SELECT STORIES FROM PURANAS -3

SELECT STORIES FROM PURANAS

(Compiled  by  Brahmasree V.D.N.Rao)

 

Agni Devata himself brought back from the Agni Kunda and declared Devi Sita as an ever Pure,

Chaste, Blameless and a peerless epitome of Pativratya. Besides installing Vibhishana as the King,

Indra and Devas too were bestowed with their lost glories denied to them for long due to the muchhated

Ravana and his clan. The precious possessions of Swarga like Pushpaka Vimana of Kubera

Deva were restored to the respective Devas.Accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana as well as

Hanuman, Sugriva, Vibhishana, Vanara Yoddhas (Warriors) including Jambavanta, Nala, Neela,

Subhaga, Sharabha, Sushena, and all the survivors among Vanara Sena crossed the Rama Setu,

proceeded to the site of ‘Shiva Linga Pratishthana’ at Rameshwara and further on to Ayodhya to join

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proceeded to the site of Shiva Linga Pratishthana at Rameshwara and further on to Ayodhya to join

the celebrations of Victory and Rajabhisheka.

On return an anxious Ayodhya awaited the ‘Maryada Purusha’, the Epic Hero and the Most

Significant Avatara of Treta Yuga, proving once again that Lord Vishnu would assume human birth

again and again as and when Dharma was in jeopardy and Adharma tended to take an upper hand in

the Universe.

In Patala Khanda of Padma Purana, Bhagavan Sesha Nag briefly recalled the Events to Maharshi

Vasyayan about the activities of Lord Shri Rama, the Epic Hero of Ramayana, after the killing the

infamous Ravanasura at Lanka providing great relief to Indra and Devas, Rishis and the virtuous as

also the entire humanity. While narrating the Events, Sesha Nag was in a trance as the spell of Shri

Rama was so intense that the Illustrious Serpent, whose bed Bhagavan Vishnu- the incarnation Shri

Rama- rested on. Lord Rama bestowed the Kingship of Lanka to Vibhishana, the younger brother of

the slain Ravana and sat on Pushpaka Viman along with Devi Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman, Sugriva and

various other stalvarts who fought in the Battle with Ravana. Even as the Pushpaka Viman took off

from Lanka to Ayodhya, there were showers of scented flowers and reverberating sounds of

‘Dundubhis’ (drums) from the skies by Devas and on the entire route on Earth there were loud recitals

of Veda Mantras by Rishis and Brahmanas signifying the ‘Vijaya Yatra’ or the Victorious Return to

Ayodhya. Raghunandan Rama showed to Sita some glimpses of Places like the Rama Setu by which

Vanara Sena or the Monkey Brigade crossed the Ocean, Kishkindha where he met Sugriva and

Hanuman, and the spots where he and Lakshmana searched for Sita. The Pushpak Viman approached

Nandigram, where all these years of ‘Rama Vanavas’ King Bharat was ruling Ayodhya on behalf of

Shri Rama by decorating the latter’s footwear on the Throne, Hanuman was asked to fly earlier and

inform Bharata. As the Vimana touched the ground, there was a high moment of emotional meeting of

Rama and Bharata. As advance notice was sent, the entire City of Ayodyha prepared itself with

festivities and colourful receptions with joyous singing and ecstatic dances to welcome the Maryada

Purusha Shri Rama, Maha Sadhvi Sita, the illustrious brothers Lakshmana and Bharata. With the

Pushpak Viman descending down, the entire population of Ayodhyapuri went rapturous rendering

high-pitched slogans viz.: Victory to Shri Rama, Victory to Devi Sita, Victory to Lakshmana and

Victory to Raja Bharata. Dressed in their best attires befitting the euphoric moments of bliss, the

‘Puravasis’had no bounds of joy in welcoming the Hero and his Parivar emerging from the Viman.

The high tides of humanity who suppressed their emotions during his absence of for fourteen long

years were surcharged with passions and inexplicable hilarity. Shri Rama first entered Devi Kaikeya’s

Chambers and after prostrating before her asked her if there were any other wishes of hers yet

unfulfilled! She stooped her head down in shame and could not utter one word out of remorse and

anguish. From there, Shri Rama accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana visited Devi Sumitra and

Shatrughna and postrated to her too; she expressed overflowing grief and relief and profusely thanked

Rama for his highest consideration for her son Lakshmana. Further on both Rama and Sita entered the

Chamber of Devi Kaushalya who swooned first for some time and after recovery embraced the son

and daughter-in-law and declared that Sadhvi Sita was the finest example of womanhood for ever!

