Sri Ramavataara Tatvam

SRI RAMAVATAARA TATVAM

BALAKANDAM

Chilukuru Venkateswarlu Balakandam (Sri Ramavataara Tatwam)

Year : 2014

Copies available at : 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 Vedas 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 puranas reveals us that Rama and Krishna 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 rishis took out the essence from Vedas and

(v) framed in the form of Upanishads, 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) FOREWORD

Before we enter into Sri Rama Tatwam, let us examine the conditions that prevailed in the world in those days. Instead of depending only on our imagination for the purpose of this discussion, we will take into account the different, available proofs (Pramanas) on the subject. In that process, we shall rely to a large extent on the Valmiki Ramayanam. Some say, Ramayanam is a fiction. Some doubt Rama’s manifestation itself. Some say that, Ramayanam is just a story of how a great man’s wife was abducted by another person; how the former succeeded subsequently in regaining his wife and bringing her back to himself; and how he lived with her happily thereafter. This great epic is certainly world renowned. A great Maharishi has written this story in Sanskrit and it became popular all over the world. It is claimed by some that whoever reads or hears this epic will become virtuous. But, some people contend that it is just a story that never happened and there is no truth in it. If Paramatma wants to descend on earth and take an avtar, there must be sufficient and strong reasons for it. What can be such reasons? What were the conditions that prevailed in Tretayuga? We must examine Ramayanam, from this angle. In Krutayuga everybody conducted themselves as enjoined in sastras. Had they conducted themselves in a different way they would not have enjoyed all the Purusharthas. As such, dharma moved always on four legs. In Tretayuga, people started acquiring artha and vidya in unjust ways. Therefore dharma started declining gradually and moved on three legs. In this manner, dharma started declining one leg (or one quarter) in each yuga. In Krutayuga, the longevity of life of people was 400 years. From then, the longevity started declining at the rate of

(viii) 100 years in subsequent yugas. Therefore the dharmas that prevailed in Krutayuga differed from those that prevailed in other yugas. In Krutayuga, Tapas was the most important Dharma. In Tretayuga, gaining Aatmagnanam was the top priority. In Dwaparayuga, performing yagnas and vedic karmas became the priorities. In Kaliyuga, Dana, or, giving donation, has become the superior dharma. If we examine the smrutis, we find how the Dharmas changed according to the changes in human beings in each yoga. In tretayuga, gaining Aatmagnanam had become the prominent Dharma. True. But, this does not mean that people in other yugas dd not strive for Aatmagnanam or that people in Treta did not adopt the other dharmas. Greater importance given to a particular aspect varied in each Dharma. Is it so easy to gain Aatmagnanam? Unless a person immerses in Dhyanam (Meditation) for a long time, he cannot gain Aatmagnanam. In tretayuga, after certain time, Rakshasas who wanted to destroy Dharma were born. They used to kill ordinary people and eat them. They used to trouble all beings in several ways. They used to kill even Maharishis who were performing yagnas and doing tapasya. They used to kill children and harass women. Those who were suffering at the hands of these rakshasas, used to go to the kings for protection. Kings also fought with rakshasas and either killed them or were themselves killed in their hands. In those days about 80% of the land was covered under the forests. The rakshasas used to live at certain strategic points in the forests and killed people who passed that way. Since the kings were also killed in the hands of rakshasas some times, people became unprotected. People could not bear the harassment and suffering from the rakshasas. Yet, somehow theyalso resided in the forests and were doing tapasya. Most of the rakshasas were enemies of devatas. So they used to target those who were performing yagna and tapasya, because

(ix) devatas gained more strength through their tapasya and yagnas. Since rakshasas were moving all over the forest, tapasvis could not often find a place of safety for their tapasya. Inspite of their sufferings, tapasvis gathered in large numbers and used to perform satra yagas which used to be performed for several years. So they used to erect tapovanas (Cottages for Hermits); resided in them with wife, children and disciples; and were teaching Vedas to the disciples. Anasuya, Lopamadra and many such pious women lived in such tapovans serving their husbands who were performing yagnas and tapasya. Many men, women and children in such tapovanas also could not escape from the harassment of the rakshasas. One may ask why Paramatma did not came to their rescue, Inspite of harassment from the rakshasas? Even god does not violate the rule set by him. All Jeevas are to experience their karma phalam. Unless they complete their experiences they are not eligible for relief. “Kartum arhathum anyadhaa Kartum Samardaha Parameswaraha” This is a well known statement about paramatma. Paramatma can do anything that he wants but he will not violate his own rule by himself. Even Srutis support the same view about Paramatma. No one can escape from experiencing his karma phalam. Even god cannot reduce those phalams. Sometimes the society at large might have to undergo their karma phalams for the Karmas of an individual. In such cases, all people suffer in proportion to their karma phalams. Paramatma is always a witness for both the sufferer and the tormentor. “Nahi Karanam vina Karyasyotpattihi”, which means there is never a result without a cause. For Paramatma to decend on earth, he should have sufficient reasons, such as, human sufferings, harm to dharma, prayers from devatas and so on - which will make him to take birth on earth. There must be a fortunate family to receive Paramatma as their son. Their fortune must be a cumulative punya karma phalam of several births. Such a family will keep doing tapasya till they accumulate so much of punya phalam, so that Paramatma himself takes birth in their house.

(x) THE WORSHIP OF GOD: Paramatma appears in whatever form the divotees worship him - to please them. All names and forms belong to him. But, Paramatma is essentially formless. Whenever he takes a form he will be endowed with Prakruti (Prakruti Visistaha). Such a Paramatma swaroopa is known as Saguna Brahma, as Prakruti is Trigunatmakam. People worship Paramatma with form and name. Paramatma can be worshipped either by meditation or by archana. Meditation is also known as samayacharam. Those who practice in the path of samayacharam, they keep Paramatma in the form of Nischala Jyothi in their mind and worship. Those who follow the path of archana worship their preferred images with flowers and fruits. Once they fix their mind on god firmly, they can stop worshipping the images and fix Paramatma in their mind itself. Till such time one should not stop worshipping images. Whether the images are made of gold or mud, the phalam is the same. Whatever the name and form the mind likes, it can choose the same, because all names and forms belongs to him. This is accepted even in Upanishads. In other words, Prakruti and Purusha are inseparable like, Moon and its pleasantness, Sun and its light. Prakruti is the will of Paramatma. However Paramatma doesnot do anything on his own without the help of Prakruti when he takes form. Prakruti will build all Brahmandams (gaint stars, worlds) at the will of Paramatma. Even Trimoortis are created by Prakruti. Paramatma alone, is superior to Prakruti. In each brahmandam, there are separate Trimoortis, Indra and other devatas. Prakruti and Maha Maya are one and the same. Paramatma alone spreads himself in all the brahmandas. From this we can understand his greatness and majesty. There is none equal or superior to Paramatma. All devatas, movables and immovables are all an amsa(integral part) of Paramatma. “Sri Ramo Lalithambika”- This means, Lalithamba herself came in the form of Rama to protect all lokas. Even Trimoortis could not kill the powerful rakshasas whereas Jaganmatha took the form of Maha Kali and killed rakshasas.

(xi) One may say that Vishnu manifested as Rama. For that matter, Vishnu himself was created by Prakruti. Hence the phalam one gets by worshipping Vishnu, the same phalam he will get by worshipping Rama. This means, all names and forms belong to Paramatma. It is ignorance to think that a particular form is superior and another form is inferior. In the same manner, no purana is either superior or inferior to the other. In Tretayuga, people’s mind was filled with fear and distress. They were sleepless with the fear of rakshasas, and so, they could not even worship Paramatma. Once People develop love for god, they ignore all sense pleasures and fix their mind on him, which paves the way towards Aatmagnanam. That knowledge leads to Paramatma. Such an effort and prayer of people had paved the way for Paramatma to take the form of Rama and decend on earth. The Lord took birth as Sri Rama in human form to re-establish dharma and to protect sadhus. Some people feel that Rama may be a superior person among other people but not a god. Unless they read Sri Rama Tatwam, their doubts cannot be cleared. Some say that Rama alone is the manifestation of Paramatma. Some say Krishna is Paramatma. Some say that Sakthi has given birth to both of them and hence Sakthi alone is Paramatma. However a Jnani can understand that all forms and names belongs to Paramatma. No one can escape from karma. Their karma alone makes them to talk in several ways. Even Paramatma is fastened by karma when he takes human form. He who gives up arrogance, realizes easily that karma is most powerful. Once arrogance leaves, he does not feel the difference between him and others. That sense of sameness develops deep devotion in him. Once devotion develops, he loves god without passion. His selfless love leads him to pure knowledge. Pure knowledge leads further to dispassion. Dispassion makes the man free from desires. A desireless person starts performing actions without desire. Desireless actions are the fruits of dispassion.

(xii) Such people lead ignorant persons also, to do virtuous karmas. He who realizes that karma is powerful will leave his arrogance automatically. As long as arrogance remains, he cannot be peaceful. Therefore one has to leave the feeling, that “I am the doer”. That is why Sri Krishna said in Bhagavat Geeta as “Akarmanascha Bodhavyam Gahana Karmanogatihi”. Because of pre-destined fate, people fall under the illusion of arrogance. Hence we must all understand that Paramatma is one. For the convenience of devotees, he takes several names and forms. By whatever name and form we worship, that reaches the Paramatma only. Whether Saivas worship in the form of lingam or vyshnavas worship Vishnu with all decorations, one should know that both are the amsa of Paramatma only. The state of such a realized person is known as yogi. Bhagavat Geeta and many other scriptures are also teaching that one has to worship the formless Para Brahman only. He alone is Paramatma or Aatmatatwam. Gender differences do not belong to the object but belongs to the sabdam. Paramatma assumes name and form and gender to the liking of his devotees. Therefore anyone can worship their favourite god in any name and form of his choice. One should realize that the worship of Sri Rama is the most superior way of worship and is the goal of yoga sastra. Worshipping that Parama Purusha with firm devotion is known as Aradhana. There are two ways of Aradhana. One is worshipping his favourite god with offerings of food and other oblations. The second is meditating on Paramatma in his mind in the form of a Nistchala Jyothi and enjoy that bliss. The second way is the superior. Saaktas call it as Samayacharam. Sri Sankarachaya also taught this type of worship in his Soundarya Lahari. Again in Saaktam, there are two ways of worshipping which are Kaulamu and Samayacharam. Those who follow Kaulacharam worship Mantra Devata. They are not image worshippers. Mantram means Sri Chakra. In that Sri Chakra all devatas will be present except Para Brahman. Those who

(xiii) follow Kaulacharam imagine Sri Devi as Para Devata and worship. This is also known as external worship. Yogis who follow Samayacharam worship the goddess in a Chakra in the form of Nistchala Jyothi. These yogis also do not worship images. They are all Jeevan Muktas. Though they lead a household life, they are all detached from the world. They prefer to live in lonely places. Their mind is always filled with Maha Maya. Whatever they speak that becomes a mantra. All actions and movements of their hands are all the exhibits of Mudra. [They know that Japa without a Mudra will not be perfect and do not give Poorna Phalam] Whatever food they eat that will become an oblation to Paramatma. Lying and rolling either side will form a Namaskara. By bending their body even for their comfort will be considered as a worship with Aatmaarpanam. In this manner all the actions of a yogi are considered as a worship of Para Devata. This is the path of yogis. All the objects that are seen are created by Maha Prakruti only. Hence Trimoortis also are the children of Maha Prakruti. That is why, those who worship Sakthi are known as yogis. Whatever faith one may follow or whatever image one may worship, they should have a strong conviction that there is nothing beyond their faith. Then only they attain Poorna Phalam. Without bakthi, jnana and viragya, no worship will give Poorna Phalam. Excepting formless Para Brahman, all others are created by Maha Maya (Prakruti). Hence one will not gain the grace of Para Brahman unless he pleases Maha Maya and worship for her grace. The incarnation of Rama: Paramatma out of his own will, transformed himself into Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna to re-establish dharma on earth. With the help of Prakruti and to enable Parama Purusha to complete his mission on earth, he created Sita with his amsa. With the help of Sita only Rama is to continue his worldly life. The character and behavior of Rama are the source for Smrutis. Hence we have to explore carefully and follow how Rama behaved on various occasions and how he taught Sadacharams (codes of good conduct) to

(xiv) the people. Unless we read again and again we may not be able to pick up the hidden dharmas in Rama’s divine story. As we read again and again, ananda (divine joy) overflows in our body and mind. Some believe that Rama came from vaikuntam and he is Vishnu himself. Some others say he is the incornation of Lord Siva. Some others say he is the incornation of Sakthi. In this manner many people attribute Rama to different forms of gods. All those people do receive the fruits of their worship, by worshipping him according to their faith and belief. But Rama does not belong to any of those sects. He is Para Brahman who came to re-establish dharma and to give relief to the devotees who are in distress. Nobody knows whether he is one or more. In the same way nobody knows whether he is a Vyshnava, Saiva or a Saakta. Hence all of us have to listen to his divine story which os as pure as the waters of Ganga. There is a tatwam which is in the form of Pranavam, Srimantham, Akhanda Jyothi, super human, all pervading. That Para tatwam is Nirgunam, Adwiteeyam, without birth and death, formless and lives in all creatures as a witness or spectator. Can we imagine his full majesty? Is it Tatwa Sakthi? Even Upanishads cannot say his greatness in specific words. What about us? When he has no beginning or ending, where is the question of birth or death? So is it to be said as permanent? If it is not an object, how it will be lustrous? But Upanishads teach that it is in the form of Jyothi. If that is the case, should we discard the teachings of Upanishads? If we keep on discussing, numerous questions may arise. Then how can we substantiate the correctness of any form? No doubt it is difficult but it is not impossible, because we shall try for a solution with Anumana Pramanam. One may doubt whether such an eminent issue can be tried and solved with an Anumana Pramanam? We can try to substantiate this way, coupled with Agama, Pratyaksha Pramanams as well. We can also take the help of Upapatti which is the essence of Anumana Pramanam. Unless we decide Upapatti, we cannot satisfy our mind. What is the reason for having an Anumanam? Let me tell you now!

(xv) Thunder and lightening create dangers. When we hear such a danger, we raise a doubt by saying “Is it true?” That doubt will disturb the mind. At that time the mind recollects an old incident - of the striking of lightning on a creature and causing its death. On its recollection, the doubt will increase. Why? Then the mind starts working. In course of time, some memories come to the surface of the mind and it leads to Pratyaksha Pramanam. Tarkam (Logic) also joins and help in developing faith in Agamas. Slowly the experience of Sarta Pramanam, super natural powers and their knowledge make us feel that we are insignificant. After sometime, we slowly experience the Bhagavat Tatwam. At that time, One comes to know that all the objects are within oneself, and realizes that Paramatma is in the form of Jyothi and in that knowledge, one swims in the ocean of bliss. Ordinary people cannot realize that Tatwam. Those who possess super natural powers and true knowledge alone can experience that bliss. At that time such a person becomes passionless. He develops love for Paramatma and thus he is protected from the world. Such a person is not inclined to perform yagnas or to undertake pilgrimages. He does not wait for a guru; infact the Paramatma himself will be in search of him. He comes in a human form before him. He teaches the Paratatwam. In his presence he enjoys the bliss. From this, we are to understand that when the time ripens, Paramatma himself enters into your heart and teaches. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa taught “he who awakens the spiritual consciousness in you, know him as Satchitananda in human form”. From this what we learn is that nobody can know the real tatwam of Paramatma. Even Upanishads and Vedanta are struggling to explain the tatwam of Paramatma whether Saguna, Nirguna, Saakaara, Niraakaara etc. When Vedas and Upanishads are not able to define Paramatma, can Puranas, Srutis and Smrutis tell about him? It is not our intention to suggest that the above scriptures are useless. The fact is, it is difficult to know the exact Bhagavat Tatwam. Then, one may ask what is the benefit of making so much study about whom we cannot know anything. To a certain extent, the question seems valid. But this study provokes us to perform good acts and nishkama karmas. However we are to know from Upanishads that even Upanishads cannot give salvation. Because it is not a commodity which we can buy at a particular place. Some may think that the abode of Brahman is Vaikuntam and some others may think, it is Kailasam. But all these assumptions are a delusion. Since Paramatma is all pervading, how can we fix him in Vaikuntam or Kailasam only? The names and forms are created only for the benefit of devotees to worship him. The devotee fixes his mind in the name and form of his choice and worship. He assumes that Paramatma also lives in a name and form like him. The devotee can offer whatever he eats as food to his deity. This type of thinking can be continued till such time that he can fix his mind firmly on the formless Paramatma. Images of various gods are meant for those who are in preliminary stage of worshipping god. Otherwise the devotion on god will vanish from the world. The dharmas and principles explained in Puranas have hidden meanings and their fruits are also stated in Puranas. Depending on individual’s spiritual maturity, the methods of worshippings are specified with an ultimate aim of meditating on a formless parameter. All dharmas stated in Puranas are in general form and not for specific individuals. Hence, sometimes these may appear as if they are contradicting each other. If we go deep into them, we find that there are really no contradictions in them. Upanishads always dictate vidhis (duties), whereas Puranas teach them in the form of stories. This is because, Upanishads are meant for matured Jnanis and Maharishis whereas, Puranas are meant for common people. Hence each can choose his own way of worshipping god. However all ways leads to Paramatma only. God is capable of taking any name and form, because all names and forms belong to him. An actor may take any role in a drama, and the audience will identify him by those names and forms and share his pleasures and sorrows. In the same manner the Paramatma also takes several roles in the drama of creation which are known as incarnations. People believe that Paramatma is really experiencing

(xvii) the pleasure or Sorrow, like them. But yogis know that, all that is his Maya. People believe that there are upper and lower lokas. However, Jnanis say that it is all an illusion. They say that all brahmandams are supported by the attraction of each other and are hanging in the anthariksham. Infact they are all support-less. Paramatma alone is the support for all brahmandams. People believe that the earth is supported by Aadiseshu. This is also an illusion. Aadiseshu means the sesham (the remaining) after everything is destroyed in pralayam. Hence Paramatma himself is sesham (Aadiseshu). Only with the will of Paramatma, all the brahmandams are hanging in the atmosphere without any support. Scientists call it as the power of mutual attraction (Aakarshnana Sakthi). It is said in Strutis, Smrutis and Puranas that earth is martya lokam, which is karma bhoomi. Humans perform karmas and Jeeva goes to other lokas to enjoy those karma phalams. After enjoying those karma phalams, he comes back to earth. For example, birds leave their nest in the morning to secure food and come back to their nest in the night. People are to perform yagnas and satisfy devatas. In turn, devatas fulfill all the desires of humans and keep them happy. If people enjoy pleasures by themselves and do not keep devatas happy, it amounts to ingratitude. Hence people are to perform yagnas and eat the remains of yagna (yagna sesham). As the farmer cultivate the land to develop crops to satisfy others, in the same manner people must also perform vedic karmas like yagnas and satisfy devatas. That is why the earth is called as the place of action (Karma Bhoomi). Only those who are born on earth can pursue the principal objects of life which are dharma, artha, kama, moksha. Only people living in Bharat perform the karmas as specified in Vedas. But people living in other regions of the world may perform some such other righteous karmas depending on the conditions prevailing in those regions. Though their customs and food habits may differ but devotion to the lord will be the same whether they live

(xviii) in Arctic or Antarctic regions. The grace of god will shower on all of them equally. Yagnas are suggested for the first three varnas viz brahmana, kshatriya and vysyas. Though sudras need not perform vedic yagnas, they get the same phalam by performing dhanya Yagnam. Struti says “Dhanya Yagnam means donation of a small quantity of grains cultivated by him to the poor people”. This small gift of grains will fetch him as much phalam as the other three varnas gain by performing vedic yagnas. Even today we find in villages that farmers at the time of harvesting donate grains to the poor people before they take the crop to their homes. [The inner meaning of this yagna is to cultivate the habit of sharing their happiness with others. By gifting a portion of their earnings to the poor they receive hundred times more from the god] Incarnations : God incarnates in human form only to satisfy his devotees but we should not mistake that he likes that form and name. Suppose a devotee worships god in the form of a varaaham (pig). God appears before him in the form of his choice, namely varaham. That does not mean that he likes only the form of a varaham. We must all understand that Vishnu or Siva do not live in either Vikuntam or in Kailasam alone, because Paramatma is all pervading. If he restricts to live only in Vikuntam or Kailasam he cannot be a Paramatma. However the devotee is at liberty to imagine Paramatma in any form, at any place and in any name he likes. Paramatma will respond to him in the same name and form. All the humans on earth are weaker than rakshasas. Harassing and killing humans is the nature of rakshasas. As their atrocities increase, dharma declines. When dharma declines, the sufferings of maharishis, brahmanas, cows and other people increase. Then, Paramatma comes in any form to kill rakshasas and wicked people to re-establish dharma and to protect sadhus. Paramatma cannot take a human form without the help of nature. Hence to protect dharma and sadhus, the formless

(xix) Paramatma takes a form. He leaves that form as soon as he completes the purpose for which he took that human form. Some people are fascinated by that form and start worshipping that form even after Paramatma leaves the body. Devotees retain that form in their hearts and worship. Some may question, if that Paramatma is really Samadarsi, why he is punishing the evil? Is it not a sin? Infact Paramatma does not have either friendship or enemity with anyone. It may appear outwardly as if he is punishing. For example, a doctor will do good to all his patients but the way of his treatment will differ from the condition of his patients. In the same way, Paramatma acts depending on the karma phalam of individuals. But it will appear to us as if he showers grace on somebody and disgrace on some others. It is only an outward appearance. If one looks at it from a spiritual angle, he showers the same kindness on both. Though Paramatma treated Prahalada, Hiranyakasipa (Rakshasa) and a Brahmin in different ways, the phalam that he gives is the same for all of them. Hence, Paramatma does not have any partisan attitude. A father expresses equal affection for all his children. But he may threaten one, scold another and hug another kid depending on the situation. Though he may appear as harsh, his love is same on them. In the same way the treatment of Paramatma may differ, but he gives them the same phalam. Only ignorant persons think that god is partisan to some. Paramatma takes human form to protect sadhus and re- establish dharma. Such manifestations are many. There are about 21 prominent incarnations. That doesn’t mean others are insignificant. Those incarnations who lived on earth for longer time are said to be important incarnationa viz Naarasimha, Parasurama, Vamana, Rama, Balarama, Buddha, Kalki etc. Some people add Krishna in the place of Balarama. Some people say that the incarnation of Krishna should not be included in Dasavatarams. Parasurama is said to be a descent of Paramatma, which means he took a human form for a cause. We observe from Ramayanam that Parasurama was insulted by Rama. Some criticize, how god has descended again as Rama while Parasurama manifestation was already existing? In realty Rama did not insult Parasurama.

(xx) Parasurama’s manifestation was to punish the evil kshatriyas and he had completed the purpose for which he came and was doing tapasya in Mahendragiri. He came to know that Vishnu had descended as Rama on earth for the purpose of punishing wicked rakshasas. Hence he went to meet Rama and to absorb the Divine effulgence of Rama. The fight between them was only an external show created for the other worldly people. In this manner any number of interpretations one may give; it will confirm that Parasurama’s descent was only an amsa avataram. Some people may express doubt that if Vishnu takes birth in human form, who will be there in Vikuntam? Will that abode become vacant? This is all the thinking of ignorant people only, because Paramatma is all pervading. Only to bless his devotees he takes a form. In this manner he can take any number of forms as per the needs of his devotees. When Hiranyakasipa - wanted to see him in a pillar he appeared in a pillar at the request of Prahlada. Otherwise he is formless and all pervading. Mercury can be split into any number of particles, when they are brought together they again become one. In the same manner Paramatma can split himself into any number of forms but he alone remains in all the parts. Sometimes ignorant people do get this type of doubts, only to develop devotion later towards Rama. That is why this type of illusion is created in the minds of devotees.

Chilukuru Venkateswarlu

(xxi) Lz`«OQÍ _Ò<£Ö’_£ KÕã¨∞H˘x K«^Œ=O_ç, K«kqOK«O_ç! ‰õΩo§áÈ`«∞#ﬂ ã¨=∂*ÏxH˜ „áê}O áÈÜ«∞O_ç!! `≥Å∞QÆ∞Ö’

1. N=∞„^•~å=∂Ü«∞}=Ú 17. NHõ$+¨µ‚x ã¨~°fi[˝`« (U_»∞ HÍO_»=ÚÅ∞) 18. ã¨=∂[O ‰õΩo§áÈ`ÀOk 2. ÉèÏQÆ=`« ã¨∞^èŒ 19. ##flÜ«∞º Hõq`å "≥·Éèí=O 3. N=∞^•O„^èŒ =∞Ç¨ÉèÏ~°`«=Ú 20. uHõ¯# Hõq`å "≥·Éèí=O (18 Ñ¨~°fi=ÚÅ∞) 21. ZéÏ]„ÃÑQÆæ_» Hõq`å "≥·Éèí=O 4. N ~å=∞Hõ$+¨‚ LÑ¨^Õâ◊™ê~°=Ú 22. |"≥∞‡~°áÈ`«# Hõq`å "≥·Éèí=O 5. N â◊OHõ~° q[Ü«∞=Ú 23. ~å=∂Ü«∞} "≥·Éèí=O 6. N Hõ$ëê‚=`å~° `«`«Îfi=Ú 24. "åºã¨ "≥·Éèí=O 7. N ~å=∂=`å~° `«`«Îfi=Ú 25. P`å‡<å`«‡ q"ÕHõ=Ú 8. N=∞^ŒƒùQÆ=næ`å™ê~°=Ú 26. LÑ¨x+¨^ŒÌ~°≈#=Ú 9. NHõ$+¨µ‚x ÉÏÅºbÅÅ∞ 27 „|Ç¨Ï‡ã¨∂„`« ^Œ~°≈#=Ú 10. HõOã¨ ãÖÇ¨~°O 28. P`«‡É’^èŒ 11. tâ◊√áêÅ =^èŒ 29. JÑ¨~ÀH∆Í#∞Éèí∂u 12. ‰õΩKÕÖ’áêMÏº#O 30. q"ÕHõ K«∂_®=∞}˜ 13. =∞Ç¨ÉèÏ~°`«OÖ’ ^èŒ~°‡É’^èŒ 31. Ñ¨~°Ö’Hõ=Ú – Ñ¨Ù#~°˚#‡ 14. =∞Ç¨ÉèÏ~°`« Hõ^äŒÅ∞ 32. =∞# q"åÇ¨Ï=º=ã¨÷ 15. =∞Ç¨ÉèÏ~°`«OÖ’ =∞Ç¨"åHÍºÅ∞ 33. "Õ^•O`« ÑÖK«^Œt 16. NHõ$+¨µ‚x ~å[hu[˝`«

(xxii) FREE E-Books (www.sriramakrishnatapovanam.org) (Email : [email protected] - Mobile : 9884708559)

1. Sri Ramavatara Tatwam : (6 kandams) 2. Valmiki Ramayanam (7 kandams) 3. Srimadandhra Mabhabharatam (18 parvas) 4. Nannayyabhattu 5. Tikkana Somayaji 6. Errapregada 7. Valmiki Maharshi 8. vedavyasa Maharshi 9. Kata, Mandukya, Prasna and Mundakopanishads 10. Tyttireeya, Isavasya, Aitareya and Kena Upanishads 11. Chandogyopanishad 12. Punarapi Jananam... 13. Sri Krishna - a Diplomat and Statesman 14. Sri Krishna Tatwam

SRI RAMAVATAARA TATVAM

Bala Kandam

[This part is taken from Srimadh Ramayanam 1-5 Sargas]

