The concept of Rama-Avatara (incarnation)

The epithet of Rama has been considered as the seventh incarnation of Lord Visnu in Indian literature. This myth of Rama has greatly influenced Indian culture and relgion. No doubt, Janaka is often mentioned in the Brahmana texts and the Upanisads. Such Vedic references to Janaka lead to justify that he lived for very long period till the closer of Rama's reign at Ayodhya. But the some basic of references above hardly justify the existence of Rama even during Vedic period. Perhaps as per the traditional view, Rama's incarnation took place in the Treta Age which however is much prior to the age of Mahabharata. It also can be said that Rama's incarnation took place much before Vedavyasa's appearance on the earth who has ben regarded as having divided the entire vast treasure of Veda into four Vedas. It is known by the ancient Indian History that Lord Vedavyasa appeared on the earth in the Dvaparayuga. All these points lead to conclude that the extant Vedas, that is Rgveda, Yajurveda etc. or Brahmanas and Upanisdic texts naturally do not contain any traces to Rama's incarnation. But, it does not mean that the story of Rama's incarnation has no substratum in the post Vedic literature. Excluding the Ramayana of Valmiki, the life story of Rama himself, has occupied its place in the Puranic works of Vedavyasa himself, such as Bhagavata Purana Agni Purana, Padma Purana, Narasimha Purana and so on. However, there are some variant readings regarding the Rama story, as comparing to Valmiki's Ramayana; such readings may be

283 known in the succeeding pages. So too, the term Sita occurs in the Rgveda, where it signifies the "sarrow". In the opinion of scholars like Weber and Winternitz, Sita of the Rgveda is separated by a wide gulf from the Sita of the Ramayana. The unique character of Rama has to be appreciated and understood. As He is more human, as unilike the other Avataras such as Varaha, Vamana, which may be termed as Avataras for specific purposes. His life is more earthly and of longer span. In this respect the other exception is Krsna but latter's life is more supernatural. His supra powerful deeds were conducive to uphold Dharma or righteousness. Although distinguished as a divine character, Rama's life never lacked to the poignacy of a human life. In this way, this incarnation gives the clue to the origin, organisation and classifciation of the various Avataras. In course of the history of Vaisnavism, the varied references in ancient legendary lore, such as Varaha, Trivikrama are combined with the epoch making human heroes, producing a wonderful spectrum of the Avataras to the great advantage of the devotees. The story of Rama immortalised in Valmiki's Ramayana, is cherished by the people all over the world. It is definite that Rama was a kstriya hero, eulogized by the court bards of ancient times. To quote Macdonell, In Ayodya there must have been current among the court bards (Suta) a number of epic tales narrating the

284 fortunes of the Iksvaku hero Rama" 214 Rama's story has found its place in the following Puranas :Padma Purana (VI, 242 - 244) Bhagavata Purana (IX, 10) Agni Purana (Chap. 5-11) Garuda Purana (I-143) Narasimha Purana In the Ramayana itself, excepting the later interpolations, Rama is meereally a great hero portrayed as an ideal son, husband and king. As the Padma Purana is richest of all the Puranas with the description of Rama's incarnation, here follows the reading of this incarnation through the lines of Padma Purana occuring in the Uttara Khanda (IV 242-244). Formerly, Svayambhuva Manu muttered the great formula of twelve syllables Naimisa on the pure, auspicious bank of river Gomati. For thousand years he worshipped goddess Lakshmi and 214 svayambhuvo manuh purvam dvadasarnam mahamanum jajapa gomatitire naimise vimale subhe | tena varsasahasrena pujitah kamalapatih || matto vare vrnisveti tam praha bhagavanharih | putratvam bhaja devesatrini janmanicacyuta tvam putralalasatvena bhajami purusottamam || Padma Purana, Uttarakhanda VI 242 1-5, P 839-840

