A Brief on Kalaram Temple and Rama Recounts Story of King Yayati

We mentioned about the coming to life of historic temple for Ram in Ayodhya in this space while learning about the story of Rama all through the 7 books. In our last book of learning, we also dwelled into two famous temples constructed for Rama in Ayodhya and Bhadrachalam. I knew about these two most prominent places and let us learn about the remaining places while updating this blog.  We can look at a famed Rama temple in this post which is known as Kalaram temple, present in Nashik, Maharashtra. The Kalaram Temple holds immense historical significance as it is believed to be built on the site where Lord Rama lived during his exile according to the Ramayana. The temple, located in Panchavati in Nashik, is of great significance in the context of Ramayana. As per epic, Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, spent a greater part of their 14 years of exile in Panchavati. History has it that after the tenth year of exile, Rama along with Lakshmana and Sita, lived for two and half years on the northern bank of the river Godavari near Nasik. This place is known as Panchavati. The temple was built by Sardar Rangrao Odhekar, a Maratha knight, way back in 1782. The central idol of the temple is a black stone statue of Lord Rama, hence the name "Kalaram" which translates to "Black Rama". The sanctum sanctorum also houses the statues of the goddess Sita and Lakshmana. Thousands of devotees visit the temple every day. The temple features 14 steps representing the 14 years of Rama's exile. 

The most important historical aspect of the Kalaram temple is its connection to the Dalit movement. In the 1930s, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar led a "Kalaram Temple Entry Movement" demanding entry for Dalits into the temple, which became a landmark protest against caste discrimination as dalits are not allowed into temples till then. This movement aimed to challenge the oppressive caste norms prevalent during the time. During the satyagraha, Ambedkar and his 15,000 Dalit followers peacefully picketed the temple. Though the Kalaram Satyagraha was not instantly successful in terms of entry to the temple by the Dalits, it greatly served to raise awareness regarding casteism and called for social reform. The Nashik Satyagraha led to many such movements and has been pivotal in shaping the Indian civil rights discourse and paving the way for more uniform treatment to backward groups. 

Returning to the epic, Rama recounts the story of king Nriga, Nimi and celestial nymph Urvashi to Lakshmana as he tell about the roles and dharma of a ruler. Rama recounts legendary tales to Lakshmana that reveal the workings of fate, karma, and the consequences of unchecked anger. In the first tale, King Nriga is cursed by brahmins for a minor transgression. Accepting his fate, he assembles his ministers, names his son, Prince Vasu, as his successor, and orders three protective ditches—guarding against rain, cold, and heat—to provide comfort during his punishment. Urging his son to govern justly, Nriga descends into the gem-adorned ditch, living as a lizard for countless years until liberation. In the next tale, King Nimi of the Ikshvaku lineage, known for valor and truth, builds the splendid city of Vaijanta and performs a grand sacrifice in honor of his father. When Sage Vasishtha, delayed by officiating Indra’s ritual, finds that Sage Gautama has taken over, he curses Nimi. In turn, Nimi curses Vasishtha, and their mutual curses strip them of their bodies. Later, Vasishtha pleads with Brahma and is instructed to be reborn through the vital seed of Mitra and Varuna. Meanwhile, the celestial nymph Urvashi consents to Varuna’s desire, prompting Mitra to curse her to unite with Pururavas in the mortal world. Urvashi bears Pururavas a son, Ayu—an ancestor of Nahusha—and returns to the celestial realm. We can look at the continuation and few other tales in the following chapters. 

In chapter 57, the story of Vasishtha and Nimi concludes. 

Rama’s narrative begins with Lakshmana’s delighted inquiry: How did the Twice-born sage and the king, both deprived of their physical bodies, regain them? Rama then recounts the divine history of their restoration. He explains that from a sacred vessel, into which the mighty gods Mitra and Varuna had emptied their vital seed, two eminent sages were born. First emerged Agastya, who, in defiance, declared, “I am not your son,” and departed. The seed of Mitra, mingled with that of Varuna, later gave birth to the revered Vasishtha. This sage, celebrated by the Celestials and chosen by the illustrious Ikshvaku as family priest, had once existed without a physical form but was divinely reborn to serve the higher good. 

