Hindu Article-Divine will prevails

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Divine will prevails

 

CHENNAI: Among its many unique features, the epic Ramayana's detailed

exposition of the Saranagathi principle is considered foremost, as it

unfolds a practical demonstration of the theoretical nuances of this

Sastra. Whatever has been ordained in the scriptures as essential

requirements in this process is revealed through "showing" rather

than mere "telling". It describes in detail the various occasions

when pleas for succour were fruitful, and in the instance of

Vibhishana's Saranagathi, the Lord reaffirms His vow of protection to

those who seek His feet in the proper spirit. It also describes

instances when such pleas failed to bear fruit, to show some of the

deficiencies in the practical application of the supplication.

 

This is well illustrated in the episode in the Ramayana wherein

Bharata had made Saranagathi (surrender) to Rama, pleading with Rama

to return to Ayodhya and accept the kingship. It is imperative that

God should accept the plea to make the Saranagathi bear fruit, said

Velukkudi V. Krishnan in a lecture. But in this instance Bharata's

entreaty failed to evoke the desired result despite the undisputed

fact that both the supplicant and the protector fulfilled all the

necessary qualifications required of their respective roles. Rama was

all-powerful and capable of giving protection to Bharata. Bharata too

more than fulfilled the role of a supplicant. But Bharata's plea

clashed with Rama's interests, since He had already granted

protection to the Devas and had promised to kill Ravana. Bound by

that promise, he had to get ahead with the prime purpose of His

incarnation.

 

When Dasaratha surrendered to Parasurama, it did not succeed because

neither the supplicant nor the protector had the necessary

credentials. Dasaratha was never helpless, and could not claim to be

solely dependent on Parasurama. Parasurama for his part lacked

compassion and Saulabya (approachability). So this surrender failed.

Similarly when Rama appealed to the Ocean Lord for help to cross the

ocean, this Saranagathi was not effective, as it was a case of

reversal of roles of Saranyan (protector) and Saranagathan

(supplicant). Rama being all-powerful could not claim to be eligible

to be a supplicant. He could have drained the waters of the ocean

with his Rama Bana. The latter's shortcomings could hardly meet the

criteria as protector.

 

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