Ramakatha Rasavahini, Part 2, Chapter 13 (a) - The Coronation

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Part 2 - Chapter 13 (a)Exile for Sita

 

It was the practice for messengers from the Court to travel about through cities

and villages, all over the empire, and report personally to the Ruler the

information they had gathered during their secret wanderings. Rama listened to

these communications, as his predecessors used to do. One day, a messenger who

had come on this duty approached Rama with a hesitation that was strange; he

prostrated before him, and rising up, stood mute and trembling on one side.

Soon, he recovered confidence and courage and addressed Rama thus: "Maharaja!

Listen to my words! Pardon me for bringing these words to you. A washerman was

quarrelling with his wife. He was heard admonishing her. 'Fie on you!, he

shouted. Do you

take me to be Rama? Get out of my house. How can I accept you? You were living

long in another person's house; get out of here!' ". These words struck the

heart of Rama like an arrow. He could not sleep that night. Towards midnight,

he sat up on his bed and thought within himself. "It is now one full Yuga since

I started ruling this land. I have to continue for a few years more." Then, sunk

in a sad reverie, that Ocean of Compassion thought, "Alas! I have to forsake

Sita. I have to uphold the Vedic Path."

He went near Sita and spoke to her pleasantly. He had a smile on his face when

he told her, "Janaki! You have not asked any boon from me so far, yet, I shall

grant you a boon. Go to your holy Home." That very moment, Sita fell at the

Feet of Rama and went to Vaikunta (Heaven) in her subtle body. No being

anywhere, nothing was aware of this fact. Sita in her gross physical frame only

was standing before Rama on Earth.

Rama asked the Earth-Sita (Maya Sita) "Pray for a boon" and Sita replied, "Lord!

I have a desire to spend some happy days in the hermitages of Muni's

(ascetics)". Rama said, "Be it so" and told her, "Start on your journey

tomorrow morning". She collected and packed many articles of clothing and

utensils for the daughters and wives of ascetics of the hermitages. Rama woke

up early. Servitors and favor-seekers were singing praises of His virtues and

excellences. His lotus-like face bloomed. Lakshmana, Bharatha and Satrughna

paid homage to Him prostrating at his feet. But, Rama did not converse with his

brothers. He kept silent. His face was flushed with emotion. His body showed

signs of tension. Every limb was shivering with excitement. The three brothers

were lost in fear and anxiety, not knowing the reason for his grief. They

shuddered at the

sight of Rama's sadness. They could not fathom the feelings that agitated him.

At last, Rama found words to express his wish. Between sighs, he said,

"Brothers! Don't say, no. Take Sita into the forest, leave her there and

return." On hearing this, they were stunned. They were caught in the flames of

despair. Their hearts were scorched. They doubted whether Rama was serious or

was only joking. Satrughna sobbed aloud; Lakshmana and Bharatha stood

motionless, tears streaming from their eyes. They were speechless. Their lips

were quivering; their hands were shivering. At last, with folded hands,

Satrughna prayed thus: "Your words have pierced our hearts. Janaki is

Lokamatha, the Mother of all beings. You live in the hearts of all living

beings. You are the Embodiment of Sath-Chit-Ananda. For what reason has Sita to

be discarded now? She is eternally pure, in thought, word and deed, isn't she?

O, Destroyer of

the Rakshasa Race! She is now pregnant and, at this time, in this condition, is

it right to forsake her alone?" Satrughna could not say more; the sorrow

surging within him flowed in tears and loud wails.

Rama said, "Brothers! Listen! If you disregard my word, breath cannot survive in

this body. May it be well with you. Brothers! As I have ordered, take Janaki

into the forest this very morning." He continued sitting with his head bent,

silent, as if he was sad at the turn of events.

Bharatha could not restrain his feelings, when he heard the words, so shocking

to the ear. He said, "Lord! I am very low in intelligence. Yet, please give

heed to my prayer. Our Solar Dynasty has earned fame and renown in the world.

Our father Dasaratha, your mother Kausalya and you yourself - Master of the

Three Worlds - have won great fame. Your glory is sung by the Vedas and by the

thousand-tongued Sesha. Janaki is the repository of all that is beneficent. Her

name will destroy all traces of inauspiciousness; it will confer all things

beneficent. She is the soul of holiness. By her blessings, women can attain the

supreme Goal. How can this

Janaki live separate from you and exist happily in the forest? Can she live even

for a moment apart from you? How can a fish live without water? She is the

embodiment of wisdom and the personification of all the virtues. She cannot

lead a solitary life."

