The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode we witnessed that Bharata proposed his idea of traversing to the forest to find where his brother Rama is, and to bring him back to Ayodhya to coronate him formally. As Bharata expresses his decision, the courtroom agrees to it in unison as Sage Vasishtaachaarya storms into the courtroom!

Sage Vasishtaachaarya’s first words upon entry into the courtroom – “Oh Bharata! The kingdom cannot run for long without a king in place. Hence, in the interest of the kingdom, please go ahead and get coronated without any delay!”

This was like rubbing salt on the wound for Bharata! He is already depressed and sad upon Rama’s departure, and upon hearing these words from his Guru Vasishtaachaarya, Bharata was pained even more and replies him, “Oh Brahmarishi! I’ve given due respect to you as my great teacher (Guru)! However, till date I had never known that you would be the greatest thief on earth!”

Sage Vasishtaachaarya was stunned for a moment upon hearing such words from Bharata – He asks back, “Oh Bharata! Already I’m deeply hurt on Dasharata’s demise and also on Rama’s exile! I’m expressing my opinion in the interest of the kingdom! You know very well that I’ve been the “Kula Guru” of this Ikshvaaku Dynasty for ages now! However, what characteristics did you find in me that made you conclude that I’m a thief?”

Now Bharata replies, “Oh Guru Deva! Don’t you know? My one and only property in this world is “Raama – Daasyam” and “Raama-Bhakthi”! Now, when Rama is alive and if you’ve to still say that I should become the king, then it is like stealing away my property! Isn’t it? I cannot rule this kingdom, which is to be officially ruled by my dearest brother Rama! I can only be his servant, but not a king!” Thus, Bharata refused Sage Vasishtaachaarya’s request.

Upon hearing Bharata’s words, Sage Vasishtaachaarya now tries to convince Bharata by using all his knowledge and smartness! He says, “Oh Bharata! I understand your good intentions! However, think in this way – Can’t one property rule another property? I mean, you are a property of Rama, and Ayodhya is a property of Rama too. Hence, one property can rule another, isn’t it? For instance, if I keep a precious ornament in a box, both the box and the ornament are my property. Now, the box protects the ornament from being stolen away, right? Hence in this way, you can take over the Ayodhya kingdom until Rama returns!” Thus, Sage Vasishtaachaarya tried to “smartly” convince Bharata!

However, Bharata was not in a position to get carried away by all these “smart words” and “logical thinking” employed by Sage Vasishtaachaarya! He replies back, “Oh Guru Deva! I know you are very smart in thinking! But given my present state of affairs, whatever you say, doesn’t make any sense to me! What did you say? A box would protect the ornament – I agree! But tell me, can the box take the ornament and put it within itself and say ‘OK! I’m ruling the ornament and property rules another property?’ What kind of logic is this? Only if the owner keeps the ornament inside the box, the box can protect it! Else how can it protect? Else, I’m very sorry! I’m not convinced with your argument!”

Sage Vasishtaachaarya was moved to tears with Bharata’s reply! He was very happy to see that Bharata is deeply immersed in the devotion towards his brother. He asks Bharata again, “OK my child! But if Rama asks you to rule the kingdom, will you do it?” Bharata promptly replies, “Yes! If Rama orders me to rule the kingdom I will. I will do whatever he tells me to do!”

This is the significance of “Paarathanthriyam” – From the above conversation we can see that Bharata was an epitome of this highest form of Bhakthi towards Bhagawan! We can see that he is ready to execute whatever Bhagawan wishes him to do! This is the biggest difference between Lakshmana and Bharata! I’ve already explained this in one of the previous episodes – Lakshmana was in the level of “Seshathvam”, which means, “Being a blind follower of Bhagawan”. This is why Lakshmana went along with Rama to the forest and was of service to him every single minute! However, Bharata was one step higher by being an epitome of “Paarathanthriyam”, which means, “Being of service to Bhagawan, but according to Bhagawan’s wish!” Thus, at many instances and discourses, our Aacharyas and Aalwaars who had written extensive commentaries on the Ramayana, have illustrated that, Lakshmana was one step higher than Rama! Bharata was one step higher than Lakshmana and Shathrughna was one step higher than all the three – Rama, Lakshmana and Bharata! This is because; “Bhaagawatha Paarathanthriyam” (Being of service to a Bhagawan’s devotee) is the one that is liked the most by Bhagawan Himself! With the same explanation, of all the twelve Aalwaars, Madhurakavi Aalwaar is considered one step higher than the rest!

Thus Bharata discards the words of Sage Vasishtaachaarya and before doing anything else, he prepares himself to perform the last rites of his father, King Dasharata. Thus he calls his brother Shathrughna and makes all the preparations for the last rites to happen. Thus both Bharata and Shathrugna complete the rituals of King Dasharata and both of them now prepare to set out to the forest in search of Rama.

What happened next? Did Bharata succeed in finding Rama? What did Rama say? Let’s wait till the next episode for the answers for all the above questions!

In the previous episode we witnessed that Kaikeyi’s actions had shocked Bharata beyond limits! He was inconsolable and couldn’t hold himself any longer, and hence he fumed at his mother by saying that she was a “Kaala-Raathri” (The dark spot) in the entire history of Ayodhya! Later on he ponders as to what was the real underlying reason for the unfortunate exile of Rama – Who was actually responsible for all what had happened? After a deep pondering, Bharata concludes within himself that he was the person who was responsible for all this mess! He concluded that he himself has committed that unforgivable blunder of leaving for Kekeya Desha for a few days – Hadn’t he left, such mess wouldn’t have happened! Thus, Bharata was in uncontrollable grief and this particular thought, sank him even more!

