Lord Raama, the paramaathma, was
ofcourse the greatest warrior ever. Lord Krishna in Bhagavadgita remarks “I am
Raama among warriors”. He learnt all the Shastras and unparalled Dhanurvidya
under the guidance of the great Vasishtha. He was also given super-human powers
like bala, ati bala by the great Vishwamithra, the Rishi of Gayathri manthra.
Vishwamithra maharshi also taught him all the secret astras that ever existed,
which only he in this whole universe knew (he originally learnt it from Lord
Shiva). In addition to these, Agasthya mahamuni gave him many additional
powers.A few glimpses of Lord Raama’s valour:
1. With one arrow Raama kills taataki, the
mighty raakshasi.
2. With two simultaneous arrows he kills
subaahu and throws Maaricha seven seas away.
3. Effortlessly lifts the Shiva dhanush,
which was pulled to the court by around 50000 well built people.
4. Raama kills Khara, Dhushana, their 1000
brothers and their army in 14 minutes single handed.
Despite being such a great
warrior, he never displayed in strength on his own to show others. The anger on
the samudra stands as a good example for this quality of Raama:
Raavana gives 30 days time to
sita maata to decide if she will marry him, else will kill her. Bharata took
word from Raama saying that if he does’nt return on the next moment of 14 yrs
of aranyavaas, then he will sacrifice himself. Raama and his army reaches the
shores of ocean with barely 30 days in hand. They have to cross the ocean,
defeat Ravana & his army, take sita back to ayodhya in around 30 days time.
With such a press for time and given the strength of Raama, Lakshmana suggests
Raama not to spend time asking ocean God for way, but to order him.
What Raama does is unbelievable.
Though he had the strength and power to control the ocean God, he did not do
it. He did penance on the shores of the ocean for 3 long days to give them a
way. Finally after 3 days Raama gets angry on the ocean and to make remember
his duty, aims an astra at him and immediately ocean God appears and suggests a
way of crossing him…
Morals in the Story:
1. We, for our small petty achievements in
life, are very proud (ahankaar) and given a chance, display our strengths. The
way of great people is quite different as shown by Lord Raama.
2. One must never use the strength or powers
just because they exist with him, but judiciously use them for the benefit of
everyone, upliftment of Dharma.
Message:
1. Controlling one’s ahankaar is one the most
difficult things. If it is controlled we will see a more peaceful world.
2. Always people who are humble and obedient
are only respected by others. If Lord Raama Himself is so humble, as mere
normal human beings imagine how much obedient we must be to our elders and
parents.
“There are two mahaa-phala
daayaka Vrukshas. One by the name Vaasudeva and the other by the name
Vaamadeva. They differ only in their sumas (flowers) (‘su’ is replaced by ‘ma’
in their names), but both give the same phalas (fruits, which is moksham)”. It
is also often said, “How much one does not see the difference between Shiva and
Vishnu, that much his aayu will increase”.
One day, when Lakshmi and Vishnu
were together in vihaaram, Lakshmi sees Ucchaishravam, her brother, the horse
of Revanta who is the son of Surya. Engrossed in seeing her brother, she does
not reply to the repeated calls of Vishnu. Seeing her attraction, Vishnu gives
her shaapam to go to Bhulokam in the form of a horse and come back to Vaikuntam
only after getting a son equal to Himself! She comes to Bhuloka to experience
the shaapam and realizing that none other than her brother, Shiva can help her
calm Vishnu, she immediately does a tapas for Him and Shiva appears to save her
soodari. Lakshmi says “You and Vishnu are both same, the Paramaatma. Please
help me!”. Shiva says “Soodari! How do you know that we both are same? All
learned people know that. Who told you?”. Lakshmi says, “Once Mahavishnu
Himself told me this. Seeing Him in deep Daiva-dhyaanam, I asked Him “During
Samudramanthanam, I thought you were the greatest of all and hence chose you.
Devaadideva! Who is better than you that you are in dhyaanam of Him?”.
Mahavishnu replied “I am doing Shankara-dhyaanam. He is Eshwara. He is the same
as Me. All learned people know that. If someone is my devotee but still hates
Shiva, he will fall into naraka”.
Saying this, She asks Shiva to
pursuade Vishnu to bless Her with a child. Shiva sends Chitrarupa as a duta to
convince Vishnu. Vishnu immediately accepts and comes to Bhuloka and blesses
Lakshmi with Ekaveera, who is equal to Vishnu Himself. From Ekaveera came forth
the Haihaya dynasty, of which the most noted king is Kartavirya Arjuna
(Ekaveera’s grandson).
Once when Naarada, the avatar of
Vishnu, recited prayers glorifying Lord Shiva as the supreme controller of the
universe, Lord Shiva, the best of Vaishnavas, at once covered his ears and
angrily replied, “I am not the Lord of the universe, nor an object of Krishna’s mercy! I am just a poor aatma always hankering
for the favor of the servants of His servants.” (Thus in this small story,
Naarada, avataar of Vishnu, glorifies Shiva as the Paramaatma and Shiva
glorifies Vishnu as the Paramaatma!)
The story of Hanuman, who is the
11th avataar of Shiva and Raama, the purna avataar of Vishnu also reveals the
same. Both of them acheived great tasks:
1. Restricting the great samudram, Raama
along with His entire army crossed the satpa-samudras! Hanuman, in one small
jump, crossed it!
