tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63859930557968374312024-03-14T20:58:42.558+05:30Ramayanam - A twisted versionAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.comBlogger390125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-25218350630870073322016-09-11T00:26:00.000+05:302016-09-11T00:26:40.270+05:30389. Sri Rama pattabhishekam.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/1/294/18601091135_63751568f4.jpg" width="512" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Bharata then told Rama "You gave this kingdom to me as desired by my mother. I now return the same to you. I cannot carry this heavy burden anymore than a young ox would sustain a load carried forward by a strong bull all alone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> "With great difficulty I somehow administrated this kingdom. I cannot match your capability. It is like a donkey trying to follow a galloping horse or a crow a wild goose. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> "O my mighty bro! </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Today, let the world see you when crowned, like the sun with its glowing splendor, shining brilliantly at noon. May you relax and wake-up too, to the sounds of an ensemble of musical instruments, the tinkling of ornaments strung with tiny bells and worn around the waist and anklets as well as sweet invocation of songs."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Rama said with a smile "Be it so". Thereafter, on instructions from Shatrughna, skilled barbers with gentle hands who can do their work with a good speed, encircled Rama all round. Bharata, having bathed first, the mighty Lakshmana, Sugreeva and Vibhishan took bath. Rama had his matted locks disentangled and bathed. He stood there, shining with splendour, adorned with picturesque garlands, smeared with sandal pastes of various colours and clothed in costly and wonderful raiment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Shatrughna made arrangements for personal adornment for Rama and Lakshmana. Then, all the widows of Dasharatha themselves personally adorned Seetha beautifully. Thereupon, the delightful Kausalya adorned with zeal all the wives of the vanaras.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Later, the charioteer Sumantra came in the chariot which was absolutely beautiful in all respects. Seeing the charming chariot, which emitted immaculate splendour like that of the sun, standing before him, Rama ascended it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Sugreeva and Hanuman, after taking their bath, wore beautiful raiment as well as sparkling ear rings and started. Endowed with all types of ornaments as well as charming ear-rings, the wives of Sugreeva together with Seetha moved out, longing as they were, to see the city.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> In Ayodhya, the ministers of the king, having placed the priest in their front, planned everything correctly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Then all those ministers started from the city to where Rama was. Rama, mounting the excellent chariot sallied forth to the city. Bharata took up the reins. Shatrughna held the parasol on Rama's head. Lakshmana winnowed a fan. Vibhishana standing nearby, held a white fan, shining brilliantly like the moon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Then, in the sky, groups of sages, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_(Hinduism)" target="_blank">devas </a>along with many other divinities praised Rama. The sweet and melodious reverberation of their voice was heard. Sugreeva mounted an elephant named Shatrunjaya looking like a mountain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Assuming human form and adorned with all types of ornaments, vanaras sallied forth, mounting on elephants. Rama accompanied by the sounds of conches buzzing in the ears and sounds of kettle-drums banging in the ears, proceeded to the city of Ayodhya.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Then, the people of Ayodhya seeing Rama arriving on a chariot, with attendants walking in front were thrilled to bits. Felicitating Rama and greeted in reciprocation by Rama, they followed Rama, who was surrounded by his brothers. ministers, brahamanas and other citizens, Rama was shining like the moon among the stars.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Rama moving slowly in his chariot was surrounded by musicians having musical instruments cymbals and Swastika-musical instruments in their hands walking in front and uttering auspicious songs. Men with grains of rice mixed with turmeric making the rice appearing gold in colour, cows, maidens along with brahmanas having balls of sweets in their hands, walked in front of Rama.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Rama was telling about his friendship established with Sugreeva, the power of Hanuman and the great act of the vanaras to his ministers. This was repeated to their neighbors, who communicated to their neighbors. In a short time all the citizens of Ayodhya came to know about it and were astonished.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Rama also explained to his ministers as to how Vibhishana became one of his close friends. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Rama entered Ayodhya crowded with happy and rejoiced people, together with the vanaras. Flags were found hoisted in houses. Rama reached the beautiful palace of the Ikshvaku kings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> On entering the palace, Rama the prince offered salutation to Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi and told Bharata "I want Sugreeva to stay in this palace during his stay here."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Sugreeva was very much pleased by that honor. He then gave four golden jars encrusted with jewels, to the four leaders of vanaras viz. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Jambavan, Hanuman, </span><span style="font-size: large;">Vegadarshi and Rishabha, </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">telling them to get these jars filled with water from the four oceans respectively. It is needless to mention that they did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Then, Shatrughna, accompanied by the counselors, reported to Vasishta, their chief priest, about that water intended for Rama's coronation brought by those vanara.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Vasishta, Vamadeva, Kashyapa, Katyayana, Suyajna, Gautam and Vijaya consecrated Rama with clear and fragrant water.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Vasishta and others, with much delight got him consecrated first, with brahmanas officiating as priests and by virgins, ministers, warriors, as well as merchants sprinkling the sap of all kinds of medicinal herbs, with the four gods the guardians of the worlds, standing in the air and with all the gods assembled there, sprinkling the sap on Rama.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Rama was then adorned with the crown adorned by his predecessors. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Shatrughna proudly held over his dear brother Rama, a white and charming parasol. Sugreeva the king of vanaras, was holding a white whisk and Vibhishana, another whisk shining like the moon. At the instance of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indra" target="_blank">Indra</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vayu" target="_blank">Vayu </a>presented Rama, a golden garland consisting of a hundred lotuses shining brilliantly</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">, as well as a chain of pearls, adorned with gems and endowed with several types of precious stones.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> On that occasion of the coronation-ceremony the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandharva#In_Hinduism" target="_blank">ganddharvas </a>gracefully sang and troupes of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apsara" target="_blank">Apsaras </a>danced.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Rama first gave away to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmana" target="_blank">Brahmanas</a>, a hundred thousand horses and cows that have lately calved as well as a hundred bulls. He also gave <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmana" target="_blank">Brahmanas</a>, thirty crores of gold coins, all kinds of very costly jewels and raiment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Rama gave Sugreeva, a beautiful chaplet, studded with plenty of gems, looking like a beam of sun-light. Angada got a bracelet worn on upper arm, conspicuously studded with cat's eye gems and adorned with jewels and gems.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Seetha was presented an excellent string of pearls, furnished with superior gems, shining like a beam of moon-light and two clean and beautiful raiment and lovely ornaments. Seetha took the string of pearls from her neck with the obvious intention of donating it to someone. Holding he string and looking at Hanuman, she seemed to be pondering as to whom she should present that pearl necklace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Guessing correctly the mind of his dear wife, Rama told Seetha </span><span style="font-size: large;">fondly</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> "Dear Seetha! Give the pearl-necklace to a person, with whom you are pleased and who has sharpness, firmness, renown, dexterity, competence, modesty, prudence, virility, prowess and intelligence."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Seetha then gave that pearl necklace to Hanuman without any more hesitation. Hanuman, by wearing that necklace, which was as white as a heap of moonlight-beams, was shining brilliantly as a mountain covered by a white cloud.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> The king and the queen then honoured all the elder vanaras and others who were foremost among the vanaras, suitably with raiment and ornaments.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Rama decided to honour those who, in his assessment are more special than others. He, therefore, specially honored Mainada, Dvivida and Nila </span><span style="font-size: large;"> articles </span><span style="font-size: large;">according to their inclinations</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">. Rama, then suitably honoured Vibhishana, Sugreeva, Hanuman, Jamabavan and all other eminent vanaras with desired objects and abundant gifts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Then Rama, after ruling the kingdom righteously for quite some time told Lakshmana "O Lakshmana, rule with me this kingdom as Prince Regent"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Despite his refusal, Lakshmana was appointed to the office of the Prince Regent. Rama then consecrated Bharata. Rama propitiated the gods by performing Paundarika, Ashvamedha, Vajapeya and other <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yajna" target="_blank">Yajnas </a>many times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Having enjoyed the kingship for ten thousand years, Rama performed a hundred <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashvamedha" target="_blank">Ashvamedha yagnas</a>, in which good horses were sacrificed and numerous gifts bestowed. Rama ruled his kingdom with Lakshmana as his companion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> While Rama was ruling his kingdom, there was not a single widow to lament, nor there was any danger from wild animals, nor any fear of diseases.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> There was not a single thief or robber. No one felt worthless nor did old people perform obsequies concerning youngsters. Every creature felt pleased. Every one was intent on virtue. In the kingdom of Rama all his subjects survived for thousands of years, with thousands of their progeny, all free of illness and grief.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> In the Ramrajya, the talks of the people centered round Rama, Rama and Rama. The world became Rama's world. The trees there were bearing flowers and fruits regularly, without any injury by pests and insects. The clouds were raining in time and the wind was delightful to the touch. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varna_(Hinduism)" target="_blank">Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras </a>were performing their own duties, satisfied with their own work and bereft of any greed. Everyone was intent on virtue and lived without telling lies. In fact all of them forgot the word 'lie'. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Each and every citizen was absolutely virtuous. Rama was ruling his kingdom for very many years.</span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> With this the glorious Epic Ramayana of Valmiki is concluded.</b></span></span></h3>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-74073386343723548072016-09-09T23:53:00.002+05:302016-09-09T23:53:38.287+05:30388. Bharata receives Rama at the airport.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;"> Bharata then sent for Shatrughna and told him the happy news. Then he told him to inform the queen moms and other important people to get ready to go and receive Rama at the airport. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Shatrughna did all the things his dear bro told him. In addition he ordered the persons responsible for it </span><span style="font-size: large;">"Get the cavities, if any, on the path from Nandigram to Ayodhya filled. The road should be made absolutely smooth and flat. Ensure that the entire ground is sprinkled with ice-cold water. The entire path from Nandhigram to Ayodhya should be strewn with parched grains and flowers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> "All the streets in Ayodhya should be lined with flags. All the dwellings on the road-side should be decorated. Let hundreds of men sprinkle on the main royal highway with five fragrant colors and with rows of garlands as well as loose flowers."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> As the orders of Shatrughna were for receiving Rama, the officials viz. Dhrushti, Jayanta, Vijaya, Siddhartha, Arthasadhaka, Ashoka, Mantrapala and Sumantra started to execute the orders with utmost enthusiasm, promptitude,eagerness and joy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> A grand march-past of warriors and officers</span><span style="font-size: large;"> in </span><span style="font-size: large;">thousands,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> on selected horses, bearing banners and pennants, carrying javelins, spears and nooses, as also surrounded by thousands of foot-soldiers was arranged. Then, all the queens of the late Dasharatha, placing Kausalya and Sumitra in front of them, mounting their vehicles, started to receive their dear Rama and Lakshmana. All of them, including Kaikeyi, reached Nandigrama.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Keeping the wooden sandals of his brother Rama on his head and taking the white parasol intended for Rama, which was adorned with white garlands and two white whisks decorated with gold, eminently worthy of kings, accompanied by the foremost of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmana" target="_blank">Brahmanas</a>, leaders of the guilds of traders and artisans, including the mercantile class, surrounded by the counselors with garlands and bell-shaped sweets in their hands, cheered by the blast of conches and kettle-drums, duly praised by panegyrists, Bharata, for his part, whose mind was set on righteousness, who was well-versed with the secret of virtue, who was emaciated through fasting, who felt miserable, was clad in the bark of trees and the skin of a black antelope, who experienced joy for the first time after about fourteen years in hearing the news of the arrival of his brother then went in advance, along with his ministers, to meet Rama.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The earth seemed to be shaking with the sound of the horse hooves, the rattling of the rims of the chariot-wheels as well as by the tumults of the conches and the kettle-drums. The entire population of the city of Ayodhya reached Nandigrama. Bharata expected that by the time he reached the airport in the Nandhigrama, he would, at least be hearing the buzzing sound of the viman by which Rama was said to be coming. As he did not see or hear anything in this respect he asked Hanuman whether he played a joke on him like a monkey, he was.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Hanuman, without showing the hurt he felt on the remark of Bharata, said politely "Sir, please listen now. Don't you hear the roar of the rejoiced vanarass? It is obvious they are coming over here by walk and while coming they must have noticed all the trees on their way were heavy with fruit, flowing with honey which is being drunk by bees, making reverberant humming sounds. This apparent miracle is due to the grace of the sage Bharadwaja.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> "See the cloud of dust, shooting froths towards the grove of Sala trees. I presume that the vanaras are shaking the beautiful grove of Sala trees. Now I could see in distance, that very famous aerial car, shining brightly like the moon, the wonderful aerial car Pushpaka.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "This wonderful aerial car, with unimaginable speed belongs to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubera" target="_blank">Kubera</a>."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Suddenly the shouts of 'Here comes Rama' were heard. Rama seated in the aerial car was visible to all those who were waiting to receive him..</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The over-joyed Bharata with his joined palms, looking at Rama, worshiped and welcomed him in a befitting way. Rama, with his long and large eyes, seated in the aerial car created by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishvakarman" target="_blank">Viswakarma,</a> shining like another <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indra" target="_blank">Indra</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Bent low in reverence, Bharata saluted Rama, who was standing in the forepart of the aerial car and shining like the sun appearing on Mount <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Meru#Hindu_legends" target="_blank">Meru</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> As directed mentally by Rama, that aerial car landed on the ground. