Valmiki Ramayanam

Ch. Venkateswarlu

by:

Sri Ramakrishna Tapovanam20, Race Course Road

Guindy, Chennai - 600 032Mobile : 09884708559

Email : chvenkateswarlu30@gmail.comwebsite : www.sriramakrishnatapovanam.org

ii Valmiki Ramayanam

Valmiki Ramayanam

Chilukuru Venkateswarlu

SRI RAMAKRISHNA TAPOVANAM20, Race Course Road

Guindy, Chennai - 600 032

Mobile : 9884708559

E-mail ID : chvenkateswarlu30@gmail.com

Website : sriramakrishnatapovanam.org

Typesetting by : R. Anuradha Raghuram, Hyderabad. (9441186831)

Valmiki Ramayanam iii

Between You and Me

This book Ramayana, does not

speak any thing of religion. It is a story

of a king, Rama, who ruled India about

five thousand years ago. The great epic

was written by maharishi Valmiki

during the life time of Rama himself.

Valmiki Maharishi has taught us all

about the dharmas through Rama and

other characters of the great epic.

Dharma means, the prescribed course

of good and noble conduct. Maharishi

taught Dharmas even from the mouth

of the cruel and complex rakshasas

such as Kumbhakarna, who taught his

elder brother and king Ravana about

his actions which caused adharma as

follows:

You did earlier things later and

later things earlier. That is why you

have landed in this problem. Had you

consulted your ministers before you

abducted Sita, we would have told you

that it was an act of adharma to abduct

others wife. Now since Rama has come

to punish you, for this act of adharma,

you are seeking our help. Even

Mareecha applauds Rama as RAMA

VIGRAHAVAN DHARMAHA. Which Rama

is an embodiment of dharma.

Vedas are the authority for all dharmas. They are apaurisheyas

which means Vedas were not written by humans. Then how Vedas came

into existence? In other words Vedas are nothing but Paramatma himself.

In olden days maharishis did severe tapasya, and meditated on

iv Valmiki Ramayanam

Paramatma, who is all pervading and an Eternal Being. Hence he does

not have any name or a particular form. Maharishis used to meditate on

such a Paramatma for the guidance for the prescribed course of conduct

to achieve their manifold desires, such as knowledge (Gnana kandam),

conducting of yagnas (Karma kandam), for attaining superior lokas,

winning wars, techniques in archery, knowledge of astronomy and yoga.

Their desires may be mundane and belong to this world or the other

world or the communion of Jeevatma in to Paramatma (Moksha). In

course of time, they used to get into the state of Samadhi. Samadhi means

a state in which a yogi had withdrawn the whole of his consciousness

inward and is absorbed in the higher self.

Those maharishis in the state of Samadhi acquires the knowledge

for which they have meditated on HIM and spelt out his acquired

knowledge which was heard by his disciples. Since they heard from the

voice of their guru they are called Srutis, which means heard. Hence

Srutis themselves are Vedas. In this manner several millions of Maharishis

all over the world meditated on Paramatma and developed heaps of

Srutis. Vyasa maharishi, who was an incarnation of lord Vishnu secured

all these Srutis and with the help of his disciples compiled them in an

orderly and systematic manner into four Vedas. They are celebrated

as Rig Veda, Yadur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharvana Veda.

Maharishi has taught several dharmas hidden in each one of his

slokas. These are relevant forever and all worlds. Due to the constriction

of space, I was unable to clarify those inner meanings in this text. Those

inner meanings were compiled by me in one of my books by name Sri

Ramavatara Tatvamu which ran into two thousand pages written in

my mother tongue, Telugu. If time permits, I shall come before you with

an English version.

I would like to discuss a few lines about Samadhi . Normally those

who get into Samadhi and get communion with Paramatma will not

come to this world. In other words within twenty one days they leave

this world and commune with Paramatma. However Paramatma will

choose only a few of them as his messengers to praise his glories and

teach Dharmas, to the mankind. People who are fascinated to the

teachings of those messengers, will develop a faith in them. A group of

people of the same faith will form a religion and start worshipping such

a person as god or gods representative or a messenger or an

Valmiki Ramayanam v

incarnation. I dont want to go further in to these religious matters. I

would like to say a few words on spirituality.

The all Pervading and Eternal Being will exist in all beings in the

form of spirit. As long as the spirit exists, the being continues to live. If

the spirit leaves the body it will become dead. From where and how

this spirit has come? With the power of his will Paramatma wanted to

make a creation, for which he has created twenty four elements and the

twenty fifth is being Himself. What are those twenty four elements?

The first and foremost element he has created was Ahambhavam,

(self love.) The next five elements he made were the Pancha Boothas.

They are the earth, the Agni, the wind, the sky and the water. Again

these five elements are having five tanmatras, which means the nature

of each bootha. Fragrance is the nature of earth. Heat is the nature of

Agni, touch is the nature of wind, sound is the nature of sky, liquid is the

nature of water.

He has made five Indriyas. They are eyes, the ears, the nose, the

tongue, the skin. These indriyas enable us to feel the sight, hearing,

smell, taste and touch respectively. In addition to these elements, he has

also created Manassu and Budhi. The nature of manassu (mind) is

seeking desires. The nature of Budhi is to give direction whether the

desire was based on dharma or adharma. The twenty fourth element is

the nature. The twenty fifth element is Paramatma. One must understand

that all that are created including nature are perishable, but Paramatma

alone is permanent.

He has pervaded in all the beings that he has created as a witness

and he evaluates, awards the fruits of their karmas. The evaluation,

awarding the fruits of those karmas, is beyond ones imagination.

However nobody can escape from His attention. He keeps us in action

as long as he lives with us and evaluates fruits of all such actions. To

undergo the fruits of action one has to take a body. Without a body no

one can enjoy those fruits.

All the accumulated fruits of actions are called Sanchita karmas.

To undergo those Sanchita karmas, one has to take a name and a form

to enjoy or suffer the fruits of his karmas which are called Prarabdha

karma. While undergoing this Prarabdha karma, the individual continues

to perform fresh karmas. These karmas are called Sanjatha karma. These

vi Valmiki Ramayanam

fruits of such Sanjatha Karmas will be added to the Sanchita karmas. In

this manner creatures are taking birth after birth to undergo the fruits

of their karmas and die. This cycle of birth and death are taking place

eternally. Mahatmas alone will try to get out of this cycle, by virtue of

tapasya and thus commune with Paramatma.

Not knowing the theory of karma, people innocently grieve that

god will give all difficulties and sorrows for them only. But they do not

realize that it was the result of their own bad actions done knowingly

or unknowingly, either in this birth or in the previous births. If one

realizes this secret of karma theory, they will not only stop grieving but

also will stop resorting to evil actions. In the same manner people also

will go and pray the all mighty for prosperity and comforts. But they

should bear in mind that the all mighty will neither give nor take, he

only awards the fruits of his karmas. So each one is the architect of his

own prosperity or lack of it and comforts or discomforts by doing good

or bad to others. The real prayer one has to make before the almighty

is uninterrupted love and devotion towards HIM without any desire.

