Vishvamitra, Dasharatha Meeting of Dharma, and Destiny ...... (SIMPLIFIED AND FAITHFUL RENDERING OF THE ADI KAVYA-11) : Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

 Vishvamitra, Dasharatha Meeting of Dharma, and Destiny

SIMPLIFIED AND FAITHFUL RENDERING OF THE ADI KAVYA-11

Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

(February 24, 2026)

After the naming ceremony of his four sons was performed by Chief Priest Vashishta, naming them as Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna, following which the princes were engrossed in the studies including Vedas, King Dasharatha after contemplating their matrimonial alliances and while discussing the same among his ministers, Sage Vishvamitra arrived to have an audience with the king. On knowing his arrival and his waiting at the doors, highly pleased Dasharatha, along with royal priests, had gone towards Vishvamitra ceremoniously. In today’s world of constant distractions, the image of a sage visiting a king reminds of a time when wisdom was sought before power was exercised. Even rulers needed the counsel of sages, a reminder that true leadership is rooted in humility and learning.

On receiving water offered by the King Dasharatha, as first customary hospitality in receiving unexpected guest, Vishvamitra enquired after his well-being and welfare. Vishvamitra also enquired about the well-being of city, exchequer, rural areas, friends, and relatives. And on meeting Vashishta and other exalted sages, according to custom, Vishvamitra asked after their well-being. Later, affectionately invited by Dasharatha, they all entered the Royal Palace and took their seats according to protocol. Such courteous exchanges reflect the Indian ideal of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ that, the guest as divine. In a time when formalities often replace genuine concern, this scene reminds that hospitality begins with sincere enquiry about the other’s welfare, not mere ritual.

Dasharatha formally welcomed Vishvamitra and enquired the sage as to what was that choicest object of him to be fulfilled and in which way. He assured Vishvamitra that he would be indeed blessed and wish to make it happen to achieve results. The logic of Valmiki is crystal clear and evident here in such a way that, only a deep understanding of his Ramayana, because little did Dasharatha know as to what was in the mind of Vishvamitra. The king’s readiness to grant any request without first knowing its nature mirrors the spirit of absolute faith and commitment expected of dharmic rulers. In an age of conditional promises, this absolute sense of duty may seem rare, yet it defines integrity in public life.

Sage Vishvamitra in fact came to ask King Dasharatha to send Sri Rama to protect the Vedic ritual that was being performed by him, from the demons who were constantly disrupting it. The sage emphasized that, he knew the capabilities of Rama, who was still in his adolescence, but who can easily kill the demons. How Dasharatha was upset at this request, and how he was convinced mainly at the instance of Vasishta was an interesting development in Valmiki Ramayana. What had precisely happened is simply great. Here begins one of the first tests of Dasharatha’s attachment and Rama’s destiny. For modern parents too, it reflects the eternal conflict between love and duty, when a child’s path to greatness demands the parent’s painful detachment.

When Dasharatha offered Vishvamitra to reveal his desire, the Sage was thrilled with happiness and before asking what he required began with the words ‘Please be Truthful to your promise.’ Vishvamitra said that, two valiant and well-trained demons, Mareecha and Subaahu, causing obstacles to the ritual being performed by him, abiding by a sacrificial vow to attain a spiritual goal, are drenching the Altar of Fire with streams of meat and blood, from the sky. In such a situation said Vishvamitra that, he had to depart from that place, unenthusiastically. He had to restrain his anger as no curse shall be issued under vows. The restraint of Vishvamitra teaches that even those capable of immense power must exercise patience when guided by principle. In a sense, it parallels the modern virtue of emotional control, where knowledge and anger must never walk together.

Hence, Vishvamitra’s request to the King Dasharatha was to spare the services of his eldest son Rama, because, he was capable to eradicate those by his own divine resplendence, and also protected by him as well. ‘I will also accord many kinds of benefits to Rama, by which he acquires renown in all the three worlds’ assured the Sage. Vishvamitra cautioned Dasharatha not to exhibit his extreme paternal fondness, because, not only he, but also Vashishta and other saints present there were aware of Sri Rama’s Valor, and hence handover Rama to him. ‘You may send Rama if only your Ministers and all the other elite led by Vashishta give their assent’ clarified Vishvamitra and urged Dasharatha to decide soon. This moment beautifully portrays mentorship and faith. Just as today’s teachers and guides recognize potential in their students before the world does, Vishvamitra foresaw Rama’s greatness even before the prince himself had tested his strength.

