Srimad Ramayana Tatva Deepika # 146 (Ba:la ka:nda - 18th sarga)

[Guest guest]

Sri Raghunandana Parabrahmane namaha!

Srimathe Ramanujayanamaha!!

 

While Dasaratha was having consultations with his ministers regarding his sons’

marriages, the highly resplendent and great sage Viswamitra came there. He

ordered the guards at the entrance to inform the king immediately that Kausika,

Gadhi’s son had arrived seeking audience with the king. Viswamitra was looked up

with fear as he was well known for his ire.

 

So the guards, with respect and fear, at once ran in to intimate the king. They

went into the king’s palace and announced to the king about the sage’s arrival.

When the king heard the news, he was highly pleased and went towards sage

Viswamitra, accompanied by the royal purohith Vasishta, to welcome him like

Indra would ceremoniously go towards Brahma.

 

The King seeing the resplendent Viswamitra who was glowing with ‘brahma thejas’

due to his severe austerities with self-discipline, offered water reverently and

worshipped him dutifully. Viswamithra received his worship and enquired about

the king’s welfare, “Are you keeping well? How are your subjects in the urban

and rural areas? How about your exchequer, friends and relatives? Oh! King!

Could you subjugate your enemies to become your provincial kings and are they

compliant to you? Are you conducting the devotional rituals like yajnas

properly and following the traditions like showing hospitality and obliging the

guests?” Then he asked about the well-being of Vasishta and the other sages.

They all were satisfied and entered the royal palace and took their seats

according to protocol.

 

The happy king spoke generously to the great sage Viswamitra thus: “Heh! Sage!

Your arrival is like obtaining ambrosia for us. It’s like a welcoming rainfall

on a drought hit land, like a father begetting a son from his deserving wife

after many long years; equal to getting back lost treasures. We are delighted.

 

Oh! Great Saint! Welcome to you. It is my good fortune that you came here to me

today to be felicitated by me. My life is fructified. Earlier you were referred

as ‘Rajarshi’ and now with your severe penance you became a ‘brahmarshi’. You

are the most venerable to me. This is a wonderful situation. Your arrival is an

auspicious occasion to me. Your appearance gives me the impression of being in a

holy shrine. Please tell me what were you expecting from me that brought you

here. I desire to fulfill your wish. Your arrival brought prosperity to me. A

noble dharma is achieved.”

 

These words of noble-minded benevolent Dasaratha pleased the ears as well as the

heart of the great sage Viswamitra. Fully rejoiced at the king’s words

Viswamitra spoke thus.

 

(18th sarga concluded.)

Jai Srimannarayana!

Ramanujamma Mudumbai, rd.