The Tale of Rama as Narayana and Rama Take Leave of Allies

We are looking at the divine stories of the past flowing from sages to Rama. We had seen in the last post about the birth of Vali, Sugriva and the real reason why Ravana developed enmity with Rama. Sage Agastya narrated to Rama the origins of Riksharajas, Vali, and Sugriva. Riksharajas, born from Brahma’s tears, lived devoutly on Mount Meru. One day, transformed into a woman after seeing his reflection, Riksharajas attracted Indra and Surya, who fathered Vali and Sugriva. Resuming his monkey form, Riksharajas raised the divine sons and led them to Kishkindha, where he was crowned king. Agastya then revealed why Ravana abducted Sita. Ravana sought to provoke Narayana, the Supreme Being, after learning from Sage Sanatkumara that Narayana is the creator and liberator. Sanatkumara described Narayana as the eternal, omnipresent deity, worshipped by all beings. He foretold Narayana’s incarnation as Rama, born to King Dasaratha, with Sita, Lakshmi’s earthly form, as His consort. Together, they would fulfill divine plans. Sanatkumara further elaborated that those slain by Narayana will reach heaven since his wrath is also a blessing. Hearing this, Ravana plotted to confront Narayana. Consumed by arrogance and ambition, he sought to provoke the deity into battle, setting the stage for his ultimate fate. Rama and his brothers listened with awe, understanding their roles in the greater scheme of things. We can look at the some other tales in following chapters.

In chapter 37d, the story of Ravana's enmity with Rama is further touched upon.

The illustrious Sage Agastya, born from a sacred vessel, paid homage to Rama with deep reverence, akin to Brahma honoring Shiva. Addressing Rama, the sage, glowing with spiritual radiance, began to recount an ancient tale. Agastya urged Rama, the long-armed and invincible hero, to listen attentively, as the story carried profound significance.

With delight in his heart, Agastya narrated the events he had learned from the celestial sage Narada. Narada had shared the tale atop Mount Meru in the presence of divine beings, including Devas, Gandharvas, Siddhas, ascetics, and other celestial entities. It was Narada who revealed the origins of Ravana’s actions, explaining that the rakshasa king had abducted Sita, the virtuous daughter of King Janaka, due to his malevolent intentions and desire to provoke Narayana, the Supreme Being.

Agastya emphasized the greatness of the tale, describing how its narration could remove sins and bring blessings. The Devas, Rishis, and other celestial beings, their eyes shining like lotus blossoms, had joyfully endorsed the story’s significance. They proclaimed that anyone who listens to or retells the tale with faith and devotion would be blessed with progeny and honored in the celestial realms after death.

Agastya, addressing Rama as the supreme warrior and lord among monarchs, urged him to hear the tale with devotion, as its spiritual merits were unparalleled. Rama listened intently, recognizing the tale’s divine origins and its profound connection to his own destiny. Thus, Agastya imparted to Rama not only the story of Ravana’s deeds but also the blessings that the narrative conferred upon those who embraced it with faith.

In chapter 37f, sage Agastya continued touching upon the significance of all powerful Narayana.

The sage Agastya, renowned for his wisdom, approached Rama with reverence and began narrating a tale of Ravana's deeds, emphasizing his arrogance and strength. Ravana, proud of his prowess, once set out to conquer the world, challenging powerful beings wherever he went. During his quest, he encountered the divine sage Narada, returning from Brahmaloka, glowing with divine radiance. With joined palms, Ravana sought Narada’s guidance, asking where he could find beings of unparalleled strength to challenge in battle.

Narada, reflecting briefly, revealed the existence of Sveta-dvipa, an island in the Milky Ocean inhabited by immensely powerful beings. These inhabitants, fair and radiant like the moon, were devoted to Narayana, worshipping Him with their whole being. Their devotion granted them strength and an abode of bliss. Intrigued, Ravana declared his intent to confront them and set off for Sveta-dvipa with his rakshasa warriors.

