SSR Day 7 by HH Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji – January 7, 2014 – Mysore
During this Dhanurmasa, Pujya Swamiji is travelling in South Pole and is performing Shiva Prathishta for the welfare of the World. Here, we are performing this Ramayana Saptaha with an intention that Swamiji’s sankalpa should be fulfilled. We have completed Sundara Kaanda and are entering into Yuddha Kaanda. This Yuddha kaanda is a huge chapter. This chapter reveals many hidden secrets. We shall speak about this chapter today.
Who ever chants the 100 slokas of Shata Shloki Ramayana, will gain the merit of chanting complete Ramayana. Hence, Pujya Sri Swamiji sang this Ramayana and made everyone sing it. Take some time to listen to or read the complete Ramayana in life time. That gives the merit of listening to the entire Vedas.
Veda Vedye Pare Pumsi Jaate Dasaradaatmajey
Ramayana is equal to the Vedas. Veda took the form of Ramayana. Hence we need to try chanting Ramayana completely. Teach your children Shata Shloka Ramayana. In Kaliyuga it gives more merit and it is the need of the hour in Kali Yuga.
Yesterday, we spoke about the Karya Siddhi of Hanuman and today we are entering the first chapter of Yudhdha Kaanda.
Rama was very happy and started praising Hanuman. It needs a lot of luck, skill, capacity to get praised by Sadguru. Sometimes, Sadguru praises us to encourage us so that we reach higher levels. We must not feel egoistic but should pray to bestow us with more seva opportunity. Rama praised Hanuman saying Hanuman has done such a task which is unimaginable by anyone.
Manasaapi yadanyena nashakyam dharani tale says Sri Rama.
Hanuman had the darshan of Parashakthi. That which is heard with astonishment, which is seen with amazement and that is spoken with surprise is the ultimate level says Upanishads. Hanuman has reached that level, is the inner meaning of this praise by Sri Rama. This is possible only with Yoga Shakthi and Gnana Shakthi.
Who ever accomplishes the task assigned by Sadguru and does seva to Sadguru or God, who ever does Yoga Sadhana like Hanuman, also becomes Purushottama.
Yesterday we spoke about this but it is something we must ponder over again and again. Rama thinks what to give in return to Hanuman. Rama wanted to give His Praana – the life giving force to Hanuman, but it is not in His control. It is with Sita and Sita’s praana is with Rama. He cannot give His Atman too as both Sita’s and His is one Atman. Then what can He give ? Nothing is greater to one than Himself. So, He gives a hug to Hanuman. This is a chapter in which Rama offers Himself to Hanuman. On one day on Vaikunta Ekadasi, we stand for darshan in the queue for half an hour and feel we have done a great job. But the Lord has been standing for eons for us with great amount of patience. Who is great here ? His love is greater than our devotion. Rama hugs Hanuman. All monkeys touch Hanuman and feels as if they could have Rama Sparsha.
Hanuman felt what ever he has done so far is very little. For those, who feel that way, there is much more to do. But those who feel they have done a great job, is left with nothing else. We must progress forever. Hanuman shows this path to us.
Rama asks the details of Lanka. Hanuman describes in detail all that he had seen in Lanka. That was the reason he searched every part of Lanka while searching for Sita. Who ever does 10 things related to the assigned task without spoiling the assigned task, is the best karya Sadhaka. Who ever just does what is assigned, belongs to medium category. Who ever spoils the assigned task, falls in lower category. Rama talks about these three categories.
Rama was little worried after listening to the details of Lanka. He then decides Vijaya Muhurtha, an auspicious time during mid noon in Abhijin Lagna, as the right time to start towards Lanka. All incidents that took place in Rama’s life happened in Vijaya Muhurtha. Rama’s incarnation, His marriage, this episode of war, upcoming Coronation ceremony, Paduka Pattabhisheka .. everything happenend in Vijaya Muhurtha. We are talking all this in Vijaya Nama lunar year. This is something special too. Except Rama & Laxmana, all others are of the army of monkeys. Rama starts towards Lanka.