Hence if one reads Ramayana he will come to know all dharmas as

dictated by Vedas before he springs in to action. This is the purpose of

reading Ramayana. Not just for the story of it. Remember Paropakaram

is Punyam and Parapeedanam is Paapam. Which means doing good to

others makes a man pure but those who harass others become, sinful.

All these dharmas stated above are all everlasting and permanent.

Whereas language is a matter of communication skill, depending upon

the readers it changes from time to time. You are aware the flavour of

the current English differs very much from the days of Chaucer or

Shakespeare or Wordsworth or Lord Byron. However I have taken every

care in communicating the great epic of India to suite the present day

readers in a very simple and easily understandable style, by keeping in

view of readers for the next hundred years.

- Chilukuru Venkateswarlu

Valmiki Ramayanam vii

Preface

Valmiki Ramayana Occupies a significant place in Indian Literature.

It is also popularly known as Adikavyamu the first poetical composition.

Valmiki has created many great characters which are of great

respectability, endowed with nobility and dignity. Of all the characters

Ramas character alone is considered as the most prominent, since

maharishi took every care in depicting its authority, excellence and

abundance. Maharishi has depicted Ramas character with sixteen

excellent qualities. Even upanishads praised Rama as an embodiment of

Dharma, Lord Vishnu, as a highest supreme being. In Ramayana dharmas

were significantly introduced to achieve peace, harmony and happiness

in life that an ordinary man needs. Maharishi said from the mouth of

Mareecha, a rakshasa, as RAMA VIGRAHAVAN DHARMAHA (Embodiment

of Dharma). Thereby maharishi advocated to mankind to cultivate the

qualities of Rama and not that of Ravana. Thus maharishi has created a

great epic and infused various dharmas on various occasions

encouraging the path of Bakthi, Gnana, Karma to pursue the enumerated

values of life which are the principal objects of a man are depicted in

Ramas character. Many learned people viewed Ramayana in different

perspectives. Some viewed it as Tatvagnanamu. Some viewed as

Knowledge of Mantra Sastramu. Some say it as a holy epic for recital.

However it is an encyclopedia for manifestation of life. It is a treasure

of dharmas for all times. Thus it has the universal acceptance.

There is a controversy in determining the period of Ramas life

time. Puranas says that there are thirty kalpas. The first among them is

Swetha kalpa. In that kalpa, Vyvaswatamanmantra was the tenth. In that

manmantra Rama was born at the end of twenty forth mahayuga, and

in the last leg of tretayuga. In Vishnu purana it is said that there will be

one vyasa in each yuga and where as in twenty forth mahayuga Valmiki

him self was vyasa. This version was supported by Hora darpanam and

viii Valmiki Ramayanam

Koorma-puranam. It is said in Vayu puranam that Kaikasi had three sons

and a daughter. They were Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Vibeshana and

Surpanakha. It was also said in that Vayu purna that Ravana will be killed

by Rama after extinction all his religious excellence. This substantiates

that Rama was born in twenty fourth mahayuga and Valmiki has written

this epic during the life time of Rama. According to Vishnu dharmothara

purana, Markandaya maharishi tells the story of Rama to King Vraja.

Therefore it is inferred that Rama was born and killed Ravana,

Kumbhakarna, Lava and Kusa were born in Valmiki ashrama and

subsequently Valmiki has written Ramayana, Lava, Kusa read out

Ramayana to Rama and others. So it is believed that Valmiki has written

the epic Ramayana during the life time of Rama.

Valmiki Maharishi:

There are several versions about Valmiki maharishis are in

prevalence. Retnakar a spoilt brahmin made friendship with barbarians

in the forest and torturing people who were passing through the forest.

One day Narada maharishi happened to pass in that way. Took pity on

him and initiated a mantra and advised Penance. While he was

meditating with utmost devotion, went in to an unconscious state. In

course of time ant hill developed over him. After several years again

Narada maharishi passed that way and noticed the advanced state of

Ratnakars devotion. He pitied on him and prayed Indra to pore a heavy

rain so as to melt away the anthill. Since Ratnakar continued his penance

inside the anthill he named him as Valmiki (in Sanskrit Valmikam means

an anthill. So he was named Valmiki.) After melting the anthill, maharishi

provoked Retnakar to write the story of Rama. However there is no

relevant authority for this version of story.

Skanda purana narrates a story like this. long ago there lived a

brahmin by name Sumati belonging to Bhrugu family. His wife is Kausiki.

They had a son by name Agni Sarma. Sumati tried to teach Vedas to his

son. But he did not show any interest in learning Vedas. However Sumati

married to his son as he attained youth. After some years there was an

acute famine prevailed in the country. As such, Sumati could not sustain

his family. So he migrated to the forest, built a hermitage and started

living. In course of time Agni Sarma developed friendship with a group

Valmiki Ramayanam ix

of robbers. He used to support the family by robbing the people passing

through the forest.

Agni Sarma has become a spoilt brahmin. Did not learn Vedas. Now

he has chosen a profession harassing and torturing people. One day a

group of maharishis happened to travel that way and they fell in the

eyes of Agni Sarma and he wanted to kill them to rob their belongings.

Among the maharishis a great saint Atri was also with them. He

took pity on Agni Sarma and asked him Oh Agni Sarma! You want to kill

and take away our belongings, we have not done any harm to you. Is it

not a sin to kill others and rob them? Having done such a crimes to

whom you are going to give those belongings? Agni Sarma replied

that I will protect my father, mother and wife. On hearing Agni Sarmas

reply, Atri Maharishi again asked him your people are enjoying the

fruits of your loot. Will they share in your sins also? Go home and

ascertain from them. We shall wait till you come.

Agni Sarma went home and said to his father, mother, wife I am

robbing the people and protecting you all these years, tell me will you

share my sins? for which they all said you have a responsibility of

protecting father, mother, wife and children. We are not to bother how

you earned it. So we will not share in your sins. Agni Sarma went back

and told Atri maharishi what his people said to him. He has repented for

all his past sinful acts. Other maharishis also requested Atri maharishi to

shower his kindness on Agni Sarma. Atri maharishi took pity on him.

Then Atri initiated a Dhanya sloka to Agni Sarma coupled with a mantra

which will eradicate all the sins. Maharishi instructed Agnisarma to sit

under this tree and commence tapasya immediately and you will achieve

salvation. All those maharishis went away on their pilgrimage and

returned after thirteen years. On their return journey they happened

to pass that way. They saw an anthill at the place where they suggested

Agni Sarma to do penance. With their divine sight they understood that

Agni Sarma was continuing his penance without any body

consciousness. So an ant hill developed over him.