As Ravana approached the island in his Pushpaka Vimana, fierce winds tossed his celestial chariot like a straw, forcing his frightened warriors to flee. Undeterred, Ravana dismissed his chariot and entered the island alone, where he was met by a group of celestial maidens. The women, curious about his presence, questioned him playfully. Angered by their mockery, Ravana declared his lineage and his intent to fight. The maidens, unimpressed, captured him effortlessly, tossing him among themselves as one would play with a toy. Despite his struggles, Ravana was powerless against their might and eventually fell into the ocean after biting one of his captors in frustration.

Narada, who had arrived earlier to witness the encounter, laughed heartily at Ravana’s humiliation. The defeated rakshasa left Sveta-dvipa, his pride wounded. This incident, Agastya explained, reflected Ravana’s audacity and his eventual decision to provoke Narayana by abducting Sita.

Agastya then revealed Rama’s divine identity, declaring him to be Narayana incarnate, the wielder of the conch, discus, and mace. He reminded Rama of his cosmic role as the destroyer of evil and protector of the righteous. Sita, Agastya continued, was an incarnation of Lakshmi, born from the earth to fulfill her divine purpose alongside Rama. Ravana, aware of Sita’s divine nature, had taken her to Lanka with reverence, but his actions ultimately sealed his fate.

Agastya concluded by recounting the blessings of the tale, as described by Narada and Sanatkumara. Those who listen to this story with faith, he said, would have their sacrifices sanctified and their offerings to ancestors become imperishable. Agastya’s narration left Rama, his brothers, the vanaras, and all assembled listeners astonished and deeply moved.

With his duty fulfilled, Agastya sought Rama’s permission to depart. He and the other sages received due honor and blessings before returning to their abodes. As the sun set, Rama bid farewell to the assembled vanaras and their king, Sugriva. After performing his evening prayers, the noble Rama retired to his inner chambers, reflecting on the divine events that had shaped his journey.

This tale of Ravana’s arrogance, Sita’s divine nature, and Rama’s supreme role as Narayana underscored the cosmic plan orchestrated by the gods. The story inspired awe and devotion in all who heard it, reminding them of the ultimate triumph of righteousness and the divine grace of Narayana.

In chapter 38, Rama takes leave of his allies.

After being duly crowned king, Rama devoted himself to governing Ayodhya with justice and care, ensuring the well-being of both city and countryside. As time passed, he addressed his father-in-law, King Janaka of Mithila, expressing gratitude for his support. Rama credited Janaka’s strength and guidance as crucial to his victory over Ravana, declaring that the Houses of Ikshvaku and Mithila now enjoyed unparalleled happiness. He urged Janaka to return to his kingdom with jewels as a token of gratitude, accompanied by Bharata as an escort.

Janaka agreed but declared that the jewels bequeathed to him should go to Sita, his daughter. With this, he departed, leaving Ayodhya honored and content.

Next, Rama turned to his maternal uncle, Prince Yudajita of Kekaya, addressing him respectfully. He offered Yudajita any assistance he might require, acknowledging that his aged father might be eager for his return. Rama proposed that Lakshmana escort Yudajita back to his kingdom, along with treasures of pearls and gold. Yudajita declined the gifts, instead paying obeisance to Rama and departing with Lakshmana as his escort, likened to Vishnu leading Indra.

Rama then embraced his close friend, Pratardana, the King of Kashi. He lauded Pratardana’s loyalty and assistance during the campaign alongside Bharata. He encouraged the King of Kashi to return to his magnificent city, surrounded by strong walls and grand gateways, and bade him farewell with a heartfelt embrace. Pratardana departed, leaving Ayodhya with mutual respect and friendship.

After dismissing Pratardana, Rama turned his attention to the hundred monarchs who had assembled to support him during his battles. He expressed deep gratitude for their unwavering loyalty, valor, and collective efforts, which had led to Ravana’s defeat. Rama humbly stated that their strength had been the true force behind the victory, while he had merely served as the instrument of Ravana’s destruction.