Everyone is busy with the tasks assigned to them. Hanuman too was performing his tasks, yet is watching Rama & Laxmana constantly. Who ever does their duty and keeps their mind constantly on Sadguru and God, they are called Bhagavattottama – the best of devotees. We forget God while doing our duty. Hanuman was not like that. He didn’t forget Rama.
Everyone reached sea shore. Rama remembers Sita. How to cross the ocean – He thinks. Each one of us in our lives will come across such situation as to how to complete a task. Laxmana gives courage to Rama. Rama says, Laxmana, I too know that sorrow is not good. But Sita is away and hence I am in sorrow. Not just that, I could not protect Her. This is a great insult too – says Rama.
A similar kind of sorrow, Sri Krishna had too in Maha Bharatha. During Droupadi Vastrapaharana incident, Droupadi calls Krishna to protect her. She screams Govinda Govinda Govinda….Krishna took a little while to come and save her. Krishna says that her cry was lingering in Krishna’s ears for 13 long years. So at the end of Dwapara yuga, Krishna gives a boon that who ever calls Govinda just once in Kali yuga, He would immediately come and protect them. God feels sad that He is unable to protect us due to our strong Karmas. We think that He is not helping us. Our Karas are strong. He can make us escape but then, it again comes back to us and we must undergo it. Rama feels sad.
Rama thinks as how to cross ocean along with the monkey army. As this goes on, Valmiki brings the incidents happening in Lanka.
After Hanuman leaves Lanka, Ravana is unable to sleep. After darshan of God, a devotee will be at peace. But in any case, if he cannot have darshan of God and instead sees a horrifying character, he becomes restless. Shiva has two forms Shiva and Ghora. Shiva is an auspicious form which gives happiness. Ghora form is a horrifying one. Hanuman is Rudramsha – form of Rudra. He has shown His horrifying form to Ravana and hence Ravana was unable to sleep. He calls for a meeting and talks about the plan of action. Hanuman has shown His power and strength. Ravana knows that he is weak. Each of his ministers gives their own opinions. Vibhishana didn’t like it. He says, O brother Ravana, as per dharma, the younger ones should not advise elders. But since I’m sitting here as your minister, it is my duty to advise you good things. Listen, your are defamed already by bringing wife of others. Due to this, you will lose your life and prosperity too. This increases your sin and you will lose the merit of your penance. At least now, O brother, open your eyes and send back Sita to Rama. Leave your anger and think about this.
Tyajasya kopam, Sukha Dharma Nashana
When one is angry, they tend to think wrong. Hence, one must decide anything only after controlling anger. Hold to Dharma. This increases your fame. Please listen to me in this one aspect. The entire family will ruin just because of you.
pashyeva sharada shatam, Jeevema sharada shatam, nandama sharada shatam, Modama sharada shatam,
May you live for 100 years, may you live happily, may you speak good words – says Upanishads. How simple words Upanishads use.
Vibhishana also used the same word Jeevema. O Brother Ravana, you are a Veda Scholar. So I am reminding you of the Veda words. Live good. Give back Sita to Rama. Listening to this, Ravana calls off the meeting.
Next time, Ravana wanted Kumbhakarna for the meeting. He makes a lot of efforts to wake him up. He sleeps for 6 months and wakes up after 6 months. Delicious food items were sent to him for waking him up. Elephants and drums were used to wake him up which was in vain. Finally he wakes up and goes for the meeting. He too abuses Ravana for his acts. But he could not protest against him for a long time. Food was his main weakness. What if he was sent out of the kingdom ? Who is going to give food to Kumbhakarna ? So he decided to support Ravana.
Vibhishana again advises Ravana to be good. Ravana again called off the meeting and went to his palace. Vibhishana follows him and pleads him to sent Sita back to Rama. Ravana kicks him off and insults him and insults Rama. Then Vibhishana decides to leave Lanka and go to Rama. He flew into the sky and tries one last time to advise Ravana. Ravana abuses him. Vibhishana along with four other supporters flies and reaches the sea shore, stands in the air and speaks to the monkey army.