285 Lord Visnu. Lord Visnu told him to ask a boon. Then Svayambhuva Manu joyfully said to Visnu, that he should be born as his son in three existences, He worshipped Him with a desire for a son. There Visnu said, "whatever, is desired in your mind will take place. I too have a great pleasure in being your son, when you will be born in the period having stability as its aim, I shall incarnate as your son. In every age, I shall be born of you for protecting the good, destroying the wicked and establishing righteousness".215 Having thus given him a boon, Visnu vanished there only. From Svayambhuva, he had the first birth. He was born as king Dasaratha in the Raghu family formerly. The second birth way that of Lord Vasudeva in the family of Vrsnis. He will be born as a brahmana in the town of Sambhula in the last two quarters of the Kali age of the measure of the thousand divine years. Kausalya was born as the wife of king Dasaratha. Devaki was known to serve the Yadu family. Devaprabha was born as the wife of a brahmana Harivrata. Thus, they obtained the motherhood of Lord Visnu in three existences. Hiranyakasipu and Hiranyaksha, taking up second birth will be born as the very strong Kambhakarna and Ravana. 215 asyabhutprathamam janmamanoh svayambhuvasyaca raghunamanvayepurvam raja dasaragha hyabhuta | dvitiyo vasudevo'bhudavrsninamanvaye vibhuh kalerdivyasahasrabda pramanasyantya padayoh | | raghavah prathamam jajne krsnastu tadanantaram | Ibid VI 242, 8-11, P-840

286 Visravas, a brahmana was the son of Pulastya. His wife Visalaksi was a demon's daughter, named Sukesi. And, the demon Sumalin's daughter Kekasi was his wife of a firm vow. Being excessively full of lust, the slim respectful lady of a charming, appearance had sexual relation with the great sage in the evening. Due to her desire for enjoyment, Ravana and Kumbhakarna were born, very powerful demons. A daughter Surpanakhi of a deformed face was also born to her. After sometime, Vibhisana was born to her. He was of good character, devoted to god, pious and pure. Ravana and Kumbhakarna were greatest like the Himalaya mountain. They two performed severe penance to please Brahma.216 Then Ravana asked for a boon with a desire to conquer all worlds, and not be killed by gods, demons or friends. The Ravana, proud due to the grant of boon, troubled the three worlds, gods demons and friends. Gods, troubled by him, full of fear, led by Brahma sought the shelter of Lord Visnu. Understanding their anguish, He said, in order to grant them immunity from fear, to 216 pulastyasya suto vipro visravanamadharmikah | tasyapani visalaksi raksasendusuta'nadhe | | sukesitanaya sa syatsumalerdanavasya ca | kekasinama kanya''sittasya bharya drdhavrta | | kamodrikta tu sadevi sandhyakale maha munim | ramayamasa tanvangi yathestam subhadarsana | tatkala sambhavau gabhautasyam jatau mahabalau | ravanakumbhakarnasca raksasaulokavisritau | kanya surpanakhanama jata'tivikrtanana | Ibid VI, 242, 17-22, P-540

287 all gods. Then Lord Visnu said, "That He will be born in the family of Raghu as the son of king Dasaratha, and should kill the wicked Ravana with his relatives. Taking to a human body "He shall kill the thorn to the deities. You too, born as monkeys due to Nandin's curse, to help". 217 Being addressed by Lord Visnu, they were born on the earth in the form of monkeys. Bhargava also gave the earth girt by the ocean. It was formerly given to the very noble Raghus by great Sagara. There was Vaivasvata Manu's son, known as Iksvaku the best among the kings and very powerful, best among those who knew the ways of the world. In his family, was born the brilliant and powerful king Dasaratha. 218 217 218 ravanasvadha drstatma svasirakamalaih subhaih pujayamasa ma devi darunenaiva karmana tatastamabravam subhruh prahastenantaratmanavaram vrnisva me vatsa yatte manasi vartate avadhyatvam pradehiti sarvalokajigisaya tato'ham dattavamstasmai raksasaya duratmana | devadanavayaksanamavadhyatvam vasanane raksaso'sau mahaviryau varadanattu, garvitah | trilokanpidayamasa devadanavamanusan tena sambadhyamanasca deva bramhapurogamah bhayarthah saranam jagmurisvaram kamalapatim rajno dasarathasyahamutpatsyamiraghoh kule hanisyami duratmanam ravanam sahabandhavam manusam vapurasthayahanmi daivatakantakam | nandisapadbhavanto'pi vana vanaratvamupagatah kurudhvam mama sahayyam gdharvapsarasottamah | Ibid VI-242, 24-28, P-840-841 Ibid VI, 242, 29-30, 841

