96. Rama promised aegis to the sages.

                        After the Sage Sharabhanga's departure to Brahma's abode, groups of sages assembled and approached Rama.Those groups were Vaikahanasas, who were born out of the nails of Prajaapati, the first ruler of mankind, Vaalakhilyaas, those born from His hair, and those from the water of His feet wash, and those who thrived on drinking rays of sun and moon alone, and those who pounded with stones and others who thrived on leaves alone. Some of them used their own teeth to grid the grain they eat, and some who performed ascesis in neck-deep water, and some who slept with their head resting on their shoulders or on chests without using any kind of bed, and some who were meditating without any repose sitting in an enclosure without any leg-space. And some sages whose food was water alone, air alone to some, some who were meditating staying in sky and some who slept on the bare ground. And some were dwellers on high-peaked places with their senses controlled, and some were wearers of wet cloths, always reciting the name of some God or hymn japa and like that some who meditated with five kinds of fire around them.
              All had Vedic resplendence and firm yogic control, and they arrived at the hermitage of the Sage Sharabhanga for the specific purpose of meeting Rama. 
              They told Rama "You who is born in Ikshvaku dynasty are the protector of earth. You are well renowned in all the three worlds by your repute and valour. All of us know you for your righteousness.
             "O, Rama, we require your protection.  See those hermitages which are dilapidated and forsaken. This is due to the acts by Rakshashas.  Come and see the bodies of the sages variously killed by the ghastly Rakshashas in this forest. At Pampa riverside, and alongside of River Mandakini, and at the surroundings of Mt. Chitrakuta, this hideous massacre is continuing. We are completely helpless against their cruelty. Therefore we request you to be our protector.
           "It looks that our earnest prayers are answered now by the almighty God. Heard and knowing well about you, anyone other than you, could not even dream of facing the cruel, mighty, inhuman, savage, atrocious, merciless, cold-blooded, malevolent and heartless rakshashas.  Please protect us from the rakshashas."
            Rama looked benignly at the sages and told them
"I totally disapprove the way you spoke to me. As a kshatriya it is my duty to protect those who require protection. Command me, for I am at your behest. I, for my personal purpose had to enter the forest. I entered this forest as ordered by my father. Nevertheless I will stay here and protect you from the Rakshashas. 
          "Perchance I have come for your protection.  If I could be of some service to you, then dwelling in this forest will immensely be fruitful to me. I will, certainly eliminate those dreadful rakshashas." Thus Rama promised the sages. After 
promising his aegis to the sages, Rama journeyed towards Sage Suteekshna with Lakshmana and Seetha.  All the sages acompanied him up to the hermitage of the sage Suteekshna.
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95. Rama meets the Sage Sharabhanga.

