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VALMIKI RAMAYANAM Kandam 

Chilukuru Venkateswarlu Valmiki Ramayanam - Ayodhya Kandam

© Chilukuru Venkateswarlu

Year : 2014

SRI RAMAKRISHNA TAPOVANAM – 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 from his Sri Kuraganti Venkata Ramana Sasti, Vemuru, Tenali. My mother Seetamma, daughter of Pisupati 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 . 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 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 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 . The great took out the essence from Vedas and

(v) framed in the form of , sastras and puranas. Those dharmas were further simplified in the form moral poems, devotional stories and the grand parents were taught to their kids at a very infant age. Now that time old tradition disappeared. But it is not a difficult task for the almighty to put it back. In fact these thoughts are not mime. I am only an instrument, in the hands of my guru Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. Thought the society is rotten and stinking, people did not lost devotion towards God. The unending Qs of devotees at all temples is an evidence of their devotion towards God. This element of 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 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 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 . It is also popularly known as “Adikavyamu” the first poetical composition. Valmiki has created many great characters which are of great respectability, endowed with nobility and dignity. Of all the characters Rama’s character alone is considered as the most prominent, since maharishi took every care in depicting its authority, excellence and abundance. Maharishi has depicted Rama’s character with sixteen excellent qualities. Even upanishads praised Rama as an embodiment of Dharma, Lord , as a highest supreme being. In Ramayana dharmas were significantly introduced to achieve peace, harmony and happiness in life that an ordinary man needs. Maharishi said from the mouth of Mareecha, a , as “RAMA VIGRAHAVAN DHARMAHA” (Embodiment of Dharma). Thereby maharishi advocated to mankind to cultivate the qualities of Rama and not that of . Thus maharishi has created a great epic and infused various dharmas on various occasions encouraging the path of Bakthi, Gnana, Karma to pursue the enumerated values of life which are the principal objects of a man are depicted in Rama’s character. Many learned people viewed Ramayana in different perspectives. Some viewed it as Tatvagnanamu. Some viewed as Knowledge of Mantra Sastramu. Some say it as a holy epic for recital. However it is an encyclopedia for manifestation of life. It is a treasure of dharmas for all times. Thus it has the universal acceptance. There is a controversy in determining the period of Rama’s life time. Puranas says that there are thirty kalpas. The first among them is Swetha kalpa. In that kalpa, Vyvaswatamanmantra was the tenth. In that manmantra Rama was born at the end of twenty forth mahayuga, and in the last leg of tretayuga. In Vishnu purana it is said that there will be one in each yuga and where as in twenty forth mahayuga Valmiki him self was vyasa. This version was supported by Hora darpanam and Koorma-puranam. It is said in puranam that Kaikasi had three sons and a daughter. They were Ravana, , Vibeshana and

(viii) Surpanakha. It was also said in that Vayu purna that Ravana will be killed by Rama after extinction all his religious excellence. This substantiates that Rama was born in twenty fourth mahayuga and Valmiki has written this epic during the life time of Rama. According to Vishnu dharmothara purana, Markandaya maharishi tells the story of Rama to King Vraja. Therefore it is inferred that Rama was born and killed Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Kusa were born in Valmiki 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 made friendship with barbarians in the forest and torturing people who were passing through the forest. One day 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 was also with them. He took pity on Agni Sarma and asked him “Oh Agni Sarma! You want to kill and take away our belongings, we have not done any harm to you. Is it not a sin to kill others and rob them? Having done such a crimes to whom you are going to give those belongings?” Agni Sarma replied “that I will protect my father, mother and wife”. On hearing Agni Sarma’s reply, Atri Maharishi again asked him “your people are enjoying the fruits of your loot. Will they share in your sins also? Go home and ascertain from them. We shall wait till you come.” Agni Sarma went home and said to his father, mother, wife “I am robbing the people and protecting you all these years, tell me will you share my sins?” for which they all said “you have a responsibility of protecting father, mother, wife and children. We are not to bother how you earned it. So we will not share in your sins.” Agni Sarma went back and told Atri maharishi what his people said to him. He has repented for all his past sinful acts. Other maharishis also requested Atri maharishi to shower his kindness on Agni Sarma. Atri maharishi took pity on him. Then Atri initiated a Dhanya sloka to Agni Sarma coupled with a mantra which will eradicate all the sins. Maharishi instructed Agnisarma to sit under this tree and commence tapasya immediately and you will achieve salvation. All those maharishis went away on their pilgrimage and returned after thirteen years. On their return journey they happened to pass that way. They saw an anthill at the place where they suggested Agni Sarma to do penance. With their divine sight they understood that Agni Sarma was continuing his penance without any body consciousness. So an ant hill developed over him. They removed the anthill and saw Agni Sarma as a skeleton. There was nothing in his body except bones and skin. Atri maharishi woke him up and had a divine touch with his hands. He opened his eyes and saw maharishis with the brilliance of . Immediately he prostrated at their feet and said “Oh maharishis! With your kind grace, I had the true wisdom and all my sins were disappeared.” Atri maharishi said “oh Agni Sarma! With our initiation you have realized the knowledge of

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

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

(xii) Sense organs desire comforts. Those comforts can be provided only with the help of money. But the earning of money should not exceed its limits. If it exceeds it will produce adverse results. In Ramayana, we will observe that Rama, and Baratha valued wealth like a blade of grass. Thereby they occupied most glorious positions. expresses her doubt about the sincerity of Rama going to the forest. Then Rama said “Mother! My goal is to live in a righteous path and lead people in that path. So I give priority only to dharma. Ardha and 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 . 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)

VALMIKI RAMAYANAM Ayodhya Kandam

(This part is taken from 1st sarga and also from Aadyatma Ramayana) and Satrughna went to Girivrajapuram with their uncle Yudhajittu. Rama and Lakshmana were serving their father and mother at Ayodhya. Though Dasaratha loved all his sons equally, yet Rama was like his own life-breath. Kausalya was very affectionate towards Rama. Rama’s great and wonderful qualities are not definable for anybody. He was as valorous as his father and very handsome. He spoke very softly and sweetly with all people. He never spoke harsh words. If anybody behaved harshly with him, he chose not to reply them in such harsh words. He was always happy and grateful for whatever help he received from others. He chose to forget any harm done to him by others. That was why he always looked as pleasant as the moon light. While learning marshal arts also, whenever he found time, he sat with elders and tried to understand the established traditions and customs from them. He liked to sit with saints and knowledgeable elders to know the secrets of Vedanta. If anybody came for him, he would go first to receive them and talk to them. Though he was valorous, he was never proud of it. He always respected elders. He had commendable knowledge on all subjects. He was always truthful. He loved people and people also reciprocated and loved him in the same spirit. Rama was kind towards people in distress. He worshipped and elders. He

Ayodhya Kandam 1 almost did not know anger. In short he was the embodiment of all dharmas. He was focused in protecting and practicing dharma. He was a good conversationist and as knowledgeable as Bruhaspati. He did not waste time in sapless, fruitless discussions. Rama was hale and healthy and never suffered from any ailments. He was as beautiful as Manmatha. He knew how and when to perform any specific type of work and how to achieve good results from his work. He was good in assessing other’s capabilities. He was the only person who was born on earth with so many virtuous qualities. He learnt Vedas, Vedangas, sastras etc. He was competent in co-relating the hidden meanings of different sastras. He took extraordinary precaution before analyzing and commenting on dharma. He was proficient in practicing sastra. He used to divide his revenue into five parts. 1. For charities 2. For enhancement of glory 3. For social matters 4. For duties of this world and 5. For duties relating to the other world. He had excellent knowledge in dance, drama and music. Rama has conquered all his six internal enemies such as undue desire, anger, greed, jealousy and enmity. He had compassion on all Beings. He was as patient as mother earth. He was as wise as Bruhaspati. He was as valorous as Indra. He was as judicious as in deciding the subtle dharmas. He won the appreciation of all people by enacting welfare measures. He exceeded his father in archery. Looking at such a virtuous Rama, Dasaratha one day thought that people loved Rama more than him. Therefore, he thought that it was time for coronating him as crown Prince. He felt thart, it was not only him, but even mother earth was anxious to have Rama as her ruler. Dasaratha thought that he should see his Rama ruling the entire Bhoomandalam during his lifetime. He therefore

2 ValmikiAyodhya Ramayanam Kandam convened a meeting with all his ministers, subordinate kings, elders from the towns and villages and other distinguished citizens. He explained his desire of coronating Rama as the Crown Prince. But, in his urgency, he forgot to send invitations to the king of , King Janaka and his own sons Bharata and Satrughna who are in Kekaya kingdom presentlyt. He thought that they will be happy with the event. He treated all the people in that distinguished gathering with great respect and honoured them with suitable gifts. One day when Rama was sitting on his thrown, Sita, the manifestation of Yogamaya, was fanning and standing by his side. Rama was chewing betel leaves and conversing with Sita. At that time Narada Maharishi entered his room. Looking at him, Rama went ahead to invite the Maharishi and said “Oh righteous Maharishi! Your presence makes us pure and fortunate. Order me, what service I can do for you”. Narada said “Oh Rama! You are misleading me and other people also with your behavior as an ordinary human being. However, what you said is correct. Yogamaya is your wife who is the authority for creating all Brahmandam. Brahma and other devatas are born at your will. Your will alone is Moola Prakruti who is the creator of satva, rajas and tamo gunas. All the Brahmandams that she has created are your home. She is your house wife. You yourself act as Trimoortis and other devatas. Yogamaya only acts as their wives. In this manner, you are pervading everything. Without you, everything is nothing or soonyam. You both are the first primordial couple. By your will, Mahamaya has created all the brahmandams. All those creations ultimately will be absorbed in you. Again you will create, protect and demolish them all. Whoever seeks protection at your lotus feet, they will have your mercy. Because you are the servant of your devotees, you show

Ayodhya Kandam 3 kindness on me as one of your devotees. Don’t cover me with your Maya. Brahma was born from your navel. I am the son of Brahma. Thus, I become your grandson. By praising you I have become privileged. Oh Rama! King Dasaratha is making arrangements to coronate you as the king of Ayodhya. Do you remember that you have manifested on earth for killing Ravana and other rakshasas. If you involve in ruling your kingdom, will that divine cause be fulfilled”? Rama said “Oh Narada! I know everything. I am aware of my vow. Based on the maturing of their karma phalams, I will kill the rakshasas at an appropriate time. I will kill not only Ravana but also all his family line including other wicked rakshasas.” After knowing this, Narada saluted Rama and went on his way. Announcement of Coronation [This part is taken from 2nd Sarga and ] On hearing Dasaratha’s words people said in one voice that they all welcome the king’s decision with pleasure. “Oh king! You are very much tired and you keep the burden of ruling the country on Rama’s shoulders and take rest. King Dasaratah said “my dear people! I understand from your words that you are trying to keep me happy by accepting Rama as your king. But you are not expressing your honest opinion. You express your honest opinion without fear or favour. On hearing the king’s words the people said “Oh king! Rama is having all auspicious qualities. Rama is comparable with devatas with all his virtuous qualities. He is liked by all of us. How can we describe all his great qualities? In valor, he exceeds Indra. In wisdom he exceeds Bhruhaspati. He knows all dharmas and is truthful. He has no jealousy and is as patient

4 Valmiki Ramayanam as mother earth. He always stands by the side of distressed and unfortunate people. He has conquered his senses. He is auspicious and speaks always sweet words. He will respect elders and brahmins. In archery he can win even devatas and danavas. He learned all Vedas and its subsidiaries. He was never in distress. He constantly enquire the welfare of his servants and share in their difficulties. How can we explain you about his beauty? His eyes and eyedbrow are so beautiful and looks like the petals of lotus. With all these virtuous qualities he is comparable to lord Vishnu. Considering all these above qualities we all came to a conclution that Rama alone is the right ruler for us. Hence “oh king! You coronate such a Rama and fulfil our desire. Arrangements for Rama’s Coronation [This part is taken from 3rd Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] King Dasaratha was happy to hear the words of the assembled members, subordinate kings and the people. He ordered Vasista Maharishi to make all arrangement for the coronation to be held in the month of Chaitra. Taking the orders from the king, Vasista Maharishi said “Oh ministers! You arrange the gold, gems, clothes, grains etc for the coronation.” He asked them to keep the royal elephant, decorated with white clothes and fixed with a white umbrella. He also asked them to arrange for the best bulls and decorate their horns with gold ornaments. He ordered the officials to wash all the roads with sandal waters; to keep fragrances on all roads; to make arrangements to prepare delicious foods for all guests and Brahmins; to make ready by the next day morning, all the foods; to Clean all the roads and decorate with beautiful designs called kolams; to

Ayodhya Kandam 5 Call for actors, dancers, vesyas and musicians to entertain people at the second enclose and so on. All these arrangements are to be completed by the next day morning. After instructing to make all arrangements in the above manner, he went to see king Dasaratha. Then the king called Rama to his palace. Dasaratha saw Rama from his palace and was thrilled at his handsomeness. Dasaratha thought that Rama looked like a Ghandharva king. Rama came and prostrated at the feet of his father and stood obediently. Dasaratha lifted him up, embraced him affectionately and made him to sit on a golden throne. At that time, Rama looked like the Sun crossing Mt. meru. Dasaratha was enjoying the gracefulness of Rama and was extremely happy as if he was seeing his own reflection. “Rama! You are born to my principal wife Kausalya as my eldest son. You have all auspicious qualities and you are most affectionate to me. You have won appreation of all the people. I enquired all sections of people about you and they all wanted you to be their king. Elders have decided that today is the auspicious day for your coronation when the pushyamee nakshatra is the ascendant star. “My son! Though you are the embodiment of all virtuous qualities, I am bound to give you a few good words on this auspicious occasion. You listen and practice them in ruling this country. 1. Keep your senses in control. 2. Don’t yield to passions and anger. 3. Keep all your ministers and employees who are serving you directly or indirectly, satisfied.” Afterwards, Rama saluted to his father and went back to his house. All the people appreciated the decision of king Dasaratha. In the mean while, some enthusiastic people went to Kausalya to inform the good news. She donated gold, cows and gems to all those people and made them happy.

6 Valmiki Ramayanam Auspicious time for coronation [This part is taken from 4th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] After Rama left Dasaratha conferred with his ministers and decided to complete coronation by the next day on pusyamee star. However he said to Sumantra “I want to see Rama again. Bring him immediately”. Sumantra went to Rama’s house and said “Rama! king wants to see you immediately. Let us go”. Rama thought in himself why my father was calling him again in a short time? However he went to his father and prostrated at his feet. Dasaratha embraced him and told “Rama! I lived long and became old. I performed several yagnas and gave away large number of gifts. I enjoyed all pleasures. I cleared the debt of devatas by performing yagnas; cleared the debt of rishis by giving great gifts; and cleared the debt of my ancestral parents by having sons. Whatever are the duties born of taking this physical body, I have carried out all of them and I am now relieved from all of my responsibilities. If I complete your coronation, I will be fully relieved from all my responsibilities. Hence Rama, do as I say. All people want you as their king. Inspite of these good things, my mind is disturbed because of certain bad omens. I am witnesses lightenings striking the earth during the day time itself. From the astrological view point, I am passing through a very bad time. Either I may get involved in a big trouble or face even death. This is what our astrologers are cautioning me about. Before any untoward things happen, I want your coronation to be completed by tomorrow morning in pusyamee nakshatra (Star). In that auspicious moment, you must be coronated. I am also thinking that your coronation

Ayodhya Kandam 7 must be completed when Bharata is away from Ayodhya. Tonight you and Sita observe fasting. Vasista Maharishi will come and guide you.” Rama prostrated at the feet of his father and went to the Palace of his mother Kausalya. At that time, she was well decorated and was meditating on Vishnu and . On hearing the news of Rama’s coronation, and Lakshmana also reached the palace of Kausalya. Rama prostrated at the feet his mother and said “Mother! Father ordered me to rule the country and arranged coronation by tomorrow morning. He also adviced me and Sita to observe fasting and to sleep on darbha (Kusa) grass spread on the floor”. Kausalya blessed Rama with all auspicious things and wished him enjoy all good things and be a terror to all enemies. She said, “My son! I prayed Maha Vishnu all these years. He heard my prayers and gave you as my son”. Rama obediently stood by the side of his mother and said to Lakshmana “Brother! You are dearer to me than my own life. If this Kingdom is seeking my protection, it also means that she is also seeking your protection. You will also rule this country along with me. I accepted coronation as instructed by our father, only to keep you also very happy. From now onwards, you must enjoy all the comforts on earth.” Sita Rama dedicates to [This part is taken from 5th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayana] As instructed by king Dasaratha, Vasista Maharishi went to Rama’s house, taught them how to observe fasting and the vrat on that night and went back. Rama spent some time with his friends. While Vasista was going in a chariot he observed

8 Valmiki Ramayanam all the roads are crowded with men and women, both young and old, in a celebrating mood. The noise of the people resembled the sounds of an ocean. They were all anxiously waiting for the sun to come on sky in the east to witness Rama’s coronation. All the streets were washed and decorated with varieties of coloured designs of kolam. Vasista went to Dasaratha and said that Rama had dedicated himself to the vrat. He also informed the king about the enthusiastic public on the streets. Preparations for Rama’s coronation [This part is taken from 6th Sarga and Adhyatma Ramayanam] Rama and Sita worshiped the God, Sriman Narayana as instructed by Vasista Maharishi. Rama carried the vessel containing the havis on his head and offered it in agnihotra as an oblation. The remaining was taken by Rama and Sita as prasadam. Afterwords they spread darbha grass on the floor and slept in the presence of lord Vishnu. He woke up at brahmi muhurtham time in the morning, by the time the vandhis and maagadhis came and praised Rama. Rama took bath and completed his morning rituals, wore white silk garments and prayed and praised lord Vishnu with devotion. At that time brahmins came and chanted as a mark of purification for the occassion. The chanting of purification mantras were heard all over Ayodhya. The people decorated their houses and the streets with green mango leaves and flowers. They spilled sandal, turmeric and other perfume powders on the street. The pictures of various gods, Dasaratha, Rama and Sita were displayed on tree tops, temples and other prominent places in the city. Actors played dramas; dancers danced; and musicians sang songs to entertain the people in all junctions of four roads.

Ayodhya Kandam 9 praised the decision of king Dasaratha to make Rama as the king. People also praised the virtuous qualities of Rama and exchanged with others, their experiences with Rama with his brothers. Mandhara poisons the mind of Kaikeyi [This part is taken from 7th Sarga and from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Mandhara is the favorite maid of Kaikeyi. Mandhara went to the terrace of the palace and looked around the Ayodhya city. She found all the roads crowded with people. They all wore new clothes. In all junctions, flags were hoisted; and banners of gods, Dasaratha, Rama and Sita were erected. Brahmins, decorated with garlands, were chanting vedic mantras and walking fast from one place to other. All the temples were painted newly. Soldiers were guarding the city sitting on the back of elephants and horses. Mandhara asked Raamamaata, the maid of Kausalya Devi “you are the most favourite maid of Kausalya Devi. She is giving donations liberally. You are also wearing new clothes. The entire city is in a celebrating mood. Do you know the reason for this sudden celebration? If you know, tell me so that I can also enjoy the occasion.” Raamamaata, the maid of Kausalya Devi replied “Oh Mandhara! This is an occasion to feel happy for one and all. You also enjoy. Spotless Rama is going to be coronated as crown prince, tomorrow morning, at the time of the star of pusyami. To witness the function, people are coming from all nooks and corners of the country.” On hearing the news of Rama’s coronation, Mandhara became furious. Her body was burning with anger. She went

10 Valmiki Ramayanam running to Kaikeyi. At that time Kaikeyi was lying on the bed. Looking at her, Mandhara said “Oh ignorant queen! Are you still lying on the bed when your house is burning? Everybody says that you are the darling of the king. You are also living under the same illusion. How are you able to sleep so peacefully? The love of king on you is drying up like the water of a river in a hot summer”. Kaikeyi thought something wrong with her health and asked “Oh Mandhara! Is your health alright? What made you to become so much agitated? Tell me what is wrong with you?” Mandhara said “Oh queen! We are drowning in a ocean of grief. How can I tell? I have the feeling that I am being roled on hot burning fire. Since I ate your salt all these years, I came running to tell you about the bad news. If you are in grief, is it not my grief? If you are happy I feel I am also happy. The whole world knows that you are the dearest darling of our king. Your husband knows all dharmas. He teaches them to everyone. But in your case, he is doing a serious adharma. He talks sweet words with you and takes out what he wants from you. Hence you are not able to know his cruel . You believe everything that is white is milk. That is why he is able to cheat you so easily. But he is giving away all fortunes to Kausalya. Look at how cunning he is? He sent away Bharata from here so that there will be no one to obstruct his way. He took this opportune time and announced the coronation of Rama. Tomorrow morning he is going to make Rama the crown price of Ayodhya. All these years you are keeping him in your bed not knowing that he is a snake. If you are not alert, you will have to become a servant like me before his first wife, Kausalya. She will become the mother of the king. Bharata will become a servant of Rama.”

Ayodhya Kandam 11 On hering Mandhara’s words Kaikeyi got up from her bed like a spring and embraced Mandhara for giving such a sweet news. She took out a necklace from her body and gave her as a gift. “Oh Mandhara! Don’t you know that Rama and Bharata are same to me. I never looked at them as two different persons. Know it well that nothing will make me happier than the news of Rama’s coronation. Since you brought me such a good news, you ask me one more boon”. Kaikeyi supports coronation [This part is taken from 8th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Mandhara said “Oh ignorant queen! You keep your gift for yourself. When you are in deep trouble, how can I accept your gift? Am I ungrateful? Oh queen! Inspite of your neck- deep troubles, you are looking pretty happy. I realy pity you. At the same time I also laugh at your ignorance. I do not find another foolish woman like you. You are the only person feeling happy while the first wife’s son is becoming a king. It is as good as embracing death. Oh queen! Please listen to my words and understand carefully. If Rama is eldest, Bharata is the second. If that is the case, Rama will always be afraid of Bharata and will never love him. So, as long as they both are alive, Bharata is the first enemy of Rama. He will not hesitate even to kill him. Lakshmana is faithfull to Rama and Satrughuna is faithful to Bharata. Hence those two,being much younger, were not in the race for the throne. Rama is a statesman and a diplomat. Therefore he knows when and how to do things. Kausalya is a fortunate woman. All the while, she had enjoyed the status of the principal Queen and the first wife. Now she is going to have the status as the mother of the king. Hence, you and Bharata

12 Valmiki Ramayanam will have to stand before them like servants. In the same way, your daughter in law also will stand like a servant before Sita.” On hearing Mandhara’s words, Kaikeyi said “Oh Mandhara! Don’t talk like a fool. Stop your blabbering. What do you think of Rama? He is an embodiment of dharma and is very truthful. He is the elderst son of our king. He alone is eligible for the throne. I know very well that he will treat all his brothers like his sons. You are not only a hunch-back physically but also mentally. That is why you are showing jealousy towards Rama who is loved by all. Oh Mandhara! If Rama becomes king, Bharata also will be a king. You stop thinking in a wicked way and wait for the fortunate days to come. Do you know that Rama loves me more than Kausalya? When Rama becomes king, know it well that Bharata, Lakshmana and Satrughna also will become kings. They do not have any differences among themselves”. Mandhara said again, “Oh queen! Why are you neglecting my words? The kingdom goes always to the eldest son. In this way, the throne will go to Rama’s eldest son, but will never comes to Bharata. In the dynasty of kings, the name of Bharata will not appear. However much, I am breaking my head in your interest, you are only feeling happy for the fortune of the first wife, Kausalya. Added to that, you are giving me a gift. Know it well, the moment, Rama becomes king, he will banish Bharata from the country. Had Bharata also lived with Dasaratha he would have had the same love and affection on him. But you sent Bharata to your farther’s place for a long time. Since Lakshmana is closely associtated with Rama, he will not do any harm to him. But every danger is in store for Bharata. Hence you ask Bharata to go and live in forest so that he can save his life. If he is alive, you can hear his welfare. While you were young, you illtreated Kausalya. Now she will take

Ayodhya Kandam 13 vengence on you. You are a wise woman. I need not tell you all this in so many words. Unless you banish Rama from the country and make Bharata as king. There is no safety for his life. KAIKEYI TURNS SLAVE TO MANDHARA’S EVIL ADVICES [This part is taken from 9th Sarga and also from Adyatma Ramayanam] Kaikeyi said “Oh Mandhara! I did not understand the hidden meanings in your words. Now I realise what you mean. I am also anxious to stop the coronation of Rama immediately. My mind has become blank. You tell me some way out.” Mandhara said “Oh Queen! You know everthing. But you want to hear from my mouth. So, please listen. Long ago, your husband went to help Devatas, in their fight against danavas. He also took you along with him. At that time, you saved his life two times. Out of gratitude, your husband had offered you two boons. At that time, you did not accept them and said that “it is my duty to save the life of my husband”. However he insisted you to accept those boons. At that time you told him “Oh king! I deposit those boons with you and take them whenever I need”. He too agreed for it. You did not avail those boons till now. Now the time has come for you to demand those two boons.One, you ask for sending Rama to the forest for fourteen years; Second, you ask to make Bharata as the king. I will also tell you now, how to ask for those boons. Before the king comes, you remove all your ornaments, wear a soiled saree and go to your anger house. He cannot bear the torture of your anger and will agree for whatever you demand. However you should not come out with your demands unless you are sure that he will fulfill them. Since your husband is a truthful person, he will not go back.”