The monarchs, greatly moved, replied that it was Rama’s divine grace that had ensured their success. They rejoiced in his victory, the restoration of his kingdom, and the reunion with Sita. They declared their loyalty to him unshaken and affirmed their deep satisfaction in witnessing his triumph. They offered their heartfelt respects and declared that they would hold Rama in their thoughts even as they returned to their respective kingdoms.

Rama, smiling graciously, blessed the kings and wished them safe journeys. With great delight and reverence, the monarchs took leave of Rama, having been honored and inspired by his words and leadership.

Having bid farewell to these allies, Rama returned to Ayodhya, reflecting on the bonds of friendship, loyalty, and shared purpose that had united them all. His rule continued to be marked by justice, humility, and a commitment to the prosperity of his people and allies. The kings departed Ayodhya with their hearts full of devotion to Rama, carrying memories of his grace and magnanimity back to their lands.

This concludes chapters 37e, 37f and 38 where we had seen sage Agastya elucidating the reason behind Ravana provoking Rama by abducting Sita and getting killed in the hands of Narayana incarnated in human form Rama. He appraised Rama's supreme role as Narayana underscoring the highest cosmic plan orchestrated by Gods. With this the sages have narrated many blissful and anchor tales rooted behind the shaping of Ramayana as it happened till the grand war has concluded. After reminiscing these all, the allies or the Kings take leave of Rama by admiring his magnanimity and paying deep homage to him. We can look at the further dispersion of all those who assembled in subsequent chapters.

Origins of Vali and Sugriva and Why Ravana Developed Enmity with Rama or Narayana

We had learnt the stories of Hanuman’s childhood in the last post where it is seen he had unlimited potential which is unknown even to him. He serves both Vali and Sugriva obediently despite having a strength greater than them. When Hanuman could overpower Vali and Vali could defeat Ravana, Hanuman could also have easily end the war with Ravana himself. Hanuman neither defeated Vali himself for enthroning Sugriva. It was left to Rama to kill both Vali and Ravana when the vanara could have done it as well. This line of thought puzzled Rama and enquired the sages why Hanuman lived stealthily with Sugriva and other vanaras on Mt Rishyamukha, away from Vali when he is much powerful than them. The reason given by sages is Hanuman is unaware of his true potential due to a curse he received in his childhood. The entire episode is put before Rama where the gifted birth and the celestial boons given to young Hanuman is discussed. As a child, Hanuman leaped toward the sun, mistaking it for fruit, showcasing his immense power. Struck by Indra's vajra, his jaw was shattered, earning him the name Hanuman, but he was revived and granted invincibility, immunity to weapons, and mastery of sacred texts. A curse by rishis veiled his powers until needed, ensuring their righteous use. Hanuman’s unmatched might, intellect, and devotion, later revealed during Rama’s quest for Sita. After the great story of Hanuman was narrated, the kings assembled pay homage to Rama and we can look at the following chapters as some other tales continue to flow from sages. 

In chapter 37b the story behind the emergence of Riksharajas, Vali and Sugriva is narrated. 

The Sage Agastya narrated to Rama the story of Riksharajas and the origins of Vali and Sugriva, as told to him by the celestial sage Narada. According to Narada, Riksharajas was a monkey created from the tears of Brahma, the Creator. When Brahma’s tears fell to the earth, they transformed into a monkey, whom Brahma instructed to live on the golden Mount Meru, subsisting on fruits and roots while dedicating offerings of flowers and fruits to the Creator. Obediently, Riksharajas followed Brahma’s command, residing on Mount Meru and living a life of devotion. 

