A Brief on Ram Raja Temple and Lakshmana Narrates the Tale of Vrita

In this episode, let us continue to look into some divine places of worship or temples dedicated to Rama as relevant to this blog. If we can remember we have already briefly learnt about the Ram mandirs in Ayodhya, Bhadrachalam, Rameswaram and Nashik earlier. I was aware of the first three and learning about the remaining as I contribute for this blog. Such is the expanse of the land and belief found deep and buried within the fabric of India, no one person with little experience can know about all of the most beautiful places of worship for Rama throughout the land. As mentioned, Ram mandir in Ayodhya was built just few years back as the country is slowly evolving and realizing the importance of this unknown side. Likewise, the Ram mandirs across the country are talked about little with less interest outside the location. There is a need to permeate knowledge and consciousness on a handful prominent places of worship celebrating Rama and his ideals to spread the same across the country and far outside. As we are almost completing learning about the epic Ramayana, we can also take a journey to learn about his most popular and still less known places of worship to spread reflections of the divine being. In our effort to spread this Rama consciousness on the land practically, the places of worship need to be the epicenters of the same. As these are neglected for much of the past, we can bring them back to prominence to awaken the masses and everyone alike on the knowledge and memory of divine name. This is the way to usher a new world with hope and ideals ingrained deep into our everyday living. 

In the spirit, let us learn about Ram Raja temple in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh. As mentioned, no one knows more than 3-4 prominent Ram mandirs in India. This needs to be vastly improved in this day and age to parallel the rise of Ram in Ayodhya. Ram Raja Temple in Orchha, MP is special because it treats Lord Rama not just like a god—but like a king as the name of temple suggests. It's the only temple in India where Rama is worshipped as a ruler. Every day, he’s given respect just like a real king: with guards, salutes, and royal ceremonies. The story behind this temple is interesting. A queen named Ganesh Kunwari brought an idol of Lord Rama from Ayodhya. She had promised that wherever she placed the idol first, it would stay there. When she got home to Orchha, she placed it temporarily in her palace. But after that, the idol wouldn’t move. So her palace had to become a temple—and that's how Lord Rama came to rule there. Inside the temple, everything feels royal. Even the aarti (prayer ceremony) happens like it’s being done in front of a king. There’s a flag outside like at a fort, and soldiers stand guard to honor him. People visit from all over to see Lord Rama in his kingly role. They’re not just praying—they’re showing respect like they would to a real monarch. It’s quiet, beautiful, and full of devotion. The Ram Raja Temple in Orchha features a palace-style design with soft pink, yellow, and white hues. Originally Queen Ganesh Kunwari’s residence, it lacks typical temple towers. Its domed roof and marble courtyard reflect royal simplicity, blending Mughal and Bundela influences into a serene, regal atmosphere befitting Lord Rama’s kingship in a simple presentation. Annually, the temple welcomes around 650,000 domestic tourists and approximately 25,000 foreign visitors, making it one of the most prominent pilgrimage destinations in Madhya Pradesh. Learning about this temple is relevant now as we are into Uttara Kanda where Rama begins his role as ruler of Ayodhya who would later become the greatest and most ideal king ever known and heard, giving utmost importance to the interests of people of the land for hundreds of years, even above his personal interests. 

Coming back to the story, we have looked at the episode of repercussions of a small mistake committed by those in power over the entire kingdom in last few posts through the tale of Danda and how the kingdom was reduced to Dandaka aranya. This tale was also interpreted to the modern-day figures or important persons wielding power influencing everyone on Earth. Upon listening to this tale, Rama takes leave of Agasthya and returns to kingdom. There he summons Bharata and Lakshmana to perform Rajasuya sacrifice which was softly opposed by Bharata. We can look at the continuation in following chapters. 

In chapter 84, the story is Vrita is discussed. 