Story in Brief: The history of King Dasaratha: Paramatma desired to take a human form on earth. Devatas, Maharishis are all anxiously waiting for his appearance on earth. There are so many royal families on earth. All of them are righteous. However one must be highly pious and righteous to be blessed with Paramatma as their son. Such a couple must have donated copiously, performed many yagnas and fulfilled several religious vows in their previous births. Such a worthy couple only is eligible for receiving Paramatma as their son. Such great people lead a totally self less life and do not even aspire for salvation, though they have performed countless generous and righteous deeds in many lives. The kindness of Paramatma will be limitless on such a couple. Since Parmatma himself has made the smkalpa now, such a royal couple must be living somewhere on earth. How are we sure that Paramatma takes birth only in a royal family? Why not he take birth in a brahmin family? Was he not born as a son of Jamadagni Maharishi (as Parasurama)? Was he not born as Vamana in the family of Kasyapa? This is not of much significance for Paramatma, in what varna he takes birth. What is more important is that he should do all the good that he wants to do for the mankind

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1 during his incarnation. Will god respect the caste system? (varnashramas). Bhagavat Geeta quotes “Chaturvarnam Mayaa Srushtam Gunakarma Vibhagasaha” which implies that the duties of castes should not be mixed up. That will not do good for the society. The prestige and reputation of such a family must be on high pedestal for Paramatma to take birth. Such a family should be glorious, flawless, dedicated to the people and should have the good will of Sadhus and Maharishis. A country ruled by such family is always pure and free from famines, epidemics, floods etc. The Kings of Surya dynasty, such as Manu, Ikshvaaku, Mandhata, Dileepa, Raghu and many others, are all famous. They are all capable of ruling the entire Bhoomandalam (earth). They all performed several yagnas ,chandrayana vratas and donated numerous gifts. They ruled the country several thousands of years righteously. They all practiced yoga, lived like sages and reached the heaven aat the end of their life. They used to be like a Kalpataru for anyone who comes to them for any need. They are capable of teaching subtle dharmas even to Maharishis. In this manner they became reputed in all the three worlds. [From this what we are to learn is that one should have this nature of helping others, and practicing the well- established good customs. They believed that virtues are the back bone for the race. They all had great control on senses and worldly pleasures. They performed all virtuous karmas and attained moksha at the end of their lifetime. There were no athiests or criminals in their country. Their mind was always fixed on dispassion] Let us examine the histories of those rulers in that family. In the beginning this dynasty was called as “Kakutsya’s”. After Raghu became the King, the family name

2~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam was popularly known as “Raguvamsam”. The King Raghu performed Viswagit Yaga, and he gifted away all his wealth to the rithviks. But, as is the custom, he retained the throne, the white umbrella and the chaamaram as symbolic for a King. He renounced all pleasures and spent the revenue collected from people for their welfare measures. Since then, he slept on the floor and ate food in mud vessels. Thus he became a model to his people and made them live a righteous life. He practiced dandaneeti as stipulated in scriptures. Thus he became glorious in this world and attained heaven after his lifetime. King Dasaratha was born in Raghu dynasty and was the son of King Aja. Dasaratha’s history was not revealed in Ramayana in full. Hence let us know more about him before we proceed to learn the history of Sri Rama. We do not find a flawless person in this world except god. We find some mistake or other at different times, in individuals. While considering the virtuous qualities of King Dasaratha, small and sundry short comings need to be ignored. He ruled for such a long period of over 60,000 years. One may doubt that any King can rule for so many years on earth? In general, the longevity of humans is taken as fixed as 127 years. The science of astrology says. “Sampaarhtirdhvighna Manujakarinaam Panchacha Nisaaha” Then some may question why elders are blessing as “Satamaanam Bhavati” Here “Satam” means ‘many’ but not exactly hundred. Even in Bhruhajjatakam also it was said about the longevity as follows “Guru sasi sahite Kuleeralagne Sasitanaye Bhruguje Cha Kendrayaate; Bhava ripu sahajopagaischa Seshairamitha mihaayur anukramaavvinaassyaat” From this we are to understand that Dasaratha falls under the category of unlimited years of longevity. In Tretayuga, the general

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~3 longevity was 300 years, in Dwaparayuga, the longevity was 200 years and in Kaliyuga, it is 100 years. However, here and there are one or two persons live for a long time. This extraordinary longevity of life usually depends upon the planetary position at the time of birth. According to yoga sastra, a yogi (Or Sadhaka) can live for long years (even Kalpas) and they attain many super natural powers, with the help of yoga. Yogis stay unmoving for any number of years envisioning the Paramatma in the form of a Nischala Jyothi. The achievements possible with Yoga sadhana are detailed in Patanjali Yoga sutras. Let us see the examples below : “Parinama traya Samyamaath atheetha anaagata jnanam”. By practicing Dhaarana, Dhyana and Samadhi, all the three simultaneously, yogis get into Samyama and achieve extra-sensory (super natural) knowledge and powers. If the mind is concentrated on particular nerve centres and particular chakras, Sadhaka achieves super natural powers, as stated in Patanjali Yoga Sutra 12-31. The yogis who practiced lambikaa and relted yogas can live under waters comfortably for any amount of time. We presume Duryodhana must have practiced this yoga and lived in a lake (after the battle of Kurukshetra). Some yogis experience Paramatma in their heart and remain ‘still’ like a stone; birds think of him as a stone. While tears flow from their eyes, birds mistake the same as rain water and drink. Such Yogis have transcended the need to perform daily rituals like sandhya vandanam, homas etc., long back. They are always experiencing Paramatmain in their heart as Nischala Jyothi and live several thousands of years. Hence the normal longevity of ordinary persons must not be

4~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam compared with such yogis. Who can convince people who question even the existence of yoga sastra itself? Those who perform number of virtuous actions attain Chittasuddhi. Unless one attains Chittasuddhi, one cannot have the vision of god. The purpose of all karmas are to realize Paramatma. Hence performing virtuous acts means worshipping Paramatma. All karmas that we perform are the forms of Paramatma only. If karmas are performed with such a sadbudhi ( pure mind) people will experience the good results of their actions, otherwise they will receive very low results. Bhagavat Geeta also teaches the same in the following sloka : “Karmanassukrutasyaahussattvikam Nirmalam Phalam; Rajasastu Phalam Duhkham, ajnanam Tamasah Phalam”. Further the yoga sastra reveals, that if a Yoga sadhaka worships Para Devata in the form of Kundalini and washes his body with her Padodakam(water flowing at her feet), he will gets the ability to practice yoga without any interruptions. Yogis can live any number of years in this manner, by practicing yoga sutras. Since we do not see such great yogi in our midst, in these days, we get doubts on the yoga sastra. Infact, even today, great yogis, who have total sense-control, are practicing yoga and living in the slopes of Himalayas and its dense forests. They will never come in our midst for the sake of money. King Dasaratha ruled his country for several thousands of years. He enjoyed all regal pleasures and made his people also to enjoy a happy and pleasant life. Such Kings are applauded as “Rajanvamta”.

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~5 The timing of Ramayana: Though Rama’s history is cited in many other epics and Puranas also, only in Ramayana do we find Rama’s history in full. Therefore, let us discuss and analyze from Valmiki Ramayana itself. Some people say that Valmiki has written Ramayana even before the birth of Rama. Some others say , he wrote it during the lifetime of Rama. Some other people say that there are so many Ramayanas and each one of them was written stories as the writers liked and then named after Valmiki. That is why we find many contradictions between any one Ramayana and another. “Some people say that Rama may be a great person among people of his time but it is needless to call him an incarnation of god. Rama might have wedded only one wife, remained completely faithful to her and adopted Yeka Patni Vrat as his ideal! He might be an ideal and obedient son to his father! He might have remained completely truthful at all times! Can we call him God, simply because of all these qualities? If we search diligently, we may find a few such persons who remain wedded and faithful to just one wife, who are obedient to their father and who are highly truthful. Hence we cannot call all of them as god. However they agree that Krishna is an incarnation but not Rama. Hence let us give a fitting reply and keep them in silence. The story of Rama and its poet Valmiki find references in several Puranas. Therefore Puranas and Ithihasas have accepted Ramayana and Valmiki. Even in Bhagavatam and Mahabharatam there are references to Rama’s story. In Ananda Ramayanam, Adhyatma Ramayanam and Brahmanda Puranam, we find the story of Rama. We definitely find the Ramayana of Valmiki with us. There may

6~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam be small differences in narrating the story, but all of them do support the Ramayana and Valmiki. Kaalam or time is indivisible, creation is beginningless, pralayams (deluge) are several. In each Pralayam and the creation that follows pralayam, there might be some differences and changes, but there will not be change in the major aspects. Veda teaches that “Dhaataa Yadhapoorva Masrujat”. In each creation (after pralayam) Paramatma will manifest in several forms. Hence there will be some deviations in each of his incarnations on earth. One may therefore question, whether, in each Tretayuga, Rama will incarnate? We can’t say this, because each yuga and its yuga dharmas will keep on changing. In each yuga, cruel rakshasas like Ravana take birth. To reduce the burden on earth, battles are therefore inevitable. In each battle there will be two sides. One side will oppose Paramatma and the other side will support. However Paramatma will not shower either love or prejudice on either side, because he alone has created both the sides. However he pretends as if he was angry on one side. Common people cannot understand this tatwam of Paramatma. Those who fought on behalf of wicked people also will not go to hell. Both the sides that fought and died in the battle will reach to the superior lokas only. But ignorant people will assume that whoever won the battle are virtuous and those who lost the battle are wicked. There is no need to blame rakshasas like Ravana and others, because both sides fought only at the command of Paramatma. Puranas reveal that Maha Vishnu has incarnated on several occasions. For example in Vyvaswata Manvantram, 28th Maha Yugam, Aswatthama (the son of Dronacharya) became the Vyasa. In each Maha Yuga, to suit those times, Vedas are divided. The person who divides the Vedas is

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~7 known as Vedavyasa. From this, we can infer that the names such as Vedavyasa, Valmiki, Janaka, Vasista and many others are institutions and not individuals, since they appear in many yugas. In this manner we can also understand that Maha Vishnu might have incarnated as Rama in several Kruta Yugas. Adhyatma Ramayanam in its Ayodhya Khandam - Sarga 4 also supports these view points. Some people say that Valmiki has written Ramayana even before Rama was born. Let is examine this aspect : “Naradam Paripraccha Vaalmeekirmunipun- gavam, Konvasmin Saampratam Loke Gunavaan Kascha Veeryavaan”. Valmiki asked Narada “Is there anybody who had all the virtuous qualities in these days? If so who is he?” Then, Narada narrated the story of Rama. “Rama received Sita who was purified by Agni, very graciously back as wife, became King, and performed several Aswamedha Yagas. He will be the forerunner of several illustrous Kshatriya families. He will uphold the Varnaashrama dharmas. He will rule several years and then reach Brahmaloka”. Narada narrated this episode to Valmiki after Rama was made the King and while he was ruling Ayodhya. When such a great king was ruling in his own lifetime, how was it that Valmiki did not know about Rama’s story? Why should he learn the same from Narada? These doubts may arise in the readers. The explanation is simple. 1. Valmiki Maharishi is a great tapasvi and a Jnani. If he wants he could have known about Rama by himself with the power of his tapasya. But such jnanis do not waste their tapasya indiscriminately on such matters.

8~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam 2. On seeing Narada he must have been incquisitive to know about a king with the above virtuous qualities. This was also a internal provocation by Brahma. 3. For the benefit of people, Brahma must have provoked Narada to sow the seeds of Rama’s story in Valmiki. Valmiki went to river Tamasa with his disciple Barathwaja and said “My son! Look at the waters in this part of the river! These are as pure as the heart of a virtuous person. I will take bath here before the sun sets. Bring my clothes and kalasam. You also take bath here”. Valmiki Maharishi was a great tapasvi. He has powers to bless with great boons or hand down great curses. While he was taking bath in the river he saw two krauncha birds roaming freely. While they were flying thus, a hunter killed the male bird with an arrow, even as Valmiki was looking at them. At the death of her companion, the female bird cried bitterly. This made the maharishi’s heart melt with pity. He became angry with the hunter and took deep pity on the female bird. At that time, quite unconsciously, the following Sloka came out of Valmiki’s mouth. “Maa Nishada Pratishtaam Twamagamassaa- swteessamah; Yatkrauncha midhunath, ekamava- dheeh Kaama Mohitam” Maharishi was astonished how he could spell out such a melodious Sloka. He kept on remembering the sloka, even after he went back to his cottage. As he was deeply thinking of the sloka, Lord Brahma appeared before him and said “oh Maharishi! With my permission, Goodess Saraswati stood on your tongue and made you spell out that Sloka. He also instructed him to write the story of Rama as narrated by Narada Maharishi” and disappeared.

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~9 Valmiki remembered the story narrated by Narada Maharishi but determined to write the fuller details from the outlines of Ramayana. He decided not want to give importance for ardha and kaama. But he wanted to give more prominence to dharma and moksha. The story after the coronation of Rama was arranged in Uttara Khandam. Thus, it is clear that Valmiki has written Ramayana during the lifetime of Rama. The qualities of Sri Rama: Rama has re-established virtuous qualities such as truthfulness, obedience to the father, affection towards the brothers and public welfare as the first duty of a king. He proved himself an ideal king. He stood as a model for all other kings on earth. He protected dharma and virtuous people(sadhus). He made people to understand how even kings must respect any criticism from the public. To make people understand its importance, because of public criticism, he even sent Sita to the forest though she was really chaste and was purified by Agni. The above virtuous qualities establish that Rama incarnated himself only to establish dharma. Lord Krishna also said in Geeta “Dharma Samsthzapanarthaya Sambhavaami Yuge Yuge”. Typical arguments: Some people raise a critcism that Sita was not the only wife of Rama but he had many other wives also. They quote Sundara Khandam - sarga 15 - Sloka 14. While Sita was in the captivity of Ravana, the rakshasa woman forced her to marry Ravana and threatened to kill her if she doesn’t listen to them. Ravana also gave her two months time to make up her mind to marry him. The raakshasa women began threatening that they will kill and eat her. In her distress and in a state of helplessness she remembered her memories of

10~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam Rama. At that time she lost her hopes (that Rama may not come to protect her) and thought in herself “oh Rama! I am going to get killed here. After sometime you will fulfill the promise you made to your father and go back to Ayodhya. You will get coronated and become a king. After becoming kin,g many broad eyed women will come to marry you and you enjoy with them”. Valmiki Maharishi wanted to reveal to the world the mind of a woman who was in deep distress and sure of her death. No woman will expect that her husband also will die with her. Valmiki has written this epic with the blessings of Brahma during the lifetime of Rama. In this great epic there are 24,000 Slokas, 500 sargas and 6 kandams. In this epic it was narrated up to coronation of Rama. The seventh Kandam is known as Uttara Kandam. Again this Uttara Kandam was divided into two. 1. Pre Aswamedha Yaga 2. Post Aswamedha Yaga. In the post Aswamedha Yaga, Bhoodevi absorbs Sita Devi into her fold and disappears. “Tadha Sargasataan Panchashat kaandani Tadhottaram Krutvaasi Tanmahaa prajjnassa Bhavishyam Sahottaram” Valmiki Maharishi has completed this epic and looked for someone who can memorise, sing and propagate the epic. He found two boys, Lava and Kusa, who are under his care in his own tapovana, as suitable for the purpose. They had already studied Vedas and Vedangaas. “Vedopabrumhanaardhaaya” i.e.,to explain Vedas very clearly, he had accepted them as his disciples. He explained the story of Rama, the story of his wife, Sita (“Krutsnm Seetaayaascharitam Mahat”), the story of Ravana’s killing and so on and taught the full epic of Ramayana to the two

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~11 boys. Both the boys had not only learnt the story but also recited it melodiously. They followed all the pramanas of music such as Trisrama, Chaturasrama, Misrama etc. On the gesticulation side, they could express all the feelings of Srungara, Karunya, hasya, Veera, Bhayanaka on appropriate occasions. They both learnt all the intricacies of acting in drama format. Since they both were born to Rama, their appearance was also so handsome and looked like Bimba and Pratibimbas. In melody and music they have exceeded gandharvas. They recited Ramayana before Maharishis, brahmins and sadhus in surrounding tapovanas. While Rama was performing Aswamedha Yaga, lava and kusa entertained munis, rithviks, Brahmins and others while they were relaxing after their Yajna duties, with their rendition of Ramayana Slokas and became very popular. To encourage those boys, Maharishis and brahmins gave them gifts such as kalasam, valkalas, krishnajanam and such other articles and also blessed them with full longevity of life. Wherever a few people gathered, the boys used to recite Ramayanam and made them happy. Thus they became popular among the visitors in the yagnavatika. This news spread and reached Rama. Rama arranged a concert before his brothers, ministers, subordinate kings and scholars and made the boys to perform before all. All the audience praised the boys with thousand mouths. [Let us pick up some important aspects of the concerts of those boys. Prior to Ramayana there were no epics or Slokas. The first Sloka “Maa Nishadha…..” was spelt out from the mouth of Valmiki and he himself was astonished. “Upavishtaha Kathaaschaanyaaschakaara Dhyanama Stitaha”, which means- he came back to his ashram, sat down, recited puranas and entered into meditation. One

12~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam may think, wheather Puranas existed even before Ramayana. But here, Purana means remembering the Playfulness of Paramatma. But the art of writing poetry in the form of Sloka started from Valmiki’s Ramayana only. Hence it was applauded as Aadikavyam. We already saw that there are several Ramayanas. How can we then say that Valmiki Ramayanam was the first one? We also saw that there are Navaantara Pralayams (several deluges periodically). During those pralayams, all the creation suffered universal destruction by the deluges. After one such pralayam or deluge, Valmiki must have written this Ramayanam. “Kaavyam Ramayanam Krutsyam Seetaayaa Scharitam Mahaat”. Bala Khandam - Sarga-4 - Sloka-7. Let us examine a significant aspect here. From all this discussion, we learnt that Seeta’s story is very important, because Sita is the root support for the people to gain all the good result andfruits to be received from Rama’s incranation. That is why the idiom “Sreeramo Lalitambika” became popular. The Moola Prakruti (the very roots of this created nature) was born on earth and was brought up as Sita. She alone stood for and performed all dharmas on earth at the will of Paramatma. She is called Bhootanaya. It should not be taken to mean that she is the daughter of mother Earth, or, bhoomi. But it only implies that she was found inside the earth. As though, to show all the great deeds to be accomplished through her in future, she was found as a child within the earth, by King Janaka, when he was tilling the land for a Maha Yajna. Some raise the doubt that, in that case, she is older than Rama, who was her husband. This is nothing but ignorance. Since Prakruti and Purusha are birthless and deathless, how can we say that she is older than Rama? Even Brahma cannot decide who is younger and who is older between the two of them.

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~13 If we understand that Prakruti arises completely as the will of Paramatma, this aspect becomes clear. Valmiki said “Krutsnam Seetayascharitam Mahat” which implies that Ravana has not actually abducted Sita but that she has created such an illusion to show that ,however strong a person may be, if he commits a sinful act, he is certain to be punished and destroyed. This is the secret of her incarnation. That is why Prakruti itself killed Ravana and other rakshasas, while Rama stayed as a witness. Maha Prakruti itself took the form of Sri Maha Lakshmi and acted as the wife of Sri Maha Vishnu. Therefore Prakruti is the will of Paramatma. “Dharmyama Bhyaana Muttamam”, Dharmam means that which cannot be separated from dharma or what is acceptable for Dharma. Practice of whatever is acceptable to Dharma only is to be taken as the Best practice. Instead of saying Dharma Bodhakam it is said as Dharma Sammatam. By saying so, Rama has made known his Pravrutti(attitude). But Rama did not teach dharma. He only conducted himself in the path of dharma despite encountering many difficulties. By this ideal conduct acceptable to Dharma, Rama became a model for others. Some people say that Adhyatma Ramayanam appears in Brahmanda puranam. Since this Ramayana was told by Viswamitra, they refuse to accept as an authority. However, we can see that Adhyatma Ramayanam is teaching only the essence of Upanishads. The teachings of Upanishads cannot be denied because they are the authority. We can accept the right meaning of any good thing (here, the Upanishads) from any one, says the Manusmruthi, in the sloka, “Baalaadapi Subhashitam”. Hence no doubts on this aspect need be entertained, because the entire creation is under the control of Moola Prakruti. Even when

14~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam Paramatma takes a form, he is under the control of Prakruti only. Sruti says that Paramatma is both in and out of Prakruti, which essentially means, he is formless. Bhagavat Geeta says that whatever has form and shape is all prakruthi, in the sloka,”Sarvabhootaani Kaunteya Prakrutim Yaanti Maamikaam”. Adhyatma Ramayanam also holds the same view. The central idea of this epic is that Sita is Parasakthi and Lord Rama is Paramatma. Hence the divine story of Sita and Rama is itself a superior dharma. Hence one should have faith on Sita and Rama as Prakruti and Purusha who had taken birth in human form to protect dharma and punish the evil. Once dharma is established, adharma fades out from the world. This is the secret of Sita and Rama’s incoronation. Some say that all Vedas can be found within Ramayana. “Vedopabrumhanaarathaaya Taavagraahayat Prabhuhu” If one says that all Vedas are in Ramayana that may be a hyperbole. There is no doubt that Ramayana is the Best and most ancient epic. One can attain all Purusharthas by reciting Ramayana, and more specially the Sundara Kandam. Some people make the entire Ramayana as Parayanam, a book that is fit for daily recitation. All desires cannot be achieved in the same birth. In such a case by reciting Ramayan,a how one can attain salvation? Those who had the blessings of god can attain salvation even in this birth itself. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa says “If a cave is dark for over thousand years. If we light a candle,

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~15 the entire darkness will be driven out and it gets filled with light. In the same manner with the grace of god one can attain salvation in the same birth”. In other words the Jeeva must have done enough Sukrutams (virtuous deeds to attain salvation) in his earlier births. Because of Paaraayanam of such Great Epic, god will protect the Jeeva from not to committing sinful acts in this birth and this ultimately leads to his salvation. In this way, by worshipping Rama, the devotees become pure. We can accept that Ramayana is equal to Vedas, which means by reciting Ramayana all of our sins will be destroyed. Veda Parayanam is not possible for all people. For such people Ramayana Parayanam will give the same result. Some people say that the story of Rama is in Vedas. But this version cannot be accepted because Vedas are “Apaurusheyas” which means it is not written by humans. In that case how a story of Tretayuga can find place in Vedas? The fact is that Paramatma has several names and forms. Rama and Krishna are also his names. Ayodhya Nagaram: We have deviated from the story of Dasaratha and took up many other interesting subjects. All the kings that ruled in the dynasty of Ikshvaku are great rulers. King Sagara dug the oceans along with his 60,000 sons. Rama was born in such a family of Ikshvaku. The territory of Kosala was spread on both sides of river Sarayu. The capital city was Ayodhya. This city was not only ancient but also popular in all the three worlds, because Manuvu has built the city by himself and ruled the entire Bhoomandalam. The city was built with twelve yojanas length and three yojanas width. It was as beautiful

16~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam as Amaravati, the capital of Indra. The highways of Ayodhya are wide and beautiful. King Dasaratha ruled such a beautiful Ayodhya. Valmiki applauded it as “Manunaa Maanavendrena Yaa Puree Nirmitaa Swayam”, which means Manu designed this city in his mind first and then built it. In that city, many Brahmins who lived were as great as rishis. The valorous people of that city never did any harm to any one except to the wild animals. In olden days the king himself used to build the houses first and allot to the people according to their varnashramas. They used to build the city first and invite the people of different varnas and request them to occupy those houses. The people obeyed the orders of the king as the order of god. “Naa Vishnuh Pruthivee Patihi”. The same is spelt in Manusmruti as “Mahiti Devata Hyeshaa Nararoopena thshtavi”. The king will command the respect from his people as long as the king respects the ancient customs and heritage. That is why the idiom “Yadharaja Tadha Prajaha” became popular. “Chaturvarnyam Maya Srushtam Gunakarma Vibhagasaha”. Bhagavat Geeta also teaches the same. In modern days they may change the name of their varna but the profession remains same. Keeping in view the needs of society they used to build the cities and villages. For example, how can the people who worship cow as God live side by side unitedly with those who kill the cows? They cannot. In olden days the kings gave much importance for women’s education, as can be seen from this sloka : “Vadhoo Neetaka Samghaisja Samyuktam Sarvataah Pureem” In Ayodhya, theatres were built for music, dance, drama and other fine arts to entertain people. “Muktha

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~17 Pushvaara Keernena Jalasiktena Nityasaha” which reveals how sadhacharams (codes of good conduct) were practiced in those days. Wind used to carry fragrance from flowers spilled on either sides of the road, to all people. To keep the roads free from dust pollution, they used to sprinkle water on road. Let us look at the sentence, “Suvibhaktantha- raavanaam” which means they used to leave vacant places between every two shops. They took lot of care in town planning, public health, clean environments, women education, fine arts etc.] The circumstances in Ayodhya [This part is taken from 4,5,6 and 7 Sargas] Story in Brief: The Brahmanas who lived in Ayodhya were well versed in Vedas and other Sastras. King Dasaratha was liked by both such jnanis and common people, who lived in cities and villages also and worshipped him like god. He ruled in a righteous way and performed many yagnas. He had good control on senses and was a truthful person. He had won many battles with valour. Thus he had many virtuous qualities. There were no poor people in Ayodhya and possessed land, herds of cows, gold and many other asserts. There was not even a single landless person in his country. People of all the three varnas used to perform daily rituals such as agnihotra, japa, dhyanam, sandhya vandhanam etc. There were no atheists or untruthful and jealous persons. All people pursued the prescribed Dharmic goal of the four Purusharthas. People used to ride on elephants, horses, chariots as a mode of transport.