After all the euphoria subsided, Bharat called the Ministers, Astrologers and Maharshi Vasishtha to

decide on the time and date of Shri Rama Pattabhishekam (Coronation). The Historic Celebration of

‘Rama Rajabhisheka’ was a landmark in Treta Yuga attended by Lord Brahma, Devas, Maharshis and

the highly satisfied ‘Praja, and heralded the highly famed Rama Rajya. As Rama was seated as its

Head on the Naksha (Atlas) of ‘Sapta Lokas’ of Prithvi, all the Devas, Daityas, Nagas, Yakshas,

Asuras, and of course the entire humanity were performing their respective duties with devotion and

care as per established regulations of Dharma (Virtue), Nyaya (Justice), Law and Order, and Social

Security. Sadhus and Sages were happy as never before, none resorted to foul means of any kind,

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women folk had no difficulties and they too observed the regulations as Pativratas; Sacred Activities

like Yagnas, Vratas, Punya Karyas, Tirtha Yatras, Daanas, Dhyanas, and Veda Pathanas were in full

swing. In response to Rama’s appeals Daityas, Maha Sarpas and other Power Joints of the Rajya, none

dared to follow the ways of the Evil. To Devas too Shri Ram made requests not to impose any ‘Adhi

Daivika’ based problems such as natural disasters like Earth quakes, floods and droughts or excessive

rains or ‘Akaala Maranas’ or premature deaths. The Praja in Rama Rajya were instrtucted to observe

the ‘Varnaashrama Vidhana’, perform useful tasks like construction of wells, Sarovars, Temples,

2Choultries, Udyanavanas or Public Gardens, Pashu Palana or raising cattle, farming and such useful

engagements rather than indulge in unhealthy and anti- social activities such as thieving, pilfering,

causing hurt to others, amassing money and squandering for foul tasks, prostitution, betting, racing,

drinking and yielding to immoral activities. As Shri Rama was an ideal Institution of ‘Sishta

Rakshaka’ (Protector of Virtue and Justice) and ‘Dushta Sikshaka’ (Punisher of the Evil), the normal

Praja (General Public) proved to be a darling King owing to his suave and benevolent treatment and

as a severe chastiser and Task Master of wrong doings.

As a petty minded Washerman in the Rama Rajya scandalised Sadhvi Sita once that after all she

stayed in Ravana’s Lanka for long enough and was not above suspicion concerning her character,

Maryada Purusha Shri Rama abandoned her so as to set an example to his Praja. This was the time

when Rama intensified the strictness of his administration in the Kingdom. Sesha Nag narrated to

Vatsyayana that Agastya Maha Muni visited Rama once and in the course of exchange of views,

Rama desired to know from Agastya about Ravana’s background, who was the Villian-in-Chief of

Ramayana forcing Rama to wage a battle with the Demon for kidnapping Devi Sita. Agastya Muni

informed Shri Rama that Lord Brahma’s son was Pulastya and the latter’s son was Vishwavaka with

two wives viz. Mandakini and Kaikasi. Mandakini begot Kubera who by virtue of his Tapsya became

the Chief of Yakshas and a Pushpak Viman. Ravan, Kumbhakarna and Vibhishana were the sons of

Kaikasi. Kubera performed sincere and strict Tapasya and achieved the position of a ‘Loka

Palaka’and possessed a Vimana too; he was coming and going to meet his parents by the Vimana.

Kaikasi was jealous of Mandakini and so were Ravana and Kumbhakarna against Kubera. This

prompted Ravana brothers to peform Tapasya, although Vibhishana did the meditation for noble

reasons. Lord Brahma was pleased with Ravana’s Tapasya and blessed him to become the King of a

large Kingdom and made him superior to Devas; as a result Devas fled from Swarga. Ravana

occupied Lanka too and forcibly took away Kubera’s Viman. Although Ravana and Kumbhakarna

were Brahmanas, they took to the habits of Rakshasas, while they suffered Vibhishana who was

virtuous and devoted. But as the evil actions of Ravana and Kumbhakarna were reaching a point of no

return, Devas and Indra reached Brahma for help and along with Rudra they all approached Lord

Vishnu. The latter declared (by way of an Akaasha vaani or the Voice of Skies) that soon a high

merited King of Ayodhya of Surya Vamsa of the clan of ‘Ikshvaaku’named Dasaratha would beget

four sons from three wives viz. Rama to the eldest wife Kousalya, Lakshmana and Shatrughna to

Sumitra and Bharata to Kaikeyi. The declaration also stated that Rama and Lakshmana would

completely destroy Ravana and Kumbhakarna as well as their offsping and instal Vibhishana as the

King of Lanka in a completely new set up following Dharma and Justice.The Akashavaani further

said that several Devatas would be born as ‘Vaanaras’ or monkeys and bears.This was the retrospect

of the demolition of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and others of the Clan.

Having learnt of the family background of Ravana and others from Maharshi Agastya, Rama felt

extremely remorseful that he had perpetrated ‘Brahma hatya’since Ravana was from Brahmana vamsa

which was the like the unique tree bearing the various branches of Vedas and Shastras. Agastya told

Rama that he was the incarnation of Vishnu who was the Kartha (Originator), Palak (Preserver) and

Samharak (Destroyer) and Devi Sita was Maha Vidya Herself and the extreme evil exercised by

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Samharak (Destroyer) and Devi Sita was Maha Vidya Herself and the extreme evil exercised by

Ravana gave relief to the world and as such what Rama did was laudable but not regretful. However if

there was the least feeling of regret, he might as well perform Aswamedha Yagna as the famous King

Manu, Sagara, Marut and Nahusha’s son Yayati had in the past and attained ‘Parama Pada’.Thus the

inspiration to perform the Yagna came forth from Agastya Muni.

