THE EXIT OF SITA

                                                                       

Much impressed with the effect of performing the Aswamedha yaga, Sri Rama decided to have it performed! He directed Lakshmana to invite the great sages Vasishta, Vamadeva, Jabali and others. The sages unanimously approved of the wish. Sugriva, with his train of vanaras, and Vibhishana with his followers were invited. In short, everyone in the kingdom was invited!

      A beautiful, horse, with black stripes and ideal marks as per the sasthras was selected to be sent out. Lakshmana was sent as security for the horse. Sri Rama went to Naimisaranya with his forces to inspect the venue of the Yaga to be performed. The invitees started arriving with their presents. They were duly honored and accommodated. The senior sages and saints felt that the occasion and the Yaga were unprecedented! Its glory was incomparable even to those performed by the Gods Indra, Kubera, Yama,  and Varuna! Meanwhile Sage Valmiki arrived and set up his ashram by the side of Gauthami river. He directed the twins LAVA and KUSA to sing the RAMAYANA in all the areas near the Yaga. He suggested that if Sri RAMA invited them to sing in his presence they should do so without fail. They should declare that they are the disciples of Sage Valmiki and should not accept any money from the King.

          Accordingly KUSA ana LAVA sang the Ramayana in their melodious voice before Sri Rama and  the elite gathering of sages, saints, scholars artists, linguists, legal luminaries and various others! The listeners were enthralled with the rendering of these two children. People who saw the twins knew that they were exactly similar to Sri Rama in every aspect! Overwhelmed with the sweet music of the twins and pleased beyond bounds, Sri Rama directed Lakshmana to present them with 18000 gold coins and anything that they desired. But the twins refused money offered very politely! When questioned about the author of the Ramayana, they said it was the sage Valmiki! It is the story of Sri Rama himself! It has 24000 slokas; one hundred sub stories; and 500 sargas. Along with Uttara Kanda it has seven kandas. Realizing by now that KUSA and LAVA were his own children, Sri Rama sent word to sage Valmiki if SITA can come the next morning to his court and declare that she is pure and without stigma. Sage Valmiki agreed to bring SITA to declare herself pure and chaste.

            People came in large numbers to see and hear SITA speak! Sages, saints, vanaras, rakhasas and every part of the public gathered anxiously to see SITA! Sage Valmiki came first. Following him closely Sita came with bent head and tears in her eyes and folded hands!  There was a lot of commotion among the crowd when they saw SITA! A few were sad; some more excited and happy to see her! Allowing SITA to be in the midst of people, sage Valmiki declared that she is righteous and pure. She is guiltless and has come to establish her Chastity since Sri Rama deserted her fearing the public opinion! The sage said that the twins were his children! Sage Valmiki asserted that he is the tenth son of Prachetasa and would never speak untruth! None can suspect the character of SITA! Sri Rama replied that he never suspected Sita’s character. He knew that she was spotless but left her because of public opinion!

             To witness this grand occasion all the Devas along with Lord Brahma gathered in the sky!There was a feeling of expectancy as SITA, in her ochre robes and folded hands, addressed the huge gathering of men and Gods! She looked down and said, “If I had never thought of anyone else except my husband Sri Rama, let  the goddess of Earth give me way! If I had worshipped Sri Rama in thought, word, anddeed , let the Goddess of earth give me shelter! If my statement that I know none except Sri Rama is true, let the Goddess of Earth give me place!” The moment SITA declared her vow, out came from the center  of the earth,  a grand Royal Throne—‘ Simhasana!’ It was held on heads by serpents  and dazzled with the brilliance of diamonds and precious stones! Goddess of Earth came forward and embraced SITA and enquired of her welfare! She seated Sita on that resplendent throne and took her away to the nether world----‘Rasatala!’ There was a rain of flowers soon after this miracle! The Devas appreciated and said that SITA’s character was incomparable and pure! The sages and the public in the yagasala were stunned and petrified at what had happened!

THE STORY OF ILA----- MAN AND WOMAN!

                                            

Pleased with the narration of the story of Vrutrasura and how Indra was afflicted with the sin of Brahmahatya and release from it, Sri Rama told Lakshmana another interesting and amazing story! ILA the son of Kardama Prajapati ruled the country of Bahlikas. He was righteous and considered the subjects as his own children. Even the Devas, Nagas, Gandharvas and rakshasas were afraid of him. He was a great warrior also. On a day in the spring season or Vasantha kala he went out with his train for hunting.  He killed a number of wild animals but was not satisfied.  Finally he came to the place where Lord Subrahmanya was born! As fate would have it, in that place, Lord Siva, in the guise of woman ,was relaxing with Devi Parvathi! Every object in the region, animate and inanimate had taken female form! To his utter shock and surprise ILA found himself and his followers transformed into females!!

