VALMIKI RAMAYANAM Aranya Kandam 

Chilukuru Venkateswarlu Valmiki Ramayanam - Aranya Kandam

© Chilukuru Venkateswarlu

Year : 2014

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

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

(ii) Dedicated to my parents

Sri Nori Suryanarayana and Smt. Nori Seetamma 1897-1952

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

- Chilukuru Venkateswarlu

(iii) BETWEEN YOU AND ME

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

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

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

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

- CHILUKURU VENKATESWARLU

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chilukuru Venkateswarlu

(xv)

Aranya Kandam

1. Rama enters dandaka vana Brave and shrewd Rama entered dandaka vana with Sita and Lakshmana. There they saw a tapovana which was full of hermitages of several hermits. Their wet Valkalas were hanging on the tree branches for drying. Here and there darbha grass and Sesame were spread allover. All their sacred firehouses were built separately. They were spacious and were all blazing brightly with oblation materials like ghee etc and smoke spread all over the tree tops looking like thick clouds. The animals were moving in and around the ashramas freely without any enmity or fear. Front part of each hermitage was cleaned and decorated with white rice flour in various diagrams. The entire tapovana was resounding with Vedic chanting. All the hermits had divine splendour in their faces and were reciting Vedas and teaching their disciples. It is believed that come every day in the brahmi muhurtam, vitalizing entire tapovana with dance and divine music. Daily worships would be done for various gods and Balihomas. Vedic chanting were regular features. The fragrance of the flowers and fruits proliferated all over the vana. Those fruits and roots were the regular and staple diet for all the hermits residing there. Most of the Tapasvis were aged. The entire complex of the tapovana resembled the abode of Brahma.

Aranya Kandam 1 By looking at virtuous and vedic complex comprising with Brahmins, Rama removed his bow strings and entered the complex. The hermits saw the coming of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita towards their hermitages. They went forward to receive the visitors and accorded, with sweet and melodious words, a warm welcome. The hermits worshiped them with traditional honours and arranged a hermitage for them to stay for that night. Those munis offered also fruits and roots for them to eat. Hermits: Oh Rama! King is the protector of dharma. He makes the people to practice dharma and punishes the evil. A king of this nature will be well respected and becomes famous in the country. Pure Rama! Kings are born with ¼ portion of Indra. That is the reason they enjoy all the comforts of Indra and worshipped by people. We are all your people, whether you are in Ayodhya or in forest. You alone is our king; we have won control over our senses. So those six passions would not touch us ie. We don’t know how to punish others, so you alone could protect us, jusu as a mother protects her pregnancy. Thus saying, all the hermits worshipped the distinguished guests and offered fruits and roots for them. 2: Viradha sees Rama, Lakshmana and Sita Before dawn Sita, Rama and Lakshmana took permission from the hermits and continued their journey deep into the forest. On their way they saw many wild animals and birds. While they were traveling, they saw a Rakshasa, who was a man eater. He was as big as a mountain. His eyes were like two deep wells. His hands and legs were not uniform; his body was covered with wet skin

2 Srimadhramayanam of a tiger. His body was enclosed with flesh and Blood. As such bad smell emanated all around him. Even a brave and courageous person would loose his heart just on seeing his fearful body. He was holding a long spear on his shoulders. Three lions, four tigers, two wolfs, ten deers and head of an elephant were hanging on that spear. He saw Sita, Rama, Lakshmana and shouted loudly. Viradha: You both are wearing Valkala and jatas like tapasvis. You are holding bow, arrows and swords like Kshatriyas. You are also wandering freely with a woman. All these are contradicting each other. Who are you? Why are you wandering here? Why are you deviating from the path of dharma? I am living by killing tapasvis and animals in the forest and eat. I am a Rakshasa. I relish human flesh. This woman looks very pretty. I want this woman. You both are sinful people. I will eat both of you. On seeing Viradha, Sita trembled in fear. Viradha tried to catch hold of her. Sita was looking at Rama helplessly. Rama said to Lakshmana. Rama: Lakshmana! Look at the pitiable condition of Sita. She is daughter of King Janaka and my wife. Sita is virtuous, glorious and was brought up prettily. She was already in possession of that Rakshasa. What Kaikeyi desired to happen to us is now happens! Still we are in the beginning of our exile. Sita was caught in a grave danger. Our mother Kaikeyi was not contended with the kingdom for her son. Though I am the most popular, she wanted that I should not get any support from any side. That is now happening. My wife Sita is in possession of another person, I lost my father and my kingdom was taken away by others. What more grief a man can have in life. Now I have become a victim in the hands of fate.

Aranya Kandam 3 On hearing Rama’s words Lakshmana was furious and hissing like a cobra, he said to Rama. Lakshmana: Brother! Why are you grieving like an ordinary man? You are the creator of all beings! I shall kill this Viradha with my sharp arrows and see to it that he will fall down in a pool of blood. Earlier I had this much fury over Baratha, but at that time I could not use my arrows. Now I will use my arrows on Viradha as Indra cast his Vajra on mountains. 3: Rama fights with Viradha: Viradha: Now I am again asking you. Who are you ? From where are you are coming? Where are you proceeding? Rama: Oh Viradha! I am Rama. I belong to Ikshavaku dynasty. He is my brother Lakshmana, She is my wife Sita. We belong to a good and reputed Royal family. We came here to live in this forest. Now you tell me who you are? Why are you wandering in the forest? Viradha: I am a Rakshasa son of Juvudu. My mother is Satahrtaa. We belong to Rakshasa community. My name is Viradha. I made a great penance on Brahma and secured several boons from him. By virtue of those boons to me , nobody could cut nor break my body. So you leave this woman to me and run away, I am leaving you with out killing!This is the best favour I can show to you. Rama: (furiously looking at him) Oh cruel Rakshasa, your days are numbered. I will kill you; you cannot escape from me. Thus declaring this, Rama took his bow and cast several arrows at Viradha. They pierced his body and blood

4 Srimadhramayanam started flowing like a stream. Furious Viradha put Sita on the ground and took his spear and threw at Rama. Looking at that,Lakshmana broke the spear with his arrow. Then Viradha increased his body to the size of a mountain. By that all the arrows fell down from his body like dried leaves. Then Rama and Lakshmana ran towards Viradha and took swords in their hands to kill him. Viradha laughed at them and lifted them both with his hands and put them on his shoulders. They both looked like small toys. Laughing at them, he ran deep into the forest to frighten Rama and Lakshmana. At that time, Rama smilingly said to Lakshmana “look at this Rakshasa! He wanted to give us a free ride! We will oblige him for some time, let us see how long he can escape death.” 4: The killing of Viradha: Since Viradha had taken Rama and Lakshmana on his shoulders and ran into deep forest, Sita was frightened and cried “Oh Rakshasa! leave Rama and Lakshmana and eat me if you are hungry.” Rama and Lakshmana heard her cries and decided to kill him. Rama twisted his right hand four- five rounds thereby his hand was separated form his body and fell down in the same way Lakshmana also twisted his left hand and separated it form the body. Viradha cried in pain and fainted. Rama and Lakshmana tried to kill him in several ways but they could not succeed. Rama said “Lakshmana! This Viradha had several boons, so that, we could not kill him with our weapons. You dig a deep pit, we will bury him, so that he will die on his own.” Viradha heard Rama’s words and said: Viradha: Oh Superior man! I did not know you earlier. The boons given by Brahma had kept me in ignorance. So I under estimated you, I did not understand who you were!

Aranya Kandam 5 Oh righteous Rama! Now I understand that you are Rama, son of Dasaratha. I am a Gandarva. As I was fond of Rambha, I did not attend ’s service, So Kubera was furious at me and cursed me to become a Rakshasa. Since then, I had this fearful form. I prayed Kubera for a suitable time for deliverance form his curse. Kubera was kind enough and said “Dasaratha’s son Rama would cut your hands and there after you will come back.” If you permit, I will go to Gandarva loka. Viradh further said: Oh Prabhu! Rama! From here about one and a half yojana’s distance, you will find the ashrama of Sarabhanga maharishi. You go there, and get his blessings which would bring you all the fortunes. By virtue of the boons given by Brahma, I will not die with any of these weapons. So you dig a pit and bury me. Then only I will reach Gandarva loka. 5: Rama reaches Sarabhanga’s Ashrama: Thus the courageous Rama killed the strongest Viradha and comforted Sita. “Lakshmana! This forest appears to be thick and fearful. So let us reach Serabhanga’s ashrama as early as possible.” After some time they reached Serabhanga’s ashrama and there Rama saw a wonderful scene which he narrated to Sita and Lakshmana. Rama: Lakshmana! I am seeing Indra in the deep skies, who is shining like sun and also Agni. Many gods are following him. They are all wearing elaborate gold ornaments and shining garments made of silk. You both stay back here. I will go alone to Serabhanga’s ashrama and find all the information. So Rama went to Sarabhanga ashrama and before he entered, Indra was telling Sarabhanga maharishi:

6 Srimadhramayanam “Maharishi, Rama is coming to talk to me” and said to other gods. Indra: Oh Devatas! Rama is capable of doing so many things which even we cannot do them. So I don’t wish to see now the destroyer of our enemy. So let him complete the work that he has come down to earth to fulfill. After that only, I will meet him. Indra took leave of Sarabhanga Maharishi in a hurry and left for heaven. Then Rama went inside the ashrama with Sita and Lakshmana and prostrated at the feet of Sarabhanga Maharishi,who received them and worshipped with traditional honours and also requested them to stay in the ashrama for that night. Then Rama asked “Maharishi I saw Indra talking with you just a few minuets back. Where is he? Why has he come?” Sarabhanga Maharishi: Oh Rama with my penance, I have won all the worlds including Brahma loka. So he came to take me to Brahma loka. Oh superior man! Rama I want to give away all the fruits of my penance to you, including Brahma loka. Rama: Oh Maharishi I thank you for your offer of giving away your fruits of penance including Brahma loka. All those things I can earn myself, but now you show me a place in this vana where I can live with my wife and brother. I shall be much obliged with you. Sarabhanga Maharishi: Rama! In a short distance from here, you will find the ashrama of Sudikshana Maharishi. If you go to him, he will arrange every thing for you. You walk for some distance on the banks of this river. After some time, you will reach his ashrama. Rama! You stay with me for some more time. You will see me leaving this body like a serpent leaves it’s skin from it’s body.’’

Aranya Kandam 7 Maharishi prepared the pyre and offered ghee and other oblations in homa in Vedic way and entered the flame. In few minutes, the entire body was reduced to ashes. From the pyre, a youth stood up and disappeared. Thus Maharishi reached the heaven and other superior abodes and finally reached the loka of Brahma. On seeing the Maharish, Brahma came forward and accorded a hearty welcome. 6: Rama Assures Munis: During this homa, the munis of that tapovana assembled and witnessed Serabhanga Maharishi reaching Brahma loka. Then they sat with Rama and said to him. Munis: Oh Rama! You are an embodiment of truth, dharma and devoted to your parents. With your valour and glory, you are capable of winning all the three worlds. You are a Jewel of Ikshvakus. You know dharma, you practice it, since you are fond of dharma. Kings take one sixth of the fruits of our penance and by way of tax from public. In spite of that, those, who will not rule his people as his own children, would be considered as unrighteous. Those kings who look after his people as his own children, and who sacrifices even his life to protect his people, would reach Brahma loka. His fame would be immortal. ‘’Rama! We are doing penance in this tapovana. Many of us are very old Brahmins and some are in vanaprastasrhrma. Frequently Rakshasas attack on our tapovanas, kill munis and eat their flesh. The bones of such munis are lying on the banks of this river. If you come with us, we can show you the heaps of bones of our tapasvis. These rakshasas are living on the banks of river Mandakini and on Mt.Chitrakuta. These rakshasas move freely in the forest and kill us. There is no end to their mischief. You are our king, weather you are in

8 Srimadhramayanam Ayodhya or in our forest. Oh righteous Rama! You alone can protect us. Rama: Oh pious tapasvis! Tapasvis You are privileged to order me and should not plead thus. Perhaps my father has sent me to these forests, only to protect sadhus. We are going to live with you in these forests and kill all the Rakshasas and make you all happy. You yourself will witness our valour. You carry on with your tapasya without any apprehension. You bless us to go to the ashrama of Sudikshana Maharishi. 7: Rama reaches the ashrama of Sudikshana Maharishi Rama reached the ashrama of Sudikshana Maharishi . By the time they entered ashrama, Maharishi was in the state of Samadhi. As he was exposed to sun and rain, his body was full of dust and mud. He looked like a dried leaf. Rama: Oh pious Maharishi! I am Rama. I am given to understand that you know all dharmas, You are an upright tapasvi. So I came here to seek your blessings. Sudikshana Maharishi: Oh glorious Rama! You are the superior of all the truthful kings. You are the protector of dharma. You are the Jewel of Raghu dynasty. I am aware that you are living in Mt.Chitrakuta to make your father’s words true. Since then, I am anxiously waiting for you. The moment you entered my ashrama ,we are became pure. I won all lokas including Brahma loka with my tapasya. I give away my tapasya and all lokas to you. You protect munis, tapasvis and dharma in this forest and enjoy all lokas with Sita and Lakshmana. Sudikshana Maharishi continued: Rama! In this tapovana many rishis are doing their penance, here you get plenty of fruits, roots and honey, so you can comfortably live

Aranya Kandam 9 here. Sometimes the herds of cruel animals surround this tapovana. But they will not do any harm to any one. So you can live here. Rama: Oh Maharishi! In these forests, cruel animals do wander freely. If we kshatriyas live in such tapovana, we may hunt cruel animals. Rishis may not like us torturing animals. So it is not good for us to stay here for a long time. Sudikshana Maharishi hosted Rama, Sita, Lakshmana with sweet fruits, and roots. They spent that night talking with maharishis, late at night. 8: Rama Sita and Lakshmana leave Sudikshana Maharishi ashrama: Rama Sita and Lakshmana met Sudikshana Maharishi before dawn after completing their daily rituals. Rama: Oh Maharishi! We are fortunate to have your hospitality. We slept comfortably. If you permit us, we shall continue our journey. I intend to see all the ashramas in this Dandaka vana during my stay. The Maharishis who have come with us, also wish to start early. They are as powerful as Agni without flames. Before it is too hot, we wish to reach a place of our resting and hence seek your blessings. Saying this request, Rama and other Maharishis prostrated at the feet Sudikshana Maharishi. Sudikshana Maharishi: Rama! You go with Sita, Lakshmana and other maharishis in this forest safely. Every thing good will happen to you. There are so many munis living in this forest, who have won control on their senses. They are pure; You can see all their ashramas. On your way, you will abundantly get fruits and roots. You will also come across many wild animals and birds. You can enjoy the

10 Srimadhramayanam hospitality of tapasvis of various ashramas. You can also enjoy the beauties of this forest, but don’t forget to visit again this ashrama. They thanked the maharishi with folded hands and left the ashrama. 9: Sita’s advice to Rama: Rama, Sita and Lakshmana left Sudikshana Maharishi’s ashrama.While walking in the forest, Sita said to Rama. Sita: Prabhu! You are the most revered and righteous person. I presume it looks there is some injustice in your assurances given to maharishi. Mostly, people have desire for three evil acts (Karmas) viz. telling lies, lust for other woman, to hurt or injure without any provocation. Rama! You never told a lie so far. In future also, you will not utter a lie. I know it pretty well that you will never have a desire for other women. But I am afraid that you are addicted to the third one ie. hurting others without any provocation. ‘‘To protect the rishis of this dandaka vana you have assured them that you will kill all rakshasas. You told them that you and your brother are moving with bow and arrows for that purpose only. On hearing those words, I was alarmed and also frightened. With this promise to them, it is not safe for us to enter Dandaka vana. Please listen to me. ‘‘Dandaka vana is a thick forest. Many cruel rakshasas will be moving freely. You and your brother will not keep quiet. You both will kill them. The timber close to the blazing fire will also catch fire. In the same way, if a Kshatriya has access to a bow and arrow, their energy and strength will increase. Weapons also are as dangerous as fire.