As a first step, a suitable, sturdy and steady horse was selected with excellent features. Then under the

supervision of Vasishtha Muni, the Kingdom’s Chief Rishi, Shri Rama tilled a four yojana wide and

long bhumi on Sarayu River banks with a golden plough; selected a suitable Yagna Vedika (Platform)

with the required number of Mandapas and Agni Kundas decorated with jewels; invited Maharshis

and Tapasvis of high standing like Narada, Asita, Parvat, Kapila, Jaatukarnya, Angira, Aashtishena,

Atri, Goutami, Haarita,Yagnavalkya, and Sarvat; constructed suitable Ashramas for the Invitee Rishis

and disciples; Conferences were held to decide on the format, procedure and daily programing;

prescribed do’s and don’ts of physical, moral and spiritual content; ‘niyamas and nigrahas’ (norms

and restrictions) etc. Lakhsmana brought the Yagnashwa at the appointed time, formal Pujas were

performed by Brahmanas and ‘Suvasini’ Women; the Surya Vamsa flag of Victory was hoisted on the

horse; a gold sheet was hung around the horse-neck with an Inscription saying that the horse belonged

to Shri Rama and whosoever stopped it would be severely punished; Shatrughna was made over-all in

charge of the huge armed Sena (Army), elephants, horses, chariots and carts leading the Yagnashwa;

Pushkala the son of Bharata was made in charge of the rear side of the ‘Ashwa’; Bhakta Hanuman

headed the entourage and at the most propitious Muhurta the Yagna Horse was released, along with

the recitals of Veda Mantras and ‘Mangala Vadyas’amid big shouts of Victory to Shri Rama Chandra.

The Procession with the Yagnashva in the lead moved on with instruction from Shri Rama that the

course of the Ashwa should not be conducted as the horse would move freely. The first halt was at the

Avicchtra Nagari where there was a noted Temple of Devi Kamakshi who appeared before King

Samuda performing Tapasya and gave the boon of invincibility; she also asked the King to offer his

entire Kingdom and riches to Shatrughna as he would pass through the Nagari along with the horse of

Ashvamedha Yagna to be conducted Shri Rama of Surya Vamsha and the killer of Ravanasura.

Accordingly, Shatrughna was given all kinds of honours by King Samuda. After a three day halt, the

King made his son a ‘Samanta Raja’of Ayodhya and moved on along with Shatrughna and Pushkala.

As the Yagnashwa moved on nearing the Ashram of Sage Chyavana and Devi Sukanya, Pradhan

Mantri Sumati who was in the entourage of Shatrughna explained their episode: The son of Sage

Bhrigu named Chyavan was engaged in very rigorous Tapasya when King Sharyati was performing

‘snaan’ in the River Narmada and Tarpana to Devas and Pitras; the Princess Sukanya along with her

companions was moving about in a forest on the banks of Narmada. Out of fun, Sukanya nearing a

bush pierced with a piece of wood into perhaps a couple of glittering worms, but got alarmed when

blood spilt out and there were trebles of Earth and lightenings. She ran and informed her father who

was resting on the river banks about the incident. The King went up to the bush and found to his

horror that Sunanya did not pierce the lighting worms but the eyes of a Sage engrossed in Tapasya,

causing him to blindness.The King apologised profusely and offered his teen age daughter to the sick

and aged Sage in wedding as a compensation. The daughter Sukanya served the Sage with sincerity

and once the two Asvini Kumar Brothers who were passing by were impressed with her

‘Pativartya’(seva to husband) and gave her the boons of eye sight to her husband as also youth and

charm. In gratitude, the Sage Chyavan, by virtue of his Tapasya, gave the boon to Ashwini Kumars to

secure sips of ‘Somarasa’ (the Celestial Drink) denied to them hitherto as also fulfledged Devatva

with eligibility for enjoying ‘havis’ or the fruit of Yagnas. Lord Indra was furious at these boons to

Asvini Kumars and raised his hand to punish them all but the Sage Chyavan in turn held Indra’s hand

tight and Indra had no option to gtant the boons to Ashvini Kumars! While Mantri Sumati narrated the

Story of the Sacred Couple of Sage Chyavan and Devi Sukanya the ‘Sacrifice Horse’ Shatrughna

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Story of the Sacred Couple of Sage Chyavan and Devi Sukanya, the Sacrifice Horse , Shatrughna

and the entire entourage reached the Ashram, worshipped them and requested them to visit the Place

of the Rama Yagna, as Hanuman carried the Chyavana couple to Rama Chandra and the Place of the

Maha Yagna in progress.

As the Yagnashva moved ahead, Pradhana Mantri Sumati told Sharughna that they were about to

reach Neelachala and the Sacred Temple of Bhagavan Purushottama with four arms on the Mountain

top. They reached Ratnaathata Nagar where King Vimal who became extremely excited and

organised refreshments to the entire entourage. He also made a symbolic dedication of is Kingdom to

Shri Rama and gave away valuable gifts to Shatrughna and others. King Vimal narrated an unsual

story about the incidents which happened in the past about the Neelachala Mountain. He quoted a

Brahmana visiting the Neelachala Mountain and found outside the Purushottama Temple there were a

few Tirtha Yatris who possessed four hands armed with Gada, Chakra, Saranga and a lotus. Similarly

a Kirata (Hunter) saw spectacls of a few children with ‘Chaturbhjas’armed likewise with glittering

robes! When the children were asked by the Kirata, they said that a few morsels of Maha Prasada

which fell on the ground were eaten, they came out with the Chaturbhujas!

