RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI PART 3

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Om Sri Sai Ram

RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI PART 3

The Rama Story, Stream of Sacred Sweetness

As told by the Divine Lord Himself in the present Avatar as Bhagawan

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

 

The Call and the first Victory

 

As soon as they reached the main gate of the palace, people heard

heavenly drums and clarions resounding from the sky. A shower of

flowers rained upon them. As they moved along, the music of conches

rose from every doorstep; the peal of trumpets was heard from every

few yards of the road. They appeared to men, women and children, to

the citizens of all ages, as two cubs trotting behind an elderly

lion. No one knew why the princes were walking barefoot and leaving

the palace with the celebrated sage; so, each one started asking his

neighbour what the mission was on which they were bound. The

ministers, courtiers and citizens accompanied them only as far as the

City Gate, for, that was the royal command. There, they bade farewell

to the princes and turned back.

 

Thereafter, they continued their journey, Vishwamitra leading the

way, Rama close behind him and Lakshmana bringing up the rear. They

saw the lines of charming trees on both sides of the track; they

filled themselves with the beauty of Nature that revealed itself

before their eyes. When they had trekked some distance, they entered

a jungle devoid of human habitation. Vishwamitra ordered that they

should wear from then on, wrist guards and finger guards of leather;

he asked them to take on hand the bows slung on the shoulder and hold

them in readiness. Thus equipped, they moved along the silent terror-

striking forest, through the tangled bushes, fearless and effulgent,

as if they were the monarchs of the region. Soon, they reached the

river Sarayu. The sun was preparing to set; so, Vishwamitra called

Rama and Lakshmana near him and spoke to them soft and sweet

words, " Darlings! Go to the river without further delay and have the

ceremonial washing of hands and feet. I shall now impart to you two

mystic formulae, (Mantra), which form the crown jewels of all

mantras. They are named Bala and Athi-Bala (strength and super-

strength). They are both charged with tremendous power. They will

restore freshness to you, however exhausted you may be; they will

prevent exhaustion however heavily you exert yourselves; they will

not allow illness to approach you; they will save you from demoniac

forces. Again, whenever you are journeying, they will, if you

recollect them, keep away hunger and thirst, bestow exhilarating

health and shower joy and enthusiasm. They will strengthen limbs and

minds. Rama! These two mantras are supreme over all other Mantras;

they are more effulgent and efficacious than the rest. " Vishwamitra

expatiated upon the potency of the Mantras for a long while. Rama had

no need to be told of them; he listened with apparent surprise and

with wonder-filled eyes. Lakshmana, meanwhile, was watching both the

Sage and Rama, laughing within himself!

 

This incident is a good lesson for the world, wherein Rama had come

to revive Dharma. It is a lesson Rama taught by his behaviour, rather

than by words.

 

" Maya is inescapable for any one however great; it will turn them

upside down in a moment; it will not loosen its grasp so long as the

victim is engrossed in the belief that he is the 'body'; it will not

be frightened by the name or fame, the skill or intelligence of the

person it seeks to possess. Only when the individual discards name

and form, releases himself from body-consciousness and establishes

himself in the Atma, can he escape from the misconceptions that Maya

inflicts. "

 

This was that lesson! For, note this! Vishwamitra had these two

powerful Mantras in his control; he had accumulated a great store of

spiritual treasure; he had realized, in spite of his own far-famed

resources, that Rama alone had the might needed to outwit and destroy

the demoniac hordes intent on disrupting the Yajna he was set on

celebrating; he had counseled Dasaratha against over-affection

towards the son, blinding him to the divine majesty of Rama; he had

announced that Rama was the guardian of the entire world; he believed

that there was no height of heroism that Rama could not reach. Yet he

was preparing to initiate those very princes into some mystic

mantras, as if they were children of common stock. Surely,

Vishwamitra was shackled by Maya! He had yielded to the delusion of

judging by apparent attributes; Rama laid bare the strength of the

stranglehold of Maya on the sage. For, it was He who had shrouded

Viswamitra's mind and made him enter proudly upon these initiation

rites! Rama and Lakshmana finished their ablutions in the river, as

directed by Vishwamitra. The sage came to Rama and initiated Him into

the two mantras. Rama pronounced the formulae after the teacher, and

nodded his head as a novice should do, when a mantra is taught.

Lakshmana too did the same. They bowed their heads as if they had

agreed to be the 'disciples' of Vishwamitra. Soon it became dark and

the brothers arranged for themselves as beds the grass, which grew

thick on the ground. After they laid themselves, Vishwamitra sat by

their side and related tales of olden times. Soon the boys appeared

as if they had gone to sleep, as a result apparently of the

exhaustion of tramping long distances on foot. Vishwamitra stopped

his story and was lost in thought about his own destiny and

destination.

 

Meanwhile, daylight broke across the land. Multi-coloured birds

flitted from branch to branch on the tree, under which the two

brothers were sleeping, singing sweetly, as if they were intent on

awakening Rama and Lakshmana! It was to the ear the music of aerial

minstrels. But they could not rouse the sleepers! So, Vishwamitra

accosted Rama and announced that dawn had arrived. " Awake " , he said.

Rama sat up; he awakened Lakshmana who was in bed by his side, and

both fell at the feet of the sage. They finished their morning

ablutions in the Sarayu River; they took the sacred water in their

palms and let it down again uttering hymns in praise of the Goddess

of the River. Then, they bathed in the river and performed thereafter

the Sandhya rite, involving the recitation of the Gayathri-mantra.

 

Soon they got ready for the journey and stood before the sage, with

arms folded. Vishwamitra asked, " Dear ones! Now we can move towards

our hermitage, can't we " ? And Rama replied, " We await your command " !

So, they started walking, with the sage in front and the brothers

behind. Soon, they reached the confluence of the Sarayu with the

Ganga. The brothers prostrated before the holy river, and cast their

eyes all around the holy spot. They saw a hermitage, with heavenly

vibrations pervading the surroundings. It struck them as very ancient

and full of hoary associations. Lakshmana questioned the

sage, " Master! Who lives in that holy hermitage? What is the name of

the great personage who dwells there " ? The sage smiled at the

inquiry.

 

He said, " Dear Ones! God Siva had come here long ago with His divine

attendants, to engage in austerities prior to His wedding Parvati.

While He was fulfilling His Divine obligations from here, Manmatha

(the God of Love) obstructed the spiritual practices and caused anger

to sprout in the Divine Heart. He opened His Third Eye, which threw

such searing flames that Manmatha was burnt into ash. His body was

destroyed and so, he is known now as 'limbless', Ananga. The word for

a limb is anga; since Manmatha lost his angas here, in this region,

this part of the country is known ever after as Anga! This is a rich

region. Siva used this hermitage and it is being used since, by

generations of His devotees, each of whom has merged in Him as the

fruit of arduous asceticism. This hermitage will accept as residents

only strict followers of the Dharmic Path. If you so desire, we shall

spend the night here and start out again, after a bath in the Ganga " .

Rama and Lakshmana could not contain their delight when Vishwamitra

came forward with this proposal. They said, " We are very happy " and

accepted the idea. They bathed in the holy Ganga. Meanwhile, the news

that Vishwamitra was available near their residences and that he had

with him two heroic sons of the Emperor spread wide and many rushed

to welcome them and receive them in their own hermitages.