This kind of unconditional love and “Bhakthi” towards the Lord is widely appreciated in the Hindu Literature and particularly Bharata in the Ramayana story is considered to be an epitome of this! You might all remember that in one of our earlier episodes, we’ve spoken at length about “Bhagawat Paarathanthriyam”, which signifies that the devotee behaves and acts according to Bhagawan’s wishes, rather than his own! In other words, he puts Bhagawan in front of himself for every action – This is exactly what we’ve started to witness in the case of Bharata. In the next few episodes, we shall get a bigger clarity of how “Paarathanthriyam” was practiced by the great Bharata.

In the famous “Thiruppaavai” in Tamil, Aandaal has employed a special phrase to signify this kind of “Bhakthi”. She says,

“Elle ilam kiliye! Innum urangudhiyo!

Chill enru azhaiyen min nangayeer poodharuginren!

Vallai un katturaigal pande un vaai aridhum!

Valeergal neengale naane thaan aaiyiduga!

Ollai nee podhaai unakkenna verudalyal!…. “

Here, I’ve just taken the first five lines of the 15’th Paasuram of Thiruppaavai. In this, we observe the phrase (underlined) “Naane thaan aayiduga!” This means that, even if someone puts the blame for a mistake that is not committed by us, we still accept the blame and ask for Bhagawan’s forgiveness! In other words, the one who accepts the mistake of his/her own actions and/or the blame for the mistakes that he/she has not committed at all, is considered to be the best devotee of Bhagawan! Thus, this is considered to be the highest form of “Bhakthi”! Here in this context of Ramayana, we see Bharata doing this – He was not even in the picture when Rama went on exile, but still, he puts the blame on himself for the unfortunate happening! This is why we can witness in various commentaries and discourses by various Aachaaryas that Bharata is one step higher in significance even than Lord Rama himself!

Thus Bharata goes straight to the courtroom and prostrates before everyone and says, “Respected ministers, rishis, etc. in this auspicious courtroom! I’m shocked as to what had happened at Ayodhya during my absence! Although King Dasharata has granted the boon of me becoming his successor, I cannot take this in my life. I feel that I do not deserve to be the king of Ayodhya! It is our beloved Rama who is supposed to rule all of us! I’m thinking of going all the way to the forest immediately in search of Rama and bring him, Lakshmana and Sita back to Ayodhya immediately! Oh ministers and rishis! What do you think of this plan?”

The ministers and rishis were all very happy with Bharata’s decision and they decided to accompany him to the forest in search of Rama. It was at this moment, Sage Vasishtaachaarya enters the courtroom! What did Sage Vasishtaachaarya say to Bharata? How did he react to his words? What happened next? Let’s wait and witness it in the next episode!

In the previous episode we witnessed that Bharata and Shathrugna hurry their way towards Ayodhya fearing the worst! As they had expected, things had taken a complete U-Turn at Ayodhya when they arrived! King Dasharata had breathed his last! His mother Kaikeyi was waiting eagerly for her son Bharata’s arrival and to hand over the kingdom of Ayodhya in his hands as per her wish! Bharata arrived and he entered into the shock of his life to hear his father passing away! He couldn’t control himself, but to fall on the floor and weep bitterly!

At this time, Kaikeyi eagerly lifted Bharata and tried to console him saying that she has some good news for him! Bharata asks what is that. As he gets up, Kaikeyi utters the phrase “Uttishto utthista kimdeshe raajan!” Upon hearing this phrase from his mother, Bharata was stunned than ever! He asks Kaikeyi, “Oh Mother, who is the king? Whom are you referring to here? Am I the king? Rama is the king right? He is the successor of our King Dasharata right? Where is my dear Rama? Where is Lakshmana? Why aren’t they around?”

It is very interesting to note here that according to Valmiki Maharishi, upon hearing this shabdha “Raajan” (which means king), Bharata immediately got up from the floor! Several scholars who wrote commentaries on the Ramayana have elucidated this in much interesting detail. Velukkudi Shri Krishnan Swami beautifully brings this out in one of his “Upanyaasams” – He gives an answer to this question as to why did Bharata immediately get up? He was weeping bitterly all this while and how come suddenly he got up? Is this a movie or a role-play to immediately change roles and change the mood of the person? For Bharata, whatever he has been hearing from his mother all this while about his father’s demise was no more a big tragedy – Because, some day or the other this is bound to happen. If there’s a father, he is going to pass away and the son is going to cry! This is a rule in life and can’t be changed! However, the shabdha “Raajan” proved to be the biggest shock of his life! It is because; Bharata has always considered himself as a “Raama – Daasa” (Servant and an ardent devotee to Lord Rama)! How can a “Daasa” (Servant) or a devotee ever become a king, in the presence of the Lord himself? This can never happen!! This is extremely dangerous!!!

Now Kaikeyi breaks the ice with all her happiness! She proudly proclaims to Bharata, “Oh my dear son! Before your father died, I had made sure that this Ayodhya kingdom is yours from today! Accordingly Rama has been sent on exile for the next fourteen years! Lakshmana has gone with Rama too! So there is no problem for you, my son! You are the ruler of Ayodhya from this minute! Go and get ready for the coronation! Don’t delay! I can’t wait to see you be the king of Ayodhya!”

Bharata couldn’t tolerate this any longer! He’s had enough! He cries out loudly and starts fuming on Kaikeyi!

“Kulasyastham ubhaavaaya kaala raathri vivaagathaa!

Angaaramupa guhyasma pithaa me naava bhoodhavaan!!”

Bharata shouts at Kaikeyi in extreme fury – “Oh Kaikeyi! I never knew that you would be that dark spot in the entire Iksvaaku Dynasty! You are the “Kaala Raathri” (Darkness personified)! I should blame my father for this – From the Day 1 of his marriage with you, he has failed to understand your wicked intentions! What is the use of ruling this kingdom for the past 60,000 years, when his own wife in the palace is an “Adharmi” (Unrighteous woman)? Without knowing your cruel intentions, King Dasharata has made you stay in this palace – This is his biggest crime ever! (As a king, he is supposed to know each and every subject of his, their intentions and their thought process. Only then this king can rule the kingdom according to the Dharma!)