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Getting down from the viman, Rama delightfully embraced Bharata. Thereafter, the jubilant Bharata, approaching Lakshmana and Seetha saluted them in reverence and also announced his name.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then, Bharata embraced Sugreeva, Jambavan, Angada, Mainda, Dvivida, Neela and Rishabha. He also embraced Sushena, Nala, Gavaksha, Gandhamadana, Sharabha, Panasa and the surrounding vanaras. Then, those vanaras, who can change their form at will, assumed the form of humans and rejoicingly inquired about the welfare of Bharata.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Bharata, once again embracing Sugreeva said "You are a fifth brother, for all the four of us, O Sugreeva! You are a friend born of affection. And you are a friend in need as well as as a friend in deed."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Bharata then told Vibhishan: "Thank heaven! A very difficult task was accomplished by you, as a companion of Rama."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Then Shatrughna offered his salutation to Rama, along with Lakshmana and offered his reverential salutation to Seetha's feet, by bowing in humility.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Going to his mother, who became pale and emaciated due to her grief, Rama, by bowing, seized her feet in salutation, making his mother's heart delighted. Offering salutation to Sumatra, the illustrious Kaikeyi and all his mothers, Rama then went to Vasishta the priest and offered his salutation in reverence.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> With joined palms, all the citizens of Ayodhya looking at Rama shouted in chorus "Welcome to you, O the great-armed! O the enhancer of Kausala's delight!"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Taking those wooden sandals of Rama, Bharata personally placed them below the feet of Rama. </span><span style="font-size: large;">He then told Rama "This entire sovereignty of yours, kept with me as a deposit, is being returned to you, by me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "My life has accomplished its purpose today and my wish too stands fulfilled, in that I see you, its king, come back to Ayodhya. You review your treasury, granary, palace etc. You will find that everything has been enhanced tenfold by me."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> When everyone got down from the viman, Rama mentally asked that viman to go back to its master, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubera" target="_blank">Kubera</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Affectionately pressing the feet of Vasishta, his well-wisher and royal priest, like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indra" target="_blank">Indra </a>would press the feet of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%E1%B9%9Bhaspati" target="_blank">Brihaspati</a>, the valiant Rama sat by his side, on a separate seat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">===================================================================</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-70136768387701537082016-09-09T00:37:00.001+05:302016-09-09T00:37:05.143+05:30387. Hanuman tells Bharata what happened to Rama in the forest.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Bharata continued </span><span style="font-size: large;">"I am extremely delighted hearing the news of the return of my dear brother and lord, who proceeded to the forest so many years ago. Please tell me how they were spending their time in the forest. Hope nothing untoward thing happened."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Hanuman, who was seated in a very comfortable seat next to Bharata started his tale about Rama's exploits and misfortunes and how he overcame them </span><span style="font-size: large;">"I think I better tell you what happened to Rama after you left him carrying his sandals.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "As the animals and birds seemed to be frightened to see strangers i.e. Rama, Lakshmana and Seetha, they left that forest Chitrakuta. They then they started to move over to a large, terrific and solitary forest Dandaka, which had been trampled by elephants and extensive with lions, tigers and deer.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "When they were entering deep into that forest, Viradha, a rakshash, suddenly appeared before them. They fought with him and pushing him into a pit killed him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "They then reached the beautiful hermitage of Sharbhanga in that evening. After that sage Sharabhanga ascended to heaven, our triple left for Janasthana.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Thereafter, a rakshashi called Surpanakha solicited the hand of Rama in marriage which was, of course declined. Assuming Seetha was the reason for her rejection, she tried to kill Seetha. Lakshmana intervened and chopped off her ears and nose with his sword. This caused fourteen thousand rakshashas to try to kill Rama, but Rama killed them. All the ascetics were quite happy as these rakshashas </span><span style="font-size: large;">were causing obstacles to their austerity.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "The rakshashas who were killed include Khara, their leader, Dushana and Trishira, the brothers of Khara.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Surpanakha then rushed to Ravana, her brother and convinced him that he should make Seetha his wife. Disguised in the form of a deer studded with precious stones, a rakshash by name, Maricha, a relative of Ravana, allured Seetha.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Seetha, on seeing it, told Rama to get it for her. Thereupon, Rama tried to get hold of that deer. Rama was angered to see that it was eluding him. As he was not able to get hold of it, he killed it with an arrow.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "While Rama was away chasing the deer, Lakshmana was also cleverly manoeuvred to leave the hermitage and Seetha was there alone without any protection. Ravana forthwith entered the hermitage and seized Seetha. Having killed a vulture named Jatayu, who sought to deliver her, Ravana went away with Seetha.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Ravana taking Seetha in his aerial car was seen by the vanaras. On reaching Lanka Ravana proposed to Seetha. Seetha rejected him outright. </span><span style="font-size: large;">She was then kept in the Ashoka vana and a horde of rakshashis employed to guard her and also to make her agree to marry him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Having killed that deer, Rama, on his way back to the hermitage saw his dear bro Lakshmana who was sent by Seetha to ensure that he (Rama) was safe. On returning to the hermitage, they found Seetha missing. While searching for her they chanced upon the vulture, Jatayu lying mortally hurt. They learnt from that bird that Seetha was abducted by the rakshash Ravana.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "While searching for Seetha, they were entangled in the looooong hands of the rakshash Kabandha whom they killed. Before dying, Kabandha advised Rama to approach Sugreeva, living in the Mount Rishyamuka for his help in finding Seetha.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Rama and Sugreeva became close friends. It was agreed between them that Rama will kill Vali, the brother of Sugreeva and Sugreeva then will help Rama in finding Seetha and also to rescue her.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Rama killed Vali and made Sugreeva the king. As agreed to, Sugreeva sent his his vanaras to all directions to locate Seetha.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "I was in the team sent to the south. We reached Vindhya, the foremost of mountain-ranges but we could not locate Seetha.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "While we were discussing inter se our hard luck, the brother of Jatayu, Sampati who chanced to hear our conversation, precisely communicated to us where Seetha was held by Ravana.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "As commanded by our leader, Angada, I went to Lanka and saw Seetha kept in the Ashoka vana, clad in a soiled silk-saree, looking cheerless, but unflinching in her vow. I met her and gave her a ring with the name, Rama engraved on it, as a proof of my authenticity.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Receiving in return from her, a jewel from her head, I came back to the northern shore, successful as I was in my undertaking. On my return, I gave Rama that brilliant and valuable jewel as a proof of my meeting Seetha.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Then, on reaching the ocean, he got a bridge constructed by Nala and through that bridge, the army of the valiant vanaras crossed the ocean. Neela killed Prahasta. Ram killed Kumbhakarna and Ravana. Lakshmana killed Indrajit, the son of Ravana.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "When Rama killed all the rakshashas in Lanka, Indra, Yama, Varuna, Maheshvara, Brahma as also Dasharatha, your deceased father came from heaven and bestowed boons to Rama.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Vibhishana was kind enough to spare the Pushpaka Viman for our journey back. Rama and all others are staying in the hermitage of the sage Bharadwaja."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Bharata thanked Hanuman for the information</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">===================================================================</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-38063678316065095962016-09-07T23:57:00.002+05:302016-09-07T23:57:45.458+05:30386. Hanuman was sent to Guha and Bharata to inform about the return of Rama.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Rama did not doubt the words of the sage. However, he wanted to be absolutely sure that everything was quite okay at Ayodhya. The best way to do that was to send someone there to verify. The obvious choice was Hanuman, of course. He, therefore told Hanuman </span><span style="font-size: large;">“O my dear chap! I wanna ensure that the the people in Ayodhya are safe in general and in the royal palace in particular. First go to Shrigaverapuram, meet Guha, the king there. Guha, a friend of mine will be pleased to hear about me, as being safe, healthy and free from trouble.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Feeling pleased, Guha, the lord of Nishadas, will tell the way to Ayodhya and the news about Bharata. Then go to Ayodhya meet Bharata. After ensuring all are okay there, tell him that I have returned with my consort and Lakshmana on completion of the period of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanvas" target="_blank">vanvasa</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Tell him about the abduction of Seetha by the mighty Ravana, my association with Sugreeva and the killing of Vali. And also about the search for Seetha and how she was traced out by you, after crossing the never-diminishing ocean, having extensive waters.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Tell him also how we reached Lanka and killed that Rakshash Ravana and his army.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Inform Bharata that I am in the proximity of Ayodhya, along with Vibhishana and Sugreeva. Also tell him that the army of vanaras and bears has come with me, too.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Observe his face closely for his reaction on hearing the news about me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “In case you feel that, by his facial expression, Bharata is longing for the kingdom </span><span style="font-size: large;">himself</span><span style="font-size: large;">, let him rule the entire kingdom in one piece. O Hanuman! After gauging his mind and perception, you return quickly."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Hanuman taking the form of a human started at once. Leaping into the sky above he landed </span><span style="font-size: large;">Shrigaverapuram. Being Hanuman, he had no difficulty in finding </span><span style="font-size: large;">Guha. He told him “Hi! Sir! I have been sent by Rama. He has asked me to inform you that he, along with Seetha and Lakshmana, has returned from his exile. They are now staying at the hermitage of the sage Bharadwaja. Most probably they will be coming over here to see you today itself."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> After taking directions from Guha for reaching Bharata quickly, Hanuman left him. As usual he leaped up to the sky and landed</span><span style="font-size: large;"> near Nandigrama where Bharata was staying.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Hanuaman saw Bharata, living in a hermitage. He was subsisting on roots and fruits, with his senses subdued, engaged in austerities, protecting virtue, covering his body with the bark of trees and a deer skin, disciplined, whose thoughts were fixed on the Supreme Spirit, with a splendour equaling that of a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahman" target="_blank">Brahman </a>sage, ruling the earth after placing the wooden sandals of Rama before him, protecting the people belonging to all the four grades viz. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahman" target="_blank">Brahman</a>s <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kshatriya" target="_blank">Kshatriyas</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaishya" target="_blank">Vaisyas </a>and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shudra" target="_blank">Shudras </a>from all peril and attended by the upright ministers, priests and by clever troop-commanders, all clad in saffron robes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Going to Bharata Hanuman said "Rama whose emissary I am, has sent me to you to inform that he has returned form his exile and now is staying at the hermitage of the sage Bharadwaja.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> He, along with his wife Seetha and brother Lakshmana will be coming over here to see you."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Hearing the glad news, Bharata felt so delighted and fainted through joy. Getting up in a short while Bharata embraced Hanuman for bringing such a good news. He then asked Hanuman "O! My dear fellow! Who are you?</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Are you a divine being or a human being, who has come here out of compassion? To you, who has conveyed this happy news to me, I give in return a hundred thousand cows, a hundred best villages, and for wives, sixteen golden complexioned virgin girls of good conduct, decked with ear-rings, having beautiful noses and thighs, adorned with all kinds of jewels, with charming countenances as delightful as the moon and born in a noble family."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">===========================================================</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-59132953495175255372016-09-01T23:23:00.000+05:302016-09-01T23:23:37.943+05:30385. Rama landed at the hermitage of Bharadwaja.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Rama, on second thoughts decided to see and pay homage to the the sage </span><span style="font-size: large;">Bharadwaja. Accordingly he ordered the plane to land in front of that great sage.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Rama and all others got down from the plane and walked to the hermitage of the sage Bharadwaja. While all others were waiting outside the hermitage, Rama entered the hermitage and offered his salutation to the sage.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> After offering his obeisance to Bharadwaja, Rama enquired him about the city of Ayodhya as to whether it continues to have an abundance of food and free from disease and whether Bharata was attentive in his rule and about his mothers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">The great sage </span><span style="font-size: large;">Bharadwaja smilingly replied "Bharata, placing your wooden-sandals before him, is looking forward for your arrival. All are safe at your home and in the city.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "I am highly delighted to see you now. That joy and sorrow experienced by you in abundance while residing in Janasthana forest is completely known to me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "While you were busy in protecting all the ascetics who prayed you for safeguarding the interests of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmana" target="_blank">Brahmanas</a>, this irreproachable wife of yours was taken away by Ravana.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "O Rama! I am quite aware of what happened to you during your stay in the forest by virtue of my asceticism. My disciples go to the Ayodhya city now and then. They report to me the news about Ayodhya. Everything is quite okay there."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Rama then requested the sage "O Your Holiness! I request a boon from you. Let all the trees on the way, as one flies to Ayodhya, bear fruit and flow with honey, </span><span style="font-size: large;">even in the off-season</span><span style="font-size: large;">. Let abundant fruits of various kinds, emitting the fragrance of nectar, appear on them."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"> The boon sought by Rama was granted by that sage with a smile. Before the lips of the sage went back to their normal position, the trees there grew to be closely like the heavenly trees. Then, for an area of about forty kilometers radius from the hermitage of the sage, the trees that no longer bore fruit, were laden with fruit and those which had ceased to blossom looked charming with blossom. The withered trees were fully clothed with foliage and further began to flow with honey.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> The vanaras and bears enjoyed the fruits etc.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">============================================================</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-14210126289714378652016-08-24T00:11:00.000+05:302016-08-24T00:11:33.265+05:30384. Rama told and showed Seetha this and that.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> From the sky above in that viman, Rama looked down and heaved a sigh of relief. He then turning to his dear wife told her “O Seetha! Look at the City of Lanka, </span><span style="font-size: large;"> built by </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishvakarman" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Viswakarma</a>, <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">resting firmly on the mount of Trikuta, looking like the peak of Mount </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Kailash#In_Hinduism" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Kailasa </a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">. Look at this great battle-field, covered with a mud of flesh and blood of the rakshashas and vanaras.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> “O my sweetheart! This battle field has now become very renowned. Ravana, the king of rakshasas, on whom boons were conferred by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahma" target="_blank">Brahma </a>and who was killed here by me for your sake. Almost all valiant and very competent rakshashas like Kumbhakarna, Prahasta, Dhumraksha <span style="font-family: inherit;"> Indrajit were killed here by me or Lakshmana or one of the valiant vanaras and bears.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> "Here, surrounded by more than a thousand other wives, Ravana's prime wife, Mandodari lamented for Ravana.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> "O Seetha! The beach there is where <span style="font-family: inherit;">we spent that night we </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">crossed the ocean. Do you see the bridge down there. It was build by the vanara army of Sugreeva. It was engineered by the vanara called Nala. I hereby name it as 'Nala Setu'. It was very difficult one to be built there by anyone other than Nala.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> "O Seetha! See the golden mountain called Mainaka provided rest and relaxation to Hanuman while he was crossing the ocean in search of you.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