Aranya Kandam 11 ‘‘You don’t have any previous enmity with these rakshasas; still you have promised the munis that you will kill all rakshasas. I am afraid, that is not safe to purchase enmity with rakshasas. I am telling these things with respect and love for you. Not that you are not aware of all the consequences. However I don’t like your decision of killing all rakshasas with whom neither we have any previous enmity nor we know them earlier. ‘‘The duty of a king is to protect the people who seek his protection and for which they wear bow and arrow. But it is not a duty of kshatriya to kill any one or all the rakshasas, without any provocation or previous enemity. You relinquished kingdom and came to forest to practice muni dharma. You are wearing Valkalas and jatas. If you maintain kshatriya dharma, at least, as long as you are in the forests, it will keep our parents happy. ‘‘Normally women are fickle minded; so I am talking to you all these things but it is not my intention to teach you dharma. I didn’t have that much capacity also to teach you. Not only me, nobody in all these three worlds has the knowledge to teach you.’’ 10: Rama replies to Sita: Rama: Oh ! You are the daughter of king Janaka, you know all the dharmas. You tried to caution me with these dharmas, out of love towards me. ‘‘You yourself told me several times that one should not hear the cries of a distressed person and to avert his grief. A kshatriya should always flaunt a bow and arrows. The munis and tapasvis, who are living in this dandaka vana, are capable of protecting themselves; still they came to me with grief and requested my protection. They are all

12 Srimadhramayanam contented with eating fruits and roots and doing tapasya. All of them are afraid of mischievous and cruel Rakshasas. These munis are not eating well and not sleeping for the fear of Rakshasas. Rakshasas are killing munis and eating them. Tapasvis and superior Brahmins came to me for protection. When they are humbly requesting, any Kshatriya should feel ashamed. That is why I asked them “what do you want?” they all told me like this. “Oh Rama! We are all peacefully doing penance and performing homes by worshiping fire god. Those Rakshasas who are capable of changing their forms are pouring blood and flesh in our sacred fire. Every moment we are afraid of them and are not able to concentrate in our penance. Now you have come as our protector. We presume god alone sent you to protect us. We can kill those Rakshasas ourselves with the power of our tapasya. But we don’t want to waste our powers just to save our bodies. So we are bearing all those tortures, keeping faith in god. We all presume god heard our prayers and sent you and your brother to protect us.” Rama continued: Sita! All those munis in Dandaka vana requested me for protection. So I promised them to protect from those man—eating Rakshasas. As long as I am alive, I will continue to keep up my word and save tapasvis. “Oh Sita! You know me well. I will protect who ever seeks my protection. In the case of munis, I will protect them even if they do not request me for help. So I will kill all Rakshasas and establish peace in all these tapovanas. Out of love and affection, you have cautioned me. I am pleased to say that you are more than my life. But, for me protecting dharma and sadhus is dearer than you. However the timely caution you made is very much befitting you.

Aranya Kandam 13 11: Rama goes to Agasthya’s ashrama: Rama, Sita and Lakshmana on their way, passed through many lakes, rivers, mountains and vanas, saw many wild animals. At one place, they saw a beautiful lake producing melodious music. Rama asked a muni, from where this music was coming. The muni said to Rama “oh Rama! This lake is known as panchakshra lake. This was built by Mandakarni Maharishi. He built with the power of his tapasya. He lived in this lake for ten thousand years, doing penance. Agni and other gods were afraid of the severity of his penance. They wanted to divert his concentration. For that they engaged, five apsaras to attract him. The maharishi married all the five and lived under the lake. He built five houses inside the lake. Those apsaras used to engage maharishi with music and dance. Since then the music is continuously heard.” On their way, the travelling party visited several tapovanas and met many tapasvis and was worshipped by them. They all narrated their sufferings under rakshasas. They also sought Rama’s protection. The party lived for about five months in one tapovana, seven months in another tapovana and twenty days in some other tapovana.In this way they completed ten years. Once Rama went to the ashrama of Sudikshana Maharishi for the second time. And met the Maharishi Rama: Oh Maharishi I wish to have the blessings of Agasthya Maharishi .I amtold that his ashrama is also in this forest. If you guide me the way to his ashrama, I shall be grateful to you. Sudikshana Maharishi: Oh Rama! You have asked me a good thing. I myself wanted to suggest you to take the

14 Srimadhramayanam blessings from Agasthya Maharishi. I will tell you the way to his ashrama. ‘‘From here, go about four yojanas towards south. There you will find a fruit garden resembling Indra’s Nandavana. In that grove, Agasthya Maharishi built a complex of tapovana on an elevated place. You will find a lake near his ashrama. The water in the lake is as sweet as coconut water. Many royal swans are flying around freely. So you can see maharishi in that tapovana. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana prostrated and went round Maharishi with folded hands and resumed their travel towards Agasthya Maharishi’s ashrama. Rama: Lakshmana! We have reached the tapovana of Agasthya maharishi. Before we reach the ashrama, I will tell you about his greatness.. ‘‘In this forest there used to live two rakshasas by the name Ilvala and Vatapi. They used to kill brahmins and munis in a deceitful manner and ate them. Ilvala transforms into the form of brahmin and waits for his prey. The moment he sights a brahmin or a muni, he will approach them and say “Today is my father’s ceremony. I request you to be a “bhokta” for the occasion.” Those innocent brahmins will go with him. At that same time, his brother Vatapi takes the form of a goat. Ilvala kills the goat and prepares food with its meat and offers it to the guests. Once they consume the food, Ilvala calls his brother “Brother Vatapi! Come out” On hearing this call, Vatapi comes out by tearing the stomach of those guests. After such exploitation, the brothers eat the flesh of their guest. ‘‘All the munis in the forest went and prayed to Agasthya Maharishi for protection. The Maharishi gave them

Aranya Kandam 15 assurance to save them. One day he went with Ilvala as an innocent guest. As usual, the goat’s meat was served to Agasthyas Maharishi. He ate all the food made of goat’s meat and said “Vatapi, you aredigested in me”. He said it three times. As usual, Ilvala called “Vatapi! Come out!” Then Agasthyas Maharishi smiled at Ilvala and said “Oh Ilvala! I have eaten your brother and assimilated him in my stomach. From where he will come? Now he must be in the house of .” Ilvala was furious on Agasthya and jumped at him to kill. But Ilvala was burnt to ashes with the furious look of maharishi. ’’ Thus, Rama recounted many such stories narrating the greatness of the Maharishi. By evening they all reached the tapovana of Agasthya Maharishi. Rama told Lakshmana “You go to the ashrama and inform him that Rama has come there with Sita, to seek his blessings.” 12: Agasthya gifts divine weapons to Rama: Lakshmana went to Agasthya’s ashrama and said to one of his disciples, Lakshmana: Oh tapasvi! Rama, the eldest son of King Dasaratha, has come with his wife Sita to seek the blessings of the Maharishi. I am his brother Lakshmana. Please inform maharishi that we are waiting for his audience.’’ At that time Agasthya maharishi was offering oblations to the sacred fire in agnihotra house. The disciple went to maharishi and informed that Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are waiting for his blessings. : My son! Bring them immmediately. It is their own ashrama. They need no permission from any one. They

16 Srimadhramayanam are the most venerable persons. I am anxiously waiting myself to see Rama. To my fortune, he came today. The disciple went running to Lakshmana and said to him what all maharishi said. He went with Lakshmana and met Rama and Sita and cordially extended the invitation to the ashrama. On seeing Rama, Agastya went forward to receive him. At that time Rama was telling Lakshmana “Lakshmana! I presume this glorious person must be Agastya maharishi.” Then Rama prostrated at the feet of the Maharishi, Sita and Lakshmana also prostrated at the feet of maharishi. They stood before maharishi with folded hands. As a way of mutual courtesy, maharishi worshipped the guests with traditional honours. Agastya: Rama! I am worshipping sacred fire, while you reached here. It is our custom that I should receive any guest only after Vysva devam. Otherwise one should suffer in the hell of eating ones own flesh, which is the punishment prescribed to a person who gives a false witness. ‘‘Our dear Rama!You are the emperor of all the worlds. You are a righteous person and a greatest warrior in the three worlds. To my providence, today I am able to host you. ‘‘Rama! You are the superior among the men! This divine bow is made of gold and studded with diamonds. This belongs to lord Vishnu. Long ago with this bow, Vishnu destroyed all the Rakshasas and restored the heaven to the gods. It is built by Viswakarma. These arrows were given to me by Brahma. This quiver and the sword are gifted by Indra. You take possession of this bow, arrow and sword,just as Indra possessed Vajra. They secure victory to you in all battles.

Aranya Kandam 17 After thus narrating the greatness of those weapons. maharishi gave them to Rama. 13: Agastya Praises Sita and Rama: Agastya: Oh Rama! You have undergone so many difficulties and came by walk to see me. I am very fortunate to see you here. Lakshmana! You are following your brother and serving him even though he is in forest as a nomad. I wish you all good. Sita, the daughter of the great king Janaka, looks tired. You all need good tidings. Go and take rest. Rama! Women in general express their affection while their husbands are in comforts. They leave him the moment he falls into difficulties. That way women are fickle minded like a flash in the clouds. Their words are sharper than weapons. Their thinking (mind) is faster than Garutmantha. Women inherited these qualities ever since creation was started. However the sinless Sita is different from all of them. She is to be praised like Arundathi. So, Rama, wherever you are with Sita and Lakshmana, that will be your heaven. Rama: (Humbly) Oh Maharishi! My wife and brother are fortunate to have your grace. You are capable of giving boons. Agastya: Rama! About two yojanas from here, you may find a place called Panchavati. That is a beautiful place to settle down and do penance. By the side of that mountain, a river named Godavari is flowing. There you get plenty of fruits and roots. The forest looks very pretty with lot of animals and birds moving freely. There you build a hermitage and live till you complete the period of the exile. 14: Rama meets Jatayu: Rama, Sita and Lakshmana were walking towards Panchavati. On their way, they found a huge eagle which

18 Srimadhramayanam was as big as a mountain. On seeing that eagle Rama and Lakshmana suspected if it was a Rakshasa. Then Rama asked the eagle “Who are you?” The eagle replied in a melodious voice, “My dear Rama! I am a friend of your father Dasaratha.” The moment they heard their father’s name, Rama and Lakshmana began to worship the eagle, as if they are meeting their father himself. Then Rama asked “What is your name?” “What is your pedigree?” Jatayu: Oh Rama! My name is Jatayu. My father is Aruni, my mother is Sweni.My elder is Pampati. This is a very dangerous thick forest. Cruel Rakshasas and wild animals move freely. When you both of you go out, Sita will be alone in the cottage. At that time, I will look after her safety. So Rama!Accept me as your servant. On haring Jatayu’s words, Rama embraced him with love and respect.They became closer and shared many happy moments. Jatayu used to tell many episodes about King Dasaratha’s achievements. They were quite new to the sons. 15:Rama reaches Panchavati: Sita, Rama, Lakshmana reached Panchavati. While climbing the mountain, they saw several fruit gardens and sweet roots everywhere. They also saw several wild animals freely moving around . Rama: Lakshmana! We have reached Panchavati, where Agastya maharishi advised us to live. We will have to choose a place suitable to our needs. There must be a lake or a pond nearby, so that we will have abundant water. For worshipping god and raising Agnihotra, we need plenty of dharba grass. In rainy season, we should be free from mud.

Aranya Kandam 19 So, it should be a dry place. We must have an even land without ups and downs. In addition to all these amenities, Sita should move around without any fear. You rummage around for such an ideal place. Let us build our hermitage there. Lakshmana: Brother! I am not used to do think on my own. I always do what you ask me to do. So you yourself select a place and order me to build a hermitage. I will obey your orders. ambling Rama was pleased with Lakshmana’s modest and worshipful words. Rama himself selected a place for their living. That was a plain piece of land. There was a lake nearby with full of lotus flowers. The fragrance of those flowers and fruits around filled the air. At a stone throw distance, the mighty river Godavari was flowing. On the banks of that river, hundreds of chakravakas, swans, karandavas and many other birds were flying and strolling. The sweet,musical and happy clamour of those birds was audible in far off places too. On the hill slopes many flower and fruit bearing trees were visible. Herds of elephants, tigers, and deers were roaming freely. On the edges of the mountain, metals like silver, gold and copper were glittering in the sun rays. Rama: Oh Lakshmana! This piece of land is the most suitable, pure and pleasant for our living. So we will build our hermitage here. Jatayu also will live with us. As instructed by Rama, Lakshmana built a beautiful hermitage with wood and bamboos. He arranged a spacious hall for worshiping Agni. He brought several lotus flowers from the Godavari to perform Vasthu pooja. Sita and Rama were very happy and complimented Lakshmana for building such a beautiful hermitage.

20 Srimadhramayanam Rama: Brother! You alone know my heart and taste. You have planned and arranged all those things that keeps me pleasant and happy. For all these things, except embracing you with love and affection, what better gift I can give you? But Lakshmana was too modest to accept any compliment. He just smiled. 16: The description of Hemanta ruthu: Sita, Rama and Lakshmana settled in Panchavati. By that time rainy season was over and the winter started. One day, they went to river Godavari to have a bath. On seeing the nature, Lakshmana said to Rama. Lakshmana: Rama! Of all the seasons you like winter the most. Now that winter is set in. So it is your favorite ruthuvu. Though all beings are stiffening due to cold, but the crops in the fields are yielding produce abundantly. The water in the river is so chill, it is not comfortable for swimming. Because of heavy fog, the qualities of moon are barrowed by sun. Because of fog, the sun is not visible till noon. Because of fog, the moon is looking red like sun. Winds from the western direction are pleasant but because of winter, they are chill and we shiver. ‘‘Rama! Though Baratha is in Ayodhya, he relinquished all the royal comforts. He is observing food restrictions and performing penance. As we are coming to river Godavari, by this time Baratha also must have reached river Sarayu. Baratha is not only a man of valour but also a man who follows dharma. He always speaks truth. He has won control over his senses. He speaks sweetly and melodiously. He is obedient and modest. Such a destroyer of enemies Baratha has relinquished all his royal comforts for your sake. He

Aranya Kandam 21 took refuge at your feet. Though he is in Ayodhya, he is also leading the similar life like we are leading in the forest. Normally children will inherit the qualities of their mother. whereas it is different in the case of Baratha. Instead of inheriting his mother’s qualities, he inherited the qualities of our father Dasaratha. Though Kaikeyi was royal queen to our father and mother of a pious son, Baratha, I fail to understand how she retained cruelty all her life. Rama: Lakshmana! I can understand your love and affection towards Baratha. You praise Baratha and our Ikshavaku dynasty to any extent Don’t blame our mother Kaikeyi. Since I myself chose to lead a forest life, I am living here. But my mind occupies always with the thoughts of Baratha. How pleasantly and amiably he speaks? My heart melts when I hear his words. His words are still ringing in my ears. Lakshmana! I am eagerly waiting for a day that all four of us should live together. Rama and Lakshmana completed their bath in river Godavari, and performed Jala tarpanas to their ancestor parents and also to Lord Shiva, Parvathi and Nandhi. While Rama was talking, a divine splendour appeared on his face. 17: Surpanakha enters Rama’s hermitage: Sita, Rama and Lakshmana returned to their hermitage after completing their bath in river Godavari and completed their afternoon rituals. While they were sitting and gossiping, a rakshasa woman came to their hermitage. That woman went close to Rama and looked at him intently, closely and intimately. She observed his sturdy long hands, big chest and broad eyes. She was immensely pleased and fell in love with Rama. Love at first sight! On seeing such a Rama, Cupid fastened the rakshasi.

22 Srimadhramayanam Surpanakha: This is a thick and dangerous forest and birth place of all rakshasas. You are wearing valkala and jatas like a muni and also holding bow, arrow and sword like a Kshatriya. Why are you wandering in this forest with a woman? What is the purpose of your visit? Tell me the truth. Rama: There was a king Dasaratha who was a righteous and friend of Indra. I am his eldest son, my name is Rama and he is my brother Lakshmana. He came to help me in the forest. She is Sita, my wife. She is the daughter of king Janaka. To obey my father’s orders, I came here to live in this forest. Now you tell me who you are? Where do you live? Whose wife are you? How did it happen that such a beautiful woman like you, has become rakshasi? Why have you come here? Tell me the truth. Surpanakha: I am rakshasa woman. My name is Surpanakha. I can change my form as I wish. I can move to any place in fraction of a second. I live alone. All people are afraid of me. I always wander in this forest. Ravana, the king of Lanka and son of Viswavasu, is stronger than Indra. I am his sister. I have another brother by name Kumbhakarna. Most of the time he sleeps. Vibeshana is another brother. The great Rakshasa warriors Khara and Dushana are also my brothers.They are ruling this forest. ‘‘Rama! I fell in love with you at my first sight. Of all the men I have seen so far, you are the most outstanding and matchless person. I am mentally prepared to be your wife. Nobody can change my decision. I am a powerful woman. With my power, I can go anywhere; you also must love me and make me your wife. Your wife Sita is not beautiful and is no match to your stature. I alone is a suitable wife to you. You accept me as your wife without any second thought.

Aranya Kandam 23 Sita is a bad woman, she looks ugly. If you permit me I will kill your wife and Lakshmana and eat them. Oh darling! After killing them, we both can roam around in these forests, mountain peaks and in the skies. The entire Dandaka vana will be at our disposal. 18: Cutting of ears and nose of Surpanakha: Rama: Oh revered Surpanakha! I am a married man. I love my wife as much as of my life. Beautiful woman like you will not like to be a co- wife. So you ask my brother. He is a good natured man and his conduct is also good. His is quiet capable of keeping others happy. He is a valorous person. He is living alone with out a wife. He is a suitable person for your pretty and beautiful stature. If you marry him you will not have the trouble from any co-wife. So you better go and ask him. Surpanakha was very much pleased with the polite and sweet words of Rama. She went to Lakshmana and said. Surpanakha: Oh darling! You make me your wife. We will become a beautiful couple. We both will move around and enjoy in this dandaka vana. Lakshmana: Oh beautiful woman! All my time will be devoted for the services of my brother. What pleasures you derive, if you marry a servant like me. I am almost a bonded labourer. If you marry me, you will also become a servant. So you cannot enjoy life. (teasingly tells)Better you seek refuge with my brother. There is no harm, even if you happen to be a fellow wife. A fellow wife is better than a servant’s wife. In fact, you are a suitable wife to my brother than that ugly woman. As long as that old wife is there, he will not marry you. Surpanakha was convinced with the words of Lakshmana and went to Rama with over flowing joy.