Rama listened to his words calmly and then replied thus: "O Bharatha! You have

given utterance to words that are consonant with ordinary ideas of morality.

But, the Ruler has to foster Dharma and welfare according to the dictates of

morality. In carrying out his duty of guarding and guiding his people, he

should not cause any crisis or revolution; he has to protect them with great

affection." Then, he disclosed the information that the messenger had gathered

and communicated to him. He said: "Brothers! Our dynasty has suffered great

infamy. Its name has been tarnished. This dynasty had a series of Kings and

Emperors each one more famous than the others. Their might and majesty are

known all over the world, There is none who won greater renown than they. They

were ready to give up their lives, but, they never acted contrary to their

plighted

word. Our dynasty has no taint attached to it. And, when there was a likelihood

of its being tainted, he who hesitated to give up his life was certainly vile.

Understand this well." At this, the brother cried, "Lord! Janaki surely has no

trace of taint. She has come out of the blazing fire. Gods or saints will not

impute even in dreams the slightest fault in her. Not knowing this, if anyone

calls her a sinner, he will suffer the torture of hell for billions and

billions of years." Bharatha could not control his resentment at the very

mention of this possibility. At this, Rama became visibly angry and his eyes

reddened. Lakshmana noticed it, and unable to withstand it, he hid himself

behind Bharatha.

But, Rama addressed Lakshmana himself directly. "Lakshmana!", he began, "Grasp

the implications of what the people are saying; give up the foolish pose of

sadness. If you disobey my command and begin arguing with me, you will have to

rue it until death. Take Janaki in a chariot and leave her to herself in a

deserted place with no human habitation on the bank of the Ganga and then

return."

Lakshmana heard the command of the Lord; he prepared himself even for death, if

it encounters him, while carrying out that command. He got ready for the

journey. Stocking the chariot with provisions and clothing, he made Janaki sit

in it and then, drove off. Rama's faithful consort was elated at the prospect

of spending some time in hermitages; she was full of delight and gratitude.

But, seeing the crestfallen face of Lakshmana, she was saddened. She became

mute and dispirited. Like the cobra that had lost its crest-gem, she suffered

unseen, in her depths.

They reached the bank of the Ganga. The forest was frightful indeed; they got

terror in their hearts. Seeing Lakshmana fear, Sita was frightened more. Of

course, she knew that she was only acting the part and that her real Self was

not there. Still, to make her role successful before the world, she acted her

part well. She wailed, "O Lakshmana, where have you brought me? There is no

hermitage visible here. Do no wild beasts and poisonous snakes roam about in

this forest? No sign of human habitation can be seen here, Lakshmana! I am

getting afraid."

When Sita lamented thus, Lakshmana was overcome with sympathy. He remembered

Rama and said within himself, "Rama! What is this you have done!" and,

gathering some courage, he looked at Sita, but a fatal thirst overcame him at

that time and he suffered much. Sita was torn with anxiety at his condition and

his struggles. Realizing that he was determined to leave Sita there and return,

the deities of the forest spoke from the sky, "Lakshmana! Leave Janaki here and

go back; Sita, the Embodiment of Fortune, shall live". These words from the

Unseen planted courage in the heart of Lakshmana. He folded his palms in

reverence and said. "Mother! What can I do? I cannot but carry out brother's

command. I have no courage to overstep it even to the slightest. I am the

vilest villain. Brother has ordered me to leave you in this thick jungle and

return." Saying so, he turned the chariot back. His looks were fixed on the

track he was leaving behind. He could

hear the lament of Sita in the distance. "Lakshmana! Are you abandoning me in

the forest and leaving me alone? Who will protect me here?" She was wailing

like any common woman. Her cries pierced the ears of Lakshmana; but,

remembering his duty to follow the commands of Rama, he made his heart as hard

as rock and drove fast until he reached the City.

Meanwhile, Sita fainted in despair. Of course, it was all play-acting. She

recovered consciousness after a little while, sat up and poured out her grief

in words. "O Ramachandra! From birth, my life has been filled with sorrow.

Alas! Life clings to my body, however much I am invaded by grief." She cried

out like this for a long time, bewailing her fate. That moment, the sage

Valmiki [see also RRV-Ch. 15] was passing through the forest on his way to his

hermitage from the Ganga where he had gone for his ritual bath. Her words fell

on his ears; he was surprised that a woman's voice was calling out for help

from the recesses of the

forest; he followed the voice to its source, searching all round, and at last,

came to her very presence. She recognized him as the sage Valmiki and related

to him all that had happened to her. "0 Monarch of Monks", she appealed, "I am

the daughter of Emperor Janaka; I am the wife of Sri Ramachandra; the whole

world knows this; but, I do not know why He has deserted me and cast me away.

