The Valmiki Ramayana-3 .... Bala Kanda...Initiating the story of Sri Ramayana : Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

The Valmiki Ramayana-3

Bala Kanda

Initiating the story of Sri Ramayana

Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

(My 10-year-old granddaughter Kanak Vanam who lives in Redwood City, San Francisco, USA is a voracious reader even at this tender age. On seeing me writing Ramayana in Telugu whenever I come to USA, she asked me can’t it be in simple English so that she too can have the benefit of reading Ramayana. Once the same question was raised by my other granddaughters Mihira and Medha. Then I decided to do my best to write in English, as simple as possible. I made Kanak to read first couple of paragraphs and confirmed that she understands. Hence this weekly serial for her and for children of her age group)   

 

Valmiki composed twenty-four thousand stanzas and taught them to Lava and Kusha, the sons of Rama and Sita. They both sing the ballad among the groupings of sages and saints, and win laurels. Rama on hearing that the boys are singing on the streets of Ayodhya, brings them to his palace, and summons all his brothers and ministers to listen to the ballad. Rama himself was astonished as the ballad sung by these youngsters narrates the legend of Sita. But he paid his attention to listen the 'Legend of Sita.

The story of Raghu Rama who incarnated in human form on the earth itself is Ramayana. Spread over the entire universe, the Sri Ramayana is an accomplished one to make everyone holy and pious. Reading Ramayana is nothing but serving the Sri Rama himself. Reading Ramayana ensures wiping out of all sins, provides virtue to those who desire to be virtuous, provides funds to those who have ambition to accumulate wealth, provides lust to those who have desire for lust. Valmiki starts telling the Rama story right from his birth till his holy demise being empowered to do so by Lord Brahma.

Ayodhya

            In the Kosala country adjoining River Sarayu where all the people lived happily, there was a glorious city with well-devised royal highways called Ayodhya. The city was surrounded with gateways and archways. This greater Ayodhya with its natural beauty in all aspects overtakes the famous Lakhimpur. The city can be compared with heavenly capital Amaravati. As the God manifested in the form a human being there the city came to be known as Ayodhya. Wherever there is God Mahavishnu that itself is the paradise and, in his service, there is Nirvana. The Ayodhya was ruled by king Dasharatha who belongs to the Ikshvakas dynasty and was supposed to be greatest of all his ancestry.   

            Ayodhya is encompassed with Vedic scholars who always worship the ritual fire. The Brahmins of Ayodhya were known for charity and they used to donate all their wealth as and when anybody asks for. None of them had any necessity to beg or borrow from anyone. Reciting of sacred theology, the Vedas was their everlasting routine.

            The Kshatriyas, evincing keen interest in the teachings of Brahmins were leading their lives and turned towards the Brahmans, the scholarly class, for intellectual and religious support. The trading class Vaisyas were supportive of king and helped in improving state’s economy. The Sudras the working class, while performing its own duties, was always working for the other castes. Totally distancing themselves to cheating, theft etc. they were serving the Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaisyas and were concentrating on their hereditary professions.  

The city Ayodhya was well protected by the king from Ikshvakas dynasty namely Dasharatha. The ministers of king Dasharatha were intelligent, religious, virtuous, believers in justice, capable, fighters, valorous, noble, courageous and so on. They made the rulership meaningful with their virtuous, skillful and efficient administration. Accompanied with such of those effectual and good-natured ministers the illustrious king Dasharatha ruled the earth.

In fact, without any distinction everyone who lived in Ayodhya were good in every aspect. In the glorious city of Ayodhya all are exuberant and virtuous ones, and scholars are learned ones, people are satisfied with their own riches, they have no greed, and they advocate truthfulness alone.

Dasharatha plans to perform

Ashvamedha Yagam in pursuit of children

            King Dasharatha had three wives namely Kousalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi. They were daughters of king of Kosala, king of Magadha and king of Kekaya respectively. Despite having enormous wealth and everything at their doorstep, Dasharatha and his three wives were not begotten with children. Any many rituals appeasing gods that they performed did not help in this regard. One day he tells his ministers that he intends to perform an elaborate Vedic ritual, Ashvamedha Yagam, the horse sacrifice, as enshrined in the scriptures to beget children. He also elicits their opinion with a request to show him a way out to get children. His proposal to perform Ashvamedha Yagam gets support from all including Sage Vasishta, Royal Priest.

Brahman scholars along with Sage Vasishta and all other important personalities in their turn have blessed and honored king Dasharatha. Saying that any activity undertaken by great, honest and candid persons like him would be successful, the ministers assured king Dasharatha that they would stand by him.

At this point of time minister Sumantra told king Dasharatha that he would give an idea to him to have children. He advised Dasharatha to invite sage Rushyasrung to fulfill his desire of having children. Sumantra, detailed the importance of Sage Rushyasrung and beseeched the king to invite that sage to preside over the planned Vedic ritual, for that Sage's entry into any kingdom is auspicious for that land and people.

Dasharatha invites Rushyasrung

            Dasharatha on hearing the advice given by his minister Sumantra in turn briefed his Royal Teacher and Chief Priest Vasishta about it. Vasishta said that what all told by Sumantra is true and suggested Dasharatha to heed to his advice. Dasharatha went to Rushyasrung and requested him to come to Ayodhya and after his acceptance to come along with his wife Shanta, Dasharatha made all arrangements.

Dasharatha entered Ayodhya along with Rushyasrung

            Citizens of Ayodhya on knowing the arrival of their king Dasharatha along with sage Rushyasrung, became jubilant and in accordance with the commands of king decorated the city gorgeously. On reaching his inner palace chambers king Dasharatha worshipped Rushyasrung and made him comfortable. He was also very happy as his devotions are now becoming a reality and he would soon have children. For the excellent treatment he had sage Rushyasrung also felt immensely pleased.