SHRI VALMIKI RAMAYANA

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BALAKANDA

SARGA 31

Having achieved Visvamitra’s mission, Rama and Lakshmana were happy and content. At dawn the next day they made their way into the august presence of the sage, bowed to him saying that they were at his command. Those assembled there in the presence of Visvamitra said “Rama! The lord of Mithila, Janaka, is about to perform a noble yagna, the highest expression of dharma. We are leaving for Mithila and want you to accompany us. There you will see that wonderful bow of Siva whose brilliance is dazzling and whose power is immeasurable. The gods, gandharvas, asuras and rakshasas have failed to string it as have great kings and mighty warriors born in the Kshatriya race. As the fruit of the yagna performed by him Devaratha an ancestor of Janaka had received it from the Devatas. In the palace of Janaka, during the worship of the weapons, this bow festooned with flowers and smeared with the fragrant pastes of sandal and Agaru takes precedence". Consenting to their wish Visvamitra said that he too would journey with them. “Fulfilled and enlightened, I am journeying north from Siddhashrama towards the Himalayas which stand on the northern banks of the river Ganga”. Bidding farewell and went round the hermitage reverently, Visvamitra embarked on this journey followed by a hundred carts filled with vedic masters. Even birds and beasts of the sanctuary followed the sage until after a while they were asked to return. With the setting of the Sun the travelers camped on the banks of the river Sona. Once the Sun had set, they bathed in the river and made offerings into the fire. Rama and Lakshmana paying their obeisance to the sages sat in front of Visvamithra and Rama eagerly asked “what region is this, so graced with lush groves?” and the noblest ascetic related the history of the land.

SARGA 32

Visvamitra said “Kusa, born of Brahma was a great ascetic. Righteous and reverent towards men of virtue, bound by the rules of the Kshatriya race, this eminent person was married to the princess of Vidarbha, a noble and beautiful lady of whom were born four sons. They were Kusumba, Kusanabha, Adhurtrajasa and Vasu. Kusa was proud of his sons who were truthful, righteous and dynamic. They were men of honor, eager to rule in accordance with the Kshatriya dharma. One day Kusa told them, “you too must rule kingdoms as that is the only way to discharge and fulfill your dharmic duties” and so it came to pass that the three princes esteemed and venerated by the people of the land brought into being three capital cities. Kusumba founded the city of Kausambi, Kusanabha the city of Mahodaya, King Adhurtarajasa created Dharmaranya and Vasu built the city of Girivraja. Rama, this land belongs to that great king Vasu and is known as Vasumathi. Five majestic mountains surround in which flows the river Sona born in Maghada. This beautiful river meanders in the mountains like a garland. It flows east to west through rich farmland turning the land into golden rows of green fields.

To Kusanabha the royal seer and his queen Ghritachi, were born, one hundred worthy daughters who were like streaks of lightening in a thunderstorm and like stars among the clouds. They sparkled, danced and sang with great joy and greater abandon. One day Vayu, the wind god chanced upon them. Charmed by their beauty he said “I desire all of you to be my wives. Forget the world of mortals and attain immortality. Youth is momentary and more so in humans, marry me and be ever youthful and become devatas”.

In tones of disdain the young girls answered “O! Vayu, supreme among gods, you pervade all life and we are aware of your powers. Why do you disgrace us, so? We are the daughters of Kusanabha and he is our master. A god you may be, but we can topple you from your lofty heights. Do not dishonor our father, he may prove to be your death. It is our duty and dharma to marry those chosen by him”. Vayu’s rage knew no bounds upon hearing these words. He pervaded into their bodies twisting, disfiguring their limbs and turning them into ugly hunch- backs. Eyes streaming with tears, and shamed, the damsels in distress, reached the palace where weeping they fell to the ground. Kusanabha heart broken at the sight of his wailing daughters cried out, “Who did this to you? It is a blemish on the very dharma"

BALAKANDA

SARGA 33

Continuing with the narration Visvamitra said "The one hundred maidens paid homage to their father, by touching his feet with their heads and said, “The one that travels the world over, Vayu, god of wind, unmindful of dharma, resorting to evil and sinful ways, tried to threaten us. We said that duty bound to you, we were not free to honor his wish of marrying us and that he should ask, for your consent. Heedless of our words, he subjected us to this appalling persecution”.