Bharata continues.. “Oh Kaikeyi! I’ve never pointed my finger at my father till date, but today I’m pointing my finger at him – He was the worst criminal king I’ve ever seen in my life so far! It is so shameful that he had his own wife who is the embodiment of Adharma! How on earth could he rule this kingdom as per the Dharma?”

While Bharata was uttering these words, he ran out of that place and slowly started to think within himself – “Why am I fuming at King Dasharata now? Anyway he has passed away and there’s no use in blaming him anymore! Who is that person who has committed this big blunder of sending Rama on exile?” Valmiki Maharishi beautifully brings this out with the following important sloka:

“Na mantharaayaaha maathurasyaaha dosho naraagnyaha na cha raaghavasya!

Math paapamevaartha nimithravaaseeth vanaf praveshe raghunandanasya!!”

Bharata thinks within himself “Who is the person behind Rama’s exile? Should it be Manthara? She was the person who poisoned Kaikeyi’s heart! But what’s the use of blaming Manthara? She is after all a servant to Kaikeyi – She tried to be loyal to her boss and hence she did this! Hence, Kaikeyi should have had that maturity to differentiate what is good and what is bad! Why did Manthara’s words carry her away like this? So the blame is to be on Kaikeyi! Oh wait! Kaikeyi would have fallen prey to Manthara’s words because of her excess love and affection towards me! So how can I blame her like that? She’s after all my mother and she has intended to do what is the best for me! So who else is at fault now? What about King Dasharata? He should have known which is right and which is wrong and the tradition of the Ikshvaaku Dynasty! This cannot be told too, because King Dasharata was a “Sathya-Prathignya” (Protector of truth)! He wanted to protect the truth and hence he cannot be blamed as well! Then the fault might be on Rama himself – When King Dasharata ordered his exile, what Rama should have done? Rama should have replied saying that, “Oh Dasharata! The successor of Ayodhya is always the eldest son of the clan! Are you going to coronate me now or shall I coronate myself?” Rama failed to do this! Hence he should be the person who is at fault!”

Then Bharata thinks deeper, “Oh!! How can I blame my dear brother Rama for this? The very purpose of his incarnation is to uphold the words of his father! (Pithru-Vaakya-Paripaalanam) He did the right thing by obeying his father’s words! Then who is the person to take the blame – Neither Manthara nor Kaikeyi nor King Dasharata nor Rama himself! Then who? Ohhh!! The person who is to be blamed is none other than me! It is only because I left for Kekeya Desha that all these incidents happened! I should have been here and stopped all this! I failed to do so! Hence, I’m the biggest criminal by sending my beloved brother Rama to the forest!”

This is the reason why Bharata says the second line of the above sloka, “Math paapamevaartha nimithravaaseeth vanaf praveshe raghunandanasya!!” This means, “Ohh!! It is only because of my sin that Rama left to the forest!”

It might be very interesting to note here that Bharata was no way connected to all these unfortunate incidents that happened at Ayodhya! Yet, he takes up the blame on himself for all what had happened! What is the significance of this? Let us wait till the next episode to learn about a very important aspect of “Unconditional surrender to the Lord’s feet!”

In the previous episode we witnessed one of the most important events in the Ramayana story wherein, King Dasharata, unable to bear the separation from his son, breathes his last! We also witnessed that King Dasharata had received a curse during the early days of his life because he had killed an innocent boy on the pretext of hunting down a deer! It is this curse that is taking shape currently and cost Dasharata his life!

Imagine the pitiable state of King Dasharata here – He was childless for a long time, and after the “Puthra-Kaameshti” Yaaga, he was blessed with four sons. However at the time of his demise, sadly none of the four sons were near him! We already know that Bharata and Shathrugna had left for Kekeya Desha and now Rama and Lakshmana had gone on exile! What sin did King Dasharata do to experience such a pitiable and a painful death? Was giving Rama to this world his greatest sin? This is a very touching and a moving episode narrated beautifully by Valmiki Maharishi.

Now moving on, the entire city of Ayodhya is grieving King Dasharata’s death! Sorrow and anguish were written on every citizen’s face. The entire palace was plunged into darkness! Loud cries were heard all over the place! Thus as this was the scene in Ayodhya, since neither of the four sons were at the palace at that time, King Dasharata’s body was preserved in a tub of oil for a certain period of time.

It is very interesting to note here that “preservation of dead bodies” was already in practice even in those times – We now talk about all these in Egypt, however it’s interesting that such things existed during the Ramayana period itself! A message was sent across to Bharata and Shathrughna to return immediately to Ayodhya. Accordingly Bharata and Shathrugna leave for Ayodhya immediately. As they were approaching the city, they found that Ayodhya was an embodiment of sadness and grief! They couldn’t believe what they were seeing in front of them!

As the two brothers approached the palace, people on the corridors looked down at them – In fact, some people even feigned and fumed in anger at Bharata! For a moment he didn’t understand what was going on! (It is to be noted that at this moment, Bharata and Shathrughna are not aware of what all had happened at Ayodhya after they had left – They do not know that Rama had gone on exile and didn’t know that their father had passed away!!)

Finally they reach the “Raaja-Bhavanam” (Approach roads to the palace) with the fear of what mishap has happened all of a sudden! Once they enter the palace, Bharata and Shathrugna go straight into King Dasharata’s chamber – They found the chamber completely deserted! Nobody was there! Bharata was puzzled – Normally whenever he comes to see his father, he receives him with a broad smile and makes him sit on his lap and pamper him with all his love! Now where is father? Where has he gone? Bharata was concerned, and so was Shathrugna!

