now. Tell him that he is not wise enough to advice me. I can hold the entire devata community at my feet.’’ Immediately he took out his sword and cut the head of the messenger, offered his body to rakshasas as food. After some time he went on an expedition of war to fight Kubera. 14. Ravana defeats Yakshas: Ravana went on a war of expedition on Kubera with his ministers Prahasta, Mahodara, Mareecha, Suku, Sarana and Dhumraksha and a large army. They fought with Yakshas with great enthusiasm. The Yakshas could not fight with the valorous rakshasas. They all went to Kubera for protection. Kubera ordered his army to fight with rakshasas. Kubera’s, army had a fierce battle with rakshasas. Both sides fought ferociously. Their lion roars and shouting heard all over Himalayas. In the initial battle Yakshas gained an upper hand. Ravana could not digest if and made a big lion roar to fill enthusiasm in his followers and made another attack. In the final attack each minister of Ravana has killed thousands of Yakshas. Though Yakshas had an initial gain but ultimately rakshasas defeated them. Kubera understood the superiority of rakshasas and ordered great warrior, Samyodhaka. That Yaksha fought rakshasas with chakra. With his power, many rakshasas were killed and some wounded. Mareecha fell unconscious. He recovered after a while and killed Samyodhaka. Then Ravana broke the main gate and conquered the city. 15. The defeat of Kubera: ‘‘Since rakshasas were gaining upper hand, Kubera deputed Manibhadra to kill the sinner Ravana. Manibhadra took four thousand Yakshas and fought the rakshasas. In

20 Srimadhramayanam that battle also, rakshasas enjoyed an upper hand over Yakshas. ‘‘Finally Ravana had a direct fight with Kubera. The brothers fought ferociously. Kubera released Agnaya astra. In reply Ravana shot Varuna astra. Ravana did the mystic battle by changing his forms like a tiger, a pig, a dark cloud, a huge mountain, an ocean, a huge tree, a Yaksha, etc. In that confusion Ravana took his club and hit hard on the head of Kubera. Kubera fell down and fainted. Ravana spread a rumour that Kubera was dead. With those rumours Yakshas ran hither and tither. Taking advantage, Ravana grabbed the Pushpaka Vimana from Kubera and ran away to Lanka with his soldiers. ‘‘Rama! The Pushpaka is not an ordinary flying chariot. All its pillars are made of gold, the curtains of its doors and interiors are made of diamonds, gems and corals. It has the speed of thought. It can change its directions according to the wishes of the rider. Brahma made this Pushpaka Vimana for himself . 16. How he was named as Ravana: While going to Lanka on Pushpaka, it lost its speed on Mt.Himalayas. None of his ministers could explain any reason for this sudden drop in its speed. Mareecha said “Prabhu! This must be a trick of Kubera. It may not work for others.” ‘‘In the meanwhile Nandhi the staunch devotee of Lord Siva came to Ravana and warned. Nandhi: ‘‘Oh Ravana! Lord Siva is wandering with Parvathi on these peaks. Hence this area is prohibited for movement of even the birds, nagas, Yakshas, devatas, gandarvas, rakshasas and any other communities. You go back escape death in my hands.’’

Uttara Kandam 21 Ravana: ‘‘ (furiously) Who are you? Who is that Siva? How can you prevent my movements? If I am annoyed I will pull out this Himalayan Peak.’’ By saying so, Ravana got down from his pushpaka and tried to pull out the mountain. At that time Nandhi came to attack Ravana with a spear. Looking at Nandhi’s face who looked like a he laughed at him and said. “You looks like a vanara. How dare you stop me?” Nandhi became angry and said: Nandhi: ‘‘Ravana! You ridiculed me as vanara. Know it well that many vanaras as stout as you will land in Lanka and kills you and all rakshasas. Their nails and teeth will become as deadly weapons to kill your sons, ministers and all rakshasas. I myself can kill you right now. With your sinful acts you are already dead. So, I don’t kill a dead person.’’ Ravana tried to pull out the mountain with his hands. Lord Siva smiled at his ignorance and pressed it with his toe for a while. Ravana’s hands were caught under the peak and roared with pain. Lord Siva was pleased with his bravery and said, ‘‘Dasagriva! I am pleased with your Ravam. With your ‘Ravam’, you will name you as Ravana. Now I am permitting you to pass this peak. Ravana: ‘‘Maheshwara! Lord of all gods! If you are pleased with me, bless me with a boon. Brahma has already blessed me with immortality from devatas, gandarvas, danavas, yakshas and nagas. I myself did not cared for humans as they are very insignificant creatures before my strength. You bless me with a divine astra.’’ Siva was pleased and gave him a sword known as ‘Chandrahasam’. “If you stop worshiping, it will come back to me” and disappeared.

22 Srimadhramayanam Agastya: ‘‘Rama! With that divine sword of Chandrahasam, he killed many Kshatriya’s and became an unopposed emperor on earth. 17. The curse of Vedavathi: Ravana went round the world on a war expedition. One day he saw a tapasvni meditating in her hermitage. On seeing her Ravana lost control on his senses and misbehaved with passion. Ravana: ‘‘Oh fortunate Tapasvini! You are in prime age. This is the time for you to enjoy sense pleasures in a playful way and enjoy married life. Your age doesn’t suit for tapasya. Your behaviour is against the principles of nature. Your beautiful face and body organs will make any man passionate to marry you. I am upset with the fever of manmadha. Oh tapasvini! Now you tell me who you are? Who is your husband? The man who shares life with you is fortunate. What for you are making penance? Tell me all about you.’’ Vedavathi: ‘‘Oh King of rakshasas! My name is Vedavathi. I am the daughter of Kusadwaja, a Brahmarishi who is as wise as Bruhaspathi. I am under the care of my father who is an embodiment of all Vedas. Even devatas, gandarvas, Yakshas, rakshasas and pannagas wanted to marry me but I wanted to marry Vishnu. My father advised me that Lord Vishnu is very much fond of penance and hence I am doing tapasya meditating on him. Then only he will be pleased. So I am doing tapasya. Know it well that Lord Vishnu alone is my husband. Hence I don’t marry any one other than him. Oh rakshasa raja! I know all your evil thoughts. Hence leave my ashrama.’’ Ravana: ‘‘Oh Vedavathi! Ever since I saw you I lost control on senses and I am very much suffering with the

Uttara Kandam 23 fever of cupid. You are doing tapasya at the wrong age. One has to resort to tapasya after enjoying all the worldly comforts and pleasures. You are in the prime youth. You are the most beautiful woman. I am Ravana the king of Lanka. So you become my wife and enjoy all comforts and keep me happy. ‘‘Oh fortunate woman! You know nothing about Vishnu. Either in wealth or in valour he is inferior to me. Is it right on your part to choose an inferior person?’’ Vedavathi: ‘‘God forbid your sinful words. Don’t commit a mistake by talking ill of a god who is the creator of all the worlds.’’ Ravana could not resist his lust and held her hair with his hand. Vedavathi became furious and released her hair from his hand and said. Vedavathi: ‘‘Oh cruel rakshasa! I became impure by your touch. There is no meaning of living any more. I offer myself to the flames right now. Oh rakshasa! You cannot escape from the punishment for you sin. I, being a woman, I can’t kill you. So I will be born again to kill you. I thought of cursing you but I don’t want to waste my tapasya on a low person like you. I will born as a daughter to a righteous person and become the cause for your death.’’ By saying so Vedavathi created flames with yoga and turned to ashes. The divine communities rained flowers on her ashrama. In the next birth Vedavathi was born in a lotus flower. Again Ravana took her to his house and showed her to his ministers to study choreography and interpret the marks on her body. After studying her body marks, his minister said. “Oh Prabhu! She entered your house only to kill you.” On hearing these ominous words he thrown her in

24 Srimadhramayanam the sea. Mother earth took and absorbed in her soft. That baby was found by Janaka while he was tilling the land for a yagnavatika. Agastya: Rama! Your wife Sita was born as the daughter of Janaka. You are no other then Sri Maha Vishnu. With her anger she made most powerful Ravana a powerless and weak limb. Her anger was an added strength to your valour. Vedavathi of Kruthayuga, is now born in Trethayuga as Sita in the house of Janaka to kill Ravana. Because she was born under the plough, people called her as Sita. 18. Ravana wins Maruthu: After Vedavathi entered the flames, Ravana took his Pushpaka Vimanam and went on his expedition on several kingdoms. King Maruthu was performing a yagna in Vusirabejam, a pilgrim centre. The yagna was supervised by Samvarthana, brother of Bruhaspathi. All devatas went to receive their havisis. At that time Ravana went to the yagnavatika. Devatas were afraid of Ravana. To avoid embarrassment Indra transformed as a peacock, Yama as a crow, Kubera as lizard andVaruna as swan. In the same manner all other devatas also took different forms. Ravana entered the yagnavatika in the form of a dog and challenged the king Maruthu for a fight. Maruthu asked “Who are you?” Ravana laughed loudly and said, ‘‘I am Ravana. I defeated my brother Kubera and grabbed his pushpaka and wandering around defeating kings on earth. Don’t you know about me? I pity your innocence. Do you wish to challenge me or do you surrender ?’’ Maruthu: ‘‘Oh Ravana! Kubera is a righteous person. All the three worlds worship him for his splendour. You said

Uttara Kandam 25 that he is your brother and also you are boasting that you have defeated him. Will any body appreciate such an unrighteous act in this world? Kubera is most unfortunate to have a cruel brother like you. Boons from Brahma only bringing you victory. But not your valour. I have not come across a person who boasts of himself. I am ready to fight with you.’’ Samvarthana (Priest): ‘‘King! You leave anger. You are dedicated to yagna. While you are in Deeksha neither you should become angry nor challenge for a battle. If you don’t complete yagna all your family line will be ruined. Moreover you can’t defeat this rakshasa because of his boons. So you make a compromise with him.’’ King Maruthu took the advice of his priest and agreed to acknowledge the superiority of Ravana. Ravana and his ministers took it as a victory and made simhanadams. However to show their nature they killed a few rishis and drank their blood and went away. After Ravana left Indra and other devatas took their original forms. Indra said to the peacock. Indra: ‘‘Oh peacock! Your form saved me form this cruel rakshasa. From now, you live without fear from serpents. Not only that I am giving all my thousand eyes to wear them on your feathers.’’ Looking at the crow Yama said. Yama: ‘‘Oh crow! I am pleased to take shelter in your form. In future you will not suffer or die from diseases. In other words you live alive until some one kills you. From now it you eat ‘Pitrusesham’, that will satisfy the hunger of Pitru devatas, you be a symbolic to them. You will also have my body colour. Since you kept me happy, you also live happily as long as you live.’’

26 Srimadhramayanam 19. Anaranya curses Ravana: Rama! On his way Ravana reached Ayodhya and challenged king Anaranya for a fight. There war a fierce battle between them. Finally Ravana killed Anaranya. At the time of his death Anaranya cursed, ‘Oh cruel rakshasa! Don’t boast yourself as a great hero. You have not won the battle. The boons you had from Brahma are the real winners. You are only an instrument. You have insulted the great dynasty of Ikshavaku’s. “Had I performed homas and yagnas, had I donated heavy gifts to brahmins, had I ruled the kingdom for the wellbeing of my people, I curse that you will be killed by Rama son of Dasaratha who is going to be born our Ikshavaku dynasty.’’ 20. Ravana invades Yamaloka: One day while Ravana was wandering on his pushpaka above the clouds, he met sage Narada and saluted to him. Narada: ‘‘Ravana! You are son of Visravasu. You are the great valorous among rakshasas. In addition to your own valour you have the strength of many boons from Brahma and others. I am happy to note your victories. Why are you always fighting with humans ? They are weak limbs, often they are invaded by disease, old age and are becoming the victims of death. In other words they are as good as dead. If you fight with those dead people, what glory will you get? You are immortal to , danava, daithya, Yaksha, gandarva and rakshasa communities. In other words humans are no match to you. Why do you go and harass them on and off. Even the god himself is harassing them in the form of diseases, old age and death. In addition to that they are also drowned in samsaram viz wife, children, father and mother. What is the point to fight

Uttara Kandam 27 with such an ignorant people? ‘‘Oh destroyer of enemies! Ravana! One day or other, all these humans will reach Yama loka. If you invade Yamaloka, it would be befitting for your valour.’’ Ravana: (smilingly) ‘‘Narada! You wander in all lokas. You love in developing rift between valorous people and enjoy the fun. That is how you are popularly known as Kalahapriya. Oh maharishi! Now I am going to invade Patala. From there I wish to conquer all the three worlds. Finally I wish to keep Nagas and Devatas under my thumb. After that I will churn the ocean for securing nectar.’’ Narada: ‘‘Ravana! You are telling that you are on the way to Patala, whereas you are travelling towards south. If you proceed little further in the same direction, you will reach Yamaloka. So you can first conquer Yamaloka and from there you can go to Patala.’’ Ravana: ‘‘Brahmarishi! Your advice is already in my mind. I have taken a vow to invade Yamaloka. That is why I am travelling towards south. First I will kill Yama, after that I will conquer the other four Lokapalakas’’. Ravana saluted Narada and proceeded towards south on his Pushpaka Vimanam with his ministers and battalions to invade Yama loka. 21. Ravana fights with Yamakinkaras: Narada reached Yamaloka to caution Yama about Ravana’s invasion. On seeing Narada both Yama and Agni worshipped him with traditional honours. Yama said, ‘ maharishi! What is the purpose of your visit? Did you notice any damage to dharma?’