24 Srimadhramayanam Surpanakha: Oh Rama! Your wife is an old woman. She looks ugly and her stomach is depressed. Because she is in front of you, you are rejecting me. Right now I will eat her. Thereby I will get rid of a fellow wife. After her death, we can live happily and roam around dandaka vana. Immediately Surpanakha took a fearful form and jumped at Sita to kill her. Rama was furious and upset at her behavior and said: Rama: Lakshmana! We should not cut jokes with cruel people. By the grace of god, Sita escaped from the murderous attack on her life. Now we cannot be lenient any more. You disfigure this rakshasi woman. On hearing Rama’s orders, Lakshmana pulled out his sword and cut off the nose and ears of Surpanakha. Blood from her nose and ears drenched the ground. She was frightened with this sudden development and ran to her brother Khara. 19: Surpanakha complained to Khara: Surpanakha with blood oozing from her nose and ears went to her brother Khara and cried before him. Khara: Don’t grieve. Who is that fellow that disfigured you? Who is that ignorant, who insulted you and woke up the sleeping serpent? ‘‘Sister! Who disfigured you like this? Who is that short- lived fellow who woke up the poisonous cobra? Who is that ignorant that invited the kalapasam? Who is that fool that insulted you? ‘‘Sister! You yourself are a big sorcerer. How is that you were caught in their hands? You can change your form as you wish. You are another Yama in this forest. Even gandarvas or Indra don’t dare to harm you.

Aranya Kandam 25 ‘‘Sister! Like a swan separates milk and water, I will separate his head from his body. Tell me who has insulted you? Tell me where he lives. Tell me all about him.’’ Surpanakha: Brother! They both are the sons of king Dasaratha. They are Rama and Lakshmana. Both are very strong and well built. Their eyes are like petals of lotus. They wear Valkalas and appear as munis. But they both hold bow, arrows and sword like kshatriyas. They eat fruits and roots. They are liberal and they had control over their senses. I am confused weather they are humans or gandarvas or devatas. With them, there is a woman also. She looks pretty. She wears jewels made of gold and diamonds. She is the wife of Rama. Those two brothers insulted me. They live in Panchavati. ‘‘So brother, you make arrangements immediately to kill them. I am eager to drink their warm blood. Then only, I can be free from my grief.’’ Then Khara summoned fourteen best warriors of his army and said to them. Khara: Oh my warriors! Here two human beings have built a cottage on Panchavati and are living with a woman. They insulted my sister. Allmof you go immediately and kill them. My sister wants to drink their warm blood. Don’t delay. On taking the orders from Khara, the fourteen warriors went to Rama’s cottage. On seeing Rama, they became motionless, like a herd of elephants seeing a wild fire. 20: Rama killed fourteen Rakshasa warriors: Surpanakha led fourteen rakshasa warriors to Rama’s cottage and had shown to them Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. Rama and Lakshmana also saw them.

26 Srimadhramayanam Rama: Brother! You take care of Sita. I will go and kill them all and come back soon. Rama picked up his bow, quiver and rushed towards rakshasas. Rama: Oh Rakshasas! We are the sons of king Dasaratha. I am living with my wife and brother Lakshmana. We are living in this Dandaka vana and doing penance. We are following our dharma and we are in full control of our senses. You are trying to harass us without any provocation. Thereby you are also harassing tapasvis in this forest. They also requested my protection. So I will kill you and keep the munis happy. We came here only for that. If you are afraid of facing me, you better run away and save your life. Rakshasas: Oh Rama! My King Khara is angry with you. He sent us to kill you. Now you cannot escape death. We have several deadly weapons. We will disarm you in no time. By challenging Rama, rakshasas threw several weapons on him. Rama made them all grounded with his sharp arrows, before they reached him. After a while, Rama killed all the fourteen Rakshasa warriors. Surpanakha was witnessing all the fight and ran to Khara to report the death of Rakshasa warriors. 21. Surpanakha Provokes Khara: Surpanakha went to Khara and cried before him. Khara: Sister! Why are you crying? Just now, I gave you fourteen warriors to kill those two humans. The offenders must have been killed by now. Why you came again with grief? Don’t cry! I am here to do whatever you want. Surpanakha: Brother! The humans who cut my nose

Aranya Kandam 27 and ears, have killed all our warriors also. I am afraid to stay there and came running to you. Brother! Those two humans are very dangerous. You don’t take them lightly. It is a matter of safety for all our community. Don’t forget I must drink their blood today itself. 22: Khara declared war on Rama: Khara: Sister! Don’t irritate me by describing Rama’s valour before me. Those two humans entered this forest only to get killed by me. They will suffer for the sin they have committed by insulting you. You don’t grieve further; I am sending both of them to Yama loka. I will cut the heads of Rama and Lakshmana with my large axe. Then you can come and drink their warm blood. Khara’s words made Surpanakha happy and complimented and she said “You are the superior among the Rakshasas.” Surpanakha’s compliment made Khara also happy. Immediately he called Dushana, his commander. Khara: Oh Dushana! We have fourteen thousand well trained warriors with us. Make them ready for a battle. All our warriors are capable of harassing humans. You keep my chariot ready. I am also coming. Dushana loaded the chariot with sharp weapons and kept the chariot in front of Khara. The chariot was covered of gold sheet and looked like Mt.Meru. Khara sat in his chariot and ordered his soldiers to move towards Rama’s cottage. Thousands of Rakshasas held spears, axes, spikes, swords, bow and arrows.The sound made by chariots and the soldiers resounded in the forest. 23: Khara sees bad omens: The entire force containing fourteen thousand soldiers,

28 Srimadhramayanam moved towards Rama’s cottage. Khara’s chariot followed them. Suddenly the horses staggered and slipped from the ground. Clouds formed all over the sky. A huge eagle came and sat on the flag post. Wild animals and brown birds made unusual sounds. The foxes and jackals were hauling and looking towards fire. Suddenly the whole sky became dark and soldiers could not see the directions. Suddenly, a red flash appeared in the sky. Though it was not a day of eclipse, Rahu swallowed the sun and thereby he had withdrawn the light and so the sky became dark. Winds were blowing in the opposite directions and therefore the chariots were not moving forward. The lotus flowers in the lake and ponds dried. Fish, out of fear, began to hide in the bottom of the lakes . The flowers from the trees fell down. The skies showered a rain of blood. Khara observed all these bad omens. He did not care for them and also said to his people not to bother those omens. While he was assuring his soldiers, his throat became dry and his left shoulder trembled. Tears were flowing from his eyes without any provocation. In spite of observing so many bad omens, his fury on Rama did not reduce. He addressed his soldiers, “Oh warriors! We are all Rakshasas. These omens are actually good for rakshasas. Factually speaking, they are all bad omen for the humans only. Our valour only brings us victory; not these omens. I can also kill the death itself. Rama is assuming that he is the only strong man. He doesn’t know the strength of sasthras and astras. When he fights in front of me, he will come to know with whom he is fighting. I won’t take rest, unless and until I kill Rama and Lakshmana. My sister Surpanakha must drink their blood. I swear by this. So far I never tasted a defeat, I never told a lie.

Aranya Kandam 29 Even Indra should fall down with my arrows. Should I say any thing about these humans?” 24: The war with Khara: Rama and Lakshmana saw from a distance Khara and his battalions coming towards their cottage. Rama said to Lakshmana Rama: Lakshmana! The bad omens so far we have witnessed, do not pertain to us but they are for the wicked Rakshasas. The battle is going to be terrible. We will also keep ready ourselves for the battle, so bring my bow and arrows. You take Sita into the cave little away from here. You also stay and protect her. I alone will finish all these rakshasas. You don’t say a second word to me, do what I say. If you make any more delay, we may have to face a big calamity. So first take care of Sita. Lakshmana! I am confidant you alone can kill all the rakshasas but I want to kill them myself. Lakshmana obeyed these orders from Rama. He took his bow and arrow and went with Sita and entered the cave. Once Sita was protected, Rama was very much relieved and happy. He too picked up his bow and arrow and kept himself ready to face Rakshasas. Every now and then, he used to twang the bow string. The sounds of the twanging spread all over the forest. To witness the battle , and gandarvas assembled in the sky. Rishis, rajarishis, devarishis and siddhas also came to witness. They were rather confused and remarked, “There are about fourteen thousand Rakshasas who are capable of making big battles. Rama alone is opposing them. It is very difficult to predict who is going to be the winner.” Rama prepared for the big battle. At that point of time, a divine splendour entered into Rama. Then every one saw

30 Srimadhramayanam a ferocious form of Rama. All devata communities assembled in the sky, found that splendour is of Rudra. In a few moments, battalions of Rakshasas surrounded the ashrama, making the sound of a roaring lion . At the time, Rama looked like Rudra himself. On seeing Rama with splendor of Rudra, all living beings were frightened. 25: Rama fights with Rakshasas: On entering Rama’s tapovana with his battalions, Khara saw Rama holding bow and arrows. Then Khara ordered his charioteer to take him to Rama. The chariot was taken in front of Rama. At that time, Khara looked like the planet of Mars in the middle of stars. Then Khara showered a rain of arrows on Rama. Even Rakshasa soldiers also threw several sharp weapons on Rama and his arrows received all the weapons of Rakshasas, like the sea receiving water from the rivers. Still a few of the arrows pierced into Rama’s body but they all dropped down as rain water dropped down from a mountain. The blood oozing from Rama’s body looked like the raising sun. Deva, Yaksha, gandarvas, siddha and other devata communities wondered how could Rama alone can kill hundreds of Rakshasas. Rama decided to bring the battle to an end. Then Rama made his bow in a circular way and released arrows in all directions at a time. Some of his arrows went straight and hit the targets. Some took curvy path and hit their targets. The moment they were hit, all the soldiers fell dead. Those remained alive, ran to Khara and cried before him. Khara consoled them and assured them that he will kick the enemy and asked them not to be frightened. After consoling and assuring them, Khara attacked Rama like Yama attacked Rudra. All the weapons brought by the Rakshasas were exhausted. Dushana instructed them to fight Rama with the

Aranya Kandam 31 tall trees and big boulders in the place of weapons. Rama smashed those trees and boulders also. On seeing the fierce battle of Rama, the hairs on the body of devata community stood erected. Again all Rakshasas assembled together and attacked Rama as a single source at that time Rama cast Gandarva astra on them. With that, the arrows covered in directions and killed many of the rakshasas. 26: Rama kills fourteen thousand Rakshasas: Dushana chose five thousand eminent soldiers to attack Rama. They all were not only courageous but also never tasted even a single defeat. They all resolved to kill Rama at any cost and surrounded with all sharp weapons. Some fought with boulders and trees. Rama countered all those weapons before they reached him. The arrows cast on Rama were falling down like rain on a mountain. Rama became furious on Dushana and he broke his bow with one arrow. With another four arrows, he killed four horses of his chariot. With another arrow, he removed the head of his charioteer. Dushana could not digest this insult and took a huge Parigha weapon which was as big as a mountain and cast on Rama. The same weapon he cast several times on Indra and other gods in his earlier battles. Rama made that Parigha weapon into pieces with one arrow. Furious Rama took two arrows and had cast them on both the shoulders of Dushana. Thereby both of his hands fell on the ground and his body rolled like a boulder from the mountain. Deva, Gandarva and other devata communities witnessed from the sky and overjoyed. The death of Dushana made Khara furious and he called all his commanders and ordered them to attack Rama more aggressively. On hearing his orders, Durjaya and other eleven commanders attacked Rama with superior weapons.

32 Srimadhramayanam Then the mighty Rama had cast most powerful astras on those twelve commanders and their soldiers. All their heads fell on the ground like huge trees fell with Indra’s Vajra. Before Rama’s valor Rakshasas could not stand and to save themselves ran in all four directions. Rama cast each one arrow aiming at one such soldier, thereby each arrow killed one soldier ie. Hundred arrows killed hundred soldiers, thousand arrows killed thousand soldiers. The blood and hair of Rakshasas fell in on the ground and they appeared as dharba grass drenched with oblations. Rama thus killed fourteen thousand Rakshasas and reduced the burden on earth. Of all the warriors only Khara and Trisirasu remained alive, all others reached Yama loka. By looking at this Khara’s heart broke with grief. He made roared like a lion and sat in the chariot to attack Rama. 27: Rama kills Trisirasu: Trisirasu went to Khara and requested him with folded hands. Trisirasu: Oh superior Rakshasa King! I long to kill Rama, please give me an opportunity. I will kill Rama and make you happy. In case Rama himself kills me, then you can go and encounter Rama. Khara: Oh Trisirasu! In your request, I see both your loyalty towards me and devotion to our motherland. You better kill Rama and come back victoriously. Trisirasu went to fight with Rama. At that time Rama was standing with the bow in his hand. They met and fought for a long time. Trisirasu cast three arrows on Rama. In reply, Rama released fourteen arrows. They broke the shield of Trisirasu and his body remained without any protection. Again Rama released four more arrows and killed his four

Aranya Kandam 33 horses. Then he released eight arrows to kill his charioteer. Then Trisirasu stood on the ground with his bow and arrow. Rama released another thirteen arrows and removed his head from his body. Then Khara himself came to attack Rama, as if Rahu rushed to the moon on an eclipse day. 28: Rama’s battle with Khara: On seeing the unmatched valour of Rama, Khara was very much frightened because even Indra could not defeat Dushana and Trisirasu in the earlier wars. Such great warriors fell dead in the hands of Rama. However he attacked Rama as Namuchi attacked Indra. Khara released arrows on Rama which were as powerful as poisonous serpents. He had exhibited all his knowledge and tactics in archery and directed arrows on all four directions. Rama also released equally powerful astras. With that, the sky disappeared. In this they both were exhibiting their war skills on each other. Khara released Naracha, Vikarni arrows which attacked Rama like an elephant-god. Though Rama fought and killed fourteen thousand rakshasas, he looked as fresh as a flower. However Khara saw him, as if Lord Yama was standing before him. Rama was fighting from the ground. Khara wanted to take advantage of fighting from a chariot and covered Rama without any interval. Rama saw Khara’s fighting with courage and bravery. It looked like two lions were fighting. No one was afraid of the other. Both were confident of their victory. Khara drove his chariot towards Rama, like a locust rushing towards the flames. Khara released sharp arrows on Rama’s bow but they touched only Rama’s hand guard. Again Khara released seven arrows on Rama’s shield thereby Rama’s shield was broken and fell in the ground. By this Khara became jubilant

34 Srimadhramayanam as if he killed Rama. With that joy, he rained continuous stream of arrows on Rama’s chest. Some of those arrows wounded all over Rama’s body and he started bleeding. send Then Rama took the Vaishnava Dansu and drove arrows on his flag post. When Khara lost his flag post, he became furious and dispatched several arrows all over Rama’s body. Blood started oozing from Rama’s body. Rama also took out six arrows and sent one on his head, two on his shoulders and three on his chest. Again Rama posted thirteen Naracha arrows, one on the chariot, four on the horses one on the charioteer, three in front portion of chariot, two on the axils of the chariot, one on his bow and the last was aimed at Khara. With that Khara lost his bow and chariot and jumped to the ground with his club. All devata communities were anxiously watching from the sky. They praised Rama for his vigour and valour. 29: Rama blames Khara: Khara jumped from his chariot and stood on the ground with his club. Rama said in a sweet and soft voice, the following harsh words. Rama: Oh Khara! You are commanding a big army with horses and elephants. In spite of your strength, why are you doing evil acts? All your actions are wicked and you are frightening the people living in the forest. You did so many sins. People are hating you and are afraid of you. Remember one thing, a dictator or a cruel king can never live happily. ‘‘Oh Rakshasa! If a sinister comes anywhere near the people, they get scared as if they are seeing a cobra. They also kill him as they kill a cobra. Either due to greediness or due to lust, people commit sins and they do not realize their

Aranya Kandam 35 mistake. They will die like a lizard (with a scarlet tail) swallowing a hailstone. ‘‘Oh Khara! Tell me one thing, what do you gain by killing munis and tapasvis who are performing Yagnas and penance? What pleasure do you derive by killing them? You are now dieing because of their curse. Those tapasvis are greatly vexed with you and your cruel acts. If a sinner, who may be rich and strong, will die like a tree which gets rotten at the bottom. As trees blossom in particular season in the same way, the people who commit sinful acts also will die when his time comes. It is as certain as that a man dies in a short time after consuming poisoned food. The duty of a king is to protect people. The munis and tapasvis have requested me to protect them from the sinister rakshasas like you. The golden arrows coming out of my bow will pierce your body like the serpents coming out of an ant hill. All these years you have killed many munis who were waiting in the sky to watch your death. Now you are standing with your club to attack me. You try to hit me as you please, but by that time your head will fell on the ground like a palm fruit falls from its tree. Khara: (laughing furiously) Rama! Since you have killed a few of my soldiers, you are thinking that you are a great hero. A real hero will never boast. A superior man will never be proud of himself. Only a low Kshatriya and an ordinary soldier alone boast like you. A burnt dharba grass looks in gold color but it is not real gold. In the same manner, a person who talks in a cheap way will not become a hero. To punish people like you, Yama will be standing with his club; in the same way I am standing with my club to kill you. I can also tell you some more morals and dharmas like you, but it is not the proper time because I

