In the last post, we learned the story behind Siddhashrama, Viswamitra performing his yagna in Siddhashrama, Rama and Lakshmana protecting the yagna and slaying Mareecha, Subahu and onset of the journey to Mithila. By now, the main reason for Rama accompanying Viswamitra has been met by standing to protect his yagna. Viswamitra takes an important role in the journey of Rama by giving out mantras, astras and narrating historic tales behind persons, places. In addition, he is also the originator in accompanying Rama to Mithila and marrying Sita, which we will see subsequently. As of now, they are enroute to that place and let us delve into what holds in between.
Visvamitra embarked on this journey followed by a hundred carts filled with vedic masters. Even birds and beasts of the sanctuary followed the sage until after a while they were asked to return. With the setting of the Sun the travelers camped on the banks of the river Sona. Once the Sun had set, they bathed in the river and made offerings into the fire. Rama and Lakshmana paying their obeisance to the sages, sat in front of Visvamithra and Rama eagerly asked "what region is this, so graced with lush groves?" and the noblest ascetic related the history of the land.Visvamitra said "Kusa, born to Brahma was a great ascetic. Righteous and reverent towards men of virtue, bound by the rules of the Kshatriya race, this eminent person was married to the princess of Vidarbha, a noble and beautiful lady of whom were born four sons. They were Kusumba, Kusanabha, Adhurtrajasa and Vasu. Kusa was proud of his sons who were truthful, righteous and dynamic. They were men of honor, eager to rule in accordance with the Kshatriya dharma. One day Kusa told them, "you too must rule kingdoms as that is the only way to discharge and fulfill your dharmic duties" and so it came to pass that the three princes esteemed and venerated by the people of the land brought into being three capital cities. Kusumba founded the city of Kausambi, Kusanabha the city of Mahodaya, King Adhurtarajasa created Dharmaranya and Vasu built the city of Girivraja. Rama, this land belongs to that great king Vasu and is known as Vasumathi. Five majestic mountains surround in which flows the river Sona born in Maghada. This beautiful river meanders in the mountains like a garland. It flows east to west through rich farmland turning the land into golden rows of green fields.
To Kusanabha, the royal seer and his queen Ghritachi, were born, one hundred worthy daughters who were like streaks of lightening in a thunderstorm and like stars among the clouds. They sparkled, danced and sang with great joy and greater abandon. One day Vayu, the wind god chanced upon them. Charmed by their beauty he said "I desire all of you to be my wives. Forget the world of mortals and attain immortality. Youth is momentary and more so is humans, marry me and be ever youthful and become devatas".
In tones of disdain the young girls answered "O! Vayu, supreme among gods, you pervade all life and we are aware of your powers. Why do you disgrace us, so? We are the daughters of Kusanabha and he is our master. A god you may be, but we can topple you from your lofty heights. Do not dishonor our father, he may prove to be your death. It is our duty and dharma to marry those chosen by him". Vayu's rage knew no bounds upon hearing these words. He pervaded into their bodies twisting, disfiguring their limbs, and turning them into ugly hunchbacks. Eyes streaming with tears, and shamed, the damsels in distress, reached the palace, where weeping they fell to the ground. Kusanabha, heartbroken at the sight of his wailing daughters cried out, "Who did this to you? It is a blemish on the very dharma".
Continuing with the narration Visvamitra said "The one hundred maidens paid homage to their father, by touching his feet with their heads and said, "The one that travels the world over, Vayu, god of wind, unmindful of dharma, resorting to evil and sinful ways, tried to threaten us. We said that duty bound to you, we were not free to honor his wish of marrying us and that he should ask, for your consent. Heedless of our words, he subjected us to this appalling persecution".
Kusanabha having listened to his daughters said, "My daughters! The restraint shown by people of tremendous patience is of great importance. It makes me proud that you displayed such virtue. Your unanimous opinion and decision have saved the honor of our dynasty. Forbearance whether in man or woman is a jewel and an adornment. Possessing the quality of forgiveness is in itself a rarity, but trying to bestow it on the devatas, with their immense wealth, beauty and prosperity is not an easy task. Your tolerance, in the face of such an intimidating situation is truly laudable. Patience is charity, patience is virtue, patience is truth, patience is fame, and patience is dharma. The world is founded on patience."
Consoling his daughters thus, king Kusanabha sought the advice of his ministers about the marriage of his daughters. They told him of a Maharshi by name Chuli who was at one time immersed in great penance. Serving and looking after his needs was a gandharva lady, by name Somada, daughter of Urmila. Pleased with her ministrations, he said, "Bless you! What wish of yours, may I grant?" speaking with utmost grace, in a melodiously soft voice, she said, "You are endowed with the splendor of Brahma and are capable of great penance. I want to beget a son by you who will be, full of ascetic power and glory". Invoking the power of his penance, through the will of his mind, Chuli, gifted Somada, a son known as Brahmadatta who now lives in the city of Kampilya.
King Kusanabha made up his mind to give his daughters in marriage to Brahmadatta. During the wedding rituals Brahmadatta ceremoniously received each one of the princesses, by taking their hand. The very touch of his hand transformed the maidens; their disfigurement and anguish vanished as they regained their radiance and beauty once again. Delighted Kusanabha, with all due honors sent Brahmadatta on his journey back to his kingdom with his wives. Somada proud of her son and his beautiful wives commended her son on his choice.
Visvamitra said that after Brahmadatta returned to his kingdom Kusanabha performed Putreshti to beget a son. While doing so, Kusa the son of Brahma told him that he would beget a son named Gadhi through whom you would gain everlasting fame on earth". Time passed on and a few seasons later, as predicted by Kusa, the birth of Gadhi took place. "That most righteous of persons Gadhi, was my father and born of the Kusa dynasty I am also known as Kausika" said Visvamithra. Satyavati, my sister true to her name, was an upholder of dharma and ever diligent in performing austerities was given in marriage to Ruchika. A devout wife who constantly and reverently served her husband, she reached heaven along with Ruchika, with her mortal body. For the benefit of mankind, for their pleasure and prosperity, making the Himalayas her abode, she descends as the divine and beautiful river Kausiki".
Visvamitra further told Rama that he lived in the vicinity of those mighty mountain ranges for the love of his sister alone and if it were not for the yagna he would not have parted with her to go to Siddhashrama, where with Rama's indomitable courage and power he had fulfilled his desire. The sage ending his narration urged everyone to rest, so that the journey ahead should not be hindered for lack of sleep.
The sages heard Visvamitra and lauded the Kausika dynasty. Commending all those born of that race as men of great honor they said that the most glorious of them all was Visvamitra, whom they compared to Brahma, the god of creation. There after Visvamitra retired for the night as did Rama, Lakshmana and the others.
As the night gave way to a bright dawn, Visvamitra who had spent the night, on the banks of the river Sona, said, "Rama! Arise, the day has dawned, perform the morning rituals and we shall set out". The entourage of sages and princes led by Visvamitra forded the river path. They walked on and on, feasting their eyes on beautiful woods and forests through which they traversed.
This concludes the chapters 32, 33, 34 and a part of 35 where we learned about the ancestry, sister of Viswamitra. The journey continues further and reaches the sacred river Ganga, the tales on which we will learn in next post.
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