Ramayana

Sarga 1

Vaalmiki, the best among the Munis, questioned Naarada, who performs penance always; studies Vedas eternally; and best among the ones that mastered the art of speaking, thus, “Who is the one in the world that is full of good qualities, valiant, adherent to Dharma (righteous conduct conforming to the Vedaas), grateful to benefactors, speaks only truth, and determined in fulfilling Vrathaas (Vratha is performing a set of norms drawn from the Vedaas continuously over a period of time without any exceptions. Even the time limit is set by Vedaas and certain Vrathaas are for the life.)?

Whose life is worthy of recording history for posterity; ensures the welfare of all the Bhoothaas (Bhoothaas are five, earth, fire, air, water and the sky along with all forms of life existing in those five Bhoothaas); learned; capable; brings pleasure to all by his appearance; self-contained; winner over anger; radiant with aura; unaffected by jealousy; causes fright even to Devathaas when angry in a battle.

I am very curious to listen about such one. Oh Maha Rushi, you are capable to enlighten me about such a human being.”

The learned one about the three worlds, Naarada, felt very happy on listening to those words. He then told Vaalmiki, with happiness, the following.

“Ok I will tell you. Listen. It is very difficult for any one person to possess so many great qualities praised by you. Still, I will try to remember and draw forth from my memory and apprise you about such a great person.

He was born in the dynasty of Ikshvaku and multiplied its fame. He was known to people as Raama. He adhered to prescribed norms; mightily valiant; very handsome; determined; intellectual; ethical; tactful; prosperous; capable in containing enemies; has wide shoulders; has mighty hands; has neck resembling a conch shell; has great cheek bones; has a wide and strong chest; possessed a mighty bow; invisible joints (of bones); has vanquished internal enemies (each person has six internal enemies, namely. Lust, vengefulness, vanity, greed / selfishness, arrogance; jealousy/envy.); very tall with his hands reaching his knees; fine head; fine forehead; nice gait; has proportionate body with nice arrangement of proportionate limbs; has attractive complexion; is valorous; has strong upper body; large eyes; and possessed good insignia.

He has the characteristics of a prosperous person; adherent of Dharma; adherent to truth; committed to the norm of doing good for his subjects; famed; possessed a wealth of wide knowledge; spotlessly clean; meditator; equal to the creators of life; wealthy donor; slayer of enemies; protector of all forms of life; protector of Dharma; protects his own Dharma; protector of his own people; learned about the Vedaas and all the limbs of Vedaas; an expert at Dhanur Veda (the art and the science of archery); knowledgeable about all branches of science and keenly alert to developments; very capable; dear to all the world; pleasant and dispeller of misery; and discriminating. Just as all rivers go to the sea, learned gentlefolk would be seeking his company who has a pleasant appearance. He has all such good qualities and is the one who enhances the pleasure of Kousalya.

He is majestic as the sea and courageous as the Himalayas. He is valiant as Vishnu; pleasant in appearance as the moon; resembles the fire that burns at the end of a Yuga (the time is divided into four Yugas namely Krutha Yuga (1,726,000 years), Thretha Yuga (1,296,000 years), Dwaapara Yuga (864,000 years) and Kali Yuga (432,000 years. We are now in the Kali Yuga running the 5,113th year as on 2012) when enraged; equals the earth in tolerance and patience; resembles the Dhanada (another name for Kubera, the god of money and wealth) in wealth; and in adhering to truth he equals the Dharma Devatha (another name for Yama, the god of death and judging the Dharma of a person.).

Possessing such good qualities, valiant in the righteous way, always bringing good tidings to the people, is Raama, the eldest son of Dasaradha; he possesses all the best qualities.

With a wish to do good to the environment and keeping the wellbeing of the environment in the mind, the ruler of the earth with pleasure in mind embarked upon elevating him to the king-in-waiting status. His wife Kaikeyi saw all the preparations for such enthronement; invoking the promises granted to her earlier, the lady demanded that he be turned out of the house and to enthrone Bharatha (her son) as the king-in-waiting. Being an adherent to the truth and is tied by the rope of Dharma, Dasaradha turned his dear son out of the house. Therefore, the valiant one went into the forests, implementing the orders contained in the words of his father bringing pleasure to Kaikeyi. Lakshmana, his dear brother, friendly, humble in behavior, and the enhancer of the pleasure of Sumitra (mother of Lakshmana), accompanied demonstrating his brotherly affection for his elder brother. The wife of Raama, who is very close to his heart, born in the family of Janaka (father of Seetha, the wife of Raama) by the spell of the Devathaas, has all the good insignia, best bride among the women, Seetha, accompanied him just like Rohini (a star in the sky) follows Sasi (the moon, personified). Dasaradha, the father, accompanied them for some distance. The Dharmaatma (adherent to Dharma) sent back the driver of the chariot in Srungi Bera Pura (a town) near the banks of the river Ganga (Ganges), met Guha who is his dear friend, a Dharmaatma, and the king of the Nishaadaas (a tribal people who dwell in the forests). Crossing the river Ganga which was full of water with the help of Guha, Raama, Lakshmana and Seetha went into the forests.

