VALMIKI RAMAYANAM Ayodhya Kandam PDF

VALMIKI RAMAYANAM
Ayodhya Kandam

Chilukuru Venkateswarlu
Valmiki Ramayanam - Ayodhya Kandam
© Chilukuru Venkateswarlu
Year : 2014
SRI RAMAKRISHNA TAPOVANAM

Chennai – 600 032, Mobile : 9884708559
Website : sriramakrishnatapovanam.org
E-mail ID : [email protected]
Typesetting by : R. Anuradha Raghuram, Hyderabad. (9441186831)
(ii)
Dedicated to my parents
Sri Nori Suryanarayana and Smt. Nori Seetamma

1897-1952
My father Sree Nori Suryanarayana son of Sree Nori

Ramavadhani, born at Thotlavalluru. He studied Vedas from his
father. He has chosen his career as a Teacher and retired as a
Head Master. He was highly spiritual and initiated Mantra from
his Guru Sri Kuraganti Venkata Ramana Sasti, Vemuru, Tenali.
My mother Seetamma, daughter of Pisupati Vasudeva Sastri
at Kaitepalli (near Repalle). They had five sons and one
daughter. Their second son Sree Nori Sreenadha Venkata
Somayazulu has written many books on Vedanta. Their fifth son
(adopted) Chilukuru Venkateswarlu has written many Epics in
Telugu and English.
- Chilukuru Venkateswarlu
(iii)
BETWEEN YOU AND ME
Society is rotten and stinking