Sarva loka Sharanyaya Raghavaya Mahatmane
Nivedayata maam kshipram Vibhishana Mupasthitham
The word Sarva Loka Sharanyaya is a very important word. You don’t need to think if we have place there or not ? Would we be allowed into the temple or not ? It is a very wrong notion. Who ever acts so are sinners. When God resides in everyone’s heart, who are we to stop someone from entering into a temple ? It is very wrong. Our ancestors have done that mistake in earlier times without their knowledge. We must not repeat it.
Who ever takes refuge in Him will be protected. I have no doubt in it says Vibhishana. Such confident he had. This is how a true devotee speaks.
Atma, antaratma, jeevatma, mahatma and paramatma are five parts in everyone. Among this, Mahatma is between Jeevatma and Paramatma. He turns Jeevatma towards Paramatma – God. That is why Sadguru is called Mahatma.
Prahlada, Narada, Parasara, Pundareeka,
Vyasa, Ambareesha, Shuka, Sounaka, Bheeshma Daalbhyan,
Rukmangadarjuna, Vasishta, Vibheeshanaadheen
Punyaniman Parama bhagvathaan smarami
Vibhishana’s name is in the last. Why ? Because, Self Surrender is the most difficult thing. Vibhishana was in a difficult position. What if Rama’s doesn’t allow him on His side ? He left Ravana also. He had trust in Rama. Rama would allow Vibhishana. But how about the rest of the 4 supporters ? Being a demon, how did Vibhishana get this kind of intellect ? More over, his brother Ravana’s fear was there. Yet, he decided to side Rama. How did he get this thought ?
It is said that this was the result of Satsang that he made with Hanuman in Lanka. The bundle of karmas that came along with us during the past many births can be released by Satsang. So it is a must for everyone to do Satsang and make it a habit to children also. Listening to good things sitting at home also is satsang. But at home, your mind revolves around the things there. Hence, one must go to ashram or temple for satsang and render any kind of seva. This reduces the burden of your karmas. We have come with a lot of luggage with us though born as a tiny child. We have carried the karmas of all our millions of previous births. We have taken form of animals, birds, water creatures and so on. As these creatures, it is not possible to get relieved from karmas. After all these forms, we have got human birth. This is the only form in which we can get rid of all karmas easily. Hence, Swamiji always keeps telling us that human birth is the most precious birth. Swamiji attracts us in multifold to divert us towards satsang. We too must put all our efforts towards this.
The result of Satsang is explained in a very beautiful story. Once Vishwamitra and Vasishta had a competition. Vishwamitra says Penance is greatest and Vasishta says Satsanga is greatest. There was a major argument between both of them. Both likes Penance and Satsanga. But the argument was about which one is greater. They wanted to prove it with an example. In the meanwhile Narada comes and advised both to take the work of Adisesha by holding the Earth for sometime. They both went and prayed Adisesha. Adisesha means the gravitational force that holds the earth. Both Science and Spirituality are essential in life.
Adisesha agreed to assign the job of holding the earth. The question arises as to who would take it up first. Vishwamitra says, he would do it out of the energy that he gained from his penance. The agreement was for an year. But in a week’s time, Vishwamitra could not bear it and called Vasishta to handle it. Vishwamitra was holding the earth on his shoulder but Vasishta holds it on his little finger not just for one year but for ten years. Vishwamitra was surprised. He asked Vasishta how he could do. Vasishta says, this is the power of Satsanga. Swamiji in Neeti Mala says with Sri Vishnu Sankeertana and Sadhu Sanga as your wings, you can fly from the forest of Samsara like Rajahamsa – white swan. That is the power of Satsanga.
Nivedayatamaam Kshipram Vibheeshana mupasthitham
Visbhishana sends a humble message to Rama that he has come. The terms Naivedya and Nivedana both are same. Naivedya (offering of food) is the last upachara or service offered to God in the 16 Upacharas. After Naivedya, Nirajana – aarti and Mantrapushpa have come in the later times. How long should it take to do Naivedya ?