28 Srimadhramayanam Narada: ‘‘Yama! A rakshasa by name Dasagriva is on his way to invade Yamaloka. He is not only valorous but also had several boons from Brahma and others. I came here to caution you. While Narada was speaking to yama Ravana landed in Yamaloka. On his way he saw the sufferings of various creatures in various forms. The Kinkaras. with their furious looks and fangs were harassing the beings. Some beings are made to eat insects. Some creatures were eaten by dogs. They were making terrific noises deafening the ears of other beings. Some beings were made to cross the river Vaitarani. Some beings were made to walk on hot sand. Some people were passing through ‘Rourava, Asipatra’ narakas. Some were made to walk on sharp edges of knives. Some were suffering with hunger and thirst. Some were craving for water. Ravana saw many more beings suffering in many ways. Some people were enjoying their punya phalams. They were enjoying dance, drama and music. Those who had gifted cows were enjoying ‘Gorasam’. Those who fed poor were enjoying delicious foods. Those who donated houses were living in lavish houses. There Ravana also saw some righteous persons. They were all enjoying with women who were decorated with gold, gems, pearls and corals. Ravana released many people who are suffering for their sinful karma phalams. Those who were released by Ravana were happy. Yama kinkaras fought with rakshasas. The servants of Yama ran in all directions with fear. Confusion prevailed in Yamaloka. Some yamakinkaras attacked pushpaka vimanam with Parigha, spears, Musalams, Sakthi and tomaram. Since pushpaka was made by Brahma, they could not damage it. Rakshasas fought with

Uttara Kandam 29 trees, stones, spears, club, Pasam, Sakthi, tomaram and arrows. Ravana wounded blood was flowing severely and looked like a blossomed Ashoka tree. The entire Yamaloka was resounding with simhanadams. 22. The battle between Yama and Ravana: Yama noticed that rakshasas gained an upper hand and went to fight himself. He sat on his chariot with Mruthyudevata the kalapasha stood on either side of him. On seeing Yama accompanied by Mruthyudevata, Ravana’s ministers ran away with fear. However Ravana stood firm and fought. Yama was furious and threw Sakthi and tomaras at till Ravana fainted. He recovered in a short time and discharged many deadly astras on Yama’s chariot. In spite of severe attack Yama continuously released the powerful Sakthi weapons. Ravana was wounded and fainted for seven days. “Rama! Both Yama and Ravana had a ferocious fight which was witnessed by many divine communities. All the beings in the three worlds were frightened. Ravana casted four arrows as powerful as Vajra on Mruthyudevata, seven arrows on the charioteer. At that time Mruthyudevata said to Yama, ‘Oh god this rakshasa is no more worthy of living. Stop casting weapons and release me. I will kill him and come back. Is this not our custom? Don’t you remember you have casted me against Hiranyakasipa, Namuchi and others. You engage me to kill all beings in Pralaya. This rakshasa no match to me. oh righteous Yama, you release me against this rakshasa and I will kill him in no time. Then Yama said ‘Oh Mruthyu! Wait for some time, I will kill him.’ Yama took kalapasham in to his hand to kill Ravana. At that time Brahma appeared and said.

30 Srimadhramayanam Brahma: ‘‘Yama! Don’t kill this rakshasa. I have given a boon of immortality from devatas. If you kill him he will certainly die. But my boon will become untrue. Truth is the shelter for all worlds, so don’t kill him now/ Yama: ‘‘Deva! You are father to all of us. I am very much in the middle of battlefield. If you want me to spare his life it is better, I leave this battlefield.’’ By saying so Yama disappeared from the battlefield. Ravana was happy having defeated Yama and went back on his pushpaka. 23. Ravana defeats the sons of Varuna: Ravana and his ministers sat in pushpaka. His ministers were surprised to look at the wounds on the body. Ravana told how yam a runaway from the battle field and thus I conquered Yamaloka. Then they all went to Patala. Lord Varuna will be living in Rasatala under the endless waters of oceans. Ravana went to the city of Bhogavati. The kingdom of Vasuki, king of serpents. He defeated Vasuki. From there he went to Manimayapuram, the place of Nivata kavachas, a kingdom of daithyas. Ravana challenged them for a fight. They were also brave and courageous. They accepted challenge, had a big fight with Ravana. The battle went on for a long time. In that battle nobody won or lost. Lord Brahma came and averted both of them from the battle and said. Brahma: ‘‘Even the suras and asuras couldn’t win Ravana. In the same way Ravana also can’t defeat Nivata kavachas. The endless battle will not give victory to any one. So you both make friendship with each other and enjoy the fruits of your boons. That would do good for both of you.’’

Uttara Kandam 31 Ravana was happy with Brahma’s advice and made A friendship with Nivata kavachas in the presence of agni and lived with them for one year. During that period he learnt one hundred tricks in sorcery. During his sty he searched for the house of Varuna. In the meanwhile he went to Asmapuram where Kalakeyas are ruling Rasatala. Ravana killed kalakeyas and went in search of Varuna’s palace. After killing all kalakeyas he went to Varuna’s palace which was like a white cloud and shining like Mt.Kailash. Ravana entered the palace of Varuna. There he challenged varuna for a fight. At that time Varuna went to Brahma sabha. The sons of varuna accepted the challenge and fought with Ravana. In that battle many soldiers of varuna died. Varuna’s minister, Prahasu came and told Ravana “Oh king of rakshasas! Varuna is not in city. He had gone to Sathyaloka. There is no point in killing ordinary soldiers. Of course you have defeated the sons of Varuna. Be contended with that and leave us in peace” On hearing Prahasu’s words Ravana laughed aloud and declared ‘I defeated Varuna’ and left the place. 24. Ravana sends Surpanakha to dandaka vana: Cruel Ravana killed many kings, devatas, rishis and abducted their daughters, wives, and sisters and kept them under his captivity in lanka. Ravana reached lanka with all the women he had captured in his war like expedition and kept them in prison. As soon as Ravana entered lanka his sister Surpanakha fell at his feet and cried bitterly. Ravana lifted and consoled her. “Oh Fortunate sister! Why are you grieving? You tell me the reason for your grief.” Surpanakha said: Surpanakha: ‘‘Brother! Because of your valour, I became a widow. During your war like expedition to

32 Srimadhramayanam Patala, you killed many kalakeyas. In your fury you killed my husband also whom I value more than my life and made me a widow. You are my enemy in the mask of a brother.’’ On listening to Surpanakha’s grief, his heart melted and said. Ravana: ‘‘Surpanakha while I was killing kalakeyas, in my fury I could not distinguish between is my people and in that darkness. It is my mistake that I killed my own brother in law. I am responsible for this calamity. I have not done this cruel act unconsciously. I will protect you from your grief. Today itself I am sending you to dandakavana. There you live happily and freely. I am sending our cousins Khara and Dushana to support you. They will command fourteen thousand rakshasas. I am appointing Khara as the leader for the entire battalion. Khara and Dushana will take care of you. They will take orders from you and behave.’’ As promised to Surpanakha, Ravana sent fourteen thousand rakshasa to dandaka vana and made Dushana as its commander and Khara as the leader He sent Surpanakha with them and asked her to rule entire Dandaka vana as she liked. 25. Indrajeet performs yagna: After a few days Ravana went to Nikumbila temple. Where Meganadh (Indrajeet) was performing a yagna. He was dedicated to the yagna. Ravana went and embraced him “my son what is happening here? Tell me in detail.” Sukrachariya, rakshasa guru said to Ravana. Sukracharya: ‘‘King! Meganadh has dedicated to yagna. He is observing silence to have the full fruits of yagna. If he speaks he will not get the full benefit of this yagna. Your son had performed seven big yagas viz. Agni stomam,

Uttara Kandam 33 Aswamedham, Rajasuryam, Ghomedham, Vaishnavam he has also completed Maheswara which was a very difficult yagna. After completion of this yagna, Lord Siva was pleased and gave him the following boons, viz. He gifted him a big chariot. It can travel in the sky. It is massive and stable. It can move freely as per the wishes of its rider. With this even the suras and asuras not see him from where he was fighting. lord Siva also blessed him a strong bow and quiver filled with eternal arrows. He has also given several astras which will destroy the enemy. King! your son is planning to come and see you today after completing this yagna.’’ Ravana: “My son! I don’t approve this act of yours. Because you are offering havisis to our enemies Indra and other devatas. Bygones are bygones, after you completed all you yagnas there is no point in digging the past. You stop at it and come with me, lets go home.’’ Then Ravana took Meganadha and Vibeshana and showed them all the women he had brought from various countries and kept in captivity. Vibeshana saw all those women and said “brother! Capturing women and keeping them by force will not be appreciated by righteous people. By those acts our glory, wealth and family honour will be destroyed. On any count capturing others’ women and putting them in prison is unrighteous. Long ago a danava by name Madhuvu had captured our sister Kumbhinasi. On hearing that Ravana became furious and said; “Who is that Madhuvu? Where does he live?” Vibeshana: ‘‘Brother! This has happened in our own family. Our cousin sister Kumbhinasi was living in your palace. At that time Meganatha was dedicated to a yagna and observing silence and non violence. I was standing in waters and performing tapasya. Our brother Kumbhakarna

34 Srimadhramayanam was sleeping. Taking this opportune time Madhuvu Killed our ministers and abducted our sister Kumbhinasi. We have not contemplated of killing or punishing him, because one day or the other we have to give our sister to a man in marriage. That is why we have not taken any steps to punish him. You are also doing such unrighteous things. For such acts of yours in this birth itself, Madhuvu abducted a girl from our house in front of our eyes.’’ On hearing Vibeshana’s words Ravana became furious and said, “Is Madhuvu such a great hero? Is he not aware that Kumbhinasi is my sister? How dare is he to abduct my sister? Keep my chariot ready. Kumbhakarna, Meganadha!You also come and sit in my chariot. Right now we will kill that Madhuvu. From there shall continue our expedition heaven.” On his command, weapons of different nature were loaded in the chariot. Maghanadha led the expedition. Vibeshana was directed to protect Lanka. In that battle Daithyas also went with Ravana to fight against devatas. Ravana went to Madhuvu’s city. At that time Madhuvu was not available. Kumbhinasi fell at the feet of Ravana and wept. Ravana asked her “Sister, what do you want?” she said,” if you are really affectionate to me, don’t kill my husband. In the world, there is no fearful event than widowhood “ Then Ravana assured her that he not kill her husband. In the meanwhile Madhuvu came there and she introduced him to Ravana and said, “My brother is going on a war on heaven. You also go with him and help my brother.” Oh hearing Kumbhinasi’s words, Madhuvu also took a large number of warriors, weapons and joined Ravana’s expedition.

Uttara Kandam 35 26. Nalakubra curses Ravana: After sunset Ravana’s troops halted at Mt.Kailash. Ravana alone was wandering on the peaks enjoying the moonlight. While he was looking around he saw many Kinnaras were wandering with their darlings. Vidhyadaras also were enjoying with their women. Even in Kubera’s palace, Apsaras were performing music concerts. The breeze was full of sweet fragrance from various flowers spread all over the valley and intoxicating. At that time Rambha the most beautiful among Apsaras, was going in that way. She was well decorated with ornaments and garlands. She applied scented cosmetics and ointments on her body. She was in a hurry to meet her lover Nalakubara. Ravana saw her and caught hold of her hand and said: Ravana: ‘‘Rambha! where are you going with your beautiful waist? Who is that fortunate person who is going to enjoy with you? Who is that lucky person who can chew nectar from your lips? Your waist is as small as your fist. I could understand that you are in a hurry to meet someone. Is he Indra or Vishnu or Aswini devatas? Don’t you know that none of them are greater than me? It is not fair for you to run for some ne leaving me alone. You stay with me on this marble platform. There is no one who can give you more pleasure than me in all the worlds. I am Ravana. I bow my head and salute you. Be with me for this night and make me fortunate.’’ Rambha: ‘‘Noble king! It is not fair on your part to obstruct a woman. Don’t get angry with me. You are supposed to protect me If somebody else insults since I am your daughter- in- law.”