288 The king protected the entire earth with valur. He installed all best kings on the kingdoms. Dasaratha married Kausalya, the daughter of king Kosala. His second wife was Sumitra, Magadha king's daughter, and third wife was Kekaye, daughter of Kekaya king. With these three wives, the Dasaratha enjoyed, while protecting the earth. There was a city named Ayodhya situated on the bank of Sarayu. It was full of all jewels, wealth and grains. It possessed ramparts and town-gates. It was like Indra's city. The king lived there, along with best sages and the noble brahmana, Vasistha, his family priest. That is the hightest place where revered Visnu dwelt. When Lord Visnu was born there, all men were delighted. King Dasaratha having protected the earth and longing for a son performed a sacrifice in honour of Visnu. Worshipped with the sacrifice in his honour by him. Visnu said, Int he fire Visnu in the form of sacrifice then appeared. Seeing him the king full of joy and with his mind full of delight, seluted Him and said to lord to become his son. 219 219 tadanvaye mahateja raja dasaratho bali | ajasya nrpateh putrah satyavanchilavanchucih || sa raja prthivisarvana palayamasaviryatah | rajyesu sthapayamasa sarvanparthivasattaman kosalasyanrpasya'tha putri sarvangasobhana kausalyanama tamkanyamupayemesaparthivah magadhasya nrpasya'tha tanaya ca sucismita sumitra nama namna ca dvitiya tasya bhamini trtiya kekayasya'tha nrpaterduhita tatha | bharya'bhutpadmapatraksi kaikeyi nama namatah tabhih sma raja bharyabhistisrbhirdharmasamyutah | ramayamasa kakutsthah prthivi ca'nupalayan | | Ibid VI.242, 34-38, P-841

289 Lord Visnu promised him to born as his son. Visnu gave the king bright race boiled in milk, kept in a golden pot and held in the hand of Lakshmi, and said to give this boiled rice to his wives. Having said this, Lord Hari vanished. The king Dasaratha divided the divine rice boiled in milk and gave it to them. His middle wife longing for a son gave half portion of that rice to Kausalya and Kekayi. 220 Then Lord Visnu, wearing garments, holding a conch, a disc, a mace in his hands appeared in their dreams. In this auspicious time, in the month of Caitra, in the bright half of the month on the ninth day, when the Sun was in the Pushya constellation, in the noon and at a time all plants were auspicious, Kausalya gave birth to a son lord of the universe who was dark like lotus leaves, eyes were large like lotus petals, and was covered with great lustre. 220 sa raja prthivi sarvam palayatvasubhanane ayajadvaisnavestaya ca putrarthi harimucyatam tena sampujitah srisorajna sarvagatoharih vaisnavena ta yajnena varadah prahakesavah tu V-242, 49, P-842 utpatsye'ham nrpasrestha tevalokahitaya vai paritranaya sadhunam raksasanam vadhaya ca muktim pradatum lokanam dharmasamsthapanayaca Ibid VI, 242-55, P-842 ityukva payasam divyam hema patrasthitamsrutam laksmyahastasthitam subhram parthivaya dadauharih idam payasam rajapatnibhyatsava suvratah tehite tanayastasu utpatsyante madamrajah Ibid VI 242, 56-57, P-842

290 When the lord was born, in heaven divine drums were sounded, the gods, sent down showers of flowers. Gandharva sang, celestial nymphs danced. The Sun become very bright. Then the king performed the birth ceremony through sage Vasistha, and gave him a charming name Ramana 220 a. It is equal to the thousand names of Visnu and gives salvation to human beings. Then king gladly gave away much wealth garments, ornaments, and thousand villages to brahmanas on this occasion. Kausalya saw the excellent face of Rama, on his body she saw a conch, disc, a mave, a lotus, a flag and garments etc., on his chest Srivatsa and Kaustubha along with a garland of wood flowers. On his body, she saw the entire world with gods demons, and human beings. She saw fourteen worlds on his smiling face. In the breath of the noble one she saw Vedas and Itihasa. She saw in his navel, Lord Brahma and Siva, in his ears the bright quarters, in his eyes fire and the sun, in his nose the speedy wind. Seeing all 220 a suklo navabhyam vimale naksatre'datidaivate madhyahnasame lagne sarva graha subhanviksete kausalya janayamasa putram lokesvaram harim indivaradalasyamam kotikandarpasannibham padmapatravisalaksam sarvabharanasobhitam Ibid VI-242, 64-66, P-843