After Rama’s discussion with Bharata, Lakshmana respectfully addressed Rama, urging him to undertake the Ashvamedha (Horse) Sacrifice, which is renowned for removing all sins and serving as an infallible means of purification. Lakshmana highlighted that the sacrifice aligns with Rama’s role as the upholder of dharma and would further sanctify his reign. 

To emphasize its importance, Lakshmana cited the Puranic story of Indra (Vasava), who was once tainted by the grave sin of killing a brahmin (brahmanicide). Indra, to cleanse himself of this sin, performed the Ashvamedha Sacrifice and was purified, illustrating the ritual’s unparalleled power in absolving even the most severe sins. 

Lakshmana then narrated the story of Vritra, a powerful and noble Daitya (demon) who lived during a time when the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) maintained peace. Vritra was immense in size, with a body a hundred leagues wide and three times that in height. Despite his immense power, Vritra was compassionate, wise, and just, ruling his kingdom with integrity and kindness. Under his reign, the earth flourished abundantly, producing fruits, flowers, and roots without cultivation, and prosperity prevailed throughout his kingdom. 

As time passed, Vritra recognized the transience of material pleasures and concluded that asceticism was the highest form of joy, surpassing all worldly happiness. Driven by this realization, he appointed his eldest son as the King of Madhura to care for his people and renounced his throne to pursue rigorous penance, which soon began to cause concern among the gods. 

Seeing Vritra’s growing spiritual power from his intense austerities, Indra (Vasava) became deeply worried, fearing that Vritra’s penance would make him invincible, placing the gods under his control forever. In his distress, Indra approached Vishnu, acknowledging that only Vishnu’s divine intervention could address the looming threat. 

Indra explained to Vishnu that Vritra, through his strict penance and virtue, had effectively conquered the worlds and that if his austerities continued, he would dominate the cosmos indefinitely. Indra pleaded with Vishnu to protect the universe and restore balance, emphasizing that all beings, including the gods, look to Vishnu as their ultimate refuge when they have no other support. 

In chapter 85, the death of Vrita is narrated. 

After Lakshmana encouraged Rama to undertake the Ashvamedha Sacrifice, Rama requested Lakshmana to narrate the remainder of the story regarding the destruction of Vritra. Obediently, Lakshmana, delight of Sumitra, continued the exalted account. 

Lakshmana described how, in the past, Indra (Lord of a Thousand Eyes) and all the gods, troubled by the growing power of Vritra due to his intense austerities, approached Vishnu for assistance. They pleaded with Vishnu, urging him to slay Vritra to protect the cosmic order and preserve the peace of the worlds. 

Vishnu, however, explained to the gods that he shared an ancient bond with the magnanimous Vritra and, therefore, could not directly kill him. Yet, Vishnu assured the gods that he would provide them a way to defeat Vritra without violating this bond. Vishnu revealed that he would divide his essence into three parts: one-third would enter Indra (Vasava), another third would enter Indra’s thunderbolt, and the final third would enter the bosom of the earth. Through these means, Vritra could be slain by Indra. 

Hearing Vishnu’s plan, the gods expressed their faith in his words, proclaiming that his declaration would surely manifest, and they praised him, wishing him victory before taking leave, now empowered by Vishnu’s essence, to face Vritra. 

The gods, led by Indra, proceeded to the retreat of Vritra, where they beheld the powerful asura radiating an effulgence so intense that it appeared to consume the worlds and the sky itself, filling the gods with fear. As they trembled, unsure how to defeat Vritra, Indra, the destroyer of cities, took up the thunderbolt infused with Vishnu’s essence and hurled it upon Vritra’s head, striking him down with the weapon that blazed like the Fire of Time. 

The impact was so formidable that it terrified all the worlds, and Vritra was slain. However, after killing Vritra, Indra became aware of the grave sin of brahmanicide he had committed by killing Vritra, who was considered righteous due to his penance. Fearful and burdened with this sin, Indra fled in haste to the ends of the world, but the sin of brahmanicide pursued him relentlessly, causing him great suffering and affliction. 