They removed the anthill and saw Agni Sarma as a skeleton. There

was nothing in his body except bones and skin. Atri maharishi woke

him up and had a divine touch with his hands. He opened his eyes and

x Valmiki Ramayanam

saw maharishis with the brilliance of Brahma. Immediately he prostrated

at their feet and said Oh maharishis! With your kind grace, I had the

true wisdom and all my sins were disappeared. Atri maharishi said oh

Agni Sarma! With our initiation you have realized the knowledge of

soul. With that all your sins evaporated and you became pure. While

you were doing tapasya without body consciousness, Valmikams

developed over you. Since you continued your tapasya from inside the

anthill without consciousness, from now onwards you will be known as

Valmiki. All maharishis blessed and went on their way.

By the grace of God, man will secure a guru. With the grace of a

guru, he will get divinity. Though Agni Sarma was a part of Brahma by

birth, he became spoilt in association with sinners. For some time due

to the fruits of evil karmas of his previous birth, and lived in the path of

troubling people. After annihilation of evil karmas, he became a maharishi.

Afterwards he built a hermitage at Kusastali on the banks of river

Tamasa and worshipped lord Siva. He learnt the story of Rama from

Narada. Brahma himself appeared before him and said under his

instructions Saraswathi, the goddess of learning, caused him to speak

and pronounced the sloka through his mouth. Brahma further said to

him, know it well that Rama is an incarnation of Sri Maha Vishnu and

instructed to write the story of Rama. In a way he had the blessings of

all the trimurthis and completed the epic of Ramayana. The epic consists

of twenty four thousand slokas, hundred episodes and five hundred

sargas are divided in to seven chapters. Maharishi advocated the non

duality of Shiva , Kesava wherever a context raised. In Yudha kanda

maharishi says from the mouth of Rama Shiva alone possessed the

treasure of archery and again I held it. Ramayana was popularly known

as Adikavyam, the first poetical composition. Since then there exists no

other epic in this world literature. That is why it is popularly known as

adikavyam. What we are talking about revolutionized changes such as

Fraternity of mankind, World citizenship, human dignity. Concern for

society and nationalism are appears in Ramayana every now and then.

Many people adopted Ramayana as an epic for parayanam. Some

believe it preaches the knowledge of Siva. Appaiya dekshitulu has

described it as a glory of Siva. Vaishnavas believe it as an authority for

Valmiki Ramayanam xi

the followers of qualified non dualistic and preaches them the way of

worldly life.

Valmiki maharishi depicted Rama as an ordinary human being till

the end. In other words he himself must have instructed his own illusion

to surround him. By that he could practice the superior qualities to

preach to the world such as devotion to mother, father, guru, husband,

love to brothers, to protect those who seek refuge and truthfulness.

That is why people will not get tired in reading Ramayana again and

again.

In yudha kanda after killing Ravana all devatas came and said to

him you are no other than Sri Maha Vishnu he replied to them

innocently I am Rama, son of Dasaratha. In the same way some

maharishis also recognized him as Sri Maha Vishnu in bala kanda to yudha

kandam. But he believed himself as an ordinary human being. Thereby

not only practices dharma, but also made others also to follow him.

Ramayana teaches us the sanctity of matrimonial relationship and

reveals how ancient it is. When Rama broke the bow of Siva, Janaka

requests him to marry his daughter, Sita. But he refused to marry her

unless his father approves it. While Rama was going to forest, his mother

Kausalya asks Rama to take her to forest as a cow follows its calf. On that

occasion while consoling her he advises her a chaste wife should always

attain salvation by serving her husband. Similarly Valmiki maharishi

depicted Manadodaris character as a chaste and pure woman. Therefore

Ramayana teaches us that love is the most powerful factor in fastening

people. Those who can not love will not hesitate to do any heinous and

cruel acts. So we will have to protect the institution of marriage and its

purity with utmost care. The evil affects were depicted in the episode of

Vali. Sugriva and his ministers strongly believed that Vali was dead. So

he married Vails wife with her acceptance. Though it was an accepted

practice in vanaras, Angada could not digest it. He has expressed his

anguish to Hanuma on the shores of southern sea.

Valmiki maharishi has depicted many good customs in various

occasions in Ramayana. Such as, love to parents, guru and brother. Then

only they can become role models to the younger generations. So parents

are to teach such good traditions to their children. Otherwise the

xii Valmiki Ramayanam

institution of family system will collapse.

Sense organs desire comforts. Those comforts can be provided

only with the help of money. But the earning of money should not exceed

its limits. If it exceeds it will produce adverse results. In Ramayana, we

will observe that Rama, Lakshmana and Baratha valued wealth like a

blade of grass. Thereby they occupied most glorious positions. Kaikeyi

expresses her doubt about the sincerity of Rama going to the forest.

Then Rama said Mother! My goal is to live in a righteous path and lead

people in that path. So I give priority only to dharma. Ardha and Kama

are not my priority. I will lead a muni life in forest. Rama clearly spelled

out his intentions only those who do not give importance alone will be

real munis.

Lakshmana doubts Baratha when he went to Mt.Chitrakuta with

an army. Rama said to Lakshmana. Brother! The wealth (kingdom) that

comes by killing near and dear is like a food mixed with poison. I will

not even touch such food. These words of Rama reveals how liberated

he was on Ardha and kama.

Ravana and others considered Ardha and Kama are the highest

goals in life, so they were all destroyed. Even in these days also, we find

people are living with rakshasas attitude are giving prominence for lust

and wealth. Ramayana will certainly help such people in leading a life of

comfort and peace. Because the episode of Rama and Baratha will be

an eye opener to them. Both brothers refused to accept the kingdom to

up keep dharma and did not give priority for Ardha and Kama.

Though King Dasaratha and family were blessed with royal

comforts they all underwent physical and mental pressures. Sita says

to Hanuma god will tie a rope around the neck of men and drag some

times in to heavenly comforts and some times in to terrific miseries.

Today men are becoming mentally week. They are not able to

withstand even the slightest grief and resorting either to commit a

murder or committing suicide. If we analyze we will find Ardha and Kama

are the main reason and at the same time people are ignorant of spiritual

values. As such they could not pursue goal of perfection. World is not a

bed of roses. This universal fact is to be understood by all and thus to

cultivate the strength of resistance by spiritual practice, by reciting the

Valmiki Ramayanam xiii

morals and dharmas preached by eminent maharishis like Valmiki, who

depicted Dasarathas family for the benefit of mankind of all times. Recital

of Ramayana will certainly helps in strengthening forbearance.

It is defined by our elders that harassing others is a sin and helping

others is punya. So in this kaliyuga we need hot have to perform big

religious karmas like yagnas. It is enough if we resolve to do good to

others in our day to day activities. For which Hanuma himself a living

example in Ramayana. We will not see such a high ranked personality.

