The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode we saw the commencement of the “Yuddha-Kaanda” and witnessed the significance of the same. As we moved on further, we witnessed that Hanuman has finished his entire accord on Sita’s whereabouts, the message from Sita to Rama (along with handing over Sita’s “Choodaamani” to Rama), detailed description of who is Ravana and his strengths, who is Indrajith and his talent of waging illusionary wars, etc. Also, Hanuman talks about the route from Kishkinta to Lanka, wherein he explains the shortest possible route to the shore of the ocean. However there is a doubt amongst all of them that Hanuman was capable of crossing the ocean all by himself – But how will the others, including Rama and Lakshmana cross over to reach Lanka? For the moment, Sugriva puts this doubt to rest and the entire army gets ready to start journey.

Now moving on further, Rama chooses an auspicious date for the commencement of the journey. The day is chosen to be “Panguni-Utthiram”.

“Agreyaarthu balasyaasya neelo maargamavekshithum!”

As Sugriva unites all the Vaanaras into one single huge army, Lord Rama now starts to give them important instructions before commencing the journey – Neela to lead the army from the front. He will show the way and lead from the front. Secondly, the army should not enter into any city or urban areas where people are living. Since the army is too huge and if this huge army enters inside areas where people are residing, it might be of nuisance to them. Instead, the army should go through areas wherein the human population is scanty.

Moreover, the instruction is that the army should proceed through the foothills of mountain ranges all along the path. This is why, if we look into the geographical description given by Vaalmiki Maharishi, we can find that the Vaanara army moves southwards along the western slopes of the Western Ghats. This can be equated to the area of present day Indian state of Goa, proceeding southeards towards coastal Karnataka, crossing the present day city of Mangalore, proceeding further southwards towards Kerala, the cities of Calicut, Cochin and Trivandrum and enter into the southernmost district of Kannyakumari in Tamil Nadu. Thus the Vaanara army moves from Kishkinta through the “Sahyaadri” Mountain range and moves down southwards and reaches the southern tip of India, which is today’s Kannyakumari.

Thirdly Lord Rama instructs that nobody should eat or consume anything that is given by any stranger on the way. This is to avoid any unforeseen circumstances that Ravana could create, if he comes to know that the army is marching forward. The Raakshasaas would know that even if one or two members of the Vaanara army dies on the way due to some food poisoning, the entire army will find it difficult to move forward from that place. Hence, Rama instructs them to be very careful on this. The aim here is to reach Lanka as early as possible and the army should move ahead very quickly without wasting any time anywhere in the middle.

“Ninneshu varadurgeshu vaneshucha vanaukasaha!

Abhipluthyaabhi pashyethuhu pureshaam nihitham balam!!”

Thus the army moves fast and proceeds towards the southern direction. As mentioned above, the army crosses through innumerable mountain ranges starting from the “Sahyaadhri”, to “Kodagu” (Birthplace of river Cauvery), then pass through the “Nilgiri” mountain range (Current-day Ooty), further southwards towards the “Thiruvidhaangur” mountain range near the present-day city of “Paalakkad” in Kerala and finally reach the “Mahendra-Giri” mountain range near the current day town of Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu.

Thus the Vaanara army quickly moves towards this “Mahendragiri” mountain range – It should be remembered by the readers that this is the mountain from where Hanuman had crossed the ocean when he had gone to Lanka for the first time.

It is a very interesting geography at this point here – The plains that lie west of this “Mahendragiri” is today’s Indian state of Kerala, and the plains that lie to the east of this “Mahendragiri” is today’s Indian state of Tamil Nadu. From this point, if we traverse around 40 miles southwards, we would reach Kannyakumari. It is at this point where the entire army comes now – We can even see a small port town by name “Kolachal” on the west coast bordering Kerala and Tamil Nadu states. It is from this Kolachal that the army climbs up the mountains and cross over to the eastern side into Tamil Nadu. It is only at this point, the army goes into an urban section. It is to be remembered that today’s Kerala was a complete forest area at those times and the urban areas are towards the present-day Tamil Nadu.

Thus the army crosses over and reaches the east coast, which is not very far from that place. At this point, Rama asks Sugriva to check out if a bridge can be constructed from this location to reach Lanka. Now here is where the topic of the “Ram-Sethu” bridge starts. It’s a very important and an interesting discussion given by Vaalmiki Maharishi. So for today, let the Vaanara army rest themselves at this point before going further. Let’s wait till the next episode to commence the discussion on the bridge construction in detail! 🙂

So far in this blog series, we have witnessed five important “Kaandas” (Parts) of the Vaalmiki Ramayana and innumerable lessons for life, management and leadership were discussed. The last episode saw the culmination of the all-important “Sundara-Kaanda”.

If we look at the Ramayana closely, we can witness that each Kaanda is dedicated to explain each of the important paths of “Dharma” (Righteousness) – The “Baala Kaanda” emphasized on the “Dharma” that a son should always be obedient to his parents at all times. It also emphasized the “Dharma” of being an obedient student to a “Guru” (Master). The second “Kaanda”, the “Ayodhya Kaanda” laid major emphasis on the duties of a son towards his parents and keeping up their words to live up to their expectation.