2. In the greatest, unparalleled
ghora-yuddham, which was never seen before or will ever be seen, Raama killed
Raavana! Hanuman killed Mairaavana, who was many times stronger than Raavana,
with great ease!
3. Krishna lifted Govardhana giri, balanced on his
little finger and saved the lives of Gopaalas! Hanuman brought the Sanjeevani
Parvatam from Himaalayas to Lanka and saved Lakshmana!
4. Raama melted a stone, with the touch of
His lotus feet, for Ahalya! Hanuman melted a stone with His sweet Gandharva
gaanam!
Though they did great tasks like
this, always Hanuman worshipped Raama, with great Vinayam. And Raama worshipped
Shiva with unparalleled devotion. (If one closely observes, for Paramaatma
these tasks are not at all difficult/big. For He does everything right from
Shrushti to Layam. And He only resides in everyone and gives life. However,
since we cannot even imagine His power, we praise Him for these “small” tasks
only 
)
————————————
Impressed by the great tapas of Viṣhṇu for Paramaśiva, Śiva gave Viṣhṇu the
Sudarshana Cakram.
————————————
Annamaacharya, the great Vaak-geya-kaaraka of Aandhra Pradesh, in one of his
divya sankeertana “Enta maatramuna evvaru talichina ….” says:
How much ever one imagines that
much only are You:
- For Vaishnavas You are Vishnu
- For Vedaantas You are Parabrahma
- For Shaivas and other bhaktas You are Shiva
- For Kaapaalikas You are Kaala-Bhairava
- For Shaakteyaas You are Shakti
- For people with alpa-buddhi You appear as alpam
- For people who know Your Garima and have Ghana-buddhi You are a Ghana
- For people who are Sharanaagati You are Venkateshvara
————————————
Once Shri Krishna, the avataar of
Mahaavishnu, came to Upamanyu maharshi, when he was at Himaalayas. Shri Krishna
said “Upamanyu muniindra! You are the greatest in the Shiva Bhaktas. I came
here to do Tapas of Paramashiva to get santaanam. Please teach Me Shaiva-vidhi
and vidhaanam”.
Upamanyu replied “O Shri Krishna!
I know who You are. Shiva puuja is not new to You. Though You know it, to make
everybody know, I will tell You …” Saying thus, Upamanyu told Shri Krishna how
to do Shiva-aaraadhana.
————————————
This happened after the episode
of Naarada, coming under Vishnu maaya, gives shaapam to Vishnu: (This is one of
the reasons of Shri Raama avatar)
Naarada says “Svaami! Please forgive Me. I, coming under influence of Your
maaya, got ahankaar and did Your ninda. Please tell Me what can save Me from
this ghora-paapam”. Vishnu says:
“O Priya Naarada! You go and do
paaraayana of Shankara Shatanaamams. Then You will get Shaanti. Shiva is whom I
respect the most. Even by mistake dont forget this. One who doesnt have
Shiva-anugraham cannot be My Bhakta. Believe this … Then My maaya wont affect
you.”
————————————
Once Vyaasa Bhagavaan came under
the influence of Shiva-maaya and started telling in his Pravachanams that
Vishnu is greater than Shiva. Once Nandeeshvara also heard Vyaasa Bhagavaan
saying this. Vishnu Murty then appeared before Veda Vyaasa and told Him “O
Maharshi! Dont you know that I and Shiva are the same? Knowing this why are you
telling like this in your pravachanams?” Veda Vyaasa then had great
pashchaattaapam and asked Kshama from Nandeeshvara.
————————————
The phalam of Vishnu Pooja is
Shiva Bhakti — the example is that of Arjuna. Arjuna ofcourse was the greatest
Shri Krishna Bhakta. But it was Shiva who gave Arjuna moksham, when Arjuna was
born as Bhakta Kannappa, in the great Kaalahastsi Kshetram.
Similarly the phalam of Shiva
Pooja is Shri Raama Bhakti — the examples are stories of Kaaka Bhushundi
and Valmiki Maharshi.
Kaaka Bhushundi was a great Shiva Bhakta and hence Shiva grants him Raama
Bhakti Saamraajyam. Valmiki did tapas for Shiva using the Panchaakshari mantram
given to him by the great Saptarshis and as a result became the Aadi Kavi and
wrote the great Raamaayanam.
————————————
Raasaleela. It was the day when
the “punya-vruksham” of Gopikas delivered its ripe fruits, called Moksham. It
was the day when the Aaraadhana of Gopikas was blessed by Lord Krishna. Gopikas
realized Shri Krishna, the Sarvaantaryaami, everywhere. As a result of their
Aaraadhana-bhakti they realized the paramaatma’s poorna-svaroopam with each one
of them. Who could miss watching the Raasaleela, where the Lord showered His
Karuna-jyotsna ? All the Brahma-aadi devatas were present.
Parama Shiva, the greatest bhakta
of Shri Krishna, was also present in the form of a Gopika. Shri Krishna, who is
always in nirantara-shiva-dhyaanam, searched for Parameshvara. Finally He
realized that Shiva is none other than one of the Gopikas having sampoorna
aanandam of dancing with Him. Shri Krishna paramaatma then does stuti of
Eshvara and asks to bless them by staying there at Vrundaavanam by the name of
Gopeeshvara.
Even today we can visit Lord
Shiva, in the form of Gopeeshvara, at Vrundaavanam.