We do not find such a person in all the three worlds and at all times.

One has to learn from him, his way of action, his words, self reliance,

courage and faith. Look how exemplary is he?

If we can withstand boldly with out any alarm, progress will come

automatically. All comforts can be achieved only through progress. Unless

we are alive we can not see any good. What do any one achieve by

death? by reciting Ramayana regularly we will come across many

instructions like this. These instructions are universal and for all times.

When Baratha went to Mt.Chitrakootam pleading Rama to rule

Ayodhya, Rama not only politely declined his request but also advised

Baratha the following precautions to become a popular ruler:

Are you driving away the sinister, thieves, wicked and atheist

persons from the country? This will enable you to induce traditional

customs to the people.

Are you keeping a close watch on the judgments pronounced by

your ministers? Sometimes false allegations will be made on the most

superior and righteous persons will be punished. You make a note if

such a pious persons tears fell on the ground, those tears will destroy

the king, his children, his cattle and wealth.

Are the river waters are put to optimum utilization for agriculture?

Are you taking all such precautions for the growth of agriculture?

Does the people are obeying the laws enacted by you? Do you

notice any contempt of your orders? Are you enacting any anti-people

laws?

Are you imposing reasonable taxes or not? Did the revenue

collected is spent for the benefit of the people? That means on

xiv Valmiki Ramayanam

development and welfare measures in right proportions? Are you taking

precautions to avoid deficit financing? Are you keeping sufficient

reserves in your treasury? Are you punishing innocent? Are the criminals

let off unpunished?

Are you keeping an eye on cow protection and increasing the

cattle wealth?

From this we can understand that how able and popular

administrator Rama is. This piece of advice is not only instructed to

Baratha but rules of all times and all ages.

From the above questions he not only proved to be an able

administrator, politician but also reveals as a prudent king.

Ramas rule was praised as Ramarajyam not only because of

the welfare measures but for practicing all dharmas as dictated by Vedas.

Ch. Venkateswarlu

Valmiki Ramayanam xv

Contents

Between You and Me . . . . . iii

Preface . . . . . vii

Bala Kandam . . . . . 1-86

Ayodhya Kandam . . . . . 87-234

Aranya Kandam . . . . . 235-340

Kishkindha Kandam . . . . . 341-392

Sundara Kandam . . . . . 393-469

Yuddha Kandam . . . . . 470-689

Uttara Kandam . . . . . 690-836

Bala Kandam 1

Bala Kandam

Narada visits Valmiki asrama:

Narada, the wandering maharshi visited Valmikisasrama(hermitage). Valmiki received him with traditionalhonours and offered him a comfortable asana(Seat).

Valmiki: Oh Maharshi! You visit all places as freelyas Vayu, (the wind god). So you know what ishappening in all the three worlds. Please tell me, is thereanybody who ever live with the noble qualities ofintegrity, bravery, righteousness, gratitude, dedicationto his belief, a flawless character, compassion for allliving beings, besides knowledge, skill, beauty, couragebeyond bravery, radiance, control over his anger andalso will power, serenity, a lack of envy, and valour?

Maharishi! Is there any such person? If there is anyone, please tell me about such a person. I would like tohear from you.

Narada : Valmiki! Sriman Narayana alone possessesall the qualities you have enumerated! However, thereis one human being in the earth! He is a king nowruling the earth. He was born in the line of Ikshwaku. Heis a famous king by name Rama. I will tell you his storyin a nutshell.

2 Valmiki Ramayana

1. Ramas story in a nutshell (As Narada narrates)

Everyone knows about Rama, who was born inIkshwaku family. He is the embodiment of dharma. Hepossesses all these qualities that you have justmentioned. Great maharshis believe that he is theincarnation of Sri Maha Vishnu. Rama is not merely astrong man but he is Akhilanda Sachidananda Parabrahmanitself!. In the opinion of great Yogis, Rama means he whodelights yogis or indivisible Brahman. So, yogis delight inhim and call him Rama.

Emperor Ikshwaku meditated for a long time on SriRanganatha and he was blessed and ultimately absorbedin Him. From then onwards, Sriman Narayana hadbecome their family deity. Pleased with the devotion ofIkshvakus, Maha Vishnu was born in that family as Rama.

Rama had read and mastered all Vedas andVedangas. His hands are so long, that they will touch hisknees. His neck resembles a conch. Astrologers say theyare the symptoms of an emperor. Rama is pure, honestand submissive to his gurus. He is the superior amongthe mankind. He is the protector of all worlds. He willpunish and penalize his enemies severely. Yet, He is aperfect embodiment of dharma. He is Brahma himself.

Rama knows all dharmas and practices them himself.He is aware of all the secrets, Vedas and Sastras. He is thebest among athi-radhas. He will protect all hisdependents.

All good natured people, sadhus, and yogis absorbthemselves in Rama, just like all the rivers converge

Bala Kandam 3

and join the sea. Rama is as deep as sea. He iscourageous person and is as towering as Himalayas. Heis as pleasant as Moon. If he is provoked by unjustactions, he reacts like an inferno. He is richer thanKubera. He is the personification of dharma. In valour andvigour, he is as powerful as Vishnu. In strength, vigourand valour, there is no one equal or superior to him.

King Dasaratha wanted to crown him as the crownprince (yuvaraja.) But his step mother Kaikeyi opposed it.King Dasaratha had given her two boons long ago back.She wanted to avail them now and she insisted that bythe first boon, Rama must be banished and sent to theforests for fourteen years and by the second boon,Bharata has to be crowned as the crown prince(Yuvaraja)

King Dasaratha, to keep his word true and to fulfillthe boons, as he had no other option and but to sendRama to forest, of course unwillingly. Rama agreed toobey the orders of his father and went to forests with hiswife Sita and brother Lakshmana.

Rama, Lakshmana and Sita crossed Ganges andreached Bhardwajas asrama. From there, they went toMt.Chitrakutam, a calm place in the forest, and livedthere. Meanwhile, King Dasaratha could not bear theabsence of Rama and eventually died with grief. Vasishtaand others appealed to Bharata, to rule the kingdom. ButBharatha refused to occupy throne, as he argued that itrightly belonged to Rama. To bring back Rama to thecapital and to crown him as the king, Bharatha tookVasishta, ministers, his mothers and citizens toMt.Chitrakuta. On reaching Mt.Chitrakuta, Barathapleaded with Rama.

4 Valmiki Ramayana

Baratha: Rama! You know all dharmas. Only theeldest son can and must rule the country. However,Kaikeyi won the kingdom for me, treacherously. Toamend the injustice, I am happily and wholeheartedlygiving it back to you. You come and rule Ayodhya.

But Rama did not agree to his request. Bharata tookRamas padukas and reached Nandi Village nearAyodhya. From there Bharata ruled as Ramasrepresentative.