14 Valmiki Ramayanam Kaikeyi then said, “Oh Mandhara! All these years, I have treated you as an ordinary servant maid. I do not know that you have so much love and affection for me. Frankly speaking you have opened my eyes. Otherwise I would not have understood the wicked plans of my husband. You are very superior among the hunch-back women. You are the most beautiful among all of them. Though you bend while walking, your face is as bright as the Sun and as pleasant as the Moon. I have seen many mystics in the war between devatas and danavas. But all those mystics are inferior before your diplomacy. As soon as Rama goes to forest and Bharata becomes king, I will decorate your hunch-back with golden cover sewn with precious gems. I will see to it that all the other maids will serve you at your feet and press them when you need. Inspite of all that, I cannot repay the debt for the help you did.” Mandhara said “Oh Queen! Why are you wasting time with these words. Any time, the king may turn up here. So, you immediately jump into action and enter into the anger house. Once agiain, I am reminding you that you should not yield to the king without achieving these two boons. If you become soft, you will loose everything in life”. Now fate has possessed Kaikeyi also and she became a slave to her evil advices. Kaikeyi removed all her ornaments, threw them on the floor, wore a torn and soiled saree and entered the anger house. While entering, she assured Mandhara “Oh Mandhara! I am again making before you a vow. I will not yield to the king until he agrees to send Rama to forest and make Bharata the king. If I fail, I will not come out of this anger house. I will consume poison and die there itself”. After saying so, Kaikeyi entered the anger house and lay on the floor.

Ayodhya Kandam 15 DASARATHA GOES TO KAIKEYI [This part is taken from 10th Sarga and Adhyatma Ramayanam] Dasartha was very busy in making arrangements for the coronation. Till the last moment, he was keeping the arrangements in his control without exposing the news much. The balance work remaining for the coronation had been entrusted now to his subordinates. He thoughttherefore that it was the time for him to announce the news for all his kith and kin. Immediately Kaikeyi came into his mind. He thought it fit to inform her personally. Hence he entered the palace of Kaikeyi with enthusiasm and several romantic thoughts. The moment he entered the palace, normally Kaikeyi used to invite him with warm words. But contratory to his expectations, she was not seen anywhere. The maid came and informed him that the queen was in the anger house. By the time, he entered the anger house, she was lying on the floor wearing a torn and soiled saree. Her hair was loose and covered her face. By looking her in that state he was very much upset and went to her and said. “My darling! You always look auspicious. I do not understand why you became furious today, on me? Did any one insult you? Did anybody abuse you? Did anybody try to harm you? Order me what am I to do to keep you happy. Whoever had hurt you, if he is fit to be killed, I will kill him. Incase if I should not kill him myself, I shall get him killed through someone else. If any person of your liking is suffering with poverty, I will make him rich. If anybody tried to do any harm to you and if he is rich, I will make him a pauper. Why are you not opening your mouth? Order me what I can do for you. Are you suffering from any illhealth? If so I shall call all the doctors to attend on you. Oh queen! Are you not aware that we are all living under your control and mercy, including

16 Valmiki Ramayanam myself? Whoever did any harm to you I will not spare them. I can even give up my life for the sake of you. What all I said are true and I swear on my punyam. I will certainly do whatever you ask. You please open your mouth and tell what you desire.” Kaikeyi had decided in her mind that she would not come out unless he made a still more stringent vow. KAIKEYI COMES OUT WITH DEMANDS [This part is taken from 11th Sarga and Adhyatma Ramayanam] Kaikeyi thought within herself that “the king is now under the influence of lust and hence I can come out with my demands now”. However she wanted to press him once more, before coming out with her demands. Kaikeyi said “Oh king! Nobody has insulted me. I had a desire. If you promise me that if you will definitely fulfil the same, I shall ask for it. Otherwise it will become waste”. Dasaratha took her hand into his hands and said “My darling queen! Nobody is dearer to me than you and Rama in this world. I swear on Rama and my punyam and promise that I will fulfil your desire”. Kaikeyi said “Oh king! You made an oath on Rama and your punyam to fulfil my desire. Agni, all devatas, sun, moon, sky, planets, day, night and all directions have heard your promise and stand witness to it. You are a truthful and righteous person. You gave me two boons. I want them now. If you refuse to give them, I will commit suicide”. Dasaratha said “Oh Kaikeyi! I will stand by dharma and fulfill your desire. This is my promise”. Kaikeyi said “Oh king! When you were fighting on behalf of Devatas, your life was in danger from danavas two times. Both the times, I saved your life. You gave me two boons at that time. Till now I have not taken asked them from you. Now

Ayodhya Kandam 17 I want those two boons”. On hearing her words Dasaratha said “I remember those two boons given to you and I promise to fulfill them. Now you tell me what you want”? Kaikeyi said “Oh king! please listen peacefully. The first boon I want from you is that Bharata must be coronated as king. My second boon is, that, you must send Rama to reside in the forest for fourteen years wearing ordinary clothes like valkalas, leaving out his silk clothes. He must go to forest today itself.. You give me these two boons and keep up the prestige of your dynasty. By this your personal glory also will be enhanced. THE GRIEF OF DASARATHA [This part is taken from 12th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] On hearing the words of Kaikeyi Dasaratha fell down and fainted. After a while he recovered and was wondering whether he really heard those words or was it all a dream? All his sweet thoughts when he came there, dried up totally. When he looked at her now, he felt as if he was seeing a tigress. He shivered looking at her he said “Oh cruel Kaikeyi! I married yo,u thinking that you were a princess. You entered my house to destroy our family. What harm did I or Rama do to you? I can leave Kausalya, Sumitra and the kingdom also but not Rama. Without Rama, I am as good as dead. Living beings might live without sun and plants may survive without rains. But I cannot live without Rama. I touch your feet and pray for your mercy. You withdraw your desires. How did you entertain such a cruel thought? Are you trying to check how much love I had for Bharata? Don’t you remember that you used to tell me that Rama is your first son and he is to be coronated as king. You were praising his

18 Valmiki Ramayanam auspicious qualities in front of several people. You show pity on me and the people of Ayodhya and withdraw your desires. Are you speaking by youself or anybody has poisoned your mind? You are grieving and putting others also in grief. So far, you have not done anything against my interest. You never uttered a harsh word about me. Hence I am not able reconcile your words”. “Rama is a righteous, young boy. How can he live in forest for fourteen years? Why are you asking him to live in forests? Rama used to do service to you everyday. Why are you sending such a Rama to far off forests? Rama is valorous and has so many virtuous qualities like generosity, compassion, righteousness, the virtues of war and so on. He has not committed any blemishful act till now. He gives donations to the people who are in distress and makes them happy. He wins on his enemies with valor. Rama has many virtuous qualities,is truthful, gives donations, does tapasya, sacrifice; is pure in thought, word and deed, wisdom, knowledge, serving the Teachers and elders and total purity. He speaks so sweetly with all people. I am living only, seeing Rama. I give away all my kingdom to you. But you don’t send him to forests.” Kaikeyi said “Oh king! You are a valorous and righteous person. You gave those boons by yourself and you are now repenting. What reply can you give to Rajarishis if you break your promise? You lived so many years because of me. Now you are going back from the word given to such a Kaikeyi. You also promised those boons a few moments back, for which several devatas stood as witness. Hence if you don’t fulfill your promise, it will carry a wrong message to your people.” “ When there was a dispute between a dove and an eagle, the king Sibi had removed meat from his own body to keep up his word. King Alarka had donated his eyes to a blind brahmin

Ayodhya Kandam 19 and became glorious. The oceans kept up the word given to devatas and did not cross their boundaries. All those things were done only to keep up their word and became glorious. Hence you also keep up your word.” Kaikeyi continued, “I am able to guess your wicked thinking. You want to make Rama as king and want to enjoy with Kausalya. Don’t try to teach me morals. There is nothing unrighteous in my desires and I did not tell any lie. If you stick to your word and do coronation to Rama, I will consume poison and die now itself. But I will not accept Kausalya as Rajamata. I am telling these words, swearing on my son,Bharata. Nothing will keep me happy except banishment of Rama to the forest and coronation of Bharata”. Dasaratha tried to convince Kaikeyi several times and could not succeed. With uncontrollable grief, he fainted several times and tried to say something but could not say a word. After sometime he recovered and said “Oh Kaikeyi! I have announced the coronation of Rama in the presence of ministers, subordinate kings and people. How can I go and announce about Rama’s exile? Will they not laugh at me? If I do not coronate Rama, I will become a lier. All these years Kausalya served me like a servant. when playing chess, she joins as a friend. While wishing my welfare, she always acted like a sister. While feeding me she served like mother. While performing yagnas she acted as dharmapatni. Though she was keeping me happy in several ways, I ignored her, for fear of you. Out of love for you, I spent all my time with you. Inspite of that, she never said even one harsh word to me. It is only a providence of god for her to deliver Rama as her son and he becoming the eldest. If you insist me to send Rama to forests, how can I show my face to Kausalya. I was deceived by your beauty as if consuming poison and thinking it as wine. People

20 Valmiki Ramayanam will blame me that I sold Rama for the sake of a woman. People will outcaste me like a brahmin who consumed wine. People will certainly hate me for sending Rama to forests. Rama was kept away so long, from comforts of palace because he lived in gurukulam. Since he came to enjoy comforts now, you are asking him to go to forests. If I ask Rama to go to forests, he will certainly obey my orders and he will not say no. Once Rama goes to forests, I will leave this world. Kausalya also will follow me. Sumitra, Lakshmana and Satrughna also will be drowned in grief. Afterwards, you and Bharata alone will enjoy this kingdom. After my death this ikshvaku line will become blemishful. If Bharata also is willing to rule this country, he should not perform my last rites. After my death, you become a widow and rule this country with your son. From now onwards, all living creatures will call you as a sinner.” DASARATHA REQUESTS KAIKEYI AGAIN AND AGAIN [This part is taken from 13th Sarga and Adhyatma Ramayanam] Dasaratha fell on the ground and rolled on it, like king who was pushed down from heaven after exhausting his punya phalam. Requesting, crying and beging were not the habbit of Dasaratha. Since he was bound by dharma, he requested her again and again. But, Kaikeyi was firm in achieving her boons. She provoked him by saying “Oh king! You boast yourself that you are a truthful person. Why are you thinking hundred times to fulfill the promise made to me?” Dasaratha said “Oh cruel Kaikeyi! Enemies are better than you. Once Rama goes to forests, I am certain to die. After my death, when I goes to heaven, all devatas will ask me “Why did you send Rama to forests?” What should I answer them? Neither I can tell the fact nor I can tell a lie.

Ayodhya Kandam 21 “Oh Kaikeyi! For many,many years, we suffered without begetting children. After a great struggle, we had Rama. How can I send him to forests? Rama is not only valorous but he has won over anger, he is patient and has such a great character. You look at his eyes; they are as broad and wide as lotus petals. Such a Rama, you are asking me to send to forests.” Dasaratha continued further, “Oh queen! You are my wife. You are to wish all auspicious things for me. All these years, I lived as a truthfull person. I may not live long. I am seeking your protection. I will give away all my kingdom to you. You give it to Rama with your own hands. Even Bharata will happily agree to it. Vasista and others also will worship you. Your glory will remain immortal. I also will become truthful. This will be acceptable for all. SUMANTRA GOES TO SEE DASARATHA This part is taken from 14th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam Inspite of several appeals by the king the heart of Kaikeyi did not melt. Kaikeyi said “Oh king! Dharma depends on Truth. Truthful persons only will reach the abode of . Hence I am asking you to keep to the truth and follow the path of dharma. When I ask the boons, why are you agitated as if you are doing a big sin and why you are rolling on the floor. Know it well that dharma alone will brings you glory and superior lokas. If you refuse to give my boons, I will consider you as telling a lie. I will also assume that you are leaving me. In that case I will die in your presence itself.” Long back bound Bali chakravarthy with dharmapasam. In the same manner, Kaikeyi also fastened Dasaratha with dharmapasam. Dasaratha said “Oh sinful Kaikeyi! I married you in front of agni. Now I am leaving you

22 Valmiki Ramayanam and your son Bharata. Bharata should not perform my last rites. Now the night has come to an end. Vasista and others may come anytime. People are eagerly waiting for Rama’s coronation. I cannot go and see their faces”. Kaikeyi said “Oh king! Your words are not only violent but also painful. Don’t waste time. You call Rama here. Order him to go to forests. Then only, Bharata will not have any enemies. Immediately you do your duty.” Dasaratha said “Oh wicked woman! You have fastened me with dharmapasam. My mind has become dumb. I want to see Rama immediately.” In the mean time, it became dawn. Vasista and others came to Ayodhya with all the materials required for coronation. All the roads and streets were decorated with decorative designs and people were moving here and there. Vasista said “Oh Sumantra! I brought all the materials for coronation. You go, inform the king and escort him.” Sumantra entered the palace and said “Oh king! You be happy just as the oceans become happy with sunrise. I am waking you up, just as Mathali wakes up the Indra. As Vedas wake up Brahma, I am waking you up. As sun and moon wakes up Bhoo Devi, I am waking you up. Complete your rituals, decorate yourself and come out to give audience to the people. Oh king, Indra, agni, , Siva, , sun and moon will protect you by all means. Oh king! All the materials that are required for the coronation were brought and kept ready. Give us order to perform the coronation to Rama.” Dasaratha heard all the praising words of Sumantra and said “Oh Sumantra! All your praisings are tearing my heart”. Kaikeyi said “Oh Sumantra! Our king was thinking all the night about Rama. He slept just an hour back. Hence you

Ayodhya Kandam 23 bring Rama immediately, by that time he will get ready. On hearing Kaikeyi’s words, Sumantra went back to bring Rama. THE DESCRIPTION OF CORONATION [This part is taken from 15th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Vasista and others kept the materials ready for coronation. All arrangements were made. Subordinate kings and other dignitaries were waiting for the king with gifts. People were anxiously waiting for Rama. In the mean time, Sumantra came out of the palace of Keikeyi and went towards the house of Rama to bring him to Kaikeyi. Many vesyas came decorated with ornaments and colourful dresses. Actors, dancers and musicians came with their instruments and were entertaining the people in various part of the city. Some of them were waiting at the second encloser entertaining the palace establishments. SUMANTRA GOES TO RAMA [This part is taken from 16 and 17th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Sumantra went to Rama’s palace. At that time Rama was well decorated with ornaments and silk garments and was sitting on a throne. He looked like Kubera. Sita was standing by his side. Sumantra said “Oh Rama! King and Kaikeyi want to see you”. Rama said “Oh Sita! Father and mother want to see me, perhaps they wanted to bless me some auspicious words in connection eith my coronation. Sumantra has come to take me. My mother Kaikeyi always wishes my welfare. I consider it is a good omen to see my father and mother at one place before my coronation”. Sita said “Oh Lord! Now your father is coronating you as Brahma coronated Indra. I want you to see while performing

24 Valmiki Ramayanam Rajasuya yaga wearing krishnajinam and keeping the horns of black deer in your hands. May Indra, Yama, Varuna and Kubera protect you”. RAMA VISITS DASARATHA Rama went with Sumantra to see his father and mother. On coming out, he saw Lakshmana standing there. Rama and Lakshmana went to see Dasaratha. On their way they saw milling crowds waiting to have the glimpse of Rama and praising him. KAIKEYI TELLS RAMA ABOUT HER BOONS [This part is taken from 18th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Rama went to Dasaratha. There he saw his father lying on bed motionless. He prostrated at the feet of his father and mother. Looking at Rama, Dasaratha could only utter one word, “Rama!” His throat was filled with grief and he could not speak beyond that. Rama had never seen his father in that condition. Rama said “Oh mother! Why is my father lying on bed motionless? Is he keeping good health? Why he is in distress? Why he is looking restless? Whenever he sees me he used to embrace me with joy. Now there is no happiness on his face. Have I wounded his feelings by ignorance? Why he is not talking to me? Are Bharata and Satrughna safe? Please tell me how I can keep my father happy? Did you utter any harsh words that wounded my father?” Kaikeyi said “Rama! Your father is not angry on anyone. He is not suffering with any ailment. However he is afraid of informing you one word, because you are so dear to him. That is why, he is not able to tell you that unpleasant word. However you should know it.

Ayodhya Kandam 25 Long ago, he gave me two boons. He is now worried, how to fulfill them. His mind is fully occupied with repentance. What is the use of repenting after the event? Rama! Truth is the support for all dharmas. Out of love for you, he wants to become untruthful. It is in your hands to make your father a truthful person. Rama! I should tell you a truth whether it may be pleasent to you or not. The king is afraid of telling it to you himself”. Rama said “Oh mother! Don’t talk like that. If father wants me to jump into the fire I will do it. He is my father and also the king. I will obey his orders. He is my well wisher. Even if he orders me to consume poison, I will consume it. If he wants me to drown in an ocean, I will do it. Mother! If father is unable to tell me that unpleasant word, you tell me, I will accept it as my father’s order for me. This is my vow. Rama is not a man of two words”. Kaikeyi said “Rama! Long ago, your father fought on behalf of devatas. In that battle, danavas were about to kill him twice. Both the times I saved his life. At that time, out of gratitude, he gave me two boons. Now I wanted your father to give me those two boons. One is, you must give up the kingdom, go to forests wearing valkalas and live in the forests for fourteen years. You have to leave to the forest today itself. The second is that Bharata is to get coronated as the crown prince. These two words your father is not able to tell you. RAMA AGREES TO GO TO FOREST [This part is taken from 19th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Rama said “Mother! I obey your orders. The king will fulfil those two boons given to you and will become a truthful king. Today itself I will go to forest wearing valkalas and live a sage-

26 Valmiki Ramayanam like life. Why is father so much worried for this small matter? Should I not obey if my father orders me? He is not only my father but also my king. Hence it is my duty to obey his orders? I am always greatful to him. Had my father asked me, I could have surrendered even my life for the sake of Bharata. Had my father told one word about Bharata’s coronation, I would have gladly accepted. Even without any provocation I am prepared to surrender myself, Sita, this kingdom and all my near and dear for the sake of Bharata. Mother! My father won many battles and known as a valorous king. I cannot see tears in his eyes. You console him. You send word for Bharata and complete coronation. I am leaving for forests today itself. Kaikeyi said “Rama! Your father is feeling shy to tell you these words. You immediately go to forests. Unless you leave Ayodhya, your father will not take a bath and will not take food. In view of his health it is necessary for you to leave for forests immediately. If you make delay, anything untoward may happen. As advised by you, I shall send the messengers to bring Bharata immediately. As soon as he comes, he will be coronated as a king.” Dasaratha heard the words of Kaikeyi and was heart- broken with grief and fainted. Rama rushed to his father, lifted him, placed him on the bed and served him. Kaikeyi said “Oh Rama! On the pretext of serving your father, you are delaying your journey to forests. There are many servants to serve him. Hence you leave for the forest immediately. Rama said “Mother! I am not hurt by your words. I am not doing service to the king anticipating either any money or any favour. I considered it as my duty to serve my father. I have become a sage. Whether my father may say or not, I obey

Ayodhya Kandam 27 your words as his orders. I shall leave today itself to forests and live fourteen years leading a sage-like life. Mother! You have every right order me about what you want. Since you and my father did not say even one word about Bharata’s coronation, this has made me to feel that you both perhaps have no faith on me. That is causing me more pain than my going to forests. Immediately I will go to my mother and Sita to inform them and proceed to the forests. You tell Bharata to take care of the king. On hearing the words of Rama Dasaratha cried loudly. Rama prostrated at the feet of his father and kaikeyi and went to Kausalya’s palace. Lakshmana also followed him. There was no change what so ever in Rama’s face on this turn of events. It was as pleasant as he entered the palace. Rama sent back his chariot and went by foot to his mother’s place. RAMA INFORMS HIS MOTHER ABOUT HIS EXILE [This part is taken from 20th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] By the time Rama went to Kausalya Devi she was worshiping Maha Vishnu. Rama went and prostrated at her feet. She blessed him with glory and longevity. She said “Rama! You have not taken food last night. Now you take food. After a short while, your father is going to coronate you”. Rama said “Mother! We are in deep trouble. I am hesitating to tell you the sad news. In a short while I have to go to forests leaving you, Sita and Lakshmana. In future I am going to live on fruits, roots and honey instead of preparations made of meat. Father has ordered me to go to forests. Bharata will be coronated as king. He ordered me to live a muni’s life in forests for fourteen years”. On hearing Rama’s words, Kausalya fell down and fainted. She recovered after a while and said “My son! I did not enjoy

28 Valmiki Ramayanam any comforts with your father. I was only waiting for the last seventeen years after your upanayanam to lead a comfortable life after you become a king. Now that hope is also lost. I suffered many insults and humiliations at the hands of Kaikeyi. Your father also took the side of Kaikeyi in humiliating me. All these years Kaikeyi treated me worse than a servant. Now I have to live at the mercy of Bharata. Instead of living such a heinous life I prefer to die. I made several vows and had you as my son. Now you are going to forests and all my dreams have become futile. I will also come with you to the forests just as a cow goes behind its calf. By saying so she wept bitterly. LAKSHMANA CONSOLES KAUSALYA [This part is taken from 21st Sarga and also from Adhyatima Ramaynam] Lakshmana said “The king has become old but he is still thinking that he is young. He is still lustfull and has become a puppet in the hands of a woman and made wrong pronouncements. Hence, Rama need not obey his orders. What offence did Rama commit to banish him from the country? Even a bitter enemy will not speak one harsh word against Rama. Will any father pronounce such a punishment for his own son? Before the matter became public, we shall take possession of the kingdom. Rama! You stand on one side with your bow and arrows. I will stand on another side. We shall kill all the four wings of army. Whoever supports Bharata, I will kill all of them. Even if Dasaratha comes forward in support of Kaikeyi, I will kill take him prisoner and, if forced to do so, kill him also. One can kill his own guru if he goes in a unrighteous way. This is a Rajadharma. You are the rightful king of Ayodhya. How can he give this kingdom to Kaikeyi? I am a devotee and an implicit follower of

Ayodhya Kandam 29 Rama. I swear on my bow and on my punyam that I can jump into the flames or drown in the ocean for the sake of Rama. If Rama decides to go to forests, I will also go with him. Mother! I am not able to bare your grief.” Kausalya said “Rama! You listen to Lakshmana! Your father banished you from the country only to please my co wife and put me in grief. I am ordering you to disobey his orders. Obeying the orders of mother is also a dharma. Who will do service to me in my oldage? Know it well that serving mother is also a superior dharma. Long ago Kasyapa did service to his mother and went to the heaven. How your father is deserving of your worship as your Guru, the same way, I am also worthy of worship by you. I refuse to give permission to you to go to forests. Otherwise you take me also with you to the forests. I can live happily there in your presence. If you refuse to take me I will resolve to fast until my death.” Rama said “mother! I have no power to disobey my father’s orders. Kandu Maharishi killed a cow to obey the orders of his father. The sixty thousands sons of Sagara, of our dynasty, obeyed their father’s order, dug the oceans and were burned to ashes. ParasuRama obeyed his father’s orders and killed his mother Renuka Devi. There are several people who obeyed their father’s orders and became glorious. So I will also follow their foot prints. Lakshmana! I know how affectionate you are towards me. I also know about your valor. But it is not the right time to speak of kshatriya dharma. Dharma alone secures all Purusharathas. Truth is the shelter for all dharmas. Truth cannot survive without dharma. Both are interdependent. A virtuous person whoever promises to his father, mother and any brahmin should not break his promise. Hence do not develop anger in you towards anyone.