“Apashya gasthu tathastathra pitharam pithuraalaye!

Jagaama bharatho drashtum maatharam maathuraalaye!!”

Thus, unable to find King Dasharata in his chamber, Bharata goes into his mother Kaikeyi’s chamber to check out what is happening. It is where Bharata received the first shock of his life – He sees his mother in the attire of a widow! He goes to his mother and enquires what happened! He asks, Oh Mother! What is this attire? Why are you like this? Where is father? What is he doing? I’m unable to find him anywhere in the palace! Please tell me!” This was the first question asked by Bharata, as Kaikeyi replies,

“Yaathahi sarva bhoothaanaam thaangathim me pithaa gathaha!

Raajaa mahaatmaa tejasvi jaaya yuugassathaam gathi!!”

Look at the way Kaikeyi replies! She says, “Oh Bharata! Your father has reached the place where everyone will reach one day!” Is this the way a wife will talk after the death of her beloved husband? How cruel was Kaikeyi’s tone and usage of words!

Upon hearing this, Bharata couldn’t believe his ears! He was speechless and stunned! Tears started rolling down poor Bharata’s eyes! He didn’t expect such a shock ever! He fell on the floor and started to weep bitterly!

“Haa hathosmeeti kripanam dheenam vaachamudheerayan!

Tatasshokhena samveethaha pithur marana duhkithaha!!”

Thus, Bharata received the second shock of his life now! His mind couldn’t bare this extreme sorrow and he fell on the floor, rolled over and crying bitterly! Kaikeyi, upon seeing this state of her son, wanted to cheer him up and give the kingdom of Ayodhya to him! She lifts him by her hands saying,

“Uttishto utthista kimdeshe raajan!”

Kaikeyi deliberately uses the shabdha “Raajan” and the next moment Bharata stood up! This was the third shock of his life! Now Bharata starts to understand vaguely what exactly had happened – He had many questions in his mind now – “Raajan? Who is the Raajan? Rama or me? Why is she calling me as the Raajan? Now this is a big danger!”

Thus Bharata was shocked beyond words upon hearing this particular phrase! How did Bharata react to it? What was his reply to Kaikeyi? Did he accept the kingdom of Ayodhya or did he throw it away? What happened next? Just as Bharata was having numerous unanswered questions in his mind, I’m sure that there are so many questions like these that are unanswered in our minds too! Lets’ wait to find out the answers in the next episode!

Dear Readers of “The Indian Dharma”,

With the divine grace of Bhagawan Shri Rama and Sita Devi, we’ve so far witnessed two main “Kaandas’ – “Baala Kaanda” and “Ayodhya Kaanda” of our Ramayana text in minute detail. We shall commence the “Aaranya Kaanda” from this week onwards and witness many more important messages for our modern day life!

Of late, there had been a number of queries put forward to me by many of our readers as to how to get access to all the previous episodes of our blog. Just for an information, all our previous episodes are archived at the “Home Page” of this blog site. You can access it through the following link – http://www.theindiandharma.wordpress.com

If you are an active Facebook user, you can visit the Facebook Page titled “The Indian Dharma” and all the 133 episodes published so far are archived there! You can Like/Follow the page and get the access! For your convenience, I’m sharing the link to the Facebook page below:

https://www.facebook.com/ManagementconceptsfromRamayana/

Also, there are many requests from readers across all spectrums that all these episodes be converted into a book. I would like to thank all of you for the suggestion and the help that you’re trying to render, however, I wish to say that I’m not writing this blog for a commercial purpose.

The most important purpose is to spread our rich culture and values across the world and try to bring about a small positive change amidst our society. I once again request all of you to join hands and work together as a team for achieving this cause!

However, if I intend to publish this as a book, I shall get back to all of you who extended their support in realizing the same! Thank you once again for all of your kind support and love!

Jai Shree Ram!!!

In the previous episode we witnessed that Sumanthra, the charioteer comes back to Ayodhya with some news about the kingdom, post Rama’s departure to the forest. While Sumanthra arrives near King Dasharata, he sees the pitiable state of the king and tries to console him, but all in vein! King Dasharata has gone to a state from where he could never recover! His health has slowly started to deteriorate minute by minute! He didn’t have the capacity and the will power to face the reality! He is crying out loud, calling Rama’s name and regretting his decision! But it’s no more of any use! Rama had already left the palace forever!

At this moment, Kaushalya comes near King Dasharata with sadness written all over her face! Both the parents now were inconsolable! King Dasharata says to Kaushalya, “Oh Kaushalya! Please touch my hand and see! But please don’t touch me with the mindset that I separated your beloved Rama from you! I request you to realize that there was no other option left for me other than sending Rama away! Oh dear Kaushalya! You are also my dear wife! You might be having so much of anger on me! But I’m praying to you:

“Nathvaa pashyaami kaushalye saadhumaa paaninaasplusha!

Raamam me anugadhaa drishtihi adhyaabhi nivarthathe!!”

This is one of the very beautiful and emotional sloka of Valmiki Ramayana. King Dasharata continues his talk to Kaushalya.. “Oh Kaushalya! You know what? My eyes have already gone behind Rama! (“Raamam me anugadhaa drishtihi!”) Now I cannot see you although you are sitting close to me! (“Nathvaa pashyaami kaushalye!”) Now my eyes are not going to come back ever! (“Adhyaabhi nivarthathe!”) Hence, Oh Kaushalya! Please touch me (“Saadhumaa paaninaasplusha!”) Atleast let me check if I have the sense of touch left in my body! Till date, I was under the impression that these two eyes in my body were mine! But today I understood that these two eyes were that of Rama’s! That’s why they went after him!”