Thus Sage Narada was narrating the history of Ramaand continued.

Oh Valmiki! After Bharata left, Rama entered Dandakaforest. On his way Rama, killed Viradha, a rakshasa, andthereby made Agastya and others happy. Agastyapresented a sword, bow and arrows to Rama, inappreciation of his valour.

Dandaka Vana was full of rakshasas. While Rama wasin Sarabhangas asrama, the muni community ofDandaka met Rama and prayed him to protect themfrom the frightening and intimidating rakshasas. Ramaassured them that he would kill all those rakshasas.

Rama built an asrama in Panchavati and lived there.One day Ravanas sister Surpanakha came to Ramasasrama and fell in love with him. As she was harassingRama with ulterior and carnal desire, Lakshmana cut hernose and ears and made her ugly.

Surpanakha went to her brother Khara and provokedhim to fight with Rama. Rama killed Khara, Dushana,Trisirasu and fourteen thousand rakshasas. Surpanakha was

Bala Kandam 5

unhappy and went to Lanka and goaded Ravana tokidnap Sita. Ravana with the help of Mareecha,kidnapped Sita. Jatayu, an eagle king and friend ofDasaratha fought with Ravana, in a bid to save Sita.Ravana seriously injured him and took away Sita toLanka.

Jatayu, who was about to die due to the fatal injuriesinflicted by Ravana, told Rama that Ravana hadkidnapped Sita. Rama and Lakshmana started searchingfor Sita and were caught in the clutches of Kabandha, arakshasa. As soon as Rama killed Kabandha, the rakshasagot liberated from his old curse and so he was able toassume his original divine form. Then Kabandha advisedRama to make friendship with Sugreeva, the king ofmonkeys, who was at present on a Mountain calledRishyamooka.

Rama and Lakshmana went to Mt.Rishyamooka andmet Sugreeva. They both entered into a friendshipagreement. Rama promised to kill Vali, the tormentingelder brother and make Sugreeva, the innocent youngerbrother as the King of Kishkinda. However, Sugreevaexpressed doubt about Ramas valour and capacity tohelp him. Rama proved his strength by shooting sunsalatrees with one arrow. In return of Ramas help, Sugreevaassured Rama that he would find the whereabouts of Sitawith the help of his soldiers, who are vanaras (monkeys).

With the support of Rama, Sugreeva went to Kishkindaand challenged Vali for a fight. Vali came out and foughtwith Sugreeva. Rama killed Vali. As promised, Ramacrowned Sugreeva as the king of Kishkinda. Then vanaras

6 Valmiki Ramayana

went to all the sides to trace out Sita. Brave Hanumawent towards south and crossed the sea, reached Lankaand searched many places and atlast reachedAshokavana, a beautiful park in Lanka and saw Sita.

Hanuma gave Ramas ring to Sita as a token of hisidentity. He consoled Sita, stating that Rama would killRavana shortly and that she would be safely redeemedsoon. He uprooted huge trees in Ashokavana and spoiledits beauty. Ravana was furious and sent fivecommanders to kill Hanuma. But Hanuman managed tokill all of them. Again Ravana sent seven of his ministersto kill Hanuman, but Hanuman killed all the sevenministers. Then Akshay kumar attacked Hanuman whokilled Akshaykumar also. Finally Indrajit fastenedHanuman with the Brahmastra, and presented him beforeRavana for a trial. Hanuman came to know that he wasfastened by the Brahmastra. He was aware that he wasimmune to all astras (weapons). He wanted to seeRavana and to deliver the message of Rama. Ravanaordered to put fire to his tail.

Brilliant Hanuman, with his burning tail, burntLanka to ashes, crossed the sea and returned to Kishkinda.He informed Rama about the well being of Sita. Ramacomplimented Hanuman for his brave and courageousaction.

Rama reached the seashore with Sugreeva and hisvanara warriors. Since the ocean did not give him theway, Rama became furious. The ocean came down in ahuman form and told Rama to build a bridge over him.Rama built a bridge, reached Lanka with warriors and

Bala Kandam 7

killed Ravana. Rama relieved Sita from the captivity butdid not accept her. On hearing Ramas decision, Sitaoffered herself to Agni. Agni came in human form andsaid to Rama that Sita was pure and free from anyblemish. Then Rama accepted her. All devatas felthappy. Rama crowned Vibheeshana as the king of Lanka.

Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Sugreeva, Hanuma,Vibheeshana and many vanara warriors went to NandiVillage to meet Bharata. On their way, they halted atBharadwajas asrama and sought his blessings.

Rama met Bharata at Nandi Village and removedhis Vakala, and jatas. Rama reached Ayodhya and wascrowned as King.

In Ramarajya

During the ideal reign of Lord Rama, there was nofamine nor disease or any reason to fear. Sons neverdied, while fathers were alive, there was no widowhoodfor women. There was no fear of fire. There was no fearof calamity due to water or fear of thieves. No deaths ofhunger occurred. There was neither old age nor otherrelated ailments. On the whole, people were happy andcomfortable. People were thriving in wealth, grains andcattle.

Rama performed several Aswamedha yagas. He gavegold, silver and cattle to scho;ars who performed yagnaand thus satisfied devatas. Several millions of gold coins,wealth, grains, and land were donated to rithvicks.

Rama gifted kingdoms to kshatriyas and helped thegrowth of Kshtriya families. He had taken every care to

8 Valmiki Ramayana

protect Varnasrama dharma. Rama thus ruled for eleventhousand years and reached the abode of Brahmam.

If anyone listens to the story of Rama, all their sinswill vanish and such persons will become holy.Ramayana is considered as Veda.

Daily recitation of Ramayana increases the longevityof life and enables us to enjoy heavenly pleasures. Afterdeath, the readers are worshipped by Gods. If Brahminsrecite, they get proficiency in eighteen sastras. IfKshatriyas recite, they will become kings. If vysyas recite,they will become wealthy. If sudras recite, they willbecome great people.

2. Brahma appears :

Narada told the story of Rama to Valmiki and itchanged the wretched life of the robber. He began ahard penance.He after a long and arduous penance, hebecame a righteous maharshi. He read all sastras. Heunderstood the philosophy and its inner meanings. SageNarada explained to him the state of Brahmam and left toheaven.

Then Valmiki, in order to perform midday rituals,went to river Tamasa with his disciple Bharadwaja. Helooked at river bank and said Here the water is puresans mud, like the untainted heart of righteous person.Let us take our bath here, get me my Valkalam!

Valmiki, while taking bath. spotted, two Kraunchabirds which were mating. Maharshi was capable ofblessing as well as cursing. Suddenly a cruel arrow froma hunter, pierced into the heart of the male bird and it

Bala Kandam 9

collapsed in a pool of blood. The female bird, miserablycried for her partner.