30 Valmiki Ramayanam Mother! I have decided to go to forest. Don’t obstruct me. If you bless me, I will come back from the forests after fourteen years. Till such time all of us, you, myself, Sita, Lakshmana and others, are to obey the orders of our king. This is our sanatana dharma. All the materials that are procured for the coronation may be used for Bharata. You bless me to go to forests”. Kausalya said “My son! I gave birth to you. Hence you are to obey my orders also as dutifully as your father’s. I do not even wish the heaven, nector or the swadhas of pitru loka, after my death. I want to live by your side as long as I am alive. Rama said “Lakshmana! By practicing dharma alone we gain all the other Purusharthas viz artha, kaama and . I will tell you how. We find all the three virtues in a wife such as obedience, affection and giving good sons to us. In the same way we should not follow that dharma which gives us artha alone. If we follow dharma to achieve artha only, that cultivates jealousy. Lakshmana! Dasaratha is guru and father to you also. So you have to obey his orders. Mother is his dharmapatni. For her also, he alone is the shelter and she is to obey his orders. That is Sanatana dharma. Our father has the reputation as the superior among all his ancestors. While such a righteous person is alive, how can the mother go with her son like a widow. Mother! You are the principle queen for the king. Unless you bless me, how can I achieve dharma and glory. Kingdom is a blade of grass for me before dharma.” Speaking in this manner Rama made pradhakshina namaskaram around his mother and went to his palace.

Ayodhya Kandam 31 RAMA PACIFIES LAKSHMANA [This part is taken from 22nd Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayaam] Rama said “Lakshmana! You are hissing like a cobra but your heart is pure and soft. You are my dearest brother. Leave anger. Forget your humiliation. So far you were enthusiastic for my coronation. Now you show equal enthusiasm for stopping the arrangements for my coronation. If you make up your mind in this manner, you will not have grief and you will enjoy Ananda. Unless I go to forests immediately Kaikeyi will not have peace of mind. Then only she can plan to perform Bharata’s coronation peacefully. Father wanted to perform coronation for me, but it did not occur. You know it well that both are the acts of god. Hence Kaikeyi is only a tool in the hands of god. Hence don’t develop any hatred towards Kaikeyi or Bharata. We were all serving our mothers equally. Suddenly Kaikeyi took an aggressive posture. It is nothing but an act of god. We do not understand the acts of god. LAKSHMANA SAYS VALOR IS GOD [This part is taken from 23rd sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Lakshmana heard Rama’s words patiently. In the heart of hearts, he was happy with the attitude of Rama. However he was distressed since Rama was going to forest. He could not digest the theory of karma phalam and said “Rama! You are superior among the . You have the fear that people will blame you for not obeying the orders of our father. You also have a fear that harm may happen to dharma. It is nothing but your fear. You took a hasty decision of going to forest. Brother ! God has no power. To achieve his things, he makes use of men. Those who are weak and distressed, will

32 Valmiki Ramayanam yield to the god. Since you are a valorous person you can oppose his acts. Why are you not suspecting all this is a game of Dasaratha and Kaikeyi? They are telling sweet words under the mask of dharma. This is a preplan of the king and queen. Rama! You think a while! Dasaratha has given two boons to his wife long long ago. Why did they not reveal the same all these years? Why did she not avail those boons till now? Is it the right time for her to avail those boons? Are they not taking shelter under those boons to interrupt your coronation? If we break the conspiracy of the king and queen, no harm will happen to dharma. Nobody will blame you. You are the eldest son. How can the king coronate for others? Is it not aginst the tradition coming from times immemorial? People will not accept it. I cannot agree with this thinking. I tell you how! You obeyed the orders of our father and agreed for the coronation. Now he says that he will not coronate you. If dharma keeps changing every now and then, can we call it dharma? In this manner obeying father’s orders is only a passion but not dharma. Even if we call it dharma, king Dasaratha was lustful and became a slave to one woman. You need not obey the orders of such a king. You are a valorous person. You are capable of taking revenge on the conspiracy hatched on you. This is a drama of king Dasaratha and Kaikeyi. Even though you disobey his orders, people will not blame you. Rama! According to you, Dasaratha and Kaikeyi are the tools in the hands of god. You may console yourself, but I will not agree. Only weak and powerless people will respect god. I will prove with my valor whether the power of valor is great or the power of god is great. I will oppose whoever comes to resist your coronation. Even a wild elephant will be controlled by the mahout with an elephant goad. In the same way I will

Ayodhya Kandam 33 bring the god into my control, as a mahout brings a wild elephant under his control. This is not the age for you to live in forests. You are to go to forests only after ruling the country for thousand years. Even then your son alone will rule the country but not Bharata. This is what Vedas and epics also teach. Rama! King Dasaratha has lost his mental balance. The orders of such a king need not be obeyed. Hence you get ready for coronation. I will stand by your side and kill whoever opposes you. Know it well that today is the last day for king Dasaratha’s rule and you rule from today. I am your servant. You order me what am I to do? I am waiting for your orders.” Rama embraced Lakshmana and removed his tears with his hand and said “Brother! I will not disobey the orders of my father. This is my firm opinion. This is only the right path. You also leave the violent attitude and follow me.” KAUSALYA DEVI GIVES CONSENT [This part is taken from 24th sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] On hearing the words of Rama Kausalya said “Rama! You have decided to go to forests. Nobody can change your mind. How can you live with Uncha Vrutti (here, it means eating nuts and vegetables fallen from trees)? Even your servants are eating delicious foods in the palace. The moment you go to forests I am going to die. Hence you take me also to the forests like an old cow. Rama said “Mother! Kaikeyi has already betrayed father. If you also come to forests, who will look after him? If all of us neglect him, he will die. A wife should always serve her husband and should not leave him. This is Sanatana dharma”.

34 Valmiki Ramayanam Kausalya said “Rama! Nobody can change your mind. As long as you are in forest, you take care of your safety. I pray all devatas for your safe return. You fulfil the orders of your father and have immortal glory”. By saying so she embraced and blessed him. Rama prostrated at her feet and took her blessings. KAUSALYA BLESSES RAMA [This part is taken from 25th sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Kausalya Devi said “Rama! You followed the path of dharma all these years. That dharma alone will protect you in the forests. While you are living in forests all devatas will protects you. May you be protected form animals and other creatures. Kausalya applied sandal paste on the body of Rama. She amulate containing visalyakarani purified with mantras on his shoulder. RAMA SPEAKS TO SITA [This part is taken from 26th sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Rama went to his palace silently on foot. He saw milling crowds on all roads. Sita was waiting for him. She shivered with fear, looking at the silent and sorrowful Rama and asked “Prabhu! Why are you so distressed? Your coronation is to be performed on pushyami nakshatra today. Where is your royal elephant? Why did they not sprinkle honey, curd and other auspicious materials on your head? Where are the Ministers and who come alongwith you?” Rama said “Sita! My father ordered me to go to the forests. You are born in a royal family. You know all royal dharmas. I will tell you what has happened. Listen.

Ayodhya Kandam 35 Long ago, my father gave two boons to my mother Kaikeyi. Now she has demanded for those two boons from the king. One is, I must go to forests for fourteen years. The second is that Bharata must be coronated as king. My father is a truthful and righteous person. I have to obey his orders. Today itself I am leaving ayodhya and going to forests. As soon as Bharata comes, my father will coronate him as a king. Sita! I came here to inform you before I go to forests. After coronation, Bharata will come to pay his respects to you. You don’t praise about my good qualities before him. Because those people who are rich and in power will not like to hear the good qualities of others. You keep performing and fastings. Every morning you serve my father and mother. She is in distress since I am going to the forests. Hence, you console her. Bharata, Satrughna are like your sons. However he is your king. Keeping the same in mind you respects him always. SITA REPLIES TO RAMA [This part is taken from 27th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Sita heard the words of Rama patiently and said “Rama! Why are you talking these meaningless words? People will laugh at you. Father, mother, brothers and all others will take birth, based on their karma phalam and leave after experiencing them. But, wife alone will live with him till the end of her life experiencing the good and the bad. Since the king has ordered you to go to forests, it amounts to that, he has ordered me also to go to forest. For a woman, husband alone is the support. She does not depend on father, mother, sons etc. Even in other world also she lives with her husband. If you have decided to go to forests, I will walk before you and clean your path. I will not give you any trouble in the forests. Even sastras pronounce that a wife is to follow her husband.

36 Valmiki Ramayanam Whether he lives in a palace or in a forest she is to follow him like a shadow. All these things, I learnt in my mother’s place while I was an infant. Do not try to frighten me by saying that there will be lions and tigers in the forest. Whatever difficulties come there, all the fourteen years I will be with you and I will be serving you. I will observe the most difficult brahmacharya vrata there. In this manner I can live with you even for a lakh of years. RAMA TELLS ABOUT THE HARDSHIPS IN FOREST [This part is taken from 28th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Rama said “Oh Sita! You are born in a royal family. You are brought up with all comforts. You are a virtuous woman. You be in the palace observing vratas and fasting. That only keeps me happy. If you come to forest with me, you cannot walk in the forests because they are full of thorns. There, you have to travel through tall mountain peaks, deep valleys, streams and rivulets etc. You will not get food in time. You will also not get food even for days together. Those, days you have to remain on empty stomach. There, you will find cruel animals, insects, serpants etc. Hence you stay in the palace till I come back” SITA INSIST TO GO TO FORESTS [This part is taken from 29th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramyanam] Sita said “Prabhu! You said that the cruel animals like lions and tigers will be wandering freely. The moment they see you, they will all run away with fear. Since I stay behind you, they cannot do harm to me. Your father ordered you to go forests. It implies in his order that you should take me also with you. If you go alone, leaving me, I will die. If I am with you, even

Ayodhya Kandam 37 Indra cannot look at me. You yourself told me that a woman abondoned by her husband cannot live. Even before my marriage an astrologer told to my mother that “your daughter will live in forests with her husband”. That is why I requested you to take me to the forests on the banks of . You also agreed for the same. Now god alone is sending us to the forests. Hence I am not distressed for going to forests. In other words it is happening only as per my horoscope. You promised me in the midst of veda mantras at the time of our marriage that you will not leave me. If you don’t take me, I will consume poison. THE DISCUSSION BETWEEN SITA AND RAMA [This part is taken from 30th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramyanam] The consoling words of Rama pained Sita. However she said “Oh Rama! Looking at your broad chest, people feel you as a handsome male;But there is no courage in you. If you alone go to forest, my father will regret for having given his daughter to a woman in the attire of a man. Though you look like a man but you possess the weaknesses of a woman. People have a high opinion that you are a valorous person. Now they will withdraw their opinion, which will reduce your reputation. Why are you thinking of going alone? What are your fears? Savithri married Satyavartha. She followed her husband wherever he went. Now I take her as my role model and will come to forests with you. Do you want me to stay back to serve your parents? Know it well that, that is not my duty. My foremost duty is to serve you. While walking behind you, even thrones in the forests will be as soft as a bed of roses for me. Whatever fruits and roots that you give me I will eat them as nector”. After saying so, Sita fainted and fell down.

38 Valmiki Ramayanam Rama took her into his arms, wiped away her tears and said “Sita! I will not do anything that will hurt your feelings. I will not go even to heaven without you. Like Brahma I am also not afraid of anybody. I am capable of protecting you. I wanted to know your mind before I agree to take you with me. I also cannot live without you. Brahma has made both of us to live together. Long ago, many people obeyed their father’s orders and attained immortal glory. I will also follow their foot prints. As Suvarchala followed the Sun, you also come behind me. Father, mother and guru are the gods on earth. If I obey the orders of my father, I will have heaven, wealth, knowledge and sons. Now you make all preparations for going to the forests. You take out all your valuables, ornaments etc, donate to brahmins, servants and poor people”. On hearing Rama’s words Sita was very happy and went into the house to make preparations to go to forests. THE DISCUSSION BETWEEN RAMA AND LAKSHMANA [This part is taken from 31st Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Lakshmana heard the conversation of Rama and Sita. He was very much distressed and said “Rama! I understand that you and Sita have decided to go to forests. You take me also with you. Without you, I don’t prefer even heaven. If you take me with you, I will serve you and Sita day and night”. Rama said “Lakshmana! You are not only my brother but also my dearest friend. You are more than my life. If you also come with us who will look after the king and our mothers? Our king is now bound by the weakness of lust. Kaikeyi will not be satisfied by grabing the kingdom but she may also harrass our mothers. There will be no one to serve them. Serving elders is a superior dharma. Hence you stay back in Ayodhya and serve father and our mothers”.

Ayodhya Kandam 39 Lakshmana said “Oh Rama! You don’t worry about our mothers. Because Bharata has more love and devotion to you. He is also afraid of you. Hence he will not dare to illtreat our mothers. Not only that, Kausalya Devi is holding thousand villages under her control. Hence she need not depend on Bharata. With that money she can take care of my mother also. Hence you forgot about the safety of our mothers and allow me to come with you. I will serve you in several ways. Even when you both are sleeping, I will guard you”. Rama said “Lakshmana! I am happy for the love and affection shown to me. You also come with me. Without you, I cannot live. I have deposited the divine bow, arrows, sword and other weapons gifted by Varuna for worship in the house of Vasista Maharishi. Bring all of them and make preparations to go” Lakshmana was happy. He went to Vasista Maharishi’s house and came back with the weapons and showed them to Rama. RAMA DONATES ALL HIS WEALTH [This part is taken from 32nd Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Lakshmana came back with Suyagna, son of Vasista. Rama and Sita paid respects to him with pradakshanim and gave gold, gems and many other valuables. Sita gave her jewels to his wife. In the mean while a poor brahmin came to see Rama. Trijata a brahmin came and blessed Rama. He was a poor brahmin living in the outskrits of Ayodhya in the forests. He used to go to forests to reap fruits and roots and was contented with them. He had many childrens. Hence his wife, Taruni, said “Prabhu! Rama is going to forest. He is giving away all his belongings to brahmins and poor. If you go at this time he may

40 Valmiki Ramayanam give you some money so that we can live comfortably”. Trijata took his children and went to see Rama. On seeing Rama, Trijata said “Oh prince! You are a glorious person. I am a poor brahmin with many children. With your grace I am doing tapasya and living on fruits and roots that are available in the forests. If you show mercy on us we will be comfortable”. Rama looked at them and said “Oh superior brahmin! All those cow herds are mine. You take whatever number you may like. You throw the stick in your hand above those cows. Wherever the stick lands, upto that point, all those cows will be yours”. Trijata stood up and threw the stick in his hand with great speed. That went far beyond Sarayu river where the cows are grazing. Rama embraced and said “Oh superior brahmin! Don’t ask me why I put you to the show of strength though you came for a donation. All those cows belong to you. You take them all and be happy. You ask me if you want anything more. Whatever you ask I will give you”. Trijata did not ask for anything more, blessed him with long life and glory and went away. RAMA SEEKS PERMISSION FROM HIS FATHER [This part is taken from 33rd Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Sita, Rama and Lakshmana donated all their money and went to his father’s palace to take leave from him. They all went by walk. All the roads and streets were fully crowded. Each one of them were talking about the glorious qualities of Rama and Sita. They abused Kaikeyi and Dasaratha for sending Rama to the forest. Some of them said, king Dasaratha was under the influence of some evil spirit. People followed them and decided that they also would go to forests behind Rama. Rama heard all those words and did not express any feelings. He entered the palace of Dasaratha where Sumantra was

Ayodhya Kandam 41 waiting outside. Rama said “Sumantra! I am going to forests. I want to take permission from my father before I leave. You go and inform the king”. RAMA SEEKS PERMISSION FROM HIS FATHER [This part is taken from 34th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Sumantra went to Dasaratha and said “Oh king! Rama is waiting outside to take your permission.” Dasaratha said “Sumantra! You call all my wives so that they can all see Rama”. Kausalya and all other queens came. When Rama entered the room, Dasaratha got up from his bed to receive Rama and fell on ground and fainted. Rama said “Father! You are the king for all of us. I am leaving for the forests now. Before I leave, I came to take your blessings. Sita and Lakshmana are also coming with me. However much I persuaded them, they are not heeding and want to come with me. Hence you permit them also to go with me. Dasaratha said “Rama! Long ago I gave those boons to Kaikeyi. Now you need not respect them. You disobey my orders and take possession of the kingdom”. Rama said “Father! You make your promise true. I live in forests happily for fourteen years and come back. By this, you can fulfill your promise and become a truthful king.” Dasaratha said “Rama! Now you are going only to come back safely. You have shown people the righteous path. You will become the best in the Raghu dynasty. You are truthful and virtuous. Nobody can take a decision like you. My son! You are going to forests to make my words true. If you stay for this night with me, I feel happy. Tomorrow morning you can go. Rama! It is not my intension to send you to forests. This is the truth. Kaikeyi has exploited those two boons given by me long ago.”

42 Valmiki Ramayanam Rama said “Father! If I stay with you for this night, you can provide me with all comforts. From tomorrow onwards from where will all these comforts come to me? Hence you permit me to go today itself. You make Bharata as the king. You fulfill the promises made to Kaikeyi. Father you don’t grieve for me. I do not have any desire on the kingdom or the pleasures. I do not have the desire even on Sita. But I have only one desire. That is you must be a truthful king and you should not break the promise made to Kaikeyi. These words I am telling swearing on my punyam.” While Rama was telling these words Dasaratha embraced him, wept bitterly and fainted. SUMANTRA BLAMES KAIKEYI [This part is taken from 35th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Sumantra was hearing all those words and could not control his grief. His eyes turned red with fury on Kaikeyi and said “Oh Kaikeyi! Dasaratha is the king for all movables and immovables. He is your husband also. You are unkind to him. As per the established customs, the eldest son will become the king. All others must follow him. Now you are destroying that time tested tradition. You and Bharata can enjoy all the kingdom. We all will go to forests with Rama. If wicked people are ruling the country, the brahmins also will not stay in the country. Brahmins, and all righteous people will leave Ayodhya. What is left for you? Why do you entertain such heinous thought? Inspite of several pleadings by the king, you are standing on your blind plea without any shame? You are also behaving like your mother. I presume you must have inheritant the qualities from your mother. I will tell you her story.

Ayodhya Kandam 43 A Maharishi initiated a mantra to your father. With that mantra your father was able to understand the language of all creatures on earth. One day an ant was boasting to another ant that it will carry out an impossible task. Listening to their conversation, your father laughed. At that time, your mother also was by his side. She thought that the king has insulted her and questioned your father why he was laughing? Your father said that it was a secret and that he should not reveal it to anyone. If he reveals, his head will be broken into hundred pieces. Hence he asked her not to insist. But your mother was adamant and insisted on your father to reveal that secret. At that time your father left your mother forever and lived comfortably”. “Oh Kaikeyi! Even now it is not too late. You withdraw your demands. Some sinful people must have poisoned your mind. You save your husband and your dynasty. Let Rama rule the country. There by the tradition will not break.” Sumantra said all these things in the presence of Rama. However Kaikeyi did not budge an inch. SIDDHARTHA GIVES GOOD ADVICE TO KAIKEYI [This part is taken from 36th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Dasaratha said “Sumantra! You send all the four wings of the army with Rama. You load in the chariots all the food grains, garments and other materials that are required for fourteen years”. On hearing the words of Dasaratha, Kaikeyi said “Oh king! If you send the food grains, actors, dancers, singers to entertain Rama in the forests, then what will remain for Bharata? Do you want to give all superior and luxurious items to Rama? But Bharata will not accept all those left over articles.” Dasaratha said “Kaikeyi! You are an enemy for me

44 Valmiki Ramayanam and entered this house in the form of my wife only to take revenge on me”. Kaikeyi said “King! In your dynasty there lived a king by name Sagara. He expelled his eldest son, , from the country. In the same way you are to send Rama also from Ayodhya”. On hearing the words of Kaikeyi, Dasaratha and others lowered their head in shame for comparing Asamanja with Rama. Siddhartha, a Maharishi and minister of Dasaratha said “Kaikeyi! How can you compare Asamanja with Rama? Asamanja was cruel. He used to catch the children by their legs, spin into the air and throw them into the river Sarayu. All the people went to the king and said “King! Your son Asamanja is killing all our children cruelly. Either you expel him from the country or we go away from the country.” At that time king Sagara expelled Asamanja and made his son Amsumanta as the king”. “Kaikeyi! Since Asamanja had committed sinful acts and hence he was banished from the country. What sin did Rama commit?” Dasaratha said “Kaikeyi! Siddhartha is not only our minister but also an elderly tapasvi and knows the pulse of our people. Atleast, you listen to his good words. Otherwise I will also go with Rama. You and Bharata rule this country.” RAMA AND OTHERS WEARS VALKALAS [This part is taken from 37th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] On hearing the words of Dasaratha, Rama said “Father! I left all comforts and I am supposed to live a muni’s life wearing jata and valkalas. I am content to live on fruits and roots. Hence, why do I need all these attendants? Let all the benefits of kingdom be enjoyed by Bharata. I will stay in the forests for fourteen years and come back. For the present if you give us valkalas, we will wear them and proceed to forests.