36 Srimadhramayanam have to kill you first and wipe the tears of relatives of the dead rakshasa soldiers. Khara furiously rotated and spun his club in the air and threw it at Rama. With his arrow, Rama made the club into pieces. 30: The killing of Khara: Rama: Oh inferior Rakshasa! You have shown all your strength before me but I have proved that all your strength is like a blade of grass to me. You said that you will wipe off the tears of relatives of dead rakshasas. But the reality is that you yourself are going to join the dead rakshasas. ‘‘Oh inferior Rakshasa! You are a mean and cruel person. Your conduct is bad and sinful. Now I take off your life as Garutmantha took away nectar. Just now your head will fall on the ground and your warm blood will wet the ground. After your death, the Dandaka vana will become peaceful. Tapasvis will do their penance without any fear and apprehension. Khara: Oh Rama! All your six senses stopped working. That is why even though you are in the death kernel, you are talking without fear. Khara, speaking such harsh words to Rama. looked around for a weapon to kill Rama. He pulled out a huge sala tree spun it in the air and threw it on Rama. But Rama cut the tree in the middle. To kill Khara, Rama invoked anger and cast the arrow of Indra, gifted by Agasthya maharishi. That arrow pierced into the heart of Khara and he fell dead, like Vrutasara dead with Indra’s Vajra. Maharishis witnessing Rama’s valour from the sky came down to earth and complimented Rama and said:

Aranya Kandam 37 Maharishis : Oh Rama! We went to Indra and prayed to him that Khara and his associates were disturbing our yagnas, homas and our tapasya. Then Indra went to Serabhanga’s ashrama only to instigate you to kill Khara and other rakshasas. In this great battle, you have killed fourteen thousand rakshasas in a time span of one and half muhurthas. Now peace is established in the Dandaka vana to perform all vedic karmas like yagnas, homas and tapasya etc. At that time Rama looked like a sage who acquired supreme knowledge. His competency, heroism and glorious deeds were eulogized by the devata communities.. They praised him and treated him as Sri Maha Vishnu and rained flowers Lakshmana and Sita returned from the cave and met Rama. All the three went to their ashrama. Sita came and congratulated him and embraced him affectionately. 31: Ravana was informed the death of Khara: Akampana one of the Rakshasas escaped from death and ran to Lanka to inform Ravana about the death of Khara and other fourteen thousand rakshasa warriors. Ravana: Akampana! Who is that short-lived fellow who destroyed my janastana. The fellow who did harm to us, should not live on this earth. I do not care even if it is Indra or Kubera. If I get annoyed, I will destroy even the sun and moon. I will tie down even Vayu! Akampana: Oh King! They are Rama and Lakshmana, sons of King Dasaratha. They are young. They are difficult to be perceived as lions. Their shoulders are as strong as a bull’s shoulder. Their long arms touched their knees. That Rama is not only a great and valorous hero but also a righteous person. He killed Khara, Dushana and many other

38 Srimadhramayanam Rakshasas in janastana. I may be pardoned for bringing you the sad news. Ravana: (hissing like a serpent) Akampana! Did Rama alone come to janastana or did he come with Indra and other devatas? Akampana: Rama is superior among archers. He is in possession of numerous divine astras. He exceeds Indra in fighting a battle. Rama has a brother by name Lakshmana. He is also as powerful as Rama. Except Rama and Lakshmana, nobody else came with them to janastana. The moment Rama released his arrows, they turned out to be five hundred serpents and destroyed the entire rakshasa community. While our rakshasas were running hither and thither with fear, they found Rama appearing in front of them and killed. Thus Rama killed all Rakshasas in janastana. Ravana: I myself will go to janastana and kill Rama and Lakshmana. Akampana: Oh Sinless! Before you attack, I tell you about their vigour and bravery. Please listen. ‘‘Nobody can defeat Rama. If he is angry, he can stop the flow of a river. He can bring down the sky to earth with sun, moon and stars. He can lift the sinking earth and put it back. He can club all the seas and drown the entire earth. He can stop the velocity of the wind. He can burn all the worlds to ashes and create them again. As sinful person cannot reach heaven, you or any other rakshasa can’t conquer him. But I will give you a clue to win over him. Listen. ‘‘Rama has a beautiful wife by name Sita. Her waist is as small as a fist. Her organs were well formed. She is a jewel of the entire womankind. There is no one more beautiful than her. Rama loves Sita more than his own life.

Aranya Kandam 39 He cannot live without her. So you kidnap her, so that he will die on his own loss. Ravana: Akampana! You are a good and loyal servant. I will go tomorrow itself and kidnap Sita and bring her to our city. Next morning Ravana went in a chariot which was made of gold and glittering in the sun rays. The chariot travelled in the sky above the clouds. On reaching the Northern shore of the sea, he went to the ashrama of Mareecha, son of Tataka. Mareecha received the king and worshipped him with traditional honours. Ravana took the hospitality of Mareecha and after Ravana rested for some time, Mareecha said to Ravana. Mareecha: Oh king of Rakshasas! Are your people in lanka are safe? I presume you must have come on some royal duties. If I am eligible to know, I wish to hear from you. Ravana: Mareecha! In Dandaka vana I kept a large contingents of Rakshasa army for security. A person by name Rama had destroyed all my powerful armies. He made janastana a burial ground. All the rakshasas were killed by Rama. So I came here to kidnap Rama’s wife. I seek your help. Mareecha: Oh superior among the Rakshasas! Ravana! Who is that wicked person who gave you this advice of kidnapping Sita? He is nothing but your enemy in the mask of a friend. That wicked person was jealous of your name and glory in all three worlds. Only to destroy your glory, he had provoked you with this advice. There is no doubt that he is your enemy. Know it well! Sita is a Cobra; you are trying to pull its teeth. While you are sleeping peacefully, someone has put these bad thoughts in your brain. He is

40 Srimadhramayanam contemplating great treachery for you and all rakshasas. Nobody can vanquish Rama. He is like a mighty elephant. His family is immaculate like a trunk of an elephant. His long hands are the tusks of an elephant. His valour is nothing but juice of rut of an elephant. With the fragrance of the juice of rut, no other elephant can go nearer that. In the same way, no enemy can go nearer Rama. So don’t purchase enmity with such a Rama. This is not good for you. ‘‘Oh the king of Rakshasas! Ravana! Rama is like a sleeping lion. Don’t wake it up. If you enter into a battle with him, it is as good as tying lion’s tail to your waist. His arrows are like nails of a lion. His sword is like its teeth. As lion hunts deer, Rama destroys all rakshasas with his arrows. The human lion is now sleeping. If you are waking it now, it will be as good as combing your head with a burning stick. ‘‘Rama is like a deep sea. It is not good to slip in to that sea. His bow is like a crocodile in that sea. The speed of his shoulders is like slush. His arrows are like waves. Battle field is the velocity of that sea. ‘‘Oh King of Rakshasas! You must abandon this sort of thinking. You go back to Lanka, spend nice time with your wives. Don’t show any interest on other’s wife. Let Rama live with his wife happily in the forest. On hearing the sound and sensible advice of Mareecha, Ravana dropped all his plans and went back to Lanka. 32: Surpanakha goes to Ravana: Most cruel and ferocious warriors of rakshasas died in the battle with Rama who single handedly killed Trisirasu, Dushana and Khara; Surpanakha was eyewitness for all these calamities. Her heart broke and cried loudly. She became speechless and action less. After some time she

Aranya Kandam 41 thought it would be better to go to Lanka and inform Ravana. By the time she went to Lanka, Ravana was in his court hall with his ministers. He looked like Indra surrounded by Dikpalakas. Surpanakha saw him on his golden throne. While Ravana was fighting with Indra, he received several blows from Vajra. Indra’s elephant Iravath also pierced with its tusk on his body. Those wounds became corns all over his body. His chest was so wide to accommodate twenty hands and ten heads. He was sitting under a huge white umbrella. He was fanned with chowri on both sides. He was capable of agitating the seas and powdering the mountains. He loved to harass sadhus and brahmins. He was fond of destroying yagnas and put off agnihotras with blood and flesh. In short he was an embodiment of adharma. Ravana knew the usage of several divine weapons. It is a simply a play for him to spoil yagnas. He went to city of Bhogavati and defeated Vasuki, the king of serpents. He kidnapped the wife of Takshaka, the brother of Vasuki. He went to Mt.Kailash and defeated Kubera. He grabbed his aero-plane called Pushpaka. He had destroyed the royal garden, Padma sarovar, Nandana vanam and many other divine gardens. Ravana used to torture his enemies. He could smash even the sun and moon with his bare hands. He was as sharp as the peaks of a mountain. By meditating on Brahma for over ten thousand years and by pleasing him, by sacrificing all his heads. Thus Brahma was pleased and granted many boons like immortality etc. with that. He got immune from Deva, Danava, Gandarva, Pisacha, birds and serpents and nobody could not defeat him. Thinking humans as weak

42 Srimadhramayanam limbs, he ignored to mention the humans in the list of probable offenders from whom he won’t be affected. The strong Ravana used to go to yagnas and destroy the oblations were prepared for offering to various gods and he used to kill munis in yagasala. With his cruel, wicked and violent ways he harassed all living beings in the three worlds and thus became anti people. The grieving sister Surpanakha complained to Ravana, about Rama.. 33: Surpanakha Blames Ravana and moralizes: Surpanakha: Brother! King is necessarily depends on the institutions like spy, treasury and public administration etc.If you neglect to employ an efficient system of spies, how you will be able to control your enemies? You have won all the divine communities like Deva, Danavas and gandarvas. Are the victories not the fruits of services rendered by your spies? Even after winning, should you not maintain such spy system? Then only people see you as a mighty king. Even within the country, you must deploy spy system to know the well being of your subjects, Then only you will come to know the pulse of the people. In spite of that if you fail to redress the peoples problems they will keep away from such a king as the elephants leave the slush in the river. He who cannot control himself, how can he control his people? Such a king is useless as a mountain in the sea. If a king becomes addicted for cheap comforts, people will not respect him as the fire in a burial ground. A king should do right things in right time. Otherwise he cannot retain his kingdom. You are a selfish and autocrat. You lost control on sense organs. Many atrocities are happening under your rule. But you are giving a deaf ear to all the complaints. Such a king cannot retain his kingdom.

Aranya Kandam 43 Surpanakha continues:‘‘Because of your negligence, a single person by name Rama alone killed Khara, Dushana, Trisirasu and other fourteen thousand rakshasa warriors. From now onwards, munis, tapasvis and munis are going to gain upper hand over us. They will perform yagnas with out any fear. Since all rakshasas were killed, there is nobody to check them. Rama had promised to all munis that he would kill all rakshasas and kept up his word. He completely destroyed all rakshasas in Janastana. Oh Ravana! Because you are arrogant and became slave to your senses, your ministers kept you in their hands like a puppet. That is why the terrific events are taking place in your dominion. People will kill such a king, who is ecentric, greedy, confused, egoist and wicked and who will not pay salaries to his servants and who is not close to people, and who is self boasting and furious. He will loose his kingdom sooner or later. Some times even ash and a blade of grass may be more than useful than a king who loses his kingdom. He will be useless like a dried garland or like a dirty linen. People respect only such a king who is not confused, tactful, and who has control over his senses and who performs his royal duties. People remember such a king for a long time. The strong and arrogant Ravana heard what all Surpanakha said and gave thought to all the defects pointed out by her. He started analyzing for the adverse happenings in the dominion 34: Surpanakha tells about Sita: Ravana: Surpanakha! Who is that Rama? From where he has come from? What is his stature? How are his strength, courage and valour? What type of weapons does he use?

44 Srimadhramayanam Surpanakha: Brother! Rama is the son of King Dasaratha. His hand is so long they will touch his knees. His eyes are as wide as lotus petals. He wares Valkala, jatas. He is as beautiful as cupid. He uses bow and arrows. Nobody knows when he pickups the arrows from the quiver, when he will fix in the bow, when he will cast them. Nobody knows the velocity of his arrows, as the arrows from his bow will destroy all the lives of his enemies like Indra destroys all the crops with his hail stones. Rama alone has killed all the fourteen thousand rakshasa warriors including Khara, Dushana, Trisirasu in a span of one and half muhurthas. The tapasvis, munis, brahmins requested him to protect them from the evils of rakshasas. It seems he has promised that he will kill all the rakshasas. He kept up is word by killing fourteen thousand Rakshasas in janastana. Since I am a woman he left me without killing. Rama had a brother by name Lakshmana. He is also as valours, brilliant, beautiful and in all righteous qualities he is as good as Rama. Since he is loyal and devoted to his brother he came to forest to serve him. This Lakshmana is a very furious and he knows only winning battles. He is the external for Rama. Rama had a wife by name Sita. Her eyes are like lotus petals. Her face is like full moon. Rama loves her more than his own life. Sita always wishes the well being of Rama. Her hair is so long and beautiful. Her nose and thighs adds to her beauty. Her complexion is like pure gold. Her nails are long and blood red. Her waist is as much as her fist. She is the daughter of king Janaka. Even devatas, , and gandarvas can not be as beautiful as she is. The person who can possess her as his wife, who can embrace her and enjoy is superior than Indra.

Aranya Kandam 45 Brother! With her good conduct, beautiful stature, I thought she would be a suitable wife to you. You are also a suitable husband to her. I am sure you both are made for each other. So I wanted to make Sita as your wife with her fat haunch, her beautiful chest and lovely face. My intentions were smelt by the cruel Lakshmana and he disfigured me by cutting my nose and ears. If you happen to see her certainly you will be fastened with love and become mad. If you really want her to make your wife start immediately and bring her to Lanka. Don’t forget for a moment that you are a superior hero of all the three worlds. You kidnap that faultless Sita to lanka and make her your wife. Before you fight Rama remember one thing that Rama killed Khara and others with his arrows which will go straight and also curved directions. You kill cruel Rama and Lakshmana in front of her. Thereby the spirits of our deceased rakshasas will rest in peace. When you kill Rama and Lakshmana, Sita will become orphaned and she will agree to be your wife without any difficulty. 35: Ravana goes to Mareecha: Ravana heard what all Surpanakha said with keen interest. His mind was fully occupied with the thoughts of Sita. He adjourned his ministerial meeting abruptly. He started thinking the probabilities of making Sita as his wife. He also planned well the method of operation of abducting Sita. Immediately he went and asked his charioteer to make the chariot ready. The chariot was decorated with golden ornaments and studded with several precious stones. The chariot was yoked with mules. The mules are capable of moving according to the thoughts of its charioteer. Ravana alone drove that chariot and reached the hermitage of Mareecha.

46 Srimadhramayanam 36: Ravana seeks Mareecha’s help: Mareecha: Oh King of Rakshasas! How is that you came back in a short time? Are your people in Lanka are safe? What is the great task you are contemplating in this visit? Ravana: Uncle! I have appointed Khara and other Rakshasas in janastana to harass munis, tapasvis to kill and eat them. All these years they are carrying out my instructions by spoiling their yagnas and other religious activities. You know all these things. Rama killed Khara and other fourteen thousand rakshasas and threw a challenge to my authority. Thereby all the munis are moving around freely doing yagnas and other religious activities without any fear. Rama was banished by his father from the kingdom. He came to this forest with his wife and brother for a hideout. Having come he is not contended leading a munis life. But he has killed Khara and other rakshasas. So I want kill him and take revenge. His life has come to an end. The short lived Rama was violent, greedy, fool had no control on his senses. In addition to all these bad qualities he was an unrighteous person. He hurts all the living beings. He disfigured my sister Surpanakha by cutting her nose and ears. To take revenge on him I want to abduct his wife Sita. In this operation I need your help. If you are by my side I can win over all devatas. You know all the tricks and sorcery tricks. You are my well wisher. As I am fixed in a great trouble, you alone can pull me out. I am totally depending on you. Oh Mareecha! With your sorcery tricks you take the form of a golden deer and wander around Rama’s ashrama. Sita will certainly be tempted to possess you. She will provoke Rama and Lakshmana to catch you alive. But you

Aranya Kandam 47 run away and take them deep in to the forest. Since Rama and Lakshmana will be away from ashrama I will kidnap Sita and take her to Lanka. You alone can do this job. On hearing Rama’s name Mareecha’s face became bloodless. He shivered with fear. His lips got dried. He looked in to the eyes of Ravana as if he is on a bed of death. Mareecha stood up and made obeisance with folded hands and said. 37: Counselling by of Mareecha: Mareecha: Oh King! You may get many flattering people around you but none of them are your well wishers and at the same time a person who speaks truth will become an enemy. Since all your people are dead in a battle you are agitated and became fickle minded. You have failed in initiating the spies. That is why you did not collect information about Rama and hence you are talking like this. Rama is a valorous person with all good qualities he is as great as Indra and . You don’t wake up Rama, if you do so he will destroy the entire race of rakshasas, he is such a valorous person. I am afraid, did Sita born only to kill you? If you force me I will also die with you. All these years you lived as a dictator and moved freely to all the worlds. If you pursue your thoughts on Rama you will loose your kingdom. A sinister king will not only kill himself but he will destroy his people also. Oh Ravana! King Dasaratha has not banished Rama from his kingdom. He alone came to dandaka vana to make his fathers words true. He is not a violent person. He knows all sastras and dharmas. Rama has full control on his senses. Somebody gave false information about Rama. Rama is an embodiment of dharma. A good and truthful person, he is