– It is our duty to protect and preserve
it. If our body fell sick it will not affect
the society. But if the mind gets sick,
the society gets rotten. Why?
Mind is the mother of all
desires. Even the waves in a sea might
stop but the desires in a mind will not
stop. Many more desires crops up
even before the first one is fulfilled.
When the desires did not fulfil, the man
gets angry. Anger breeds hatredness.
Hatredness breeds vengeance.
Vengeance gives birth to violence. Such
a person will resort to heinous crimes
to fulfill his desires. Greed overpowers
mind and encourages achieving his
desires in all unrighteous ways. The
greed will not die even if he is
imprisoned. Why a man resorts to
that? Is it due to lack of love for his
own dharma and sadacharams? or
does he disregards to the laws of land?
Or does he lacks fear for the king
(Constitution)? Or is it due to the lack
of devotion to the god?
In olden days people strive
in gurukulams till they attain perfect
knowledge. Our puranas reveals us
that Rama and Krishna also entered in
gurukulams for knowledge. Even a hundred years ago the grand parents
(iv)
used to make their kids to sit on their stomachs and teach them to
recite the morals from Neeti satakams like Vemana and sumati satakams
. They inculcate devotion in their tender minds with stories of Prahlada
and Gajendra. Thus they train their minds on Ethics on one side and
devotion on god on the other side. Oh! What a great solid system that
existed just before a century?
Now this system is disappeared under the guise of secularism.
Even grand parents do not know ethics and values of life. What can
they teach to their children? On the other hand they are questioning
“What gain my child benefit by learning time old morals? We want to
make him an actor or a doctor etc” In this manner even the parents
themselves are brain washing the child. While the Parents are dreaming
the future of their children they are missing natural love and affection
from their parents. As the parents are pushing their children to coaching
centres and for campus selection, in turn the children also are driving
their parents to old age homes when they are grown up. The undue
growth of old age homes should be an eye opener to the greedy parents.
Many Doctors, Layers, administrators politicians and many other
professionals are being produced in the above manner and ruling the
society. As a result ethical values are disappeared and jungle law
prevailed. There is no protection for a common man. Possession of
wealth, at any cost, is the order of the day.
These are all off shoots of mental sickness. They are not visible
to the doctors. Even Laws of the land also could not catch them. If one
in a million is caught, he is boasting without shame that he will come
out from the jail, like a cleaned pearal.
Unless the mind is controlled this disease can not be cured. If
mind becomes desireless it listens to sadbudhi. If it listens to sadbudhi,
chittam becomes pure and associates close to antahkaranam. (In fact
manassu, budhi, chittamu and Antahkaranam are all one and one and
to the size of an atom, situates in hrudayam).
Our society is built on Sanatana Dharma. Vedas are authority for
those dharmas. The great rishis took out the essence from Vedas and
(v)
framed in the form of Upanishads, sastras and puranas. Those dharmas
were further simplified in the form moral poems, devotional stories
and the grand parents were taught to their kids at a very infant age.
Now that time old tradition disappeared. But it is not a difficult task for
the almighty to put it back.
In fact these thoughts are not mime. I am only an instrument, in
the hands of my guru Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa.
Thought the society is rotten and stinking, people did not lost
devotion towards God. The unending Qs of devotees at all temples is
an evidence of their devotion towards God. This element of bhakti
bhavana is enough to retreat the lost peace and hormoney in the society.
Is not a small seed brings out a huge banian tree? Now let us came to
the point.
In marketing terminology the term P.O.P (Point of Purchase)
occupies a significant place. Which means; normally a business man
keeps many more articles useful to his customers with a view of serving
him better. If a customer comes to buy an article, he buys some more
articles also useful for him. In the same way T.T.D Board also providing
several Savas to the Lord so as the devotees can avail a seva of their
choice.
For the first time I went to Tirumala to have a darshan of Lord
Venkateswara in 1945. At that time a road was laid and dedicated for
the service of devotees. In those days one bus used to come in the
morning to Tirumala and the same bus returns to Tirupati before sunset.
Devastanam used to provide us vessels freely and we used to cook our
own food. Hardly there were 2 or 3 special services were there apart
from dharma dersanam. Now the situation is different.
Devotees are waiting in Q complex between 5 to 20 hours for
darsan. Though they are confined in their comportments physically,
but their minds are not confined at the lotus feet of Lord Venkateswara.
Unless their mind is also made confined on god related matters, they
will not get Poorna Phalam.
(vi)
Keeping in view of the above, and as guided by my Gurudev
I brought out 50 titles from Ramayanam, Bhagavatam, Mahabharatam
etc in an abridged from not expecting 150 pages. I made an appeal to
the Board of Trustees to distribute those epics freely who are all
standing in Q complexes jas long as they continue the scheme of
annadanam. In case the devotees develop taste in Sanatana dharmas,
ethics and Sadacharams they may go for its originals and enrich their
knowledge.
In fact this is a divine cause. It is the duty of the god to propagate
Sanatana dharma among the people. T.T.D has enough funds to for
Dharma Pracharam at their command. In case they need more funds,
people will stand in Q to donate for this divine cause. That is why
Mahatma Gandhi advised “Choose the right cause, means follow”.
Human mind is like a balance with two pans. As they enrich purity
of their mind by reciting these epics, the worldly desires, greed and
other impure qualities will disappear. In other words the society which
is on the verge of rotting will comeback and start practicing its time old
Sanatna dharmas.
As instructed by my Gurudev I ventured to put this proposal
before the learned T.T.D managing committee. Rest Lord Venkateswara
will take care.
- CHILUKURU VENKATESWARLU
(vii)
Preface
Valmiki Ramayana occupies a significant place in Indian Literature.
It is also popularly known as “Adikavyamu” the first poetical
composition. Valmiki has created many great characters which are of
great respectability, endowed with nobility and dignity. Of all the
characters Rama’s character alone is considered as the most prominent,
since maharishi took every care in depicting its authority, excellence
and abundance. Maharishi has depicted Rama’s character with sixteen
excellent qualities. Even upanishads praised Rama as an embodiment
of Dharma, Lord Vishnu, as a highest supreme being. In Ramayana
dharmas were significantly introduced to achieve peace, harmony and
happiness in life that an ordinary man needs. Maharishi said from the
mouth of Mareecha, a rakshasa, as “RAMA VIGRAHAVAN DHARMAHA”
(Embodiment of Dharma). Thereby maharishi advocated to mankind
to cultivate the qualities of Rama and not that of Ravana. Thus maharishi
has created a great epic and infused various dharmas on various
occasions encouraging the path of Bakthi, Gnana, Karma to pursue the
enumerated values of life which are the principal objects of a man are
depicted in Rama’s character. Many learned people viewed Ramayana
in different perspectives. Some viewed it as Tatvagnanamu. Some
viewed as Knowledge of Mantra Sastramu. Some say it as a holy epic
for recital. However it is an encyclopedia for manifestation of life. It is
a treasure of dharmas for all times. Thus it has the universal acceptance.
There is a controversy in determining the period of Rama’s life
time. Puranas says that there are thirty kalpas. The first among them is
Swetha kalpa. In that kalpa, Vyvaswatamanmantra was the tenth. In that
manmantra Rama was born at the end of twenty forth mahayuga, and
in the last leg of tretayuga. In Vishnu purana it is said that there will be
one vyasa in each yuga and where as in twenty forth mahayuga Valmiki
him self was vyasa. This version was supported by Hora darpanam and
Koorma-puranam. It is said in Vayu puranam that Kaikasi had three
sons and a daughter. They were Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Vibeshana and
(viii)
Surpanakha. It was also said in that Vayu purna that Ravana will be
killed by Rama after extinction all his religious excellence. This
substantiates that Rama was born in twenty fourth mahayuga and Valmiki
has written this epic during the life time of Rama. According to Vishnu
dharmothara purana, Markandaya maharishi tells the story of Rama to
King Vraja. Therefore it is inferred that Rama was born and killed Ravana,
Kumbhakarna, Lava and Kusa were born in Valmiki ashrama and
subsequently Valmiki has written Ramayana, Lava, Kusa read out
Ramayana to Rama and others. So it is believed that Valmiki has written
the epic Ramayana during the life time of Rama.
Valmiki Maharishi :
There are several versions about Valmiki maharishis are in
prevalence. Retnakar a spoilt brahmin made friendship with barbarians
in the forest and torturing people who were passing through the forest.
One day Narada maharishi happened to pass in that way. Took pity on
him and initiated a mantra and advised Penance. While he was
meditating with utmost devotion, went in to an unconscious state. In
course of time ant hill developed over him. After several years again
Narada maharishi passed that way and noticed the advanced state of
Ratnakar’s devotion. He pitied on him and prayed Indra to pore a heavy
rain so as to melt away the anthill. Since Ratnakar continued his penance
inside the anthill he named him as Valmiki (in Sanskrit ‘Valmikam’ means
an anthill. So he was named Valmiki.) After melting the anthill, maharishi
provoked Retnakar to write the story of Rama. However there is no
relevant authority for this version of story.
Skanda purana narrates a story like this. “long ago there lived a
brahmin by name Sumati belonging to Bhrugu family. His wife is Kausiki.
They had a son by name Agni Sarma. Sumati tried to teach Vedas to his
son. But he did not show any interest in learning Vedas. However Sumati
married to his son as he attained youth. After some years there was an
acute famine prevailed in the country. As such, Sumati could not sustain
his family. So he migrated to the forest, built a hermitage and started
living. In course of time Agni Sarma developed friendship with a group
of robbers. He used to support the family by robbing the people passing
through the forest.
Agni Sarma has become a spoilt brahmin. Did not learn Vedas. Now
he has chosen a profession harassing and torturing people. One day a
(ix)
group of maharishis happened to travel that way and they fell in the
eyes of Agni Sarma and he wanted to kill them to rob their belongings.
Among the maharishis a great saint Atri was also with them. He
took pity on Agni Sarma and asked him “Oh Agni Sarma! You want to
kill and take away our belongings, we have not done any harm to you.
Is it not a sin to kill others and rob them? Having done such a crimes to
whom you are going to give those belongings?” Agni Sarma replied
“that I will protect my father, mother and wife”. On hearing Agni Sarma’s
reply, Atri Maharishi again asked him “your people are enjoying the
fruits of your loot. Will they share in your sins also? Go home and
ascertain from them. We shall wait till you come.”
Agni Sarma went home and said to his father, mother, wife “I am
robbing the people and protecting you all these years, tell me will you
share my sins?” for which they all said “you have a responsibility of
protecting father, mother, wife and children. We are not to bother how
you earned it. So we will not share in your sins.” Agni Sarma went back
and told Atri maharishi what his people said to him. He has repented
for all his past sinful acts. Other maharishis also requested Atri maharishi
to shower his kindness on Agni Sarma. Atri maharishi took pity on him.
Then Atri initiated a Dhanya sloka to Agni Sarma coupled with a mantra
which will eradicate all the sins. Maharishi instructed Agnisarma to sit
under this tree and commence tapasya immediately and you will achieve
salvation. All those maharishis went away on their pilgrimage and
returned after thirteen years. On their return journey they happened
to pass that way. They saw an anthill at the place where they suggested
Agni Sarma to do penance. With their divine sight they understood that
Agni Sarma was continuing his penance without any body
consciousness. So an ant hill developed over him.
They removed the anthill and saw Agni Sarma as a skeleton. There
was nothing in his body except bones and skin. Atri maharishi woke
him up and had a divine touch with his hands. He opened his eyes and
saw maharishis with the brilliance of Brahma. Immediately he prostrated
at their feet and said “Oh maharishis! With your kind grace, I had the
true wisdom and all my sins were disappeared.” Atri maharishi said “oh
Agni Sarma! With our initiation you have realized the knowledge of
(x)
soul. With that all your sins evaporated and you became pure. While
you were doing tapasya without body consciousness, Valmikams
developed over you. Since you continued your tapasya from inside the
anthill without consciousness, from now onwards you will be known
as ‘Valmiki’. All maharishis blessed and went on their way.
By the grace of God, man will secure a guru. With the grace of a
guru, he will get divinity. Though Agni Sarma was a part of Brahma by
birth, he became spoilt in association with sinners. For some time due
to the fruits of evil karmas of his previous birth, and lived in the path of
troubling people. After annihilation of evil karmas, he became a
maharishi.
Afterwards he built a hermitage at Kusastali on the banks of river
Tamasa and worshipped lord Siva. He learnt the story of Rama from
Narada. Brahma himself appeared before him and said under his
instructions Saraswathi, the goddess of learning, caused him to speak
and pronounced the sloka through his mouth. Brahma further said to
him, know it well that Rama is an incarnation of Sri Maha Vishnu and
instructed to write the story of Rama. In a way he had the blessings of
all the trimurthis and completed the epic of Ramayana. The epic consists
of twenty four thousand slokas, hundred episodes and five hundred
sargas are divided in to seven chapters. Maharishi advocated the non
duality of Shiva , Kesava wherever a context raised. In Yudha kanda
maharishi says from the mouth of Rama “Shiva alone possessed the
treasure of archery and again I held it”. Ramayana was popularly known
as ‘Adikavyam’, the first poetical composition. Since then there exists no
other epic in this world literature. That is why it is popularly known as
adikavyam. What we are talking about revolutionized changes such as
“Fraternity of mankind”, World citizenship, human dignity. Concern for
society and nationalism are appears in Ramayana every now and then.
Many people adopted Ramayana as an epic for parayanam. Some
believe it preaches the knowledge of Siva. Appaiya dekshitulu has
described it as a glory of Siva. Vaishnavas believe it as an authority for
the followers of qualified non dualistic and preaches them the way of
worldly life.
(xi)
Valmiki maharishi depicted Rama as an ordinary human being till
the end. In other words he himself must have instructed “his own illusion
to surround him”. By that he could practice the superior qualities to
preach to the world such as devotion to mother, father, guru, husband,
love to brothers, to protect those who seek refuge and truthfulness.
That is why people will not get tired in reading Ramayana again and
again.
In yudha kanda after killing Ravana all devatas came and said to
him “you are no other than Sri Maha Vishnu” he replied to them
innocently “I am Rama, son of Dasaratha.” In the same way some
maharishis also recognized him as Sri Maha Vishnu in bala kanda to
yudha kandam. But he believed himself as an ordinary human being.
Thereby not only practices dharma, but also made others also to follow
him.
Ramayana teaches us the sanctity of matrimonial relationship and
reveals how ancient it is. When Rama broke the bow of Siva, Janaka
requests him to marry his daughter, Sita. But he refused to marry her
unless his father approves it. While Rama was going to forest, his mother
Kausalya asks Rama to take her to forest as a cow follows its calf. On
that occasion while consoling her he advises her “a chaste wife should
always attain salvation by serving her husband”. Similarly Valmiki
maharishi depicted Manadodari’s character as a chaste and pure woman.
Therefore Ramayana teaches us that love is the most powerful factor
in fastening people. Those who can not love will not hesitate to do any
heinous and cruel acts. So we will have to protect the institution of
marriage and its purity with utmost care. The evil affects were depicted
in the episode of Vali. Sugriva and his ministers strongly believed that
Vali was dead. So he married Vail’s wife with her acceptance. Though it
was an accepted practice in vanaras, Angada could not digest it. He has
expressed his anguish to Hanuma on the shores of southern sea.
Valmiki maharishi has depicted many good customs in various
occasions in Ramayana. Such as, love to parents, guru and brother.
Then only they can become role models to the younger generations. So
parents are to teach such good traditions to their children. Otherwise
the institution of family system will collapse.
(xii)
Sense organs desire comforts. Those comforts can be provided
only with the help of money. But the earning of money should not exceed
its limits. If it exceeds it will produce adverse results. In Ramayana, we
will observe that Rama, Lakshmana and Baratha valued wealth like a
blade of grass. Thereby they occupied most glorious positions. Kaikeyi
expresses her doubt about the sincerity of Rama going to the forest.
Then Rama said “Mother! My goal is to live in a righteous path and lead
people in that path. So I give priority only to dharma. Ardha and Kama
are not my priority. I will lead a muni life in forest.” Rama clearly spelled
out his intentions “only those who do not give importance alone will be
real munis”.
Lakshmana doubts Baratha when he went to Mt.Chitrakuta with
an army. Rama said to Lakshmana. “Brother! The wealth (kingdom) that
comes by killing near and dear is like a food mixed with poison. I will
not even touch such food.” These words of Rama reveals how liberated
he was on Ardha and kama.
Ravana and others considered Ardha and Kama are the highest
goals in life, so they were all destroyed. Even in these days also, we find
people are living with rakshasas attitude are giving prominence for lust
and wealth. Ramayana will certainly help such people in leading a life of
comfort and peace. Because the episode of Rama and Baratha will be
an eye opener to them. Both brothers refused to accept the kingdom to
up keep dharma and did not give priority for Ardha and Kama.
Though King Dasaratha and family were blessed with royal
comforts they all underwent physical and mental pressures. Sita says
to Hanuma “god will tie a rope around the neck of men and drag some
times in to heavenly comforts and some times in to terrific miseries.”
Today men are becoming mentally week. They are not able to
withstand even the slightest grief and resorting either to commit a
murder or committing suicide. If we analyze we will find Ardha and
Kama are the main reason and at the same time people are ignorant of
spiritual values. As such they could not pursue goal of perfection. World
is not a bed of roses. This universal fact is to be understood by all and
thus to cultivate the strength of resistance by spiritual practice, by
reciting the morals and dharmas preached by eminent maharishis like
(xiii)
Valmiki, who depicted Dasaratha’s family for the benefit of mankind of
all times. Recital of Ramayana will certainly helps in strengthening
forbearance.
It is defined by our elders that harassing others is a sin and helping
others is punya. So in this kaliyuga we need hot have to perform big
religious karmas like yagnas. It is enough if we resolve to do good to
others in our day to day activities. For which Hanuma himself a living
example in Ramayana. We will not see such a high ranked personality.
We do not find such a person in all the three worlds and at all times.
One has to learn from him, his way of action, his words, self reliance,
courage and faith. Look how exemplary is he?
”If we can withstand boldly with out any alarm, progress will come
automatically. All comforts can be achieved only through progress.
Unless we are alive we can not see any good. What do any one achieve
by death?” by reciting Ramayana regularly we will come across many
instructions like this. These instructions are universal and for all times.
When Baratha went to Mt.Chitrakootam pleading Rama to rule
Ayodhya, Rama not only politely declined his request but also advised
Baratha the following precautions to become a popular ruler:
Are you driving away the sinister, thieves, wicked and atheist
persons from the country? This will enable you to induce traditional
customs to the people.
Are you keeping a close watch on the judgments pronounced by
your ministers? Sometimes false allegations will be made on the most
superior and righteous persons will be punished. You make a note if
such a pious person’s tears fell on the ground, those tears will destroy
the king, his children, his cattle and wealth.
Are the river waters are put to optimum utilization for agriculture?
Are you taking all such precautions for the growth of agriculture?
Does the people are obeying the laws enacted by you? Do you
notice any contempt of your orders? Are you enacting any anti-people
laws?
Are you imposing reasonable taxes or not? Did the revenue
collected is spent for the benefit of the people? That means on
(xiv)
development and welfare measures in right proportions? Are you taking
precautions to avoid deficit financing? Are you keeping sufficient
reserves in your treasury? Are you punishing innocent? Are the
criminals let off unpunished?
Are you keeping an eye on cow protection and increasing the
cattle wealth?
From this we can understand that how able and popular
administrator Rama is. This piece of advice is not only instructed to
Baratha but rules of all times and all ages.
From the above questions he not only proved to be an able
administrator, politician but also reveals as a prudent king.
Rama’s rule was praised as ‘Ramarajyam’ not only because of
the welfare measures but for practicing all dharmas as dictated by Vedas.
Chilukuru Venkateswarlu
(xv)
VALMIKI RAMAYANAM
Ayodhya Kandam
(This part is taken from 1st sarga and also from Aadyatma Ramayana)
Bharata and Satrughna went to Girivrajapuram with their
uncle Yudhajittu. Rama and Lakshmana were serving their
father and mother at Ayodhya. Though Dasaratha loved all
his sons equally, yet Rama was like his own life-breath.
Kausalya was very affectionate towards Rama. Rama’s great
and wonderful qualities are not definable for anybody. He was
as valorous as his father and very handsome. He spoke very
softly and sweetly with all people. He never spoke harsh words.
If anybody behaved harshly with him, he chose not to reply
them in such harsh words. He was always happy and grateful
for whatever help he received from others. He chose to forget
any harm done to him by others. That was why he always
looked as pleasant as the moon light. While learning marshal
arts also, whenever he found time, he sat with elders and tried
to understand the established traditions and customs from
them. He liked to sit with saints and knowledgeable elders to
know the secrets of Vedanta. If anybody came for him, he would
go first to receive them and talk to them. Though he was
valorous, he was never proud of it. He always respected elders.
He had commendable knowledge on all subjects. He was
always truthful. He loved people and people also reciprocated
and loved him in the same spirit. Rama was kind towards
people in distress. He worshipped Brahmins and elders. He
Ayodhya Kandam 1
almost did not know anger. In short he was the embodiment
of all dharmas. He was focused in protecting and practicing
Kshatriya dharma. He was a good conversationist and as
knowledgeable as Bruhaspati. He did not waste time in sapless,
fruitless discussions. Rama was hale and healthy and never
suffered from any ailments. He was as beautiful as Manmatha.
He knew how and when to perform any specific type of work
and how to achieve good results from his work. He was good
in assessing other’s capabilities. He was the only person who
was born on earth with so many virtuous qualities. He learnt
Vedas, Vedangas, sastras etc. He was competent in co-relating
the hidden meanings of different sastras. He took
extraordinary precaution before analyzing and commenting
on dharma. He was proficient in practicing artha sastra. He
used to divide his revenue into five parts. 1. For charities 2.
For enhancement of glory 3. For social matters 4. For duties
of this world and 5. For duties relating to the other world. He
had excellent knowledge in dance, drama and music.
Rama has conquered all his six internal enemies such as
undue desire, anger, greed, jealousy and enmity. He had
compassion on all Beings. He was as patient as mother earth.
He was as wise as Bruhaspati. He was as valorous as Indra. He
was as judicious as Yama in deciding the subtle dharmas. He
won the appreciation of all people by enacting welfare
measures. He exceeded his father in archery. Looking at such
a virtuous Rama, Dasaratha one day thought that people loved
Rama more than him. Therefore, he thought that it was time
for coronating him as crown Prince. He felt thart, it was not
only him, but even mother earth was anxious to have Rama as
her ruler.
Dasaratha thought that he should see his Rama ruling
the entire Bhoomandalam during his lifetime. He therefore
2 Valmiki
Ayodhya
Ramayanam
Kandam
convened a meeting with all his ministers, subordinate kings,
elders from the towns and villages and other distinguished
citizens. He explained his desire of coronating Rama as the
Crown Prince. But, in his urgency, he forgot to send invitations
to the king of Kekaya, King Janaka and his own sons Bharata
and Satrughna who are in Kekaya kingdom presentlyt. He
thought that they will be happy with the event. He treated all
the people in that distinguished gathering with great respect
and honoured them with suitable gifts.
One day when Rama was sitting on his thrown, Sita, the
manifestation of Yogamaya, was fanning and standing by his
side. Rama was chewing betel leaves and conversing with Sita.
At that time Narada Maharishi entered his room. Looking at
him, Rama went ahead to invite the Maharishi and said “Oh
righteous Maharishi! Your presence makes us pure and
fortunate. Order me, what service I can do for you”.
Narada said “Oh Rama! You are misleading me and other
people also with your behavior as an ordinary human being.
However, what you said is correct. Yogamaya is your wife who
is the authority for creating all Brahmandam. Brahma and
other devatas are born at your will. Your will alone is Moola
Prakruti who is the creator of satva, rajas and tamo gunas. All
the Brahmandams that she has created are your home. She is
your house wife. You yourself act as Trimoortis and other
devatas. Yogamaya only acts as their wives. In this manner,
you are pervading everything. Without you, everything is
nothing or soonyam. You both are the first primordial couple.
By your will, Mahamaya has created all the brahmandams. All
those creations ultimately will be absorbed in you. Again you
will create, protect and demolish them all. Whoever seeks
protection at your lotus feet, they will have your mercy.
Because you are the servant of your devotees, you show
Ayodhya Kandam 3
kindness on me as one of your devotees. Don’t cover me with
your Maya. Brahma was born from your navel. I am the son of
Brahma. Thus, I become your grandson. By praising you I have
become privileged. Oh Rama! King Dasaratha is making
arrangements to coronate you as the king of Ayodhya. Do you
remember that you have manifested on earth for killing Ravana
and other rakshasas. If you involve in ruling your kingdom,
will that divine cause be fulfilled”?
Rama said “Oh Narada! I know everything. I am aware of
my vow. Based on the maturing of their karma phalams, I will
kill the rakshasas at an appropriate time. I will kill not only
Ravana but also all his family line including other wicked
rakshasas.” After knowing this, Narada saluted Rama and went
on his way.
Announcement of Coronation
[This part is taken from 2nd Sarga and Adhyatma Ramayana]
On hearing Dasaratha’s words people said in one voice
that they all welcome the king’s decision with pleasure. “Oh
king! You are very much tired and you keep the burden of
ruling the country on Rama’s shoulders and take rest.
King Dasaratah said “my dear people! I understand from
your words that you are trying to keep me happy by accepting
Rama as your king. But you are not expressing your honest
opinion. You express your honest opinion without fear or
favour.
On hearing the king’s words the people said “Oh king!
Rama is having all auspicious qualities. Rama is comparable
with devatas with all his virtuous qualities. He is liked by all of
us. How can we describe all his great qualities? In valor, he
exceeds Indra. In wisdom he exceeds Bhruhaspati. He knows
all dharmas and is truthful. He has no jealousy and is as patient
4 Valmiki Ramayanam
as mother earth. He always stands by the side of distressed
and unfortunate people. He has conquered his senses. He is
auspicious and speaks always sweet words. He will respect
elders and brahmins. In archery he can win even devatas and
danavas. He learned all Vedas and its subsidiaries. He was
never in distress. He constantly enquire the welfare of his
servants and share in their difficulties.
How can we explain you about his beauty? His eyes and
eyedbrow are so beautiful and looks like the petals of lotus.
With all these virtuous qualities he is comparable to lord
Vishnu. Considering all these above qualities we all came to a
conclution that Rama alone is the right ruler for us. Hence “oh
king! You coronate such a Rama and fulfil our desire.
Arrangements for Rama’s Coronation
[This part is taken from 3rd Sarga and also from Adhyatma
Ramayanam]
King Dasaratha was happy to hear the words of the
assembled members, subordinate kings and the people. He
ordered Vasista Maharishi to make all arrangement for the
coronation to be held in the month of Chaitra. Taking the
orders from the king, Vasista Maharishi said “Oh ministers!
You arrange the gold, gems, clothes, grains etc for the
coronation.” He asked them to keep the royal elephant,
decorated with white clothes and fixed with a white umbrella.
He also asked them to arrange for the best bulls and decorate
their horns with gold ornaments.
He ordered the officials to wash all the roads with sandal
waters; to keep fragrances on all roads; to make arrangements
to prepare delicious foods for all guests and Brahmins; to make
ready by the next day morning, all the foods; to Clean all the
roads and decorate with beautiful designs called kolams; to
Ayodhya Kandam 5
Call for actors, dancers, vesyas and musicians to entertain
people at the second enclose and so on. All these arrangements
are to be completed by the next day morning. After instructing
to make all arrangements in the above manner, he went to see
king Dasaratha. Then the king called Rama to his palace.
Dasaratha saw Rama from his palace and was thrilled at
his handsomeness. Dasaratha thought that Rama looked like
a Ghandharva king. Rama came and prostrated at the feet of
his father and stood obediently. Dasaratha lifted him up,
embraced him affectionately and made him to sit on a golden
throne. At that time, Rama looked like the Sun crossing Mt.
meru. Dasaratha was enjoying the gracefulness of Rama and
was extremely happy as if he was seeing his own reflection.
“Rama! You are born to my principal wife Kausalya as my
eldest son. You have all auspicious qualities and you are most
affectionate to me. You have won appreation of all the people.
I enquired all sections of people about you and they all wanted
you to be their king. Elders have decided that today is the
auspicious day for your coronation when the pushyamee
nakshatra is the ascendant star.
“My son! Though you are the embodiment of all virtuous
qualities, I am bound to give you a few good words on this
auspicious occasion. You listen and practice them in ruling this
country. 1. Keep your senses in control. 2. Don’t yield to
passions and anger. 3. Keep all your ministers and employees
who are serving you directly or indirectly, satisfied.”
Afterwards, Rama saluted to his father and went back to
his house. All the people appreciated the decision of king
Dasaratha.
In the mean while, some enthusiastic people went to
Kausalya Devi to inform the good news. She donated gold, cows
and gems to all those people and made them happy.
6 Valmiki Ramayanam
Auspicious time for coronation
[This part is taken from 4th Sarga and also from Adhyatma
Ramayanam]
After Rama left Dasaratha conferred with his ministers
and decided to complete coronation by the next day on
pusyamee star. However he said to Sumantra “I want to see
Rama again. Bring him immediately”.
Sumantra went to Rama’s house and said “Rama! king
wants to see you immediately. Let us go”. Rama thought in
himself why my father was calling him again in a short time?
However he went to his father and prostrated at his feet.
Dasaratha embraced him and told “Rama! I lived long and
became old. I performed several yagnas and gave away large
number of gifts. I enjoyed all pleasures. I cleared the debt of
devatas by performing yagnas; cleared the debt of rishis by
giving great gifts; and cleared the debt of my ancestral parents
by having sons. Whatever are the duties born of taking this
physical body, I have carried out all of them and I am now
relieved from all of my responsibilities. If I complete your
coronation, I will be fully relieved from all my responsibilities.
Hence Rama, do as I say.
All people want you as their king. Inspite of these good
things, my mind is disturbed because of certain bad omens. I
am witnesses lightenings striking the earth during the day time
itself. From the astrological view point, I am passing through
a very bad time. Either I may get involved in a big trouble or
face even death. This is what our astrologers are cautioning
me about. Before any untoward things happen, I want your
coronation to be completed by tomorrow morning in
pusyamee nakshatra (Star). In that auspicious moment, you
must be coronated. I am also thinking that your coronation
Ayodhya Kandam 7
must be completed when Bharata is away from Ayodhya.
Tonight you and Sita observe fasting. Vasista Maharishi will
come and guide you.”
Rama prostrated at the feet of his father and went to the
Palace of his mother Kausalya. At that time, she was well
decorated and was meditating on Vishnu and Lakshmi. On
hearing the news of Rama’s coronation, Sumitra and
Lakshmana also reached the palace of Kausalya. Rama
prostrated at the feet his mother and said “Mother! Father
ordered me to rule the country and arranged coronation by
tomorrow morning. He also adviced me and Sita to observe
fasting and to sleep on darbha (Kusa) grass spread on the
floor”.
Kausalya blessed Rama with all auspicious things and
wished him enjoy all good things and be a terror to all enemies.
She said, “My son! I prayed Maha Vishnu all these years. He
heard my prayers and gave you as my son”. Rama obediently
stood by the side of his mother and said to Lakshmana
“Brother! You are dearer to me than my own life. If this
Kingdom is seeking my protection, it also means that she is
also seeking your protection. You will also rule this country
along with me. I accepted coronation as instructed by our
father, only to keep you also very happy. From now onwards,
you must enjoy all the comforts on earth.”
Sita Rama dedicates to Vrata
Ramayana]
As instructed by king Dasaratha, Vasista Maharishi went
to Rama’s house, taught them how to observe fasting and the
vrat on that night and went back. Rama spent some time with
his friends. While Vasista was going in a chariot he observed
8 Valmiki Ramayanam
all the roads are crowded with men and women, both young
and old, in a celebrating mood. The noise of the people
resembled the sounds of an ocean. They were all anxiously
waiting for the sun to come on sky in the east to witness Rama’s
coronation. All the streets were washed and decorated with
varieties of coloured designs of kolam. Vasista went to
Dasaratha and said that Rama had dedicated himself to the
vrat. He also informed the king about the enthusiastic public
on the streets.
Preparations for Rama’s coronation
[This part is taken from 6th Sarga and Adhyatma Ramayanam]
Rama and Sita worshiped the God, Sriman Narayana as
instructed by Vasista Maharishi. Rama carried the vessel
containing the havis on his head and offered it in agnihotra as
an oblation. The remaining was taken by Rama and Sita as
prasadam. Afterwords they spread darbha grass on the floor
and slept in the presence of lord Vishnu. He woke up at brahmi
muhurtham time in the morning, by the time the vandhis and
maagadhis came and praised Rama. Rama took bath and
completed his morning rituals, wore white silk garments and
prayed and praised lord Vishnu with devotion. At that time
brahmins came and chanted mantras as a mark of purification
for the occassion. The chanting of purification mantras were
heard all over Ayodhya.
The people decorated their houses and the streets with
green mango leaves and flowers. They spilled sandal, turmeric
and other perfume powders on the street. The pictures of
various gods, Dasaratha, Rama and Sita were displayed on tree
tops, temples and other prominent places in the city.
Actors played dramas; dancers danced; and musicians
sang songs to entertain the people in all junctions of four roads.
Ayodhya Kandam 9
praised the decision of king Dasaratha to make Rama as the
king. People also praised the virtuous qualities of Rama and
exchanged with others, their experiences with Rama with his
brothers.
Mandhara poisons the mind of Kaikeyi
[This part is taken from 7 th Sarga and from Adhyatma
Ramayanam]
Mandhara is the favorite maid of Kaikeyi. Mandhara went
to the terrace of the palace and looked around the Ayodhya
city. She found all the roads crowded with people. They all
wore new clothes. In all junctions, flags were hoisted; and
banners of gods, Dasaratha, Rama and Sita were erected.
Brahmins, decorated with garlands, were chanting vedic
mantras and walking fast from one place to other. All the
temples were painted newly. Soldiers were guarding the city
sitting on the back of elephants and horses.
Mandhara asked Raamamaata, the maid of Kausalya Devi
“you are the most favourite maid of Kausalya Devi. She is giving
donations liberally. You are also wearing new clothes. The
entire city is in a celebrating mood. Do you know the reason
for this sudden celebration? If you know, tell me so that I can
also enjoy the occasion.”
Raamamaata, the maid of Kausalya Devi replied “Oh
Mandhara! This is an occasion to feel happy for one and all.
You also enjoy. Spotless Rama is going to be coronated as
crown prince, tomorrow morning, at the time of the star of
pusyami. To witness the function, people are coming from all
nooks and corners of the country.”
On hearing the news of Rama’s coronation, Mandhara
became furious. Her body was burning with anger. She went
10 Valmiki Ramayanam
running to Kaikeyi. At that time Kaikeyi was lying on the bed.
Looking at her, Mandhara said “Oh ignorant queen! Are you
still lying on the bed when your house is burning? Everybody
says that you are the darling of the king. You are also living
under the same illusion. How are you able to sleep so
peacefully? The love of king on you is drying up like the water
of a river in a hot summer”.
Kaikeyi thought something wrong with her health and
asked “Oh Mandhara! Is your health alright? What made you
to become so much agitated? Tell me what is wrong with you?”
Mandhara said “Oh queen! We are drowning in a ocean
of grief. How can I tell? I have the feeling that I am being roled
on hot burning fire. Since I ate your salt all these years, I came
running to tell you about the bad news. If you are in grief, is it
not my grief? If you are happy I feel I am also happy. The whole
world knows that you are the dearest darling of our king. Your
husband knows all dharmas. He teaches them to everyone. But
in your case, he is doing a serious adharma. He talks sweet
words with you and takes out what he wants from you. Hence
you are not able to know his cruel nature. You believe
everything that is white is milk. That is why he is able to cheat
you so easily. But he is giving away all fortunes to Kausalya.
Look at how cunning he is? He sent away Bharata from
here so that there will be no one to obstruct his way. He took
this opportune time and announced the coronation of Rama.
Tomorrow morning he is going to make Rama the crown price
of Ayodhya. All these years you are keeping him in your bed
not knowing that he is a snake. If you are not alert, you will
have to become a servant like me before his first wife, Kausalya.
She will become the mother of the king. Bharata will become
a servant of Rama.”
Ayodhya Kandam 11
On hering Mandhara’s words Kaikeyi got up from her bed
like a spring and embraced Mandhara for giving such a sweet
news. She took out a necklace from her body and gave her as a
gift. “Oh Mandhara! Don’t you know that Rama and Bharata
are same to me. I never looked at them as two different
persons. Know it well that nothing will make me happier than
the news of Rama’s coronation. Since you brought me such a
good news, you ask me one more boon”.
Kaikeyi supports coronation
Ramayanam]
Mandhara said “Oh ignorant queen! You keep your gift
for yourself. When you are in deep trouble, how can I accept
your gift? Am I ungrateful? Oh queen! Inspite of your neck-
deep troubles, you are looking pretty happy. I realy pity you.
At the same time I also laugh at your ignorance. I do not find
another foolish woman like you. You are the only person
feeling happy while the first wife’s son is becoming a king. It is
as good as embracing death.
Oh queen! Please listen to my words and understand
carefully. If Rama is eldest, Bharata is the second. If that is the
case, Rama will always be afraid of Bharata and will never love
him. So, as long as they both are alive, Bharata is the first enemy
of Rama. He will not hesitate even to kill him. Lakshmana is
faithfull to Rama and Satrughuna is faithful to Bharata. Hence
those two,being much younger, were not in the race for the
throne. Rama is a statesman and a diplomat. Therefore he
knows when and how to do things. Kausalya is a fortunate
woman. All the while, she had enjoyed the status of the
principal Queen and the first wife. Now she is going to have
the status as the mother of the king. Hence, you and Bharata
will have to stand before them like servants. In the same way,
your daughter in law also will stand like a servant before Sita.”
On hearing Mandhara’s words, Kaikeyi said “Oh
Mandhara! Don’t talk like a fool. Stop your blabbering. What
do you think of Rama? He is an embodiment of dharma and is
very truthful. He is the elderst son of our king. He alone is
eligible for the throne. I know very well that he will treat all
his brothers like his sons. You are not only a hunch-back
physically but also mentally. That is why you are showing
jealousy towards Rama who is loved by all. Oh Mandhara! If
Rama becomes king, Bharata also will be a king. You stop
thinking in a wicked way and wait for the fortunate days to
come. Do you know that Rama loves me more than Kausalya?
When Rama becomes king, know it well that Bharata,
Lakshmana and Satrughna also will become kings. They do not
have any differences among themselves”.
Mandhara said again, “Oh queen! Why are you neglecting
my words? The kingdom goes always to the eldest son. In this
way, the throne will go to Rama’s eldest son, but will never
comes to Bharata. In the dynasty of kings, the name of Bharata
will not appear. However much, I am breaking my head in your
interest, you are only feeling happy for the fortune of the first
wife, Kausalya. Added to that, you are giving me a gift. Know it
well, the moment, Rama becomes king, he will banish Bharata
from the country. Had Bharata also lived with Dasaratha he
would have had the same love and affection on him. But you
sent Bharata to your farther’s place for a long time. Since
Lakshmana is closely associtated with Rama, he will not do
any harm to him. But every danger is in store for Bharata.
Hence you ask Bharata to go and live in forest so that he can
save his life. If he is alive, you can hear his welfare. While you
were young, you illtreated Kausalya. Now she will take
Ayodhya Kandam 13
vengence on you. You are a wise woman. I need not tell you all
this in so many words. Unless you banish Rama from the
country and make Bharata as king. There is no safety for his
life.
KAIKEYI TURNS SLAVE TO MANDHARA’S EVIL ADVICES
[This part is taken from 9th Sarga and also from Adyatma
Ramayanam]
Kaikeyi said “Oh Mandhara! I did not understand the
hidden meanings in your words. Now I realise what you mean.
I am also anxious to stop the coronation of Rama immediately.
My mind has become blank. You tell me some way out.”
Mandhara said “Oh Queen! You know everthing. But you
want to hear from my mouth. So, please listen. Long ago, your
husband went to help Devatas, in their fight against danavas.
He also took you along with him. At that time, you saved his
life two times. Out of gratitude, your husband had offered you
two boons. At that time, you did not accept them and said that
“it is my duty to save the life of my husband”. However he
insisted you to accept those boons. At that time you told him
“Oh king! I deposit those boons with you and take them
whenever I need”. He too agreed for it. You did not avail those
boons till now. Now the time has come for you to demand those
two boons.One, you ask for sending Rama to the forest for
fourteen years; Second, you ask to make Bharata as the king. I
will also tell you now, how to ask for those boons. Before the
king comes, you remove all your ornaments, wear a soiled
saree and go to your anger house. He cannot bear the torture
of your anger and will agree for whatever you demand.
However you should not come out with your demands unless
you are sure that he will fulfill them. Since your husband is a
truthful person, he will not go back.”
Kaikeyi then said, “Oh Mandhara! All these years, I have
treated you as an ordinary servant maid. I do not know that
you have so much love and affection for me. Frankly speaking
you have opened my eyes. Otherwise I would not have
understood the wicked plans of my husband. You are very
superior among the hunch-back women. You are the most
beautiful among all of them. Though you bend while walking,
your face is as bright as the Sun and as pleasant as the Moon. I
have seen many mystics in the war between devatas and
danavas. But all those mystics are inferior before your
diplomacy. As soon as Rama goes to forest and Bharata
becomes king, I will decorate your hunch-back with golden
cover sewn with precious gems. I will see to it that all the other
maids will serve you at your feet and press them when you
need. Inspite of all that, I cannot repay the debt for the help
you did.”
Mandhara said “Oh Queen! Why are you wasting time with
these words. Any time, the king may turn up here. So, you
immediately jump into action and enter into the anger house.
Once agiain, I am reminding you that you should not yield to
the king without achieving these two boons. If you become
soft, you will loose everything in life”.
Now fate has possessed Kaikeyi also and she became a
slave to her evil advices. Kaikeyi removed all her ornaments,
threw them on the floor, wore a torn and soiled saree and
entered the anger house. While entering, she assured
Mandhara “Oh Mandhara! I am again making before you a vow.
I will not yield to the king until he agrees to send Rama to
forest and make Bharata the king. If I fail, I will not come out
of this anger house. I will consume poison and die there itself”.
After saying so, Kaikeyi entered the anger house and lay on
the floor.
Ayodhya Kandam 15
DASARATHA GOES TO KAIKEYI
Dasartha was very busy in making arrangements for the
coronation. Till the last moment, he was keeping the
arrangements in his control without exposing the news much.
The balance work remaining for the coronation had been
entrusted now to his subordinates. He thoughttherefore that
it was the time for him to announce the news for all his kith
and kin. Immediately Kaikeyi came into his mind. He thought
it fit to inform her personally. Hence he entered the palace of
Kaikeyi with enthusiasm and several romantic thoughts.
The moment he entered the palace, normally Kaikeyi used
to invite him with warm words. But contratory to his
expectations, she was not seen anywhere. The maid came and
informed him that the queen was in the anger house. By the
time, he entered the anger house, she was lying on the floor
wearing a torn and soiled saree. Her hair was loose and
covered her face. By looking her in that state he was very much
upset and went to her and said.
“My darling! You always look auspicious. I do not
understand why you became furious today, on me? Did any
one insult you? Did anybody abuse you? Did anybody try to
harm you? Order me what am I to do to keep you happy.
Whoever had hurt you, if he is fit to be killed, I will kill him.
Incase if I should not kill him myself, I shall get him killed
through someone else. If any person of your liking is suffering
with poverty, I will make him rich. If anybody tried to do any
harm to you and if he is rich, I will make him a pauper. Why
are you not opening your mouth? Order me what I can do for
you. Are you suffering from any illhealth? If so I shall call all
the doctors to attend on you. Oh queen! Are you not aware
that we are all living under your control and mercy, including
myself? Whoever did any harm to you I will not spare them. I
can even give up my life for the sake of you. What all I said are
true and I swear on my punyam. I will certainly do whatever
you ask. You please open your mouth and tell what you desire.”
Kaikeyi had decided in her mind that she would not come
out unless he made a still more stringent vow.
KAIKEYI COMES OUT WITH DEMANDS
Kaikeyi thought within herself that “the king is now under
the influence of lust and hence I can come out with my
demands now”. However she wanted to press him once more,
before coming out with her demands.
Kaikeyi said “Oh king! Nobody has insulted me. I had a
desire. If you promise me that if you will definitely fulfil the
same, I shall ask for it. Otherwise it will become waste”.
Dasaratha took her hand into his hands and said “My darling
queen! Nobody is dearer to me than you and Rama in this
world. I swear on Rama and my punyam and promise that I
will fulfil your desire”.
Kaikeyi said “Oh king! You made an oath on Rama and
your punyam to fulfil my desire. Agni, all devatas, sun, moon,
sky, planets, day, night and all directions have heard your
promise and stand witness to it. You are a truthful and
righteous person. You gave me two boons. I want them now.
If you refuse to give them, I will commit suicide”. Dasaratha
said “Oh Kaikeyi! I will stand by dharma and fulfill your desire.
This is my promise”.
Kaikeyi said “Oh king! When you were fighting on behalf
of Devatas, your life was in danger from danavas two times.
Both the times, I saved your life. You gave me two boons at
that time. Till now I have not taken asked them from you. Now
Ayodhya Kandam 17
I want those two boons”. On hearing her words Dasaratha said
“I remember those two boons given to you and I promise to
fulfill them. Now you tell me what you want”?
Kaikeyi said “Oh king! please listen peacefully. The first
boon I want from you is that Bharata must be coronated as
king. My second boon is, that, you must send Rama to reside
in the forest for fourteen years wearing ordinary clothes like
valkalas, leaving out his silk clothes. He must go to forest today
itself.. You give me these two boons and keep up the prestige
of your dynasty. By this your personal glory also will be
enhanced.
THE GRIEF OF DASARATHA
Ramayanam]
On hearing the words of Kaikeyi Dasaratha fell down and
fainted. After a while he recovered and was wondering
whether he really heard those words or was it all a dream? All
his sweet thoughts when he came there, dried up totally. When
he looked at her now, he felt as if he was seeing a tigress. He
shivered looking at her he said “Oh cruel Kaikeyi! I married
yo,u thinking that you were a princess. You entered my house
to destroy our family. What harm did I or Rama do to you? I
can leave Kausalya, Sumitra and the kingdom also but not
Rama. Without Rama, I am as good as dead. Living beings might
live without sun and plants may survive without rains. But I
cannot live without Rama. I touch your feet and pray for your
mercy. You withdraw your desires.
How did you entertain such a cruel thought? Are you
trying to check how much love I had for Bharata? Don’t you
remember that you used to tell me that Rama is your first son
and he is to be coronated as king. You were praising his
auspicious qualities in front of several people. You show pity
on me and the people of Ayodhya and withdraw your desires.
Are you speaking by youself or anybody has poisoned your
mind? You are grieving and putting others also in grief. So far,
you have not done anything against my interest. You never
uttered a harsh word about me. Hence I am not able reconcile
your words”.
“Rama is a righteous, young boy. How can he live in forest
for fourteen years? Why are you asking him to live in forests?
Rama used to do service to you everyday. Why are you sending
such a Rama to far off forests? Rama is valorous and has so
many virtuous qualities like generosity, compassion,
righteousness, the virtues of war and so on. He has not
committed any blemishful act till now. He gives donations to
the people who are in distress and makes them happy. He wins
on his enemies with valor. Rama has many virtuous qualities,is
truthful, gives donations, does tapasya, sacrifice; is pure in
thought, word and deed, wisdom, knowledge, serving the
Teachers and elders and total purity. He speaks so sweetly
with all people. I am living only, seeing Rama. I give away all
my kingdom to you. But you don’t send him to forests.”
Kaikeyi said “Oh king! You are a valorous and righteous
person. You gave those boons by yourself and you are now
repenting. What reply can you give to Rajarishis if you break
your promise? You lived so many years because of me. Now
you are going back from the word given to such a Kaikeyi. You
also promised those boons a few moments back, for which
several devatas stood as witness. Hence if you don’t fulfill your
promise, it will carry a wrong message to your people.”
“ When there was a dispute between a dove and an eagle,
the king Sibi had removed meat from his own body to keep up
his word. King Alarka had donated his eyes to a blind brahmin
Ayodhya Kandam 19
and became glorious. The oceans kept up the word given to
devatas and did not cross their boundaries. All those things
were done only to keep up their word and became glorious.
Hence you also keep up your word.”
Kaikeyi continued, “I am able to guess your wicked
thinking. You want to make Rama as king and want to enjoy
with Kausalya. Don’t try to teach me morals. There is nothing
unrighteous in my desires and I did not tell any lie. If you stick
to your word and do coronation to Rama,
I will consume poison and die now itself. But I will not accept
Kausalya as Rajamata. I am telling these words, swearing on
my son,Bharata. Nothing will keep me happy except
banishment of Rama to the forest and coronation of Bharata”.
Dasaratha tried to convince Kaikeyi several times and
could not succeed. With uncontrollable grief, he fainted several
times and tried to say something but could not say a word.
After sometime he recovered and said “Oh Kaikeyi! I have
announced the coronation of Rama in the presence of
ministers, subordinate kings and people. How can I go and
announce about Rama’s exile? Will they not laugh at me? If I
do not coronate Rama, I will become a lier. All these years
Kausalya served me like a servant. when playing chess, she
joins as a friend. While wishing my welfare, she always acted
like a sister. While feeding me she served like mother. While
performing yagnas she acted as dharmapatni. Though she was
keeping me happy in several ways, I ignored her, for fear of
you. Out of love for you, I spent all my time with you. Inspite
of that, she never said even one harsh word to me. It is only a
providence of god for her to deliver Rama as her son and he
becoming the eldest. If you insist me to send Rama to forests,
how can I show my face to Kausalya. I was deceived by your
beauty as if consuming poison and thinking it as wine. People
will blame me that I sold Rama for the sake of a woman. People
will outcaste me like a brahmin who consumed wine. People
will certainly hate me for sending Rama to forests. Rama was
kept away so long, from comforts of palace because he lived
in gurukulam. Since he came to enjoy comforts now, you are
asking him to go to forests. If I ask Rama to go to forests, he
will certainly obey my orders and he will not say no. Once Rama
goes to forests, I will leave this world. Kausalya also will follow
me. Sumitra, Lakshmana and Satrughna also will be drowned
in grief. Afterwards, you and Bharata alone will enjoy this
kingdom. After my death this ikshvaku line will become
blemishful. If Bharata also is willing to rule this country, he
should not perform my last rites. After my death, you become
a widow and rule this country with your son. From now
onwards, all living creatures will call you as a sinner.”
DASARATHA REQUESTS KAIKEYI AGAIN AND AGAIN
[This part is taken from 13th Sarga and Adhyatma
Ramayanam]
Dasaratha fell on the ground and rolled on it, like king
Yayati who was pushed down from heaven after exhausting
his punya phalam. Requesting, crying and beging were not the
habbit of Dasaratha. Since he was bound by dharma, he
requested her again and again. But, Kaikeyi was firm in
achieving her boons. She provoked him by saying “Oh king!
You boast yourself that you are a truthful person. Why are
you thinking hundred times to fulfill the promise made to me?”
Dasaratha said “Oh cruel Kaikeyi! Enemies are better than
you. Once Rama goes to forests, I am certain to die. After my
death, when I goes to heaven, all devatas will ask me “Why did
you send Rama to forests?” What should I answer them?
Neither I can tell the fact nor I can tell a lie.
Ayodhya Kandam 21
“Oh Kaikeyi! For many,many years, we suffered without
begetting children. After a great struggle, we had Rama. How
can I send him to forests? Rama is not only valorous but he
has won over anger, he is patient and has such a great
character. You look at his eyes; they are as broad and wide as
lotus petals. Such a Rama, you are asking me to send to forests.”
Dasaratha continued further, “Oh queen! You are my wife.
You are to wish all auspicious things for me. All these years, I
lived as a truthfull person. I may not live long. I am seeking
your protection. I will give away all my kingdom to you. You
give it to Rama with your own hands. Even Bharata will happily
agree to it. Vasista and others also will worship you. Your glory
will remain immortal. I also will become truthful. This will be
acceptable for all.
SUMANTRA GOES TO SEE DASARATHA
This part is taken from 14th Sarga and also from Adhyatma
Ramayanam
Inspite of several appeals by the king the heart of Kaikeyi
did not melt. Kaikeyi said “Oh king! Dharma depends on Truth.
Truthful persons only will reach the abode of Brahman. Hence
I am asking you to keep to the truth and follow the path of
dharma. When I ask the boons, why are you agitated as if you
are doing a big sin and why you are rolling on the floor. Know
it well that dharma alone will brings you glory and superior
lokas. If you refuse to give my boons, I will consider you as
telling a lie. I will also assume that you are leaving me. In that
case I will die in your presence itself.”
Long back Vamana bound Bali chakravarthy with
dharmapasam. In the same manner, Kaikeyi also fastened
Dasaratha with dharmapasam. Dasaratha said “Oh sinful
Kaikeyi! I married you in front of agni. Now I am leaving you
and your son Bharata. Bharata should not perform my last
rites. Now the night has come to an end. Vasista and others
may come anytime. People are eagerly waiting for Rama’s
coronation. I cannot go and see their faces”.
Kaikeyi said “Oh king! Your words are not only violent
but also painful. Don’t waste time. You call Rama here. Order
him to go to forests. Then only, Bharata will not have any
enemies. Immediately you do your duty.”
Dasaratha said “Oh wicked woman! You have fastened
me with dharmapasam. My mind has become dumb. I want to
see Rama immediately.”
In the mean time, it became dawn. Vasista and others
came to Ayodhya with all the materials required for coronation.
All the roads and streets were decorated with decorative
designs and people were moving here and there. Vasista said
“Oh Sumantra! I brought all the materials for coronation. You
go, inform the king and escort him.”
Sumantra entered the palace and said “Oh king! You be
happy just as the oceans become happy with sunrise. I am
waking you up, just as Mathali wakes up the Indra. As Vedas
wake up Brahma, I am waking you up. As sun and moon wakes
up Bhoo Devi, I am waking you up. Complete your rituals,
decorate yourself and come out to give audience to the people.
Oh king, Indra, agni, Varuna, Siva, Kubera, sun and moon will
protect you by all means. Oh king! All the materials that are
required for the coronation were brought and kept ready. Give
us order to perform the coronation to Rama.”
Dasaratha heard all the praising words of Sumantra
and said “Oh Sumantra! All your praisings are tearing my
heart”. Kaikeyi said “Oh Sumantra! Our king was thinking all
the night about Rama. He slept just an hour back. Hence you
Ayodhya Kandam 23
bring Rama immediately, by that time he will get ready. On
hearing Kaikeyi’s words, Sumantra went back to bring Rama.
THE DESCRIPTION OF CORONATION
Ramayanam]
Vasista and others kept the materials ready for
coronation. All arrangements were made. Subordinate kings
and other dignitaries were waiting for the king with gifts.
People were anxiously waiting for Rama. In the mean time,
Sumantra came out of the palace of Keikeyi and went towards
the house of Rama to bring him to Kaikeyi.
Many vesyas came decorated with ornaments and
colourful dresses. Actors, dancers and musicians came with
their instruments and were entertaining the people in various
part of the city. Some of them were waiting at the second
encloser entertaining the palace establishments.
SUMANTRA GOES TO RAMA
[This part is taken from 16 and 17th Sarga and also from
Adhyatma Ramayanam]
Sumantra went to Rama’s palace. At that time Rama was
well decorated with ornaments and silk garments and was
sitting on a throne. He looked like Kubera. Sita was standing
by his side. Sumantra said “Oh Rama! King and Kaikeyi want
to see you”. Rama said “Oh Sita! Father and mother want to
see me, perhaps they wanted to bless me some auspicious
words in connection eith my coronation. Sumantra has come
to take me. My mother Kaikeyi always wishes my welfare. I
consider it is a good omen to see my father and mother at one
place before my coronation”.
Sita said “Oh Lord! Now your father is coronating you as
Brahma coronated Indra. I want you to see while performing
Rajasuya yaga wearing krishnajinam and keeping the horns of
black deer in your hands. May Indra, Yama, Varuna and Kubera
protect you”.
RAMA VISITS DASARATHA
Rama went with Sumantra to see his father and mother.
On coming out, he saw Lakshmana standing there. Rama and
Lakshmana went to see Dasaratha. On their way they saw
milling crowds waiting to have the glimpse of Rama and
praising him.
KAIKEYI TELLS RAMA ABOUT HER BOONS
Ramayanam]
Rama went to Dasaratha. There he saw his father lying
on bed motionless. He prostrated at the feet of his father and
mother. Looking at Rama, Dasaratha could only utter one
word, “Rama!” His throat was filled with grief and he could
not speak beyond that. Rama had never seen his father in that
condition. Rama said “Oh mother! Why is my father lying on
bed motionless? Is he keeping good health? Why he is in
distress? Why he is looking restless? Whenever he sees me he
used to embrace me with joy. Now there is no happiness on
his face. Have I wounded his feelings by ignorance? Why he is
not talking to me? Are Bharata and Satrughna safe? Please tell
me how I can keep my father happy? Did you utter any harsh
words that wounded my father?”
Kaikeyi said “Rama! Your father is not angry on anyone.
He is not suffering with any ailment. However he is afraid of
informing you one word, because you are so dear to him. That
is why, he is not able to tell you that unpleasant word. However
you should know it.
Ayodhya Kandam 25
Long ago, he gave me two boons. He is now worried, how
to fulfill them. His mind is fully occupied with repentance. What
is the use of repenting after the event? Rama! Truth is the
support for all dharmas. Out of love for you, he wants to become
untruthful. It is in your hands to make your father a truthful
person. Rama! I should tell you a truth whether it may be
pleasent to you or not. The king is afraid of telling it to you
himself”.
Rama said “Oh mother! Don’t talk like that. If father wants
me to jump into the fire I will do it. He is my father and also
the king. I will obey his orders. He is my well wisher. Even if
he orders me to consume poison, I will consume it. If he wants
me to drown in an ocean, I will do it. Mother! If father is unable
to tell me that unpleasant word, you tell me, I will accept it as
my father’s order for me. This is my vow. Rama is not a man of
two words”.
Kaikeyi said “Rama! Long ago, your father fought on behalf
of devatas. In that battle, danavas were about to kill him twice.
Both the times I saved his life. At that time, out of gratitude, he
gave me two boons. Now I wanted your father to give me those
two boons. One is, you must give up the kingdom, go to forests
wearing valkalas and live in the forests for fourteen years. You
have to leave to the forest today itself. The second is that
Bharata is to get coronated as the crown prince. These two
words your father is not able to tell you.
RAMA AGREES TO GO TO FOREST
Ramayanam]
Rama said “Mother! I obey your orders. The king will fulfil
those two boons given to you and will become a truthful king.
Today itself I will go to forest wearing valkalas and live a sage-
like life. Why is father so much worried for this small matter?
Should I not obey if my father orders me? He is not only my
father but also my king. Hence it is my duty to obey his orders?
I am always greatful to him. Had my father asked me, I could
have surrendered even my life for the sake of Bharata. Had
my father told one word about Bharata’s coronation, I would
have gladly accepted. Even without any provocation I am
prepared to surrender myself, Sita, this kingdom and all my
near and dear for the sake of Bharata.
Mother! My father won many battles and known as a
valorous king. I cannot see tears in his eyes. You console him.
You send word for Bharata and complete coronation. I am
leaving for forests today itself.
Kaikeyi said “Rama! Your father is feeling shy to tell you
these words. You immediately go to forests. Unless you leave
Ayodhya, your father will not take a bath and will not take food.
In view of his health it is necessary for you to leave for forests
immediately. If you make delay, anything untoward may
happen. As advised by you, I shall send the messengers to bring
Bharata immediately. As soon as he comes, he will be
coronated as a king.”
Dasaratha heard the words of Kaikeyi and was heart-
broken with grief and fainted. Rama rushed to his father, lifted
him, placed him on the bed and served him. Kaikeyi said “Oh
Rama! On the pretext of serving your father, you are delaying
your journey to forests. There are many servants to serve him.
Hence you leave for the forest immediately.
Rama said “Mother! I am not hurt by your words. I am
not doing service to the king anticipating either any money or
any favour. I considered it as my duty to serve my father. I
have become a sage. Whether my father may say or not, I obey
Ayodhya Kandam 27
your words as his orders. I shall leave today itself to forests
and live fourteen years leading a sage-like life. Mother! You
have every right order me about what you want. Since you
and my father did not say even one word about Bharata’s
coronation, this has made me to feel that you both perhaps
have no faith on me. That is causing me more pain than my
going to forests. Immediately I will go to my mother and Sita
to inform them and proceed to the forests. You tell Bharata to
take care of the king.
On hearing the words of Rama Dasaratha cried loudly.
Rama prostrated at the feet of his father and kaikeyi and went
to Kausalya’s palace. Lakshmana also followed him. There was
no change what so ever in Rama’s face on this turn of events.
It was as pleasant as he entered the palace. Rama sent back
his chariot and went by foot to his mother’s place.
RAMA INFORMS HIS MOTHER ABOUT HIS EXILE
Ramayanam]
By the time Rama went to Kausalya Devi she was
worshiping Maha Vishnu. Rama went and prostrated at her
feet. She blessed him with glory and longevity. She said “Rama!
You have not taken food last night. Now you take food. After a
short while, your father is going to coronate you”.
Rama said “Mother! We are in deep trouble. I am
hesitating to tell you the sad news. In a short while I have to
go to forests leaving you, Sita and Lakshmana. In future I am
going to live on fruits, roots and honey instead of preparations
made of meat. Father has ordered me to go to forests. Bharata
will be coronated as king. He ordered me to live a muni’s life in
Dandakaranya forests for fourteen years”.
On hearing Rama’s words, Kausalya fell down and fainted.
She recovered after a while and said “My son! I did not enjoy
any comforts with your father. I was only waiting for the last
seventeen years after your upanayanam to lead a comfortable
life after you become a king. Now that hope is also lost. I
suffered many insults and humiliations at the hands of Kaikeyi.