Ayodhya Kandam 45 While Rama was speaking, Kaikeyi went inside and brought valkalas for them to wear. She also gave them a crowbar and basket to dig roots in the forests. Rama and Lakshmana wore those valkalas in the presence of Dasaratha. But Sita did not know how to wear those valkalas. At that time Rama taught her how to wear valkalas. Looking at Sita all the queens of Dasaratha cried bitterly. The queens said “Oh Rama! You are obeying the orders of your father and going to the forests. He did not order Sita to go with you. Hence you leave her here in the palace. If you want, you may take Lakshmana for assistance. On hearing the words of the queens, Vasista stood up and said “Kaikeyi! You are crossing the limits. You are making the name and fame of Raghu dynasty impure with your behaviour. You have cheated the king in this easy way. However your thirst is not quenched. Your mind is still working in an unrighteous way. Sita is a chaste woman. She need not go to forests. As wife of Rama, she will occupy the throne and rule the country. Sita is like a soul to Rama. Incase Sita also insists to go to forests, we will all go with them. All people of Ayodhya also will go with them. Bharata and Satrughna also will wear valkalas and follow Rama. Here you alone will remain and rule Ayodhya. Except you, all movables and immovables are looking at Rama affectionately. If you have any respect for me, don’t force Sita to wear valkalas. Let her wear all her jewels and valuable garments.” However, despite Vasista’s advice not to leave ayodhya, Sita prefered to go along with her husband, Rama. VASISTA ADVICES NOT TO GIVE VALKALAS TO SITA [This part is taken from 38th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Dasaratha said “Sita! Is a prince. She is still a young girl. She has to enjoy all comforts of a royal family even though she

46 Valmiki Ramayanam lives in forests. Kaikeyi! I did not promise you that Sita also will wear valkalas. Hence you cannot insist her to wear valkalas. I became your slave since I gave those boons to you long back. To keep up my word, I agreed to send Rama to forests. Your attitude only will become the reason for my death. I can understand that you have a grudge or vengeance on Rama. But what harm did Sita do to you?” Rama said “Father! You are a righteous person. My mother Kausalya Devi is a virtuous woman. She has become old. Though you ordered me to go to forests, she did not blame you. As soon as I go to forests she may fall sick for me. Hence you be kind to her and look after her with sympathy. There is no one to take care of her except you. KAUSALYA TEACHES TO SITA [This part is taken from 39th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Dasaratha saw Rama and others wearing valkalas. He grieved bitterly by looking at them. He could not look at the face of Rama. He said “I must have separated some children from their parents. Hence today I am experiencing their curse. Unless one experiences all karma phalam, even death will not come. That is why, I am being harrassed by Kaikeyi. Sumantra! You decorate my chariot and take them upto the forests”. Kausalya Devi embraced Sita and said “Sita! Normally women respect their husband as long as the husbands kept them happy. Once their husband lands them in trouble they will forget all the past. They will not respect their husband. Whenever the husbands land in troubles or poverty, the wives will entertain evil thoughts. They ill-treat their husband or even leave them. They even magnify small pinpricks and picks up quarrel. This is common practice in the world. But a chaste

Ayodhya Kandam 47 wife will be defferent from the above. They will not leave the established customs. They will treat their husband as god. Oh Sita! Whether my son is a prince or a pauper, he is your husband. Your husband lost all his fortune. He was asked to live in forests. Hence, you don’t neglect him or wound his feelings. You always follow Rama as a shadow.” Sita said “Mother! I am making you a promise that I will behave as you ordered. I was taught all these morals by my parents right from my childhood. I will follow Rama as the moon light follows the moon. I will not leave dharma. I will live wherever he lives. Even though a women had thousand sons, she cannot be happy without her husband”. On hearing Sita’s words, Kausalya was filled with joy. Both Rama and Sita prostrated at the feet of Kausalya Devi and prepared to leave for the forests. In the same manner he took leave from other mothers also. PEOPLE GREAVE LOOKING AT BAD OMENS [This part is taken from 40th and 41st Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Rama took permission from his father to take Sita and Lakshmana with him. Lakshmana went to Sumitra Devi and prostrated at her feet. Sumitra said “My son! Kausalya gave birth to Rama for the welfare of the people. I also gave birth to you to serve Rama. You both are born for a divine cause. Hence you always protect Rama and Sita as your eyelids. Though Rama will be living in the forests, know well that he alone is the king of Ayodhya. Serving the eldest brother is the duty of his brothers. You assume that Rama is himself the king, Dasaratha. You respect Sita as you respect me. You go and come back after fourteen years. Maharishi used the word ‘Dasaradham’ as Vishnu on the back of Garutmanta. The

48 Valmiki Ramayanam expression ‘Maam’ is to be understood as Lakshmi Devi. The word ‘Ayodhyaam’ is to be understood as Vaikuntam. Sumantra brought the chariot and kept before Rama. Sita who decorated herself like Lakshmi Devi sat in the chariot. After her, Rama and Lakshmana took their seats. The jewels and silk garments were loaded into the chariot. Varieties of weapons also were kept in the chariot. Crowbars and baskets were kept for collecting fruits and roots. All the people of Ayodhya came out from their houses and followed the chariot of Rama. Rama advised Sumantra to drive slowly. While going, Rama turned back and saw. He saw his father and mothers who were running towards the chariot. Looking at them Rama asked Sumantra to drive fast. Sumantra was in a fix. Whether to follow the instructions of Rama or follow the orders of Dasaratha, “Sumantra! Stop the chariot”. On all sides of the chariot, milling crowds were running towards the chariot. Rama said “Sumantra! Though my father asked you, why did you not stop the chariot, you can tell him that you did not hear him in the noise.” Sumantra took the order of Rama and proceeded towards the forests. All the ministers went to Dasaratha and consoled him. The brahmins did not light their agnihotras. House wives did not cook the food. People did not attend their jobs. The planets trisanku, kuja, guru and buha lost their luxture. DASARATHA GRIEVES [This part is taken from 42nd Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Dasaratha and his queens came out to see Rama. The road is full of dust and hazy. He could not see anything clearly. The king could not stand and was about to fell down. Kaikeyi came forward to hold him but he warned her not to touch him.

Ayodhya Kandam 49 “Kaikeyi! Don’t touch my body. I don’t feel like even looking at your face. You are not my wife. I am leaving you and your son. You and Bharata enjoy this kingdom”. Kausalya Devi lifted and carried him to her palace. She cleaned all the dust on his body. He was looking at the chariot of Rama. He wept like a child. There is nobody in the city. All ran behind Rama’s chariot. None of the temples in Ayodhya were opened. It was midnight. He sat on his bed and called Kausalya Devi “Kausalya! I am not able to see anything. My eye sight has gone with Rama. All my body is burning”. Kaualya went to his bed and consoled him. KAUSALYA GRIEVES – SUMITRA CONSOLES [This part is taken from 43rd and 44th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Kausalya said “Oh king! Kaikeyi has bitten Rama like a cruel serpent. Now she will become more powerful like a serpent which has come out of its outer layer of skin. From now onwards, she will vomit venom on me. Instead of sending Rama to the forest, she could have made him as her slave, so that, he would have served her and had his food by begging. “Oh king! You have also denied coronation to Rama. It is as if you have given away the havis to rakshasas which were meant for devatas. In the same manner, you have sent Rama to the forests and gave the kingdom to Bharata. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana must have reached forests by now. The moment they come back, they will give flowers and fruits to the brahmin maids and the whole of Ayopdhya will celebrate the day. Oh King! I must have separated the children from their mother in my previous births. I am experiencing those Papa phalam now.

50 Valmiki Ramayanam SUMITRA CONSOLES KAUSALYA [This part is taken from 44th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Looking at the grief of Kausalya, Sumitra came and consoled her. “Sister! Why are you grieving for Rama? Lakshmana will protect Rama and Sita like an eyelid. He will keep both of them happy with his services. Your son believed that truthfulness and upkeeping dharma is the real wealth. To prove that he went to forests. With this, his glory will become immortal. After establishing dharma, he will become the king of Ayodhya. Even though they live in forests, the sun god will not harrass them with his hot rays. The wind god will blow fragrant breeze. The moon will keep them happy in the night. Rama will wander in the forests with all his astras and sastras without any fear. Lakshmi Devi is serving him in the form of Sita. He has great valor and vigor. With all these qualities, he will become the king of entire Bhoomandalam. If the sun god gives light to the world, Rama gives light to the sun. He gives the burning power to agni. He brings glory to the glory itself. Sister! Not only Sita but also the Rajyalakshmi of Ayodhya also went away with Rama. Such a Rama can achieve anything. Sita, Rama and Lakshmana will come back and make all of us happy. RAMA CONSOLES THE PEOPLE [This part is taken from 45th – 49th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] All the people of Ayodhya ran behind his chariot. Rama tried to convince them that he was going to forests only to make his father’s words true. Rama said “I am aware that you have love and affection for me. I will be happy if you express the same on Bharata. Do not hate him since he is the son of Kaikeyi. Though he is younger than me, he is wise and

Ayodhya Kandam 51 knowledgable. He is more interested in public welfare. He will keep you all happy. You all obey the orders of king Dasaratha. If you want to keep me happy you should not feel distress for my exile.” Among the people there are many illustrous brahmins also. They were left behind as they could not run fast. Rama got down from the chariot and walked alongwith Sita and Lakshmana. The brahmins said “Rama! All of our brahmin community is behind you. We came with our agnihotras. Whenever we did Vajapeya yagam we received several white umbrellas. We are bringing all those umbrellas with us so as to protect you from the heat of sun rays. Our mind is always fixed on Vedas. All vedas always live on our tongue. Hence we and our Vedas have decided to live with you in the forests. Our wives will take care of honouring our guests. Either you come back to Ayodhya or permit us to live with you in forests”. While talking with the Brahmins like this, they reached river Tamasa. Sumantra took the horses to the river to quench their thirst. Rama said “Lakshmana! The first night of our exile, we are spending on the banks of this river Tamasa. From now onwards, we should not think of Ayodhya. Our parents must have wept for us the whole night. Tomorrow, Bharata will come and console them. Lakshmana! All the citizens are coming behind us. They are prepared even to give their life for us. It appears that they are not going to leave us. Hence we must leave this place before they wake up. Next morning if they cannot see us, they might grieve for sometime and then they will go back to Ayodhya.” Lakshmana also agreed with Rama’s views and called Sumantra and ordered him to keep the chariot ready. Rama instructed “Sumantra! You take our chariot towards Ayodhya for some distance. From there you reach the river at some other point. By the time you reach the river we

52 Valmiki Ramayanam three will come by walk and join you. From there we cross the river and enter the forests.” All people woke up at sun-rise. They did not find Rama. They grieved for sometime. One of them said, “this sleep has cheated us. Since we have slept unconsciously, we have missed Rama. All our efforts have become futile. Let us cross the river and enter the forests. If we don’t find them how can we go back to Ayodhya and show our faces to our people?” Some people saw the markings of the chariot and followed them. They found that the chariot traveled towards Ayodhya. After sometime they all decided to go back to Ayodhya. GUHA MEETS RAMA [This part is taken from 50 and 51st Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Rama reached the banks of Ganga. He said “Sumantra! Let us sleep this night on the banks of Ganga”. Rama and Lakshmana sat under a huge banian tree. Nearby, there was a village by name Srungiberapuram. Guha, a hunter, was ruling that part of the country. He used to treat his people as his own children. As a result he was respectfully called as ‘Sthapati’. Guha was a good friend of Rama. He had great love and regard for Rama. He heard that Sita, Rama and Lakshmana were staying on the banks of Ganga. He took his ministers along with him to see Rama. On seeing Guha, Rama went forwards and embraced him. Guha said “Prabhu! I welcome you, Sita and Lakshmana. I have brought many eatables for you. You accept them and make me fortunate. You order me for whatever you want? I am your servant. Will anybody have such a great guest like you?” Rama said “Oh Guha! You have come all the way to see me by walk. That itself is a great honour to me. Are all your people, ministers and relatives happy? Is your

Ayodhya Kandam 53 treasury full? I am fortunate to see you and your people. I am giving back all the food stuffs that you have brought. Because I am not supposed to accept anything from anyone. I also should not enter the human inhabitations. This is the rule of my vrat. I have to live in forests eating fruits and roots and lead a muni’s life. I shall be happy if you feed my horses”. Guha fed the horses. Rama and Sita spread darbha grass on the floor and slept for the night on it. GUHA SPEAKS TO LAKSHMANA [This part is taken from 51st Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] While Sita and Rama were sleeping, Guha and Lakshmana sat a little away from them. Guha said “Lakshmana! I have made a bed for you. You also sleep. I and my people will guard you all. We know all the surroundings well. I have no one dearer than Rama in this world. Because of his mercy only, I have all the glory and wealth. I learnt what is dharma from him only”. Lakshmana said “Oh Guha! You are a righteous person. I know your capabilities. When you are protecting us, where from can any danger come? When Sita and Rama are sleeping on the floor how can I sleep? Oh Guha! King Dasaratha perfomed many vrats and yagnas and had Rama as his son. Rama is more than his own life to my father. He sent such a Rama to the forests. He may not live long without Rama. My father wanted to coronate Rama. He is now likely to die without seeing his coronation. When my father dies, both of us will be away from him. He who does the funeral rites to their father is fortunate. We both are not fortunate. RAMA WEARS THE MATTED HAIR [This part is taken from 52nd Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam]

54 Valmiki Ramayanam Rama, Sita and Lakshmana woke up before sun rise. Rama asked Guha to arrange boats for them to cross the river Ganga. Guha ordered his ministers and they kept the boats ready. Rama looked at Sumantra and said “Sumantra! Now you go to Ayodhya. You take care of the king without any carelessness. After crossing the river we will enter the forests”. Sumantra said “Rama! You have obeyed your father’s orders and came to live in forests. Thus you became a model for the people to follow your tradition. Your observence of brahmacharya, vedadhayanam and kindness are exemplary. Though you will live in forests you will become as glorious as lord Vishnu. At the end, I am alone cheated by the fate. You have utilised my services to get rid of the people of Ayodhya. The turn has come for me. Now you are asking me to go away. What do I gain by going back? Do you want me to serve Kaikeyi?” Rama said “Sumantra! You are the most trusted friend of our Ikshwakus. You be with my father always and see to it that he will not grieve for me. Excepting you, nobody else can go near to him. You tell to my father as my words “Father! Neither I, nor Sita, nor Lakshmana is feeling unhappy for living in the forests. After completing fourteen years, we all will come back to Ayodhya. From then onwards, I will keep myself enganged in serving you. Till such time you don’t feel distress by remembering us. I, Sita and Lakshmana are prostrating at the feet of all of our mothers too.” Sumantra! You tell my father to send word for Bharata and complete his coronation. You tell Bharata as my words ‘Bharata you take every care in serving our father and our mothers. Treat all our mothers equally. You love my mother also as you love your mother Kaikeyi. You get coronated as desired by our father and rule the country as a righteous person.’” Sumantra said “Rama! You please listen to my words. I am not telling these words to make you happy or to praise

Ayodhya Kandam 55 you. I am your devotee. By your coming to the forests all the people of Ayodhya are grieving as if they lost their own son. If I go back without you, they will be unhappy. Rama! If your mother Kausalya asks me about you, what should I tell her? Should I tell her that I have left you at your uncle’s place? Though it pleases her I cannot tell a lie. Should I tell her that I left you in the forests? I cannot hurt her though it is a truth. Rama! The horses that brought you here are loyal to you only. Will they listen to me if I go without you? I cannot drive them to Ayodhya. Hence I cannot go alone. Permit me to stay with you. Otherwise I will offer myself to the flames. If I am with you I can drive the chariot and carry you all wherever you want. If you travel in a chariot you can protect yourself from the cruel animals. I enjoyed comforts with you in the palace. Now I will enjoy the forest life also with you. I am your servant and devotee. You are the son of my king. So permit me to live with you.” Rama said,”Sumantra! I know how much devotion you have, towards me. There are two reasons why I am asking you to go back to Ayodhya. Unless you go back to Ayodhya, Kaikeyi will not believe that you have left me in the forests. If she doesn’t believe this, she will treat my father as an untruthful person. Another reason is, unless Bharata is coronated, the second promise of my father cannot be fulfilled. If you go back to Ayodhya, you will make me as well as my father happy.” “Oh Guha! As promised to my father, I have to live in forests wearing jata and valkalas and lead a muni’s life. Hence you bring me some milk from the banian tree. So that I, Sita and Lakshmana will apply it to our hair. Then only our hair will be matted and we will look like munis”. On hearing Rama’s words, Guha sent his people and brought the milk from a

56 Valmiki Ramayanam banian tree. Rama, Lakshmana and Sita applied it to their hair. They all got matted locks of heir and looked like munis. “Oh Guha! It is not easy to rule a country, unless you have a strong army, a sound treasury and a sturdy fort. If you are negligent in any one of these three, you cannot be a good ruler.” Then Rama, Sita and Lakshmana sat in the boat and they were carried to the other shore of river Ganga. Sita Devi prayed to river Ganga, “Oh Divine Mother! My husband obeyed the orders of his father and is entering the forestsalong with me and Lakshmana. You must protect us. After completing our vow, while returning to Ayodhya, we will again worship you. After Rama is coronated as a king I will offer you, thousand pots of wine and foods prepared with meat. We will worship all the temples that are built on either side of you. You bless Rama, Lakshmana and me to reach back to Ayodhya safely.” By the time she completed her prayers, the boat reached the southern banks of river Ganga. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana got down from the boat and walked towards the forests. Rama said “Lakshmana! All the places that we are going to move through are new to us. Hence we must be careful in protecting Sita. We do not know from which direction the danger will come on us.” While Rama was talking in this manner Lakshmana walked at the front. Sita followed him and Rama walked behind Sita. RAMA SLEEPS ON THE FLOOR [This part is taken from 53rd Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] By evening they all sat under a tree. Rama said “Lakshmana! This is the first night after Sumantra left us. We have to spend so many nights like this. From now onwards we both are to be more careful in protecting Sita. Now my mind

Ayodhya Kandam 57 is wandering in Ayodhya. Our father may be spending sleepless nights remembering us. But Kaikeyi may be happy for achieving want she wanted. She may be having sound sleep. The moment Bharata comes, she will start troubling the King to coronate Bharata. From this we can understand that kaama(desire) has won over Dharma and artha. Otherwise will anyone send his son to forests to satisfy a woman? It seems to me that Kaikeyi has entered our house only to kill our father, drive me to the forests and make Bharata the king. A person who leaves dharma and artha and sticks to kaama will certainly land himself in troubles. Once Bharata becomes king, nobody can control the arrogance of Kaikeyi. She will harrass my mother and your mother. I and Sita will complete the stay in forests. You go back to Ayodhya and look after our mothers. Kaikeyi does not respect elders. She doesn’t know which is good and which is bad. She knows only to harrass others and keep them in grief. Hence she will certainly harrass Kausalya and Sumitra. Bharata is a righteous person. You keep our mothers under his protection. Tomorrow morning, you go to Ayodhya. I will enter Dandakaranya with Sita. If I want to show my valor, I can not only win Ayodhya but the entire Bhoomandalam.But, this is not the time for showing our valour on Ayodhya” Lakshmana said “Rama! After you have left the Ayodhya, it is like a sky without a moon. You are the most superior among the men. Should you grieve like this? If you talk like this, I and Sita will become mad. I and Sita will not leave you even for a moment. Without you, I will become a fish out of water. You have to excuse me for not obeying your orders.” RAMA REACHES BHARADWAJA’S ASHRAM [This part is taken from 54th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam]

58 Valmiki Ramayanam Rama, Lakshmana and Sita slept under a tree. They all woke up before dawn and completed their daily rituals. Rama said “Lakshmana! We are finding a thick smoke in the sky. From that smoke, we can understand that a large number of Hermit cottages or tapovanas are in that direction. I presume, Bharadwaja’s ashrama also must be somewhere there. Let us go and have the blessings of Maharishi Bharadwaja. They all entered the ashrama of Bharadwaja. At that time, Maharishi completed his agnihotra and pooja and came out. On seeing him, Rama went forward and paid his respects through pradakshina namaskaram. Lakshmana and Sita also followed him. Rama said “Oh Maharishi! We both are the sons of king Dasaratha. My name is Rama; he is my brother Lakshmana; she is my wife Sita, the daughter of king Janaka. My father ordered me to live in forests for fourteen years. My brother, out of love and devotion for me, also came to live with me. She is my chaste wife. She also came to share life with me in the forests. We want to build an ashrama and do tapasya living on fruits and roots.” Maharishi worshipped Rama in a traditional way. By that time, all Maharishis who were living in other tapovanas also came to see Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. Along with them many animals and birds also came to see them. Baradwaja Maharihsi said “Rama! I know that your father king Dasaratha has sent you to the forests without any reason. Hence I had the fortune of seeing you here. This is the sangamam of Ganga and Yamuna. Many people are living on the banks of these rivers. These places are suitable for having tapovanas and performing tapasya. Here, there are so many tapovanas. You also have a tapovana in this place and live comfortably.” Rama said “Maharishi! There are so many towns and villages near these tapovanas. If we start living here, people

Ayodhya Kandam 59 may be coming to see us. Hence I would like to live in a place which is away from human habitations. Kindly suggest us a place that suits Sita to live comfortably.” Maharishi said “Oh Rama! There are Gandhamaadana mountains which are a little away from this place. Among those range of mountains, there is a mountain by name Chitrakootam. That is a very quiet and calm place. Many Maharishis built their tapovanas, did tapasya and attained siddhi there. Those mountains are very serene and pleasant. You will find a lot of fruits and roots in those mountains. There are several kinds of monkeys and bears, but no wild animals. You can build a parnasala (Cottage) and live there comfortably.” Rama, Sita and Lakshmana slept in his ashram. Next morning they went to Maharishi. Rama said “Maharishi! We had a good sleep in the night. You bless us to go to Mt. Chitrakootam and live there.” Maharishi said “Rama! After a few yojanas from her you will find a big banian tree. Under that banian tree many tapasvis are doing tapasya. Sita, you and Lakshmana make pradakshana namaskaram and pray for all auspiciousness.” Rama saluted to Maharishi and traveled towards Chitrakootam. RAMA MOVES TOWARDS MT. CHITRAKOOTAM [This part is taken from 55th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Rama, Sita and Lakshmana crossed river Yamuna by boat. When they reached the middle of the river Sita prayed to river Yamuna, “Oh mother! You bless us with all auspiciousness. After completing vanavasam and after we reach Ayodhya safely, we will offer you thousand cows and thousand pots of wine.” After this prayer, their boat reached the southern banks of the river. Rama and Lakshmana carried all the weapons and

60 Valmiki Ramayanam ornaments with them and walked towards Chitrakootam. On their way they reached a big banian tree about which Bharadwaja Maharishi has told them. Sita prayed to the branian tree. “Oh mother! My salutations to you. After my husband completes his vanavasam successfully and after going back to Ayodhya, I will offer you thousands cows and thousand pots of wine. You bless us with all auspiciousness.” Rama said “Lakshmana! You walk with Sita. I will carry all the weapons and ornaments and follow you. On your way if she wants any flowers or fruits you pick them for her and keep her happy.” On their way they saw many varieties of monkeys, bears, wild pigs and elephants. RAMA MEETS VALMIKI MAHARISHI [This part is taken from 56th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Sita, Rama and Lakshmana traveled towards Chitrakootam. On their way they reached Valmiki ashrama. They prostrated at the feet of Maharishi Valmiki. Maharishi invited them and asked them to sit on a seat. Rama introduced himself, Sita and Lakshmana. Rama told him that they wanted to settle down on Mt. Chitrakootam to do tapasya. Then, Rama took leave from Maharishi and reached Mt. Chitrakootam. There, Rama said “Lakshmana! We have to select a place and build an ashram. You keep ready all the timber required to build a cottage.” Lakshmana cut several trees and built an ashram as directed by Rama. Rama said “Lakshmana! We are going to live in this ashram for several years. Hence, you bring the meat of a black deer so that we can offer it to the god and do vaastu pooja. Today is an auspicious day, which gives the occupant a long, comfortable stay.”

