Rama and Lakshmana
The Sojourn of Divine Preparation
SIMPLIFIED AND FAITHFUL
RENDERING OF THE ADI KAVYA-13
Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao
Across centuries, the
Ramayana has remained a guiding light for people navigating life, duty, and
moral choices. Yet, for many young readers in the global Indian diaspora, the
language distance often grows, unintentionally distancing them from their own cultural
roots. The following narrative, an adapted and contextualized rendering of a
crucial episode from the Valmiki Ramayana, seeks to gently bridge that gap. In
an age defined by technology, dual identities, and shifting values, such
timeless stories subtly remind us that inner discipline, respect for mentors,
and mindful action continue to shape meaningful lives.
Regardless perception
in harmony with orthodoxy, Rama strictly adhered to Swadharma and implicit
promise to his father Dasharatha before leaving for forests with Vishvamitra
that, he would obey every directive of the Sage irrespective of its merit or
demerit. Accordingly slaying of Tataka by Rama was natural phenomena
emphasizing that, righteousness shall reflect responsibly for the welfare of
all, though painful to few. Such decisions, difficult but principled, remain
relevant today when duty conflicts with personal comfort.
After slaying of Tataka
and on staying a night in Tataka forest, the next day morning, Sage Vishvamitra
pleased with Rama told him that his safety was essentially important. He
declared that, he would be giving Rama additional divine missiles (Astras) by
which Gods, Demons, Gandharvas, Uragaas, and humans were dominated, humbled
down, and conquered in war. Describing them Vishvamitra mentioned that they
were: the highly divine Danda (Punisher)Disc, Dharma (Virtue) Disc, Kaala
(Time) Disc, Vishnu Disc, Indra Disc, Thunderbolt (Shiva Trident) Missile,
Brahma Shira (Crest), Aashik (Grass-Blade) Missile, and the Formidable Missile
Brahma Missile (Brahmastra). Receiving guidance and protection from a mentor
remains a timeless motif, because, skill plus guidance equals
empowerment.
Vishvamitra then
accorded two sticks that were brilliant by their radiance called, the Modaki
(Beater, and Shikari (Tower of Protection). Others were: Three tricks called
Dharma Pasha (Virtue Noose), Kaala Pasha (Time Noose), Varuna Pasha (Rain God's
Noose), and an unequalled Missile called Varuna Astra (Rain God's Missile).
Then the Sage gave two Rocket Bolts, Shushka (The Drier to free from moisture)
and Aardra (The Drencher or fire suppression device). Others were: Missiles of
Pinaka (Shiva), Narayana, Prathama (The Blower, Fire God Missile), and a
Missile of Air-God. These gifts symbolize that different situations require
different responses, because, versatility matters.
Further bestowing more,
the Sage mentioned about: Two Missiles Haya Shira (The Horse Head] and Krauncha
(The Wrester), two Impellers (rotating components with blades), one presided
over by the power of Vishnu, and the other by the power of Rudra. He also gave
the deadly Pounder named Kankalam, Rods named as Kapalam and Kankanam, all for
the elimination demons. The range of tools suggests preparedness that, knowledge
must be comprehensive, not narrow.
Missile Vaidyadhara
Astra, Sword named Nandana, Missile Mohana, (the Intoxicator), Missile
Prasvapana (Inducer of Sleep), Prashamana (Pacifier of enemy's anger), Missiles
Varshana (the Rainer), Shoshana (the Drainer), Santapana (the Humidifier),
Vilapana (the Weep-Inducer), Manava (the Humane missile) and Paishaca (the
Monster missile), Tamasa, Saumana, Samvarta, Mausala, Satya, Maya-Maya, Solar
Missile the Sequestrator, Teja Prabha, Moon-God Missile Shishira (the Cooler),
deadly Missile of Tvasta (Sudamana), Missile of Bhaga (Shitaisu), Manava
Missile of Manu etc. were given to Rama. The multiplicity of Astras can be
read as instruction: use the right principle for the right problem.
Later, Vishvamitra on
performing his daily prayers, gave the range of extraordinary hymns to Rama
facing eastward that were required to recite before using the Astras. The
comprehension of invoking hymns of the missiles is impossible even to gods with
their sections and subsections of procedures, that Brahman dedicated to Rama.
While Vishvamitra chanted the hymns, all those highly venerable and obliging
missiles came close and stood accessible to Rama in their stellar form. Ritual,
discipline, and precise practice underscore that power without discipline is
unreliable.
Gladdening to come
under the aegis of Rama, the missiles in that stellar form, rather, the deities
presiding over the missiles, spoke to him folded palms that, they were there to
accomplish whatever Rama bids them to do, for his always. On becoming personally
purified Rama received the missiles. Rama then spoke to the extremely forceful
missiles in ethereal bodies and said hat, they may manifest themselves in his
cognizance whenever he needed them. They took leave assuring to come back at
his beck and call. Power that serves a righteous purpose will respond to a
steady, principled leader.