Dasharatha shuddered and fainted on hearing Vishvamitra, which was explicitly cutting his mind and heart. After regaining consciousness, he became highly annoyed at heart, became scared, and then eventually agitated extremely in his throne. Dasharatha again became numb for a time, and on redeeming senses told Vishvamitra that, Rama was less than sixteen years of age by then and absolutely no warring aptitude with the demons, and hence instead of Rama, he will go there to encounter them. Denying Vishvamitra’s request, Dasharatha made it clear that, ‘It will be ungentle of you to take Rama with you. Alienated from Rama I am disinclined to live even for a moment. If you still wish to take Rama, please lead him off along with me, and along with my four kinds of troops, the Chariots, Elephants, Cavalry, and Foot Soldiers.’ The king’s words echo every parent’s anxiety in sending a child into the world of battles. Even the mightiest ruler trembles when fatherly affection faces the demands of destiny.

Dasharatha further said that, Rama was engendered at his present age, that too with tribulations, and hence taking Rama with Vishvamitra will be inappropriate. He then started enquiring further details about the said demons, such as their fortitude, their parents, their size and shape, their protector, and how they could be retaliated either by him or his sons or his forces. On hearing his words Sage Vishvamitra revealed details of Ravana, son of sage Vishravasu, and born in Paulastya dynasty, as the instigator. Through this revelation, Valmiki subtly prepares readers for the grand narrative ahead, as to how small encounters can hint at cosmic struggles. Even in life today, the first challenges often signal the greater purpose that awaits.

Vishvamitra further said that, Ravana unequivocally was the chief of demons, was an extremely mighty and exceedingly brave demon. He also said that, with the boon given by Brahma, and accompanied by many demons Ravana was torturing the triad of worlds, contemptuously. ‘Two very mighty demons called Mareecha and Subaahu, cause devastating hindrances to rituals, instigated by Ravana’ Vishvamitra told Dasharatha. The discussion continued on the lines of, Vishvamitra insisting on Rama to accompany him, and Dasharatha hell-bent on not accepting to his request. This struggle between insistence and hesitation mirrors how faith and fear debate within every human heart, the faith to let go, and the fear of loss. Valmiki’s poetry turns this moral dilemma into timeless truth.

Thus, by the incongruous talk of Dasharatha, the outstanding Brahman Sage Vishvamitra was overwhelmed with outrageous anger and wrathfully replied, it was undeserving kind of deviation for the kings of Raghava dynasty. ‘I wish to go away as I had come, and you with your insincere promises be indifferently happy with your kinsmen’ said Vishvamitra to the king. The Sage’s anger symbolizes the disappointment that righteousness feels when duty is delayed. In the present times, when promises are often broken, this episode reminds that the worth of one’s word defines the worth of one’s character.

Vishvamitra’s fury that way, trembled the whole earth and the gods too were scared. Instantly, the insightful Chief Priest Vashishta tried to pacify Dasharatha and Vishvamitra. He told Dasharatha that, having born in Ikshvaku dynasty, it would be inappropriate of him to forsake ethics, and hence he must adhere to his own uprightness. Vashishta advised him to leave hold of Rama. He assured Dasharatha that, demons cannot trounce Rama as long as Vishvamitra protects him. The intervention of Vashishta teaches how wisdom can balance emotion and restore perspective. Every generation needs such voices of calm counsel. Mentors remind not to let fear overshadow dharma.

Vasishta further said: ‘He is an embodiment of virtue, matchless among the adventurous, peerless in intellect among all in the world, and flawless in self-control. He is in the know-how of various missiles, and no other person is there in the triad of worlds, inclusive of sessile and mobile worlds, who is knowledgeable about him, or someone who can know him will be there in future, excepting myself. Gods cannot know Vishvamitra.’ The mutual respect between sages, despite their differences, reflects the spiritual unity of knowledge. Even today, true wisdom acknowledges another’s greatness without envy.

‘Vishvamitra is in the precise know of missiles, and is also capable of creating hitherto unavailable missiles. Thereby, nothing whatsoever is unknown to Vishvamitra, either that had happened or that was happening. Vishvamitra, can as well control those demons by himself, but intending to accord beneficence to your son he approached you and imploring upon you’ explained Vasishta to Dasharatha. This act of a great sage empowering a young prince underlines an eternal truth: real teachers do not use their power for themselves; they use it to awaken the strength in others.