 

That night, the Sage and the Princes stayed at the Ashram of Siva;

they fed on fruits and roots; they watched with interest the

activities of the hermitage. The Princes listened to the stories

narrated by Vishwamitra; time floated fast in that flood of Bliss. As

soon as day dawned they had their bath and ablutions and lovingly

took leave of the hermits. Then they walked on, the two disciples

following the Guru. They had to cross the Ganga River and so, some

people of that area rowed them across and set them on the other bank.

Thereafter, they reverentially bade farewell and fell at the feet of

Vishwamitra, before they returned. Vishwamitra was gratified at this

act of hospitality; he appreciated the depth of their devotion and

their sense of surrender; he allowed them to depart, loaded with

blessings.

 

Just then, a noise as of a rumbling subterranean flood sweeping over

the land battered their ears. They saw the waters of the river raging

and rising, with long chains of white foam on the crest of the waves.

Rama asked the sage, " Master! Why is it that all of a sudden the

angry flood has filled the basin and how could they surge so fast and

so high? " The sage replied, " Rama! The full and furious Sarayu falls

into the calm quiet Ganga at this place; hence this reverberation and

this rumbling! " The sage uttered these words coolly and casually. It

was a familiar scene for him. He continued, " Rama! In ages gone by,

on one occasion, Brahma willed and a great lake was immediately

formed near Mount Kailas. This is known as Manasa-Sarovar; the word

means the Sarovar (lake) of Manasa (the mind). The gods named it so.

When the snows melt and the rains fall, the lake gets overfull and

the flow from out of the Sarovar becomes the Sarayu River, running by

the side of Ayodhya towards the Ganga. The Sarayu is a sacred river,

because the waters rise from the lake willed by Brahma Himself " . They

proceeded on their way listening to the thrilling stories that

lighted every river and spot of land.

 

Now they entered a thick dark forest. It aroused a sense of terror.

Rama asked the Master, " No sign of man having ever traversed this

forest is seen! " Before he could get the answer, an eerie succession

of roars from the angry throats of a huge herd of animals - tigers,

lions, leopards and a host of lesser wild life - captured their

attention. It appeared as if the earth was being torn asunder! They

also saw wild animals engaged in mortal fight with others, some

running into thickets, away from the scene of violent death. The

forest was the home of close-grown trees that reached the skies and

spread their shades thick over the ground - the banyan, the deodar,

the pine, and the holy fig.

 

There was no path to guide the feet; they had to clear a track for

progress. Lakshmana could not contain his curiosity; he asked

Vishwamitra, " Master! Who rules this fearful forest? What is its

name? " The Master replied, " Lakshmana! Where this jungle has grown,

there were formerly two little kingdoms, Malada and Karosa. They

shone like the region of the gods; in fact, people spoke of the area

as having been specially created and fostered by the gods. They

relate a story about the place. When the God Indra killed Vritra, He

suffered the contamination of sin and as a consequence, he was

stricken with insatiable pain of hunger. Indra was brought in that

pathetic condition by the sages of this region, and given a bath in

the holy Ganga. After that immersion, they poured on His Head pots

and pots of Ganga water, uttering all the while, holy hymns and

formulae. With that, the sin (of killing a person of high caste) was

washed away.

 

" Brahma was delighted that the contamination (Mala) as well as the

cry (Krosa) of hunger ended. So, He named these kingdoms as Malada

and Karosa. The kingdoms, too, rose to fame with his blessing. The

gods willed that the two areas be resplendent with grain and gold,

and all means of plenty and prosperity.

 

" Meanwhile, a cruel ogress named Thataki appeared in this region and

she started laying waste the rich and peaceful land. She was a

Yakshini who could transform herself into any form she liked. It is

rumored that as she was born, she was endowed with the prowess of a

thousand elephants! She brought forth a son named Maricha. He had the

might and heroism of Indra himself. Mother and son jointly caused

tremendous havoc and disaster. The jungle in which that vile ogress

lives is at a distance of a yojana (nine miles) and a half from here.

She reduced these two wealthy valleys Malada and Karosa into this

dreaded wilderness. Out of fear the cultivators of its fertile fields

fled in terror at her approach and so the jungle crept on and on. The

thickly populated cities and villages were deserted and ruined,

leaving no trace of human habitation. She could not be captured or

destroyed, for, she could escape from all attempts to destroy her. No

one has yet dared to put an end to her depredations. I cannot think

of any one except you (yes, my deepest intuition says so), no one

except you can destroy this monster possessing such overwhelming

might. These two, the vicious mother and son, lead and guide the

demons to disrupt and pollute the Yajnas and sacred rituals of the

hermits. "

 

The words of Vishwamitra moved the feelings of Rama. He could not

contain within himself the anger that surged up. With great humility

and reverence, he said, " 0 great among ascetics! I have heard that

the Yakshas are of poor might; besides, this Thataki is a female;

hers is the weaker sex; how could she terrorize entire populations

so? Wherefrom did she acquire all this power? How could she reduce

this region to rack and ruin when Brahma and the Gods have blessed

it? This is indeed astounding. It is something that is beyond the

bounds of belief " . Vishwamitra said, " Rama! I shall explain. Listen!

There was, in the past, a Yaksha named Sukethu. He was as rich in

virtues as in prowess. He had no child to succeed him and so, he

practiced severe austerities to propitiate the Gods and receive their

blessings. At last, Brahma was pleased with his austerity; He

appeared before him; He blessed him that He will get a daughter, with

extraordinary strength, cleverness and skill. Sukethu was elated at

this boon, though it was to be a daughter, not a son.

 

" Sukethu returned and a daughter was born to him, as anticipated. The

child grew fast and strong. Though it was of the weaker sex, through

the grace of Brahma, it had the might of a thousand elephants; she

was moving about, with no law or limit, as if she owned all she saw!

She was a very charming girl and so, Sukethu, sought far and wide for

an equally charming groom; finally, he secured one; his name was

Sunda; and, Sukethu gave her in marriage to him. Three years later,

she gave birth to a son; he is Maricha, about whom I told you. Mother

and son have become invincible in combat. Sunda started off on his

demonic adventures and attempted to ruin the Yajnas of sages and so,

he incurred the wrath of the great Agastya. He hurled a curse on the

vile fellow, which killed him and saved the sages from further grief.

In revenge, Thataki took her son along, and fell upon the hermitage

of Agastya. Agastya had forewarning of this attack; so, he cursed

them both to be reduced to the status of ogres. This enraged them

more; they roared abuses and advanced frightfully with blood-red eyes

against Agastya! Agastya felt that delay would be dangerous; he

cursed Thataki that she should lose her charm and become an ugly

fright! He willed that she become a cannibal! She was not subdued by

the curse, but, she continued the attack with renewed ferocity. So,

Agastya escaped from the ravage and went to a safer place. Angered by

this disappointment, Thataki spent her ire on this region (Malada and

Karosa) destroying crops and gardens and reducing it to a big

jungle. "

 

When this tale was told, Rama said, " Master! Since she was born as a

consequence of Brahma's boon, and as a gift for austerity, she had

all these skills and strength; she misused them and drew upon herself

the wrath and the curse. The sin of killing a woman is, as mentioned

in the scriptures, very heinous, isn’t it? Agastya must have let

her off with the curse of ugliness, for this very reason. Or else,

could not the great sage who caused the husband to die kill the wife

also? I have heard that warriors should not be so mean as to kill

women. Tell me what I should do now; I am prepared to obey " .