48 Srimadhramayanam the protector of all worlds like Indra. If you try to take away Sita from him it is like taking away light from the sunray, heat from fire. How did you got this sinister idea. Rama is like fire, his bow, arrows and sword are like fuel in a blazing fire. Don’t dare to jump in to the fire of Rama’s valour. Rama, who is holding bow and arrows, is nothing but Yamapasam. His bow is like his blazing mouth, his arrows are flames. Those flames (arrows) will destroy all his enemies. So you returnand enjoy all comforts in your kingdom but don’t go any where near Rama. Nobody can measure and tell you the brilliance of Rama like the depth of a sea. Sita who is protected by Rama cannot be kidnapped by you. Sita is nothing but Rama’s life. She always follows Rama, like a shadow. She is the chaste wife of Rama. So don’t provoke him with this plan and destroy yourself. Your brother Vibeshana is a pious person and knows all dharmas. You consult him, analyze the good and evil, strength and weakness, of your attempt and then you come to a good decision. Such decision alone will help you. Oh King of Rakshasas! I am repeatedly telling you thousand times not to provoke Rama. 38: Mareecha reveals self experience: Mareecha: Listen these words. Once upon a time, I was ruling with my strength of thousand elephants in this dandaka vana. I was killing and devouring tapasvis of this vana. People used to shiver just on hearing my name. In those days, Viswamitra performed a yaga. He went and requested Dasaratha to send Rama with him for the protection of the yaga. On hearing Viswamithra’s words, Dasaratha was shocked and said “Oh Maharishi! Rama is a young boy. He has no proficiency in astras and sastras. If you want

Aranya Kandam 49 protection, I myself will come with all my four wings of army. I will kill all rakshasas but don’t insist on sending Rama.” Then Viswamitra said to Dasaratha “Oh King! You helped Indra in several battles. All the three worlds are aware of your vigour and valour. I too know them all. But to protect my yaga, I want only Rama and Lakshmana. You believe me, by sending with me they get name and fame.” Thus Rama and Lakshmana accompanied Viswamitra. On reaching his ashrama, Viswamitra conducted yaga and the yaga. Rama was standing by the side of Viswamitra. In those days, I was having strength of thousand elephants. I had several boons. I learned so many tricks and I am a socerer too. I went to Viswamitra’s yaga with arrogance. Rama saw me, I also saw Rama. I did not care of him thinking he was a small boy. I learnt later that it was my ignorance. Viswamitra was observing silence. Ignoring Rama I poured flesh and blood on the platform of yaga. Rama cast one arrow on me, with the velocity of that arrow I was thrown hundred yojanas and fell in to sea. I fell unconscious and went into the bottom of the sea. Some how I managed to reach the shore, near the city of Lanka. Since Rama did not want to kill me, I survived. Rama killed all other rakshasas who went to yagasala with me. ‘‘Ravana! I am telling you as your well wisher. If you insist on, you will certainly land in insurmountable difficulties. Not only you, but the entire race of rakshasas and your kingdom will be wiped out. So far, your subjects are living in a playful manner, enjoying with festivals and drenched in heavenly happiness and comforts. Now if you persist, they will be affected by your hasty decision. All your people built their houses and live comfortably with ornaments, children and grand children. Now because of

50 Srimadhramayanam Sita, they stand to lose every thing. Later on you may repent why you took such a hasty decision. After burning your hands, your repentance will yield no benefit. Though your people did not commit any sin, because of your association they will suffer like fish in a pond of serpents. That means, if you kidnap Sita you and your people are bound to suffer from the arrows of Rama. You remember Rama’s arrow will never be wasted without destroying its goal. So Ravana! Keep up your superiority to safeguard your wealth, your race, your people and your kingdom. 39:Mareecha warns Ravana: Mareecha: Ravana! I will tell you the subsequent story after Rama threw me into the sea from the Viswamitra’s ashrama. ‘‘Though Rama had consigned me to the sea. I picked up courage to take revenge on him. I made a small group of rakshasas with me and was roaming in dandaka vana. This time I have taken the form of a big deer. I went round the ashramas, yagnas, pilgrim centers, and conferences of rishis to frighten them. I used to eat a few of them and thus created terror in tapovanas. ‘‘Oh King! While I was roaming around in the form of a deer. I saw Rama and Lakshmana and Sita wearing valkala and jatas. Though I was moving close to them, they could not recognize me, since I was in the form of a deer. I remembered the velocity of his arrow. Still my blood was boiling with vengeance. I wanted to take revenge. Now since they were living a muni life, I thought they could not do any harm to me. I made an attempt to kill Rama with my sharp horns. Before I attacked, Rama saw me. Then Rama took his bow in to his hands and cast three arrows on us. Those

Aranya Kandam 51 arrows would not fall down unless they hit the target. I saw those arrows chasing us. Since I tasted his fury once, and also I had the art of sorcery I escaped from Rama’s arrows, but my colleagues fell dead. My earlier experience and the art of sorcery saved my life. ‘‘Ravana! when Rama’s arrows were chasing me, I ran all over the forest to save my life. While running for my life, the real wisdom awakened in me. From then onwards, I gave up the cruel ways of wretched living and stopped harming others. I also stopped killing munis and eating them. I started living a life befitting a muni. I built this ashrama with a strong mind and started doing penance, eating roots and fruits. ‘‘Raja! Even if I open my eyes or close my eyes, I am seeing only Rama wearing valkala and with bow and arrows. To me, he appeared like Yama dragging me with his rope. Whatever side I look, I am seeing only Rama. For me, the entire dandaka vana is filled with Rama’s forms. Even in abstract, I am seeing only Rama. In short, I need not spell his name in full, the first letter ‘R’ itself is enough to threaten me. Even in your name there is a R which reminds me the form of Rama. ‘‘Oh Ravana ! You cannot overcome Rama. Not only you; even Bali Chakravarthi or Namuchi cannot defeat . If you want to fight Rama in spite of my advice, you go ahead but I cannot afford to give up my life. If a good and innocent person accompanies a bad and cruel person he will also be destroyed. So leave me alone. You go and fight with Rama. It is certain that you and your rakshasas will die in his hands. This is truth. ‘‘ Oh king! Surpanakha went and provoked Khara. Like fool and with arrogance he went and attacked Rama with all

52 Srimadhramayanam his army. Rama in self defense he fought and killed all rakshasas. How can you find fault with Rama. You think yourself. I am telling you in the interest of you and all our relatives. If you don’t care to listen to me all your relatives will become the prey to Rama’s arrows. In your kingdom no one may remain alive. This is truth. 40: Ravana commands Mareecha: Mareecha advised Ravana in several ways but he did not care for him. Medicine will not work for those who are in the death kernel. Instead of listening to Mareecha,he scolded him with harsh words and commanded him. Ravana: Oh Mareecha! You are injecting cowardice in me. All your advices will go waste, as the seeds sown in a waste land. Rama is a sinner and fool. Afterall, he is just a human. Why should I be afraid of fighting with such a low human? Oh! What a fool Rama is? Merely to keep a word given to a woman he left relatives, kingdom and royal comforts and came to forest to live a muni life. Do you find any other such a coward, idiot and fool in this world? Khara is my brother and more valuable than my life. He killed such a lovable brother, how can I pardon him? I will kidnap his wife and take my revenge, for which I need your help. Please don’t tell me no. You know me well; I will not leave any thing half way without achieving what I wanted. Even Indra can‘t change my decision. ‘‘Mareecha! If I ask your advice about its good and bad, gain or loss pros and cons, you can express your views; there is nothing wrong in that. But your uncalled for advice is nothing but a chattering. Not only that, if a king asks about anything, a wise minister should always stand before him with folded hands and reply with all humility. If this advice is not palatable to the king, he should not open his mouth.

Aranya Kandam 53 But if he is forced to tell, he should tell it sweetly and melodiously. Even though the advice may be in the well being of the king, such advice should not be in a disrespectful and in a spiteful manner which will offend the self respect of the king. Instead of complementing, he may even punish the advisor. ‘‘A glorious king will inherit the qualities of Indra, Moon, Fire, Varuna and Yama. With those qualities, kings will possess the heat of agni, valour of Indra, pleasantness of moon, code of punishment of Yama and kindness of Varuna. So Kings are to be ever respected and worshipped. So Mareecha! Since I have come to your hermitage, you are forgetting your dharma and now you are blabbering. This shows your ignorance and evil mind. Oh Mareecha! I have not come here to seek your advice but to order you to execute this job. You have to obey me. Now I will tell you what exactly you will have to do. ‘You take the form of golden deer, go and wander around Rama’s ashrama. Tempt Sita in such a way that she should provoke Rama and Lakshmana to catch you alive. Out of love for Sita, they will chase you to catch you. At that time, Sita will be alone in the ashrama. I will go and abduct her. ‘‘Oh Mareecha! After completing my work, I will give you half of my kingdom and then you can become independent. In spite of all my pleadings, if you are still adamant, I will kill you now itself. A king will not sleep without achieving what he wanted to do. So you cannot survive by saying no to me. 41: Mareecha advices again: Since Ravana was forcing him to do against his will, Mareecha gained some courage and said the following harsh words to Ravana.

54 Srimadhramayanam Mareecha: Oh Ravana! Which sinner has given you this advice? By which your sons, ministers and rakshasas are going to be destroyed? That fellow did not like you to live in peace and comfort. With his evil advice, he has made you to stand before the doors of death. He is none but your enemy in the mask of a friend. A week limb and a wicked rakshasa wanted to witness your defeat in the hands of Rama. ‘‘Ravana! It is the responsibility of your ministers to warn you, if you are going in the path of adharma. If a minister does not give you such an advice, he is fit to be getting killed in your hands. In the absence of such an advice, you are still making rounds in whirlwind of sins. Ministers are always benefitted with dharma, ardha and kama from the king. If king deviates from the path of dharma, everything will go waste. So it is the duty of all of them to protect their king. If a king is cruel and immoral, that kingdom will not last long. If the kingdom is ruled by an idiotic king and immoral ministers it will be like a herd of sheep guarded by wolves. ‘‘Oh king! You are cruel and wicked; you don’t have control over your senses. With all these, the time has ripened for your destruction. But in this bargain, I alone fell in the death trap. I am not worried about myself. All my worry is for you and rakshasas. After Ramamanages to kill me, he will surely kill you also. Since I am dying in the hands of Rama, I will enter the superior lokas. If you kidnap Sita, you will also die in the hands of Rama but you will get naraka only. 42: Mareecha takes the form of a golden deer: ‘‘My dear Ravana since you are not leaving your path, I resolve to die in the hands of Rama, instead of perishing at your hands. Order me what I have to do for you.

Aranya Kandam 55 Ravana: Mareecha! Now you have expressed your loyalty to your king. You must prove to be a real Mareecha. Your words are heroic. Come and get in to my chariot. We shall reach Rama’s hermitage faster. There you take the form of a golden deer and take Rama and Lakshmana deep in to the forests. In the meanwhile, I will kidnap Sita and take her to lanka. While discussing this strategy, they went near the ashrama. Mareecha took the form of a golden deer to allure Sita. 43: Sita wants golden deer Sita came out of her hermitage and saw a beautiful golden deer. She was surprised to look at such an unusually beautiful and cute deer. In her astonishment, she called Rama and Lakshmana loudly, to show that animal. Lakshmana: Brother! This is not a natural one but appears to be a deceitful one. This may also be a trick of Mareecha. Sita: Rama! I am very much attracted to this animal. I feel like playing with it. I also wish to take it to Ayodhya with us after our exile, so that our relatives also may look at it’s beautiful stature. You catch this deer . If you cannot catch it alive, at least we can take it’s skin, so that your mother Kausalya can put it on dharba grass and meditate. Rama: Brother! Sita wants this beautiful deer. So far she has not asked any thing. There is no guarantee that we can see such a beautiful deer in future, so I have decided to catch it for Sita. ‘‘Lakshmana! As per your contention, is it the sorcery of Mareecha? Even if you think so, is it not our duty to kill

56 Srimadhramayanam such a wicked and cruel Mareecha? Already he has killed and eaten many munis, so no harm is there in hunting this animal. Long back, Agastya maharishi had eaten away Vatapi and said “Oh Vatapi! All these years, you have eaten flesh of several munis, Today I have eaten your flesh. From today onwards, I have stopped your game”. Then he digested Vatapi and helped the muni community. ‘‘Lakshmana! When I go to catch this animal, you stay back in ashrama and protect Sita. You also keep Jatayu with you. Because he can keep watch from the sky. 44: Rama kills Mareecha: Rama took his sword, bow and arrows went chasing that golden deer. Seeing Rama, Mareecha got frightened and ran fast into the forest. Rama continued to chase the animal. Some times it appeared to be nearer and suddenly it disappeared. Again it appeared and disappeared. Rama chased the animal for a long time. He got tired and sat under the shadow of a tree; suddenly that golden deer appeared in a herd of deer’s. When Rama saw the animal, it started running fast. Rama furiously took a sharp arrow and inducted Brahmastra and released on that animal. That astra straight away pierced the heart of Mareecha. Immediately the deer’s form disappeared and Mareecha’s own form fell down on the ground. Mareecha knew he was going to die in a few seconds, so he wanted to do a favour to Ravana in his last moments. Immediately he borrowed the voice of Rama and cried loudly. “Ha Sita!, Ha Lakshmana!” he kept on crying like that until he breathed his last. Rama saw a huge rakshasa fell on the ground in pool of blood and felt “What Lakshmana said is right. This is nothing but the sorcery of Mareecha’’. He was worried about the false cry the rakshasa made to seek the help of Sita and Lakshmana in his voice. So his suspected

Aranya Kandam 57 about the safety of Sita and Lakshmana. However he killed another deer, picked up its flesh and went running towards ashrama. 45:Lakshmana goes to Rama: Meanwhile,Sita heard the cry of Rama for help and said to Lakshmana. Sita: Lakshmana! Your brother is in danger. He is asking your help. Have you not heard his cry for help? Something wrong has happened to Rama. I am worried about him. You must rush to help him. Lakshmana: Rama has instructed me only one word “take care of Sita” I am bound by that. So I cannot disobey my brother’s order. Your safety is more important for my brother and me. Sita: Lakshmana! Why are you not moving when your brother is in danger and seeking your help? That means are you an enemy of Rama in the mask of a brother? Now I understood your wicked intentions. You want that Rama should die and thereby you want to possess me. You don’t have any love and regard for your brother. That is why, you are not going help him. When your brother’s life is in danger, why are you talking about my protection? I am quit safe in our ashrama. Lakshmana: oh Devi! Even deva, danava, gandarva and pannagas can not do any harm to my brother. This is the universal truth. It is not good for you to utter such harsh words. I don’t want to leave you alone in ashrama. That is why, I am not going. Please stop grieving for Rama. He will kill that rakshasa and come back very soon. I am also sure the voice you heard was not my brother’s . This is another sorcery of that Mareecha. Mother! Rama has entrusted to me

58 Srimadhramayanam the responsibility of your safety till he comes back, because in janastana after we killed Khara and his associates, the surviving rakshasas wanted to take revenge on us, so I suspect danger may visit on you if I leave you alone in ashrama. Sita: (furiously looking) Oh Lakshmana! You are not only wicked but a cruel person. You are developing wicked thoughts on me. You are wishing the death of Rama, because you have an ulterior motive towards me. I suspect that you were having this type of evil thoughts while you were in Ayodhya itself. You were a spoilt child in our Ikshvaku family. I also suspect you and Baratha have colluded to kill Rama. I prefer to commit suicide than surrendering to you or Baratha. Your dreams will never become true. If you do not go to help Rama, I will commit suicide in your presence. This is the certainty. Lakshmana on hearing Sita’s words, shivered like a tender leaf . His face became pale. He had no strength even to stand. With folded hands he said. Lakshmana: Mother! I will not reply you, because you are my goddess. Normally when woman are angry, they do not understand what they are talking. They forget the dharma of a woman and become fickle minded. They want to achieve what they wanted at any cost but they do not look into the intricacies of their behaviour. The nature of woman looks in the same way in all the worlds. Women are fickle minded, cruel hearted and forsake dharma. Now the words you have spoken are piercing my ears like burnt arrows. These words are heard by devatas wandering in the sky. They will stand as witnesses. I have not disobeyed my brother’s order. Without any provocation, you doubt my integrity and character. In this aspect, women are really

Aranya Kandam 59 cruel. By nature also, they are all evil. Right now I am going to Rama. From now onwards, the goddess of this forest alone may protect you. I am seeing many bad omens and, I doubt weather I could see you again, when I come back with Rama. Sita: If you don’t come back with Rama, I will get drowned in the river Godavari or hang myself. Or, I may roll from this mountain and die. Lakshmana consoled her and paid obeisance with folded hands and went to see Rama. 46: Ravana went to Sita in the form of a monk: The harsh words of Sita made Lakshmana furious and went in search of Rama. Ravana, in the form of a monk, was watching from a nearby shrub. He as wearing saffron clothes, and had jatas on his head. He was holding a wooden water pot in one hand and stick in the other hand. He wore wooden slippers. The sun was setting at that time. Sita was alone. At the sight of this cruel person, all the trees in the forest shook with fear. The wind stopped blowing. River Godavari reduced its speed. Ravana entered ashrama. There he saw Sita. Her face was like full moon, her eyes were like lotus petals and her teeth looked like jasmine buds. She was wearing yellow silk sari. Sita looked like sans a lotus. She was sitting alone, mediating on Rama. Then, Ravana entered the ashrama in the form of a Brahmin sanyasi. He entered reciting Vedas and said to Sita. Ravana: Oh Jewel of the womankind! Your complexion is like gold, you wear silk garments, your face resembles a lotus flower, your waist looks like lion’s. Are you the goddess Parvathi or are you the goddess of this forest, goddess Lakshmi? or just an apsaras? Or a Rathi?