18~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam Administration in Ayodhya: Dasaratha had eight ministers. All of them were scholars, statemen and able administrators. They were extremely skilled in understanding other’s minds. They always worked for the well-being of the king. Jayantha, Jaya, Siddhartha, Arthasadhaka, Ashoka, Mantrasaala, Sumantra are the ministers. Apart from these ministers,Vasista, Vamadeva, Suyagna, Jaabali, Kaasyapa, Gowthama, Markendeya, Dheerghayu and katyayana also served the king as his priests cum ministers. They used to get information from the spies within and outside the countries. They never left a culprit go unpunished but no innocent was ever punished. Even they used to punish even their own sons, strictly as per dandaneeti. Since all the ministers were righteous and following the path of dharma there were no criminals in the country. In this manner the glory of king Dasaratha reached all the three worlds. Tatwam: [“Yortha Vitsakalam Bhadramasnute”. According to this saying from the Struti, the king should learn and understand the Vedas and their meanings very well. He must rule the country for the well-being of the people. In wars he must be extremely valorous. Otherwise he cannot retain his kingdom. The king should worship devatas, guests and please those in distress, the disabled and such others. If he rules in this manner he becomes glorious in this loka and enjoys comforts in other lokas. If the king becomes glorious and virtuous his people also will be virtuous. That is why the idiom became popular as “Yathaa Rajaa Tathaa Prajaa”. Sometimes if people blamed or criticized the king for any reason, the king did not punish them for it. On the

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~19 contrary he used to call them and give counsel and solace through his learned scholars. Sometimes if really wicked people blamed or criticized him unjustly, he used to punish them in a suitable way. King Dasaratha was a great learned person. He learnt Vedas, Vedangas, Srutis and Smrutis. He used to learn from his priest ministers also at times of need. “Na Nastiko Naanrutakoo Na Kascha Dabahusrutaha”. These Slokas in the Ramayanam told many interesting things about the people of Kosala. The people lived in cities and villages and were all well educated and were scholars. There were no nastikas or untruthful persons. There were no sinners, or persons with blemished character in Kosala. In whichever country the presence of nastika is there, such country will not flourish. In the same way if the sanyasi eats prohibited food he will become bhrashta. King should not be lenient with such people but must prevent such things from happening. Otherwise the country will get ruined. This is the substance of the above Sloka. Sumantra and other ministers were well experienced and a statesman. Vasista was a priest cum minister. He is the authority on all religious and spiritual aspects.] Putrakaameshti Yaga [This part is taken from 8th Sarga] Story in Brief: King Dasaratha ruled the country in a righteous way for several thousands of years. He performed severe tapasyas and several yagas. Yet, he did not have children. One day he announced to his council of ministers that he intended to perform Aswamedha Yaga. He said to Vasista and other ministers “Oh, great sages! I did many yagas and religious vows. I performed tapasya too. Still I did not beget children, so I want to perform Aswamedha Yaga.Please

20~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam make all arrangements for successful conduct of this Yagna by me”. The ministers were happy and said “oh king! Please do perform the Aswamedha Yaga which will bring you all good tidings”. The Maharshis told him, “oh king! Your desire is appropriate and virtuous. You will certainly have children. Ee will make all preparatrions. You kindly release the sacrificial horse. Your desire will fructify”. The king went to his palace and informed his queens about his decision to perform yaga seeking children”. Vasista Maharishi fixed the Adhvarya and other rithviks for the yaga. He selected the sight for the yaga on the northern side of river Sarayu. Townships were built to accommodate subordinate kings and other guests to witness the yaga. Tatwam: From the above we are to learn one or two secrets. King Dasaratha has made several yagas seeking children. But he did not succeed, because the time was not ripe. That is why Lord Krishna said in Geeta “Gahanaa Karmano Gatihi”. Though Dasaratha did several yagas he did not think of performing Aswamedha and Putrakameshti Yagas so far. Why? Who can answer this question? Paramatma alone has now provoked him to perform these two yagas because he has decided to descend to take a human form in his house. Then only he can put an end to the atrocities of Ravana and other rakshasas who were harassing all the three worlds. From this, we must understand that man is not independent but is a tool in the hands of destiny or Vidhi. Nobody can escape its clutches. Dasaratha is no exception before the Destiny or Vidhi. Therefore, he decided to perform the above two yagas. Only

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~21 ignorant persons can think that he is the karta. As long as the ignorant persons are covered by illusion they cannot understand the theory of karma. Only jnanis will understand the theory of karma and leaves egotism. That itself is karma phalam. Such person alone will have the blessings of Paramatma. Lord Krishna said the fate of those ignorant persons who refuse to understand the theory of karma as “Adhachettvama- hamkaaraannasroshyasiVinamkshyasi”. We are to presume that King Dasaratha is provoked by his karma at an oppurtunate time which made him to perform Putrakaameshti Yaga. “Naaparaadho….. Sadyaha Kartaa Vinasyati”- 16-17 Sloka. In this Ramayana Sloka there is a hidden meaning. While performing pious acts, one has to be extra cautious. Even the slightest mistake or deviation will not only spoil the purpose but also land the karta into difficulties, as is clear form the saying, “Sreyaamsi Bahu Vighnani”. This is a time tested idiom which is appropriate in this context. When a karta contemplates an important and auspicious karma, some Brahma Rakshasas will be waiting to spoil the yaga even if there is a slightest deviation. That is why Ramayana is cautioning the people to take all precautions while performing vedic karmas. In other words sraddha and bhakti are essential. Here sraddha means enormous faith on Paramatma and undeterred devotion towards him. By this he will become free from egoism. If one does any karma with ego he will develop the feeling that “I am the doer”. By that feeling, his sraddha and bhakti will decline and he will face evil effects. Those Brahma Rakshasas do not have any enemity towards them. But the reduced dedication will provoke them to spoil these karmas. They cannot do any harm, if

22~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam their devotion was total and undeterred. It is not only in the case of yagnas, but in all karmas. Who are those Brahma rakshasas? Those brahmanas who had violated the vedic karmas from the established traditional doctrines, and consequently, became Brahma rakshasas after their death. One may ask that Vasista and others are great tapasvis. They must be having super natural powers. Can’t they avert these impediments? Why they did not encourage the king to perform this yagna earlier? Maharishis do not advice on matters pertains to worldly gains. If they suggest these vedic karmas, the karta will not have enough devotion and sraddha. In other words unless karta himself comes forward with an inner urge he will not have the desired sraddha and devotion. The priest also should have equal devotion. Then only the karta will enjoy the full benefit. The priest means he who can see visible and invisible things in advance and advise the karta on the auspicious and vedic karmas. Strutis and Smrutis proclaim that if a priest did not know which were the karmas to be performed, all those efforts of the Karta will become wasteful. Hence the priest must guide the karta at the Karta’s request. Therefore, while fixing a priest one should be careful. Here, Vasista and other Maharishis are fully aware of the character and mind of Dasaratha and the king also knows how pious his priests are. All the dharmas referred in this sarga are in accordance with Vedas. The sookti from Ramayana, “Vedopabruh- naarthaya” amply justifies this. That is also stated in another saying, “Vedah Praachetaasaadaa Seetyaaksha- arraamaayanaatmanaa”] The story of Rushyasrunga [This part is taken from 9,10 and 11 Sarga]

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~23 Story in Brief: Sumantra was the minister and also the charioteer of King dasaratha. He said to the king. Sumantra: Oh king! Long ago I attended a conference of Maharishis. There Sanatkumara, the rishi who can visualize both past and future told the Maharishis about how you can beget children, as follows : “Vibhanda Maharishi will have a son by name Rushyasrunga. He will live in the forest serving his father, without knowing anything of the outside world,. Unexpectedly his Brahmacharya breaks, and he becomes a gruhasta. Even then, Rushyasrunga used to take care of the agnihotra and other services to his father, observing Brahmacharya. His Brahmacharya was in two ways. First is one, followed , wearing the Krishnajinam. Second is the one followed after marriage. In those days King Romapaada was ruling the country in a unrighteous way. As a result, his country did not have rains for several years and suffered big famine. At last he called the Brahmin pundits and asked them to suggest the expiatory acts needed for getting rains. Those brahmins advised him “oh king! Vibhanda had a son by name Rushyasrunga. If you can bring him to our country rains will come. Hence you must bring him immediately. As soon as he comes, you give your daughter in marriage to him, so that he will remain here and our country will get rains. On the advice of brahmins he made arrangements to bring Rushyasrunga to his country. Ministers consulted the Brahmin pundits and planned to send some beautiful prostitutes to bring Rushyasrunga to their country. They succeeded in bringing Rushyasrunga. As soon as he set foot

24~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam in their country, rains flooded the country. Afterwards, the king gave his daughter Santadevi in marriage to Rushyasrunga and requested him to live in his country”. Oh King Dasaratha ! In that conference, Sanatkumara further said as follows. “In some future time, King Dasaratha will be born in Ragu Vamsam. He will have friendship with the king of Anga, by name, Romapaada. He will give his daughter, Santa, in marriage to Rushyasrunga. King Dasaratha will perform a Putrakaameshti Yaga to beget sons. Rushyasrunga will go to the yaga along with his wife, Santa, and will ensure its successful completion. After the yaga, Dasaratha will have four sons”. O King, I heard all this in Krutayuga. So, believe my words, go to Angadesam and bring Rushyasrunga and perform the yaga. King Dasaratha consulted Vasista Maharishi and other ministers. Vasista Maharishi said that Sanatkumara’s words will never become untrue and therefore, Dasaratha must go to Rushyasrunga and bring him to perform the yaga. Dasaratha went to Romapaada with his priest Vasista Maharishi and requested Rushyasrunga to come and assist him in executing the yaga. Rushyasrunga agreed to be his priest. While Rushyasrunga was in Ayodhya they observed many auspicious omens. Tatwam: The reader will get many doubts while reading the story of Rushyasrunga. Rushyasrunga was born and brought up in a forest doing services to his father. He learnt Vedas, Vedangas and all Sastras from his father. He lived like a frog in a well. Since he did not know the world, how he can know established customs?

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~25 The commentary says “Tena Puraanetihaasaadi Mukhenaapi Na Streeswaroopam Jaanaa teeti Bhavaha”. Without the addition of this comment, Ramayana would have been pale and would have given rise to many doubts. Ever since his birth Rushyasrunga knew nothing about the world except serving his father and learning sastras. But, he did not learn Puranas and Ithihasas. As such there was no opportunity for him to hear to know about women, women’s beauty and their behaviour. He has never seen the civilians of towns or villages. In a nutshell he did not have any knowledge of the common society and its established customs. One may ask how he was trapped by the prostitutes. Before we proceed to answer this, the reader should bear in mind the theory of karma. The form of a woman was made in a strange way. No one can escape from that figure. Thus the idiom “Balavaan indriyagraamo Vidwaamsamapi Karshati” became popular. Fate made Rushyasrunga to undergo Brahmacharya to the extent that he was supposed to undergo. The same fate also made him to act in several ways so that, people got benifit from him. In those times Angadesam was undergoing severe famine. The priests understood the antecedents of Rushyasrunga. So, fate was acting in several ways and induced Rushyasrunga to act and help in many ways. In support of the above we may also quote the words of Lord Krishna as “Karishyasyavaso Pitat”. Rushayasrungas life is an answer for those who argue, that there will be no impact of nature on those who are detached from karma. The prostitutes who were engaged for the purpose went to the forest. They put up hermits near the ashrama of

26~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam Vibhandaka Maharishi. Fate took Rushyasrunga to these harlots. It made them to talk and attract each other. The harlots offered delicious eatables which they carried with them, to Rushyasrunga and trapped him. Sruti says that the eatables made by sudras can be eaten by brahmins on the banks of a river. Since he was not aware of the worldly customs he did not think if its purity and impurity. He did not know about their caste differences, or about difference between fruits and the sweet eatables they gave.The same thing is referred in Ramayanam - Sloka – 21 as “Taani Chaswadya tejaswee phalaaneethinma manyathe, anaasvaaditha poorvaani pane, Nityanivaasinaam”. He thought the eatables offered by them are also a kind of fruits and roots. In the matters of common sense, people who live in cities are more knowledgeable than those in villages. The knowledge of villagers is superior to that of people living in forests. Should we then talk about Rushyasrunga who did not know any one other than his father? Since Rushyasrunga was a righteous person, the moment he entered Angadesam, rains poured and the famine conditions disappeared. From this, we must understand the greatness of Brahmacharya. A tapasvi lives in solitude and does tapasya with, kindness, truthfulness and attains salvation. This is what we learn from this episode. In olden days, brahmins used to marry girls from Kshatriya, Vysya or Sudra families also. Hence the marriage of Rushyasrunga with Santa is accordance with Smrutis. In those days the harlots used to lead a virtuous life. Hence they were not only respected in the society but they also serve the god in temples by performing dance, music etc. So, they are not to be compared with the prostitutes of today. It is said in Ramayana “Gamanaaya Matim Chakre Tamcha

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~27 Ninyustadaa Streeyaha”. Since Rushyasrunga has agreed to go with them they took him with them. The moment Rushyasrunga entered the city, king Romapaada took him inside the palace, worshipped him and gave his dauther Santa in marriage to him. Unless he was made a gruhasta, many things cannot be accomplished through him. That is why Fate took him to the city and made him a gruhasta. Even Paramatma cannot do good to the world unless Prakruti is associated with him. In the same manner Rushyasrunga also cannot do good for the mankind unless he becomes a gruhasta] Aswamedha Yaga [This part is taken from 12,13 and 14 Sargas] Story in Brief: Vasista and other rithviks agreed to work under the guidance of Rushyasrunga. Sumantra went to invite all the distinguished guests to witness the yaga. All the kings came and offered valuable gifts to King Dasaratha. Vasista Maharishi took care of procuring all the materials and general supervision for the yaga. One day Vasista went and said “oh king! All arrangements are made, therefore, please come now with your queens to perform the yagna.” The king, Rushyasrunga and all others reached yagnavatika. The sacrificial horse returned to the yagnavatika after one year. During that period Rushyasrunga and other rithviks completed all the daily rituals connected with the Yagna. The yagnavatika was built in the form of Garuda. The traditional Yupa pillars were erected. The sacrificial horse was also brought there. Kausalya Devi went round the yagnashva. Other queens also followed her. She took three golden pins and

28~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam pierced the body of the horse with them as laid down in the Sastras. That night Kausalya Devi slept in yagnavatika with sacrificial horse. Next day King Dasaratha gave gifts as directed in scriptures. As prescribed in the rules of this Ygna, Dasaratha gifted Kausalya Devi to the hota, his maid to Adhvarya and his mistress to Udghaata and another maid to Brahma. Later they sold all the women back to the king and took some gold, cows and valuables in return. Adhvaryas took out a substance called “vapathuma” from the naval of the yagaswa, performed “vapohoma” into the sacred fire as an oblation. The king and the queens inhaled that smoke. In the same manner other parts of the sacrificial horse were also offered as oblations. This Aswamedha was completed in three days. As dictated by in sastras, the king donated the portion on the eastern part of his kingdom to the hota; that on the western part to Adhvarya; that on the southern part to Brahma and the one onthe northern part to Udghaata. The rithviks who received the four parts of kingdom were said “oh king! You are a kshatrya born to rule this land. We are brahmins born for Vedadhyayanam. Hence you give us some money as mark of its price and take back to your kingdom. We cannot evaluate your kingdom, give us some money as a token and take back your kingdom.” The king was happy and donated them gold, land, cows and other valuables. After sometime, the king requested Rushyasrunga “Oh pious brahmin! I have no sons to rule this country and to continue my family line. Hence you suggest a yagna for me to get sons”. Rushyasrunga was pleased with his request and said “Oh king! Your desire is righteous. I will arrange for a yagna for your purpose. With that, you will have four sons”.

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~29 [Tatwam: Dear readers! We learn many things from this episode. Let us discuss one by one. Yagnas and related karmas provide us worldly comforts. The Manusmruti says “Mahaayagnaischa Yagnaischa Braahmeeyam Kriyate Tanuhu”. Brahma Yagnas are five. In those Maha Yagnas there will be no violence. Jyotisthoma and other yagnas are called common yagnas. In those yagnas, animals are sacrificed. That is why they lost the status of a Maha Yagna. The five Maha Yagnas are performed without any desire. Hence they are superior among all the yagnas. In the common yagnas rithviks, upadyayas are to perform the yaga with great care. Any amount of deviation in pronouncing mantras will do harm to the karta. Dasaratha commenced the yagna fixing right type of rithviks. Though Vasista was a great tapasvi by himself, he requested Rushyasrunga to perform the yagna. From this, we learn that Dasaratha did not compromise in fixing his rithviks. Ramayana teaches many precautions while giving donations. Dasaratha gave donations without anger, aversion or with passion. He has not exercised his power as a king. He requested brahmins in a humble way to accept donations from him and no one was insulted. He did not give donations to enhance his glory. Annadanam: Food was served to all, who came to see the yaga. Maharishis, Munis, naked saints, sanyasis, old people, women, children were all served with food in separate dining halls. The old and sick were served special nourished food.

30~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam Some say that Rig Veda, being the first, is superior to other Vedas. This is not only untrue but also sinful. One should know that “Eko Vedaschaturaa syaath”. Vedas were not written by humans and they are limitless. As such one cannot recite all Vedas during one’s lifetime. Hence Vedas are divided into four. But not based on their superiority or inferiority. Upanishad teaches us “Tasya Yazureva Siraha Ruk dakshina Pakshaha Samoottarah Pakshaha”. From Ramayana, a doubt may arise, to which veda, sakha, Dasaratha belongs? Yagna vedika was built in the shape of Garuda. If one belongs to Krishna Yajurveda Sakha, they only set the homagunda with five segments. Therefore we can infer that Dasaratha belongs to Vaajapeyaka Paksham of Sukla Yajurveda Sakha. Even today many people living in and around Ayodhya belong to Sukla Yajurveda Sakhas and Vaajapeya Sakhas. By the constant research of commentators, we came to know many hidden secrets from Ramayana. The yagna and its nature: One may ask, while Vasista, Rushyasrunga and other illustrous brahmins were acting as rithviks, how Dasaratha performed a yagna of violent nature? The karta of this yagna is a Kshatriya. The priests are brahmins. In those days brahmins were also eating flesh. In Tretayuga, brahmins were permitted to eat the flesh of some specified animals. Hence this yagna was also performed with a sacrifice of an animal. “Yadannam Purusho Bhunkte Tadannam Tasya Devataha”. This means the food which is permitted to a varna, the same is liked by his Devatas and can be offered to them also. In this yagna, about 300 animals were sacrificed.

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~31 Manu smruti dictates that killing animals in the worship of pitru and devatas is not considered as violence.It is considered as violence only when the animal is killed with a desire of eating its flesh. But all the Maharishis had decided that non violent yagnas alone will give the best fruits. Eating flesh, consuming wine, enjoying with other women are considered as sin. Those who can avoid these sins will get poorna phalam. However animals can be killed for the purpose of worshipping devatas and pitrus. The Puranas say - “Naatmaartham Paachayedannam Naatmaartham Paachayet pasoon….” Not only Manusmruti, but Puranas also prohibit flesh eating. It is said in Manusmruti that yagnas are pthe rincipal karmas in Dwapara Yuga. They are not prohibited in Tretayuga but are not given importance. In Kaliyuga, only gift without violence alone is recommended. In Kaliyuga, people get the same result (phalam) by giving gift as they may get by performing maha yagnas. It is praised as “Daanam ekam”. After completing the yagna, Dasaratha divided his country into four parts and gave them as gift to the four principal rithviks. Those Maharishis received the gift and gave it back to the king and took some money in exchange. Why? It may appear ridiculous to the present day readers, but in Ramayana it is said as “Hotadhvaryustathodghaata taa hastena nam,ayojayan; mahishyaa praivrutyaacha navaathaamcha Tathaavaraam”. This means when the king donated his queens and other women as gift to the hota and others, those women accepted them as their husbands. Aswamedha Yaga prescribes this gift. The king should give those gifts without any doubt or suspicion. Even hotas also received those women without any hesitation. From this we

32~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam can understand either the king or the hota are having a pure conscience. They believed the Vedas and followed its dictates. After the donations, the hotas took some money and gave back the women to the king. “Paschath pratinidhi Dravya daanena Nivartyerak”. All the rithviks received gifts from the king and gave back the women and the country to the king. This is a formality prescribed by Vedas. When the yagna was performed as per the dictates of Vedas, the other formalities are also to be followed in the same spirit and faith] Devatas prayer to Lord Vishnu [This part is taken from 15th Sarga] Story in brief: Rushyasrunga assured King Dasaratha that he would perform Putrakaameshti Yagna. He thought well and decided to do a yagna in the “Adharvasirassu” chapter in Vedas.He learnt from the power of his yoga that the king could get sons by performing a specific Yagna. He remembered and meditated on the presiding deities of each Mantra with their powerful mantras. Each mantra in its root word (called beejam) has its presiding deity. The Meditation on the Deity will sent signals to the Deity through those mantras. If the devotee is not dedicated and his concentration is not pure, then, the deity will not respond. Since Rushyasrunga had great yoga siddhi the deity responded to him very easily. [Tatwam: One may express doubt why diety has appeared to only Rishyasrunga? “Yatra Yatra Raghunatha Keertanam Tatra Tatra Krutamastakanjalim;

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~33 Bhashpavaari Paripoornalochanam Marutim Namata Raakshasamtakam”. When devotee prays with deep mental agony, god appears to him and fulfils his desire. Not only that, he will also appear in the form and name he desired. This Adharvasirassu Yoga is also called as “Tapasya”. In this manner, Rushyasrunga meditated with Adharvasirassu Yagna seeking and visulaising the form of Sri Rama. Hence the Paramatma appeared to him in the form of Rama. Lord Vishnu, satisfied with the devotion of Rushyasrunga, decided to bless Dasaratha and hence appeared before him in the form of Rama. At the same time devatas also prayed to Lord Vishnu to give protection to them from the cruel rakshasas. Taking both into consideration Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Rama. One may question why others could not see the form of Rama. God will not take any name and form and give appearance to any one all usually. Though devotee may be in a big crowd, god will give appearance only to his devotee and disappear later. He cannot be seen by others. Though the Paramatma is just to all, he will have special affinity for a Nischala Bhakta. The manner in which he appears, in the same way he disappears also. Though there were several people around him, god gave appearance only to Rushyasrunga. God will not tolerate if women are harassed because woman is the root of the family tree. If harm happens to a woman, the entire dharma will be ruined. All the established customs and heritage will be ruined. That is why devatas narrated the atrocities of Ravana on women, in special. Even in Mahabharata, in a discussion between Bhoodevi and Lakshmidevi, Maha Vishnu said that he will live in the women who follow good virtues or sadhacharams and established customs. He declared it is sin if a chaste

34~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam woman was insulted. All the good virtues are preserved in a chaste woman. If a woman becomes impure the entire family line will become impure. Even Smrutis also instruct that a woman is to be protected by all means. Smrutis further state that woman must have all powers to protect themselves. From this we are to learn that woman are the support for all dharmas. Hence devatas requested Vishnu to protect women. Vishnu has assured them that he will not only kill Ravana and others but also live on earth for 11,000 years to re-establish dharma. “Dasavarsha sahasraani dasa varsha sathaanicha; vathsyaami maanishe loke paalayan Pruthiveem imam” - Sloka 28. In this promise, Paramatma has assured that he will kill Ravana and all his sons, grandsons, ministers, friends, relatives, in the battle and rule the earth for 11,000 years. Why did Paramatma make this statement by himself? Some may question why Rama must live 11000 years to kill Ravana? “Paritraanaaya Saadhoonaam Vinaasaaya Cha Dushkrutaam; Dharmasamstaapanaarthaaya Sambhavaami Yuge Yuge” (Geeta-). For fulfilling the above two promises viz killing the wicked and protecting the sadhus, he need not live for 11,000 years. But he wanted to re-establish dharma firmly. In Tretayuga, dharmas were different. They spent much of their time in reciting Vedas. Since raakshasas started harassing them, they could not concentrate much time in veda parayanam. Rakshasas used to abduct house wives. They used to rape, kill and eat them. With this, the chastity of women had declined. Women forgot all their traditional customs. On the other hand, raakshasas were

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~35 also killing tapasvis and eating them. Hence, the tapasvis and munis used to hide in caves, to continue their tapasya. Under these circumstances all established customs had declained. To re-establish the virtues and sadacharams, Paramatma decided to take the form of Rama. In the course of re-establishing virtues and sadacharams, he practiced them himself and stood as a model for others. That is Ramavatara Tatwam. To fulfill this sadacharam he promised to live for 11,000 years on earth. Siva worships Rama. Rama worships Siva. The figure 11 is pleasing for Siva, and hence Rama might have choosen to live for 11,000 years. Rama lived all the 11,000 years by meditating on Siva and killed all rakshasas with his grace. After killing raakshasas he removed all the impurities and established all virtues and sadhacharams. All devotees need to agree on the oneness of Siva and Vishnu. They both are the amsa of Paramatma. Only ignorant persons fight that one is superior and other is inferior. Such ignorantones will never have the grace of god] Paayasa Pradanam [This chapter is taken from 16th and 17th Sargas] Story in brief : The queens of Dasaratha become pregnant: Lord Vishnu said “Oh devatas! Brahma has given numerous boons to Ravana. So he cannot be killed by anyone other than a human. Hence I have decided to take birth in a human form in the house of King Dasaratha.” Incidentally Dasaratha also completed his Putrakaameshti Yaga. From the homagundam, a highly lustrous bhoota came out with a golden bowl containing paayasam. It spoke toDasaratha thus: “oh king! I am the

36~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam servant of Prajapati. I have brought this bowl of Payasam,gifted by the Devatas. Pleae give this to your dharma patnis. You will beget sons through them”. King Dasaratha took that bowl of paayasam went to the palace gave the same to his queens. He gave half of the paayasam to Kausalya; from the remaining half, he gave half of it to Sumitra; and from the remaining half, he gave half to Kaikeyi; then, he gave the balance part of payasam, again to Sumitra. After sometime all the three queens became pregnant. Devatas gave birth to Vanaras: Brahma said “Oh devatas! Lord Vishnu takes human form to kill rakshasas and to protect sadhus. He will now take birth as a son of King Dasaratha. You all know sorcery and other super human tricks to fight battles. Hence you also give birth to sons with your valour through apsaras and gandharva women. They all will deliver vanaras”. As per the orders of Brahma all devatas gave birth to various vanaras who were valorous and strong. They are as huge as a mountains. Jambavanta, the bear king, was born from the face of Brahma. Vali was born to Indra. Sugreeva was born to Sun. Hanuma was born to vayu. In this manner several valorous vanaras were born for all devatas. [Tatwam: One may doubt, can a bhootam comes out of a homam gundam and give a bowl of paayasam? Some may feel it is not only unnatural but also impossible. Those who do not know the power of tapasya can entertain doubts.But, those who have reasonable knowledge of the power of tapasya will understand that this is not only possible but the normal effect of tapasya and yagnas. Rushyasrunga meditated on Paramatma and spent

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~37 all the power of his tapasya to make Putrakaameshti Yaga a success. He has meditated on Aakarshana Beeja (Mantra) and pleased the Paramatma. It is a well known fact that yogis meditate Paramatma in the form of a Jyothi.The following are substantiating the above. 1. Jyothish Sastra says tht Surya Mandala is a sphere of tejas (Tejogolam). “Tejasaam Golakassooryo Gahakshaanyambu Goolakaaha”. Bhartruhari says “Jyotihi Param Dhyayaloom”. Manusmruti says “Tasya Madhye Mahaanagnirvi…. Bhaasvaraa”. Yogis meditate on Paramatma in the form of Jyothi. Therefore Jyothi is another form of agni. According to Sruti, the Paramatma who was satisfied with the tapasya, appeared in the form of agni “Agni Mukhaavai devaaha”. What are the oblations that a devata likes, such offerings will be made into the homa. Since Paramatma was pleased, he has received those oblations in the form of tejas. If Paramatma is pleased, all bhootas will be satisfied. The form in which Rushyasrunga has meditated on Paramatma he has appeared in that form as “Yaadrusee bhavanaa Yatra Siddhir bhavati Taadrusee”. It is said in Ramayana as “Praajaapatyam Naram Viddhi Maamihaabhyaagatam Nrupa”. Which means the person who came out of the homa said that he was the servant of Prajapathi. On hearing the words of the bhootam, Dasaratha was happy and asked him “what do you direct me to do?” The bhoota said “Raajannarchayataa Devaanadya Praaptamidam Twayaa” which means, oh king! This paayasam is sent to you as the phalam of your yagna. I will now tell you how to use it. “Bhaaryanaam anuroopenaam asnee Teti Prayacchavai”. There is a hidden meaning in this Sloka. Anuroopa means those who are equal to you in caste, attributes, beauty.

38~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam According to Manusmruti, Yagnavalkya and other Smrutis, before marrying one should take care of the following aspects of his bride. She should not have diseases like leprosy. She should hail from an equal caste. She should be unmarried and a virgin. According to this only the bhoota cautioned the king to offer paayasam to the wives who possess those qualities. Dasaratha had many wives. Only three wives were eligible to consume paayasam. Because Paramatma cannot takes birth from the womb of an ordinary woman. “Devadattam Hiranmyayeem” which means this is gift from devatas. Hence it is to be taken with devotion and faith. Then only the king will get the full benefit. A man does the religious vows in the compay of his dharmapatni. Because she should be the protector of the family line. “Tatraivaantaradheeyata” The person who came from the homagundam gave that paayasam and disappeared in the homagundam itself. Which means the tejas is absorbed into tejas itself. Yogis always worship Paramatma in the form of Jyothi. By the time Dasaratha entered his palace, it was glittering with such tejas. Ramayana says “Tasyam… Subhihi” Sloka - 25. Which means the tejas of Paramatma has entered the palace and filled it with luster. We often observe that the face of the person who usually performs virtuous deeds, is very bright and lustrous. In the same way if a person is usually doing evil deeds, his face also reflects such cruelty. Now let us discuss the way of sharing paayasam among his three queens. King Dasaratha had many wives. But he had given paayasam only to his three queens. Even among them also, he did not gave it equally to them. Had he not been bound by

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~39 Fate or Vidhi, he would have given it entirely to Kaikeyi the youngest and most charming wife. Otherwise he would have given to the eldest wife who is the principal queen. But he has not done in either way. Why? The messenger asked him to give paayasam to his dharmapatnis in plural. So he choose to give to those three queens. He did not have any specific personal intentions in distributing the paayasam to them. Fate(Vidhi) desired that Sumitra must deliver two sons (One was to be always with Rama and the other with Bharatha) and hence it made Dasaratha to serve paayasam twice to Sumitra. It was earlier said Jambavanta was born from the face of Brahma and the other devatas gave birth to vanaras. Is it not unnatural? Ravana cannot be killed by anyone except humans and vanaras. Hence Vishnu has taken birth as a human and those who are to assist him were born as vanaras. Vanaras does not mean that they are ordinary monkeys. They were all born with an amsa of devatas. Therefore for killing Ravana, Rama has to take the help of vanaras. Though the vanaras were born with the amsa of gods and were capable of fighting with weapons, they actually fought with boulders and trees. Brahma is the creator of all these creatures. Nothing is impossible for him. They all lived in various hills and forests under the control of Vali and Sugreeva till Rama needed their help. When the time was ripe, Rama went to Kishkindha and took their help. Can anyone know the will of Paramatma?] The incoronation of Rama [This part is taken from 18th Sarga] Story in Brief : King Dasaratha was living happily with his queens. One year passed after the successful completion of the Ygna.