             The going was not found to be smooth. It made Rama remark ”This forest is more impassable than the ones I have come across. As we are not forest inhabitants the going is more tough. Let’s try to walk a bit faster to get quickly to that ascetically rich sage Sharabhanga."
             After some laborious and strenuous walk, they sighted the hermitage of the Sage Sharabhanga, a sage with a divine effect and the one with a purified soul. All the three exclaimed "Oh!!!" on  seeing a great wonder near the hermitage of Sharabhanga.
            They were seeing a god like person, with a radiant body that had the coupled radiance of Sun and Fire, mounted on a great chariot that did not touch the earth, wearing greatly brilliant ornaments and attired in spotless dress, while the other persons, obviously divinities, were attending, and many more selfsame great-souls were worshipping him. Rama saw that the chariot was yoked with green horses traversing in the firmament, which in its splendour was either like the noontime sun, or a cluster of silver clouds, or like the silver sphere of the moon. Rama correctly guessed that the person on the chariot was Indra, himself.
          Rama then noticed the stainless parasol of Indra, marvelously garlanded and shining forth, and the exemplary and invaluable royal fanning instruments with golden handles, which two most exquisite female celestials were handling and fanning the either side of Indra's head with them.
          And the celestials like gandharvas, amaras(=devas), siddhaas and very many great sages as well were extolling Indra who was abiding in the firmament. The three noticed that Indra was speaking to the sage Sharabhanga. Rama then told his brother  “Lakshmana see this wonderful chariot that includes effulgence and auspiciousness as well, and that abides in the firmament, and highly luminous like the Sun. Don't you remember our teachers telling us about the horses belonging to Indra, the Chief Invitee in Vedic rituals. See these divinely green horses that now abide in the firmament. Definitely these must be Indra’s horses.
             “And look at those hundreds and hundreds of men around Indra looking magnificent, glitzy, splendid and youthful with their ear-ornaments and swords in hands, with wide and broad chests, with club shaped arms, and clad in glimmering red garments, all look like tigers, unapproachable, wearing ornamental chains on their chest-place that are akin to flaring fires, and in their appearance they all bear a look of a twenty-five years old. They must be devas.
           "The age factor of devas remains constant at the age that appears for these nice-looking men, so they say. For devas are immortals and they will look young. Stay for a moment Lakshmana along with Vaidehi, until I know clearly about that resplendent one on that chariot."  Rama then moved towards the hermitage of the Sage Sharabhanga.
            On seeing Rama approaching them, Indra  bade farewell to the Sage Sharabhanga and then told the devas attending him "Here comes Rama. He cannot talk to me now. I will talk to him at the appropriate time".
            Then Indra vanished with his chariot pulled by the green horses. 
Comment: Vishnu is said to have instructed all the divinities to not to talk to him during his human incarnation on earth as Rama. If any divine being comes into direct contact and conducts a dialogue, Rama's identity as Vishnu will be revealed, and Ravana will comprehend that and then would seek to get his boon modified viz. not to be killed by any divine being or a human. Ravana can be ended only by Rama, but not by others. Hence, Indra departed from there before the arrival of Rama.
End Comment.           
            Seeing that Indra did not care to see him, Rama went back to his wife and brother and all the three proceeded to the hermitage of the Sage Sharabhanga, whom they saw sitting nearby the altar of fire.
            Entering silently the trio paid  appropriate homage to the Sage Sharabhanga.  As bid by the sage they sat in front of him. Seeing from the expression on the faces of his visitors, the sage told smilingly "Oh! Rama, Indra came to take me to Brahma's abode, where I have made a reservation by my arduous ascesis.  But something in me nudged me that you are coming to see me. I therefore declined to accompany Indra for the time being.
Comment: Sage Sharabhanga, with the power he got from his ascesis came to know that Vishnu(in human guise as Rama) was coming to him. As receiving Rama in his hermitage was more important for him than going to Brahma's abode he declined to accompany Indra. The sage obtained the power to go to the Satyaloka anytime. But seeing Rama, who is now a human incarnate, with his own human eyes was the foremost priority for that Sage. Secondly, ascending to heavens with mortal body is an impracticable affair - Remember the Trisanku episode? - Hence the mortal body is to be cast off here only. If that mortal body is cast off, as per the extant rules, the sage's mortal eyes cannot see Rama. After going to Brahma's abode one (even a sage like Sharabhanga) cannot return as an earthling. Hence seeing and receiving Rama was his topmost priority now.
End Comment.
          "Oh! Rama, I feel so happy to see you. I hereby offer you all that I have achieved by my ascesis and penance. This will be much more gratifying to me than the Brahma's abode achieved by me."
Comment: The sage is dedicating all his achievements of penance unto god, without any ahamtva buddhi , mine-ness. This is called phala samarpaNa. The fruits of pious achievements are to be dedicated in the divine without the concept 'I am the doer thus I shall enjoy...' Even in the daily worship we are supposed to dedicate all that we have done, with oblating water saying ' karomi yad yat sakalam parsmai naaraayaNaayeti samarpayaami... ' i.e. Whatever is done, in all its entirety, I dedicate it unto the Supreme...' And Govindaraja observes, whatever that was acquired by the sage was his wealth. So the heavenly abodes were his only wealth as of now, and they all were surrendered to Rama, as guest-worship.
End Comment.              
              Rama replied with a smile " Thank you Great Saint. I think that I can gain all those worlds myself by doing my duties scrupulously. I now seek a place to dwell here in this forest. I request you to suggest a place for that."
              Sage Sharabhanga replied "I think that you should approach the sage Suteekshna for this purpose." The sage then explained as to how to reach the hermitage of the sage Suteekshna.
             Then the sage looked at Rama and requested him to stay for some more time till he sheds his human body and goes to Satyaloka.
Comment: Sage Sharabhanga actually said, "eSha panthaa naravyaaghraH" meaning that 'this is the only recourse, oh, manly-tiger.' Here Rama asked Sage Sharabhanga to show a place to dwell. Sharabhanga's hermitage itself will now become vacant after the sage's ascension to heavens. But it was not shown to Rama to stay; instead yet another distant place was shown. All these Sages and Saints pointed only one path that Rama, Seetha and Lakshmana had to travel, i.e., towards Ravana, the evil on earth. From here they were directed to Sage Suteekshna's hermitage, there from to Sage Agastya's hermitage, and there from, to still deeper place in forests, called Panchavati. According to Kaikeyi's demand, Rama need not travel this far, but could have resided in some near-about forests of River Ganga. But one after the other, either rakshashas who became celestials or sages who were going to become divinities, all usher Rama southward, i.e., towards the dominions of rakshashas, whom Rama had to eradicate from earth. 'If Rama were to go into Panchavati, a powerful dominion of rakshashas like Khara and Duushana, alleging their loyalties to Ravana, it is definite that an encounter will ensue and Rama will start eradicating one after the other, and ultimately ending with Ravana.' This appears to be the concerted unspoken agreement of all the sages. As such Rama was asked to go on travelling towards the evil side of the earth, for all of the sages know about Rama's destination.
End Comment.             