         It was incredible for ILA to see himself as a woman! He knew that this change was the result of Lord Siva’s presence there! He fell at the feet of the Lord and requested for the restoration of his original form but in vain! Lord Siva was ready to grant any boon but not what ILA requested.  There upon ILA turned to the kind and compassionate Devi Parvati and cringed before her to grant him his original form! Devi said that she can only fulfill a part of his wish!  It was Lord Siva who could grant his request in full!  With no other option left ILA told Devi that he would remain a male for a month and a female for the next month!! Devi Parvathi granted his request and said that he would forget his manhood while he is a female! He would not remember he is a female when he is a man!!

          Thus King ILA was transformed into a charming and bewitchingly beautiful damsel!  She moved with her friends and came to a crystal clear and sparkling lake and an ashram by its side.  Spotting  a young and handsome person performing rigorous penance. she entered the lake with her friends and disturbed the still waters of the lake to distract the attention of the person. He was none other than  Budha the son of God Chandra! He fell in love with the divine beauty of ILA and wanted to marry her! He was told that ILA was single and visiting places with her followers. Budha immediately knew all the details of ILA’s life through his special “ avarthani” vidya! Ha bade the followers of ILA to live in the area as  ‘Kimpurushas’ he told them that they will have ‘ Kimpurushas as their husbands!

            ILA stayed with Budha for a year as a pretty woman for a month and a king for the next month! King ILA wanted to go back to his kingdom but Budha did not allow him. As a result of their live in relationship Ila gave birth to a beautiful boy named Pururuva. Budha invited renowned sages and saints like Chyavana, Samvartha, and Durvasa and told them the pitiable story of ILA. Meanwhile ILA’s father Kardama Prajapati joined them and pleaded for the restoration of ILA’s original form! All the sages decided to perform “ Aswamedha Yaga” for the purpose! They said that ILA can become his real self by worshipping Lord Siva through the Yaga. It was performed according to Vedic rituals by the sage Maruth at the ashram of Budha!

            Much delighted at the performance of the Yaga with faith and devotion, Lord Siva presented himself before them and asked what they desired. All of them unanimously requested the Lord to restore Ila’s original form! The lord granted the boon and vanished! ILA got back his robust youth & original form! He left for his country Bahlika and crowned his son Sasibindu as the King of the country! He stayed there for a few years and built ‘ prathishtanapuram’ a fine city! He made his son Pururuva the king of the place and reached heaven! Sri Rama thus explained to Lakshmana and Bharatha the efficacy of the great “ Aswamedha Yaga.”

          

            

THE DEATH OF VRUTRASURA

                                                      

Taking leave of Sage Agasthya, sri Rama came back to Ayodhya and sent for Bharatha and Lakshmana. He embraced them and said he wanted to perform the great RAJASUYA YAGA. Bharatha advised Sri Rama  not to contemplate on performing the yaga as it implies fighting with many kings and defeating them. There will ba a lot of destruction. As the emperor of the loand it is totally undesirable for Sri Rama to perform the RAJASUYA. Sri Rama appreciated the counsel of Bharatha and was delighted. Soon after, Lakshmana suggested that “ Aswamedha Yaga is the appropriate yaga that can remove all sins and render the performer pure!

       To illustrate the efficacy of ASWAMEDHA YAGA, Lakshmana narrated to Sri Rama the story of Indra who cleansed himself of the sin of Brahmahatya after killing Vrutrasura by performing the Aswamedha Yaga. Vrutrasura was a rakshasa. He was, however, a good and popular king and ruled the country righteously. Because of his dharmic rule there was plenty and prosperity in his land! There was no want that was not satisfied! Feeling that penance was the best and ultimate end of life, Vrutrasura crowned his son Madhureswara as the king and left for performing tapas! The intensity of his tapas was such that it affected all the three lokas and Indra could not bear its heat and energy! He ran to Vaikunta, the abode of Lord Vishnu and fell at his feet and requested him for protection! He prevailed upon Lord Vishnu to Kill Vrutrasura though he was the friend of the Lord. The Lord replied that Vrutrasura was his good friend and so he cannot kill him! But he would reveal a way to kill the asura!

       The Lord said that he would split himself into three divisions. With one part Indra can Kill Vrutrasura! The second division will be in Indra’s weapon the Vajra! The third part will be in the earth! Indra and all the Devas were immensely pleased at the words of Mahavishnu. They immediately went to the forest where Vrutra was performing tapas! Even as they wondered how to kill Vrutra in his deep and frightening tapas Indra with his deadly Vajrayudha beheaded Vrutrasura! But  Indra realized the great blunder he had committed and the sin that he has done! In his fear he hid himself in a lake nearby! The sin of BRAHMAHATYA followed him and spread itself all over his body! The Devas felt happy at the death of Vrutrasura but at the same time were deeply distressed at the fate of Indra the lord of heaven! They approached Lord Vishnu again for a remedy and relief for Indra from Brahmahatya! It was then the Lord recommended the performance of Aswamedha Yaga! He wanted Indra to worship him to get rid of his sin!