THIRUTHANGAL
“Thiruthangal Uuranai”- Thirumangai aazhwar mangalasanam.
Banasuran was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He once prayed to Shiva to bestow
him with thousand arms so that he can play the mrudangam during his
rudrathandavam. Shiva too did so. But instead of playing the instrument with
his thousand arms he started fighting battles against one and all. Instigated
by this malicious act Shiva said “ A person equal to me shall severe
your thousand hands.” Usha was the daughter of Banasura. She once saw
in a dream that a young prince played with her. She immediately wanted to know
who he was. Chitralekha started drawing hundreds of pictures which did not
yield the expected result. She then drew the pictures of Yadava rulers like
Balarama, Krishna, Pradyumna and Anrudha. As soon
as she sketched the picture of Anirudha Usha was only too excited. “It is he,
It is he”- she exclaimed. Chitralekha being a yogini atonce brought Anirudha to
her chamber even as he was sleeping atop his house. They then played there for
a long time. Some spy who oversaw all this complained to Banasura who arrested
Anirudha for no fault of his. Lord Krishna fought a tough battle. Banasura
sought the refuge of Shiva who faught on his side. Lord Krishna severed all of
Banasura’s hands except four. Krishna then
told Shiva “ Iam you and you are me. Those who show hatred against me or you
though a devotee of either shall attain hell. I as Brahma create, as Rudra
destroy and as Vishnu protect. Your devotee is mine and my devotee is yours.I
shall not kill Banasura, he being a descendent of Prahlada.” Thus Banasura was
consoled and Anirudha was married to Usha. Rudra showed false anger at Banasura
and asked him never to join his bhutaganas. A repenting Banasura asked for
parihara when he said that a dip in the holy waters of Papavinashini teertha at
Thiruthangal will cleanse him of his sin. Banasura did so and rejoined
Rudragana. Thus those who visit this kshetra will beget their lost status and
also beget a good groom. Victory be to him who visits this kshetra.
Morals in the Story:
1. Shiva and Vishnu are the same.
2. Both Raama and Hanuman did such
super-human tasks, but they were never having even a bit of Ahankaar. They
always were humble
(Please read Valmiki’s story
before reading this series of stories)
This series of stories on Shri
Raama Chandra Murty try to showcase the 16 important sadgunas or the
Shodasha-kalas in Shri Raama. Each story represents an instance (out of many)
where the particular sadgunam in discussion is well shown by Shri Raama. We
strongly recommend the readers to refer to the original Valmiki Raamayana (or
Tulasidas, Aadhyaatma, other such well-known Raamayanas) to know the complete
story (we briefly outline the story here giving more importance from point of
view of Morals).
See this table to
know more about Shodasha Kalas.
Dharmagnyah — Vibheeshana
Sharanaagati Katha
“Raamo Vigrahavaan Dharmah”
(Raama is Dharma devata in human form). The Vibheeshana Shranaagati Katha is
the best udaaharanam for the paraakaashtha of Shri Raama’s Dharmagnyata.
Vibheeshana, the Bhaagyashaali,
along with his four mantris came near Shri Raama’s Vaanara Sena to ask the
Parandhaama for sharanam. From Aakaasham itself he spoke like this “O Svaami!
Shri Raama! Raajeeva-lochana! I am the younger brother of Sitaataapahaari,
Raavana. They call me Vibheeshana. I have been driven away from my Lanka-desham
(panditas say present Australia) by my elder brother. I came to ask you
sharanam. Deva! I spoke hita-vaakyas to that Agnyaani. I warned him many times
to return Vaidehi to Shri Raama. He, binded by Kaala-paasham, did not listen to
me. He raised his Kara-vaalam (sword) to kill me, and drove me away. I am a
Mokshaarthi, needing vimukti from Samsaaram and hence came to your sharanam”.
Listening to the words of
Vibheeshana, Sugreeva, the parama-sakha for Shri Raama, replied “Raama! He is a
maayaavi. Raakshasaadhama. He doesnt deserve your Vishvaasam. In addition, he
is the brother of Raavana who is the Sitaapahaari. He is a balashaali. He came
with his 4 mantris who are well armed. He can look for a oppurtunity and kill
us. Deva! Please give me anugnya. I and other Vaanaras will kill these people.
Raama! This is what I think. You tell me what you have decided”.
With a chiru-mandahaasam Shri
Raama Chandra replied “Kapishreshtha! I think here there is a suukshma
vishayam. This is well known to all Kings, it is lokaprasiddham. (He goes on to
tell the reasons for giving Sharanaagati to Vibheeshana).
Sugreeva! The Kopotam did atithi
satkaaram to the Vyaadha (who killed his own wife!) when he came to him. When
this Kapotam itself did like that, then why to ask about me? (I too will do the
same).
Kanduva maharshi is a Satyavaadi.
He once sang some Dharmasammata Divya gaadhas. Please listen to them:
O Shatrusamhaaraka Raaja! A
person who doesnt want to be a Kruura must not harm a person who came for
sharanam, even if he is the greatest enemy. An uttama must save the person who
came as a sharanaagati, whether he is an aarta or a garvita, if required by
giving his own life.
If a person who gives sharanam
doesnt protect the person who came for sharanam, either due to Bhayam, or
Agnyaanam, or some Vaancha, or by not using his entire sva-shakti, will earn
both apakiirti and Paapam and additionally gives away all his punyam to the
person who is under sharanam. Also this will lead to the destruction of Balam
and Viryam of the person who gave the false sharanam.