From Neelachala, the Yagnashva halted at Chakranga Nagar ruled by King Subahu, where Prince

Daman felt that the manner the Ashwamegha was publicised all over the World smacked of pride and

ego and ordered his Senapati to keep his army ready to fight. On behalf of Shatrughna, Raja

Pratapagna shouted that the Yagnaashva disappeared and Prince Daman replied that he had kept the

horse and if possible might get it back after a fight! A battle ensued and Raja Pratapagna was defeated

by Daman. Shatrughna wondered as to who was this imp of a Raja Kumar called Daman who did

considerable damage to elephants, horses and chariots and felled on ground the capable Raja

Pratappagna wounded with blood! Price Pushkala the son of Bharata was so angry that he swore to

control or kill Daman. A fierce battle took place and finally Pushkala defeated Daman Kumar whose

body was profusely bleeding and his horse took back to the Court of King Subahu. The King, his

brother Suketu who was a master of Gada Yudhha (Battle of Maces) and Subahu’s son Chitranga an

expert of Battle Designs had all appeared together and designed a ‘Krouncha Vyuha’; the entire

strength of the sea-like army of Subahu was mobilised and put Shatrughna on red alert. The most

powerful warriors of Subahu were kept at the tactical head position and sides of the ‘Krouncha

Pakshi’s war design. Subahu was in desperate and distressed condition as his son was bleeding with

wounds on death bed; revenge was the watchword of Subahu’s entire army. Shatrughna knew the

seriousness of the situation as a minor scuffle restricted to Daman and Pushkala had snow-balled into

a full-fledged battle with military offensives and complicated battle designs. He addressed the Shri

Rama Sena and exhorted its warriors that the situation was such that had to be faced with alertness,

valour and brain power to be able to break the Krouncha Vyuha. Raja Lakshminidhi the son of King

Janaka took a vow that he would face Suketu and destroy the Vyuha designed by the latter in no time.

There was a one-to-one battle as both were equally worked up and it continued for long time with ups

and downs. The warriors then took to ‘Gada-Yuddha’ (mace-war) and it prolonged for long time;

finally, Lakshminidhi was able to overpower Suketu and there were shouts of relief resounded while

both the parties appreciated with each other. In the battle that continued, Pushkala killed Chitranga.

Subahu was extremely upset with the killings of his brother and son and became most desperate to kill

thousands of warriors, elephants, horses and foot-soldiers and finally challenged Shatrughna.

Hanuman who was providing cover to Shatrughna as he was in the defensive position and received

showers of arrows of King Subahu which hurt Hanuman. The highly enraged Hanuman kicked King

Subahu on his chest by his powerful feet and grounded him. It was in a stage of stupor, the King

witnessed a vision when Brahma and Devatas were eulogizing Shri Rama as an Avatar of Vishnu.

Having realised his folly, he made desperate shouts to Daman, Suketu and Vichitra saying that Shri

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Rama was none else but Bhagavan Vishnu and the battle should end forthwith. There after he

apologised to Shatrughna for what all had happened, performed ‘Atmarpana’ (Surrender) and returned

the Yagnashva with honour.

As the Yagnashva moved on for a few days, suddenly there emerged a frightful darkness since close

friends of the deceased Ravanasura, two Rakshasas of Patalaloka named Vidyunmali and

Ugradamshtra wanted to avenge Ravana’s death and luckily for them an opportunity came on its own

with the launch of the Yagna and to trap the Rama Sena by hiding the Yagnashwa. The Rakshasa

Brothers succeeded in hiding the horse. Bharat Kumar Pushkal made a deadly declaration that if he

did not return with theYagashwa, then he should be deemed a fictitious devotee of Shri Rama.

Hanuman too took a similar vow. Other warriors too took vows and Shatrugna was not far behind.

Meanwhile the Rakshasa Brothers shouted: where is Rama; we want to kill him and take revenge!

Vidyunmali straightaway targetted Pushkala and threw a ‘Shakti’ on his chest, while Pushkala rained

arrows on the Rakshasa and the latter’s chest was pierced through as lot of blood flowed out from his

heart and Vidyunmali fell on the ground unconscious. Reacting to this sharply, Ugradamshtra threw a

red-hot Trishul from the Demon’s viman on Pushkal’s heart and the latter fell unconscious inside his

chariot. Hanuman witnessed that Bharat Kumar Pushkal was in risk and instantly expanded his body

to pull down the Rakshasa occupants of the Viman, especially Ugradamshtra and hurled a hot Trishul

on the Rakshasa, who in turn used his Maya to bring in a complete cover of darkness in which it was

difficult to perceive who was a companion and who was an opponent. Witnessing these fast

developments, Shatrughna took the name of Shri Rama and slashed the Cover of Maya that

Ugradamshtra brought in by one arrow and with another quick arrow of Sammohanastra on the battle

field. By yet another arrow, he brought down the Viman from where Ugradamshtra was fighting. The

demon used ‘Paashupatastra’ againt Shatrughna and the latter had no option but to utilise

‘Narayanastra’ to balance the former. Meanwhile a recovered Vidyunmali was about to toss a Trishul

on Shatrughna but a smart Shatrughna hacked the hand of Vidyunmali with an arrow and

simultaneously flinged another arrow to pitch down the demon’s head. Soon after in quick action,

Shatrughan also hurled a ‘kripan’ (Small knife) on Ugradamshtra and killed that demon brother too.

