The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Vaali being killed by Bhagawan Rama and subsequently, Sugriva succeeding Vaali as the next king of the Vaanara army. Sage Maarkandeya explains all these instances to Yudishtra to make him understand how Bhagawan Rama and Mother Sita underwent enormous amounts of suffering together in the forest for fourteen years. Subsequently, as Sugriva takes charge as the king of Kishkinta, does he reciprocate Bhagawan Rama’s part of the deal? He doesn’t! He goes into an enjoyment mode as he has taken over as a king, and as time passes by, he totally forgets the promise that he had made to Bhagawan Rama. On the other side, Bhagawan Rama is struggling to stay afloat and His patience is running out! He is waiting for Sugriva for a long time and Sugriva never turned up! As Lakshmana too loses patience, finally he asks Bhagawan Rama whether he should go and kill Sugriva and his entire Vaanara army! Bhagawan Rama replies to Lakshmana that he should just go and sound a warning bell to Sugriva, and nothing more at this point. 

Obeying Bhagawan Rama’s words, Lakshmana sets out angrily to meet Sugriva and Co. Upon seeing Lakshmana coming with his entire fury, Hanuman advises Sugriva to send Taara in front of Lakshmana to calm him down. Initially, Taara was Vaali’s wife, but post Vaali’s demise, Sugriva marries Taara. Thus, as Lakshmana comes by, Taara stops him and pacifies him with her words of praise and forgiveness too. Subsequently, Sugriva and Co. decide that it is time to meet Bhagawan Rama and to commence the search operation. As Sugriva is giving instructions to all the Vaanaras present there, he allocates one set of the army to go towards the northern direction, another set towards the southern direction, etc. Angadha, Hanuman, etc. are part of the army that is to proceed towards the southern direction, headed by the great Jaambhavan. 

As Sugriva is giving clear instructions, all the Vaanaras are actively listening to him, except one person – Hanuman! He seems to be totally disinterested in this whole search operation itself for some peculiar reason! As Hanuman sits aloof, Bhagawan Rama spots Him and calls Hanuman by His side. The moment Bhagawan Rama sees Hanuman sitting all alone and disinterested, He makes a “Sankalpa” (Wish) within Himself that it should be none other than Hanuman who should see Mother Sita! Thus, Bhagawan Rama calls Hanuman and tells him thus, “Oh Hanuman! Please take this “Anguleeyam” (Ring) with you and keep this carefully. If at all you see Mother Sita anywhere, please give this to her as a token of my love and respect for her! She will definitely recognize this ornament and her respect towards you will increase!” 

Saying thus, Bhagawan Rama hands over the “Anguleeyam” in Hanuman’s safe and divine hands, and with this, all the Vaanaras make their way towards their respective directions. Hanuman, Jaambhavan, etc. make their way towards the southern direction as decided earlier, and they travel a long distance by foot. In the middle, they pass through several hurdles and all through this treacherous journey, there are no traces of Mother Sita anywhere! At one point, all of them lose hope and get demotivated. They are about to declare their search operation a huge failure. Angadha starts lamenting about his father’s demise and all of them are contemplating to commit suicide! They are in no position to go back to Bhagawan Rama and tell Him that Mother Sita cannot be found! 

Finally, Sampaati, the brother of Jatayu, comes to meet Hanuman and Co. It is with Sampaati’s direction and guidance, the entire Vaanara army reaches the shores of the southern ocean. Samaapti gives clear instructions that Mother Sita is held captive at Lanka by Ravana and guides the Vaanaras as to how to get there. Finally as the entire caravan reaches the seashore and now the question is who will cross over the ocean and go to the other side into Lanka? After a lot of deliberation, the onus again comes to Hanuman! Initially, once again, Hanuman seems to be disinterested in the whole process, but with the motivation from Jaambhavan, Hanuman decides to take it upon himself! With this, Hanuman prepares to cross over the ocean waters and decides to take the aerial route! 

So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall witness how Hanuman crossed over the ocean and searched for Mother Sita at Ravana’s Lanka! Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the discussion between Sage Maarkandeya and Yudishtra as part of the “Raama-Upaakhyaana Parva” wherein he talks about how Bhagawan Rama lost Mother Sita to Ravana and subsequently Bhagawan Rama goes in search of Mother Sita all through the forest. On the way, Bhagawan Rama sees Jatayu in a pitiable condition wherein he was fatally wounded by Ravana. Bhagawan Rama quickly understands the jist of what had happened from Jatayu before he breathes last! For the selfless service that Jatayu had rendered to Bhagawan Rama to protect Mother Sita, Bhagawan Rama straightaway directs his “Atman” to reach the highest “Moksha”! Subsequent to that, we’ve witnessed Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana making their way towards the southern direction and meet Kabandha. Bhagawan Rama singlehandedly defeats him and with his guidance, the duo walk their way towards Kishkinta, amidst the beautiful Rishyamukha Mountain on the banks of the Pampa Sarovar lake. This is the dwelling place for all the “Vaanaras” headed by Sugriva. 