Kusanabha having listened to his daughters said, “My daughters! The restraint shown by people of tremendous patience is of great importance. It makes me proud that you displayed such virtue. Your unanimous opinion and decision has saved the honor of our dynasty. Forbearance whether in man or woman is a jewel and an adornment. Possessing the quality of forgiveness is in itself a rarity, but trying to bestow it on the devatas, with their immense wealth, beauty and prosperity is not an easy task. Your tolerance, in the face of such an intimidating situation is truly laudable. Patience is charity, patience is virtue, patience is truth, patience is fame, and patience is dharma. The world is founded on patience.”

Consoling his daughters thus, king Kusanabha sought the advice of his ministers about the marriage of his daughters. They told him of a Maharshi by name Chuli who was at one time immersed in great penance. Serving and looking after his needs was a gandharva lady, by name Somada, daughter of Urmila. Pleased with her ministrations, he said, “Bless you! What wish of yours, may I grant?” speaking with utmost grace, in a melodiously soft voice, she said, “You are endowed with the splendor of Brahma and are capable of great penance. I want to beget a son by you who will be, full of ascetic power and glory”. Invoking the power of his penance, through the will of his mind, Chuli, gifted Somada, a son known as Brahmadatta who now lives in the city of Kampilya.

King Kusanabha made up his mind to give his daughters in marriage to Brahmadatta. During the wedding rituals Brahmadatta ceremoniously received each one of the princesses, by taking their hand. The very touch of his hand transformed the maidens; their disfigurement and anguish vanished as they regained their radiance and beauty once again. Delighted Kusanabha, with all due honors sent Brahmadatta on his journey back to his kingdom with his wives. Somada proud of her son and his beautiful wives commended her son on his choice.

BALAKANDA

SARGA 34

Visvamitra said that after Brahmadatta returned to his kingdom Kusanabha performed Putreshti to beget a son. While doing so, Kusa the son of Brahma told him that he would beget a son named Gadhi through whom you would gain everlasting fame on earth”. Time passed on and a few seasons later, as predicted by Kusa, the birth of Gadhi took place. "That most righteous of persons Gadhi, was my father and born of the Kusa dynasty I am also known as Kausika” said Visvamithra. Satyavati, my sister true to her name, was an upholder of dharma and ever diligent in performing austerities was given in marriage to Ruchika. A devout wife who constantly and reverently served her husband,she reached heaven along with Ruchika, with her mortal body. For the benefit of mankind for their pleasure and prosperity, making the Himalayas her abode, she descends as the divine and beautiful river Kausiki".

Visvamitra further told Rama that he lived in the vicinity of those mighty mountain ranges for the love of his sister alone and if it were not for the yagna he would not have parted with her to go to Siddhashrama, where with Rama’s indomitable courage and power he had fulfilled his desire. The sage ending his narration urged everyone to rest, so that the journey ahead should not be hindered for lack of sleep. While the narration was going on, dusk had gently nudged out the light of day and the first half of the night too had passed. Trees were motionless, birds in their nests and beasts in their lairs slumbered in the dark that pervaded every corner of the forest. The sky put forth its heavenly show of a myriad stars shining, like so many twinkling eyes and the cool rayed moon, luminously bright, created joy in the hearts of all living creatures. The roaming hordes of the dark like the owls and other nocturnal creatures along with the flesh-eating yakshas and rakshasas moved stealthily in the eerie stillness of dusk.

BALAKANDA

SARGA 35

As the night gave way to a bright dawn, Visvamitra who had spent the night, on the banks of the river Sona, said, “Rama! Arise, the day has dawned, perform the morning rituals and we shall set out”. The entourage of sages and princes led by Visvamitra forded the river path. They walked on and on, feasting their eyes on beautiful woods and forests through which they traversed.

Many miles later, they came upon that great river Ganga, revered and loved by the sages. The beauty of breathtaking bubbling flow was breath- taking, and enhanced by majestic swans and soaring cranes. The august assembly halted on the banks surveying the sylvan splendor with great delight. Bathing in the holy waters they lighted their sacrificial fires, offered oblations to the gods and the ancestors and later partook in the remains of the offerings.

At Rama's request Visvamitra told them as to how the river Ganga flows through the three worlds before merging with the ocean. “ The lord of the Himalayas, a treasure trove of all precious metals was blessed with two daughters of unsurpassed loveliness, named Ganga and Uma. Their mother Manorama was the daughter of mount Meru. For achieving the divine the devas once wanted Ganga to accompany them with the consent of Himavat. The lord of the mountains yielded to the request for the benefit and welfare of the worlds. He knew that his daughter would travel only on the right path and purify the world. The devatas ever in the service of the world returned to their abode with Ganga following them. The other daughter of Himavat, a great ascetic, named Uma revered and worshiped by the worlds was given in marriage to Mahadeva, lord of Kailas.