291 His splendours the goal of all the Upanisads, she was afraid, seluted him again and again. 221 1. Bharata was born from Kekayi. Sumitra gave birth to Lakshmana and Satrughna. Lakshmana the killer of enemies was born with portion of Ananta. Satrughna, of unlimited valour, was produced from Sudarshana. They all grew there in the family of Vaivasvata Manu. They were properly taught by the very vigorous Vasistha. They studied the Vedas. They knew essential nature of all branches. They were very generous and they increased the joy of people. The princes Rama and Lakshmana formed a pair, similarly Bharata and Satrughna. The goddess Lakshmi is born in the house of Janaka. In the meanwhile sage Kausika well known in the world, 221 kausalyayasutam drstva ramam rajivalocanam phullahastaravindabham padmahastambujanvitam tasya sripadakamale padmabje ca varanane | sankhacakragadapadmadhvajavajradicinhite drastva vaksasi srivatsam kaustubham vanamalaya | tasya'nge sa jakatsarvam sa devasuramanusam smitavakre visalaksi bhuvanani caturdasa | nisvase tasya vedamsca setihasanmahatmanah dvipanabdhignirimstasya jaghanevaravarnini nabhyam | brahmasivau tasya karnayosca disah subhah netrayorvahni suryacaprane vanyum mahajavam | sarvopanisadamartham drstva tasyavibhutayah krtsna bhita vararoha pranamya ca punahpunah | Ibid, VI-242, 82-88, P-844

292 commenced the performance of a sacrifice in the hermitage, on the bank of Bhagirathi. When that sacrifice proceeded, the demons of Ravana destroyed his sacrifice. The sage Kausika having thought, of bringing Rama to protect the sacrifice, went to the city of Ayodhya. King Dasaratha honoured the sage, then Visvamitra, with his mind delighted said, "Send Rama for the protection of my sacrifice. In Ramas presence sacrifice will be fruitful. He pleased the king to send Rama. 222 Then hearing the words of the sage, Dasaratha sent Rama and Lakshmana. Taking those two, Visvamitra went to the hermitage. When Rama went there, all gods were delighted. Then very powerful Garuda delighted in heart, came there and gave the two bows, two quivers and two inexhaustible arrows to Rama and Lakshmana. He also gave the divine missiles and weapons. Rama and Lakshmana were informed of the fierce looking 222 nrpasrestam dasaratham dadarsa munisattamah dhanyo'hamasmiti vadanharsana raghunandanah | arcayamasa vidhina nivesya paramasane pariniya namaskrtya kimkaromityuvaca tam | tatah pravoca hastatma visvamitro mahatapah dehnime raghavam rajannaksanardham kratormam | saphalyamastu me yajne raghavasya samipatah tasmadramam raksanartham datumarhasi bhupate | Ibid VI-242, 108-113, P-845 pradadau munivaryaya raghavam saha laksmamanam adaya raghavotatra visvamitro mahatapah Ibid VI, 242-45, 114, P-845