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94. Rama released Viradha from his curse.

                The reader may be wondering why Rama allowed the rakshasha to carry him and his brother away from Seetha. The episode of Viradha assumes some importance in Hindu mythology. It may be noted that Viradha put down Seetha, lifted and carried Rama and Lakshmana far away from Seetha.  In Aadhyaatma Raamaayana Rama confronted and killed Viradha straight. But in Valmiki Ramayana, Viradha took away Seetha first and then Rama and Lakshmana. The reasons are said to be that i) Rama does not kill or execute anyone in the presence of Seetha, ii) Seetha is the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi who is said to be very benevolent and kind-hearted and as such would not like any killing in her presence, and iii) she would pardon anyone if surrendered in faith at her feet. In Skaanda Purana Viradha's episode is explained as
       On seeing Seetha, Viradha thought, 'She is the Supreme goddess through whom heavens can be obtained by salvation and also release from the bondage [of rakshasha body]. On just seeing Her, relieved is this body cage, so with all my devotion, I steal Her ....etc. Hence vi raadha meant to be verily, devout, like Radha of Krishna. When chased and hurt by Rama and Lakshmana, the rakshasha released Seetha, and carried both the brothers away (for getting killed and get a release from this body).             
                 Seetha was completely stunned seeing Rama and Lakshmana  being carried away like kids by that rakshasha. She shouted at Viradha to carry her instead of them.
               The pitiable cry of agony of Seetha made Rama and Lakshmana  to quickly finish off the Rakshasha. With a mighty blow with his sword Lakshmana severed the left arm of that Rakshasha, while Rama did that for his right arm. This made the Rakshasha dizzy. And he fell onto the ground like a mountain demolished by the Thunderbolt of Indra. The brothers were relentless. They battered him with their fists, hands and feet, and heaving and hurling him again and again and pounded him. Viradha was very much alive despite the fact that he was battered with many arrows, lost both his hands, and was being pounded on the ground. Rama was puzzled. In a few moments he decided the course of action to be taken. Accordingly he placed his right foot firmly on the chest of Viradha to prevent him to make even a very slight move and told Lakshmana "Bro, this creature clings to his life like a very powerful glue. The best course is to bury him deep so that he will stay there, alive or dead, permanently.  Please dig a very deep pit to hold this huge body while I keep him stay put."  
             Suddenly the Rakshasha  spoke. He said "Sir! Sorry I didn't recognize you earlier. I knew you to be Rama, your brother Lakshmana, your mom Kausalya and even Seetha, your goddess like wife.
            "Actually I am a gandharva named Tumburu. Kubera cursed me to become a Rakshasha for the trivial reason that I did not attend to the service he wanted me to. I could not because I was just philandering with the exquisite Ramba (one of the many Apsaras).
            "When I begged his pardon, Kubera relented and said 'You know that a curse is a curse; I cannot take it back. You will get back to your normal body when Dasharatha's eldest son Rama kills you in a fight. 
             ”Oh, Sir, at some distance from here Sage Sharabhanga, a great saint of virtue, and an efficacious sage with sun-like resplendence dwells. I suggest you approach him for advise.  Rama, please go ahead burying me in a pit. This is the age old custom for those rakshashas who lost vitality." 
             When Lakshmana finished digging the pit big enough to hold the body of Viradha, Rama lifted the inert body of the Rakshasha and flung into the pit. And within the pit they have also concealed him with boulders in order to make it a burial chamber to the departed soul. Then both the brothers covered the pit with earth very firmly.
             Then collecting the relieved Seetha they started towards the hermitage of the sage Sharabhanga.
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93. A conflict with Viradha.