Doing as suggested by Kanduva
maharshi is Dharmasammatam and it also increases Keerti and Punyam.
(Till now Shri Raama explained
why giving sharanam is Dharmasammatam. Now Shri Raama explains why He must
give sharanam to Vibheeshana.)”.
If anyone comes to My sharanam
and says “I am yours”; I will protect him from everything. This is my
Vratam (Recollect from this
story — this is one of the Mahaagunam of Paramaatma, Sharanyata). Even if the
person who came is Raavana in disguise, bring him. I will give him sharanam and
protect him.”
Story of Kapotam (mentioned by
Shri Raama):
(This is a long story beautifully explained in Mahabhaaratam; we only mention
it briefly here)
Once upon a time there used to
live a Kapota and a Kapoti on the branches of a Mahaavruksham. One day the
Kapoti was killed by a Vyaadha. The Kapota was worried why Kapoti was late to
return home and was waiting eagerly near the Vruksham. After a long time the
Vyaadha (who killed the Kapoti) came under the shade of the Vruksham, since
there was heavy rain. The Kapoti, who was struggling for her own life and was
in the basket of the Vyaadha, saw that the Vyaadha was shivering because of
cold. She then signals her husband the Kapota to try and remove the difficulty
of the Vyaadha. Kapota then brought many dry leaves, created a small fire and
tried to give some warmth to the Vyaadha. It then jumped into the fire and
offered itself as aahaaram to the Vyaadha.
This story was told by Kanduva
maharshi while explaining the Dharmas of Gruhasthaashramam. This very example
was given by Shri Raama to Sugreeva.
Discussion on the story:
A person will fear that he will
get Loka-ninda if he doesnt follow Raaja-Dharmam. He will fear Kula-ninda if he
doesnt follow Kula-Dharmam. Similarly there may be a motive for following
Samaajika-Dharmam, Gruha-Dharmam etc.
But Vrata-Dharmam (Niyamam) is
something which a person imposses on himself (ofcourse he must impose something
which is Dharmasammatam, like Shri Raama). Nobody will ask him if he doesnt
follow it. Hence it is Paramotkrushtam. Shri Raama Chandra Murty’s Dharmagnyata
is hence best showed through this example of He giving sharanam to Vibheeshana,
just to follow His Vrata-Dharmam.
Aaha! This Dharmagnyata of Shri
Raama chandra is difficult to even imagine/dream. Jayaho Shri Raama Chandra
Murty. Jayaho Shri Raama Chandra Murty.
Sadgunam to be learnt:
Dharmagnyata
This series of stories on Shri
Raama Chandra Murty try to showcase the 16 important sadgunas or the
Shodasha-kalas in Shri Raama.
Satyasandhah – Pratignya to
the Rushis
After taking leave from the great
Sutiikshna maharshi, Shri Raama, Sitadevi, Lakshmana will be walking through
the forest. Sita, the Janakanandini, the Yogamaaya, then did this manohara
bhaashanam with Shri Raama Chandra:
“A person who is away from
vyasanas can only follow Dharmam. Mithyaavaakyam and paradaaraabhigamanam are
against Raama shabdam itself.
However, though we do not have
vairam (enemity) with Raakshasas, with the vyasanam of protecting the Rushis,
why are we developing vairam with them?” (though we are now in Muni-vesham why
are we still carrying Dhanurbaanas?)
Sitadevi tells the following
katha as an udaaharanam:
“How wood acts as fuel to
increase the fire, Dhanurbaanas (aayudhas) similarly increase the tejobalam of
Kshatriyas.
Once upon a time there used to
live a great Muni in a prashaanta aashramam. Devendra once wanted to test the
Muni and came in the form of a rakshaka-bhata. He said “Svaami! Please keep
this sword of mine safely with you. I will come back after sometime and collect
it”. Because an aayudham was near him, in due course of time, some kruura
lakshanas started in him. Slowly he started to do Himsa. Finally he reached
Narakam.
Where are aayudhas? Where are we
in Muni-vesham? Kshetriya Dharmam and Tapas are very contradicting.
O Raama! With chapala-buddhi I
told what I know. You are a Satyasandha. You decide and do what are
Yukta-ayuktas”.
Shri Raama Chandra explains His
Pratignya-svaruupam (explaining what is Satyam):
“In this Dandakaaranyam many
great Mahaamunis, Maharshis do Tapas, leading a nir-aadambara jiivanam. Raakshas,
who are maamsa bhakshakas, are eating them away. They are many huge heaps of
skeletons of Rushis who were eaten away by the Raakshasas. These Rushis though
they can give shaapam to the Raakshasas, knowing that Krodham eats away
Tapobalam, they are not giving shaapam to them. As you know, they came and
asked Me to help them. Then I did a Pratignya to do dushta-samhaaram,
shishta-rakshana and protect the Maharshis.
Infact, I need not have even
waited for them to ask Me help.
(Shri Raama, at many instances in Raamaayana tells that “My father gave Raajyam
to Bharata and Vana-raajyam to Me”. So though they are in Muni-vesham, He must
follow Raaja-dharmam and do shishta-rakshana, dushta-sikshana. This is what He
does and tells to Vaali too.)