Can the dictates of destiny be escaped from? Great among Sages! Lakshmana

brought me here and left. He did not tell me why he had to do so."

Valmiki listened to her tale of woe; he consoled her and comforted her; "0

Daughter! Your father, the Emperor of Mithila, Janaka, is my friend, my

disciple. He has reverence and faith in me. Dear one! Do not worry at all. Feel

that my hermitage is your paternal home. All will be well with you. You will

certainly rejoin Rama. You will achieve that desire". Taking Sita to be his own

daughter, he directed her to have a bath in the Ganga and return. After the

cleansing bath, she prostrated before Valmiki, and the sage led her to the

hermitage, giving her affectionate assurances. He offered her roots and fruits

and pressed her to eat a few. She could not refuse the pleadings of the great

elder. Thereafter, Sita spent her days at the hermitage, in constant meditation

on Rama and his glory and in sharing peacefully

with the pupils and disciples of Valmiki the tasks incidental to the upkeep and

maintenance of that spiritual household. The residents of the hermitage as well

as Valmiki regaled her with interesting and wondrous stories and entertained her

with humorous anecdotes and incidents. [Picture: Sita at the hermitage of

Valmiki (*)]

Lakshmana reached the City, with his eyes swollen with sorrow, and heart heavy

with grief. He related the sad tale to the three mothers. They broke into

inconsolable sorrow and sobbed at the calamity that had overtaken Sita. They

praised the virtues of Sita and lamented that a lady of such sterling character

should be subjected to this disaster. They blamed Rama for harshness. The

capital and the palace were sunk in sorrow; there was no one free from grief.

Wailing was the only sound that could be heard. There was no one who did not

ask in sorrow, "could such a mother be ever punished thus?"

Rama heard the wailing and weeping. He retreated into the shrine with Lakshmana

as his sole companion and spent the day away from the sight of others. Later,

he went to the women's apartments, and consoling the Queens, he counseled them

along the path of Jnana. He also explained to the people that the true Ruler

considers his people alone as his kith and kin, and treats them alone as his

friends. This, he said, is the code of Rama, He said that the Ruler should give

up his own kith and kin when need arises, since his real kith and kin are the

subjects over which he is placed.

The three mothers were so affected by separation from Sita that they became

weaker and weaker with every passing day. It resulted in their death too,

finally. They manifested through Yoga the fire latent in them and allowed the

fire to reduce their bodies into ashes. Thus they attained the Highest State of

Bliss. The brothers grieved over the loss and performed the funeral rites as

laid down in the scriptures; they gave away the sixteen great charities as

prescribed therein. Thereafter, the four brothers - Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha

and Satrughna engaged themselves in the administrative problems and assignments

set apart for them, in conformity with the wishes of the people and to their

full satisfaction.

Meanwhile, Rama announced that he desired to celebrate the Aswamedha Yaga, (the

Horse-Sacrifice) mentioned in the Vedas since the Yaga would ensure the

destruction of all varieties of grief. He sent information to Angada and

others. He proceeded to the residence of the Royal Preceptor accompanied by his

brothers and the ministers of the realm. They fell at the feet of the Guru and

the Guru also received them with respect. He inquired about their health and

the welfare of the empire, in sweet soft words. He gave them valuable counsel,

quoting stories from Puranas and incidents from the epics.

Then, Rama addressed him thus: "Master! I have one wish in my mind. You have to

help me realize it". Then, he fell at the feet of the Guru. Vasishta, the Guru,

asked him what that wish was, and Rama replied, "I have decided on a Yaga; the

people of Ayodhya will be happy, filled with joy when it takes place. What I

desire to perform is the Aswamedha Yaga. The City can be rendered calm if it is

done. The people also are wanting that it should be performed. Bharatha

hesitated to inform you of this, since he is afraid of your reaction. So, I

felt I must approach you when you can meet us and we can communicate this wish

to you. We shall abide by your decision and gladly act accordingly."

Vasishta listened to these words uttered with reverence and humility; he

rejoiced at the idea. "Rama! Your wish shall be fulfilled. Bharatha! Rise and

busy yourself with the preparations for the Yaga", he said. This made the

brothers and the minister very happy. They extolled the Preceptor and fell at

his feet. Many Brahmins well versed in the lore about Yagas followed Bharatha

into the City and Palace.