40~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam In the month of chaitram, on the day of navami with the star of punarvasu, when five planets were in the state of ascendancy, Sri Rama was born, as the full manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Kausalya was brightly shining like Aditi, who had given birth to Lord Vishnu in the earlier yugas. Lord Vishnu took birth with one fourth of his amsa in the womb of Kaikeyi as Bharata. After him Lakshmana and Satrugna were born to Sumitra. The King Dasaratha named his sons in consultation with the astrologers based on their planetary positions. He gave extensive donations to brahmins by way of cows, gold and land. King Dasaratha named his eldest son as Rama since he pleases all people. He named the second son as Bharata tne one who bears the burden of the kingdom. He named the third son as Lakshmana, the one who shines with great wealth or Lakshmi. He named the fourth boy as Satrughna, the one who will be the killer of enemies. All the four princess were put up in a gurukulam and were taught Vedas, Sastras in addition to archery and other martial arts. From childhood, Lakshmana was closely attached to Rama. He used to do everything to please Rama like his alterego, his external prana, and Rame also treated Lakshmana in the same way. In the same way Satrugna was closely attached to Bharata. In course of time the princes became youths in age and King Dasaratha was very much delightful, looking at their beautiful form. Dasaratha was therefore thinking of their marriages. One day,when he was thinking so, his guards (doorkeepers) came and said that Viswamitra Maharishi has come to see the king. King Dasaratha went along with his priests and ministers and received the Maharishi.

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~41 He worshipped the Maharishi with traditional honors and seated him on a suitable throne and said to him “Oh Maharishi! With your presence, my country has become pure. Kindly order me on what I can do for you. I shall obey your orders however difficult it may be”. [Tatwam: Paramatma does not move alone. Before him Moola Prakruti was already born as Sita. In the same manner the great devotees like Hanuma, Sugreeva and others were also born and all are awaiting for his appearance. Those who agree that Lord Vishnu was born as Rama, they will also agree that Aditi was born as Kausalya and Kasyapa as Dasaratha. To make us understand Valmiki has said “Aditi Daivatye Nakshatre”. Otherwise he would have said as “Punarvasvakhya Nakshatre”. The same expression was made at the birth time of Krishna, Aditi as Devaki and Kasyapa as Vasudeva. There is a special meaning by saying “Karkata Lagne”. In “Tagika Neelakanteeyam”. The people who are born in that lagna will become predominately the devotees of Lord Siva and, Sri Rama was born to kill evil and wicked people. Karkata Lagnam indicates the nature of a brahmin. That is why the heart of Rama is like tender butter. He was as pure as moonlight. He cannot bear the grief of others. In Sabda Kalpadrumam, it is said about the tithi navami as “Niyataha Krutakalpanaha Kalpanam Saamarthyam Tadvisishtaha”. It is also confirmed by “Sarva Sabda Sambhodhini” which means those who are born on navami they will be extra super valorous. It is also confirmed by Vedas about the special feature of “Suklapaksha Navami”. Hence Rama who was born on navami has become an extra super valorous person]

42~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam Viswamitra wants Rama to go with him [This part is taken from 19th Sarga] Story in Brief : Viswamitra said “Oh illustrous king Dasaratha! You are born in the famous Ikshvahu family line. Your words are befitting your family prestige. You are always associated with Vasista, you words are so soft , proper and filled with respect. Oh king! I have commenced a yaga to attain a siddhi. Once I coomenced the yaga, I must maintain silence and leave anger totally. As I cannot invoke anger and cursem anyone, two raakshasas by name Maaricha and Subaahu are spoiling my yaga. As a result the yaga remained unfinished since several years. Rama and Lakshmana are quiet young, truthful, pure and valorous. You send them with me without any fear. You are thinking Rama is your son but you do not know who he is! We, Maharishis alone know who Rama is. You believe my words and send them with me. You take advice from your priest Vasista and others. If they object you need not send them with me. Oh king! If you want to protect dharma, if you want your glory is to remain immortal, please send Rama with me.” On hearing Viswamitra’s words, Dasaratha shivered with fear and grief. [Tatwam: Viswamitra performed tapasya for the welfare of the people. Perhaps he was given that name (as Viswa-mitra) because of his helping nature. But, King Dasaratha, inspite of his knowledge and association with Maharishis, was under the illusion that Rama was just his son.

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~43 Rama was not born to enjoy the comforts of the palace. He knows why he took the human form. He kept his father and mother happy till now. Now he has to step out to keep people happy, by killing wicked raakshasas. Not only that, as the idiom says “Punyairyaso Labhyate” the time has come for Viswamitra also to receive the fruits of his tapasya for thousands of years. The fruits of his tapasya arenow ripe and he is to enjoy in the form of glory. Such divine secrets are not revealed to all. A drama cannot be enjoyed unless suspense is maintained. Thus Viswamitra become a tool in the hands of Vidhi. “Aham Niyamamaatisthe Sidhyartham Purusharshabha”. From these utterances of Ramayana, Tilak, a commentator and critic has commented as “Vidhyartham Purusharshadha”. Why? “Vidhyardham Yaagartham”. What Tilak meant was that, Viswamitra told the king that “I commenced a yaga to attain a siddhi and two raakshasas are spoiling this yaga. I am performing this yaga to attain a siddhi”. Since a Maharishi like Viswamitra should not perform yaga with a desire, so Tilak has taken as “Vidyartham”. It is the belief of Tilak that Paramatma may not relish any yaga which is done with a desire. Whereas other commentators are taken the word Sidhyartham as “To avail the siddhi in the form of Rama’s incarnation”. This siddhi or the phalam of the yaga is desirable. It is also a yaga without violence. Tapasya – Upasana: Normally tapasvis will not waste their power of tapasya. If they curse anyone, he looses all the powers attained from his tapasya, during his lifetime. If he curses a second time, the devata itself will hate that tapasvi. If he

44~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam does it a third time, it will do harm to himself. Hence the tapasvis will bear all the harassment from the wicked people patiently without cursing them. Tapasya is also Upasana. The difference between tapasya and Upasana is, by practicing Upasana constantly, his soul will become pure. Such a pure soul will see everything as his ishta devata. In the beginning an Upasaka will count with his japamalaika. As he intensifies Upasana, he will stop counting. At that time he will see all forms looks like his ishta devata and feels that he and ishta devata are one and the same. Lord Krishna defined “such a state of mind as Samadarsana” and also said that such a person is very dear to me”. They will not curse any one. Unless a tapasvi invokes anger, he cannot curse. Sameeka Maharishi said “anger is the biggest enemy for a tapasvi.” Once anger enters the mind, the other five internal enemies also will enter into him. Hence anger should not be allowed to come anywhere near, all the more importantly, when he was in prayer of the lord. “Tadha Bhootaahi Saacharya”. The virtuous acts performed with tamo guna will not yield good results. That is why Viswamitra requested Dasaratha to send Rama with him. Viswamitra did not stop at that. He said “oh king! By sending Rama with me, he will get several benefits. All the worlds will praise him. What I told you is the truth. You believe me”. Really Rama is not an ordinary human. The killing of Tataka, the deliverance of Ahalya’s curse, the marriage with Sita and many more virtuous acts are ahead. So, Viswamitra is asking him not to obstruct the future glory. “Nahi Kaaranam Vina Karyasyotpattihi”. According to this, though Rama might be a manifestation of Maha Vishnu but he is to get all the glory because of me. Rama is not an

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~45 ordinary human being who is born only to kill rakshasas? So, viswamitra tells Dasaratha, please leave all your doubts. Though Viswamitra requested the king in several ways, Dasaratha could not understand the hidden meaning. Only tapasvis can understand the mind of Viswamitra. Illusion covered all other ignorant persons. Unless one meditates on Maha Maya or Moola Prakruti, she will not remove the cover of illusion. The external worships will not reach Nirguna Para Brahman. Meditation alone is the way to attain formless Para Brahman. “Tameva Saranam Gaccha Sarvabhaavena Bhaarata; Tatprasadaatparaam Saantim Sthaanam Praapsyasi Saasvatam”. That itself is the meditation. Such a person is known as ‘Samadarsana’. Such a person will not feel the difference between him and others. He will look at everyone as Paramatma. “Sarvam Vishnumayam Jagat” say the Vyshnavas. Infact Siva, Vishnu, Brahma and all other forms are the forms of Para Brahman only. Whomever one may worship, the phalam remains same. Bhagavatam says “Pranameddanda Vadbhoomaavaasva Chandaala Gokharam”. Viswamitra is confirming that Rama is Para Brahman. “Aham vedmi Mahaatmaanam raamam Satyaparakramam”] The grief of King Dasaratha [This part is taken from 20th Sarga] Story in brief: Dasaratha said “Oh Viswamitra Maharishi! Rama has not even completed sixteen years. He did not have the experience of fighting battles. The raakshasas are very cruel and do deceptive battles. Instead of Rama, I will come with all of my army. After performing Putrakaameshti Yaga,

46~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam I begot this boy as my son at my very late age. Hence I request you not to insist to send Rama”. On hearing Dasaratha’s words, Viswamitra became furious and said “Oh king! There is a raaksasa king by name Ravana, who belongs to the Paulastya family line and is son of Visravasu. He is known for doing evil acts. He will not do them by himself. He will encourage raakshasas and gives obstacles for yagnas of tapasvis. Under him there are two raakshasas by name Maareecha and Subaahu who are spoiling my yaga. Rama alone is capable of killing these evil raakshasas. I do not want either your help or your army’s help. If you have faith in me, you send Rama. You yourself offered me that you will do anything that I want, even before I asked you. Now you are going back from your words. It will not enhance the prestige of your family line.” [Tatwam: Dasaratha says that my son did not even complete sixteen years. “Oona Shodasa Varshaha” which means less than sixteen years. In Aranya Khanda, it is said Rama was twelve years old. Why? Because sastras are dictating that Kshatriyas are not to enter battle field below sixteen years. In Aranya Khanda “Balo Dwadasa Varsho Yamakrutastrascha Raaghavaha”. By this saying, the age of Rama must be taken as twelve years. Not only that, King Dasaratha also assures Viswamitra that he will fight with raakshasas till the end. Because the sastras says that a king is to fight till the end of his life to protect dharma. “Paroksha…. Na Baadhante Parasparam”. This means, the king has to fight till the last minute to protect others. That is why it is said “Naa Vishnuh Pruthivee Patihi”. To protect people is the primary duty of

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~47 the king. So he was equated with Lord Vishnu. In other words, king has to feel it as his duty to protect dharma. As regards normal rules, all the excuses told by Dasaratha are reasonable. But Viswamitra is a great tapasvi who knows past, present and future. Hence he knows Rama is none other than Lord Vishnu. Hence he came and asked for his help. Since Dasaratha looked only from his selfish angle, he could not understand the hidden meaning of Viswamitra’s words. When a man is bound to his indriyas, he will look at an untruth as truth and at good as bad. Hence the person who wants to achieve superior lokas should not get bound to his indriyas or sensory perceptions alone. He should listen to elders. When a man is covered by illusion, he must worship Prakruti and get relieved from his illusion] Vasista teaches to Dasaratha [This chapter is taken from 21st Sarga] Story in brief: Viswamitra said, “Those who respect dharma of his caste, their presiding deity, honour of their caste, such people will get all glories. Raghuvamsam is known for upholding dharma. You alone violated the family tradition. You yourself promised me that you will give whatever I want. Now you are going back from your word. By this, You will only spoil your family prestige of Raghu dynasty. You be comfortable with your wife and children. I will go back the way in which I came”. Vasista understood the fury of Viswamitra. He thought he should give appropriate advice to the king and said “Oh king! You are born in the family of Ikshvaku. You know all dharmas. You are valorous and virtuous. You are truthful.

48~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam Why are you breaking your word which is not good for you. Oh king! You leave all your fears about Rama. Though he was not trained in astra and sastras, no harm will happen to Rama as long as Viswamitra is by his side. Raakshasas cannot do any harm to Rama. He protects Rama as agni is protecting nector. Viswamitra is the embodiment of dharma. He is far superior even among the valorous. He is a great tapasvi and the treasure house of wisdom. He is in possession of several sastras and astras. He knows all martial arts. Jaya and Suprabha, the two daughters of Daksha Prajapati married Bhrusasvu. Jaya gave birth to fifty sons and Suprabha gave birth to another fifty sons. All those hundred sons became sastras and astras. The sons of Jaya are known as Vijaya. The sons of Suprabha are known as killers. Sastra means which will injuries the enemy. Astram means that which kills the enemies. Viswamitra performed a great tapasya on Lord Siva and possessed all those sastras and astras. All of them are in his possession. Not only that, he himself has created many astras. He wants to do good to Rama. Hence you do not hesitate to send Rama with him. [Tatwam: For the fury of Viswamitra, the earth shook for a while. Why? By telling an untruth, harm has happened for dharma. Truth is Paramatma. Sun, moon and the entire worlds are supported by the truth. Since earth is also one of the pancha bhoota, it could not bear the untruth and shook. It is said in Ramayana as “Vivesacha Bhayam Suraah”. Which means devatas were also distressed with this untruth. Because Rama has incarnated himself for the divine cause and If Dasaratha refuses to cooperate, the divine cause itself will get upset.

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~49 Dasaratha did not yield to any amount of persuasion made by Viswamitra, out of fear for Rama’s safety. But when Vasista advised him he conceded to his advice. Why? Viswamitra became furious. Vasista knows the power of his fury. He said, Oh king! You deviated from the path of dharma by breaking your promise. How can you do that? Upanishads instruct that “Satyam Vada Dharmam Chara”. If you become untruthful, all your tapasya will become waste. Vasista said “Tri Shu Lokeshu… Vodhumarhasi” - Sloka - 7. which means that, one, whose mind is fixed on dharma, his glory will become immortal in all lokas. “Sreyaan Swadharmo… Kilbhisham” which means that, either dharma or karma are both the permitted, prescribed courses of action. Hence both the Maharishis advised the king to keep up the family prestige and also keep up the dharma. From this, we are to learn that Dasaratha has followed the teachings of the Maharishis and corrected himself. The power of truth has been repeated in Ramayana on several occasions as “Anrutam Nokta Poorvam”. In Ramayana, it is said in Sloka - 8 as “Samsrutyaivam Jvalanenamrutam Yathaa”. Oh king! If anyone breaks his promise, he will loose all his punyam he has achieved and he will also get the blame of telling untruth. The performing of virtuous acts of such a person will amounts to a body without life. It is like worshipping devatas and abusing the mother. This has been said by all Sastras, Puranas and Vedas. Vasista and Viswamitra also taught the same principles to the king. Not only that, the Rishis also told the kind that the idiom “Yathaa Rajaa Tathaa Prajaah” will become true and your people will also start telling lies. Vasista said “Though Rama did not learn astras and sastras, the raakshasas cannot do any harm to him. Why?”

50~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam Don’t think Rama is your son. He is Paramatma as instructed by Upanishad “Sambhootim… Mrutamasnute” will Paramatma have the fear of death? As instructed by Upanishads. Viswamitra will protect Rama, he will teach him about the Aatmatatwam and protect him from enimies. He will also makes the world to know his Paramatma tatwam. Know him as Paramatma. Since you are covered by Prakruti you are unable to see his real tatwam. In this manner, Vasista knows that Viswamitra will removes the cover of illusion and reveal the tatwam of Rama whenever the situation warrants viz to kill Tataka, to give deliverance from her curse to Ahalya, in marrying Sita, in taking back the tejas of Parasurama from him and many other such great deeds. That is why, it is said in Ramayana - Sloka - 10 as “Esha Vigrahavaan Dharmaesha Veeryavataam Paraha”. The sons of Bhrusaswu became astras and sastras. Does it not look ridiculous? Can anybody believe this? The wives of Bhrusaswu were the daughters of Daksha Prajapati. Their names are said as Jaya and Suprabha. It is said in Ramayana,that all their sons have become astras and sastras vide Sloka - 13 “Sarvaastrani… Prasaasati”. They all became astras means, they all became the presiding deities of those mantras. Whoever recites that mantra, the deity will fulfill the desire of that upasaka. Sometimes both the sides may recite the same mantra and release astras. In such cases both the astras will become neutral and both will withdraw. No harm will happen to either side. There are several astras in epics like Ramayana such as Brahma’s astra known as ‘Brahmaastram’. Siva’s astra is known as ‘Paasupataastram’. Indra’s astra is known as ‘Indrastram’. Parasurama’s astra is ‘Bhaargavastra’. In the same manner the sons of Bhrusaswa became the presiding deities of

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~51 several astras and sastras. At war times they are called astras. While they are worshipped by people (Upasana) they are known as mantras. Those Maharishis who worship Narayana Mantra will attain salvation. The same mantra is worshipped by kings. The same Narayanaastra was released by Aswamedha in Mahabharatam, to kill enemies. Hence there is no surprise if Bhrusaswu’s sons have become astras. Some may question that Rama is an incarnation of Paramatma. If he is a Sarvagna, Why should he learn astras from Viswamitra? Even when Paramatma takes birth in human form, he is to learn knowledge from a guru. Thus he will become a model to the other people. Without the initiation from a guru, the disciple must not learn mantras. Even if we learns them in a stealthy way, they will not give their results. Even if they work, they will give evil effects only. Hence one has to please his guru and learn knowledge with his blessings “Sive Ruste Gurustraataa Gurau Rushte Na Kaschana”. For a mantra the devotion towards guru is more important than the reciting of japa. That is why Vasista has praised Viswamitra as “Sakalaastravetta” which means he knows all astras in the world. Vasista also said that Viswamitra is dharmavetta in Sloka - 18 “Apoorvaanaam Cha Jana Ne Sakto Bhooyassa Dharmavit”. He also said that Viswamitra is capable of creating many divine astras. It is said in sastras that the Maha Mantras are seven crores in number. Whoever worships astra devatas he will have the blessings of those astra devatas. One who gets their grace is also known as ‘Rishi’ of that mantra. The way in which the devata must be worshipped, that is known as its ‘Vidhi’ (duty). In this manner Viswamitra has acquired

52~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam several astras and became Rishi for all those astras. Now Rama is destined to get all those astras from Viswamitra. That is how Vasista convinced Dasaratha and removed all his unfounded fears. Vasista said “Oh king! I know the power of Viswamitra. If he wants to kill raakshasas he can burn them to ashes with a furious look. Such a rishi has stopped his yagna in the middle and came here to take Rama. From this you should understand that this Maharishi has come here to do good to your son] Rama, Lakshmana follow Viswamitra [This part is taken from 22nd Sarga] [Page 90 in telugu] Story in brief: King Dasaratha was convinced and himself went and brought Rama and Lakshmana and asked them to go with Viswamitra. While Viswamitra was going ahead Rama and Lakshmana followed him. As they reached the banks of river Sarayu, Viswamitra asked them “Oh Princes! You take a bath in the river, perform achamanam ( a prayer) and come back. I will teach you the Bala, Athibala mantras (Skills). With the power of these mantras, you will remain tireless during the travel. Fever and such other ailments will not touch you. Eventhough you are in deep sleep, your enemies cannot do any harm to you. With the power of this mantra there will be no equals or superior to you in beauty, knowledge, vigour and wisdom”. Then Rama and Lakshmana took bath, performed the prayer (aachamanam) in the river, came back, and received those mantras from the Maharishi. On that night all the three slept on the banks of river Sarayu.

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~53 [Tatwam: Before Rama and Lakshmana were handed over to Viswamitra, brahmins recited veda mantras. The purpose of reciting these Veda mantras was to make the time auspicious during their travel. The same thing was said in Ramayana - Sloka - 2 “Tato Vaayussukhasparso… Raajeevalochanam”. The moment Rama and Lakshmana followed Viswamitra, the God of winds blowed a coll breeze. Why? They are all going on a divine cause. While worshipping the god, one should not have rajo guna. That is why, the wind god blowed a cold breeze and not dust by a Wind storm. While saying “Viswamitra Gata” it means, who ever spends their tapasya for the welfare of the people, god loves such people. Ramayana teaches in Sloka - 12 in Ramayana “Gruhaana Vatsa… Tathaa”, The moment a deserving disciple appears, guru should initiate him into the mantra. Each guru will thus be anxious to increase the line of gurus (Guru Parampara). We are to presume that Viswamitra thought that Rama, Lakshmana are deserving disciples to take initiation of mantra from him. If the guru neglects a deserving disciple and wants to favour one of his own choice, it is said that the mantra devata also will curse him. In other words all his future efforts of tapasya will become futile. The sastra tells that the guru has to test his disciple atleast for three months before he initiates them into Mantra. Disciple also should make a request to his guru for such initiation after three months. Then only, they both could understand each other. How a guru should be: 1. Guru must be a Jnani. 2. He should love all his disciples equally. 3. He should have equal devotion towards

54~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam Siva and Vishnu. 4. He should not blame sastras. 5. He should perform the daily rituals without fail. 6. He should be contented with what is destined to come to him. 7. He should not give importance for money. 8. He should have all the qualities of Lord Vishnu, ofcourse, with two hands. 9. He should have equal devotion towards Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. Here the guru is Viswamitra. He has relinquished a great kingdom like a blade of grass. He has spent all his power of tapasya for the welfare of the world. His disciple is Rama. Rama obeyed the orders of his father, left all comforts,and went behind the tapasvi to the forest on foot. He was prepared for the risk of fighting rakshasas. Thus Viswamitra saw all the qualities of a disciple in Rama very quickly and hence, he did not wait for three months to initiate both Rama and Lakshmana into these mantras. Was that an auspicious time for taking initiation? On the banks of a great river, all times are auspicious. Viswamitra has acquired powerful astras and now, he wanted to pass them on to Rama who is the manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Hence he has surrendered all his power even without asking and enjoyed great bliss. In Ramayana - Sloka – 19 teaches “Kaamam Bahugunaassarve… Bhavishyataha”. Oh Rama! The power of all those mantras are in you. However by intiatiaing them into you I am honoured and the astras also will also be glorified. Here what we learn is that Guru Parampara should not be broken. This means that the mantra learnt from a guru must be initiated to many deserving disciples and continue the Guru Parampara. Those who break this Parampara will become devils. This is what sastras say.

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~55 In Ramayana, it is said, “Gurukaryani Sarvani Niyujya Kusikaatmaje” Rama expressed his gratitude to his guru and the mantras. From this, we know that the mantra will become fruitful only to those disciples who are obedient and loyal to his guru and to the mantra. From this we are also to learn that Rama’s behaviour is the very essence of all smrutis] The story of Anangadesam [This part is taken from 23rd Sarga] Story in brief: Next morning Viswamitra, Rama and Lakshmana, after completing their daily rituals, started their journey. On their way they saw many rishis, tapovanams and ashramas. At one place Rama asked “Maharishi! Whose ashrama is this? It looks different from other tapovanas. Tell me if there is any special story behind it”. Viswamitra said “Oh Rama! Long ago, Lord Siva did tapasya here. Cupid (Manmatha) disturbed his tapasyawith his powers in the Art of kaama (Sexdesire). Lord Siva became furious and looked at him with his third eye and burnt him to ashes. Since then Manmatha lost his physical body. That is why he is also known as ‘Ananga’. Since he was burnt in this place, this country is named as ‘Angadesam’. Since Lord Siva did tapasya, many tapasvis came here and started doing their tapasya. We shall sleep tonight on the banks of Ganga.” In the mean while, the tapasvis of those tapovanams came to know about the arrival of Viswamitra, Rama, and Lakshmana and requested them to receive their hospitality and stay with them for that night”. Tatakavanam [This part is taken from 24th,25th and 26th Sargas]

56~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam Story in brief: Next morning the Maharishis arranged a boat for Viswamitra to cross the river Ganga. When they traveled half way, Rama observed some violent sounds under the waters. He asked Maharishi to tell the reason for it. Maharishi said “Rama! Brahma went to Himalayas to perform tapasya. He thought in his mind that it would be nice if a lake (Saras) is available by the side of his ashrama. Immediately a lake was formed. Because the lake was formed from Brahma’s manas (mind), it is named as “Brahma Manasa Sarovaram”. Rivulets from all sides flowed into the Sarovaram and the overflowing water formed as a river. Since this river was born from a Saras (lake), the river is named as “Sarayu”. That Sarayu River is joining the river Ganges as its undercurrent here. That is why you are hearing violent sounds. This is the joining place of river Ganga and Sarayu. You both offer salutations to this Ganga-Sarayu Sangamam”. After a long distance passed, Rama asked “oh Maharishi! We have passed a long distance from Ganga- Sarayu Sangamam. All these forest areas are found to be uninhabited by any humans. The animals are also cruel and ferocious. Why?” Maharishi said “Rama! Long ago Indra suffered from the sin of Brahmahatya after killing Vrutrasura. Devatas and Maharishis brought sacred waters from various rivers and did abhishekam with mantras to the Indra. With those mantras all the impurities of Indra were washed off into the earth. Indra was therefore pleaser with the land and blessed it to develop into two countries with great wealth. He named them as Maladamu, Karoosamu. With the blessings of Indra both the countries became fertile and people lived happily. After sometime a yakshini

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~57 by name Tataka entered this place. She married Sundha and had a son by name Maareecha who was as valorous as Indra. Ever since Tataka entered this land it started eating all the people here. People were afraid of her and migrated to various other countries. Since then this land has become uninhabited. Rama! When she attacks us you kill her. I will tell you her background. The birth of Tataka : Long ago a Yaksha by name Suketu did tapasya meditating on Brahma. Brahma was pleased and asked him “What do you want?” Suketu asked for a Child. Brahma blessed him with a daughter with the strength of thousand elephants and disappeared”. When she attained youth, Suketu gave her in marriage to Sundu. They had a son by name Maareecha. One day Sundhu came under the anger and fury of Agastya Maharishi and died. Tataka and Maareecha were both angry on Maharishi and attacked to kill him. Maharishi cursed them to become rakshasas with an ugly form. Since then Mareecha and Tataka were killing the people in these countries. Oh Rama! You don’t hesitate to kill her because she is a woman. Even a woman whocdoes harm to cows and brahmins should be killed. So you take my word and kill her in the interest of the people”. The killing of Tataka: Rama said “Maharishi! My father ordered me to obey your instructions. Hence I will kill Tataka”. When Maharishi, Rama and Lakshmana were walking, Rama twanged his bow. Tataka heard the twanging and raised her head and saw who he is that disturbed her. In an invisible form she started a deceptive war throwing boulders, trees etc on them. Rama could not find her anywhere. Hence he the power of Sabdavedhi and released an arrow straight into her chest and killed her.