 

Vishwamitra was happy that Rama put these qualms dictated by

Dharma. " I am not ignorant of the fact that the killing of a woman is

a heinous sin. Nevertheless, the protection of spiritually

progressive men - the Brahmins, the virtuous, as well as cows - this

is important. Dharma is intertwined with these three. There is no sin

when the act is done for the promotion of Dharma and the removal of

Adharma. Don't you know the dictum, 'Dharmo rakshathi rakshithah';

Dharma saves those who save it? This is not violence used for one's

aggrandizement. When violence is used for preserving the peace and

prosperity of the world, I assure you, it cannot draw down any bad

reaction. Moreover, creation, preservation and dissolution are

expressions of Divine law; they happen according to the Divine will.

They are not bound by the whims of man. You are Divine

Manifestations. You have the authority and the duty. No dirt can

stick to fire; so too, no sin can contaminate the Divine. The will

that creates, the obligation that protects, can also carry out the

duty to punish. The punishment that awaits the sins of the mother and

her son cannot be avoided; It must be considered fortunate that

Thataki ends her life at your hands today, before she adds to the

heap of sins for which she has to suffer much. You will only be

serving her best interests and the interests of the country; this is

neither wrong nor sinful. If you entertain the feeling of compassion

now, it would cause unlimited damage to the world; it would be

promoting the decline of Dharma; it would help Thataki to indulge in

more sins. Why should I dwell more on this point and relate to you

thousand arguments? I have seen all, through my spiritual eye; you

have incarnated in human form to destroy the Rakshasa brood. This is

your mission, your task. You have to carry it out today and

throughout your career. The guardianship of Dharma, and the

destruction of the Rakshasas, (people with demonic tendencies) are

the very purposes which have persuaded you to take birth! I knew this

truth; that is the reason why I rushed to you for help; or else, why

should I seek your support and service? Hermits, anchorites, and

those performing austerities in forest retreats, entreat the help of

the rulers of the land for the sake, not of themselves, but of the

whole world. They give up attachment, and sustain themselves on the

roots and fruits gathered by them; after some months or years of this

regimen, they harden their lives even more, so that they may lose the

body-consciousness and merge in the Light; why should such people

worry over what happens to the world? But, the Wise, the Realized,

besides saving themselves by the illumination of revelation, endeavor

to tell others the path they have trodden, the glory of the goal they

have reached, to persuade others to practice the disciplines that

made them ready to receive the Truth. If the Wise care only for

themselves and their liberation what is to happen to the world?

People will descend further into iniquity that is all. Dharma will be

submerged. Hermits keep up relationship with the world for this

reason, not for quenching any private craving of theirs. They live as

the lotus on water. They may be entangled in the world, for all

appearances; but, they have no attachment with the world. They will

not allow the world to tarnish them. Their aim is one and one only:

the progress and welfare of the world. They attend only to the

fostering of Dharma. They depend only on God. "

 

When Vishwamitra bared the truth in these words, Rama responded as if

he was a novice, unacquainted with all that he had heard. He

said: " The world will not understand that the words of hermits and

sages have holy significances embedded in them. I interrogated you on

the morality of this act so that we may know how you elaborate on the

justice of the act. Do not read any other meaning into my question.

My father, Dasaratha, told me to obey Vishwamitra the Sage and do

what he commands. I wish to follow what my father orders. You are a

great Rishi. You have undergone severe austerities. When such as you

declare that Thataki can be killed without incurring sin and that the

act is just and moral, I know I do not commit wrong. I am ready to

carry out any task you impose on me for fostering Dharma and for

promoting the welfare of the people " . So saying, he held the bow in

his hand, and tested the tightness of the string, producing a sound

that echoed and re-echoed from the ten directions. The entire jungle

was awakened; wild animals fled far and wide. Thataki was shocked by

the unusually loud and awesome sound; she was inflamed with rage at

this disturbing phenomenon; she rushed towards the place wherefrom it

emanated! Rama saw the monster moving towards him like a mountain

lurching or a huge wild elephant charging. He smiled and told

Lakshmana, " Brother! Look at this mass of ugliness! Can common man

survive the sight of this devilish personality? The very appearance

is terrible! What are we then to say of its might? And, it is a

woman! My mind does not fully co-operate with me when I resolve to

kill it! I believe this monster will die, if its hands and legs are

cut apart, that may be enough to destroy it " .

 

Thataki was rushing towards Rama with outstretched arms, so that she

could grasp him and put him into her mouth like a piece of cake! She

was roaring wildly and in terror-striking excitement. Vishwamitra was

praying, with eyes closed, that the brothers may not suffer harm in

this combat. Thataki moved nearer and nearer to Rama, but with

greater and greater reluctance, for, in his presence, she felt a

strange kind of shock. Once or twice, she went near Rama, but, she

had to retreat fast. She jumped about in fury, angry at herself! The

dust kicked up by her rendered the area dark and suffocating. Rama,

Lakshmana and Vishwamitra stood silent and inactive for a while.

Thataki was an adept in the art of delusion and destruction. She

created a heavy rain of rocks. Rama now decided that the ogress

should no longer be allowed to live on earth; she cannot be pardoned

on the score of feminity! So, he drew his bow and shot an arrow at

the body of the invisible Thataki identifying where exactly it was at

the time. At this, she rushed once again at Rama. His arrows cut down

her two arms. She fell on the ground, crying in agony and pain.

Lakshmana cut off her limbs, one by one. But, Thataki could adopt

form after form, as she liked. So, she gave up one form and assumed

another quickly and reappeared fresh and furious before them! She

pretended to be dead, but soon came up alive! She adopted a variety

of forms at the same time and started her old trick of the shower of

rocks. She exhibited her wicked talents and evil tricks. Rama and

Lakshmana received a few injuries, however watchful they were. Seeing

this, Vishwamitra felt that there should be no more delay, and that

she must be killed straightaway. He said, " Rama! Do not hesitate!

This is not the moment to consider her womanhood and show

concessions! Removal of her limbs will not benefit. So long as there

is life these Rakshasas can adopt any number of forms. Therefore,

kill her! When evening approaches, her dark rage will swell even

more. After sunset, it becomes impossible to encounter Rakshasas,

whoever might attempt to do so. She must be destroyed within that

hour. " Saying this, Vishwamitra uttered some sacred mantras that

ensure protection and grant safety.

 

Rama too directed his own thoughts and through his power of guiding

arrows in the direction from where the sound emanates he recognized

where Thataki was and shot an arrow fast at that target. The arrow

had the effect of binding her limbs and preventing her from making

the slightest movement. At this, Thataki shrieked most ferociously,

and putting out her terrible tongue, attempted to fall upon Rama and

Lakshmana and crush them under her weight. On this, Rama decided that

delay will invite worse consequences; he shot a fatally sharp arrow

right into the chest; with that, she rolled on the ground and gave up

her life.