King Dasharata continues to lament to Kaushalya.. “Oh Kaushalya! I’m wondering how am I able to hold my breath even after Rama had left me! This very birth of mine is a waste without seeing Rama’s face even for a minute! I’m missing the way he walks towards me! I’m missing his sweet smile! I’m missing the way he calls me ‘Oh my dear father!’ I’m missing his beautiful and soft talking! I’m missing that dear hug that my Rama gives me whenever he comes to see me! You know what Kaushalya? Rama is more affectionate towards me than you! But now, that affection, love, compassion, everything is gone! Without all these things I feel that there’s no point that I live in this world further! Let my heart stop beating! Let me end my life immediately!”

While lamenting like this, King Dasharata declares, “Oh Rama!! I really wonder how your tender heart and soul had the courage to leave your mother and father, just because of one promise that I had made! You had that courage of obeying every small word of your beloved father! Oh my dear Rama! Now I declare! If at all I have numerous births again in this world, I would love to be your father in each of the birth I would take! I would love to have you as my son in every birth that I take!”

Thus, King Dasharata cries and cries as Sumanthra, Sage Vasishtaachaarya and Kaushalya look on helplessly! They too were in tears unable to bear the separation of Rama and also on seeing this pitiable state of their beloved king!

As his health deteriorates further, King Dasharata slowly remembers a curse that he had received long back in his life – This story might be known to all of you, wherein one day, King Dasharata goes on his usual hunting spree to a forest. On the pretext of hitting a deer with his sharp arrow, by mistake he hits a small boy who was gathering some water for his age old blinded parents. The arrow hits the boy and the boy falls to the ground dead! Upon seeing this, King Dasharata was shocked beyond words! When the boy’s parents came to know the truth, they curse King Dasharata – “Just like how we suffer from our dear son’s death, you’ll also one day realize this suffering because of the separation of your son!” It is this curse that is coming true in King Dasharata’s life now!

Thus by narrating this to Kaushalya, King Dasharata’s pulse slowly starts reducing. He couldn’t hold on any more!

“Puthram vyasanajam dukham yathetham mama saampradham!

Yevanthvam puthra shokena raajan kaalam karishyasi!!

Tasmaan maa aagatham bhadre tasyodhaarscha tathvathaha!

Chakshyurjaamthvaam cha pashyaami kaushalye thvamhimaam sprusha!!”

Thus, unable to bare the separation of his beloved Rama, King Dasharata finally ends his life and reaches heaven!

“Haa! Raaghava! Mahaabaaho! Haa mahaayaasa shaasana!!”

Thus, King Dasharata cries as he leaves this earth, “Haa Rama!! Haa Lakshmana! Haa Sita!! Haa Kaushalye! Haa Sumithre!! Just because of one person – Kaikeyi, who is a “Kulavaamsini, I’m going to leave everybody behind!” As King Dasharata’s life comes to an end, everybody in the palace were crying out loud and the entire city of Ayodhya plunges into darkness and mourning!

As the entire city of Ayodhya is mourning their great King Dasharata’s demise, let us also give some time for this bad event to sink down a little bit in our hearts! Let’s wait for another 24 hours to find out what happened next at Ayodhya!

In the previous episode we witnessed that Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana reach Chitrakoota according to the directions given by Sage Bharadwaaja and Valmiki Maharishi himself. Interestingly we also discussed at length about the three main locations of Valmiki Maharishi’s ashrams – One at the entrance of Chithrakoota, the second at Bittur (Near Kanpur/Lucknow) and the third one near Naimishaarnyam. Thus we concluded the previous episode by witnessing that Rama, Sita and Lakshmana started to live happily at Chithrakoota – This is one part of the story.

Now let’s leave this part of the story for a while and move to the other part. In movies we commonly say “Change in scene”, isn’t it? Here too, we should change the scene! 🙂 Now let’s see what happened at Ayodhya after Rama’s departure. Back in the palace, King Dasharata couldn’t digest the fact that his beloved son Rama had left him forever! He’s continuously weeping and thus his aged body couldn’t take this sorrow anymore! His health started deteriorating rather quickly! He was not even able to get up from his bed and sit!

It was at this time that Sumanthra comes back to see King Dasharata.

“Guhena saathvam tathraiva chithosmi dhivasaan bahuun!

Aasayaa yathivaa raamaha punasshabdhaabhayetithi!!”

Thus, Sumanthra before coming back to Ayodhya, was waiting at the banks of the river Ganges with a hope that Rama would come change his decision and come back. This is a beautiful sloka. Sumanthra and Guha were talking with each other – Sumanthra says to Guha, “Oh Guha! You’ve dropped Rama, Sita and Lakshmana on the other bank of the river Ganga isn’t it? Just wait and watch! I know Rama very well. I’ve never seen him walk on the ground! I’m the person who has driven the chariot for Rama everytime and wherever he goes! Rama is not used to walk amidst the hard terrain of the forest! His tender feet would start to ache! Hence he would call us for help! At that moment, let’s rush with the chariot and the boat to bring back Rama!” Upon hearing this from Sumanthra, Guha approves his words with tears in his eyes as the two of them keep waiting for Rama’s sound. They wait for three continuous days! Alas! There was no sound or call from Rama! Thus Guha and Sumanthra conclude with sadness and sorrow that Rama had left all of them forever! He’s not going to come back again!

Thus, Sumanthra comes back to Ayodhya with sadness and sorrow written all over his face! King Dasharata is sobbing uncontrollably and Sumanthra comes near his King. He says,

“Vishayethe mahaaraaja mahaavyasana karshithaaha!

Abhivrukshaahaa parimvlaanaaha sapushpaankura koorakaahaa!!”