One day, Riksharajas, afflicted by thirst, wandered to a lake on the northern peak of Mount Meru. There, he saw his reflection in the water and mistook it for an enemy. In his anger, he jumped into the lake to confront the perceived foe but emerged transformed into a beautiful woman. Her appearance was so enchanting that it captured the attention of Indra, the king of the gods, and Surya, the sun god, who happened to pass by. Overcome with desire, both deities fathered children with this divine woman. Indra's son was Vali, named because his seed fell on her hair, and Surya's son was Sugriva, born from her neck. 

After the night passed, Riksharajas resumed his original monkey form. He found himself the father of two sons, Vali and Sugriva, who were exceptionally powerful and radiant. Riksharajas gave them honey to drink and took them to Brahma. Pleased with the monkey and his offspring, Brahma ordered his messenger to guide Riksharajas and his sons to the celestial city of Kishkindha, a magnificent capital created by the divine architect Vishvakarma. Kishkindha was described as a pure and sacred city, abundant in wealth, gems, and magic, where thousands of vanaras (monkey beings) resided. 

Following Brahma’s command, the messenger escorted Riksharajas and his sons to Kishkindha, where Riksharajas was crowned king. Adorned with a crown and ornaments, Riksharajas joyfully began his reign, and all the vanaras across the seven islands and seas pledged their allegiance to him. Riksharajas became both the father and mother to Vali and Sugriva, raising them to be powerful leaders among the vanaras. 

Vali, the elder son, was gifted a golden chain by Indra, symbolizing his strength and divine lineage. Sugriva, the younger son, was accompanied by Hanuman, the son of the wind god Vayu, as his guardian and aide. Agastya concluded by emphasizing the magnificence of Riksharajas and his sons, their divine origins, and their significant roles in the vanara kingdom. The sage remarked that those who hear or recount this story are blessed with prosperity and fulfillment of their desires, as the narrative captures the grandeur of creation and the divine role of Riksharajas, Vali, and Sugriva in the cosmic order. 

In chapter 37c, the real reason behind why Ravana abducted Sita is revealed. 

Shri Rama and his brothers listened attentively to the ancient and extraordinary tale recounted by the sage Agastya. Filled with wonder at the divine origins and remarkable power of Bali and Sugriva, Rama expressed his amazement. He acknowledged that the greatness of these two vanara brothers was unsurprising, given their divine lineage. Pleased by Rama’s words, Agastya offered to narrate another ancient story, one concerning why the rakshasa king Ravana abducted Sita. 

Agastya began by describing an encounter in the Golden Age between Ravana and the illustrious sage Sanatkumara, a divine seer shining with his own effulgence. Seeking knowledge, Ravana approached Sanatkumara with reverence, asking him to reveal who among the gods was the most powerful and whose aid the celestial beings relied upon to overcome their enemies. He also inquired about the deity whom sages and devotees revered through daily meditation and worship. 

Sanatkumara, aware of Ravana’s intentions through his deep meditation, responded affectionately. He explained that the ultimate deity worshipped by gods, sages, and devotees alike was Narayana, the supreme being whose origins were unknown even to the wise. Sanatkumara described Narayana as the Lord of the Universe, from whose navel emerged Brahma, the Creator. All animate and inanimate things were born from Narayana, who was invincible and ever victorious in battle against the daityas (demons), danavas (titans), and rakshasas (night-rangers). He revealed that yogis meditated on Narayana and that sacrifices and rituals described in the Puranas, Vedas, and other scriptures were all dedicated to Him. 

Hearing this, Ravana, intrigued and respectful, asked Sanatkumara what became of the daityas, danavas, and rakshasas slain by Narayana. Specifically, he sought to understand their fate after death and why Narayana destroyed them. 

Sanatkumara explained that those slain by the gods generally ascended to Svarga (heaven) but were reborn on earth once their accumulated merits were exhausted. Their rebirths and experiences depended on the deeds of their past lives. However, those slain by Narayana—the Wielder of the Discus and Lord of the Three Worlds—attained liberation and entered His divine realm. Even His wrath, the sage emphasized, was a blessing, as it granted freedom from the cycles of rebirth. 