58~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam [Tatwam: Viswamitra woke up Rama when Rama was asleep as the sloka shows : “Kausalya Supraja Rama…. Daivamahnikam”. If a person is in deep sleep he should not be woken up suddenly, because it amounts to the sin of Brahmahatya, according to Devi Bhagavatham. Hence Viswamitra was worried how to wake up Rama? He choose to wake him up with a stotra while he was sleeping on the banks of River Sarayu as “Kausalya Supraja Rama Poorvaa Sandhyaa Pravartate, Uttishta Narasaardoola Kartavyam Daivamahnikam”. Sruti says “Sooryabhyuditassooyabhinirmuktaha” which means sleeping after sunrise is sin. That sin is called as ‘Abhyuditam’. So it is better to get up before sunrise. At the same time he should not woke up suddenly. Sometimes they may even die. Viswamitra was confused how to wake up Rama who is none other than Paramatma. He was fascinated by looking at his face because he left all comforts and was walking in the forest for the welfare of the people. While looking at Rama his heart overflowed with joy. Immediately he remembered Rama’s mother Kausalya who was fortunate to gave birth to such a great son who is no other than Paramatma. One may question why he has not remembered Dasaratha? Mother is purer and more pious. Hence he remembered Kausalya. From this, what we learn is that mother is more worthy for worship than even devatas. Any amount of mantra japam cannot be equal to service to the mother. This is what we are to learn from Ramayana. In the same manner without worshipping gayathri “Prajapedvedamaatara” the worshipping of other mantras must be only after Gayatri and their result is

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~59 secondary to it. Why? Prakruti alone has the power to remove ignorance. That Maya Devi is “Triguna Swaroopini”. She is also “Moola Prakruti”. The meaning of the above Sloka is that, those who worship Gayatri will win over Maya. Once her kindness is gained, she will remove all illusion and shows the path to Paramatma. Supraja Rama: Oh Rama! You gladden the hearts of yogis you wake up. Poorva Sandhya Pravartate: Oh Rama! You wake up before the sunrise and be a model to the people. Uttishta Narasaardoola: Oh Rama! You guide the people and shape them pure. Be a model to them. Kartavyam Daivamahnikam: You perform all the divine rituals that are to be completed during this time of the day so that people will learn from you. Rama said to Viswamitra, in Sloka - 2 as “Pitur vachana nirdesaath pitur vachana Gauravaat”. Oh Maharishi! My father has instructed me to obey the orders of Viswamitra. I shall kill Tataka.” These are the words of Rama. This is the essence of all Smrutis and Srutis. In short, father’s word should be a law for the Son. If anyone disobeys his father’s order, he is committing an adharma. Rama became a model by practicing this ideal. Sruti also says “Angaath angaath sambhavasi Hrudayaath adhijaayase”. This means that if one insults his father, it amounts to insulting himself. Viswamitra has narrated the story of Vamana while showing siddhashrama. What was his real intention? Viswamitra was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. He is fully aware that Rama is none other than Lord Vishnu. That

60~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam is why he said “Tadaashramapadam Taata Tavaapyetadyadhaa Mama”. Actually, his intention is to make Rama remember his past incarnation of Vamana and tell him, since he was himself vamana in previous incarnation, this is actually Rama’s own Ashrama; “oh Rama! This is the place where you did tapasya in the form of Vamana and became a model to the people. Since I as now doing tapasya in the same ashrama and so, I am assuming this as mine. Long ago you also did tapasya in this ashrama. Hence this ashrama belongs to you also”. In this manner he made him to remember his old association with that ashrama.] Viswamitra gave divine astras [This part is taken from 27, 28, 29, 30 Sargas] Story in brief: Viswamitra asked Rama to take a bath, come and sit facing East. Then, the Maharishi asked Rama to receive from him the following astras. Dharma Chakra, Kaala Chakra, Vishnu Chakra, Indrastras, Vajrastras, Paramasiva’s Soolam, Brahma Sironamakastra, aisheekastra, Brahmastra, Narayanastra, painakaastra, Vaidyaadharaastra and many other astras. Also, Viswamitra gave two divine clubs called Modaki and Sikhari; and two great lighting weapons called Sushkam and Ardhram;a divine sword called nandana and so on. He initiated many astras in this manner. As Viswamitra recited mantras, Rama took possession of all those astras. All those astra devatas stood before Rama with folded hands and said “oh Rama! We are all your servants. You order us”. Rama touched them all and said “You all remain in my mind and come whenever I want”.

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~61 Some more astras: Viswamitra gave all the astras of the sons of Bhrusaswu. Rama received them all. Some of those astra devatas looked like burning flame. Some are like thick smoke. Some are as bright as sun. All those astras saluted Rama and said “We are all your servants”. Rama ordered them to remain in his mind always but can remain free unitl he calls them. Astra devatas took leave from Rama and disappeared. From there Viswamitra, Rama, Lakshmana traveled through several forests, mountains and reached a tapovanam. Many Maharishis were doing tapasya. Rama asked “Whose ashrama is this?” Sidhashrama: Viswamitra said “oh Rama! Long ago Kasyapa Maharishi did tapasya and attained siddhi here. That is why this tapovanam is called as Siddhashrama. Lord Vishnu was born on earth in the form of Vamana and did tapasya in this ashrama. In those days, Bali Chakravarti defeated Indra and became the king of the heaven. After some time Bali Chakravarti started performing a yagna. At that time, devatas requested Lord Vishnu and prayed “oh Lord! You are formless. You are Ananta. You are Anaadi. You are the superior to all. We are all saluting to you. Oh deva! Bali Chakravarti is performing a yagna. He was worshipping brahmins like god. Whatever gifts they are asking he is giving them. He dislodged all of us [devatas] from the heaven. Now we have become homeless. Hence you please punish Bali and give us back our kingdom. At the same time Kasyapa was doing tapasya with his wife Aditi meditating on Vishnu. Lord Vishnu was pleased and appeared before them. They prayed Lord Vishnu “oh Yagneshwara! Oh Yagna Purusha! Mangaladhari! Atchuta!

62~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam We prostrate before you and seek your blessings”. Lord Vishnu was pleased and said “oh Aditi, Kasyapa! I am aware that rakshasas took away the kingdom of your son. Rakshasas are presently having excessive strength. All the more they have the blessings of their guru Sukracharya. At this moment you cannot win them by a war. You prayed for my blessings ; which will not go waste; Nobody is equal or superior to me. Hence to satisfy your desire I myself will take birth as your son and make Indra as the king of heaven. This is a divine secret”. On an auspicious day Lord Vishnu was born in the womb of Aditi as Vamana. After some time, Balichakravarti started performing Aswamedha Yaga on the banks of Narmada River under the supervision of Sukracharya. At that time Vamana as a young brahmachari entered the yagnavatika. Balichakravarti was fascinated by looking at his luster. He worshipped him and requested “Oh Great Brahmin! I became pure by washing your feet. You order me what you want and, as a servant, will carry out the same. Vamana asked him a land of three feet and Bali promosed to give him that. Vamana occupied all the three lokas, fastened Bali Chakravarti and made Indra as the king of heaven again and gave Paataala loka to Bali Chakravarti to be its king. Oh Rama! Long ago Vamana did tapasya here. Because of my Bhakti towards Vishnu, I have now stepped into this pious ashrama. In a way it is your own ashrama. Since I am your devotee, this also belongs to me. On seeing Viswamitra, Rama and Lakshmana, all the Maharishis of those tapovanas came to receive them with great happiness. Next morning after completing their daily rituals, Viswamitra entered into Yagna Deeksha.

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~63 Rama protects yaga: Rama asked “Oh Maharishis! You tell me when I have to kill rakshasas?” The Maharishis said “Oh Rama! Viswamitra has dedicated to the Yagna and will observe silence. From now onwards, you have to guard this Yagna for six days and six nights. Rama, Lakshmana guarded the yagnavatika day and night for five days. On the sixth day, huge flames arose in the yagnavatika where the rithviks were sitting. This is an indication that in a short while, Maareecha and Subahu are going to spoil the yaga. Rama released Manavastra on Maareechi. It hit him on his chest. He was thrown into the ocean beyond a distance of hundred yojanas. With Agneyaastra, he killed Subahu also. After completing the yaga, Viswamitra came and complemented Rama “Oh Rama! You have obeyed your father’s order. All the tapasvis, rishis, munis and brahmins are all praising you. You made this Sidhashrama glorious”. [Tatwam: Viswamitra dedicated to yaga and observed silence. This yaga being a japa yagna, there will not be any violence. Viswamitra fixed his mind on Paramatma and dedicated himself to the yaga. The karta has to observe strict silence unlike the other yagas. That is why, the entire yagnavatika was decorated with fruits, flowers etc. In this Yaga, devatas do not arrived to receive havis. Paramatma likes this type of yaga. In Ramayana - Sloka - 4 reads as “Adyaprabhruti… Gamishyati”. That is why other Maharishis only replied to Rama. Japa yagna is the path for the karta. Karta worships Paramatma in the form of Jyothi. Some will worship him with form also. In those yagnas they contemplate

64~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam Shatchakras as the limbs of that form. Such a worship of Paramatma will be both as Saguna Brahma and Nirguna Brahma. All this depends upon the upasakas’ mental attitude and his merit. Even Upanishads say “Sagunam Nirgunam Cha”. Sri Sankaracharya taught in Sowndarya Lahari as follows. Mooladhara Swadhishtana Manipuraka anaahata Visuddha Jnana are the Shatchakras. They represent the thatwas of Earth, Fire, Water, Wind, Atmosphere, and Mind. These tatwams are placed in the Shatchakras with their tanmatras (subtle forms). Those subtle forms are scent, form, touch, sound, taste. Depending on his attainment and merit, the Upasaka will install his presiding deity in each chakra. Mauna Yagna is superior to other yagnas. That is why Viswamitra observed silence for six days. Even Lord Krishna has taught that “Japaanaam Japayagnosmi”. The fruit of such a Maha yagna is only to please the Paramatma. Viswamitra imagined Rama as yagna Purusha, fixed him in his heart, meditated on his form and enjoyed divine bliss. While he was enjoying the bliss, Rama asked in human form “What am I to do?” which means that this being a japa yagna the yagna Purusha himself came to receive the havis by himself, whereas in other yagnas devatas come to receive their havis] Rama, Lakshmana travels to Mithila [This part is taken from 31st Sarga] Story in brief: Viswamitra completed his yagna. He requested Rama and Lakshmana to spend a few more days in his ashrama. One day the Maharishis of that tapovana said “Oh princes! By your grace, we are all relieved from the torture of raakshasas. King Janaka is performing a yagna. We are all

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~65 going to Mithila to witness the same. You also come with us. This visit will be of some interest to you also. I will tell you how?” “Oh Rama! Long ago Devarata, the king of Mithila, performed a yagna. In that yagna, devatas came and gifted him a divine bow which belongs to Lord Siva. The middle of that bow is very strong. Hence nobody could bend that bow and tie the bow-rope to its sides to release an arrow. Since then the bow remained in the Mithila palace. All his successors were worshipping that bow. Even devatas, gandharvas, asuras and rakshasas tried to bend the bow, tie thae bow-rope and release an arrow. Till now nobody could succeed. If you come with us, you can see that divine bow and also the Yagna being performed by King Janaka yourself”. After completing the yagna Viswamitra wanted to go to Himalayas to continue tapasya. Hence he respected vana devatas for protecting him all this time. He also made pradakshana namaskarams to his ashrama and traveled towards Mithila. While Viswamitra was leaving the ashrama, all birds and animals in the forest went behind him. After sometime, Viswamitra affectionately asked them to go back to their respective places. They traveled for some distance and reached river Sona and slept on its banks for that night. Rama asked “Maharishi! This place is very pleasant with flowers and fruits. Is there anything special to know about this place?” [Tatwam: Viswamitra thanked vana devatas and made pradakshana namaskarams to his ashrama. Why? From this chapter we are to learn a moral. Wherever we live, devatas also live invisibly in all those places. That is why Viswamitra thanked all vana devatas. He did tapasya in

66~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam Sidhashrama for a long time. He achieved his siddhi which is that (Paramatma) Rama himself is in his protection. What bigger sidhi one can expect than this? Since he had achieved his siddhi he wanted to go to Himalayas and do tapasya. Hence he wanted to express his gratitude to all vana devatas. Expressing gratitude is the stepping stone for reaching the higher goals. Otherwise he looses all other good virtues. There is no bigger sin than ingratitude. Gratitude is the embodiment of Paramatma. This the moral that we are to learn from this story. Why the birds and animals went behind Viswamitra Maharishi? All the birds and animals followed with Viswamitra. Since the Maharishi was kind to them all these years they developed affinity towards him. They also expressed their gratitude in a dumb way. However Maharishi understood their mind, thanked and asked them to go back to their places. Mahakavi Kalidas said “How tapasvis are kind towards the birds and animals?” “Tadamkasayyarpita naabhinaalaa Kacchismrugeenaa-managhaa Prasootihi”. Bhartruhari also said “Ananda Srukanaan Pidamti Sakunaa Nissamkamam Kesayaaha”. Bruhadaranyaka Upanishad teaches that a jnani should love all beings equally. Because Paramatma lives in all living beings. The same is also taught by Lord Krishna in Bhagavat Geeta “Yoo Mam Pasyati Sarvatra Sarvam Cha Mye Pasyati”. Viswamitra had the attitude of sameness towards all beings. That is why he loved all birds and animals. Hence they all followed him with gratitude. Here Valmiki Maharishi said “Mahaatmaanam”. Mahatma does not mean who had a long beard. It means who has a pure soul and he who sees Paramatma in all living beings]

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~67 The story of Kusanabha [This part is taken from 32nd and 33rd Sargas] Story in brief: Viswamitra said “oh Rama! Long ago there lived a righteous person by name Kusu. He was the son of Brahma and had great powers frm Tapasya. He married the daughter of King Vidarbha and gave birth to four sons. They are Kusambu, Kusanabha, Adhoorta, and Vasuvu. All the four brothers built their own capitals, ruled their countries. Now we are in the territory of Vasuvu. This country was surrounded by five mountains. The river Sona was born in the country of Magadha and flowed around these five mountains into this country. Kusanabha married an apsarasa by name Ghrutachi. He had hundred daughters. In course of time they all attained youth. While they were playing, the wind god, Vayu fascinated by their beauty, asked them to marry him, and promised divinity for them. The girls said “oh wind god! We are all maids and are under the control of our father. You ask our father. If he agrees, we will marry you”. Vayu, the wind God, became furious and cursed all of them to become hunch backs. Immediately the girls turned into hunch backs and looked ugly. They were ashamed of their own form and ran to the palace with grief. Kusanabha saw the ugly form of his daughters and asked them how they got this hunchback and who was responsible for it.” The marriage of Kusanabhu’s daughters: Kusanabha consoled his daughters and got them married to Brahmadatta Maharishi. The moment he touched their hands, they all became beautiful girls as before. Brahmadatta took all his wives to his home. Somada

68~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam the mother of Brahmadatta received them all with honour and respect. [Tatwam: The wind god tried to lure the girls by offering divinity and immortality. They politely refused his offer and said that they are under the protection of their father and he alone is god for them. They further said they are prepared to marry anyone that their father fixes for them as their husband. Manusmruti also instructs that the father should be the guardian for unmarried girls, husband should be the guardian after marriage and son should be the guardian in old age. They are confident that their father knows about their future better than them. Which means “Daivatam Parama Hinaha”. The same meaning is taught in Geeta as “Yomam Pasyati Sarvatra”. Undeterred faith is also known as ‘Yogam’. Since their yoga was powerful the curse of Vayu has became powerless. Here this chapter teachs us that undeterred faith is important. Kusanabha was not perturbed; but, on the contrary, he complemented his daughters for upholding the prestige of their family. From this story we learn that forbearance will give more phalam than danam, yagnam, satyam, yasam, dharmam and is the best virtue. It is difficult to practice all dharmas in one’s lifetime. Hence practicing any one dharma will give the full phalam] The Story of Gadhi [This part is taken from 34, 35, 36, 37 Sargas] Story in brief: Kusanabha married off all his daughters to Brahmadatta. Then, he performed Putrakaamesti Yaga to have a son. At that time, his father Kusa came and blessed

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~69 him to have a glorious son and disappeared. After sometime, Kusanabha had a son by name Gaadhi. Gaadhi later had a son and a daughter. That son is myself (Viswamitra) and my sister is Satyavati. She went to heaven with her husband by herself. From there, she became a sacred river called Kaushiki. That river is very pure and pious. I used to go very often and do tapasya on its banks. I came to Siddhashrama to complete my yaga and I had siddhi because of your valour. The River Ganga: Next morning, they completed their daily rituals and reached river Ganga. By looking at the pious river, Rama asked “oh Maharishi! How has this river Ganga reached all three worlds? Please tell me”. Maharishi said “Rama! Himavanta is the king of Himalayas and he had two daughters. They are Ganga and Uma. Devatas requested Himavanta to send Ganga to heaven. Himavanta agreed. Then, Ganga was taken by the Devatas in three paths to purify all three worlds. Then, Ganga went to heaven. The inclination of Siva and Parvathi: Rama asked “Maharishi! What are the virtuous acts that Ganga did to be called as so sacred? For what greatness of Ganga did the devatas take her to heaven?” Viswamitra said “Lord Siva engaged with Umadevi for over hundred divine years. Since his tejas (brightness) could not be contained by anybody, he released it on earth at the request of the Devatas. That tejas spread itself all over the earth covering mountains and trees. Devatas prayed Agni to find a solution for this engulfing tajs of Siva. Angi entered into it with the help of The God of Vayu (wind) and it got solidified. It became a Huge, white mountain. From that Agni, through

70~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam the krittikas, a divine “Saravanam” was born and that became a son, by name “Kumara swami” Since the boy was borne by Agni, he was called “Agnisambhava”. Since he was brought up by krittikas, he was named, Kartikeya. As he was born from Siva’s tejas he was also called, Kumaraswamy. But, Umadevi became furious on the devatas and cursed “Oh Devatas! Because of you I and Siva are denied the chance to have a son. As such you also cannot have children from your wives”. After cursing, Uma and Maheswara went to western side to do tapasya. [There is no Tatwam in this part] The story of King Sagara [This part is taken from 38, 39 and 40th Sargas] Story in brief: Viswamitra said “Oh Rama! I told you the episode of Ganga. Now I tell you the story of Sagara. Long ago, Sagara ruled Ayodhya. He had two wives Kesini and Sumathi. Sagara did not have children for a long time. So he went to Himalayas with his wives and performed penance (Tapas) on a mountain called Bhrugusravana in the Himalayas. After sometime Bhrugu Maharishi was pleased with their penance and blessed Sagara that both of his wives will have children. One queen will have one son, another queen will have 60,000 sons who were all valorous and glorious, but they will not rule the country. The queens were inquisitive and asked “Maharishi! Who will get one son and who will get 60,000 sons?” Maharishi said “You yourself can choose”. Kesini said “I want one son”. Sumathi said “I will have 60,000 sons”. After sometime, Kesini gave birth to Asamanja. Sumathi delivered 60,000 sons. Asamanja became a cruel person ever since his boyhood. King Sagara was annoyed with him and banished him from

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~71 the country. Asamanja had a son by name Amsumanta who was a valorous, well behaved and he became a darling of the people. After sometime King Sagara desired to perform a yagna. King Sagara released yagaswa. After sometime the rithviks found and told King Sagara that the yagaswa was stolen by somebody and unless it is brought back to the yagnavatika, the yagna cannot be completed. King Sagara sent all his 60,000 sons to bring back the yagaswa. They could not find it anywhere on the earth. So they dug earth, went to Paatalam. There, while they were breaking the earth, they killed many creatures like serpents, rakshasas, animals etc. At last they reached Paatala. The entire devata community went to Brahma and said that the sons of Sagara were killing several creatures. Brahma said “Oh devatas! They are all going to die with the fury of Kapila maharishi. So, you all go to your places”. The sons of Sagara burnt to ashes: While searching in Paatala they found yagaswa by the side of Kapila Maharishi who is none other than Maha Vishnu. They thought that he himself must have stolen the yagaswa and was pretending as if he is doing tapasya. They went to kill him. Kapila Maharishi opened his eyes and saw them. The fury from his eyes burnt all the 60,000 princes. [Tatwam: In Ramayana - Sloka - 13 says “Munestu… Mamatatissutaan”. From the above Kesani asked for one son. Sumathi, desired chosen in such a way? Because their karma phalam provoked them to ask in that way. Each Jeeva is bound by karma. Inspite of knowing fully well that her sons will not succeed to the kingdom why did Sumathi ask for 60,000 sons? Vidhi alone made her to ask for 60000

72~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam sons. Nobody can escape from vidhi. If anybody thinks I am above karma he is nothing but an egoist and ignorant. However Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa taught “Performing karmas alone should not be the aim of life, but one should do karma without desire. Such desireless karma phalam goes to Paramatma. Doing karma is only a way. A road may leads to a particular place like Delhi, but road is not that Delhi”. In other words, if we do karma without desires that will leads us to salvation. The moral from this chapter is that one has to do good karmas without aspiring for its phalam. In Ramayana - Sloka - 5 reads as “Tayormadhye Pravrutto2bhoodyagnassa Purushottama; Na Hi Deso Naravyaaghra Prasasto Yagnakarmani”. The place between Mt. Vindya and Himalayas is known as Aaryavartam. King Sagara performed yagna in such an Aaryavartam. It is said that this area is the most superior place for performing yagnas. In Jambudweepa, a few areas are selected for performing yagnas. Other places are not suitable. It is confirmed by Smrutis, Puranas and Ithihasas. Hence Aaryavartam is considered as a land of purity. This is also known as Jambudweepam. Many change may have occurred in customs and habits of people. But, broadly the following guidelines are given in Smrutis, Puranas to identify the places for performing yagnas as “Krishnasaarastu Charati Mrugo yatra Svabhaavataha; Sa Jneyo Yajnee Yo deso Mlecchadestvataha Paraha”. This means, in those areas where the growth of black Deer population is abundant, such places are said to be more suitable for performing yagnas. The following reasons can be attributed for the non availability of black Deer population or slow growth can be attributed to: 1. Cruel animals must be moving freely in

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~73 those areas. 2. People must be killing them for their flesh. 3. Non availability of enough green meadows. Such areas are known as Mleccha desam. Hence Aaryavartam must be suitable for the growth of black Deer population. Hence those areas are preferred for performing yagnas. The sons of Sagara, while digging the land for reaching Paatala, killed many animals, rakshasas and serpents suspecting that they may have stolen yagaswa. Paramatma lives in all bhootas. Those who are not kind to those bhootas, they cannot have the blessings of Paramatma. So this sin alone ensured that they are burnt to ashes. Mahabharata teaches that non violence is the superior dharma. Dharma itself is Paramatma. God himself will punish those who are arrogant because of their strength and harass weaker people. All the 60000 were burnt to ashes by the fury of Kapila Maharishi. From this chapter we learn that we should not harass the weak and feeble. While they all reached Paatala, they saw four elephants holding the load of Bhoomandalam. One may ask whether the elephants can take the load of the earth. Here what we have to infer is that they are not just elephants. Paramatma employed them with his powers or amsa, like wind, agni and so on. Unless they are pure and pious, Paramatma will not choose them for the job. In fact their pure thoughts alone keep the beings happy on earth. Even today we witness the following blessings of elders as “Swasti Prajabhyaha Paripaalayamtaam Lokaah samastah Sukhino Bhavamtu”.] The sons of Saagara burnt to ashes [This part is taken from 41st Sarga] Story in brief: Sagara told Amsumanta “My child! All your uncles

74~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam went to bring yagaswa. They did not come back till now. Without yagaswa we cannot complete the yagna. Hence you go and bring the yagaswa soon. On your way, you don’t harass anyone. Be kind to the weak and feeble. Whoever tries to harm you, you kill them”. Amsumanta took his blessings from his grandfather and reached Paatala. He also saw four elephants bearing the load of earth. He respected them with pradakshana namaskaras and proceeded with their blessings. Finally he went to Kapila Maharishi. He prostrated at his feet and stood obediently. He took the yagaswa with the permission of Kapila Maharishi. There he found heaps of ashes of his uncles. He tried to give tarpanas to them. In the mean while, Garutmantha came and said “oh Amsumanta! Your uncles were burnt to ashes with the fury of Kapila Maharishi. If you give tarpanas with ordinary water they will not reach superior lokas. You must bring Ganga waters and give tarpanas. Then only they will attain superior lokas. Now, you take yagaswa with you and complete the yagna. [Tatwam: Karmas are of two types. One is Kaamya Karmas and another is Nishkama Karmas. Nishkama Karmas alone will give Aatmajnanam. Hence karmas are to be performed as a yogi. A yogi alone will think that Paramatma lives in all bhootas. That itself is Aatmayagnam. Such yogi alone will attains salvation. This is what Manusmruti is instructing. Hence we cannot say all the people that took birth in a family will have the same fate. Karmas are performed by individuals and karma phalams also based on their karmas. Since Amsumanta had a righteous track record, he did not have the curse of Kapila Maharishi. That is why Manusmruti further advices not to insult or harass anyone. By saluting the elders, their longevity, knowledge, glory and strength

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~75 will increase. Hence King Sagara must have advised Amsumanta not to harass or insult anyone. Since you are going for a divine cause, whoever obstructs you, and tries to do harm, you kill them. Here by advising to kill them, he has advised him to invoke Kshatriya dharma. Thus he made Amsumanta a statesman. In Paatala the elephants blessed Amsumanta and said “you will succeed in getting yagaswa”. One may ask, can an elephant speak in human klanguage? They not only speak but also understand other’s words and mind. They are not ordinary elephants. They are having Bhagavat Tejas or divine luster in them. They have the amsa of Lord Vishnu. Why Garutmantha came all the way and advised Amsumanta to bring the waters of Ganga to purify his father? It is because they were burnt with the fury of a Maharishi. So ordinary jala tarpanas will not provide them superior lokas. This is not a natural death. It is a durmaranam or a sinful death. Smrutis instruct that prayaschittam for such sinful death or durmaranam is by offering jala tarpanas with Ganga water. One may ask Bhageeradha brought Ganga much later, after so many years. Were all those 60,000 sons of Sagara lying there, without Preta Samskaras? Garutmantha is an amsa of Lord Vishnu and not an ordinary eagle. He did not suggest this for any petty or selfish reasons. People’s welfare is their life-motto. Because of the Sagara Putras, he wanted that Earth and Patalam must also become pure. One may ask, since there are millions of Devatas, why Garutmantha alone came there to give this advice? King Sagara’s wife, Sumathi was the daughter of Vinata who was the mother of Garutmantha. Hence Garutmantha has come to do good for all the 60000 dead princes.

76~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam Because of their bed karma phalam, they had a sinful death and remained without samskaras in the form of pretas for several thousands of years, till their karma phalam was exhausted. They also must have done some good karmas too. That is why they were born as the sons of Sagara and got purified with the waters of Ganga. Due to their good karma phalams the Ganga was brought to Patalam and their glory remained on earth as long as Ganga flows on earth] The efforts of Bhagiratha [This part is taken from 42nd Sarga] Story in brief: After King Sagara, Amsumanta became the king. After him, his son Dileepa became king. Both Amsumanta and Dileepa tried to bring Ganga from heaven. But they could not succeed. After Dileepa, his son Bhagiradha became King. He made a serious attempt to bring Ganga to the earth and to the Patala. He entrusted the administration to his ministers, went to forests and meditated on Brahma. After a long time, Brahma appeared and asked “What do you want?” Bhagiradha replied “Oh Deva! I have two desires. One is, Please bless me to bring Ganga to earth and to Patalam and make my ancestors pure with my tarpanam. The second desire is, please bless me with a son who will succeed to my kingdom”. Brahma said “I am blessing you with son. But for bringing Ganga from the heaven to the earth, the earth cannot bear the speed of Ganga’s flow. Hence you must pray Lord Siva to hold Ganga, before it reaches the earth”. After saying so, Brahma disappeared”. [Tatwam: We often hear from Puranas that people go to Himalayas to perform tapasya. Why?