Ayodhya Kandam 61 On hearing Rama’s words Lakshmana went, killed a black deer, cooked its flesh and put before Rama and said “Brother! I have brought the cooked meat of a black deer. You do vastu pooja and offer the same to all gods.” Rama chanted the vastu mantras and worshiped various deities like Rudra, Vishnu, viswe devatas etc. He did and worshiping as pescribed in the scriptures. He offered several sacrifices to the vastu devatas as prescribed. After that, they went to the river to take a bath and then, came back to the ashram. There, they built platforms for keeping weapons, sleeping, living, agni poojas etc. They brought flowers, fruits and prepared meat to offer to various deities. Rama recited mantras as specified in Vedas with darbha grass. In this manner, they completed Vaastu pooja and Bhoota shanti. After that, they formally entered into the cottage. They found that the cottage was comfortable for their stay. They could see the entire forest from their cottage. They could hear the voice of several birds. Since the cottage was built at an elevated place, the entire valley was visible from their cottage. SUMANTRA REACHES AYODHAYA [This part is taken from 57th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Guha and Sumantra stood on the banks of Ganga and looked at Rama, Sita and Lakshmana entering the forests. Sumantra stayed for four days with Guha. In the mean time the spies of Guha came back from the forests and said that Rama, Sita and Lakshmana reached Bharadwaja’s ashram and stayed with Maharishi that night. From there, on the advice of Maharishi they are planning to proceed to Mt. Chitrakootam to build an ashram and live. Aftre hearing the news of Rama, Sumantra took leave from Guha and returned to Ayodhya. As he entered the city, he found

62 Valmiki Ramayanam that there were no activities in the streets and they looked dead. On hearing the sound of his chariot, all the people surrounded the chariot and looked egarly for Rama. When Sumantra said that he left Rama in the forests, all the people cried bitterly. Sumantra went to Kausalya’s palace where the king was living. Kausalya said “king! Sumantra has left Rama, Sita and Lakshmana in the forests. He has come to tell you the message of Rama. You get up and listen to him. Why are you feeling shy after doing the shameful act? Are you afraid of Kaikeyi? She is not here. She cannot hear your words. You listen to Sumantra. This is the last message of Rama to you.” While saying so she wept bitterly, fell down and fainted. All other queens came and comforted her. SUMANTRA TELLS ABOUT RAMA [This part is taken from 58th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Dasaratha said “Sumantra! What did Rama eat in the forest? Did he sleep well under the trees? All these years he was sleeping on silken beds and eating delicious foods. Even while coming to my palace, he used to come on a chariot. Now he is walking in the forests. Forests are full of thorns and cruel animals. How did he enter those forests? Sita is a princess who is delicate and pretty. How was she able to walk in the forests? You have seen Rama and Lakshmana entering into the forests. How fortunate, you are! Sumantra! Did Rama say anything? Did Lakshmana send any message? What did Sita say? Where was Rama sitting? Where was he sleeping? Where was he eating? You tell me everything in detail and as long as you can. So that I can live as long as I hear your words about Rama.” While Dasaratha was

Ayodhya Kandam 63 speaking, Sumantra became dumb because his throat was filled with grief. He became blind since his eyes were filled with tears. Sumantra then said, “Oh king! Rama is a righteous person. He asked me to convey these words to you with folded hands. ‘Oh Father! You please convey my salutations to all my mothers in the palace and look after their well being.’ Rama said to his mother Kausalya Devi ‘Oh mother! I, Sita and Lakshmana are safe. I requested you to assist the king in performing his daily rituals of doing agnihotra etc without forgetfulness. Mother! You forget that you are the principal queen and leave your egotism. You be friendly with other queens equally. You be more friendly with Kaikeyi. Though Bharata is like your son, he is also our king. So you should bear this in mind While you talk to him. Though you are older than him, he is superior in power and wealth. This is raja dharma.’ Sumantra further said, “Oh king! Rama asked me to convey to Bharata through you thus: ‘Oh Bharata! You treat all our mothers equally. Don’t treat them differently. You obey the orders of our father. He is our elder and an experienced king. He is a righteous person. Hence you do not oppose whatever he says. Oh Bharata! The amount of love and affection you show to your mother, you show the same love and affection to my mother also.’ Oh king! While telling these words to me, he cried bitterly. But Lakshmana stood by his side hissing like a cobra. He said ‘Sumantra! What crime did Rama commit to get expelled from the country? He gave away the kingdom to Kaikeyi on the pretext of those boons. What he did was not only injustice but also cruel. Since he is the king, and nobody can question his

64 Valmiki Ramayanam acts, he did what all he wanted to do. He will reap the fruits of his evil acts shortly. I don’t have anything to say to the king Dasaratha. For me Rama is the mother, father, brother, king and god.’ Oh king! Sita Devi always looks pleasant and pretty. Somehow I did not find life in her face. She could not open her mouth. She looked at me and at the chariot and wept bitterly. Rama and Lakshmana consoled her for a long time.” THE GRIEF OF KING DASARATHA [This part is taken from 59th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] After hearing the words of Rama, Dasaratha thought that Sumantra has told him only the substance of Rama’s words. Hence he asked Sumantra to tell him in a more detailed way and verbatim. Sumantra again recollected what all Rama said and repeated to Dasaratha. “Oh king! Rama and Lakshmana wore valkalas. Their hair was matted like that of munis. They crossed the river Ganga and walked towards prayaga. Lakshmana went ahead. Sita and Rama followed him. I and Guha stood on the banks of Ganga and saw as long as we could see them.” Dasaratha said “Sumantra! I did not act as a king because I did not consult elders and wise people. I was lustful and became a victim in the hands of Kaikeyi. Had I not been lustful, I would have consulted my ministers and Maharishis. I was hasty in my decision. I myself ruined my dynasty with my own hands. God was against me. Sumantra! If my words carry any weight, I am ordering you to go back to forests and bring Rama. I cannot live without seeing him. If you find any obstacles in bringing him, you take me to Rama in your chariot. This is the only favour that you can do for me.” By saying so Dasaratha

Ayodhya Kandam 65 fainted and fell down on his bed. Kausalya and Sumitra comforted him to recover. KAUSALYA GREAVES FOR RAMA -1 [This part is taken from 60th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] After sometime Kausalya Devi recovered from her fainting and shouted “Oh Sumantra! You take me to forests where Sita, Rama and Lakshmana are living. I cannot live without them. Immediately, you take me in your chariot. If you refuse to take I will die, now itself.” While consoling Kausalya Devi, Sumantra said “Mother! You are grieving out of delusion. Don’t disturb your peace of mind. Rama is safe in the forests. Lakshmana and Sita are serving him as they served in Ayodhya. Just as Rama used to wander in the pleasure gardens of Ayodhya, he is wandering in the tapovanas in the forests also. Sita is also learning about the trees, flowers, fruits etc from Rama. Lakshmana is rushing immediately to procure and place them in the hands of Sita. Hence you need not grieve for them. Even though Maharishis are eating roots and fruits in the forests, they are all leading a happy and peaceful life. In the same manner Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are enjoying their forests life. Because of their exile, their glory will remain immortal. KAUSALYA GREAVES FOR RAMA - 2 [This part is taken from 61st Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Kausaly said “Oh king! You are the superior person among the righteous people. All the three worlds know about your kindness and liberal heart. But you did great injustice to your eldest son. He was loved by all the people. You sent him to

66 Valmiki Ramayanam forests. Can he sustain the heat and rain and live under the trees? You are a butcher. You have no kindness. Though Rama comes back after fourteen years, will Bharata give back the throne and the treasury to Rama? Even if Bharata gives, will Rama accept? Some people, even while performing sraaddha Ceremony to their ancestors, offer food first to their own relatives and only later to the brahmins. Will the brahmins take such a food? Righteous brahmins and tapasvis will not take even nector if the same was eaten first by others. Will the bulls agree to cut their horns? Will the elephant agree to cut its tusks? Oh king! He is not only your eldest son but also superior among tall he men. Will he accept the kingdom which is already enjoyed by his brother? The havis, the ghee and other oblations that are once used, will not be used again while performing yagnas. In the same way, Rama also will not accept this kingdom. Rama is an embodiment of self respect. He is not a weak person. If he is angry, he can reduce the Mandara Mountain into powder. He can defeat even Indra. He can pull down the sun, moon and the stars. Since you happened to be his father, he has not killed you. To make you a truthful person, he obeyed your order and went to forests. Oh king! Fish are said to eat their own children. In the same manner, you have expelled your own son from the country. Is it a righteous act? Is it our Sanatana dharma? Oh king! For a woman, husband is the first protector and thereafter, her son is her protector. The relatives take the third place. Even though you are alive, it is as good as being dead for me. Because of you, my son is wandering in forests like an orphan. You destroyed our country and killed your ministers. Now you, your wife Kaikeyi and her son Bharata will remain to enjoy this kingdom.”

Ayodhya Kandam 67 KAUSALYA REPENTS [This part is taken from 62nd Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] The words of Kausalya Devi wounded king Dasaratha. He also remembered the curse of muni. He saluted to his wife with folded hands and said “Kausalya! You never expressed anger. You are very affectionate to me. You have a kind heart and forgive even your enemies. I request you to be kind to me. You know all dharmas. I also know that you are in uncontrollable grief. You do not wound me further.” On hearing the words of the king, Kausalya also very much repented for using harsh words against the king. Her eyes were filled with tears. She said with folded hands,”Prabhu! Don’t be in a miserable state. I am your wife. Inspite of that I wounded you. You pardon me for my ignorance.” DASARATHA TELLS ABOUT HIS CURSE [This part is taken from 63rd Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Both Dasaratha and Kausalya consoled each other for a long time and slept. Kausalya Devi was still sleeping but Dasaratha suddenly woke up and sat on his bed. Suddenly, he remembered the old curse of a muni. He wanted to share his grief with Kausalya. He woke her up and said “Kausalya! Nobody can escape from his karma phalam. Hence one should think well before one acts. I learnt a mantra of sabdavedhi from a Maharishi while I was young. With the power of that mantra I could attack any object just by its sound, even in darkness. At that time I was very young and not married. I used to go for hunting very often to practice the sabdavedhi mantra. One day I was hunting in the forests on the banks of river Sarayu. My aim was to hit any elephant that comes for

68 Valmiki Ramayanam water. I was sitting in a bush. It was pitch-dark. Suddenly I heard a sound and I thought, it must be an elephant. Immediately I released an arrow coupled with sabdavedhi. Even in that darkness, it went and hit the target. Immediately, I heard the cry of a boy ‘I am a young muni. Who has shot this arrow on me? What harm did I do to him? I am only a tapasvi living on fruits and roots. By killing an innocent tapasvi boy, what gain he will get?’ On hearing these words I ran to him. That boy has come to fetch water for his old and blind parents. When he was filling the water into his pot it made a sound. I mistook that sound as that of an elephant drinking water and released my arrow. The arrow went and hit the boy. The boy looked at me with fury and said ‘Oh king! My parents are suffering with thirst. So I came to fetch water. You hit me with an arrow. Now I am dying because of your arrow. If I don’t go back to my parents they will also die. Because they are blind and I am the only son for them. As a result they both also will die. You have killed three people with one arrow.’ I repented for my hasty action and requested him for his pardon. He showed mercy on me and said ‘Oh king! You go to my parents. They will show you a way out. If you don’t go to them, they will curse you. You go and console them try to gain their pardon. Oh king! By killing me you will not get the sin of Brahmahatya. Because I am not a brahmin. I am born to a vysya man and a sudra woman.’ DASARATHA LEAVES THE BODY [This part is taken from 64th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] “Kausalya! I did that sin in ignorance. I took the word of the young muni and went to his parents. They were anxiously waiting for their son. On hearing my foot steps, they thought that their son had come back and enquired ‘My son! Why have

Ayodhya Kandam 69 you taken so much time?’ On hearing their words, I became dumb. I said to the muni ‘Maharishi! I am Dasaratha, the King of this country. By mistake, your son was killed by my arrow. I came here to receive whatever punishment you give me.” The muni cried bitterly and said ‘Oh king! Since you yourself came and accepted your guilt, you have escaped from my curse. Had you not came in person and accepted your guilt, your head would have been broken into hundred pieces. We both are old and blind. You take us to the body where our son is lying dead. Atleast we can have a touch of his body.’ They both fell on the body of their son and cried. After sometime he cremated the body of his son and said ‘My son! None of our ancestors had the inferior lokas. Hence you also will go to superior lokas. But the king who killed you will go to inferior lokas.’ At that time the young muni took a Divine form. An aeroplane came to take the young muni. While boarding the plane the young muni said ‘Parents! Since I served you both, I had the superior lokas. You also will have such superior lokas. You come and join me.’ At that time I was also standing by the side of his old parents with folded hands. The muni said ‘Oh king! We had only one son. He died. We became old. You killed my son out of ignorance and you are repenting for the same. Hence no sin will touch you. However a sinful act will not go waste. Hence, you will also die like me, crying for your son. Not only that, at the time of your death, you will also loose your eye sight like us.’ Saying all this, they both jumped into the fire of their son’s burning body and were burnt to ashes. Oh Kausalya! Suddenly I remember this old incident. I think I will have some relief if I share the same with you. I am sure I am going to die with the grief of my son like that old muni. Now I am not able to see anything. I presume I have lost my eye sight. I am seeing the Yama kinkaras (Servants of Lord

70 Valmiki RamayanamGlossary of death) in front of me. You touch my body so that I may have some relief. Rama is not by my side when I am leaving this body. I am not able to breathe properly. Those are the fortunate people who will see Rama after fourteen years.’ Dasaratha was sorrowful until all slept in the night. And, in the night, when all were asleep,Dasaratha died in quiet and left the mortal body. ]

GRIEF OF DASARATHA’S WIVES [This part is taken from 65th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Kausalya thought that the king was still sleeping. Vandhi, Magadhis came to wake up the king with stotras. After that, the maids arranged water mixed with fragrances for the king to bathe. The maids went nearer to king and tried to wake him up but they found there was no life in his body. Hence they began crying loudly. With those cries, Kausalya, Sumitra also woke up. All other queens also came and wept bitterly. The moment, the king was dead, the entire palace looked lifeless.

PRESERVATION OF DASARATHA’S BODY [This part is taken from 66th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] All the queens surrounded the king’s body and began crying. Kausalya said “Oh Kaikeyi! Are you comfortable now? Now the king is not there to stop you. You sent Rama to forests and your husband to heaven. I became alone. I have no desire to live.” While crying in this manner, all the queens consoled Kausalya. In the meanwhile, Dasaratha’s body was taken away from there to preserve it in a casket filled with oil.

AyodhyaGlossary Kandam 71 THE COUNTRY CANNOT GO WITHOUT A KING [This part is taken from 67th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Vasista and other ministers preserved the body of the king in a casket. Vasista and others said “Rama and Lakshmana are in the forest. Bharata and Satrughna are away in their uncles’s house. So it is obligatory and essential to make one of them as king. Beacause, the country cannot go without a king. If a country remains without a king, that country will not have rains. A country without king is like a river without water. Agriculture will not prosper. Wife and son will not respect head of family. Brahmins cannot perform yagnas. People cannot build temples. There will be more litigations among the relatives. Though they approach the court, they will not get justice. There will not be any protection for brahmins, agriculture and cows. There will be a fear of theaves. People will lose their self confidence. The army cannot fight with vigor.” MESSENGERS GO TO BRING BHARATA [This part is taken from 68th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] In consultation with other ministers, Vasista sent the messengers to the kingdom of Kekaya. Vasista instructed them “Oh messengers! You all go to the kingdom of Kekaya without taking any rest on your way. You bring Bharata and Satrughna immediately, to Ayodhya. You should not reveal anything about Rama’s exile. You tell them that priests are waiting for them for an important work.” The messengers went to Girivrajapuram and met the king Kekaya. BHARATA SEES BAD OMENS [This part is taken from 69th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam]

72 Valmiki Ramayanam The messengers reached Girivrajapuram. On the same night, Bharata had a fearful dream. The next morning he revealed about his dream to Satrughna and to other friends as “My father has fallen from the peak of a mountain and fell into a foul-smelling ditch. All his body was giving out foul smell. After sometime he was eating food mixed with gingily oil. Every now and the,n he was drowling into a pool of oil. In that dream, I saw all the oceans drying up. The moon has fallen on earth and the entire world became dark. My father wore black garments and sat on an iron seat. Women wearing black garments were laughing at him”. By saying all these things he said “I am afraid there may be some inauspiciousness is going to happen in our family. It may be for Rama, Lakshmana or even our father. These indications tells me that one of us is going to die. I am more afraid especially for my father since he has become very old. BHARATA GOES TO AYODHYA [This part is taken from 70th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] The messengers from Ayodhya met the king Kekeya and his son Yudhajittu, prostrated at the feet of the king and said “we came to take Bharata to Ayodhya”. The king said “you go and meet Bharata”. The messengers went to Bharata and said “Oh prince! Vasista Maharishi and other ministers enquired about your well being.There are some important duties to be performed by you. Hence you both are to start immediately. Oh prince! We have brought silk garments, ornaments and valuable gems to your grandfather and uncle. We are instructed that those gifts are to be personally presented by you.” Bharata received all those gifts and presented to his grandfather and uncle. His uncle also gifted the messengers with valuable gifts.

Ayodhya Kandam 73 Bharata enquired with the messengers “Is my father safe? Are Rama, Lakshmana and Sita safe? Are my mothers Kausalya Devi, Sumitra Devi and Kaikeyi keeping good health?” The messengers said “Oh price! All are safe at Ayodhya. You must start immediately.” Bharata took permission from King Kekaya and started to Ayodhya. BHARATA REACHES AYODHYA [This part is taken from 71st Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Bharata and Satrughna traveled seven days without any rest. They reached the out skrits of Ayodhya. Bharata enquired “Oh charioteer! Why are there no people in the pleasure gardens? Why is the city looking so dead? Why are the temples not opened? While looking at all these symptoms, my mind is suspecting some calamity in my family.” While talking like this, they entered the first enclosure of Ayodhya. Again he asked the charioteers “you are our trusted servant. You tell me the fact what is the calamity that has happened in my family.” However the charioteers did not open his mouth. BHARATA GOES TO KAIKEYI’S HOUSE [This part is taken from 72nd Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Bharata went to his father’s palace and did not find him there. He therefore went to Kaikeyi’s palace. On looking at Bharata, Kaikeyi got up and embraced him with joy. He prostrated at her feet. Kaikeyi asked “My son! Are my father and brother keeping good health? How many days it took for you to reach Ayodhya? Did you have a comfortable journey?” Bharata said “Mother! It took seven days for me to reach this place. My grandfather and uncle are keeping good health. He has given valuables gems and ornaments as gift. Where is my

74 Valmiki Ramayanam father? Why is his bed vacant? First I wanted to prostrate at his feet. Tell me where he is staying. I will go and see him.” Kaikeyi then revealed the death of his father in a cunning manner, saying “My son! The King is a glorious person. He performed several yagnas. He protected several brahmins. He did several noble acts. However can anyone live forever? Everyone has to leave this world one day or the other. The same death has taken your father also.” On hearing these words from his mother he could not control his grief, fell down and fainted. Kaikeyi said “Oh prince! You are a glorious person. Many are waiting to honour you in the royal court. You get up and have a wash. You are going to perform several yagnas. Such a prince should not fall on the ground and grieve like this.” Bharata said “Mother! When I was asked to come immediately, I thought that father must be commencing a yagna or he must have proposed coronation for Rama. But I never dreamt that he would have left us so suddenly. Rama and Lakshmana who would have performed the last rites of my father are really fortunate. Had I been here, while father was alive, he would have embraced me with love. He himself would have removed the dust on my body. Mother! Rama is both father and brother to me. He alone can remove the distress of all people. I am the servant of Rama. I presume he is not aware of my arrival. Immediately I will go and prostrate at his feet. He is not only my eldest brother but also my father. Mother! Did father leave any message for me?” Kaikeyi said “My son! Your father is most righteous among the righteous people who reached superior lokas. The last words he uttered were ‘Haa Rama! Haa Lakshmana! Haa Sita!’ He also said those who see Rama, Sita and Lakshmana after

Ayodhya Kandam 75 fourteen years will be really fortunate. In the meanwhile, death has taken him away from us.” Bharata said “Mother! You are hurling one thunder bolt after the other. Now, where are Rama, Sita and Lakshmana?” Kaikeyi said “My son! Rama wore valkalas and went to Dandakaranya. Sita and Lakshmana also followed him.” Bharata said “Why Rama was sent to Dandakaranya? Did he steal any brahmin’s money? Did he harrass either the rich or the poor citizens? Did he rape somebody’s wife? Did he kill any infants or did he commit any other such crimes? Why was he sent to Dandakaranya?” Kaikeyi said “My son! Rama did not even look at any other’s wife. He did not kill any infants. He did not deceive any brahmin. He did not harrass anyone. Your father wanted to perform coronation of Rama. He did not inform me. At the last minute only, he came and told me. I became furious and insisted on him “You perform coronation to Bharata.” I thought, Rama might give you some troubles if he lived in Ayodhya. Hence I asked Dasaratha to send Rama to Dandakaranya for fourteen years. Since your father had promised me two boons, I encashed them now. Since your father is a truthful person, he fulfilled his promises. Rama agreed to go to the forests to make his father’s promise true. Sita and Lakshmana also went behind him. Your father died with the grief of sending Rama to the forests. My son! I did all these things for your auspiciousness and well being. Now the entire kingdom is yours. You are the king of Ayodhya. You stop grieving. Be bold and take possession of the kingdom. You complete the last rites of your father. After that, Vasista and others will coronate you as king.

76 Valmiki Ramayanam BHARATA BLAMES KAIKEYI [This part is taken from 73rd and 74th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Bharata said “Oh mother! My father is dead. My brother who is equal to my father has gone to forests. He is living like a muni eating fruits and roots. While Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are suffering in the forests, how can I enjoy comforts in the palace? I do not want such a kingdom. Already I am grieving for the death of my father. Added to that, you have made my brother also to live in the forests. My father embraced you not knowing that you are the fire that burnt everything to ashes. You have destroyed all our family. Rama loved you more than his own mother. Why are you doing all these sinful acts? Did you ever look back and saw your sinster acts? I do not want a kingdom where Rama and Lakshmana are not there. In case I am asked to rule, I shall discharge that responsibility only to keep up the law and order as a son of king Dasaratha, but not as king. I would have banished you from the country but I am afraid of Rama might get angry. Don’t you know the established heritage in our country that the eldest son alone will rule the country? His brothers will serve him with love and devotion. This is Sanatana dharma.” BHARATA GOES TO KAUSALYA [This part is taken from 75th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] The ministers came to know of the arrival of Bharata and went to the house of Kaikeyi. Looking at the ministers, Bharata broke down, cried bitterly and said “Oh ministers! Neither I desired the kingdom nor I asked my mother. I and Satrughna were in my uncle’s place for a long time. Hence I do not know what was happening here. Neither I know anything about the wicked plans of my mother nor I had any role in it.”

