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Vol.3/15 d/01/28/02

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SrimatE Raamaanujaaya Namaha //

SrimatE Nigamaanta Mahaa Desikaaya Namaha //

SrIman! SrI Ranga Sriyam anubadravam anudhinam Samvardhaya/

SrIman! SrI Ranga Sriyam anubadravam anudhinam Samvardhaya//

KAvEri VardhathAm kAlE, kAlE varshathu vAsava: /

SrI RanganAthO jayathu Sri Ranga Sri cha VardhathAm//

================================================================

SRI RANGA SRI VOL 03/ ISSUE 15 dated 28th January 2002

===============================================================

EDITORIAL:

Dear Bhagavatas:

IN THIS ISSUE:

1.” QUIZ PROGRAM 2 - ANSWERS CONTINUED)

You will remember that quite a while ago, we posed a few queries under our

“Quiz Program”. In the last issue, we presented the answers for queries 1

to 7.

In this Issue, we present the answers to the queries 8, 9 and 10.

-------

8. There are some passages in Srimad Vaalmiki Ramayanam itself which seem to

lend internal evidence to conclude that Sri Rama had spouses other than Sri

Sita? How is this reconciled with the description of Sri Rama as "Eka pathni

vrathan"?

9. Do you know that according to some reports, Hanumaan had not only a wife

but also a son?

10. What is “Rama Gita”?

-------------

2. “DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA-

“SRI BALARAMA AVATARAM” (RAMA WITH THE BOW)

Anbil Ramaswamy

==============================================================

A STANDING REQUEST

The issues have been archived for public view at-

 

IF you are satisfied with the quality and contents of “Sri Ranga Sri”:

Tell your friends to join by sending an email to

"-Subscribe (AT) (DOT) com"

IF not:

Tell us, as to how we may improve.

Dasoham

Anbil Ramaswamy,

Editor & Publisher “Sri Ranga Sri”

======================================================================

1. QUIZ PROGRAM 2 – (ANSWERS FOR QNS. 8, 9 and 10)

 

Question. 8.

There are some passages in Srimad Vaalmiki Ramayanam itself which seem to

lend internal evidence to conclude that Sri Rama had spouses other than Sri

Sita? How is this reconciled with the description of Sri Rama as "Eka pathni

vrathan"?

 

ANSWER:

Poorvapaksham:

 

In Sundara khaaNDam, Sri Sita is shown as telling Sri Rama that after

carrying out the command of his father and after completing the period of

exile (Vana Vaasa), he may return to Ayodhya and live happily ever after in

the company of broad-eyed ladies. Some critics hold that the reference is to

ladies other than her.

 

Similarly, in Yuddha KhaaNDam, while describing the Dharbha sayanam of Sri

Rama, Valmiki refers to his long arms (bujams) as those massaged by the

hands of high-class ladies (Uthama Strees). Some critics argue that this is

the exclusive privilege of only the legally married wife, and infer that Sri

Rama must have had other wives.

 

Again, in Uthara KhaaNdam, AswamEdha parvam, while referring to “ SriRama-

Bharatha Samvaadam” Sri Rama is reported to have said “”Along with Bharata,

take my mothers, children and ladies back to Ayodhya”. Some critics

interpret this reference to “ladies” as relating to his “Other” wives!

 

Explanation as per Govindaraajeeyam: (Vide pages 11 –13 of Notes on Ayodhya

KhaaNdam of Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam by Sri C.R. Srinivasa Iyengar)

 

None of the above cases points to any basis for the inference indulged in by

the critics. The “broad eyed ladies”, the “Uthama Strees” and the “ladies”

in the respective contexts should be taken to refer to the three mothers viz

Kousalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi. By extension, it can also refer to the

motherlike ladies and even servant maids attending on the royalty because in

those days even servant maids were deemed to be of “high class” meaning “of

exemplary character”.

 

That Sri Rama had only one wife is very well known. It is categorically

stated in the same “Uttara KhaaNDam” – “After Sri Sita, Sri Rama did NOT

marry anyone else. In every Yajna, when Sri Sita was not nearby, Sri Rama

had arranged to install a golden image of Sri Sita and performed the yajnas”

 

The golden image of Sri Sita was only to gain the eligibility to perform

yajna. Sri Rama is said to have ordered “ Let Bharata make a golden image of

my dear wife who alone is eligible to accept Dheeksha as my Pathni” This

clearly shows that the golden image is only the representation of Sri Sita

and does not actually constitute his wife as such. Also, as Sri Rama was not

a king and Bharata was, the mothers, the ladies and the children were all

his protégés. Bharata had the duty to take them along with him and they had

to follow him only as his citizens. (Govindaraajeeyam)

 

Hemaadri Smrithi permits the use of the image of the wife, if she were away

or non-cooperative in carrying out “Sroutha and Smaartha Karmas”. It also

lays down that even “Parva sraaddhas” (Occasional ceremonies to the manes)

and other “IshTis” (other religious ceremonies) can be performed with the

help of image of the wife made of “Dharbha grass” in such circumstances. The

“Adharvyu” (the priest) or the “yajamaana” (performer) himself could carry

out the functions assigned to the wife. Since the “Grihastha Agni”

(sacrificial home-fire) was kept alive so long as the wife was alive, there

was no harm if the wife was not physically present. (Govindaraajeeyam)

 

QUESTION 9.

