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.
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