As Sugriva is initially scared to meet these two people, he sends Hanuman as a messenger. Subsequently, Hanuman realizes who Bhagawan Rama really is and nurtures the friendship between Sugriva and Bhagawan Rama. The deal is made – Bhagawan Rama will kill Vaali who is torturing Sugriva till date, and in return, Sugriva and Co. will aid Bhagawan Rama in the search operation of Mother Sita. Thus, as decided, Bhagawan Rama, along with Sugriva go to the place where Vaali is residing. It should be remembered by readers that Vaali is Sugriva’s brother. As Sugriva goes and calls Vaali for a fight, Bhagawan Rama readies Himself behind the bushes to attack Vaali from behind. However, due to the similarities between the two brothers, Bhagawan Rama could not identify who Sugriva and Vaali are amidst the fight! Finally, Vaali defeats Sugriva and inflicts heavy blows on him! Bruised and hurt, Sugriva comes back and yells at Bhagawan Rama! He feels cheated! However, Bhagawan Rama assures Sugriva that this time, things will not go wrong. Lakshmana gives Sugriva a garland to wear, so that this can be the differentiator between the two! Thus, for a second time, Sugriva goes to fight with Vaali, and this time Bhagawan Rama correctly spots Vaali and aims a sharp arrow towards him from behind! Unable to bare this unexpected quicker from Bhagawan Rama, Vaali falls on the ground! Subsequently, Vaali realizes that it was Bhagawan Rama who had attacked him from the back and he yells at Bhagawan Rama to have been a coward for not having the guts to come and fight him from the front! However, with valid justifications, Bhagawan Rama proves His point as to why He attacked Vaali from the back and with this, Vaali requests Sugriva to accept his son Angadha. With this, Vaali breathes last and passes away! 

With this, Bhagawan Rama declares Sugriva as the king of the Vaanara army and Angadha as his able lieutenant. Lakshmana performs the coronation for Sugriva and with this, the first part of the deal is over. Now it is up to Sugriva and Co. to execute the second part of the deal – To commence the search operation of Mother Sita! How is Sugriva going to go about things? Let us wait and witness in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of Sage Maarkandeya’s accord on the Ramayana to Yudishtra as part of the “Rama-Upaakhyaana Parva” wherein, we’ve witnessed Mother Sita being abducted away by Ravana and Jataayu putting up a valiant fight with Ravana in a bid to stop him. However, due to his age and the mighty power of Ravana, Jatayu was not able to win over. Finally, Jatayu was hit by Ravana’s “Chandra-Haasa” sword and he fell to the ground holding his breath somehow, waiting for Bhagawan Rama to come by. As expected, Bhagawan Rama makes His way near Jatayu, only to find him badly and fatally injured. Upon enquiring with Jatayu, Bhagawan Rama comes to know about Ravana’s wrath and it was none other than Ravana who had abducted Mother Sita. Jatayu conveys all this to Bhagawan Rama and guides Him to make His way towards the southern direction in pursuit of Mother Sita. Saying thus, Jatayu breathes his last! Bhagawan Rama respects Jatayu’s invaluable service to Him and orders straightaway that his soul reaches the highest “Moksha” then and there! Moreover, Bhagawan Rama Himself performs all the last rites for Jatayu and with this, Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana proceed in the southern direction. 

On the way, a huge Raakshasa by name “Kabandha” comes in front of both of them. Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana manage to defeat Kabandha and with his guidance, the duo proceed towards Rishyamukha Parvatha to meet Sugriva and Co. – The Vaanara army! As Bhagawan Rama and Lakshamana make their way near the Rishyamukha Parvatha, Sugriva spots these two people – Tall and well-built with the bow and arrow in their hands. Upon seeing both of them, Sugriva is in a spot of bother – What if these two people have come to destroy him and his army, upon the instruction of his brother Vaali, or, can he use both of them to kill Vaali? As Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana walk further closer, Sugriva’s fear increases further and he decides to send his minister, Hanuman to go and find out who they really are. Accordingly, Hanuman makes his way to meet Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana and this is the first time in the entire Ramayana storyline, Hanuman is being introduced. 