A person to have food would wash his hands and feet, waits till the food is served, eats leisurely by relishing, washes his hands and feet again and eat pan before taking rest. What ever amount of time he takes to do all this, so much time is to be spent for God too for offering Naivedya. This is true Naiveda. We do everything in a hurry. We don’t even have the feeling of offering wholeheartedly. We don’t feel that God Himself is coming and eating it. Karma is essential. It can be pardoned when you are in hurry. But not every time. It is not the question of sin, but feeling matters. Observe Swamiji performing Puja during Navaratri etc. He is deeply engrossed in it. Being His devotees and disciples, we must learn that from Swamiji.
Naivedya is offering the creation of God to Him again. It is all His creation. Else, how did nectar like water come into a coconut for the water that we poured for the coconut tree ? Is it possible for anyone to inject it ? How is it possible ? Isn’t it His creation ? We are just collecting from His creation and offering it to Him. That also, we don’t collect properly. We got used to saying ‘Naivedyarthe Akshatam Samarpayami’. For everything, we replace with Akshata (unbroken, uncooked rice mixed with turmeric offered during puja). When you go to Annapurna mandir, what if someone says ‘Akshatam Samarpayami’ to replace the food being served there ? Will you enter the dining hall ? What if Nala Datta or someone in charge of Kitchen is unwell and says today we will serve uncooked rice, will you accept it ? But for God, why do you do this ? Because He adjusts for everything ? You must offer ‘THE BEST’ to God. That is true devotion. Without Bhakti, there is no Mukti. Without devotion, there is no salvation. Hence, devotion is considered as utmost Sadhana. Puja gives peace of mind. Puja removes Punarjanma-rebirth. We are teaching wrong practices to children also. It is better not to perform such pujas. Manasika Puja or puja with mind is better instead. Puja is not a play. Do not escape from performing just because you do not feel like doing. Keep practising till you feel it.
Vibheeshana’s arrival was conveyed to Rama. Sri Rama is very diplomatic. He didn’t ask them to bring Vibheeshana to Him. He asked for everyone’s opinion. Each told their own opinion that not to allow him into Rama’s army. Everybody spoke except Hanuman. Rama asks him. Hanumanta says Rama, you know everything. But since you are asking me, I will speak and gives all examples of Vibheeshana’s devotion that he has seen in Lanka and his surrender to Rama. A devotee should support another devotee. Hanuman teaches this to us. Hanuman says, Rama, Vibheeshana’s face is peaceful and does not appear to harm anyone. So, I feel we may take him into our army. Rest all is left to you. This is how we must talk to elders.
sakrudeva prapannaaya tavaasmi iti cha yaachate
abhayam sarva bhootebhyo dadaamietad vratam mama
This is Rama’s oath. Those who seek refuge in Him is protected and Rama has this as an Vow. See how many interesting things are there in Yuddha Kaanda. This is a very important chapter.
Rama says, even if Ravana himself were to come seeking refuge wholeheartedly, I will give him protection. Rama told Lakshmana to bring water from the ocean. He performed abhisheka and made Vibheeshana the king of Lanka. Sugreeva asked what if Ravana now comes and seeks refuge? What will you give him? Rama said, I will give my Ayodhya to Ravana. Bharata will give Ayodhya to me. I like this chapter so much. These words of Rama brought so much of devotion for me towards Him. I’m not talking this just like that. Rama would have definetely given Ayodhya if Ravana had come.
Now, the question of crossing the ocean is back to square one again. Sagar is your ancestor, Rama. Ocean will respond to your prayers – said Vibheeshana. Lying on a bed of darbha grass, Rama prayed to the Ocean God to give way for crossing the ocean. Sagara never responded. Rama shoots His arrows and finally uses Brahmastra. For this, Saagara takes a form and comes out trembling. This is a very important episode. In Bhagavata, Sukaavadhoota also mentions about this. Why important ? Setu – the bridge is to be constructed over the sea. What Setu ? The bridge of Truth and Righteousness – says Samaveda.