293 demoness moving in the forest by noble Kausikas; her name was Tataka wife of the demon, Sunda. The two great heroes struck her with the arrows discharged from the divine bows. Having killed her, Rama entered the hermitage. Then the sages worshipped the Highest Soul. Then sage, Kausika properly commenced the excellent sacrifice. When the great sacrifice proceeded a demon named Marica with this brother Subahu came there creating obstacle. Seeing him Rama with his arrow killed Subbahu. With a great missile, he caused Marica to fall into the ocean. 223 In the meanwhile, the king of Mithila, commenced the Vajapeya sacrifice Visvamitra went along with Raghus. While going to Mithila, Rama touched a stone on the way with his lotus foot. That Ahalya, who was formerly cursed by her husband Gautama, became, auspicious by the touch of Rama's foot. Then sage reached the city of Mithila. The king of Mithila, Janaka was delighted at heart and honoured them. He looked upon Rama just as the Highest Lord. And thought in his mind to give his daughter to him. The Raghus stayed along with the Vasistha, in Janakias city. Rama 223 vartamane mahayajne marico nama raksasah bhrata subhahuna tatravighnam kartrmavasthitah | drstva tau raksasau dhaurau raghavah paraviraha jaghanaikena banena subahum raksasesvaram | pavanastrena mahata maricam tu nisacaram sagare patayamasa suskaparnamiva'nilah | sa ramasya mahaviryam drstva raksasa sattamah nyastasastrastapastaptum prayayo mahadasramam | Ibid, VI-242, 126-128, P-846

294 married Sita at an auspicious time. Lakshmana married Urmila Janakias second daughter. And Bharata and Satrugna married. Mandavi and Srutakirti. Dasaratha with his sons and daguthersin-law left for Ayodhya. 224 On their way, the strong valourous son of Jamadagni, the destroyer of warrior kings, Parasurama taking an axe like a lion, desiring to fight, rushed to the descendent of Kakatstha. Reaching Rama, Bhargava spoke that, having killed many kings in battle and having given land to the brahmanas he went to practise penance. Having heard the valour and power of Rama, he came to fight with him. the 224 Thus being addressed by Parasurama, Rama took his bow and power too of him by Visnu. Deprived of that power that brave etasminnantare raja mithilaya adhisvarah vajapeyam kratum yastumarebhe munisattamaih | samagatanmahabhagandrstva raja mahabalah pratyudgamya pramamya'tha pujayamasa maithilah | ramam padmavisalaksamindivaradalaprabham pitambaradharamslaksnam komalavayavojvalam | avadhiritakanda kotilavanyamuttamam sarvalaksanasampannam sarvabharanabhusitam | svasya hrtpankaje dhyeyam paresasya tanohareh tam drstva raghunatham sa janako hrstamanasah | Ibid V-242, 139-142, P-846 tasminneva subhe kale ramasya dharanisutam vivaha makarodraja maithilena samarcitah | laksmanasyormilanamakanyam janakasambhavam janakasya'nujasya'thatanaye subhavarcasaumandavisrutakirtisca | sarvalaksanalaksite, bharatasyesaumitrevivahamakaronrpah | Ibid VI-242, 149-151, P-247

295 Parasurama became powerless and lustreless; Bhargava seeing that very fierce arrow of Rama and knowing him the highest self, was delighted and bowed down to his feet and desired to obtain peace. Having spoke thus, Parasurama selected Rama and worshipped him with water of washing feet, materials etc. And then he went to the hermitage of Nara-Narayana to practise penance.225 King Dasaratha entered the city of Ayodhya with his sons at an auspicious moment. Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, Satrughna, having approached their wives, amused themselves with their minds delighted, and passed long time happily when King Dasaratha affectionately desired to bestow his kingdom to his eldest son, Rama. His dear wife, who was given two boons by Dasaratha formerly, asked the king for coronation of Bharata and banishment of Rama for fourteen years. According to her wish, Dasaratha banished his son Rama, and Rama obeying the words of his father with Lakshmana and Sita went to the forest. The kings afflicted by the separation from his son, died. 225 kakutsthastanmaha ccapam grhitva''ropya lilaya sandhaya banam taccape bhargavam praha vismitam | anena suramukhyena kimkartavyam maya dvija chedmi lokadvayam capi svargavahanmitedvija | tam drstva ghorasankasam banam ramasya bhargavah jnatva tam paramatmam prahrsto ramabravit | Ibid, VI-242, 167-170, P-248