 

The earth showed a huge crater where she fell. Trees were uprooted by

the impact of the gigantic mass, when she rolled in agony. Her last

gasp of breath was so weird and loud that the wild beasts of the

forest fled; herds of animals ran helter skelter. When the awful

demoness fell dead, Vishwamitra called Rama near, and stroking his

hair lovingly, said, " Son! Were you afraid? No! No! How can the

savior of all the worlds be afraid? This feat is the foundation

stone; it ensures the stability of the mansion. Come, you are tired.

The sun too has set. Perform the evening worship and rest awhile.

Come with me " . He took them to the river, and later, he told

them, " Children! We shall rest here for the night and we can proceed

to our hermitage at dawn " . They spent the night listening to the

stories that Vishwamitra related; the Master also revealed to them

their own faculties and latent majesty.

 

The dawn broke. The sage went through the morning ablutions, and

approached the sleeping brothers with a benign smile. He spoke soft

and sweet words to them. " Rama! I am delighted at your heroism! When

you were overcoming that demoness Thataki, I comprehended the truth

of your being the Absolute. Really, I am very fortunate. " Vishwamitra

shed tears of joy. He held forth all the mystic weapons he possessed,

and the mantras, which shape and sustain them, and in a swift act of

dedication he placed them all in the hands of Rama. " I have no

authority to wield these weapons; of what avail are they for me, even

if I have them in my possession? You are the master and wielder of

all weapons. They too will be most pleased when they are with you,

for, they can fulfill their destiny best while with you. Note this!

From this moment, all the weapons I commanded so far shall be your

instruments, available for the mission on which you have come " , he

said, pouring holy water with appropriate mantras, indicative of an

irrevocable surrender of their ownership.

 

Thus, he offered to Rama the Dandachakra, the Dharmachakra, the

Kalachakra, the Indrastra, the Vajrastra, the Siva-inspired Trisula,

Brahmasirastra, Aishikastra and the most mighty and destructive of

all, the Brahmastra. Then, he sat silent for a while, with eyes

closed. He rose with the words, " Now, what have I to do with these

too? " And he gave Rama two powerful maces, Modak and Sikhar. He

said. " After reaching our Ashram, I shall bring out other weapons

too - the Agni missile, (Agni-Astra), the Krauncha missile, the

Narayana missile, the Vayu missile and others. " Sons, he said, " All

these weapons are at the beck and call of the master; they are

amazingly overpowering. " Thus saying, he whispered into Rama's ear

the mystic formulae, which can materialize and activate them, and

direct them towards the targets with incalculable fury. He asked him

to recite the formulae under his supervision. Before long, Rama was

able to visualize the deities presiding over each of the divine

missiles and weapons and receive their grateful homage. Each deity

presented itself before Rama and fell prostrate before him. Each one

said, " Rama! We are your servants from this moment. We all vow and

affirm that we shall abide by your commands. " Then they disappeared,

awaiting further summons.

 

Rama was glad at this development; he touched the Sage's feet,

saying, " Master! Your heart is the treasure chest of renunciation.

You are, I realize, the Divine embodiment of Thyaga (detachment) and

Yoga (conquest of the senses). Or will any one else renounce and gift

away such an array of potent hard-won weapons? Master! Please delight

me by counseling the manner in which I can withdraw the weapons after

they have wrought the intended havoc. You have now taught me the

formulae for unleashing them. I desire to know how I can recover

them " . At this, Vishwamitra felt elated; he said: " These forces and

weapons like Sathyakeerti, Drshta, Rabhasa, Pitrsomasa, Krsana,

Virasya, Yougandha, Vidhootha, Karaveeraka Jrmbhaka - are

automatically recoverable by the exercise of the will of the bowman

using them, expressed through mantras, which I shall communicate to

you now. " He then initiated him into those formulae also. When they

were pronounced, the deities so propitiated, appeared and prostrated

to their new Master. Rama told them that they have to be ready when

called, and that they could meanwhile be at ease.

 

Vishwamitra then proposed to resume the journey and the three of them

started footing their way along. A little distance later, they

entered a region of high-peaked hills; their eyes fell on a charming

garden, the fragrance of which welcomed them and refreshed their

bodies and minds. The brothers were curious to know who owned that

lovely spot. They asked the Sage to enlighten them. Vishwamitra

replied, " Son! This is the holy area which the gods choose when they

come down on earth to practice austerity for the success of their

desires. The great Kasyapa did penance here and won his goal. The

place confers victory on all holy efforts. So it is named,

Siddhasram, the Hermitage of Achievement! I have myself taken

residence here, with the intention of cultivating Dedication and

Surrender. This hermitage is the target of attack for demons who

intercept and befoul every holy rite done here. You have to destroy

them when they attempt their nefarious tactics " . So saying,

Vishwamitra entered that heart-warming seat of peace. He placed his

arm on Rama's shoulder caressingly and said, " This Ashram is as much

yours from today, as it was mine until now " ; the hoary sage shed

tears of gratification as he uttered those words. Even as they

stepped into the Siddhasram, the residents ran forward with eager

haste to wash the feet of the Master and offer water for ablutions to

Rama and Lakshmana.

 

They scattered flowers along the path towards the Ashram and led them

to the door. They offered them fruits and sweet cool drink. They

proposed to Rama and Lakshmana that they should take rest in a

cottage specially allotted to them and made ready for their use. They

did accordingly and after the rest, which refreshed them a great

deal, they washed their feet and faces and came to the Sage

Vishwamitra, to know his instructions. They stood before the Teacher

with arms folded and said, " Master! Can Yajna which you have willed

to perform be inaugurated tomorrow? " Vishwamitra was elated at this

query; he replied, " Yes! Everything is ready! In this Siddhasram, it

is so always. There is no need to wait for preparations to be

completed. We are always ready. I shall take the prescribed vow, when

dawn breaks tomorrow " . The news spread and every one set about the

task of collecting all that was necessary for the great event. Dawn

broke. Vishwamitra took the vow of initiation and the Yajna began. As

Skanda and Visakha stood guard for the Gods, the two brothers, Rama

and Lakshmana stood resolutely determined to encounter all who

attempted to interfere with its due performance. Since it was

improper to speak to Vishwamitra who was engaged in the sacrificial

ceremony, Rama gestured to the other participants to find out from

them when the demon horde could be expected and from which direction.

They could only answer, " It is not possible to say when and from

where! " " The demons have no regular timings; any moment they might

pounce on us. Who can predict the time of their onslaught? " The

hermits spoke to Rama about the demons, each according to his

estimate of their character and habits.

 

Rama was delighted at the replies given by them; he decided that the

wise course would be to be ever vigilant and ready to beat back the

demon forces, who attempt to frustrate the sacred ceremonies of

hermits. He alerted his brother too. They watched the four quarters

very carefully and paid attention to the slightest sound indicative

of the approach of danger. Recognising their bravery and earnestness,

the ascetics derived vast joy and wonder, for, they were of tender

age and lovely complexion, barely out of the stage of boyish pranks!

 

For five days and nights, the brothers kept unintermittent guard over

the sacrificial site and the hermitage without a wink of sleep or a

moment of rest. The sixth day too started on the same routine.

Vishwamitra was engaged in the Yajna, immersed in the ritual

exactitude of each item of the ceremony. The rthwiks (reciters of

hymns and other participants) were engaged in their tasks of

recitation, oblations, and recitation.