Rama then shifts his tale to King Nimi of the Ikshvaku lineage, renowned for his valor and truth. Deprived of his body, Nimi was aided by the sagacious rishis who organized a grand sacrifice. During the ritual, the foremost of the Twice-born carefully preserved Nimi’s body using unguents, cloths, and herbs, with the support of citizens and servants. As the sacrifice concluded, the sage Bhrigu declared, “I shall restore you to life, O King, for I am gratified with you.” The gods, in their delight, offered Nimi a boon, asking where his consciousness should reside. In an act of sublime selflessness, Nimi expressed his desire to live in the eyes of all beings. The deities agreed that he would manifest as air, ensuring that when his presence moved among them, their eyes would close for rest. 

Following this divine decree, the rishis carried Nimi’s body to the sacrificial ground. There, with vigorous rubbing accompanied by sacred formulas, the agitated Arani gave rise to a great and ascetic being. Born from an inanimate form, this being was named Mithi, the King of Videha, and later became known as the ancient Janaka. It is from this revered being, called Mithi, that the lineage of Mithila originated. Thus, through divine intervention and the sanctity of ritual, both Vasishtha and Nimi were restored to life. 

In chapter 58, Shukra curses Yayati.  

Lakshmana, filled with amazement, addressed his mighty brother Rama, whose brilliance shone like the sun. He expressed his astonishment at the tale of King Nimi and Sage Vasishtha and questioned why Nimi, a warrior renowned for his valor and wisdom, could not find it in himself to forgive Vasishtha. 

In response, Rama explained that forgiveness is not always shown by men. To illustrate this, he recounted the story of King Yayati, who bore the injuries inflicted upon him with great patience and resignation. 

Yayati, the son of Nahusha and a ruler devoted to the prosperity of his people, had two wives of unparalleled beauty. His favored wife was Sharmishtha, the daughter of Diti and the Daitya king Vrashparvan, while his other consort was Devayani, the daughter of the great sage Shukracharya. Despite her noble lineage, Devayani was not beloved by her husband. 

Sharmishtha bore Yayati a son named Puru, while Devayani gave birth to Yadu. Puru, possessing admirable qualities and being the son of Yayati’s favored wife, became his father’s favorite. This favoritism greatly distressed Yadu, who, overwhelmed with sorrow, turned to his mother in anguish. 

Yadu lamented the misery and disgrace they suffered. He declared that their predicament was intolerable and insisted that they either end their lives by entering fire or allow him to leave and forge his own path. He could not bear the humiliation any longer and resolved to put an end to his life. 

Seeing her son weep with despair, Devayani, overcome with grief and indignation, called upon her father, the powerful sage Shukracharya. The great sage, sensing his daughter’s distress, immediately appeared before her. Observing her turmoil, he asked repeatedly what had caused her such pain. 

Enraged, Devayani expressed her misery to her father. She declared that she could no longer endure the contempt and neglect she suffered at the hands of King Yayati. She felt abandoned, like a neglected tree whose dependents also wither. She cried out that she would rather throw herself into fire, drink poison, or drown in water than continue to live in such disgrace. She then accused her father of being disregarded as well, for if she, his daughter, was treated with contempt, it reflected poorly upon him as well. 

Hearing these words, Shukracharya’s heart was filled with fury. The great sage, descended from Bhrigu, could not tolerate the insult to his daughter and immediately pronounced a terrible curse upon King Yayati. He declared that, due to his wickedness and the contempt he had shown toward him, old age would descend upon Yayati, rendering him weak and senile. 

Having uttered this curse, Shukracharya sought to console his grieving daughter. Then, radiant as the sun, he departed for his own abode, leaving behind the fate he had decreed upon Yayati. 