Moving on, in the “Aaranya Kaanda” the emphasis was on how to be a loving husband towards his wife and the significance of leading a united and an enjoyable married life. Moreover, the foundation was laid to explain how “Adharma” leads to destruction. In the “Kishkinta Kaanda” we witnessed the significance of a friend. In the present day we have heard this famous proverb – “A friend in need is a friend indeed”. We saw the importance of how Rama and Sugriva were great friends in times of each other’s needs and how they helped each other at the apt time. Finally in the “Sundara Kaanda” we had witnessed how a messenger and a wife should conduct themselves during testing times. We had witnessed the significance of a messenger in different contexts and how Hanuman stood as an epitome of an ideal messenger. Moreover, we have witnessed how Sita is an epitome of the “Pathi-Vratha Dharma”, which signifies the devotion towards her husband at all times.

As we move into the “Yuddha-Kaanda”, Vaalmiki Maharishi describes in great detail, the significance of “Unconditional Surrender” by an ardent devotee of Bhagawan. He signifies and emphasizes this point through a person called “Vibhishana”, who is none other than Ravana’s brother. The surrendering of Vibhishana to the feet of Lord Rama and in turn, Rama accepting Vibhishana as one of his greatest devotees is the highlight of the Yuddha Kaanda. Of course, Vaalmiki Maharishi describes the war between the “Raakshasaas” headed by Ravana and the Vaanaras headed by Sugriva, Hanuman and Lord Rama himself. This “Yuddha-Kaanda” is extremely significant because it explains the victory of “Dharma” over “Adharma”. Moving further, we shall see the important excerpts from the “Yuddha-Kaanda” and I shall try my best to bring out the important lessons that we can learn for our modern-day life from the “Yuddha-Kaanda”.

Now moving further from where we left in the previous episode, we had witnessed that Lord Rama is completely overwhelmed and happy that finally after a long effort, Sita’s whereabouts have been traced and this treacherous job was accomplished by none other than Hanuman himself – who is an epitome of shrewdness and sharpness in whatever mission he undertakes. It is now time for the strategy to be framed by Rama and Co. to proceed towards Lanka, invade Lanka and to fight Ravana. As the strategy is being set, Hanuman gives a detail accord on the strengths of the mighty Ravana, his powers, his invincibility and also about Indrajith and his capability to wage a war using unique “illusionary tactics”. Rama and Lakshmana listen to Hanuman’s words very carefully and plan the strategy accordingly.

“Kim tvayaa tapyathe veera yathaannah praakruthastathaa!

Samudram lankayithvaathu mahaarakrama samaakulaam!

Lankaam aarohayisshyaamaha harisshyaamascha te lupum!!”

Thus, Hanuman explains in detail to Rama and Lakshmana, his views and understandings of Ravana’s powers and the significance of Lanka. Moreover he also talks about the ways and means to get to Lanka. Now the biggest obstacle that everybody is having in their mind is that, “Oh! This Hanuman was able to cross the ocean and reach Lanka! Now how would this entire Vaanara army consisting of more than 70,000 monkeys cross the ocean and reach Lanka? How do we all manage to go now?” As this point of discussion comes to the table, Sugriva says, “First let us start from this place and go near the shore of the ocean. We shall think and decide on the strategy to cross over at that point of time!”

As the decision is being made to start from Kishkinta, Rama and Sugriva decide on which day to start – After a bit of pondering over, they finally decide that the entire army would commence the journey towards Lanka on the auspicious “Panguni-Utthram” day.

“Tathvam buddhi mathaam sreshtaha sarva shaastraartha kovithaha!

Madhvidaihi sachivaissaardham harircherthum cha arhasi!!”

Thus it is decided that the entire army would commence journey on the day of “Pankuni” month when the “Utthiram” star falls. The entire army prepares to commence journey. For now, we shall also prepare ourself to start our journey with Rama, Lakshmana and the Vaanara army! Let’s wait till the next episode to commence our journey with all of them! 🙂

In the previous episode we had witnessed that Hanuman is narrating to Rama, all the instances and incidences that had happened during his visit to Lanka. He emotionally narrates to Rama, what all Sita said to him that are to be conveyed to Rama and Lakshmana. Upon hearing this, Rama is unable to control his tears as well as his anger towards Ravana, who has inflicted this much of tribulations to his beloved wife. He thus takes a pledge in front of all the Vaanaras saying that he would be the ultimate person who would reduce Ravana to ashes and liberate Sita from Lanka. He requests Hanuman to take him immediately to the place where he has found Sita.

At this moment we also witnessed the very important event wherein Hanuman hands over the ring (Choodaamani) that Sita had given to Hanuman (to be offered to Lord Rama as a token of her love for him). As Hanuman hands it over, Rama’s heart melts, melts and melts further in such a way that he is initially unable to look at the “Choodaamani” for a few moments. He recalls his day of marriage with his beloved Sita and recalls the history of this “Choodaamani”.