          Hearing the prattle of Lakshmana, the mighty rakshasha Viradha guffawed making the earth around tremble. Then in his turn that Rakshasha Viradha, with his gruesome voice filling the forest asked "Who are you and where are you going?"
           Repressing his anger Rama told him about his Ikshvaku dynasty. "Know us as Kshatriyas with ennobled bearing, and we are trekking the forest. Now we wish to know about you." 
           Viradha replied "Okay.  I am the son of Java and my mother is Shatahradaa.  All rakshashas on earth call me Viradha. By the boon I got from Brahma, I can neither be cut, nor slit, nor killed with any weapon in this world. Leave off this lady without any yearning for her, and you expeditiously flee away as you have come. Because of the lovely present I got from you I am sparing your lives. Get lost, fast."
           Rama said calmly "I will not go without my dear wife. Release her immediately, else I will kill you." And at the same time, stringing his bow Rama shot some seven very powerful arrows. The arrows dressed with peacock feathers as their fins, flew like infernos and  on piercing the body of Viradha fell on the ground besmirched with blood. The rakshasha then placed Vaidehi down on the ground, hauled up his spear, and very angrily rushed towards daring pair. And holding fast his spear resembling Indra's Flagstaff, he rushed to the brothers. Rama and Lakshmna rained arrows on Viradha.  But that highly horrendous rakshshasha laughed at that shower of arrows, and standing for a while he yawned. And on his yawning and stretching his limbs, those arrows that earlier went speedily into his body, spilled out from his body with the same speed.
               Viradha threw his massive spear towards Rama and Lakshmana. Rama ripped that spear which was akin to the Thunderbolt of Indra, and that which was like a blaze in the sky, apart, with two arrows in the sky itself. Shattered by Rama’s blazing shafts that spear fell on the ground like the boulder mass of Mt. Meru when it was shattered by Indra’s Thunderbolt. Then they quickly upraised their swords and like a pair of up swinging black cobras they rapidly crashed on him, and then started battering him mightily.
            Viradha coolly grabbed the pair in his huge arms and started to go. Rams hissed at his brother "Let him carry us as he wishes."
            The arrogant Viradha lifted Rama and Lakshmana like babies, and placed them on his shoulders as one would place babies. Then he merrily started going deeper into the forest yelling very luridly.
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92. An encounter with Viradha.