Initially, Hanuman strategises a plan that he would not disclose anything about himself or Sugriva and he would only understand who these two gentlemen are. However, the moment Hanuman meets Bhagawan eye to eye, his heart melts and tears automatically start flowing through his eyes! Within a split of a second, he introduces himself to Bhagawan Rama thus, “Oh! I’m Hanuman! I’m the minister of Sugriva! We are part of the Vaanara kingdom!” Starting this way, Hanuman introduces himself to Bhagawan Rama for a few minutes, but suddenly after a while he realizes that he’s talking too much to strangers! He now wants Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana to do the talking! Bhagawan Rama asks Lakshmana to introduce both of them and it is only now that Hanuman comes to know of Bhagawan Rama’s divine name! From this moment onwards, Hanuman takes a pledge to chant Bhagawan Rama’s divine name 24*7*365, and even today this continues! Thus, the friendship is nurtured between Hanuman and Lakshmana and with this, Hanuman carries both of them on his mighty shoulders and takes them to Sugriva. As Bhagawan Rama meets Sugriva, both of them have a bonhomie like never before and they together take a pledge thus – Bhagawan Rama would help Sugriva to kill Vaali and coronate Sugriva as the king of the Vaanara (Monkey) army. In turn, Sugriva will depute his monkey army to search for Mother Sita and help Bhagawan Rama in His divine mission against Ravana. The deal is made! 

So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall witness what happened next! Stay tuned! 🙂 

We’re amidst an important juncture of Sage Maarkandeya’s accord to Yudishtra with regards to how Bhagawan Rama had to endure enormous suffering along with Mother Sita. We’ve witnessed in the previous episode how Ravana plotted a trap to abduct Mother Sita and how he succeeded in that pursuit. He sent Maareecha as a “golden deer” to tempt Mother Sita, who in turn sent Bhagawan Rama to capture that deer. As Bhagawan Rama did not return for a long time, Mother Sita sends Lakshmana in search of Bhagawan Rama’s whereabouts. Thus, as Mother Sita is alone at home, Ravana makes an entry and abducts her quite easily! As Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana return back to Panchavati, they are shell-shocked to understand that Mother Sita has been abducted by someone! This was a trap and Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana have fallen right into it! 

Searching their way through, Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana walk through several areas in the forest. There is nobody who can give them any clue or traces of where Mother Sita is. Meanwhile, as Ravana is on the way to Lanka with Mother Sita, Jataayu, the leader of eagles spots Ravana. Jataayu immediately decides to fight down Ravana and protect Mother Sita and hence, sends out a warning to Ravana to stop doing what he is currently doing! However, Ravana is in no mood to listen to any warnings whatsoever! Jataayu now decides that there is no other alternative but to wage a battle with Ravana. It is precisely the same time that Mother Sita too folds her hands and requests Jataayu to save her from Ravana’s wrath! Taking cue from Mother Sita’s request, Jataayu goes full throttle against Ravana, only for his wings to be chopped off by Ravana’s powerful “Chandrahaasa” sword! As Jataayu is an aged eagle, he could not fight Ravana any further, even though he gave his best shot against Ravana. Unable to withstand any further, Jataayu falls on the ground bleeding profusely. He is just waiting for Bhagawan Rama to come to him and to convey the news about Mother Sita’s whereabouts. 

As Jataayu waits and waits, Bhagawan Rama comes near that vicinity and as He hears the “Raama-Naama-Japa”, Bhagawan Rama quickly understands that this person is none other than Jataayu himself! Upon seeing Jataayu in this pitiable state, Bhagawan Rama runs towards Jataayu and holds him on His lap. With tears in His eyes, Bhagawan Rama enquires with Jataayu the trail of events that took place. As Bhagawan Rama asks thus, Jataayu doesn’t explain what happened to Mother Sita straightaway, and instead, he is singing in praise of Bhagawan Rama and the “Rama-Naama-Japa”! Even though Jataayu is grimacing in pain, he forgets all that and feels fortunate to be in Bhagawan’s divine hands! Upon looking at Bhagawan Rama’s beautiful face, Jataayu forgets everything around him and just keeps admiring at Bhagawan’s face! However, upon Bhagawan Rama’s repeated enquiry, Jataayu slowly opens up. He explains to Bhagawan Rama how Ravana abducted Mother Sita and how he went on a rampage to save her from Ravana’s fold. Eventually, Jataayu explains how Ravana cut through his wings and how he fell into this pitiable state. 

Unable to withstand any further, Jataayu falls into an unconscious state in Bhagawan Rama’s hands. Upon seeing Jataayu’s state, Bhagawan Rama bursts out crying! On one hand, He is so happy with the selfless service that Jataayu had done for Him, and on the other hand, He is extremely sad that He is losing out on a great companion and a devotee! However, the time has come for Jataayu and with this, Bhagawan Rama orders Jataayu’s “Atman” to directly transcend to “Moksha” without any hiccups! Such is the fortune that Jataayu had for lending a helping hand to Bhagawan Rama and through this episode, we shall also understand Jataayu’s unconditional “Bhakti” and “Sharanaagati” towards Bhagawan. 