<div>
"See that island in the middle of the ocean. This is where my troops were stationed. At this place, the lord <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva" target="_blank">Shiva </a>bestowed his grace on me.</div>
<div>
"Now we have almost crossed the ocean. See the beach down there. It is called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sethubandhanam" target="_blank">Setubandha</a>, adored in all the three worlds. This is very much a sacred spot, capable of washing away all sins. At this very place, Vibhishana met me.</div>
<div>
"O Seetha! See down there. It is the city called Kishkindha, which is full of colourful groves. It<span style="font-family: inherit;"> was earlier ruled by Vali, whom I killed. Now Sugreeva is the ruler of that city."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Seetha looked at Rama and told “O king! I wish to land Ayodhya with you, accompanied by the wives of other vanara-chiefs along with Tara and other wives of Sugreeva."</span></div>
<div>
Rama readily agreed and caused the viman to land at Kiskindha. He also communicated the desire of Seetha to Sugreeva. When everyone emplaned the vimam, it zoomed up.</div>
<div>
After sometime, Rama told Seetha "O Seetha! See down there the lovely mountain. It is called Rishyamuka, endowed with layers of gold and looking like a cloud with lightning.</div>
<div>
"O Seetha! This is where I met Sugreeva the first time.<br />
"Here is seen Pampa-river, abounding in lotuses and edged with colourful groves, where I was lamenting with great pain, your loss.</div>
<div>
"The virtuous Shabari was seen by me at the bank of this river. Here we killed Kabandha, who was having arms a Yojana (eight miles) long and over there is seen in the forest of Janasthana. O Seetha, we found Jatayu under that tree. He was mortally wounded by Ravana, during the fight with that rakshash to rescue you.</div>
<div>
"O My dear! What we now see down below is called Panchavati. It is called so because it consists of five banyan trees. This area is where Khara, the rakshash was killed by me along with his brothers, Dushana and the mighty Trishira. See the enchanting leaf-hut where we lived and from where you were forcibly taken away by Ravana.</div>
<div>
"The river below is the the auspicious and charming river Godavari. The hermitage surrounded with banana-groves is that <span style="font-family: inherit;">of Agastya</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">. You can see also the shining hermitage of Sutikshna, the great sage. And over there is seen the hermitage of Sharabhanga, whom the thousand-eyed Indra, came to visit.</span></div>
<div>
"The hermitage you see now is that of Atri and his <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru%E2%80%93shishya_tradition" target="_blank">sishyas</a>. The place you are seeing now is where that rakshash <a href="http://ramayanam-atwistedversion.blogspot.in/2013/10/92-encounter-with-viradha.html" target="_blank">Viradha </a>was killed by me. Don't you remember that incident? O Seetha! What you see now is where you met <a href="http://ramayanam-atwistedversion.blogspot.in/2013/10/89-rama-leaves-chitrakuta.html" target="_blank">Anusuya</a>, the ascetic lady and the wife of the sage, Atri.</div>
<div>
"Now we are flying over Chitrakuta, the excellent mountain, shining. Bharata came here and requested me to return to Ayodhya.<br />
"Now we are crossing the beautiful river Yamuna, surrounded by colourful groves. The hermitage you see yonder is that of the Sage Bharadwaja.</div>
<div>
"Now we are over the holy River Ganga, which wends its way through the three worlds heaven, the earth and the subterranean world, whose banks are crowded with flocks of birds and which is lined with trees in full-flowering.</div>
<div>
"We now are over the town of Shringaverapuram, where Guha my friend stays.<br />
"O Seetha! See the city of my father. Having duly returned, offer your salutation to Ayodhya."</div>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">==========================================================</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-89955905898929699102016-08-22T00:00:00.000+05:302016-08-22T00:00:13.338+05:30383. Rama and others get into the Pushpaka Viman.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Vibhishana then addressed Rama “Dear Rama! The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vimana" target="_blank">Pushpaka </a>Viman is ready for your journey back to Ayodhya. Please command me if you want me to do anything else."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> After some circumspection, Rama replied “Since you are asking me that, I would feel very happy if you could do what I want you to. You very well know that all these vanaras and bears have helped me tremendously, caring little for getting hurt or killed, in vanquishing Ravana to get back Seetha. I want to honour them suitably. Now I am as good as a pauper. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> "However, as Lanka has been conquered by you with the help of these vanaras and bears, ignoring all risk to their lives, you may honour them suitably. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I would like you to reward them with gifts of gold and precious stones. They will be very much pleased and happy."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> As desired by Rama, Vibhishana honoured all those vanaras and bears, by dispersing precious stones and gold to them. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Thereafter, Rama got into that excellent aerial car carrying Seetha in his arms and followed by Lakshmana</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> From the viman Rama addressed the vanaras and bears “I could not have achieved this without your help. Now all of you may go wherever you desire to. O Sugreeva! All that which ought to be done by an affectionate and service-minded friend, has been done for your part by you. Accompanied by your army, proceed to Kishkindha .”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> He then turning to Vibhishana said “O Vibhishana! Settle down in your kingdom at Lanka, conferred by me. Even the celestials including <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indra" target="_blank">Indra </a>shall not be able to attack you. I am going to Ayodhya, the seat of the government of my father. I bid adieu to you and wish to take leave of you all.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Vibhishana and Sugreeva told Rama in unison “We too wish to proceed to Ayodhya. Please take all of us there, where we will range the gardens and groves there with rejoice. After witnessing you drenched with ablution in the coronation ceremony and offering our salutations to Kausalya, we shall return to our homes.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Rama agreed readily with a smile. Thereupon, Sugreeva along with his army ascended that Pushpaka, the aerial car. Vibhishana together with his counselors got into it, too.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> When everyone was comfortably seated in that viman, Rama ordered it to move and it zoomed up to the sky above. Feeling greatly rejoiced and satisfied Rama was shining like Kubera.</span></div>
===========================================================================================</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-53044530248695643152016-08-18T00:06:00.001+05:302016-08-18T00:06:46.174+05:30382. Rama gets ready to leave for Ayodhya.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> In the next morning, after everyone had finished his immediate morning chores, </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Vibhishana, accompanied by a small army of lovely lasses, sauntering to where Rama was resting and</span><span style="font-size: large;"> told him after the usual morning greetings “These pretty girls with lotus-like eyes, skilled in the art of decoration, carrying bathing accessories like garments, ornaments, sandal-pastes and beautiful garlands of various kinds will assist you and your wife in bathing.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Rama replied him “You better offer this service to the vanaras headed by Sugreeva. You are well aware that Bharata, </span><span style="font-size: large;">who was accustomed to all comforts, a delicate youth, the great-armed and the one consistent with the truth is leading his life as an </span><span style="font-size: large;">ascetic</span><span style="font-size: large;"> on my account. Until my dear brother Bharata starts leading his life like a prince he is, ritual bathing, lavish garments and jewels are not to my liking.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “My prime concern now is to reach the City of Ayodhya at the earliest.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Vibhishana whose face became more happy, told Rama with a happy smile “You can reach that city in a day, may be less than that. You surely must have heard about the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vimana" target="_blank">Pushpaka viman</a> of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubera" target="_blank">Kubera</a>. You also should have known that it was usurped by my brother Ravana after conquering Kubera in battle. I have retained it for your sake. Using that viman you can reach Ayodhya in a few hours.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “O dear Rama! I would, however, like you to stay here for some more time.</span><span style="font-size: large;">”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Rama replied Vibhishana “O my dear pal! I am very much obliged to you for your valued counsel. I am very sorry I could not stay here for any length of time. You know my dear bro Bharata is very eagerly awaiting my return.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “I would like see very early my brother Bharata, who came all the way to the Mount Chitrakuta to take me back to Ayodhya. I feel it would be a sin to make him wait any longer than absolutely necessary. Please, therefore, </span><span style="font-size: large;">allow me to go at the earliest. Please, therefore, get that aerial car immediately.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> As desired by Rama, Vibhishana got that aerial car brought over to where they were.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Rama, Lakshmana and all others were amazed to see that viman Pushpaka, which resembled a mountain and which could travel everywhere at will.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">============================================================</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-55422105171323229992016-08-15T23:50:00.000+05:302016-08-15T23:50:03.748+05:30381. Indra's boon to Rama.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> After the departure of Dhasharatha, Indra told Rama</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"O Rama! Just thanking you for the deed you did for us is not adequate on my part. Therefore, please tell me whatever you now desire most."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Rama replied "O Indra! I will be highly pleased if you grant me what I desire most at this point of time. I want all the vanaras and the bears who were killed in the war for my sake come back alive, quite hale and healthy. I wish to see all those vanaras and bears, who for my sake, were separated from their sons and wives, be delighted at heart.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "They were all valiant, proving their energies and did not care about loosing their lives. They made their best efforts and died. O Indra! Restore their lives to them.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Those vanaras and bears who did not care for their lives in the course of helping me be re-united with their near and dear ones by your grace. I wish to see the vanaras and bears free from wounds and pains, with augmented strength and valour. Wherever they live, let there be rivers with crystal-clear water, flowers, roots and fruits, even in off-seasons."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Indra replied Rama "O beloved Rama! I never expected that you will be asking this kind of boon, which is hard to grant. However, I have not denied any offer made by me, nor been revised by me in the past. Therefore, what you desire will come to be. Let all those vanaras and bears, who have been killed in the battle, by the rakshashas and whose heads and arms have been severed, be alive and active again.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Without any ill-health and wounds and with boosted strength and valour, the vanaras and bears will rise again, as from a sound sleep. All of them, full of delight, will get re-united with their friends, relatives, kinsmen and family members. Wherever they live, the trees there will look colourful with flowers and fruits, even in the off-season. Rivers too will remain constantly with water."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> All those who did not hear the conversation in this regard between Rama and Indra were surprised to see their pals who were killed in the battle were coming back looking fine.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Indra then told Rama </span><span style="font-size: large;">"O monarch! Proceed to Ayodhya from here. Reassure this illustrious and devoted Seetha. See Bharata, your brother, who is practicing austerities through grief caused by separation from you, Shatrughna and all your mothers. Get yourself consecrated on the throne. Bring rejoice to the citizens, by going there."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Indra and others then returned to their abode.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Rama then instructed all the vanaras and bears to take rest in their respective places.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">==================================================================</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-66999998001365157762016-08-14T06:09:00.000+05:302016-08-14T06:09:20.752+05:30380. Rama meets his dad from heaven.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> After hearing the reason for not accepting Seetha earlier by him offered by Rama, Lord <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva" target="_blank">Shiva</a> told him "O My dear chap! Thank heaven! You accomplished the main task for which you have come to this world. You have erased that scum Ravana, who was a menace for all of us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "After successfully completing all the other things like bringing delight to your friends, stabilizing the back-bone of the race of Ikshvaku, getting excellent glory by performing an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashvamedha" target="_blank">Ashvamedha</a>Yaga etc., you will go to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaven#Hinduism" target="_blank">Heaven</a>. The king Dasharatha, your father in this mortal world and the highly glorious as well as the venerable person, is seated in an aerial car. He now resides in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svarga" target="_blank">Swargaloga</a>. You, with your brother Lakshmana go and offer your respectful salutation to him."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Seeing Rama, Dasharatha made him sit on his lap and embracing him in his arms, told him </span><span style="font-size: large;">"O Rama! I cannot say I like the heaven or dislike it. I would unconditionally and unreservedly like any place if it with you.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "My dear Rama, today I am very happy for having seeing you, that too when your mind is completely at peace. Now your have vanquished your enemies and rescued your beloved Seetha. I presume that you are aware that the period of your exile has come close to the end.