Sumanthra says to King Dasharata, “Oh Maharaja! I’m going to tell you the news from our kingdom! Because of the separation of Ayodhya from Rama, the entire city is in distress and sorrow! (“Vishayethe mahaaraaja mahaavyasana karshithaaha”!) The extent of sorrow can be felt even with the trees of Ayodhya, wherein they have shed down all their leaves and stopped flowering!” (“Abhivrukshaahaa parimvlaanaaha sapushpaankura koorakaahaa!”)

King Dasharata asks with a doubt.. “Oh Sumanthra! What season is this? Is this autumn? Or, didn’t the gardeners in Ayodhya take good care of the trees? Why did such a thing happen?” Sumanthra replies back, “Oh Dasharata! I know you are completely distressed! But I didn’t know that you’ve forgotten even the “Shabdhas” of Sanskrit because of the distress! What did I say? I said “Abhivrukshaahaa parimvlaanaaha!” Think for a moment and realize the meaning of what I said!”

If we’ve to understand the meaning of the “Vriksha” Shabdha, only those trees wherein atleast half of the tree-trunk is immersed in water are called “Vriksha”. (We all might know that the word “Vriksha” means “Tree” in Sanskrit). For those trees wherein they are not adequately surrounded by water, this “Vriksha” shabdha cannot be employed! This is why I had already mentioned a few episodes before that Sanskrit is quite a complex language. For instance, a tree that has lot of leaves has a separate name, a tree that has no leaves at all has a different name. Like this, for every kind of a tree there is a different usage of the “Shabdha” in Sanskrit. Similarly, we commonly use a word called “Deham”, which can be equated to “Body” or “Shareeram”. But in English or Tamil or any other language, we just have one word to denote this “Deham”, which might be “Body” in English, or “Udal” in Tamil. But in Sanskrit, “Deham” and “Shareeram” has two different meanings – The body that grows is called “Deham” and the body that deteriorates is called “Shareeram”! For instance, if we look at someone and say, “Oh You seem to have gained lot of weight!”, it means that his/her “Deham” has gained weight! Similarly if we look at someone and say, “Oh! You seem to have lost some weight!”, it means that his/her “Shareeram” has lost weight! Thus, we should understand here that in Sanskrit, each Shabdha of the same noun has different usages in different contexts!

Thus Sumanthra says the above and this saddens King Dasharata even more! He cries out loud and says, “Ohhhhh Rama!!! My dearest son!!! I cannot even breathe for a moment and live in this world for a moment without you near me! How did you have the heart to leave your father in this condition?” Valmiki Maharishi captures this scene of King Dasharata’s cry with the following touching sloka!

“Haa Raama! Haa Raamaanuja! Haa haa!! Vaidehi!! Tapasvini!!

Namaam jaaneetha dukhena mriyamaanam anaathamath!!”

King Dasharata cries out loud by saying, “Oh Rama!! Your father is going to die like an orphan! Your father is going to die just like a man who doesn’t have a son to look after him!” Here, in this sloka interestingly there is a Shabdha called “Raamaanuja!”. Here, by this Shabdha, King Dasharata refers to Rama’s brother (Raama – Anuja) Lakshmana! However, the great Raamaanujaachaarya is also considered to be the incarnation of Lakshmana himself in this world! It is said and widely believed that during Thretha Yuga, he was born as Lakshmana (The incarnation of Aadisesha – The divine serpent bed of Bhagawan Vishnu), in the Dwaapara Yuga he again incarnated as Balaraama (The brother of Lord Krishna) and in this Kali Yuga, he incarnated as Raamaanujaachaarya!

Thus, King Dasharata cries, cries and cries! But of no use! Rama had left forever! Unable to digest this hard reality, King Dasharata’s health deteriorates gradually, minute by minute! He’s unable to breathe properly and talk properly! However, there might be a question here: Why is King Dasharata undergoing all these kinds of sorrows of separation of his son from his life? There’s an interesting story behind this. Let’s wait till the next episode to find out!

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In the previous episode we witnessed that Rama, Sita and Lakshmana leave Guha’s place and commence their long and adventurous journey towards the forest. They cross over the river Ganges and on the southern bank of the river was Sage Bharadwaaja’s ashram. The three of them are about to enter Sage Bharadwaja’s ashram now.

Once they enter the ashram, Rama pays all the due respects to Sage Bharadwaaja and further asks him for a good location around this area to reside happily along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. Sage Bharadwaaja replies, “Oh Rama! If you walk a small distance from here, you’ll reach the banks of the river Mandaahini and there is a beautiful place called Chithrakoota. It’s a very picturesque and a serene place! All three of you can go to that place and can reside happily and spend the rest of your fourteen years, if God desires!” Thus Sage Bharadwaja replies to Rama and the moment Rama hears the phrase “If God desires!” he knew somewhere within himself that he’s not going to live there for long! Thus according to the instructions given by Sage Bharadwaaja, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana set out to walk towards Chithrakoota.

At this point, Valmiki Maharishi gives a very important note. It is said in the Valmiki Ramayana that Rama, just before entering Chithrakoota, asks directions to Valmiki Maharishi before finding a good place to reside! What does this mean? It simply means that Valmiki Maharishi’s ashram was situated near Chithrakoota at this point in time. You might ask me how is that possible?

I had explained during my earlier episodes regarding the location of Valmiki Maharishi’s ashram – We initially saw that his ashram was situated at Bittur, close to the present day city of Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, India. We might have a doubt now! Where was Valmiki Maharishi’s ashram exactly? The present location that we are talking about – Chithrakoota is situated along the border of the present-day Indian states of Uttar-Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. This location is far south-eastwards from Kanpur. Then how does the argument of Valmiki Maharishi’s ashram hold any water?

From my understanding, it can be inferred that Valmiki Maharishi, before authoring the Ramayana text was residing at Chithrakoota only – The place wherein Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are currently going to! During the period when he authored the Ramayana text, he had moved to Bittur near Kanpur. Thus, Valmiki Maharishi has resided in two places.