As Jataayu passes away, Bhagawan Rama performs all the last rites for him and with this, He along with Lakshmana moves further as per Jataayu’s directions and guidance. It is Jataayu who tells Bhagawan Rama that Ravana has gone in the southern direction towards Lanka and he requests Bhagawan Rama to proceed in this direction further. So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall witness how Bhagawan Rama along with Lakshmana proceeded southwards in search of Mother Sita! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Maarkandeya’s continuation of his accord with Yudishtra as part of the “Rama-Upaakhyaana Parva”, wherein he explains to Yudishtra how Bhagawan Rama and Mother Sita ran into enormous problems and had to endure all of them. In this way, we’ve come to the point wherein Ravana is plotting a plan to somehow abduct Mother Sita from Panchavati where Bhagawan Rama, Lakshmana and Mother Sita are residing. It is at the same time when Soorpanaka comes crying to Ravana and she also narrates how Lakshmana insulted her by chopping off her nose and ears. This infuriates Ravana even more and his ploy becomes stronger. He immediately starts from Lanka with a bid to come back with Mother Sita somehow. On the way, Ravana meets Maareecha and involves him in the ploy. 

The plan is very simple – Maareecha will take the form of an abnormal golden deer and roam around in the vicinity of Mother Sita, so as to tempt her. Mother Sita would want Bhagawan Rama to go and capture that golden deer and in the pursuit, the golden deer will drag away Bhagawan Rama to a large distance away from Panchavati. In turn, Mother Sita will also send Lakshmana to look out for Bhagawan Rama and when Mother Sita is alone, Ravana would come and abduct her and take her away! Even though Maareecha did not agree to be part of this game plan, Ravana forces him to be involved. Unable to deny Ravana, Maareecha enters the scene as a golden deer and the plan works to perfection! Mother Sita gets tempted and requests her husband to go and capture it for her to play with. As expected, Bhagawan Rama too goes behind it and the deer takes Him to a long distance away from Panchavati! Thus, at one point, when Bhagawan Rama kills the deer, He understands that this deer is none other than Maareecha! The ploy became loud and clear for Bhagawan Rama, but it is was too late! Maareecha is smart! He cries in the voice of Bhagawan Rama aloud, which shocks Mother Sita! 

Hence, Mother Sita sends Lakshmana in search of Bhagawan Rama and this is the opportunity for which Ravana is waiting! As Mother Sita is alone at home, Ravana enters in the form of a “Sanyasin” with a “Bhiksha Paatra”. In the name of obtaining Bhiksha from Mother Sita, Ravana quickly lifts her in his arms and abducts her into his “Pushpaka-Vimaana”. Even as Mother Sita screams for help, nobody is there in the vicinity to extend a helping hand to her! Thus, Ravana gets into the “Pushpaka Vimana” quickly and off he goes! Meanwhile as Bhagawan Rama is returning back, he sees Lakshmana coming in front of Him with a tensed face! Upon enquiring with Lakshmana as to why he is coming here leaving Sita alone, Bhagawan Rama is shell-shocked as to what had happened! Both the brothers understand the trap and as they come back to Panchavati, it is all too late! Mother Sita is nowhere to be seen! She has been abducted! Unable to get any kind of help from anybody around, Bhagawan Rama bursts into tears and cries out loud, even as Lakshmana tries consoling Him! Bhagawan Rama is inconsolable! 

So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall witness how more problems unfolded for Bhagawan Rama and Mother Sita, as narrated by Sage Maarkandeya to Yudishtra! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Maarkandeya’s narration to Yudishtra on how Bhagawan Rama’s divine “Paadhuka” ruled Ayodhya for the fourteen-year period and how Bharata discharged the duties of the kingdom on behalf of Bhagawan Rama. Subsequently after all the people of Ayodhya along with Bharata leave back to the city with heavy hearts, Bhagawan Rama decides that all three of them should move away from this place. This is because all the city residents now know that Bhagawan Rama is here and with this, everybody will start coming often to see Him. If such a thing happens, there is no point in being in exile. Hence, Bhagawan Rama, Lakshmana and Mother Sita slowly start moving southwards into the “Dhandakaranya” forest and they spend quality time in visiting various Maharishis and obtaining their divine “Anugraha”. 

This is quite similar to the way how Yudishtra and Co. are also doing currently. Of course, in the Mahabharata text, as we’re witnessing, various sages come to visit Yudishtra. However, in the Ramayana text, it is quite the opposite – Bhagawan Rama goes in person to visit all the sages one after the other. Perhaps, this is the difference between the “Treta Yuga” and the “Dvaapara Yuga”! In the “Treta Yuga”, the disciple (Bhagawan Rama Himself) goes in search of the Guru (Each Maharishi). However, in the “Dvaapara Yuga”, the Guru (Maharishis) goes in search of the disciple (Yudishtra). If such is the case, we can imagine what will be the status in the current “Kali Yuga”! Nobody is going to go in search of anybody! 🙂 This is where we are today! 