BALAKANDA

SARGA 36

Having heard the glorious history of Ganga, through Visvamitra, Rama and Lakshmana wished to know as to what had taken place in her hoary past, both in heaven as well as on the earth. Purifier of the world that she was, they wondered as to what made her flow in three different ways and by what merits she came to be known as mother Ganga. “Many years ago”, said Visvamitra, “the greatest of ascetics, Siva married Parvathi and they spent one hundred years blissfully reveling in each other. At the end of that period, Parvathi was yet to conceive a child. In the meanwhile Brahma and the gods were perplexed and worried as to who could bear the child born of this divine union. They then invoked lord Siva and pleaded with him to retain his energies of creation within his most magnificent self. Siva declared that he could have done so, but since the energy was already dislodged, he asked them “who would be capable of bearing it”, and the devatas said that the earth would.

Thus counseled, Siva let his energies flow to the earth, which spread over forests and mountains, making them light up brilliantly. Fearing this great brilliance, the devatas implored the lord of fire, Agni along with Vayu, god of wind to pervade into the divine energy. The two gods heeding their pleas did so, turning the divine vital energy into the Sveta mountain. On this grew a forest of white reeds, whose fiery brilliance was like that of the Sun. From this radiance was born the most glorious Karthikeya, whom the devas worshiped with great reverence, as they did also, lord Shiva and his consort Uma.

The daughter of the mountain king Uma was furious at these happenings. Eyes red with anger she cursed them all, for preventing her from begetting a son. “Just as I am deprived, may you also be unable to father children. From now on your wives shall remain childless”. She thundered. Nor did she spare, the earth, which she bitterly blamed and cursed “Evil one, my anger shall defile you. May you be manifold in form and wife to many masters. May you never experience a mother’s love for her son”. Beholding the shamed devatas, Siva started traveling towards the Himalayas. Reaching the northern slope and reaching a peak on that slope, he entered into a great penance along with Parvathi". Visvamitra concluding his narration asked Rama and Lakshmana to now listen to the origin of Ganga.

The sages heard Visvamitra and lauded the Kausika dynasty. Commending all those born of that race as men of great honor they said that the most glorious of them all was Visvamitra, whom they compared to Brahma, the god of creation. There after Visvamitra retired for the night as did Rama, Lakshmana and the others.

SARGA 37

While lord Siva was immersed in his rigorous penance, the devatas led by Indra and Agni approached Brahma. Paying homage to the great one they said “At the beginning of creation you granted us the chief of armies, who is now engaged otherwise in deep penance along with Uma his consort”. Brahma putting their fears to rest said, “The curse of Uma that you will not father any children is an inviolable truth, let there be no doubt about it. But there is Ganga flowing in the celestial regions. She will beget a son, fathered by the god of fire, Agni, and that son will lead your armies and destroy enemies. He will also become very dear to Uma”. Relieved and grateful, the devatas bidding a reverential farewell to Brahma went on to mount Kailas to request Agni to grant a son to Ganga fathered by him. Agni met Ganga, who transformed herself into a divine human form. Where upon Agni pervaded her, releasing in her the creative energy. Ganga then spoke, saying that this great vitality in her was burning her, that it was unbearable and that she could no longer hold it. Agni told her to deposit it on the slopes of the Himalayas and Ganga expelled the tremendously radiant embryo from her body.

As the embryo was falling to earth, its luster was that of molten gold, from which derived gold and silver, along with metals like, copper, iron, tin and steel. The embryo placed on the mountain slopes emitted a wonderful light, engulfing the surroundings in a golden glow and in that brilliance materialised Kumara. The devatas led by Indra brought six nymphs to nurse the divine baby. As these Krittikas mothered and nursed the baby the gods declared the divine effulgence as Karthikeya who became famous in all the three worlds.

The Krittikas produced milk copiously to feed the child who was a manifestation of unsurpassed power and energy. He grew six heads and suckled milk with all his six mouths at once. A day’s nourishment produced in him such indomitable power and energy, that he was able to vanquish hordes of demons. Though his body was still tender like that of a child, his vast in-born talents were awe-inspiring and the devatas appointed Karthikeya as chief of their armies.