        The effect of Brahmahatya was terrible on Indra! He was thrown into darkness, lost his consciousness and was dangling like a snake! The whole world was steeped in fear! The earth was sad! Forests dried up; lakes, ponds and rivers evaporated! Unseasonal rains created havoc! Devas urgently gathered strength, made all arrangements and performed Aswamedha yaga with Indra! Then Brahmahatya came in its physical form and demanded a place for it after leaving Indra! Devas wanted it to split into four divisions. Brahmahatya said that one part would remain for four months in the rivers during the rainy season! The second part would stay in the barren soil! The third part would be during the menstrual period of arrogant women! The final part will vest in people who kill innocent Brahmins and speak lies! The Devas allowed it do likewise and sent it away! Indra came out pure and fresh. The world became peaceful! Indra worshipped the “ yagna Purusha”—Lord Vishnu and returned to his abode!!Lakshmana thus explained to Sri Rama the effect and usefulness of Aswamedha Yaga!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

THE STORY BEHIND " DANDAKARANYA."

                                              

Listening to the amazing story of Swetha, Sri Rama wondered at the deserted forest where Swetha performed tapas! He did not understand why the forest was so desolate and deserted. He requested the renowned sage Agasthya to narrate all the details regarding the large forest.  Sage Agasthya said that during the KRUTHA YUGA Manu ruled the earth.  He had a son by name Ikshvaku. He crowned his son as the ruler and directed him to be the originator of all the clans of kings! Ikshvaku blessed his son and directed him to rule the country strictly and righteously.  He told him not to punish innocent people and protect them which can lead the king to heaven!

       After the demise of his father Manu, Ikshvaku followed the dictates of his father meticulously. He had one hundred sons. The last of the hundred sons was an idiot and an illiterate! He disrespected all the elders and was a problematic child! Unable to reform his last son, Ikshvaku named him ‘DANDA’, selected a dense forest in the center of the Vindhya mountain range and crowned him as the king of the forest! King DANDA built a beautiful city there called “MADHUMANTA” and  accepted the great sage Sukracharya as his preceptor! Thousands of years rolled on peacefully under the rule of Danda. On a fine morning of the month of Chaitra, He happened to visit the ashram of his mentor Sukracharya that changed the tide of his life completely!

          There he saw the beautiful and charming daughter of his Guru Sukracharya and instantly fell in love with hjer! He praised her heavenly and bewitching beauty and told her how she had stolen his heart. Sukra’s daughter knew his intentions! She replied that she was the eldest daughter of sage Sukra   living with her father and called “ ARAJA.” Fearing his amorous advances, she warned him of the terrible consequence of any misdeed. She told him to be wary of making love to the daughter of his Guru! If her father is displeased and gets angry that will be his doom! She suggested that DANDA should respectfully approach her father and request for her hand lest Sukra’s curse would fall on him! She added that her father may not reject his wish!

            Hearing these words of ARAJA King Danda became more emotional. He said that he cannot tolerate any more delay! He said that his love for her required immediate gratification!He said that he did not care if his Guru Sukra cursed  or killed him! He has become a slave of his passion for her! He wanted her to accept his advances, understand his feelings and satisfy his physical urge without delay! ARAJA trembled with fear! She entreated him not to near and violate her chastity. She tried her best to avoid and prevent him from seducing her but in vain! King Danda forced her into submission, satisfied himself and left her shocked and petrified! Araja was the helpless victim of the lust of Danda! She wept bitterly for what has happened and went back to her father’s ashram.

             A few hours later, Sukracharya, after the recitation of the Vedas,  returned to his ashram with his disciples. He saw his daughter pale and bitterly weeping. The helpless situation of his darling daughter  Araja  was more intense than the terrible hunger he experienced! Growing infuriated at the immoral and undeserving act of King Danda, Sage Sukra cursed that he  with all his band of people would be destroyed in seven nights! The entire region of his rule shall be destroyed by the dust storm rained by Indra, King of Gods! Sage Sukra  then directed  those  living in his ashram to leave the boundaries of Danda’s Kingdom! He directed his foolish and stupid daughter to remain in the ashram by the side of the vast lake and await the dust storm! Sukracharya left his ashram and his sad daughter and settled ina different place. According to the curse, the entire kingdom of Danda was totally obliterated. Sage Agasthya  described to Sri Rama that the country amidst the Vindhya range was thus annihilated through the curse of Sukracharya! From then onwards this region came to be called “DANDAKARANYA” But a few sages  started living there. Thus it was also called ‘JANASTHANA”

                From time immemorial love and lust for women had played havoc in the lives of Devas , sages and mortals! Indra was undone by his lust for AHALYA! Sage Viswamitra lost all the power and glory of his penance because of Menaka, the heavenly damsel! The great Ravana attained his doom because of his lust for Sita! Very many incidents in the past remind us that we have to follow the path of morality and rectitude to be happy in life!