296 Pious Bharata, though appointed to the kingdom along with the ministers did not desire the kingdom. Having come to the forest, he requested his brother Rama to come back. Rama did not desire the kingdom. He gave his own footwares which Bharata brought to the kingdom and everyday worshipped them with flowers and engaged in the practise of penance. Rama with Sita enjoyed himself on the mountain of Chitrakuta, in the hermitage of Bharadvaja and the holy water of Mandakini. Sometime the magnanimous Rama was resting on Sita's lap. Indra's crow came there and went about him. He, seeing Janaki there and being tormented by Cupid's arrow, tore her plump and raised breast with his sharp nails. 226 Rama seeing the crow, took a darbha, with his hand and uniting it with the missile of Bramha discharged it. The crow seeing the blade of grass, with its form full of flames, and crying with distressed tone ran away. Ramas arrow followed the crow. The crow wandered in all three worlds. Wherever, the crow, desiring shelter went, the fearful missile of Rama went after it. The crow, tormented by the missile, seeking a shelter, went to Brahma, Indra, Yama and Varuna. All 226 raja dasaratah so'tha putrairdarasamanvitaih svam purim sumuhurtena pravisesa mahabalah | raghavo laksmanascaiva satro bharatastatha svansvandaranpagamya remire hrstamanasah | tatra dvadasavarsani sitaya sagaha raghavah Ibid, VI-242, 179-182, P-848-849 niyujyamano bharastatatra tasmin rajye sa mantribhih naicchadrajyam sa dharmatma saubhratramanudarsayan | vanamagamya kakutsthamayacad bhrataram tatah ramastu pituradesanaicchadrajyamarindamah | svapaduke dadau tasmai bhaktya'tyagrahitthatha ramasya paduke rajyamavapya bharatah subhe | pratyaham gandhapuspaisca pujayan kaikeyi sutah Ibid, VI-242, 189-193, P-849

297 gods like Rudra, and the demons seeing the crow, said that they are not able to protect". Then Brahma said, "submit yourself to Rama only, the lord of beings, only he will protect you". Thus addressed by Brahma crow suddenly approached Rama and fell on his feet. Seeing the crow, Sita politely said to her husband, to protect the crow. Rama raised him with his hands and protected the crow. Then Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana went to wards the hermitage of Atri. Sage Atri was very delighted see to Rama coming towards him, he went with his wife and honoured Rama and worshipped him. His wife Anusuya affectionately gave Sita divine and excellent garments. She fed Rama with divine food and drink. Rama lived there for a day. Then Rama went to the Dandaka forest, there he killed the demon Viradha, and then entered the hermitage of Sarabhanga. 228 Seeing Rama, his all sins were destoryed and he went along with Gandharvas, and celestial nymphs to Brahmas world. Then Rama went to the hermitage of 228 aindrih kakasamagamya tasminneva cacarah sa drstva janakim tamtra kandarvasarapiditah | vidadara nakhaistisnaih pinonnata payodharam Ibid, VI-242, 195, P-849 tam kakam pratyanuyayau ramasya'stramsudharunam vayasastrisu lokesu babhrama bhayapiditah yatra yatra | yayau kakah saranarthi sa vayasah tatra tatra tadastrantu pravivesa bhayavaham | bramhanamindram rudram ca yamam varunamevaca saranarthi jagama''su vayasah sastrapiditah tam drstva vayasam sarve rudradaya devadanavah | Ibid, VI-242, 197-199, P-849