Your father also took the side of Kaikeyi in humiliating me. All
these years Kaikeyi treated me worse than a servant. Now I
have to live at the mercy of Bharata. Instead of living such a
heinous life I prefer to die. I made several vows and had you
as my son. Now you are going to forests and all my dreams
have become futile. I will also come with you to the forests
just as a cow goes behind its calf. By saying so she wept bitterly.
LAKSHMANA CONSOLES KAUSALYA
[This part is taken from 21st Sarga and also from Adhyatima
Ramaynam]
Lakshmana said “The king has become old but he is still
thinking that he is young. He is still lustfull and has become a
puppet in the hands of a woman and made wrong
pronouncements. Hence, Rama need not obey his orders. What
offence did Rama commit to banish him from the country?
Even a bitter enemy will not speak one harsh word against
Rama. Will any father pronounce such a punishment for his
own son? Before the matter became public, we shall take
possession of the kingdom. Rama! You stand on one side with
your bow and arrows. I will stand on another side. We shall
kill all the four wings of army. Whoever supports Bharata, I
will kill all of them. Even if Dasaratha comes forward in support
of Kaikeyi, I will kill take him prisoner and, if forced to do so,
kill him also. One can kill his own guru if he goes in a
unrighteous way. This is a Rajadharma.
You are the rightful king of Ayodhya. How can he give this
kingdom to Kaikeyi? I am a devotee and an implicit follower of
Ayodhya Kandam 29
Rama. I swear on my bow and on my punyam that I can jump
into the flames or drown in the ocean for the sake of Rama. If
Rama decides to go to forests, I will also go with him. Mother!
I am not able to bare your grief.”
Kausalya said “Rama! You listen to Lakshmana! Your
father banished you from the country only to please my co
wife and put me in grief. I am ordering you to disobey his
orders. Obeying the orders of mother is also a dharma. Who
will do service to me in my oldage? Know it well that serving
mother is also a superior dharma. Long ago Kasyapa did service
to his mother and went to the heaven. How your father is
deserving of your worship as your Guru, the same way, I am
also worthy of worship by you. I refuse to give permission to
you to go to forests. Otherwise you take me also with you to
the forests. I can live happily there in your presence. If you
refuse to take me I will resolve to fast until my death.”
Rama said “mother! I have no power to disobey my
father’s orders. Kandu Maharishi killed a cow to obey the
orders of his father. The sixty thousands sons of Sagara, of
our dynasty, obeyed their father’s order, dug the oceans and
were burned to ashes. ParasuRama obeyed his father’s orders
and killed his mother Renuka Devi. There are several people
who obeyed their father’s orders and became glorious. So I
will also follow their foot prints.
Lakshmana! I know how affectionate you are towards me.
I also know about your valor. But it is not the right time to
speak of kshatriya dharma. Dharma alone secures all
Purusharathas. Truth is the shelter for all dharmas. Truth
cannot survive without dharma. Both are interdependent. A
virtuous person whoever promises to his father, mother and
any brahmin should not break his promise. Hence do not
develop anger in you towards anyone.
Mother! I have decided to go to forest. Don’t obstruct me.
If you bless me, I will come back from the forests after fourteen
years. Till such time all of us, you, myself, Sita, Lakshmana and
others, are to obey the orders of our king. This is our sanatana
dharma. All the materials that are procured for the coronation
may be used for Bharata. You bless me to go to forests”.
Kausalya said “My son! I gave birth to you. Hence you are
to obey my orders also as dutifully as your father’s. I do not
even wish the heaven, nector or the swadhas of pitru loka,
after my death. I want to live by your side as long as I am alive.
Rama said “Lakshmana! By practicing dharma alone we
gain all the other Purusharthas viz artha, kaama and moksha.
I will tell you how. We find all the three virtues in a wife such
as obedience, affection and giving good sons to us. In the same
way we should not follow that dharma which gives us artha
alone. If we follow dharma to achieve artha only, that cultivates
jealousy.
Lakshmana! Dasaratha is guru and father to you also. So
you have to obey his orders. Mother is his dharmapatni. For
her also, he alone is the shelter and she is to obey his orders.
That is Sanatana dharma. Our father has the reputation as the
superior among all his ancestors. While such a righteous
person is alive, how can the mother go with her son like a
widow.
Mother! You are the principle queen for the king. Unless
you bless me, how can I achieve dharma and glory. Kingdom
is a blade of grass for me before dharma.”
Speaking in this manner Rama made pradhakshina
namaskaram around his mother and went to his palace.
Ayodhya Kandam 31
RAMA PACIFIES LAKSHMANA
[This part is taken from 22nd Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayaam]
Rama said “Lakshmana! You are hissing like a cobra but
your heart is pure and soft. You are my dearest brother. Leave
anger. Forget your humiliation. So far you were enthusiastic
for my coronation. Now you show equal enthusiasm for
stopping the arrangements for my coronation. If you make up
your mind in this manner, you will not have grief and you will
enjoy Ananda.
Unless I go to forests immediately Kaikeyi will not have
peace of mind. Then only she can plan to perform Bharata’s
coronation peacefully. Father wanted to perform coronation
for me, but it did not occur. You know it well that both are the
acts of god. Hence Kaikeyi is only a tool in the hands of god.
Hence don’t develop any hatred towards Kaikeyi or Bharata.
We were all serving our mothers equally. Suddenly Kaikeyi
took an aggressive posture. It is nothing but an act of god. We
do not understand the acts of god.
LAKSHMANA SAYS VALOR IS GOD
[This part is taken from 23rd sarga and also from Adhyatma
Ramayanam]
Lakshmana heard Rama’s words patiently. In the heart of
hearts, he was happy with the attitude of Rama. However he
was distressed since Rama was going to forest. He could not
digest the theory of karma phalam and said “Rama! You are
superior among the kshatriyas. You have the fear that people
will blame you for not obeying the orders of our father. You
also have a fear that harm may happen to dharma. It is nothing
but your fear. You took a hasty decision of going to forest.
Brother ! God has no power. To achieve his things, he
makes use of men. Those who are weak and distressed, will
yield to the god. Since you are a valorous person you can
oppose his acts. Why are you not suspecting all this is a game
of Dasaratha and Kaikeyi? They are telling sweet words under
the mask of dharma. This is a preplan of the king and queen.
Rama! You think a while! Dasaratha has given two boons
to his wife long long ago. Why did they not reveal the same all
these years? Why did she not avail those boons till now? Is it
the right time for her to avail those boons? Are they not taking
shelter under those boons to interrupt your coronation? If we
break the conspiracy of the king and queen, no harm will
happen to dharma. Nobody will blame you.
You are the eldest son. How can the king coronate for
others? Is it not aginst the tradition coming from times
immemorial? People will not accept it. I cannot agree with this
thinking. I tell you how! You obeyed the orders of our father
and agreed for the coronation. Now he says that he will not
coronate you. If dharma keeps changing every now and then,
can we call it dharma? In this manner obeying father’s orders
is only a passion but not dharma. Even if we call it dharma,
king Dasaratha was lustful and became a slave to one woman.
You need not obey the orders of such a king. You are a valorous
person. You are capable of taking revenge on the conspiracy
hatched on you. This is a drama of king Dasaratha and Kaikeyi.
Even though you disobey his orders, people will not blame
you.
Rama! According to you, Dasaratha and Kaikeyi are the
tools in the hands of god. You may console yourself, but I will
not agree. Only weak and powerless people will respect god. I
will prove with my valor whether the power of valor is great
or the power of god is great. I will oppose whoever comes to
resist your coronation. Even a wild elephant will be controlled
by the mahout with an elephant goad. In the same way I will
Ayodhya Kandam 33
bring the god into my control, as a mahout brings a wild
elephant under his control. This is not the age for you to live
in forests. You are to go to forests only after ruling the country
for thousand years. Even then your son alone will rule the
country but not Bharata. This is what Vedas and epics also
teach.
Rama! King Dasaratha has lost his mental balance. The
orders of such a king need not be obeyed. Hence you get ready
for coronation. I will stand by your side and kill whoever
opposes you. Know it well that today is the last day for king
Dasaratha’s rule and you rule from today. I am your servant.
You order me what am I to do? I am waiting for your orders.”
Rama embraced Lakshmana and removed his tears
with his hand and said “Brother! I will not disobey the
orders of my father. This is my firm opinion. This is only the
right path. You also leave the violent attitude and follow
me.”
KAUSALYA DEVI GIVES CONSENT
[This part is taken from 24th sarga and also from Adhyatma
Ramayanam]
On hearing the words of Rama Kausalya said “Rama! You
have decided to go to forests. Nobody can change your mind.
How can you live with Uncha Vrutti (here, it means eating nuts
and vegetables fallen from trees)? Even your servants are eating
delicious foods in the palace. The moment you go to forests I
am going to die. Hence you take me also to the forests like an
old cow.
Rama said “Mother! Kaikeyi has already betrayed father.
If you also come to forests, who will look after him? If all of us
neglect him, he will die. A wife should always serve her
husband and should not leave him. This is Sanatana dharma”.
Kausalya said “Rama! Nobody can change your mind. As
long as you are in forest, you take care of your safety. I pray all
devatas for your safe return. You fulfil the orders of your father
and have immortal glory”. By saying so she embraced and
blessed him. Rama prostrated at her feet and took her
blessings.
KAUSALYA BLESSES RAMA
Ramayanam]
Kausalya Devi said “Rama! You followed the path of
dharma all these years. That dharma alone will protect you in
the forests. While you are living in forests all devatas will
protects you. May you be protected form animals and other
creatures.
Kausalya applied sandal paste on the body of Rama. She
amulate containing visalyakarani purified with mantras on his
shoulder.
RAMA SPEAKS TO SITA
Ramayanam]
Rama went to his palace silently on foot. He saw milling
crowds on all roads. Sita was waiting for him. She shivered
with fear, looking at the silent and sorrowful Rama and asked
“Prabhu! Why are you so distressed? Your coronation is to be
performed on pushyami nakshatra today. Where is your royal
elephant? Why did they not sprinkle honey, curd and other
auspicious materials on your head? Where are the Ministers
and Brahmanas who come alongwith you?”
Rama said “Sita! My father ordered me to go to the forests.
You are born in a royal family. You know all royal dharmas.
I will tell you what has happened. Listen.
Ayodhya Kandam 35
Long ago, my father gave two boons to my mother Kaikeyi.
Now she has demanded for those two boons from the king.
One is, I must go to forests for fourteen years. The second is
that Bharata must be coronated as king. My father is a truthful
and righteous person. I have to obey his orders. Today itself I
am leaving ayodhya and going to forests. As soon as Bharata
comes, my father will coronate him as a king.
Sita! I came here to inform you before I go to forests. After
coronation, Bharata will come to pay his respects to you. You
don’t praise about my good qualities before him. Because those
people who are rich and in power will not like to hear the good
qualities of others. You keep performing vratas and fastings.
Every morning you serve my father and mother. She is in
distress since I am going to the forests. Hence, you console
her. Bharata, Satrughna are like your sons. However he is your
king. Keeping the same in mind you respects him always.
SITA REPLIES TO RAMA
Ramayanam]
Sita heard the words of Rama patiently and said “Rama!
Why are you talking these meaningless words? People will
laugh at you. Father, mother, brothers and all others will take
birth, based on their karma phalam and leave after
experiencing them. But, wife alone will live with him till the
end of her life experiencing the good and the bad. Since the
king has ordered you to go to forests, it amounts to that, he
has ordered me also to go to forest. For a woman, husband
alone is the support. She does not depend on father, mother,
sons etc. Even in other world also she lives with her husband.
If you have decided to go to forests, I will walk before you and
clean your path. I will not give you any trouble in the forests.
Even sastras pronounce that a wife is to follow her husband.
Whether he lives in a palace or in a forest she is to follow him
like a shadow. All these things, I learnt in my mother’s place
while I was an infant. Do not try to frighten me by saying that
there will be lions and tigers in the forest. Whatever difficulties
come there, all the fourteen years I will be with you and I will
be serving you. I will observe the most difficult brahmacharya
vrata there. In this manner I can live with you even for a lakh
of years.
RAMA TELLS ABOUT THE HARDSHIPS IN FOREST
Ramayanam]
Rama said “Oh Sita! You are born in a royal family. You
are brought up with all comforts. You are a virtuous woman.
You be in the palace observing vratas and fasting. That only
keeps me happy. If you come to forest with me, you cannot
walk in the forests because they are full of thorns. There, you
have to travel through tall mountain peaks, deep valleys,
streams and rivulets etc. You will not get food in time. You
will also not get food even for days together. Those, days you
have to remain on empty stomach. There, you will find cruel
animals, insects, serpants etc. Hence you stay in the palace till
I come back”
SITA INSIST TO GO TO FORESTS
Ramyanam]
Sita said “Prabhu! You said that the cruel animals like lions
and tigers will be wandering freely. The moment they see you,
they will all run away with fear. Since I stay behind you, they
cannot do harm to me. Your father ordered you to go forests.
It implies in his order that you should take me also with you.
If you go alone, leaving me, I will die. If I am with you, even
Ayodhya Kandam 37
Indra cannot look at me. You yourself told me that a woman
abondoned by her husband cannot live.
Even before my marriage an astrologer told to my mother
that “your daughter will live in forests with her husband”. That
is why I requested you to take me to the forests on the banks
of Ganga. You also agreed for the same. Now god alone is
sending us to the forests. Hence I am not distressed for going
to forests. In other words it is happening only as per my
horoscope. You promised me in the midst of veda mantras at
the time of our marriage that you will not leave me. If you
don’t take me, I will consume poison.
THE DISCUSSION BETWEEN SITA AND RAMA
Ramyanam]
The consoling words of Rama pained Sita. However she
said “Oh Rama! Looking at your broad chest, people feel you
as a handsome male;But there is no courage in you. If you alone
go to forest, my father will regret for having given his daughter
to a woman in the attire of a man. Though you look like a man
but you possess the weaknesses of a woman. People have a
high opinion that you are a valorous person. Now they will
withdraw their opinion, which will reduce your reputation.
Why are you thinking of going alone? What are your fears?
Savithri married Satyavartha. She followed her husband
wherever he went. Now I take her as my role model and will
come to forests with you. Do you want me to stay back to serve
your parents? Know it well that, that is not my duty. My
foremost duty is to serve you. While walking behind you, even
thrones in the forests will be as soft as a bed of roses for me.
Whatever fruits and roots that you give me I will eat them as
nector”. After saying so, Sita fainted and fell down.
Rama took her into his arms, wiped away her tears and
said “Sita! I will not do anything that will hurt your feelings. I
will not go even to heaven without you. Like Brahma I am also
not afraid of anybody. I am capable of protecting you. I wanted
to know your mind before I agree to take you with me. I also
cannot live without you. Brahma has made both of us to live
together. Long ago, many people obeyed their father’s orders
and attained immortal glory. I will also follow their foot prints.
As Suvarchala followed the Sun, you also come behind me.
Father, mother and guru are the gods on earth. If I obey the
orders of my father, I will have heaven, wealth, knowledge and
sons. Now you make all preparations for going to the forests.
You take out all your valuables, ornaments etc, donate to
brahmins, servants and poor people”.
On hearing Rama’s words Sita was very happy and went
into the house to make preparations to go to forests.
THE DISCUSSION BETWEEN RAMA AND LAKSHMANA
[This part is taken from 31st Sarga and also from Adhyatma
Ramayanam]
Lakshmana heard the conversation of Rama and Sita. He
was very much distressed and said “Rama! I understand that
you and Sita have decided to go to forests. You take me also
with you. Without you, I don’t prefer even heaven. If you take
me with you, I will serve you and Sita day and night”. Rama
said “Lakshmana! You are not only my brother but also my
dearest friend. You are more than my life. If you also come
with us who will look after the king and our mothers? Our
king is now bound by the weakness of lust. Kaikeyi will not be
satisfied by grabing the kingdom but she may also harrass our
mothers. There will be no one to serve them. Serving elders is
a superior dharma. Hence you stay back in Ayodhya and serve
father and our mothers”.
Ayodhya Kandam 39
Lakshmana said “Oh Rama! You don’t worry about our
mothers. Because Bharata has more love and devotion to you.
He is also afraid of you. Hence he will not dare to illtreat our
mothers. Not only that, Kausalya Devi is holding thousand
villages under her control. Hence she need not depend on
Bharata. With that money she can take care of my mother also.
Hence you forgot about the safety of our mothers and allow
me to come with you. I will serve you in several ways. Even
when you both are sleeping, I will guard you”. Rama said
“Lakshmana! I am happy for the love and affection shown to
me. You also come with me. Without you,
I cannot live. I have deposited the divine bow, arrows, sword
and other weapons gifted by Varuna for worship in the house
of Vasista Maharishi. Bring all of them and make preparations
to go” Lakshmana was happy. He went to Vasista Maharishi’s
house and came back with the weapons and showed them to
Rama.
RAMA DONATES ALL HIS WEALTH
[This part is taken from 32nd Sarga and also from Adhyatma
Ramayanam]
Lakshmana came back with Suyagna, son of Vasista. Rama
and Sita paid respects to him with pradakshanim and gave gold,
gems and many other valuables. Sita gave her jewels to his
wife. In the mean while a poor brahmin Trijata came to see
Rama.
Trijata a brahmin came and blessed Rama. He was a poor
brahmin living in the outskrits of Ayodhya in the forests. He
used to go to forests to reap fruits and roots and was contented
with them. He had many childrens. Hence his wife, Taruni, said
“Prabhu! Rama is going to forest. He is giving away all his
belongings to brahmins and poor. If you go at this time he may
give you some money so that we can live comfortably”. Trijata
took his children and went to see Rama. On seeing Rama,
Trijata said “Oh prince! You are a glorious person. I am a poor
brahmin with many children. With your grace I am doing
tapasya and living on fruits and roots that are available in the
forests. If you show mercy on us we will be comfortable”. Rama
looked at them and said “Oh superior brahmin! All those cow
herds are mine. You take whatever number you may like. You
throw the stick in your hand above those cows. Wherever the
stick lands, upto that point, all those cows will be yours”.
Trijata stood up and threw the stick in his hand with great
speed. That went far beyond Sarayu river where the cows are
grazing. Rama embraced and said “Oh superior brahmin! Don’t
ask me why I put you to the show of strength though you came
for a donation. All those cows belong to you. You take them all
and be happy. You ask me if you want anything more. Whatever
you ask I will give you”. Trijata did not ask for anything more,
blessed him with long life and glory and went away.
RAMA SEEKS PERMISSION FROM HIS FATHER
Ramayanam]
Sita, Rama and Lakshmana donated all their money and
went to his father’s palace to take leave from him. They all
went by walk. All the roads and streets were fully crowded.
Each one of them were talking about the glorious qualities of
Rama and Sita. They abused Kaikeyi and Dasaratha for sending
Rama to the forest. Some of them said, king Dasaratha was
under the influence of some evil spirit. People followed them
and decided that they also would go to forests behind Rama.
Rama heard all those words and did not express any feelings.
He entered the palace of Dasaratha where Sumantra was
Ayodhya Kandam 41
waiting outside. Rama said “Sumantra! I am going to forests. I
want to take permission from my father before I leave. You go
and inform the king”.
RAMA SEEKS PERMISSION FROM HIS FATHER
Ramayanam]
Sumantra went to Dasaratha and said “Oh king! Rama is
waiting outside to take your permission.” Dasaratha said
“Sumantra! You call all my wives so that they can all see Rama”.
Kausalya and all other queens came. When Rama entered the
room, Dasaratha got up from his bed to receive Rama and fell
on ground and fainted. Rama said “Father! You are the king
for all of us. I am leaving for the forests now. Before I leave, I
came to take your blessings. Sita and Lakshmana are also
coming with me. However much I persuaded them, they are
not heeding and want to come with me. Hence you permit them
also to go with me.
Dasaratha said “Rama! Long ago I gave those boons to
Kaikeyi. Now you need not respect them. You disobey my
orders and take possession of the kingdom”. Rama said
“Father! You make your promise true. I live in forests happily
for fourteen years and come back. By this, you can fulfill your
promise and become a truthful king.”
Dasaratha said “Rama! Now you are going only to come
back safely. You have shown people the righteous path. You
will become the best in the Raghu dynasty. You are truthful
and virtuous. Nobody can take a decision like you. My son!
You are going to forests to make my words true. If you stay for
this night with me, I feel happy. Tomorrow morning you can
go. Rama! It is not my intension to send you to forests. This is
the truth. Kaikeyi has exploited those two boons given by me
long ago.”
Rama said “Father! If I stay with you for this night, you
can provide me with all comforts. From tomorrow onwards
from where will all these comforts come to me? Hence you
permit me to go today itself. You make Bharata as the king.
You fulfill the promises made to Kaikeyi. Father you don’t
grieve for me. I do not have any desire on the kingdom or the
pleasures. I do not have the desire even on Sita. But I have
only one desire. That is you must be a truthful king and you
should not break the promise made to Kaikeyi. These words I
am telling swearing on my punyam.”
While Rama was telling these words Dasaratha embraced
him, wept bitterly and fainted.
SUMANTRA BLAMES KAIKEYI
Ramayanam]
Sumantra was hearing all those words and could not
control his grief. His eyes turned red with fury on Kaikeyi and
said “Oh Kaikeyi! Dasaratha is the king for all movables and
immovables. He is your husband also. You are unkind to him.
As per the established customs, the eldest son will become
the king. All others must follow him. Now you are destroying
that time tested tradition. You and Bharata can enjoy all the
kingdom. We all will go to forests with Rama. If wicked people
are ruling the country, the brahmins also will not stay in the
country. Brahmins, and all righteous people will leave Ayodhya.
What is left for you? Why do you entertain such heinous
thought? Inspite of several pleadings by the king, you are
standing on your blind plea without any shame? You are also
behaving like your mother. I presume you must have inheritant
the qualities from your mother. I will tell you her story.
Ayodhya Kandam 43
A Maharishi initiated a mantra to your father. With that
mantra your father was able to understand the language of all
creatures on earth. One day an ant was boasting to another
ant that it will carry out an impossible task. Listening to their
conversation, your father laughed. At that time, your mother
also was by his side. She thought that the king has insulted
her and questioned your father why he was laughing? Your
father said that it was a secret and that he should not reveal it
to anyone. If he reveals, his head will be broken into hundred
pieces. Hence he asked her not to insist. But your mother was
adamant and insisted on your father to reveal that secret. At
that time your father left your mother forever and lived
comfortably”.
“Oh Kaikeyi! Even now it is not too late. You withdraw
your demands. Some sinful people must have poisoned your
mind. You save your husband and your dynasty. Let Rama rule
the country. There by the tradition will not break.”
Sumantra said all these things in the presence of Rama.
However Kaikeyi did not budge an inch.
SIDDHARTHA GIVES GOOD ADVICE TO KAIKEYI
Ramayanam]
Dasaratha said “Sumantra! You send all the four wings of
the army with Rama. You load in the chariots all the food
grains, garments and other materials that are required for
fourteen years”. On hearing the words of Dasaratha, Kaikeyi
said “Oh king! If you send the food grains, actors, dancers,
singers to entertain Rama in the forests, then what will remain
for Bharata? Do you want to give all superior and luxurious
items to Rama? But Bharata will not accept all those left over
articles.” Dasaratha said “Kaikeyi! You are an enemy for me
and entered this house in the form of my wife only to take
revenge on me”. Kaikeyi said “King! In your dynasty there lived
a king by name Sagara. He expelled his eldest son, Asamanja,
from the country. In the same way you are to send Rama also
from Ayodhya”.
On hearing the words of Kaikeyi, Dasaratha and others
lowered their head in shame for comparing Asamanja with
Rama. Siddhartha, a Maharishi and minister of Dasaratha said
“Kaikeyi! How can you compare Asamanja with Rama?
Asamanja was cruel. He used to catch the children by their
legs, spin into the air and throw them into the river Sarayu.
All the people went to the king and said “King! Your son
Asamanja is killing all our children cruelly. Either you expel
him from the country or we go away from the country.”
At that time king Sagara expelled Asamanja and made
his son Amsumanta as the king”. “Kaikeyi! Since Asamanja had
committed sinful acts and hence he was banished from the
country. What sin did Rama commit?” Dasaratha said “Kaikeyi!
Siddhartha is not only our minister but also an elderly tapasvi
and knows the pulse of our people. Atleast, you listen to his
good words. Otherwise I will also go with Rama. You and
Bharata rule this country.”
RAMA AND OTHERS WEARS VALKALAS
Ramayanam]
On hearing the words of Dasaratha, Rama said “Father!
I left all comforts and I am supposed to live a muni’s life wearing
jata and valkalas. I am content to live on fruits and roots. Hence,
why do I need all these attendants? Let all the benefits of
kingdom be enjoyed by Bharata. I will stay in the forests for
fourteen years and come back. For the present if you give us
valkalas, we will wear them and proceed to forests.
Ayodhya Kandam 45
While Rama was speaking, Kaikeyi went inside and
brought valkalas for them to wear. She also gave them a
crowbar and basket to dig roots in the forests. Rama and
Lakshmana wore those valkalas in the presence of Dasaratha.
But Sita did not know how to wear those valkalas. At that time
Rama taught her how to wear valkalas. Looking at Sita all the
queens of Dasaratha cried bitterly.
The queens said “Oh Rama! You are obeying the orders
of your father and going to the forests. He did not order Sita to
go with you. Hence you leave her here in the palace. If you
want, you may take Lakshmana for assistance.
On hearing the words of the queens, Vasista stood up and
said “Kaikeyi! You are crossing the limits. You are making the
name and fame of Raghu dynasty impure with your behaviour.
You have cheated the king in this easy way. However your
thirst is not quenched. Your mind is still working in an
unrighteous way. Sita is a chaste woman. She need not go to
forests. As wife of Rama, she will occupy the throne and rule
the country. Sita is like a soul to Rama. Incase Sita also insists
to go to forests, we will all go with them. All people of Ayodhya
also will go with them. Bharata and Satrughna also will wear
valkalas and follow Rama. Here you alone will remain and rule
Ayodhya. Except you, all movables and immovables are looking
at Rama affectionately. If you have any respect for me, don’t
force Sita to wear valkalas. Let her wear all her jewels and
valuable garments.” However, despite Vasista’s advice not to
leave ayodhya, Sita prefered to go along with her husband,
Rama.
VASISTA ADVICES NOT TO GIVE VALKALAS TO SITA
[This part is taken from 38th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam]
Dasaratha said “Sita! Is a prince. She is still a young girl.
She has to enjoy all comforts of a royal family even though she
lives in forests. Kaikeyi! I did not promise you that Sita also
will wear valkalas. Hence you cannot insist her to wear
valkalas. I became your slave since I gave those boons to you
long back. To keep up my word, I agreed to send Rama to
forests. Your attitude only will become the reason for my death.
I can understand that you have a grudge or vengeance on
Rama. But what harm did Sita do to you?” Rama said “Father!
You are a righteous person. My mother Kausalya Devi is a
virtuous woman. She has become old. Though you ordered
me to go to forests, she did not blame you. As soon as I go to
forests she may fall sick for me. Hence you be kind to her and
look after her with sympathy. There is no one to take care of
her except you.
KAUSALYA TEACHES TO SITA
Ramayanam]
Dasaratha saw Rama and others wearing valkalas. He
grieved bitterly by looking at them. He could not look at the
face of Rama. He said “I must have separated some children
from their parents. Hence today I am experiencing their curse.
Unless one experiences all karma phalam, even death will not
come. That is why, I am being harrassed by Kaikeyi. Sumantra!
You decorate my chariot and take them upto the forests”.
Kausalya Devi embraced Sita and said “Sita! Normally
women respect their husband as long as the husbands kept
them happy. Once their husband lands them in trouble they
will forget all the past. They will not respect their husband.
Whenever the husbands land in troubles or poverty, the wives
will entertain evil thoughts. They ill-treat their husband or
even leave them. They even magnify small pinpricks and picks
up quarrel. This is common practice in the world. But a chaste
Ayodhya Kandam 47
wife will be defferent from the above. They will not leave the
established customs. They will treat their husband as god.
Oh Sita! Whether my son is a prince or a pauper, he is
your husband. Your husband lost all his fortune. He was asked
to live in forests. Hence, you don’t neglect him or wound his
feelings. You always follow Rama as a shadow.” Sita said
“Mother! I am making you a promise that I will behave as you
ordered. I was taught all these morals by my parents right from
my childhood. I will follow Rama as the moon light follows
the moon. I will not leave dharma. I will live wherever he lives.
Even though a women had thousand sons, she cannot be happy
without her husband”.
On hearing Sita’s words, Kausalya was filled with joy. Both
Rama and Sita prostrated at the feet of Kausalya Devi and
prepared to leave for the forests. In the same manner he took
leave from other mothers also.
PEOPLE GREAVE LOOKING AT BAD OMENS
[This part is taken from 40th and 41st Sarga and also from
Adhyatma Ramayanam]
Rama took permission from his father to take Sita and
Lakshmana with him. Lakshmana went to Sumitra Devi and
prostrated at her feet. Sumitra said “My son! Kausalya gave
birth to Rama for the welfare of the people. I also gave birth to
you to serve Rama. You both are born for a divine cause. Hence
you always protect Rama and Sita as your eyelids. Though
Rama will be living in the forests, know well that he alone is
the king of Ayodhya. Serving the eldest brother is the duty of
his brothers. You assume that Rama is himself the king,
Dasaratha. You respect Sita as you respect me. You go and
come back after fourteen years. Maharishi used the word
‘Dasaradham’ as Vishnu on the back of Garutmanta. The
expression ‘Maam’ is to be understood as Lakshmi Devi. The
word ‘Ayodhyaam’ is to be understood as Vaikuntam.
Sumantra brought the chariot and kept before Rama. Sita
who decorated herself like Lakshmi Devi sat in the chariot. After
her, Rama and Lakshmana took their seats. The jewels and silk
garments were loaded into the chariot. Varieties of weapons
also were kept in the chariot. Crowbars and baskets were kept
for collecting fruits and roots.
All the people of Ayodhya came out from their houses and
followed the chariot of Rama. Rama advised Sumantra to drive
slowly. While going, Rama turned back and saw. He saw his
father and mothers who were running towards the chariot.
Looking at them Rama asked Sumantra to drive fast. Sumantra
was in a fix. Whether to follow the instructions of Rama or
follow the orders of Dasaratha, “Sumantra! Stop the chariot”.
On all sides of the chariot, milling crowds were running
towards the chariot. Rama said “Sumantra! Though my father
asked you, why did you not stop the chariot, you can tell him
that you did not hear him in the noise.” Sumantra took the
order of Rama and proceeded towards the forests. All the
ministers went to Dasaratha and consoled him. The brahmins
did not light their agnihotras. House wives did not cook the
food. People did not attend their jobs. The planets trisanku,
kuja, guru and buha lost their luxture.
DASARATHA GRIEVES
Ramayanam]
Dasaratha and his queens came out to see Rama. The road
is full of dust and hazy. He could not see anything clearly. The
king could not stand and was about to fell down. Kaikeyi came
forward to hold him but he warned her not to touch him.
Ayodhya Kandam 49
“Kaikeyi! Don’t touch my body. I don’t feel like even looking at
your face. You are not my wife. I am leaving you and your son.
You and Bharata enjoy this kingdom”.
Kausalya Devi lifted and carried him to her palace. She
cleaned all the dust on his body. He was looking at the chariot
of Rama. He wept like a child. There is nobody in the city. All
ran behind Rama’s chariot. None of the temples in Ayodhya
were opened.
It was midnight. He sat on his bed and called Kausalya
Devi “Kausalya! I am not able to see anything. My eye sight has
gone with Rama. All my body is burning”. Kaualya went to his
bed and consoled him.
KAUSALYA GRIEVES – SUMITRA CONSOLES
[This part is taken from 43rd and 44th Sarga and also from
Adhyatma Ramayanam]
Kausalya said “Oh king! Kaikeyi has bitten Rama like a
cruel serpent. Now she will become more powerful like a
serpent which has come out of its outer layer of skin. From
now onwards, she will vomit venom on me. Instead of sending
Rama to the forest, she could have made him as her slave, so
that, he would have served her and had his food by begging.
“Oh king! You have also denied coronation to Rama. It is
as if you have given away the havis to rakshasas which were
meant for devatas. In the same manner, you have sent Rama
to the forests and gave the kingdom to Bharata. Rama, Sita
and Lakshmana must have reached forests by now. The
moment they come back, they will give flowers and fruits to
the brahmin maids and the whole of Ayopdhya will celebrate
the day. Oh King! I must have separated the children from their
mother in my previous births. I am experiencing those Papa
phalam now.
SUMITRA CONSOLES KAUSALYA
Ramayanam]
Looking at the grief of Kausalya, Sumitra came and
consoled her. “Sister! Why are you grieving for Rama?
Lakshmana will protect Rama and Sita like an eyelid. He will
keep both of them happy with his services. Your son believed
that truthfulness and upkeeping dharma is the real wealth. To
prove that he went to forests. With this, his glory will become
immortal. After establishing dharma, he will become the king
of Ayodhya. Even though they live in forests, the sun god will
not harrass them with his hot rays. The wind god will blow
fragrant breeze. The moon will keep them happy in the night.
Rama will wander in the forests with all his astras and sastras
without any fear. Lakshmi Devi is serving him in the form of
Sita. He has great valor and vigor. With all these qualities, he
will become the king of entire Bhoomandalam. If the sun god
gives light to the world, Rama gives light to the sun. He gives
the burning power to agni. He brings glory to the glory itself.
Sister! Not only Sita but also the Rajyalakshmi of Ayodhya also
went away with Rama. Such a Rama can achieve anything. Sita,
Rama and Lakshmana will come back and make all of us happy.
RAMA CONSOLES THE PEOPLE
[This part is taken from 45th – 49th Sarga and also from Adhyatma
Ramayanam]
All the people of Ayodhya ran behind his chariot. Rama
tried to convince them that he was going to forests only to
make his father’s words true. Rama said “I am aware that you
have love and affection for me. I will be happy if you express
the same on Bharata. Do not hate him since he is the son of
Kaikeyi. Though he is younger than me, he is wise and
Ayodhya Kandam 51
knowledgable. He is more interested in public welfare. He will
keep you all happy. You all obey the orders of king Dasaratha.
If you want to keep me happy you should not feel distress for
my exile.” Among the people there are many illustrous
brahmins also. They were left behind as they could not run
fast. Rama got down from the chariot and walked alongwith
Sita and Lakshmana. The brahmins said “Rama! All of our
brahmin community is behind you. We came with our
agnihotras. Whenever we did Vajapeya yagam we received
several white umbrellas. We are bringing all those umbrellas
with us so as to protect you from the heat of sun rays. Our
mind is always fixed on Vedas. All vedas always live on our
tongue. Hence we and our Vedas have decided to live with you
in the forests. Our wives will take care of honouring our guests.
Either you come back to Ayodhya or permit us to live with you
in forests”. While talking with the Brahmins like this, they
reached river Tamasa. Sumantra took the horses to the river
to quench their thirst.
Rama said “Lakshmana! The first night of our exile, we
are spending on the banks of this river Tamasa. From now
onwards, we should not think of Ayodhya. Our parents must
have wept for us the whole night. Tomorrow, Bharata will
come and console them. Lakshmana! All the citizens are coming
behind us. They are prepared even to give their life for us. It
appears that they are not going to leave us. Hence we must
leave this place before they wake up. Next morning if they
cannot see us, they might grieve for sometime and then they
will go back to Ayodhya.” Lakshmana also agreed with Rama’s
views and called Sumantra and ordered him to keep the chariot
ready. Rama instructed “Sumantra! You take our chariot
towards Ayodhya for some distance. From there you reach the
river at some other point. By the time you reach the river we
three will come by walk and join you. From there we cross the
river and enter the forests.”
All people woke up at sun-rise. They did not find Rama.
They grieved for sometime. One of them said, “this sleep has
cheated us. Since we have slept unconsciously, we have missed
Rama. All our efforts have become futile. Let us cross the river
and enter the forests. If we don’t find them how can we go
back to Ayodhya and show our faces to our people?”
Some people saw the markings of the chariot and followed
them. They found that the chariot traveled towards Ayodhya.
After sometime they all decided to go back to Ayodhya.
GUHA MEETS RAMA
[This part is taken from 50 and 51st Sarga and also from
Adhyatma Ramayanam]
Rama reached the banks of Ganga. He said “Sumantra!
Let us sleep this night on the banks of Ganga”. Rama and
Lakshmana sat under a huge banian tree. Nearby, there was a
village by name Srungiberapuram. Guha, a hunter, was ruling
that part of the country. He used to treat his people as his own
children. As a result he was respectfully called as ‘Sthapati’.
Guha was a good friend of Rama. He had great love and regard
for Rama. He heard that Sita, Rama and Lakshmana were
staying on the banks of Ganga. He took his ministers along
with him to see Rama. On seeing Guha, Rama went forwards
and embraced him. Guha said “Prabhu! I welcome you, Sita
and Lakshmana. I have brought many eatables for you. You
accept them and make me fortunate. You order me for
whatever you want? I am your servant. Will anybody have such
a great guest like you?” Rama said “Oh Guha! You have come
all the way to see me by walk. That itself is a great honour to
me. Are all your people, ministers and relatives happy? Is your
Ayodhya Kandam 53
treasury full? I am fortunate to see you and your people. I am
giving back all the food stuffs that you have brought. Because
I am not supposed to accept anything from anyone. I also
should not enter the human inhabitations. This is the rule of
my vrat. I have to live in forests eating fruits and roots and
lead a muni’s life. I shall be happy if you feed my horses”. Guha
fed the horses. Rama and Sita spread darbha grass on the floor
and slept for the night on it.
GUHA SPEAKS TO LAKSHMANA
Ramayanam]
While Sita and Rama were sleeping, Guha and Lakshmana
sat a little away from them. Guha said “Lakshmana! I have made
a bed for you. You also sleep. I and my people will guard you
all. We know all the surroundings well. I have no one dearer
than Rama in this world. Because of his mercy only, I have all
the glory and wealth. I learnt what is dharma from him only”.
Lakshmana said “Oh Guha! You are a righteous person. I know
your capabilities. When you are protecting us, where from can
any danger come? When Sita and Rama are sleeping on the
floor how can I sleep? Oh Guha! King Dasaratha perfomed
many vrats and yagnas and had Rama as his son. Rama is more
than his own life to my father. He sent such a Rama to the
forests. He may not live long without Rama. My father wanted
to coronate Rama. He is now likely to die without seeing his
coronation. When my father dies, both of us will be away from
him. He who does the funeral rites to their father is fortunate.
We both are not fortunate.
RAMA WEARS THE MATTED HAIR
Ramayanam]
Rama, Sita and Lakshmana woke up before sun rise. Rama
asked Guha to arrange boats for them to cross the river Ganga.
Guha ordered his ministers and they kept the boats ready.
Rama looked at Sumantra and said “Sumantra! Now you go to
Ayodhya. You take care of the king without any carelessness.
After crossing the river we will enter the forests”. Sumantra
said “Rama! You have obeyed your father’s orders and came
to live in forests. Thus you became a model for the people to
follow your tradition. Your observence of brahmacharya,
vedadhayanam and kindness are exemplary. Though you will
live in forests you will become as glorious as lord Vishnu. At
the end, I am alone cheated by the fate. You have utilised my
services to get rid of the people of Ayodhya. The turn has come
for me. Now you are asking me to go away. What do I gain by
going back? Do you want me to serve Kaikeyi?” Rama said
“Sumantra! You are the most trusted friend of our Ikshwakus.
You be with my father always and see to it that he will not
grieve for me. Excepting you, nobody else can go near to him.
You tell to my father as my words “Father! Neither I, nor Sita,
nor Lakshmana is feeling unhappy for living in the forests. After
completing fourteen years, we all will come back to Ayodhya.
From then onwards, I will keep myself enganged in serving
you. Till such time you don’t feel distress by remembering us.
I, Sita and Lakshmana are prostrating at the feet of all of our
mothers too.” Sumantra! You tell my father to send word for
Bharata and complete his coronation. You tell Bharata as my
words ‘Bharata you take every care in serving our father and
our mothers. Treat all our mothers equally. You love my
mother also as you love your mother Kaikeyi. You get
coronated as desired by our father and rule the country as a
righteous person.’”
Sumantra said “Rama! You please listen to my words.
I am not telling these words to make you happy or to praise
Ayodhya Kandam 55
you. I am your devotee. By your coming to the forests all the
people of Ayodhya are grieving as if they lost their own son. If
I go back without you, they will be unhappy.
Rama! If your mother Kausalya asks me about you, what
should I tell her? Should I tell her that I have left you at your
uncle’s place? Though it pleases her I cannot tell a lie. Should
I tell her that I left you in the forests? I cannot hurt her though
it is a truth.
Rama! The horses that brought you here are loyal to you
only. Will they listen to me if I go without you? I cannot drive
them to Ayodhya. Hence I cannot go alone. Permit me to stay
with you. Otherwise I will offer myself to the flames. If I am
with you I can drive the chariot and carry you all wherever
you want. If you travel in a chariot you can protect yourself
from the cruel animals. I enjoyed comforts with you in the
palace. Now I will enjoy the forest life also with you. I am your
servant and devotee. You are the son of my king. So permit me
to live with you.”
Rama said,”Sumantra! I know how much devotion you
have, towards me. There are two reasons why I am asking you
to go back to Ayodhya. Unless you go back to Ayodhya, Kaikeyi
will not believe that you have left me in the forests. If she
doesn’t believe this, she will treat my father as an untruthful
person. Another reason is, unless Bharata is coronated, the
second promise of my father cannot be fulfilled. If you go back
to Ayodhya, you will make me as well as my father happy.”
“Oh Guha! As promised to my father, I have to live in
forests wearing jata and valkalas and lead a muni’s life. Hence
you bring me some milk from the banian tree. So that I, Sita
and Lakshmana will apply it to our hair. Then only our hair
will be matted and we will look like munis”. On hearing Rama’s
words, Guha sent his people and brought the milk from a
banian tree. Rama, Lakshmana and Sita applied it to their hair.
They all got matted locks of heir and looked like munis.
“Oh Guha! It is not easy to rule a country, unless you have
a strong army, a sound treasury and a sturdy fort. If you are
negligent in any one of these three, you cannot be a good ruler.”
Then Rama, Sita and Lakshmana sat in the boat and they
were carried to the other shore of river Ganga. Sita Devi prayed
to river Ganga, “Oh Divine Mother! My husband obeyed the
orders of his father and is entering the forestsalong with me
and Lakshmana. You must protect us. After completing our
vow, while returning to Ayodhya, we will again worship you.
After Rama is coronated as a king I will offer you, thousand
pots of wine and foods prepared with meat. We will worship
all the temples that are built on either side of you. You bless
Rama, Lakshmana and me to reach back to Ayodhya safely.”
By the time she completed her prayers, the boat reached the
southern banks of river Ganga. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana got
down from the boat and walked towards the forests.
Rama said “Lakshmana! All the places that we are going
to move through are new to us. Hence we must be careful in
protecting Sita. We do not know from which direction the
danger will come on us.” While Rama was talking in this
manner Lakshmana walked at the front. Sita followed him and
Rama walked behind Sita.
RAMA SLEEPS ON THE FLOOR
Ramayanam]
By evening they all sat under a tree. Rama said
“Lakshmana! This is the first night after Sumantra left us. We
have to spend so many nights like this. From now onwards
we both are to be more careful in protecting Sita. Now my mind
Ayodhya Kandam 57
is wandering in Ayodhya. Our father may be spending sleepless
nights remembering us. But Kaikeyi may be happy for
achieving want she wanted. She may be having sound sleep.
The moment Bharata comes, she will start troubling the King
to coronate Bharata. From this we can understand that
kaama(desire) has won over Dharma and artha. Otherwise will
anyone send his son to forests to satisfy a woman? It seems to
me that Kaikeyi has entered our house only to kill our father,
drive me to the forests and make Bharata the king. A person
who leaves dharma and artha and sticks to kaama will certainly
land himself in troubles. Once Bharata becomes king, nobody
can control the arrogance of Kaikeyi. She will harrass my
mother and your mother. I and Sita will complete the stay in
forests. You go back to Ayodhya and look after our mothers.
Kaikeyi does not respect elders. She doesn’t know which is
good and which is bad. She knows only to harrass others and
keep them in grief. Hence she will certainly harrass Kausalya
and Sumitra. Bharata is a righteous person. You keep our
mothers under his protection. Tomorrow morning, you go to
Ayodhya. I will enter Dandakaranya with Sita. If I want to show
my valor, I can not only win Ayodhya but the entire
Bhoomandalam.But, this is not the time for showing our valour
on Ayodhya”
Lakshmana said “Rama! After you have left the Ayodhya,
it is like a sky without a moon. You are the most superior
among the men. Should you grieve like this? If you talk like
this, I and Sita will become mad. I and Sita will not leave you
even for a moment. Without you, I will become a fish out of
water. You have to excuse me for not obeying your orders.”
RAMA REACHES BHARADWAJA’S ASHRAM
Ramayanam]
Rama, Lakshmana and Sita slept under a tree. They all
woke up before dawn and completed their daily rituals. Rama
said “Lakshmana! We are finding a thick smoke in the sky. From
that smoke, we can understand that a large number of Hermit
cottages or tapovanas are in that direction. I presume,
Bharadwaja’s ashrama also must be somewhere there. Let us
go and have the blessings of Maharishi Bharadwaja.
They all entered the ashrama of Bharadwaja. At that time,
Maharishi completed his agnihotra and pooja and came out.
On seeing him, Rama went forward and paid his respects
through pradakshina namaskaram. Lakshmana and Sita also
followed him. Rama said “Oh Maharishi! We both are the sons
of king Dasaratha. My name is Rama; he is my brother
Lakshmana; she is my wife Sita, the daughter of king Janaka.
My father ordered me to live in forests for fourteen years. My
brother, out of love and devotion for me, also came to live with
me. She is my chaste wife. She also came to share life with me
in the forests. We want to build an ashrama and do tapasya
living on fruits and roots.”
Maharishi worshipped Rama in a traditional way. By that
time, all Maharishis who were living in other tapovanas also
came to see Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. Along with them many
animals and birds also came to see them. Baradwaja Maharihsi
said “Rama! I know that your father king Dasaratha has sent
you to the forests without any reason. Hence
I had the fortune of seeing you here. This is the sangamam of
Ganga and Yamuna. Many people are living on the banks of
these rivers. These places are suitable for having tapovanas
and performing tapasya. Here, there are so many tapovanas.
You also have a tapovana in this place and live comfortably.”
Rama said “Maharishi! There are so many towns and
villages near these tapovanas. If we start living here, people
Ayodhya Kandam 59
may be coming to see us. Hence I would like to live in a place
which is away from human habitations. Kindly suggest us a
place that suits Sita to live comfortably.”
Maharishi said “Oh Rama! There are Gandhamaadana
mountains which are a little away from this place. Among those
range of mountains, there is a mountain by name Chitrakootam.
That is a very quiet and calm place. Many Maharishis built their
tapovanas, did tapasya and attained siddhi there. Those
mountains are very serene and pleasant. You will find a lot of
fruits and roots in those mountains. There are several kinds
of monkeys and bears, but no wild animals. You can build a
parnasala (Cottage) and live there comfortably.”
Rama, Sita and Lakshmana slept in his ashram. Next
morning they went to Maharishi. Rama said “Maharishi! We
had a good sleep in the night. You bless us to go to Mt.
Chitrakootam and live there.” Maharishi said “Rama! After a
few yojanas from her you will find a big banian tree. Under
that banian tree many tapasvis are doing tapasya. Sita, you and
Lakshmana make pradakshana namaskaram and pray for all
auspiciousness.” Rama saluted to Maharishi and traveled
towards Chitrakootam.
RAMA MOVES TOWARDS MT. CHITRAKOOTAM
Ramayanam]
Rama, Sita and Lakshmana crossed river Yamuna by boat.
When they reached the middle of the river Sita prayed to river
Yamuna, “Oh mother! You bless us with all auspiciousness.
After completing vanavasam and after we reach Ayodhya
safely, we will offer you thousand cows and thousand pots of
wine.” After this prayer, their boat reached the southern banks
of the river. Rama and Lakshmana carried all the weapons and
ornaments with them and walked towards Chitrakootam. On
their way they reached a big banian tree about which
Bharadwaja Maharishi has told them. Sita prayed to the
branian tree. “Oh mother! My salutations to you. After my
husband completes his vanavasam successfully and after going
back to Ayodhya, I will offer you thousands cows and thousand
pots of wine. You bless us with all auspiciousness.” Rama said
“Lakshmana! You walk with Sita. I will carry all the weapons
and ornaments and follow you. On your way if she wants any
flowers or fruits you pick them for her and keep her happy.”
On their way they saw many varieties of monkeys, bears,
wild pigs and elephants.
RAMA MEETS VALMIKI MAHARISHI
Ramayanam]
Sita, Rama and Lakshmana traveled towards
Chitrakootam. On their way they reached Valmiki ashrama.
They prostrated at the feet of Maharishi Valmiki. Maharishi
invited them and asked them to sit on a seat. Rama introduced
himself, Sita and Lakshmana. Rama told him that they wanted
to settle down on Mt. Chitrakootam to do tapasya.
Then, Rama took leave from Maharishi and reached Mt.
Chitrakootam.
There, Rama said “Lakshmana! We have to select a place
and build an ashram. You keep ready all the timber required
to build a cottage.” Lakshmana cut several trees and built an
ashram as directed by Rama.
Rama said “Lakshmana! We are going to live in this
ashram for several years. Hence, you bring the meat of a black
deer so that we can offer it to the god and do vaastu pooja.
Today is an auspicious day, which gives the occupant a long,
comfortable stay.”
Ayodhya Kandam 61
On hearing Rama’s words Lakshmana went, killed a black
deer, cooked its flesh and put before Rama and said “Brother!
I have brought the cooked meat of a black deer. You do vastu
pooja and offer the same to all gods.” Rama chanted the vastu
mantras and worshiped various deities like Rudra, Vishnu,
viswe devatas etc. He did japa and worshiping as pescribed in
the scriptures. He offered several sacrifices to the vastu devatas
as prescribed. After that, they went to the river to take a bath
and then, came back to the ashram. There, they built platforms
for keeping weapons, sleeping, living, agni poojas etc. They
brought flowers, fruits and prepared meat to offer to various
deities. Rama recited mantras as specified in Vedas with darbha
grass. In this manner, they completed Vaastu pooja and Bhoota
shanti. After that, they formally entered into the cottage. They
found that the cottage was comfortable for their stay. They
could see the entire forest from their cottage. They could hear
the voice of several birds. Since the cottage was built at an
elevated place, the entire valley was visible from their cottage.
SUMANTRA REACHES AYODHAYA
Ramayanam]
Guha and Sumantra stood on the banks of Ganga and
looked at Rama, Sita and Lakshmana entering the forests.
Sumantra stayed for four days with Guha. In the mean time
the spies of Guha came back from the forests and said that
Rama, Sita and Lakshmana reached Bharadwaja’s ashram and
stayed with Maharishi that night. From there, on the advice of
Maharishi they are planning to proceed to Mt. Chitrakootam
to build an ashram and live.
Aftre hearing the news of Rama, Sumantra took leave from
Guha and returned to Ayodhya. As he entered the city, he found
that there were no activities in the streets and they looked
dead. On hearing the sound of his chariot, all the people
surrounded the chariot and looked egarly for Rama. When
Sumantra said that he left Rama in the forests, all the people
cried bitterly.
Sumantra went to Kausalya’s palace where the king was
living. Kausalya said “king! Sumantra has left Rama, Sita and
Lakshmana in the forests. He has come to tell you the message
of Rama. You get up and listen to him. Why are you feeling shy
after doing the shameful act? Are you afraid of Kaikeyi? She is
not here. She cannot hear your words. You listen to Sumantra.
This is the last message of Rama to you.” While saying so she
wept bitterly, fell down and fainted. All other queens came
and comforted her.
SUMANTRA TELLS ABOUT RAMA
Ramayanam]
Dasaratha said “Sumantra! What did Rama eat in the
forest? Did he sleep well under the trees? All these years he
was sleeping on silken beds and eating delicious foods. Even
while coming to my palace, he used to come on a chariot. Now
he is walking in the forests. Forests are full of thorns and cruel
animals. How did he enter those forests? Sita is a princess who
is delicate and pretty. How was she able to walk in the forests?
You have seen Rama and Lakshmana entering into the forests.
How fortunate, you are!
Sumantra! Did Rama say anything? Did Lakshmana send
any message? What did Sita say? Where was Rama sitting?
Where was he sleeping? Where was he eating? You tell me
everything in detail and as long as you can. So that I can live as
long as I hear your words about Rama.” While Dasaratha was
Ayodhya Kandam 63
speaking, Sumantra became dumb because his throat was filled
with grief. He became blind since his eyes were filled with
tears.
Sumantra then said, “Oh king! Rama is a righteous person.
He asked me to convey these words to you with folded hands.
‘Oh Father! You please convey my salutations to all my
mothers in the palace and look after their well being.’
Rama said to his mother Kausalya Devi ‘Oh mother! I, Sita
and Lakshmana are safe. I requested you to assist the king in
performing his daily rituals of doing agnihotra etc without
forgetfulness. Mother! You forget that you are the principal
queen and leave your egotism. You be friendly with other
queens equally. You be more friendly with Kaikeyi. Though
Bharata is like your son, he is also our king. So you should
bear this in mind While you talk to him. Though you are older
than him, he is superior in power and wealth. This is raja
dharma.’
Sumantra further said, “Oh king! Rama asked me to
convey to Bharata through you thus: ‘Oh Bharata! You treat
all our mothers equally. Don’t treat them differently. You obey
the orders of our father. He is our elder and an experienced
king. He is a righteous person. Hence you do not oppose
whatever he says. Oh Bharata! The amount of love and
affection you show to your mother, you show the same love
and affection to my mother also.’
Oh king! While telling these words to me, he cried bitterly.
But Lakshmana stood by his side hissing like a cobra. He said
‘Sumantra! What crime did Rama commit to get expelled from
the country? He gave away the kingdom to Kaikeyi on the
pretext of those boons. What he did was not only injustice but
also cruel. Since he is the king, and nobody can question his
acts, he did what all he wanted to do. He will reap the fruits of
his evil acts shortly. I don’t have anything to say to the king
Dasaratha. For me Rama is the mother, father, brother, king
and god.’
Oh king! Sita Devi always looks pleasant and pretty.
Somehow I did not find life in her face. She could not open her
mouth. She looked at me and at the chariot and wept bitterly.
Rama and Lakshmana consoled her for a long time.”
THE GRIEF OF KING DASARATHA
Ramayanam]
After hearing the words of Rama, Dasaratha thought that
Sumantra has told him only the substance of Rama’s words.
Hence he asked Sumantra to tell him in a more detailed way
and verbatim. Sumantra again recollected what all Rama said
and repeated to Dasaratha.
“Oh king! Rama and Lakshmana wore valkalas. Their hair
was matted like that of munis. They crossed the river Ganga
and walked towards prayaga. Lakshmana went ahead. Sita and
Rama followed him. I and Guha stood on the banks of Ganga
and saw as long as we could see them.”
Dasaratha said “Sumantra! I did not act as a king because
I did not consult elders and wise people. I was lustful and
became a victim in the hands of Kaikeyi. Had I not been lustful,
I would have consulted my ministers and Maharishis. I was
hasty in my decision. I myself ruined my dynasty with my own
hands. God was against me. Sumantra! If my words carry any
weight, I am ordering you to go back to forests and bring Rama.
I cannot live without seeing him. If you find any obstacles in
bringing him, you take me to Rama in your chariot. This is the
only favour that you can do for me.” By saying so Dasaratha
Ayodhya Kandam 65
fainted and fell down on his bed. Kausalya and Sumitra
comforted him to recover.
KAUSALYA GREAVES FOR RAMA -1
Ramayanam]
After sometime Kausalya Devi recovered from her fainting
and shouted “Oh Sumantra! You take me to forests where Sita,
Rama and Lakshmana are living. I cannot live without them.
Immediately, you take me in your chariot. If you refuse to take
I will die, now itself.”
While consoling Kausalya Devi, Sumantra said “Mother!
You are grieving out of delusion. Don’t disturb your peace of
mind. Rama is safe in the forests. Lakshmana and Sita are
serving him as they served in Ayodhya. Just as Rama used to
wander in the pleasure gardens of Ayodhya, he is wandering
in the tapovanas in the forests also. Sita is also learning about
the trees, flowers, fruits etc from Rama. Lakshmana is rushing
immediately to procure and place them in the hands of Sita.
Hence you need not grieve for them. Even though Maharishis
are eating roots and fruits in the forests, they are all leading a
happy and peaceful life. In the same manner Rama, Sita and
Lakshmana are enjoying their forests life. Because of their exile,
their glory will remain immortal.
KAUSALYA GREAVES FOR RAMA - 2
Ramayanam]
Kausaly said “Oh king! You are the superior person among
the righteous people. All the three worlds know about your
kindness and liberal heart. But you did great injustice to your
eldest son. He was loved by all the people. You sent him to
forests. Can he sustain the heat and rain and live under the
trees? You are a butcher. You have no kindness.
Though Rama comes back after fourteen years, will
Bharata give back the throne and the treasury to Rama? Even
if Bharata gives, will Rama accept? Some people, even while
performing sraaddha Ceremony to their ancestors, offer food
first to their own relatives and only later to the brahmins. Will
the brahmins take such a food? Righteous brahmins and
tapasvis will not take even nector if the same was eaten first
by others. Will the bulls agree to cut their horns? Will the
elephant agree to cut its tusks?
Oh king! He is not only your eldest son but also superior
among tall he men. Will he accept the kingdom which is already
enjoyed by his brother? The havis, the ghee and other oblations
that are once used, will not be used again while performing
yagnas. In the same way, Rama also will not accept this
kingdom.
Rama is an embodiment of self respect. He is not a weak
person. If he is angry, he can reduce the Mandara Mountain
into powder. He can defeat even Indra. He can pull down the
sun, moon and the stars. Since you happened to be his father,
he has not killed you. To make you a truthful person, he obeyed
your order and went to forests. Oh king! Fish are said to eat
their own children. In the same manner, you have expelled
your own son from the country. Is it a righteous act? Is it our
Sanatana dharma? Oh king! For a woman, husband is the first
protector and thereafter, her son is her protector. The relatives
take the third place. Even though you are alive, it is as good as
being dead for me. Because of you, my son is wandering in
forests like an orphan. You destroyed our country and killed
your ministers. Now you, your wife Kaikeyi and her son
Bharata will remain to enjoy this kingdom.”
Ayodhya Kandam 67
KAUSALYA REPENTS
Ramayanam]
The words of Kausalya Devi wounded king Dasaratha. He
also remembered the curse of muni. He saluted to his wife with
folded hands and said “Kausalya! You never expressed anger.
You are very affectionate to me. You have a kind heart and
forgive even your enemies. I request you to be kind to me. You
know all dharmas. I also know that you are in uncontrollable
grief. You do not wound me further.” On hearing the words of
the king, Kausalya also very much repented for using harsh
words against the king. Her eyes were filled with tears. She
said with folded hands,”Prabhu! Don’t be in a miserable state.
I am your wife. Inspite of that I wounded you. You pardon me
for my ignorance.”
DASARATHA TELLS ABOUT HIS CURSE
Ramayanam]
Both Dasaratha and Kausalya consoled each other for a
long time and slept. Kausalya Devi was still sleeping but
Dasaratha suddenly woke up and sat on his bed. Suddenly, he
remembered the old curse of a muni. He wanted to share his
grief with Kausalya. He woke her up and said “Kausalya!
Nobody can escape from his karma phalam. Hence one should
think well before one acts. I learnt a mantra of sabdavedhi
from a Maharishi while I was young. With the power of that
mantra I could attack any object just by its sound, even in
darkness. At that time I was very young and not married. I
used to go for hunting very often to practice the sabdavedhi
mantra. One day I was hunting in the forests on the banks of
river Sarayu. My aim was to hit any elephant that comes for
water. I was sitting in a bush. It was pitch-dark. Suddenly I
heard a sound and I thought, it must be an elephant.
Immediately I released an arrow coupled with sabdavedhi.
Even in that darkness, it went and hit the target. Immediately,
I heard the cry of a boy ‘I am a young muni. Who has shot this
arrow on me? What harm did I do to him? I am only a tapasvi
living on fruits and roots. By killing an innocent tapasvi boy,
what gain he will get?’ On hearing these words I ran to him.
That boy has come to fetch water for his old and blind parents.
When he was filling the water into his pot it made a sound. I
mistook that sound as that of an elephant drinking water and
released my arrow. The arrow went and hit the boy. The boy
looked at me with fury and said ‘Oh king! My parents are
suffering with thirst. So I came to fetch water. You hit me with
an arrow. Now I am dying because of your arrow. If I don’t go
back to my parents they will also die. Because they are blind
and I am the only son for them. As a result they both also will
die. You have killed three people with one arrow.’ I repented
for my hasty action and requested him for his pardon. He
showed mercy on me and said ‘Oh king! You go to my parents.
They will show you a way out. If you don’t go to them, they
will curse you. You go and console them try to gain their
pardon. Oh king! By killing me you will not get the sin of
Brahmahatya. Because I am not a brahmin. I am born to a vysya
man and a sudra woman.’
DASARATHA LEAVES THE BODY
Ramayanam]
“Kausalya! I did that sin in ignorance. I took the word of
the young muni and went to his parents. They were anxiously
waiting for their son. On hearing my foot steps, they thought
that their son had come back and enquired ‘My son! Why have
Ayodhya Kandam 69
you taken so much time?’ On hearing their words, I became
dumb. I said to the muni ‘Maharishi! I am Dasaratha, the King
of this country. By mistake, your son was killed by my arrow.
I came here to receive whatever punishment you give me.”
The muni cried bitterly and said ‘Oh king! Since you yourself
came and accepted your guilt, you have escaped from my curse.
Had you not came in person and accepted your guilt, your head
would have been broken into hundred pieces. We both are
old and blind. You take us to the body where our son is lying
dead. Atleast we can have a touch of his body.’ They both fell
on the body of their son and cried. After sometime he cremated
the body of his son and said ‘My son! None of our ancestors
had the inferior lokas. Hence you also will go to superior lokas.
But the king who killed you will go to inferior lokas.’ At that
time the young muni took a Divine form. An aeroplane came
to take the young muni. While boarding the plane the young
muni said ‘Parents! Since I served you both, I had the superior
lokas. You also will have such superior lokas. You come and
join me.’ At that time I was also standing by the side of his old
parents with folded hands. The muni said ‘Oh king! We had
only one son. He died. We became old. You killed my son out
of ignorance and you are repenting for the same. Hence no sin
will touch you. However a sinful act will not go waste. Hence,
you will also die like me, crying for your son. Not only that, at
the time of your death, you will also loose your eye sight like
us.’ Saying all this, they both jumped into the fire of their son’s
burning body and were burnt to ashes.
Oh Kausalya! Suddenly I remember this old incident.
I think I will have some relief if I share the same with you. I am
sure I am going to die with the grief of my son like that old
muni. Now I am not able to see anything. I presume I have lost
my eye sight. I am seeing the Yama kinkaras (Servants of Lord
Glossary
of death) in front of me. You touch my body so that I may have
some relief. Rama is not by my side when I am leaving this
body. I am not able to breathe properly. Those are the fortunate
people who will see Rama after fourteen years.’ Dasaratha was
sorrowful until all slept in the night. And, in the night, when
all were asleep,Dasaratha died in quiet and left the mortal
body. ]
GRIEF OF DASARATHA’S WIVES