Nalam setu makaarayat
Sagara says, due to Rama Karya, the world should benefit. I will see that the water creatures are not harmed due to this bridge. I will ensure that due to water slowing down at this place Tsunami doesn’t occur at some other place. I will help you in this – says Saagara to Rama.
The bridge was constructed and completed in 5 days. Rocks from surrounding mountains were dropped into the sea. All the Vanaras started putting the rocks in the ocean. All the rocks were sinking. Only Hanuman’s rocks were floating. Nala asked Hanuman how was that possible ? Hanuman said, I’am writing Rama Nama on every stone before putting them into the ocean. Then Hanuman was asked not to carry the rocks, but to simply write the name of Rama on each rock. This is how the Setu was built. We didn’t believe this till NASA confirmed the existence of the bridge. We are in such a stage. Some are trying to destroy this bridge to enable movement of Ships. Some people are fighting against this. May Rama’s blessings be on them.
Then comes a squirrel who also wanted to help Rama, out of intense devotion. But how? it thought. I will supply sand. It rolls around in the sand and fills its fur with it. And leaves it in the ocean. Rama was observing this. He called the squirrel. It was too busy. Finally it came. Rama praised its effort. He made 3 stripes, A U M of OMkara He wrote on its back with His fingers, as He petted the squirrel.
Finally, Setu, the bridge to Lanka was built. Victory to Rama everyone shouted and this was audible till Lanka. A messenger called Shuka was sent. Rama commanded that he should be released. Rama designs His battle formation. Ravana watches all this from distance. Sugreeva notices this and flies and hits Ravana and comes back. Rama warns him and commands him not to take any other form except Monkey form. Only Rama and Laxmana are humans. All others are Demons. Rama Sena is all monkeys. Demons treat that taking monkey form is an insult to them. So they don’t change their form. For one last time, Rama sends Angada as messenger.
Angada goes to Ravana and tries in all possible ways to put him on the right path. However, Ravana was not willing to listen to him. Angada feels that he should project Rama’s valour to Ravana. For that, he wanted to show his power first and puts his foot in the throne and challenges the demons to just move his foot a little. Everyone tried but in vain. Only Ravana is left out. He came to try out and attempts to hold Angada’s foot and Angada moves back. He says, Ravana, now that you came to know my valour, you don’t have to hold my feet. Hold to Rama’s feet. Ravana gets furious and wanted to kill Angada. But since, a messenger is not to be harmed he allowed him to go back to Rama.
Furious war starts. Indrajith tied Rama and Laxmana with Naga Pasha. Rama and Laxmana faint. Rama gets up in few moments and thinks how to get released of that Naga Pasha. Then comes Garuthmantha, the divine eagle. With his presence, the Naga Pasha automatically gets released. Here one question arises. Rama is such an expert in Dhanurvidya, doesn’t He know that Garudastra is to be used to release Naga Pasha ? Or did He forget ? When Srimannarayana takes the incarnation of Rama and descends to earth, He told Adisesha to be born as Laxmana, and Shanka and Chakra to be born as Bharatha and Shatrugna. How about me ? – asks Garutmantha. Rama says, you don’t come now. During the war, you will get a chance to serve me. You can come then – said Lord Narayana. So Garutmantha comes now.
War continued. Naga badda Rama Laxmana Pradarshanam, Sita Shwashanam, Rama Nirvedaha, Naga Pasha Vimokshanam, Dhoomrakshabhishechanam, Hanuma kruta Dhoomraksha vadaha, Vajradramshta Yuddham, Angadakruta Vajradramshta vadaha, Akampana Yuddham, Hanumat krutha Akampana vadaha – I’m just mentioning the names of these sargas. All these incidents happened.
Witnessing Akampana vadha, Rama, Laxmana, Sugreeva, Vibhishana everyone worshipped Hanuman and offered their respects. After Akampana was killed, Prahastha comes to the battlefield. Neela kills Prahastha. Then Ravana enters the war field. Initially Laxmana could not face him. Hanuman interferes and faces Ravana. Rama feels happy with this and praises Hanuman. Hanuman says, Ravana has come in a huge chariot and hence asks Rama to climb Hanuman’s shoulder and fight from there. Like Sri Maha Vishnu sits on Garutmanta, Sri Rama sits on Hanumanta. As Laxmana faints, Rama gets furious and fights severely.