36 Srimadhramayanam Ravana said, ‘‘ If you are really the wife of my son, I will accept you as my daughter- in- law.” Rambha: ‘‘I am really your daughter- in- law. Kubera is your brother. His son Nalakubara is my husband. Nalakubara by birth is a brahmin. By valour he is a Kshatriya. In brilliance he is equal to Agni. In patience, he is like bhoodevi. I also love him. So you respect our relationship and leave me to go my husband’’ Ravana: ‘‘Rambha! What you said is applicable if you are a wife to one person. Whereas Apsaras don’t have any husbands. That is why there are no marriages in Apsara community. This custom is time old in Devaloka.’’ While saying so he took her hand and enjoyed her by force. Rambha ran to Nalakubara, fell at his feet and cried before him. Nalakubara closed his eyes for a while and went on meditation. There he saw the atrocity of Ravana. He became furious on Ravana, took water in his hands and cursed “Oh Ravana! In future if you enjoy any woman without her consent, your head will break into seven pieces.” the devata communities felt elated with Nalakubara curse. 27. Ravana’s expedition of war on heaven : Ravana reached heaven with his army and occupied heaven. The sounds that rakshasas made agitated from the bottom of sea waters. Indra worshipped Vishnu. Indra: ‘‘Prabhu! You are everlasting, all pervading, parandhama, Lakshmipati, Sriman Narayana, you are the creator, ruler and destroyer of all worlds. You are the protector of all movables and immovable’s. You made me Indra. I am ruling the three world in the path of dharma. Ravana occupied heaven and harassing

Uttara Kandam 37 devates with their trembles sea waters are agitating from the bottom. Prabhu! You save us from our distress either by killing him or by any other means. Vishnu: ‘‘Indra! Leave your distress. This Ravana had many boons from Brahma. If I start fighting, I can’t come out without killing him. In case I kill him, boons will become untrue. So I will not kill him directly by myself right now. I will take an opportune time and kill him at an appropriate manner. So you go and fight with him with all your abilities and strength. I will help you indirectly. Then Indra took rudras, adithyas, vasuvus, maruthus and aswini devatas with their armies and fought with Ravana. Both sides fought with deadly weapons and astras. Before the brave and courageous rakshasas, devatas ran away like the herd of deer at the sight of a lion. At this critical hour, the eighth Vasu, Savitrudu and adithyas also fought in support of of devatas. Savitrudu threw the club on the head of Sumali, with that Sumali was burnt to ashes. Ravana was furious at the death of Sumali.

28. The battle between Meganadh and Jayanth: At the death of Sumali, rakshasas were frightened and ran away. Meganadh convinced rakshasas and brought them back to fight with devatas. Looking at Meganadh, Indra said to devatas. Indra: ‘‘Devatas! Don’t get frightened looking at Meganadh. I am sending my son Jayanth to fight with him.’’ Meganadh and Jayanth fought ferociously. Both of them harassed charioteers of either side. Meganadh rained arrows

38 Srimadhramayanam on Jayanth which covered the sky and darkness prevailed all over the world. Thereby devatas and rakshasas could not see each other. Sometimes they killed their own people. At that time Puloma, grandfather of Jayanth took him and entered the ocean. Since Jayanth was not found, devatas were frightened and ran away. Meganadh enraged and killed many devatas. 29. Megahanadh Fastened Indra : To avoid heavy causalities Indra himself came to fight. Ravana fought with Indra. Kumbhakarna killed many devatas, but rudras wounded him severely. In the mean while Meghanath entered in an invisible form and broke the chariot of Indra. Indra sat on Iravataw and fought with Maghanth. Atlest Meghanath fastened Indra and ran to Ravana and said “Father! You stop fighting. The war has come to end since I fastened Indra the king heaven”. Ravana was happy and said “My son! You fastened the king of heaven with your valour. It is not a small achievement. It glorifies you and our family reputation. You take Indra to our city”. 30. Brahma rescues Indra: When Ravana took Indra as his captive, all devatas went to Brahma and prayed for the release of Indra. Brahma went to Lanka with all devatas and said to Ravana. Brahma: ‘‘My son! Ravana! I witnessed the valour of your son, Meganadh, in the battle with devatas. Your son had exceeded your valour, courage, bravery and tact. He not only won Indra but also fastened him. Since he defeated Indra from now he would be known as Indrajeet. By your victory over heaven and by fastening Indra, you conquered all the three worlds, which was your dream. Now since you

Uttara Kandam 39 have conquered all the three worlds, you could release Indra. You may also demand what you wanted from him in return’’ Indrajeet: ‘‘Oh Deva! If you want me to release Indra , you ought to make me immortal.’’ Brahma: ‘‘My son! All creatures are born only to die. As such immortality for humans is not possible. Even the five elements that are made your body are not permanent.’’ Indrajeet: ‘‘Oh creator! You give me a divine chariot. I should conquer in all the expeditions I may undertake. In other words, I should not suffer any defeat in my wars. Before each expedition I would make a homa praising your virtues and remind your promise. You may withdraw your boon if I fail to perform a homa and praise you before each expedition. Normally people get boons from you by performing a severe tapasya, whereas I am able to convince you and had this boon with my valour.’’ Brahma: ‘‘So be it. Oh Indra! Don’ grieve for your insult and humiliaton. It is nothing but a reaction for your action of yesteryears. Since I know past, present and future. I will tell you what it was. ‘‘I wanted to create a most beautiful woman in my creation. I took one organ from each beautiful creature. I transformed (halom), Since I transformed each organ from various creatures , I named it as . That Ahalya has become the most beautiful woman in all the three worlds. ‘‘Oh Indra! Long time back you have committed an insult on Gouthama Maharishi. Because of his curse, you have been fastened by Indrajeet and you lost your brilliance. Now I will tell you the whole episode and also suggest you the way to get back your brilliance. You listen.

40 Srimadhramayanam ‘‘Since I made a woman I thought of protecting her by a suitable husband. But I could not find any one. Hence I wanted to keep her under the safe custody of someone who has control on his senses. Then I thought it fit to keep her in the custody of Gouthama maharishi till I could secure a husband for her. After some time, I appreciated Gouthama maharishi for his super human control over his senses. Moreover, he was about to assume divinity with his punya phalam. Hence I thought he was the most suitable husband for her and asked him to marry Ahalya. ‘‘Before I gave her to Gouthama maharishi in marriage, all devatas including you, were anxious to marry her. However you could not control your lust towards her. You went to Maharishi’s ashrama in a stealthy manner, knowing fully well that Ahalya was a chaste and virtuous wife. However, she was also compromised and cooperated with you in that sin. (Since her body was comprised of several creations, she might have compromised by the nature of some fickle characters) . ‘‘Knowing your sinful act, Gouthama cursed you, “You will be fastened by your enemies in a battle. You being the ruler of three worlds, your sinful and immoral act will have an adverse affect on human beings. ’’ ‘‘Whenever a humans commit such a sin both of them will suffer half the punishment of their sin. Not only that whoever occupies the throne of Indra, will not stay long. So you leave this place.” After cursing you he cursed Ahalya, “Ahalya! You lost your chastity due to lust. Since you did the sinful act because you were proud of your match less beauty. So live in an invisible form”.

Uttara Kandam 41 On hearing the curse of maharishi, Ahalya shivered like a tender leaf and prayed to her husband, ‘‘Oh maharishi! Indra had taken your form and cheated me. Hence I have not committed this sin willfully. I request your pardon and pray for the deliverance of curse.’’ The prayers of Ahalya moved the heart of maharishi and said ‘‘ Ahalya! Sri Maha Vishnu will manifest as Rama in Ikshwaku family. He would come to our ashrama with a brahmarishi. The moment you see Rama, all your sins will vanish and you will become pure. The moment you give hospitality to Rama you will join me again.’’ After that, Ahalya did a severe penance in an invisible form till Rama came. Indra!: Because of f Gouthama maharishi’s curse, you were fastened by this rakshasas. Now you perform Vaishnava yagna which was most favourite for by Vishnu. After that you will become pure. Your son Jayanth was not killed in the battle but he was protected under the sea waters by his grand father.’’ Indra performed Vaishnava yagna, became pure and entered heaven. Agastya: ‘‘Rama! You wanted to know how became glorious than Ravana. I told you the great strength of Indrajeet. He defeated Indra, fastened him and kept him under his captivity in Lanka. Should I say any thing more about his courage and bravery of this rakshasa?”. 31. Ravana’s tapasya on Siva: Rama: ‘‘Agastya maharishi! How did the kings on earth were tolerant to the cruel behavior of Ravana? Did all kshatriyas lost their valour? Were they ignorant of sastras?’’ Agastya : ‘‘Ravana went on an expedition of war and won several kings. One day he reached the city of

42 Srimadhramayanam Mahismathi, ruled by king Karthaveeryarjuna. He invited the king for a battle. His ministers said “ Ravana! Our king has gone out for a resort with his queens.” In the mean while went to river Narmada. Ravana made an image of Lord Siva with sand on its banks of river Narmada and worshiped.’’ 32. Karthaveeryarjuna fastens Ravana: While Ravana was worshipping Siva on the banks of Narmada. Karthaveeryarjuna was playing water games with his women in the waters of Narmada. The king had thousand hands. In course of his play he spread all his hands across the river Narmada. The river started flowing back submerging all the lands. The Siva lingam worshipping by Ravana also submerge and washed away in the waters. Ravana became angry and went to fight with karthaveeryarjuna. Ravana and Arjuna fought one to one. Before the thousand hands of Arjuna, Ravana’s twenty hands could not gave a fitting reply. Arjuna went to Ravana and pulled him into his hands and fastened. By looking at Arjuna’s victory, devata communities rained flowers. He asked his minister to fasten Ravana and bring him to the city. 33. Pulastya releases Ravana: Pulastya the father of Ravana understood plight of his son and went to Mahismathi. Arjuna went with his priest and worshipped Pulastya and said. “Oh superior among the brahmins! Pulastya maharishi! Our city has become pure with your presence. I am prostrating at your feet. Command me what service I can do to you.” Pulastya: ‘‘King! All your sons, relatives and your people are comfortable? Are you able to perform agnihotra without any break? King! By looking at Ravana – even wind,

Uttara Kandam 43 water and Agni will frighten. Now you won such a Ravana and fastened him. The pride and glory of my grandson are buried. You satisfy with that and release him. Immediately Karthaveeryarjuna released Ravana. From then they became friends and made a friendship treaty in the presence of Agni. 34. Ravana makes friendship with Vali: In course of his expedition, he went to Kishkinda and invited Vali for a fight. At that time Vali’s ministers said , ‘‘Oh king of rakshasas! In our kingdom Vali alone can accept any challenge for a fight. Now he has gone to worship the sun god in all four seas before sun rise. You please wait for a while till he comes back. many heroes challenged Vali and died you can see the heap of bones of. Know it well that the moment he lands here, he will kill you. Till such time, you enjoy life. If you say that you can’t wait, you may go to south sea where he is worshipping sun god at this moment. If you go there, he will fight with you there itself.’’ So, Ravana went with his ministers to the south seas on his Pushpaka. ‘‘There Ravana saw Vali worshipping sun god. He was as big as Mt.Meru. So he thought of holding him from his back. Vali smelt his evil intentions. However he continued his prayers and thought in himself that, “This rakshasa wanted to win in a deceitful manner. Let him come nearer. I will carry him with my tail like Garuda carries a snake. Let the people watch this fun, till I reach Kishkinda.” While Vali was carrying Ravana with him, Ravana’s ministers were shouting at Vali and chased. Vali reached all the other three seas and completed his worship. He carried Ravana to Kishkinda and put him on ground. Ravana was

44 Srimadhramayanam astonished at the strength of Vali and praised him in several ways. “Oh superior vanara! I understood your strength even without fighting. Now I wish to have friendship with you.” After that they made a friendship treaty in the presence of Agni. 35. The birth episode of Hanuma: Rama: ‘‘Agastya maharishi! I understand the strength of Vali and Ravana. No doubt they were great among the strong men. But they both were not superior before Hanuma’s strength, courage, wisdom, integrity, modesty, diplomacy and majesty. He had the knack of achieving targets. This great personality had crossed the sea in one leap. He found Sita who was hidden in the palace of Ravana which was not accessible even for wind. Moreover he had spoken, conveyed my message, killed many ministers of Ravana and finally burnt Lanka before he returned to me. I have not heard even Yama, Indra, Vishnu and Kubera had scored such achievements. Why such a Hanuma could not help his king Sugreeva who was in danger from Vali? Why did he not killed Vali? Please tell me.’’ Agastya: ‘‘Rama! Hanuma was brave and courageous right from his childhood. He was wandering from tapovana to tapovana and used to give hardships to tapasvis and munis, unwittingly and ignorantly. One day those tapasvis could not bear his mischief and cursed Hanuma to remain unconscious about his own strength. In other words in spite of his strength he developed a timid nature. Since you wanted to know about him, I will tell you the full history of Hanuma. ‘‘Long back , the father of Hanuma, ruled Mt.Meru. Anjana was his wife. Through her the wind god, Vayu had a son by name Hanuma. Anjana went to a nearby forest to

Uttara Kandam 45 bring some fruits for him. Since Hanuma was hungry, he cried loudly and saw the rising sun. He presumed the rising sun was a fruit and flew to catch it. While he was about to reach the sun, Rahu also reached the chariot of sun god to gulp him. Though Rahu was capable of gulping sun and moon at that moment, he got frightened on seeing Hanuma and ran to Indra and said “Indra! You offered the sun and moon as my diet. Today my food is given to somebody else. Is it fair on you part?”. ‘‘Indra and Rahu went to Hanuma who was about to reach the abode of sun. Indra knew that Hanuma was born for a divine cause. Hence he did not want to kill him, but touched slightly with the edge of his Vajra. Hanuma was thrown to Mt.Meru. While falling the bone on his left cheek was broken. Since Indra caused harm to his son, Vayu was annoyed, took his son and entered a cave and withdrawn air form all the worlds. With that all creatures were suffocated. ‘‘All divine communities went to Brahma and prayed “Oh Brahma! You have created all creatures and gave them the spirit of life in the form of air. So air is the primary element for our life. Since wind god has withdrawn air all creatures are suffocating. You protect us.” Then Brahma took all devatas with him, went to Vayu. 36. The boons of divine communities to Hanuma: On seeing Brahma, Vayu stood up and prostrated at his feet. Brahma lifted Vayu and blessed Hanuma. The moment Brahma touched the child, he stood up. To keep Vayu happy, Brahma said to the divine communities, “I am telling you a secret, you all listen. This child, Hanuma is born for a divine cause. He is going to deliver a very useful purpose which