60 Srimadhramayanam ‘‘Oh the beautiful woman! Who are you? Do you belong to Rudras or Maruthas or Vasus? I presume you must be a devata woman. This is a place where rakshasas move freely. Even gandarvas are afraid to live here. How you have come here? How are you able to escape from these wild animals? Are you not afraid of them? ‘‘You are the most beautiful woman. You are still in your prime of youth. Why are you rotting in forests? My mind is disturbed by looking at you, because here in janastana, it is the motherland of all rakshasas. You should not live here. It is not safe for you. You are supposed to live in big cities and big palaces but not in these forests. You ought to wear superior garments and have nutritious food. You must have a superior husband.’’ Sita heard the words of Brahmin sanyasi and made all traditional honours and respected the guest and said to the pseudo monk. Sita: Oh superior Brahmin! this is the seat we offer for munis who are our guests. Please take this water jug and wash your feet and hands. Take these fruits and eat them at ease. Ravana was pleased with the hospitality shown to him and also astonished at looking at her innocence. He was breaking his head on how to kidnap her and he was calculating and waiting for that moment. 47: Sita tells her episode to Ravana: Sita thought the guest was really a brahmin or a tapasvi. So she was afraid that he may curse, if she does not reply him. Sita: Oh superior Brahmin! I am the daughter of king Janaka and wife of Rama. My name is Sita. My father- in- law

Aranya Kandam 61 is king Dasaratha who belongs to Ikshavaku family. I lived with my husband in Ayodhya for twelve years and enjoyed all royal comforts. On thev thirteenth year, my father- in- law desired to perform coronation to my husband Rama. He made all arrangements for the function. My father- in- law had given two boons to my mother- in- law Kaikeyi. She insisted to fulfill those two boons at that time. By one boon, that my husband Rama is sent to live in dandaka vana and lead a munis life. The second one was to make her son Baratha as the king. However my father- in- law and elders persuaded her but she did not concede. My father- in- law is a truthful person. He never told lie. At that time, my husband was twenty five years old, I was eighteen. My husband is having all good qualities and is a righteous person. He works for the happiness of all. My husband agreed to live in forest to make his father’s word true. So we are living in forest. ‘‘Oh Brahmin! Rama will always be a donor but he was never a receiver, he always speaks truth. Even for the sake of humour, he will not tell lies. That is his vow. Lakshmana is his step brother. He loves Rama and is devoted to him. He helps Rama both at war and peace. He always follows dharma. To help Rama and me, he came to forest. ‘‘Rama had control on his sense organs. He wears valkala and jatas. My husband had gone for hunting. They will return soon. You take rest. As soon as they come, I will cook food for you and serve. Oh brahmin! I told you all about me, as desired by you. Who are you? What are your antecedents? What do you do in dandaka vana? Ravana: Sita! I am Ravana, king of Rakshasas. Even deva, danava, and pannagas are afraid of my vigour and valour. Oh faultless Sita! Your body is shining like gold.

62 Srimadhramayanam While looking at you in that silk sari, I am averse even to see my wife’s face. I brought several women from several places. If you marry me, I will make you my royal queen. The city I live is called Lanka. It is situated in the middle of the sea. There I developed so many pleasure gardens. You live with me and wander freely in all those beautiful gardens. Thereby you need not suffer in this wild forest. If you agree to be my wife I will provide five thousand maids to serve you. Sita: (with fury) My husband Rama is unshakable like a mountain, in valour, he is equal to Indra, he cannot be disturbed like a sea. He is rich in all good qualities and keeps everyone happy, as a kalpavriksha gives everything that people asked for. He is as rich as Kubera. Rama’s shoulders are very big and his chest is so broad. He is superior among the men. He is as vigorous as a lion. His face is as pleasant as a full moon and he has control over his sense organs. He is the most glorious person. I am the shadow of Rama. I am his chaste wife. ‘‘Oh Ravana! you are like a fox. I am a lioness. If you are wanting me, it is nothing but embracing the death. Sun rays cannot be captured and bound. Similarly you cannot even touch me. If you are asking for Rama’s darling, which means you are at the door steps of your death. You are trying to play with the lions and serpent’s teeth. So death is inevitable to you. You are trying to lift Mt.Mandara with your hands. You are trying to drink the poison of “kalakuta” to go to the eternal sleep comfortably. Your craving for Rama’s wife is nothing but self-piercing the needles into your eyes. You are cutting your own tongue with a knife. By insulting me, you are hanging a huge boulder around your neck and jumping in to the sea. Your thinking of kidnapping Rama’s wife is

Aranya Kandam 63 trying to carry naked fire in a piece of cloth. You are not able to differentiate between a lion and a fox. In fact Rama is a lion, whereas you are a mere fox. Don’t compare an ever flowing river with a drainage canal. ‘‘In case even if you kidnap me, you cannot digest me since Rama will kill you. Though she was replying to Ravana with courage, she began to shiver and shook like a tender leaf. Ravana wanted to frighten her further and started narrating his heroic deeds. 48: Ravana narrates his heroic deeds: Ravana: Sita! I am having ten heads on my shoulders and I am famous as dasakhanta. Kubera is my step brother. deva, dhanava, gandarva, pisacha and all other communities are afraid of me. I fought with my brother Kubera and defeated him. He ran away from the city and settled in Himalayas. I captured his aero-plane known as pushpaka. In that pushpaka, I travel and visit many places. Sita! When I am furious, even Indra and other devatas run away. Even wind will stop blowing. The sun reduces heat to comfort me. River reduces its flow when I stand near it’s waters. My city of Lanka is more beautiful than Amaravathi of Indra. It is situated in the middle of the sea. And it is always guarded by strong, brave and courageous soldiers. In my city, the buildings are made of gold, and studded with precious stones. My city is always busy with moving people on elephants, horses and chariots. The trees bear luscious fruits and very fragrant flowers in all seasons. There are plenty of pleasure gardens. ‘‘Oh Sita! If you live with me in that city, you will not look at any man in future. You can enjoy all the heavenly pleasure with me.

64 Srimadhramayanam ‘‘Oh broad eyed Sita! Rama lost his kingdom. He is wandering in the forest as an orphan. He is an idiot, and he leads a muni life. With such a man what pleasures you can have? Whereas I am the king of all rakshasas. The moment I saw you, I fell in love with you. As I could not suppress my desire, I came running to you. It is not fair for you to refuse me. Initially Urvasi rejected Pururuva and repented later. You must not make the same mistake and repent at a later time. Sita: Oh Ravana! Kubera is worshipped by all worlds. You are claiming to be the brother of such a glorious person and but you resort to such low talks. Are you not ashamed? You are a cruel and wicked person, having no control over your senses. With these bad qualities you not only lose your kingdom but also lose your race. One can kidnap Sachidevi, wife of Indra but not Rama’s wife. If you resort to that, know it well that is the end of your life. 49:The Kidnap Ravana: oh Sita! I tried to convince you in several ways, but you are giving me a deaf ear. Your mind is thinking on a single track. That is why your mind is not diverting from Rama and refusing to recognize my greatness. Do you want me lift this earth? Should I drink all the sea water? If I stand in the battle field, I will kill even death. I will make sun to stand still. I can transform into any form I like. You are not able to understand who am I? By saying that Ravana changed his form of a sanyasi and transformed in to his original stature with ten heads, twenty furious eyes, and with several ornaments on his body. Sita was afraid to look at his furious stature and closed her eyes. At that time, Ravana caught hold of her hair

Aranya Kandam 65 with his left hand and her thighs with his right hand and lifted her to his chariot. The frightened Sita was crying for help “Oh Rama! save me, Oh Lakshmana! save me”. However the chariot was moving in the air, towards lanka. Still Sita was shouting loudly for help. She started addressing the trees, the mountains, the creepers, the animals and the birds for help. She also requested them to tell her husband Rama that Ravana had kidnapped her. While she was crying for help, Jatayu who was leisurely sitting on a tree, heard her cries. He saw her in the chariot of Ravana and he noted that Sita was crying with fear and grief. The moment Sita saw Jatayu, she thought that she got her life back. Looking at Jatayu, she cried loudly. “Oh Jatayu! Sinner Ravana is kidnapping me. This Ravana is not only cruel but also a very strong man. You cannot fight and win over him. But you tell Rama that Ravana had kidnapped me. 50: Jatayu preaches to Ravana: Jatayu: Oh Ravana! I am Jatayu, I follow Sanathana dharma and speak truth only. I am the king of eagles. Rama, the son of king Dasaratha. is the king of all worlds. He provides happiness and comforts to all people. He is stronger than Indra and Varuna. You are now kidnapping Sita, the chaste wife of Rama. ‘‘A king who follows the path of dharma should not have the lust for other’s wife. You think for a moment, if any one looks at your woman, wont you kill such an offender? In the same way Rama also will kill you sooner or later, if you abduct his wife. All the more, you have a responsibility of protecting your fellow king’s wife. Ravana! If any one has a doubt on dharma, ardha and kama they refer to sastras. If sastras also could not answer they depend on the king. That

66 Srimadhramayanam way king is the treasure of all dharmas. Either for dharma or sin or punyam, king is the authority. ‘‘Oh King of Rakshasas! As a sinner gets a berth in an aero-plane to go to heaven, you got this kingdom, but you cannot retain it for a long time. Rama is a righteous person who did not committ any offence in your city or in your kingdom. Why are you doing harm to Rama? Yes! Rama killed Khara and other rakshasas in Janastana. Do you try kidnap his wife to take revenge? That doesn’t suite to your arguments. Khara went in support of Surpanakha’s case and declared war unilaterally and attacked Rama. In self defense Rama had killed all the rakshasas in a battle. Is it not the duty of a Kshatriya to fight in a battle? You think judiciously and tell. You listen to me. Leave Sita and return to Lanka. You are not realizing that you are carrying a poisonous cobra around your neck. One should lift the weight to the extent that he could carry. A wise person won‘t commit adharma, nor he won’t do such acts which will destroy his kingdom and his men. ‘‘Oh Ravana! I was born about sixty thousand years ago. I am holding the kingdom of eagles. I inherited it from my forefathers. I have become old. I don’t have any weapon with me. You are wearing a shield, have bow, arrow and sword. You are much younger to me. Still I will give up my life for protecting Sita. I will stop you escape from here. As long as I am alive, you can’t move an inch. Though I am old and weapon less, I fight for the cause of dharma ie. to protect Sita. Otherwise wait for some time. Rama himself will come and he will send you to the same place where he had sent Khara and other rakshasas. As long as Rama and Lakshmana are alive, you can’t kidnap Sita.

Aranya Kandam 67 51: The battle of Ravana and Jatayu: Ravana got furious on hearing Jatayu’s words and his eyes became blood red. He wanted to get over the hurdle of Jatayu. Jatayu also flew in the air and reached Ravana to attack him. They both fought like two huge clouds, two Malyavntha mountains. Strong Ravana released powerful naracha, vikarni arrows rained on Jatayu. Jatayu the king of eagles injured Ravana with his nails. Sita wept for Jatayu as he was losing his life on her account. Ravana’s arrows pierced Jatayu’s body . But Jatayu squeezed the bows and arrows of Ravana with his legs. Then Ravana took another bow and rained arrows on Jatayu. Jatayu also became annoyed and killed the mules of the chariot. He broke the axles of the wheels and managed to destroy the chariot. Ravana fell down on the ground. At that time, Ravana kept Sita on his thighs and continued fighting with Jatayu. When Ravana fell down on the ground. all the devatas who were witnessing from the sky, congratulated Jatayu for his courage and bravery. Jatayu gradually became tired and was taking rest on a branch of a tree. Ravana went silently and stabbed him with his sword. In spite of these severe wounds, Jatayu squeezed flesh from the body of Ravana and made several wounds on him. Furious Ravana kept Sita on the ground, went to Jatayu and beat him with his fist and kicked him with his legs till he was fatally injured and lost his conscious. Finally Ravana took his sword and cut both the wings of Jatayu with that he fell down and became irremedially unconscious. Sita went near Jatayu and cried for him. 52: Ravana flew with Sita: Sita (weeping) Oh Rama! People guess their good and bad from the omens. You are not aware of the trouble I am

68 Srimadhramayanam having.These birds, trees and animals will tell you, in the form of omens, about my fate . They are all running towards me only to tell you about my fate. This Jatayu gave up his valuable life just to protect me. At that time Ravana came to her and pulled her by holding her hair. When he was thus ill-treating Sita, wind stopped blowing, sun lost his brilliance. The whole world ran into pitch dark. Brahma saw Sita with his divine eyes and felt “Yes! Now the divine work will be completed”. All Maharishi’s and deveta communities aggrieved for Sita and commented and predicted that Ravana’s decline had started. Ravana picked up Sita on his shoulder and started flying towards lanka. At that time, he looked like a mountain flying. Sita was loudly screaming and yelling, “Rama save me, Lakshmana save me.” 53: Sita blames Ravana: When Ravana was flying in the air with Sita, she began to scold and curse him. Sita: Oh Ravana! You are a low profile king. You are kidnapping me while Rama and Lakshmana were not in the ashrama. Are you not ashamed to abduct a woman who is staying alone? Now I understand that you alone manipulated that Mystic deer. You must have planned to take Rama and Lakshmana away from our ashrama. You also killed Jatayu who was a family friend and our well wisher. You are boasting yourself as if you have won many battles. If you are a real hero, you should fight with Rama. But like a coward, you are abducting me in a surreptiously. You have resorted to an unrighteous act. You are a coward. Had you waited for some more time at my ashram, Rama would have killed you then and there. Even now you are afraid of him. So you are running away so fast. If you seek protection from

Aranya Kandam 69 my husband, he will pardon you, but still if you insist, he will come with his brother and kill you. Sita was sitting on his thighs and was uttering harsh words and grieving. 54: Sita drops her jewels: While Sita was crying for help, they were passing through a range of mountains, where she saw five vanaras discussing at one place. On seeing them, she got a brilliant idea, i.e. she thought if god favours, these people might report to Rama about her abduction. She removed a few of her jewels and packed in her upper cloth and dropped them in front of the vanaras. As Ravana was in a hurry to reach lanka, he did not notice her act of dropping those jewels. When vanaras heard the cries of a woman, they looked at the sky to know who she was. They clearly saw a beautiful woman being forcefully abducted by a rakshasa and proceeding towards south. On hearing a woman’s cry for help, they were astonished and looked at the sky to know who the abductor and the victim were? Suddenly they found a few jewels bundled in a piece of cloth, which fell in front of them. By that time, Ravana went far away and almost crossed the sea. The sky wanderers like devatas, charannulu and siddhas were talking among themselves “Now Ravana’s end had began”, Ravana carried Sita and entered the city of Lanka. He kept Sita in his palace; Sita was in a semi conscious state. He instructed a demon woman that nobody should be allowed to see or talk to Sita without his permission. He asked them to give her gold jewels and garments etc. whatever that Sita wanted and also told them not to talk unpalatable or unpleasant words to her. If any body violates that order Ravana would kill them on the spot. He called the eight most cruel and strong rakshasas and instructed as follows.

70 Srimadhramayanam Ravana: Oh warriors! You carry all weapons with you and go to Janastana, where Khara was living. Rama had killed Khara and other fourteen thousand warriors. So there is no army in janastana. I don’t want that kind of vacuum to happen in my dominion. You stay there with all your courage and do brave things. My enmity with Rama ha reached to a critical point. Unless I kill Rama, I will not sleep. You keep living in janastana and watch the movements of Rama closely and keep me informed. In my yagna of killing Rama, you will be priests. Now you repeat the vigour, valour, courage and bravery you have displayed in our earlier battles. Those eight man-eaters took the orders and saluted Ravana and bade farewell. Immediately they appeared in janastana. 55: Ravana appeals to Sita to become his wife. Ravana was immensely happy about the way in which he succeeded in kidnapping Sita and simultaneously making arrangements to kill Rama. As he kept on thinking of Sita, he could not bear the recently acquired anguish of separation from his beloved Sita. On the other hand, Sita was in deep distress and tormented feeling. She was surrounded by the rakshasis. Ravana went to see her. There he saw Sita in deep distress and her eyes were swollen due to constant weeping. She looked like a ship attacked by cyclone in the mid seas and also as an innocent deer surrounded by the wild dogs. She kept her head on her knees and looked at the ground. Though she was in deep distress, Ravana took her by force and showed her all around his palace. Though the palace was like heaven, it did not give even a slightest relief to her grief. It is the plan of

Aranya Kandam 71 Ravana to tempt her to defect to his side, by showing his luxurious palace. ‘‘Oh Sita! There are about ten crore rakshasas living in Lanka. In addition, there are more than twenty two crore rakshasas living all over the world. They are all known for their cruelty. I am the king of those rakshasa races. Now I offer and submit myself and my kingdom at your feet. You alone may rule all of us, because I love you so much. ‘‘Oh darling! I have more than thousand wives. You alone will be my principal queen. You please make up your mind. Cupid is troubling me. I am suffering with lust of carnal gratification. Favour me with your love. This lanka is surrounded by sea. Even devatas cannot reach this place. Though one or two people may enter, they cannot go back. In other words, there is no more valorous person than me in all the three worlds. As Rama lost his kingdom, he has become a dejected person. He is living a muni way of life. He has neither vigour and valour nor a big army. What pleasure you can derive from such a poor and weak personality? Bt all means, I am the most suitable husband. You are in the prime of youth. All worldly pleasures are to be enjoyed with the body only. Youth is not permanent. So all these pleasures are to be enjoyed while we are young. So you enjoy all these worldly pleasures in my company. That is why, I am requesting you repeatedly to become my wife. ‘‘Oh Sita! My lovely darling! Please stop thinking of Rama. He cannot realize that you are here with me. Even though he may manage to know later about this kidnapping , he cannot cross the sea and reach this place. Can anybody bind the whirlwind with the simple ropes? Could any body swallow the flaming fire? You accept me as your husband and you get crowned as my queen and live happily with me.