Thus, coming back to the context, Bhagawan Rama, along with Mother Sita and Lakshmana enter the “Dhandaka Vanam”, which is very dense in nature and full of wildlife habitat everywhere. It is at this place, all three of them spend a lot of time together – In fact, more than ten to eleven years. Along with getting the divine “Anugraha” of all the Maharishis in this zone, Bhagawan Rama also frees the forest area from the grip of the Raakshasas here and there. Subsequently, the news that the Raakshasas are getting destroyed by Bhagawan Rama reaches Kara and Dushana. Both of them plan to sabotage Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana in some way or the other and this is the same time when Soorpanaka who is Ravana’s sister makes her way near Bhagawan Rama’s hamlet one fine day. Initially she did not know who Bhagawan Rama is, but upon seeing His charm and handsome nature, Soorpanaka immediately falls in love with Him! Hence, she decides to approach Bhagawan Rama. 

For this, she takes the form of a beautiful young girl and approaches Bhagawan Rama. Upon introduction, Soorpanaka proposes that she desires to marry Bhagawan Rama somehow. However, Bhagawan Rama refuses Soorpanaka’s proposal and instead, points fingers towards Lakshmana! Soorpanaka approaches Lakshmana, only to be pointed back to Bhagawan Rama. Thus, both Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana started passing the buck and Soorpanaka becomes a joker in the middle of both of them! Finally, Soorpanaka loses her cool and she decides to pounce upon Mother Sita in a bid to kill her. It is at this moment, Lakshmana, with the approval from Bhagawan Rama, chops off Soorpanaka’s nose and ears off her face! Insulted and wounded by Lakshmana, Soorpanaka straightaway runs to Kara and Dhushana and spreads the vengeance! Now Kara and Dhushana, along with some 14,000 Raakshasas try to invade Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana. Even though Lakshmana wanted to help, Bhagawan Rama decides that He would take all of them down single handedly! Eventually, after a long war, Bhagawan Rama successfully destroys 13,999 Raakshasas, only to leave one Raakshasa by name “Akampana” alive! This Akampana is the person who runs all the way to Ravana to convey the news of the destruction of all the Raakshasas. 

As Akampana explains how a person called Rama is destroying all the Raakshasas, Ravana gets furious and it is precisely at the same time, Soorpanaka arrives in Lanka to meet Ravana. Her ears and nose are hanging from her face and as Ravana sees this state of his sister, he gets angrier! Upon investigation, Soorpanaka reveals the plan – Mother Sita is a beautiful woman and Ravana should somehow abduct her. This will infuriate Rama and with this, Ravana can win over Rama! The plan is made! Now upon Soorpanaka’s motivation, Ravana gets interested in Mother Sita and decides to abduct and marry her. 

So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall witness how Ravana executes his plan to perfection! Stay tuned for more updates! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we were at an important juncture wherein Bhagawan Rama had to take a “make or break” decision – Whether to go back to Ayodhya along with Bharata and the others, or to continue with this “Vana-Vaasam” for the next fourteen years. As Bharata cries and requests Bhagawan Rama to come back to Ayodhya, Bhagawan Rama is very clear in what He wants to do. For Him, nothing is bigger than executing His father’s words. King Dasharata had asked Him to go on exile for the next fourteen years and it is Bhagawan Rama’s duty as a son to execute his words without any deviation. Hence, Bhagawan Rama plays His cards very carefully. So today, let us witness how Bhagawan Rama consoled Bharata and what did He do to avoid this situation of Him going back to Ayodhya. 

As Bharata explains his stance of taking Bhagawan Rama back, Bhagawan Rama tells Bharata thus, “Oh Bharata! I know your sincerity and honesty. I know what kind of love and devotion you have for me. You are right in calling me back to Ayodhya and coronating me as the king. However, given the situation, it is not wise for me to come back with you. I’ve given our father a promise and I shall never deviate from executing the same. If I deviate, it will grossly be “Adharma”. Moreover, tomorrow what would people say? People will say that Bhagawan Rama had a desire to be the ruler and the moment Bharata presented Him with a chance for the same, Bhagawan Rama was not bothered about his father’s request and the kingdom was paramount to him more than His father! Hence, I do not want to be a bad example for the future generations of people to follow. Hence, Bharata! Please forgive me. I shall not be able to come back to Ayodhya with you. You are perfectly capable of ruling the kingdom and hence, I recommend that you rule the kingdom until I come back after fourteen years. I shall definitely come back and take over from you! So till then, you please continue to rule Ayodhya and maintain peace and happiness amongst all our people!” 

As Bhagawan Rama decisively says thus, Bharata is not very convinced. He once again makes a request to Bhagawan Rama thus, “Oh Bhagawan! Who am I in front of your might and capabilities? You are the right person to rule all of us. I’m merely your servant. Can any kingdom have a servant as a king? Moreover, if there is a “Jeshta-Braatha” (Elder brother), how can a younger brother be a king? How does this account to “Dharma”? You are talking about “Dharma”, aren’t you? Now what do you say?” Now this reply from Bharata puts Bhagawan Rama in a fix! On one hand, Bharata is also right. How can a younger brother take over as king if the elder brother is alive? Isn’t this against “Raaja-Dharma”? For this, Bhagawan Rama beautifully answers Bharata thus, “Oh Bharata! Do not worry. You take my “Paadukas” along with you and coronate them as the king of Ayodhya. You discharge the duties of the kingdom upon your surrender to my “Paadukas”. The “Paadukas” of mine will rule the kingdom on behalf of me until I come back!” 