46 Srimadhramayanam benefits all beings in all the three worlds. So you all bless him with boons and strengthen the divine cause”. Indra gifted a golden chain to Hanuma and said, “His left cheek was hit by my Vajra, hence he will popularly be known as Hanuma. In future he will not be killed even with my Vajra.” The sun god blessed Hanuma and said. “I am giving one hundredth part of my splendour. I will teach him all Vedas and sastras right from his childhood. I will make him a brilliant conversations.” Varuna blessed him with his ‘Varunapasa’. None of my astras will bind him. Then Yama blessed Hanuma that he would not suffer with disease, tiresomeness in battles and Yamadandam would not kill Hanuma . Kubera blessed that he would not be injured with his club. Lord Siva blessed him he would not be killed either by him or by his weapons. Vishvakarma blessed Hanuma that he would not be killed by any of the astras built by him. Brahma blessed him that even his Brahmadandam will not bind him . In the same manner many devatas and other divine communities blessed him with many such boons. Looking at vayu Brahma said, “ Vayu! This Hanuma will become the destroyer of enemies. He will protect all people who seek his protection. He will become the most superior among the communities who fly in the sky. He can change his form as he desires and can go to any place with out any obstruction. He will become the most glorious person in three worlds. He will play a prominent role in killing Ravana. He will succeed whatever work he takes up Rama’s and pleases Rama and disappeared.” Hanuma in his childhood used to visit several tapovanas and committed many mischievous acts like putting off agnihotra, tearing of valkalas, breaking utensils

Uttara Kandam 47 and many more mischievous acts. Muni communities reported to Kesari and Anjana about his mischievous acts. In spite of several warnings by his parents and muni community, there was no change in Hanuma’s mischief. So maharishis cursed him by saying, “vanara, you are causing us agony because of your strength. From now onwards, you will not remember your strength by yourself. However if some one praises you about your virtues of strength, you will regain your strength. You will get back all your boons”. By the curse of maharishis, Hanuma became timid and lost his speed. He started behaving innocence, humility and submissive to his elders. There lived a vanara king by name ‘Ruksharajasu’. He was as brilliant as sun. He had two sons by name Vali and Sugriva. After his death, Vali was coroneted as the king of Kishkinda. His brother Sugreeva was coroneted as the crown prince. Right from the childhood, they were moving as closely as Agni and Vayu. Unfortunately, an enemity was developed between Vali and Sugriva, Hanuma became the minister for Sugriva. Though he became the minister of Sugreeva, and was aware of his grief. Hanuma could not help much to Sugreeva except to show his loyalty towards him. Hanuma was sent to sun god to learn sastras. Since the Sun was moving from east to west, Hanuma found it difficult to learn from him. So he put one leg on Mt.Udayagiri and another leg on Mt.Astadri and thus learnt Sastras, grammatical analysis and Vedas. While learning he had written sutras for grammar, commentary for Karthikams and made abridged version of annotation. There was none equal to Hanuma in knowledge on Yajur Veda and its research. He had knowledge on nine grammars. You blessed Hanuma to become Brahma in the next kalpa. Hanuma was capable of

48 Srimadhramayanam submerging the earth in the ocean. He was like Agni capable of burning all the worlds. He was like Yama at the time of re- absorption. There was no one equal to Hanuma in all the qualities like valour, enthusiasm, wisdom, vigour, good nature, pleasantness, discrimination between morality and immorality, magnificence, knack, strength and bravery. Rama! Hanuma, Sugriva, Mindhu, Neelu and many other superior vanaras were created by devatas only to help you in killing Ravana. Rama: ‘‘Oh Brahmarishi! Myself, all devatas and ancestral parents had became pure by your arrival. I wish to entrust all royal duties to our subordinates and I wish to perform yagnas. I do tapasya to wash of all my sins. I would request you all to come and bless me. Bless me with this boon.’’ Then all maharishis said, ‘so be it’ and disappeared. 37-40 : Farewell to King Janaka and others: After coronation of Rama the people of Ayodhya celebrated the entire night. Before dawn, Vandhis came and praised to wake up Rama from the sleep. Baratha, Lakshmana and Satrugna worshipped Rama as all three Vedas worshipped yagnas. Sugriva, Vibeshana and his four rakshasa ministers sat near Rama like, Yakshas sitting by the side of Kubera. Worshipful rishis sat around Rama, as devarishis surrounded Indra. Rama was conducted sabha everyday with all his ministers and people. After a few days King Janaka expressed his desire of going back to Midhila. Rama: ‘‘Oh worshipful king! Only with your blessings I was able to kill Ravana. With your guidance I learnt the art

Uttara Kandam 49 of ruling the country. By marrying your daughter, the prestige of Ikshavaku’s was enhanced. You please accept these gifts as a token of my remembrance, and take the assistance of Baratha to reach your place.’’ In the similar manner Rama said to king Kayikaya, Yudhajitu, “Uncle! In my absence you guided Baratha, Satrugna and the people of Ayodhya. We can’t forget your timely help. Lakshmana will assist you till you reach your kingdom.’’ Rama honors vanaras: Rama embraced Hanuma, Angada and said to Sugriva, “Sugriva! Angadha is your own son. Hanuma is your minister. They are your well-wishers. So I want to honour them individually”. By saying so Rama removed all the ornaments from his body and decorated Angadha and Hanuma as a matter of gratitude. After them he also honoured with valuable gifts, Neelu, Nalu, Gayu, Gavaksha, Jambavantha and thanked them in a suitable manner . Rama bids farewell to friends: ‘‘Sugriva! You all fought on my behalf at the cost of your lives. I am greatly indebted to you. How can I express my gratitude? Sugreeva! You treat Angada as you own son. Whatever harm done to Angada, it mounts harm to me. You treat all vanaras with kindness. You keep Hanuma as your minister and go by his advice. Vibeshana! You rule Lanka in the path of dharma. Myself, your brother Kubera and people of Lanka believe you as a righteous person. A king who can rule in the path of dharma alone can rule for a long time and his fame will become immortal. Don’t forget me and Sugreeva. Keep remembering us”.

50 Srimadhramayanam On hearing these pleasing words, all vanaras and rakshasas, praised the magnanimity of Rama. Hanuma made three rounds with folded hands and prostrated at feet of Rama and said, “Oh Rama Prabhu! Bless me to have eternal devotion towards you. You bless me to praise your glories as long world exists. Let Apsara women keep telling me your stories constantly.” Hanuma’s touching words moved Rama. He embraced him and said, “Oh superior vanara! As long as my story remains in this world, you will be remembered. As long as the world remains, people will be remembering my stories. As long as they listen to my story, your glory will also remain. Oh friend! If I want to repay the your help the present life is not sufficient. Help requires when a man is in distress, ` such a situation will never happen in your life. On the other hand you continue to help others who ever seeks your grace. As a mark of my remembrance I am giving you my diamond necklace and decorating you with my own hands”. By saying so Rama decorated a necklace on Hanuma’s neck. After that Rama bid farewll to Sugriva and other vanaras. 41-45: Return of pushpaka to Kubera: One day while he was sitting with his brothers, Rama heard a voice from the sky “Rama! Listen what I say. My name is Pushpaka. As per your orders, I went to Kubera. He said to me “Pushpaka! Rama had killed Ravana for the wellbeing of all worlds. By killing Ravana, Rama had won you also. Hence in future you must serve him as his personal vehicle. You go to him”. Rama : “Oh Pushpaka! Kubera is my friend. Since he ordered you to serve me, I am accepting you with pleasure. I will call you whenever I need your service.

Uttara Kandam 51 The pushpaka said, “I await to obey you orders” and disappeared. After Pushpaka left Baratha said: Baratha: ‘‘Rama! Though it is only one mouth since you started ruling the country and people are enjoying the fruits of ‘Rama Rajyam’. People are living free from diseases and premature deaths. Women – were kept away from maternity problems. There were no infant deaths. Rain bearing clouds speed all over and raining four times in a month. Famine, poverty, thieves, were driven away from the country. Youth are worshipping their parents. The picnic of Rama and Sita: While Rama was serving people in Praja sabha, Sitadevi served Kousalya and others. When Rama was free Sitadevi decorated herself like Lakshmidevi to please him. One day Rama said “Sita! I am pleased to know that you are conceived . You ask me a boon on this happy occation”. Sita said, “Rama!, I want to live in tapovanas on the banks of . I want to live with those tapasvis for some time eating roots and fruits with them. Daily I wish to prostrate at the feet of those maharishis.” Rama said, “Sita! Tomorrow itself I will make arrangements for you go to tapovanas”. Then Rama went to durbar. Rama attends durbar: ‘‘Bhadra you move with many people freely with all section. You tell me the public opinions about my rule. You are a tactful in gathering public opinion. Tell me what people are thinking about my rule without any fear or favour. Bhadra: ‘‘King! People are having mixed opinion about their king. They are talking good as well as bad. Many people are talking the glories and stories of your deeds such as killing Ravana building varadhi etc.

52 Srimadhramayanam Rama: ‘‘Bhadra! Tell me the truth. Because I can correct myself and give them a better rule. It will also helps me to address their grievances. It enables me to freeing out welfare measures to improve their living conditions. I will also respect for those who are talking ill of me because they are also my people. So you tell me without any fear or confusion. Bhadra: ‘‘King! People say our king has built a bridge on an ocean. Even devatas can not do it. Ravana was the mightiest rakshasa. Even devatas could not kill him in spite of their divine powers. He only killed Ravana and brought Sita back. Ravana touched Sita’s body while abducting her to Lanka. It is a pity that our king is s tills living with such an impure woman. He should know how he could preserve dharma and become a model to others. This is the talk in a section of people. So other spies, also confirmed it. On hearing the Public opinion, Rama was unhappy but firm in establishing sadachavam and stand as a model to others. Rama consults with his brothers: Rama gave a serious thought to the public scandals. He called his brothers and said, “Princes! You are more valuable to me than my own life. This country belongs to you and put in my hands to rule. You read all sastras. You are all wise enough to think well. Tell me what I should do about this public scandals?’’ Rama tells about the public scandal on Sita: ‘‘ Brothers! Just now I heard how people are gossiping on Sita. I am born in the family of Ikshavakus. Sita also born in the family of King Janaka. Lakshmana is fully aware how Sita conducted herself while we were living in the forest. After

Uttara Kandam 53 killing Ravana and before bringing Sita to Ayodhya, I had some misapprehensions, on public opinion and I procrastinated. However she proved herself as a chaste and virtuous wife, by entering in to the flames. Lakshmana was also present at that time. Agni came in human form and said that she is immaculate, flawless and unspoiled. Even Indra said that Sita is pure. Apart from others I myself know about her purity. After undergoing a lot of mental agony and putting her to severe test, I brought her to Ayodhya. In spite of that, people of Ayodhya are viewing her as impure, for which my heart is grieving. The person who is a victim of disgrace will suffer hell until he comes out clean. Even devatas can’t withstand disgrace. In other words, glory alone is worshipped by all worlds. Since Sita because a victim of blame by a section of people, I even prefer to lose my life instead of saying Sita as impure. ‘‘Lakshmana! You ask Sumantra to keep the chariot ready before dawn. You take Sita and leave her near the ashrama of Valmiki and come back. You don’t try to convince me . You obey my order. Just now Sita requested me that she wanted to live in forest doing service to maharishis. By saying, Rama wiped his tears and he went inside. 46-50: Sita reaches Valmiki ashrama: Lakshmana: ‘‘Sumantra! Keep the chariot ready. We have to take Sita to Valmiki ashrama on the banks of river Ganga. Lakshmana said to Sita, “Mother! You wanted to live with maharishis and serve them. Rama agreed to your request and the chariot is ready to take you to tapovanas. On hearing Lakshmana’s words Sita was happy and picked valuable jewels and superior garments to gift to munipatnis.

