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.
No comments:
Post a Comment