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "I am very happy to say that I have been redeemed by you, my worthy son, even as Kahola, a brahmana was redeemed by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashtavakra" target="_blank">Ashtavakra</a>. O my dear son! I have come to know now that you are the Supreme person, duly enjoined here by the lord of the gods, for the destruction of Ravana.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Blessed indeed is Kausalya, who will see you, the conqueror of your enemies, on your return home. Blessed indeed are those men, who will see you returned to the City of Ayodhya and consecrated on the throne as the lord of the earth.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "I desire to see you reunited with your Bharata, who is affectionate towards you, honest and virtuous. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "You almost completed the term of your exile. My pledge was implemented by you. All <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_(Hinduism)" target="_blank">devas </a>have been fully gratified by your killing of Ravana in battle. Ascending the throne, may you attain a long life, along with your brothers." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Rama with joined palms in salutation requested his dad "Be gracious to Kaikeyi and Bharata. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Please revoke your curse on my mother Kaikeyi disowning her and her son Bharata."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Dasharatha gladly agreed to it by saying </span><span style="font-size: large;">'So be it" to Rama. He then embraced Lakshmana and told him "A great gratification has been rendered to me and reward in the form of religious merit earned by you in that you served Rama and Seetha, the princess of Videha kingdom, with devotion. Rama, being pleased with you, you will attain religious merit and extensive glory on earth, as also heaven and excellent power.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> "Rama has been spoken of as the imperceptible, imperishable etc. Having served him, along with Seetha with devotion, you obtained the reward of the practice of all virtues as also celebrity, abundantly."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> He then told Seetha "My daughter, No wrath indeed should be rendered by you towards Rama, for having repudiated you. This has been done by him, wishing for your welfare and in order to demonstrate your purity. This act of entering into fire by you has revealed your true character. There is no need for me to give any instructions about the matter of rendering service to your husband. But, I wanna you to know one thing that is 'He is your supreme deity.' ”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Dasaratha then taking leave of his sons and Seetha went back to the abode of Indra.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">======================================================================</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-14780221808778234162016-08-12T00:08:00.000+05:302016-08-12T00:08:44.859+05:30379. Agni comes out of the pyre carrying Seetha.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Everyone noticed that something was happening in the burning pyre. All were amazed to see that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agni" target="_blank">Agni</a> was coming up from the pyre taking Seetha in his arms. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Bearing in his arms the youthful Seetha, who was shining brightly as the rising sun, decked in ornaments of refined gold, attired in a red robe and wearing dark curly hair, was further adorned with ornaments of flowers, which were not on her when entering the fire. She looked absolutely beyond reproach and was beheld just the same as she did while entering the fire. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agni" target="_blank">Agni</a> restored her to Rama saying </span><span style="font-size: large;">"Here is your Seetha. No sin exists in her. This auspicious lady, whose character has been absolutely and </span><span style="font-size: large;">unquestionably </span><span style="font-size: large;">good, has never been unfaithful to you either by word or by mind or even by intellect or by her glances. This miserable and helpless lady was taken away by Ravana the rakshash, who was arrogant of his valour, from the hermitage when she was alone without any protection.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "This Seetha, who was fixing her mind upon you and only you and looking on you as her final attainment, was detained in the Ashoka vana, here. She was, however, guarded by rightful rakshasshis. Seetha, whose mind was thinking about you and only you, totally and absolutely ignoring that rakshash even though allured and frightened through various means. Take back Seetha, who is sinless and with a pure character. She should not be told anything harsh. I hereby command you."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Rama, on hearing </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agni" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Agni</a><span style="font-size: large;"> smiled </span><span style="font-size: large;">while his eyes were filed with tears of joy. He told </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agni" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Agni</a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> "Seetha certainly deserves this purificatory ordeal to prove beyond any doubt in the eyes of the commoners as well as others as she had resided for a long time under the captivity of Ravana. I wanted all the worlds to know that despite the fact Seetha was held in captivity by that rakshash Ravana, her mind was on me and only me. Otherwise, people may chatter against me, saying that Rama, the son of Dasaratha, was really foolish and that his mind was dominated by lust, if I accept Seetha without proving her chastity to the whole world.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "In fact, I knew beyond any reasonable doubt that Seetha, the daughter of Janaka, who ever revolves in my mind, was undivided in her affection to me. Ravana could not violate this wide-eyed woman, protected as she was by her own mental endowments, any more than an ocean would transgress its bounds.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "In order to convince the three worlds, I, whose staunch adherence is truth, professed to ignore Seetha while she was entering the fire. The evil-minded Ravana would not be able to lay his violent hands, even in thoughts or dreams, on the redoubtable Seetha, who was blazing like a flaming tongue of fire.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "This auspicious woman could not be tempted to give way to the sovereignty, existing in the gynaecium of Ravana. I am well aware that this Seetha is not different from me, just like the sunlight is not different from the sun. Seetha, the daughter of Janaka, is now established beyond any reasonable doubt, is absolutely pure in her character and can no longer be renounced by me, as a good name cannot be cast aside by a prudent man. The salutary advice of all of </span><span style="font-size: large;">you</span><span style="font-size: large;">, the affectionate guardians of the world, who are saying what is conducive to our good, shall certainly</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">be</span><span style="font-size: large;"> carried</span><span style="font-size: large;"> out by me."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Saying thus and getting reunited with her beloved Seetha, the victorious and highly illustrious Rama, a scion of Raghu dynasty, who was endowed with a great strength and deserved happiness and was being glorified by his exploits performed by his own self, experienced joy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">=================================================================</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-29316576518208107372016-08-09T00:06:00.000+05:302016-08-09T00:06:27.581+05:30378. Rama was told who he really was.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> The act of Seetha combined with the reaction of <b>ALL</b> the spectators seeing the action of Seetha made Rama pensive. </span></div>
<div class="tat" style="margin-bottom: 7.5px; margin-top: 3.75px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 50px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Hearing the cries of these who were thus wailing, made Rama to become thoughtful. Afflicted as he was with melancholy, his eyes filled with tears.</span></div>
<div class="tat" style="margin-bottom: 7.5px; margin-top: 3.75px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 50px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Suddenly something seemed to be happening from the firmament. The people (human beings, rakshashas, vanaras and bears) in the ground were staring with amazement the arrival of a good lot of aerial cars landing on the grounds around them. Surprised exclamations were heard like 'That is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubera" target="_blank">Kubera</a>', 'That is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yama" target="_blank">Yama</a>', 'That is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indra" target="_blank">Indra</a>', 'That is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varuna" target="_blank">Varuna</a>', 'That is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva" target="_blank">Shiva</a>', 'That is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahma" target="_blank">Brahma</a>'. All those deities together with the ancestors of Rama approached Rama. Lifting their long arms, their hands decked with ornaments, they told in unison Rama, who was making respectful salutations to them with his folded hands </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"How did you, the maker of the entire cosmos, the foremost among those endowed with knowledge and an all-capable person, ignore Seetha who was falling into the fire? How did you not recognize yourself to be the foremost of the troop of gods? Among the Vasus you are the Vasu, named R^itadhama (one whose abode is Truth or Divine) who was formerly the self-constituted ruler, the first creator of all the three worlds and the lord of creatures.</span></div>
<div class="tat" style="margin-bottom: 7.5px; margin-top: 3.75px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 50px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"You are the eighth Rudra among the eleven <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudras#Birth_and_names" target="_blank">Rudras</a> and the fifth ( Viryavan by name) among the Sadhyas (a particular class of celestials belonging to Gana Devata). The twin <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashvins" target="_blank">Aswinis </a>are your ears. The sun and the moon constitute your eyes. O the destroyer of the adversaries. You are known to exist at the beginning and at the end of creation. Yet, you ignored Seetha, just like a common man."</span></div>
<div class="tat" style="margin-bottom: 7.5px; margin-top: 3.75px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 50px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Rama replied them with all modesty "I think of myself as a human being, by name Rama, the son of Dasaratha. You, as gracious Divinities, tell me that what I really am.”</span></div>
<div class="tat" style="margin-bottom: 7.5px; margin-top: 3.75px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 50px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahma" target="_blank">Brahma</a>, wearing a smile on his face told Rama "O! My lord! If you desire us to tell you who you are, we, certainly will tell you so that everyone will come to know who you really are. You are the Lord <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narayana" target="_blank">Narayana </a>himself the glorious god, who wields the discus. You are the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varaha" target="_blank">Divine Boar</a> with a single tusk, the conqueror of your past and future enemies.</span></div>
<div class="tat" style="margin-bottom: 7.5px; margin-top: 3.75px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 50px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"You are <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahma" target="_blank">Brahma</a>, the imperishable, the Truth abiding in the middle as well as at the end of the universe. You are the supreme righteousness of people, whose powers go everywhere. You are the four-armed. You are the wielder of a bow called Sarnga, the lord of the senses, the supreme soul of the universe, the best of men, the invincible, the wielder of the sword named <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nandaka" target="_blank">Nandaka</a>, the all- pervader, the bestower of happiness to the earth and endowed with great might.</span></div>
<div class="tat" style="margin-bottom: 7.5px; margin-top: 3.75px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 50px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"You are the leader of the army and the village headman. You are the intellect. You are the endurance and the subduer of the senses. You are the origin and the dissolution of all, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upendra" target="_blank">Upendra </a>the Divine Dwarf and the younger brother of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indra" target="_blank">Indra</a>, as also the destroyer Madhu, the rakshash.</span></div>
<div class="tat" style="margin-bottom: 7.5px; margin-top: 3.75px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 50px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"You perform action for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indra" target="_blank">Indra</a>, the lord of devas, the Supreme Ruler, the one having a lotus in one's navel and who puts an end to all in battle. The divine sages pronounce you to be fit to afford protection to all and the refuge for all.</span></div>
<div class="tat" style="margin-bottom: 7.5px; margin-top: 3.75px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 50px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"In the form of the Vedas, you are the great Bull with hundred heads (rules) and thousand horns (precepts). You are the first creator of all the three worlds, and the self constituted Lord of all. You are the refuge and the forbearer of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siddha#Hinduism" target="_blank">Siddhas </a>and Sadhyas (a class of celestial beings).</span></div>
<div class="tat" style="margin-bottom: 7.5px; margin-top: 3.75px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 50px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"You are the sacrificial performance. You are the sacred syllable 'Vashat' (on hearing which the Adhvaryu priest casts the oblation to a deity into the sacrificial fire). You are the mystic syllable 'OM'. You are higher than the highest. People neither know your end nor your origin nor who you are in reality. You appear in all created beings like the cattle and in brahmanas. You exist in all quarters, in the sky, in mountains and in rivers.</span></div>
<div class="tat" style="margin-bottom: 7.5px; margin-top: 3.75px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 50px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"With thousand feet, with hundred heads and with thousand eyes along with Lakshmi the goddess of wealth, you bear the earth with all its created beings along with its mountains. O Rama! You appear as the great serpent in water, at the earth's bottom, bearing the three worlds, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_(Hinduism)" target="_blank">devas</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandharva#In_Hinduism" target="_blank">Gandharvas </a>and the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danava_(Hinduism)" target="_blank">Danavas</a>.</span></div>
<div class="tat" style="margin-bottom: 7.5px; margin-top: 3.75px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 50px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"O Rama! I ( <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahma" target="_blank">Brahma</a>) am your heart. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saraswati" target="_blank">Saraswathi </a>is your tongue. O lord! The gods created by Brahma are the hair on all your limbs. Night has been recognized as the closing of your eye-lids and the day, as the opening of eye-lids. The correct usages of your words are the Vedas. Bereft of you, this visible universe does not exist.</span></div>
<div class="tat" style="margin-bottom: 7.5px; margin-top: 3.75px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 50px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"The entire cosmos is your body. The earth constitutes your firmness. Fire is your anger. The moon constitutes your placidity. You are the bearer of the mark <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrivatsa" target="_blank">Srivatsa</a>. In the past, the three worlds were occupied by you in your three strides, after binding the exceptionally formidable Bali and Indra was made the king by you.</span></div>
<div class="tat" style="margin-bottom: 7.5px; margin-top: 3.75px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 50px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"Seetha is no other than Goddess Lakshmi, while you are Lord Vishnu. You are having a shining dark-blue hue. You are the Lord of created beings. For the destruction of Ravana, you entered a human body here, on this earth.</span></div>
<div class="tat" style="margin-bottom: 7.5px; margin-top: 3.75px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 50px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"O Rama, the foremost among the supporters of righteousness! The aforesaid purpose of ours has been fulfilled. Ravana has been killed. Return to your divine abode, with a rejoice. O Lord! Unerring is your valour. Your exploits are never in vain. O Rama! Your blessed sight is powerful. The songs in praise of you never go in vain.</span></div>