Arriving at the Chitra Koota following the directions of Bharadwaaja (a sage, and a Rushi), they built a cute little Parna Saala (a mud house built with leaves and branches of trees as the reinforcement for the walls and Indian-palm-tree leaves or tall grass for the roof) and lived there happily like Devathaas and the Gandharvaas.

As Raama went to Chitra Koota, the king Dasaradha died being unable to bear the separation from his son. He went to heaven weeping for his son. As the king died, the important courtiers including the venerated Vasishtha (the chief priest of the king) requested Bharatha (brother of Raama and son of Kaikeyi) to be enthroned and he refused to do so. He went to the forest to seek out Raama. Reaching Raama, the Mahatma, the knight of the truth, begged his brother Raama with respect for the elders, thus, ‘You, the Dharmaatma, alone are eligible for the throne’. Raama, the merciful one, famed for granting every prayer did not agree to repudiate the words of his father and receive the kingdom. Bharatha’s elder brother gave his Paadukaas (footwear, normally they are made of wood resembling flip-flops) to be placed on the throne as a token of his ruling the kingdom to Bharatha and sent him back. In spite of his objective being not met, he placed the Paadukaas on the throne and ruled the kingdom from Nandi Graama (a suburb of the city of Ayodhya) awaiting the return of Raama.

As Bharatha went back, Raama, the prosperous, adherent to truth and winner over his organs, noticing that the citizens and the villagers coming to see him frequently, felt that his presence is causing hindrance to the concentration of sages in that place, left and entered the Dandakaaranya (a forest in India that spans across the states of Orissa, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh of present India). On entering the great forest, Raama with the eyes resembling the petals of a lotus flower, slayed a Raakshasa (These are generally viewed as bad ones by the human beings. They are cannibals. They are generally against all forms of worship. They are inimical to all other forms of life.) named Viraadha and had the audience of the Rushi Sara Bhanga as also of the Rushis Sutheekshna, Agasthya and the brother of Agasthya. On the orders of Agasthya, he received the bow named Indra, a great sword, arrows and a quiver which would provide inexhaustible supply of arrows.

As Raama was living there, along with all other forest dwellers, all the Rushis living there came to him and requested him to slay the Raakshasaas who are creating trouble for them and became a hindrance to their penance. Raama took an oath that he will slay the Raakshasaas who are causing trouble to those Rushis who are equal to the fire in piety, and living in the Dandakaaranya. Then a Raakshasi (female of Raakshasa), living in the Jana Sthaana, and is capable of camouflages, named Soorpanakha (one with sharp nails) was disfigured by them. That Soorpanakha provoked the Raakshasaas named Khara, Trishira, and Dooshana to battle with Raama along with countless of their infantry. Raama slayed all those fourteen thousand Raakshasaas that were living in the Jana Sthaana.

Listening that his cousins were killed, Raavana was overcome with rage, and asked Maareecha for help. Maareecha tried to stop Raavana said, ‘It is not right to pick up enmity with those that are stronger than you.’ He warned Raavana in many ways. Raavana driven by time, did not heed those sentences and went to the Aashrama along with Maareecha. Using that sorcerer (Maareecha) sent the princes away and kidnaped the wife of Raama killing Jataayu the mighty eagle.

The eagle informed about the abduction and died. Raaghava (descendent of the lineage of Raghu, that is Raama) became very sad and wept for the death of Jataayu and cremated him. On the way while searching for Seetha, he killed a Raakshasa named Kabandha who looked hideous and menacing and cremated him because of which the Raakshasa gained entry to paradise. As he was going, he said, ‘Please visit Shabari; she is in the close vicinity; lives adhering to Dharma; hard working; and is knowledgeable in all aspects of Dharma.’

So the radiant one and slayer of the enemies went to Shabari. Shabari received him with affection and provided all the comforts due to a respected guest, to the sons of Dasaradha. They met Hanumaan on the banks of the lake Pampa. On the words of Hanumaan they met Sugreeva. Raama informed Sugreeva about his background and especially including the information about Seetha. Sugreeva listened to all that from Raama. Then the Vaanara (monkey) cemented friendship with Raama witnessed by fire. Then the king of Vaanaraas told his entire background in return being asked with affection by Raama. Then Raama took a pledge that he will slay Vaali. The Vaanara told him about the strength of Vaali, Sugreeva showed the mountainous carcass of Dhundhubhi. The mighty handed one smiled and the mightily strong one lifted it with the toe of foot and hurled it to a distance of ten Yojanas (Yojana is a measure of distance in India till recently. But it is not very well defined. One school of thought thinks that it is eight miles but I am not sure.). To give more confidence, he shot an arrow that pierced seven saal trees (these are trees used for sleepers under the rails of a rail road. They are like oak trees and are very strong.), pierced a mountain, went to the nether lands and returned to his quiver. Then the great Vaanara gained confidence and was very happy and went along with Raama, to Kishkindha (capital city of the kingdom of Vaanaraas) that was looking like a cave in the mountains. Then the best of the Vaanaraas, copper complexioned roared loudly. Then the king of the Vaanaraas came out. Setting aside the suspicion of Taara (wife the king of the Vaanaraas, Vaali) he met Sugreeva. Then Raaghava slayed Vaali with a single arrow. Then after slaying Vaali, granting the prayer of Sugreeva, Raaghava enthroned Sugreeva to that kingdom.