54 Srimadhramayanam Sita: ‘‘Lakshmana! I am noticing many bad omens. My right eye is twitching. And my body is shivering. There is some pain in my heart which I can’t explain. My mind is grieving with fear. I am not having enough courage to leave the palace. However I did not expected that he will send me to tapovanas so soon.’’ By saying so Sita sat in the chariot. By midday they reached the banks of river Gangas. On reaching tapovanas, Lakshmana cried loudly. Looking at his grief Sita said, Sita: ‘‘Lakshmana! Why are you crying so bitterly? I my self do not like to say away from your brother. I will gift jewels and garments to Munipatnis. Next morning we all go back to Ayodhya. I am also anxious to go back and see Rama.’’ Lakshmana reveals the intentions of Rama: Lakshmana: ‘‘Mother! My brother ordered me to do this unholy job. By obeying the King’s orders, I am forced to do this sinful act. I am aware that people will certainly blame me for my cruel act. Mother! I am only an instrument in obeying my brother’s orders.’’ Sita: ‘‘Lakshmana! Why are you grieving? I am not able to understand. Is your brother safe? Tell me the truth without hiding anything.’’ Lakshmana: ‘‘Mother! People of Ayodhya are talking ill of you for your stay in Ravana’s house. Rama could not bear the blame on you and ordered me to leave you in Valmiki’s ashrama. Immediately he went inside without giving me an opportunity to plead for you. I am aware, that Agni, Indra and other devatas came in person and expressed that you are sinless and pure. However Rama could not bear with the public scandal. I am a servant of the king and obeyed

Uttara Kandam 55 his orders. He asked me to leave you at Valmiki’s ashrama and come back. Mother! You serve the great maharishi, as ordered by the king. Sita’s message to Rama: Sita: ‘‘Lakshmana! I don’t blame your brother. Brahma has created me only to undergo difficulties all my life. I am bearing the grief of the entire world myself. I must have committed many sins in my previous birth. That is why even the kind and glorious Rama has left me. Though I suffered many difficulties during my stay in the , I had the pleasure of living at the feet of Rama. Now how can I live without Rama? When all the munipatnis ask me why Rama had left, what answer I can give them? ‘‘Lakshmana! Though I entered flames on that day, today I can not enter into the waters of ganga, because I am carrying Rama’s image in me. I can’t dare to destroy the family line of Rama. You obey the king’s order. I am born only to suffer. You tell your brother as my words. ‘‘Rama! You are aware how pure I am and how much devoted to you. You are also aware that I always wished your wellbeing. You left me, based on the rumours of some idle persons. I am fully dependent on you. I shall wash off the this blame myself. Though I am away from you, I will mediate at your feet day and night. I am happy that you are becoming a model to your people to follow on the path of dharma, and sadacharams. You will have a share their punya and also glory. I would request you to treat those people who put blame on me also as your brothers. For any woman her husband is the god; Husband himself is the closest relative; he is guru; so it is my duty to obey what you ordered me, even at the cost of my life.’’

56 Srimadhramayanam Lakshmana saluted her with folded hands and took leave of her. Sita looked at depressed Lakshmana, fainted and fell down. After she recovered, she wept loudly. Sita reaches Valmiki ashrama: While Sita was crying, Valmiki’s disciples saw her and informed Maharishi, “Gurudeva! We saw a woman crying loudly on our way to ashrama. She looked like a chaste and virtuous wife of a great man. She looked like a cursed Lakshmi”. Valmiki looked at her with his divine power and understood all about her. He went with his disciples and said. Valmiki: ‘‘Oh chaste Sita! You are the daughter- in-law of King Dasaratha, wife of Rama. I understood you with my divine sight. You have not committed any sin. Now you live under my protection without any fear. Close to my ashrama, some women are performing tapasya. You live with them. They will take care of you, as a cow takes care of its calf. You leave your grief and live here freely.’’ She prostrated at the feet of maharishi and went with him. On looking at maharishi, these tapasvisnis came forward and worshipped him and said, “maharishi! We all became pure by your visit to our ashrama.’’ Valmiki: ‘‘Tapasvinis! She is Sita, wife of Rama. She came here to live with you. She is the daughter- in- law of king Dasaratha and daughter of king Janaka. For no fault of her, Rama left her. So she lives under your care. You must treat her with love and care. She not only comes from a royal family but she is also under my protection. Know it well she is a worshipful woman”. Thus Maharshi left Sita under the case of tapasvinis and went to his ashrama.

Uttara Kandam 57 Lakshmana speaks to Sumantra: Lakshmana waited at distance till Valmiki took care of Sita and said to his charioteer, Sumantra. Lakshmana: ‘‘Sumantra! Look how powerful the fate is?. Nobody could imagine the grief of Rama due to separation from Sita. In the same way, Sita who is the most worshipful in the worlds is now left by her husband and living with tapasvinis. Could you imagine any grater distress than this? This is all the play of god. Who could change the will of god? Rama, who is capable of winning all devata communities, is now fastened by fate. Earlier he served an exile for fourteen years to make his fathers words true. Now a section of people said something ill of Sita, she was deserted and made her to live with tapasvinis. Thought agni proved her chastity, vulgar tongues of idlers gained upper hand”. Sumantra: ‘‘Lakshmana! You don’t grieve for Sita. Long time back, pious brahmins and learned astrologers told your father that Rama would experience more grief and difficulties. They also predicted that he would keep away from his near and wife for a longtime. ‘‘Lakshmana! While your father was talking to Vasista maharishi, Durvasa Maharishi came and predicted a few events which were not palatable to reveal to you or Baratha. Since I was with them at that time king Dasaratha has cautioned me ‘Sumantra! What Durvasa Maharishi said should not be revealed to anybody else.’ Since you are in inconsolable grief, I am telling you that secret”. 51. Sumantra conveys Durvasa maharishis words: Sumantra: ‘‘Lakshmana! Your father requested Durvasa maharishi about the longevity of Rama and other brothers.

58 Srimadhramayanam Durvasa Maharishi: ‘‘Dasaradha! long back there was a battle between devatas and danavas. In that battle, danavas sought protection from the wife of Bhrugu maharishi. She promised and protected them. Vishnu fought for devatas. He came to know that danavas were under the protection of Bhrugu’s wife and cut her head with his chakra. Bhrugu grieved for the death of his wife and cursed Vishnu; ‘‘Since you have killed my wife and caused me grief of separation. You also take a birth in human form and grieve with the separation from your wife. After a while Bhrugu repented for his curse. However Vishnu consoled him not to grieve for his curse and said, ‘‘ Your curse also will do good to the people and so I am accepting your curse.’’ ‘‘Dasaratha! Know it well that the creator of all worlds, Maha Vishnu took birth in your house as Rama. To make Bhrugu’s words true, he would also suffer the grief of separation from his wife. Rama would rule Ayodhya for eleven thousand years; after that he will reach his abode. During his rule, Rama would perform many Aswamedha yagnas and give huge gifts to brahmins. He will reinstate many kingdoms for helping Kshatriyas. Rama will have two sons. However their coronation will not be performed in Ayodhya.’’ Sumantra: ‘‘Lakshmana! It is a divine secret. Don’t reveal even to Rama. The separation is pre-ordained. 52. Lakshmana consoles Rama: Next morning Lakshmana went to see Rama in his palace. He was astonished to look at grieving Rama. Lakshmana went and prostrated at the feet of Rama and said.

Uttara Kandam 59 Lakshmana: ‘‘Rama! I obeyed your order and left Sita near Valmiki ashrama and came back to serve you. Virtuous Rama don’t grieve. Nobody can go against the time. Splendorous and wise people like you should not grieve. You told me once that all those things that are created are only to destroy. All associations were meant for separation. However long one may live, one day he is to die. Knowing fully well the secret of nature, one should not have undue attachment towards wife, children, friends and wealth. ‘‘Rama! You are the controller of all lokas. But you are not able to control your own mind. Keep your mind still. If you make your mind agitated, you may get scandals. The mind is a weak limb, so you control it by courage. 53. The story of King Nrugu : Rama: ‘‘Lakshmana! I am very much relieved with your consoling words. For the last four days I have not attended durbar. So you call all ministers, priests, prominent citizens and the people attend to attend durbar. Long ago king Nrugu used to rule his country in a righteous manner. He had great devotion towards brahmins. He donated several millions of cows with calf. ‘‘Ahitagni, a poor brahmin’s cow was mixed up in the king’s herd. By mistake the king donated the same cow to another brahmin. Ahitagni searched for his cow in all the places, at last he found in a village in a brahmin’s house. The cow was quiet strong enough but the calf had become weak. Then Ahitagni went to the brahmin and said. “This cow belongs to me. How did you get it? The second brahmin said, this cow is mine. King Nrugu had donated it to me. They went to the king Nrugu to settle their dispute. They waited for several days to see the king but they could not see him.

60 Srimadhramayanam The vexed brahmins cursed the king, “Oh king! You never cared to hear the difficulties of poor people and thereby you have created hardship for us. So you become a chemolien and live in an abandoned well.” After some time, king Nrugu came to know about the curse and went and prostrated at their feet for the deliverance of curse. Then the brahmins took pity on the king and said, “King! Before the start of kaliyuga, Lord Vishnu will take a human form as Nara and Narayana to reduce the burden on earth. Narayana will take birth in yadava family and will be known as Krishna. At the sight of Krishna, you will get back your original form. So the king who was not available to his people he would suffer in the same way as king Nurgu. So you go and see all the people who were waiting to see me at Durbar.’’ 54. The sufferings of king Nrugu: Lakshmana: ‘‘Rama! Why those two Brahmins were so furious for the small lapse of the king? Did the king accept the curse or did he say anything.’’ Rama: ‘‘Lakshmana! By the time king Nrugu came to know about his curse, those brahmins left his palace. He called his ministers and said, ”Ministers! Those two brahmins are as powerful as Narada and Parvata and gave me a terrific curse. The brahmins curse will never go untrue. So you make arrangements for the coronation of my son Vasuvu. I might have to suffer the curse. So you dig a well for me and make three apartments to live in all seasons till the of my curse deliverance. 55. King Nimi and Vasista curse each other: Rama: ‘‘Lakshmana! I will tell you the story of King Nimi, who was born as the twelfth King in Manuvu family. You listen.

Uttara Kandam 61 ‘‘King Nimi had built a beautiful city near the tapovana of Gouthama Maharishi. He named the city as Vajayantham. King Nimi started a long term Satra yaga. Before commencing he remembered, Manuvu the first king of Ikshavaku family. He fixed Vasista as the chief priest for the Yagna. Atri, Angirassu and Bhrugu were also invited. In the meanwhile Indra called Vasista and ordered him to complete a Yagna. Vasista said “Nimi! You wait till I complete Indra’s yagna. King Nimi fixed Gouthama Maharishi to perform his yagna in the place of Vasista and completed. ‘‘Vasista came to know that King Nimi has completed that yagna. Vasisita became angry and cursed him that his body would become unconscious. In return the king also cursed Vasista “Oh Brahmarishi! You cursed me to fell unconscious. So your body also lie in a state of unconsciousness.” Lakshmana! Both Nimi and Vasista were most righteous persons, yet they cursed each other and both became unconscious. 56. Vasista enters Varuna’s sperm: Lakshmana: ‘‘Rama! How Vasista and Nimi lost their bodies and got back their bodies? ’’ Rama: Lakshmana! For some time both Nimi and vasishta lived without physical bodies. Vasishta went to Brahma and said “Father! Without physical body I am not able to perform my daily rituals so give to me a body” Brahma said” you enter in the tajassu of varuna and sun. Then I will give you a body”. Varuna looked at Urvasi and influenced by cupid and deposited his tajassu in a pot. Then Urvasi went late to the sun god. Sun became angry with her and said. “Urvasi! Though I called you first you went to varuna and came late. So you don’t deserve to be

62 Srimadhramayanam divine. So you go and live on the earth. After some time, you will marry Pururava, the king of Kashi.” ‘‘Oh Lakshmana! When Indra killed Vrutasura, he suffered the sin of Brahmahatya. In the absence of Indra, king Nahusha became Indra and ruled all the worlds for one Lakh years. After the deliverance of her curse Urvasi went back to heaven. 57. Vasista adopted a suitable body: Lakshmana: ‘‘Rama! How Brahmarishi and Rajarishi got back their new bodies? ‘’ Rama: ‘‘Lakshmana! Both Sun and Varuna deposited their tajassu in a pot. From the pot, two maharishis were born. The first maharishi was Agastya who was born with the tajassu of sun god. The second maharishi was born from the tajassu of Varuna. Vasista became the chief priest of Ikshavakus. Now I will tell you how you Vasista and King Nimi got back his body. “Out of respect on king Nimi, gautama and other maharshis completed the yagna. Devatas including Indra took their havesis. Indra and other maharshis said “Nimi! We are pleased with your devotion towards yagna. We want to bless you a body. You ask us any body of your liking “Nimi said “ Deva! I want to live in the eye sight of all creatures. I will take rest when they close their eyelids. ‘‘Then all the maharishis rubbed the body of Nimi, with arani and created a son for him. From that body, of Nimi a man came out. He was named as Janaka. Since the city was built by him was named as Midhila Nagaram.’’ 58. Sukracharya curses King Yayati: Lakshmana: ‘‘Rama! The stories of Vasista and Nimi were interesting to hear. King Nimi, though he was dedicated to yaga, how he became inpatient”