This story of Ganga is auspicious and brings merit to those who worship Karthikeya. They will also enjoy a long life, blessed with sons and grandsons and will live in the same world as that of Skanda in the life hereafter

BALAKANDA

SARGA 38

Visvamitra continued, saying, “Rama I will now narrate the story of an Ikshvaku ancestor. In the times past lived a virtuous king by name Sagara who was childless and whose yearning for them was intense. Kesini, the princess of Vidarbha known for righteousness was his first wife. Sagara’s second wife was Arishtanemi’s daughter Sumathi, whose beauty had no rival upon this earth.

One day Sagara accompanied by his two wives reached the Himalayan slopes and entered into a great penance. A hundred years passed thus. Bhrugu, pleased, came to Sagara and said, "my son, one of your wives shall give birth to one son, who will carry on your dynasty. The other will have sixty thousand sons of great valour and perseverance". Kesini and Sumati reverently asked the sage, “Brahmin which one will have the one son and which one will give birth to many?” To that question, Bhrugu’s answer was that they had the freedom to choose. Kesini then chose to have the one son, who would be the heir. Sumathi, sister of Garuda, chose to be mother to the sixty thousand sons of valor and fame. Content and joyous the king along with his wives paid grateful obeisance to the noble sage and went back to Ayodhya.

Seasons passed and the time came when Kesini gave birth to a son, who was named Asamanjasa. Sumathi gave birth to a gourd like fetus, which then split and out of it emerged the sixty thousand sons. The nurses kept them in jars of clarified butter who in the course of time grew into young adolescence and then reached resplendent, handsome manhood. Asamnjasa also grew, but brought little joy to Sagara for the son of Kesini took to torturing children. He would seize them and hurl them into the waters of the Sarayu and watch gleefully as they struggled and drowned. Sagara banished him from Ayodhya. Asamanjasa’s son Anshuman was valiant, courteous and loved by all. One day Sagara resolved to perform a yagna and gathering his priests and preceptors together, embarked on the rituals.

BALAKANDA

SARGA 39

Rama was pleased with the story of his ancestor narrated by Visvamitra. The latter elaborated upon it, saying that the sacrifice took place between the two mighty mountain ranges of the Himalayas and the Vindyas, almost facing each other. This region was known to be the most sacred and appropriate for such religious rites. Anshuman mounted on a magnificent chariot, stood guard over the sacrificial horse with bow in hand. Even as Sagara the patron of the yaga was conducting the rituals, Indra in the form of a rakshasa swooped down and stole the horse. Alarmed, the preceptors pronounced that such an act would be a taint on the sacrifice. They urged Sagara to kill the thief and retrieve the horse, or it would bring disaster to all. Calling his sixty thousand sons together Sagara spoke to them. “I can not see how the horse could be stolen from our midst. The yagna is being performed by the most venerable of priests, so I must remain here along with Anshuman. Do go, my sons and search league by league, the land girt by the oceans. Dig up the very earth if need be, until such a time the horse is found”. The army of Sagara’s sons roamed the earth in earnest enthusiasm. They tore at the crust of the earth with nails, sharp and hard as jagged diamonds. They dug with fearsome spears, which went in and out like bolts of lightening, and they plowed deep inside, on every side, until the earth cried out in anguish.

There arose terrible cries from creatures tormented. The outcry of the nagas, asuras and rakshasa being killed was sheer agony. The sixty thousand separate individuals of tremendous valor and energy dug into the very core of the earth, excavating sixty thousand yojanas into the underworld of Rasatala. With the sound of spears, plows and the wailing of living beings tortured, the noise reached a crescendo. They even scooped out parts of Jambu Island filled with majestic mountains. Petrified and crestfallen, the devatas along with the uragas, asuras and gandharvas, invoked Brahma. They implored him to save them from the wrath of the sons of Sagara, saying that even great sages living in the lower world were being killed.

SARGA 40

To those agitated and frightened devatas, Brahma said, “The entire earth belongs to Vasudeva who bears the earth in the form of a great sage by name Kapila. The sons of Sagara will burn in the fire of his anger. It is destined that the earth will be dug up and it is also destined that the sixty thousand sons of Sagara will perish". Their fears abated, the celestials reached their abodes, relieved and happy. Meanwhile as if boding ill a thunderous sound emanated from the earth which being systematically slit open by the princes. Having searched in vain, they approached Sagara saying that they had found neither the horse nor the horse thief. But outraged at their failure Sagara ordered them to resume the search and not come back until the horse was found.