Thus, Rama illustrated to Lakshmana how, in some cases, resentment and a sense of injustice could overpower the inclination to forgive, shaping the destinies of even the greatest kings and sages. 

In chapter 59, Puru takes the place of his Father cursed by Shukra. 

After being cursed by the enraged Sage Shukra, also known as Bhargava, King Yayati was instantly overcome by old age. Unwilling to relinquish his pleasures, he turned to his son Yadu and implored him to take on his decrepitude in exchange for his youth. Yayati pleaded with Yadu, reminding him of his knowledge of dharma and urging him to fulfill his father’s wish. He promised that once he was finally satisfied with worldly pleasures, he would willingly resume his senility. 

However, Yadu, feeling neglected and cast aside by his father, refused the request. He reminded Yayati that he had been excluded from all important matters and had been denied his father’s favor. He suggested that Puru, who enjoyed the king’s company and privileges, should bear the burden instead. 

Hearing Yadu’s rejection, Yayati turned to Puru, asking him to take on his old age. Without hesitation, Puru, with hands folded in reverence, gladly accepted his father’s request. His willingness filled Yayati with immense joy, and as he regained his youth, he reveled in an unparalleled sense of satisfaction. Restored to his former vitality, he ruled the earth for countless years, performing thousands of sacrifices and indulging in worldly pleasures. 

Eventually, after a long period, Yayati called upon Puru and declared that the time had come for him to reclaim his old age. He assured Puru that he need not fear, for his devotion and obedience had pleased him greatly. In recognition of Puru’s sacrifice, Yayati promised to make him king, bestowing upon him the supreme dignity of the throne. 

Turning to Yadu, Yayati chastised him harshly, branding him as an ungrateful and intractable being. He declared that Yadu had disrespected not only his father but also his spiritual guide. As a result of his defiance, Yayati cursed Yadu and his lineage, decreeing that his descendants would never rule and would instead become Rakshasas and Yatudhanas. He further declared that Yadu’s progeny would never be part of the noble lunar dynasty and would inherit his rebellious nature. 

Having ensured the stability of his realm by appointing Puru as his successor, Yayati renounced his kingdom and withdrew into the forest. There, he lived in asceticism until the appointed time arrived for him to ascend to the celestial realms. 

Following Yayati’s departure, Puru ruled the kingdom of Kashi from the magnificent city of Pratishthana, governing with great wisdom, equity, and glory. Meanwhile, Yadu, true to the fate decreed by his father’s curse, fathered thousands of Yatudhanas in the distant and inaccessible city of Durga. 

Concluding his narration, Rama reflected on the virtues of acceptance and endurance. He pointed out that while Yayati bore his curse with the resilience of a true Kshatriya, Nimi, by contrast, had refused to forgive. Rama urged Lakshmana to follow the example of those who embraced fate, cautioning against the downfall that awaited those who resisted destiny, like King Nriga. 

As Rama spoke, the night sky glittered with stars, and the eastern horizon glowed with hues of rose and gold, as though adorned with the pollen of celestial flowers, heralding the arrival of a new dawn. 

This concludes chapters 57, 58 and 59 of Uttara Kanda where we had seen the stories flowing from Rama addressing important qualities of people and fate. He first recounted the story of Nimi and Vasishtha and concluded it as the both are restored to life. Rama reminded that both cursed one another and lost their physical forms. Lakshmana questioned why Nimi, a warrior, could not find it in himself to forgive Vasishtha. Rama explained that forgiveness is sometimes shown by men who doesn’t give it back what they receive as punishment. To explain this, he recounted the story of King Yayati, who was cursed by Shukra but endures it with patience. The entire story of King Yayati was detailed by Rama which was intertwined with his two wives and two sons. As the stories are told we can look at subsequent chapters where Rama and Lakshmana can be seen overlooking the proceedings in the courtroom.

