Rama Rendered Marecha Insensate but Killed Subahu
Adi Kavi Valmiki's writing style, ingenuity, and foresight
Simplified and faithful rendering of the Adi Kavya-16
Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao
The Valmiki Ramayana is not just an
ancient epic but an eternal guide that bridges centuries of human experience,
teaching about duty, values, humility, courage, and compassion. In modern times
when distractions and dilemmas weaken our sense of purpose, the story of Rama
and Lakshmana inspires us to act with responsibility and awareness, even in
unfamiliar situations. This episode reminds us that divine purpose often
reveals itself when one walks the path of duty with clarity and commitment.
Spirit of Valmiki
Ramayana broadens as the narrative moves from Sarga (Chapter) to Sarga,
touching the hearts of humanity across ages. Rama and Lakshmana, aware of the
pious responsibility ordained by their father Dasharatha, and guided by Sage
Vishvamitra, remained sensitive to time, place, and duty. As Vishvamitra, who
by now has ignited the fire, sat before the Altar of Fire, began his sacred ritual,
and maintained silence under the vow, Rama and Lakshmana earnestly asked about
their roles in guarding the ceremony from the fellow sages. This reflects
how true leadership begins not with authority, but with clarity of
responsibility and willingness to serve.
All the
sages were delighted and instructed Rama and Lakshmana to protect the ritual
for six days and nights. Standing vigil by the flaming altar, amidst sacred
grass, drink vessels, flowers, and oblation spoons, they remained alert. On the
sixth day, as Rama signaled Lakshmana for battle, the fire in the Altar of Fire
blazed brightly, illuminating Vishvamitra and the holy surroundings. In
life, moments of righteousness often come with trials, demanding vigilance, and
inner strength.
As the
Vedic ritual neared completion, a terrifying sound filled the sky. Two monstrous
demons, Mareecha and Subahu, along with their demonic forces, appeared,
performing fearsome illusions and attempted to defile the sacred altar. Rama
quickly observed the desecration caused by their pouring of blood over the
sacrificial site and prepared for action. Even today, negativity often
disguises itself in chaos, and righteousness demands timely, composed
intervention.
Sensing
the threat, Rama explained his plan to Lakshmana and unleashed the Manava Astra
(Manava Missile) at Mareecha, striking him in the chest. Mareecha, spinning
uncontrollably, fell across hundreds of yojanas into the ocean, rendered
senseless but alive. Thus, the Manava Missile developed by Manu took him away
on baffling, but did not take his life. This act symbolizes control and
restraint—teaching that power must serve purpose, not destruction.
Valmiki’s
poetic foresight reveals why Mareecha was not killed. He would later play a
crucial role in Ravana’s downfall by warning him and eventually, becoming the
golden deer at the time of Ravana's abducting Seetha, that leads to important
events in the Ramayana. This reminds that every event, even those do not
fully understand, may hold deeper purpose in the long journey of life.
Rama then
deployed the powerful missile Aagneya Astra (Fire-Missile), to slay Subahu and
used the Vayuvya Astra to scatter the remaining demons. Thus, Rama eliminated
all of them, who were creating hurdles, to the Vedic rituals. With the ritual
protected and completed, Vishvamitra praised Rama for honoring the promises
made to his father and to him. Fulfilling commitments, even when
challenging, enhances one’s character and earns lasting respect.
After
rejoicing in the successful protection of the ritual, Rama and Lakshmana stayed
in that hermitage for that night, and then continued to accompany Vishvamitra.
The sages told them about King Janaka’s upcoming important Vedic Ritual in
Mithila and spoke of a Great Divine Bow housed there, one unmatched in power
and legacy. Opportunities often arise when we walk the path of
righteousness, guiding us toward our destined purpose.
The sages
explained that Shiva once wielded this mighty and awesome bow, possessing an
unimaginable power, which was simply superb, and radiant in wars, to destroy
Daksha’s sacrificial assembly. Later, Gods pleased Shiva, obtained this bow
from Him, and gifted it to King Devaraata of Mithila. No humans, gods, demons,
or celestial beings had ever successfully lifted it. They encouraged Rama to
witness it, which many mighty princes were rendered incapable to string its
bowstring. This illustrates how certain challenges are not just physical but
deeply spiritual, testing inner strength and destiny.
They
further described how the bow was worshipped during the Dhanur Utsav, adorned
with sandalwood pastes, fragrances, and preserved in Mithila’s Royal Palace.
Vishvamitra, Rama, Lakshmana, and the sages embarked on their journey to reach
Mithila. Like sacred traditions, our values and heritage too need
preservation, respect, and renewed understanding across generations.
Vishvamitra
expressed his wish to travel northward toward the Himalayas and near the
northern bank of River Ganga, for continuing his renunciation. The sages and
the spiritual community followed with carts carrying ritual materials. Even the
creatures of the Hermitage of Accomplishment, accompanied them. Great
journeys are seldom solitary. They are strengthened by shared purpose and
collective spirit.