 

Suddenly, they were astounded by a thunderous noise that broke from

the sky, as if the firmament itself was exploding into fragments!

Fire emanated from everything on the sacrificial platform - the kusa

grass, the plates and cups, the holy vessels holding ritual objects,

the dry sticks which had to be offered in the holy Yajna fire, the

flowers, the Kumkum and other auspicious articles collected for the

sake of worshipping gods! The flames rose on all sides!

 

Very soon, dark fearsome clouds overcast the sky and the bright day

became a night of pitch darkness. Mysterious evil fumes sped fast

towards the place where the Yajna was being performed! The sinister

clouds started raining blood, and tongues of flame, which rose to

receive them, welcomed the drops when they fell! Rama and Lakshmana

sought to locate the enemy demons amidst the phantasmagoria of

cruelty and hate. Rama, through His Divine Vision, knew where the

leading ogres, Maricha and Subahu were, and he released the Manasa

arrow in that direction. It struck the breast of Maricha, and stopped

any further mischief from him. Next, he shot the Agni Astra (Fire-

weapon) at Subahu and it got lodged in the heart of Subahu. Rama

understood that if their corpses dropped on the holy region the

hermitage itself will be polluted; so, to prevent that sinful contact

the arrows of Rama carried the vicious bodies hundreds of miles afar

and cast them into the ocean! Maricha and Subahu shrieked and groaned

in unbearable agony and struggled desperately amidst the waves; but

they did not die. The other leaders of the demon hordes fled for

their lives beyond the horizon. Lakshmana said that it was not

advisable to allow any demon to survive however cowardly they might

appear, for, they would soon return to their wicked practices. So, he

prompted Rama to kill off the entire gang. The hermits who watched

this great act of heroism were elated with admiration; they believed

that the brothers were really Siva Himself, in His terror-striking

boon-conferring Form. They bowed in reverence to them, in their own

minds - for, they were too young to accept their homage.

 

The forest put on the vesture of brightness and joy, in a moment.

Amidst all the distractions, Vishwamitra continued steadily and

without interruption the meditation on the deities and the recitation

of the holy hymns that were enjoined for the Yajna! He never made

even the slightest movement of body or mind; such was the depth of

his concentration! The Valedictory Offering in the Sacred Fire was

fulfilled with correctitude and thankfulness. Then, Vishwamitra came

smiling to where Rama and Lakshmana were standing. " 0 praiseworthy

heroes! You brought victory to my vow! Through you, I have realised

my life's desire. The name of this Ashram has been justified; it has

become truly the Hermitage of Achievement! he said " . The sage shed

tears of joy; he fondled and caressed the boys; he proceeded towards

the hermitage with his hands placed on the shoulders of Rama and

Lakshmana; there, he gave them the share of the holy offerings made

at the sacrificial fire. He asked them to retire and refresh

themselves with a little rest.

 

Though the fulfillment of the purpose for which they had been brought

was itself the most effective restorative for their limbs and minds,

they felt that it would be improper to discard the command of the

Master and so, they retired and slept soundly a long while. The

Master removed himself to another thatched cottage, to ensure

undisturbed sleep for them; he also instructed some men to keep guard

so that no one unwittingly created noise, which might awaken them.

While the brothers were sleeping, Vishwamitra was exulting over the

successful conclusion of the Yajna and the Divine Prowess of Rama and

Lakshmana. Meanwhile, Rama and Lakshmana woke up and after washing

face, hands and feet, they came out through the door, to find there

the boys of the hermit families keeping guard, lest their sleep be

disturbed! They were informed that the Master was conversing with the

ascetics in another cottage. So, they moved thither and fell at the

sage's feet. Rising, they stood with arms folded and said, " Great

Teacher! If these servants of yours have to do any other task, please

inform us and we shall gladly carry it out " . At this, one ascetic

from the group stood up and addressed them thus, " With the

destruction of the demons, all that has to be done has been

accomplished. What else is there to be done? The desire entertained

by the Master, since years, has been fulfilled. Nothing higher than

this is needed. You two are of the form of Siva-Shakti. That is how

you appear to our eyes. You are no common mortals. It is our good

fortune that has given us this chance to see you. Our gratitude knows

no bounds " . At this, the residents touched the feet of Rama and

Lakshmana.

 

Chapter 7(a)

Winning Sita

 

Meanwhile, one young student-disciple ran in with a bundle of palm

leaf scripts and placed it in the hands of Vishwamitra. He turned

over a few leaves and passed it on to a revered old hermit sitting by

his side. The Master asked the old man to read it aloud, so that all

might hear.

 

He read that Emperor Janaka of Mithila had resolved to perform a

celebrated Yajna, expressive of the highest glory of Righteousness,

and that he was praying Vishwamitra to give him joy by his gracious

Presence with his disciples. When they heard this, all

exclaimed, " Subham, Subham " (may it attain fulfillment). Vishwamitra

said, " Sons! Now that we van travel through the forests free from

fear of demonic gangs, I have decided to start on the journey to

Mithila with all the residents of the Ashram, tomorrow itself " .

 

When he heard this, Rama said, " Master! It is really a source of

delight. Since there is nothing more that you need us for, we shall

return to Ayodhya, if you permit us to do so. Please allow us to

leave " . At this, Vishwamitra said, " I have given word to Dasaratha

for a few more things; I have to keep those words too! I have

promised him that I would myself bring you back to him and so, you

cannot return without me! A unique Yajna is taking place in Mithila

City. There is not enough time for me to take you to Ayodhya and then

reach Mithila on the day the Yajna begins. If you two accompany me to

Mithila, you can witness the Yajna and proceed to Ayodhya with me

from there itself " .

 

Hearing these words, which had no trace of hesitation or doubt, Rama

too answered decisively, without weighing pros and cons, " Master!

Since my chief vow is obedience of the orders of my father, I have to

submit a prayer before you " . Vishwamitra asked, " Come! Tell me, what

is the prayer? " Rama replied, " My father directed me to guard the

Yajna of Vishwamitra from defilement and sacrilege, and make the

great sage happy. He asked us to return victorious; he has not

directed us to attend Yajnas elsewhere. Should I not receive special

permission from my father for moving on to Mithila? "

 

At this Vishwamitra said, " Rama! Dasaratha did not stop with that

only! No " . He said, " Go and obey all that the sage commands you to

do; do not transgress his command by even the width of a grain " . He

told me, 'Master! You must yourselves assume full responsibility for

my children; you must yourselves assume full responsibility for my

children; you must yourselves bring them back to me'. You have

listened to what he said when we left Ayodhya. So, follow my word

now; come with me to Mithila, and from there we shall go to Ayodhya,

I and you and all my disciples " . Rama realized the truth that was

inherent in this plan and he nodded in agreement saying, " We shall do

as you desire " .

 

Instructions went forth that every one must get ready before daybreak

for the journey to Mithila. Vishwamitra rose early and led the boys

to the river for ablutions. He was thrilled at the chance of telling

them of the hardships he encountered from the demons whenever he

attempted to celebrate Yajnas in the past; he related to them how all

his counter-measures failed to achieve their object; he expressed his

gratitude for the destruction of the demons which had ensured safety

for the hermitage as well as the surrounding regions. He described

how the people were now happily relieved of fear and have unalloyed

peace and joy.