O Sita! I will leave My life,
Lakshmana, You, but not Satyam (My word, Pratignya). That too a word
given to these Sadbraahmanas I can never leave.
However what Dharmam you told Me
is good for a Sahadharmachaarani…” saying this, They continued to walk in the
Tapobhuumis.
Discussion of story:
Knowing what is himsa, what is
Ahimsa; what is Satyam, what is asatyam; even though one knows Satyam, doing
anusandhaanam of it as Shri Raama did in this beautiful story, are all
difficult and intricate things to understand.
As Sita said “in the company of
aayudhas, a person may some or the other time for atleast a very small time get
Kruura svabhaavam. This may result in himsa”. However since Shri Raama is a
Satyasandha, He would exactly use His aayudhas only to the extent of keeping up
His pratignya. This way he could do be in a Muni-vesham, do Tapas and also
satisfy His Raaja-dharmam and Pratignya. Also the Pratignya which Shri Raama
made is Dharmasammatam. He was given “vana-rajyam” by Dasharatha.
One might have many sadbhaavas,
but a Satyasandha is a person who can do anusandhaanam of all the
Dharmasuukshmas and apply then in nitya-jiivitam. If anusandhaanam of the
sadgunas is not done, then they dissapear after sometime. So even though They
were in Muni-vesham doing Tapas, Shri Raama didnt leave His Raaja-Dharmam and
gave Pratignya to the Rushis and proved His Satyasandhatvam.
Jayam to the great Bhaarata
bhuumi on which such great people once walked……
Sadgunam to be learnt:
Satyasandhatvam.
This series of stories on Shri
Raama Chandra Murty try to showcase the 16 important sadgunas or the Shodasha-kalas
in Shri Raama.
Prajaanaancha-hiteratah — Shri
Raama Yuvaraajyaabhishekam
“My sankalpam is to make Shri
Raama as the Yuvaraja. Please tell me your opinion” asked Dasharatha maharaaja
to all the members in his Sabha. The Sabha was echoing with people saying
“uttamam bahu uttamam”. They said “We are all eager to see the divya
Pattaabhishekam of Shri Raama, who is Ajaanubaahu, Mahaveera, Mahaabalashaali”.
Dasharatha then says “are you all
praising my Son to impress me or are you telling Satyam?”. The praja replied
“Shri Raama is the greatest of all Ikshvaakuvamsha raajas. He always:
- is a Satpurusha, follows Satya-Dharmas.
- is Chandra in making the praja have Aanandam.
- is Bhudevi in Kshamaadi gunas.
- is Bruhaspati in Buddhi.
- is Devendra in Paraakramam.
- is a Dharmagnya, Satyasandha, ….. Has Uttamashiilam, anasuuya,
Satyavaadi”.
- has Indriya-nigraham.
- does upaasana of Panditas, Vruddha Brahmanas. Because of this only
He increased His Kiirti, Ashas, Tejas.
- knows all shastra-astras (see this
story).
- knows all shaastras. He is a Vidyaavan.
- there is no one who can surpass Him in Sangeetha Shastram. He
knows the 64 Kalaas in Bharata Saampradaayam.
- gives respect to elders.
- is Mahaavishnu in Veerya, Shouryaadi Paraakramas.
- is a sthira-chitta, has sthira-alochanas.
- can make Dharmam, Lakshmi never leave his praja.
- does duhkha-nivaaranam of duhkhitas.
- has Mrudusvabhaavam.
- has Krutagnyata.
- is a sarvamangala-pradaata
- speaks praanahita vaakyas to everyone.
- takes Lakshmana and returns only after saving the country from
enemies, by doing dharma-yuddhas.
- after Yuddham, comes to each person and asks his yoga-kshemas;
asks them kushala-prashnas.
- enquires if all the bhrutyas are doing the seva only by their own
will and doing it whole-heartedly.
- experiences duhkham if sajjanas get difficulties.
- If somebody achieves something, he gets aanandam similar to how a
father feels happy seeing the growth of his child.
- is a Dharma-parirakshaka and hence does hitam to all His praja.
- does hitam to all aashritas (see this
for knowing His sharanagati Dharmam).
- never speaks parusha-vakyas.
- knows everything about how to do Raajya-paalana.
- is the only person who can rule the Tribhuvanas.
- will definitely punish people who deserve punishment according
Danda-neeti shastram.
- never punishes avadhyas.
- The person with whom Shri Raama is impressed, will get
sakalaishvaryas including Moksha-Lakshmi.
Discussion on the story:
In this story the praja
themselves tell how much praja-hitam Shri Raama always does. This was the
opinion of all the praja in the Raashtram, Raajadhaani, people far off, near
by, everyone.
Hitam is like an Aushadham. An
Aushadham, though it tastes bitter, does the chikitsa of the rogi. Similarly,
Shri Raama used to be like a father to the Sajjanas, Shikshaka to the Durjanas.
However usually Durjanas who get punished will do duushanam, even though the
King did hitam. But in case of Shri Raama, even the durjanas change and sing
songs of His greatness. The example is of Maariicha.
Jayam for Shri Raama Raajyam.
Sadgunam to be learnt: doing Prajaahitam always.
This series of stories on Shri
Raama Chandra Murty try to showcase the 16 important sadgunas or the
Shodasha-kalas in Shri Raama.