As Bhagawan Rama is steadfast in His approach in this way, Bharata too feels that Bhagawan Rama has His duties to execute. Hence, he takes His divine “Paadukas” and tells Him with tears in his eyes thus, “Oh Bhagawan Rama! I shall obey your words. However, you’ve given me an assurance – At the end of the fourteen-year-period, you will come back and take over the reigns of the kingdom. I shall keep waiting for you every passing day. However, if you are not coming at the end of the fourteen-year period, next day you would not be able to see this Bharata alive! I shall kill myself by jumping into the pyre! This is my final decision. If you’re accepting this decision, I shall let you stay here! Else, please come back with me!” As Bharata says this with a lot of devotion and “Sharanaagathi”, Bhagawan Rama assures Bharata that He would definitely come back after fourteen years and He would not delay any further after that. 

With this, Bharata returns back to the forest with a heavy heart, along with all the Ayodhya people. Sadness is written all over their face as they make their way back to Ayodhya, and for the next fourteen years, Bharata obeys Bhagawan Rama’s golden words of wisdom by coronating His “Paadhukas” as the king of Ayodhya. Thus, it is believed that Bhagawan Rama virtually ruled Ayodhya through His “Paadhukas” until He came back physically to take over from there on! 

So for today, let us understand the “Paadhuka-Prabhaavam” (Significance of Bhagawan’s divine footwear) and let us continue this discussion as narrated by Sage Maarkandeya to Yudishtra in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the “Raama-Upaakhyaana Parva” as narrated by Sage Maarkandeya to Yudishtra. In this, we’re finding a jist of the entire Valmiki Ramayana story to highlight how Mother Sita had to face enormous amounts of ordeals even though Bhagawan Rama was the one to undergo them. In this way, we’ve witnessed Bhagawan Rama descending to the forest and making friends with Guha, the hunter. Subsequently with Guha’s advice and guidance, Bhagawan Rama, Lakshmana and Mother Sita make their way to Chitrakoota. On the other side at Ayodhya, we’ve witnessed King Dasharata passing away unable to bear the separation from his beloved son Rama. Upon Bharata’s arrival, Kaikeyi proudly announces to him that he is henceforth the king of Ayodhya as per King Dasharata’s approval and that, Bhagawan Rama had already taken up the “Vana-Vaasam” (Exile) for the next fourteen years. This stuns Bharata to bits and immediately quashes Kaikeyi’s order! Bharata now decides that this game has had its peak and now it is time for course correction. He decides to go to the forest and bring Bhagawan Rama back to Ayodhya and coronate him as the next king. 

With this intention, as Bharata starts, the entire Ayodhya city joins him and proceeds towards Chitrakoota with the guidance of Guha in the middle. As the caravan of Ayodhya with all its flags near Chitrakoota, Lakshmana spots a huge crows being led by his brother Bharata. Immediately, Lakshmana’s mind went into a suspicion mode – Is Bharata coming to attack and kill Bhagawan Rama, or, is he coming to take Bhagawan Rama with him back to Ayodhya? His mind concludes with the former and immediately Lakshmana rushes into the hamlet to take out his weapons! Bhagawan Rama asks Lakshmana the reason for his sudden tension and Lakshmana fires a reply back to Bhagawan Rama that he is going to finish Bharata off today! Unable to bear such words about Bharata, Bhagawan Rama explains – “Oh Lakshmana! Till today I did not know that you had an eye on the kingdom of Ayodhya! Even now it is not too late. If you really want to rule Ayodhya, please go ahead. I shall continue my forest life with my Bharata happily!” As Lakshmana gets stunned by Bhagawan Rama’s comment, Bhagawan Rama pacifies him thus, “Oh Lakshmana! I know the intention of my Bharata. At any cost, he would not come to kill me. Please be assured that Bharata is coming to take all of us back. If at all Bharata comes with the killing intention, even before Bharata fires an arrow at me, this Rama would be dead! Hence, let us wait till he comes and see what happens!” 