BOOK III - AARANYA KANDA

           On entering the Dandaka forest Rama saw a zone of clusters of hermitages of sages. Rama saw that the hermitages were glistening forth just by the presence of the holy saints. Rama on seeing those precincts of hermitages that were graced with highly blessed Brahmans, neared it, and unstringing the bowstring of his great bow paid homage to them. Those great sages, the possessors of divine knowledge, were happy to see the trio, moved towards them and rendered Vedic blessings as a welcome.

            The guests stayed at the hermitage provided for them, for that day, and on the next day before sunrise, Rama bade farewell to all the sages, and entered deep into the forest with his wife and brother.

            They noticed that the forest was filled with very many animal herds like bears and tigers, and the trees, creepers, bushes were ruined, water ponds rendered unsightly, birds were not making any cackle, and the swarms of crickets were whistling deafeningly.  They also noticed a lurid voiced man-eater who looked like a mountain-peak, among horrendous animals. That Rakshasa was deep eyed, huge mouthed, horrible with a monstrous belly, hideously misshapen, and a very soaring, and ugly one with an appalling look. Wearing tiger's skin that was smeared with fat and dampened with blood, he was frightening all onlookers as a wide-open mouth of Death. He skewered three lions, four tigers, two wolves, ten spotted deer, and a big head of an elephant with tusks and fat on an iron spear. In short he fouled all his environment.

            On seeing Rama, Lakshmana and Seetha, yelling with a deafening voice he ran towards them very angrily. He picked up Seetha and said "You two wear cloths like hermits, but handle arrows, bows and swords like warriors. You dared to enter this Dandaka forest with your wife!  Kiss good-bye to your lives. You two seem to have only one common wife! You sinful fellows, dishonest are you ways. Who are you? you insult  sainthood."

             The name of this rakshasha was Viradha [In Sanskrit vi raadha , means without love i.e. a loveless one, and in another context it means that vi = verily, raadha adoring Krishna like Raadha]. He obviously did not comprehend the identity of the visitors. By their physique and carrying the bows and arrows, swords, etc., they looked like warriors. By their dress, hairdo, pendants etc., they looked like sages. He had so far not seen a warring sage, like Bhargava Rama alias Parashu Rama. These two men dressed like sages but looking like warriors and were moving in the deadly forests with a wife. He was said to adore Goddess Lakshmi before he was cursed to become a rakshasha, and finding that goddess in Seetha, he lifted her into his arms, like a baby. He, after admonishing Rama and Lakshmana for flaunting the sainthood, for they were moving with weapons and a wife started introducing himself. 

              "I am a rakshasha named Viradha and I will be on the rove in this forest and eating the flesh of animals and sages. I am keeping this lovely godlike woman with me. And I am going to drink the blood of you two sinful fellows."

Comment: Here Viradha said that Seetha would become his 'bhaaryaa' which [in Sanskrit] would normally means a 'wife'. However, it did not seem so in this instance as Viradha was a devotee of Goddess Lakshmi and therefore, it does not sound congruous for a devotee to say like that. Here, Aascharya Ramayana, another version of Ramayana, defines bhaarya as: bhaa luminous one; aryaaH adorable. Hence his word should mean, "this luminary is my adorable one." Further he handles Seetha like a baby, as in 3-2-16, she is said to be viraadha anka gata, gone into the arm-fold of Viradha as babies would.
End Comment. 

            Seetha in fear wiggled  like a plantain tree in a whirlwind.  Seeing her plight Rama cried "O, Lakshmana! See that illustrious princess Seetha, the daughter of the emperor Janaka, and who was brought up comfortably in immense comfort, and my auspiciously traditional wife is in the hands of that wretched rakshasha. It looks that what Kaikeyi wanted to happen to me is happening. To me, oh, Soumitri, the grief of others touching my Seetha is more than father's demise or grabbing away my kingdom. I do not know what am I to do now."

           Lakshmana hissing like a forestalled snake said with tears and anger "Oh, Rama, you being the Indra like lord of all beings, and while you are being attended by an adherent like me, what for you worry yourself like a derelict? I will make him fall down with my arrows and send him to Yama. I will make the earth drink his blood. Let me release the anger I contained when Kaikeyi desired the kingdom for Bharata, on Viradha."