As the Yagnyashva ambled along towards the banks of River Narmada, Prime Minister Sumati

suggested to Shatrughna a quick visit to the Ashram of Muni Aranyaka. When the Muni was informed

by Sumati that an Ashwamedha Yagna was being performed, the Sage replied that those foolish

persons who were wasting their time and energy in performing Yagnas and Vratas during the short

life span should be advised to best utilise their time to Shri Rama ‘Smarana’ (Memory) as Shri Rama

was itself an Yagna, a Vrata, a Puja, a Maha Mantra, Veda and Shastra. Then Suman introduced

Shatrughna, Bharat Kumar, Hanuman and others and the Sage was thrilled to see them all and reemphasised

that there was no other Deity like Shri Rama and no there bhajan better than his.

Shatrughna then arranged Muni Aranyaka’s visit to Ayodhya and the Muni after meeting Shri Rama

in person felt so satisfied that he did not wish for anything else in life and by the grace of Shri Rama

left for Vishnu loka!

The Yagnashva reached the beautiful and properous Devapura at Vindhyas where even building walls

were made of precious stones and the King Veeramani was an extraordinary devotee of Bhagavan

Shiva. The elder Prince Rukmanga arrested the Yagnashwa and brought it to the Capital but since he

came to know that the horse belonged to Shri Rama in connection with a Yagna, the King was

hesitant to approve the action. Nor Shiva, who was prayed to by the King; the latter said that since the

the action was already taken, it would not be in tune with Kshatriya Dharma to take a retreat step. By

way of assurance, Shiva too resolved to fight with Lord Rama, since Shiva as a devotee of Sri Rama

had as much responsibility to the King who also was a great devotee of Shiva. Thus a vicious circle

i i hil h hi d l d ll d i h h h i h

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got into motion. Meanwhile, Brahmarshi Narada alerted all concerned ie. Shatrughan, Shri Rama, the

King Veeramani and the typical ‘Kalaha Priya’ readied the armies of both Sharughna and the King.

Raja Veeamamari called his Senatpati and got an excellent army ready and Sharughna advised

Rama’s army to get readied too.The opening duel was of Rukmanga and Pushkal. Rukmanga recited a

Mantra and the chariot of Pushkala commenced ‘Bhubhraman’ (circling fastly).With difficulty the

Rath was stopped but the enraged Pushkala recited a return Mantra which made Rukmanga’s chariot

fly right up to the Surya mandal where it got burnt and fell down but Rukmanga was thrown out

unconscious. King Veeramani was alarmed with fury approaching Pushkala and as a chain reaction

Hanuman sought to reach Pushkala for rescue but Pushkala became over confident and prevented

Hanuman and asked the latter to help Shatrughna instead. There was a one-to-one battle between

Pushkala and Veeramani and by using a mighty arrow in the name of Shri Rama made Veeramani

unconscious. Surprisingly, Bhagavan Shiva himself entered the battle field at this juncture as King

Veeramani the unique devotee of Shiva fell unconscious! Shiva instructed Veerabhadra to help

Veeramani and Nandi to control Hanuman. Thus Veerabhadra killed Pushkala, Shiva Himself made

Shatrughna unconscious; at the same time appreciated Hanuman’s valour. Hanuman addressed

Bhagavan Shiva saying that quite often, Shiva was confirming his devotion to Vishnu and his Avatar

Shri Rama, but it was surprising that this time he was fighting against Shri Rama! Hanuman replied

that King Veeramani was a great devotee of his and it was a ‘Maryada’ or Courtesy to defend a

devotee just as Rama too would defend his devotees likewise! Basically both were two entities of the

Paramatma! Then Hanuman asked Bhagavan Shankara for granting boons to let all the persons who

died in this battle be resuscitated. Shri Rama made his presence at the battle field when Shiva

prostrated; Shatrughna, Hanuman and all the rest were highly surprised and the persons who were

declared dead in the battle came back alive and all were happpy. Shri Rama then explained to one and

all that the Dharma of Deities was to safeguard the interests of their Bhaktas and what Shiva did in

defending King Veeramani and his side was the best that he had done; that his heart was full of Shiva

and vice-versa and those thought other wise would be dispatched to Kumbhapaka Naraka! Those who

were Shiva’s devotees were Shri Rama’s beloved Bhaktas and those who were Shiva followers were

Vishnu’s devotees too.

Sesha Nag described to Sage Vatsayan that as the Sacrificial Horse reached the precincts of Valmiki

Ashram, Shi Rama’s sons Lava and Kusha -who were unaware that Rama was their father as Devi

Sita staying in Valmiki Ashram under the care of the Sage’s care did not inform the twin boys of the

relationship as they were born in the Ashram after Rama abandoned Sita-reacted sharply against the

inscription on the Golden Plate hung around the Yagnashva; they tied the horse and brought it inside

the Ashram. The soldiers accompanying the horse ignored the two boys who tied the horse out of

child play and started untying the horse and instantly, the hands of the soldiers were severed as they

ran to Shatrughna to inform the incident. Understandably, Shatrughna grew angry but felt that the

boys who did this might not be ordinary but might have perhaps been Devatas at the behest of Indra!