It is at this point that Rama wants to gift Hanuman with something for all the selfless service that he has rendered to him and Mother Sita – But unfortunately he couldn’t find any. It is at this moment that Rama gives Hanuman a big hug and says, “Oh Hanuman! For all the selfless service that you had done to me, this hug is what I’m capable of giving you! I am virtually powerless to give you a better gift than this! Hence, oh Hanuman! Please treat this hug itself as my greatest gift for all what you’ve done selflessly for me!”

What is Hanuman’s feeling when he receives Rama’s hug? He is equally overwhelmed! Hanuman is in tears of joy! He is so happy that his hero (or his Lord) is hugging him directly! What more can Hanuman ask for?

Here is a very important life lesson for all of us – Receiving Bhagawan’s grace directly is the best gift we can ever receive from Him, rather than wealth or money and all other physical gift items! If Lord Rama himself has to feel helpless to compensate Hanuman for his selfless service and if Lord Rama himself his calling Hanuman and hugging him wholeheartedly with him, what better gift can Hanuman ask for? Since Hanuman is an “Aachaarya” or the “Supreme spiritual Master”, he understands the significance of Lord Rama’s gesture – A hug from Bhagawan speaks volumes than those of materialistic gifts!

Hence, the important lesson that we can learn from this Lord Rama-Hanuman episode is that, if we devote our actions towards Bhagawan in a selfless way, Bhagawan would recognize and acknowledge our selfless efforts through the best way possible! Moreover, we should not be doing service by “expecting” something in return from someone (including from Bhagawan). This is because Bhagawan knows what is best for us and at what time! Thus if we are sincere and selfless in our approach in every sphere of our daily life, Bhagwan knows when, where and how to shower His divine grace upon us! This is exactly happening in this context too – For Hanuman’s selfless service towards Bhagawan, he gets the highest reward from the Lord himself at the right moment! If Bhagawan himself has to come and say to a Jeevaathma (Hanuman in this case) that he stands helpless for what Hanuman has did to him, this is the biggest achievement of Hanuman’s selfless devotion and service to Mother Sita and Lord Rama!

Thus moving on, after Hanuman finishes all the explanations, it is now time for the strategy for further action to be planned. With this section, the all-important “Sundara Kaanda” comes to an end! We have taken almost 60 Episodes to witness the “Sundara Kaanda” in minute detail. With the divine grace of Lord Rama and Mother Sita, we have now successfully covered five “Kaandas” of the Ramayana – right from the “Baala Kaanda” till the “Sundara Kaanda” and we have been witnessing important lessons for life and modern-day Management from each of the “Kaandas”.

From the next episode we shall move into the last Kaanda, which is the “Yuddha Kaanda” wherein Vaalmiki Maharishi is going to explain to all of us, the significance of “Unconditional Surrender” and the victory of “Dharma” over the “Adharma”. Let’s stay tuned to commence the “Yuddha Kaanda” from the next episode! 🙂

In the previous episode we had witnessed that all the Vaanaras make their way into Kishkinta and to the place of Sugriva, Lord Rama and Lakshmana. Eventually, Hanuman briefs Lord Rama that he has found Mother Sita, saw her and spoke with her. He also conveys that she is safe and secure and is an epitome of “Pathivratha” Dharma!

Upon hearing this initial news from Hanuman, Lord Rama’s happiness knows no bounds! He is thrilled to bits! So is Lakshmana and Sugriva! Lakshmana finally breathes a sigh of huge relief upon hearing that Mother Sita is safe and secure. As Hanuman goes on to narrate in much more detail, he conveys the important point that Sita would be alive for maximum 30 more days! Already 4 days have passed by for reaching Kishkinta from Lanka. Now there are 26 more days and quick action needs to be taken.

As Rama gets to hear this emotional description from Hanuman, his anger on Ravana knows no bounds! He takes a pledge in front of the Vaanaras thus, “Oh Sugriva and friends! Now that Hanuman has found out the whereabouts of Sita! This Rama would reduce the person who has abducted my beloved wife to ashes! This is a pledge that I’m taking this minute! After hearing about Sita, I shall not stay here even for one more minute! Oh Hanuman! Please take me to the place where you found Sita! Please let me see my Sita’s beautiful face again. I cannot live for one more minute without my beloved Sita! Thus, Hanuman, I request you.. Please help me unite with my beloved Sita!”

As Rama laments with anger and frustration, Hanuman rushes towards him and tries to calm him down. He says thus, “Oh my Lord! Please calm down! If you get angry like this, then what is the meaning of the word ‘Patience’? Let us think together and plan out a strategy! Let us first decide on an auspicious day to start from here. I shall narrate more about Ravana and Lanka as far as I’ve seen!”

Saying thus, Hanuman gives a detailed accord of Ravana – His strengths, weaknesses, Lanka’s city plan, how to go from Kishkinta to Lanka, etc. He gives each and every minute detail and as Hanuman talks, Rama couldn’t hold back his tears again!

As Rama’s eyes fill with tears, Hanuman thinks that this is the best opportunity to show Rama, the ring that Sita had given him. As Hanuman talks, he hands over the ring into Rama’s hands and says, “Oh Rama! This is what Mother Sita had given to me as a token of her love and affection for you! Please take this in your hands and bless it. Please do not worry! All of us are with you and Mother Sita. Both of you would unite very soon and it is just a matter of time!”

