Sita’s abduction, the killing of Ravana, the redemption and recovery of Sita, the suspicions against Sita who was irreproachable, her rejection by Sri Rama – all provide by far the greatest lessons in enlightenment for man and clues to permanent and impermanent values in human life. The undercurrent of thought is the Leela of the... Continue Reading →
The philosophical significance
The purpose of writing great epic of Ramayana, according to the author Valmiki himself, as is obvious from the 4th Sarga of Balakanda, is mainly to convey the philosophy of the Vedas to the public at large and for the dissemination of the Vedic tattva among all: “Vedopabrihmanaarthaaya thaavagraahayataha prabhuhu” The essence of... Continue Reading →
Vagaries of public suspicion
As the day dawned, Lakshmana and Sumantra left their camp on the banks of Gomathi river and proceeded towards Ayodhya. By afternoon their chariot reached the captivating city of Ayodhya. As they were approaching Sri Rama’s palace, Lakshmana was overcome by a new wave of sorrow. “What should I submit at the lotus feet of... Continue Reading →
Divine Will
Lakshmana sought to know from Sumantra what transpired in the past. Sumantra proceeded to recount what Durvasa had told Dasharata: “Lakshmana!” said he, “Once in the past, Durvasa, son of Atri Maharshi, chose to spend four months of austerities in a rainy season in Vashishta Maharshi’s ashram. At that time, your reputed father... Continue Reading →
Banishment cruel, says Lakshmana
Lakshmana saw from a distance Sita migrating to Valmiki’s ashram. The helpless one found the whole episode agonizing and he could not bear Sita’s predicament. Sumantra, the minister and the charioteer was engaged in conversation with Lakshmana. “Sarathi!” said Lakshmana, “Imagine Rama’s plight in getting estranged from Sita. What more sorrow can he expect than... Continue Reading →
Valmiki : Sita Above Reproach
Valmiki Maharshi came to know directly from the ashramites that a great virtuous woman looking like the veritable Lakshmi was crying and that she needed protection and shelter. He was able to know from his inner vision the identity of the dame in distress. He left the ashram immediately to meet her on the banks... Continue Reading →
Sita’s distress
Lakshmanasya vachaha srutwaa daarunam Janakaatmajaa, Param Vishaadam-aagamya Vydehee nipapaataha (U. Kan. Sar: 48 Sl; 1) Sita’s reaction to what Lakshmana said is obvious from the above sloka. It was so distressing to swallow them that she lost her balance and fell down. A little later, she recovered from the shock she sustained and said to... Continue Reading →
Sita banished to the forest
Swastwam prabhaate Soumitre Sumantra-adhishtittam ratham, Aaruhya Seetaam-aaropya vishayaante samut-srija (U. Kan. Sar 45; Sl. 16) At the height of sorrow, Sri Rama said: “Lakshmana! As the day dawns tomorrow, take Sita in the chariot driven by Sumantra and leave her outside the border of our kingdom. On the other side of the river Ganga, there... Continue Reading →
Discussion on suspicion
Seated among the brothers with down-cast eyes was Sri Rama sporting only a place face. He said to Lakshmana and others: “Sarve srunuta bhadram vo maa kurudhwam mano-anyathaa, Pouraanaam mama Sitaayaam yaadrishee vartate kathaa.” (U. Ka 45 – 2) “Brothers!” he said, “God bless you! Without diverting your mind and attention on other matters, know... Continue Reading →
The agony
After he came to know about unpleasant and uncharitable words about Sita from Bhadra and others, Sri Rama thought over what he would do and what steps he should take to silence the critics. He sent for his brothers. Clad in white dress, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna arrived immediately. As they entered Sri Rama’s... Continue Reading →
Cobra of suspicion raises its hood
In the Central Hall of the palace, Rama sat surrounded by several friends known for their humour and talks in lighter vein. Prominent among them were Vijaya, Madhumatta, Kashyapa, Mangala, Kula, Suraaji, Kaaliya, Dantavakra, Sumaadha and Bhadra. They were all delighted with the turn of events leading to Rama adorning the Ayodhya throne and winning... Continue Reading →
Dasharatha extols Sita’s purity
Rama did exactly as he was told; with Lakshmana he offered prostration to Dasharata seated in the Vimaana. “Raghava!” said Dasharata warmly embracing Rama, “Let me tell you the truth. Neither the heavenly happiness nor the honor conferred by the devatas can make up the distressing gap of separation from you. You have conquered... Continue Reading →
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