Suddenly a curse erupted from maharshis mouth

Ma nishada Pratishtam Tva Magamah sasvatih samahYat krauncha mithunade kamavadhih kamamohitam

Looking at the wicked hunter, Valmiki wondered atthe strange expression of his agony. It had such a wellmarked rhythm in it. (Since he had killed the bird atmating, he would not live the full span of his life.)

Valmiki said to his disciple My child! When Ilooked at the agony of the female bird, unexpectedly apoetical rhythm came out of my mouth as a sloka of fourlines. Never before such a sloka came out of my mouth.It had such a well marked rhythm, which could beplayed on Lute.``

Later, Valmiki was sitting in his hermit andfrequently remembered the fate of the two Kraunchabirds and the subsequent sloka that came out of hismouth.

In the meanwhile, the creator Brahma appearedthere. Valmiki was surprised at the sight of Brahma, andmade obeisance to him with traditional honours. Brahmamade him to sit by his side and said :

3. Brahma : Oh Valmiki! What you have spelled outis a sloka only. You need not have any confusion. Saraswati, the goddess of learning, with my consent, saton your tongue and spoke.You have become a superioramong rishis. A rishi alone is capable of writing a

10 Valmiki Ramayana

kavyamu. You write the story of Rama. That will beimmortal.

Rama is an embodiment of dharma. He has all thequalities of superior human. You write what all youheard from Narada, in your epic. The stories of Sita,Bharata, and the rakshasas are top secret. However, youwill come to know everything clearly as you advance inwriting the epic. What all you say, it will be true. Therewill be no untruth in your epic. Whoever recites orlistens the Ramayana, would become pure and pious.You narrate Rama kadha in sloka form.

Thus Brahma prompted Valmiki and thendisappeared.

Valmiki decided to split the proposed epic intoseven parts and complete the story of Rama and namedthose parts as 1. Balakandamu, 2. Ayodhyakandamu, 3.Aranyakandamu, 4. Kishkindakandamu, 5. Sundarakandamu,6. Yuddhakandamu and 7. Uttarakandamu.

The description of Ramayana :

Valmiki maharshi sat on darbha grass, faced east andremembered Rama kadha. With his divine power, heclearly perceived all the minute details on the screen ofhis mind. He saw each character in the story, before hisdivine eyes.

Now he had seen more authentic details such as:The eternal truth of Sri Ramas incarnation, Ramassupreme brilliance, His exemplary patience. His divinebeauty and truthfulness.

Bala Kandam 11

Episodes, such as Ramas visit to Viswamitras asrama,breaking of Lord Sivas bow, and marriage with Sita,were well planned in Valmikis mind. He made a note ofthe distinction between Parasurama and Dasaratha Rama.

Valmiki was able to draw the sketches of all theepisodes such as:-

Dasarathas proposal to crown Rama as yuvaraja,serious objections from Kaikeyi, Ramas expulsion, his lifein the forests, building an asrama at Mt.Chitrakutam,Bharata carrying Ramas padukas as his representative,Rama meeting Sarabhanga and Sudeshna maharshi,defacing of Surpanakha, Ravanas kidnapping of Sita,Ramas grief for Sita, reaching Rishyamooka, making afriendship treaty with Sugreeva, killing of Vali, Hanumascrossing of sea and finding Sita in Ashokavana, burningof Lanka, Hanumas return to Kishkinda and giving SitasChoodamani to Rama, killing of Ravana, makingVibheeshana as the king of Lanka, returning to Ayodhya onPushpaka, coronation of Rama and sending Sita toforests.

So, Valmiki was able to perceive all these events. Heallotted appropriate space for them.

4. Lava, Kusas singing Ramas story:

The creator Brahma himself personally went toValmiki and encouraged him to write the story of Rama.Valmiki lived in the same kingdom where Rama himselfwas ruling. He had completed Ramas story which wasnamed as Ramayanam, with seven kandams, five hundredsargas and twenty four thousand slokas. In the beginning,

12 Valmiki Ramayana

he thought of making the title anyone of these three:-Ramayanam, Sita Charita, Paulastya Vedha. Finally henamed it as Ramayanam.

Valmiki closed his eyes and thought a while for asuitable person who can sing in a melodious tone. To hissurprise and great luck, there were two young boys inhis asrama itself. They were twins, Lava and Kusa. Theyboth not only had the proficiency in music but alsocompleted adhyanam of Sanga Veda.

Valmiki taught Lava and Kusa the poetic rendition aswell as musically maintaining so many bhavas such asemotions, feelings, romantics, horror, compassion,sorrow, terror, dread, wonder, endurance, and calm,depending on the situation. The boys learnt them fromthe lips of maharshi and repeated in the same way. Suchbrilliant people are called Ekasantagrahi. This means,they will pick up them, just when they hear.

In the beginning, they performed their concertbefore the rishis who were living in the same locality.They all enjoyed and blessed the boys and offered many gifts.

One day, Rama heard their concert. He appreciatedits story as well as the boys talent and the way ofpresentation.

One day, he took them to his durbar and addressedthe people.

Rama : My dear citizens! Though these boys wearValkaila and jata and are living in hermitages, theirbrilliant faces tell me that they are Kshatriya boys. The

Bala Kandam 13

melody of Sita charitam is touching the heart and soul.Please listen to them.

With the encouraging words from Rama himself,they sang with all enthusiasm.

5. AyodhyaLong long ago king Manu ruled the entire earth. He

made the city of Ayodhya as the capital of Kosalakingdom. Ayodhya was twelve yojanas long and threeyoganas wide. The city resembled like a chess board.

After him, his son Ikshvaku ruled Ayodhya. Hisdynasty was named after him. King Sagara alsobelonged to Ikshvaku lineage. He had sixty thousandsons. They only dug the sea. Hence the sea was namedafter king Sagara. From then on, the sea was popularlyknown as sagaram.

Ayodhya was situated on the banks of river Sarayu.A long and wide wall was built round the city. A deeptrench was also running alongside the wall, and whichwas filled with water. The wall was well guarded bystrongmen with deadly weapons.

The city was full of tall buildings; tasty andnutritious foods were provided to all citizens; peoplewere entertained with music, dance, drama anddevotional activities.

The rulers of Ayodhya always maintained wellequipped and well trained army to face any eventuality.

The city was full of pleasure gardens, Royalgardens, fruit gardens and flower gardens and ponds toattract lovers and young couples.

14 Valmiki Ramayana

6. Ayodhya under Dasarathas rule

King Dasaratha was one of the best rulers of Ikshvakudynasty. He was ferocious at battles. He was superioramong all the Athiradhas. He was always surrounded byscholars, rishis besides learned people of variousfaculties. He was a liberal hearted, noble, glorious anda mighty person. He was loved by not only urbancitizens but also by the rural population. He used to giveexpensive gifts to scholars and rishis. He was as rich asKubera. He ruled Ayodhya just as Indra ruled Amaravathi.