Upon seeing Sita’s ring, Rama’s happiness breaches all limits! He is overwhelmed with what Hanuman has done to him and Mother Sita! Rama acknowledges Hanuman’s selfless service and is in tears of joy! His heart is melting! His eyes cannot hold back his tears!

At this point, he says to Hanuman, “Oh my dearest Hanuman! By giving this ring in my hands, you’ve melted my heart with love and compassion! Lord Indra (Leader of the Celestial Beings) had once gifted King Janaka (Sita’s father) for his immense penance. When we were getting married, King Janaka placed this in Sita’s head. As he placed it, she looked even more divine and beautiful! This is a priceless gift that you have given me now! Oh Hanuman! Let me tell you one thing for sure: Today Sita and myself have regained the lost happiness because of you! I do not know how am I going to compensate and acknowledge your selfless service!”

Saying thus, Lord Rama looks around him, but since he is currently in the forest, he doesn’t have anything to give to Hanuman as a token of acknowledgment for his efforts. He continues to reply Hanuman, “Oh Hanuman! As of now this Rama has nothing to offer you, but a heart-felt hug! Please forgive me for the fact that I’ve not been able to give you a prize for whatever help you’ve done to me!”

Saying thus, Lord Rama comes in front of Hanuman and hugs him with all his love and grace! This is a huge emotional moment for Hanuman as he is extremely happy that he is able to get the grace of his Lord! For today, let us also enjoy this emotional moment of Rama hugging Hanuman with all his love and grace! Let’s wait till the next episode to find out what happens next!

In the previous episode we had witnessed that all the Vaanaras who had gone to search for Mother Sita towards the southern direction, come back victoriously to Kishkinta. As they enter into the place where Sugriva, Rama and Lakshmana are sitting, each of the monkeys is so eager to tell Rama that Sita has been located finally. Each monkey comes forward to say “I’ve seen Mother Sita!” As Lord Rama sees this, he becomes surprised and anxious. Lord Rama bends down with love and affection towards each of the monkeys that comes forward, “Have you really seen Sita?” As Rama asks them, they did not know how to reply him directly.

Now as Lord Rama doesn’t get a proper reply from the other monkeys, tears start enveloping Rama’s eyes! His anxiety knows no bounds. His face is full of worry and sadness written all over! It is at this apt time that Hanuman comes forward, bows before him and also towards the direction where Mother Sita resides and utters the important words,

“Drishtaa Sita!!” (or, in Tamil) “Kanden Seethaiyai!!!”

Thus Hanuman says, “Swami! I’ve seen Mother Sita!!!”

It would be very interesting to note that it is mentioned as “Drishtaa Sita” in Sanskrit and “Kanden Seethaiyai” in Tamil. It is not mentioned as “Sita Dristhaa!” or “Seethaiyai Kanden”! Why is it so? It is because, Hanuman judges the amount of anxiety Rama has in his face. If perhaps Hanuman would have told “Sita” before “Drishtaa”, it might take a second more – And in this split of a second, Rama would be extremely worried about what has happened to Sita! This is why Hanuman says, “Drishtaa Sita!!!”

Thus from here, we can learn another important role of a messenger – A true messenger or a “Daasa” is a person who is able to understand each and every minute feeling and emotion of his master and act accordingly to satisfy them. As “Bhagawat Daasaas” (Devotees of the Lord), what is our role today? Every action of ours and every word that we speak should create and instil happiness in Bhagawan’s heart! Only then we can call ourselves as true devotees of Bhagawan!

Upon hearing the important golden words of Hanuman, Rama asks him back, “Oh Hanuman! Please don’t stop by saying that you’ve seen Sita! Where is she? What is she undergoing? How is she managing the separation from me? What is the message that she has given to all of us? Please tell me everything in detail!”

“Vyavasaayascha souryancha sruthanchaapi prathishtitham!

Jaambhavaan yathra nethaa saa angadascha hareeshwaraha!!

Raavanaanthafpureh lodham raakshaseebhischa tharjanam!

Kva seethaa varthathe devi kathancha mayi varthathe!!

Yetham me sarva vaakhyantham vaideheem prathi vaanaraha!”

These are extremely beautiful and emotional slokas in the Vaalmiki Ramayana that explains the current situation. Rama asks Hanuman further, “Oh Hanuman! Did Sita enquire about me? How is she? Is she in sorrow? Is she suffering? Has she become lean and thin? Please narrate it to me immediately!”

As Rama asks question after question, Hanuman was taken aback for a minute! He immediately replies back, “Oh Lord! I did not look at Mother Sita!” This answer from Hanuman shocked Lord Rama! He asks again, “Oh Hanuman! Just now you told me that you had seen Sita! Why are you backing away?”

Upon which, Hanuman gives a very important answer: “Oh Rama! I did not see one Sita! I saw three divine characteristics together as one Sita – The highest status of birth, “Kshamaa” (Patience) and “Paathivrathyam” (Devotion towards husband)  – All these three divine characteristics are embodied inside one Mother Sita Devi! How on earth would I describe Her greatness?”