Tales of King Nriga, Nimi and Celestial Urvashi Recounted by Rama

We have looked at two grand temples built for Rama in the last few posts as we are remembering the Ram mandir built in Ayodhya. I don’t recount any other famed Ram temple at the state or on national stage built for Him which has a significant name but will attempt to find out more about those as we celebrate his story and ideals. We really need to take consciousness of Rama deep into the people’s hearts and into the societal veins to herald a movement centered on the lord. A similar movement which has taken shape, centered on Lord Krishna is something which has a big space in my life and occupies my free time. It is the ISKCON movement initiated by Srila Prabhupada which I mentioned many times whenever there is an opportunity. This Hare Krishna movement has constructed over 400 temples with God Krishna as principal deity across the world. There is one close to my location as well which is the result of power of one person’s resolution and initiation. In a similar way, we need to initiate the spread of ideals and teachings on Rama with a similar movement and build as many places of worship which act as focal points to serve the very purpose. That will herald a golden age for all of us when people are swayed by the name and fame of Rama and become His true followers. Imagine having a place of worship for Him in every popular city or town and which attracts and mesmerizes the crowd with a devotion unto Him. I can tell it as part of this blog on the online medium but taking it offline and acting on the ground needs to certainly happen. A look at the crores of devotees thronging Ayodhya is a good starting point and encouragement to spread the movement for Rama consciousness and build many prominent places of worship for him. While we need to take upon the task of building prominent Ram mandirs in all prominent places, I will touch upon the very few famed existing ones as I learn about the same. The Rama consciousness and his ideals, principles should rule the hearts of the people from his powerful places of worship built at every corner of the world. A dawn will certainly rise to that end and the movement underway will certainly take us there. 

Looking back at the story, we have completed to learn about the misfortune faced by Sita through her separation from Rama. Lakshmana, while traveling with Sumantra, requests the charioteer to recount Sage Durvasa’s prophecy. Sumantra narrates that Durvasa, during his stay at Vasishtha’s hermitage, had revealed to King Dasaratha the fate of Rama and his lineage. The prophecy stemmed from an ancient curse by Sage Bhrigu on Vishnu for slaying his wife. As a result, Vishnu was destined to be born as Rama and endure separation from Sita. Durvasa foretold Rama’s long and prosperous reign, his great sacrifices, and his eventual ascension to Brahmaloka. Assured by fate’s certainty, Lakshmana felt relief and continued his journey. Lakshmana arrives in Ayodhya with a heavy heart, contemplating how to inform Rama of Sita’s abandonment. Upon entering the palace, he finds Rama in distress and falls at his feet, recounting his mission. He consoles Rama, urging him to accept fate and maintain his resolve. Rama, moved by his brother’s wisdom, acknowledges his words and resolves to remain steadfast. Rama praises Lakshmana’s loyalty and expresses concern for his kingly duties, having neglected his subjects for four days. To emphasize the importance of justice, he recounts the story of King Nriga, who unknowingly gifted a brahmin’s cow to another. When the rightful owner sought justice but was ignored, the ascetics cursed Nriga to become a lizard until Vishnu’s incarnation as Krishna freed him. Learning from this tale, Rama commands Lakshmana to summon all those seeking his judgment. We can look at the further tales in the following chapters. 

In chapter 54, the story of king Nriga concludes. 

Upon hearing Rama’s words, the wise and devoted Lakshmana, with folded hands, expressed his astonishment at the severity of King Nriga’s punishment. He questioned how such a minor transgression had led the brahmins to curse the righteous king with immense suffering. Curious about the king’s response to the curse, Lakshmana urged Rama to continue the tale. 

Rama, ever compassionate, resumed his narration, recounting how King Nriga responded upon realizing his fate. After the sages Narada and Parvata pronounced their dreadful curse upon him and swiftly departed to Brahmaloka, Nriga gathered his ministers, citizens, and priests. Addressing them solemnly, he acknowledged the curse as irreversible and prepared for his impending fate. 