Ayodhya Kandam 77 Kausalya heard the voice of Bharata and said “Sumitra! The son of Kaikeyi has come. He is not wicked like his mother. I want to see him.” In the meanwhile, Bharata came and prostrated at her feet. Both embraced each other and cried bitterly. Kausalya said “My son! Your mother is a capable woman. She has secured the kingdom in an easy manner. She not only secured the kingdom for you but also drove away Rama and Lakshmana to the forests and made you to enjoy the kingdom without an enemy. By bringing so many calamities in the family, I do not understand what benefit your mother has derived. You send me also to Rama. Otherwise, I and Sumitra will go. Now, since you are the king, you have the authority to send us to forests.” On hearing her words, he fell at her feet, wept bitterly and fainted. After sometime, he recovered and said “Mother! I do not know anything about all these developments. I am already in distress. Added to that, your words are paining me more. Don’t you know how much I am devoted to Rama? Mother!” By saying all this, Bharata also made several vows and proved his innocence. Kausalya was moved by hearing his vows and shivered like a tender leaf and said “My son! By your making so many vows, my grief is increasing but not decreasing. By the grace of god and by virtue of your punyam, you did not deviate from the path of dharma. By making these vows, you also will become a virtuous person like Lakshmana.” By saying so, she embraced him. BHARATA CREMATES FATHER’S BODY [This part is taken from 76th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] At that time, Vasista Maharishi came and said “Bharata! Don’t grieve. May you have all auspiciousness. Now you have to perform the last rites to the king.” The body was taken out

78 Valmiki RamayanamGlossary from the casket. It was looking fresh, as if he was sleeping. Looking at the body of the king, Bharata said “Father! I was away in my uncle’s house. Rama and Lakshmana are now living in forests. Why did you send them to forests? All the people are grieving for Rama. At this juncture, why have you left us all and where have you gone?” While he was weeping, Vasista Maharishi came and said “Oh prince! The body is kept in a casket for a long period. Now, it is deteriorating fast. Hence you should start performing the last rites immediately”. Brahmins read all the vedic mantras and the pyre was prepared with sandal wood and fragrances. After completing all the formalities, the body was kept on the pyre. Bharata made pradakshina namaskarams to the body and the pyre. Kausalya and other queens also went round the pyre with folded hands and paid their last respects for the departed soul. Then, Bharata lit the pyre. Brahmins recited saamaganam. Later, they all went to river Sarayu, had their bath and gave jala tarpanas. VASISTA CONSOLES BHARATA [This part is taken from 77th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] On the tenth day Bharata and others did purificatory karmas. On the twelveth day he performed the sraaddha karma; fed brahmins and gave hefty donations. On the thirteenth day Bharata collected the remains of the burnt bones and said “Oh father! You used to say that you will retire and live comfortably under the rule of Rama. Now he is living in forests. So there is nothing left for me in this world. Where is the happiness for me?” SATRUGHNA PUNISHES MANDHARA [This part is taken from 78th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam]

AyodhyaGlossary Kandam 79 The last rites of Dasaratha were completed. Bharata was thinking of going to Rama. In the meanwhile, Satrughna came and said “Oh brother! Rama is the protector of all worlds. At the end, he could not protect himself. Look how strange it is? He went to the forests to make true the promise made by our father. Lakshmana could have protested vehemently. But he also went behind Rama. Wicked Kaikeyi is responsible for all these calamities. Our father had become a puppet in the hands of Kaikeyi. Father gave her a free hand all these years and could not control her at the end.” In the meanwhile, Mandhara decorated with several ornaments was passing through the corridors, in front of Bharata’s room. The servants and maids were chasing her for poisoning the mind of Kaikeyi. Satrughna looked at the noise outside and saw Mandhara among the servants. Immediately he rushed towards her and slapped her. All her ornaments were thrown away on the floor. Mandhara was afraid for her life and started shouting “Oh Kaikeyi! Save me.” Kaikeyi heard the cries of Mandhara and came running, to save her. Since Satrughna did not heed to her appeals, she ran to Bharata and asked him to save the life of Mandhara. Bharata went to Satrughna and said “Brother! A hero will not kill a woman. Leave her. I also thought of killing Kaikeyi for sending Rama to the forests. But I was afraid that Rama will find fault with me for killing the mother. Hence I controlled myself. If you kill Mandhara, Rama will not talk to you. Hence you leave her.” The moment Satrughna heard the name of Rama, all his fury cooled down and he went back. BHARATA DECIDED TO GO TO RAMA [This part is taken from 79th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] On the fourteenth day, after completing the last rites for king Dasaratha, Vasista Maharishi and other ministers assembled. The Minister said “Oh Maharishi! Rama the eldest

80 Valmiki Ramayanam son of our king has gone to the forests. Sita and Lakshmana also followed him. Now the king is dead. Hence we are to make Bharata the king. The country should not go without a king. People will suffer several calamities if the country is without a king. Hence Bharata has to be coronated as the king. All the materials were kept ready for his coronation. Bharata went round the materials procured for coronation, made a pradakshina namaskaram and said “Vasista Maharishi! In our dynasty the eldest son alone is eligible to rule the country. This is Sanatana dharma also. Hence Rama alone is eligible to rule this country. I will obey the orders of my father and live in forests for fourteen years on behalf of Rama. You please make all arrangements for me to go to the forests, to meet Rama. All the four wings of the army will follow us. The materials procured for coronation also will be carried with us. We will coronate Rama in the forest itself. I will not fulfil the desire of Kaikeyi. She is a Devil in the mask of a mother. I myself will live in the forest and Rama will rule the country. You kindly pave the way for my journey to meet Rama. This is my order.” On hearing Bharata’s words, all the ministers, subordinate kings and citizens appreciated his decision. The ministers said “Oh prince! Though the kingdom has come to your hands, you are passing on the same to your eldest brother to keep up the tradition. With this sacrifice, your glory will become immortal in the world. We will make all arrangements for us all to go to the forests.” ROAD WAS BUILT UPTO GANGES [This part is taken from 80th and 81st Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] The army cleared all the bushes upto river Ganga and formed a road so that the people and the chariots can move

Ayodhya Kandam 81 freely. They built guest houses on the way for Bharata, Maharishis, ministers, queens and others. VASISTA CONVENES ASSEMBLY After making arrangements for going to the forests Bharata and Satrughna went their palace and slept. Next morning Vandhis, went and started praising stotras. Bharata woke up and asked them to go away and said “Satrughna! These Vandhis were praising me in the manner they praised our father. Our brother Rama alone is eligible for those stostras. Brother! Look! What a big damage that Kaikeyi has created to the world. The king has left to heavens. The Rajyalakshmi has become an orphan. My mother has sent Rama to the forests.” By saying so he fell down and fainted. All the queens comforted him. At that time Vasista Maharishi came and requested Bharata to go with him and conduct the assembly. Bharata went with him and sat on a golden throne. The house was filled with subordinate kings, ministers, officials, prominent brahmins, vysyas, kshatriyas. BHARATA GOES TO RAMA [This part is taken from 82nd Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Vasista Maharishi said “Bharata! Your father has ruled the contry in the righteous manner. He made the treasuries full. Now he has gone to heaven. We are all unanimously thinking of making you as our king. Your elder brother Rama has gone to forests to make your father a truthful person. The country cannot go without a king. All the materials for your coronation are kept ready. Hence you become the king and rule the people as your own children. Now the subordinate kings and people will give you gifts as token of respect.”

82 Valmiki Ramayanam Bharata said with tears in his eyes, “Oh Maharishi! Elders in the assembly! My elder brother Rama learned all sastras and knew all dharmas. He observed Brahmacharya. He is the protector of dharma. He is the eldest of our brothers. He alone should rule the kingdom of Dasaratha. I cannot steal the kingdom of my brother. I am the servant of Rama. Elders like you should not suggest me to become a king. Revered citizens of Ayodhya! I cannot resort to sinful acts like my mother. I am saluting my brother from here itself. Rama is capable of ruling not only Ayodhya but also all worlds. I will go to the forests, convince him and bring him back to Ayodhya. If he doesn’t come I will also remain in the forests. You also come with me, convince my brother and bring him back to Ayodhya.” On hearing the words of Bharata, Vasista, Sumantra and all the people were filled with joy. Bharata gave orders to make preparations to go to forests. BHARATA REACHES THE RIVER GANGA [This part is taken from 83rd Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Bharata and Satrughna woke up before dawn and they sat in the chariot. They are anxious to see Rama as early as possible. Behind them, the priests, ministers and subordinate kings also follwed him. Kausalya, Sumitra, Kaikeyi and all other queens also sat in their respective chariots. The people also assembled and walked in groups. On their way, they kept on telling the glories of Rama to each other. By sunset, they reached the banks of river Ganga near Srungibheripuram. Bharata said “Oh Sumantra! Let us all take rest on the banks of river Ganga for this night. You make necessary arrangements for our stay.”

Ayodhya Kandam 83 GUHA WORSHIPS BHARATHA [This part is taken from 84th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Guha saw the large army on the banks of Ganga. He suspected that somebody must have come on an expedition, for war with him. He called his ministers and ordered them to prepare for the fight. Five hundred boats were spread on Ganga at various spots and kept ready to protect his teritory. He had a second thought that Bharata may be going to forests to kill Rama and Lakshmana. If he was having any such wicked plans, Guha decided to kill them all, before they crossed river Ganga. This was because, Rama was not only a king but also his dearest friend. However he wanted to be diplomatic before resorting to the fight. He took with him his ministers and a few food stuffs to offer and see Bharata. On his way, he saw Sumantra and felt happy. Sumantra went to Bharata and said that “Guha has come to see you. He is a good friend of Rama. He is the ruler of this area. He knows every nook and corner of this forest. He will be much useful to us in searching for Rama and Lakshmana. He is waiting to see you. He brought some eatables and gifts for you.” Bharata said “Sumantra! You bring him immediately.” Guha came and said “Prabhu! We are hunters. These areas are under my rule. I have brought some fruits, honey and meat to offer you. I request you to accept them. Tomorrow morning I shall make arrangements for all of you to cross the river Ganga.” GUHA TALKS TO BHARATA [This part is taken from 85th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Bharata said “Oh Guha! I am pleased to see you since you are the dearest friend of my brother. It may be inconvenient

84 Valmiki Ramayanam for you to offer food for such a huge army. It is enough if you help us in crossing the river Ganga and show the way to the ashram of Bharadwaja Maharishi.” Guha said “Oh prince! Before I promise you, I want to know a few facts from you. I am suspecting that you have some ulterior motives in your expedition. Otherwise why are you going to see Rama with such a huge army? I know every inch of this Dandakaranya. If you are thinking of doing any harm to my friend we will even give up our life to fight with you. In case you are going to see him only, then, we also come with you.” Bharata said “Oh Guha! You need not suspect me. Rama is not only my brother but also equal to my father. We are all going to convince my brother and take him back to Ayodhya. We also want to coronate him as the king, in the forest itself. I pray to all gods that a day should not come at all for me to think ill of Rama. Even if he rejects my offer, I wanted to give pressure from all these people.” Guha said “Oh prince! Though this kingdom has come to you without any effort, you are thinking of giving it back to Rama. I appreciate your noble thought. I do not think there will be a second person like you in all the worlds. By this act of yours, your glory will remain immortal.” By the time they were talking, the sun has set. Tents were erected for the sleeping of Bharata and others. GUHA TELLS ABOUT RAMA [This part is taken from 86th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] The entire night Guha was talking to Bharata about Rama and Lakshmana. Guha said “Oh prince! Sita and Rama slept under this tree. I arranged bed for Lakshmana also and asked him to take rest. But he refused to sleep and said ‘Oh Guha! How can I sleep when Rama and Sita were sleeping on the floor. Even if devatas and danavas fight together , they cannot

Ayodhya Kandam 85 win over Rama. Such a Rama is sleeping on the floor. My father has performed many yagnas and got him as his son. Rama possessed all the qualities of my father Dasaratha. Though he is my brother he is equalent to my father. My father cannot live without Rama even for a moment. Very shortly my mother is going to become a widow. If he dies all my mothers also will die with him. My father will die without seeing the coronation of Rama. Bharata and Satrughna are fortunate to perform the last rites for my father.’ Oh Bharata! That entire night Lakshmana was speaking to me about the glorious qualities of Rama. Next morning, I myself left them on the other side river Ganga. They wore valkalas and jata and entered the forests.” BHARATA FAINTS ON HEARING ABOUT RAMA [This part is taken from 89th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Guha said “Oh prince! Rama and Lakshmana not only wear valkalas but they asked me milk from a banian tree, to apply to their hair. On applying it, immediately their hair became matted and formed into jatas. Rama entered the forest like a muni. Sita and Lakshmana followed him.” On hearing this from Guha, Bharata had a doubt that Rama may not conceed his request. All the time he had a faith that he could convince Rama. Even if he could not do it, he thought the ministers and Maharishis might be able to convince him. That was why, he brought them also with him. Satrughna could not control his grief and cried loudly. Bharata asked “Guha! Where did Rama, Sita and Lakshmana sleep on that night? What food did they eat? What did they speak to you?” Guha said “Oh prince! I took a lot of eatables with me but he refused politely and said ‘Oh Guha! I am obeying the orders

86 Valmiki Ramayanam of my father. As per the conditions of his order, I should not take any gifts from others.’ He sent Lakshmana to fetch water from the Ganga. Sita and Rama took those waters. The remaining water Lakshmana drank. All the three sat for a long time in meditation. Lakshmana brought darbha grass and spread it on the floor. Sita and Rama slept over it. Lakshmana was wearing bow and arrows and was guarding them for the whole night.” Guha took Bharata, Satrughna, Kausalya and other queens to the tree under which Rama and Sita slept. On seeing the place and dry darbha grass, they all wept bitterly. BHARATA MEETS BHARADWAJA MAHARISHI [This part is taken from 90th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Next morning Bharata and Satrughna got up from sleep and completed their daily rituals. By that time, Guha was waiting ouside. Bharata asked him to help their people to cross the river. Guha engaged all his five hundred boats for them to cross the river. While the elephants were crossing with flags over them, they looked like mountain peaks. Guha guided them to the ashram of Bharadwaja. Bharadwaja saw Vasista from a distance and asked his deciples to bring arghyam and other worshiping materials. He went ahead of them and worshiped with traditional rituals. Bharata was standing by the side of Vasista Maharishi. Vasista said “Oh Maharishi! He is Bharata, the son of king Dasaratha.” Bharadwaja said “Oh Bharata! You are supposed to be in Ayodhya ruling the kingdom. What made you to come to forests with such a big army and ministers? Somehow my mind is suspecting something foul. Your father has ordered Rama to live in forests for fourteen years. He also obeyed his orders

Ayodhya Kandam 87 and came to live in the forests. You have no obstacles to rule Ayodhya. Then why have you come with such a big army? Are you entertaining any sinful thoughts in you?” Bharata wept bitterly and said “Maharishi! You are a righteous tapasvi. You are as good as god. You know past, present and future. If you also suspect me, I have no option except death. I do not have any sinful thoughts. You please show kindness to me. While I was in my grandfather’s house my mother Kaikeyi forced my father and sent Rama to forests. I have no role in her sinful and wicked acts. I never gave my consent for her demands. It is never my intension. Maharishi! Now I have come to the forests to prostrate at the feet of Rama and to request him to take back Ayodhya and rule the country. You kindly bless me and tell where Rama is living.” Vasista and other Maharishis also requested Bharadwaja Maharishi in the same manner. Bharadwaja Maharishi was pleased and said “oh Bharata! This act of yours will bring you immortal glory. You are superior among the virtuous people. Your obedience towards the elders is befitting of your Raghu tradition. Bharata! Though I know about your inner thoughts I wanted to hear the same from your mouth. That is why, I pretended as if I am doubting you. Sita, Rama and Lakshmana built an ashram on Mt. Chitrakootam. You stay this night with me here, have my hospitality and go there tomorrow morning.” BHARADWAJA HOSTS A DINNER FOR BHARATA [This part is taken from 91st Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Bharata said “Oh Maharishi! It is very difficult for you to host such a big army.” Bharadwaja said with a smile “Bharata! I can offer you only whatever little I have. Very rarely I will

88 Valmiki Ramayanam have a guest like you. Let me be fortunate to serve Vasista Maharishi and others. Why did you keep your army at a far off place? You could have brought them to my ashrama.” Bharata said “Maharishi! You are nursing the trees and plants around your ashram like your children. If my army, horses and elephants come. They may damage your them. Many birds have built their nests on the trees here and are living on them. Hence I kept them away.” Maharishi said “Bharata! I appreciate your gesture. However your men,horses and elephants cannot spoil my plants or ashram surroundings. You bring them to my ashram.” Bharata ordered Sumantra to bring the army and others to the ashram. Maharishi went into the agnihotra room (a place where the sacred firs is always kept lighted). He saluted to the agnihotra and prayed. Oh agnihotra! I promised to host a dinner to Bharata and his men. You help me in fulfilling my word.” Again he prayed to Indra, Yama, Varuna, Kubera and all dikpalakas to supervise the arrangements for serving the dinner. He prayed the rivers that are flowing towards the east and west to flow throught the place with sura [wines] and drinking water for the guests. He prayed Gandharavas to come and recite music concerts. He prayed Urvasi, Rambha and all apsarasas to entertain the guests. He requested the wind god to blow cold breeze with fragrances. “Oh viswa karma ! you build a royal palace with a darbar hall.” With the permission of Bharadwaja, Bharata entered into the palace with his ministers and commanders. There, in the palace, he saw a splenderous throne. Bharata remembered Rama in his mind, made a pradakshina namaskaram to the throne and prostrated before it. Bharata took the chowris (a type of huge fan) into his hands and started fanning to the throne assuming that Rama is sitting on that throne. Ministers,

Ayodhya Kandam 89 Maharishis, priest and others sat in the seats provided for them. While they were all sitting in the darbar hall, a river of payasam flowed. On either side of the river, they found living apartments for all the people. Entire night they all enjoyed dances, music, sura and other entertainments provided by the Maharishi. In the early hours of the day, all the devatas came to serve them and after that, they all disappeared and went to their places. The soldiers were still sleeping in a drunken state. BHARATA TRAVELS TO MT. CHITRAKOOTAM [This part is taken from 92nd Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Next morning Bharata went to see Bharadwaja Maharishi. By that time Maharishi has completed agnihotra pooja and came out to see Bharata. Bharata said “Maharishi! We had a good dinner and slept well. We are anxious to see Rama. Kindly let us know the way to Mt. Chitrakootam.” Maharishi said “From here, at about three and half krosas distance, you will find Mt. Chitrakootam. Before you reach that place you will pass through a thick forest. River Mandakini will be flowing on the Northern side of Chitrakootam. Sita, Rama and Lakshmana built a cottage on that mountain and living. You can reach that mountain either from the southern direction or from the south east direction. I bless you to meet Rama.” In the meanwhile, the queens of king Dasaratha came and stood there. Maharishi asked “Bharata! You tell me who is the mother of whom?” Bharata said “The woman who is constantly grieving is the principle queen of the king Dasaratha and the mother of Rama. She is Sumitra Devi mother of Lakshmana and Satrughna. This arrogant, egoist and greedy woman is Kaikeyi. She always entertains sinful thoughts. She is responsible for Rama’s exile and for the death of king Dasaratha. She gave birth to me.” Bharadwaja said, “Bharata! You don’t find fault with Kaikeyi.

90 Valmiki Ramayanam She is a tool in the hands of god. Vidhi itself made her to ask for Rama’s exile. She is only instrumental. Rama exile is for the benefit of people and provoked by devatas. Hence you don’t abuse her.” Bharata took permission from the Maharishi and traveled towards Mt. Chitrakootam. BHARATA SEARCHES FOR RAMA [This part is taken from 93rd Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Bharata said “Oh Vasista Maharishi! Now we have reached Mt. Chitrakootam. Here, river Mandakini is flowing. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana must be living on this mountain.” Some of his soldiers came at that time and said “Prabhu! We are finding smoke in this direction. The smoke will not come without fire. Which means there must be some tapasvis who are doing agnihotra pooja. If we go in that direction, we may find Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. Atleast some tapasvis can guide us where they are living.” Bharata took that lead and proceeded in that direction. Satrughna, Vasista Maharishi and a few ministers followed him. They all proceeded towards the direction where the smoke was arising. RAMA EXPLAINS TO SITA ABOUT CHITRAKOOTAM [This part is taken from 94th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Rama came to the forest about a month ago. He is enjoying the thrill of forests life. Slowly he is forgetting Ayodhya. At one point he said “Oh Sita! Kinnera couples comes here and wander on these mountains. Look at those valleys. You find vidhyadaras are wandering with their women. Look, their weapons and garments were hanging on the trees. Sita! Look at this part of a mountain! How many streams are flowing! In

Ayodhya Kandam 91 some places the springs are breaking the mountain and flushing out. Look at the fragrance of several flowers. I feel like living on these mountains with you and Lakshmana forever. Day after day, I am fascinated with the beauties of this mountain. I am enjoying this forest life. At the same time I am relieved from the debt of my father and keeping Bharata also happy. Sita! Tell me. Are you comfortable here? For the Rajarishis who want to attain superior lokas, vanavasam is like nectar. These mountains are full of metals and minerals, which emit luxture and provides light for the animals. RAMA EXPLAINS THE BEAUTY OF GANGES [This part is taken from 95th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] “Oh Sita! Look at river Mandakini. The swans, chakravakams, Sara birds are flying in rows over the river. On both sides of the river we see number of fruit gardens which resemble kubera’s lake, Sowgandika. The women of tapasvis are taking bath in the river and praying to sun god. Sita! Let us swim across the river and sit a while on the other side of the river. Let us pick up some lotus flowers. Come with me and enter the waters. Sita! Everything is in mind. All the animals wandering around this mountain appear to me like the citizens of Ayodhya. This Chitrakootam itself is resembling Ayodhya. River Mandakini is like our Sarayu.” Rama explained the beauty of Chirtakootam to Sita and Lakshmana in detail like this. BHARATA ARRIVES AT CHITRAKOOTAM [This part is taken from 96th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] While Rama and Sita were sitting together, the sounds made by the the army of Bharata traveled in the air and

92 Valmiki Ramayanam reached the ears of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. The birds and animals which were not used to such unusual sounds, were afraid and started running for safety. Rama could not guess the reason for these unusual sounds. He asked Lakshmana to climb a tall tree and look around. Lakshmana climbed a tall sala tree and looked on all four sides. He saw chariots, elephants, horses and army coming towards the mountain from the northern direction. He said “Brother! You put off the fire in the agnihotra house. Let Sita hide in a cave. Let us take out our bow and arrows.” Rama said “Lakshmana! Do you know whose army is that?” Lakshmana said with fury, “Brother! This army belongs to Bharata. He must have coronated himself as king and is coming to kill us, so that, he will not have an enemy on earth. That is why he is coming with such a huge army. I am definitely seeing the flags of our Kingdom. Let us have our bow and arrows. Take position on a peak of this mountain. We should kill all of them before they climb the mountain. We will attack Bharata who is responsible for our grief. We are put to these difficulties only because of him. He got the kingdom through his mother. We were obeying the orders of our father and living in the forests. Why should he come here also, with such a big army? I presume he must be coming only to kill us. In defense of our life, there is nothing wrong if we kill him. Kaikeyi should cry bitterly while looking at the body of her son. I myself will kill Kaikeyi.” RAMA PACIFIES LAKSHMANA [This part is taken from 97th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Rama said “Lakshmana! Don’t be hasty. Since Bharata himself is coming, where is the need for bow and arrows. Why should I need the kingdom, by killing my own brother? Such a

Ayodhya Kandam 93 kingdom is like poison to me. Though I agreed for coronation, that was only for the joy of all of you and not for me alone. I swear on my soul and I am telling you that I accepted the kingdom only to benefit all my brothers but not for myself alone. Lakshmana! Bharata is also dearer to me than my own life. He too has great love for his brothers. He must have returned to Ayodhya and learnt that our father has sent me to the forests. Virtuous Bharata must have pleaded that the kingdom should be ruled only by the eldest son. He must be coming only to take me to Ayodhya but not to fight with us. He must have abused Kaikeyi and he must have convinced father and is coming to the forests. I know how much he loves me. Lakshmana! If you abuse Bharata, it amounts to that as if you are abusing me. If you are abusing Bharata for the sake of kingdom, I will ask him to give it away to you. He will not say no to me.” Rama’s words made laskhmana ashamed and said “Brother! I presume that King Dasaratha himself is coming to take us to Ayodhya.” Rama said “I also think so. He must have been realized our sufferings in the forests. If we do not agree, he may ask us to take Sita with him.” Lakshmana said “Rama! I am seeing the elephant used by our father but I am not finding him on it. Even that white umbrella is also not visible. From this, I suspect something bad.” At that time, Rama asked Lakshmana to get down from the tree. BHARATA REACHES CHITRAKOOTAM [This part is taken from 98th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Bharata kept the army at the foot of the hills and said “Satrughna! You go and bring Guha and his men. You ask them to search for Rama and Lakshmana on all sides of the mountain.