As the day reaches dusk and grows dark, Rama tells Ravana to go back to his palace and take rest as he severely got injured and to come back with good weapons again. None can withstand Rama’s weapons.
Rama shastrahutaamaham – says Paramatma. Meaning, amongst those holding weapons, I am Rama. No one can face Rama while holding His bow. Hence, in Rama Raksha Stotra, it is said that Rama, come with your Kodanda bow and protect us.
Ravana feels insulted. He thinks whether to go back or not. The charioteer takes him back. Ravana abuses him for taking him back. He says, Ravana, you will die if I don’t take you back.
Ravana takes rest. Then comes the episode of Kumbhakarna Prabodaha. Waking him up from his sleep is a massive task. He was told of the happenings. Kumbhakarna abuses Ravana for his bad deeds. Ravana begs Kumbhakarna to protect him. Kumbhakarna feels sad. Ravana threatens Sita again. Kumbhakarna goes for war. Looking at him, Vanara sena runs away. He appeared as if a mountain is walking. Rama kills Kumbhakarna. It is said that Rama incarnated to kill Ravana and Kumbhakarna. Jaya and Vijaya, the gate keepers of Lord Vishnu, out of curse they were born as Ravana and Kumbhakarna. Ravana feels sad that Kumbhakarna is dead. Then Angada kills Narantaka. Next Devantaka was killed. Laxmana kills Atikaaya. Ravana gets angry due to this. Only Indrajith was remaining. Ravana didn’t want to send him to war but was left with no choice. Indrajith fights with his magical powers. Laxmana fights with him but he does not apply his Magical powers. Laxmana fights like an ordinary man standing on the land and Indrajith from his Chariot. He uses many special weapons on Laxmana and as a result Laxmana faints. Rama feels sad seeing this and thinks I will not fight now. Even if I get Sita, I will not be happy without Laxmana.
Jambavanta says, everyone is injured but just check if Hanumanta is fine and is available around. Why did he ask that ?
Hanuman Vaanara Sreshtaha
Pranaan dhaarayate kvachit
Tasmin jeevati veeretu
Hatamapyahatam bhavet
If Hanuman is alive and fine, even those who are dead are equal to alive. Why ? Because Hanuman is Sanjeeva Parvatadhaari. He holds Sanjeevani mountain. Hanuman comes and asks as to what He can do. He was asked to bring 4 herbs from a medicinal hill. He went to Himalayas but couldn’t make out which hill. So he carried the entire mountain. This shows His valor. So, praising Hanuman with the name ‘Sanjeeva Parvathadhaari’ is very special.
Here, Anjaneya is in the form of Mrutyunjaya and shows the form of Rudra.
Sanjeevana – He gives life for everyone. He has given life for Laxmana himself. Sushena, the Vanara doctor uses the herbs in proper way on Laxmana. Laxmana gets up. Rama feels very happy. Hanuman was asked to place the mountain back in its original place. This is the 4th time Hanuman crossing the sea. From Himalayas at Kashmir to Lanka in the south, Hanuman brought the mountain. Then Lanka Daaha – burn the Lanka so all the demons will come out was one of the thought and it happened the same way. Kampana was killed. Then comes Hanumat kruta Nikumbha vadha. Hanuman kills Nikumbha. Then Rama kills Makaraksha demon. Tirohita Ravani Yuddham. Indrajith does war with his magical powers.
Then comes the episode of Maya Sita Vadaha. A duplicate Sita was created and was killed. Seeing this, Rama faints thinking that it is actual Sita. Vibhishana explains the magic of Ravana and says, none can harm Sita.
Then Vibhishana and Ravani (Indrajith) abuses each other. Next is Soumithri Ravani Yuddham. Laxmana fights with Indrajith and kills him. It is said that Laxmana was incarnated to kill Indrajith. Laxmana is Yoga purusha.