Thus, Hanuman continues to describe the entire story of his journey to Lanka, how he searched meticulously all throughout Lanka and how finally he found her at Ravana’s Ashoka Vana. Then he narrates how did he manage to strike a conversation with Mother Sita and all the messages she had conveyed to him. After all this, one final message that Hanuman conveys to Rama is,

“Jeevitham dhaarayishyaami maasam dasharaathmaja!

Oordhvam maasaanna jeeveyam rakshasaam vashamaangathaa!!”

From the above sloka, Hanuman conveys to Rama, “Oh Rama! Sita told one thing very firmly! She would be alive maximum for thirty more days! If we do not make our way to Lanka within thirty days from now, we cannot see Mother Sita alive! Hence, we need to start immediately! Already three days has gone, since we had to come back from Lanka all the way to Kishkinta! Now we’ve got just 26 more days with us! We do not have any more time to waste. Let us start now itself!”

As Rama and Lakshmana are listening to all this, Hanuman pauses for a moment. At this point, he wants to do something special that Rama would like! What is that? What is Rama’s reply and his next course of action? Let’s wait till the next episode to find out! 🙂

In the previous episode we had witnessed that the Vaanaras are extremely happy and delighted and are celebrating their victory (of finding Mother Sita) at “Madhu-Vana”! When the security guards of the beautiful forest headed by Dadhimukha intercepted them, the Vaanaras along with Angadha and Hanuman thrashed Dadhimukha and Co. and chased them out! Hurt and wounded, Dadhimukha makes his way angrily to Sugriva to launch a big complaint against Angadha and Co. 🙂

As Dadhimukha explains his stance, he shows Sugriva all the bruises that he and his fellow mates have received from the thrashing and the drubbing given by Angadha and Co. to substantiate and validate his complaint. Upon seeing Dadhimukha’s pitiful situation, it was expected that Sugriva would get angry and summon all the Vaanaras along with Angadha. But what happened next? Let’s witness today.

As Dadhimukha launches his complaint, Lakshmana comes to the place where Sugriva is sitting and asks, “Oh Sugriva! Who is this person? What is he talking about? Why is he hurt so badly like this?” Upon which Sugriva replies, “Oh Lakshmana! It seems that the Vaanara group (headed by Angadha and Jaambhavan) that had gone towards the southern direction (to search for Mother Sita) are on their way back! It seems to me that they’re coming victorious!”

Upon hearing this, Lakshmana is surprised and asks Sugriva, “Oh Sugriva! How do you say with this much of confidence that Sita has been found? Nobody has even come and told us anything! Yet how do you assert this way?”

It is to be noted here that Sugriva had a peculiar way of investigating people who have done a mistake – He first chops the head of that person who has committed the crime and then start investigating the crime behind him! 🙂 All the Vaanaras know about this very well! Now Sugriva answers Lakshmana further: “Oh Lakshmana! All of them including Angadha, Hanuman, Jaambhavaan etc. know the way in which I investigate a wrongdoing or a crime! I had given them a deadline of a month to complete the search mission and return back. However, they have missed the deadline – This itself is a crime! Inspite of this, if they have had the audacity to go into the Madhu-Vana and destroy it, I’m 100% confident that the mission has been accomplished! It is for this reason that I’m extremely confident that Mother Sita has been found and located!!”

“Nahyannassaadhane hethuhu karmanosya hanumathaha!

Kaarya siddhir hanumathi mathischa hari pungave!

Vyavasaayascha veeryancha sruthanchaabhi prathistitham!!”

Sugriva continues further, “Oh Lakshmana! Also note that, none other than Hanuman would have accomplished this mission singlehandedly! He is an embodiment of smartness, shrewdness, apt decision-making, hard work and persistence (“Kaarya siddhir hanumathi mathischa hari pungave!!”) Hence, let’s wait for them to come here!”

Upon hearing this, Lakshmana along with Rama are thrilled to bits! They slowly start getting the confidence that Sita is found atlast! 🙂 Sugriva meanwhile sends back Dadhimukha and orders him to convey to the Vaanaras that he (along with Rama & Lakshmana) are waiting eagerly for their arrival!

Meanwhile, all the Vaanaras who had gone towards the southern direction start making their way into Kishkinta one after the other. As they arrive, their sound of victory is deafening to the ears! As they land on the ground, all of them make their way to the place where Sugriva, Rama and Lakshmana are seated! One of the monkeys from the group quickly comes forward and says, “Oh Lord Rama! I’ve seen Sita!” Upon hearing this, Rama gets anxious. He bends down towards that small monkey and asks, “Oh my dear! Did you really see Sita?” Immediately the monkey says, “Oh! I’m not that person who has seen Sita!” 🙂 Similarly each monkey comes forward and tells the same thing! All the monkeys are so happy that they did not know how to convey the good news to Rama directly!