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91. Rama leaves for the Dandaka Forest.

            Hearing that great story, Anasuya the knower of piety kissed Seetha's forehead and hugged her in her arms. "It was narrated sweetly and amazingly by you, in clear words and syllables. It has been indeed heard by me how all that Svayamvara, the process of self-choosing marriage took place. O, the sweet speaking Seetha! I am overjoyed hearing your story from your mouth. 
           " Oh! It is now dusk! These ascetics are returning. Though their foliage is sparse, the trees look dense all around. The animals which wander about at night are ranging everywhere. The deer of the hermitage are sleeping around the sacred altars. O, Seetha! The night richly adorned with stars has set well in motion. The moon encircled with light is seen rising in the sky. Go now. I give you leave. Be a female companion to Rama. Your sweet conversation has charmed me.
           "O, Seetha! O, Dear child! Adorn the ornaments and apparel gifted by me before my eyes and cause delight to me in embellishing yourself with heavenly jewels."
           Then Seetha, adorning herself, resembled the daughter of a god, and making obeisance to the feet of Anasuya, went forward to meet Rama. Rama, the most eloquent one, saw Seetha adorned as aforesaid and felt delighted over the charming gifts of the ascetic. Seetha then showed Rama all the affectionate gifts of Anasuya.
            Seeing the respectful treatment received by Seetha, which was very rare among human beings, Rama and Lakshmana felt highly rejoiced. Thereupon, Rama with his face resembling the moon, having been honoured by the holy ascetics, was delighted and spent that auspicious night there.
             When that night passed away, Rama and Lakshmana finished their ablutions and took leave of the ascetics who had just poured oblations into the sacred fire. Those ascetics dwelling in the forest and practising virtue told Rama and Lakshmana about the Dhandaka forest to where they were going, which was infested with rakshashas "O, Rama! Various forms of man-eating rakshashas and beasts drinking the blood are living in this great forest. They devour an ascetic or a celibate, who has not rinsed his mouth after finishing his meal or who is inattentive in this great forest. Please ward them off! O, Rama! Here is the path of the great sages, through which they fetch the fruits in this forest. It is appropriate for you to go by this path to this dangerous forest."
             Thus addressed by those Brahmanas having great asceticism, who, with joined palms paid obedience to him and blessed his journey, Rama the harasser of his foes entered the forest with his consort along with Lakshmana, as sun enters a mass of clouds.

                     End of Ayodhya Kanda.

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90. Seetha tells Anasuya the story of her marriage.