<div class="tat" style="margin-bottom: 7.5px; margin-top: 3.75px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 50px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"Those humans who are full of devotion to you will never be unsuccessful on this earth. Those who are devoted to you, the primeval and the eternal lord, belonging to ancient times and the Supreme Person, will forever attain their desired objects here as well as hereafter. Humiliation will never be the plight of those humans who will recite this hymn in a divine ancient history, sung by Brahma, the foremost seer."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">=======================================================</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-63470256787515545282016-08-02T00:36:00.001+05:302016-08-04T07:03:54.827+05:30377. Seetha jumps into a pyre of fire.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Hearing the harsh words with indignation, spoken by Rama, made Seetha to seethe with untold anger mixed with anguish which caused her hair to stand on end. She became very much perturbed and started to totter.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Seetha, who had not heard anything but sweet words from her dear hubby before, was absolutely shocked hearing those horrific words of her husband, that too in the presence of a large gathering of people. made her unequivocally ashamed and, with tears flowing down profusely from her eyes, she started to tremble with shame.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Then, coming to a conclusion, she, wiping clean her face, which was bathed in tears, addressed her dear hubby with a stammer "O valiant Rama! It is beyond my comprehension as to why did you speak such harsh, </span><span style="font-size: large;">cruel, severe, barbarous, despotic, tyrannical, ruthless, merciless, pitiless, and intolerant </span><span style="font-size: large;">words, which are violent to hear for me. I don't think that even a common man speaking to a common woman would be so harsh as you did. I am not the one in the way you understand me. Have faith in me. I swear to you by my own character.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "You are comparing me with a vulgar woman. It was not my fault, when I came into contact with Ravana. I was helpless. My adverse fate was to blame for that.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "My heart, which was subservient to me, was abiding in you. What could I do, helpless as I was, with regard to my limbs which had fallen under the sway of another? O bestower of honour! If I could not be fully known and understood to you, in spite of our love having simultaneously grown and despite of our having lived together for a sufficiently long period, I am ruined permanently by such ignorance.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "O king! Hanuman, the great hero, was sent by you as your emissary to search and find me. Why I, who was still in Lanka, was not abandoned then itself? O hero! Life would have been given up by me, when deserted by you, immediately on hearing the message conveying your desertion, before the eyes of Hanuman.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "You could then have avoided this wasteful endeavour of crossing over to Lanka and waging war against that rakshash Ravana.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "You, however, like a feeble man, gave priority to womanliness, conforming yourself to just an emotion of anger. O knower of virtuous conduct! You know very well that I am the daughter of Janaka by adoption, and I was actually the daughter of this <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prithvi" target="_blank">Prithvi</a>. My sacred birth of such a high degree was not honoured by you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "The oath taken by you while taking my hand as your bride seems to have forgotten or ignored by you, now. My devotion to you and my chastity and all are being ignored by you.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Seetha, then weeping with tears turned to </span><span style="font-size: large;">Lakshmana, who was sad and was in deep thoughts, stammered </span><span style="font-size: large;">"O Lakshmana! Create a pile of fire, for me. I no longer wish to survive, smitten as am with such false and ruthless blames. I will enter a fire, to obtain the only course appropriate for me, who has been abandoned amidst an assembly of men, by my husband who is not satisfied with my traits."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Lakshmana was absolutely stunned to hear the command of Seetha. Lakshmana, who was considering Seetha as his mother and Goddess, was completely at a loss as to what to do. His face turned pale. He just looked at Rama as if to ask him what he should do now.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Lakshmana knew Rama very well from the day he was born and as such just by looking at the face of his dear brother, he knew what he (Rama) wanted of him. As per the command indicated in the face of Rama, Lakshmana silently prepared a pyre. No one near and dear to Rama dared to speak or even to look upon Rama, whose face was looking terribly fearsome.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Thereupon, Seetha, after doing circumambulation to Rama, who was standing with his head bent low, proceeded towards the blazing fire. Having offered salutation to gods and Brahmans as also having joined her palms in the vicinity of the fire, Seetha declared loud and clear for all to hear </span><span style="font-size: large;">"As my heart never moves off from Rama, so let this fire, the witness of the world, protect me from all sides. As Rama apprehends me as one who is no longer chaste, and I do not have any means to prove otherwise, I seek the protection of this fire.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "As I have never been unfaithful in act, thought and speech to Rama, who knows all the virtues, I seek the protection of this fire. Since the adorable <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%80dityas" target="_blank">Adhithya</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vayu" target="_blank">Vayu</a>, the four sides and even so <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandra" target="_blank">Chandra</a>, as also the deity presiding over the day-time and the twilights and the night and the earth and even others who know me to be endowed with good conduct, I seek Agni to protect me."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> After declaring in this manner, Seetha walking around the pyre of fire, entered the blazing fire </span><span style="font-size: large;">with her mind free from hesitation,</span><span style="font-size: large;">. A large gathering of men, rakshashas, vanaras and bears, including their children and elders saw the shining Seetha entering the fire there. That Seetha, with the shining of fresh refined gold and decked with ornaments of refined gold, plunged into the blazing fire, in the presence of all people.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> All the living beings saw then that wide-eyed Seetha, who looked like a golden altar, plunging into the fire. The sages, gods, and the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandharva#In_Hinduism" target="_blank">Gandharvas </a>saw that illustrious Seetha entering deep into the fire as a sacred oblation of clarified butter.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> All the women, who were present there, screamed on seeing her rushing into the fire, like a gush of clarified butter plunging into the sacrificial fire, duly consecrated by Vedic hymns. The denizens of the entire three worlds including the gods, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandharva#In_Hinduism" target="_blank">Gandharvas </a> and rakshashas beheld her falling into the fire, like a goddess, subjected to a curse, falling from heaven to hell.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> While she was entering deeply into the fire, a loud exclamation 'Ha! Ha!' rose from the mouths of both the rakshashas and the vanaras alike.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">================================================================</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-30320892017610868752016-08-01T00:40:00.001+05:302016-08-01T00:40:49.462+05:30376. Rama disowned Seetha.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Seeing Seetha bowing low respectfully in front of him, Rama's heart started fluttering. Concealing his real feelings, Rama, wearing a grave demeanor, told Seetha with a graver tone "My fair lady! You are won back by me, after conquering your abductor in the battle-field.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Now, my manly strength has been seen by all. Today, my toil has borne fruit. Now, I have fulfilled my duty. Today, I am the master of myself. The wrong done to you by a fickle-minded rakshash, has been corrected by me as a human being.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "What is the use of prowess, however great, of that man who does not wipe out, by his energy, the insult foisted on him? The praise-worthy act of Hanuman in locating your whereabouts after crossing the ocean, has borne fruit today. The endeavour of Sugreeva, who exhibited his prowess on the battle-field with his army and tendering good advice, whenever needed, is fruitful today.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Furthermore, the exertion of Vibhishana, who after deserting his brother who was void of good qualities sought my presence, is fruitful today.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Hearing those words spoken thus by Rama, Seetha with her eyes wide open like those of a female-deer, was bathed in tears. Rama, suppressing his feelings told Seetha in a stern voice </span><span style="font-size: large;">"I, in order to retain my honour, have done this particular act of killing Ravana in battle and thus wiping away the insult meted out to me. You have been won by me, whose mind stands purified by asceticism as the southern quarter, which was difficult to be approached by the world of mortals, was conquered by the Sage Agastya.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "I want you to know that all my efforts in coming over here after crossing the ocean and fighting the rakshashas and their king Ravana and killing them was not undertaken for your sake. This was done by me in order to hold up my reputation, to wipe off any possible slur on my reputation as well as to prevent any possible insinuation on my own illustrious dynasty.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "You, with a question mark on your character, standing in front of me, are extremely disagreeable to me, like a light to one, who is suffering from a poor eye-sight. O Seetha! That is why, I hereby grant you permission to go wherever you like. All the ten directions are open to you. And I do not require anything from you or any work done by you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Which noble man, born in an illustrious race, will take back a woman who lived in another's abode, with an open mind? Having been born in a very illustrious lineage, how can I accept again you, who was seen in Ravana's lap while being borne away by him and who was seen by him with evil looks?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "I, hereby, reiterate that you were won by me to retrieve my honour. The honour has been restored by me, now. For me, there is no attachment in you. You are now free to go wherever you like from here. I absolutely will not have any objection if you set your mind on Lakshmana or Bharata.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Otherwise, if you like to be united with Shatrughna or Sugreeva or Vibhishana, you may seek him. Seeing you, who are endowed with a beautiful form and attractive to the sense, detained for long in his abode, Ravana could not have endured your separation."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Hearing that unpalatable speech of her beloved husband, Seetha, who used to hear pleasing words alone, was very much trembled for long, like a creeper attacked by the proboscis of an elephant and thereupon shed torrential tears.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">===========================================================</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-33053649832955622182016-07-31T07:53:00.000+05:302016-07-31T07:53:26.717+05:30375. Vibhishana brings Seetha to Rama.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Hanuman, returning to where Rama was, told him that Seetha informed him that she was very much eager to see her husband, Rama, at the earliest.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Rama was overwhelmed to hear that information. Then, drawing a deep and warm breath he told Vibhishana, who was standing nearby </span><span style="font-size: large;">"Bring here Seetha, after she has bathed her head, has been anointed with charming cosmetics and adorned with beautiful jewels. Please bring her to me as early as you can.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Vibhishana, after collecting suitable dress, ornaments etc. and went to to Seetha accompanied by his own women for helping Seetha to take bath et al. On seeing Seetha he told "O Seetha! Anointed with charming cosmetics and adorned with beautiful jewels, get into the palanquin. Your husband is very eager to see you.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Seetha replied "O king of rakshashas! I wish to see my husband, at the earliest. I do not like to waste time in taking bath, dressing up et al."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Vibhishana told her Rama desires to see her duly dressed and ornamented etc." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> When Seetha was ready, she was taken into a shining palanquin, covered with an exceedingly valuable cloth and guarded by numerous rakshashas, was being tasken to the presence of Rama. Vibhishana went ahead of her to inform Rama </span><span style="font-size: large;">the arrival of Seetha. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> The thought that he would be seeing Seetha now made Rama feel a mixture of joy, indignation and a sense of misery. He then told Vibhishana to bring her to her presence as soon as she arrives.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> On learning that Seetha was coming in a palanquin to where Rama was stationed, very many rakshashas, bears and vanaras gathered to have a sight of that Seetha for whom the greatest war of that time was fought. Seeing that a large crowd was gathered around the palanquin where Seetha was sitting, Vibhishana ordered his police force to disperse the crowd there quickly. Police rakshashas wearing jackets and turbans and carrying staffs which made a jingling sound, started dispersing those crowd.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Crowds of bears, vanaras and rakshashas, who were getting rough treatment from the police force, were making all sorts of noise, due to pain, while moving away from the palanquin on all sides. The intensity of the noise created by them was so great, resembling the roar of a sea, lashed by a storm.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Learning the reason for that outcry, Rama told Vibishana "Why are these people harassed by your chaps? Stop this exertion. They are my own people. An apartment or a police force is not a thing that protects a woman. Her character is her shield.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "A woman becoming visible to public in times of a calamity, or in battles, or in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swayamvara" target="_blank">Swayamvara</a> or in marriage-functions </span><span style="font-size: large;">is not condemned</span><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Seetha underwent quite a lot of stress and distress and was beset with a great difficulty. There is no fault in her appearance in public, particularly in my presence. Therefore let her come to me on foot, leaving the palanquin there. Let these vanaras and others may see Seetha in my presence."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Vibhishana brought Seetha by foot to Rama, as ordered by him. However, Lakshmana, Sugreeva and Hanuman felt very much perturbed. </span><span style="font-size: large;">From the pitiless facial features of Rama, showing indifference to his consort, they conjectured that Rama was, in someway, displeased with Seetha. Seetha, for her part, shrinking into her limbs with modesty, approached her husband, duly followed by Vibhishana.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> The pleasant-faced Seetha, who considered her husband as her highest deity, saw the charming face of her husband with surprise, rejoice and affection. Seeing the face of her beloved husband, which had not been seen for a long time and which was charming like the rising full moon, her mental fatigue was</span><span style="font-size: large;"> dispelled</span><span style="font-size: large;"> forthwith.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">==============================================================</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-20955374691603793252016-07-24T23:30:00.000+05:302016-07-24T23:30:05.777+05:30374. Hanuman informed Seetha the victory of Rama.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> As directed by Rama, Hanuman, after getting the formal approval of the king Vibhishana, started happily to meet Seetha. During his journey to the Ashoka Vana, where Seetha was being held, all rakshashas and rakshashis seeing him were very polite, courteous and respectful and moved away to enable Hanuman to move fast without any hindrance. At the Ashoka vana, he found Seetha sitting in her usual place with her usual bearing viz. bereft of freshness, looking joylessly like a frightened cow and surrounded by rakshasies. Hanuman approached her and offering salutation to her, stood there silently.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Seetha did not recognize the vanara in front of her for a few moments. When she recognized him, her beautiful but sad looking face bloomed like a beautiful flower. Seeing that Seetha recognized him, Hanuman told her </span><span style="font-size: large;">“O Lady! Rama, Lakshmana and all others are well. We have won the battle and that rakshash Ravana has been killed by Rama in battle. Rama directed me to inform this to you. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “O the divine lady! </span><span style="font-size: large;">Vibhishana the </span><span style="font-size: large;">benign youngest brother of Ravana has been crowned as the king of Lanka. </span><span style="font-size: large;">That means you are now as good as staying in your own house. King Vibhishana will be coming over here to see you and offer his respects to you."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Seetha was absolutely exhilarated to hear the news. She was unable to say anything as she was tongue-tied with a thrill of delight.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Seeing her reticent for quite some time, Hanuman asked her “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi" target="_blank">Devi</a>! May I know what you are thinking about? Why don’t you speak to me?”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Seetha, coming back to reality from her reverie told Hanuman “The pleasant tidings about the victory of my husband made be totally spellbound, and as such I could not speak. O, Hanuman! I am terribly sorry I have nothing appropriate here to present you for the wonderful</span><span style="font-size: large;"> news you brought to me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “However, I could not think of anything on this earth that is worthy for you for you delightful message which has given me so much happiness. Neither silver, nor gold nor diamonds nor the sovereignty of the three worlds, can be worthy of this message.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> The words of Seetha made Hanuman highly exhilarated. He replied Seetha </span><span style="font-size: large;">"O gentle lady! These words of yours, endowed with preciousness and affection, are better than any one or more presents like diamonds, gold etc. What I desire from you is your blessings and blessings alone.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Seetha nodding with a smile told Hanuman“I already knew you to be very good. Now I see that you are endowed with exceedingly good attributes, embellished with a grace of style and filled with an intelligence, consisting of eight excellences.<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">*</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">* The eight excellences are: </span><span style="color: #274e13;">1) Keenness to hear discourse on the Spirit 2) readiness to hear such discourses, 3) receptivity, 4) retentive power, 5) reasoning for and 6) against a proposition, 7) the faculty of comprehension and 8) realization of truth.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> “You are a praiseworthy and supremely virtuous son of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vayu" target="_blank">Vayu</a>. I find that you have all the qualities desired for a male viz. strength, valour, knowledge of scriptures, vigour, prowess, superlative skill in action, spirit, forbearance, firmness, stability and humility."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Hanuman, because of his humility did not reply. After a moment he said </span><span style="font-size: large;">“Devi, I wanna kill of all these notorious and vile rakshashies, by whom you have been continuously harassed earlier. These cruel rakshashis of terrific form and behavior, with still more cruel eyes, having ugly faces, were heard by me here speaking again and again harsh words to you, who are so devoted to your husband, at Ravana’s command, when you were suffering hardships in this Ashoka vana.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “I wish to kill after torturing these cruel, extremely rough and deformed rakshashis, with distorted features and terrific hairs and eyes. Please permit me to do it as a present you desire to give me.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Seetha was shocked to hear those words from Hanuman and became speechless for a few moments. Then she told Hanuman “O! Hanuman! These rakshasshis were only obeying the orders of their master and king Ravana. I feel that the tortures I had from these poor creatures were a consequence of my bad fortune or on account of some misdeed committed by me in the past.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “O Hanuman! It has been ordained that this type of situation is to be endured by me, due to the application of fate. Feeble as I am in these matters, I am forgiving the servants of Ravana here.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “O Hanuman! As commanded by Ravana they threatened me. As he is dead now, they will not do the threatening. O Hanuman! I presume that you very well know the story of the bear, hunter and the tiger, where what the bear told the tiger the maxim that '</span><span style="font-size: large;">A superior person does not take into account the sins of those who have committed an offence. Virtuous persons consider good conduct as an ornament. Kindness is to be shown by a noble person even towards a sinner who deserves death, for, there is none who never commits a wrong. No evil is to be done, even to those cruel persons of sinful deeds, who take pleasure in harming the life of others and continue to perpetrate their sinful acts.' "</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="color: #e06666;">The Story of the hunter, tiger and the bear</span></u></b>.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left; text-indent: 50px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"> <span style="text-align: left; text-indent: 50px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Once upon a time a tiger was in pursuit of a hunter, in the forest where the tiger was residing. The hunter climbed up a tree. There was bear already perched on a bough of the tree. As the tiger was not able to climb the tree, from the foot of the tree, the tiger told the bear: "Look my dear bear, both of us are denizens of the forest. The hunter is our common enemy. Therefore, knock him down from the tree." The bear replied "The hunter having sought asylum at my abode, I am obliged to protect him. I am therefore not going to hurl him down. I would be deviating from my duty if I do so." Saying so, the bear coolly went into a snooze. The tiger then turned to the hunter and said, "Push the bear down. My tummy will be full after eating it. Then, I shall protect you." The hunter swallowed the words of the tiger and pushed the sleeping bear. The bear, however, clutched at another bough and escaped from falling down. The tiger now told the bear "You now see that the hunter is not a good chap and sought to hurl you down. He is bad a fellow who wronged you. Therefore push him down." The bear refused to hurl him down pronouncing the above referred maxim.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">End Story.</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Hanuman was absolutely thrilled to hear the reply of Seetha. He told her </span><span style="font-size: large;">“O divine lady! You are the most apt wife of Rama, a paragon of virtue. Give me a message in return. Rama will be highly pleased to hear it."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Seetha replied “O Hanuman! I long to see my husband as early as possible.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Hanuman assured her by saying that she would see him on that day itself. And he left to join Rama.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">===================================================================</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-48411844916121461512016-07-24T07:53:00.000+05:302016-07-24T07:53:02.028+05:30373. Vibhishana succeeds to the throne of Lanka.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> The deities watching the epical duel between Rama and Ravana from the firmament felt highly elated to see the end. Everyone telling the other sitting adjacent to him "At last that menace Ravana has been crushed by Rama. Let us all bless him." They then disbursed chatting among themselves about the manner of destruction of Ravana, the prowess of Rama, the admirable combat of the vanaras, the counsel tendered by Sugreeva, the affection and valour of Lakshmana, the loyalty of Seetha to her husband and about the strength of Hanuman etc. just like we humans in our world Earth would be doing on disbursing a test cricket match or some other international sports event on conclusion.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Rama thanked Matali and told him to take back the chariot lent by Indra. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Rama told Lakshmana </span><span style="font-size: large;">arrange the enthronement of Vibhishana in the place of his bro Ravana.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Nodding his agreement, Lakshmana initiated the process by getting a golden pot. Lakshmana, then placing that pot in the hands of the vanara chief who was standing adjacent to him, instructed him to bring sea-water, which was promptly brought to him in a short while.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Thereupon, Lakshmana told Vibhishana to sit on the throne, sprinkled him with sea-water from that pot in accordance with the rule prescribed in Vedic scriptures. All the rakshashas (who somehow escaped death) endorsed this by attending the ceremony with a happy countenance.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Then </span><span style="font-size: large;">Vibhishana</span><span style="font-size: large;"> was consecrated. All rakshashas and vanaras were very delighted to see Vibhishana in the throne of Lanka. Of course </span><span style="font-size: large;">Rama together with Lakshmana were greatly delighted, too. Vibhishana, having gained that great kingdom bestowed on him by Rama, was also greatly delighted.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Then, Rama told Hanuman "My dear Hanu! With the permission of the king, Vibhishana, go to the Ashoka vana and inform Seetha all the happy news you very well know what."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">==============================================================</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-89096727723738101182016-07-22T23:41:00.001+05:302016-07-22T23:41:50.860+05:30372. Vibhishana performed the obsequies to Ravana.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> All the consorts became very tired lamenting aloud. They were then weeping silently. Mandodari, the principal and most beloved wife and queen of Ravana, staring at her husband in the silent atmosphere could not control her feelings. And she started lamenting </span><span style="font-size: large;"> "O the great armed brother of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubera" target="_blank">Kubera</a>! Even the mighty <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indra" target="_blank">Indra </a>would not not dare to come before you, when you were enraged.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "O the lord of rakshashas! O king! How is it that you allowed yourself to be conquered in battle, by Rama, a mere human? How did a human, wandering in a forest, killed you, who had overcome the three worlds by dint of your prowess?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">"When you came to know that Khara was killed by Rama in Janasthana, you should have realized that Rama was really no mortal. We felt painful, the moment Hanuman penetrated, by dint of his prowess, deep into the City of Lanka, which was difficult to be entered even for gods. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “Alas! It is difficult to believe that you are dead when you were the death, even to the Death himself. How did you depart from this world, falling under the sway of Death? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> “It was indeed a display of your cowardice that Rama’s consort was borne away by you, after luring away Rama from his hermitage. However, I do not recall your faint-heartedness at any time on the battle-field. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">"You did not heed the sane and sensible advice of your friends. Nor did you like the advice of your brothers.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "The counsel, which was endowed with reason, meaningful rule of conduct, wholesome, gentle and well-founded, </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">offered by Vibhishana,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> was repudiated by you. The advice offered by Mareecha, Kumbhakarna, myself and my father were not heeded by you, who was arrogant of your prowess. What is followed is a bitter consequence of your perversity.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "</span><span style="font-size: large;">Why are you lying down, embracing the battle-ground, as one would embrace a loved one? Why do you not feel inclined to reply me, as though I were abhorrent to you? Woe be to me, that my heart is not bursting into pieces, tormented as I am with grief, seeing you like this.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Mandodari, affected by intolerable grief, fell down swooning on the chest of her dear hubby. All the vanaras seeing her in this condition felt that she was looking like a vivid flash of lightning across a rainy cloud, reddened by the flow of twilight.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> The other wives of Ravana gently took up Mandodari, who was bitterly weeping, tried to console her "Don't you know the uncertain state of the worlds, O queen, that the wealth of kings is unsteady, when there is a change in the tide of their fate?"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Rama then told Vibhishana "Let the obsequies of your brother be performed and let these crews of women be consoled.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Vibhishana on second thoughts replied "I feel that am not obliged to perform the obsequies to him, who had abandoned the vow of virtue, was cruel, killed human beings, a cheat and who had longed for others' wives. This Ravana, who was interested in wishing evil to all, though venerable as a respectable elder, is not fit for that honor. He is my enemy, in the guise of a brother.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "If I do not perform obsequies, O Rama, all the human beings on earth will speak about me as ruthless. But, on coming to know about his bad qualities all of them will speak of it as a good act.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Rama, though not entirely disagreeing with the view of Vibhishana, replied "O king of rakshashas! I feel that it is my duty to give you the appropriate advice. This rakshash may be full of unrighteousness and falsehood. But, he was brilliant, strong and a brave warrior in battles.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "It is very well known to everyone that Ravana, who was mighty and endowed with strength and who was causing people to cry, was not defeated by anyone including <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indra" target="_blank">Indra </a>and other <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_(Hinduism)" target="_blank">devas</a>. Hostilities end with death. Our purpose has been accomplished. Let his funeral rites be performed. According to rule, Ravana is eligible to get the last rites on his dead body from you. You will also become fit for glory."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Vibhishana accepted the advice of Rama and began to do obsequies to Ravana, his dead brother. Entering the City of Lanka, Vibhishana concluded all the rites of obsequies to Ravana.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">===============================================================</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-60405261473443182722016-07-18T00:24:00.000+05:302016-07-18T00:24:09.198+05:30371. The mourning of the consorts of Ravana.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Just like present day, very, very bad news spread like wildfire in those days, too. Within a few minutes the residents of all the palaces including the </span><span style="font-size: large;">gynaecea of Ravana's sweet and not so-sweet hearts came to know of the killing of Ravana by Rama. All the sweethearts, present and past, of the late Ravana rushed out towards the battle field to see the body of Ravana. Even though impeded now and then by their maid servants, they were rolling in the dust of the streets, with their hair disheveled, to demonstrate they were suffering with utter grief like cows that had lost their calf.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> After searching here and there in the battle field, they found the gigantic body of their sweetheart</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Ravana, lying on the ground, like a heap of black collyrium. All of them fell on the body of Ravana. As they were soooo many, many of them could not get even an inch of the body of Ravana. One hundred of them were able to get a finger of a hand of Ravana, and very many had to be satisfied by holding a companion, who was lucky enough to get hold of some part of Ravana's body, including a finger.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> They started to lament like the following.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">"It is unbelievable that that Ravana, by whom <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indra" target="_blank">Indra </a>was thrown into fear, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yama" target="_blank">Yama </a>struck with terror, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubera" target="_blank">Kubera </a>was deprived of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vimana#Ramayana" target="_blank">Pushpaka</a>, lies killed in the battle-field, that too by a mortal. Here lies Ravana, killed in battle, by a man who came walking from Ayodhya. The great Ravana, who was incapable of being killed by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_(Hinduism)" target="_blank">Suras</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaksha" target="_blank">Yakshashas</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asura" target="_blank">Asuras </a>is killed by a mortal human far inferior in strength.