As Rama’s anxiety increases and his eyes become moist with tears, Hanuman immediately comes forward, bows his head towards Rama and also towards the direction of Lanka, folds his hands and says, “Oh my Lord! I’ve seen Mother Sita! She is imprisoned at Ravana’s Lanka! She is safe and secure! She wished to convey her regards to you, Lakshmana and Sugriva! She is desperately waiting for your arrival, so as to release her from the imprisonment!”

Upon hearing this from Hanuman, Lakshmana and Sugriva are stunned! They are looking at Hanuman with respect and their eyes were full of happiness and relief! Atlast, Mother Sita is located, after so many months and tireless efforts! Rama’s joy and happiness knew no bounds! His eyes are filled with tears of joy!

For today, let us celebrate this immense happy moment along with Rama, Lakshmana, Sugriva and the others! Let us experience this divine feeling together with prayers at the feet of Mother Sita and Lord Rama! We shall wait till the next episode to witness Lord Rama’s reaction and Hanuman’s explanation in detail! 🙂

In the previous episode we had witnessed that the entire Vaanara camp is on their way from the shore towards Kishkinta. They are extremely happy that Hanuman had finally found the whereabouts of Sita. All of them are eager to convey theis good news to Rama and make him feel happy! In the meanwhile, we also witnessed a very important leadership lesson on decision-making – Is it the role of the leader or the messenger to take appropriate decision at the appropriate time. We saw a detailed explanation on this regard.

Now moving on, the Vaanaras pass through a very beautiful forest area enroute Kishkinta. This place is called the “Madhu-Vana” and the Vaanaras are intending to celebrate their victory at this particular place. Accordingly all of them approach their senior leaders seeking permission for the same. At this point, Hanuman is also overjoyed that he also wants to jump into the celebration mode! He says to all the Vaanaras, “Oh friends! Let’s begin the celebration! I shall deal with whomever comes and stops us!” As the Vaanaras hear these words from Hanuman himself, they were extremely happy! Thus the party begins! The entire camp of the monkeys spread inside the beautiful “Madhu-Vana”, pluck all the fruits from the trees and started eating them and drinking the honey in it.

As the security guards of the “Madhu-Vana” headed by Dadhimukha come to know about this, they prepare themselves to attack the Vaanaras and chase them out of the forest. As Dadhimukha and Co. come and attack the Vaanaras, Hanuman, Angadha and Jaambhavaan go forward and there is a huge fight going on outside the forest! Dadhimukha is now being thrashed and beaten up by the Vaanaras and for a moment, he lay on the floor breathless! After a while Dadhimukha gets up and says to his security guards – “Let us straightaway go to Sugriva and make a complaint that these Vaanaras are destroying the Madhu Vana without his permission! Let me make a big complaint about Angadha and Hanuman. It is only with their instruction that these Vaanaras are destroying this beautiful forest isn’t it? I shall put an end to all of these monkeys immediately!”

Saying thus, Dadhimukha walks angrily towards Kishkinta and knocks on Sugriva, Rama and Lakshmana. Upon seeing Sugriva, Dadhimukha pays his respects to him. Dadhimukha is elder to Sugriva. Upon seeing Dadhimukha falling on his feet, Sugriva becomes scared and immediately request him to get up and narrate what had happened! As Sugriva comforts him, Dadhimukha now replies, “Oh King Sugriva! All the Vaanaras who are under your command have entered into our “Madhu-Vana” and are eating all the fruits and drinking all the honey from the trees, thus destroying the entire forest! They are carrying out this destruction at the behest of Angadha’s approval. Even Angadha, Hanuman, etc. are involved in this heinous crime! When all of us went and stopped them, they attacked us by thrashing and beating all of us! Hence, oh King Sugriva! Please render the appropriate punishment for this crime committed by Angadha and Co.!”

Now Sugriva is to take a decision! What was Sugriva’s decision? Did he decide to punish Angadha and the other Vaanaras for this act? The action continues in the next episode! 🙂

In the previous episode we had witnessed that the celebrations at the Vaanara camp had begun! All the Vaanaras are extremely pleased with the victorious news that Hanuman had given them. As they are discussing the next course of action to be taken, we saw that Angadha gave a suggestion that they should go to Kishkinta only after defeating Ravana and Co. while bring Sita with them. However, Jaambhavaan and the other seniors in the team were not supporting Angadha’s suggestion. They were sensible enough to explain the fact that they are just “messengers” and the role of a messenger is to just execute the tasks that are handed over. The messenger should not do the decision-making.

This is again a very important learning for us – If we are a negotiator or a messenger, our job is only to execute the tasks that are given to us. The leader is the person who owns the right to make (appropriate) decisions at any time. A messenger can never act as a leader under any circumstance.

For instance, whenever we visit great Aachaaryas or “Mathaadhipathis” (Leaders of important religious “Matts’”), they would be the ultimate people to be respected and we can never attain that status ever in our lives. Nowadays in the modern scenario, all of us tend to have this feeling: “Oh! Aachaaryas and Spiritual Masters are also human beings – We are also human beings. What is the big difference now? Why should we follow them whole-heartedly? Why should we “designate” ourself to be their followers?” We should note clearly that “Aachaaryas” and “Spiritual Masters” are of a very high status. They’ve gone through innumerable experiences to get to that level. We need to respect that in them.