Thus he ordered his Senapati Kaalajit to quickly alert the Army for a full-fledged battle.In the battle

that ensued between the Senapati and Lava Kumara, the Senatapti was killed and there was allround

‘hahakar’(frieghtened shouts) from the Army. Shatrughna asked Pushkal to take a big Army and

proceed against the boy Lava. Pushkal said to Lava that he would be gifted a chariot so that both

might fight on equal terms; as a reply, Lava destroyed Pushkal’s chariot instantly and asked Pushkal

now grounded was heckled by Lava on ‘equal terms’! In the battle that followed Pushkal rained

arrows on Lava and in response despatched a cobra like poisonous arrow aimed at Pushkal’s chest and

the latter fell flat on the ground. Hanuman who was nearby took the body of Pushkala to Shatrughna

who instructed Hanuman to kill Lava mercilessly. The highly charged Hanuman hurled huge trees and

boulders and Lava cut them to pieces as a sport. By the severity and swiftness with which poisonous

arrows were flinged at Hanuman the latter could not control himself even as the gigantic body that he

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arrows were flinged at Hanuman, the latter could not control himself even as the gigantic body that he

assumed fell flat on the ground! The highly puzzled Shatrughna wondered as to who these two boys

were who felled the Most Valiant Hanuman himself! As he drove the Golden Chariot towards the

boys, he felt that their resemblance with Shri Ram was so striking that he asked them as to who they

were and what their parentage was. The boys gave a stiff reply that it was not essential to know such

details since their horse was captured by them and let him try if he could retrieve it. In the course of

the battle, Shatrughna was stunned and stumbled as he had to quickly change his bows that were

broken and the chariots that were destroyed and was finally knock down with unconsciousness. As

Shatrughna was hit, Raja Surath and others surrounded and resorted to ‘Adharma Yuddha’ or unjust

battle and caused Lava to hurt into unconsciousness. As the news of Lava’s state was informed, Devi

Sita was informed and Kusha hurried to the warfront and instantly faced Shatrughna who by now got

revived and nodoubt knew that Kusha and Lava were twins and the sons of Shri Rama, but the most

furious Kush had was on attack with the ‘Narayana Astra’ hurled on Shatrughna but this powerful

arrow was turned ineffective. In reply, Shatrughna took a vow in the name of Shri Rama and rleased

an arrow but the desperate Kusha took the vow on his Mother Devi Sita and retaliated. Shatrughna fell

unconscious again.Sugreeva took over the position of Commander in Chief and fought with Kusha as

also with Lava who recovered again by then. Sugreeva too fell down and Lava and Kusha tied both

Sugreeva and Hanuman and carried them to Devi Sita who was aghast to witness the Maha Viras in

that condition. The boys relented to her instruction to release them but as per Kshatriya Dharma they

would have to return to the Battle Field. On releasing both Hanuman and Sugreeva, Devi Sita came to

know that Shatrughna was lying unconscious. Devi Sita then remembered Shri Rama and addressed

Surya Deva that if she were to be a true Pativrata, Shatrughna should be revived and not only that who

ever lost their lives in the Battle should be also revived! Indeed her wish was fullfilled and all was

well. As per Sita’s instruction, Lava and Kusha released the Yagyashva and the entire entourage

headed by Shatrugna returned to Ayodhya after the successful Victory tour of Yagyashva and all the

defeated Kings who clashed with Rama Sena were paraded before Shri Rama. But Shri Rama was

more curious to learn more about the valour of Lava and Kusha. He was keen on Devi Sita’s return to

Ayodhya and despatched Lakshmana to bring her back, but she refused to return. She agreed however

to send Lava and Kusha after Sage Valmiki trained the boys to sing a ballad before Shri Rama and

others. The boy’s sang the entire Ramayana since the birth of Shri Rama and brothers, including

Sita’s abandon; Lakshmana leaving her to her fate; her rescue by Maharshi Valmiki her ‘Agnatavasa’

delivery of the twin brothers; the Sage’s excellent training of the boys in warfare and Kshatriya

Dharmas, knowledge of Adminstration and of Kingship; Shri Rama’s popularity with Sages, citizens,

and each and every being as Maryada Purusha; Sage Vishwamitra’ s insistence to safeguard his Yagna

and the killing of Demoness Tataki and Subahu; Sita’s Swayamvara; Kaikeyee’s desire to Bharata’s

becoming the Heir Apparent and Ram’s Vanavasi; killing of notorious Rakshasas, Sita’s ‘Apaharana’

(kidnap) by Ravana; Rama’s befriending with Sugreeva and Hanuman; Hanuman’s trip to Lanka to

trace Sita; the crossing of the Ocean; the killing of Ravana and the entire clan, Vibheeshana becoming

the Lanka King; the Rama Rajya; Rama abandoning Devi Sita on the basis of a Secret Report of a

washerman’s allegation about Devi Sita’s character notwithstanding Sita’s pregnancy; and Rama

performing Ashvamedha Yagna. Shri Rama was overwhelmed with emotions at the ballad sung by the

the twins, his pride to have secured such illustrious twins and the remorse to have abandoned Sadhvi