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "It is very unfortunate that your own death is caused because Seetha was borne away by you. Had you listened to the sane and sensible advice of Vibhishana, your beloved brother, you would not be lying inert and lifeless on the ground.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Had you restored Seetha to Rama, this appallingly terrific disaster, which has robbed us of every root, would not have befallen us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Your immoral act of stealing Seetha and adamant in keeping her despite all sane advice to the contrary, has caused you your life......"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> In the above manner the consorts of Ravana, depressed as they were and afflicted with grief, with their eyes full of tears, lamented like female ospreys.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">==========================================================</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-91398749792178829162016-07-17T07:14:00.001+05:302016-07-17T07:14:51.596+05:30370. The lamentation of Vibhishana.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Vibhishana, though left Ravana and joined his (i.e. Ravana's) enemy, was very much fond of his brother, Ravana. His inherent love and affection for his brother, Ravana, burst out seeing him lying down dead in the battle field. Vibhishana could not help lamenting "O my dear bro! I could not bear the sight of you lying killed on the ground, though you are highly worthy of turning towards lofty beds, No one is more valiant, celebrated and prudent in polity than you. Your long arms decked with armlets, are now motionless and your diadems, brilliant as the sun, are knocked down. How nice it would have been had you not done the </span><span style="font-size: large;">hideous </span><span style="font-size: large;">act for which you are made to lie lifeless on the ground.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "O my dear valiant brother! This would not have happened had you accepted my advice. Unfortunately you were overcome with sensuality and infatuation. Because of your arrogance, as well as that of Prahasta, Indrajit, Kumbhakarna, Atiratha and Narantaka, you did not agree to my sane and sensible counsel, the consequence of it has come now.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "You, the foremost hero of all heroes, who wield weapons, has fallen on the ground. The established rule of well-conducted persons has gone. The incarnation of virtue has departed. The epitome of strength has gone. </span><span style="font-size: large;">The refuge of eulogies has gone out of sight. The sun has fallen to the earth. The moon has merged in darkness. Fire has extinguished its flames and a strenuous effort has become inactive.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "What is remaining in this world now, when Ravana the foremost of rakshashas, is at present lying in everlasting sleep in the dust? With firmness for its shoot, endurance for its excellent blossom, asceticism for its strength, and valour for its firm root, the large tree in the shape of Ravana has been crushed in the battle-field, by the tempest in the shape of Rama.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "With sharpness for its tusks, the line of ancestors for its back-bone, anger for its lower parts and graciousness for its proboscis, the elephant in rut in the shape of Ravana is lying inert on the ground, its body having been overthrown by a lion in the shape of Rama. With prowess and power for its expanded flames, sighs for its smoke and his native strength for its glowing heat, the blazing fire in the shape of Ravana, the rakshash has been extinguished in the battle-field by the rainy cloud in the shape of Rama.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "With the rakshashas for its tail, hump and horn and fickleness for its ears and eyes, the bull in the shape of Ravana the rakshash, the conqueror of its enemies, which vied with the wind in energy, is lying dead, struck down by a tiger in the shape of Rama, the ruler of the earth."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Seeing Vibhishana in deep sorrow mourning the death of his dear brother, Rama pacified him by</span><span style="font-size: large;"> "My dear Vibhi! Ravana did not die in battle without making an effort. He has fallen in combat, even though he was endowed with terrible prowess and exhibited extraordinary enthusiasm of a very exalted type and remained confident throughout.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">"In the past, none has ever been exclusively victorious in a combat. A hero either had been killed by his adversaries or had killed the enemies, in battle. Such is the destiny proclaimed by the ancients, as highly esteemed for a warrior. A warrior killed in battle, is not to be mourned. Such is the ascertainment of the sacred scriptures.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Therefore, containing your grief, proceed with what honour is due to him."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Vibhishana replied Rama "My dear brother had never been conquered before in battles, including deities lead by </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indra" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Indra</a><span style="font-size: large;">. He had given lavish gifts to mendicants. He was a connoisseur of </span><span style="font-size: large;">pleasures, which he enjoyed very much. The king's servants were fully maintained. Riches were made over to friends. Grudges against enemies were revenged. He maintained a perpetually sacred fire. He practiced great religious austerities. He completely mastered Vedas, the sacred scriptures. He was highly proficient even in the ritual acts. I desire to do, with you graciousness, that which is to be performed to him, who has departed to the other world."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Rama, nodding in agreement, advised Vibhishana to perform the funeral rites to his departed brother. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">=================================================================</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-75891103706549154352016-07-16T07:41:00.000+05:302016-07-16T07:41:41.925+05:30369. Ravana was killed by Rama.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Matali was wondering why Rama was just dilly-dallying and not killing that rakshash. Matali did not expect that the battle between Rama and Ravana would be taking so long and without any break. After thinking for a while, he thought that Rama was tired, too and hence could not think clearly and was acting involuntarily. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Matali, therefore, decided to refresh the memory of Rama and told him "Sir! Why are you still dragging on the battle with Ravana. Why don't you finish him? Have you forgotten that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmastra" target="_blank">Brahmaastra </a>would do the trick?"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Rama, who was remin<span style="font-family: inherit;">ded thus by Matali, thanked him and took hold of the </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmastra" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Brahmaastra </a> looking like hissing serpent. It</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">was given to him by the sage, Agastya earlier in the battle</span>-field. It was made specifically for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indra" target="_blank">Indra</a>, by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahma" target="_blank">Brahma</a>. It was bestowed to those who were considered worthy of it. Sometimes some unworthy rakshashas got it. It was said to be more powerful than a nuclear device like a hydrogen bomb. As such it was being used very, very sparingly when any other weapon proved to be of no use.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Rama thanked Matali again for the timely helpful suggestion. </span><span style="font-size: large;">He, then made it as powerful as it was meant to be by following the procedure specified in scriptures. Rama then fixed that arrow and was preparing himself to hurl it toward that rakshash, Ravana. The mere indication that the all-powerful <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astra_(weapon)" target="_blank">astra </a>was about to be hurled towards the enemy,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> all beings were frightened and the earth trembled. When Rama hurled it toward that rakshash, it, ignoring <span style="font-family: inherit;">all the weapons hurled by Ravana to stop it, promptly hit Ravana's chest.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> After taking the life of Ravana from his body, that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astra_(weapon)" target="_blank">astra</a>, anointed with his blood, penetrated the earth.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> After duly satisfying itself that it had accomplis</span>hed its mission, that arrow re-entered its bed (i.e. the quiver of Rama) silently and fell asleep.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The lifeless body of Ravana fell down from the chariot on to the ground, like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vritra" target="_blank">Vritra</a>, when he was struck down by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vajra" target="_blank">vajra</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> It is needless to specifically state that the entire army of Ravana, seeing the dead body of their king, ran away. And that made all the vanaras very happy and feeling triumphant. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Then the cheerful outlet of the deities who were watching the duel reverberated in the sky. Very pleasant winds, carrying divine odour, emanated from there and embraced Rama and all others in his army. They showered lots of fascinating flowers on the chariot of Rama.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> All of them cried in joy "well done! Bravo!", combined with a panegyric in praise of Rama.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">====================================================</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-23616972726479615372016-07-13T23:53:00.001+05:302016-07-13T23:53:40.586+05:30368. The final battle between Rama and Ravana.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Then ensued a fierce and a prolonged epical duel between Rama and Ravana. The clatter created during that duel was frightful to all the worlds. Both the armies of the rakshashas and vanaras were absolutely spellbound watching that duel. They stood motionless with utter fascination forgetting the fact that they had to fight their enemies.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Looking at their respective hero i.e. Rama for the vanaras and Ravana for the rakshashas, in amazement they were standing absolutely motionless. The deities watching the duel from the firmament were wondering whether all of them were turned into statues.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> The favorable portents indicating his winning the battle made Rama a more competent and fearless fighter. The portents indicating the end of Ravana made him angry and determine to fight with all the resources at his disposal and employing his best nay better than than his best prowess and ability.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Whatever arrows and missiles hurled by Ravana towards Rama were warded off by counter arrows and missiles by Rama.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Ravana then tried to disable the horses of the chariot of Rama with blazing arrows. Being divine horses, they were neither shaken nor stumbled when hit by the arrows. They simply snorted.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Ravana tried maces, iron bludgeons, discs, iron clubs, mountain-tops, trees, spikes and axes without any effect on Rama, his chariot etc. Ravana then tried streams of missiles as a creation of magic and also thousands of arrows. There is no need for me to mention that all of them were made noneffective by Rama.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Realizing he could not make any dent on Rama or his chariot, including the charioteer and the horses, Ravana diverted his attack on the army of vanaras on all sides, for a change.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> The way in which Ravana was fighting clearly indicated that he lost all hope of victory. However, he was fighting with all his prowess, expertise, effectiveness, mastery etc. </span><span style="font-size: large;">He completely covered the sky with his arrows. Due to that dazzling shower of arrows employed by both the warriors, the shining sky looked like a second sky built with arrows. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Sometime later, the further influx of arrows from both the duelists made the sky bereft of even a breathing space.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> The top two warriors of that time, Ravana and Rama carried out the fight well with sharp arrows. Rama succeeded in downing the flag-staff of Ravana.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Rama and Ravana </span><span style="font-size: large;">did not relent even for an iota of a second even when severely wounded. On the other hand they strolled in the battle-field like two clouds pouring showers.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> Rama hit the four splendid horses of Ravana in such a way that they were not severely wounded, but were made to feel very uncomfortable ipso facto </span><span style="font-size: large;">retreat</span><span style="font-size: large;">. This made Ravana very angry which was what Rama wanted. Rama also expected that the anger would make Ravana fight erratically, but that did not happen. The angry Ravana fought more ferociously wounding Rama severely. Rama bore the brunt of the arrows of Ravana with a smile. He did not get upset or totter.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Ravana then tried to irritate and anger Rama by attacking Matali, Indra's charioteer, by arrows with a sound similar to that of a thunder-bolt. As Matali had faced and would be facing very many ferocious and powerful enemies as the charioteer to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indra" target="_blank">Indra</a>, he was well protected by the weapons hurled toward him. As such the arrows of great speed from the bow of Ravana falling on Matali's body, did not cause even a little of bewilderment or hurt on him in that battle.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Rama became very angry for the attack on Matali. Rama then hurled thousands of arrows on the chariot of that rakshash, Ravana. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Ravana then retaliated by showering innumerable maces and mallets on Rama. The battle thus turned highly tumultuous, causing one's hair to stand erect. With the sounds of maces, mallets and iron rods and with the gusts raised by the plumes adorning the flying arrows, the seven agitated oceans were disquieted. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Thousands of all <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danava_(Hinduism)" target="_blank">danavas</a> and pannagas (some kind of serpents), inhabiting the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patala" target="_blank">Patala</a>, felt disturbed. The entire earth, including mountains, groves and forests trembled. The sun too became gloomy and the wind did not blow.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> That battle between Rama and Ravana created such apprehension to all the worlds similar to the one that would be felt by the people of this our Earth when a nuclear war starts between some mighty nations.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Deciding to take drastic action, Rama hurled a very powerful serpent-like arrow on Ravana. It duly chopped off a head of Ravana, which was graced with blazing ear-rings. Everyone, including the zealous deities and others like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danava_(Hinduism)" target="_blank">danavas </a>and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asura" target="_blank">asuras </a>watching the battle avidly from the firmament saw that head falling on the ground. </span><span style="font-size: large;">They also saw another head, exactly similar to that fallen head, popping up from the shoulders of Ravana. That second head was again chopped off by Rama with his arrow with the same result. Rama was highly irritated to see that whenever he cut a head of that rakshash, another one grew up. Rama chopped off a few scores of the heads of Ravana. Every fallen head was immediately replaced by another.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Vexed Rama became thoughtful. He was thinking very hard as to how that rakshash could be killed. Don't think that Rama became susceptible to the attacks of Ravana because he was thinking hard over something else. He was not like you and me. He was an ashtavadhani (i.e. One who does eight things at a time). May be more. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> In view of the above, though Rama was deeply absorbed in thought, he remained vigilant in the battle-field. He showered streams of arrows on Ravana's chest. Ravana retaliated by showering maces and mallets on Rama.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"> This battle continued for seven days. Wonder whether there was any lunch break, break for drinks etc.? The answer is an </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">emphatic </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">NO</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">. It is categorically stated by Maharish Valmiki that '</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">There was no respite in that battle between Rama and Ravana, either in the night or in the day or for an hour or even for a instant."