 

The place was silent, calm, comforting. Sitting on the soft sands the

sage Vishwamitra was relating the special features and significance

of the Yajna contemplated by Emperor Janaka, to the two brothers he

had drawn close to him.

 

During the description he referred to a precious bow that Janaka had

in his possession, a bow that was uniquely potent, and shone with

rare splendor; he declared that they must not miss seeing it. At

this, Rama asked how the bow happened to reach Janaka and Vishwamitra

answered, " Listen, son! Years ago, the Emperor of Mithila named

Devaratha celebrated a great Yajna the like of which no mortal could

dare perform, a Yajna which can confer vast spiritual benefits, a

Yajna which pleased the Gods so highly that they gifted him this

divine bow, as a mark of appreciation. It is the Bow of Siva. It is

being worshipped with due rites by Janaka every day. He offers

flowers and sandal paste, and waves camphor flame and incense in its

honour; he places eatables and fruits before the Divine Presence in

the bow, in reverential homage. The bow is so loaded with divinity

that no one can raise it and string it, be he god, demon, angel or

spirit. Many princes who attempted to string it have met with

disgraceful disappointment. Rama! you are worthy heroes; you can

examine it. During this coming Yajna, the Bow will most probably be

on show; so, this is a good chance, certainly " . Vishwamitra went on

describing the wonderful potency of the bow. Lakshmana turned his

eyes as if searching for the direction in which Mithila was.

Meanwhile Rama said, with delight " Certainly! We must see it. We

shall come with you tomorrow " . Hearing this, Vishwamitra was elated.

 

Darkness fell and everyone rose and moved towards Siddhasram.

Vishwamitra called together the residents of the Ashram and ordered

that they should get ready to leave for Mithila as soon as the hour

of dawn struck. Then, some of them asked, " Master! How can the

routine of the Ashram be observed without interruption if there is

none left here? " The sage replied, " If each one carries on his duties

wherever he is, that itself is the proper observance of the Ashram

routine. There is no special routine for the Ashram apart from the

Asramites. Those who seek Asraya (support) make up the Ashram;

without the Asrithas (dependents) there can be no Ashram. When the

Asrithas are with me, why worry about the Ashram and the routine? The

disciples are those to be cared for, those that have to observe the

disciplines. Moreover, since the place has now become free from the

fear of demons, the Ashram cannot come to harm. The Creator of All is

our Asrayam (Refuge) and when we depend on Him, He will foster all " .

Vishwamitra spoke in this rather unfamiliar strain and

continued, " Take with you the things needed for your daily rites as

well as all the tools and vessels belonging to the Ashram; there is

no need to leave anything here " .

 

Some novitiates queried, " Master! After what interval of time do we

return to this place? If you tell us that, we can select as many

articles as will suffice for that period of absence; why burden

ourselves with more than what is essential? "

 

Vishwamitra replied, " Time is no servant of the body; the body is the

servant of Time. Therefore, one can never say when! Will I come here

again or no? I doubt! " When they heard this, the hearts of all the

residents suffered a shock. The clothes, vessels and tools they held

in their hands slipped and fell on the ground. They could not find

words to speak in reply. They could not protest, nor could they

muster courage to question the Master. So, they bundled up kusa

grass, sacred sticks for the sacrificial fire, ceremonial ladles and

vessels, as much as they could carry. The meaning of Viswamitra's

words was a mystery and so each of them interpreted them in his own

way.

 

The night rolled by and dawn broke. Every one was ready; when the

doors were being closed and bolted behind them Vishwamitra said, " Do

not fasten the doors! Leave them open! This is not ours; any one who

comes can enter. This Ashram must welcome all who arrive at all

times. This day, the bond between this Ashram and us has snapped!

Grow in happiness hereafter, ye patron gods of this holy area! I have

achieved success in my endeavor; accept my grateful appreciation in

return. You will no more be troubled by demon hordes; you can now

live in peace, with ample progeny, prosperous and happy. I am going

out of the Siddhasram, renouncing it. I have resolved to take

residence in the region of the Himalayas, lying north of the sacred

Ganga River " . Vishwamitra prostrated on the ground as a mark of

respect for the forest deities.

 

Then, he started on his journey, with Rama and Lakshmana and the

senior monks of the Ashram. The residents of the hermitage realized

that their place was where Vishwamitra was, and not the forest or

huts where they had lived so long. They felt that the Himalayan

region was equally suitable for them; so, they too offered gratitude

and reverence to the forest deities and the grass-thatched dwellings

and walked on behind the sage.

 

While they were thus proceeding in the northerly direction, they saw

behind them, following their trail, thousands of deer, peacocks,

birds and beasts of the jungle, running with raised tails, in eager

haste of yearning. Vishwamitra stopped and turning towards them he

said " O denizens of the jungle! The places to which I am going are

not congenial for your style of living, for your safety and security.

This forest is your natural habitat. Do not be sad at the separation;

do not follow us; remain here itself. God will grant you peace and

joy " . He took leave of them too, before he resumed the journey.

 

The day's journey brought them to the bank of the Sona River; they

had perforce to spend the night at that place itself. They took their

bath in the river and finished the evening ablutions. Then they

gathered around the Master eager to listen to his tales. Rama

asked: " Revered Sir, this region appears rich and prosperous; what is

its name and history, I would like to know " . Vishwamitra

replied, " Rama! Brahma had a son through sheer Will. He was named

Kusa; he was a great ascetic, steadfast and strict in vows, heroic in

spiritual adventure, learned in the science of morals. He wedded the

daughter of the noble ruler of Vidarbha. The two lived in the

awareness and practice of the four ends of human life, Righteousness,

Prosperity, Affection and Liberation. They had four sons - Kusamba,

Kusanabha, Adhoortharajaka and Vasu - each one, equal to the father

in virtue, and highly evolved in righteousness, integrity and other

Excellencies of the warrior caste.

 

Kusa divided the world into four parts and assigned one part to each

of them, directing them thus: " Sons! Rule over the part assigned to

each of you and prosper! " Thereafter, they entered upon their new

duties and carried out their father's command. Each of them started

constructing a capital city for the kingdom - Kusamba built Kausambi,

Kusanabha built Mahodaya, Adhoortharajaka built Dharmaranya and Vasu

built Girivraja. Rama! This area is part of the kingdom of Vasu; we

have all around us five hills, and so, this City is called Girivraja

(Collection of Hills). This auspicious Sona river is also known as

Sumagadhi, so that this region is named Magadha. The Magadhi flows

from east to west here, like a jasmine garland placed among the

mountain valleys. The majesty of Vasu has blessed the land on both

banks of this river to be evergreen and plentiful.

 

The second son, Kusanabha, was well established in Dharma; he was a

pillar of Righteousness. He had a number of daughters, but no son. He

taught them right conduct and behaviour according to the rules and

disciplines laid down in the scriptures. He emphasized that

forbearance is the grandest gift one can give another; it is the most

prolific fruit-bearing Yajna, the most beneficial way of being honest

and the root of all right thought and action. He gave them this

lesson even from the days when they were fed at the mother's breast.

They were later given in marriage - all of them - to the ruler of

Kampilya City, Brahmadatta by name. When they all left for that City,

his house became empty and barren.