A person becomes a Yashasvi by
doing two things:
- Doing Muni, Rushi, Saadhu, Satpurusha seva
- Doing Pritrukaaryas
Shri Raama Chandra leaves for
Aranyavaasam to keep the word given by His father, Shri Dasharatha maharaja.
Shri Raama hears from Bharata that Dasharatha became a Svargastha. Perhaps the
sadest moment for Shri Raama, who loved His Maata-Pita very much.
Shri Raama Chandra goes to
Mandaakinii Nadii, does snaanam, Jala-tarpanam and comes back. Then together
with His sodaras, He does Pinda-pradaanam for His Pitrudevatas. He says:
(addresing His Pita, Dasharatha)
“O Maharaja! We are giving you the same things as We are eating (in this
Munivesham)”. Saying this They do Yathaavidhi Kaaryam according to
Dharma-shaastras. All these Pitruseva Kaaryams gave Shri Raama ananta Kiirti
and Yashas.
Also, in the name of
Aranyavaasam, Shri Raama got the opportunity of having Darshanam and doing seva
of many many Rushis like: Bharadvaaja, Valmiki, Sharabhanga, Sutiikshna and
Agastya. He also comes to know about the greatness of Agastyamuni, through
Agastyamuni’s brother. Agastyamini’s brother also tells Shri Raama how
Agastyamuni did dushta-samhaaram of Vaataapi and Ilvala:
(the following story is very very
deep and must be carefully understood by reading the original with the help of
elders. It is presented here in short for the sake of completness)
Once upon a time, two very strong
Raaksha brothers by names Vaataapi and Ilvala were there. Ilvala used to take
the form of a Braahmana, speak nirdushta bhaasha (pure Samskrutam) and invite
Braahmanas as bhoktas for Shraaddham. Vaataapi used to take the form of a sheep
and Ilvala used to kill him, cook and serve to the Bhokta. After the Bhokta ate
the Prasaadam, Ilvala used to call “Vaataapi come out” — and Vaataapi used to
come out tearing the Bhokta’s stomach. Then both of them used to eat the
Bhokta. This kruura krutyam was their everyday habit.
Like this thousands and thousands
of Braahmanas were killed by the Vaataapi brothers. Seeing this Devatas
approached the great Agastya maharshi and asked for sharanam. Agastya maharshi
went as a Bhokta when invited by Ilvala and after eating the Prasaadam said
“Jeernam Jeernam Vaataapi Jeernam”. When Ilvala called Vaataapi to come out,
with chiru-mandahaasam, Agastyamuni replied “You brother Vaataapi who was in
mesha-rupam became Jeernam in my stomach and reached Narakam. Now he wont come
out”. On knowing that his brother was killed, Ilvala attakced Agastyamuni, but
became ashes through the Agastyamuni’s Netra-agni.
Doing which Dharma-aacharana Shri
Raama got Ananta-Yashas, the same was made fun of by Vaataapi and Ilvala, by
doing many bad things while doing it.
Jayam to Agastya-aadi munis,
rushis of this Bhaaratadesham.
Sadgunas to be learnt:
Maata-pita seva and Saadhu-Sajjana seva. Doing them leads to Ananta Yashas.
This series of stories on Shri
Raama Chandra Murty try to showcase the 16 important sadgunas or the
Shodasha-kalas in Shri Raama.
(This story has great
Aadhyaatma-tattvam. Here we present a short version in morals perspective)
On Chitrakuuta-parvatam, Shri
Raama, Seeta Devi and Lakshmana used to stay in Siddha-aashramas of maharshis.
One day Shri Raama ans Seeta Devi did Vana-vihaaram and Jala-kreeda. Shri
Raama, who was tired, slept in the lap of Jaganmaata, Jaanaki. Then a Vaayasam
(crow), by name Kaakaasura, came there and started hurting Janaka-nandini with
its beak and nails. Kshmaa-suta, with great sahanam, took the pain and didnt
disturb the sleep of Shri Raama and showed Her paati-vratyam. The blood of
Seeta devi then fell on Shri Raama. Shri Raama got great Krodham on the one who
hurted His Arthaangi and since he didnt have any shastra-astras, took a
grass-shoot and used it as Brahma-astram with His Mantra-shakti.
The Vaayasam ran for there for
its life. It was not an ordinary Vaayasam, it was the putra of Devendra and had
Divya-shakti. But who can save anyone for Shri Raama baanam? It ran to all
Tri-jagas. It pleaded the Devatas to protect, it asked Devendra. But everone
said there are helpless. After it searched a lot for someone to protect it, it
realized than none other than Purushottama, Shri Raama Chandra Himself can
protect it and approached Him and asked for Sharanaagati.
Shri Raama Chandra has a vratam
that even if a Shatru, apakaari comes and asks for Sharanam, then He will
protect him from everything (See this too). Shri Raama, the Sharanaagata-vatsala
then gave Abhayam to Kaakaasura. However since Shri Raama baanam is amogham,
Shri Raama asked Kaakasura to show Him something on which the Brahmaastram must
act. Then Kaakaasura asked the Brahmaastram to take its right-eye.
Discussion of the story:
The prathama-kartavyam of a
Bharta, is to protect his Bhaarya. Though Shri Raama didnt have any weapons, as
soon as He knew that His Bhaarya was pained by Kaakaasura, He used a
grass-shoot as an astram and taught the Kaakaasura a lesson. This shows that in
any circumstances Shri Raama was able to do Rakshana of His Dharma-patni. The
same mistake of causing grief to Seeta Devi was also done by Raavana; but Shri
Raama following His Sharanaagati-dharmam protected Kaakaasura when he came to
Shri Raama’s aashrayam. However Raavana never realized his mistake and hence
was destroyed (with the same Brahmaastram!).