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">नैव रात्रिं न दिवसं न मुहूर्तं न च क्षणम् |</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">रामरावणयोर्युद्धं विराममुपगच्छति ||</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-35894661518021944452016-07-13T07:22:00.000+05:302016-07-13T23:17:10.178+05:30367. Prelude to the final battle.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> The charioteer of Ravana was feeling very happy that he was able to convince his king about taking him in the chariot away from the battle field. Within his mind he thanked Ravana for the wonderful gift and prayed that his master and king Ravana may live forever or at at least till he himself lives. Thrilled with rapture, that charioteer, happily drove forward the chariot towards Rama in the battle field.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Rama was able to see that chariot, even when it was at a distance. He observed that it was coming quite fast with a noise, bearing a large flag-staff, yoked with black horses, endowed with a terrific luster of the sun, filled with lightning-like flags and with a beautiful appearance of a rain-bow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">When that chariot came nearer, Rama noticed that that rakshash was releasing streams of arrows, like a cloud releasing streams of rain, with a noise like that of a bursting mountain, in the direction of Rama. Rama, getting ready to defend and retaliate, told Matali, the charioteer “O Matali! </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">From the way in which that rakshash is rolling forward with a great speed in his chariot, </span><span style="font-size: large;">it seems that he is determined to get himself killed by me </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">in the battle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“I, surely will oblige him. Please drive the chariot in front of him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> “I would not be presumptuous to give any instructions to you, who is the charioteer to Indra. </span><span style="font-size: large;">However, </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">as I am </span><span style="font-size: large;">keen</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">to fight with a close attention, I am just reminding you and not giving you any directions nor instructions."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Extremely pleased with those unpresumptuous words of Rama, Matali, the charioteer of Indra, felt highly gratified and elated. He wanted to do something which would irritate Ravana and produce that magnificent, superb, glorious, sublime, lovely and delightful smile on the face of Rama. With a mischievous smile, Matali passed his immense chariot through the right of the chariot of Ravana in such a way a good lot of dust raised from the hooves of his horses as well as from the wheels of his chariot were thrown on that of Ravana. Ravana, who himself</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">was</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> also covered with the dust, in addition to the fine layer of dust all over his chariot, was irritated and angry. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The enraged Ravana then, with his coppery eyes wide open, hurled on Rama, who stood facing his chariot, many arrows.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Rama holding the bow of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indra" target="_blank">Indra,</a> which was supposed to be much better than most of all other bows, hurled arrows of enormous power and speed and were shining like sun-beams. Then began that great epical battle of all times between the two top warriors of that time viz. Rama and Ravana, each one of them desirous of killing the other.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> All the deities in </span><span style="font-size: large;">the firmament, which was overcrowded,</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> were sure that Rama would kill that vicious rakshash Ravana in that battle, . All of them wanted to assist Rama in some </span><span style="font-size: large;">subtle way. They, therefore, caused </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">terrific portents that would appear to give an augury of doom to Ravana and prosperity to Rama.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Seeing the portents that were inimical to him made Ravana irritated and worried.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Pleasant and auspicious omens, depicting victory of Rama appeared on all the sides of Rama. Seeing the pleasant omens predicting his victory, Rama was very much pleased and his self-confidence increased enormously, which in turn enhanced his prowess in that combat.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-13596455770617149782016-07-11T23:50:00.000+05:302016-07-11T23:50:27.047+05:30366. Sage Agastya advised Rama to pray the Sun.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> The deities, sages, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinnara" target="_blank">Kinnaras </a>etc. watching the fight between Rama and Ravana from the firmament were anxious that Rama should kill that rakshash. When they saw that Ravana was returning to the battle field their anxiety grew more and they were thinking what to do to ensure the end of that rakshash. Sensing the mood of the other spectators, Sage Agastya decided to act. He along with some of the deities went to Rama who was getting ready to face Ravana who was returning in his chariot to the battle field. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> Hi! Reader! If you wanna hear what the sage told Rama in their mother-tongue viz. Sanskrit, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvdQ4dSRyuk" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #38761d;">As English translation is also given there, you may skip the rest of this chapter, if you so desire</span>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> He told Rama</span><span style="font-size: large;"> "O my lad! Let me tell you the eternal secret, by which you can conquer all your enemies in battle. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "This holy hymn dedicated to the Sun deity will ensure in destroying all enemies and bring you victory and never ending supreme bliss.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "This hymn is supreme and is a guarantee of complete prosperity and is the destroyer of sin, anxiety, anguish and is the bestower of longevity.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Worship Him, who stretch his innumerable rays when he has completely risen, and who is held in reverence by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_(Hinduism)" target="_blank">devas </a>and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asura" target="_blank">asuras</a>, and who is the Lord of the universe by whose effulgence all and everything brighten.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "He indeed represent the totality of all celestial beings. He is self-luminous and sustains all with his rays. He nourishes and energizes the inhabitants of all the worlds and the race of </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_(Hinduism)" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">devas</a><span style="font-size: large;"> and </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asura" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">asuras</a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "He is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahma" target="_blank">Brahma</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnu" target="_blank">Vishnu</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva" target="_blank">Shiva</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kartikeya" target="_blank">Skanda </a>and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prajapati" target="_blank">Prajapati</a>. He is also Mahendra (=Shiva), <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubera" target="_blank">kubera</a>, kala, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yama" target="_blank">yama</a>, soma (Moon deity) and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varuna" target="_blank">varuna</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "He is the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitrs" target="_blank">pitrs</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasu" target="_blank">vasus</a>, sadhyas, aswini devas, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maruts" target="_blank">maruts</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manu_(Hinduism)" target="_blank">manu</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vayu" target="_blank">vayu</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agni" target="_blank">agni</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prana" target="_blank">prana </a>and, being the source of all energy and light, is the maker of all the six seasons.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "He is the son of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aditi" target="_blank">Aditi</a>, creator of the universe, inspirer of action, transverser of the heavens. He is the sustainer, illumination of all directions, the golden hued brilliance and is the maker of the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "He is Omnipresent and pervades all with countless rays. He is the power behind the seven sense organs, the dispeller of darkness, bestower of happiness and prosperity, the remover of misfortunes and is the infuser of life.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "He is the primordial being manifesting as the Trinity. He ushers in the Day and is the teacher. He is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiranyagarbha" target="_blank">Hiranyagarbha</a>, and has a vast and supreme felicity. He is the remover of intellectual frost.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "He is the Lord of the firmament, dispeller of darkness. Master of all the vedas and a friend of the waters. He causes rain. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "He, whose form is circular and is colored yellow, is intensely absorbed and inflicts death. He is the destroyer of all and is Omniscient and exceedingly energetic and sustains the universe and all action.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "He is the lord of stars, planets and all constellations. He is the origin of everything in the universe and is the cause of the lustre of even the brilliant ones. Salutations to Thee who is the One being manifest in the twelve forms of the Sun.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Salutations to the Eastern and western mountain, Salutations to the Lord of the stellar bodies and the Lord of the Day.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Salutations to the One who ordains victory and the prosperity that follows. Salutations to the one possessed of yellow steeds and to the thousand rayed Lord, and to Aditya.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Salutations to the Terrible one, the hero, the one who travels fast. Salutations to the one whose emergence makes the lotus blossom and to the fierce and omnipotent one.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Salutations to the Lord of Brahma, shiva and Achyuta. "Salutations to the powerful and to the effulgence in the Sun that is both the illuminator and devourer of all and is of a form that is fierce like Rudra.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Salutations to the transcendental atman that dispels darkness, drives away all fear, and destroys all foes. Salutations also to the annihilator of the ungrateful and to the Lord of all the stellar bodies.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Salutations to the Lord shining like molten gold, to the transcendental fire, the fire of supreme knowledge, the architect of the universe, destroyer of darkness and salutations again to the effulgence that is the Cosmic witness.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Salutations to the Lord who destroys everything and creates them again. Salutations to Him who by His rays consumes the waters, heats them up and sends them down as rain.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Salutations to the Lord who abides in the heart of all beings keeping awake when they are asleep. He is both the sacrificial fire and the fruit enjoyed by the worshipers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "The Sun is verily the Lord of all actions in this universe. He is verily the vedas, the sacrifices mentioned in them and the fruits obtained by performing the sacrifices.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Raghava, one who recites this hymn in times of danger, during an affliction or when lost in the wilderness and having fear, he will not lose heart and will become brave and confident.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Raghava, worship this Lord of all Gods and the Universe with one-pointed devotion. Recite this hymn thrice and you will win this battle.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "O mighty armed one, you shall triumph over Ravana this very moment." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Having said what he wanted, Agastya joined his pals in the firmament. And the mind of Rama was cleared and was infused with the confidence of victory.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> He was greatly pleased and felt that he became more brave and energetic.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Gazing at the sun with devotion, he recited this hymn thrice and experienced bliss.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Purifying Himself by sipping water thrice, He took up his bow with his mighty arms. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Without any apprehension whatsoever, Rama eagerly awaited Ravana</span><span style="font-size: large;">. Seeing Rama, determined to kill Ravana, the sun-god, blessed him victory.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6385993055796837431.post-45010060998284394622016-07-08T23:40:00.001+05:302016-07-08T23:40:36.380+05:30365. Ravana returns to the battle field.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> A few minutes of rest cleared Ravana's mind. When he opened wide all his twenty eyes and looking hither and thither, he realized what happened. And he became highly angry with his charioteer. He shouted at his charioteer "O! you lousy skunk! What the hell have you done? All the worlds will now think me as a coward. Despising me as though I am bereft of manliness, incapable, deficient in prowess, cowardly, petty-minded, devoid of energy, bereft of brilliance, deserted of conjuring tricks and abandoned by mystic missiles. You made everyone think I got scared and ran away from the battle field. Why have you carried away this chariot of mine, thus humiliating me in the presence of my enemies?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> "Stupid fellow! Today you have erased my fame which was earned through a long period, prowess, vital power and the trust of people. While my adversary, having an illustrious prowess and making all the onlookers delightful through feats of his valour, stood looking on proudly, you made me a laughing stock of all the worlds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> "Tell me who enticed you to do such an act that will bring ill fame for me. This act, which has been done by you, is only befitting of enemies. This is indeed not the work of a friend, who wishes me well. If you consider yourself very faithful to me, drive back the chariot swiftly to the battle field."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The harsh and angry words of of the irritated Ravana</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">pained</span><span style="font-size: large;"> very much his absolutely loyal charioteer. With tears brimming his eyes he politely entreated his master and king Ravana "Your Majesty! I was neither frightened nor stupid. I was not bribed by the enemies. My act was not a blunder. I was not disloyal to you. I have not forgotten the benefits conferred by you time and again. And I assure you, sir, I am absolutely and totally loyal to you and will remain so till my last moment of life. I thought that a few moments of rest will bring back your prowess, valour etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> "O monarch! Once again I assure you that I am totally loyal to you and I assure you that I will not take any action involving you which is not beneficial to you. I understood and realized your exhaustion due to your strenuous fighting in the battle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> "The horses of the chariot were broken down and were exhausted. They became miserable and thoroughly fatigued, like the cows lashed by heavy rain. I was seeing inauspicious portends. Sir, you know very well that one of the important duties of a charioteer is to evaluate portents as to whether it is propitious or unpropitious, time and place, good or bad, facial as also the strength and weakness of the warrior occupying the chariot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> "I have been taught that the eminences and the depressions of the ground as well as the parts which are level and rugged, the time appropriate for the combat and the visible weak points of the enemy must be evaluated by a charioteer. I have also been taught when and how to arrive and retreat, how and when to hold one's position and to recede by me as a charioteer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> "In view of the above I humbly submit that the action taken by me was quite appropriate. It would give rest to you and these horses.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Your Majesty! If you are still not satisfied with my explanation, command me what am I to do now."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Satisfied with the explanation given by his charioteer and applauding him in many ways, Ravana gave him an ornament from his neck and told his charioteer to take the chariot back to the battle field. The happy charioteer promptly obeyed and started the chariot towards Rama in the battle field.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564851714531168374noreply@blogger.com0