The story doesn’t end here. He has gone to the third place too – You might remember another story that I had told you – Wherein, Rama’s twin sons Lava and Kusha start singing the Ramayana, after Valmiki Maharishi teaches it to them. Rama himself gets to hear the story sung by these two children after a few days. At one point, he becomes so impressed that he wants to see the mother and the teacher of these two wonderful kids! He asks Bharata to go and bring them to him. Thus Bharata immediately goes and fetches Sita and Valmiki Maharishi – This story was explained somewhere during Episodes 29 & 30, if you might remember.

It should also be remembered by the readers that at that time, all these happenings were taking place at a place called “Naimishaaranyam”. This Naimishaaranyam is a bit too far from Kanpur and thus there is no much possibility that Bharata could have “immediately” brought Sita and Valmiki Maharishi there! Thus, it can be learnt from this episode that, Valmiki Maharishi has been shifting his ashram from one place to the other as the children go around singing the Ramayana story and finally reach Naimishaaranyam wherein the children get the golden opportunity to sing it in front of Lord Rama himself!

Thus as a summary, it can be learnt that Valmiki Maharishi, before authoring the Ramayana text was residing at Chithrakoota. While writing the Ramayana text, he was at Bittur (Near Kanpur) – This is the place where Lord Brahma comes and blesses him to write the Ramayana text. After writing the text and after teaching it to Lava and Kusha, he moved his place to Naimishaaranyam! Thus, Valmiki Maharishi has lived at three important places. Even today if we visit the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, we can worship all the three ashrams of Valmiki Maharishi – Chithrakoota, Bittur (Around 50 kilometers from Kanpur city) and also at Naimishaaranyam!

I’m narrating all these just to avoid confusion and making things a bit more clear. Moreover, many people might just skip all these intricate details while just overlooking it as a story! Our ancestors and forefathers have taken all the pains to explain all these intricate things in much detail and protect the significance of each of the places! Hence it’s out duty to appreciate all this in minute detail.

Thus, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana enter Chithrakoota according to the directions given by Valmiki Maharishi and start to live happily at the banks of the river Mandaahini. This is one side of the story! There is another side to the story as well. What is that? What happened to King Dasharata after the departure of Rama? Did Bharata and Shathrugna come back to Ayodhya? There are many such questions to answer! Let’s wait till the next episode to answer them! 🙂

In the previous episode we witnessed the significance of Guha’s unconditional surrender to Lord Rama and his way of hospitality to the three of them – Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. While Rama and Sita were sleeping on the floor, Lakshmana was walking around them slowly so as to protect them and comfort their sleep further. Upon seeing Lakshmana walking around Rama and Sita, Guha had a slight doubt in his mind if Lakshmana was plotting to kill Rama while he’s asleep! Hence to protect Rama from Lakshmana’s “plot”, Guha started to walk behind Lakshmana! Upon seeing Guha and Lakshmana walking around Rama and Sita, Guha’s followers were doubtful if both of them are trying a plot together so as to kill Rama and Sita! Hence, they too started to walk around Rama and Sita! Guha was a poor person, without any knowledge on Bhakthi, Spirituality, etc. Yet, he shows his compassionate love and affection towards Bhagawan and this is what Bhagawan likes and wants from us!

From this beautiful and touching episode, we witnessed how Guha and his followers were epitomes of unconditional surrender to the Lord! We of course illustrated two important episodes from the Mahabharata and saw how Vidhura was exhibiting the same kind of unconditional surrender towards Lord Krishna!

Now moving on, the next day morning when Rama and Sita wake up from their sleep, the three of them are now intending to cross the banks of the river Ganges to reach the other side. Rama requests Guha’s help to cross the Ganges. Accordingly Guha brings one of his rafts and he helps Rama, Sita and Lakshmana to get over it and sail.

While doing this, Guha couldn’t bear the fact that Rama is going away from him! He is in tears as Rama is going to board the raft! He says to Lord Rama, “Oh Rama! Why don’t you change your plan and be here only? Just look around! There’s a beautiful lawn/forest around us! There’s a beautiful river that passes through the forest! There is ample amount of food available around here. You of course have Sita with you every time! Why can’t you be here with us for the next fourteen years? Why do you want to go and suffer in some unknown place?”

Upon hearing this from Guha, Lord Rama was so moved by his devotion! However, he knows that he has a mission to accomplish! Rama was thinking how to bid farewell to Guha, without hurting his emotions. Here’s a lesson for management, especially for those who are into Marketing/Sales – The art of effective communication! Let’s see how Rama beautifully handles this situation through his words!

Rama replies to Guha, “Oh My dearest Guha! I’m so moved by your unconditional love and devotion to me! The way you did service to me the whole of last night was indeed unmatched and impressive! However, Guha, you should remember one thing: Only if there is a small separation, will there be the continuity of our healthy relationship with love and compassion. If I’m here all the time, you’ll get bored to see my face and I might also feel the same eventually over the years! Moreover, my father, King Dasharata is not satisfied with having just four sons – He wants more sons! Hence, he has sent me to the forest to bring three more of my brothers! Guha, now, you’ve become my fourth brother! I’ll have to go and bring two more of our brothers! Hence, I request you to help me in achieving this wish of my father!”

On hearing the words that Rama is accepting him as his own brother, Guha was moved to tears of joy! He couldn’t believe his ears! Guha says to himself “Me?? How can I be Rama’s brother? How is that possible? What qualification do I have to be Rama’s brother?”