72 Srimadhramayanam Due to the sins of your previous birth, you lived in forest for some time. Let bygone be bygone. I have liberated you from that hell. Now let us sit in pushpaka plane and see all the worlds and enjoy. Sita heard Ravana’s words and grieved more bitterly. She hid her face in her sari and wept. When she was sitting in a confused state of mind, again Ravana said to her. Ravana: Don’t think marrying a human woman to a rakshasa is not at all conducive or unrighteous. It is accepted by all sastras and rishis. Oh my beautiful queen! I prostrate at your feet and request you to relieve me from this fever caused by Cupid. So far this Ravana has never bowed his head,obeyed and saluted any one. So you can understand me. 56: Sita affirms her love for Rama: Sita heard all the babblings of Ravana. She picked up a blade of grass, put it between her and Ravana and said. Sita: King Dasaratha has dedicated his life in protecting dharma. He was the personification of truth. This is known to all the three worlds. Rama is his son. In protecting dharma and speaking truth, he followed his father. Such a righteous person is my husband and my god. He was born in the dynasty of Ikshavaku. His shoulders are as strong as a lion. Lakshmana is his brother. They will come and kill you. Had you attempted to kidnap me while they were in ashrama, they would have killed you then and there. By kidnapping me in their absence, you have purchased some more time to live on this earth. ‘‘Oh rakshasa! You are boasting about your valour. But you and your rakshasas will become helpless, before Rama as the poisonous serpents become helpless before

Aranya Kandam 73 Garutmantha. You must have won suras, and other communities, but if you develop enmity with Rama, you can’t survive. He will kill you, like a sacrificial animal tied to the post of a yupa. Now since you have kidnapped me, the countdown for your fall has started. ‘‘Oh The meanest rakshasa! Rama need not wage a battle with you. His angry looks alone is capable of turning you to ashes. You are like the foolish locust dashing into the fire. For all these unrighteous acts, all your wives will become widows in a short time. You have entered Rama’s ashrama like an undesirable person entering yagna sala. Will a swan living in padma lake would like to live with a crow. ‘‘Oh rakshasa! This body is comprised of only physical material. You may bind this body. I have no intention of retaining my life by doing any inglorious acts. Ravana: Oh Sita! Though you are scolding me in several ways, my love on you is not decreasing. So I am giving you twelve months time, if you don’t reconcile yourself and accept me as your husband on your own, you will be killed and I will eat you as my breakfast. He turned to the rakshasis and said “I have given Sita twelve months time to reconcile. In the meanwhile, you try to change her mind towards me. You may use even force. However you should be tactful in your attempts.” Then the rakshasa woman conducted Sita Ashoka vana. On looking at the cruel and ferocious women, Sita fainted with fear. 57-58 : Rama reaches ashrama after killing the deer: Now let us know what had happened in the Dhandakaranya. Let us know how Rama and Lakshmana reacted, when they found Sita missing

74 Srimadhramayanam While returning to ashrama Rama observed some bad omens. He said to himself. ‘‘Mareecha cried in my voice seeking help from Lakshmana and Sita. Is it the conspiracy of rakshasas? Did Sita and Lakshmana also hear this false cry? If so, did Lakshmana moved out of ashrama leaving Sita alone? If so did rakshasas do any harm to Sita? The appearance of golden deer and the false cry of Mareecha appear to be a conspiracy of rakshasas.’’ Rama was very much upset about the safety of Sita and went running to ashrama. Sita was missing from the ashrama: While Rama was rushing towards ashrama, he saw Lakshmana coming opposite him. On seeing Lakshmana he enquired about Sita and her safety. On seeing Lakshmana, Rama’s grief burst in to tears. He suspected a grave danger to Sita and cried loudly for Sita. “Oh Lakshmana! What you said had come true. It was not a real deer. Mareecha himself transformed as a golden deer and cheated us. However I killed him. At the time of his death, he had attained his real form and to cheat you further,cried in my voice, as though I was calling for your help. ‘‘Lakshmana! On hearing Mareecha’s false cry, Sita would have become worried about my safety and she would have pressurized you to go to my help. So you must have come for my help, leaving Sita alone in ashrama. You did a mistake. You have disobeyed my order. ‘‘Don’t you know, after I killed Khara and other rakshasas, the other demons must be waiting to take

Aranya Kandam 75 revenge on me. Now they must have killed her and consumed her. ‘‘Lakshmana! I cannot live even for a minute without Sita . She was helping me in several ways. I don’t know where she is now I feel like dieing and reach our father Dasaratha. I doubt if he will accept me because, I have not completed the full term of exile. ‘‘Lakshmana! How can I go to Ayodhya without Sita? What answer I can give to my mother Kausalya? So better I die. If I die, my mother also will die. Thereby she will be relieved from the torture of Kaikeyi. So I will come to ashrama, only if Sita is safe. 59: Rama speaks to Lakshmana: While talking like that, both Rama and Lakshmana reached ashrama. There they could not find Sita anywhere. Rama started lamenting uncontrollably. He began to remember the memories of Sita and blamed Lakshmana for disobeying his orders. Lakshmana: Brother! I am also grieving for this tragedy. She was worshipful and venerable, like my mother. Such a Sita spoke many unpalatable words to me. Those words have not only wounded me but also let down the Ikshavaku family into disgrace. Still I was strong and said “I cannot disobey my brother’s orders”. Then she threatened me that she would kill herself by consuming poison or by drowning in river Godavari. I was frightened and shivered with her threatening. So I delegated the responsibility of her safety on the goddess of forests and came in search of you. Rama: Lakshmana! You are fully aware of my vigour and valour. You should not have left her alone. Women may talk so many things in grief. But you should not have taken

76 Srimadhramayanam them to your heart. Look! You have become emotional and disobeyed my order. Now we are thrown in to an irreparable damage. 60: Rama grieves for Sita: While speaking to Lakshmana, he observed some more bad omens. Like a crazy and fuming man, Rama went in and around the ashrama again and again and strayed here and there, in search of Sita. He went near river Godavari and searched all places in vicinity of the banks. He did not find her. But still he did not lose hope. So he went to each and every tree, hoping that she might be hiding behind them to make fun of him. 61: Rama and Lakshmana go in search of Sita: Lakshmana: Oh Rama! Don’t get dejected. Leave your grief. Now we should search every inch of this forest, caves, mountains and rivers. I am sure we will find her somewhere in this forest. Let us not waste time. She must be expecting our help wherever she is. 62: Rama grieves for Sita-2 : Rama: Oh darling! I know you like flowers; you like Ashoka flowers. Are you hiding in the branches of Ashoka tree? Oh Sita! Is it the right time to playb hideand seek game? You make fun of me, by hiding on the branches of Ashoka tree? With out you, our hermitage is looking like a desert. This is not the time for you to be naughty now. Please come before me at once. Where are you,Sita! 63: Rama grieves for Sita-3: Rama: Lakshmana! Perhaps I am a sinner. The sins of my earlier births are chasing me. Probably I am a victim in the hands of fate. Look at my misfortunes. First, I lost my

Aranya Kandam 77 kingdom and then I lost my father and have to keep away from my mother at her old age. I was forced to live in jungle. Forgetting all my grief, I adjusted myself to the forest life. Now Sita is missing. ‘‘Sita is a timid lady. If she was abducted by cruel rakshasas, her heart would have cracked by this time. My darling Sita has faded out from me like a moon gulped by Rahu. She used to please me with her golden necklaces and garlands. Now the cruel rakshasas must have squeezed her neck and killed. My heart is burning like a flaming homa.. ‘‘Lakshmana! By any chance, did she went to the river Godavari and slipped into the river? You go and search for her, near Godavari too. ‘‘Oh sun! You nourish all living beings. No one can escape from you. You are the witness of all the activities on this earth. You must know the whereabouts of Sita. Tell me whether any body abducted her. Is she alive? Or is she killed by rakshasas? Lakshmana: Rama! Be brave. Don‘t be timid. You should not waste time with grief. Get up, let us search for Sita in all places. Enthusiastic people will not waste time in misery. Rama: Lakshmana! Look at these herds of deer. They are all going around me and trying to tell me something. Can you guess and comprehend any thing from their behavior? Are not you an expert in interpreting their movements Lakshmana: Brother! You are asking trees, birds and animals about Sita.Tthese deer are telling you about Sita. They are all standing on their back legs and showing by their mouth towards southern direction and jumping into air. What I understand from them is somebody abducted

78 Srimadhramayanam Sita, travelled towards southern direction and carried her in via the sky. So they are directing us to search Sita in the southern direction. While Lakshmana was narrating to Rama all the deer expressed their happiness by shaking their heads and ran away. Taking the clue from the deer, Rama and Lakshmana continued their search for Sita in the southern direction. Lakshmana: Oh Rama! Be brave, Be optimisatic! Don’t be timid. You should not waste time in grief. Get up let us search for Sita in all places. Enthusiastic people will not waste time in lamenting. 64: In search of Sita: After they walked for some distance they found some flowers on the ground. On seeing those flowers, Rama started crying. Rama: Lakshmana! Look at these flowers scattered on the ground. These flowers are plucked by me and given to Sita. I have seen her wearing them on her head. Those flowers are now fallen on the ground. For my sake, the sun god has not dried them. As though to favour me, the wind god has not blown them. Mother earth is preserving them on her head and showing them to me. From there Rama addressed the Mt.Prasarana “Oh king of mountains! Have you seen my Sita?” The mountain did not reply. Rama got angry. “Oh mountain! If you know any information about Sita,and if you still try to hide it, I pulverize you. I will see to it that even a blade of grass will not grow on you.`` Still the mountain did not reply. Then he said to Lakshmana “oh Lakshmana! If this river doesn’t tell me the whereabouts of Sita. I will dry up this river.”

Aranya Kandam 79 Both Rama and Lakshmana very carefully searched n the ground in search of Sita‘s the footsteps. There they found the impressions of giant sized footsteps and small sized steps.They presumed that the big step perhaps belonged to a rakshasa and the small step belongs to a human. So Rama came to a conclusion that some rakshasas must have abducted her. While they were searching they found a bow and a quiver with arrows. They also found a broken chariot. By seeing all these signs, Rama’s heart broke and he became inconsolable. Rama: Lakshmana! You find here and there small grains of gold pieces and garlands. We also see blood marks. These evidences reveal that some rakshasas must have cut Sita into pieces and devoured her. That is how we have to conclude on seeing the blood stains. There are two strong rakshasas must have fought for Sita. This bow studded with diamonds, belongs to one of those rakshasas. This shield is also studded with diamonds, shining in the sun rays. Look at this huge white umbrella. ‘‘Look at this golden shield, the chariot with the mules, the bow, the white umbrella. All indicate that this rakshasa must be a great king. Lakshmana! look at this flag post. This flag indicates the status of that king. That was broken into pieces. There are gold tipped arrows, scattered all over the place. Thereby we can say that he must be a ferocious rakshasa king. His charioteer is also lying dead. We are not able to guess whose charioteer is he. These two persons with their head guard and ear rings, must be the blowers of his chowari. He must be a big rakshasa. Now it is clear that such rakshasa alone could have abducted Sita. So I will kill all rakshasas. ‘‘Lakshmana! While these two rakshasas were fighting for Sita, one of them must have eaten her. Weather these

80 Srimadhramayanam rakshasas abducted or eaten Sita, it is immaterial. I followed dharma. That dharma did not help me. I tried to be kind to all. I gained control on my senses. Finally I was heckled by the people as an inefficient person. I was branded as un valourous Kshatriya. Now I will dry up the entire pleasantness of moon. I will cover the entire sky with my arrows and block the passage of Yakshas, gandarvas, demons, and rakshasa, on the sky. I will stop the wind blowing. I will reduce the brilliance of sun and make the entire world dark. I will evaporate the water from all rivers, lakes and reservoirs. If the gods do not reveal the safety of Sita, I will show who Rama is. I will not allow any one to fly in the sky.`` While Rama was making this kind of terrible wows, his eyes became more redder. He held his bow in hand and kept the arrows ready to release. 65: Lakshmana tries to cool down Rama: Due to the abduction of Sita, Rama had resolved to destroy all the worlds to ashes. He took the bow in his hand, tied the strings and got ready to release the arrow. He looked like Rudra. Lakshmana shivered to look at Rama. He never saw Rama in such a furious state. Lakshmana saluted with folded hands and prayed. Lakshmana: Oh Rama! You are an embodiment of all superior qualities. You are as pleasant as moon. You are as bright as sun; you have the velocity of wind; you are as patient as the mother earth. Since one or two rakshasas did some wrong to you, you are invoking fury to burn entire universe! You have control on your sense organs. So retain all superior qualities. You always cherished the welfare of all beings. Let us find out whose chariot it is ? Whose flag

Aranya Kandam 81 post it is? The ground is still wet with the blood strains. All these symptoms reveal that there was a big fight, but a big army was not involved. It appears to be a fight between two or three people. To punish one or two, it is not fair to burn all the worlds. The punishment should always be in relation to the crime. Since you are the protector of people, when you are in grief, by losing your wife, all the worlds also share your grief. Those who are dedicated to yagna, could not have committed any harm to anyone. In the same way- these rivers, seas, mountains, gandarvas, and devatas would not have caused harm to you. So let us go in search of Sita with the help of Maharishis in all rivers, mountains and oceans. If the gods do not bring Sita to you, then let us think what is to be done. 66: Lakshmana pacifies Rama: Lakshmana: Rama! King Dasaratha had you as his son, like devatas secured nectar. Baratha came and informed us that our father was fascinated with your pleasant qualities and he could not bear your separation and hence died. You are the treasure of all the good qualities. Such a great man like you should not be furious like an ordinary man. You are the protector of all the worlds; you are born to keep all creatures in peace and comfort. If you burn all the worlds out of your grief, then how can you keep all the people happy? You are capable of handling any situation. ‘‘When Yayati went to heaven, Indra asked him out of jealousy ‘Who is the superior person in your kingdom?.’ For which Yayati told ‘I my self’. Then Indra said ``Since you are self-boasting, you have no place in the heaven``.Saying this Indra pushed him down to the earth. From then onwards, Yayati began to suffer many difficulties on earth.