Making haste the princes rushed back. Reaching Rasatala they bore deeper into the earth, where they came upon the Diggajas – Virupaksha, Bhadra, Mahapada and Saumanasa, the four elephants bearing the earth. Worshipping each one of them, they burrowed further down into the nether region, where they saw the eternal Vasudeva in the form of Kapila and not far away grazed the horse. Happy at having found the horse and angry with Vasudeva for having stolen it, they called him a thief. Kapila hearing them flew into a towering rage and emitted the single sound ‘Hmm’; and the sixty thousand mighty sons of Sagara were reduced to ashes. Such was the power of Kapila, beyond conception and comprehension.

BALAKANDA

SARGA 41

Realizing the long absence of his sons, who were gone for a very long time Sagara sent for Anshuman, his valiant grandson. He told him that accomplished as he was in the arts of war and equal to his forefathers, he ought to search for the path taken by his uncles and also for the thief who had led away the horse. “Remarkable and indomitable are the powers of those that inhabit the nether worlds, take your bow and your sword to ward them off. Pay homage to those that deserve homage and destroy those that hinder you. Come back victorious and help me to complete my sacrifice.”

Hurrying forth, Anshuman traveled by the path created and taken by his uncles, to reach the depths of the earth. There he saw the Diggajas being worshiped by the devatas, danavas, daityas, pisachas, rakshasas, birds and serpents. The princes too worshipfully went round the first celestial elephant and asked of their uncles and of him who had robbed the horse. Hearing Anshuman, the celestial elephant blessed him with his successful return home with the horse. Out of respect for the other three Diggajas, the son of Asamanjasa made inquiries of them too, who also gave him benediction for his victory.

Striding swiftly Anshuman reached the place where his uncles were reduced to a heap of ashes and also sighted the horse grazing in peace close by. He wept in anguish, at the fate of his uncles. Wishing to perform their funeral rites, Anshuman looked around for water, but saw none. At a distance he spotted his great uncle, Garuda, king of birds and son of Vinata who came to him and said, “Your uncles have been consumed by none other than the divine Kapila. You should not offer them the water of this world. You may get the holy water of Ganga, which alone will attain them heaven. Perform the rites and go back to complete the sacrifice, undertaken by your father”.

Anshuman returned to Ayodhya and made known to Sagara of what had happened. Though Sagara was devastated at the dreadful news, composing himself he concluded the great sacrifice. Without ever making a decision to bring the river Ganga to earth he ruled for thirty thousand years and reached the land of the gods.

 

BALAKANDA

SARGA 42

With the passing away of Sagara, the ministers installed Anshuman as the king who proved to be noble. Born of him was Dilipa a worthy son of great repute known for his righteousness. Anshuman passing on his crown to Dilipa retired to the Himalayas where he performed a great penance for thirty two thousand years and later reached the heavens. Dilipa though mighty found no way to bring down the sacred waters of the Ganga, to earth. He brooded and deeply regretted his inability to find salvation for the souls of his grand sires. To him was born a son, Bhagiratha. After ruling the earth for thirty thousand years Dilipa too passed on reaching heaven by merit of his righteousness. Bhagiratha, heir to the Ikshvaku throne was without children. Determined to bring Ganga down into the world, he went to that holy place known as Gokarna and began a rigorous penance. Partaking of food once in thirty days, with all his senses under control, he practiced severe penance for thousands of years. When Brahma Prajapathi arrived with his armies of devatas and told Bhagiratha that he was pleased with his devotion Bhagiratha requested him, “May all the sons of Sagara, receiving funeral libations by me with the sacred water of the Ganges reach heaven and may I be blessed with a son."

Brahma now said that the force of the descent of that glorious and mighty river Ganga would prove too much for the earth to bear. He asked Bhagiratha to pray lord Siva to make the descent of Ganga bearable. Brahma also urged Ganga to grant the prayer of Bhagiratha's prayer.

BALAKANDA

SARGA 43

After the gods had departed Bhagiratha standing on the tip of his big toe commenced his adoration of Siva, for a whole year. Lord Siva pleased with such great devotion appeared promising to bring down Ganga and break the tremendous force of the fall on his head. Assuming the form of a mighty river Ganga started her glorious descent. While cascading and gushing down a thought occurred to her that with the torrential force of her descent she could press down Siva to the lower regions of the nether world. Siva angered at her arrogance, decided to humble and hold her unseen, in his matted locks. As Ganga plunged from the skies she fell into those uncoiled locks of Siva, which in their spread out splendor resembled the Himalayan mountains. Born at the feet of lord Vishnu, brought down to earth by Bhagiratha, Ganga found no way out of them. Trapped and confused she meandered in there for a great many years invisible to all and unable to extricate herself.