As the duo wait patiently, Bharata and Co. arrive closer. However, unlike Lakshmana anticipated, Bharata has no signs of happiness at all! Sadness is written all over his face and he is in tears of sorrow! As Bharata sees Bhagawan Rama, he immediately runs forward and falls on His divine lotus feet and cries inconsolably! Upon comforting Bharata, Bhagawan Rama looks at Lakshmana and says, “Oh Lakshmana! What did you think about my Bharata a few minutes ago? Now see how he is unable to hold back his sorrow of my separation from him. This is the Bharata whom I know, and he has proved exactly that today!” As Lakshmana hears this, he feels embarrassed and all three of them hug each other and cry. It is at this time, Bharata discloses the information that father Dasharata has passed away! This stuns both Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana and both of them hug Bharata and cry. Later on, Bhagawan Rama performs the “Tarpanam” for his demised father and after all of them settle down, Bharata slowly spills the beans. He expresses forgiveness on behalf of his mother Kaikeyi for all whatever happened and requests Bhagawan Rama to come back to Ayodhya along with him now itself. 

So the question is very simple – Is Bhagawan Rama going to return back to Ayodhya along with Bharata by paying heed to his request? Or, is He going to continue His “Vana-Vaasam” for the stipulated time of fourteen years? Let us wait for the next episode to understand Bhagawan Rama’s decision! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of an important accord which Sage Maarkandeya is making to Yudishtra, as part of the “Rama-Upaakhyaana Parva”. In this, Sage Maarkandeya explains how Bhagawan Rama and Mother Sita had to undergo tremendous amounts of ordeals while residing in the forest for fourteen years. As part of this accord, we’ve witnessed how Bhagawan Rama and Mother Sita, along with Lakshmana had to ascend to the forest in exile for fourteen years and what are the circumstances that led to Bhagawan Rama’s exile. Now as Bhagawan Rama decides to exit Ayodhya, the entire city starts to weep, except Kaikeyi. King Dasharata could not bear his son’s separation from him and is now at the last stage of his life. He is too weak even to get up and talk to anyone. Bhagawan Rama bids farewell to His father and all the three mothers before making His way out. Bharata and Shathrughna aren’t at Ayodhya at that moment as they had gone to the Kekeya Desha to meet Kaikeyi’s parents. Because of this, both of them are clueless as to what’s happening in Ayodhya. 

Thus, even as scores of people of Ayodhya try to stop Bhagawan Rama, He is steadfast in His actions. For Bhagawan Rama, nothing is better in this world than executing His father’s request and obeying his words. Even though King Dasharata reluctantly asks Bhagawan Rama to leave for the forest, Bhagawan Rama never asks a question back to him! He just throws away the kingdom and moves out! As Bhagawan Rama’s chariot reaches the banks of River Sarayu, the charioteer leaves all the three there. Subsequently, Bhagawan Rama takes a raft and the three of them leave Ayodhya forever at this moment. On the other bank of the river, Bhagawan Rama meets Guha and makes friendship with him. Guha is an ordinary hunter and Bhagawan Rama interacts with him and stays in his hamlet for one night, along with Mother Sita and Lakshmana. Subsequently, the next morning, Bhagawan Rama requests Guha to guide them to a deeper portion in the forest wherein they can reside peacefully for the next fourteen years. This is where, all of them come to a place called “Chitrakoota” – A beautiful forest area with a lot of rivers and streams running across and with a lot of wildlife habitat too. Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana construct a small hamlet for the three of them and they happily reside there for a few days. 

Meanwhile in Ayodhya, as King Dasharata came to know that his son Rama is not going to come back and has ditched him completely, he could not bare this anymore. He has had enough. With a loud sound of desperation and separation, King Dasharata breathes his last! Soon after this, a message is urgently sent to Bharata and Shathrughna to return back to Ayodhya immediately. As Bharata returns back, he enters the palace with a lot of tension. According to him, there should have been a lot of grandeur as his brother Rama should have become the king by now. However, he saw the entire city wearing a dead look! Nobody had a smile on their face, instead, people were only insulting and abusing Bharata for abducting the Ayodhya kingdom from Bhagawan Rama, to whom it should have rightly belonged. Bharata did not understand anything of these and as he enters the palace, the first sight that he has is his mother standing in a white saree like a widow! Upon seeing this, Bharata is shell-shocked! 

Upon questioning his mother, she storms the news that King Dasharata is no more! Upon hearing this shocking news, Bharata falls on the floor weeping heavily! He is unconsolable! However, what comes next from Kaikeyi’s mouth is a rude-shocker! She lifts him up and with a smile says thus, “Oh Bharata! From now onwards, you are the king of Ayodhya! I’ve ensured that I’ve obtained your father’s approval of this plan before he passed away!” 