Rama senses Guha’s feelings and hugs Guha with him with all his divine love and compassion! Guha became speechless and was full with tears of joy! This was Rama’s greatest gift to Guha – An ardent “Bhaktha” of the Lord! From this episode we should learn and realize that if we have the unconditional surrender and love for Bhagawan, He would protect us with His divine love and compassion at any cost and He would never leave us from His divine embrace! 🙂

According to Rama’s wish, now Guha brings the raft and Rama, Sita and Lakshmana get on to it. Guha gives the directions to sail forward from there and accordingly the three of them reach the other bank of the river Ganges and subsequently walk along to reach the ashram of Sage Bharadwaaja! What was Rama’s conversation with Sage Bharadwaaja? What are the next series of events? Let’s wait till the next episode to find out! 🙂

In the previous episode we witnessed that Rama, Sita and Lakshmana start their long journey towards the forest and their first stop was at Shringiberapuram, which was the dwelling place of Guha – The leader of the hunter community! The three of them reach Guha’s place and they stay there for a night. While Rama and Sita were sleeping on the floor, Lakshmana couldn’t control his tears on seeing the pitiable condition of his brother and Sita. He wanted to comfort them as much as he can and hence he walks around them, trying to protect them and make them feel at ease.

Upon seeing this, Guha was initially impressed with Lakshmana’s devotion. He comes up to Lakshmana that he has arranged a bed for him too to sleep on. However, Lakshmana rejects Guha’s offer and he decides to stay awake all night and let Rama and Sita sleep peacefully! On hearing Lakshmana’s reply, Guha started doubting him and had a doubt in his mind whether Lakshmana was plotting to take away the lives of Rama and Sita while they are fast asleep!

Thus Guha decided to follow the footsteps of Lakshmana carefully and thus protect Rama and Sita from Lakshmana! Hence, now both Lakshmana and Guha are walking around the sleeping Rama and Sita!While Lakshmana’s motive is to protect Rama and Sita and comfort them, Guha’s only motive was to protect Rama and Sita from Lakshmana!

The story doesn’t end here! There were a few followers of Guha who were staying along with him at his hamlet. These followers, upon seeing Lakshmana and Guha walking around Rama and Sita, started to have doubts on both Lakshmana and Guha as to whether both of them were plotting to kill Rama and Sita! Hence as a result, these people too joined Lakshmana and Guha in walking around Rama and Sita! It’s really astonishing to look at the devotion of these people towards Lord Rama! Even though they were all born in a hunters’ community and they might not know anything about “Bhakthi” or other aspects of spirituality, the beauty of the Lord attracted them so much towards him!

Thus, as devotees the lesson that we should learn from this Rama-Guha episode of the Ramayana is “Unconditional Surrender to Bhagawan!” Irrespective of who we are and what we do, all of us are equal in the eyes of Bhagawan! We should try and realize this as we grow spiritually. Bhagawan does not differentiate between two individuals based on the amount of wealth we possess or the position we are in. He only sees how much of Bhakthi we bestow upon him!

I shall narrate another example of this from the Mahabharata, wherein Vidhura was giving valuable advice to King Dridurashtra (This portion called “Vidura Neethi” is an extremely important section of the Mahabharata, which is totally applicable to the modern day world too! I shall talk about it more in the future). Lord Krishna is going to come as a messenger from the Paandavas to strike peace with King Dridurashtra and his sons (Kauravas). King Dridurashtra is totally confused and frustrated and asks his minister Vidhura, “Oh Vidhura! We’ve to somehow bring Krishna to our side! We should smartly pull him towards us and not let him go with the Paandavas! What can we do? Can we give him 50 villages from our kingdom and pull Krishna into our side?” Upon hearing this, Vidhura didn’t know whether to laugh or to cry! He replies to King Dridurashtra, “Oh King! Till date I was under the impression that only your external eyes were blind! But today I realized that even your internal soul and heart is blind and full of blemish! What did you say? You’re going to give 50 villages to Krishna and pull him towards you! Wow! Fantastic! If you give just 5 villages to the Paandavas, there will never be a war at all! Everything would be solved! Why don’t you realize this simple thing?” This is how bribery takes shape in our society! If we directly do what we are supposed to do, everything would be simple and smooth! However if we try and look for short cuts and illegal ways of doing things just for short-term benefits, our lives are going to be at stake!

This same Vidhura, is also an epitome of selfless Bhakthi – When Lord Krishna comes to see Vidhura, he wanted to make Lord Krishna feel comfortable and wanted to give him the best hospitality possible! Hence he gets the best of the bananas from his garden and brings it to Lord Krishna. While both of them were talking happily, Vidhura started to give the banana skins to Lord Krishna to eat, instead of the actual bananas! This was by mistake! However, Lord Krishna was happily eating the skins of all the bananas and was happily conversing with Vidhura! Upon seeing this, Vidhura’s wife was shocked! She pats her husband from his back and says, “Oh! You’re doing something wrong! Look what’s happening!” It was only then Vidhura realizes his folly and gives the actual banana fruit to Lord Krishna! But by this time, Lord Krishna says that his stomach is full! Vidhura was surprised and asked him back “Why? I’ve just given you the skins of 4-5 bananas! How did your hunger disappear with just this?” Lord Krishna replies, “Oh my dear Vidhura! My hunger got satisfied not with the bananas or skins that you gave me! My hunger was satisfied with the level of Bhakthi you exhibited towards me! The moment I came to see you, you were all tensed and overjoyed with all your devotion and love towards me! This is what satisfies my hunger and not anything else!”

Such is the extent of the devotion and love exhibited by Vidhura towards Lord Krishna. It’s the same that we are seeing here in the context of the Ramayana too, wherein Guha exhibits the same kind of unconditional love and devotion towards Lord Rama! Thus, Rama and Sita are asleep and Lakshmana, Guha and his followers are going around both of them, trying to protect them with their love and devotion!

Let Rama and Sita continue to sleep for tonight and wake up fresh tomorrow morning! We shall also wait till the next episode to find out what happened next! 🙂