Uttara Kandam 63 Rama: ‘‘Lakshmana! Patience is not equally placed in all the people. Take for instance King Yayati who had adopted to pure Satva and controlled anger. In spite of that, he had a terrific curse from Sukracharya. I will tell you the story of Yayati . ‘‘Yayati was the son of Nahusha. He had two wives. Both were beautiful. One was Sarmishta; the other was Devayani. Sarmishta was the daughter of Vrushaparva, the king of danavas. Yayati had more love and affection towards Sarmishta. His second wife Devayani was the daughter of Sukracharya, the guru of rakshasas. The king was not fascinated with Devayani. Sarmishta had a son by name Pururava, Devayani had a son by name, Yaduvu. Since king was more affectionate towards Sarmishta, he loved her son more than Yaduvu. One day Yaduvu went to his mother Devayani and said. “mother! You are the daughter of great Sukracharya. I am born to you; in spite of that, we are not only neglected by the king but also we are being insulted every now and then. Instead of living with humiliation, better we offer ourselves to the flames.” Devayani was very much hurt and remembered her father and said, “father! My husband is neglecting me and my son. We want to end up our life. I am seeking your permission. Sukracharya became angry and cursed Yayati! You are a cruel wicked king. You insulted me and my daughter. From now onwards you will suffer with diseases and old age”. 59. Pururava accepts old age from Yayati: The moment Sukracharya cursed, Yayati became old suffered with diseases. Called his son Yaduvu and said. “My son!, I am suffering from the old age. I still want to enjoy comforts of an young age. Until I am satisfied with sense

64 Srimadhramayanam pleasures, you take my old age and give me your youth.” Yaduvu said “Father!, “You loved Pururava more than me; so you better take youth from him.” Then Yayati asked Pururava to give his youth”. Pururava said, “ Father! My body is gifted by you. You take my youth as long as you want. After taking youth from Pururava, Yayati enjoyed sense pleasure for thousand years. One day Yayati said, “My son! you take back your youth. I am pleased for your devotion. I coronate you as the king”. Then he cursed Yaduvu, “You are a wicked son! So all your sons will become cruel rakshasas. From hereafter you I expel you from dynasty and develop a rakshasa dynasty.” “Rajarishi Yayati, crowned Pururava as the king and went to tapovanas. After his death, Yayati reached heaven. “Yaduvu built a town in Krauvancha vanam and developed several millions of rakshasas. Yayati with his patience accepted the curse of Sukracharya. Whereas in retaliation, Nimi became impatient and cursed his guru, Vasista. 60. Maharishis come to Rama’s Durbar: One day Bhargava, Chavana and hundred other Munis went to see Rama. Rama worshipped them and said, “Oh maharishis! You order me. What I can do for you. Myself, my kingdom, brahmins, are all at your service. Maharshris said, “Rama! We are happy that you assured us everything even with asking. You listen. 61. War preparations against Lavanasura: Bhargava said “Rama! there lived a king by name Madhuvu in Kruthayuga. He worshipped brahmins and ruled his kingdom in a righteous way. He had good relations with

Uttara Kandam 65 devatas. Lord Siva was pleased with him gave him a spear and said, ‘Madhuvu! King of rakshasas! As long as you worship brahmins and devatas, this spear will be with you. If you disrespect Brahmins this spear will disappear. As long as this spear is with you it will burn your enemies and come back to you. ‘Oh Madhuvu! You keep this spear in your hands and ask for an auspicious boon; your desire will be fulfilled. However, one from your family can use this spear” and disappeared. After some time, Madhuvu married Kumbhinasi, the daughter of Visvavasu. Madhuvu had a son by name Lavana. Lavana became cruel since his childhood. But Madhuvu could not control him. Lavana, became cruel towards Brahmins and tapasvis. We were not able to bear with his cruelty. You save us from the cruelties of Lavana. 62. Rama sends Satrughna to kill Lavanasura: Rama said “maharishis!, where does Lavana live? Who are lies associates? What type of food he consumes?’ The maharishis said, “Rama! Lavana kills whatever that comes before him. If he sees an animal, he will kill and eat it. If he comes across a tapasvi, he will kill him and eat. His nature is to create horror among the living beings. He is the monarch of entire Madhuvana. He lives in that vana.’’ Rama assured them that he will kill Lavanasura. Then he looked at his brother and said, “My dear brothers!, who is anxious to kill that Lavanasura.” All his three brothers shown enthusiasun to kill the rakshasa. Rama said, “Oh Satrughna I am deputing you to kill Lavanasura. After you kill him, I will make you the king of that Madhuvana. I am your elder brother. Do what I say.

66 Srimadhramayanam Vasista will coronate you as the king of Madhuvana in my presence. Now you go and kill that Lavanasura.’’ 63-65: Rama makes Satrughna as king of Madhuvana: Satrughna said, “Oh king! While I have elder brothers, how am I eligible to be a king? You know all dharmas. I can’t disobey your orders. If I do that, I will become a sinner. However my elder brother Baratha came forward to kill Lavanasura I should not have come in his way. I did a mistake by saying that I would kill Lavanasura. Because of my haste, this Adharma has cropped up. However I obey your orders. But I pray that I should not get the sin of becoming a king before my elder brothers.’’ Rama was pleased with the words of Satrughna and coroneted him before many kings. Kousalya, , Kikaye and other mothers blessed Satrughna. After coronation Rama said, “Brother! Lavanasura had a divine spear gifted by Lord Siva. Now, I am giving you an astra to fight with his spear. You kill him before entering Madhuvana. Satrughna took his blessings and went to fight with Lavanasura. On his way he stayed in Valmiki asrama for a night. 67,68. The birth of Lava and Kusa: Satrughna on his way to Madhuvana, stayed in Valmiki asrama for a night. On the same night Sita delivered twins. In the midnight tapasvinis went and informed maharshi that Sita delivered twins and both mother and babies are safe. On hearing the news maharishi took a handful of dharba grass and purified them with mantras to project the babies from evil spirits. Those tapasvinis took those dharba grass

Uttara Kandam 67 and cleaned one child with the bottom end of dharba grass. Since then he was known Lava. The second baby was cleaned with the top ends of those dharba grass, and he was known as Kusa. Since then all Maharishis called them as Lava and kusa. The entire tapovanas praised the glories of Ikshavaku family. Satrughna woke up from his sleep and went to the ashrama and prostrated at the feet of Sita and said ‘Oh mother! By the grace of god I had your darshan.’ Next morning Satrughna after completing his morning rituals prostrated at Valmiki’s feet and travelled for seven days, to reach Madhuvana. 69. Satrughna killed Lavanasura: By the time Satrughna reached Madhuvana Lavanasura killed many animals and kept around him to eat. Satrughna went to him and said “Oh rakshsa! I am the son of king Dasaradha, brother of Rama you killed many Maharshis and tapasvis. They all went to Rama and requested him for protection. He assured them protection. You decide weather you stop doing atrocities on tapasvis and surrender to Rama or should I kill you? Looking at Satrughna Lavanasura look the bow and rained arrows on Satrughna. After a while he could not fight with Satrughna and ran for the spear blessed by Siva. Before he picked up the spear Satrughna killed him with the arrow given by Rama. 70. Devatas gave boons to Satrughna: All divine communities were happy at the death of Lavanasura. Indra, Agni and other devatas came said, “Oh Mahabaahu! We are all happy that you killed Lavanasura with your valour. You had the darshan of all devates. You ask for a boon.” Satrughna said “Oh Deva! I want devatas to

68 Srimadhramayanam build a township as beautiful as Ayodhaya for my rule and name it as Madhupuri.” Indra blessed the boon and disappeared. Satrughna completed the construction of his town in twelve years. In Madupuri, Indra had blessed with timely rains. People had good harvest. After twelfth year Satrughna went to Ayodhya to see Rama and mothers. 71. Satrughna’s travel to Ayodhya: Satrughna reached Valmiki ashrama on his way to Ayodhya. He spent that day with the maharishi and heard many divine stories. Maharishi said “Satrughna! Lavanasura killed many kings and tapasvis. You killed that sinner rakshasa. You killed Lavanasura as Rama killed Ravana.” Maharshi sang a few slakes praising the glories of Rama. Satrughna and his men were fully absorbed and listened Rama’s achievements By the time Satrughna reached Ayodhya Rama was in durbar. He prostrated at his feet and said, “Brother! I killed the sinner Lavanasura and I built the city Madhupuri with the blessings of the divine communities. Hence, I am forced to keep away from you for about twelve years. I can’t be away from you any further as a calf could not live without a cow. You allow me to stay with you.” Rama said, “Brother! your distress doesn’t suit to a kshatriya. A Kshatriya lives more for the happiness people then himself. You rule the country with Kshatriya dharma. You stay with me for a few days and go back to Madhupuri with your army.’’ Satrughna went back Madhupuri after a few days. 73-74. The grief of a Brahmin: One day while Rama was in durbar, a brahmin came, carrying the dead body of his five year old son and said,

Uttara Kandam 69 Brahmin : Rama! You are responsible for my grief. In Dasaratha’s rule children never suffered premature deaths. Either, you bring back my son’s life or kill me and my wife also. If the king rules in an unrighteous way people will suffer for his sin. Rama arranged a meeting with Agastya and other ministers. At that time Narada was also present and said, Narada: ‘‘King! I will tell you how this boy had a premature death. In this yuga performing tapasya by a Sudra is a sin. Some wicked Sudra is doing tapasya in your country. If you find out where is performing tapasya and punish him, the brahmin’s son will gets back his life. 75 -82: Rama’s search for the Sudra tapasvi: Rama remembered pushpaka and went in search of Sudra tapasvi. Rama saw a muni doing tapasya upside down. He went to him and said, “Oh Munindra! I am Rama, son of Dasaratha. You are performing severe tapasya. What do you want? On whom are you meditating? or a brahmin? or a Kshatriya? or a Vyasya? or are you a Sudra? Tell me the truth”. The tapasvi said, Rama kills the Sudra tapasvi: “Rama I am a born sudra. I am aspiring divinity. What I told you is truth.’’ While the sudra was talking, Rama took out his sword and cut his head. Immediately Indra appeared and said Rama! You averted a sudra entering heaven. You ask me a boon.’’ Rama said, “Deva! if you are pleased with me you give back life to that brahmin’s son. Indra said, “Rama! The moment you killed that Sudra tapasvi, the brahmin boy came back to life.

70 Srimadhramayanam 83. The opinion of Baratha on Rajasuya yagna Rama took leave from Indra and other maharshis sat in his pushpaka and reached Ayodhya. Baratha and Lakshmana went and hugged Rama. Rama: ‘‘Bothers! I have completed the sacred job of the brahmin. Now I wish to perform Rajasuya yagna. Only kings are eligible to perform this yagna. If I have your cooperation, I am sure I can complete this without any difficulties. By performing this yaga, all sins would be destroyed, it would protect dharma. You both are my life and soul. You should make all arrangements to perform this. I am sure, by this yaga, the dharma would remain in the country forever. “King Mitra performed this yagna and became Varuna. The righteous Somu, performed this yaga and his glory became immortal. Rajasuya was such a great yagna, which will make the king pure in this world as well as the other worlds. You also think well and let me know weather I can go ahead or not.’’ Baratha: ‘‘Rama! You are the embodiment of dharma. The entire earth is created by you. You are the glorious person in all the worlds. You are the creator, ruler and destroyer. You are the most virtuous among the kings. As devatas are looking at Brahma with respect, the kings on earth are respecting you. You are the source of all creatures. How can you think of this yagna? All the kings are righteous and following the path of dharma. Moreover they are all sincere and obedient to you. Hence I don’t advice you to perform Rajasuya yagna.’’ Rama: ‘‘Oh sinless Baratha! I am pleased with your fearless and frank expression. I am convinced with your

Uttara Kandam 71 words and I withdraw of performing Rajasuya. Wise people won’t do which will affect the people. 84. Lakshmana’s views on Aswamedha. On hearing Baratha’s words, Lakshmana said: Lakshmana: ‘‘Brother! Elders say that by performing Aswamedha one can destroy all his sins. Long ago, Indra performed Aswamedha yagna to get rid of brahmahtya sin after killing Vrutasura. Vrutasura’s body was as big as Mt.Meru. He used to have great strength. He knew all dharmas. Such a Vrutasura made the thought of doing penance. He had indriyanigrahan. He developed aversion on the world and worldly things. So he coroneted his eldest son Madhuvu as a king and went to tapovanas to perform tapasya. Indra was afraid of Vrutasura and prayed, “Oh Mahabaahu! This Vrutasura won everybody on earth. Now he doing tapasya. If he succeeds and get boons I can’t control him. Though is strong and liberal. He is a rakshasa. You are aware all rakshasas are born enemies of devatas. So don’t be liberal with him. If you open your eyes with anger, he will burn to ashes. We are all living with your grace. You kill this Vrutasura and save devatas and heaven. Except you, nobody else can save us.” 85-86: The killing of Vrutasura: Rama: ‘‘Lakshmana! You tell me how Vrutasura was killed.’’ Lakshmana: ‘‘Rama! Lord Vishnu heard the prayer of Indra and other devatas and said that, Vrutasura is my ardent devotee. So I can not kill him. However I will give you a hint how to kill. Vishnu said “Indra! I divide my power in

72 Srimadhramayanam to three parts. One part in Indra’s Vajra. Second part in Indra, the third part will be on earth. Then Indra can kill Vrutasura with his Vajra.” On hearing Vishnu’s words Indra and other devatas prayed him to invoke the power immediately so that they can get rid of Vrutasura. Vishnu said “so be it”. Indra and other devatas went to Vrutasura hit hard with Vajara on his head and he fell dead. While his head was falling on earth, the sin of brahmahatya came out in the form of flames from his head and chased Indra. Ultimately the sin entered the body of Indra. He became invisible. All devatas prayed Vishnu. Vishnu said, “Devatas! Stop grieving. Let Indra perform Aswameda. If it will be as good as worshipping me and Indra becomes pure. Indra performed aswamedha and became pure. Rama! Aswamedha is so great and hence you perform aswamedha.