On
reaching the banks of the River Sona, and while camping there, Rama asked about
the attractive, flourishing well-developed woodlands. Vishvamitra narrated that
it once belonged to Sage-King Kusha, son of Brahma, whose four virtuous sons through
his wife the Princess of Vidarbha, namely, Kushambha, Kushanabha, Asurtarajasa
(Or Adhoortarajasa), and Vasu, established great cities. This they did in
response to the advice of their father Kusha to establish their rulership and
achieve righteousness plentifully in order to uphold the values of Kshatriyas. Legacy
is not just inherited; it is built, expanded, and sustained through wisdom and
responsibility.
Vishvamitra
explained that Kushambha built the City Kaushambhi, Kushanabha built Mahodaya, Asurtarajasa
built Dharmaranya, and Vasu built the City Girivraja. He said that the region
where they were, was known as the land of Vasu, surrounded by five majestic
mountains, and fed by the Charming River Maagadhi, nurturing fertile fields
along its path. Just as rivers nourish land, knowledge and culture nourish
societies over time.
Kushanabha
fathered a hundred beautiful daughters with the celestial maiden Ghrutachi. When
they attained youth, and as they joyfully roamed the gardens, singing, dancing,
and playing, the Air-God Vayu approached them with an enticing offer of
immortality. He told them to become his wives by which they will achieve
undiminished youth forever instead of transitory teenage for humans. Temptations
often come disguised as gifts, testing our values and self-discipline.
The noble one
hundred daughters firmly declined Vayu’s offer, stating their loyalty to their
father and commitment to righteousness. They also told him that, he was dishonoring
them, for which despite their capability of displacing him from his realm,
being the daughters of Kushanabha, they were restraining themselves in doing so,
only to conserve their ascetic values. Thus, despite their strength, they chose
restraint over revenge. They made it clear that, whomever they were offered by their
father in marriage he alone becomes their husband. True strength lies not in
retaliation, but in wisdom, dignity, and adherence to values.
Angered,
Vayu the Air-God, entered into all of the limbs of the daughters and disfigured
them. Tearful and embarrassed, they returned to their father, who grieved at
their condition and enquired about the cause. Sage Vishvamitra continued his
narration. Hardships sometimes strike even the virtuous, but virtue ensures
dignity even amid suffering.
All the daughters
touched their father’s feet with their foreheads and narrated their ordeal.
Kushanabha, despite his sorrow, praised their patience, composure, and
adherence to family honor. He reminded them that grace, forgiveness, and virtue
sustain the very foundation of the universe. Kushanabha told them that, ‘Grace
is altruism, Grace is ritualism, grace is glory, and grace is virtue. Such
teachings remain timeless in a world that often rewards aggression over grace.
Vishvamitra
continued his narration and said that, the king began contemplating their
wellbeing, marriage prospects, and future alliances, thinking wisely about
their restoration and dignity. Thoughtful planning for one's family is also
an act of duty and love, rooted in dharma. Meanwhile, Kushanabha learned
about the great sage Chooli, devoted to spiritual discipline. Chooli being auspicious
in his conduct, capable of holding his semen upward (URTHWA RETASKA),
achieved high ascetic practice in according with Vedic canons. A celestial
maiden, Somada, humbly served him. When he offered to grant her a boon, she
wished for a son embodying Vedic spirituality and righteousness. This
reflects how true service, when rooted in sincerity, invites divine grace and
fulfillment.
Brahmarshi
Chooli benignantly bestowed her with a unique and Brahma Like son, to be known
as Brahmadatta, as his brainchild. Brahmadatta became a noble king of Kampilya.
Kushanabha, recognizing his worth, arranged the marriage of his hundred
daughters to Brahmadatta. Wisdom lies in choosing character over appearance
or status while forming bonds and relationships.
With a
gentle touch of Brahmadatta, the daughters regained their original beauty and
joy. Kushanabha rejoiced. After marriage, Brahmadatta along with his own
hundred wives, left for his kingdom. His mother Somada lovingly welcomed them
as daughters-in-law. Blessings, grace, and harmony prevailed. Healing is not
just physical, but it is also emotional, relational, and spiritual when
anchored in righteousness and love.
Thus, this episode of the Ramayana teaches us that righteousness (dharma) is not merely about fighting evil, but it is about patience, responsibility, respectful relationships, and inner strength. In today’s fast-paced world, Rama’s clarity, Lakshmana’s devotion, Vishvamitra’s guidance, and the moral strength of Kushanabha’s daughters show that, duty, dignity, and compassion remain forever relevant. This is why the Ramayana is not a tale of the past, but a timeless guiding light for humanity.
(PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY RAMA BHAKTA VIJAYA RAGHAVA DASU)