Moreover, in some “Ashrams” and “Matts”, spiritual leaders come as a generation, one after the other – Either from the same biological family or the disciple family. Now all of us tend to ask, “Oh! How can we accept those people who come as descendents from the same family? If one person in the family is at the top level, does that imply that the others would also be equal to them”?

Here we should note that we are not looking for candidates to fill job vacancies! This tradition of the spiritual leaders coming through generations is accepted and practiced for thousands of years now. Thus, if someone of that status has appointed the next person to succeed him or her, it is because of some high reason. We are nobody to question that! We should just accept it and move on. If they have to be questioned, people higher than them reserve the right to do so! As far as we are concerned, we should just follow our duties and tasks and move on. Why are we experiencing the Ramayana story in this much of a detail everyday? The main purpose is to relate the experiences of the Ramayana story with that of the great “Aachaaryas” and “Gurus” and follow the principles laid by them for a better quality of life. Hence, our focus should always be on this, rather than asking unnecessary questions and arguments.

Thus, Hanuman and Jaambhavaan convince Angadha and all of them make the decision – To go immediately to Kishkinta and to convey all the happenings to Sugriva and Rama. The next course of action would be according to their decision. Now moving on, as the Vaanaras set out to fly towards Kishkinta, they make victorious sounds all through their way! They aren’t able to control their happiness and satisfaction that they are in currently! As they near Kishkinta, they spot a beautiful forest by name “Madhu-Vanam”. Vaalmiki Maharishi gives a beautiful explanation of this forest in the “Sundara Kaanda”. Sugriva owns this “Madhu-Vanam” and he is protecting it by taking great care of it. There is a security guard by name “Dadhimukha” who is taking care of it on Sugriva’s behalf! He is protecting this beautiful forest and restricting any entry into it.

As the Vaanaras approach this particular place, they get tempted upon seeing the beauty of it. They now wish to celebrate their victory by entering into this forest and drinking the honey (or alcohol) that is abundant in the trees of the forest. Accordingly, the entire Vaanaraa camp requests Jaambhavaan, Hanuman and Angadha to allow them celebrate their victory! At this point, Hanuman too gets tempted and makes an announcement: “Oh friends! Come on! Let us celebrate! If someone comes and stops us, I shall take care of them with my strength!”

As these words come from Hanuman, Angadha and Jaambhavaan did not say much! They too accepted the celebrations and the party begins! 🙂 The entire Vaanara camp enters the forest, start plucking the fruits, squeeze it, drink the honey from the fruits and throw the skins of the fruits all around the place! The entire forest is being explored and the enjoyment continues!

What happens next? Was Dadhimukha able to come and stop the Vaanaraas from destroying the forest? What happens to Dadhimukha and other security guards? The action continues in the next episode! 🙂

In the previous episode we witnessed the victorious Hanuman roaring his way back to Mahendragiri Mountains on the northern shore, wherein all the Vaanaras headed by Jaambhavaan and Angada are eagerly waiting with fingers crossed! As Hanuman lands on the shore, all of them gather around him and welcome him warmly. As Hanuman lands, he immediately pays his respect to the senior-most Jaambhavaan. At this juncture we also learnt the significance of “Humility” and why should we always be “Down-to-earth” in our day-to-day life.

Moving on further, Hanuman narrates his entire travel to all the Vaanaras. The moment all of them hear from Hanuman that Mother Sita is safe and secure, their happiness knew no bounds! All of them start celebrating Hanuman’s victorious trip! As the celebrations go on, it is now time for all the seniors of the team to get together and discuss the next course of action.

As Hanuman concludes his story, he conveys the most vital information very clearly: Sita is not going to be alive for more than a month! Hanuman says to the Vaanaras, “Oh friends! Let us keep this sternly in mind and accordingly plan the next course of action. As I had to travel from Lanka to this shore, one day is already over. So we still have just 29 more days to go! From this moment onwards, every day, every hour and every minute is crucial for us. We need to carefully plan our strategy and finish off this mission for our Lord Rama! Now I have came here and narrated the whole story to you – Including Ravana’s strengths and weaknesses, Indrajith’s illusionary powers, etc. Now it is upto the seniors in our team to chalk out the next action plan! If all of you say that we should defeat and kill Ravana once and for all, I myself can do it singlehandedly. If this one Hanuman can do wonders, I’m sure that you guys can do much more than what I am capable of! You may all say that we should invade Lanka by ourself at this very moment. You may say that we can defeat Ravana with our combined strength. However, Mother Sita doesn’t wish that. Mother Sita’s wish is that Rama should come to Lanka, fight Ravana, kill him and take her to Ayodhya. In this matter, we should also consider the preferences of Mother Sita and Rama together and act according to their wishes. Now it is upto you guys to take a call!”

