The tales digging the reason behind the enmity between Narayana as Rama and Ravana are dealt in the last few posts. Sage Agastya informed the assembly post victory that Ravana was aware of the divine forms of Sita as Lakshmi and Rama as Narayana but he still abducted her to get slain by Rama. Ravana came to know from Narada that the divine beings worshipping and protected by Narayana like those residing in the island of Sveta-dvipa can never be overcome by any other powerful being including Ravana. Ravana who approached the island and was defeated left Sveta-dvipa with his pride wounded after getting toyed by the celestial maidens who are very powerful and devoted to Narayana. This incident ignited Ravana to his eventual decision to provoke Narayana by abducting Sita. 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. Rama then devoted himself to governing Ayodhya with justice and care, ensuring the well-being of everyone. Rama then took leave of Janaka, Yudajita, Pratardana and hundred monarchs who had assembled to support him during his battles. The kings departed Ayodhya with their hearts full of devotion to Rama, carrying memories of his grace and magnanimity back to their lands. We can look at the following chapters to look at further events taking shape in Ayodhya.
In chapter 39, Rama loads his allies with gifts.
Following the triumphant conclusion of the great battle, the magnanimous princes and monarchs who had gathered under Bharata’s command departed joyfully. Their countless elephants and horses shook the earth with their powerful strides as they made their way back to their prosperous kingdoms. These armies, full of valor, had arrived to support Raghava too late to engage Ravana and his forces. On their return, the monarchs expressed regret, lamenting that had they arrived earlier, they could have fought alongside Rama and Lakshmana to vanquish the rakshasas on the shores of the ocean without fear.
As they reached their capitals, these rulers, eager to honor Rama, sent him lavish gifts as tokens of their gratitude and devotion. These included horses, chariots, rare jewels, elephants adorned with ornaments, celestial treasures, exotic sandalwood, precious gems, pearls, coral, exquisite garments, and even slave girls. The gifts were received by Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna, who carried them back to the magnificent city of Ayodhya.
Upon their return, the brothers presented the treasures to Rama. True to his magnanimous nature, Rama joyfully distributed the gifts among his allies, including Sugriva, Vibhishana, and the loyal monkey warriors who had played pivotal roles in his victory. The monkeys and rakshasas adorned themselves with the jewels gifted by Rama, wearing them on their heads and arms with pride.
In a gesture of deep affection, Rama seated Hanuman and Angada, Sugriva’s illustrious son, on his knees. He praised their wisdom and unwavering loyalty, calling for Sugriva to honor them fittingly. As a token of his appreciation, Rama removed rare ornaments from his own chest and decorated Hanuman and Angada with them, further cementing their bonds of friendship and loyalty.
Rama then addressed the foremost monkey leaders, including Nila, Nala, Kesharin, Kumuda, Gandhamadana, Sushena, Mainda, Dvivida, Jambavan, Gavaksha, and others, alongside the powerful titans and bears. In a gentle and affectionate tone, he acknowledged their crucial role in his success, declaring them not just friends but as dear to him as his own self. He expressed admiration for their bravery and loyalty, remarking on King Sugriva’s fortune to have such extraordinary companions. Rama bestowed jewels and precious diamonds upon each of them according to their merits, and he embraced them warmly in gratitude.
The companions, overwhelmed with joy, indulged in feasts of honey, fruits, roots, and other delicacies provided by Rama. They sojourned in Ayodhya for a month, basking in Rama’s affectionate hospitality. The time passed swiftly, as their devotion to Rama made their stay feel like a fleeting moment. Rama, too, spent these days contentedly in their company, cherishing the presence of the shape-shifting monkeys, valiant titans, and energetic bears.
During the second month of autumn, the allies continued to revel in the charms of the Ikshvaku capital, which overflowed with allurements. Under Rama’s affectionate regard, the days flew by happily, leaving the monkeys and titans deeply fulfilled by the experience of their stay in Ayodhya.
In chapter 40, Rama takes leave of bears, monkeys and titans.
The forest of Kishkindha was home to the bears, apes, and rakshasas who had played vital roles in assisting Rama, in his endeavors. As the time came to bid farewell, the immensely capable Rama addressed Sugriva, expressing his deep trust and affection. He encouraged Sugriva to return to Kishkindha and rule the kingdom with wisdom and justice, making it impenetrable to even gods and asuras. Rama reminded Sugriva to cherish and support his allies, including Angada, Hanumat, the valiant Nala, the brave Sushena, and many others who had demonstrated unwavering loyalty and courage. Rama emphasized the importance of maintaining harmony and acting with affection towards these companions who had stood ready to sacrifice their lives for him.
Rama then turned his attention to Vibhishana, who had proved instrumental in the battle against Ravana. In sweet and thoughtful words, he urged Vibhishana to rule Lanka, the land of rakshasas, with righteousness. Rama emphasized the importance of dharma, advising Vibhishana to never stray towards adharma and reminding him that intelligent kings who follow the path of virtue are the ones who truly prosper. He urged Vibhishana to always hold Rama and Sugriva in his heart with great affection, assuring him that he could rule devoid of any anxiety.