94 Valmiki Ramayanam Vasista Maharishi, superior brahmins, ministers and a few citizens will follow us. I will be restless until I see Rama.” At last they reached the surroundings of Rama’s ashram. They saw smoke emitting from agnihotra and they guessed that it must be the ashram of Rama. BHARATA REACHES RAMA’S ASHRAM [This part is taken from 99th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] After sometime they reached the ashram of Rama. It was quiet wide and big. It was built at an elevated place. There was a separate agnihotra house and darbha grass was stacked. His bow, arrows and other weapons were hanging on the walls. Bharata and others entered the ashram. Rama was sitting on a krishnajinam. He wore valkalas. His hair was matted with jatas. Such a Rama was sitting firmly like Brahma. Sita and Lakshmana were sitting on either side of him. All of them were sat on darbha grass. At the sight of Rama, Bharata could not control himself and broke down in tears. He ran towards Rama, fell at his feet and said “Oh brother! You are supposed to sit in darbar with your ministers. But, you are sitting alone in this forests. Normally your hair was well dressed but it is now matted and formed jatas. You were performing yagnas in Ayodhya. Now you are sleeping on the floor filled with dust.” Bharata grieved like this and fell at his feet. Rama lifted and embraced him. Rama’s eyes also were filled with tears. RAMA TEACHES RAJA DHARMA [This part is taken from 100th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Rama could not easily recognize Bharata since he is also wearing valkalas and his hair also was matted with jatas. He

Ayodhya Kandam 95 lifted him affectionately and said “Brother! Why have you come here, leaving father alone at this old age? Are all of our mothers safe? Why are you run down so thin? I am happy to see you after a long time. Are you serving our father? Did anyone obstruct you in ruling Ayodhya since you are young? Are you holding our country firmly which we are enjoying traditionally? Did grief take away our father’s life? Why did you come to forests? Are you worshiping our priest Vasista Maharishi? Are you respecting Suyagna the son of Vasista Maharishi? Are you performing agnihotra pooja without negligence? Are you respecting devatas, mothers, father, guru, elders, doctors and brahmins? Are you respecting Sudhanva who is a pundit in raja nithi? Are you appointing as your ministers only those who were qualified in all sastras? Before you select your ministers, you make sure whether they will keep your secrets are not. Then only, the king can be safe. Are you sleeping beyond limits? Are you thinking in such a way as to gain more, with little efforts? Are you keeping your plans secret, from your rivals, till they are executed? One wise man’s company is better than thousand ignorant persons. You remember this while choosing your ministers. Because at times of crisi,s he alone can save the country. Though the king may be young, if the minister is an efficient person, he will bring prosperty to the country. While utilizing the services of your employees you should assess their effieciency. You choose as your ministers those who are serving from generation to generation, who have credibility and good character and who can protect your secrets. Are you appointing as your commander in chief a person who is valorous, honest, contended and devoted to the king? Are you appointing as your commander in chief one who was born in your country? Are you honouring those commanders

96 Valmiki Ramayanam who are valorous and brought several victories to you? Are you providing enough food grains and weapons to your army? Are you paying to your army well and in time? Are you appointing as your ambassordar, one who is a truthful person? You appoint three spies on each of the following areas of your neighbouring countries. Minister, priest, commander in chief, gate keepers, palace incharge, jails incharge, treasury incharge, assembly incharge, judiciary, fort incharge, state officials, officers who execute punishments. Those three spies will report their observations independently. Are you reviewing such reports? In the same manner you should also appoint three spies in each area in your country also excepting the minister, the priest and the prince. Don’t neglect and don’t be careless with your enemy who was defeated in your hands. You keep away those brahmins who give more importance for wordly pleasures. They are as good as atheists. Such pundits will mislead with their cunning arguments and interpretations. They will speak against Vedas. Hence don’t allow them anywhere near you. Brother! Our city was very ancient. It cannot be conquered by enemies. That is why it is named as ‘Ayodhya’. Hence all the citizens of bramin, kshatriya, vyasya and sudra castes are very pious and have contol on their senses. They are all interested in performing vedic karmas. If you protect this country, it will be as good as protecting pundits. You build temples all over the country. You dig lakes in all villages for drinking and irrigation purposes. You fix boundary stones in all lands so as to avoid litigations among the people. You see to it that men and women live happily. You take proper care that all the lands yield good crops. You

Ayodhya Kandam 97 protect the people from the cruel animals. You banish the thieves and crooked from the country. You keep up the established customs and traditions in the people. You do not deviate from the path of dharma. You talk sweet words with your woman but don’t tell the secrets. Don’t believe their words too. Are those who are engaged in cattle feeding and agriculture keeping faith in you? You see to it that the strength of female elephants and horses grow in leaps and bounds. Because, elephants and horses are the real wealth for the king. Are you getting up early in the morning? Are you decorating attractively and giving daily audience to the people? People who are working under you might not take liberties with you. However you see to it that they move close and affectionately with you. Are you providing enough food grains, weapons and water in all your forts? Always your income should be more than expenses. You spend more money on divine purposes, on ancestors, parents, brahmins, guests, army, friends and well wishers. Under any circumstances, do not give money to undeserving people. Sometimes you will receive complaints on virtuous and learned people. Some people will bring those alligations with cunning arguments and misinterpretations. Some people will give death punishments even without proper enquiry. You should closely watch the implementation of danda nithi carefully and save them tactfully. Don’t leave the thieves and corrupt people unpunished. Sometimes ministers will apply double standards for poor and rich while awarding danda nithi. My brother! You remember one thing. If a king punishes one who did not

98 Valmiki Ramayanam commit an offence, the tears of those persons will ruin the king, his sons and wealth. You always satisfy men, women, young and old by your mind, donations and speech. You salute every morning to guru, elders, Maharishis, devatas, guests. You don’t neglect dharma and ardha under any circumstances. All your success depends on how effieciently, you utilize your time. Therefore allot more time for observing dharma and ardha. The king should give up the following defects : telling lies, anger, atheism, confusion, indecisiveness, neglecting the wisemen, laziness, becoming slave to the senses, unilateral decisions, taking advice from inefficient people, delay in implementation, not keeping secrets, not performing good and useful acts and opposing enemies all at a time from all directions. Oh Bharata, Understand well and follow these : dasavargam, panchavargam, chaturvargam, trivargam, trividyas, shadgunyam, daiva maanusham, krutyam, vimsativargam, prakrutis, mandalam, yatravidanam and the two causes of sandhi and vigraha. RAMA QUESTIONS BHARATA [This part is taken from 101st Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Again Rama asked “Bharata! Why you are wearing valkalas and jatas? Why have you come here?” Bharata embraced him and said “Rama! Our father has sent you to forests but he could not contain the grief and died, always remembering you. He bowed his head before Kaikeyi and committed this sinful act. Remembering the injustice done to you, he grieved till the end and died, saying ‘Haa Rama! Haa Lakshmana! Haa Sita!’ However Kaikeyi could not get the kingdom as desired by her but she got widowhood.

Ayodhya Kandam 99 Rama! You show mercy on me, come back to Ayodhya and get coronated like Devendra. All our mothers, ministers and people are also came to request you the same. You are the eldest among our brothers. You should rule the country as per the tradition of our family.” Rama said “Bharata! There is no fault in you. You also do not blame your mother. King has a right to order me to wear valkalas and live in forests. Children also are to obey the orders of their father. This is accepted by all sastras. You also obey the orders of our father and rule the country. After completing fourteen years of forests life and I will come back to Ayodhya. We both have to obey the orders of our father.” BHARATA TELLS ABOUT THE DEATH OF DASARATHA [This part is taken from 102nd Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Bharata said “Rama! I have deviated from dharma. What is the meaning of telling me so many dharmas? I know only one dharma and that is to keep up our family tradition. The eldest son must rule the country. When the eldest son is alive, how can the younger son become the king? Hence you come back to Ayodhya and rule the country. When I was living in grandfather’s house, you were sent to forests. Father could not contain his grief and died. I and Satrughna came to Ayodhya and cremated our father’s body. Now you also offer jala tarpanas to our father. Unless you give jala tarpanas, he will not reach heavens. He loved you more than his life. Even in the last minute, he remembered you and died. He fixed his mind on you and died remembering you.” RAMA GIVES JALA TARPANAS TO HIS FATHER [This part is taken from 103rd Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam]

100 Valmiki Ramayanam On hearing the news of Dasaratha’s death, Rama fell down with grief and fainted. Bharata and Lakshmana comforted Rama. After sometime, he recovered. Rama said, “Brother! I and Lakshmana are not fortunate enough to perform the last rites for the body of our father. Hence even though I am alive it is as good as that I am dead. What type of a son am I, who could not perform the last rites of our father? Even though I come back after fourteen years, what is left for me in Ayodhya? Had our father been alive, he could have given me proper advices in ruling the country. Now who is there to guide me? He used to tell so many stories and dharmas. Now who will tell me all those dharmas?” Vasista and other ministers comforted all the four brothers and took them to river Mandakini to offer jala tarpanas. Rama said “Oh superior king! Oh father! The pindas what I am offering you will reach you and be with you forever. He spread the darbha grass on the floor and kept the pindas over it. Oh king! I am offering you the food which I am eating myself.” After offering jala tarpana and pinda pradanam, they all went back to their ashram. RAMA SPEAKS TO HIS MOTHERS [This part is taken from 104th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Vasista Maharishi and all the queens of Dasaratha went to see Rama on the banks of river Mandakini. Looking at Rama, Lakshmana and Sita, Kausalya and other queens wept loudly. Kausalya said “Sumitra! The king has banished his children from the country for no fault of them. They are taking bath in the river like orphans. Your son Lakshmana, carries water from this river for Rama and Sita. He never feels it as an insult, because he considers Rama as his father and Sita as his mother. Hence he is doing all the services for them.

Ayodhya Kandam 101 Sumitra! Look here what type of food they have offered to our husband. Should he live eating these pindas made of gara powder? Am I living to see all these things?” While they were grieving like this, they saw Rama standing in front of them. Rama prostrated at the feet of all his mothers. Kausalya lifted him and embraced. Rama wiped away her tears with his hands and consoled her. BHARATA REQUESTS RAMA TO RULE AYODHYA [This part is taken from 105th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Bharata said “Rama! King Dasaratha gave his kingdom to me at the behest of Kaikeyi. I am giving my kingdom to you. Now you accept the same and rule the country without any doubt. Excepting you, nobody else can rule the country of kosala. However one may train it, will a donkey run like a horse? Will a crow fly like a swan? In the same manner, excepting you, nobody else can rule Ayodhya. Your father has expanded his kingdom with a hope that you will rule the country and keep the people happy. You get coronated and rule the coutry. All sections of people will be happy. All our mothers are anciously waiting for your return.” Rama said “Bharata! All of us are toys in the hands of god. We are all to play as per his tunes. We should not think that we are independent. However much a man may earn wealth, it will be destroyed. Whatever may be the growth, it has to decline. However great the relations of humans may be, but they are to be distroyed. In the same way, all that are born, must die. A fruit that is ripe on a tree has to fall. In the same way, the human body also cannot escape from old age and death. Can the waters of the river Yamuna ever come back to us aftert they enter into the sea? Did the night and day of

102 Valmiki Ramayanam yesterday ever come back? As the water is evoparated by the sun rays, our longevity also will decline. Whether you stand or walk, the longevity keeps declining. Hence you should think about yourself and not of others. Wherever the man goes, death follows him. In other words, man is sitting, standing and walking with the death. The body becomes wrinkled, the hair becomes white. What can such a person achieve? He thinks of completing all his work in the sun shine. The moment it becomes dark he resorts to sleeping. He is happy to take rest. But he is forgetting that he has lost one day in his life. In a river, two sticks travel together. After sometime, they get separated. In the same way, wife, children and wealth stay with him for sometime and then separate from him. One may grieve for a departed person, but he has no control on death. The king should always fix his mind on dharma which alone comforts him. By doing so, the people also will enjoy comforts. Our father performed several yagnas and vedic karmas and went to heaven. He ruled in a righteous manner and collected taxes in a reasonable way. He enjoyed all comforts and was respected by all the people. At the end, he reached the heaven. He attained a divine body which went to the abode of Brahman. You and I should not greive for such a fortunate person. Bharata! You leave grief, go and rule Ayodhya. Have control on your senses and obey the orders of our father. You should not disobey the orders of our king because he is our father also. So we both have to obey the orders of our father. Whoever wants comforts in the other world, should lead a righteous life here.” BHARATA REQUESTS RAMA AGAIN [This part is taken from 106th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Bharatha said “Rama! You have neither pleasure nor pain. Whenever you have a doubt you get it clarified from elders.

Ayodhya Kandam 103 You have no anger on the living or dead. You are above love and hate. How grief can touch you? With all these qualities there is no equal or superior to you. You have the power of discrimination between good and bad; virtuousness and sinfulness. You are a truthful person.You know all about creation, protection and distruction. Such a person should not suffer in forests. While I was away in my grandfather’s house, my mother committed this sinful act. I was never a party to it. I hate her actions. You show kindness on me. Since she happens to be my mother, I am not killing her. Had it been someone else I would have killed the person. Since I am afraid of you, I can not even think of such a sinful thought. Father is no more. I cannot blame a person who is dead. Will any righteous person send his own son to the forests just to satisfy a woman? As he was covered under delusion, he committed such a blemish act. Brother! Father has ordered you to go to forests knowingly or unknowingly. If he violates dharma out of ignorance, should you not set it right? A son can appreciate his father’s virtues but not his sinful acts. You are being appreciated by all people because ofyour virtuous qualities. Don’t go against the will of the people. By doing so, you are saving me, Kaikeyi, father, mothers and all relatives. Brother! Where is the comparison between a forest life and ruling of a country? Where is the comparison between wearing jatas and Raja dharma? Hence you come back to Ayodhya, get coronated as a king and accept Kshatriya dharma. I am younger to you. So, how can I rule while you are alive? I brought all the materials that are required for coronation. Rithwiks also came with us. Vasista Maharishi and ministers will coronate you in the presence of people of Ayodhya. You

104 Valmiki Ramayanam agree to my request and get coronated like Devendra. You clear the debt of devatas, pitrus and rishis. People are blaming my mother. You save her from her sin. You show kindness on us like lord Siva shows mercy on people. If you decide to live in forests I will also stay with you.” Inspite of several such appeals by Bharata, Rama did not agree to go back to Ayodhya. People were happy on one side because of Rama’s firmness in upholding dharma and also grieved since he refused to come to Ayodhya. All the rithwiks, Vasista, ministers and all people appreciated Bharata’s tactful approach and shed tears from their eyes at Rama’s refusal. All mothers also made appeal to Rama asking him to come back to Ayodhya. People also requested him with folded hands. RAMA CONSOLES BHARATA [This part is taken from 107th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Rama said “Bharata! I will tell you a secret which was told to me by our father. You and the people are thinking that our father has given you the kingdom because of lust towards a woman. That is not the truth. Before our father married Kaikeyi, he had promised her father that he would give the kingdom to the son born to her. After getting this promise from our father, he gave his daughter to our father in marriage. Even your mother also must have forgotten about this fact or even king Kekaya would have not informed her. This secret is known to all our ministers. Long ago when our father was fighting on behalf of devatas your mother saved his life two times. Out of gratitude our father gave her two boons. She has availed those two boons and made you the king of Ayodhya and asked me to live in forests for fourteen years. Our father ordered me to go to

Ayodhya Kandam 105 forests to make his promise true. I also obeyed his order and came to forests. Many people gave preasure on me to disobey the orders of our father. However I was firm in making the promise of our father true and decided to live in forests. Sita and Lakshmana also came to live with me in forests. Oh Bharata! You go to Ayodhya, get coronated and rule the country. Thus you also make true the second promise made by our father. By doing so, you can satisfy both our father and mother. You go to Ayodhya with Satrughna and rule. Here I will rule these forests with the help of Lakshmana. You stay back under the sweta chatram in Ayodhya. Here I will sit under the shadow of these trees and rule these forests and protect dharma. Satrughna will help you in Ayodhya and Lakshmana will help me in forests. Thus all our four brothers will make our father’s promise true. TEACHES ATHEISM [This part is taken from 108th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Jabali a superior brahmin and a minister of Dasaratha heard conversation of Bharata and Rama and said “Rama! You have learnt vedas and sastras. You are a righteous person. Inspite of that, why are you talking like an ignorant person. Your thinking cannot give any positive fruits. Everyone is coming into the world alone. Again at the time of death also, he is going alone. When that is the case, where do all these relationships stand? Who is doing good to whom? It is ignorance to have bondage like father, mother, brothers and relatives, which is nothing but delusion. There is no turth in it. A traveller stays in a guest house for a night. Next morning he is leaving the place without any attachment. In this world

106 Valmiki Ramayanam also, father, mother, wealth etc are like a guest house. A wise man will never get attached to such bondage. Hence Rama! You are refusing the kingdom given by your father, which gives you all pleasures and comforts. Why are you choosing to live a hard life in forests? You leave ignorance. Ayodhya is waiting for you like a chaste wife. Don’t live in illusion like an ignorant person. Dasaratha is nobody to you. You also do not belong to him. These sentiments and relationships are nothing but confusion. Rama! Father is like a seed for prana. When the mother was in menstural time, the sukra and sonitam will mix and takes birth of a child which is nothing but an accident. Dasaratha has reached the place which he is suppose to reach. For the sake of him, why are you inviting difficulties? I really pity for those who toil for dharma and artha. Because those who hang on dharma and artha will be in deep troubles both in this world and in the other worlds also. People perform sraaddhaas for the dead people but those dead people will not eat them. Out of ignorance they are wasting annam. Rama! You think a while. If one person eats food will the strength go to another person? If this is acceptable, we can perform sraaddhaa to the people who go to another town also. People advice others to perform yagnas and to give donations. They make us to dedicate to yagnas. They teach us to do tapasya. Like this, we are asked to do many things. All these are meaningless and without any essence. These are all the words picked up from the intelligent people who wrote sastras. They are nothing but cheating others to give donations or to control other people. Oh righteous Rama! There is nothing like the other world. What you are seeing with your eyes alone is real. Hence, you rule the kingdom which is in front of you and enjoy life. Don’t

Ayodhya Kandam 107 live in the air and build castles in the air. Since Bharata is requesting you in several ways. You accept his appeal, go with him and rule the country.” RAMA CONDEMNS JABALI’S THEORY [This part is taken from 109th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Rama said “Oh Jabali! You took a lot of pain in teaching me atheism, as though it helps me. In fact all these teach me adharma only. Those who do sinful acts, those who do not have a character, those who do not follow any rules and regulations cannot be called a righteous person. The charater of a person itself will reveal whether he is a wicked person or a hero. Those who do sinful acts and pretend as honest, those who appear as a superior person and do henious acts, those who have bad character and pretend as if they are righteous persons are all infact doing great harm to the society. Will anyone respect such an unrighteous person? Will any spiritual person can respect them? Oh Jabali! The world is taking shelter on truth. Rishis and devatas also agree that truth alone is dharma. A truthful person will have the highest respect. In the same way, Raja dharma is an age-old tradition and is permanent. This Raja dharma is also an integral part of truth. There will be no room for cruelity in it. I will not disobey the promise made to my father because I have to be a model to my people. If I accept your teachings, my people also will wander away from Dharma, without following any rules and regulations. People will be afraid of an untruthful person like they are afraid of a cobra. Truth is the shelter for this world and for the other world also. Truth is Paramatma. Lakshmi always take shelter in truth. Hence truth is the base for everything. There is no other superior dharma than truth. The truth is the shelter for Danam, yagam,

108 Valmiki Ramayanam tapasya, vedaadhyayanam. One takes birth as a king and another person is born as a paupar. A person goes to heaven and another person goes to hell. All these are the fruits of truth and untruth. Oh Jabali! I will take shelter under truth. I promised to my father on my truthfulness. How can I go away from truthfulness now? Either out of greed or by ignorance or tamoguna, I cannot break my promise made to my father. If a person is not truthful, the havyam and kavyam offered in a yagna will not be touched by devatas and pitru devatas. Sin is of three ways. One person does sin by entertaining sinful thoughts. Another person does sinful acts openly. Yet another person will commit sin by speaking untruth. Those who did not have firm mind, will do sin by mind, action and speech. The glory always goes to the truthful person. Though a person dies, his glory will not leave him. Hence man should always live under the shelter of truth. Oh brahmin! What all you told me as auspiciousness is really inauspiciousness. I promised my father that I will live in forests. I stand by my word. How can I listen to the words of Bharata? Even Kaikeyi also was happy at my promise made to my father. Therefore I will live in forests as a pure person eating limited food and satisfying my ancestors. This land is karma boomi. The person who is born on this land is to perform pure karmas. Based on his karma phalams they will get superior births. Indra performed hundred yagnas and became the king of heaven. Many Maharishis did severe tapasya and attained heaven. Truthfulness, dharma, valor, bhoota daya, vaaksuddhi, worshiping brahmins and devatas are the right

Ayodhya Kandam 109 path for reaching heaven. Normally brahmins perform karmas which yield good results. They observe all dharmas and reach heaven. But, as you are behaving like a different type of Brahmin, the persons who follow your teachings will get destroyed. I have to blame my father for appointing such an athiest as his minister.” While Rama became furious at Jabali, he obediently replied as “Rama! I am not an athiest. At times, I speak like an athiest. At someother times, I speak like a thiest. Now the circumstances have provoked me to speak like an atheist, so as to take you to Ayodhya.” VASISTA REQUESTS RAMA TO BECOME KING [This part is taken from 110th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] On hearing Rama’s words Vasista said “Rama! Jabali spoke to you like an athiest to take you to Ayodhya. Really speaking he is a believer of Vedas. He believes about different lokas, birth and death etc. Now please listen. I will tell you how this world has been created. Before the worlds were created everything was filled with the waters of pralayam. Earth was bron out of those waters. After that Brahma and devatas were born. Lord Vishnu took the form of varaham and lifted the earth. Mareecha and others were born to Brahma. Kasyapa were born to Mareechi. Sun god was born to Kasyapa. The Manu who was a prajapathi was born to the sun. Ikshvaku was born to Manu. Manu has given the entire land to Ikshvaku. Ikshvaku has built Ayodhya. Kukshi was the son of Ikshvaku… Naabaga was born to Nahusha. Aja was born to Naabaga. Dasaratha was born to Aja. Rama was born to Dasaratha as his eldest son. In this manner you are the only eligible ruler of Ayodhya. In this family of Ikshvaku,