Many others demons were killed later.
Rama and Ravana starts mutual fight. Ravana uses Shakti weapon on Laxmana and laxmana faints. Hanumanta again brings Sanjeevani mountain. This is the 6th time crossing sea and coming back. Rama feels happy.
Indra’s chariot descends down. Matali is the charioteer. Rama ascends this chariot. Furious war takes place between Rama and Ravana. Thousands of times Ravana’s heads were cut and they grow again. A specific count is mentioned for this. Rama is slightly confused with this. Then comes Agastya Maharshi in the form of Sadguru and advises Rama to pray Sun God. Agastya preaches Him Aditya Hrudayam. Rama recites Aditya Hrudayam and with this, He regains courage.
Ravana sees bad omens and Rama sees good omens. Ravana’s flag falls down. Rama then hits Ravana’s 10 heads for 101 times. Then Vibhishana unveiled the secret of Ravana. Rama decides to use Indraastra.
With the mantras prescribed by Vedas, Rama targets Ravana with the weapons given by Agastya rishi. Rama becomes very furious on the adharma of Ravana. Rama remembers the Vedas, Dharma, His Guru and Parents and decided to kill Ravana using the arrow given by Agastya Maharshi. That arrow is like Vajraayudha. That arrow hits the chest of Ravana. The way Indra killed Vruttrasura, Rama killed Ravana.
Jai Bolo Rama Chandra Prabhu Ki JAI !!
Even today, during Deepavali and Navaratri, an effigy of Ravana is burnt. We pray that none should have Ravana’s kind of nature. Atleast one portion of Rama’s Dharma may come to us is the hidden secret behind this.
Ravana dies and falls down. Vibhishana and Mandodari – Ravana’s wife feel sad. Vibhishana says I would not perform the funeral rites to Ravana. Rama says, if you do not do it, I will do it. This is Rama’s greatness. This episode is a favourite episode for scholars and because of this nature of Sri Rama, even today we talk about Ramayana as a great epic.
Vibhishana does the funeral rites to Ravana. Vibhishna is then made the king of Lanka. Now comes the episode of Maithili Priyanivedanam. Who is going to give this news to Sita ? Hanumanta was sent. Hanumanta goes and informs. Sarama decorates Sita to be sent to Rama. Everyone waits to see what happens. This episode is more important than the war. War is concluded. People around are eager to see how Rama meets Sita and vice versa. No one saw them together. Rama sits on a platform with bow leaning to His chin and is in deep thought. Sita comes and Rama says I don’t want to see you. You can go where ever you want. You can go to Janaka or Ayodhya. Bharata is the king there. You can do what ever you want except as the consort of Sri Rama. Everyone was worried. None expected this.
Rama’s intention was to project Sita’s chastity to the world. Sita feels Sad. She orders Laxmana to arrange pyre and tries to enter into it. The episode of Sita Pratigna takes place. Brahma comes there. Brahma reveals the secret of Rama’s incarnation and says, Rama, why are you behaving like a normal human being ? You are Lord Narayana Himself. Goddess Laxmi is Sitadevi. Did you forget this ? I am reminding you.
Agni – the fire God brings Sita and places her hand in Rama’s hand and says, Rama, I’m ordering you, accept Sita. She is very chaste woman. No room for a second thought on this. Rama makes Agni say this which shows His love towards Her. We misunderstand Rama in this episode. Rama accepts Sita.
Dasaratha comes and blesses Rama, Sita and Laxmana. Indra tells Rama to establish Rama Rajya. Vibhishana offers Pushpaka Vimana, the aircraft to Rama. Rama enters the Pushpaka and tells everyone to go back to their homes. None agrees for it. Firstly Vibheeshana requests Rama that he would join Him to see Ayodhya. Then Sugreeva, Hanumanta and the entire monkey army. Then Vibhisheena explains the power of Pushpaka.