Ramayanam]
Kausalya thought that the king was still sleeping. Vandhi,
Magadhis came to wake up the king with stotras. After that,
the maids arranged water mixed with fragrances for the king
to bathe. The maids went nearer to king and tried to wake
him up but they found there was no life in his body. Hence
they began crying loudly. With those cries, Kausalya, Sumitra
also woke up. All other queens also came and wept bitterly.
The moment, the king was dead, the entire palace looked
lifeless.
PRESERVATION OF DASARATHA’S BODY

Ramayanam]
All the queens surrounded the king’s body and began
crying. Kausalya said “Oh Kaikeyi! Are you comfortable now?
Now the king is not there to stop you. You sent Rama to forests
and your husband to heaven. I became alone. I have no desire
to live.” While crying in this manner, all the queens consoled
Kausalya. In the meanwhile, Dasaratha’s body was taken away
from there to preserve it in a casket filled with oil.
Ayodhya
GlossaryKandam 71
THE COUNTRY CANNOT GO WITHOUT A KING
Ramayanam]
Vasista and other ministers preserved the body of the king
in a casket. Vasista and others said “Rama and Lakshmana are
in the forest. Bharata and Satrughna are away in their uncles’s
house. So it is obligatory and essential to make one of them as
king. Beacause, the country cannot go without a king. If a
country remains without a king, that country will not have
rains. A country without king is like a river without water.
Agriculture will not prosper. Wife and son will not respect head
of family. Brahmins cannot perform yagnas. People cannot
build temples. There will be more litigations among the
relatives. Though they approach the court, they will not get
justice. There will not be any protection for brahmins,
agriculture and cows. There will be a fear of theaves. People
will lose their self confidence. The army cannot fight with
vigor.”
MESSENGERS GO TO BRING BHARATA
Ramayanam]
In consultation with other ministers, Vasista sent the
messengers to the kingdom of Kekaya. Vasista instructed them
“Oh messengers! You all go to the kingdom of Kekaya without
taking any rest on your way. You bring Bharata and Satrughna
immediately, to Ayodhya. You should not reveal anything
about Rama’s exile. You tell them that priests are waiting for
them for an important work.” The messengers went to
Girivrajapuram and met the king Kekaya.
BHARATA SEES BAD OMENS
Ramayanam]
The messengers reached Girivrajapuram. On the same
night, Bharata had a fearful dream. The next morning he
revealed about his dream to Satrughna and to other friends as
“My father has fallen from the peak of a mountain and fell into
a foul-smelling ditch. All his body was giving out foul smell.
After sometime he was eating food mixed with gingily oil.
Every now and the,n he was drowling into a pool of oil. In that
dream, I saw all the oceans drying up. The moon has fallen on
earth and the entire world became dark. My father wore black
garments and sat on an iron seat. Women wearing black
garments were laughing at him”. By saying all these things he
said “I am afraid there may be some inauspiciousness is going
to happen in our family. It may be for Rama, Lakshmana or
even our father. These indications tells me that one of us is
going to die. I am more afraid especially for my father since he
has become very old.
BHARATA GOES TO AYODHYA
Ramayanam]
The messengers from Ayodhya met the king Kekeya and
his son Yudhajittu, prostrated at the feet of the king and said
“we came to take Bharata to Ayodhya”. The king said “you go
and meet Bharata”. The messengers went to Bharata and said
“Oh prince! Vasista Maharishi and other ministers enquired
about your well being.There are some important duties to be
performed by you. Hence you both are to start immediately.
Oh prince! We have brought silk garments, ornaments and
valuable gems to your grandfather and uncle. We are
instructed that those gifts are to be personally presented by
you.” Bharata received all those gifts and presented to his
grandfather and uncle. His uncle also gifted the messengers
with valuable gifts.
Ayodhya Kandam 73
Bharata enquired with the messengers “Is my father safe?
Are Rama, Lakshmana and Sita safe? Are my mothers Kausalya
Devi, Sumitra Devi and Kaikeyi keeping good health?” The
messengers said “Oh price! All are safe at Ayodhya. You must
start immediately.” Bharata took permission from King Kekaya
and started to Ayodhya.
BHARATA REACHES AYODHYA
Ramayanam]
Bharata and Satrughna traveled seven days without any
rest. They reached the out skrits of Ayodhya. Bharata enquired
“Oh charioteer! Why are there no people in the pleasure
gardens? Why is the city looking so dead? Why are the temples
not opened? While looking at all these symptoms, my mind is
suspecting some calamity in my family.” While talking like this,
they entered the first enclosure of Ayodhya. Again he asked
the charioteers “you are our trusted servant. You tell me the
fact what is the calamity that has happened in my family.”
However the charioteers did not open his mouth.
BHARATA GOES TO KAIKEYI’S HOUSE
Ramayanam]
Bharata went to his father’s palace and did not find him
there. He therefore went to Kaikeyi’s palace. On looking at
Bharata, Kaikeyi got up and embraced him with joy. He
prostrated at her feet. Kaikeyi asked “My son! Are my father
and brother keeping good health? How many days it took for
you to reach Ayodhya? Did you have a comfortable journey?”
Bharata said “Mother! It took seven days for me to reach this
place. My grandfather and uncle are keeping good health. He
has given valuables gems and ornaments as gift. Where is my
father? Why is his bed vacant? First I wanted to prostrate at
his feet. Tell me where he is staying. I will go and see him.”
Kaikeyi then revealed the death of his father in a cunning
manner, saying “My son! The King is a glorious person. He
performed several yagnas. He protected several brahmins. He
did several noble acts. However can anyone live forever?
Everyone has to leave this world one day or the other. The
same death has taken your father also.” On hearing these
words from his mother he could not control his grief, fell down
and fainted.
Kaikeyi said “Oh prince! You are a glorious person. Many
are waiting to honour you in the royal court. You get up and
have a wash. You are going to perform several yagnas. Such a
prince should not fall on the ground and grieve like this.”
Bharata said “Mother! When I was asked to come
immediately, I thought that father must be commencing a
yagna or he must have proposed coronation for Rama. But I
never dreamt that he would have left us so suddenly. Rama
and Lakshmana who would have performed the last rites of
my father are really fortunate. Had I been here, while father
was alive, he would have embraced me with love. He himself
would have removed the dust on my body.
Mother! Rama is both father and brother to me. He alone
can remove the distress of all people. I am the servant of Rama.
I presume he is not aware of my arrival. Immediately I will go
and prostrate at his feet. He is not only my eldest brother but
also my father. Mother! Did father leave any message for me?”
Kaikeyi said “My son! Your father is most righteous among
the righteous people who reached superior lokas. The last
words he uttered were ‘Haa Rama! Haa Lakshmana! Haa Sita!’
He also said those who see Rama, Sita and Lakshmana after
Ayodhya Kandam 75
fourteen years will be really fortunate. In the meanwhile, death
has taken him away from us.”
Bharata said “Mother! You are hurling one thunder bolt
after the other. Now, where are Rama, Sita and Lakshmana?”
Kaikeyi said “My son! Rama wore valkalas and went to
Dandakaranya. Sita and Lakshmana also followed him.”
Bharata said “Why Rama was sent to Dandakaranya? Did he
steal any brahmin’s money? Did he harrass either the rich or
the poor citizens? Did he rape somebody’s wife? Did he kill
any infants or did he commit any other such crimes? Why was
he sent to Dandakaranya?”
Kaikeyi said “My son! Rama did not even look at any
other’s wife. He did not kill any infants. He did not deceive any
brahmin. He did not harrass anyone. Your father wanted to
perform coronation of Rama. He did not inform me. At the last
minute only, he came and told me. I became furious and
insisted on him “You perform coronation to Bharata.” I
thought, Rama might give you some troubles if he lived in
Ayodhya. Hence I asked Dasaratha to send Rama to
Dandakaranya for fourteen years. Since your father had
promised me two boons, I encashed them now. Since your
father is a truthful person, he fulfilled his promises. Rama
agreed to go to the forests to make his father’s promise true.
Sita and Lakshmana also went behind him. Your father died
with the grief of sending Rama to the forests.
My son! I did all these things for your auspiciousness and
well being. Now the entire kingdom is yours. You are the king
of Ayodhya. You stop grieving. Be bold and take possession of
the kingdom. You complete the last rites of your father. After
that, Vasista and others will coronate you as king.
BHARATA BLAMES KAIKEYI
[This part is taken from 73rd and 74th Sarga and also from
Adhyatma Ramayanam]
Bharata said “Oh mother! My father is dead. My brother
who is equal to my father has gone to forests. He is living like
a muni eating fruits and roots. While Rama, Sita and Lakshmana
are suffering in the forests, how can I enjoy comforts in the
palace? I do not want such a kingdom. Already I am grieving
for the death of my father. Added to that, you have made my
brother also to live in the forests. My father embraced you not
knowing that you are the fire that burnt everything to ashes.
You have destroyed all our family. Rama loved you more than
his own mother. Why are you doing all these sinful acts? Did
you ever look back and saw your sinster acts? I do not want a
kingdom where Rama and Lakshmana are not there. In case I
am asked to rule, I shall discharge that responsibility only to
keep up the law and order as a son of king Dasaratha, but not
as king. I would have banished you from the country but I am
afraid of Rama might get angry. Don’t you know the established
heritage in our country that the eldest son alone will rule the
country? His brothers will serve him with love and devotion.
This is Sanatana dharma.”
BHARATA GOES TO KAUSALYA
Ramayanam]
The ministers came to know of the arrival of Bharata and
went to the house of Kaikeyi. Looking at the ministers, Bharata
broke down, cried bitterly and said “Oh ministers! Neither I
desired the kingdom nor I asked my mother. I and Satrughna
were in my uncle’s place for a long time. Hence I do not know
what was happening here. Neither I know anything about the
wicked plans of my mother nor I had any role in it.”
Ayodhya Kandam 77
Kausalya heard the voice of Bharata and said “Sumitra!
The son of Kaikeyi has come. He is not wicked like his mother.
I want to see him.” In the meanwhile, Bharata came and
prostrated at her feet. Both embraced each other and cried
bitterly. Kausalya said “My son! Your mother is a capable
woman. She has secured the kingdom in an easy manner. She
not only secured the kingdom for you but also drove away
Rama and Lakshmana to the forests and made you to enjoy
the kingdom without an enemy. By bringing so many
calamities in the family, I do not understand what benefit your
mother has derived. You send me also to Rama. Otherwise, I
and Sumitra will go. Now, since you are the king, you have the
authority to send us to forests.” On hearing her words, he fell
at her feet, wept bitterly and fainted. After sometime, he
recovered and said “Mother! I do not know anything about all
these developments. I am already in distress. Added to that,
your words are paining me more. Don’t you know how much I
am devoted to Rama? Mother!”
By saying all this, Bharata also made several vows and
proved his innocence. Kausalya was moved by hearing his
vows and shivered like a tender leaf and said “My son! By your
making so many vows, my grief is increasing but not
decreasing. By the grace of god and by virtue of your punyam,
you did not deviate from the path of dharma. By making these
vows, you also will become a virtuous person like Lakshmana.”
By saying so, she embraced him.
BHARATA CREMATES FATHER’S BODY
Ramayanam]
At that time, Vasista Maharishi came and said “Bharata!
Don’t grieve. May you have all auspiciousness. Now you have
to perform the last rites to the king.” The body was taken out
Glossary
from the casket. It was looking fresh, as if he was sleeping.
Looking at the body of the king, Bharata said “Father! I was
away in my uncle’s house. Rama and Lakshmana are now living
in forests. Why did you send them to forests? All the people
are grieving for Rama. At this juncture, why have you left us
all and where have you gone?” While he was weeping, Vasista
Maharishi came and said “Oh prince! The body is kept in a
casket for a long period. Now, it is deteriorating fast. Hence
you should start performing the last rites immediately”.
Brahmins read all the vedic mantras and the pyre was prepared
with sandal wood and fragrances. After completing all the
formalities, the body was kept on the pyre. Bharata made
pradakshina namaskarams to the body and the pyre. Kausalya
and other queens also went round the pyre with folded hands
and paid their last respects for the departed soul. Then,
Bharata lit the pyre. Brahmins recited saamaganam. Later,
they all went to river Sarayu, had their bath and gave jala
tarpanas.
VASISTA CONSOLES BHARATA
Ramayanam]
On the tenth day Bharata and others did purificatory
karmas. On the twelveth day he performed the sraaddha
karma; fed brahmins and gave hefty donations. On the
thirteenth day Bharata collected the remains of the burnt
bones and said “Oh father! You used to say that you will retire
and live comfortably under the rule of Rama. Now he is living
in forests. So there is nothing left for me in this world. Where
is the happiness for me?”
SATRUGHNA PUNISHES MANDHARA
Ramayanam]
Ayodhya
GlossaryKandam 79
The last rites of Dasaratha were completed. Bharata was
thinking of going to Rama. In the meanwhile, Satrughna came
and said “Oh brother! Rama is the protector of all worlds. At
the end, he could not protect himself. Look how strange it is?
He went to the forests to make true the promise made by our
father. Lakshmana could have protested vehemently. But he
also went behind Rama. Wicked Kaikeyi is responsible for all
these calamities. Our father had become a puppet in the hands
of Kaikeyi. Father gave her a free hand all these years and could
not control her at the end.” In the meanwhile, Mandhara
decorated with several ornaments was passing through the
corridors, in front of Bharata’s room. The servants and maids
were chasing her for poisoning the mind of Kaikeyi. Satrughna
looked at the noise outside and saw Mandhara among the
servants. Immediately he rushed towards her and slapped her.
All her ornaments were thrown away on the floor. Mandhara
was afraid for her life and started shouting “Oh Kaikeyi! Save
me.” Kaikeyi heard the cries of Mandhara and came running,
to save her. Since Satrughna did not heed to her appeals, she
ran to Bharata and asked him to save the life of Mandhara.
Bharata went to Satrughna and said “Brother! A hero will not
kill a woman. Leave her. I also thought of killing Kaikeyi for
sending Rama to the forests. But I was afraid that Rama will
find fault with me for killing the mother. Hence I controlled
myself. If you kill Mandhara, Rama will not talk to you. Hence
you leave her.” The moment Satrughna heard the name of
Rama, all his fury cooled down and he went back.
BHARATA DECIDED TO GO TO RAMA
Ramayanam]
On the fourteenth day, after completing the last rites for
king Dasaratha, Vasista Maharishi and other ministers
assembled. The Minister said “Oh Maharishi! Rama the eldest
son of our king has gone to the forests. Sita and Lakshmana
also followed him. Now the king is dead. Hence we are to make
Bharata the king. The country should not go without a king.
People will suffer several calamities if the country is without
a king. Hence Bharata has to be coronated as the king. All the
materials were kept ready for his coronation. Bharata went
round the materials procured for coronation, made a
pradakshina namaskaram and said “Vasista Maharishi! In our
dynasty the eldest son alone is eligible to rule the country.
This is Sanatana dharma also. Hence Rama alone is eligible to
rule this country. I will obey the orders of my father and live
in forests for fourteen years on behalf of Rama. You please
make all arrangements for me to go to the forests, to meet
Rama. All the four wings of the army will follow us. The
materials procured for coronation also will be carried with
us. We will coronate Rama in the forest itself. I will not fulfil
the desire of Kaikeyi. She is a Devil in the mask of a mother. I
myself will live in the forest and Rama will rule the country.
You kindly pave the way for my journey to meet Rama. This is
my order.”
On hearing Bharata’s words, all the ministers,
subordinate kings and citizens appreciated his decision. The
ministers said “Oh prince! Though the kingdom has come to
your hands, you are passing on the same to your eldest brother
to keep up the tradition. With this sacrifice, your glory will
become immortal in the world. We will make all arrangements
for us all to go to the forests.”
ROAD WAS BUILT UPTO GANGES
[This part is taken from 80th and 81st Sarga and also from
Adhyatma Ramayanam]
The army cleared all the bushes upto river Ganga and
formed a road so that the people and the chariots can move
Ayodhya Kandam 81
freely. They built guest houses on the way for Bharata,
Maharishis, ministers, queens and others.
VASISTA CONVENES ASSEMBLY
After making arrangements for going to the forests
Bharata and Satrughna went their palace and slept. Next
morning Vandhis, Magadhas went and started praising stotras.
Bharata woke up and asked them to go away and said
“Satrughna! These Vandhis were praising me in the manner
they praised our father. Our brother Rama alone is eligible for
those stostras. Brother! Look! What a big damage that Kaikeyi
has created to the world. The king has left to heavens. The
Rajyalakshmi has become an orphan. My mother has sent
Rama to the forests.” By saying so he fell down and fainted. All
the queens comforted him. At that time Vasista Maharishi came
and requested Bharata to go with him and conduct the
assembly. Bharata went with him and sat on a golden throne.
The house was filled with subordinate kings, ministers,
officials, prominent brahmins, vysyas, kshatriyas.
BHARATA GOES TO RAMA
Ramayanam]
Vasista Maharishi said “Bharata! Your father has ruled the
contry in the righteous manner. He made the treasuries full.
Now he has gone to heaven. We are all unanimously thinking
of making you as our king. Your elder brother Rama has gone
to forests to make your father a truthful person. The country
cannot go without a king. All the materials for your coronation
are kept ready. Hence you become the king and rule the people
as your own children. Now the subordinate kings and people
will give you gifts as token of respect.”
Bharata said with tears in his eyes, “Oh Maharishi! Elders
in the assembly! My elder brother Rama learned all sastras
and knew all dharmas. He observed Brahmacharya. He is the
protector of dharma. He is the eldest of our brothers. He alone
should rule the kingdom of Dasaratha. I cannot steal the
kingdom of my brother. I am the servant of Rama. Elders like
you should not suggest me to become a king.
Revered citizens of Ayodhya! I cannot resort to sinful acts
like my mother. I am saluting my brother from here itself. Rama
is capable of ruling not only Ayodhya but also all worlds. I will
go to the forests, convince him and bring him back to Ayodhya.
If he doesn’t come I will also remain in the forests. You also
come with me, convince my brother and bring him back to
Ayodhya.” On hearing the words of Bharata, Vasista, Sumantra
and all the people were filled with joy. Bharata gave orders to
make preparations to go to forests.
BHARATA REACHES THE RIVER GANGA
Ramayanam]
Bharata and Satrughna woke up before dawn and they
sat in the chariot. They are anxious to see Rama as early as
possible. Behind them, the priests, ministers and subordinate
kings also follwed him. Kausalya, Sumitra, Kaikeyi and all other
queens also sat in their respective chariots. The people also
assembled and walked in groups. On their way, they kept on
telling the glories of Rama to each other. By sunset, they
reached the banks of river Ganga near Srungibheripuram.
Bharata said “Oh Sumantra! Let us all take rest on the banks
of river Ganga for this night. You make necessary
arrangements for our stay.”
Ayodhya Kandam 83
GUHA WORSHIPS BHARATHA
Ramayanam]
Guha saw the large army on the banks of Ganga. He
suspected that somebody must have come on an expedition,
for war with him. He called his ministers and ordered them to
prepare for the fight. Five hundred boats were spread on Ganga
at various spots and kept ready to protect his teritory. He had
a second thought that Bharata may be going to forests to kill
Rama and Lakshmana. If he was having any such wicked plans,
Guha decided to kill them all, before they crossed river Ganga.
This was because, Rama was not only a king but also his
dearest friend. However he wanted to be diplomatic before
resorting to the fight. He took with him his ministers and a
few food stuffs to offer and see Bharata. On his way, he saw
Sumantra and felt happy. Sumantra went to Bharata and said
that “Guha has come to see you. He is a good friend of Rama.
He is the ruler of this area. He knows every nook and corner of
this forest. He will be much useful to us in searching for Rama
and Lakshmana. He is waiting to see you. He brought some
eatables and gifts for you.” Bharata said “Sumantra! You bring
him immediately.” Guha came and said “Prabhu! We are
hunters. These areas are under my rule. I have brought some
fruits, honey and meat to offer you. I request you to accept
them. Tomorrow morning I shall make arrangements for all
of you to cross the river Ganga.”
GUHA TALKS TO BHARATA
Ramayanam]
Bharata said “Oh Guha! I am pleased to see you since you
are the dearest friend of my brother. It may be inconvenient
for you to offer food for such a huge army. It is enough if you
help us in crossing the river Ganga and show the way to the
ashram of Bharadwaja Maharishi.” Guha said “Oh prince!
Before I promise you, I want to know a few facts from you. I
am suspecting that you have some ulterior motives in your
expedition. Otherwise why are you going to see Rama with
such a huge army? I know every inch of this Dandakaranya. If
you are thinking of doing any harm to my friend we will even
give up our life to fight with you. In case you are going to see
him only, then, we also come with you.”
Bharata said “Oh Guha! You need not suspect me. Rama
is not only my brother but also equal to my father. We are all
going to convince my brother and take him back to Ayodhya.
We also want to coronate him as the king, in the forest itself. I
pray to all gods that a day should not come at all for me to
think ill of Rama. Even if he rejects my offer, I wanted to give
pressure from all these people.” Guha said “Oh prince! Though
this kingdom has come to you without any effort, you are
thinking of giving it back to Rama. I appreciate your noble
thought. I do not think there will be a second person like you
in all the worlds. By this act of yours, your glory will remain
immortal.” By the time they were talking, the sun has set. Tents
were erected for the sleeping of Bharata and others.
GUHA TELLS ABOUT RAMA
Ramayanam]
The entire night Guha was talking to Bharata about Rama
and Lakshmana. Guha said “Oh prince! Sita and Rama slept
under this tree. I arranged bed for Lakshmana also and asked
him to take rest. But he refused to sleep and said ‘Oh Guha!
How can I sleep when Rama and Sita were sleeping on the
floor. Even if devatas and danavas fight together , they cannot
Ayodhya Kandam 85
win over Rama. Such a Rama is sleeping on the floor. My father
has performed many yagnas and got him as his son. Rama
possessed all the qualities of my father Dasaratha. Though he
is my brother he is equalent to my father. My father cannot
live without Rama even for a moment. Very shortly my mother
is going to become a widow. If he dies all my mothers also will
die with him. My father will die without seeing the coronation
of Rama. Bharata and Satrughna are fortunate to perform the
last rites for my father.’ Oh Bharata! That entire night
Lakshmana was speaking to me about the glorious qualities
of Rama. Next morning, I myself left them on the other side
river Ganga. They wore valkalas and jata and entered the
forests.”
BHARATA FAINTS ON HEARING ABOUT RAMA
Ramayanam]
Guha said “Oh prince! Rama and Lakshmana not only wear
valkalas but they asked me milk from a banian tree, to apply
to their hair. On applying it, immediately their hair became
matted and formed into jatas. Rama entered the forest like a
muni. Sita and Lakshmana followed him.” On hearing this from
Guha, Bharata had a doubt that Rama may not conceed his
request. All the time he had a faith that he could convince
Rama. Even if he could not do it, he thought the ministers and
Maharishis might be able to convince him. That was why, he
brought them also with him. Satrughna could not control his
grief and cried loudly. Bharata asked “Guha! Where did Rama,
Sita and Lakshmana sleep on that night? What food did they
eat? What did they speak to you?”
Guha said “Oh prince! I took a lot of eatables with me but
he refused politely and said ‘Oh Guha! I am obeying the orders
of my father. As per the conditions of his order, I should not
take any gifts from others.’ He sent Lakshmana to fetch water
from the Ganga. Sita and Rama took those waters. The
remaining water Lakshmana drank. All the three sat for a long
time in meditation. Lakshmana brought darbha grass and
spread it on the floor. Sita and Rama slept over it. Lakshmana
was wearing bow and arrows and was guarding them for the
whole night.”
Guha took Bharata, Satrughna, Kausalya and other
queens to the tree under which Rama and Sita slept. On seeing
the place and dry darbha grass, they all wept bitterly.
BHARATA MEETS BHARADWAJA MAHARISHI
Ramayanam]
Next morning Bharata and Satrughna got up from sleep
and completed their daily rituals. By that time, Guha was
waiting ouside. Bharata asked him to help their people to cross
the river. Guha engaged all his five hundred boats for them to
cross the river. While the elephants were crossing with flags
over them, they looked like mountain peaks.
Guha guided them to the ashram of Bharadwaja.
Bharadwaja saw Vasista from a distance and asked his deciples
to bring arghyam and other worshiping materials. He went
ahead of them and worshiped with traditional rituals. Bharata
was standing by the side of Vasista Maharishi. Vasista said “Oh
Maharishi! He is Bharata, the son of king Dasaratha.”
Bharadwaja said “Oh Bharata! You are supposed to be in
Ayodhya ruling the kingdom. What made you to come to forests
with such a big army and ministers? Somehow my mind is
suspecting something foul. Your father has ordered Rama to
live in forests for fourteen years. He also obeyed his orders
Ayodhya Kandam 87
and came to live in the forests. You have no obstacles to rule
Ayodhya. Then why have you come with such a big army? Are
you entertaining any sinful thoughts in you?”
Bharata wept bitterly and said “Maharishi! You are a
righteous tapasvi. You are as good as god. You know past,
present and future. If you also suspect me, I have no option
except death. I do not have any sinful thoughts. You please
show kindness to me. While I was in my grandfather’s house
my mother Kaikeyi forced my father and sent Rama to forests.
I have no role in her sinful and wicked acts. I never gave my
consent for her demands. It is never my intension. Maharishi!
Now I have come to the forests to prostrate at the feet of Rama
and to request him to take back Ayodhya and rule the country.
You kindly bless me and tell where Rama is living.” Vasista
and other Maharishis also requested Bharadwaja Maharishi
in the same manner.
Bharadwaja Maharishi was pleased and said “oh Bharata!
This act of yours will bring you immortal glory. You are
superior among the virtuous people. Your obedience towards
the elders is befitting of your Raghu tradition. Bharata! Though
I know about your inner thoughts I wanted to hear the same
from your mouth. That is why, I pretended as if I am doubting
you. Sita, Rama and Lakshmana built an ashram on Mt.
Chitrakootam. You stay this night with me here, have my
hospitality and go there tomorrow morning.”
BHARADWAJA HOSTS A DINNER FOR BHARATA
Ramayanam]
Bharata said “Oh Maharishi! It is very difficult for you to
host such a big army.” Bharadwaja said with a smile “Bharata!
I can offer you only whatever little I have. Very rarely I will
have a guest like you. Let me be fortunate to serve Vasista
Maharishi and others. Why did you keep your army at a far off
place? You could have brought them to my ashrama.”
Bharata said “Maharishi! You are nursing the trees and
plants around your ashram like your children. If my army,
horses and elephants come. They may damage your them.
Many birds have built their nests on the trees here and are
living on them. Hence I kept them away.” Maharishi said
“Bharata! I appreciate your gesture. However your men,horses
and elephants cannot spoil my plants or ashram surroundings.
You bring them to my ashram.”
Bharata ordered Sumantra to bring the army and others
to the ashram. Maharishi went into the agnihotra room (a place
where the sacred firs is always kept lighted). He saluted to
the agnihotra and prayed. Oh agnihotra! I promised to host a
dinner to Bharata and his men. You help me in fulfilling my
word.” Again he prayed to Indra, Yama, Varuna, Kubera and
all dikpalakas to supervise the arrangements for serving the
dinner. He prayed the rivers that are flowing towards the east
and west to flow throught the place with sura [wines] and
drinking water for the guests. He prayed Gandharavas to come
and recite music concerts. He prayed Urvasi, Rambha and all
apsarasas to entertain the guests. He requested the wind god
to blow cold breeze with fragrances.
“Oh viswa karma ! you build a royal palace with a darbar
hall.” With the permission of Bharadwaja, Bharata entered into
the palace with his ministers and commanders. There, in the
palace, he saw a splenderous throne. Bharata remembered
Rama in his mind, made a pradakshina namaskaram to the
throne and prostrated before it. Bharata took the chowris (a
type of huge fan) into his hands and started fanning to the
throne assuming that Rama is sitting on that throne. Ministers,
Ayodhya Kandam 89
Maharishis, priest and others sat in the seats provided for them.
While they were all sitting in the darbar hall, a river of payasam
flowed. On either side of the river, they found living apartments
for all the people. Entire night they all enjoyed dances, music,
sura and other entertainments provided by the Maharishi.
In the early hours of the day, all the devatas came to serve
them and after that, they all disappeared and went to their
places. The soldiers were still sleeping in a drunken state.
BHARATA TRAVELS TO MT. CHITRAKOOTAM
Ramayanam]
Next morning Bharata went to see Bharadwaja Maharishi.
By that time Maharishi has completed agnihotra pooja and
came out to see Bharata. Bharata said “Maharishi! We had a
good dinner and slept well. We are anxious to see Rama. Kindly
let us know the way to Mt. Chitrakootam.” Maharishi said “From
here, at about three and half krosas distance, you will find Mt.
Chitrakootam. Before you reach that place you will pass
through a thick forest. River Mandakini will be flowing on the
Northern side of Chitrakootam. Sita, Rama and Lakshmana built
a cottage on that mountain and living. You can reach that
mountain either from the southern direction or from the south
east direction. I bless you to meet Rama.” In the meanwhile,
the queens of king Dasaratha came and stood there. Maharishi
asked “Bharata! You tell me who is the mother of whom?”
Bharata said “The woman who is constantly grieving is the
principle queen of the king Dasaratha and the mother of Rama.
She is Sumitra Devi mother of Lakshmana and Satrughna. This
arrogant, egoist and greedy woman is Kaikeyi. She always
entertains sinful thoughts. She is responsible for Rama’s exile
and for the death of king Dasaratha. She gave birth to me.”
Bharadwaja said, “Bharata! You don’t find fault with Kaikeyi.
She is a tool in the hands of god. Vidhi itself made her to ask
for Rama’s exile. She is only instrumental. Rama exile is for
the benefit of people and provoked by devatas. Hence you don’t
abuse her.”
Bharata took permission from the Maharishi and traveled
towards Mt. Chitrakootam.
BHARATA SEARCHES FOR RAMA
Ramayanam]
Bharata said “Oh Vasista Maharishi! Now we have reached
Mt. Chitrakootam. Here, river Mandakini is flowing. Rama, Sita
and Lakshmana must be living on this mountain.”
Some of his soldiers came at that time and said “Prabhu!
We are finding smoke in this direction. The smoke will not
come without fire. Which means there must be some tapasvis
who are doing agnihotra pooja. If we go in that direction, we
may find Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. Atleast some tapasvis can
guide us where they are living.” Bharata took that lead and
proceeded in that direction. Satrughna, Vasista Maharishi and
a few ministers followed him. They all proceeded towards the
direction where the smoke was arising.
RAMA EXPLAINS TO SITA ABOUT CHITRAKOOTAM
Ramayanam]
Rama came to the forest about a month ago. He is enjoying
the thrill of forests life. Slowly he is forgetting Ayodhya. At one
point he said “Oh Sita! Kinnera couples comes here and wander
on these mountains. Look at those valleys. You find
vidhyadaras are wandering with their women. Look, their
weapons and garments were hanging on the trees. Sita! Look
at this part of a mountain! How many streams are flowing! In
Ayodhya Kandam 91
some places the springs are breaking the mountain and
flushing out. Look at the fragrance of several flowers. I feel
like living on these mountains with you and Lakshmana
forever. Day after day, I am fascinated with the beauties of
this mountain. I am enjoying this forest life. At the same time
I am relieved from the debt of my father and keeping Bharata
also happy. Sita! Tell me. Are you comfortable here? For the
Rajarishis who want to attain superior lokas, vanavasam is like
nectar. These mountains are full of metals and minerals, which
emit luxture and provides light for the animals.
RAMA EXPLAINS THE BEAUTY OF GANGES
Ramayanam]
“Oh Sita! Look at river Mandakini. The swans,
chakravakams, Sara birds are flying in rows over the river. On
both sides of the river we see number of fruit gardens which
resemble kubera’s lake, Sowgandika. The women of tapasvis
are taking bath in the river and praying to sun god. Sita! Let us
swim across the river and sit a while on the other side of the
river. Let us pick up some lotus flowers. Come with me and
enter the waters.
Sita! Everything is in mind. All the animals wandering
around this mountain appear to me like the citizens of Ayodhya.
This Chitrakootam itself is resembling Ayodhya. River
Mandakini is like our Sarayu.” Rama explained the beauty of
Chirtakootam to Sita and Lakshmana in detail like this.
BHARATA ARRIVES AT CHITRAKOOTAM
Ramayanam]
While Rama and Sita were sitting together, the sounds
made by the the army of Bharata traveled in the air and
reached the ears of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. The birds and
animals which were not used to such unusual sounds, were
afraid and started running for safety. Rama could not guess
the reason for these unusual sounds. He asked Lakshmana to
climb a tall tree and look around. Lakshmana climbed a tall
sala tree and looked on all four sides. He saw chariots,
elephants, horses and army coming towards the mountain
from the northern direction. He said “Brother! You put off the
fire in the agnihotra house. Let Sita hide in a cave. Let us take
out our bow and arrows.”
Rama said “Lakshmana! Do you know whose army is
that?” Lakshmana said with fury, “Brother! This army belongs
to Bharata. He must have coronated himself as king and is
coming to kill us, so that, he will not have an enemy on earth.
That is why he is coming with such a huge army. I am definitely
seeing the flags of our kosala Kingdom. Let us have our bow
and arrows. Take position on a peak of this mountain. We
should kill all of them before they climb the mountain. We will
attack Bharata who is responsible for our grief. We are put to
these difficulties only because of him. He got the kingdom
through his mother. We were obeying the orders of our father
and living in the forests. Why should he come here also, with
such a big army? I presume he must be coming only to kill us.
In defense of our life, there is nothing wrong if we kill him.
Kaikeyi should cry bitterly while looking at the body of her
son. I myself will kill Kaikeyi.”
RAMA PACIFIES LAKSHMANA
Ramayanam]
Rama said “Lakshmana! Don’t be hasty. Since Bharata
himself is coming, where is the need for bow and arrows. Why
should I need the kingdom, by killing my own brother? Such a
Ayodhya Kandam 93
kingdom is like poison to me. Though I agreed for coronation,
that was only for the joy of all of you and not for me alone. I
swear on my soul and I am telling you that I accepted the
kingdom only to benefit all my brothers but not for myself
alone. Lakshmana! Bharata is also dearer to me than my own
life. He too has great love for his brothers. He must have
returned to Ayodhya and learnt that our father has sent me to
the forests. Virtuous Bharata must have pleaded that the
kingdom should be ruled only by the eldest son. He must be
coming only to take me to Ayodhya but not to fight with us. He
must have abused Kaikeyi and he must have convinced father
and is coming to the forests. I know how much he loves me.
Lakshmana! If you abuse Bharata, it amounts to that as if you
are abusing me. If you are abusing Bharata for the sake of
kingdom, I will ask him to give it away to you. He will not say
no to me.”
Rama’s words made laskhmana ashamed and said
“Brother! I presume that King Dasaratha himself is coming to
take us to Ayodhya.” Rama said “I also think so. He must have
been realized our sufferings in the forests. If we do not agree,
he may ask us to take Sita with him.” Lakshmana said “Rama!
I am seeing the elephant used by our father but I am not finding
him on it. Even that white umbrella is also not visible. From
this, I suspect something bad.” At that time, Rama asked
Lakshmana to get down from the tree.
BHARATA REACHES CHITRAKOOTAM
Ramayanam]
Bharata kept the army at the foot of the hills and said
“Satrughna! You go and bring Guha and his men. You ask them
to search for Rama and Lakshmana on all sides of the mountain.
Vasista Maharishi, superior brahmins, ministers and a few
citizens will follow us. I will be restless until I see Rama.” At
last they reached the surroundings of Rama’s ashram. They
saw smoke emitting from agnihotra and they guessed that it
must be the ashram of Rama.
BHARATA REACHES RAMA’S ASHRAM
Ramayanam]
After sometime they reached the ashram of Rama. It was
quiet wide and big. It was built at an elevated place. There
was a separate agnihotra house and darbha grass was stacked.
His bow, arrows and other weapons were hanging on the walls.
Bharata and others entered the ashram.
Rama was sitting on a krishnajinam. He wore valkalas.
His hair was matted with jatas. Such a Rama was sitting firmly
like Brahma. Sita and Lakshmana were sitting on either side
of him. All of them were sat on darbha grass. At the sight of
Rama, Bharata could not control himself and broke down in
tears. He ran towards Rama, fell at his feet and said “Oh
brother! You are supposed to sit in darbar with your ministers.
But, you are sitting alone in this forests. Normally your hair
was well dressed but it is now matted and formed jatas. You
were performing yagnas in Ayodhya. Now you are sleeping on
the floor filled with dust.” Bharata grieved like this and fell at
his feet. Rama lifted and embraced him. Rama’s eyes also were
filled with tears.
RAMA TEACHES RAJA DHARMA
Ramayanam]
Rama could not easily recognize Bharata since he is also
wearing valkalas and his hair also was matted with jatas. He
Ayodhya Kandam 95
lifted him affectionately and said “Brother! Why have you come
here, leaving father alone at this old age? Are all of our mothers
safe? Why are you run down so thin? I am happy to see you
after a long time. Are you serving our father? Did anyone
obstruct you in ruling Ayodhya since you are young? Are you
holding our country firmly which we are enjoying
traditionally? Did grief take away our father’s life? Why did
you come to forests? Are you worshiping our priest Vasista
Maharishi? Are you respecting Suyagna the son of Vasista
Maharishi? Are you performing agnihotra pooja without
negligence? Are you respecting devatas, mothers, father, guru,
elders, doctors and brahmins? Are you respecting Sudhanva
who is a pundit in raja nithi? Are you appointing as your
ministers only those who were qualified in all sastras? Before
you select your ministers, you make sure whether they will
keep your secrets are not. Then only, the king can be safe. Are
you sleeping beyond limits? Are you thinking in such a way as
to gain more, with little efforts? Are you keeping your plans
secret, from your rivals, till they are executed? One wise man’s
company is better than thousand ignorant persons. You
remember this while choosing your ministers. Because at
times of crisi,s he alone can save the country. Though the king
may be young, if the minister is an efficient person, he will
bring prosperty to the country. While utilizing the services of
your employees you should assess their effieciency. You
choose as your ministers those who are serving from
generation to generation, who have credibility and good
character and who can protect your secrets.
Are you appointing as your commander in chief a person
who is valorous, honest, contended and devoted to the king?
Are you appointing as your commander in chief one who was
born in your country? Are you honouring those commanders
who are valorous and brought several victories to you? Are
you providing enough food grains and weapons to your army?
Are you paying to your army well and in time? Are you
appointing as your ambassordar, one who is a truthful person?
You appoint three spies on each of the following areas of
your neighbouring countries. Minister, priest, commander in
chief, gate keepers, palace incharge, jails incharge, treasury
incharge, assembly incharge, judiciary, fort incharge, state
officials, officers who execute punishments. Those three spies
will report their observations independently. Are you
reviewing such reports?
In the same manner you should also appoint three spies
in each area in your country also excepting the minister, the
priest and the prince.
Don’t neglect and don’t be careless with your enemy who
was defeated in your hands. You keep away those brahmins
who give more importance for wordly pleasures. They are as
good as atheists. Such pundits will mislead with their cunning
arguments and interpretations. They will speak against Vedas.
Hence don’t allow them anywhere near you.
Brother! Our city was very ancient. It cannot be conquered
by enemies. That is why it is named as ‘Ayodhya’. Hence all the
citizens of bramin, kshatriya, vyasya and sudra castes are very
pious and have contol on their senses. They are all interested
in performing vedic karmas. If you protect this country, it will
be as good as protecting pundits.
You build temples all over the country. You dig lakes in
all villages for drinking and irrigation purposes. You fix
boundary stones in all lands so as to avoid litigations among
the people. You see to it that men and women live happily.
You take proper care that all the lands yield good crops. You
Ayodhya Kandam 97
protect the people from the cruel animals. You banish the
thieves and crooked from the country. You keep up the
established customs and traditions in the people. You do not
deviate from the path of dharma.
You talk sweet words with your woman but don’t tell the
secrets. Don’t believe their words too. Are those who are
engaged in cattle feeding and agriculture keeping faith in you?
You see to it that the strength of female elephants and horses
grow in leaps and bounds. Because, elephants and horses are
the real wealth for the king.
Are you getting up early in the morning? Are you
decorating attractively and giving daily audience to the
people? People who are working under you might not take
liberties with you. However you see to it that they move close
and affectionately with you.
Are you providing enough food grains, weapons and
water in all your forts? Always your income should be more
than expenses. You spend more money on divine purposes,
on ancestors, parents, brahmins, guests, army, friends and well
wishers. Under any circumstances, do not give money to
undeserving people.
Sometimes you will receive complaints on virtuous and
learned people. Some people will bring those alligations with
cunning arguments and misinterpretations. Some people will
give death punishments even without proper enquiry. You
should closely watch the implementation of danda nithi
carefully and save them tactfully. Don’t leave the thieves and
corrupt people unpunished.
Sometimes ministers will apply double standards for poor
and rich while awarding danda nithi. My brother! You
remember one thing. If a king punishes one who did not
commit an offence, the tears of those persons will ruin the
king, his sons and wealth.
You always satisfy men, women, young and old by your
mind, donations and speech. You salute every morning to guru,
elders, Maharishis, devatas, guests. You don’t neglect dharma
and ardha under any circumstances. All your success depends
on how effieciently, you utilize your time. Therefore allot more
time for observing dharma and ardha.
The king should give up the following defects : telling lies,
anger, atheism, confusion, indecisiveness, neglecting the
wisemen, laziness, becoming slave to the senses, unilateral
decisions, taking advice from inefficient people, delay in
implementation, not keeping secrets, not performing good and
useful acts and opposing enemies all at a time from all
directions.
Oh Bharata, Understand well and follow these :
dasavargam, panchavargam, chaturvargam, trivargam,
trividyas, shadgunyam, daiva maanusham, krutyam,
vimsativargam, prakrutis, mandalam, yatravidanam and the
two causes of sandhi and vigraha.
RAMA QUESTIONS BHARATA
Ramayanam]
Again Rama asked “Bharata! Why you are wearing
valkalas and jatas? Why have you come here?” Bharata
embraced him and said “Rama! Our father has sent you to
forests but he could not contain the grief and died, always
remembering you. He bowed his head before Kaikeyi and
committed this sinful act. Remembering the injustice done to
you, he grieved till the end and died, saying ‘Haa Rama! Haa
Lakshmana! Haa Sita!’ However Kaikeyi could not get the
kingdom as desired by her but she got widowhood.
Ayodhya Kandam 99
Rama! You show mercy on me, come back to Ayodhya and
get coronated like Devendra. All our mothers, ministers and
people are also came to request you the same. You are the
eldest among our brothers. You should rule the country as per
the tradition of our family.”
Rama said “Bharata! There is no fault in you. You also do
not blame your mother. King has a right to order me to wear
valkalas and live in forests. Children also are to obey the orders
of their father. This is accepted by all sastras. You also obey
the orders of our father and rule the country. After completing
fourteen years of forests life and I will come back to Ayodhya.
We both have to obey the orders of our father.”
BHARATA TELLS ABOUT THE DEATH OF DASARATHA
Ramayanam]
Bharata said “Rama! I have deviated from dharma. What
is the meaning of telling me so many dharmas? I know only
one dharma and that is to keep up our family tradition. The
eldest son must rule the country. When the eldest son is alive,
how can the younger son become the king? Hence you come
back to Ayodhya and rule the country. When I was living in
grandfather’s house, you were sent to forests. Father could
not contain his grief and died. I and Satrughna came to Ayodhya
and cremated our father’s body. Now you also offer jala
tarpanas to our father. Unless you give jala tarpanas, he will
not reach heavens. He loved you more than his life. Even in
the last minute, he remembered you and died. He fixed his
mind on you and died remembering you.”
RAMA GIVES JALA TARPANAS TO HIS FATHER
Ramayanam]