Sumanthra invited leading citizens and called the officials and asked them to

decorate the royal roads inside the City as well as the bazaars and shopping

centers. He wanted them to erect Mantaps in many places. No sooner said than

done; they executed the orders very soon and the City was made ready for the

big event. The City was excited and enthused into joyful activity. The elders

of the City and officers reported to Rama that, as he had directed, information

had been sent to the chiefs among sages and ascetics, and Vasishta had also been

intimated of what was being done.

Vasishta advised Rama thus: "Send the news of the Yaga to Emperor Janaka; he

will be able to attend the Yaga with his queen and kinsmen". His advice was

couched in persuasive and pleasant words. He also said, "Send invitations to

the chief ascetics, Brahmins and Maharshis". When the Guru agreed, Rama took

him round Ayodhya, so that he might see the preparations; they were both very

pleased at the decorations all over the City. The official messengers, visited

kingdoms far and near and presented the invitations to the rulers of those

lands. One of them proceeded to Mithila, the Capital City of Janaka.

Jambavantha, Angada, Sugriva, Nala, Nela and other Vanara leaders arrived.

Ascetics and monks came to the City in groups. They were all welcomed and

accommodated, with due regard to their spiritual eminence. Soon, Viswamitra

arrived; Rama honored him, and offered reverential hospitality. Agastya, [see:

RRV2, Ch. 1] the great sage, also reached Ayodhya. He was given proper

reception and arrangements were made for his comfortable stay in the Capital.

They saw the sanctified Hall where the Yaga was to be held and were delighted.

When the citizens of Mithila saw the emissary from Ayodhya, they were very

happy. He (the emissary) informed Janaka, the Emperor, of the Yaga that was to

be performed by Rama. As soon as he heard the news, Janaka rose from his

throne. He was thrilled when he listened to the emissary. His eyes streamed

tears of bliss. He enquired whether Rama was well and whether his brothers too

were well. He replied that the letter he had brought would satisfy him on all

scores and handed over the auspicious message. He could not speak more. And,

who can describe the condition of the Emperor? His kinsmen were transported

with delight. The City resounded to the shouts of 'Jai'. The Emperor read the

Message over and over; he was overwhelmed with joy. He called a courier in and

ordered him, "Spread this news in cities, towns and villages throughout the

empire. Announce it with the play of the ten musical instruments". Then, he

called in the Minister and handed

him the Message. He received it most respectfully and pressed it on his eyes,

before reading it for himself and being thrilled thereby. Bringing to mind the

glory of Rama, he shed profuse tears of joy. In front of every home in the

city, the master of the house installed a pot of auspicious significance. The

Emperor gave away countless valuables in charity to celebrate his receiving the

good news. The City of Janaka was swaying in ecstasy.

Janaka arrived at Ayodhya, after the long journey from Mithila. On the way, he

alighted to pay his respects to Sathananda, his Preceptor. He blessed Janaka

and directed him to proceed fast to Ayodhya, accompanied by his entourage and

army - the latter including all the four fighting forces, chariotry,

elephantry, infantry and cavalry. Janaka left behind a section of the army to

safeguard the City. He assigned a palanquin for his Guru, Sathananda, and

himself rode in another. When the entire party left for Ayodhya, the earth

quaked. Who can count the number of generals, commanders and heroes that the

army had in its ranks? Journeying thus, Janaka reached Ayodhya at the end of

two days. When he knew that Janaka was approaching the City and had come very

near, Rama went forward to receive him and they met in great mutual affection.

A magnificent residence surrounded by a vast plain had been set apart for him.

It was a charming heavenly residence,

right on the bank of the Sarayu river. Rama had deputed his brothers to receive

and render hospitality to the Royal guests.

(*) [in the extreme lower left of the painting, Sita enters the hilly landscape

following an entourage led by the sage Valmiki. As Sita arrives at the

hermitage, her slightly protruding belly reminds us of the condition in which

she left Ayodhya. Her subsequent life at the hermitage is presented in several

scenes that are distributed throughout the composition and are separated by the

rounded contours of reed huts. Sita is seen on three more occasions. At the

upper right corner she touches the feet of Valmiki's wife and asks for

sanctuary; immediately below she sits in a hut as an acolyte brings her food;

and finally, well after the birth of her twins, she is seen playing with one

child as the other jumps into the arms of the silver-haired Valmiki].

Bhajan: Sri Raghunandana Dasharatha Nandana

 

Ramakatha RasavahiniThe Sweet Story of Rama's GloryOriginal in Telegu written by

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai BabaRendered into English by Professor N. Kasturi

Source: http://www.vahini.org/ramakatha2/ch13a.htmlVahini.org: 'Vahini' Books

written by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

 

 

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