298 Sutiksna, there also Rama honoured. Rama lived there very happily for long time. Then entered the Panchavati. There the demoness Surpanakha meets Rama; she asked "who was he, why was he dwelling on the forest?. Rama told her everything; Surpanakha forced Rama to marry her and to divorce Sita. Rama angrily raised his sword and cut off her nose and ears. The demoness, with her face deformed, and weeping with fear, entered Khara's house and told him Rama's act. He came with thosuands of demons and with Dusasana and Trisiras, to fight with Rama. Rama easily killed those demons of huge bodies. Hearing about the killing of the demons, Ravana rendered violent with anger and came along with the wicked Marica, to Janasthana. That Ravana came to Panchavati with Marica with an illusory deer form, when Dasaratha's sons were away from the hermiage; he then kidnapped Sita.229 The powerful Jatayu, seeing her being kidnapped, fought due to his affection for Rama, with Ravana but was killed by him. Ravana entered Lanka kept Sita in the Asoka grove. And Rama 229 tasmistayo dasabdani ramasya pariniryayuh godavaryastate ramye pancavatyam manorame | kasyacitvatha kalasya raksasi ghaurarupini ravasasya svasa tatra pravivesa durasada sa tu drstva raghuvaram kotikandarpasannibham indivaradalasyamam padmapatrayateksanam | pronna tamsam mahabahum kambugrivam mahahanum | Ibid, VI-242, 227-231, P-851 aham visravasah putri ravanasya svasa nrpa namna surpanakhanama trisu lokesu visruta| idam ca dandakaranyam bhratra dattam mama prabho bhaksayantyrsisanghanvai vicarami mahavane tvam tu drstva munivaram kandarapasarapidita | rantu kamatvayasardhamagata'smi sunirbhaya mama tvam nrpasardula bhartrाbhavitumarhasi | imam tava satim sitam bhaksayisyami parthiva Ibid, VI-242, 241-245, P-852

299 having killed Marica who had taken the form of a deer, again came to his place with his brother, but he found Sita being kidnapped by a demon, Rama tormented by great grief, lamented. Searching for Sita in the forest, he saw Jatayu there, fallen on the ground with feet, wings cut off and entire body stained in blood. He told Rama that Ravana had kidnapped Sita. Having said thus Jatayu cast away its life. Then Rama performed funerals according to the vedic precepts, and he gave him his eternal abode. Then Rama went to the hermitage of Matanga on Malyavan mountain. Rama met Sabari there. She worshipped Rama and attained highest liberation. Then he went to the Pampa lake killed the demon Kabadha of a fierce form. 230 230 raksasanamvadham srrtvaravanah krodhamurcchitah ajagama janasthanam marijayana duratmana | samprapya pancavatyam tu dasagrivah saraksasah mayavina maricena mrgarupena raksasah | apahrdya''sramadudure tautu dasarathatmajau jaharasitam ramasya bharyam svavadhakanksaya hriyamanam tu tam drstva jatayurgughraradabali Ibid, VI-242, 250-256, P-852 ravanena hatarama tava bharya baliyasa tena raksasamukhyena sangrame nihato'smyaham | ityukva raghavasyagre so'bhavatyaktajivitah samskaramakarodramastasya bramhavidhanatah | svapadama ca dadautasme yogigamyam sanatanam raghavasyam prasarena sa grdhah paramamapadam hareh samanyarupena muktimprapa khagottamah | Ibid, VI-242, 264-266, P-853

300 Then Rama went to RSYamuka mountain. Then on the bank of Pampa lake he joined Hanuman, Sugriva, etc. In search of Sita the lord of the monkeys sent Hanuman to Lanka. There he killed. sons of minister, so also Ravanas son. By chance he was arrested by Ravana's son. The mighty monkey burnt the city of Lanka. Having taken the token of recognition given by Sita, he again came back to Rama. Reported him everything. Then Rama with help of the monkeys crossed the ocean and entered the city of Lanka. Then Ravanas son Indrajit bound both Rama and Lakshmana with magical nooses. Then monekys killed the demons. In battle Rama killed Ravanas younger brother Kumbhakarna. Ravana set out with his complete army and ministers to fight with Rama in the battle field. A battle took place between Rama and Ravana, so also with Lakshmana. Ravana knocked down Lakshmana with his Sakti missle. Then angrily Rama killed all the demons. Rama covered the Ravana with thousands of arrows.Rama quickly discharged very firece missile sacred to Bramha. That missile tore Ravana's chest, pierced on the earth, went to the nether world. Then Rama consecrated the demon Bibhisana on the throne of Lanka and approached Sita. Rama heard the harsh and censurable words. spoken by the people against Sita. Sita was consoled by him and entered the fire. Then all the hosts of gods led by Siva, Brahma