Hence the episodes of Kaakaasura
and Raavana-vadha clearly show that Shri Raama had enough Shakti, Yukti for
doing Rakshana of His Svadharmam in any circumstances.
Other Divya-gunas of Shri
Raama to be learnt from the story:
1. Shri Raama’s Veeratvam, Shakti and
Astra-vidya are well shown in the story. Even though He was sleeping, didnt
have any shastras near Him, with His Mantra-shakti, He could do dushta-shikshana.
2. “Kaalaagni sadrusha Krodhe Kshamayaa
Pruthivii samah”. He is like Kaalaagni when He does dushta-sikshana and is like
Bhuu-devi when it comes to Kshama. Kaakaasura, though he did a mistake,
realized and asked Shri Raama for sharanam and saved Himself.
This series of stories on Shri
Raama Chandra Murty try to showcase the 16 important sadgunas or the
Shodasha-kalas in Shri Raama.
Kaartaveeryaajuna was the Raaja
of Mahishmatii-nagaram. With Tapobalam, he got 1000 Baahu (hands) and was doing
Raajya-paalana with Bala-darpam.
Once Raavana, on the way of
returning from a Vijaya-yaatra, came to Narmadaa-nadii-teeram. It was time for
Madhyaahnika-Sandhyaavandanam. After taking snaanam in the nadi and doing
Sandhyaavandanam, since he always did shat-kaala-Shiva-pooja (6 times Shiva
pooja per day), he started doing abhishekam to the Svarna-lingam, which he
always carried with him. With his 20 baahu (hands) he did Shiva-pooja, doing
Veda-paaraayana with his 10 mouths. With great Bhakti he did Shiva-pooja, in
accordance with Shaastras.
Suddenly Narmadaa, reversed its
direction of flow and washed his pooja materials away! He came to know that 0.5
Yojanam away, Sahasra-baahu (Kaartaveeryaajuna), was doing Jala-kreeda with
thousands of women, stopping the flow of Narmadaa with his hands!
Then Raavana with anger went to
fight with Kaartaveeryaajuna. There was a fierce Yuddham between the two. Like
two Suuryas, two Mada-gajas, they fought each other. Finally Kaartaveeryaajuna
won over Raavana and put him in prison. Seeing this all the Devatas, maharshis
were happy. Everybody was taking about this episode only. They were surprised
to see the mahaa-balavanta Raavana being defeated. The whole of Svarga-lokam
was echoing with the story of the Shakti and Veeratvam of Kaartaveeryaajuna. Pulastya Brahma,
the grand father (pitaa-maha) of Raavana, also heard this. He immediately went
to Kaartaveeryaajuna.
Kaartaveeryaajuna said
“Mahaanubhaava! I am dhanya to have got your Darshanam. Please tell me what I
need to do. I and my people are ready to do what you order”. Pulastya Brahma
replied “O Raaja! I am happy with your Bhakti and Shakti. You got the name
‘Raavana Vijeta’. Now leave my pautra (grandson)”. Immediately
Kaartaveeryaajuna left Raavana, after doing satkaaram to him and agni-saakshi
mitratvam with him.
Later, only because of his
bala-garvam, Kaartaveeryaajuna fought with Parashuraama, the avataar of
Mahaavishnu. Kaartaveeryaajuna was killed in the Yuddham!! Aha! There is always
someone who is greater than oneself. Hence we must never have garvam, darpam.
After Shri Raama’s Divya-leela of
Shiva-dhanurbhanjanam and Sitaa-Kalyaanam, Parashuraama comes and asks Shri
Raama to take the Vishnu-dhanuh, if He really has shakti and knows Dhanurvidya.
Just on the very touch of Shri Raama of the Vishnu-dhanuh, all the
Bhagavat-shakti of Parashuraama enters Shri Raama. Parashuraama realizes that
Shri Raama is Paramaatma Himself, does stotram of Shri Raama and leaves the
place.
Discussion of the story:
One nice example of showing knowledge of Shri Raama on Dharnurveda is this
story. Raavana who defeated all Devatas, Dik-paalakas, his brother Kubera and
the Yakshas, was easily defeated by Kaartaveeryaajuna. The bala-garvam of
Kaartaveeryaajuna was removed by Parashuraama. Then a baalaka, of just 16
years, Shri Raama, not even by using the Vishnu-dhanuh, just by touching it,
did Garva-bhangam of Parashuraama! Thus Shri Raama did avataara-anusandhaanam
and Yuga-anusandhaanam with this Leela.
Using the dhanuh and winning a
Yuddham is the act of ordinary Veeras and Shuuras. Just by doing anusandhaanam
of Shiva-dhanuh, Shri Raama broke the Shiva-dhanuh! And just while taking the
Vishnu-dhanuh from Parashuraama, He won over Parashuraama. Thus Shri Raama is
known as “Dhanurvedecha Nishchitah”.
Even though Shri Raama had so
much Shakti, Balam and knew all Shastra-astras, He always had
Vinayam and never left Dharma-maargam. Whereas Raavana even though
had such alpa-shakti (when compared to Shri Raama), had a lot of Ahankaaram.