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~77 Mountains, slopes and forests do not have human inhabitants. So they can do tapasya with peace and undisturbed. So they choose those places. Another aspect is, in those mountainous places, many tapasvis did penance earlier and had their siddhi. Hence, these places have Bhagavat Tejas. That will protect them from rakshasas and cruel animals. “Sreyamsi Bahu Vighnani”. This is an ancient idiom. Even maharishis also chose tapovanas where they attained siddhi. Such places are more conjenial for having siddhi. Himalayas are known for extreme chillness. Such places are more suitable to gain control over the senses. Unless they gain control on senses, they cannot attain salvation. Only yogis can do karma sanyasam. To become yogi, the karma phalams of their previous births will help. Once they gained control on senses, they do not get tempted for karmas. Even when they do Satkarmas, they do with Nishkamya buddhi. Such a yogi will see Bhagavat Tejas in Sahasra Kamalam. From this, what we learn is that the Sadhaka should become Upasaka. By Upasana, the mind will become pure. Pure mind only can perform meditation. Yoga can be practiced through Meditation. Yogi will attain Aatmagnanam. Once the yogi attains Aatmagnanam, he is relieved from all bondages. Thereby, he attains mukthi which is also known as the abode of Brahman. Lord Krishna said that karma is better than tapognana. Jnanam does not mean bookish knowledge. Karma means agnihotras, yagnas etc. Yogi is greater than all those karmas. Tapassu, Sastragnanam, homas with oblations are done coupled with yoga, will give poorna phalam. In other words, to fix the mind firmly on god, he should see Paramatma in all beings. Such a Samadharsi is yogi. Lord Krishna said in Geeta - chapter - 9 - Sloka - 22-24 that unless one becomes a yogi he cannot win over his sense organs. Unless sense

78~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam organs are controlled, he cannot realize Bhagavat Tatwam. Not only that, he cannot even try to know that tatwam. In our body, we have six chakras. They are moolaadhara, swadihishtana, manipura, anaahata, visuddha, Aajna. The tatwam of all those chakras are earth, fire, water, wind, atmosphere and mind respectively. Those six tatwams, in those six chakras remain in the form of Tanmatras such as smell, form, taste, touch and sound respectively. The sixth is Aagnachakra which is submerged in manastatwam. This Upasana itself is known as dhyanam. This is the yoga way of worshipping. Paramatma will be happy with this type of worshipping. Aatmagnanam is the phalam of the blessings of the Lord. In this yoga, yogi becomes desireless. Such a yogi will do all karmas for the benefit of the people. He does certain karmas because if he doesn’t perform, common people also will stop practicing daily rituals. Amsumanta and Dileepa could not do such a vigorous tapasya and hence they could not succeed in bringing down the river Ganga. When Bhagiratha became king, he wanted to perform tapasya to have a son and to get relief for his dead, ancestors. He went to Gokarnam and did severe tapasya for several thousands of years. Some people may express doubt whether anyone can do tapasya for so long? This is not impossible, especially for those who has a strong will and determination to achieve the desired result. For instance, the actions of elders may look astonishing for youngsters. The way in which great yogis perform certain acts may appear unbelievable for us. Brahma himself complimented as “Bhageeratha Mahaabhaaga Preetaste2ham Janeswara; Tapasa Cha Sutaptena varam varaya Suvrata”. From this, it is very clear that the tapasya done by Bhagiradha was in accordance with yoga. If it was not, he

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~79 could not have achieved such a great result. One may say that those who have told us the sastras are also human beings. Why should we listen to their words? The reason is, they are pure. They are all above all dualities such as pleasure and displeasure. They practiced yoga from their childhood and lead a pure life. Thus they acquire the special power of knowing past, present and future. They can see all those happenings with the power of tapasya. With such knowledge they wrote sastras for the benifit of mankind. All their experiences become sastras for us. We are to follow such sastras. There is one hidden meaning in the words of Bhagiradha. He says “Oh Pitaamaha! If you are pleased with tapasya, you bless the sons of Sagara with superior lokas. Bless me with a son to carry on my family line”. “Prajaatantum Maa Vyavatsetseeha”. This is not a casual request. As per Sruti it is a vidhi. This means, he must have a son. All gruhastas must have children through their dharmapatni to relieve them from the debt of ancestors. In case we do not have children we have to do remedial karmas to beget children. One may express doubt that, should anyone do tapasya to beget a son? Smruti is instructing gruhastas to have a son. Otherwise there will be nobody to worship the ancestral parents and the family line itself will collapse. Hence Bhagiratha has requested for a son. The moral in this part of the story is that one should worship Paramatma to obtain dharma, artha, kaama and moksha. Brahma advised Bhagiratha to worship Lord Siva to hold Ganga’s speed and fury. Why? Because Lord Siva is the embodiment of tamo guna. Hence he is the authority to remove tamo guna. Unless one leaves the feeling of ‘I am the doer’ he will not have pure knowledge. From this, what we

80~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam learn is that whatever we contemplate to do, you should put the burden of result on god and do your karma. Worshipping god alone will destroy all sins. It will give all virtues. The worshipping should be desireless. “Tamevamuktvaa Raajaanam Gangaam Chabhashya Lokakrut”. In this manner Brahma advised Bhagiratha, and also instructed Ganga suitably and went to his abode. We should not ridicule how Brahma can speak to Ganga which is nothing but water. Here Ganga means it is not water but is the presiding deity of this river. In the same manner, you take “Aswattha Vruksham” (fig tree). Upanishads are teaching that it is trimoorti swaroopam. “Aswatthassaryavrukshaanaam Devarsheenaam Cha Naradaha”. This is what is said in Geeta.] Ganga descends to earth [This part is taken from 43rd Sarga] Story in brief: After Brahma disappeared, Bhagiratha continued his tapasya, meditating on Lord Siva for several years. Lord Siva was pleased and appeared before Bhagiratha and said that he will hold Ganga on his head. Ganga prepared to jump on to the head of Siva before landing on to the earth. While jumping, she entertained a mischievous thought of taking away Siva also to Paatala with her velocity of stream. Siva understood her mischievous thought. The moment she landed on to his head, he fastened her in his mass of twisted hair. Ganga tried her level best to come out of his twisted hair but could not come and of it and and had to remain there. Bhagiradha waited for the Ganga waters for several years but he could not find even a drop of water from the head of Siva. Again he made tapasya

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~81 addressing Siva. Siva became pleased with him and released Ganga. The Ganga waters has flowed into seven ways. Of them three are Hladini, Pavani, Nalini which traveled towards the east. Three more water ways flowed towards west and are named as Suchakshuvu, Seeta and Sindhu. One part followed Bhagiratha to Paatalam. While Ganga was flowing thus, several water animals, fish also came along with the stream. Since it is brought by Bhagiratha to the earth, the river was named as Bhaageerathi. While the Ganga flowing behind him entered the tapovana of Jahnu Maharishi, the waters flooded the Maharshi’s yagnavatika. The Maharishi became furious and swallowed all the waters and retained them in his stomach. Again Bhagiratha prayed the Maharishi and requested him to release Ganga. The Maharishi was pleased with the worship and released the water through his ears. Since the water flowed from the ear of Jahnu Maharishi, Ganga is also named as Jahnusuta or Jahnavi. In this manner Ganga reached the ocean first and from there to Paatalam. By the touch of Ganga waters, all the 60,000 sons of Sagara became pure and reached superior lokas. Since then, people compliment any great and difficult effort as “Bhigeeratha Prayatnam”. [Tatwam: Yogi forgets the external world and looks into himself (Anthardrushti). From there, he will watch the happenings in all the worlds. He will restrict Vayu, which means he will stop taking breath in and leaving it out. He makes the entire body an aakasha tatwam and controls the body accordingly. At that time he concentrates on a particular point (internally) and the body will fly into the air, like a bird. Such a yogi may appear as if he is standing on earth but he will be flying in the sky. The same is said in Ramayana as “Uoordhvabahurniraalambo Vayubhaksho

82~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam Niraasrayaha”. The two words Niraadharam and Niralambam explain the above. If this is applied to yoga sastra, one can understand better. The yogi who constantly practices yoga will see as much he sees aakasam externally as he will see that much in himself. The power of the mind of such a yogi cannot be evaluated by anyone. He alone knows the number of ways he can use the mind. Anima and other ashta siddhis are under their finger tips. The body of such a yogi will be lighter than a feather. Hence Bhagiratha was able to stand on the tip of his thumb and perform tapasya for such long time. It is also said that he survived only by consuming air as food. Some may not believe it, but it is possible. Listen to this. The yogi who meditates on his presiding deity on Sahasrara Kamalam will consume nectar. By that he will not have hunger, thirst or sleep. Then he remembers only his goal. He does not have any other feelings. The does not even take bath. The nature’s calls and other dualities do not bother them. Do you know the reason for all the above virtuous qualities? It is due to concentration only. It is also supported by “Tripura Samuchayam”. Some can attain siddhis by mantras. However yoga siddhi is the superior of all siddhis. That is how Bhagiratha did tapasya standing on the tip of his thumb for log years. “Achintayachya… Trinayanastadaa” vide Sloka - 5 and 6. Ganga had a mischievous thought of washing away Siva also, along with her, with the speed of her stream. Siva understood her mischievous thought and fastened her in his Jataa jutas or the hair partings. Here we are to learn one moral. Lord Krishna says if one wants to win over others, it is tamasagunam -which is egotism. Unless one leaves egotism, one cannot become a jnani. Ganga could not understand Sankara tatwam who is Paramatma himself

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~83 and thought that she can wash him away with her speed. Lord Siva also understood her mischievous thought and fastened her in his jatajutas. In other words he fastened a woman who was the presiding deity of water. It does not mean that he held all the waters of Ganga on his head. Water is popularly known as Ganga] Brahma advises to Bhagiradha [This part is taken from 44th Sarga] Story in brief: Brahma appeared before Bhagiratha and said “Oh Bhagiratha! All your ancestral parents have reached heaven. They will remain there as long as the waters are there in the oceans. Since you performed a great effort to bring Ganga to the earth, from now on, Ganga will be called as ‘Bhageerathi’. Because it came from heaven, touched earth and reached Patalam, it is also will be called as ‘Tripathaga’. Now you give jala tarpana to all devatas and to your ancestral parents and go home. [There is no Tatwam in this chapter] Visalapuram [This part is taken from 45th Sarga] Story in brief: They crossed river Ganga and reached Visalapuram. There Viswamitra said “Rama! I will tell you the story of Visalanagaram. Long ago, in Krutayuga, the sons of both Diti and Aditi used to live in a righteous way. They wanted to find a way to do away with old age, disease and death. They thought that, by churning Ksheerasaagaram they can obtain nectar and by consuming nectar, they can do away with old age, disease and death. To churn Ksheerasagaram they chose Mt. Mandhra as the churning stick and Vasuki as the

84~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam churning thread. The churning took for thousand years. In course of time, Vasuki (serpent) could not withstand the strain and it vomited poison and bitten Mt. Mandhra. With the poisonous attack the mountain dropped into the sea. From the ocean, a dangerous poison was born, which is called as Haalahalam. It engulfed all lokas and started burning. Then Vishnu went to Lord Siva and said “Oh Siva! You are the one born first, before all others. Hence you must receive the first product that came out of Ksheerasagaram. You only are capable of receiving this halaahalam. Siva agreed and consumed the Haalahalam and kept it in his throat and saved the people. Since he kept it in his throat, which became blue, he was called, Neelakantha. Again the two sides started churning. This time, Mt. Mandhra dropped into Patalam. Again devatas prayed to Lord Vishnu to come to their rescue. Vishnu took the form of a huge tortoise and kept Mt. Mandhra on his back and lifted it to its original place. Again the two sides churned ksheerasagaram with Mt. Mandhra. After some years, Danvantari, and 60,000 apsara women were born from the ksheerasagaram.Both devatas and danavas did not agree to marry them. Therefore they all became whores. After them, Varuni (sura), the daughter of Varuna cam out. Danavas refused to marry her. Hence they become asuras. Devatas agreed to marry her and hence they became suras. After Varuni, a divine horse came out. After that a invaluable precious stone by name Koustubham came out. After that, finally, Amrutam also (nectar) came out. To possess Amrutam both devatas and danavas fought bitterly and killed each other. At that time Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini and gave it to devatas. After consuming nectar, Indra defeated the danaas and ruled the three worlds, along with varuna, agni and other Devatas.

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~85 [Tatwam: In Krutayuga, devatas and daithyas were very strong and powerful. However they too had disease, old age and death. They wanted to overcome these three things vide Ramayana - Sloka - 17 “Ksheerodamamdhanam Krutvaarasam Praapsyaama Tatra vai”. By consuming nectar, they thought they would become immortal. Look how ridiculas the thought was? In one day time of Brahma, fourteen Indras and Manus will change. Which means one after the other will come to the power. Some believe that Indra and others may loose power but they are immortal. If you accept that theory, Brahma also should be immortal. If those people had been immortal there should have been shortages of accommodation even in heaven. If that is the case any number of lokas are not sufficient to accommodate them. Not only Brahma but Indra and all others are perishable. Paramatma alone is non perishable. All names and forms belong to Paramatma. From this we are to know that devatas or danavas desiring immortality neither stands to reason or logic. We are to understand that their desire for immortality is to be taken as a healthy life without diseases and ill effects of old age. Collective worshipping of god is known as yagna or satra yaga. Yoga is superior among worshippings. Tapasya is also an internal part of yoga. Veda Paaraayanam, and helping others are also the otherways of worshipping. Ksheerasamudram means it is not full of milk. It is only a place of purity. There, Paramatma lives. The moral that we are to learn is that god resides at pure places. Even Kathopanishad says, Paramatma as ‘Amruta Sabdaavachya’. They say Amrutam means mukthi. Mukthi means absorbing into or dissolving into Paramatma.

86~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam Paramatma means who is above all dualities. Hence wherever dualities are there, Paramatma will not be there. Ksheerasagaram is the place of Paramatma. Those who live in it will not have old age, diseases or death. This is what Puranas say. Unless one leaves tamoguna and acquires satva guna they cannot reach Paramatma. What is Amrutam? It is immortality. Even akshara is also immortal. Those people thought that, whoever reaches the permanent place, such people will not have any distress. Hence they choose Mt. Mandhara as the churning stick, and Vasuki as the thread. Let us examine carefully all these points. Vasuki is the king of serpents. By nature they are cruel and longing. Mountain is known for its strength and rigidity. “Sanaissanairupamedbhudhyaa Dhruti gruheetaya” which means their mental strength was totally bound with desire. To achieve their desire, they pooled all their courage and strength, went to the place of purity (Ksheerasagaram) and churned as a form of worshipping it. Why they are to churn Ksheerasagaram? While worshipping Paramatma one should have peace of mind. Unless one takes Satvik food, one cannot get peace. Lord Krishna also taught the same vide, Bhagavat Geeta - chapter - 17 - Sloka - 3, 4 and 16. It is also the general belief of the people that Lord Vishnu will take rest in Ksheerasagaram. “Kadhachalena Balanam Netistadiha Kadhyate”. Which means no reasons can be attributed for a story. In the same way one may ask when Ksheerasagaram was churned, can apsarasas come out of that? On the face of it, we can understand only that much. If we can go deep, we understand the deeper reality of it. Devatas and danavas churned jala tatwam. Which means, all the pancha bhootas,o which water also is one, has the nature of permanency. It is also known as Naaramu. He who lives in

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~87 that Naaramu is Narayana. Thus paramatma had the name of Narayana. Here devatas and danavas have churned Bhagavat Swaroopam. Narayana thought to know the mental strength of those who are churning. Initially he created halahalam. Both devatas and danavas could not possess it. Hence he asked Lord Siva to contain it. Next, by his power of Maya or illusion, he created many articles and beings. One such creation was Dhanvantari, the one who authored the science of Medicines. Bhagavatam says that Dhanvantari was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Dhanvantari by profession was the embodiment of all medicines. He was also the potent Purusha sakthi which cannot keep people in ignorance. In reality Dhanvantari was born only to help others. After him apsarasas were born. Paramatma with the power of his will, can create several brahmandams. We are to presume that Paramatma only has appeared in the form of Dhanvantari, His will power only (Sakthi) has taken the forms of apsarasas and appeared before devatas and danavas, to test their control on senses. However both of them were mindfyl of their goal in producing nectar. In Ramayana - Sloka - 25 “Varunasya… Vaaruneegraha-naatsuraaha”. From this we know that Varuni is, the daughter of Varuna. Lord Vishnu gave nectar to devatas. Some may question why the Lord had a partisan attitude? Devatas treats all bhootas kindly. Thus they have equal devotion on Siva and Vishnu, whereas danavas worship Siva and hate Vishnu. Not only that, they kill all bhootas. Danavas hate Vishnu, because of their bad samskaras. Unless those evil samskaras are destroyed, they will not be eligible for the kindness of Lord. That is why before nectar, varuni came. “Maargamaanaa Parigraham”. From this we are to understand that Varuni

88~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam is not a prostitute. In Ramayana, it is confirmed that she is the daughter of Varuna. Whoever respects her they will be eligible for getting nectar. The devatas worshipped her and had the fortune of possessing nectar. Therefore they all become suras. Those who refused Varuni became asuras. From this chapter what we are to learn is that - one can achieve one’s goal by worshipping Paramatma with devotion. However the fruits of his efforts are to be dedicated to Paramatma. Paramatma will be pleased on such devotees who are kind to all bhootas.] Diti performs tapasya [This part is taken from 46th Sarga] Story in brief: Vishwamithra said “Rama! Indra killed all the sons of Diti. So, Diti went to her husband, Kasyapa and said ‘all my sons are killed by Indra. Now I request you to give me a son who can kill Indra. Permit me to do Tapasya for this purpose”. Kasyapa understand her grief and said “Oh Diti! You do Tapashya. I am blessing that you wil have a son who can kill Indra. However you should perform the penance with purity of heart for thousand years. If you do that, you will beget a son who will rule all three worlds.” He blessed her and he himself went away to perform Tapashya. Diti was happy and went to a tapovana to do Tapasya. During her Tapasya, Indra used to serve her with at most devotion. She was also happy with his services. She continued in this manner for nine hundred and ninety years. On day, Diti said to Indra “your father blessed me with a son after thousand years of thios penance. If you wait for ten years, you can see your brother. He will bring you all auspiousness. You in association of your brother can win all the three worlds.”

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~89 After speaking to Indra she kept her head on her knees. While her hair covered her head and fell on the feet. To her bad luck she had a sleep on that evening time. That was a breach of her Vratha. Taking that opportunity Indra entered into her stomach with vajrayudha and broke the child into seven pieces. The child started crying “don’t kill me”. Immediately Indra came out of the stomach and stood before her and said “Oh mother you were sleeping in the evening time covering your face with your hair. This is a breach of vratha. Hence I killed the child in your stomach. I beg you parden” [Tatwam: “Saaham... Twamanujnatumarhasi” Sloka – 3 This means - Diti requested kasyapa maharishi, her husband, to bless her son who can kill Indra and also requested permission to do tapasya. Her husband understood her grief, that, all of her sons were killed by Indra. He therefore blessed her with a son and permitted her to do tapasya. Here the question is whether women are eligle for doing tapasya. Yajnavalkya smruthi says that women are not eligible to perform vedic karmas. However they are eligible to perform jaata karma, naming ceremony which can be performed without mantras. However marriage and other vedic karmas though to be done along with wife, they need not recite the Mantras in them. Manusmruti says that the wife can associate with her husband in performing vedic karmas such as agnihotra, yagna etc., but she is not eligible for reciting vedic mantras.Geetha very clearly says women have the right to worship god. The question is whether tapasya comes under vedic karma or not? As long as meditation or tapasya is

90~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam involved with the vedic mantras, women are not permitted. From the above we understand that women are entiled to worship god but they are not permitted to recite manthras. Tapasya means worship of god. According to Hareeta smruti women can do tapasya with the permission of her husband. Since Diti was a chaste wife, she took permission from her husband. This is an established custom. Had she not obtained permission of her husband, her tapasya would have become futile. “Evam bhavatu… Lapane ya yau” Sloka 5-7. These are the words of Kasyapa maharishi to his wife. Since all your sons are killed, you are justified to ask for a son to kill your enemy. I am blessing you with son. However he was placed in an embarassment. Because his second wife is asking for a son to kill the son of his first wife. However he understood from the power of his tapasya that no damage will happen, so, he agreed for the desire of his wife. He is fully aware that it is his legitimate duty to fulfill the desire of his wife. Hence he promised to give her a son. However he could not digest this word “Sukraham- taaram”. Hence he has suggested a rigid vrata which she must perform for thousand years. He also said you will certainly have a son provided you fallow the rules of vrata without any breach. The son you are going to have will become the Lord of all three worlds. He was aware that her mind was in Tamo guna and thought that the same might vanish during the course of vrata. Normally tapasya is to be performed for attaining dharma, artha, kama and moksha. But not for killing others. Such a Tapasya will not yield the desired results. So all homas, meditation tapasya and other karmas are to be

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~91 performed for the welfare of people. Otherwise they will not please the god. “Sahasraakasho… Parichachaara Ha” Sloka – 10- 11. From this we can understand the mind of Diti. She did tapasya and ate satvik food like fruits. She was kind towards all bhootas. She also practiced yoga during tapasya. Unless the mind becomes steady they cannot invoke the form of Paramatma. Once the devotion becomes stronger and stronger the Devata will fulfill the desire of the devotee. In case the desire is wicketd she will not have the blessings of Devata. From this part what we are to learn is that one should not entertain evil thoughts. “Evamuktvaa… Paramaatmavaan” Sloka – 16-18. From this Sloka what we learn is that, one should not sleep in day time. Her evil thoughts only provoked her to sleep during the day time and made a breach to her vrath. At the fag end of her vrath, she became proud of achieving her desire and exposed her evil desires to Indra. From this part what we have to learn is that one should not have passion and egotism. God will bless those people who work to help others without any desire.] The History of Marruthu [This part is taken from 47th Sarga] Story in brief: Diti told Indra “My son! I lost my pregnancy because of my sin. It isyou’re your fault. However you help me by making all those seven pieces of my fetus to be the rulers of seven lokas called Maarutha sthaanaas. You also bless them divinity.” Indra said “Oh mother, I will obey your order.” They all become rulers of various lokas and were blessed themy. They are called Maaruthus.

92~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam After telling this story, Viswamitra and others slept that night in that tapovana and went to Mithila next morning. [There is no Tatwam in this part] The Story of Ahalya [This part is taken from 48th Sarga] Story in brief: Next morning Viswamitra, Rama, Lakshmana and other maharishis entered the outskirts of Mithila. Rama asked “Oh Maharishi! Though this ashrama is very close to the city of Mithila, why does it look so deserted? Vishwamithra said “Rama! this ashrama belongs to Gauthama Maharishi. Even devatas worship him. He did tapasya for a long time with his wife Ahalya. One day Indra came in a false form of Gauthama Maharishi while the Maharishi was away from his ashrama. He went to Ahalya and said “My dear handsome! I had an untimely desire on you. I am aware this is not your menstrual time. However I request you to oblige by request”. She understood him as Indra who came in a false form of maharishi.i She said “Oh superior among the gods! Indra! I feel I am privileged to have a union with you. I feel I am blessed. You fulfill your desire and leave the place before maharishi comes. Thus you save yourself and save me”. Indra said “My dear handsome! I will complete my work and leave the place unnoticed. Leave your fears.” While Indra was leaving the ashrama, the maharishi came opposite to him, saw the false maharishi and understood him as Indra. He became furious and cursed “Since you have committed this sinful act ,your scrotums will fall down”. Immediately the scrotums of Indra fell on the ground. Maharishi turned towards Ahalya and cursed “You lay down here for several years and nobody can see you. You survive only by air. When Sri

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~93 Rama enters this ashrama, you worship him. You will have deliverance from my curse. Afterwards you can join me”. After this, Gauthama Maharishi went to Himalayas to perform tapasya. [Tatwam: “Rutukaalam Prateekshamte… Devaraajaku- toohalaat” Sloka – 18-19. These are the words of Indra who came in a falls form of Maharishi. What is meant by menstrual time? (Rutukalam) Let us examine why these restrictions are imposed. This is an exercise of control on senses. All smrutis are instructing as “Tasmaatsarva Prayatnena Sukram Raktam Cha Rakshayet”. By controlling the senses the power of memory will improve. Practicing yoga with control on senses is tapasya. That does not mean, a house holder should not observe brahmacharya. Inspite of being a gruhasta one can practice brahmacharya. One should not become a slave to sense pleasures. This Smruthi “Dharma Prajaasampatyarthagm Stree Yamudvahe” is teaching that the purpose of a married life is for fullfilling vedic karmas and to continue the family line by producing children. One should not misuse married life for sense pleasure and waste his tejas. However the house holders are advised to do certain duties in the following manner. The ritu times of the Menstrual times are sixteen and only those days are considered for Union. This is one of the Dharmas. If one has a union with his wife other than in those prescribed periods of menstrual cucle, that will be construed as for mere sense pleasure. Slowly he will lose control over his senses. In the same way eating flesh also was prohibited on certain days like pitru and devota pujas. In this manner enjoying of sense pleasures were restricted.

94~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam The determination of the ritu periods for male-female union in the menstrual cycle is to be understood. This period is restricted to sixteen days. Of this sixteen days, first four days are not recommended for union; of the remaining twelve days, the 11th and 13th days are also not recommended. On the remaining ten days those who are seeking a male child should have a union on the even days. Those who are seeking a female child should have a union on the odd days. In other words four days for the seekers of a girl and six days for the seekers of a boy for the union with Dharmapathini. The above course is instructed by the smruthis. From the above what we are to see is that by observing brahmacharya, people will become healthy and live long. Their faces will be lustrous and they can devote more time in meditation and will not fall to unnatural death or diseases. It will also control greed, anger and other evils qualities. This has been instructed by all smruthis. “Iha varshasahasraani… Mahaayasaaha” Sloka 30- 34. These are the words of Gauthama maharishi. The duration of curse given to Ahalya was longer period when compared to indra. Sins are of two kinds. One is done knowingly and the other is committed unconsciously. Here Ahalya committed the sin consciously. Because she knew that the person who came was not her husband. Not only that she knows him as Indra, but yet, she consented for union with him. Hence her sin was considered as more severe. Why Ahalya did this sin consciously? It is instructed by Manusmruthi chapter 4 Sloka – 26-30 that the age of the bride broom is to be 1½ times more than the age of the bride. Not only that the age of the bride should not exceed 12 years at the time of marriage. This was instructd so, to live longer and to perform vedic karmas. Another obligation

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~95 of a gruhasta is to produce children to keep up their family line. Further that, if either of them violates, they should undergo a Prayaschittam. Ahalya consciously violated dharma and suffered the curse of maharishi. Manusmruthi also instructs as “Brahmachaaryeva Bhavati Yatra Tatraasra Me Vasan”. If a gruhasta flollows the above smrutis, he will be constured as a brahmachari.] The deliverance of Curse [This part taken from 49th Sarga] Story in brief: Vishwamithra said “Oh Rama! Indra told the devatas of the loss of his scrotums and they replaced with scrotums of a goat through the help of Pitru Devatas. From then on, the pitru Devatas receive goats without scrotums. Now we are in the ashrama of Gauthama maharishi, Ahalya is waiting for the deliverance of her curse with your presence. As soon as Rama entered the ashrama, Ahalaya took the form of a woman again and worshiped Rama, Lakshmana and Vishwamithra. She offered food to all of them. Devatas rained flowes from the sky. Immediately Gauthama maharishi appeared there and prostrated at the feet of Rama and worshiped him. Maharishi took Ahalya with him and went to his Tapavana. Viswamitra, Rama and others went to Mithila Nagaram. [Tatwam: “Kurvataa tapaso… kartumarhatha” Sloka – 5. In this Sloka, Indra told devatas “I went on a divine cause and had the curse of maharishi and lost my scrotums”. What is meant by tapasya? Tapasya is a vow of repentance for washing of sins and earning punyam.