On hearing the news of Dasaratha’s death, Rama fell down
with grief and fainted. Bharata and Lakshmana comforted
Rama. After sometime, he recovered. Rama said, “Brother! I
and Lakshmana are not fortunate enough to perform the last
rites for the body of our father. Hence even though I am alive
it is as good as that I am dead. What type of a son am I, who
could not perform the last rites of our father? Even though I
come back after fourteen years, what is left for me in Ayodhya?
Had our father been alive, he could have given me proper
advices in ruling the country. Now who is there to guide me?
He used to tell so many stories and dharmas. Now who will
tell me all those dharmas?” Vasista and other ministers
comforted all the four brothers and took them to river
Mandakini to offer jala tarpanas. Rama said “Oh superior king!
Oh father! The pindas what I am offering you will reach you
and be with you forever. He spread the darbha grass on the
floor and kept the pindas over it. Oh king! I am offering you
the food which I am eating myself.”
After offering jala tarpana and pinda pradanam, they all
went back to their ashram.
RAMA SPEAKS TO HIS MOTHERS
Ramayanam]
Vasista Maharishi and all the queens of Dasaratha went
to see Rama on the banks of river Mandakini. Looking at Rama,
Lakshmana and Sita, Kausalya and other queens wept loudly.
Kausalya said “Sumitra! The king has banished his children
from the country for no fault of them. They are taking bath in
the river like orphans. Your son Lakshmana, carries water from
this river for Rama and Sita. He never feels it as an insult,
because he considers Rama as his father and Sita as his mother.
Hence he is doing all the services for them.
Ayodhya Kandam 101