87-93 : Aswameda yaga Rama: ‘‘Lakshmana! You told me the merits of Aswameda yaga. Now you go and bring Vasista and other superior brahmins to select yagaaswa. Lakshmana made arrangements to perform Aswameda. He sent brahmins to invite Sugreeva, Vibeshana and other kings to witness the yaga. All rishis and tapasvis from all over the country cane to witness the yaga. Baratha built Yagnavatika, guest houses, dining halls and kitchen for the yaga. During the Yaga: Rama dedicated to the yaga, and released the Yagaswa and Lakshmana accompanied for its protection. All the

Uttara Kandam 73 kings accepted Rama’s superiority and presented valuable gifts the Rama. Bharota and Satrughna worshipped to guests. Gold, diamonds and other valuable gifts were liberally donated to the brahmins, and poor people. The munis said, “This yaga is much superior than the yagna of Indra, Chandra Varuna and Kubera. Lava-Kusa sings the song of Rama Valmiki: My sons!‘‘You sing the story of Rama yagnavasika and at the gatherings of munis. . You sing the glories of Rama when the priests are taking rest and also in all cross roads of Ayodhya. If Rama asks you who is your father you tell him that you are the disciples of Valmiki. If anyone offers money you refuse politely and tell them that, “we are living in forest eating fruits and roots; so what is the need for us with that money”? If Rama asks you to sing while he was sitting in his durbar you know it well that the king is like father to all of us. So while singing before him you must express modesty, humility and melody. From tomorrow morning you start going around, giving the concerts.’’ 94. Rama listens to the concert of Lava-Kusa Before dawn Lava-Kusa completed their morning rituals went to yagna vatika and sang. Rama heard with curiosity and appreciated its melody and invited them to his durbar. There many kings from various kingdoms, mythologists, musicians, elderly brahmins, astrologers and pundits in various faculties were present. On hearing the concert of Lava-Kusa the audience were moved for its melody and forgot themselves. They spoke among themselves” though they are wearing jatas and Valkalas, they looks like Rama. They looked more as a

74 Srimadhramayanam kshatriyas than muni boys”. At that time sage Naradha came to durbar. By the time Naradha entered, they completed the first chapter. After hearing twenty chapters Rama said to his brother, “Lakshmana! You give them eighteen thousand golden coins as a gift. Over and above if they want any thing more you give them all. Lakshmana took the gold coins if they want any thing more you give them all. Lakshmana took the gold coins and offended the boys. They politely refused and said, “Oh Prince! We live in the forests. We are contended with the fruits and roots. What do we do with gold coins?” All the audience were amazed at their words. Rama asked the boys, “What is the size of this epic? Who wrote this epic? To which country does the author belongs? Where is that enlightened person now?” Lava and Kusa replied, “Oh king! Valmiki maharishi has written this epic in seven kandams. In all, there are five hundred sargas. Maharishi has written the full story of Rama. This history cum epic will cover your entire life. All those seven kandams and five hundred sargas are comprised in twenty four thousand slokas. The great tapasvi belongs to your country. If you come to yagnavatika you can see him”. Rama promised the boys that he would go and meet maharshi at yaga-Vatika. The boys took leave from Rama and went back to Valmiki maharishi. Rama also went to yagnavatika to meet maharshi. 95. Rama demands Sita to pledge her innocence: Rama listened the epic of Ramayana sitting with the munis and others. As days passed on, he came to know that these boys were the sons of Sita. Then he called the messengers and said, “You go to Valmiki maharishi and

Uttara Kandam 75 convey as my words, ‘Oh maharishi! If the conduct of Sita is sinless and pure she can come to my durbar and prove her innocence before public. Valmiki said, ‘‘Sita is a chaste and virtuous wife of Rama. She is worshipping him as god. Sita will fulfill what Rama wanted her to do.’ Rama was happy and said, “Courtiers! tomorrow I am arranging a public audience. Sita will come and pledge her innocence. All maharishis, their disciples, kings, and people are invited to witness.” 96. Sita comes to Ayodhya: Next morning Rama went to Yagnavatika. The rishis, Munis, kings, vanaras, rakshasas, civilians and tribal’s are assembled. They were anxious to hear the pledge of Sita. The entire assembly maintained silence. Valmiki Maharishi came to durbar with Sita. Her mind was filled with Rama. She entered the assembly with folded hands and bowed her head. All the audience stood and saluted her with respect. All the sections praised both Rama and Sita. Valmiki: ‘‘Rama! Because of the public blame, you left her near my ashrama. She is the most pious and righteous wife of yours. Since you asked her to pledge her innocence and purity, she will do so. You please permit her to prove her innocence. These twins are the sons of Sita. They are your sons. This is the truth. I am also telling the truth. I am the son of Prachetana. I am the thirteenth in the family of Prachetana. I never told a lie. These two are your sons. I did tapasya for several thousands of years. If Sita is guilty or impure, I lose all my tapophalam. By mind, word and action I never did any sin. If Sita is pure and chaste, I retain my tapasya. I came to know that she was pure and sinless and

76 Srimadhramayanam hence I protected her. She believes that her husband alone is her god and always worships him . Now this Sita will pledge to you of her innocence. Though you know Sita is pure and sinless, you are afraid of the public blame and deserted her. I understood these facts from my divine sight on that day itself. Hence I assert that she is pure and pious. The same thing I now confirm.’’ 97.Sita enters Rasatala Rama heard the words of Valmiki and saw Sita standing. He saluted to maharishi and said. Rama: ‘‘Oh righteous maharishi! All you said is true. I fully believe that Sita is sinless. Already she has proved her purity by entering the flames. All divine communities came and said that she was sinless. After listening to them I came to Ayodhya with her. The public scandal is strong enough to take a hard decision of leaving her at your ashrama. For this I may be pardoned. I am aware that these twins are my sons. Once assembly approves of her purity, I will take back Sita with honour.’’ On hearing Rama’s words, Indra and many devarshis came to the assembly hall. By the time Sita made her pledge, Adityas, Vasuvus, Rudras, Viswea Devatas, Marugnas, Saptarishis, Nagas, Birds, Siddhas and many other divine communities also came to hear her pledge. Looking at those divine communities and maharishis, Rama said. Rama: ‘‘Oh superior divine communities! I have faith in the words of Valmiki maharishi. However I would like to wash away the public blame and establish her good character and purity to all lokas. To make all the three worlds to believe her purity, she has to make pledge in the presence of audience. If she could make that, I will accept her back.’’

Uttara Kandam 77 Sita wearing saffron garments entered the podium of the hall and saluted to all audience with folded hands, bowed her head and said in a humble voice. Sita: ‘‘ Had I thought of any man except Rama in mind, mother earth may take me into her folds. By mind, word and action, had I not worshipped Rama alone, let mother earth take me in to her folds. Had I known any man except Rama, let mother earth may take me into her folds! This is my pledge. What all I said is true. To accommodate me let the earth divide into two! Sita made the same pledge thrice: Suddenly a divine throne erupted from the earth. The shape of the throne was not only wonderful, it was decorated with diamonds and other valuable stones. The divine serpents were holding the throne on their head. On that throne, mother earth was sitting. She stretched her two hands and invited Sita into her folds and said ‘‘ My child! Come. I am taking you into me’’ By saying so she made Sita sit by her side on the throne. Immediately the throne went down to Rasatala. On seeing Sita in Rasatala, all the divine communities rained flowers on her. The voice from the sky said, “oh Sita your character is pure. You are equal to yourself only.” Those words were heard by all devatas and praised Sita in several vedic slokas. As Sita entered Rasatala all the worlds were confused for a moment and became still. 98. Brahma came down to console Rama: While Sita entering Rasatala, all vanaras and rakshasas cried loudly with grief. All the muni and communities praised her in thousand ways. Rama fainted at the disappearance of sita. After recovering Rama said:

78 Srimadhramayanam Rama: ‘‘Oh Sita! You appeared like Lakshmi and disappeared in a fraction of a moment. I fought with Ravana and got you back. I can fight any one to get you back but I am not capable of bringing you back from Rasatala? ‘‘Oh mother earth! You give me back my wife. Don’t try my patience. If I an angry, I will get back sita with, my valour. Oh mother you are the mother of sita. She was found in your arms while Janaka was tilling the land. I got her from King Janaka with my valours. That way you are my mother-in-law. So don’t separate your daughter from her husband. Other wise you take me also in to your arms. So that we both can live together. Wherever Sita lives that is my heaven. If you fail to listen to my appeals, I will put the entire earth under waters”. While Rama was grieving all divine communities were shivered with fear and came with Brahma. Brahma said: Brahma: ‘‘Rama! You are the most pious person in all the worlds. You are the embodiment of dharma. Don’t grieve. You remember your own self. I came here only to make you to know ‘who you are’. You are Vishnu. Sinless and chaste Sita went to your abode. Till you reach her she will be meditating on you. So you can see her only, after leaving this form. What I said is true. You believe me. ‘‘Rama! Of all the epics, this Ramayana alone gives the correct story about you and depicts right from your birth. Valmiki maharshi narrated the pains and pleasures of your experiences in Ramayana in detail”. ‘‘This Aadi kavyam belongs to you and your story. Valmiki has made you as the hero in this epic. Since it is written during your lifetime it is an epic and itihasa than a history. This epic is divine, interesting, true and without

Uttara Kandam 79 hiding any thing of you. Myself and devata communities heard this epic. ‘‘Rama! You also hear the story that is going to come in future without any confusion. In Ramayana this portion of the story will be called as Uttara kandam. You listen to such an Uttara kandam sitting in the presence of the maharishis. You only should listen to this portion first. Nobody else is entitled to listen earlier than you.’’ Thus Brahma consoled Rama and disappeared. As advised by Brahma, all devarshis came to listen the story of Rama. While Rama was talking to Valmiki, they heard a voice from the bottom of the earth. “Oh Rama! You leave your grief. Everything s predestined. So grieving for Sita is fruitless. You can’t see her again in this life, because she absorbed in Prakruti. The form which is spread in Rasatala is worshipped as Nagadevata, on earth by humans as Lakshmi, she is Swada for ancestral parents. She only provides nectar to divine community. You live in this body with Vishnu amsa. ‘‘Rama! You stop thinking of seeing Sita. If you want to see Sita you see her in Lava and Kusa who are her reflection.’’ Rama asked Valmiki maharishi to reveal Uttara Kandam to him. 99. Ramarajyam: Rama completed his morning rituals. All munis and other audience were assembled. Lava and Kusa continued reciting the later part of Ramayana which was called Uttara Kandam. After Sita entered Rasatala, Rama’s mind was fully occupied with her memoirs. The entire world looked dark to him. He became restless He completed the yaga and gave

80 Srimadhramayanam heavy gifts to the priests. From there he left to Ayodhya. Rama performed many yagas. In each yaga, made a golden statue in place of sita. However he neither attempted to marry again nor had any relationship with other women. Rama followed all dharmas by himself and became a model to others. All the subordinate kings were obedient to him. During his rule, there were no premature deaths; people did not suffer disease. All sections of people lived happily. After some time Kausalya died. In the same way, Sumitra and Kaikeyi also followed her. To satisfy his Pitru devatas, he gave several gifts. He performed several difficult yagnas. Thus he ruled several thousands of years. 100. Rama fought with gandarvas: One day Yudhajittu, uncle of sent a message through his priest as “Rama! My neighboring king Sailashu occupied our lands by force. Those armies are powerful and I am not able to control them. All those lands are fertile. You defeat gandharva and keep those lands in your control so that our people can live in peace’. On hearing the message from his uncle, Rama replied through the priest, “Oh Brahmarishi! You tell my uncle as I say. Baratha’s sons Takshu and Pushkalu are quiet valourous. They defeat gandarvas and rule those two kingdoms. I am sending them with the necessary army.” On an auspicious day, Rama coroneted the Bharata’s sons for Gandharava kingdom. He ordered Baratha to go with his sons and conquer the kingdom of gandarvas. 101. Baratha defeats gandarvas: As instructed by Rama, Bharata lead a big army. Yudhaajittu also added his army and surrounded Gandharava’s kingdom. They fought for seven days and

Uttara Kandam 81 nights. Nobody could establish superiority over the other. Finally Baratha casted Samvarthana astra and killed many gandarvas. After the defeating gandarvas Baratha occupied their kingdom and divided it in two parts. He named one as Takshasila and the other as Pushkalavatam. Takshu was made as the king of Takhsasila. Pushkalu was made the king of Pushkalavatam. They developed their towns with pleasure gardens, fruit gardens, prayer halls, temples, picnic spots, auditoriums and play grounds. The lands were fertile and yielding sufficient crops. He made the people of those two kingdoms living a happy living stayed with them for. For some a few years and left to Ayodhya. Rama was happy and appreciated the achievement of Baratha. 102. The coronation for sons of Lakshmana: After Baratha’s sons were established their respective kingdoms, Rama thought about the sons of Lakshmana. One day he said, “ Lakshmana! I want to make your sons coroneted for two kingdoms. You tell me the suitable places for them to rule by themselves.” Baratha said, “Brother! I have noticed a place in the country of Karupadam. There is no population in that country. I feel like building two towns, one for Angada and another for Chandrakethu.” Rama was happy and he coroneted both the sons of Lakshmana in Ayodya itself. Rama named the country to be built for Chandrakethu as Chandrakantamu. For Angada, he named country as Angadeyamu. After coronation Rama built two towns. The land lying on the western side of Karupadha was nominated Angada as his king. For the land lying on the northern side, he made Chandrakethu as the king. Baratha went with Chandrakethu and Lakshmana went with Angadha and stayed with them for a couple of years and built two towns. Once those two princes established their