Pushpaka starts and Rama needs to return fast. Why ? For the sake of Bharata. The time given by him is nearing. Else, he would end his life if Rama doesn’t return back in time.
Rama then thinks, however bad Ravana is, he is a scholar. Killing him is a sin. How to get rid of it – thinks Rama. Maharshis tell him that a Shiva consecration done at Rameshwaram will remove this sin. Where to get Shiva Linga from ? Hanuman was sent. Hanuman again crosses the sea and goes to Kashi. It gets delayed as Hanuman finds for the right Shiva Linga. In the meanwhile, Sita makes a Shiva Linga with Sand and that is consecrated as the auspicious moments are nearing. To such Rameshwara, Swamiji is going on 4th March, 2014. Who ever wants to come may come.
Rama shows all the places to Sita on the way back. Bharadwaja ashrama comes. Hanuman is sent to Bharata to inform of Rama’s return.
Pushpaka goes via Kishkinda. All the women there wanted to go along with Rama. They were also taken in Pushpaka. Among those women, Anjanamma, mother of Anjaneya wasn’t there. Hanumanta, who was seated at the feet of Rama alternatively looks at Rama once and looks down the aircraft once. Rama noticed this and realises that the aircraft is flying above Anjanadri hill. Rama asks to land the flight as Hanuman is looking down for His mother. There Anjanamma is performing penance in a cave. After sometime, she opens her eyes and sees Rama and prostrates to Him. She then calls Hanuman, hugs Him and asks to explain all that has happened. Vibhishana says, I will narrate it and does so. When he explains the episode of Rama becoming unconscious, Anjanamma furiously kicks away Hanuman from her lap. Everyone was worried. This is a very special episode. I have not spoken about it anywhere. Only in Warangal Rama Saptaha, I spoke about it. Today I feel I should say.
What is so special is, this episode talks about the greatness of Mother’s milk. With anger, Anjanamma takes her milk like water in her hands and sprinkles it on a hill near by. The hill immediately shatters. She talks to Hanuman – see the power of mother’s milk. I’ve given you such powerful milk during your childhood. But what is the use ? You gave so much of worry to Rama. Couldn’t you kill Ravana instead ? Vibheeshana then says, your son would have killed Ravana when He stepped into Lanka for the first time itself. But Rama took an owe to kill Ravana and hence Hanuman left him and thus did Rama seva. She again embraces Hanuman then. This is a very special episode which talks about Motherhood.
Everyone leaves. Everyone waits at Nandigrama. Rama descends the aircraft. Bharata runs to Him and prostrates and offers His Padukas. Rama takes blessings from Mothers, Gurus and elders. Rama then again gets back to His royal attire and goes to Ayodhya.
Rama Coronation happens. Rama and Sita were made to sit in the throne of Raghu’s dynasty. Vasishta comes and adorns Him with the crown made by Brahma.
The merit of listening to or reading of Ramayana was told here. With this we will conclude this Ramayana Saptaha.
Evametat Puravruttam aakhyanam badramastuvaha
pravyaharata visrabdham Balam Vishnoh Pravardathaam
Balam Vishnoh Pravardhathaam – May Dharma Win !
Victory to Dharma !
Victory to Veda !
Victory to Upanishads !
Victory to Rama Chandra !
Victory to Sadgurunatha Maharaj !
Devatas also will be happy by listening to Ramayana. Ancestors feel happy. In earlier days, writing was difficult. Who ever writes Ramayana will gain heaven for ever. Family increases. Wealth and crops will prosper. Family will prosper. Life span improves. Love prevails. Gives intellect.
We started this saptaha on Jan 1st, 2014 and are ending on 7th Jan, 2014. Who ever listened to this will gain energy and power.
This is 9th Rama Saptaha during this 2014. The sankalpa is to do 108 Saptahas. We started this 2014 on a good and auspicious note.
Yadakshara pada brashtam maatrahinam tu yad bhavet
Tat Sarvam Kshmayatam deva Narayana namostute
Rama Rama Jaya Raja Ram !
Rama Rama Jaya Sita Ram !!
Compiled by Bala Aati