Sita. Already, Sage Valmiki arrived to attend the Ashvamedha Yagna as a respected Guest of Honour

at Ayodhya. He narrated how Devi Sita was fortunately seen by him in the forest that Lakshmana

abandoned her; her transfer to hisAshram and her continuous grief, the birth of Lava and Kusha, his

upbringing with considerable training in Dhanur Veda, Fine Arts, and what all was required by an

ideal Kshatriya and a King including the nuances of Administration, Yoga and Siddhis and an

exemplary human being worthy of the sons of a Maryada Purusha. Valmiki further stated that he

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visited Varuna Deva, Agni Deva and other Lokapalakas who had unanimously referred to Devi Sita’s

purity and piety as a Maha Pativrata Sadhvi born into this world; a ready proof of her ‘Shuddhata’ and

highest devotion to Shri Rama was the coming back alive of lakhs of dead persons at the various

battles en route the travel of the Yagnashva, since she wished so! Having heard what all Maharshi

Valmiki stated in Public and in the midst of the most recognised and pious Sages-in-Chief soon after

the Great Singing of Ramayana by Lava and Kusha, Shri Rama asked Lakshman to visit Valmiki

Ashram and invite Devi Sita to Ayodhya, in the context of the Victory Celebrations as also the Sacred

and Historic Termination of Ashvamedha Yagna. As Lakshmana reached the Ashram and requested

Devi Sita, she asked him as to how could she return to Ayodhya having been humiliated and

discarded with baseless allegations.Lakshman narrated most convincingly as to what all happened at

Ayodhya, how the Twins sang Ramayana and the spontaneous reactions and glorious comments about

Devi Sita from the Maharshis, Devas and Loka Palakas (as reported by Sage Valmiki). He prostrated

before her and requested her to visit Ayodhya.The Ashvamedha Yagna concluded with the display of

the pride of Surya Vamsha, the unreserved gaiety of the Praja of Rama Rajya, the relentless recitals of

Veda Mantras by the Maharshis, the blessings of Brahma and Maha Deva; the showers of flowers

from the heavens by Indra, Loka Palakas, Pancha Bhutas and Devas; the joyous singing of Gandarvas

and the celestial dances of Apsaras. Most interestingly, even by the touch of Shri Rama the

Yagnashva (Sacrificial Horse) turned into a human being redeemed after the touch, since Sage

Durvasa cursed the person in the past and when sincerely apologised gave the boon of Rama’s sacred

touch.

Sesha Nag assured Sage Vatsayana that whoever heard or read the proceedings of Shri Rama’s

Ashvamedha Yagna would get rid off Maha Patakas, secure prosperity, excellent health, and

contentment in life; even a chandala or athiest would attain ‘Parama Pada’!

Sita’s ‘Paramdhana’ and termination of Ramavatara: After the successful completion of

Ashvamedha Yagna, Shri Rama continued his normal routine of observing celibacy and

administration. Shatrughna killed Lavanaura and ruled Madhurapuri; Bharat administered both the

banks of River Sindhu and controlled Gandharvas; Lakshman conquered Madra desha, installed his

sons as the Kings and returned to Rama for providing service to him. Shri Rama did Ashvamedha

Yanga, after installing a Golden Pratima of Sita; in fact he performed several Yagnas in the same

manner. Sage Valmiki exhorted Rama about Sita’s spotlessness and piousness time and again and Shri

Rama finally opined that indeed he was fully aware of her chastity and purity but since the allegation

came from the Praja (Public), Sita should prove her innocence before the people. Sita then declared in

a huge Sabha that if she performed puja to any body else excepting Shri Ram in her mind, thought,

tongue or action then my mother Bhu Devi might take her into her mother’s fold. Immediately, there

was an Earth-quake and Sita entered into a huge cleavage.Bhu Devi herself lifted Sita into her belly

and the great Garuda, the Carrier of Lord Vishnu, lifted her from Rasatala to Vishnu loka as seated on

a Golden Throne. After Sita’s disappearance, Shri Rama ruled for eleven thousand years. One day, an

old Tapasvi came to see Shri Ram and told him that none should enter his Chamber while he was

giving an important message from Lord Brahma in secrecy. Shri Rama called Lakshmana and

instructed that none should be allowed to enter as long as he was conversing with the Tapasvi and

otherwise that person should be punishable with death. Lakshman himself stood at the door and

ensured that none would disturb. The Tapasvi conveyed that since the death of Ravana, Kumbhakarna

and other demons Rama was to live for eleven thousand years and that it was time for Rama to leave

Earth and return to Vaikuntha. While this secret conversation was going on, Durvasa Maharshi

arrived and wished to meet Shri Rama, but Lakshmana declined entry stating that a representative of

Brahma was in an important conversation and that he could not see Shri Rama then. Durvasa grew

angry and threatened Lakshmana with a severe curse if he did not permit entry. As there was no other

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alternative between Rama’s instruction and Durvasa’s threat of curse, Lakshman entered River

Sarayu, taking his original Swarupa of Ananta Naga with thousand hoods. After the meeting with

Kaala Deva in the form of the old Tapasvi, Rama realised that Lakshman also having gone, it was

time for him also to terminate his ‘Avatar’; he established Kusha in Kushavati Kingdom and Lava in

Dwaravati as their Kings. Taking a hint from Shri Rama, Vibishana, Sugriva, Jambavan, Hanuman,