The citizens of Ayodhya were contended and Godworshiping. There were no atheists or a greedy personin his kingdom. All citizens pursued four tenets viz.Dharma, Ardha, Kama and Moksha. Men and women hadself control and will power. Every house emitted smokefrom their Agni mandapas.

In this way Dasarathas rule resembled as that ofManu.

The rule of DasarathaDasaratha had eight ministers. They were Jayanta,

Vijaya, Siddartha, Ardha, Sadhaka, Asoka, Mantrapala, andSumantra. They were all very knowledgeable personsand personifications of good character and were veryloyal to king.

They were watchful in getting information frompublic. They never spared offence of any nature orcrime. They could judge the nature of the people, just bylooking at their faces. They never spared, even if theirown children were involved in any offence. Once, KingSagara himself banished one of his sons from the country.

Bala Kandam 15

All his ministers were not only diplomats, but alsovery good at battles. With their diplomacy and tact, theyused to solve complex problems by employing fourmethods (viz.) Sama, Dana, Bheda, Danda)

They never punished an innocent but at the sametime no offender was left unpunished.

8. Dasaratha proposes Aswamedha Yaga :

Dasaratha announced to his ministers, priests andBrahmins that he had decided to perform Aswamedhayaga, in order to beget a son. He requested Vasishta toorganize the men and officials required. Also he hadchosen a suitable site for yaga, on the banks of RiverSarayu.

All his priests, pandits and ministers welcomed thekings desire and expressed their happiness.

Sumantra tells about Rishyasringa :

Regarding the yaga, Sumantra, a minister, offeredsome suggestions.

Sumantra: Maharaja! Long ago, I happened to be inthe company of Maharshis. There the great sageSanatkumara told me that king Dasaratha would beblessed with four sons. Let me sum up what Sanatkumaratold the maharishis.

Sanatkumara told :

Oh Maharshis! Shortly, Vibhandaka muni would beblessed with a son. He lives alone in the forest with hisfather till he becomes an adult. He will have a horn onhis head. So he will be called as Rishyasrunga.

16 Valmiki Ramayana

When Rushyasrunga grows up, king Ramapada, ofAnga desa, will rule his country in an unjust and wickedways. As a result, the kingdom would undergo a severefamine. There would be no rains for a long period.

He would consult scholars for a remedy. Theywould advise him Oh the king! Bring Rushyasrunga toour country. All problems would be solved

But no one dares to approach Rushyasrunga for fearof his father Vibhandaka, a rude muni. Again the scholarswould advise the king Send beautiful and tactfulprostitutes, because Rushyasrunga was not aware of theworldly pleasures. They will tempt himand bring himto our country. Further they advised the king to fall atthe feet of Rushyasrunga and seek his protection andsafety from his father.

10. Rushyasrunga visits Angadesam :

Scholars gave a detailed plan to get the young muniRushyasrunga : They told him Oh King, mind controlseverything. Rishyasrunga was living all these years in theforests, serving his father. He is totally unaware of theearthly pleasures.

So we shall engage tactful and beautiful women totempt Rushyasrunga and bring him to our country.

Ramapada: I approve your game plan. Go aheadand make it a success.

Taking approval from the king, the ministersselected a few good looking and experienced womenand sent them to forests with necessary materials. Theybuilt asramas near Vibhandaks asrama.

Bala Kandam 17

When Vibhandaka went out for picking up fruits androots, Rushyasrunga completed his domestic work andwent out for a stroll.

The prostitutes, who are waiting, approached andengaged him in a conversation. They made friendshipwith him. In the course of their sweet talk, they casuallytouched him. Though their seductive touch excited him,he could not understand from where the pleasure andexcitement were coming in his body. He thought thatthey were also just tapasvis like him and his father.

Women: Oh Young muni! Why are you wanderingalone? Who are you? What is your daily routine? Tell us.We want to make friendship with you.

Rushyasrunga: I never saw such a bevy ofbeautiful tapasvis like you. You look very much differentfrom me and my father. I too want to make friendshipwith you. My name is Rushyasrunga. My father,Vibhandaka, and I live in this asrama. Please visit ourasrama and accept my hospitality.

So, after a few days, all the women went toRushyasrungas asrama. Rishyasrunga welcomed them all

Rushyasrunga: Oh Tapasvis! Take this Arghyam andPadyam. These are all roots. They are very tasty. Pleasetake them all. We respect our guests in this manner.

The women took the roots and spent some time withhim. They all invited Rushyasrunga to their asrama andleft before Vibhandaka returned.

Next day, all the women temptingly dressed andmet him at the place where they met him on the first

18 Valmiki Ramayana

day. They all requested him Oh young Brahmin! Cometo our asrama and be our guest. He agreed and wentwith them to Angadesam. The moment Rushyasrunga sethis foot in the kingdom, there began a heavy rain.

Then Ramapada welcomed Rishyasrunga, fell at hisfeet and requested him Oh Muneendra! Please save meand my kingdom from your fathers fury. Then he gavehis daughter, Santa in marriage to him and kept him inhis palace.

11. Rishyasrunga reaches Ayodhya:

Sumantra narrated these past events. But he hadmore to inform the king. He said:-

Maharaja! I will tell you what more Sanatkumara toldto other munis. Please listen:

In the coming ages there would be a king by nameDasaratha from Ikshvaku family. He would be friendlywith Ramapada, the king of Angadesam. Dasaratha wouldrequest Ramapada to send his son-in-law Rushyasrungafor the yagna. Only then Dasaratha would be blessed withfour sons.

So, Maharaja! You go to Angadesam, and request yourfriend to depute Rushyasrunga to complete yourproposed yagna. Then only you will get the full benefitof that yagna.

Accepting Sumantras suggestion, Dasaratha went toRamapada. He met his old and intimate friend andstayed with him for few days. One day he requestedhim to send Rushyasrunga and his wife, to successfullyconduct the yaga.

Bala Kandam 19

Dasaratha requested and prayed Rushyasrunga thathe must help him to arrange, conduct and performPutrakamana Yaga for him. Rushyasrunga agreed andwent with Dasaratha to Ayodhya.

12. Dasaratha commences Yaga :

Vasishta and other scholars decided to commenceyagna in the forthcoming spring which was auspicious.Rushyasrunga gave consent to be Rithvik. All thematerials required for the yagna were procured.

Rushyasrunga assembled Dasaratha and his priests tothe yagnavedika and formally initiated the yaga andblessed him with four sons.

13. Dasaratha dedicates to Yagna :

After completing one full year, Dasaratha entered theyagnavatika to perform yagna. He requested his priestVasishta to take charge of yagnavatika and its religiousmanagement. Vasishta accepted the responsibility tobuild a township.

Vasishta called the architects to build a township forthe visiting kings, subordinate kings, friends, relatives,priests, scholars, and general public to stay and watchthe yagna.