As Bharata listens to this, he immediately gets up and asks, “Where is my brother Rama? Why am I not able to see him anywhere here? Where is Lakshmana? Where has he gone?” For this, Kaikeyi calmly and casually replies thus, “Oh Bharata! Your brother Rama is in exile for the next fourteen years! I’ve already sent him to the forest along with Sita! Lakshmana too wanted to join him and I was fine with it! Hence, Rama, Lakshmana and Sita are in the forest now and no more in Ayodhya!” As Kaikeyi proudly proclaims thus, Bharata now understands what had happened! King Dasharata did not have a normal death by any means. It was Kaikeyi who had allegedly killed his father! Now Bharata starts abusing his mother very badly thus, “Oh Kaikeyi! Till now I’ve seen you as my mother! But from now onwards, you are a mere Raakshasi who had been a prime reason for my father’s death! What are you blabbering? How can I even be a king if Bhagawan Rama is alive and if He is my Lord? How can a servant be a king in this world? There is no way that I can rule Ayodhya. I’m immediately leaving for the forest now to bring back Bhagawan Rama! Enough of your dirty games now! There can be nobody in this world who can rule Ayodhya, except my brother Rama!”
Saying thus, Bharata immediately prepares himself to leave for the forest in search of Bhagawan Rama. So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode we shall continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of Sage Maarkandeya’s description on the Ramayana to Yudishtra. The context comes wherein Yudishtra is asking Sage Maarkandeya an important question as to why Draupati should suffer because of his wrongdoing and  bad “Karma”. For this, Sage Maarkandeya explains how there is a precedent to this and narrates how Mother Sita had to undergo an ordeal even though it was Bhagawan Rama’s destiny to face an exile. In this way, Sage Maarkandeya explains the entire Ramayana story in a nutshell as part of the “Rama-Upaakhyaana Parva” which we’re currently witnessing. Till now we’ve witnessed the divine incarnation of Bhagawan Rama and how He married Mother Sita as part of the grand event at Janakapuri. After the marriage was over, Bhagawan Rama along with His brothers returned back to Ayodhya with their newly married wives and subsequently all of them lived happily together for the next twelve years. 

 As days and years pass by, King Dasharata decides that he has had enough at the throne and thinks about passing on the reins of the Ayodhya kingdom to Bhagawan Rama, who is the eldest. For this, he has several rounds of meetings and consultations with all stakeholders, including his three wives, sages, Ayodhya residents, etc. and as all of them give their in-principle consent, the date and time for the grand swearing-in ceremony is fixed by Sage Vasishtachaarya. It is at this time, an old woman by name “Manthara” decides to play spoilsport. During Bhagawan Rama’s young days, once upon a time, He had made fun of Manthara to be having a bent back, and she had carried this vengeance all through her life for so many years. Thus, as this swearing-in ceremony is being planned, Manthara wants to use this as an opportunity to sabotage the entire event and with this, she wants to fulfil her vengeance. In fact, in the Vaalmiki Ramayana text, there is not much reference to who this Manthara really is, however, in the Mahabharata text, there is a vivid reference. Of course, we can witness in the Ramayana text that Sugriva, Hanuman, Vaali, etc. are all the sons of the Devas such as Surya Bhagawan, Vaayu Bhagawan, Indra, etc. However, there is no direct reference to who Manthara is. Thus, from the Mahabharata text, we come to know that Manthara is none other than the daughter of the “Gandharva” by name Dundhubi. 

Thus, Manthara motivates and brainwashes Kaikeyi to ask for the boons that her son Bharata should be the next king of Ayodhya and not Bhagawan Rama by any means. Secondly, Bhagawan Rama should descend to the forest for the next fourteen years in exile and He should never come near Ayodhya at all as Bharata is ruling the country. Buoyed by Manthara, Kaikeyi too becomes poisoned mentally and she straightaway goes to King Dasharata with the two boons. As she conveys these two requirements, it is already the middle of the night! Next morning is the swearing-in ceremony and arrangements are being made on war-footing! However, there is this twist in the tale – Kaikeyi breaks her silence and openly asks King Dasharata to grant these boons to her! Unable to bear the words that Kaikeyi uses, King Dasharata falls on the floor and has no other option but to grant the boons that she had asked for! We should remember here that King Dasharata had earlier promised Kaikeyi of granting two boons for saving his life once, and Kaikeyi hadn’t asked them since them. Now, Kaikeyi has correctly used the right opportunity to put forth her demands and King Dasharata got entangled into a clear trap! 

As King Dasharata is someone who doesn’t go back on his assurances and words, he grants the two boons to Kaikeyi and collapses on the floor! Later on, Kaikeyi calls Bhagawan Rama to convey this news to Him, and also about the two boons which His father had given before collapsing on the floor. Even though the boons are extremely harsh in nature, Bhagawan Rama’s face never had any objections! He accepts both these boons and immediately gets ready to descend to the forest. As Bhagawan Rama gets ready to leave, Mother Sita stops Him and expresses her wish to accompany Him to the forest for the next fourteen years. Even though Bhagawan Rama did not have the intention to take Mother Sita with Him, upon compulsion from her, Bhagawan Rama lets her to accompany Him. Upon seeing both Bhagawan Rama and Mother Sita leaving to the forest, Lakshmana too decides that he would accompany them to the forest. Thus, all the three people make their way out of the Ayodhya palace and the entire city came to its knees! All these are happening at a time when Bharata and Shatrughna had gone to the Kekeya Desha to spend some time. 

So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