96~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam “Etaccha Nivruttisamkalpasya Prakaasaapra- kaasaka Praayaschittaamga vidhaanaartham”. This smruthi is instructing for sins done unconsciously. Sometimes the sins committed consciously can also be wiped away with tapasya. This is what Manusmruthi says. “Mahaayajjna Kriyaa” means maha yajnas like Brahma yajnam etc. Commentators say : “panchamahaayajnaanushtam”, which preach forgiveness. Forgiveness, means “Aparaadha Sahishnutvam” i.e., being patient with others’ evil deeds and do good even to those who do harm. This quality alone will destroy all sins. This has been accepted by all smruthis. For performing tapasya, one should have control on senses. Then only one can practice yoga. If such a yogi does tapasya the anger, vengence and all other passions will be destroyed. Bruhadharanya Upanishad chapter 3, Brahmanam 5 teaches that vengence is the biggest enemy for a Sadhaka. Patanjali yogasutra also teaches the same. Viswamitra said “Indrastu… Mahastmanaha” Sloka – 10. Which means however much Indra wanted to cover his sin he could not hide it. He was subjected to disgrace. Bagavatgeetha chapter 2 Sloka – 10-34 also reveals the same. “Tadaagacha... Devaroopineem” Sloka-11. These are the words of Vishwamithra. The hidden meaning is that Rama incarnated with the help of Prakruti. Prakruti and Purusha are eternal. To reveal the same, Prakruti is born as Sita and Purusha as Rama. Infact both Rama and Sita are born of the will power of paramatma. Since Rama is not associated with Sita, he did not commence any auspicious yagnas as yet,for the people. However paramatma wanted

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~97 to prove that he is above nature. Hence Viswamitra was born to bring Prakruti and Purusha together. That is why he always pretends as if he is learning everthing from him. Viswamitra did not ask Rama to give deliverance to Ahalya, but said “Enaantaaraya” why? “Oh Rama! do not think how I can go to an impure place where sin was committed. That is a pious ashrama of Gauthama Maharishi. Because of the power of his tapasya she is not visible to any one. Normally people go to have a darsan of pramatma. In the case of Ahalya, parmatma himself has gone there to bless her. Viswamitra says “Enam Taaraya” maharishi did not say “oh Rama! you give deliverance to Ahalya” because maharishi wanted to reveal that Rama is Paramatma in the form of a man. One more speciality by using the word ‘taaraya’ is that, Sri Rama is the preciding diety for ‘Taarakamantra’. ‘Taarakamantra’ destroys all sins and relieves from worldly bondage”. Vishwamithra maharishi stepped into the ashrama of Gauthama maharishi and Rama, Lakshmana followed him. Valmiki has addressed Ahalya as ‘Mahaabhaagam’. She was fortunate enough to be addressed by him like that. Many maharishis and yogis were doing tapasya to have the glimpse of Paramatma. Whereas in the case of Ahalya, Paramatma himself came in search of her to give deliverance from her curse. So she deserves the appreciation of valmiki maharishi. Not only that ever since Gauthama maharishi left, she was doing tapasya with repentance. With her tapasya, all her sins were destroyed and sha has become pure. In a nutshell, what we learn from this story is that repentance and tapasaya destroy all sins. If one makes a sincere promise to god that “I will not repeat those sins” god will certainly pardon and exonerate.

98~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam “Raaghavau Tu… Saa Cha Tau” Sloka – 17 says that Rama and Lakshmana prostrated at the feet of Ahalya. There is nothing wrong in touching her feet with respect. Valmiki himself has said “Paadejagruhatuhu”. Then, Ahalya worshiped Rama as instructed by her husband. “Paadyamarghyam Tathatithyam Chakaara Susamaahitaa” which means all these years she fixed her mind on Rama and did tapasya. So repentance and tapasya will burn all sins. Here we have to learn that Rama has not only to kill the evil people but also to protect saadhus. That is why an idiom says “ Aartatrana Paraayana Ssa Bhagavaan”. Paramatma has decended in human form. However he did not display any super natural powers. He lived as an ordinary human being. The purpose of his manifestation is to protect dharma. Even for him to fulfill that task he should be associated with Prakruti. Without her, he cannot do anything by himself. That was why Maha Prakruti was born and waiting for him in the form of Sita. The purpose of Ramayana is not to listen to the story of Rama, but to follow the dharmas that he practiced and became a roll model for others. Some people say Sita is older than Rama. Is it true? If so, is it appropriate to marry her? Manusmruthi chapter 3, Sloka - 1-10 and “Yajnavalkya Aachara- kandam” also says that the age of bride should be lesser than the age of bride groom. However this is a common dharma. It can not be applied to Rama. Because Rama is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu who has no birth and death. Who can decide his age? The same is confirmed by geetha chapter 9, Sloka 10-11 and chapter 13, Sloka 19-29. Hence we cannot apply a common dharma for Prakruti and Purusha.]

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~99 Rama and Lakshmana reach Mithila [This part is taken from 50th Sarga](P.200 ofT) Story in brief: King Janaka came to know of the arrival of Viswamitra maharishi and went with his ministers, priest and rithiwiks. He worshiped him and took them to the yagnavatika. Janaka said “Oh Maharishi! The yagna will be completed in another 12 days. All devatas will come to take their part of havis. You can see them all”. “Oh Maharishi! Who are these two boys? Their faces look as bright as devatas. They are holding bows and arrows. Are they princes of any county?” Viswamitra said “Oh king! They are Rama and Lakshmana, the sons of king Dhasaratha. Mareecha and Subahu were spoiling my yagna. These two boys killed them and I could complete my yagna, with their help. From there, we came to vishala nagaram and blessed Ahalya with the deliverance from her curse. Gauthama Maharishi came and joined Ahalya there. Now we have came to see your yagna. Also these princes wanted to examine the bow of Siva which is in your custody. The Story of Viswamitra [This part is taken from 51st Sarga] Story in brief: Satananda was the priest of king Janaka and the eldest son of Gauthama Maharishi and Ahalya. He enquired with Viswamitra “Oh Maharishi! Did you tell Rama all about my mother? Did you not tell him that she became a victim in the hands of Vidhi? Did she join my father? Did my father receive her with honour? You tell me all about my mother.” Visvamitra said “oh Setananda! I did what all I am supposed to do to help your mother and father. She joined

100~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam your father Gauthama Maharishi like Renukadevi joined Jamadagni”. Satananda said to Rama “Oh Rama! There is nothing impossible for Viswamitra in this world. He became a Brahmarishi by doing a severe tapasya. He is a great guru and your are fortunate to have such a great guru. I will tell you how great Viswamitra is! “Oh Rama! Viswamitra was a righteous king. He learned all Vedas and Sastras. He was striving always for the welfare of his people. There was another King Kusu, who was the son of Brahma and a very rightious person. His son was Kusanabha and his son was Gaadhi. Viswamitra is the son of Gaadhi. Viswamitra ruled his country for several thousands of years. One day Viswamitra went to forest for hunting. On his way he visited the ashrama of Vasista maharishi. [Tatwam: “Tasya tadvachan srutvaa Viswamitasya Dheemataha” Satananda enquired Viswamitra maharishi “Maharishi! Did Rama bless my mother? Did she worship Rama and respected him with traditional honours? Did you tell the story of my mother to Rama? Did my father receive her with honour?” Satananda was one way happy that his mother got the deliverance of her curse. On the other side he felt shy about the sad episode of his mother. He was also annoyed at Viswamitra for revealing the dark side of his mother and wanted to take revenge on him by revealing the story of Viswamitra and to pacify the maharishi he says “Kausika bhadrante”. We are to learn many things from the story of Viswamitra.]

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~101 Vasishta offers a feast to Viswamitra [This part is taken from 52nd Sarga] Story in brief: Viswamitra entered the ashrama of Vasista maharishi. Maharishi worshiped him with traditional honours. The King enquired about the welfare of maharishi. In turn maharishi also enquired about the welfare of his people. At the end, Vasista maharishi offered a feast for the king and his army. But the king politely refused since he did not want to cause any inconvenience to him. Since maharishi insisted again and again the king has agreed to dine with him. [Tatwam: “Aatithyam… Prayatnathaha” These are the words of Vasista with Viswamitra “oh king! You are my guest and accept my hospitality”. Manusmruthi says that a king cannot be a guest. A guest means who is passing that way and stays for a day. But in the case of Viswamitra that rule does not apply. However Ramayana is saying “Raja Tvamatithisreshtaha”. Should we take Ramayana or manusmruthi as standard. Again Manusmruthi is also saying a special dharma as “Raajartviksnaatakaguroon… Parisamvatsaraat- punaha” vide Sloka 119. Which means the king must be worshipped with new clothes. Though Viswamitra is the ruler of the country, he visited this ashrama for the first time. Therefore he is to be worshiped as superior among the guests. Hence Vasista worshiped the king and insisted on him to accept his hospitality. Here we have to learn a moral. Though the king was not interested to take food in his ashrama, why did Vasista insist on him? Here comes the theory of karma. Viswamitra was born as Kshatriya and would finally be transformed as a Brahmarishi. In the same

102~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam way Parasurama was born as a Brahmin but he followed Kshatriya dharma. From this we understand that any body can be converted to another caste by severe tapasya. Viswamitra ruled his country for a long time. He respected elders and tapasvis till he took a feast in Vasista’s house. That is the turning point in his life, that will lead him towards becoming a Brahmarishi. So Vidhi has taken him quickly into its fold.] Viswamitra wanted Kamadhenu [This chapter is taken from 53rd Sarga] Story in brief: Satananda said “Oh Rama! Vasista called his Homadhenu, Sabala and asked it to prepare a feast for the king and his army. Visvamitra and his ministers were all fully satified with the feast. The king went to Vasista and said “Oh Great brahmin! I am previliged to have your hospitality. Your cow is a jewel. I will give you one lakh cows. you give me that one cow to me”. Vasista said “Oh king! that is not a cow, it is more than my daughter. Without her I cannot do my daily Havyam, Kavyam, Agnihotra etc., so even if you give 10 lakhs cows I cannot give her to you”. Viswamitra further offered several valuable gifts like gold, jewel, horses, elephants etc. Vasista was determined not to part with his cow, Sabala. [Tatwam: “Kartum Necchasi Yanmohaat karishyasya vaso Si Tat” Now the Vidhi has taken both Vasista and Viswamithra into her fold and started playing them like toys. Vidhi alone made the king to develop anger and jealousy towards Vasista. In the same way the maharishi also became hardened in his mind and declared not to part with his cow,

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~103 the Sabala. Viswamitra has seen the power of Sabala, when it served a huge feast for all his army in a forest and that too in a short time. However, illusion covered him and he decided to take the cow by force, even by fighting.] Sabala kills all the Army of Viswamitra [This chapter is taken from 54th Sarga] Story in brief: Satananda said “Oh Rama! Since Vasista refused to give Sabala, Viswamitra tried to take her by force. The Army caught hold of Sabala and dragged with force. While being dragged away, it looked into the face of Vasista Maharishi and said in a dumb way ‘Oh father! Why are you sending me with the king?’ Maharishi said “My daughter! I am not sending you with the king. He is forcibly taking you. He is a powerful king with a large army. I am a poor brahmin. How can I fight with him. You can protect yourself. Now you invoke brahma tejas and show your strength.” On hearing the maharishi’s words, Sabala produced several millions of soldiers from her body. They all killed the army of Viswamitra. Viswamitra did Tapasya on Lord Siva [This part is takek from 55th Sarga] Story in brief: Satananda said “oh Rama! The soldiers who came out from Sabala’s body killed the entire army of Viswamitra. Viswamitra became very furious with this. He went to Himalayas and did extreme penance or tapasya meditating on Siva. Siva was pleased with his tapasya and asked him ‘what do you want?’ Viswamitra requested “Deva! If you are pleased with my tapasya you bless me with all weapons, the sastras and astras that are held by devatas”. Lord Sive

104~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam blessed him with all those weapons and disappeared. Viswamitra was very proud of possessing all these, powerful, devine weapons and thought that he could now kill Vasista with ease. Viswamitra went to Vasista’s ashrama and burnt all tapovanas, trees. The maharishis of those tapovanas were alarmed at this, and they went to Vasista maharishi for protection. Vasista gave them assurance and said “I will put an end to all the mischief and it will disappear, like ice melts with the heat of sun”. Saying so, Vasista came out with his ‘Brahmadandam’. [Tatwam: As the idiom says “Praayassamaapannavipattikaale dhiyo 2 Pipumsaam malinaabhavamti” when the time ripens for experiencing karma Phalam, nobody can predict how Vidhi makes him to act. Lord Krishna says “Gahanaa Karmano Gatihi” Paramatma alone knows how fate or vidhi makes its moves. Though Rama is the manifestation of Lord Vishnu, since he has taken a human form he has to learn all the sastras and astras from a guru. “Na balam… Duraatmanaha” Sloka 13-15. Reveals how the powers and ability of a brahmin is superior to the strength of a Kshatriya. Because Kshatriya’s strength is backed by rajo guna whereas brahmin’s abilities are backed by satwa guna. Brahmin must conform to satwa guna to worship god. Whereas the king is to maintain rajo guna to keep all the people under his command. From the above we understand that the power of god is superior in a brahmin and hence his power is said to be superior to the kshatriya’s power. Even smrutis also hold the same opinion. Hence Valmiki maharishi has expressed that the power of brahmin was invoked in the cow, the Sabala. Since bhagavat tejam is

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~105 superior, it killed the entire army of Viswamitra. Vasista instructs Sabala to create soldiers with “Tadbrahmabala sambhrutaha” which means you invoke the tejas of brahman and produce soldiers. One may doubt, however the power of tapasya might be, can a cow produce so much army? When an Upasaka worships his ishta devata in peace time, the upasana is known as mantra. The same worship at war time is known as an astra. To achieve his desire, he will add beejas to the mantra, which together, produce all that the Upasaka desires. Normally maharishis use their tapassakthi, or power of penance, for worshiping god only. Whenever their tapasya is interrupted, they express their displeasure in the form of a curse. That curse also is more powerful then an astra. In the same manner, the Bhagavat tejas can also produce soldiers. Viswamitra was a king, who was enjoying all comforts and pleasures. Leaving all of them, why did he undertake a severe tapasya? Is it to take revenge on Vasista? Or to become a brahmarishi? Did his karma phalam provoke him to do such tapasya and acquire all powers to finally help Rama in the future? From all the above, we are to understand that the power of god is supreme. Since the brahmin is always in his service, his power also will be superior and super natural. Where as a king devotes most of his time for the welfare of people, his power will be restricted to worldly matters. The time has ripe for Viswamitra to become a rishi. Vidhi alone made all the preparations for him to become a rishi. He was greatly disturbed with his defeat in the hands of a brahmin and was provoked to perform tapasya. From

106~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam all the above happenings, it is proved that the power of a brahmin is superior than a king. Viswamitra performed a severe tapasya meditating on Siva. Siva was pleased and asked him, what do you want? “Yadi Tushto… Mamaanagha” Sloka 16-17. Which means “Oh Mahadeva! If you are pleased with my tapasya, you bless me with all weapons and astras held by devatas and danavas. Here we are to understand that he has not asked those weapons to expand his kingdom. Inspite of securing divine weapons he did not rule his country. We are to presume that he has secured the divine weapons, as per his vidhi, only to help Rama in future. His mind did not rest in peace inspite of tapasya and with the appearance of Lord Siva. Smruthis also says that the minds of those, who are involved in karma, will not rest in peace. “Vivardhamaano Veeryena Samudra… Vasishtamrushisattamam.” From the above, we see that, Viswamitra was happy by acquiring divine astras and was confident that he could now kill Vasista. Because his mind was filled with passion and jealousy, he could not visualise the greatness of Vasista. But, he could not win over the Great rushi, Vasista. Lord Siva also was aware that Viswamitra is acquiring all this astras only to finally help Rama. We are to learn from the above that Viswamitra has became a tool in the hands of Vidhi. “Asramam… yamadandavivaaparam” Sloka 29 Viswamitra came to the ashrama of Vasista and burnt all the trees, ashramas of tapasvis with the power of his divine astras. Vasista also became furious and came out with his brahmadandam and said “Oh viswamitra! You have committed a cruel act. You have burnt them all in a moment. You deserve a severe punishment and I will kill you”. By saying so he raised his brahmadandam. Brahmadandam is also said as yogadandam and Yama dandam. It is irrelavent

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~107 whether Vasista is superiour or Viswamitra is superior. But Viswamitra has commited a great sin by destroying the living ashramas trees and animals. He commited this sin willfully. Sins are two types one is severe sins and the other is lenient sins. The sin commited by Viswamitra falls under lenient sin committed with the influence of tamo guna. However we cannot say that Viswamitra is an idiot. He became a tool in the hands of Vidhi.] Vasista defeats Viswamitra [This part is taken from 56th Sarga] Story in brief: Viswamitra released Aagneyastra, Varuna, raudra, Indra, pasupata, manava, mohana, gandharva and many more astras on Vasista. All those astras were swallowed by the brahmadandam of Vasista. Viswamitra became furious and released Brahmastra. That astra perplexed all lokas. The brahmadandam consumed that Brahmastra also. While consuming Brahmastra Vasista looked very dangerous to all three worlds too. The maharishis from all tapovanas came and requested Vasista to withdraw his fearsome form. Viswamitra realized that the power of brahmin was more powerful than all his divine astras and he went back to continue tapasya to become a bhramarishi. [Tatwam: Viswamitra did tapasya for thousand years and did not became a brahmarishi. Why? God always loves the righteous path of devotees. However severe his tapasya might be, if the same is not for the benefit of others, he will not get the full benefit. Here the defeat also became handy for Viswamitra to enhance his spiritual powers and to become a brahmarishi. Brahma appeared before Viswamitra and said

108~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam “Oh Viswamitra! I am pleased with your tapasya. You have become a Rajarishi.” Viswamitra was not satisfied with this and continued tapasya to become brahmarishi. Unless ego perishes in him he cannot become a brahmarishi. Insults and humiliation work as a stong medicine for eradication of passion and egotism. To test this egoism in king and Rajarishi, Viswamitra, king Trisanku was brought into the forefront by the vidhi. Vidhi provoked Trisanku to go to heaven with his physical body. Viswamitra performed a yagna at the cost of his tapasya to push Trisanku to heaven. In this attempt he lost all the power of his tapasya.] Vasista refuse Trisanku’s desire [This part taken from 57th Sarga] Story in brief: Satananda said “Rama! Viswamitra developed enmity with Vasista and went towards the south to continue his tapasya with his wife. There he did tapasya for thousand years and during that period, he was eating only vegetables. During that period he had four sons. One day Brahma appeared and said “Oh Viswamitra! I am pleased with your tapasya and blessing you as rajarishi. You will get all lokas that a virtuos rajarishi is eligible.” Viswamitra was not happy with this boon from Brahma and continued his tapasya. In those days, there lived a king by name Trisanku who belonged to Ikshvaku family. He went to Vasista, his priest, and requested him to perform a yagna and enable him to go to heaven with his physical body. Vasista told him that there was no such yagna and asked him go back to his kingdom. Trisanku was not happy and went to the sons of Vasista and requested them “Oh superior brahmins! I wanted your father to perform a yagna for me to go to heaven with

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~109 physical body. He said he cannot do it. Hence I request you to perform a yagna for me.” The sons of vasista said “when our father refuges to execute your request, how can we do it for you? Hence you go back to your kingdom. Trisanku seeks refuse from Viswamitra [This part is taken from 58th Sarga] Story in brief: King Trisanku was not satisfied with this reply and said “if you do not execute yagna, I shall engage some other priest and do it”. The sons of Vasist became furious for his disrespect for the guru and cursed. “Since you disregarded your guru, you become a chandala”. Immediately king Trisanku became a chandala with an ugly form. King Trisanku was distressed at the curse of his guru’s sons and was wandering in the forest. Finally he reached the ashrama of Viswamitra, fell at his feet and requested for protection. Viswamitra assured protection and asked him how he became a chandala. King Trisanku said “Oh maharishi! I did hundred yagnas. I never said a lie, I always followed kshatriya dharma. I respected brahmins and elders. I went to Vasista, my guru, and requested him to execute a yagna which takes me to heaven with my physical body. My guru and his sons not only refused to execute a yagna but also cursed me to become a chandala. Now I cannot go to my kingdom. Even now I want to do that yagna and want to go to heaven with my physical body. I therefore came to seek your protection”. [Tatwam: “Baalisastvam Narasreshta… kadham” These are the words of Vasista’s sons. They were angry with the king for disrespecting his guru. According to smrutis disrespect

110~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam towards guru is considered the biggest sin. The king should always be sincere and obedient to his guru. Whoever disobeys his guru becomes ungrateful and equalent to a chandala. “Chandate Ku Prati Kroora Karma Vetavana”. Vidhi only took Trisanku to Viswamitra. Unless he provoked Viswamitra, his balance powers of tapasya cannot be brought down. Then only he will go again to pursue tapasya. Unless he has control on senses, his mind cannot rest in peace and become a Brahmarishi. Unless he becomes glorious on all three worlds, he can not help Paramatma when he takes a human form on earth. Trisanku could have requested deliverance from the curse he got from the sons of Vasista, but he did not do so. Why? Vidhi decided that Viswamitra should help Rama when he decends. Hence Vidhi did not allow Trisanku to request the sons of Viswamitra for deliverance from their curse. Trisanku said to Viswamitra “Oh tapasvi! I never said a lie till now. In future also I will not say a lie.” Why? Paramatma will shower his kindness only on a person who stands by truth. Not only that, if one speaks untruth he will not have the Phalam of a yagna. If he blames a Brahmin, his longevity will reduce. If anyone boasts about his donations and gifts, he will lose all the phalam of that gift. Even sruti says that faithfulness is the superior dharma. Hence Trisanku said “I never said a lie”. This is supported by many smrutis.] Viswamitra performs yagna [This part is taken from 59th Sarga] Story in brief: Viswamitra said “Oh Trisanku! I am convinced that you are a righteous king. I will protect you and execute the yagna

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~111 for you. I will send you to heaven with your physical body”. By saying so, he asked his sons to make all arrangements for the yagna. He sent his disciples for fixing hota, and rithwiks. He futher said to them “whoever disrespects my words and heckles my yagna, you tell me. I will show them my power”. His disciples went around the country and fixed the rithviks for the yagna. They said “Oh gurudev! Only the sons of Vasista and Mahodaya showed disrespect for your words”. Viswamitra became furious on them and cursed that Mahodaya must be burnt to ashes. They shall live on flesh of dead bodies for seven hundred generations for blaming me. May Vasista’s sons live as hunters, eating dog’s flesh for thousand years”. Construction of a new heaven [This Chapter is taken from 60th Sarga] Story in brief: Viswamitra said to rithviks and tapasvis “Oh Illustrous brahmins! He is king Trisanku, belonging to ikshaku family. He is a righteous king, and he wants to go to heaven with his physical body. He wanted my help. I gave him protection. We are all to help him in sending to heaven. Viswamitra said to Trisanku “Oh king! I have started yagna for you. Now you will see the power of my tapasya. Now you will enter heaven with your physical body.” While the rithviks were reciting mantras, Trisanku traveled towards heaven. Indra and other devatas saw Trisanku’s entry into the heaven with his physical body. Indra said “Oh Trisanku! You stop there. You are a human. Not only that, you are cursed by your guru. Hence you are not eligible to enter into heaven”. Saying so, Indra pushed Trisanku upside down and Trisanku started falling towards the earth. He cried “Oh Maharishi! I am falling down. Save me”.

112~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam Viswamitra with the power of his tapasya stopped Trisanku from falling down on earth and made him stay midway, where he was. He created the saptarisi madalam on his south. He created other stars and galaxies etc and announced that he was going to remove the existing Indra and creating a new Indra and started creating devatas. Indra and other devatas appealed to Viswamitra and said “Oh maharishi! This Trisanku was cursed by his guru. Hence he is not eligible to enter into the heaven”. Viswamitra said “Indra! I have promised Trisanku that I will send him to heaven. My promise cannot go untrue. The orbit of stars and other creations that I already created will continue to remain as long as the sun and moon exist. If you agree to these two conditions I will not make any further creation”. Indra said “Oh maharishi! Your word will not become untrue. All creations you made will remain forever. Trisanku also will remain in that new creation with his head upside down”. Viswamitra was satified with this. Trisanku stayed on in the orbit of stars created by Viswamitra. [Tatwam: “Swargitam… Praja” Sloka 14. In this Sloka Viswamitra said to Trisanku that I will send you to heaven by spending the power of my tapasya and you will go. “Vikrosamaanastraaheeti… Kausikaha” these are the words of Trisanku when he was pushed down to earth. He cries “Oh maharishi! Save me”. Does it mean the earth and heaven are so near to hear the voice of each other? Those who do not know the power of tapasya may doubt and think so. But it will not be surprising for those who know the power of yoga. Even now, we are seeing man-made satellites being sent to other planets like moon etc., Not only that, Scientists are also undertaking repairs

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~113 from the earth with remote control. In the battle of Kurukshetra, Sanyjaya was able to see all the happenings in the battle field and narrated them to Dhrutarashtra. However they did not exploit such powers for personal reasons and hence they were restricted to epics and puranas only. We are also experiencing the juggleries of creating objects with the power of mantra. Because those mantras have limited power, the objects so created remain for a short period. Not only that, the juggler meditates on those mantras for his livelihood and hence the power their Ishta devata or presiding diety also will be limited. But, the power of tapasya of maharishis was great and was used for the good of people. So they remain for much longer period. From this story, what we learn is that, tapasya can achieve anything and nothing is impossible for the power of Paramatma.] Viswamitra at Pushkara Teertham [This part is taken from 61st Sarga] Story in brief: Satananda said “Rama! Viswamitra moved to Pushkara theertham for continuing his tapasya. In those days king Ambarisha was performing a yagna. Indra abducted his yagaswa. His rithwiks said the yagna cannot be completed without the yagaswa. Otherwise in its place, a human can be given as sacrifice. Then only the yagna will be completed. King Ambarisha went to search of a human being to replace the yagaswa. After sometime he met Rucheeka maharishi who had three sons. The king said “Oh maharishi! I lost my yagaswa. My rithwiks suggested a human sacrifice in the place of yagaswa. If you can offer one of your sons for

114~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam this divine cause I shall give you one lakh cows”. The Maharishi said “Oh king! The eldest son is very dear to me. I can not part with him. My last son is dearer to my wife. She also cannot live without him”. The second son Sunassepa came forward and said “Oh king! The eldest son is dearer to my father. The youngest son is dearer to my mother. They cannot lose your offer of one lakh cows. So I am the only son that they can spare as a sacrificial animal. So you take me in the place of your yagaswa and give one lakh cows to my parents”. The king was happy. [Tatwam: “Gavaam Satasahasrena…. Bhargava” these are the words of king Ambarisa “Oh Rucheeka! you take one lakh cows and you give me your son, Sunnassepa. From this we understand that it was an uncivilized practice. But if you look from another angle, we are to presume that people are prepared to sacrifice anything for a divine cause. However Srutis and smrutis prohibit violence in any form. So far, we have not heard in any scripture offering a human sacrifice in any yagna. So there must be a hidden meaning in it. Indra may not have any benefit in creating a problem to Ambarisha’s yagna. We have to presume that Indra might have created this interruption only to deflect the tapasya of Viswamitra. It must have been created only for the sake of Viswamitra. One may doubt how Ambarisha could secure one lakh cows suddenly? Did he carry them to all places? We are to presume that the term, cow was used to represent a currency coin of those days or a known amount of gold, and not cows in their physical form.] Viswamitra saves Sunassepa

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~115 [This part is taken from 62nd Sarga] Story in brief : Satananda said “Oh Rama! while Sunassepa was going with King Ambarisha, they passed through Pushkara theertham. While the king was taking rest, Sunassepa went to Viswamitra who was doing tapasya and fell at his feet and cried “Oh maharishi! My parents have given me as a sacrificial animal for the yagna og King Ambareesha. I want to live and do tapasya and finally reach heaven. Please save me without breaking the word given by my parents. At the same time, the yagna of the king also should not be spoiled”. Viswamitra assured Sunassepa, of his protection, called his own sons and said “My sons! the king Ambareesha is taking Sunaseepa as a sacrifial animal for his Yagna. Sunassepa wanted my protection and I assured him. At the same time, the king also must complete his yagna. Hence one of you volunteer and go as a sacrificial animal in the place of Sunaseepa”. His sons said “Oh father! Your demand is not justified. Because you are asking us to to save an unknown person at the cost of our life, we are not prepared to give up our life to keep up your word”. Viswamitra became furious and cursed them to take birth in a hunter family and live for thousand years eating dog’s flesh.Turning to Sunaseepa he said “My son! I will save your life. I will initiate you to a mantra. When you are taken to the Yagna and fastened to a yupa Pillar, you recite this mantra” and initiated him to the mantra. Sunaseepa went with Ambarisha and was fastened to a yupa pillar. When they were about to kill him, he recited the mantra given to him by the maharishi. Indra was pleased with Sunassepa and appeared at the yagnavatika. He

116~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam blessed Sunasseopa with long life and gave to Ambarisha the full benefit of his yagna and disappeared. [Tatwam: One may have a doubt that Viswamitra could have initiated the mantra before cursing his sons. With this incident only, he became Viswamitra. Because he has protected a human life. By cursing his sons, the balance of his tapasya was again reduced, and he has to undertake tapasya again.Thus the balance of his tapasya also came down. Unless he cursed his sons the balance of his tapasya would not be reduced. We are to presume this is what Indra wanted!] Viswamtra becomes a Maharishi [This part is taken from 63rd Sarga] Story in brief: Satananda said “Oh Rama! Viswamitra did tapasya for thousand years in pushkar. One day brahma was pleased with his tapasya, appered before him and said, “Oh Viswamitra! I am pleased with your tapasya. I am declaring you as a rishi.” Viswamitra was not happy with this and continuing his tapasya. One day Menaka, a beautiful apsarasa (angel-woman) went to pushkar. Viswamitra saw her while she was taking bath and he developed a desire on her. Viswamitra went to her and said ‘Oh beautiful girl! I am very much fascinated with your beauty. I want to live with you’. Menaka gladly agreed to his request and lived with him for ten years. At the end he was ashamed of himself for getting into the trap of a woman and he repented for getting distracted from his tapasya. He understood that this must be the wicked plan of Indra and repented. Viswamitra pacified Menaka and sent her away from his ashrama.