301 seeing Sita entering the fire approached Rama and told Sita was extremely pure and forced him to accept her. 231 Then the Fire-god brought Sita and handed her over to Rama. Rama with Sita and Lakshmana, entered the city of Ayodhya. There all his family members and subjects welcomed Rama. On auspecious day, people performed ceremony of the consecration of Rama. The sages Vasistha, Vamadeva, Jabali, Kasyapa, Parvata etc. performed the auspicious consecration, uttered the Vedic hymns in honour of Visnu. Gods sounded drums in heaven and dropped flowers from all sides. Ramachandra honoured all men and bid farewell with affection to all men, monkeys and deities full of love. Rama enjoyed with Sita royal pleasures as desired while protecting earth. In course of time, there 231 stuyamanah suraganairyuyudhe tena raksasa tato yuddhamabhuddhoram ramaravanayormahata | saptahika mahoratram sastrastreratibhisanam vimanasthah surasvarve dadrsustatra samyugam | dasagrivasya ciccheda siramsi raghusattamah samutthitani bahuso varadanatkapardinah | bramhamastram maharaudram vadhaya'sya duratmanah sasarja raghavam sturnam kalagnisadrsaprabham | tadastram raghavotsrstam ravanasya stanantaram vidarya dharani bhitva rasatalatalo gatam | sampujyamanam bhujagairaghavasya karam yayo sagatasurmaham daityah papa ta ca mamaraca | tatodevaganasarve harsa nirbharamanasah | Ibid, VI-242, 318-330, P-855

302 arose a scandal about Sita among the subjects; as a result, Rama did abandon Sita. 232 Yet Sage Valmiki brought Sita there and asked Rama why did he abandon sinless Sita. Then Rama told that when he came to Ayodhya, there was a great public scandal among the citizens. Being afraid of that, he abandoned her of good conduct and to satisfy the people. Thus addressed, Sita put forward a proof amazing the people in the assembly of sages and kings showing those people her sole devotion to Rama goddess Dharani holding Sita with her hands, greeted her with a welcome, seated her on a seat. Being honoured by all she entered the highest abode. Then Rama overcome by grief took both sons and along with the sages and kings entered saketa. Then after a long time Rama's mothers who had fulfilled their vows died and went to heaven. Rama who had fulfilled his vows, righteously ruled over the kingdom. Once the god of death came to Rama's abode in the guise of an asectic 232 anujnatah samaruhya puspakam sanugastada nanada gramam yayoramah puspakena suhrdavrtah | mantribhih pauramukhyaisca sanujah kaikayistutah purohitam vasistam ca matravrddhamsca bandhavan prananama mahatejah sitaya laksmanena ca | vibhisanam ca sugrivam jambavanta yatha'ngadam hanumantam susenam ca bharatah parisasvaje | bhratrbhih sanugaistatra mangalasnanapurvakam divya malyambaradharo divyagandhanulepanah | aruroha ratham divyam sumantradhistitam subham | Ibid, V-242, 357-365, P-857-858

303 and spoke "you desended on the mortal world; to kill the two demons; "He had said that he would live in the mortal world for ten thosuand and ten hundred years". Now the time for you to go back to heaven, has come. And Rama also agreed. At the same time Durvasa came to meet Rama. Both Rama and Lakshmana worshipped the sage. Both give up their human forms in the water of Sarayu. Lakshmana thousand hoods, having Lakshmana assumed the form of Ananta with thousand hoods, having a lustre of crore of moons, having divine flowers, garments surrounded by thousand serpents and went to the abode of Visnu. Rama knowing Lakshmana's going to heaven, also desired to go to heaven. When Rama is ready to go to heaven, all monkeys also decided to go with him. Thus Rama with all his followers entered the Sarayu.² This story of Rama may be read in more or less abridged form in the other Puranas referreed. 233 srunudhvam devata yo mam pratyaham stosyatebudhah stavena sambhunoktena devatulyobhavennarah | vimuktah sarvapapebhyo matsvarupam samasnute rane jayamavaproti na kvacitpratihanyate | bhutavetalakrtya bhirgrahaisca'pi na badhyate Ibid, VI-243, 45, P-861 ityam visrstah khalu te ca sarve svam svam padam jagmurativahrstah param padhantah stavamisvaroktam ramam smaranto varavisvarupam | Ibid, VI-243, 53, P-861