82 Srimadhramayanam ‘‘Vasista is a Brahmarishi. He is great among the self- realized people and he is our priest also. All his hundred sons were killed by the curse of Vishwamitra. Sun and moon are like two eyes the world. Even such great planets also had sufferings at the hands of Rahu and Kethu on some occasions. Mother earth is known for her patience, yet such an earth also will suffer quakes now and then. Oh, superior among the men! Even planets and gods also bow their heads. We often hear that mortality and immortality prevails even in gods. So we must restrain from our grief also for some time. Oh faultless warrior! If somebody abducted Sita or killed, you should not grieve like an ordinary man. A truthful person like you should withstand any amount of grief. ‘‘Oh Rama! You are the fantastic and tremendous among the men. You are the most fabulous person. You yourself analyze the reality and assess the good and evil. All characters are only to act. They are not aware of the fruits of their acts.. The fruits of karma of our previous birth alone are to be enjoyed or suffered in this birth. Some fruits are very sweet and some are sour and putrid.In other words, the sufferings we are now undergoing are the rotten fruits of karmas of our previous birth. So we cannot escape from those fruits of karma. Therefore there is no meaning in our despair. Rama! You alone told me about this karma theory some time back. I am just reminding them to you. But I did not dare to advice you. To be frank, even Brihaspati cannot teach you. Since you are in distress.Perchance, you might have forgotten these things. So I think it is incumbent on me to remind you what yourself have taught me. 67: They see Jatayu: Rama abundantly possessed the infinite patience to listen to elders, friends, munis and well wishers. Though

Aranya Kandam 83 Lakshmana was younger to him, he paid attention to what all he heard and gradually was convinced. He controlled his angst. He slowly became normal Rama: Brother! Now what shall we do? How should we proceed? What are the measures we follow to find Sita? You enlighten me. Lakshmana: Brother! There are several rakshasas in this big forest. This must be the act of one of those rakshasas. Initially, we search intensively in this jungle. While Rama and Lakshmana were searching for Sita they found Jatayu. He was lying in a pool of blood. On seeing Jatayu, Rama said to Lakshmana Rama: Brother! This Jatayu alone must have eaten Sita. There is no doubt. That means he must be a rakshasa cheating us all these days as our friend. He has eaten Sita and is taking rest in the blood of Sita itself. I will annihilate him. Lakshmana: I dont think so.He is not the offender, I am sure. Let us inquire. We must not be hasty. Rama: Yes. He seems to be in the deathbed! He is weeping.Let us go near him and ask. ( And they went near the fallen eagle and their suspicion melted immediately.) Jatayu: Rama! Please don’t suspct me! I am the victim of Ravana. I am mortally wounded by him. Rama: What happened? Lakshmana: (shocked) Who caused all these? Jatayu: Please believe me. Ravana abducted Sita, when you and Lakshmana were away from the ashrama. I saw him escaping with Sita. I fought with him to save Sita. The battle

84 Srimadhramayanam went on ferociously. I broke his chariot, his bow and arrows into pieces. I killed his charioteer and the mules yoked to his chariot. I broke his shield also into pieces. Ravana was having sharp weapons but I fought with him with my beak , nails and legs. While I became tired and taking rest, he came and inflicted these wounds. He had cut my wings and ran away with Sita in the sky. I was keeping alive only to inform you about the abduction of Sita. Since I am dead you need not take the trouble of killing me. Rama: Lakshmana! I lost my kingdom. I was forced to live in the forest. My father died. Sita was abducted by somebody. The Jatayu, who is like our father, fought for protecting Sita and died. Countless are my misfortune. Wherever I tread, the place will burn to ashes. If I put my leg in the sea, all the water will evaporate. I am really in the web of difficulties. In this world, there will be no other more unfortunate person than me, because of me only, my father’s friend Jatayu was also killed. Both Rama and Lakshmana sat by the side of Jatayu and wept for him. They affectionately touched the body of Jatayu with their hands. 68: The funerals of Jatayu: Rama: Oh Jatayu! You fought with rakshasa to save Sita and help me. You kept alive, only to inform me the abduction of Sita by Ravana. If you still have any strength left in you, tell me more details of Ravana. Jatayu: Rama! He is Ravana, king of rakshasas; He is good at sorcery tricks. He had abducted Sita and travelled above the clouds. Since I was tired, he cut both my wings, he went in the southern direction. Rama! The time of Sita’s abduction fell in “vinda muhurtham” . In that muhurtham

Aranya Kandam 85 people who lost anything, get back all things in a short time. So you don’t grieve for what had happened. In a short time Sita will be back with you. Ravana, who abducted Sita, is bound to die very soon, like a fish trapped in a hook. That means, you will kill Ravana and get back Sita. Ravana is the son of Visravasu and the step brother of Kubera. After saying these words, Jatayu breathed his last. Rama: Lakshmana! Jatayu was leading a peaceful life in dandaka vana. For my sake, he fought with Ravana and died. This Jatayu wanted to do a great favour to me. You collect some fire wood, let us prepare a pyre. I myself will do the last rites for him. Oh king of eagles! Jatayu! You will enjoy such superior worlds like Rajarishis and those who performed yagnas. I am performing last rites for you. I wish you to get into the superior world. By grieving for Jatayu, Rama and Lakshmana carried the body of Jatayu and put it on the pyre and consigned to flames. Later Rama recited mantras from Vedas, and offered pindas for him. They went to river Godavari and offered jala tarpana for Jatayu. Then they took bath in the Godavari. The great Jatayu fought and gave up his life for protecting the chaste Sita. His name would be remembered as long as the story of Sita and Rama remains in all the worlds. He was a friend in deed and a friend in need. Loyalty to his friend Dasaratha is unique. 69: Kabandha catches Rama and Lakshmana: After completing the funeral of Jatayu, Rama and Lakshmana travelled towards west. All those forests were full of trees, shrubs, and creepers but it lacked thick human inhabitation. Though they travelled for a long distance, they did not find a single human. Wild animals like lions, tigers

86 Srimadhramayanam and many other animals were moving freely. They also saw fearful and poisonous cobras. Now they entered krouncha forest. In that forest, they started minutely searching for Sita. The jungle was so thick and dark. At one place they found a cave there they found a rakshasi sitting alone. That rakshasa woman was cruel and fearful to look at. She came running to Lakshmana and embraced him, and forced him for sex. Lakshmana came out of her grip, pulled out his sword, cut off her nose and ears. The rakshasi was frightened and ran deep into the forest. Then they travelled for some more time. Lakshmana said Rama. Lakshmana: Brother! My left eye is twitching which suggests me that we are going to face a big trouble. We should be cautious to face any eventuality. However a bird is continuously howling and that is a good omen for us. Ultimately I feel we will win over the situation. While they were searching for Sita, suddenly there was a gust and trees started tumbling. From the middle of the vana, they saw a huge rakshasa emerging, who looked as big as a mountain. His chest was very wide. He had no head and had only a trunk. Strangely he had an eye and a big mouth in his stomach. His body was full of hair,each of the strand was as sharp as needle. His eyelid was as big as a beehive. With his single eye, he could see even the far of things. He could catch his prey, even when it was pitch dark. His eye looked like blazing fire ball. His tongue was long, like a serpent’s tongue. His hands were so long as one yojana. He would stretch his hands and catch even the big animals like elephants and lions . And he would bring them near his mouth and gulp them. If he didn’t relish the animal, he threw it away to a distance of six to seven yojanas.

Aranya Kandam 87 The rakshasa caught hold of Rama and Lakshmana with his long hands and threw them to a distance of one yojana and then he pressed both of them under his palms so as to make them suffocate before he took them to his mouth. As such, their weapons became useless. Lakshmana said to Rama. Lakshmana: Brother! This rakshasa held me in his grips. I am not able to breath. You don’t worry for my life. Let him eat. You get out from his grips, while he is maneuvering me to eat. Meet Sita and go with her to Ayodhya. Convey my warm respects to Baratha, Satrugna and mothers. Now and then, you remember me. One who can witness Ramarajya is really fortunate. Rama: Brother! Should a great hero like you could talk like a timid person? Kabandha: Who are you? Your shoulders are like a bull. You are holding bow, arrows and sword. Your weapons are of no use to you. Why are you wandering here? I am very much hungry. I will eat both of you as today’s meal. How can I leave my prey, which has fallen in my mouth? Today is the last day in your life. Rama: Lakshmana! We are facing one difficulty after the other. We are grieving for Sita all the time. Now our lifvese themselves are at stake. Lakshmana! You are like a tiger. However strong one may be, he is bound by the fate. The dam built with sand will be washed away in the flood. So let us see weather this Kabandha conquers us or we defeat him. Fate will decide. Be courageous. You are a great hero. We shall fight couragely. Let us be brave. Let the fate decide the result. These spirited words of Rama encouraged Lakshmana to face the rakshasa boldly.

88 Srimadhramayanam 70: Amputating of Kabandha’s hands Kabandha had taken Rama and Lakshmana in his hands and brought them on his shoulders. Lakshmana: Brother! In a few seconds, he is going to eat both of us. Though he is a strong rakshasa, his hands alone are useful to him. If we cut off, his hands he could not do any thing. We could escape from his grip. Once the hands are broken,we will be free from his clutches. While Rama and Lakshmana were talking to each other, Kabandha became humiliated. He opened his mouth wide to gulp them. Rama and Lakshmana noticed there was a movement in his body which developed some loose ends on his grip which gave them the opportunity to pull out their swords. Immediately Rama amputated the right hand whereas Lakshmana cut his left hand. Both his hands fell in ground. Kabandha cried loudly with pain and rolled on the ground. Blood started flowing from his body. Kabandha asked Rama and Lakshmana “Who are you?” Lakshmana: He is Rama, from Ikshvaku family. I am his brother Lakshmana. My brother’s wife was abducted by a rakshasa. While searching for his wife, we were caught trapped by you. Who are you? How is that you don’t have a face? Why are you living in this forest without legs? Tell us. Kabandha: oh Superior persons among men! I wish you good luck! It is my good luck that you have cut off my hands and I am fortunate to see you. I will tell you how I got this ugly form. 71: The episode of Kabandha: Kabandha: Oh Prabhu! Most righteous person! Rama! My respectful salutations to you. My name is Dhanu, a Yaksha. Earlier I used to be handsome like sun, moon and

Aranya Kandam 89 Indra. I used to take an ugly form merely as a fun to threaten munis, rishis, and tapasvis. One day Stulasiraska maharishi was searching for roots and fruits. I went behind him and playfully frightened with an ugly form like this. He was annoyed at me and cursed “From now onwards, you will live in this form.” I was frightened with his curse and prostrated before him and begged for deliverance from his curse. He was kind enough to say that I would get back my normal form, when Rama amputates my hands and kill me. ‘‘I prayed for Brahma and pleased him and he blessed me with longevity. With the arrogance of that boon, I went and attacked Indra. He cut off my head and both my legs with his Vajra. Later on, Indra took pity on me and blessed me with the long hands to procure my food. From then onwards, I was securing elephants, tigers and lions with the help of my long hands and bring my prey near my mouth. Since Brahma had blessed me with longevity, I was living only with my trunk. ‘‘Oh Rama! Since you have come and cut my hands, please perform the last rites to me. Thereby I will get back my old divine form and show you good associates who could help you in getting back Sita. Rama: Oh Dhanu! Myself and my brother were living in Janastana. When we both were away from ashrama a rakshasa by name Ravana abducted my wife. We only know his name. But we don’t know how he looks nor where he lives, nor his vigour and valour. We are searching for Sita in all the forests. Since you are benefitted by us, you also help me in finding Sita. Dhanu: Oh brave princes! In this forest, you might find a lot of dried tree branches destroyed by elephants. Prepare

90 Srimadhramayanam a pyre and cremate me. Once this rakshasa form is destroyed, I will get back my divine powers. With that I would be able to tell you the capable persons who could help you in finding Sita. Because of the curse, I lost all my divine powers. So you cremate my body immediately. 72: Kabandha advices Rama to make friendship with Sugreeva: As requested by Kabandha, Rama and Lakshmana cremated his body. From the burning pyre, a remarkable divine form emerged. Dhanu said to Rama. Dhanu (Kabandha): Oh Rama! If an unfortunate person wants to achieve things in this world, he should take the patronage of another unfortunate person. Because, he alone could understand the feelings of fellow sufferer. You make friendship with Sugreeva who was the king of vanaras. He had an elder brother by name Vali. Vali was the son of Indra. A great valorous person. One day Vali got annoyed with Sugreeva and banished him from his kingdom. Then Sugreeva took refuge in Mt.Rishyamuka by the side of Pampa Lake with his four ministers. ‘‘Sugreeva was a man of great strength, brillianct, truthful and obedient person. Vali has banished such a Sugreeva in spite of all his good qualities. He bowed his head before his bad time and took asylum on Mt.Rishyamuka. Now you go and make friendship with Sugreeva. That Sugreeva is also looking for help from an outsider to get back his old glory and kingdom. So you both go to Mt.Rishyamuka and make friendship with him by keeping Agni as witness. Sugreeva knows all about the rakshasas who are cannibals. Since he knows the antecedents of those rakshasas, you could fulfill your target, much easier.

Aranya Kandam 91 ‘‘Oh Rama! Sugreeva has the knowledge of all places in the world as sun has access with his rays. More over all his army consists of monkeys and similar tribes, so that they could travel easily in forests, on mountains and live in caves. They could easily find out where Sita is kept in captivity. 73: Kabandha tells the way to Mt.Rishyamuka: Kabandha: Rama! I will tell you the way to reach Mt.Rishyamuka. From here, you travel in the westerly direction. After some time, you will find a big grove of trees. In the middle of that forest, you may find a foot path. You take that path and travel, till you reach the country of North Kuru. It is a very pleasant and beautiful land. This forest contains many fruit bearing trees which yield fruits as sweet as honey. All those tree branches touch the ground by the weight of fruits as if the clouds came down to the earth. You may eat as many fruits as you like. Travel further for some more distance. You will find Lake Pampa. The edges of those mountains are flat and easy to climb. In that Pampa Lake you may find a variety of birds like swans. They are not afraid of men, because no humans ever visit those places. You will find many caves on the Pampa side of the mountain. There you get cool breeze which will relieve your weariness. You may find bunches of fresh flowers. By looking at those flowers, your mind will relax. Those flowers are fresh and will not dry. Because a great maharishi by name Mathanga used to penance on the banks of lake Pampa with his disciples. His disciples go on the mountains and forest to fetch roots and fruits for maharishi. The sweating of those disciples wetted the roots of these trees. Because of the power of their penance, the flowers will not dry and their fragrance is spread all over the forest. Though maharishi and his disciples passed away long back, their servant maid

92 Srimadhramayanam by name Sabari is still living there, by doing service to her departed guru. When you sit in those caves, you may find wild pigs coming to drink water. They look like studbulls. ‘‘Oh Rama! You are equal to god. All living beings are saluting you with respect. That Sabari is also anxiously waiting for you. She will go to heaven, only after seeing you. On the western side of Lake Pampa, you will find Sabari’s ashram. Mt.Rishyamuka is situated on the banks of Pampa Lake. That mountain was created by Brahma. A person who sleeps on that mountain, their dreams will become true. Sinners and unrighteous persons cannot reach that mountain. ‘‘Rama! The elephants living in and around Mathanga ashrama, will be playing in that lake. When those animals fought with each other, blood will flow like a stream. On seeing the blood, all other animals run away with fear. Oh Rama! There you will find a cave with big boulder at its mouth. So it is very difficult for animals to enter the cave. East of that cave, you will find many flower and fruit bearing trees. In the middle of that grove you will find a pond. The water in that pond is very cool and sweet. Sugreeva is living in that cave with all his four ministers. After narrating the way to Mt.Rishyamuka, Kabandha took leave from Rama and Lakshmana and returned to heaven. 74: Rama and Lakshmana go to Sabari ashrama: As directed by Kabandha, Rama and Lakshmana took a long journey and finally reached Pampa lake. They climbed the mountain on the western side. There they saw a peaceful ashrama on the banks of Pampa lake. They went inside the ashrama. They saw Sabari meditating on Rama.

Aranya Kandam 93 On seeing Rama and Lakshmana, tears rolled from her eyes. She came to them and prostrated at the feet of Rama and Lakshmana. She worshipped them with traditional honours and offered suitable seats. Rama: Oh tapasvini! Are you able to continue your tapasya without any Interruptions? Are you progressing in your tapasya? Have you kept in control kama, krodha etc.? Do you have control on food? ‘‘Oh Sabari! Have you completed your religious vows like chandraayana and others? Have you received the benefits for your services rendered to your guru? Sabari: Oh Rama! I have achieved the fruits of my penance and services to my guru, the moment I had your glimpse. Oh superior among men! Rama! The moment I worshipped you, my life became blessed. Now I became eligible to go to heaven. The moment you showered your kindness on me, I have become pure. By the grace of your sight, I can reach the abode of Brahman. ‘‘Rama! While you were living in Mt.Chitrakuta, all those tapasvis for whom I rendered services, had reached heaven. Worshipful and righteous tapasvis told me, “Oh Sabari! Rama and Lakshmana will come to your hallowed and sanctified ashrama. You worship them with traditional honours which is extended to the distinguished guests. With their grace, you will reach the most superior abode of Brahman.” Oh Rama! I have procured few fruits and flowers for you. Please accept and bless me . Rama: Sabari! Dhanu has told me all about you and your tapovana. If you don’t mind, I would like to see your tapovana. Sabari: Rama! This vana is called as Mathanga vana. The entire grove is covered with thick rain bearing clouds.

94 Srimadhramayanam Thereby it has become always cool. The animals and birds live without any enmity. All my gurus performed several yagnas from this platform. Here I used to render my services to my guru. By the grace of my guru, all these Yagnavatikas are spreading radiance all over this vana. Since all my gurus became weak due to constant fasting and old age, they could not go for their sacred bath. As a consideration to their great tapasya, all oceans pooled together and became Pampa Lake. Here the Gurus took bath in this lake and they used to dry their cloths on the shores. Though they are not physically alive, those places are still wet. ‘‘ Oh Rama! You have seen Mathanga vana, you heard all about this vana that you wanted. Now if you give me permission, I will leave my body and reach those tapasvis, to whom I rendered my services all my time. Rama and Lakshmana were happy with her humble words and her offer of sweet fruits. They learnt the greatness of that tapovana and were astonished. Rama said “ Sabari! you worshipped me with devotion. Now you can go to the superior worlds.” On receipt of the blessings from Rama, Sabari entered the sacred fire. Immediately divine aero planes came and stood in the sky to take her to superior lokas. 75: Rama and Lakshmana reach Pampa Lake: After departure of Sabari to the superior worlds, Rama and Lakshmana praised the greatness of Sabari ashrama. Rama: Lakshmana! Look for the convenience of maharishi.All the oceans pooled their sweet waters and formed this lake. How sacred these waters are! From now onwards, we may hope to experience all good. My heart is full of happiness, since we have respected all our

Aranya Kandam 95 forefathers, with jala tarpana. We also had a sacred dip in this lake and became pure. For the fear of Vali, Sugreeva was hiding in these mountains. Mt.Rishyamuka is also on the banks of Pampa lake. Sugreeva must be residing somewhere on these mountains. I am anxious to see him, because we will have a good guide and companion in our endeavour to search Sita. –oOo–

96 Srimadhramayanam