Sumitra! Look here what type of food they have offered
to our husband. Should he live eating these pindas made of
gara powder? Am I living to see all these things?” While they
were grieving like this, they saw Rama standing in front of
them. Rama prostrated at the feet of all his mothers. Kausalya
lifted him and embraced. Rama wiped away her tears with his
hands and consoled her.
BHARATA REQUESTS RAMA TO RULE AYODHYA
Ramayanam]
Bharata said “Rama! King Dasaratha gave his kingdom to
me at the behest of Kaikeyi. I am giving my kingdom to you.
Now you accept the same and rule the country without any
doubt. Excepting you, nobody else can rule the country of
kosala. However one may train it, will a donkey run like a
horse? Will a crow fly like a swan? In the same manner,
excepting you, nobody else can rule Ayodhya. Your father has
expanded his kingdom with a hope that you will rule the
country and keep the people happy. You get coronated and
rule the coutry. All sections of people will be happy. All our
mothers are anciously waiting for your return.”
Rama said “Bharata! All of us are toys in the hands of god.
We are all to play as per his tunes. We should not think that
we are independent. However much a man may earn wealth,
it will be destroyed. Whatever may be the growth, it has to
decline. However great the relations of humans may be, but
they are to be distroyed. In the same way, all that are born,
must die. A fruit that is ripe on a tree has to fall. In the same
way, the human body also cannot escape from old age and
death. Can the waters of the river Yamuna ever come back to
us aftert they enter into the sea? Did the night and day of

