Sriramayana on telebridge# 29

[Guest guest]

Balakanda sarga 34

Srimathe Ramanujaya Namaha

 

After Kusanabha married off his hundred daughters, since he didn't have any

sons, he wanted to perform a Vedic ritual called `Puthra kameshti Yaga' to be

blessed with a son. As the ritual was going on, Kusanabha's father Kusa told

him, "You will be blessed with a son called 'Gadhi' who will be very virtuous

and match you in greatness." Kusa thus spoke and rose to heavens and reached

parama padam (the ultimate abode of Lord). After some time, Kusanabha had a son

called Gadhi who is none other than the father of the sage Vishvamitra who was

narrating this story to SriRama.

 

Vishvamitra went on narrating - "I had an elder sister called Satyavati who

married a Rishi named 'Ruchika'. She was a pure of mind and body and she

followed her husband in the honorable path and reached heavens with her mortal

body. Because of her staunch adherence to dharma, she was blessed as a river

called Kausiki' which flows on this earth forever. That great river is very

sacred, divine and beautiful. It flows from Himalayas for the welfare of the

world. Since my sister is flowing in the form of a river, I established my

dwellings on the banks of this river out of my love for her. After some time, I

took up austerities and wanted to become an ascetic and I reached Siddhasramam.

As I was narrating the story of this kingdom, I told you my story too. I got my

other name 'Kausika' as I was born in the family of Kusa. Since I strive for the

welfare of the universe and well-wisher of the universe, people call me

'Vishvamitra'."

 

"Rama it is past mid night now, also we spent a lot of time with these stories,

go to sleep now. The trees are still. Animals and birds are fast asleep in their

dwellings. Darkness has spread in all directions. The shining stars are looking

like the eyes of the sky. Moon is rising to dispel the darkness. He is giving

happiness to all the beings with his light. The nocturnal birds like owl and

animals are awake and active. The meat-eating Rakshasas and yakshas are active

and going around. Let auspiciousness be with you. Let no obstacles be there in

your sleep. Sleep well." - Vishvamitra spoke thus gently to Rama and retired.

 

All the Rishis praised Vishvamitra saying - "Kusa's dynasty is very great and

virtuous. Every king in that dynasty is equal to Chaturmulkha Brahma in their

greatness - especially Vishvamitra. The river Kausiki brought more fame and

radiance to this dynasty."

 

Rama was talking to Lakshmana and was praising Vishvamitra till he fell asleep.

Like the lotus petals, Rama's eyes closed and He fell asleep.

 

To be continued

Jai Srimannarayana

JET USA volunteers