Not able to discern Ganga, Bhagiratha resumed his penance once again. A full year went by. Lord Siva relented and released the captive river in little drops into Lake Bindusara. Overflowing the banks of the lake she divided herself into seven streams. The first three, Hladini, Pavani and Nalini took an easterly direction. Suchakshu, Sita and Sindhu with their lovely waters flowed westwards and the seventh followed the divine chariot of Bhagiratha. Thus mother Ganga came down from the heavens and the torrential cascade of that magnificent river caused a great reverberation. Shoals of fish slithered down like streaks of lightening, tumbling and turning came turtles and multitude sea monsters while the frothing water untamed spewed as wild foam scattering around which resembled flocks of swans in flight. The devas, yakshas, gandharvas and hosts of siddhas beheld the awesome spectacle of the thundering, tumultuous descent of the river. Celestial beings came in droves. They came in chariots, which looked as big as cities. They came on horseback and they came, riding mammoth elephants to witness the awesome descent. The gods too came irradiating the canopy of the heavens with their effulgence and the dazzle of their ornaments, creating the brilliance of a thousand Suns. The meandering Ganga flowed, curving gracefully and gently in places, rapid and gushing elsewhere. At places with a great force her turbulent waters dashed against rocks, shooting upwards and breaking into a million crystalline droplets to fall back again. Shimmering and twisting like a sinuous serpent, she reached the ocean, with its brilliant blue waters.

King Bhagiratha rode on, with Ganga right behind him until they reached the land where sage Jahnu was performing austerities. There the gurgling Ganga swept away the sacrificial grounds and the enraged seer drank up the entire river. Alarmed, the devatas worshipped Jahnu, imploring him to forgive Ganga and treat her like his daughter. Pacified the sage released her and because he released her through his ears Ganga earned the name Jahnavi. Having brought down the sacred river with such tremendous effort, Bhagiratha led Ganga, right down into the nether worlds. Even as he beheld the ashes of his ancestors the divine waters inundated them and the sons of Sagara absolved of their sins reached heaven.

BALAKANDA

SARGA 44

Lord Brahma appeared and told Bhagiratha, “As long as the waters of the sea continue on this earth, so long shall the sons of Sagara remain in heaven, and remain liberated. Henceforth Ganga will become your eldest daughter. She will also be famed in this world as Bhagirathi. Giving birth to three tributaries she will also be called Tripathaga, flowing in and purifying the three worlds. Fulfill your duty and perform the funeral rites. Mighty Sagara could not accomplish this purpose. Anshuman with his unlimited powers could not do so it and Dilipa tried but in vain. You have acquired everlasting renown by achieving this act of the highest form of Dharma. Sanctify yourself with these holy waters, perform the libations of your forefathers and return to Ayodhya. With his mission accomplished king Bhagiratha returned to his kingdom to resume his sovereign duties. Whosoever listens to this spiritual history of the descent of Ganga shall have all his desires fulfilled, his sins absolved and will be blessed with longevity”.

BALAKANDA

SARGA 45

Rama listened to Visvamitra’s narration of the descent of Ganga and said “Brahmin, as I sat with Saumitri in contemplation of that wonderful story related by you, the glorious night passed as though it were but a moment”. Thereafter, Visvamitra, Rama and Lakshmana crossed the holy river. On reaching the northern bank, and the city of Vishala, comparable only with Amaravathi, the abode of Indra. Visvamitra said, “Rama, listen to the legendary story of Indra. In Krita yuga, the sons of Diti were very strong and those of Aditi were valorous and righteous. They once questioned themselves, “How may we not succumb to disease, to old age and to death”?

Reflecting on the matter, they resolved to churn the ocean and obtain the nectar of immortality. Thereupon they made Vasuki the great serpent as the cord, to churn the ocean, with mount Mandara as the churning rod and whipped up the oceans relentlessly, reaching the very nether world.A thousand years passed by and a terrible venom was born. It was Halahala. Virulent and fiery, it began to destroy the devatas, the asuras and the mortals, threatening the very universe. The gods sought refuge in Hari and Hara (Siva). Hari approaching Siva gently said, “As leader of the devatas and the first born among them, whatever is produced first shall be offered to you. Siva, undaunted drank the dreadful poison without protest, as if it were nectar and returned to his abode, mount Kailas. The devatas and the danavas resumed the churning of the ocean once again but the churning rod Mandara sank to its and they invoked lord Visnu’s protection.Assuming the form of a tortoise the lord supported the mountain on his back. In this way passed another ten hundred years, at the end of which the first to emerge out of the seas was Dhanvantari carrying a water jar.