                   Seetha was very pleased with the tribute  of  Anasuya.  Seetha without any pride but with full of reverence for her, replied Anasuya "It is not a surprise that a venerable lady like you, talk to me like this. I completely agree with you that the husband is the most respectable person for a woman. Even if my husband is without fortune, he should unhesitatingly be obeyed by me. I am very fortunate and I proudly say that my husband is renowned for his virtues, compassionate, master of my heart, ever affectionate, a religious person, the manifestation of the tenderness of a mother and a father to me. The exceedingly strong Rama bears himself to all other Queens, as he exercises his behaviour towards his mother, Kausalya.
            "The valiant and pious Rama who is devoted to Dasharatha and free from all sense of importance treats as his mothers even all those women on whom Dasharatha has  bestowed a single glance on a single occasion. 
            "While departing for the forest, my mother-in-law imparted a great message to me, which I have inscribed in my heart. What my mother taught me when witnessed by the fire, earlier at the time of my marriage with Rama, I shall always remember them. O, virtuous woman! By your words, all that is being renewed. No austerity, other than obedience to one's husband is decreed for a woman.
            "Rohini, the excellent among all women, is not seen without the moon even for a single moment in the sky. Such excellent women, devoted to their husbands, and by their meritorious deeds, are highly honoured in heaven."
             Anasuya was immensely please with the modest reply of Seetha.  She kissed Seetha on the forehead and said "O, Seetha with a bright smile! I am so much happy and pleased with you. Your words are suitable for the occasion and are charming too. I am highly pleased and greatly satisfied. Tell me what good I may do for you. I have the power to grant you a boon and want to grant you one. Please ask what you want."
         Seetha was vastly surprised by the offer of a boon. With a gentle smile she replied "Everything stands fulfilled by your grace."
         Anasuya became more delighted with the reply of Seetha. She said "O, Seetha! Alas! I will create a great joy for you, which will be to your advantage. Here are divine gifts: a garland, an apparel, jewels, a scented cosmetic and a rare body-cream. These are all given by me to adorn your limbs. They will be ever worthy of you and will remain in tact even after constant use.
         "O, Seetha! Your body, anointed with these heavenly cosmetics, will cause your husband to see you as beautiful, as Lakshmi (the goddess of fortune and beauty) the consort of the imperishable Vishnu (the Lord of Preservation)."
         Seetha accepted them as unsurpassed gifts of love. Then Anasuya asked Seetha "O, Seetha!  I want to hear from you as to how you married Rama. I wish to hear that narrative in detail. Hence, tell me that tale in full."
       Then, Seetha said "A king of Mithila kingdom, named Janaka who was valiant and  righteous, was devoted to the duty of his warrior class and was ruling the earth in a fitting manner.
       "While he was furrowing a territory of land, holding a plough in his hand, it is so said that I came forth as a baby, splitting up the land, as a daughter of that king. The king Janaka, who was absorbed in scattering handfuls of seeds was surprised to see me, with all my limbs covered with dust.
Placing me personally on his lap with affection, that childless king Janaka took me as his daughter, and was very fond of me since then. It is said that a voice resembling that of a human being in the air above me rang out saying 'O, King! Let it be so. This divine child without a match is a daughter to you, rightly.'
             "Thereafter, my father the the king of Mithila kingdom was rejoiced in my possession and acquired extensive property. Performing auspicious acts gave me into the care of the chief Queen. She nourished me fondly and with maternal affection.
              "When I grew up to womanhood, my father fell a prey to anxiety like an indigent man feeling miserable by the loss of all his possessions. The father of an unmarried girl, even if he is like Indra himself on earth, suffers indignity in the world from the suitor's men, no matter whether they are equal or inferior to him.
              "For quite some time my dad could not find a suitable match for me. Many suitors offered their hands but my dear dad did not find anyone suitable for me.
              "After reflecting deeply he decided to get me a husband by Svayamvara (a process of self-choosing marriage). Many years ago my dad received with affection from Varuna the rain-god, an excellent bow with two quivers that never lacked arrows.
               "That bow was so heavy in weight that no man could even lift it up. My father stipulated that all the princes who desire to marry me, should lift and string the bow. 
               "Seeing that excellent bow, resembling a mountain in weight, and being unable to lift it up, the princes offered salutation to it and went away.
                "After a very long time, the sage Viswamitra brougt this Rama born in Raghu dynasty with a great splendour possessing a true valour, and his brother Lakshmana to witness a sacrifice. The sage Visvamitra, told to my father
'These two boys, the sons of Dasharatha wish to see that bow. Show that bow, coming from gods, to Rama the prince.' Hearing the words of Viswamitra, Janaka caused the bow to be brought to their presence. The mighty and the valiant Rama bent that bow merely within an instant and immediately stringed the bow with the bow-cord and drew the bow to the full.
             "While Rama was drawing the bow to the full, the bow was broken into two in the middle due to the resultant jerk. The terrific sound then created was like that of a falling thunderbolt. Then and there, my father true to his promise decided to bestow me on Rama, offering him a jar of pure water. But Rama did not consent to accept my hand till the consent of his father, the Lord and the king of Ayodhya was made known to him.
                     "Thereupon, my father-in-law and the king Dasharatha was invited to Mithila by my father and with his approval, I was bestowed on Rama. My younger sister Urmila was given as a consort to Lakshmana. I was given thus to Rama in that Svayamvara, a process of self-choosing marriage. I became devoted, by my good works, to my husband who is excellent among men of strength."
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