110 Valmiki Ramayanam all the eldest sons only were ruling the country. While the eldest son is alive, the younger brother is not eligible to rule the country. Hence Rama! You accept the kingdom, come back to Ayodhya and rule the country. Don’t change the heritage which is coming from the times immemorial.” VASISTA TEACHES RAMA [This part is taken from 111th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Vasista said again “Rama! Every man has to clear three debts. One is the debt of father who performs Upanayanam, the second is the debt of the mother who gives birth and the third is the debt of the guru who gives knowledge. That way, I am your guru. I am also the guru to your father. You listen my words and rule these pundits, Maharishis, brahmins and people. Your mother has become old. You serve her at her old age.” Rama said “Maharishi! It is not possible to repay the debt of father and mother who gave me birth, brought me up and taught me many things. I have promised my father and I cannot break it.” Bharata said “Sumantra! My brother is firm on his words. I will observe Prayopavesam and will not touch food or water till death. Bring me darbha grass. I will spread it on the floor and lay on it till my brother agrees to my requests. Unless my brother is pleased, what purpose is there for this body.” Sumantra looked at Rama. Rama did not respond. Hence Bharata himself went and picked up darbha grass and spread it on the floor and sat on it. Rama said “Bharata! What harm did I do for you? Why are you sleeping in front of my door and resorting to Prayopavesam? Only brahmins can do prayopavesam to collect

Ayodhya Kandam 111 their money. But a Kshatriya should not resort to prayopavesam. Hence you withdraw your prayopavesam and go to Ayodhya.” After listening to Rama’s words, Bharata looked at the people and said “Oh people of Ayodhya! You all came, undertaking so many hardships, only to convince my brother. Now why are you keeping silent? You all force Rama to come and rule Ayodhya.” The people of Ayodhya said in one voice “We know all about Rama. He is not a man of two words. He is firm in fulfilling the promise made to his father. What he is telling is also the dharma.” Rama said “Bharata! Do you hear what people are saying? You listen to my words peacefully. Don’t be adamant. Get up and do achamanam, so that the guilt will vanish.” Bharata said “Oh people! You listen to my words. I never asked for this kingdom nor did I provoke my mother. When Rama went to forests, I was not in Ayodhya. I came with all of you to the forests to prostrate at the feet of my brother and to take him to Ayodhya. But he is firm on the promise. I tried to convince him. You also supported him. I will suggest him an alternative. I shall fulfill the orders of my father and live in the forests. Satrughna will also live with me. Let Rama, Sita and Lakshmana go to Ayodhya and rule the country. By doing so, we can fulfill the promise made to my father and also you can have the rule of Rama.” On hearing Bharata’s words Vasista, brahmins and all the citizens were astronished. Rama said “Oh people! When my father was alive, whatever he purchased, sold, mortigaged or donated, did we have any right to change it? Should we not obey his actions now? It cannot be changed either by Bharata or even by god. In this manner, when my father was alive, he had ordered Bharata to rule the country and he has ordered

112 Valmiki Ramayanam me to live in forests. Today who can change his order? Kaikeyi had asked my father that I should live in forests and Bharata should rule the country. My father has put his seal on her request. Now who can change the orders of my father? If at all anybody changes my father’s words, it will amount to untruth. So we both are bound to obey his orders and fulfill our duties.” MAHARISHIS CONVINCES BHARATHA [This part is taken from 112th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] The way in which Rama and Bharata were discussing like this, all brahmins, Maharishis, ministers and citizens were all astronished. Not only those who assembled there, but all divine communities wandering in the sky also were appreciating their discussion. They were happy the way in which the brothers were committed to dharma. They said that the king Dasaratha was fortunate to have such righteous sons. They all came down to earth and said “Oh Rama and Bharata! We are all listening to your conversation from the sky with great interest. King Dasaratha who gave birth to you all is fortunate. You both are righteous. Having heard this conversation, we could not resist our temptation of taking to you. We are all fed up with the atrocities of Ravana. Oh Bharata! You are born in a surperior family. You are a righteous person. Your glory will remain immortal. Keep respect to the words of your father. Let Rama live in the forests. Dasaratha reached heaven because he was relieved from the debt of Kaikeyi. If you do not fulfill the desire of Kaikeyi, he will be thrown out of heaven for untruthful nature.” Rama respected all those divine communities with traditional honours. Bharata said “Rama! Again I am requesting you to come to Ayodhya. Kaikeyi is responsible for your forest life. Now she

Ayodhya Kandam 113 will withdraw her demand. Hence you come back and rule Ayodhya.” Rama said “Oh Bharata! Come and sit by my side. Leave your fears. You are a wise person and you have learnt many sastras from guru. You are quite capable of ruling the country. You have experienced ministers. All the brahmin community are splendourous. With the help of all those people you can rule the country. As far as I am concerned, ‘Let moon loose its coolness, let Himalayas go without ice, let the oceans cross their boundaries but I will not break the promise made to our father.’ Don’t abuse your mother. You respect her as before.” Bharata said “Rama! Here are the golden slippers. You fix your feet into them. Then, we will carry them to Ayodhya. From now onwards, these slippers will rule the country. They will protect the people.” Rama kept his feet in the slippers and removed again from them. Bharata prostrated before the slippers with devotion and said “Rama! From now, I will continue to wear valkalas and jatas. I will live on fruits and roots. I will keep your slippers on the throne till you come. Look here. If you do not return immediately after fourteen years I will enter into the flames and give up this body.” Rama promised that he will come back to Ayodhya after completing the forest life of fourteen years. Bharata kept the slippers on his head made pradakshinam to Rama, then kept them on the royal elephant. Vasista Maharishi, ministers and brahmins appreciated Rama and Bharata. BHARATA GOES TO AYODHYA [This part is taken from 113 and 114th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Bharata, Satrughna, Vasista Maharishi and others sat in their respective chariots. They made pradakshinam to Mt.

114 Valmiki Ramayanam Chitrakootam. Then, they travelled towards east and crossed river Mandakini. They all reached the ashram of Baradwaja Maharishi. Bharata kept his army at a distance and went to Maharishi’s ashram by walk and others followed him. Bharata said “Oh Maharishi! I and all others pleaded with Rama but he did not accept our request. We all appealed him to keep his feet in the golden slippers, which will be kept as his representative to rule the country. Rama agreed and gave his slippers. We are carrying those slippers and proceeding towards Ayodhya. On our way we came to inform you and take your blessings.” Bharadwaja said “Oh Bharata! You are the superior among the Ikshvakus. As water flows down all the good qualities have flowed into you. You know all dharmas. You father Dasaratha is fortunate to have you as his son as you are showing total interest in upkeeping dharma.” Bharata prostrated at his feet and took leave of him. On their way they met Guha and from there they reach Ayodhya. They all reached Ayodhya and Bharata went into the palace where Dasaratha lived. That was looking like a cage without a lion. He wept bitterly and said that he couldnot live in that palace any more. BHARATA RULES FROM NANDI VILLAGE [This part is taken from 115th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Bharata said “Oh Vasista Maharishi! I cannot live in this palace without my father and brother. I do not want even to live in Ayodhya. I will live in Nandi village on the out skirts of Ayodhya. From now onwards, I will live in that village only.” After saying so, Bharata sat in the chariot and went to Nandi village. Vasista Maharishi and others followed him. Bharata

Ayodhya Kandam 115 said “Oh ministers and the people of Ayodhya! Rama has appointed me as his representative. His slippers alone will guide me and takes care of your well being. You bring the sweta chatram (while royal umbrella)and keep it over the slippers.” Bharata did coronation to those slippers. He wore valkalas, jatas and continued ruling from Nandi village. RAMA LEAVES CHITRAKOOTAM [This part is taken from 116th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] After Bharata left, all the tapasvis doing tapasya on Mt. Chitrakootam went to Rama. Looking at them Rama said “Oh superior Maharishis! Why have you all come? Did I cause any inconvenience to you? Did my brother speak any harsh words to you? Or did Sita do any harm to you? You are all looking panicky. Why are you looking confused?” A senior Maharishi said “Rama! Nither you nor Lakshmana nor Sita did any harm to us. This area is full of rakshasas. Khara is their leader. He is not only very valorous but also cruel. Of late, he has developed taste for human flesh. He is the cousin of Ravana. Hence none of us can oppose him. He threatened many Maharishis doing tapasya on this mountain. They all left and are living in different places and doing tapasya. Now and then, some of his assistants come and threaten us to leave this mountain. Rama! We have all decided to leave this place. You are living with your wife here. Any time danger may fall on you also. We were hesitant to caution you all these days. Hence you also come with us.’ On hearing them, Rama tried to convince them. But the Maharishis thanked Rama and left Mt. Chitrakootam.”

116 Valmiki Ramayanam RAMA REACHES ATRI ASHRAMA [This part is taken from 117 and 118th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] After Maharishis left, Rama said “Lakshmana! My mind is fully disturbed after seeing Bharata and our mothers. He came with large army which disturbed the normal life of the animals and birds living in this forest. Hence we also must leave this place and go to the ashram of Atri Maharishi.” Rama, Lakshmana and Sita reached the ashram of Atri Maharishi. Maharishi worshiped Rama with traditional rituals and said “Rama! She is my wife, . A chaste woman and a great tapasvini. Long ago, there was a severe drought in this forest. At that time, all Maharishis suffered for want of food and water. She has created food and water for all tapovanas with the power of her tapasya.” Rama said “Oh Sita! Have you heard what Maharishi said? You go and serve the munipatni.” Rama and Lakshmana did pradakshina namaskarams to her with devotion. Sita also prostrated at her feet and sat by her side. Anasuya taught several dharmas to Sita. Anasuya Devi said “Oh Sita! I heard that your marriage was so thrilling. To my fortune you are with me today. You tell me about your marriage in detail?” Sita told her all about her marriage and made her happy. RAMA MOVES TO DANDAKARANYA [This part is taken from 119th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam] Sita narrated about her marriage till sunset. All Maharishis completed their evening rituals and agnihotra pooja. At that time, Anasuya said “Oh Sita! You wear this sari and ornaments.

Ayodhya Kandam 117 I want to see you in them. Rama must be waiting for you. I am giving you permission. You go and serve him.” Sita went, decorated herself, came out and prostrated before Anasuya Devi. Sita took permission from her and went to Rama. Rama looked at her decorations and felt happy. That night, all the Maharishis of neibouring tapovanas came and had their dinner with Rama. They kept on talking about the glories of Paramatma. At dawn Rama, Lakshmana and Sita completed their morning rituals and agnihotra pooja. They took the blessings from all Maharishis and Anusuaya Devi and proceeded to Dandakaranya. All Maharishis said that Dandakaranya was a dangerous place where all rakshasas would be wandering freely. They showed the way to Dandakaranya. Sita, Rama and Lakshmana saluted to all Maharishis and went to Dandakaranya.

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118 Valmiki Ramayanam Glossary Aagney astra An astra consecrated to Agni (fire god) Aaslesha The ninth lunar mansion containing five stars Aaswayuja a month in Indian calendar Achamanam sip water thrice as a religious rite Adhyayanam learning especially of the Vedas Agni the god of fire Agnihotra sacred fire Ahambhavam ego Akhilanda Sachidananda Highest Supreme Being Parabrahman Amaravathi The capital city of heaven or Indra Amavasya New moon day desa Kingdom of Anga Apaurisheyas not written by humans A woman belonging to divine community Ardha attainment of worldly prosperity Arghyam oblations to a god Arghyam and Padyam A respectful offering or worship Arundathi wife of Vasista maharishi Asana Seat Asrama hermitage Astra, sastras a weapon with mantra (missile) Demon; an evil spirit Aswamedha yaga Emblematic sacrifice of a horse

Ayodhya Kandam 119 Aswath (tree) holy fig tree Athi-radhas An athi- is capable of protecting his charioteer, chariot, horses, his bow, flag and the flag post Atibala too much strength Bakthi devotion Bala strength Beggara a type of water bird Bhavas different emotions Bheda enacting of an ally of the enemy to ones own party. Bhokta Brahmin who is fed as the representative of the devatas or ancestral parents Bhootam An element or of which five are enumerated Boothas an element Brahamananda Bliss Brahma loka the abode of Brahma Brahmacharis A dwija in the first ashrama of a religious student Brahmaandam a primital egg out of which the whole universe came. Brahmahatya the sin of Killing a Brahmarishi; Brahman the Supreme Power Brahman, Brahmin One who belongs to the first four casts of the Hindu Brahmarishi A who has subdued all the senses and attained the highest perfection.

120 Valmiki Ramayanam Brahmastra a weapon with mantra (missile) Brahmi muhurtam an auspicious time between 3 am and 4 am Brihaspati the guru of devatas Bhudevi earth Chaandala A Pariah or an outcast Chaitraratha the garden of Kubera Chakravakas a type of water bird Chakrayudha Chakra weapon Chandraayana a religious observance Charanas a panegyrist of the gods Chowari a fan for an idol; a white whisk Chudamani an ornament worn on forehead Dana Gift, Charity Titan giant Danda The last of the four expedients of getting the better of others. Dandaka vana a forest Dandaneethi criminal procedure code Darbha grass sacrificial grass Darshan a vision Dasakhanta Ravana (ten headed rakshasa king) Deeksha Dedicating Divine Devadaru Deodar pine Devarshis One of the seven celestial sages (ex. Narada) Devatas a celestial or god

Ayodhya Kandam 121 Dhyana sloka mental representation of the personal attributes of a deity Dharma; Dharmas prescribed course of conduct Dharma, Ardha, Kama the principle object of human life and Moksha and pursuit of which four are enumerated as Dharmapatni wife married in Vedic way Dharmardhas dharma and ardha Dharmothara purana One of the ancient puranas Dikpalakas gods who guard all directions Durbar Court hall Durgam a hill fort Dwija A man belongs to the first three casts viz Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaysya. Ekasantagrahi relates to memory power astra a weapon Gandharva Celestial Musician; a class of demi god Gara balanites aegyptiaca Gayatri mantram the name of the most sacred verse of Vedas Gnana consciousness Gnati one collaterally related by family tree Greeshma rituvu summer (months of Jeshtam and Aashadam) Grihastasrama that part of a mans life which leads as a householder Guru teacher Gurukulam a disciple stay in the house of a teacher

122 Valmiki Ramayanam teachers Halahalam the deadliest poison Hareetas Insincerity, cunning havisis the offerings made to various gods in yagna Havissu Oblations of ghee or any other fit for oblations Havyam, kavyam to be offered in oblation to the god Heenagreeva vile person Hemanta ruthu first half of the cold season Homadhenu worshiped celestial cow Homagundam fire place Hora darpanam One of the ancient puranas Hotas priest who recites Indriyas senses Jala tarpanas a religious rite of offering water to the deceased Jata a mass of twisted hair normally worn by munis Jataka karma ceremony performed at the time of child birth Jatas matted look of hair Kadha story Kalahapriya Lover of creating quarrels Kalakuta a kind of deadly poison Kalamu death; Time; Season Kalapasam noose of the god of death Kaliyuga the present and forth of yugas

Ayodhya Kandam 123 kalpas thousand mahayugas Kalpataruvu one of the trees of Indra’s paradise which is said to yield what ever is desired. Kama carnal gratification Kamadhenu the celestial cow which yields what ever is desired Kambhoja soldiers Soldiers of ancient country of Kambhoji Kandams Chapter or divisions Karandavas a water bird Karkataka lagnam the sign of cancer in the zodiac Karma Acts Karma Bhoomi the land where in religious rites hold the most important place in man’s life. Kausalya supraja Rama a waking stotras of Lord Vishnu Kavyamu poetical composition Kavyas oblations for offering the ingredients differ in addition to havisis. Kimpurushas A class of demi gods Kinnera a kind of lute Kiratas A pitiless monster; a name of Lord Siva. kolam decorations with rice powder Koorma-puranam One of the ancient puranas Krauncha birds A kind of Heron or curlew Krithikas A kind of celestial Krodha burning anger Krosas a distance of about two miles

124 Valmiki Ramayanam Krutayuga First of the four yugas Kshatriya Tejassu The brilliance of a person who belongs to the second caste Kshatriyas people belonging to the second caste in the Ksheerasagaram the ocean containing milk Kshetra The land or a place of Pilgrimage. Kshtriya dharma the duty of a kshatriya ( military powers) Kubera the god of riches and regent of the north Maaredu tree Bilwa tree (botanical: Bengal Quinee) Madajalamu Rut of an elephant Magathis panegyrist of a king; a bard Maha Prastana the final departure to heaven Maharadha A great warrior among the kshatriya kings and nobles who fought from chariots. Maharishi A great sage Mahatmas Superior people Mahayuga comprising of Krita, treta, dwapara and yugas Malamu and Kalasamu impurity and filth Manassu Mind Mandharagiri Mt.Mandhara Mantra; Mantra Sastramu; Mantras a formula sacred to any particular deity Marudgana Indra’s followers Maruthas a deity Ayodhya Kandam 125 Mlechas Barbarians or non Moduga, Moduga tree Butea frondosa Moksha exception from further birth Mudgaras a weapon made of steel used in olden days. Muhurthas 48 minutes or 1/30 of a day Muneendra hermit or a great sage Muni a sage Muni dharma living a life of tapasvi Munipatnis wife of muni Nadha husband; ruler Nagaloka Kingdom of serpents Nakshatra an asterism in the moons path Navarathnas nine gems Omkara the sacred syllable Paapam sin Padukas slippers Padyam water for washing the feet of one who is to be revered. Pancha boothas five elements Pandals a shed made of leaves Pandits Scholars Pannagas Serpents Parama Siva Lord Siva Paramatma Eternal Being Parapeedanam doing evil to others Parayanam reading a holy book as a daily lesson regularly Parigha an iron club

126 Valmiki Ramayanam Paropakaram doing good to others Patala The last of seven regions under the earth; a deep pit. Payasam Rice boiled in milk with sugar for offering Pinda Sraadha a round ball of food offered to ancestral parents as mark of funeral rite. Pindas a round mass or a ball of meal Pisacha demons Pitru devatas ancestral parents Pradikshana walk around in a clockwise direction Prajapati Brahma; One of the ten lords of creation Pralaya jalamu waters of annihilation Pralayagni Fire at the time of dissolution of creation Pratyabdika sradham annual ceremony to the sacred parents Pretas Ghost or spirit The seventh of the lunar mansions Punyam religious excellence Puranas Ancient history, legendary and traditional Purushartham The principal object of a human life and pursued. Pushyami nakshatram the eighth lunar mansions Putrakamana Yaga Sacrifice performed by the one who is desirous of male offspring Rahu the ascending node of moon; a

Ayodhya Kandam 127 dragons head Raja king Rajadharma the duty of a king Rajarishis a kshatriya who by religious austerity has become a saint Rajasuya yaga a great sacrifice rakshasa A demon Rammata who brought up Rama with her breast milk Rasatala one of the seven regions under the earth Regu zizyphus jujuba Rethassu The seminal fluid; Sperm Rishis hermit Rithvicks The priest who officiates at sacrifice Rudra Lord Siva Dwadasa Rudras twelve rudras Ruthuvu season Sabdavedi locating an object merely by the sound in the dark righteous people Sahadharmacharini Wife who has been married with Vedic rites a tribe of people who invaded India Sama One of the four Upayas; a means of success against enemy (of which four are usually enumerated Sama, dana, bedha, danda).

128 Valmiki Ramayanam absorbed in the higher self Samhara Sakthi the power of annihilation Sanatana dharma eternal dharma Sanchita karmas the accumulated fruits of actions of an individual Sanga Veda Fully with all the necessary divisions of Veda. Sanyasi monk tapovana belonging to seven rishis Saptarishi mandalam Dominion of divine Maharishis Sarassu Lake Saravanam a large clump of reeds Sarga chapter Sarsa kind of a water bird Sastras a sacred precept Satva Excellence Satvic first of the three gunas.viz. Satva, Rajas, Tamo. Satyam truth Sesha serpent Siddhas an inspired sage Siddhi/ Sidhi Accomplishment Sita charitam Life History of Sita Skanda purana One of the ancient puranas Sloka Celebrity or stanza latha Intoxicating and invigorating juice of Soma latha, is the beverage of gods

Ayodhya Kandam 129 Sradham funeral rite Sruthi Veda Srutis heard from the voice of their guru Sudharma assembly hall Sudras last of the four varnas Surabhi name of celestial cow Suras a demi god Suvarchala wife of Sun god Swarga heaven Swetha kalpa one of the thirty kalpas Tamo guna pertaining to Tamassu, the quality of darkness Tamo guna One of the three primary gunas of the universe nature of some thing Tapasvi hermit Tapasvini a woman tapasvi Tapasya Penance tapovana Hermitage Tatvagnanamu knowledge of Eternal Truth Telaka Pindi oil cake Tretagnis dakshanagni, aahavaniyagni, garhyapatyagni Tretayuga The second of the four yugas Trimurthis Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswara. Upanayanam Initiation of a youth of any of the first three castes in to the sacred study. Upanishads their chief aim is to ascertain the secret meanings of Vedas

130 Valmiki Ramayanam Uttara bhagam Later portion of the story Vaisakham the second lunar month Vaishnava Dhanassu bow of Vishnu Vaishnavas the followers of Lord Vishnu Vaitarani river of hell Vajapaya chatramu this is an umbrella which can be held by those brahmins who has performed Vajapaya yagna as a symbol of dharma Vajapeya yagnas a particular sacrifice Vajra a weapon of Indra Valakala the inner soft bark of tree which is used for as a hermits garb Valmikams anthills Vanadurgam a forest fort anaprastasrhrma the third of the four ashramas Vanaras Monkeys Vanas gardens Vandis one who praises the king Varaha an incarnation of lord Vishnu in the form of a pig. Varnasrama dharma Duties of principal four casts viz. Brahmin, kshatriya, Vysya, Sudra. Vasantarutu Spring season Vasthu pooja; Vastu santi a ceremony performed on the occasion of the foundation of a house is laid Vasus a demi god Vayu puranam One of the ancient puranas Veda; Vedic; Vedic slokas Divine knowledge

Ayodhya Kandam 131 Vedangas sciences regarded as auxiliary to Vedas Vedic Karma Prescribed by Vedas Vimanam a chariot of demi-gods Vinda muhurtham In that muhurtham people who lost anything, the owner of it will get back in a short time Vrata a religious vow Vratamu a religious vow Vysva devam an offering or a sacrifice Vysyas Third in the four principal castes. Vyvaswatamanmantra name of the current Manmantramu Yaga Aswa sacrificial horse in a sacrifice. Yagas an act of worship Yagasala The prescribed place for offering oblations in a sacrifice. Yagnaswa a horse selected for a sacrifice Yagna an act of worship Yagnavatika The prescribed place for offering oblations in a sacrifice. Yagneswara Yagna Swaroopa Lord Vishnu Yajaka The priest officiating at a sacrifice Yajur Veda one of the four vedas Demi god; attendants of Kubera. Yama Lord of death Yamapasam noose of the god of death Yavana soldiers Native soldiers of the country of Yavana Yogasamadhi Going in to a state of Samadhi while performing

132 Valmiki Ramayanam one who practices yoga; an ascetic Yojanas a distance of 8 to 9 miles Yuga an age of the world Yupaposts post to which the victim is tied in a sacrifice Yuvaraja Prince

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Ayodhya Kandam 133