Then came the six hundred million beautiful nymphs as the ravishing Apsarasas. There after came Varuni, daughter of Varuna, searching for a consort. Diti’s sons did not accept her. But the sons of Aditi did. The sons of Ditti were called Asuras and the sons of Aditi were called Suras. Ucchaishrava, the celestial steed, Kausthubham the jewel, were the next to emerge from the foaming turbulence of the ocean. Then came the divine potion, the nectar of immortality, Rama! The emergence of this caused the ruin of an entire race, since the sons of Aditi warred with the sons of Diti, for tne nectar. The asuras befriending the rakshasas began a fearsome battle, sending waves of shock and terror in the three worlds. When the extermination was complete and all had perished, Vishnu transforming himself into Mohini the enchantress seized the nectar. All those who opposed him fell prey to his might and in the dreadful battle which ensued and the sons of Diti were vanquished by Indra and the sons of Aditi. Indra having killed the sons of Diti and gained the kingdom was pleased and ruled the three worlds in the company of sages and celestial beings" concluded Visvamitra.

BALAKANDA

SARGA 46

Visvamitra said that when Diti distressed at the death of her sons, beseeched Kasyapa for a son who would slay Indra and he granted her wish saying, “So be it. Make yourself pure, for you will beget the son who will destroy Indra. At the end of a thousand years, if your vow of purity is not broken, a son will be born to us who will be invincible in all the three worlds.” Kasyapa departed to perform penance and Diti made way to Kusaplvana to embark on her intense penance. While Diti was thus occupied, Indra was in attendance at all times. He served her with reverence, with humility and with diligence for alleviating her fatigue. Ten more years remained for the completion of the thousand years and Diti told Indra, that soon he would have a brother, who would have vanquish him.

As she conversed with Indra, Diti overcome by sleep, slept with her feet placed, where her head should have been there destroying her vow of purity was destroyed. Indra instantly seized the opportunity to enter her body and cut the fetus into seven pieces with his weapon. The embryo cried out in terrible anguish. Diti awoke pleading not to kill the fetus and Indra emerging out said, “I made good the opportunity, when you lapsed in your austerities. I slayed the one who would have been the slayer of Indra. May I be forgiven"

BALAKANDA

SARGA 47

It dawned on Diti that disaster had struck through her own fault. Overcome with grief, she asked a favor of Indra. “Let the seven fragments of the fetus become the guardians of the regions of the seven winds, and may they be famed as Maruths.” When Indra assured Diti that her sons handsome as the gods would indeed grace the celestial worlds her wish fulfilled, Diti reached the land of the immortals".

Visvamitra further said that it was the place where Diti had practiced austerities and was known to the world as Vishala. By the grace of the Ikshvakus, the powerful and virtuous inhabitants of Vishala were blessed with longevity and magnanimity. The great sage then decided that they would rest in Vishala for the night and see king Janaka, the next day. Meanwhile Sumati, king of Vishala, coming to know of Visvamitra's arrival went with his preceptors and relatives to pay homage to Kausika and told him, “Blessed am I and my kingdom, there is none more fortunate than I".

BALAKANDA

SARGA 48

After mutual homage and pleasantries were exchanged king Sumathi asked of the sage “ Who are the two princes whose divine looks, rival those of the Aswini devatas? They look like the immortals come down to bejewel mother earth. Whose sons are they? How did they come here on foot and for what purpose? They adorn the land like the sun and the moon”. Astonished at their regal bearing and their vibrant youth the king marveled at the fact that they had undertaken the long and arduous journey without even horses. Visvamitra then told him of all that had come to pass, of their stay at Siddashrama and of the slaying of the rakshasas. King Sumati delighted to play host to the illustrious sons of an illustrious father extended loving hospitality to the Ikshvaku princes.

Rama and Lakshmna having been honored by king Sumathi, stayed there for the night. Next day on their way to Mithila they beheld an ancient hermitage in a grove that was beautiful but deserted. Wen Rama asked about it Visvamitra said “Rama this hermitage formerly belonged to the illustrious Gautama where he and Ahalya practiced austerities for several years. One day when Gautama was away Indra used that opportunity to come to the hermitage, in the guise of Guatama. Dominated by his passion he sought union with Ahalya who consented though she saw through the guise. Later even as Ahalya was urging Indra to leave to protect him from Gautama;s wrath, Gautama who walked in wet, wrapped in bark, holding sacrificial sticks and radiating an effulgence like that of the Sun. Invincible by the devatas, danavas and the ascetic endowed with spiritual splendor Bhagiratha saw through Indra’s masquerade and flew into a terrible fury. Cursing him to lose his virility for having committed that which was forbidden he also cursed Ahalya saying, ''May you remain here for thousands of years without food, living on air, lying in ashes, doing penance and invisible to all. When the son of Dasaratha, Rama enters this dreadful forest you will be cleansed of your sin. By offering him hospitality without covetousness and passion you will regain your present form and live with me". Guatama then left for the Himalayas.” 