yesterday ever come back? As the water is evoparated by the
sun rays, our longevity also will decline. Whether you stand
or walk, the longevity keeps declining. Hence you should think
about yourself and not of others. Wherever the man goes, death
follows him. In other words, man is sitting, standing and
walking with the death. The body becomes wrinkled, the hair
becomes white. What can such a person achieve? He thinks of
completing all his work in the sun shine. The moment it
becomes dark he resorts to sleeping. He is happy to take rest.
But he is forgetting that he has lost one day in his life. In a
river, two sticks travel together. After sometime, they get
separated. In the same way, wife, children and wealth stay with
him for sometime and then separate from him. One may grieve
for a departed person, but he has no control on death.
The king should always fix his mind on dharma which
alone comforts him. By doing so, the people also will enjoy
comforts. Our father performed several yagnas and vedic
karmas and went to heaven. He ruled in a righteous manner
and collected taxes in a reasonable way. He enjoyed all
comforts and was respected by all the people. At the end, he
reached the heaven. He attained a divine body which went to
the abode of Brahman. You and I should not greive for such a
fortunate person. Bharata! You leave grief, go and rule
Ayodhya. Have control on your senses and obey the orders of
our father. You should not disobey the orders of our king
because he is our father also. So we both have to obey the
orders of our father. Whoever wants comforts in the other
world, should lead a righteous life here.”
BHARATA REQUESTS RAMA AGAIN
[This part is taken from 106th Sarga and also from Adhyatma Ramayanam]
Bharatha said “Rama! You have neither pleasure nor pain.
Whenever you have a doubt you get it clarified from elders.
Ayodhya Kandam 103
You have no anger on the living or dead. You are above love
and hate. How grief can touch you? With all these qualities
there is no equal or superior to you. You have the power of
discrimination between good and bad; virtuousness and
sinfulness. You are a truthful person.You know all about
creation, protection and distruction. Such a person should not
suffer in forests.
While I was away in my grandfather’s house, my mother
committed this sinful act. I was never a party to it. I hate her
actions. You show kindness on me. Since she happens to be
my mother, I am not killing her. Had it been someone else I
would have killed the person. Since I am afraid of you, I can
not even think of such a sinful thought. Father is no more. I
cannot blame a person who is dead. Will any righteous person
send his own son to the forests just to satisfy a woman? As he
was covered under delusion, he committed such a blemish act.
Brother! Father has ordered you to go to forests
knowingly or unknowingly. If he violates dharma out of
ignorance, should you not set it right? A son can appreciate
his father’s virtues but not his sinful acts. You are being
appreciated by all people because ofyour virtuous qualities.
Don’t go against the will of the people. By doing so, you are
saving me, Kaikeyi, father, mothers and all relatives.
Brother! Where is the comparison between a forest life
and ruling of a country? Where is the comparison between
wearing jatas and Raja dharma? Hence you come back to
Ayodhya, get coronated as a king and accept Kshatriya dharma.
I am younger to you. So, how can I rule while you are alive? I
brought all the materials that are required for coronation.
Rithwiks also came with us. Vasista Maharishi and ministers
will coronate you in the presence of people of Ayodhya. You

agree to my request and get coronated like Devendra. You clear
the debt of devatas, pitrus and rishis.
People are blaming my mother. You save her from her
sin. You show kindness on us like lord Siva shows mercy on
people. If you decide to live in forests I will also stay with you.”
Inspite of several such appeals by Bharata, Rama did not
agree to go back to Ayodhya. People were happy on one side
because of Rama’s firmness in upholding dharma and also
grieved since he refused to come to Ayodhya. All the rithwiks,
Vasista, ministers and all people appreciated Bharata’s tactful
approach and shed tears from their eyes at Rama’s refusal. All
mothers also made appeal to Rama asking him to come back
to Ayodhya. People also requested him with folded hands.
RAMA CONSOLES BHARATA
Ramayanam]
Rama said “Bharata! I will tell you a secret which was
told to me by our father. You and the people are thinking that
our father has given you the kingdom because of lust towards
a woman. That is not the truth. Before our father married
Kaikeyi, he had promised her father that he would give the
kingdom to the son born to her. After getting this promise from
our father, he gave his daughter to our father in marriage. Even
your mother also must have forgotten about this fact or even
king Kekaya would have not informed her. This secret is known
to all our ministers.
Long ago when our father was fighting on behalf of
devatas your mother saved his life two times. Out of gratitude
our father gave her two boons. She has availed those two boons
and made you the king of Ayodhya and asked me to live in
forests for fourteen years. Our father ordered me to go to
Ayodhya Kandam 105

forests to make his promise true. I also obeyed his order and
came to forests. Many people gave preasure on me to disobey
the orders of our father. However I was firm in making the
promise of our father true and decided to live in forests. Sita
and Lakshmana also came to live with me in forests.
Oh Bharata! You go to Ayodhya, get coronated and rule
the country. Thus you also make true the second promise made
by our father. By doing so, you can satisfy both our father and
mother. You go to Ayodhya with Satrughna and rule. Here I
will rule these forests with the help of Lakshmana. You stay
back under the sweta chatram in Ayodhya. Here I will sit under
the shadow of these trees and rule these forests and protect
dharma. Satrughna will help you in Ayodhya and Lakshmana
will help me in forests. Thus all our four brothers will make
our father’s promise true.
JABALI TEACHES ATHEISM
Ramayanam]
Jabali a superior brahmin and a minister of Dasaratha
heard conversation of Bharata and Rama and said
“Rama! You have learnt vedas and sastras. You are a
righteous person. Inspite of that, why are you talking like an
ignorant person. Your thinking cannot give any positive fruits.
Everyone is coming into the world alone. Again at the time of
death also, he is going alone. When that is the case, where do
all these relationships stand? Who is doing good to whom? It
is ignorance to have bondage like father, mother, brothers and
relatives, which is nothing but delusion. There is no turth in
it.
A traveller stays in a guest house for a night. Next morning
he is leaving the place without any attachment. In this world

also, father, mother, wealth etc are like a guest house. A wise
man will never get attached to such bondage.
Hence Rama! You are refusing the kingdom given by your
father, which gives you all pleasures and comforts. Why are
you choosing to live a hard life in forests? You leave ignorance.
Ayodhya is waiting for you like a chaste wife. Don’t live in
illusion like an ignorant person. Dasaratha is nobody to you.
You also do not belong to him. These sentiments and
relationships are nothing but confusion.
Rama! Father is like a seed for prana. When the mother
was in menstural time, the sukra and sonitam will mix and
takes birth of a child which is nothing but an accident.
Dasaratha has reached the place which he is suppose to reach.
For the sake of him, why are you inviting difficulties? I really
pity for those who toil for dharma and artha. Because those
who hang on dharma and artha will be in deep troubles both
in this world and in the other worlds also. People perform
sraaddhaas for the dead people but those dead people will
not eat them. Out of ignorance they are wasting annam. Rama!
You think a while. If one person eats food will the strength go
to another person? If this is acceptable, we can perform
sraaddhaa to the people who go to another town also. People
advice others to perform yagnas and to give donations. They
make us to dedicate to yagnas. They teach us to do tapasya.
Like this, we are asked to do many things. All these are
meaningless and without any essence. These are all the words
picked up from the intelligent people who wrote sastras. They
are nothing but cheating others to give donations or to control
other people.
Oh righteous Rama! There is nothing like the other world.
What you are seeing with your eyes alone is real. Hence, you
rule the kingdom which is in front of you and enjoy life. Don’t
Ayodhya Kandam 107
live in the air and build castles in the air. Since Bharata is
requesting you in several ways. You accept his appeal, go with
him and rule the country.”
RAMA CONDEMNS JABALI’S THEORY
Ramayanam]
Rama said “Oh Jabali! You took a lot of pain in teaching
me atheism, as though it helps me. In fact all these teach me
adharma only. Those who do sinful acts, those who do not have
a character, those who do not follow any rules and regulations
cannot be called a righteous person. The charater of a person
itself will reveal whether he is a wicked person or a hero. Those
who do sinful acts and pretend as honest, those who appear
as a superior person and do henious acts, those who have bad
character and pretend as if they are righteous persons are all
infact doing great harm to the society. Will anyone respect
such an unrighteous person? Will any spiritual person can
respect them?
Oh Jabali! The world is taking shelter on truth. Rishis and
devatas also agree that truth alone is dharma. A truthful person
will have the highest respect. In the same way, Raja dharma is
an age-old tradition and is permanent. This Raja dharma is
also an integral part of truth. There will be no room for cruelity
in it. I will not disobey the promise made to my father because
I have to be a model to my people. If I accept your teachings,
my people also will wander away from Dharma, without
following any rules and regulations. People will be afraid of
an untruthful person like they are afraid of a cobra. Truth is
the shelter for this world and for the other world also. Truth
is Paramatma. Lakshmi always take shelter in truth. Hence
truth is the base for everything. There is no other superior
dharma than truth. The truth is the shelter for Danam, yagam,
tapasya, vedaadhyayanam. One takes birth as a king and
another person is born as a paupar. A person goes to heaven
and another person goes to hell. All these are the fruits of truth
and untruth.
Oh Jabali! I will take shelter under truth. I promised to
my father on my truthfulness. How can I go away from
truthfulness now? Either out of greed or by ignorance or
tamoguna, I cannot break my promise made to my father. If a
person is not truthful, the havyam and kavyam offered in a
yagna will not be touched by devatas and pitru devatas.
Sin is of three ways.
One person does sin by entertaining sinful thoughts.
Another person does sinful acts openly.
Yet another person will commit sin by speaking untruth.
Those who did not have firm mind, will do sin by mind,
action and speech. The glory always goes to the truthful
person. Though a person dies, his glory will not leave him.
Hence man should always live under the shelter of truth.
Oh brahmin! What all you told me as auspiciousness is
really inauspiciousness. I promised my father that I will live
in forests. I stand by my word. How can I listen to the words of
Bharata? Even Kaikeyi also was happy at my promise made to
my father. Therefore I will live in forests as a pure person
eating limited food and satisfying my ancestors. This land is
karma boomi. The person who is born on this land is to perform
pure karmas. Based on his karma phalams they will get
superior births. Indra performed hundred yagnas and became
the king of heaven. Many Maharishis did severe tapasya and
attained heaven. Truthfulness, dharma, valor, bhoota daya,
vaaksuddhi, worshiping brahmins and devatas are the right
Ayodhya Kandam 109