Saying thus, Hanuman handed over the stage to others to express their opinions. As Hanuman finishes his accord, Angadha gets up and puts his suggestion on the table. He says, “Oh friends! What I feel in this regard is that, if we now go to Rama and Sugriva by just saying that we found Sita, it would not suffice. Rama might immediately ask us back that if we had found her, why didn’t we bring her along with us? Hence I feel that it would make complete sense only if we take Sita along with us to Rama. All of us have the confidence and the power to kill Ravana easily. Hence what are we waiting for? Let’s invade Lanka now itself and bring Sita along with us!”

As Angadha says thus, Jaambhavaan immediately stands up and puts forward his point of view. He is the most senior person and the most learned amongst all the others in the team. He says, “Oh Angadha! Whatever you had said makes a lot of sense. You are right! However, we’ve to check if this would be Rama and Sita’s wish. We should think and then arrive at a decision. Since this matter is involving Rama and Ravana, it is better that Rama directly deals with Ravana, rather than we dealing with him. I think that the best way forward is to go and tell Sugriva and Rama as to what had happened in Lanka and how Hanuman had successfully seen Sita. Once we appraise these things to Sugriva and Rama, let them decide what to do. If they decide that we should go back and kill Ravana by ourselves, we shall think about this at that time. So for now, let us all go back to Kishkinta and appraise our leaders, the results of our search mission!”

As Jaambhavaan puts forth this opinion, all the Vaanaraas including Hanuman and Angadha appreciate his words. The plan is set. Now all the Vaanaraas are in joy and happiness and they decide to make their way to Kishkinta. All of them are now eager to meet Sugriva and Rama and to tell them their success story!

Where did they go next? Did they directly go to Kishkinta? Or did they go somewhere else? The action continues in the next episode! 🙂

In the previous episode we had witnessed that Hanuman bids adieu to Mother Sita by assuring her once more that all her sufferings and miseries have come to an end. His assertion is so firm and confident that Sita feels extremely happy and satisfied. As Hanuman commences his journey back, he lets out a victorious roar that makes the world tremble! On his way back, he briefs the entire happenings at Lanka to Mainaaka and now nears the shores of Mahendragiri. On the shores, are waiting all the other Vaanaras headed by Jaambhavaan and Angadha.

“Hanumaansthu gurun vridhaan jaambhavath prahmukhaasthathaa!

Kumaaram angadhanschaiva sovanvatha mahaa kapihi!

Drishtaa devi na vikraanthaha samkshepena nyivedhayath!!”

Now Hanuman is nearing the shores wherein Jaambhavaan, Angadha, etc. are eagerly waiting. By the way Hanuman is making roar after roar from the sky, Jaambhavaan gets all the Vaanaraas into a huddle and immediately proclaims, “Oh! Looks like Hanuman has achieved our mission successfully!” Upon hearing this from Jaambhavaan, all the Vaanaras are overwhelmed and are waiting for Hanuman to land on the shores.

Now Hanuman is at a visible distance from all of them. As Hanuman nears the shore, all the Vaanaras assemble together. Just like a mountain landing on a plain, Hanuman lands safely on the shore amidst all the Vaanaras. As Hanuman lands, he immediately goes near Jaambhavaan to pay his respects to him.

This is what we saw in the above sloka: ““Hanumaansthu gurun vridhaan jaambhavath prahmukhaasthathaa!” This line has a beautiful significance and an important message. It should be noted that that “Humility” is an extremely important quality that has to be developed amongst all of us. Irrespective of who we are and what we have achieved, if we see elders or “Aachaaryas” or “Gurus”, it should be our bound duty to pay our respects to them. Here, Hanuman demonstrates exactly that. The first thing that Hanuman does after landing is to pay respects to Jaambhavaan, who is the most senior and the most learned person amongst the entire group.

In the modern day, we might tend to think, “Oh! These people were making fun of me that I couldn’t achieve anything! But now, I’ve defied their words and proven to them that I’m great! Why should I go and bow in front of them?” However, it should be remembered that our respect and esteem would go up as we learn to pay respect and appreciate the importance of others! In other words, irrespective of what we had achieved, it is very important to maintain our humility and be “down to earth” – Especially in front of elders and Aachaaryas. There should not be an inch of space for our ego to take over!

“Ashoka vanikaam samsthaam drishtaa saa janakaathmajaa!

Chakuh ukthavaakyam hanumantham angadasthu tathaabhraveeth!!”

Thus, Hanuman pays his respect to Jaambhavan, Angadha and others. As Hanuman bows down to them, he quickly briefs the good news to all of them – “Oh friends! I’ve seen Mother Sita in Lanka! She is imprisoned by Ravana at the Ashoka Vana, within his palace. She is safe and is an epitome of ‘Pathi-Vratha Dharma’! She is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Rama to relieve her from her immense suffering and pain that she is undergoing currently!”

Upon hearing this, the happiness of the Vaanras knows no bounds!!! They start roaring with joy and the celebrations begin! They realize finally that their mission is successfully accomplished! Angadha is happy! Jaambhavan is happy! All of them surround Hanuman with all their love and affection and express their happiness to him.

For today, let us also join hands with all the Vaanaras as they celebrate and rejoice the victory of their mission successfully accomplished! We shall keep celebrating till the next episode and find out what happened next! 🙂