Do you know that according to some reports, Hanumaan had not only a wife but

also a son?

ANSWER:

Here is an interesting story in “ANANDA RAMAYANAM”.

However, this is NOT authentic because it does not find a place in Srimad

Valmiki Ramayanam.

 

When the fierce battle was raging between the Rakshasa and monkey armies

Ravana noticed that his warriors were decimated. He sent some messengers to

“PathaLa Lanka” to inform “Ahi Ravana” and “Mahi Ravana”, the Rahkshasa

brothers who were ruling there. The twosome rushed back to Lanka and

promised to catch the human brothers and sacrifice them to “BhadrakaaLi”.

 

VibheeshaNa got scent of this plan. He asked Hanuman to build an impregnable

fortress. Hanuman did so, with his own tail with only one opening.

VibheeshaNa guarded the entrance and also going around the fortress, keeping

a constant vigil.

 

Ahi Ravana took the form of a bird and soared high up to the sky to measure

the height of the fortress. He could not, since the fortress rose up to the

region of the stars. The other one took the form of a rat and dug deep down

the earth to measure the depth of the fortress. He could not because it went

deep down beyond the nether worlds.

 

But, they observed that VibheeshaNa going round and once in a while entering

the solitary entrance to make sure of the safety of Sri Rama and LakshmaNa.

 

When VibheeshaNa was at the farther end, Ahi Ravana assumed the form of

VibheeshaNa and entered the entrance, took hold of the divine brothers and

uttering the “mohana mantra”, lulled the guards into deep sleep and carried

them away planning to sacrifice them before day break the next day.

 

When the real VibheeshaNa came back a little later and wanted to enter,

Hanuman asked why chose to check up again so soon after his last check up

just a few minutes ago. Sensing deceit, VibheeshaNa entered only to find the

divine brothers missing. VibheeshaNa bade Hanuman to proceed to “PaathaaLa

Lanka” to retrieve Sri Rama and LakshmaNa.

 

Hanuman jumped into the ocean en route to PathaaLa Lanka, A giant fish

emerged from the ocean claiming to be his wife. Hanuman, the confirmed

bachelor (naishTika Brahmachaari) was surprised and challenged her to prove

her claim.

The fish replied-

“When you were returning after burning Lanka (Lanka Dahanam), you wiped a

lump of smoke from your neck. It fell into the ocean and I gulped it. Soon,

I became pregnant and gave birth to “Makaradwajan” who is now guarding

PathaaLa Lanka.”

 

Following her directions, Hanuman confronted Makaradwajan and worsted him.

Not knowing Hanuman was his father, he remarked “ If my father Hanuman were

here, he would not let you go alive”. Hanuman then hugged him and revealed

that he was indeed his father and asked him to have the fact confirmed with

his mother.

 

Makaradwaja then took him to one Chandralochana, a woman who was kept under

duress by the Rakshasa because she was the only one who knew the secrets

pertaining to their life and death. She was happy to help and revealed that

there were 10 bees hiding in the holes of a cave and that the Rakshasa would

die only if the bees were crushed to death.

 

In return, she wanted a boon from Hanuman that he should recommend to Sri

Rama to marry her. When he conveyed this to Sri Rama, it was a catch 22

situation for both. Sri Rama advised Hanuman to take the form of a beetle

and saw and make a hollow of the legs of the cot in her place and to inform

her that Sri Rama would agree only if there was no bad omen.

 

Hanuman caught hold of the bees, went to the temple. Hanuman dislodged

BhadrakaaLi, assumed her form and sat in her place. In the voice of

BhadrakaaLi, he directed the Rakshasas to make a hole on the top of the

sanctum and send in the offerings through the hole. They did accordingly.

But, then he asked, “Where is the human sacrifice (narabali)?”

 

When they downed Sri Rama and LakshmaNa through the aperture, Hanuman fell

at their feet and narrated the events. After a while, Hanuman said that he

was pleased with the offer and asked Ahi Ravana to come into the

Garbhagraham alone. As he entered, Hanuman caught hold of his neck and also

crushed 5 of the bees. Ahi Ravana fell dead. As he did not return for a long

time, Mahi Ravana grew curious to know what was going on inside. When he

gatecrashed, Hanuman again caught hold of his neck and also crushed the

other 5 bees. Now, Mahi Ravana also fell dead. Hanuman gave the kingdom to

Makaradwajan.

 

As promised. Hanuman brought Sri Rama to her place. After offering the

traditional courtesies, she requested Sri Rama to sit on the cot. The moment

he sat, the cot crumbled. Citing this as a bad omen, he got up to leave.