path for reaching heaven. Normally brahmins perform karmas
which yield good results. They observe all dharmas and reach
heaven. But, as you are behaving like a different type of
Brahmin, the persons who follow your teachings will get
destroyed. I have to blame my father for appointing such an
athiest as his minister.”
While Rama became furious at Jabali, he obediently
replied as “Rama! I am not an athiest. At times, I speak like an
athiest. At someother times, I speak like a thiest. Now the
circumstances have provoked me to speak like an atheist, so
as to take you to Ayodhya.”
VASISTA REQUESTS RAMA TO BECOME KING
Ramayanam]
On hearing Rama’s words Vasista said “Rama! Jabali spoke
to you like an athiest to take you to Ayodhya. Really speaking
he is a believer of Vedas. He believes about different lokas, birth
and death etc. Now please listen. I will tell you how this world
has been created.
Before the worlds were created everything was filled with
the waters of pralayam. Earth was bron out of those waters.
After that Brahma and devatas were born. Lord Vishnu took
the form of varaham and lifted the earth. Mareecha and others
were born to Brahma. Kasyapa were born to Mareechi. Sun
god was born to Kasyapa. The Manu who was a prajapathi was
born to the sun. Ikshvaku was born to Manu. Manu has given
the entire land to Ikshvaku. Ikshvaku has built Ayodhya. Kukshi
was the son of Ikshvaku… Naabaga was born to Nahusha. Aja
was born to Naabaga. Dasaratha was born to Aja. Rama was
born to Dasaratha as his eldest son. In this manner you are
the only eligible ruler of Ayodhya. In this family of Ikshvaku,

all the eldest sons only were ruling the country. While the
eldest son is alive, the younger brother is not eligible to rule
the country. Hence Rama! You accept the kingdom, come back
to Ayodhya and rule the country. Don’t change the heritage
which is coming from the times immemorial.”
VASISTA TEACHES RAMA
Ramayanam]
Vasista said again “Rama! Every man has to clear three
debts. One is the debt of father who performs Upanayanam,
the second is the debt of the mother who gives birth and the
third is the debt of the guru who gives knowledge. That way, I
am your guru. I am also the guru to your father. You listen my
words and rule these pundits, Maharishis, brahmins and
people. Your mother has become old. You serve her at her old
age.”
Rama said “Maharishi! It is not possible to repay the debt
of father and mother who gave me birth, brought me up and
taught me many things. I have promised my father and I cannot
break it.”
Bharata said “Sumantra! My brother is firm on his words.
I will observe Prayopavesam and will not touch food or water
till death. Bring me darbha grass. I will spread it on the floor
and lay on it till my brother agrees to my requests. Unless my
brother is pleased, what purpose is there for this body.”
Sumantra looked at Rama. Rama did not respond. Hence
Bharata himself went and picked up darbha grass and spread
it on the floor and sat on it.
Rama said “Bharata! What harm did I do for you? Why
are you sleeping in front of my door and resorting to
Prayopavesam? Only brahmins can do prayopavesam to collect
Ayodhya Kandam 111

their money. But a Kshatriya should not resort to
prayopavesam. Hence you withdraw your prayopavesam and
go to Ayodhya.”
After listening to Rama’s words, Bharata looked at the
people and said “Oh people of Ayodhya! You all came,
undertaking so many hardships, only to convince my brother.
Now why are you keeping silent? You all force Rama to come
and rule Ayodhya.” The people of Ayodhya said in one voice
“We know all about Rama. He is not a man of two words. He is
firm in fulfilling the promise made to his father. What he is
telling is also the dharma.”
Rama said “Bharata! Do you hear what people are saying?
You listen to my words peacefully. Don’t be adamant. Get up
and do achamanam, so that the guilt will vanish.” Bharata said
“Oh people! You listen to my words. I never asked for this
kingdom nor did I provoke my mother. When Rama went to
forests, I was not in Ayodhya. I came with all of you to the
forests to prostrate at the feet of my brother and to take him
to Ayodhya. But he is firm on the promise. I tried to convince
him. You also supported him. I will suggest him an alternative.
I shall fulfill the orders of my father and live in the forests.
Satrughna will also live with me. Let Rama, Sita and Lakshmana
go to Ayodhya and rule the country. By doing so, we can fulfill
the promise made to my father and also you can have the rule
of Rama.”
On hearing Bharata’s words Vasista, brahmins and all the
citizens were astronished. Rama said “Oh people! When my
father was alive, whatever he purchased, sold, mortigaged or
donated, did we have any right to change it? Should we not
obey his actions now? It cannot be changed either by Bharata
or even by god. In this manner, when my father was alive, he
had ordered Bharata to rule the country and he has ordered
me to live in forests. Today who can change his order? Kaikeyi
had asked my father that I should live in forests and Bharata
should rule the country. My father has put his seal on her
request. Now who can change the orders of my father? If at all
anybody changes my father’s words, it will amount to untruth.
So we both are bound to obey his orders and fulfill our duties.”
MAHARISHIS CONVINCES BHARATHA
Ramayanam]
The way in which Rama and Bharata were discussing like
this, all brahmins, Maharishis, ministers and citizens were all
astronished. Not only those who assembled there, but all divine
communities wandering in the sky also were appreciating their
discussion. They were happy the way in which the brothers
were committed to dharma. They said that the king Dasaratha
was fortunate to have such righteous sons. They all came down
to earth and said “Oh Rama and Bharata! We are all listening
to your conversation from the sky with great interest. King
Dasaratha who gave birth to you all is fortunate. You both are
righteous. Having heard this conversation, we could not resist
our temptation of taking to you. We are all fed up with the
atrocities of Ravana. Oh Bharata! You are born in a surperior
family. You are a righteous person. Your glory will remain
immortal. Keep respect to the words of your father. Let Rama
live in the forests. Dasaratha reached heaven because he was
relieved from the debt of Kaikeyi. If you do not fulfill the desire
of Kaikeyi, he will be thrown out of heaven for untruthful
nature.”
Rama respected all those divine communities with
traditional honours.
Bharata said “Rama! Again I am requesting you to come
to Ayodhya. Kaikeyi is responsible for your forest life. Now she
Ayodhya Kandam 113

will withdraw her demand. Hence you come back and rule
Ayodhya.” Rama said “Oh Bharata! Come and sit by my side.
Leave your fears. You are a wise person and you have learnt
many sastras from guru. You are quite capable of ruling the
country. You have experienced ministers. All the brahmin
community are splendourous. With the help of all those people
you can rule the country. As far as I am concerned, ‘Let moon
loose its coolness, let Himalayas go without ice, let the oceans
cross their boundaries but I will not break the promise made
to our father.’ Don’t abuse your mother. You respect her as
before.”
Bharata said “Rama! Here are the golden slippers. You
fix your feet into them. Then, we will carry them to Ayodhya.
From now onwards, these slippers will rule the country. They
will protect the people.” Rama kept his feet in the slippers and
removed again from them. Bharata prostrated before the
slippers with devotion and said “Rama! From now, I will
continue to wear valkalas and jatas. I will live on fruits and
roots. I will keep your slippers on the throne till you come.
Look here. If you do not return immediately after fourteen
years I will enter into the flames and give up this body.”
Rama promised that he will come back to Ayodhya after
completing the forest life of fourteen years. Bharata kept the
slippers on his head made pradakshinam to Rama, then kept
them on the royal elephant. Vasista Maharishi, ministers and
brahmins appreciated Rama and Bharata.
BHARATA GOES TO AYODHYA
Adhyatma Ramayanam]
Bharata, Satrughna, Vasista Maharishi and others sat in
their respective chariots. They made pradakshinam to Mt.

Chitrakootam. Then, they travelled towards east and crossed
river Mandakini. They all reached the ashram of Baradwaja
Maharishi. Bharata kept his army at a distance and went to
Maharishi’s ashram by walk and others followed him. Bharata
said “Oh Maharishi! I and all others pleaded with Rama but he
did not accept our request. We all appealed him to keep his
feet in the golden slippers, which will be kept as his
representative to rule the country. Rama agreed and gave his
slippers. We are carrying those slippers and proceeding
towards Ayodhya. On our way we came to inform you and take
your blessings.”
Bharadwaja said “Oh Bharata! You are the superior
among the Ikshvakus. As water flows down all the good
qualities have flowed into you. You know all dharmas. You
father Dasaratha is fortunate to have you as his son as you are
showing total interest in upkeeping dharma.” Bharata
prostrated at his feet and took leave of him. On their way they
met Guha and from there they reach Ayodhya.
They all reached Ayodhya and Bharata went into the
palace where Dasaratha lived. That was looking like a cage
without a lion. He wept bitterly and said that he couldnot live
in that palace any more.
BHARATA RULES FROM NANDI VILLAGE
Ramayanam]
Bharata said “Oh Vasista Maharishi! I cannot live in this
palace without my father and brother. I do not want even to
live in Ayodhya. I will live in Nandi village on the out skirts of
Ayodhya. From now onwards, I will live in that village only.”
After saying so, Bharata sat in the chariot and went to Nandi
village. Vasista Maharishi and others followed him. Bharata
Ayodhya Kandam 115

said “Oh ministers and the people of Ayodhya! Rama has
appointed me as his representative. His slippers alone will
guide me and takes care of your well being. You bring the sweta
chatram (while royal umbrella)and keep it over the slippers.”
Bharata did coronation to those slippers. He wore valkalas,
jatas and continued ruling from Nandi village.
RAMA LEAVES CHITRAKOOTAM
Ramayanam]
After Bharata left, all the tapasvis doing tapasya on
Mt. Chitrakootam went to Rama. Looking at them Rama said
“Oh superior Maharishis! Why have you all come? Did I cause
any inconvenience to you? Did my brother speak any harsh
words to you? Or did Sita do any harm to you? You are all
looking panicky. Why are you looking confused?”
A senior Maharishi said “Rama! Nither you nor Lakshmana
nor Sita did any harm to us. This area is full of rakshasas. Khara
is their leader. He is not only very valorous but also cruel. Of
late, he has developed taste for human flesh. He is the cousin
of Ravana. Hence none of us can oppose him. He threatened
many Maharishis doing tapasya on this mountain. They all left
and are living in different places and doing tapasya. Now and
then, some of his assistants come and threaten us to leave this
mountain.
Rama! We have all decided to leave this place. You are
living with your wife here. Any time danger may fall on you
also. We were hesitant to caution you all these days. Hence
you also come with us.’ On hearing them, Rama tried to
convince them. But the Maharishis thanked Rama and left Mt.
Chitrakootam.”

RAMA REACHES ATRI ASHRAMA
Adhyatma Ramayanam]
After Maharishis left, Rama said “Lakshmana! My mind is
fully disturbed after seeing Bharata and our mothers. He came
with large army which disturbed the normal life of the animals
and birds living in this forest. Hence we also must leave this
place and go to the ashram of Atri Maharishi.”
Rama, Lakshmana and Sita reached the ashram of Atri
Maharishi. Maharishi worshiped Rama with traditional rituals
and said “Rama! She is my wife, Anasuya. A chaste woman and
a great tapasvini. Long ago, there was a severe drought in this
forest. At that time, all Maharishis suffered for want of food
and water. She has created food and water for all tapovanas
with the power of her tapasya.”
Rama said “Oh Sita! Have you heard what Maharishi said?
You go and serve the munipatni.”
Rama and Lakshmana did pradakshina namaskarams to
her with devotion. Sita also prostrated at her feet and sat by
her side. Anasuya taught several dharmas to Sita. Anasuya Devi
said “Oh Sita! I heard that your marriage was so thrilling. To
my fortune you are with me today. You tell me about your
marriage in detail?” Sita told her all about her marriage and
made her happy.
RAMA MOVES TO DANDAKARANYA
Ramayanam]
Sita narrated about her marriage till sunset. All Maharishis
completed their evening rituals and agnihotra pooja. At that
time, Anasuya said “Oh Sita! You wear this sari and ornaments.
Ayodhya Kandam 117

I want to see you in them. Rama must be waiting for you. I am
giving you permission. You go and serve him.” Sita went,
decorated herself, came out and prostrated before Anasuya
Devi. Sita took permission from her and went to Rama. Rama
looked at her decorations and felt happy.
That night, all the Maharishis of neibouring tapovanas
came and had their dinner with Rama. They kept on talking
about the glories of Paramatma. At dawn Rama, Lakshmana
and Sita completed their morning rituals and agnihotra pooja.
They took the blessings from all Maharishis and Anusuaya Devi
and proceeded to Dandakaranya. All Maharishis said that
Dandakaranya was a dangerous place where all rakshasas
would be wandering freely. They showed the way to
Dandakaranya. Sita, Rama and Lakshmana saluted to all
Maharishis and went to Dandakaranya.
–oOo–

Glossary
Aagney astra An astra consecrated to Agni
(fire god)
Aaslesha The ninth lunar mansion
containing five stars
Aaswayuja a month in Indian calendar
Achamanam sip water thrice as a religious rite
Adhyayanam learning especially of the Vedas
Agni the god of fire
Agnihotra sacred fire
Ahambhavam ego
Akhilanda Sachidananda Highest Supreme Being
Parabrahman
Amaravathi The capital city of heaven or Indra
Amavasya New moon day
Anga desa Kingdom of Anga
Apaurisheyas not written by humans
Apsaras A woman belonging to divine
community
Ardha attainment of worldly prosperity
Arghyam oblations to a god
Arghyam and Padyam A respectful offering or worship
Arundathi wife of Vasista maharishi
Asana Seat
Asrama hermitage
Astra, sastras a weapon with mantra (missile)
Asuras Demon; an evil spirit
Aswamedha yaga Emblematic sacrifice of a horse
Ayodhya Kandam 119

Aswath (tree) holy fig tree
Athi-radhas An athi-radha is capable of
protecting his charioteer, chariot,
horses, his bow, flag and the flag
post
Atibala too much strength
Bakthi devotion
Bala strength
Beggara a type of water bird
Bhavas different emotions
Bheda enacting of an ally of the enemy to
ones own party.
Bhokta Brahmin who is fed as the
representative of the devatas or
ancestral parents
Bhootam An element or of which five are
enumerated
Boothas an element
Brahamananda Bliss
Brahma loka the abode of Brahma
Brahmacharis A dwija in the first ashrama of a
religious student
Brahmaandam a primital egg out of which the
whole universe came.
Brahmahatya the sin of Killing a Brahmarishi;
Brahman the Supreme Power
Brahman, Brahmin
Brahmana One who belongs to the first four
casts of the Hindu
Brahmarishi A rishi who has subdued all the
senses and attained the highest
perfection.
Brahmastra a weapon with mantra (missile)
Brahmi muhurtam an auspicious time between 3 am
and 4 am
Brihaspati the guru of devatas
Bhudevi earth
Chaandala A Pariah or an outcast
Chaitraratha the garden of Kubera
Chakravakas a type of water bird
Chakrayudha Chakra weapon
Chandraayana a religious observance
Charanas a panegyrist of the gods
Chowari a fan for an idol; a white whisk
Chudamani an ornament worn on forehead
Dana Gift, Charity
Danava Titan giant
Danda The last of the four expedients of
getting the better of others.
Dandaka vana a forest
Dandaneethi criminal procedure code
Darbha grass sacrificial grass
Darshan a vision
Dasakhanta Ravana
(ten headed rakshasa king)
Deeksha Dedicating
Deva Divine
Devadaru Deodar pine
Devarshis One of the seven celestial sages
(ex. Narada)
Devatas a celestial or god
Ayodhya Kandam 121

Dhyana sloka mental representation of the
personal attributes of a deity
Dharma; Dharmas prescribed course of conduct
Dharma, Ardha, Kama the principle object of human life
and Moksha and pursuit of which four are
enumerated as
Dharmapatni wife married in Vedic way
Dharmardhas dharma and ardha
Dharmothara purana One of the ancient puranas
Dikpalakas gods who guard all directions
Durbar Court hall
Durgam a hill fort
Dwija A man belongs to the first three
casts viz Brahmana, Kshatriya,
Vaysya.
Ekasantagrahi relates to memory power
Gandharva astra a weapon
Gandharva Celestial Musician; a class of demi
god
Gara balanites aegyptiaca
Gayatri mantram the name of the most sacred verse
of Vedas
Gnana consciousness
Gnati one collaterally related by family
tree
Greeshma rituvu summer (months of Jeshtam and
Aashadam)
Grihastasrama that part of a mans life which
leads as a householder
Guru teacher
Gurukulam a disciple stay in the house of a
teacher

Gurus teachers
Halahalam the deadliest poison
Hareetas Insincerity, cunning
havisis the offerings made to various gods
in yagna
Havissu Oblations of ghee or any other fit
for oblations
Havyam, kavyam to be offered in oblation to the
god
Heenagreeva vile person
Hemanta ruthu first half of the cold season
Homadhenu worshiped celestial cow
Homagundam Homa fire place
Hora darpanam One of the ancient puranas
Hotas priest who recites Rigveda
Indriyas senses
Jala tarpanas a religious rite of offering water to
the deceased
Jata a mass of twisted hair normally
worn by munis
Jataka karma ceremony performed at the time
of child birth
Jatas matted look of hair
Kadha story
Kalahapriya Lover of creating quarrels
Kalakuta a kind of deadly poison
Kalamu death; Time; Season
Kalapasam noose of the god of death
Kaliyuga the present and forth of yugas
Ayodhya Kandam 123

kalpas thousand mahayugas
Kalpataruvu one of the trees of Indra’s
paradise which is said to yield
what ever is desired.
Kama carnal gratification
Kamadhenu the celestial cow which yields
what ever is desired
Kambhoja soldiers Soldiers of ancient country of
Kambhoji
Kandams Chapter or divisions
Karandavas a water bird
Karkataka lagnam the sign of cancer in the zodiac
Karma Acts
Karma Bhoomi the land where in religious rites
hold the most important place in
man’s life.
Kausalya supraja Rama a waking stotras of Lord Vishnu
Kavyamu poetical composition
Kavyas oblations for offering the
ingredients differ in addition to
havisis.
Kimpurushas A class of demi gods
Kinnera a kind of lute
Kiratas A pitiless monster;
a name of Lord Siva.
kolam decorations with rice powder
Koorma-puranam One of the ancient puranas
Krauncha birds A kind of Heron or curlew
Krithikas A kind of celestial
Krodha burning anger
Krosas a distance of about two miles

Krutayuga First of the four yugas
Kshatriya Tejassu The brilliance of a person who
belongs to the second caste
Kshatriyas people belonging to the second
caste in the Hindus
Ksheerasagaram the ocean containing milk
Kshetra The land or a place of Pilgrimage.
Kshtriya dharma the duty of a kshatriya ( military
powers)
Kubera the god of riches and regent of the
north
Maaredu tree Bilwa tree
(botanical: Bengal Quinee)
Madajalamu Rut of an elephant
Magathis panegyrist of a king; a bard
Maha Prastana the final departure to heaven
Maharadha A great warrior among the
kshatriya kings and nobles who
fought from chariots.
Maharishi A great sage
Mahatmas Superior people
Mahayuga comprising of Krita, treta,
dwapara and kali yugas
Malamu and Kalasamu impurity and filth
Manassu Mind
Mandharagiri Mt.Mandhara
Mantra; Mantra Sastramu;
Mantras a formula sacred to any particular
deity
Marudgana Indra’s followers
Maruthas a deity
Ayodhya Kandam 125
Mlechas Barbarians or non Aryans
Moduga, Moduga tree Butea frondosa
Moksha exception from further birth
Mudgaras a weapon made of steel used in
olden days.
Muhurthas 48 minutes or 1/30 of a day
Muneendra hermit or a great sage
Muni a sage
Muni dharma living a life of tapasvi
Munipatnis wife of muni
Nadha husband; ruler
Nagaloka Kingdom of serpents
Nakshatra an asterism in the moons path
Navarathnas nine gems
Omkara the sacred syllable
Paapam sin
Padukas slippers
Padyam water for washing the feet of one
who is to be revered.
Pancha boothas five elements
Pandals a shed made of leaves
Pandits Scholars
Pannagas Serpents
Parama Siva Lord Siva
Paramatma Eternal Being
Parapeedanam doing evil to others
Parayanam reading a holy book as a daily
lesson regularly
Parigha an iron club
Paropakaram doing good to others
Patala The last of seven regions under
the earth; a deep pit.
Payasam Rice boiled in milk with sugar for
offering
Pinda Sraadha a round ball of food offered to
ancestral parents as mark of
funeral rite.
Pindas a round mass or a ball of meal
Pisacha demons
Pitru devatas ancestral parents
Pradikshana walk around in a clockwise
direction
Prajapati Brahma; One of the ten lords of
creation
Pralaya jalamu waters of annihilation
Pralayagni Fire at the time of dissolution of
creation
Pratyabdika sradham annual ceremony to the sacred
parents
Pretas Ghost or spirit
Punarvasu The seventh of the lunar mansions
Punyam religious excellence
Puranas Ancient history, legendary and
traditional
Purushartham The principal object of a human
life and pursued.
Pushyami nakshatram the eighth lunar mansions
Putrakamana Yaga Sacrifice performed by the one
who is desirous of male offspring
Rahu the ascending node of moon; a
Ayodhya Kandam 127

dragons head
Raja king
Rajadharma the duty of a king
Rajarishis a kshatriya who by religious
austerity has become a saint
Rajasuya yaga a great sacrifice
rakshasa A demon
Rammata who brought up Rama with her
breast milk
Rasatala one of the seven regions under
the earth
Regu zizyphus jujuba
Rethassu The seminal fluid; Sperm
Rishis hermit
Rithvicks The priest who officiates at
sacrifice
Rudra Lord Siva
Dwadasa Rudras twelve rudras
Ruthuvu season
Sabdavedi locating an object merely by the
sound in the dark
Sadhus righteous people
Sahadharmacharini Wife who has been married with
Vedic rites
Sakas a tribe of people who invaded
India
Sama One of the four Upayas; a means
of success against enemy
(of which four are usually
enumerated Sama, dana,
bedha, danda).

Samadhi absorbed in the higher self
Samhara Sakthi the power of annihilation
Sanatana dharma eternal dharma
Sanchita karmas the accumulated fruits of actions
of an individual
Sanga Veda Fully with all the necessary
divisions of Veda.
Sanyasi monk
Saptarishi tapovana belonging to seven
rishis
Saptarishi mandalam Dominion of divine Maharishis
Sarassu Lake
Saravanam a large clump of reeds
Sarga chapter
Sarsa kind of a water bird
Sastras a sacred precept
Satva Excellence
Satvic first of the three gunas.viz. Satva,
Rajas, Tamo.
Satyam truth
Sesha serpent
Siddhas an inspired sage
Siddhi/ Sidhi Accomplishment
Sita charitam Life History of Sita
Skanda purana One of the ancient puranas
Sloka Celebrity or stanza
Soma latha Intoxicating and invigorating juice
of Soma latha, is the beverage of
gods
Ayodhya Kandam 129

Sradham funeral rite
Sruthi Veda
Srutis heard from the voice of their guru
Sudharma assembly hall
Sudras last of the four varnas
Surabhi name of celestial cow
Suras a demi god
Suvarchala wife of Sun god
Swarga heaven
Swetha kalpa one of the thirty kalpas
Tamo guna pertaining to Tamassu, the quality
of darkness
Tamo guna One of the three primary gunas of
the universe
Tanmatras nature of some thing
Tapasvi hermit
Tapasvini a woman tapasvi
Tapasya Penance
tapovana Hermitage
Tatvagnanamu knowledge of Eternal Truth
Telaka Pindi oil cake
Tretagnis dakshanagni, aahavaniyagni,
garhyapatyagni
Tretayuga The second of the four yugas
Trimurthis Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswara.
Upanayanam Initiation of a youth of any of the
first three castes in to the sacred
study.
Upanishads their chief aim is to ascertain the
secret meanings of Vedas
Uttara bhagam Later portion of the story
Vaisakham the second lunar month
Vaishnava Dhanassu bow of Vishnu
Vaishnavas the followers of Lord Vishnu
Vaitarani river of hell
Vajapaya chatramu this is an umbrella which can be
held by those brahmins who has
performed Vajapaya yagna as a
symbol of dharma
Vajapeya yagnas a particular sacrifice
Vajra a weapon of Indra
Valakala the inner soft bark of tree which is
used for as a hermits garb
Valmikams anthills
Vanadurgam a forest fort
anaprastasrhrma the third of the four ashramas
Vanaras Monkeys
Vanas gardens
Vandis one who praises the king
Varaha an incarnation of lord Vishnu in
the form of a pig.
Varnasrama dharma Duties of principal four casts viz.
Brahmin, kshatriya, Vysya, Sudra.
Vasantarutu Spring season
Vasthu pooja; Vastu santi a ceremony performed on the
occasion of the foundation of a
house is laid
Vasus a demi god
Vayu puranam One of the ancient puranas
Veda; Vedic; Vedic slokas Divine knowledge
Ayodhya Kandam 131

Vedangas sciences regarded as auxiliary to
Vedas
Vedic Karma Prescribed by Vedas
Vimanam a chariot of demi-gods
Vinda muhurtham In that muhurtham people who
lost anything, the owner of it will
get back in a short time
Vrata a religious vow
Vratamu a religious vow
Vysva devam an offering or a sacrifice
Vysyas Third in the four principal castes.
Vyvaswatamanmantra name of the current
Manmantramu
Yaga Aswa sacrificial horse in a sacrifice.
Yagas an act of worship
Yagasala The prescribed place for offering
oblations in a sacrifice.
Yagnaswa a horse selected for a sacrifice
Yagna an act of worship
Yagnavatika The prescribed place for offering
oblations in a sacrifice.
Yagneswara Yagna Swaroopa Lord Vishnu
Yajaka The priest officiating at a sacrifice
Yajur Veda one of the four vedas
Yaksha Demi god; attendants of Kubera.
Yama Lord of death
Yamapasam noose of the god of death
Yavana soldiers Native soldiers of the country of
Yavana
Yogasamadhi Going in to a state of Samadhi
while performing yoga

Yogis one who practices yoga; an ascetic
Yojanas a distance of 8 to 9 miles
Yuga an age of the world
Yupaposts post to which the victim is tied in
a sacrifice
Yuvaraja Prince
–oOo–
Ayodhya Kandam 133

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VALMIKI RAMAYANAM

SRI RAMAKRISHNA TAPOVANAM

Typesetting by : R. Anuradha Raghuram, Hyderabad. (9441186831)

Sri Nori Suryanarayana and Smt. Nori Seetamma

My father Sree Nori Suryanarayana son of Sree Nori

Society is rotten and stinking

GRIEF OF DASARATHA’S WIVES

PRESERVATION OF DASARATHA’S BODY

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