The bears, apes, and rakshasas, overcome with admiration and gratitude, sang praises of Rama’s intelligence, valor, and sweetness, comparing him to Svayambhu (the self-manifested one). Among them, Hanumat, the mighty ape and Rama’s most devoted follower, stepped forward and addressed Rama. Hanumat expressed his deep affection and unyielding devotion, declaring that he could not bear to part from Rama. He pledged that as long as Rama’s tales were recounted on earth, life would continue to reside in his body.
Moved by Hanumat’s heartfelt words, Rama rose from his seat, embraced him warmly, and assured him that his wish would come true. Rama declared that his story would endure for as long as the worlds existed, and so would Hanumat’s life. As a token of his affection, Rama removed a radiant necklace made of lapis lazuli from around his neck and placed it on Hanumat’s. The mighty ape held the necklace close to his chest, his radiance likened to the moon adorning the peaks of the Himalayas.
As Rama concluded his address, the apes, bears, and rakshasas, filled with a mix of sorrow and reverence, bowed at his feet and prepared to depart. Rama embraced Sugriva and held Vibhishana close to his bosom, their emotions overflowing. Tears streamed down their faces as they struggled to maintain composure, their voices choked with emotion. The parting was marked by profound sorrow, leaving them all deeply confounded and reluctant to leave Rama’s presence. Despite their sadness, they took their leave, honoring the bonds of loyalty and friendship forged in the trials they had faced together.
In chapter 41, Rama dismissed the Pushpaka chariot.
After a period of celebration, Rama bid farewell to the bears, apes, and rakshasas who had aided him in his quest, expressing his heartfelt gratitude. One afternoon, as Rama sat with his brothers, they heard a celestial voice from the sky. It was Pushpaka, the divine aerial chariot, addressing Rama with reverence.
Pushpaka explained its return to Rama after visiting Mount Kailasa and presenting itself to its previous master, Dhanada (Kubera). Dhanada had declared that the chariot now belonged to Rama, the victorious slayer of Ravana, the invincible lord of the rakshasas. He expressed his satisfaction that Rama, supreme in his soul, had defeated Ravana, his family, and his allies, thereby conquering Lanka. In recognition of this great feat, Dhanada commanded Pushpaka to serve as Rama’s vehicle, allowing him to travel across the worlds. Dhanada desired that Pushpaka remain with Rama, the supreme descendant of the Raghava lineage.
Obedient to its master’s wishes, Pushpaka returned to Rama, seeking his acceptance. Rama, pleased with the chariot’s devotion and humility, honored it with offerings of parched grain, fragrant flowers, and fine perfumes. Grateful for its service, Rama permitted Pushpaka to leave, saying, “Go where you wish. Come when I remember you.” Adorned with flowers and blessed by Rama, Pushpaka departed in the direction it desired, disappearing into the distance.
Following this event, Bharata approached Rama with folded hands and addressed him with words of admiration. He observed that during Rama’s reign, extraordinary events and blessings had become commonplace. In the month since Rama had assumed the throne, humanity experienced an unprecedented era of peace and prosperity. Diseases vanished, and even the old and infirm no longer faced death. Women gave birth to healthy sons, and men enjoyed robust health. The citizens of Ayodhya, both in the city and countryside, were filled with unparalleled joy.
Bharata continued, marveling at the divine blessings bestowed on the kingdom. Rain fell at the right time, nourishing the land like nectar. The wind was gentle and pleasant, enhancing the happiness of the people. Bharata noted that such prosperity and harmony had not been witnessed in the kingdom for a long time. The residents of Ayodhya expressed their delight, attributing the kingdom’s newfound prosperity to Rama’s virtuous rule.
Hearing these sweet and heartfelt words from Bharata, Rama’s heart swelled with delight. He was filled with immense pleasure, joy, and happiness, deeply moved by the blessings that his rule had brought to his people. The harmony and prosperity of his kingdom reaffirmed Rama’s commitment to righteous governance and the well-being of his subjects. Then everyone words of praise on Rama. Hanuman expressed his deep affection and unyielding devotion, saying he cannot depart from Rama.
This concludes chapters 39, 40 and 41 of Uttara Kanda where we had seen the entourage having a good time after the war, indulging in feasts and delicacies provided by Rama. They sojourned in Ayodhya for a month, basking in Rama’s affectionate hospitality. After the month, Rama prepares to take leave of vanaras and titans. He desires Sugriva and Vibhishana to preside over a rule of dharma in Kishkindha and Lanka respectively. He pledges that as long as Rama’s tales are recounted on Earth, life would continue to live in his body. Rama declared that his story would endure for as long as the worlds existed, and so would Hanuman’s life, suggesting Hanuman lives among us to date. Despite feeling happy and then sad at farewell, everyone takes leave honoring the bonds of friendship and loyalty would last forever. Rama then dismisses Pushpaka chariot into oblivion, asking it to return in time of need. Bharata affirms that under Rama’s rule, humanity experienced unparalleled peace and prosperity, extraordinary events and blessings had become commonplace attributing the kingdom’s newfound prosperity to Rama’s virtuous rule. It reminds us that under the rule of Rama, everything falls in place and everyone lives in abundance and content. We can look at the continuation of Rama’s rule and further happenings in subsequent chapters.
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