With wisdom and foresight, Nriga declared that his son, Prince Vasu, should immediately be installed as the new ruler. He ensured a smooth transition of power, instructing his people to uphold righteousness and adhere to the laws of the Kshatriya order. To endure his punishment with dignity, he ordered the construction of three ditches, each designed to protect him from the elements—one for shelter from rain, another from cold, and a third from heat. 

Further, he commanded that his dwelling be made as pleasant as possible, with lush trees bearing fruit, fragrant flowers, and verdant shrubs to provide shade. His desire was to live in relative comfort, despite his wretched fate. He ordered that flowers with a sweet fragrance be sown for half a league in all directions, creating an environment of peace and serenity around his place of exile. 

Having made these arrangements, Nriga turned to his son with final words of wisdom. He urged Vasu to rule with justice and righteousness, ever mindful of the power of fate. He warned him to always remember the consequences of neglecting the grievances of the people, as he himself had learned in the most unfortunate way. Accepting his destiny with remarkable composure, Nriga reassured his son that everything in life—whether joy or suffering—was determined by past actions and the workings of karma. He instructed Vasu not to grieve for him, as his fate was the natural result of his deeds. 

With unwavering resolve, King Nriga then descended into the ditch that had been prepared for him. It was adorned with precious gems, making it a place of both punishment and splendor. There, he resigned himself to his fate, living in the depths of the earth as a lizard for countless years, suffering the consequences of his past misdeeds until his eventual liberation. 

Thus, Rama concluded the tale, emphasizing to Lakshmana the immense responsibility a ruler bears in ensuring justice for all. 

In chapter 55, the story of Nimi is detailed. 

After recounting the tale of King Nriga, Rama, the scion of the Ikshvaku dynasty, offered to narrate another story. Eager to hear more, Lakshmana urged him to continue. Pleased by his brother’s enthusiasm, Rama began to tell the tale of King Nimi, a righteous and valorous monarch of the Ikshvaku lineage. 

Nimi, the twelfth son of the illustrious Ikshvaku, was renowned for his truthfulness and courage. He established a magnificent city named Vaijanta, near the hermitage of the great Sage Gautama. Desiring to perform a grand sacrifice in honor of his father, Ikshvaku, Nimi invited the most esteemed sages to participate in the ceremony. Among them was Vasishtha, the foremost among ascetics, as well as Atri, Angira, and Bhrigu, who were all renowned for their wisdom and penance. 

However, Vasishtha had already committed to officiating a sacrifice for Indra, the king of the gods. He requested Nimi to wait until he had completed Indra’s ritual before proceeding with his own. Nimi, however, was determined to begin his sacrifice without delay. Thus, he appointed Sage Gautama to conduct the rites in Vasishtha’s absence and commenced the elaborate ceremony near the Himavat mountains. The sacrifice continued for over five thousand years, during which Nimi dutifully followed all the prescribed rites. 

After completing Indra’s sacrifice, Vasishtha returned to Nimi’s court, prepared to assume his role as the chief officiant. To his dismay, he discovered that Gautama had already taken his place, and the sacrifice was well underway. Overcome with rage at what he perceived as a great insult, Vasishtha sought out King Nimi. Upon finding him in a deep sleep, his fury only intensified. In his wrath, Vasishtha cursed the king, declaring that his body would be rendered lifeless as punishment for disregarding his prior commitment. 

Moments later, Nimi awoke, unaware of Vasishtha’s presence and the curse that had been pronounced upon him. When he learned of the sage’s anger and the grievous fate that had befallen him, he too was consumed with rage. In retaliation, Nimi invoked his own curse upon Vasishtha, declaring that the great sage’s body would also be bereft of sensation for a long time. 

Thus, in their anger, both the noble king and the revered sage cursed one another, bringing about their own downfall. The power of their mutual maledictions took immediate effect, and both were instantly deprived of their physical forms. 