Dasharatha became awakened person with a state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled by sage Vashishta's words. He gladly and wholeheartedly consented to the travel of Rama along with Vishvamitra. Thus, when the ire of Vishvamitra was shown at Dasharatha, Vashishta intervened and convinced Dasharatha to send Rama with Vishvamitra. In the process, Vashishta enumerated the capabilities of Vishvamitra and his knowledge of weaponry. Vashishta also suggested that, all those weapons would be given to Rama, if Rama was permitted to go with Vishvamitra. At last, Dasharatha agreed to send Rama. The king’s transformation from fear to faith is one of the most inspiring moments in the Valmiki Ramayana. It reminds modern readers that wisdom is not the absence of fear, but the courage to act righteously despite it.

Accordingly, King Dasharatha sent Rama and Lakshmana along with Vishwamitra as requested by him. In their course of travel, Vishwamitra imparted a secret knowledge to the young princes Rama, and Lakshmana, called ‘Bala and Atibala’ (Below detailed explanation) by which nothing can wither away their Vigor and Vitality. As the young princes begin their journey, the story shifts from the sheltered palace to the open path of learning and duty. For every generation stepping into life’s wider world, this marks the same moment that, when protection gives way to preparation.

Thus, began not merely a journey from Ayodhya to the forest ostensibly to protect Vishvamitra’s Rituals, but the unfolding of a cosmic design, where the tender hands of a prince were to wield the weapons of righteousness under the guidance of a sage who once struggled with his own temper and pride. What seemed a simple request from Vishvamitra was, in truth, the first stroke of destiny shaping the divine confrontation between Rama and Ravana. Valmiki’s genius lies in revealing how Great Wars were not born of hatred but of purpose, and how dharma often chooses its warriors long before they recognize their mission.

In Dasharatha’s hesitation, in Vashishta’s counsel, and in Vishvamitra’s insistence lies the eternal rhythm of human life that, the tug between attachment and duty, fear and faith, emotion and wisdom. The episode reminds that every higher purpose begins with an act of surrender, the willingness to let go of what one loves, so that love itself may triumph in its truest, universal form.

As generations pass and languages change, Valmiki Ramayana continues to speak, not merely as an epic of gods and kings, but as a mirror of human evolution, where obedience turns into wisdom and love transforms into strength.

FOR THE BENEFIT OF READERS

The Secret Knowledge of Bala and Atibala Mantra

Balātibalayoh Virāṭpuruṣa Ṛṣiḥ, Gāyatrī Devatā, Gāyatrī Chandaḥ. Akāro Kāramakārā Bījādyāḥ, Kṣudhādi Nirasane Viniyogaḥ. Klāmityādi Ṣaḍaṅga Nyāsaḥ.

Dhyānam
Amṛtakaratalārdrāu Sarvasañjīvanāḍhyāvagahāraṇa-sudakṣau Vedasāre Mayūkhe, Praṇavamayavikārau Bhāskarākāradēhau Satatamanubhavae Haṁ Tau Balātibaleśau.

The Mantra

Om Hrīṁ Bale Mahādevi Hrīṁ Mahābale Klīṁ Chaturvidha-Puruṣārtha-Siddhi-Prade,
Tatsa Viturvaradātmike Hrīṁ Vareṇyaṁ Bhargo Devasya Varadātmike Atibale, Sarvadayāmūrte Bale Sarvakṣudbhramonāśini Dhīmahi Dhiyo Yo Naḥ Pracodayāt,
Pracuryā-Pracodayātmike Praṇavaśiraskātmike Huṁ Phaṭ Svāhā. Evaṁ Vidvān Kṛtakṛtyo Bhavati, Sāvitrayā Eva Salokatām Jayati. Ityupaniṣat. Āpyāyantīti Śāntiḥ.

Meaning and or Explanation

The Bala–Atibala Mantra is a powerful invocation traditionally attributed to Sage Vishwamitra and associated with Goddess Gāyatrī.

• It seeks inner strength (Bala) and supreme strength (Atibala), both physical and spiritual.
• The mantra helps remove hunger, fatigue, weakness, confusion, and ignorance, restoring vitality and clarity.
• Through meditation (Dhyāna), the devotee envisions divine energies as radiant, life-giving forces, symbolized by the Sun (Bhāskara), source of all vitality.
• The mantra invokes the four aims of life (Purushārthas): Dharma (Righteousness), Artha (Prosperity), Kāma (Fulfillment), and Moksha (Liberation).
• It asks the divine light to illumine the intellect (Dhiyo Yo Naḥ Prachodayāt), guiding one on the path of wisdom and purpose.
• Reciting it with understanding is believed to bring spiritual completion, divine companionship (Salokatā with Sāvitrī), and inner peace.

In essence, the Bala–Atibala Mantra is a prayer for strength, knowledge, and divine inspiration, balancing physical endurance and spiritual awakening.

>>> Photographs courtesy an anonymous Rama Bhakta