Though their enemy was defeated, the gods found themselves without their leader. They, led by Agni, approached Vishnu once again, offering him their homage and acknowledging him as the Supreme Master and Father of the Universe. They praised him as the protector of the worlds and thanked him for his assistance in defeating Vritra, but they expressed concern for Indra, who was now suffering due to the sin incurred from killing Vritra. 

Vishnu listened to their plea and responded, advising that Indra should perform a sacrifice in Vishnu’s honour to cleanse himself of the sin. Specifically, Vishnu instructed that Indra should undertake the Ashvamedha (Horse) Sacrifice, assuring that by performing this sacred ritual, Indra would be freed from the bondage of sin and restored to his rightful place as King of the Gods without fear of retribution. 

After giving this guidance, Vishnu, the Lord of the Celestials, returned to Trivishtapa (the celestial realm) as the gods praised him, ensuring that balance was restored to the worlds and that Indra had a clear path to redemption through the power of sacrifice. 

This concludes chapters 84 and 85 of Uttara Kanda where we had seen the story of Vrita narrated by Lakshmana to Rama. Lakshmana wants Rama to perform Ashvamedha (Horse) Sacrifice as it would absolve Rama of all his sins and would further sanctify his reign. He narrates the story of Vrita where Indra would be performing the same sacrifice to relieve himself from the sin of brahmanicide. The story about Vrita, his intense penance and his killing by Indra, the lord of Gods has been studied and we can look at how Indra is liberated in subsequent posts.

Lessons From the Tale of Danda and Rama Departs From Sage Agasthya

We had looked at the tale of Danda in the last post. It is a cautionary reminder for any ruler of any time to uphold dharma and live strictly in adherence to righteousness. Otherwise, the kingdom and the people will have to bear the consequences. This is particularly relevant in modern world where dubious leaders stand behind the calamities of the world. The tale tells every disaster – natural or man-made is accountable to the rule of the land. The present world saw many wars, two world wars where thousands if not lakhs perished. The most recent covid pandemic has devastated humanity. We will be a witness to an increasing number of these destructions when there is adharma or unrighteousness ruling the roost. The mistakes of those at helm – minor or major will have serious consequences. It is important to discourage such people from taking vital positions even if it is for short term benefit masking long-term wellbeing. Danda ruled well for years but his personality grew with him to make a mistake which decimated his own people and the kingdom in due course. If it is too good to believe, don’t believe. Always encourage someone who is unmistakable, moderate and upholds dharma all the time; not extreme people and extreme nations to lead the place and the world. 

If we look at this example, King Danda’s story isn’t just a cautionary tale—it’s a cosmic warning about how a ruler’s personal adharma (unrighteous act) can unravel the very fabric of a kingdom. In a moment of overpowering lust, Danda violates Aruja, the daughter of his guru, the mighty sage Shukracharya. This was a horrific breach of dharma—both as a disciple and as a king. Because Aruja was under the protection of her father and the hermitage, Danda’s act was not only immoral but sacrilegious. Enraged by the assault on his daughter, the sage curses Danda's entire kingdom to be reduced to ashes in seven days. The curse isn’t just vengeance—it’s a restoration of dharma. Nature and the divine forces respond to the king’s wrongdoing in full force. On the seventh day, as foretold, a dust storm engulfs the region, turning the once-thriving land into a desolate wasteland. Danda’s army, citizens, vegetation—everything is wiped out. The territory becomes what we later call the Dandaka Aranya, a cursed desert. The legacy is lost, the kingdom is lost and Danda’s kingdom is erased from history and only remembered as a cautionary tale. A king is not above the law—his actions set moral precedent. Upholding dharma isn’t optional; it’s the foundation of legitimate rule. Personal misdeeds, even done in secrecy, can shake the realm if not addressed. Agastya uses Danda’s story to highlight the moral weight of kingship. The narrative warns Rama—and future rulers—that dharma must be upheld in both public and private life, lest the kingdom pay the price. It’s important how this ancient epic doesn’t just speak about heroic battles but dives deep into the ethics of leadership. Yes, when a king acts without dharma, the kingdom inevitably suffers. The king is the custodian of cosmic balance and an important force behind natural and man-made disasters ruining the life within kingdom, not just a wielder of power. 