Rama admired
Vishvamitra with a grateful heart and started for further journey. On their way
he spoke to the Sage with a pleasant face that, now that he was in possession
of the missiles and became unassailable even for gods, he desired to know their
annulment too. In response, Vishvamitra imparted the knowledge of annulment of
missiles. He gave Rama Missile-Children (For Annulment) of Krishaasva, which
were the guise changing wizards, in view of the fact that, Rama was the
eligible one to handle them. Knowing how to reverse or restrain force is as
important as knowing how to wield it.
Vishvamitra revealed
their names as: Satyavanta, Satya Keerti, Dhristha, Rabhasa, Pratihara Tara,
Paran Muka, Avan Mukha, Lakshya, Alakshya, Dhridhanaabha, Sunaabha, Dashaksha,
Shatavaktra, Dashasheersha, Shatodara, Padmanabha, Mahanabha, Dundunabha, Svanabha,
Jyotisha, Shakuna, Nairashya, Vimala, Yungandhara, Vinidra, Daitya, Pramadhana,
Suchibaahu, Mahabaahu, Nishkali, Virucha, Sarchirmali, Dhritimaali, Vrittiman,
Ruchira, Pitrya, Saumansa, Vidhoota, Makara, Karaveerakara, Dhana, Dhanya, Kama
Roopa, Kama Ruchira, Moha, Aavarana, Jrimbhaka, Sarvanabha, Varana etc. The
many names underscore thoroughness, since preparation covers many
eventualities.
The annulment missiles
were with radiantly divine bodies, pleasing and bestowing bliss. Each one of
them were fire-like, smoke-like, moon-like, and sun-like. They either holding
out their hollowed palms or with palms adjoined melodiously, told Rama that,
they were there, and awaiting for his instructions. Rama requested those
deities of annulment missiles to remain in his memory, assist him as and when
needed, and till then they may go as they wish. As desired by Rama, and on
performing circumambulation to him, deities took his consent and had gone away
to their respective places from where they had come. Memory and readiness,
the virtues kept within until called upon, are a subtle form of preparedness.
After learning the
process of nullifying missiles, while journeying on the walkway, Rama
accompanying Vishvamitra saw the cloudlike picturesque undergrowth, shining
forth on this side of mountain, with animals spreading over it, and embellished
with numerous kinds of birds with pleasant callings. With exceedingly soul
delighting and curiosity on seeing the place, which reflected the nature
surrounded by happy environs, Rama looked at Vishvamitra, for elucidation
whether they had come out of the extremely alarming Tataka Forest. And if yes,
Rama desired to know the occupant of the hermitage's threshold was it. A
moment of wonder, reminding readers that even in mission-driven lives, one
should pause to observe beauty.
Rama also wanted to know the distance from there to the place where they were supposed to safeguard Vishvamitra’s Ritual. Sage Vishvamitra narrating about that forest to Rama said that, it was to begin with, the hermitage of Vishnu before taking up Vamana incarnation. He further said that, Vamana practiced asceticism here for a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures through self-discipline, self-imposed poverty, and simple living, to pursue spiritual goals. Since it belonged to Vishnu and his incarnation Vamana, in a way Vishvamitra hinted at that it also belonged to Rama, also the Vishnu incarnation. Lineage and places of power carry meanings across time, linking past acts to present purpose.
Meanwhile, continued Vishvamitra that, when Vishnu was in his asceticism there, King Virochana’s son the Emperor Bali, conqueror of the entire universe, and equally famous for his magnanimity and for his grand benevolence, in all the three worlds, was ruling his kingdom that included the hermitage there. Bali was the grandson of Prahlada (Son of Greatest Demon Hiranyakashapa, who was killed by Vishnu, in His Narasimha, Man-Lion incarnation). Power and generosity together can be extraordinary, yet myths remind us to consider long-term consequences.
Thus, the sojourn with
Vishvamitra was not merely a journey through forests, but a profound journey
within, where Rama’s humility met preparation, where obedience evolved into
wisdom, and where power was tempered with restraint. Each Astra received was
not just a celestial force, but a moral idea: that true strength lies not in
domination, but in discernment; not in possession, but in purpose. The sage did
not merely equip Rama with weapons; he nurtured a warrior of conscience, a
leader who could balance courage with compassion, and action with awareness.
In essence, this
episode becomes a mirror for every generation, reminding that before one steps
into roles of responsibility, whether in family, society, or nation, there must
first be an inner alignment of discipline, clarity, and ethical grounding.
Guidance, when received with gratitude and introspection, becomes
transformation. Readiness, when coupled with righteousness, becomes destiny. With
his mind illumined, spirit disciplined, and purpose awakened, Rama walked
forward, not just armed, but prepared.
{{PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY RAMA BHAKTA VIJAYA RAGHAVA DASU}}