Then the king of Vaanaraas called Vaanaraas from all over and dispatched them in all directions to locate the daughter of Janaka (Seetha). Then on the words of Sampaathi, the eagle, strong Hanumaan leaped over the one hundred Yojana wide sea. There in the city of Lanka ruled by Raavana he saw Seetha meditating in the garden of Ashoka Vana. He informed her of all the information and instilled confidence in Vaidehi (Seetha) and then destroyed the garden. He slayed five army commanders, seven sons of the ministers, valiant Aksha and willingly submitted to be captured. While knowing that the Astra released him because of the boon granted by the great Grand Father (Brahma), willingly stayed bound and suffered the torture by the Raakshasaas. Then burning the city of Lanka, where Seetha was located, the great ape returned bringing good news to Raama. He informed that Seetha was seen and circumambulated around Raama.

Then along with Sugreeva they went to the sea and churned the sea with arrows that are equal to the Sun. Then Samudra (personification of the god of the sea) showed himself to Raama. On the suggestions of the Samudra, he built a bridge over the sea. Then he went to the city of Lanka and slayed Raavana. But he refused to accept Seetha who stayed at other’s place. Raama spoke harsh words in front of everybody. Seetha of good character, hurt by those words entered the funeral pyre. Then the god of fire came out to testify about the piety of Seetha. Then al the gods praised the adherence of Raama to Dharma.

The Devathaas, Rushis, and all forms of life in all the three worlds became happy of the deeds performed by Raaghava. Afterwards, Raama enthroned Vibheeshana to the kingdom of Lanka and became satisfied after successfully completing his mission. Receiving boons from gods, he rejuvenated all the dead Vaanaraas back to life. Then Raama started for Ayodhya (capital city of Raama’s kingdom) flying on the air plane named Pushpaka with all his friends. Raama, the knight for truth, arrived at the Aashrama of Bharadwaaja. Then he deputed Hanumaan to Bharatha. Again, astride the Pushpaka he informed Sugreeva and others about the background, arrived in Nandi Graama (suburb of Ayodhya). In Nandi Graama, he shed the Deeksha (conforming to a norm until a landmark event is reached) of not cutting hair and wearing it in an unkempt braid along with his brothers. Then Raama and Seetha regained their kingdom.

All his subjects were happy as they were safe, sound, healthy, in the reign of Dharma, absence of draught, free of disease, and absence of fear. In his kingdom as he ruled, there were no infantile deaths; women were devoted to their husbands; men were fulfilling their responsibilities to their wives; there were no fear of fire-accidents; there was no fear of floods; there was no fear of hurricanes/typhoons; there was no fear of plagues; there was no fear of hunger; and there was no fear of thieves.

The cities and the villages were filled with grain and wealth; all people were always happy as it was in the Krutha Yuga. Raama performed one hundred Ashwamedha Yajnas and many Suvarnaka Yajnas. He donated crores (crore is a number and is equal to ten million) of cows and countless money to Brahmins adhering to the Dharma.

Raama established the rule by Kshatriya (Hindu society is classified into four castes, namely Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. Brahmins perform religious rituals and oversee justice system, and administer. Kshatriyas rule the kingdoms and fight wars. Vaishyas carry out agriculture, and trade. Shudras serve all the other castes in their tasks.) and increased it by a hundred-fold. He ensured that all four castes perform their tasks with diligence as dictated by Dharma. Raama ruled the kingdom for eleven thousand years and went back to his abode.

This narration is pious; dispels sins; approved by the Vedaas; and those who read the history of Raama will be free of all sins. Those human beings that recite this story, their children and grandchildren will be prosperous and they will go to heaven on death. If Dwijas (those of two births, one biological birth and the second through the performance of a religious ritual, Upanayanam, similar to Baptism in Christianity, circumcision in Islam and Bar Mitzvah in Judaism. These people wear a sacred thread around their torso. These are the castes of Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas.) study this history, they become experts in the Vedaas; if Kshatriyas read, they will gain a kingdom; if Vaishyas read, they will gain profits; and if Shudras read, they will gain scholarship.”