With this tale, Rama highlighted the destructive nature of unchecked wrath, even among the most virtuous and powerful beings. The story of Nimi and Vasishtha served as a reminder of the consequences of anger. 

In chapter 56, the story of the cursing of the nymph Urvashi is detailed. 

After narrating the tale of Nimi and Vasishtha’s mutual curse, Lakshmana, ever eager to learn, asked Rama how the sage and the king regained their bodies after casting them off. In response, Rama, ever truthful, continued his tale, explaining the events that followed their curses. 

Both Vasishtha, the foremost of sages, and King Nimi, a royal sage of great virtue, existed in their subtle forms after being deprived of their bodies. Desiring to regain his physical form, Vasishtha sought the aid of his divine father, Brahma, the Grandsire of all beings. Approaching Brahma with reverence, Vasishtha bowed at his feet and pleaded for a new body, lamenting that without a physical form, he was unable to perform many righteous deeds. 

Moved by his son’s plight, Brahma, the self-born deity, assured Vasishtha that he would regain a body. He instructed the sage to enter the vital seed of Mitra and Varuna, two powerful deities, through which he would be reborn without the need for a mother. Obeying Brahma’s divine command, Vasishtha departed for the abode of Varuna to fulfill his destiny. 

At that time, Mitra, the god of contracts and friendships, was reigning in Varuna’s domain. By chance, the celestial nymph Urvashi arrived there, accompanied by her companions. Urvashi, whose beauty was unmatched, possessed eyes as large as lotus petals and a face as radiant as the moon. Seeing her grace, Varuna was overcome with desire and wished to unite with her. However, Urvashi, with hands folded in respect, reminded Varuna that she had already been summoned by Mitra for the same purpose. 

Despite her words, Varuna, unable to restrain his desire, declared that since she refused him, he would release his vital seed into the sacred vessel created by Brahma. This act would fulfill his longing while respecting her choice. Urvashi, pleased by his words, consented, though she remained bound to Mitra. 

Upon realizing what had transpired, Mitra became enraged. Feeling betrayed by Urvashi’s actions, he condemned her to descend to the world of mortals. He declared that she would be united with Pururavas, the son of Budha and ruler of Kashi. This curse forced Urvashi to leave the celestial realms and join Pururavas in the city of Pratisthana. 

In due course, Urvashi bore Pururavas a son named Ayu, who was renowned for his valor. Ayu later fathered Nahusha, a king whose glory rivaled that of Indra himself. Nahusha’s greatness was such that when Indra lost his divine throne after using his thunderbolt against the mighty demon Vritra, Nahusha ascended as the ruler of the gods and reigned for thousands of years. 

Meanwhile, Urvashi, bound to her fate, spent many years on earth as a mortal. However, once the period of her curse was completed, she returned to the celestial realm, resuming her place in Indra’s divine court. 

Thus, through divine intervention and the workings of fate, Vasishtha was reborn, and Urvashi’s celestial existence was temporarily interrupted, leading to the rise of great kings who shaped the destiny of the world. 

This concludes chapters 54, 55 and 56 of Uttara Kanda where we had known the tales of Kind Nriga, Nimi and the celestial nymph Urvashi. The tales are recounted by Rama to Lakshmana as they prod on the subject of dharma and duties of rulers. King Nriga ignored his own duty and paid the price by assuming the form of a lizard for many years. Another tale was told on King Nimi by Rama as the king became a victim of unchecked anger from sage Vasishta. Nimi also cursed Vasishta in retaliation to lose his physical form. The continuation of the plight of Vasishta took to the story of nymph Urvashi who gave birth to a lineage of great kings after she was cursed to take the form of a mortal. These are times when Rama is recounting stories from the past as he is delving on the responsibilities and priorities of a ruler. We can look at end of the stories of Nimi, Vasishta and further tales in subsequent chapters.