Neela, Nala, Sushena and Nishada Raja Guha arrived. Shatrughna performed the coronatation of his

sons at Ayodhya. The rest of them said that they would not like to stay back on Earth in the abscence

of Rama even for a moment. But Rama asked Vibhishana to continue in power at Lanka for long time

and instructed Hanuman to continue on Earth forever to sustain the message of Shi Rama. The rest of

them accompanied Shri Rama into the Sacred Sarayu River. Bharat, Shatrughna, and all the citizens

of Ayodhya along with their wives, Mantris, Servants, Vedikas, Brahmanas, the nearby animals,

birds, and all other Beings who accompanied Shri Rama never looked back. As Shri Rama went deep

into the River, Lord Brahma, Devas, Rishis and all Celestial Beings extolled Raghunatha even as He

took the Huge Form of Maha Vishnu with his four hands along with Bharata as Shankha, Shatrughna

as Chakra, as also Gada with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi beside Him.

Shri Krishna Charitra: his birth,miracles, account of his progeny and Niryana

As the most dreaded Daitya Kalanemi ruled over the entire Martyaloka and harassed the entire Public

day and night, Bhagavan Vishnu terminated him but he came back in his next birth as Kamsha the son

of Ugrasena; it was at that juncture there were a huge stock of Rakshasaas like Arishta, Dheniuka,

Keshi, Pralamba, Naraka, Sunda, and Banasura the son of Bali Chakravarti and most of the Evil was

spread over as Rulers of several Kingdoms. Devi Bhumi was unable to the bear the brunt of such Evil

Forces and made a reverential appeal to all the Devas and through them to Brahma Deva and the latter

made a powerful appeal to Bhagvan Vishnu to save the Earth which was being crushed by

extraordinary pressure on account of the Evil .

In response to the Stuti by Brahma, Bhagavan assured that two of his ‘Keshas’-one Shewta or white

one and another a Shyama or dark complexion would be pulled out to soon descend as his ‘Amshas’or

incarnations on Earth and lighten its weight by uprooting all the Evil Forces and advisedv the Devas

also assume appropriate Rupas as human beings inn the task of destroying the Rakshasas and humans

in the form of Rakshasas.Bhagavan further instructed Yoga maya to perform a series of deeds

including the birth of six sons to Devaki [they were Kalanemi’s sons devoted to Vishnu and the father

cursed the sons that they would be be killed by them in his hands in the next birth as per

‘Harivamsha’] As King Kamsa was obsessed with the warning of Sage Narada that the eighth child of

Devaki would kill him, he imprisoned Devaki and his brother-in-law who agreed to deliver all his

progeny as soon as they would be born, Kamsa spared killing them and merely imprisoned them.

Now, the game plan that Vishnu explained to Yogamaya was as follows: She would transfer Devaki’s

seventh son who would be of Sesha’s Amsha as an embriyo into the Garbha of Vasudeva’s second

wife Rohini so that the Public would believe that out of fear Devaki’s seventh child was a miscarriage

but that Sesha-amsha would be known as Samkarshana as he would be implanted or attracted to

Rohini’s garbha; the Ashtami Putra would be Bhagavan himself born to Devaki but Yogamaya would

be conceived to Yashoda; there would be a transfer of Bhagavan Krishna by Vasudeva to Yashoda

and the girl child Yogamaya would be brought back to Mathura in the prison of Devaki; as in the past,

the Yoga maya , the so called Eighth child thus transferred would fly away and warn Kamsa that the

real Bhagavan was already born and soon kill Kamsa.Bhagavan blessed Yogamaya to undertake the

deeds assigned and Indra would take her as his own sister; she would kill a number of Rakshasaas like

Shumbha and Nishumbha; she would be known as Bhuti, Sannati, Kshaanti, Kaanti, Akasha, Prithwi,

Dhruti Lajja Pushti Usha and various other Shaktis in the Universe

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Dhruti, Lajja, Pushti, Usha and various other Shaktis in the Universe.

As per the plan indicated by Bhagavan Vishnu, he was born to Devaki Devi and along with Vasudeva

gave his appearance in his full glorious form with four hands armed with Shankha-Chakra-Saranga

and Gada for a while before taking the form of a boy; the violent winds sweeping Mathura herebefore

bacame cool and calm by the midnight hour; Gandharvas sang tuneful hymns; Devatas showered

celestial flowers from the heavens; clouds made lightenings and mild thunders from the sky;

Vasudeva transferred the child to Gokula into the house of Yashoda and Nanda wading across the

River Yamuna making way during the rain while Sesha Naga provided cover; and Vasudeva brought

the female child Yogamaya from the bed of Yashoda who was unconscious back to the prison in

Mathura. Meanwhile , the Security personnel of the prison of Devaki-Vasudeva were lulled to deep

sleep till the ‘Operation of Child Transfers’, ie Bhagavan Krishna to Yashoda’s bed and of Yogamaya

to that of Devaki’s. Kamsa reached the prison and despite the wailing protests of his sister sought to

toss the child against a stone as he did to seven other babies in the past, but the child flew from his

hands and appeared on the sky as a Mayashakti with eight hands and shouted at Kamsa: Hey Kamsa!

Om Tat Sat

(Continued)

My humble salutations to the lotus feet of  H H Chandrasekharendra  Saraswathi Mahaswamy ji  and

 compiled , composed  and interpreted  by Brahmasri Sreeman  V D N Rao ji for the collection)