 

" Alas " , he moaned, " this house which was so bright and resonant with

wit and laughter has today become dark and dumb, dull and deep in

gloom. Daughters, however many you may have, have to leave the

parental home rendering it drab and dreary. If only I had a son, this

calamity would not have overpowered me " . Thus, He entertained the

longing for a son.

 

Just then, his father, Kusa, happened to visit him and he enquired

the reason why he looked sad and full of concern; the son laid bare

before him his mind and its anxieties. Kusa chided him for becoming

so worried for this particular reason; he blessed him that he get a

son soon. And, as he blessed, so it happened. The son born was named

Gaadhi; he grew up a very devoted virtuous prince; since he was born

in the lineage of Kusa he was known as Kousika.

 

His sisters lost their husbands after some time and as dutiful wives,

they immolated themselves and gained heaven. They were born on the

Himalayas as sacred rivers, which joined together to form the famous

Kousiki River. Kousika was attached very much to the eldest of the

sisters, Sathyavathi by name and so, he took residence on the bank of

this river, and established himself at Siddha ashram, and celebrated

the Yajna he had resolved upon with ceremonial rectitude.

 

Rama! Through your immeasurable heroism, the Yajna I had resolved

upon has come to its successful conclusion. It has borne fruit; my

rigorous vows have been fulfilled " .

 

At this, the monks who had gathered around the sage exclaimed, " O,

how wonderful! Really, we are fortunate that we could listen to the

story of the hoary ancestors of our Master! O, what a great source of

joy the story is! The Kusa line is indeed consecrated. Those born in

it are equal to Brahma Himself in sanctity. How lucky we are that we

have this singular chance to serve the one visible embodiment of all

that the line represents, the sage Vishwamitra; this chance must be

the fruit of merit accumulated through many lives in the past " .

 

Vishwamitra interrupted them and said, " I would not have dwelt on all

this, but, Rama! your question prompted me to reply; I do not give

details regarding this body and its antecedents. It is already night;

let us take rest. Delay in going to sleep might slacken the speed of

our journey tomorrow. Rama! See! The Moon is peeping through the

branches of yonder tree to catch a glimpse of you! It sends down cool

rays to refresh the earth that has suffered long the hot rays of the

sun " . That night, every one was ruminating over the tales of the

forefathers of the Master.

 

They awoke from sleep pretty early and finished the morning

ablutions. They performed the daily rituals too and got ready in time

to continue the journey. They came near Vishwamitra, and fell at his

feet. Then, they stood one behind the other on one side, awaiting

orders. Rama said, " Master! the river Sona is not deep at this place.

The water is clear, we can wade across. No boat is needed! "

Vishwamitra replied, " Son! You are strange to this place and so; you

do not know the exact place where we can wade across. I shall go

first; you will follow me " . The sage walked into the riverbed and

moved on. Every one had his bundle slung on his shoulder. The pace

was slow and it was noon when they reached the river Jahnavi.

 

The first intimation they had about the river was sweet 'kuhoo' notes

of swans, parrots and other birds on the bank. Every heart was filled

with delight at the entrancing beauty of the scene. They bathed in

the pure pellucid stream and, aware of the hallowed story of the

river, they offered oblations to departed ancestors and gods. They

lit the sacred fire on the bank and performed ritual sacrifices

enjoined by the Sastras. Then, they collected edible fruits from the

trees around and after assuaging hunger with them; they drank the

nectarine water of the Jahnavi to slake their thirst.

 

Rama and Lakshmana walked towards the tree under whose shade

Vishwamitra was reclining and sat beside him, reverentially. Rama

asked him, " Master! Why is it said that the Ganga flows as three

streams in the three worlds? How does the Ganga reach the Ocean,

which is the Lord of every stream and river throughout the world!

Please tell me and make me glad! " Vishwamitra said, " Son! The

Himalayan range is the basis of this entire world: it is the home for

all animals and all herbs. It has two daughters, Ganga and Uma; Ganga

is the elder of the two. Both these are being adored by the entire

world. The gods asked that Ganga be given to them so that they might

have prosperity. So, Himavaan (the Deity of the Himalayas) gifted

Ganga to the gods in order to secure their blessings, and benefit the

three worlds.

 

" The younger daughter, Uma entered upon a life of extreme asceticism.

She immersed herself in hard spiritual discipline, prompted by

supreme detachment from everything worldly. So, Himavaan sought to

settle her in the world as a wife; in spite of strenuous endeavor, he

could not succeed in this for long. At last, he persuaded Rudra to

agree to wed her. Thus, she too became entitled to the adoration of

the three worlds.

 

" The Ganga you see here is the Ganga that the gods took with them,

and that has come down to Earth and that has three steps, one in

heaven, one on Earth and another sub-terranean " .

 

The Sage Vishwamitra was journeying towards the city of Mithila with

Rama and Lakshmana, as well as a few of his disciples, regaling them

throughout the day and far into the night with picturesque

descriptions of his own previous history, the historical events

connected with the places through which they passed, and the annals

of the various dynasties which ruled over the regions which they

crossed.

 

That evening, he was seated on the sands of the bed of the Ganga,

after the ablutions and rites. Rama reminded him that they will be

happy to know about the origin of that holy stream. Vishwamitra

responded and said, " Rama-Chandra! Your ancestors are responsible for

Ganga coming down on earth. As a result of their good deeds, the

peoples of the earth are sanctifying themselves, bathing in the

sacred waters and performing morning and evening ceremonial rites and

ablutions therein. The Ganga is the supreme stream of Divine purity.

The nectarine waters can confer immortality. She was dwelling in the

matted locks on Siva's Head. For that reason, she is most auspicious.

She grants all that is beneficial " . Hearing Vishwamitra extol the

river in such superlative terms, Ramachandra said, " How did my

ancestors manage to lead down to earth a river with such amazing

attributes of power and purity? If you can describe to us the story,

we can derive great joy therefrom " .

 

When Vishwamitra heard this request, presented with such humility, he

said, " Rama! Listen! In ancient times, an emperor named Sagara ruled

Ayodhya. He was a righteous ruler and valiant hero. Fascinated by his

qualities of head and heart, the king of Vidarbha gave him his

beloved daughter, Kesini, in marriage. She too was a strict follower

of Dharma; she never wavered from the path of Truth.

 

" But, since even after the lapse of many years, they were not blessed

with progeny, Sagara married the charming daughter of Arishtanemi,

named Sumathi, as his second wife, with the concurrence of Kesini.

She too proved barren and so, the king decided to spend the rest of

his life in asceticism. He went to the bank of a stream by the side

of which the sage Bhrigu was having his hermitage, and with his two

wives, he plunged into the most severe disciplines of the anchorites.

 

" A long time elapsed thus. One day, at break of dawn, the sage

Bhrigu, staunch upholder of Truth, appeared before him, and said, 'O

king! End this tormenting of the body, this asceticism. You will earn

unparalleled renown in this world. Before long, you will be endowed

with the bliss of having a son born unto you! " As soon as these words

of compassion and grace fell upon his ear, Sagara opened his eyes and

saw the sage standing before him. Immediately, he fell at his feet,

and signed to the wives too to do likewise. He prayed that the sage

might bless them direct.

