Father's day and Raamaayana

[Guest guest]

On this father's day, let us enjoy pondering over some narrations from our Ithihaasas.

 

Mahaabhharatham, Vanaparva, Chapter 183 includes the narration by the

great sage Maarkkandaeya of a story related to a learned Brahmin

called Kousika (whose fiery eyes burnt a bird) and a chaste lady and

a dutiful son named Dhharmavyaadhha. This story is well known to

many, but for ther benefit of those who do not know here is a short

narration:

 

Once there was a holy brahmin named Kousika. One day, he was doing

Vaedha Paaraayanam sitting under a tree. A bird dropping fell on his

head and he was immediately upset. He looked up in disgust. As soon

as his fiery eyes met the bird perched atop the tree, it was reduced

to ashes. Kousika repented for his action and regretted his anger.

Feeling sorry for the bird, he left there and went into town for his

BIKSHAA (unchavriththi) and stood in front of a house. The lady of

the house beckoned him to wait alittle bit. Then her husband came

home and she spent some considerable time attending to him.

Remembering that the brahmin was waiting outside, she went out to

him with some food. Sensing his disappointment and anger for having

had to wait, she politely apologised for the delay, but eexplained

that her husband was her first priority. Thus the delay. She added

acidly, "I am no bird. If you desire any further explanation, maybe

you would like to visit with Dhharmavyaadhha at Mithhilaapuri."

 

Wondering how she knew about the bird, Kaushika went to Mythhila and

saw this young Dhharmavyaadhha sitting in his shop busy selling meat.

Seeing the brahmin, the youngster went to Kousika and respectfully

offered his namaskaarams and suggested that they go home and talk

about the bird anfd the lady. The brahmin was immensely surprised

that the youngster was already aware of the purpose of his visit.

The host further informed that his family business put him in the

meat trade, but he duly performed his duty to his parents by taking

care of them with great care and affection. As they reached home,

which was a well furnished palatial place, the guest was invited to

meet the parents of Dhharmavyaadhha who were seated comfortably,

appearing happy and peaceful.

 

By way of explaing the paramount importance of doing one's own duty,

Dhharmavyaadhha says:

 

Pithaa maathaa cha Bhagavan aethou math dhaivatham param

Yath dhaevathaebhhyah karthavyam thath aethaabhhyaam karomi aham.

“My father and mother are my ultimate gods. I perform to them those

poojaas that are done to the Gods.

 

Dhharmavyaadhha was a meat seller from a low caste, but due to his

strict observance of affectionate and dedicated service to parents,

he occupied a high spiritual pedestal and ended up being a teacher to

the learned Brahmin.

 

Our Vaedhas and Shaasthras put Mothers, Fathers and Gurus (in that

order) at the topmost in the hierarchy for our prayers and duty. Let

us respectfully learn from the story of Lord Raama, the embodiment of

all virtues:

 

Sree Vaalmeeki Raamaayanam, Ayodhhyaa Kaandam, 2.19.22, 21.36,21.41

“There is no virtue higher than service to one’s father and obedience

to his commands. “No evil can come to those who obey the behests of

their father“

“Virtue reigns supreme. To obey the commands of the father is only in

consonance with the laws of Virtue…..…”

 

2.111.2 Vasishtta to Raama: Mother, Father and the Teacher are the

three Gurus for all.

2.111.9 Raama to Vasishtta: Considering what have all been done by

mothers and father (in raising us),

it is hardly possible for the sons and daughters EVER to repay

adequately by service to parents during their old age.

 

Perhaps the best known story that relates to “following father’s command” is Raamaayanam.

PITHRU VAAKHYA PARIPAALANAM. What is so distinguishing in this case

is that the son sets out to do what the father is supposed to have

commanded, though the father never really did so. Dasharathha had

given two boons to Kaikaeyee and she was just cashing in on them.

The son just would not put his father in a position as to have to

renege on his promise, whatever the price. SON’S DUTY TO FATHER!!!

 

Kaikaeyee to Raama: “On a previous occasion, during a war between

Daevas and asuras, your father had given me two boons. Now, I have

accordingly asked for two of my wishes to be carried out which

involve you too. Naturally he should keep up his words; but after

hearing me, he is in two minds and this great king behaves like a

weakling. Whatever happens to be my desire, if you promise to make

your father compliant, then I will tell you further about it.

 

Raama to Kaikaeyee: Aham hi vachanaath raagnyah pathaeyamapi paavakae.

Bhhakshayaeyam visham theekshnam majjaeyam api chaarnavae

 

“If it were (my father) Chakravarthi’s command, I will jump into fire

or drink vicious poison or drown in a sea. Oh mother, how can you

doubt this?”

 

Kaikaeyee to Raama: Based on his promise to me, I have requested that

you be sent to Dhandakaaranya forest for fourteen years and that

Bhharatha be installed on the throne of Ayodhhya. The emperor is

worried about it. Just to enable him to keep up his words to me, you

should go to the forest for fourteen years and let Bharatha be

installed on the throne.

Due to his overwhelming affection for you, he will not be able to tell

you this directly. But I know you would not want your father to fail

in keeping up his word (to me)”.

 

This conversation took place in the presence of King Dasharathha but

he did not say a word. He was in a catch22 state, in a stance,

damned either way. He would have to go back on his promise or ask

Raama to go to forest!!! What a choice!!!

 

How did Raama reply?

 

Raama to Kaikaeyee: “So will it be. I will immediately go to the

forest. Do I even need to confirm that I will obey whatever be my

father’s orders?

 

The rest of the story is ths story everybody knows. The world over.

 

Sree Raama was none other than Lord Naaraayana Himself. If it was

absolutely essential for Him to carry out his father’s IMPLIED

orders, what can we say about the duty of mere mortals like all of

us?

 

On this Father's day, may we invoke Sri Raama's blessings for the

benefit of all fathers, mothers and children and for the beings in

the entire universe.

 

May we chant the Thaaraka naama as many times and as frequently as we can.

 

Dhaasan,

 

Krishna M.