BALAKANDA

SARGA 49

Visvamitra continued with his story and said that Indra deprived of his virility had bewailed his lot in the presence of the gods led by Agni telling them “ Creating hindrances to Gautama’s austerities at the behest of the celestials I accomplished their objective but incurred the wrath of that great sage. You are all duty bound to help me recover my manhood”. At his request, the devatas accompanied by the Maruths had approached the pitrudevatas, who had them restored.

Visvamitra invited Rama to enter the hermitage and liberate Ahalya . There they beheld her, whose radiance had enhanced to such brilliance, that no devata or asura could not only behold it but could not even approach it! She shimmered and dazzled like the reflection of the sun in rippling waters! Ahalya beholding Rama was rid of her bane, rising out of the ashes and her curse she paid him reverential homage while Rama and Lakshmana too touched her feet. Remembering Gautama's words, Ahalya offered Rama unconditional hospitality!

Ahalya purified by the power of her penance became the faithful consort of Gautama once again and the venerable couple honored Rama with great joy. Ahalya and Gautama returned to their life of austerities as earlier while Rama, Lakshmana and their preceptor Visvamitra proceeded to Mithila after their sojourn at the hermitage.

BALAKANDA

SARGA 50

Visvamitra led the two princes in a northeasterly direction to reach the sacrificial grounds to witness the elaborate preparations of Janaka's yagna. Brahmins came in thousands from different countries while hundreds of carts transported their belongings. Choosing a secluded spot, the preceptor and his two disciples rested.

When word reached Janaka, of the arrival of the holy ascetic he set out, preceded by Satananda his family priest, to offer obeisance to the great sage. Janaka looked at the two princes who seemed equal in valor to the very gods, whose bearing was akin to that of any elephant, tiger or bull and whose beauty rivaled that of Aswins. Wondering if they were immortals descended from heaven he said,“Whose sons are these well-armed warriors who adorn this land like the Sun and the Moon?" Visvamitra then presented the sons of Dasaratha to the king of Mithila and told him of their stay at Siddhashrama, the slaying of the rakshasas, their meeting with Gautama, and of their desire to see the mighty bow, which had prompted their journey to Mithila. 

BALAKANDA

SARGA 51

Satanada, son of Gautama was awed and delighted to see Rama. He asked of Visvamitra, about his mother Ahalya and also wanted to know if Rama was aware of what had taken place earlier and whether both his mother and father had paid a befitting and honorable homage to the great Ikshvaku prince. Visvamitra assured him that nothing had been omitted and that Ahalya and Gautama were reunited like Renuka and Jamadagni and Satananda said, “ I shall tell you of the powers and achievements of Visvamithra. Rama! Your presence here is due to our good fortune. You are blessed for having Visvamitra who performed deeds that defy imagination. His fierce austerities have made him a divine sage and his knowledge knows no bounds for he is schooled in every branch of learning. Kusa son of Brahma had a son called Kusanabha who was supremely righteous and mighty and his son Gadhi is the father of Visvamitra.

King, Kausika protected and ruled the earth for many thousands of years. His happiness was the happiness of his subjects! Assembling his troops and Akshauhinis, he would roam the world traversing through cities, countries, kingdoms, hermitages, across rivers and over lofty mountains. Once during the course of travel he reached the hermitage of Vasishta the beauty of which was breath taking. Inhabited by animals of many species, birds of a myriad colour and gentle deer the hermitage was filled with mammoth trees all vying with each other to contribute to its splendor. The retreat was home to many gandharvas, devatas, danavas, charanas, kinneras and siddhas. There were also divine sages who had reached perfection by way of austerities and saintly practices. Effulgent like the fire with all their senses under subjugation, appetites subdued, they were given to prayer and to offering libations. Some of the perfected souls lived on fruit and roots, some lived on dry leaves, while still others subsisted on nothing more than water and air. Visvamithra beheld this hermitage of Vasishta which looked like the land of the gods”...............

   POSTED BY..............VIPUL KOUL 

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