 

" The senior queen, Kesini, bowed her head low and fell at his feet,

with many an adulatory hymn emerging from her lips. Bhrighu asked

her, " Mother! Do you desire a single son, so that the thread of

continuity be not broken, or, do you desire for a large number of

sons, who will be endowed with enormous physical velour and vast

renown? " She replied that a single son will satisfy her, and prayed

that her wish may be gratified. Bhrighu accepted her request and

blessed her likewise.

 

" When the second queen Sumathi prostrated before him he asked her the

same question. She craved for strong brave celebrated sons in plenty,

and so, the sage granted that desire and blessed that it be

fulfilled.

 

" Elated by the blessings of the sage, Sagara returned to his capital

city, accompanied by his wives. They fixed their minds on the boons

they received and spent their time happily. Within a few months, both

queens conceived and awaited the happy event. When the nine months

had passed, Kesini delivered a son and Sumathi gave birth to many.

 

" As the days sped by, the sons romped about and played excitedly with

children of the same age and later, started moving out beyond the

palace in search of companions and for the sake of games. The son of

Kesini, Aswamanja by name, took them to the sands of the Sarayu

River; he used to take delight in throwing the children into the

river and laughed outright in glee, when the children were drowned!

Soon, he earned an infamous reputation, as the worst criminal in the

kingdom!

 

" When they emerged out of their teens, Sagara selected suitable royal

brides for each of them and had the marriages celebrated. Aswamanja

continued his wickedness, however, and the residents of Ayodhya had

heart-rending grief as a result of his incorrigible viciousness. One

day they approached Sagara and amidst loud wailings, represented to

him the atrocious acts of his eldest son. At this, the king ordered

that Aswamanja should immediately leave the city and that he must be

exiled into the forests. Aswamanja had a son born to him by then. So,

he had to leave behind his wife and son, besides his parents.

 

" Years passed. Aswamanja's son Amsumanta grew up, won renown

throughout the world as lovable, virtuous and valiant. Once, Sagara

decided on the performance of the great Aswamedha (Horse-Sacrifice),

and fixed an auspicious moment for starting the rites. " While

Vishwamitra was at this point in his narration, Rama put in a

question: " Master! Was the horse-sacrifice performed in Ayodhya, or,

did he choose some holy river bank for the purpose? " Vishwamitra

smiled, and replied, " Rama! I am realising how earnest you are about

sacrifices and how reverent your attitude towards sages is! I shall

describe it in detail as you desire. Listen! There is a holy range

facing the Himalayas from a distance, called the Vindhya Range. The

region in between is sacred for all Yajnas and Yagas. The horse-

sacrifice was done in that region. Experts in the recitation of Vedic

hymns gathered there and the mountains echoed and reechoed to the

loud and correct recital of the prescribed ritual formulae. Thousands

were watching with great joy the unique ceremonial. Just then, the

beautifully caparisoned horse was led in and worshipped. Later it was

left to roam where it willed. In order to overcome and defeat any

opposition to its free movement (indicative of an ambition on the

part of the ruler who so opposes to be free from the domination of

their suzerain, Sagara) Amsumanta followed its footsteps, with his

army fully equipped to meet all contingencies. After an unopposed

round of the entire country, the horse was led back. The exact moment

when the sacrifice had to be done in orthodox Vedic style approached,

and people went to bring the animal in.

 

" But the horse was nowhere to be seen! It is laid down that the loss

of the sacrificial animal and its non-availability at the auspicious

moment bodes ill for the organizers of the Yajna! So, Sagara was

naturally upset; he sent the numerous sons of his second wife, armed

and equipped, to discover the horse and bring it back to the

sacrificial altar. They sought the help of the gods and the demons,

and searched everywhere and even dug the earth up, to see whether the

horse was kept hidden below by its captors. But, they had to return

and report that their mission had failed.

 

" Sagara was enraged at this. 'Of what avail is this numerous progeny,

if you announce to me only your incompetence? Why stand before me

with faces darkened with disgrace? Go and do not come to me, until

you recover the horse'.

 

" The sons reacted sharply to these angry words; they went back into

the world, determined to leave no spot unexamined. Mountains, hills,

lakes, rivers, caves, towns and villages, forests and deserts - why

lengthen the list, they looked closely at every yard, every foot of

ground. While they were proceeding thus they found in one place, a

hermit, deeply immersed in Dhyan; the horse was there, near him,

calmly nibbling grass!

 

" They were overcome by delight when they saw the horse, and by anger,

when their eyes fell on the hermit'; they were tossed between two

conflicting emotions. They lost their sanity, as a result of the

irrepressible feelings. Their reason failed; their hearts were

petrified. They shouted in the ear of the hermit, 'Villainous brute!

You have stolen our horse and hidden it in your backyard!' The sage

Kapila slowly opened his eyes and looked around. The sons of Sagara

stood around him and poured abuses on his head; some even got ready

to give him a heavy thrashing!

 

" Kapila saw that words and arguments were futile weapons to meet

those bullies; he decided that he must deal with them differently. He

burnt them into ash merely by casting his eye on them. Greatly

distressed at the inordinate delay caused by their failure to return,

Sagara was agitated much; how could he stop the sacrifice that he had

half gone through? How could he continue and finish it? Seeing his

plight, the grandson, Amsumanta fell at his grandfather's feet and

offered to search for the horse and his uncles, and bring news about

them, if only he was sent on that mission. Sagara blessed him and

sent him on that errand. Amsumanta was at his job, day and night; at

last he was rewarded by success. He saw also signs of his uncles

having been reduced into a heap of ashes! He was anxious to perform

obsequies for the departed souls; but he could not see any well,

tank, lake or stream. This was essential for depositing the funeral

offerings. Heavily laden with sorrow, he moved some distance forward.

A reverend old man came across his path and told him, 'Do not allow

grief to overpower you, dear son! Your uncles were reduced to ashes

by sage Kapila with the welfare of the world also in view! Do not be

content to offer the ritual obligations in mundane waters. Get the

holy water of the Celestial Ganga. Bring the Ganga down to earth and

let the sacred waters flow over the ashes. Then, the manes will be

saved. But, first, take the horse with you and perform the sacrifice

unto its glorious conclusion. Thereafter, you can think of ways and

means to bring the heavenly Ganga to the Earth.' Amsumanta fell at

the feet of the hermit and hurried to his grandfather, where the

Yajna was being held up for want of the consecrated animal.

 

" Sagara was awaiting its arrival, with sleepless anxiety, both night

and day, and so, when the horse was brought, he and the rthwiks (the

Vedic scholars who officiated as priests) were filled with delight.

Amsumanta felt that it would not be proper to announce, during the

auspicious festival, that his uncles had an untimely death through

the sage's curse. So, he allowed the Valedictory Rite to come to an

end; the priests and guests were given their share of votive gifts.

 

" Then Amsumanta gave a detailed account of what had happened to the

uncles and exhorted his grandfather to bring the heavenly river of

unique sanctity down to the place where the ashes were lying. Sagara

was delighted at the suggestion. He engaged himself in many ascetic

disciplines and ritual ceremonies, which, according to the advice of

elders, would induce Ganga to give him the boon he wanted. But, he

could not succeed. He waned in health day by day as a result of grief

at the loss of his sons, and the failure of his attempt to ensure a

bright future for them. At last, he cast off his body, a disappointed

man.

 

TO BE CONTINUED