Once again, the tale is an important reminder why there should absolutely no mistakes from those at helm. If a nerd is encouraged to stay at top with all the mistakes, without getting basics right then the land will bear consequences. If a fool doesn’t learn the right way of living and lives as he wishes and reaches the top, it becomes fool’s paradise or fool’s kingdom of state of affairs. It is a dangerous territory to be in. If you don’t know the art and science of living the right way of life with self-awareness, external awareness then it becomes a red flag at some point. If your negatives outnumber the positives in your personality, then every negative will face the full wrath of nature. The essence of these tales is you should be perfect, ideal like Rama with zero defects and negatives without any mistakes. But when a person at helm exhibits all forms of negative traits, it becomes imperative he steps down or live with guilty moral conscience for the consequences of not correcting himself. It all boils down to growing up with age, getting rough curves straightened and living correct way of life, even if it is difficult and painful. Let every ruler rededicate to correct innumerable flaws within, for the sake of everything external. 

Coming back to the epic, we have looked at the tale of Danda in last post. This has concluded and the continues the tale around Rama in following chapters. 

In chapter 82, Rama takes leave of Agasthya. 

Following the instruction of the Rishi, Rama, in his commitment to spiritual practice, approached the sacred lake frequented by celestial Apsaras to perform his evening devotions. After completing his ablutions and evening rites, he returned to the hermitage of the magnanimous sage Kumbhayoni, also known as Agastya. Agastya then prepared a meal for Rama, using various fruits, roots, rice, and other pure ingredients, creating food that resembled Amrita, the nectar of immortality. Rama, the foremost of men, partook of this blessed meal and spent the night there happily, experiencing peace and contentment in the company of the great sage. 

At dawn, Rama, the Subduer of Foes and Prince of the Raghus, completed his morning rituals and approached the sage to take his leave. Paying respectful obeisance, Rama expressed his gratitude for having received the blessing of seeing such a great ascetic and conveyed his desire to return to the hermitage again in the future for further sanctification and blessings. 

Hearing Rama’s words, which were beautifully expressed with eloquence, Agastya was filled with delight. The sage, who upheld righteousness, praised Rama, stating that he himself was the sanctity of all beings. Agastya declared that anyone who cast a glance of love upon Rama would be purified and would attain paradise, receiving the homage of the Lords of the Third Heaven. Conversely, those who viewed Rama with malice would be struck down by death and fall into hell due to their negative intentions. The sage further praised Rama, acknowledging him as the salvation of all beings on earth, declaring that even speaking of Rama would lead one to perfection. Agastya then blessed Rama, advising him to govern his empire with equity, as he was the path and guide for the world. 

Following these blessings, Rama, with joined palms, paid his respects and offered salutations to Agastya and the other sages present before him. He then tranquilly ascended the golden Pushpaka Chariot to return to his kingdom. As Rama departed, the sages showered blessings upon him, recognizing him as equal in stature to Mahendra, the king of the gods, and the devas acclaimed him just as they acclaim Indra, the god of a thousand eyes. 

Standing in the Pushpaka Chariot in the sky, Rama appeared as radiant as the moon surrounded by clouds. By noon, Rama, known as Kakutstha, entered the city of Ayodhya amidst continuous acclamations from the people, celebrating his return. Upon reaching the central courtyard of the palace, he dismounted from the magnificent Pushpaka Chariot, which had the power to travel wherever one wished. Dismissing the chariot respectfully, Rama wished it well, saying, “Go, may good betide you!” 

Following this, Rama commanded the doorkeeper present in the courtyard to announce his arrival to his brothers, Lakshmana and Bharata, describing them as swift-footed heroes. He instructed the doorkeeper to summon them immediately without any delay, marking his return to Ayodhya and his readiness to reunite with his family and continue his duties as the righteous ruler of the kingdom. 