82 Srimadhramayanam rule Bharata and Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya and remained in Ayodhya serving Rama. 103. Yama meets Rama: One day Yama came in the form of a muni to met Rama. At that time, Lakshmana was at the gate. The muni said to Lakshmana, “Prince! I am the disciple of a maharishi by name Atibala. I came to see Rama.” Lakshmana took him to Rama. Rama worshipped the muni and offered a seat. Rama asked him, “Oh maharishi! What do you want”. Muni said, “King! I came to tell you a divine secret. Nobody should hear our conversation. They do not even look inside. If anybody violates you should kill him mercilessly however dear he might be. If you agree to this I shall tell you that secret.” Then Rama called Lakshmana and said, “Lakshmana! I am discussing with this maharishi a top secret. During our discussion, nobody should try to look at us, including yourself. Suppose if anyone defies, I will kill him. Lakshmana sent away the guard and he stood at the gate. Then Rama looked at maharishi and said “Oh Munindra! Nobody is looking at us and cannot listen our conversation. So you can tell me without any fear.” 104. The message of Brahma: Muni: King! Lord Brahma has sent me to tell you the following words. “Prabhu! You were Sri Maha Vishnu before you were incarnated in human form. I was your son by name Kalamu. People also call me as Yama dharma raja. Now I will tell you what Brahma asked me to tell syou as his words. “Rama! Long ago you withdrew all creations and absorbed in your self and slept on pralaya ialam. With

Uttara Kandam 83 your will power (Parasakthi) has created me. After me Aadiseshu was created. You created earth after killing Madhuvau. From kailabhu’s bones you created trees, vegetation and mountains. Thus the earth was named as Medini. “A splendorous lotus came out from your Naabhi. Since then you have entrusted with the work of creation. As I could not discharge my duties properly, I made tapasya meditating on you. You blessed me with your virtues and taught me the way of creation. Again I did tapasya on you with a request to protect all the creatures that I created. ‘‘To protect the creatures you took a form as Vishnu (otherwise you are formless and eternal) In other words, you are born to Aditi in the name Upendra and since then you took several forms to protect devatas. When the living beings were suffering with the cruel acts of Ravana, devatas prayed for protection. You assured them that you would take human form to kill Ravana. You also declared that you will live on earth for eleven thousand years. As promised you were born as the son of Dasaratha. Since that period of eleven thousand years is completed, I came to remind and request you to return to your abode. My lord! If you still wish to live in human form on earth, you can stay back. Otherwise if you want to go back to your own abode again transform into your original form of Vishnu and rule devatas. All devatas are waiting to accept you as their king and to live under your protection”. This is the message of Brahma. Rama heard the message, smiled at him and said” I am aware of my manifestation . Since I was born only to protect

84 Srimadhramayanam the people and since the purpose now completed, I will go back to my abode. 105. Lakshmana violates Rama’s order: While Rama and Yama were talking, Durvasa maharishi came to see Rama. Lakshmana said” Maharshi! Rama is talking to another maharshi. You may kindly take rest. In the mean while Rama will come and meet you”. Durvasa maharishi got furious and said, “Lakshmana! If you don’t allow me to go inside, I will destroy you all your dynasty. Not only that, I will destroy Ayodhya also.” Then Lakshmana thought in himself, ‘If I violate and go inside, I alone will die in the hands of Rama. If Durvasa curses, all our dynasty and also Ayodhya will be ruined. He took a risk and went inside a and said “Rama! Durvasa maharishi is waiting at the gate”. Rama took leave from Yama and invited Durvasa maharshi. Rama said, “Maharishi! What can I do for you”? maharishis said “I have not eaten anything for the past thousand years. I am unable to bear my hunger. Then Rama ordered food and offered to maharishi. Durvasa maharishi ate the food and disappeared. After maharishi left, Rama remembered the oath made to Yama, and became upset for he has to kill his own brother, who was more than his life. He became dumb with grief. Rama remembered Yama’s words and consoled in himself, ‘In any case myself and my brothers and my family are all leaving this world”. 106. Lakshmana reaches heaven with Physical body: While looking at Rama, Lakshmana said. Lakshmana: ‘‘Rama! Don’t feel sorry for me. Nobody can change the destiny. We have to act as per the dictates of the fate. So every thing happens as per Karma phalams. You

Uttara Kandam 85 keep up your word and kill me. Those who can’t keep up their word will go to hell.’’ Rama was moved by his words. He assembled the ministers, the priests and informed them about his pledge. On hearing Rama’s words, Vasista said, “Rama! I am fully aware that you are having separation from Lakshmana. So you fulfill the promise and keep up dharma. Truth is the support for the entire creation” On hearing Vasista’s words, Rama said, “Lakshmana! To protect dharma, I am leaving you. For a righteous person abandoning is as good as death. So I am banishing you.’’ On hearing Rama’s words, Lakshmana wept bitterly and left the durbar. He straight away went to river Sarayu, made Achamana absorbed all indriyas in harudayam, grieving and went in to Yogasamadhi. The divine community witnessing from the sky showered flowers on Lakshmana. Thus one fourth amsa of Lord Vishnu got absorbed in Maha Vishnu. 107. The coronation of Lava-Kusa: After banishing Lakshmana, Rama could not control his grief. He said to the courtiers, “I wish to make Baratha as the king of Ayodhya. I can’t imagine life without Lakshmana. I also follow the path of Lakshmana. You make all arrangements for the coronation of Baratha.” On hearing Rama’s words, Baratha said, “Rama! Without you I not only refuse the kingdom but also my life. So you coronate Lava and Kusa. They are eligible to rule Ayodhya. You make Kusa as the king of southern part of Ayodhya, Lava the northern part of Ayodhya. You send a word to Satrughna.” Rama went to durbar and said, “What is your desire?” Then all the courtiers said in one word, “Oh Rama! You tell where you are going? we also follow you. On hearing them Rama said, “So be it”.

86 Srimadhramayanam Rama crowned Kusa to south Ayodhya and named as Kusavathy. He made Lava as the king of north Ayodhya and named it as Sravasteepuram. Rama embraced both the sons. He sent the news to Satrughna and Vibhashana. 108. Rama reaches the other world: “After coronation of Lava and Kusa, Rama and Baratha decided to leave Ayodhya and go to heaven. The people of Ayodhya also wanted to follow them. Satrughna went to Ayodhya, met Rama and said “Rama! I came prepared to join you. You take me also with you.” Rama said “So be it.” The citizens of Ayodhya, vanaras, bhalukas, rakshasas came and said. “Rama! We are also coming with you, Don’t leave us and go alone.” Sugreeva said, “Rama! I appointed Angadha as the king of Kishkinda and came here to join with you. These vanaras and bhalukas also can’t live without me. So allow them also to come with you.” Rama said with a smile, “Friend! I will not go even to heaven without you. In the same way your followers, vanaras and bhalukas will also follow us.” Rama said to Vibeshana, ‘‘King You alive as long a sun and moon exist. You will be immortal as long as my story is remembered. I order you to rule Lanka in the path of dharma. You are to obey my order. Vibeshana! One more thing, you also worship Jagannatha who is the hereditary deity of Ikshavakus.” On hearing Rama’s words, Vibeshana bowed his head with folded hands and said, “I obey your orders.” Rama said Hanuma! you are the most brilliant person. Brahma has already blessed you longevity. As long as you live, you enjoy the Brahamananda by spreading my story in the world and live happily.” Hanuma said, “Rama! As long as

Uttara Kandam 87 the worlds exist I will spread your story and live on earth.” Rama blessed Jambavantha, Minda, Dwida and others also to live long till the end of Kaliyuga. He ordered all other vanaras and bhalukas to follow him. 109. The Maha Prastana of Rama: In the early morning Rama called Vasista and said, “Maharishi! Let the learned brahmins lead by holding the blazing agnihotra. Let the brahmins also hold the Vajapaya chatram.’’ Rama fulfilled all the formalities as prescribed in Vedas for Maha Prastana. Rama wore the minimum dress code,keeping dharba grass in hand, observing silence and meditating on Parabrahman, reached the river Sarayu. While walking to Sarayu, Lakshmi accompanied on his right ride, Bhoodevi on his left side. Samhara Sakthi walked in front of him. The bow, arrows and other weapons took human form and followed Rama. Vedas, Gayatri mantram, Omkara, Vasadkaram and other mantras took the forms of brahmins and followed Rama. Rishis, munis and brahmins followed him. Ministers, maids servants, children, stood on the banks of the river to see the last appearance of Rama. In short, there was no living creature left in Ayodhya. 110. Rama merges in Vishnava splendor: Rama entered the river Sarayu and stood at a spot to reach heaven. At that time, Brahma and all other divine communities arrived on their vehicles to greet Rama. With the splendour of the divine communities the sky became brilliant. The wind spread fragrance all over. Divine communities rained flowers. Gandarvas recited Stotras. Apsaras danced with joy. At that time, Brahma said, “Oh Vishnu! Our sashtanga pranams to you. To our fortune we had your darshan. You and your brothers are now absorbed

88 Srimadhramayanam into your own self. You are eternal and pure Parabrahman. Unless you remove the cover of your maya nobody can see you. You are all-pervading and eternal”. While Brahma was praising Rama and his brother left their bodies and absorbed in Vishnu. All Devarishis, gandarvas, Apsaras, Garutmanthas, nagas, Yakshas, daityas, danavas and rakshasas worshipped him. Then Vishnu said, “Oh (Brahma)! You provide all these people who came with me with superior lokas. “Then Brahma said, “Oh Deva! All these people who came behind you will go to “Santanaka loka”. Which is by the side of Brahma loka. Those vanaras and bhalukas will absorb in the respective devatas who were responsible for their birth. Those who reached the river Sarayu and lost their lives, and all those people who left their physical bodies went to heaven. Even birds, animals also entered River Sarayu leaving their physical bodies reached heaven. In short all movables and immovables, touching the waters of Sarayu at that time, reached Heaven. Brahma accommodated all those beings in heaven 111. The greatness of Ramayana: Valmiki has written Ramayana in seven kandams including Uttara Kandam. This epic was worshipped by Brahma. Lord Vishnu spread his splendor on all movables and immovable’s; punished the sinful people, established dharma, protected sadhus and went back to his abode. Since it is the story of Vishnu, people get all virtues by parayanam. Daily parayama of Ramayana will get wealth and longevity. It will destroy all sins. This is said to be equivalent to Vedas, as such learned people will recite this epic even at the time of funeral rites so as the departed souls lie in peace.

Uttara Kandam 89 This Ramayana containing seven kandams written by Valmiki maharishi, son of Prachetana. Even if one sarga of Ramayana is recited, one will reap the fruits of performing one thousand Aswamedas and ten thousand Vajapayas. This has been confirmed by Brahma. The person who heard Ramayana will get the benefit of giving donation in Kurukshetra at the time of eclipse. Those who heard Ramayana will wash off his sins and reach the abode of Vishnu. Those who read the story of Rama will be blessed with Dharma, Ardha, Kama and Moksha.

–oOo–

90 Srimadhramayanam GLOSSARY

Brahamananda Bliss brahmahatya the sin of Killing a Brahmarishi Budevi earth Chakrayudha Chakra weapon Dandaneethi criminal procedure code darshan a vision Dharma, Ardha, Kama and Moksha the principle object of human life and pursuit of which four are enumerated as durbar court hall Gayatri mantram the name of the most sacred verse of Vedas havisis the offerings made to various gods in yagna Kalahapriya Lover of creating fights Kalamu death Kimpurushas A class of demi gods Maha Prastana the final departure to heaven munipatnis wife of muni Nagaloka Kingdom of serpents Omkara the sacred syllable patala one of the seven regions under the earth Pralaya jalamu waters of annihilation punya religious excellence Rasatala one of the seven regions under the earth sadhus righteous people Samhara Sakthi the power of annihilation sarga chapter Sruthi Veda

Uttara Kandam 91 Tretagnis (dakshanagni, aahavaniyagni, garhyapatyagni) Uttara bagham Later portion of the story Vaisaka a month in the Indian calendar Vaitarani river of blood Vajapaya chatramu this is an umbrella which can be held by those brahmins who has performed Vajapaya yagna as a symbol of dharma Vimanam aerial vehicle Yagaswa horse yagnavatika the township built to perform yagna and public to watch Yajur Veda one of the three vedas Yogasamadhi Going in to a state of Samadhi while performing yoga yojanas a distance of 8 to 9 miles

–oOo–

92 Srimadhramayanam