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~117 After sending away Menaka, Viswamitra controlled his senses, went to the banks of river Kaushiki and started doing tapasya again. Again Brahma appeared and said, “I have made you maharishi and so, you can stop doing tapasya.” Viswamitra said “Oh God! I am doing tapasya to become a brahmarishi and hence I am not satisfied with the title of maharishi given by you”. Then Brahma said “you have not yet gained control on your senses. Hence, you must continue tapasya,” and disappeared. [Tatwam: Inspite of doing tapasya for thousand years how he was tempted for Menaka? Viswamitra was a Kshatriya by birth. As a king he enjoyed limitless sense pressures. The moment he saw Menaka, all his old samskaras woke up in him. After sometime, he repented for the mistake he has commited. We are also to presume that this also must be a play of Indra. By that time it was too late. To make his mind steady, he left that place, went to river kausiki and started doing tapasya again.] Viswamitra curses Rambha [This part is taken from 64th Sarga] Story in brief: Satananda said “Indra was serious in disturbing the concentration of Viswamitra. So he called Rambha and instructed her to divert the attention of Viswamitras towards her”. Rambha said “Deva! Viswamitra is a hot tempered maharishi, and if he get furious he may curse me. I am afraid of his curse”. Indra said “Oh Rambha! Don’t worry about Viswamitra. Because I and Manmatha ( the god cupid) will be by your side and we will see to it that Viswamitra does not do any harm to you”. Finally she went and tried to

118~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam divert the attention of Viswamitra. Indra could not succeed in this attempt. Viswamitra understood the wicked plans of Indra and cursed Rambha to become a stone and lay there for ten thousand years. However, Viswamitra repented for his hastiness and said you will get back your original form with the help of an illustrous brahmin. Looking at the fate of Rambha, Indra and cupid ran away from that place. By cursing Rambha again, the power of Viswamitra’s tapasya came down again. As he became a victim of anger, he again started pursuing his tapasya. [There is no Tatwam in this Chapter] Viswamitra becomes a Brahmarishi [This part is taken from 65th Sarga] Story in brief: Satananda said “Rama! since he was facing frequent interruptions like this, Viswamitra went to the west to continue his tapasya. There, he started observing silence, stoped eating and did severe tapasya. With that severe tapasya, all his flesh withered away and he became like a skeleton. He did tapasya like this for over a thousand years. One day, he was hungry, secured some food and was about to eat. In the mean while, Indra came there in the form of a brahmin and asked for food. Since Viswamitra was observing silence he gave the food to the brahmin and resumed tapasya for another thousand years. This time he practiced yoga stopping his breathing also. In this manner, he did tapasya for another thousand years. As a result if his tapasya, smoke started coming out of his skull. This smoke started spreading to all worlds. All living beings were afraid of the spreading smoke. So, all devatas went to Brahma for

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~119 protection. Brahma went to Viswamitra and said “Oh brahmarishi! I am pleased with your tapasya. Your dedication to become a brahmin is exemplary. I am blessing you with immortality and also Brahmarishithvam”. Viswamitra said “Deva! I am greatful to you for making me a brahmarishi and immortal. I request you that Omkaram, Vashatkaram and Vedas are to be in my possession and give me the authority to teach Vedas to others and perfom yagnas. Vasista the illustrous brahmin must also address me as brahmarishi. Then only I will stop doing tapasya”. Brahma was happy and asked devatas to bring Vasista maharishi. Vasista came and embraced Viswamitra and addressed him “Oh brahmarishi!” Brahma and other devatas also blessed Viswamitra with all auspiciousness. King Janaka Said “Oh righteous maharishi! I am blessed by hearing your life story. I and my people became pure by having your darshan. I am inclined to hear more about you. But it is the time for us to perform our evening rituals. I request you to come to the yagnavatika with Rama and Lakshmana. The king, rithwiks, and other brahmins made salutations to Viswamitra and went to their places. [Tatwam: From this chapter we learn the following morals. Observing silence is one of the superior dharmas. Viswamitra observed silence for thousand years and did tapasya. While he was about to eat food, after thousand years, Indra came and asked for food. He gave the food to Indra and thereby, silently expressed his love for humanity. In the end, he won over all his evil qualities such as pride, egotism etc. He fixed his mind on Paramatma, and did

120~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam tapasya over thousands of years and won control on his senses. Thus he became brahmarishi. He further insisted that he will not be satified unless Vasista also accepts him as a brahmarishi. Why? Viswamitra wanted to express his gratitude to Vasista because, he was elevated to the state of Brahmarishi because him only. One more moral, we learn from this is that brahminism cannot be automatic by birth. But whoever conrolled his senses, whose mind rests in peace, fix his mind on Paramatma alone, is qualified to be called so, and can have the vision of Paramatma.] The story of Siva’s bow [This chapter is taken from 66th Sarga] Story in brief: Next morning king Janaka completed his morning rituals and invited Viswamitra, Rama and Lakshmana to yagnavatika. He worshiped them and requested them to occupy their seats. The king said “Oh maharishi! I welcome you. You order me what service I can do for you”. Viswamitra said “Oh king! Rama and Lakshmana are Kshatriyas. They are valorous. They want to examine the bow of Lord Siva”. King Janaka ordered his people to bring the bow of Siva on a chariot and started telling the story of Siva’s bow. Long ago, Siva became furious with Daksha and destroyed his yagna. He said to devatas “Oh Devatas! This Daksha refused to give my share of havis in the Ygna and thereby insulted me. Now I wll kill all of you with this Bow”. All devatas were afraid and prayed Siva for his grace. Siva obliged their request and gave the bow to them. Those

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~121 devatas gave that bow to our ancestor, king Nimi. From then onwards this bow is in our palace and receiving our worship. Oh Viswamitra maharishi! Long ago, while I was tilling the land, for the preparation of a yagnavatika, I found a girlchild at the tip of my tiller. I took the child home and brought her up as my own daughter. I named her as Sita. When she came of age, I decided to give her in marriage to a valorous person who can release an arrow from this Siva’s bow. Many kings came and could not even lift the bow. So, I refused to give my daughter in marriage to any of them.They all became furious and declared a war and surrounded my city. In this manner they captured our city for one year and our people suffered even to have their daily rations. The strength of these enemies increased further and I became weak before them. At that time I prayed the devatas for protection. They all came to my rescue, defeated all the kings and saved me. Now Rama and Lakshmana can also see the bow. If Rama can shoot an arrow with this bow, I will give sita in marriage to him.” [Tatwam: King Janaka knows manifestation of Rama. However he pretended as if he does not know and revealed the story of bow of Siva. You may ask, how can we say so? “Rama, Lakshmana Yoshchaapi… Daasaratheraham” King Janaka said that he will show the bow to both Rama and Lakhsmana. He was only supposed to say that he will give his daughter Sita to whoever strings the bow. But he said “if Rama strings the bow I will give Sita to him in marriage”. Why? Since king Janaka knows who

122~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam Rama and Sita are! That is why he pretended as if he is innocent about Rama’s manifestation. Infact everyone is awaiting for the discent of Lord Vishnu.] Breaking Siva’s bow [This part is taken from 67th Sarga] Story in brief: King Janaka said “Oh maharishi! I have brought the Siva’s bow. It has been worshiped by us. So far, Deva, Danava, Raksasa, Gandharva, Kinera and many valorous people could not even lift this bow. Such a bow is kept in front of you. You show it to your princes”. Viswamitra said “Rama! You go and see that bow”. Rama said “Oh brahmarishi! I shall try to lift that illustrous bow. If it is possible, I shall also try to string it”. Rama took the blessings of maharishi and took the bow into his hands, very easily, stringed it and pulled the string upto his ears, like releasing the arrow. But, the bow broke into two pieces, with big sounds of a thunder, as if big mountains broke into two pieces or the earth has quaked. Excepting Janaka, Viswamitra, Rama and Lakshmana, all others were fainted. King Janaka witnesed the extraordinary valour of Rama and was astonished. He did not even draem of seeing it. He felt very happy for his daughter. He thought that she would bring great glory to both the families. He went to Rama and said “I announced that I would give my daughter to that valorous person who strings the bow of Siva. You have done it. You accept my daughter as your wife and make he and her privileged. Oh Viswamitra maharishi! If you order me, I shall send

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~123 my ministers and priests to Ayodhya to invite king Dasaratha for the marriage”. Viswamitra said “so,be it”. King Janaka sent his ministers and priests to Ayodhya to invite king Dasaratha and his people. [Tatwam: The bow was kept on a chariot and pulled by fifty strong and hefty persons. But Rama lifted the same with ease like a feather. This bow is too small for the Paramatma who has built all Galaxies or brhamandams at his will. While he himself is all brahmandams, the bow is a small part his creation. Hence it is not an impossible task for him at all to string it. Infact Rama can brake the bow with just his will- power. But he did not did so, because he did not want to make public about his manifestation. “Idam Dhanurvaram… Poorana Pi Vaa.” From this Sloka, Rama’s intentions are revealed. He did not say to Viswamitra that I will break it into two pieces. He said with obedience “Oh brahmarishi! Now I will try to lift this illustrous bow. If I can lift it, then, I shall try to string it”. “Avidyaamohitaatmanha… Hara” why did he say so? He meant that this bow actually belongs to me. Indirectly, he was suggesting that I am myself the Siva. There is no difference between me (Vishnu) and Siva. This refence can be seen in Vishnu puranam. From his humbleness before his Guru, Rama has taught to people the good quality of obedience. Why was the centre of that bow so rigid and even impossible for many valorous people to lift? It is only to show to the world is super natural strength and power of Rama. Some people doubt how Hanuman vould bring a mountain of medicinal herbs to save Lakshmana. This is

124~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam because, today, we are not seeing such capable persons. But we see that aeroplanes do carry mountain loads of weights from one country to another country by air. Why? We have lost the implicit faith in the powers of god. The bow of Siva was broken into two pieces and Sita’s desire was fulfilled. The time was ripe for her to reach her husband. That is why Janaka said “Bhagavan… Mayaa”. He informs Viswamitra “now Rama will accept Gruhasta ashrama and become a model for people. Let us learn the model of wordly life from Rama and Sita. That itself is tapasya, yoga. We are to worship, Sita and Rama as Prakruti and Purusha. Then only, we can understand the right way of worshiping and became fit for their mercy.] King Dasaratha reaches Mithila [This part is taken from 68-71 Sargas] Story in brief: King Janaka sent his ministers, priests and brahmins to Ayodhya to invite king Dasaratha. They all went to king Dasaratha and said “Oh king! We came as the messengers of king Janaka. He wanted us to convey the following words as his own”. “Oh king Dasaratha! With the permission of Viswamitra and my priest Satananda, I am submitting the following words through my messengers”. “ I had announced that I shall give my daughter, Sita, in marriage to whoever strings the bow of Siva. Rama and Lakshmana came to our city with Viswamitra maharishi to witness my yaga. Your eldest son, Rama, has stringed the bow of Siva which broke into two pieces. Thus he proclaimed himself as the most valorous person in all the

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~125 worlds. As per my proclaimed words, your son Rama has won my daughter Sita with his valour. I therefore intend to give Sita to him in marriage. Hence I seek your permission and request you to come to Mithila with all your Ministers, Priests and your other people”. King Dasaratha said “Oh Vasista maharishi and other illustrous brahmins! You listened to the message of king Janaka. I request you to express your views.” Vasista expressed his happiness and said that they may start the journey the next day, to Mithila. Dasaratha reaches Midhila: King Dasaratha ordered his ministers and treasury officers to carry valuable gold, diamonds and such other valuables in advance. Behind them the four wings of his army also moved. Vasista, Vamadeva, Jabali, Kasyapa, Markendeya and many other illustrous Brahmin rishis went with king Dasaratha on chariots. All of them reached the city of Mithila in four days. Janaka gave a hearty welcome to king Dasaratha and other distinguished guests. Dasaratha embraced Rama and Lakshmana. King Janaka said “Oh king! By tomorrow morning, my yagna will become complete. After its completion, we shall arrange the marriage of Sita and Rama”. Dasaratha agreed of his offer and spent the whole night at Mithila with his sons. The Dynasty of Ikshvaku : Next morning Kusadhvaja the brother of king Janaka came from the city of Saamkaasya to Mithila. Immediately on his arrival, king Janaka sent Satananda to invite king

126~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam Dasaratha and his people to the marriage hall. King Dasaratha and his people reached the marriage hall and said “Oh Janaka! Vasista is our priest and illustrous brahmarishi. It is our custom that he will reveal our dynasty in my presence. Vasista said “Oh king Janaka! Lord Brahma was born of the to Supreme being. Mareechi was born to Brahma. Kasyapa was born to Mareechi….. Yayati was born to Nahusha, Naabhaaga born to Yayati, Aja was born to Naabhaaga, Dasaratha was born to Aja and this Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna were born to Dasaratha. Oh king! Rama and Lakshmana were born in the family of ikshvaku and are now ready to marry your daughters. They are the most eligilble bride brooms. You give your daughters in marriage to them. The Dynasty of Janaka: King Janaka said “oh maharishi! At the time of the marriage I must also reveal the dynasty of my family. Kindly listen to the same. The virtuous and superior among the most valorous kings was king Nimi. He was the father of king Mithi, who built this city of Mithila. King Janaka Sr was the son of Mithi…. Hraswaroma was born to Swarnaroma, Hraswaroma had two sons. They are Janaka (myself) and my younger brother, Kusadhwaja. My father coronated me as king of Mithila. I love my brother more as a friend. I defeated my neighbouring country sankasyapuram and made my brother as its king. Since then he was ruling that country. Oh Vasista Maharishi! I am giving my daughter Sita to Rama and my brother is giving his daughter Urmila to

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~127 Rama’s brother Lakshmana, in marriage. I promise the same with my heart, word and deed, three times. This is the truth. Let my daughters be accepted as the wifes of Rama and Lakshmana. [There is no Tatwam in this part] Dasaratha’s gifts to Brahmins [This part is taken from 72nd Sarga] Story in brief: Vasista and Viswamitra said “Oh Janaka! Today both the dynasties of ikshvaku and Videha have become one. Rama for Sita, Lakshmana for urmila were made for each other. We both are suggesting to you, why not the daughters of Kusadhwaja be offered for Bharata and Satrughna? King Janaka said “Oh Maharishis! your suggestion is most pious and aspicious. We are fortunate to have bride grooms from the family of Ikshvakus. I hereby agree to give my brother’s daughters to Bharata and Satrughna and we shall arrange all the marriages at a time.” Next morning they arranged snataka vrata for all the four bride grooms and donated one lakh cows for brahmins. [Tatwam: Govindarajalu has commented the marriage of Rama as Brahma vivaham by saying “Yajnasyaante Narendrendra Vihamrushi-sammatam” – Sarga 12, Sloka 69. Let us discuss and see if this is a Brahma vivaham or not. “Chaturnaamapi…. Dhamaha” Sloka 20-21. Marriages are of eight types. To which catogory does the marriage of Rama belongs? “Mamasatyaaprati Jna Cha Veeryasulketi Kausika” this has been repeated by king Janaka three times. As per his publicly made promise, he

128~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam was supposed to give his daughter in marriage to a person who can string the bow of Siva. “Yadyasya…. Daasaradheraham” These are the words of Janaka. Can we call this as Brahma vivaham? Let us discuss. “Yo Yasya…. Gunaan” Sloka – 22. When the bride and bride groom are dressed in the bridal dress, and the bride is offered to a pious bride groom, in a vedic way, that will be called brahma vivaham. When the marriage is conducted at a yagnavatika such marriages are known as Daiva vivaham. If a few cows are donated by the bride groom at the time marriage, such marriages are called as Naarsha vivaham. There is another type of marriage known as Prajaapatya vivaham. This is being performed with promises by both bride and bride groom at the time of marriage that they will be wife and husband and will live according to dharma. In addition to the above marriges there are other marriages called Asura, Gandharva, Rakshasa, Paisachika vivahmas. This is also confirmed by Yajnavalkya smruti. Sankha smruti reveals as follows. “Ebhyo…. Sasyate” Sloka – 31. Gandharva and Rakshasa marriages are said as appropriate for Kshatryas. If the marriage is made with the consent of both the bride and bride groom, it is known as Gandharva vivaham. If the bride is abducted or taken way after winning a battle, it is known as Rakshasa vivaham. Rama has won Sita by valour. Hence this does not come under any of the above types of marriages. This is one school of thought. Whereas Govindarajalu says that valour is an exhibition of strength but it cannot be considered as dowry. Hence Rama’s marriage falls under the category of

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~129 Brahma vivaham. In support of his view point Govindarajalu has qoted as follows. “Nahushasya… Chandravamsyaakhyaamanyaou” Which means, in Surya vamsam there are kings like Nahusha and Yayati. In Chandra vamsam also there were kings like Nahusha and Yayati. Hence we should not mistake that both the dynasties are same. “Evam…. Mahaamune” Sloka 1-2, Sarga 71. The dynasty of king Dasaratha was recited by Vasista maharishi. The dynasty of king Janaka was not recited by Satananda. Why? It is the established custom that the father of the bride himself must narrate about his ancesters at the time of marriage. Hence Janaka himself has narrated his dynasty. One may have a doubt whether all the marriages of four brothers can be performed at a time? It has been accepted by smrutis that the marriages can be done at a time. Provided the mandapams and homagundams are arranged separately. From the above, the marriages of Rama and his brothers are clearly in accordance with the smrutis.] The Marriage of Sita and Rama [This part is taken from 73rd Sarga] Story in brief: Next morning king Dasaratha made a gift of one lakh cows by each of his sons before the marriage. At that time Yoodhajittu the uncle of Bharata came to Mithila. All of them went to the marriage hall. The Marriage of Rama and Sita: King Janaka brought his daughter Sita and made her to stand before Rama and said “Oh Rama! This is my daughter

130~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam Sita, she will be your dharmapatni. You accept her hand and keep it in yours and protect her. She will be your chaste wife, she will follow you like a shadow.” Saying this, he sprinkled the sacred mantra jalam on both of them. After this, Lakhsmana was married to Urmila. After that, the marriages of Bharatha with Mandavi and Satrughna with Srutakeerti were performed. With the permission of Vasista maharishi and king Dasaratha, they all took the hands of their brides and made pradakshinam to agni. Afterwards they made pradakshanam to king Dasaratha, Janaka, Vasista, Viswamitra, Satananda and other maharishis and to the agni, three times. After the marriage they all took their brides and went to the palace allotted to them. [Tatwam: Why are we celebrating the marriage of Sita and Rama even today? God descends on earth to achieve a great purpose. He has proclaimed that he will continue to manifest in future also. The main object of the manifestation of Rama was to re- establish dharma and become a model for others by practicing such Dharma himself. This is the foremost purpose of his manifestation. Punishing the wicked is secondary. The established customs and dharmas as specified in Vedas, Upanishads, smrutis and srutis were available only for learned scholars. Since they are not in easy access of common people, Rama practicesed all those established customs, and became a model for others. “Prakrutim…. Bhijaayate” Sloka 19-23 vide Geeta chapter 13. Which teaches the eminence of Prakruti and Purusha. They perform their duties depending on the situation.

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~131 Sometimes they act as one and sometimes as several. Any number of forms they might take but they are inseparable like the moon and its coolness, the fire and its burning power. In the same manner, none can separate Prakruti and Purusha. The same is said by Lord Krishna as “Anaadee U Bhaavapi”. Of all the ashramas, Gruhasta ashrama is said to be superior by all smrutis and strutis, because, it only stands as guardian of other ashramas. Hence Rama accepted Gruhasta ashrama to do good for the people. Janaka offered Sita as Aayonija and not as his daughter. What he meant was that she will be as tolerant as mother earth. In the same way, Rama stood in the hearts of yogis as their joy and made them blissful. It is said that Sita means the one, who bears all the living beings, like the prakruthi. “Daivee Hyesha Gunamayee Mama Maayaa Duratyayaa” This is what Lord Krishna has said. Which means satwa, rajas, tamo gunas are, Prakruti. Even for creation, existence and destruction, the three gunas od sathva, rajas and thamas are essential and responsible. Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara are the presiding deities for the above three gunas. Even trimoortis also invoke Prakruti and with her power they act out their respective duties. Thrimoortis exist in each brahmandam. Therefore we should not presume that there is only one Brahma. Even Brahma also is dissolved along with other bhootas at the time of pralayam. Parabraman alone is permanent. Since Prakruti is his will power she also gets absorbed into him at the times of pralayam. So no one can differentiate between Prakruti and Purusha. That is why Lord Krishna said “Viddyanaadeeubhaavapi”. Such a Prakruti and Purusha have come in the form of a man and a woman to teach good

132~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam conduct or sadacharams to people. Such a couple were married to each other. What does it mean? This is to teach people to live with affection for each other and perform good deeds. That is why, we perform the marriage of Sita and Rama every year to remember the teachings, the methods of good conduct and sadacharams practiced by them.] Farewell to Rama Sita [This part is taken from 74,75th Sargas] Story in brief: Next morning Dasaratha and others took leave from king Janaka and started back for Ayodhya. Viswamitra maharishi blessed the married couples and went for Himalayas to do tapasya. On their way to Ayodhya, Dasaratha observed some bad omens and asked Vasista maharishi the reasons for them. While he was talking, they all saw that Parasurama was coming before them in a furious form. Common people could not see at his luster and closed their eyes. King Dasaratha worshiped him with traditional honours. Parasurama went to Rama and said. Discussion between Rama and Parasurama: Parasurama said “Rama! I heard that you are very valorous person and broke the bow of Siva. Hence I came to see you in person. I have another bow with me which was given to me by Jamadagni and belongs to Lord Vishnu. If you can string that bow also and shoot an arrow, I shall appreciate your valour and have a direct fight with you. There should not be two Rama’s in this world. Either Parasurama or Rama only must exist. Now you show your

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~133 strength. King Dasaratha was upset and requested him to spare the life of his son Rama. But Parasurama did not conceded to his request. Rama took the bow of Vishnu from the hands of Parasurama and said. [Tatwam: Parasurama had gave away all the land to Kasyapa maharishi and was living on Mahendragiri (now in the state of Kerala) performing tapasya. This was far away from Mithila. How did Parasurama come to know about the breaking of the bow of Siva? “Srutavan…. Dhanuruttamam” Sloka 27. These are the words spoken by Parasurama to Rama. Parasurama had divine knowledge of all these happenings, being an amsa of Vishnu. He knows that time was ripe for him also to do his duty towards Rama, but without appearing to go against his own nature. He pretended to seek a fight with Rama just to give away the Vishnu bow with him to Rama and the Vishnu’s power (amsa) within himself also to Rama, who now needs the tejas of Vishnu to fullfil the cause for which he has manifested on earth.] Rama Condones Parasurama [This part is taken from 76th Sarga] Story in brief: Rama said “Oh Parasurama! I heard what you were talking to my father. I appreciate your respect towards your father. But do not under-estimate my strength. Now I am ready to accept your challenge”. By saying so, he took the bow from Parasurama fixed the arrow and asked “Oh Parasurama! Now I am ready to release the arrow. Once I fix

134~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam the arrow it cannot go without hitting its target. Tell me, should I hit at your Power of movement or the superior lokas earned with your punyam? I do not want to kill you, as you happen to be a brahmin. Not only that, you are also a distant relative to my guru Viswamitra. I am leaving the decision to you”. On hearing the words of Rama all the tejas of Parasurama has became powerless. All lokas became still. Parasurama said “Rama! I gave away all my land to kashyapa. At that time, he ordered me to not live in his land. From then, I was always living on Mahendragiri and performing tapasya. Before sunset, I have to leave from this land, otherwise I will have the blame of telling a lie. Hence you don’t hit at my velocity. You hit on my punyam, superior lokas, and my tapasya. I am not ashamed to get defeated in your hands, because I have understood that you are Paramatma. After you release the arrow, I will go back to Mahendragiri”. On hearing parasurama’s words, Rama released the arrow on his punyam and superior lokas of Parasurama. Immediately Parasurama left the place and went back to Mahendragiri. [Tatwam: In normal course people think that Parasurama was humiliated and insulted. Infact there was no insult because both of them are the amsa of Paramatma. “Veeryaheenamivaasaktam…. Paraakramam” These are the words of Rama. Here what Rama meant was that the purpose of the manifestation of Parasurama was completed. Hence he wanted to take back Vishnu tejas from him. In fact Parasurama also knows this. All the faith and discussion was made for the world outside. That was why he said “Pasyame dya Paraakramam” - Are you doubting my valour? Since the purpose of your manifestation is

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~135 completed, you leave your tejas and go back to your place. “Nirveeryo…. Paramtapa” these are the words of Parasurama. “Oh Rama! I have realized that you are MahaVishnu. You hit on my superior lokas. Oh killer of enemies! I wish all aspiciouness to you”. From this we can understand that Parasurama entered furiously and at the end he realized that Rama was none other than Mahavishnu and prayed him with devotion.] Sita Rama enters Ayodhya [This part is taken from 77th Sarga] Story in brief: After Parasurama left, Rama handed over the bow and arrows of Vishnu to Varuna. Varuna took the bow and disappeared. Later, Rama saluted to Dasaratha, Vasista and other maharishi and said “Oh father! Parasurama has left. You forget about him. Let us all go back to Ayodhya. You give orders to the army to procede”. Dasaratha and all his people reached Ayodhya. The entire Ayodhya was decorated and gave a festive look. After reaching the palace, Kausalya, Sumithra and Kaikeyi received, with traditional honours, their daughters in law Sita, Urmila, Mandavi and Srutakeerti. They donated cows, land, gold and many other valuables to brahmins and poor people. One day Dasaratha said “My son Bharata! Your grandfather, the king of Kekaya wanted to see you. He has sent your uncle Yudhaajittu. He came all the way to Mithila nagaram and is now waiting to take you there. Hence you may go with him and please your grand father”. As instructed by his father, Bharata went to the

136~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sri Ramavataara Tatvam kingdom of his grandfather with his uncle. Satrughna also went with him. Before they left, they embraced Rama and Lakshmana and took leave from them. After Bharata ans Satrughna left, Rama and Lakshmana were serving their father, Dasaratha and their mothers and were making them very happy. Ramas mind was now always on Sita, who attracted him completely with her beauty and character. Sita was also attracted to Rama completely. Their mutual love was immeasurable and so was their happiness now.

–oOo–

Balakandam ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~137