In chapter 83, Bharata persuades Rama not to perform Rajasuya sacrifice. 

Following Rama’s command, the palace guard promptly summoned Bharata and Lakshmana, the two youthful princes, and returned to inform Rama of their arrival. Seeing his beloved brothers, Rama warmly embraced them both and began sharing his intentions with them. 

Rama, the scion of the Raghu lineage and known for his imperishable exploits, expressed that he had faithfully completed the tasks entrusted to him by the esteemed sages and now desired to perform the Rajasuya Sacrifice. Rama considered this sacrifice to be indestructible and unchangeable, a support of dharma, and a destroyer of evil. He explained that with the support and presence of Bharata and Lakshmana, who were like parts of himself, he wished to undertake this significant ritual, seeing it as an unwritten duty aligned with eternal dharma. 

Rama further elaborated on the greatness of the Rajasuya Sacrifice by citing historical examples: Mitra, after performing this sacrifice, achieved the status of Varuna-hood, and Soma, after performing the Rajasuya in accordance with tradition, attained imperishable renown and an exalted state in the world. Rama, therefore, requested his brothers to discuss and advise him on what would be best for the kingdom, asking them to candidly share their opinions for the future prosperity of the world. 

Upon hearing Rama’s intention, Bharata, known for his skill in debate and wisdom, responded with humility and respect, addressing Rama with joined palms. Bharata praised Rama as the upholder of the highest sense of duty and righteousness, stating that the entire world finds support in him. Bharata acknowledged Rama’s glory and immeasurable valour, recognizing him as the protector of the universe, revered by kings, gods, and Prajapati alike. He emphasized that children see Rama as their father and that he has become the salvation of all beings on earth. 

However, Bharata expressed his concerns about the Rajasuya Sacrifice, highlighting that its execution involves the destruction of many royal houses and the annihilation of numerous warriors who are considered heroes of the earth. Bharata argued that such actions would lead to universal condemnation and unnecessary bloodshed, which would bring destruction to the world, a world that was entirely subject to Rama’s rule and protection. Bharata earnestly requested Rama, the lion among warriors and an embodiment of virtue, to refrain from undertaking a sacrifice that would lead to violence and destabilization. 

Rama, upon hearing Bharata’s wise and nectar-like words, was filled with immense delight and appreciation for his brother’s insight. Acknowledging the correctness of Bharata’s counsel, Rama responded with warmth and approval, addressing Bharata as the joy of Kaikeyi. Rama declared that Bharata’s righteous, resolute, and considerate discourse had preserved the earth by preventing unnecessary destruction. 

Rama then renounced his initial resolve to perform the Rajasuya Sacrifice based on Bharata’s wise advice, stating that the truly wise should never engage in actions that could harm the world. Instead, a wise person should be open to receiving good counsel, even if it comes from a child, recognizing the value of wisdom irrespective of its source. Rama concluded by expressing his happiness and satisfaction with Bharata’s guidance, acknowledging it as well-considered, virtuous, and aligned with dharma. 

This concludes chapters 82 and 83 of Uttara Kanda where we had seen Rama taking leave of Agasthya after spending time with him learning about the tales of earlier kings. After Rama slains Shambuka who is a shudra ascetic performing intense penance and tilting cosmic balance, the gods and sages come to bless Rama for upholding the order of divine rule. Agasthya gifts Rama an ornament and narrates the tale of Shveta and Danda in continuation when Rama asks about the origin of gift. These tales are powerful reminders of the qualities of a good ruler as Rama embarks on this role. The episode further cements his stature as a just ruler in the years to follow as everyone heavenly gives strength to his power. Upon returning to kingdom, he summons Lakshmana and Bharata to perform Rajasuya sacrifice which Bharata opposes. This was appreciated by Rama and we can look at tale of Vrita in subsequent chapters.