Chandra lochana begged to be excused. Sri Rama replied that she would be

born in the next Dwapara Yuga as the daughter of a Brahmin when he would

marry her. It is this Chandralochana who was born as “Kanyaakumari” at the

southernmost tip of Bharata Varsha”

(ANANDA RAMAYANAM 1.11)

 

QUESTION 10.

What is “Rama Gita”?

ANSWER:

The Rama- Bharata Samvaadam, that took place at Chitrakootam is known as

“Rama Gita”. In it, Rama puts several questions and advises Bharata on “Raja

neethi” (Code of conduct of Kshatriyas). This is akin to similar advice by

Lord Krishna to Arjuna at KurukshEtra, this is known as “Rama- Gita”

(Heard in KalakshEpams of Acharyas)

======================================================================

2. “DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA-

“SRI BALARAMA AVATARAM” (RAMA WITH THE BOW)

Anbil Ramaswamy

------------------

SLOKAM 9:

Pakkath Kowrava paTTaNa prabruthaya: praastha pralambaadaya:

Thaalaankasya tathaa vidhaa vihruthayas thanvanthu bhadraaNi na: /

Ksheeram Sarkara yEva yaabhir apruthak boothaa: prabhoothair guNai:

Aa-kowmaarakam aswadantha jagathE krishNasya thaa: kELaya: //

 

MEANING:

“May the exploits of Sri Balarama like his turning upside down Hastinaapura,

the capital of the Kauravas, his wiping out the Rakshasas like Pralambasura

do us all the good. Right from childhood, Balarama was inseparably involved

in the sporting activities of Sri Krishna making them more enjoyable, like

the inseparable sugar dissolved in milk therby heightening its taste.”

 

BACKGROUND STORY:

This Avatar and that of Sri KRISHNA happened in Dvaparyuga. Vasudeva's first

wife was Rohini. The second wife was Devaki. For the seventh time Devaki

conceived and it was Balarama. But, Lord through His `Yogamaya' had the

fetus transferred from the womb of Devaki to that of Rohini. Balarama was

the aspect of Adisesha, just as Lakshmana was in Ramaavatara.

 

Balarama was fair in color and he had a palm tree inscribed on his

flagstaff. Balarama's weapon was the Hala (plough).

 

SWAMI SRI DESIKA calls him HELAHALIN - One who wields the plough as his

weapon. BALARAMA married REVATI, daughter of Raivata. He killed `RUKMI'

brother of Rukmini when he exceeded his limits in his misbehavior. Once he

dragged the entire HASTINAPURA with his plough when the Kauravas refused to

free SAMBHAN son of JAMBAVATI (one of the wives of Krishna). When the

Kauravas surrendered he also released Hastinaapura.

 

During the Mahabharata war he did not join either Kauravas or PaaNDavas but

left on a pilgrimage along with VIDHURA because both sides were his close

relatives.

 

After the destruction of the Yadhavas, he took his serpent form, entered the

sea and disappeared. Some scholars say that BALARAMA AVATAR was not a PURNA

AVATAR..

 

COMMENTS:

1. There is a Slokam, which says that the same Adhisesha of Krita yuga took

the form of Lakshmana during Treta yuga, Balarama in Dwapara Yuga, and

Bhagavad Ramanuja in Kaliyuga.

Anantha: prathamam roopam Lakshmanasthu tatha: param/

TriteeyO Balabadras thu Kalou Raamaanuja Smritah//

 

2. ANDAL calls him “Sempor kazhal aDi selvaa, baladEvaa”

The reason for this is explained by Poorvacharyas as follows:

All the earlier babies born to Devaki met with death. It was only because of

the conception of Balarama in Devaki’s womb immediately before His own that

a kind of protection arose so that when KrishNa was born he could survive

and have a safe passage too!

 

3. Some substitute Buddha in the place of Balarama. This is not correct and

Buddha is NOT recognized as one of the 10 main Avataras. In Mahabaratham

Santhi Parva (46.107) Bhishma tells that Krishna would take the form of an

auxiliary Avatara as “Aadhi Buddha” and mislead the non- believers. This

“Aadhi Buddha” is different from the Siddartha Goutama Buddha of historical

fame.

 

4. Balarama is also considered to be the reincarnation of “Samkarshana”, the

first of the 4 the Vyuha murthis next only to Paravaasudeva. Patanjali in

his Mahabashyam refers to this aspect when he says ‘Samkarshana-Vaasudevou”

 

5. Praastha Pralambaadhaya: thathaa vidhaa: vihrutayah = That he did so many

feats along with Krishna is indicated by this “aadhaya:”

 

6. Aa-koumarakam = from childhood days

 

7. Ksheeram Sarkarayaa iva apruthak bhoothaah = Krishna and Balarama were

always together like milk and sugar mixed

 

8. In 12th Sloka, SD calls him “Helaahalin” – The plough was both for fun

(leela) and as weapon. Wielding weapon was itself a leela.

==================================================================

 

 

 

 

 

 

_______________

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