Ravana, deeply impressed and filled with a mixture of delight and wonder at the sage’s words, began to reflect on how he might provoke Narayana and engage in conflict with Him. Inspired by the idea of confronting the supreme deity, Ravana’s thoughts set in motion a series of events that would eventually lead to his fateful encounter with Rama, Narayana’s earthly incarnation. 

Agastya concluded the tale, offering Rama and his brothers insight into Ravana’s motives and the divine underpinnings of the rakshasa king’s actions. This ancient legend not only revealed Ravana’s arrogance and ambition but also his deep thinking, highlighted Narayana’s supreme power and the ultimate boon of liberation through Him. 

In chapter 37d, the further account of Narayana or supreme being is detailed. 

As Ravana reflected on engaging in a grand confrontation with the Supreme Being, the great sage Sanatkumara reassured him that his desire would be fulfilled in due time. Encouraged by these words, Ravana expressed his curiosity and requested the sage to describe in detail the characteristics of the mighty Narayana, the Lord of the Universe. 

Sanatkumara began his profound exposition, explaining that Narayana, the eternal and omnipresent deity, pervades all realms of existence. He is present in all animate and inanimate forms, from the celestial regions to the depths of the earth, on mountains, in forests, rivers, and cities. Narayana is "Aum," the eternal truth, and the essence of all creation. He is the supporter of the earth, the serpent Ananta, and all elements like time, day, night, and the wind. He is also the embodiment of the gods such as Brahma, Rudra, Indra, and Varuna. 

Sanatkumara continued, describing Narayana as the Creator, Sustainer, and Destroyer of worlds, who rules over them with infinite grace and power. He manifests in a divine form, wearing yellow raiments resembling lotus filaments and bearing the Shrivatsa mark on His chest. His complexion is cloud-like, and His pleasing countenance radiates serenity akin to the moon. Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, resides within Him, appearing as both beauty and strength. Yet, none among the devas, asuras, or nagas can behold Him unless He grants them His favor. 

The sage emphasized that Narayana is not accessible through penance, sacrifices, or rituals but only to those who surrender completely to Him and burn away their sins through the light of knowledge. For Ravana to see Him, Sanatkumara foretold that Narayana would incarnate as a human being at the transition of the Golden and Silver Ages. 

He revealed that Narayana would take birth as Rama, the son of King Dasaratha of the Ikshvaku dynasty, and rule the earth with unmatched valor and radiance. Rama’s divine form would be so effulgent that none of his enemies would dare gaze upon Him in battle, much like the sun's brilliance. His consort, Lakshmi, would incarnate as Sita, born from the earth as the daughter of King Janaka of Mithila. Sita’s beauty would be unparalleled, and her virtuous conduct would mark her as an ideal of chastity and patience. She would always remain at Rama’s side, just as the rays of the moon follow it. 

Sanatkumara concluded by declaring Rama and Sita to be inseparable manifestations of divinity, destined to fulfill the divine plan for the benefit of the world. He shared this prophecy with Ravana, explaining that Narayana, in His human form, would be incomprehensible yet accessible to those devoted to Him. 

Hearing these revelations, Ravana became consumed with thoughts of devising ways to confront Narayana in battle. He meditated repeatedly on the sage’s words, wandering the earth as he plotted how to provoke and engage the Supreme Being in combat. 

Listening to this account, Rama was filled with astonishment and wonder. His eyes wide with amazement, he expressed his delight to the sage Agastya, requesting him to recount more ancient traditions. This tale, steeped in divine prophecy and the actions of Ravana, left Rama and his brothers eager to hear more about the cosmic play of forces that had shaped their destiny. 

This concludes chapters 37b, c and d where we had seen the sages recount the tales from the past on the origins of Vali, Sugriva; the remote reason behind Ravana abducting Sita and an account of Narayana taking the form of Rama. We will continue to look at the historic tales from the perspective of Ramayana in subsequent chapters.