Puraanam itself means “even
though old it is new”. The more one reads them, the more his Gnyaanam will
increase. Even though everyone knows the story of Raamaayanam, every time they
read, new things are understood.
After having the Darshanam of Agastya
Maharshi, on the way to Panchavati, Seetaa Devi feels very tired. She sits
under the shade of two huge Vrukshams for rest. As soon as She thinks that it
will be good if They get some aahaaram, two Phalas from the Vrukshas fall down.
Shri Raama Chandra and Seetaa Mahaalakshmi then eat the two Phalams.
Immediately, the Vrukshas become two Divya Gandharva pati-patni and do stotram
of the Paramaatma. They say that because they did Paropakaaram, by giving their
phalams to people who are hungry, they washed their Paapam, which turned them
from Gandharvas to Vrukshas. They then tell what mahaa-paapam they did:
“Shri Raama! We were Gandharva
pati-patni. Though we were one of the Devatas, did lot of Punyam to get
Gandharva ruupam, we never did any Puraana-shravanam. There was a Seetaa
Raamaalayam in our Gandharva Nagaram, in which everyday Divya
Puraana-pravachanam used to happen. We never used to listen to the pravachanam
and hence never knew what is Dharmam, aachaaram, Saampradaayam. We never used
to go to the Devaalayam and even if by chance we go, we used to go empty
handed. If we had listened to Puraanams we would have known that we can please
the Lord with just Namaskaarams. Infact we used to make fun of others offering
Naivedyam, Dhuupam and Deepam to the Lord. Because of this we had to be born as
Vrukshams in this Aranyam, and loose Daivatvam. Now because of our Puurva-janam
Punyam, we got Your Divya Darshanam and got Vimukti.”
Morals in the Story:
1. The importance of Puraana-shravanam is
well shown in the story. Even though the couple in the story did great Punyam
and got Daivatvam, just because they never did Puraana Shravanam, with
Ahankaaram they used to make fun of others. If Puraanams are so valuable for
Devatas themselves, then imagine how great they are for us, that too in this
Kaliyugam!
2. The greatness of Paropakaaram in shown in
the story. Just because the two Vrukshas gave Phalams to people who are in need
of them, they got Vimukti. There is no greater Sadgunam than Paropakaaram.
Pryaagam Paataliiputram
Vijayanagaram Puriim |
Indraprastham Gayaam chaiva
pratyushe pratyaham smaret ||
Such is the greatness of
Indraprastham. What more needs to be said about a Nagaram which was once ruled
by the great Yudhishthira?
This story happened in Tretaa-yugam (see Kaala-maanam)
during Setu-bandhanam:
Every one was enthusiastic.
Setu-bandhanam was going in full swing. Vaanaras were bringing huge paashaanams
(boulders), writing Divya Shri Raama Naamam on them. Nala-Neela were throwing
them into the ocean. Due to Shri Raama Naama mahima, the stones floated.
Everyone showed their Bhakti
towards Shri Raama, the purushottama. Even though they knew that their small
effort doesnt matter for accomplishing the impossible task of Setu-bandhanam,
and that it is the power of Shri Raama only helping them, they put in effort
and were doing whatever they could. Everyone was doing Parishrama according to
their capability. Parama Bhakta Hanumaan was bringing huge Parvatams and
throwing into the ocean. The tiny Chikroḍa
(squirrel) was rolling in water, then rolling on the sands and then rolling in
water so that the sands stuck to its body go into the water. Seeing the
Parishrama and Bhakti of the Chikroḍa,
Paramaatma took it in His hands, carresed the squirrel’s back and blessed it.
(Only Indian squirrels have three lines on their back)
In this, once Hanumaan reached
the great Indraprastham in search of Parvatams to throw into the ocean and
build the Setu (bridge). There He saw a Giri-raaja by name Govardhana. Seeing
Hanumaan, Govardhana had paramaanandam. He thought that now is when his body is
being of some use. He invited Hanumaan to carry him so that he can be of some
help to Paramaatma Shri Raama. Bhakta Hanumaan also was very happy to see the
Bhakti of Govardhana.
But some duutas (messengers) from
Shri Raama came and informed Hanumaan that Setu-bandhanam is over and He can
return to the Saagaram. Listening to this news there was no end to the duhkham
of Govardhana. He thought due to some paapa-kaaryam he did in his previous
janma, he now is not able to serve Parandhaama, Shri Raama. Seeing the duhkham
of Govardhana, Hanumaan went to Shri Raama and told about Govardhana.
Shri Raama had great aanandam
seeing the Bhakti of Govardhana. He gave a varam to Govardhana that he will do
Uddharana of Govardhana in Dvaapara-yugam when He is Shri Krishna.
For 7 days, Shri Krishna lifts
Govardhana Parvatam and saves lifes of the Gopaalas. Govardhana then has great
aanandam for being of some use to the Paramaatma Shri Krishna.
Morals in the Story:
1. We must always put in efforts, hard-work
for doing a good deed, whether or not it is possible or impossible for us. God
will be happy with the Parishrama (hard-work) we put in and bless us immaterial
of the result. Though it was not capable of doing much, the squirrel did
whatever it could and impressed the Lord.
The nishkaama
Bhakti of the squirrel and Govardhana must be inculcated. God always protects
His Bhaktas, like He did to Govardhana.