Vasishta prepared the list of materials required forthe yagna and ordered his men and Brahmins to procureand store.

Sumantra sent invitations to all the kings throughthe learned messengers. He himself went personally andand invited Janaka, the king of Mithila, Kekaya, the father

20 Valmiki Ramayana

of Kaikeyi, Ramapada, father-in-law of Rushyasrunga andmany others.

After a few days Vasishta said to Dasaratha Raja! Allthe invitees have arrived. Proper accommodation hasbeen arranged to all. They are all comfortable. All therequired materials were procured and stored. Rutviksand scholars have arrived. So you come and commencethe yagna.

On an auspicious day fixed by Rushyasrunga,Dasaratha formally started the yagna.

14. Aswamedha Yaga:

One year passed. The horse went round the countryreturned safely and unhurt. Dasaratha and others movedto yagnavatika to perform yagna.

All priests and scholars had chosen Rushyasrunga asthe rthvikku. All munis, rishis arrived from far and near.As commanded in sastras, they invoked all devatas.They all squeezed the juice from Soma latha and offeredto Indra as his Havissu. All the invitees were fed well.Every guest was gifted with new clothes.

There twenty one Yupa posts were erected. Ofwhich, six were from the Maaredu tree, six out Maaredutree, six out of Moduga tree, two from Devadaru. Asstipulated in sastras, animals, snakes and birds were tiedto each Yupa. There were about three hundred animalstied to different yapas. Kausalya went round the YagaAswa and thrust with three golden pins. Later Sumitraand Kaikeyi also went round the horse with devotion.They also thrust in the horse three times with golden

Bala Kandam 21

pins. Kausalya spent whole night by the side of thathorse.

King Dasaratha had gifted all his women andkingdom to the priests, hotas and Rithviks. They all cameto king Dasaratha and requested Oh Raja! We are allBrahmins. We know only to recite Veda and teach themto our disciples. Ruling kingdom is not our profession.So you take back everything and in lieu of kingdom andwomen, you give us cows and gold.

Dasaratha agreed and gave gold, lands and cows toBrahmins and took back his women and kingdom.

Then Dasaratha fell at the feet of Rushyasrunga andrequested him to suggest the Vedic Karma to get sons soas to continue Ikshvaku dynasty. Rushyasrunga blessed asOh king Dasaratha! You will have four sons.

15. Putrakamana Yaga :

He assured him that a chapter called Adharvasirassu in Vedas prescribes Putrakamana Yagna and hewould do it for Dasaratha..

At the end of Yagna, Rushyasrunga recited hymnsfrom Vedas and offered oblation to various gods. All ofthem, including Brahma, took their part of havissu. Atthat time all gods made an appeal to Brahma.

Devatas : Oh Creator of all worlds! Brahma! Youhave created a demon by name Ravana. Moreover, youhad given him innumerable boons. Because of thoseboons, even devatas and Gandharvas are not able to defeathim.Sun God could not produce any heat on him. Forfear of him, even the waves in the sea became still.

22 Valmiki Ramayana

Brahmins, and rishis are not able to meditate on God.We request you to evolve some remedy from this evil.

Brahma : Oh Devatas! Dont be afraid of him. Withthe boons he had from me, even Deva or Danava or Yakshaor Rakshasa or Gandharva cannot kill him. Lord Vishnualone can save us. Let us all pray to him.

Brahma : Oh Parameswara! You are omnipotent. Youhave adopted several names and forms to solveproblems. You are always praised by Vedas. You are anembodiment of wisdom. You are the spirit in everyliving being and stay inside as an observer. I respectsuch a supreme power.

With your matchless power of infinity, you havecreated Satva, Rajas and Tamo gunas) in the form ofBrahma, Vishnu, and Rudra. Through them, you areenacting creation, existence and withdrawals. I respectsuch a supreme power.

Oh Parameswara! At the time of destruction of allworlds, you absorb everything in you. Such a supremepower must save us.

Vishnu: Oh Brahma! Devatas! I am aware of thecruelty and atrocities of Ravana, his sins and mistakes.You dont have to fear anymore; I am taking a humanform and taking birth as Dasarathas son. I will killRavana, his sons, his ministers and all the wretchedrakshasas. Further I will live on earth for eleventhousand years.

Lord Vishnu assured all devatas and decided to takebirth in Dasarathas house.

Bala Kandam 23

16. Queens of Dasaratha become pregnant :

Vishnu : Brahma! How do you want me to killRavana?

(Though he knows everything he wanted to knowthe mind of Brahma and devatas.)

Devatas : Oh Parameswara! Ravana had many boonsbestowed by Brahma. On the strength of those boons,Deva, Danava, Yaksha and Gandharvas were included inthe list of lives who could not fight against Ravana or killhim nor they could challenge him. Out of ignorance orarrogance, Ravana did not include humans in that list ofprobable enemies. He did not anticipate a human to killhim. So we all believe that human form will be betterto kill him.

Jagannada! You know everything. But since you haveasked us, we are obeying your orders.

Vishnu : Brahma! I bless you all. I shall do theneedful. You all can go to your respective places.

So, Lord Vishnu resolved to be born as the son of Dasaratha. Incidentally, Dasaratha also completed hisPutrakamana yaga. A brilliant bhootam came out from theHomagundam. It wore Red and black clothes. Its voicewas loud but melodious. It had two wings, which wereas big as two mountains. Its hair looked like gold. Itheld a golden bowl in its hands and said:

Bhootam: Oh Dasaratha Maharaja! I am the servant ofPrajapati. All gods are satisfied with your devotion andperformance of yagna. They are pleased to bless youwith this payasam. By virtue of this payasam you will

24 Valmiki Ramayana

have sons and also health and fame. You give thispayasam to your queens. You will be blessed with sons.

Dasaratha : Oh Mahatma! Like a pauper blessedwith fortune, I am blessed with sons. My joy knows nobounds.

Dasaratha went three rounds with folded hands tothe bhootam and received the bowl containing payasam.He went to his palace, called all the three queens andtold them You take this payasam. By the grace of God,you will all get sons, wealth, health and fame.

Dasaratha gave half of the payasam to Kausalya. Fromthe remaining half, he gave half to Sumitra. From theremaining payasam, he gave half to Kaikeyi. Finally, theremaining payasam was given to Sumitra again.

By virtue of the divine payasam, all the queensbecame pregnant. Dasaratha became the happiest personin the world.

17. The birth of Vanara warriors:

Brahma informed all devatas that Vishnu had taken anew avatar as Dasarathas son and that he would be onearth for a long time to protect dharma and punish theevil.

He said, You all produce children to apsaras andGandharva women, who are to be strong, vigorous, andknowledgeable. All must be capable of changing formsand their size, to help Vishnu.

Indra gave birth to Vali, Sun gave birth to Sugreeva,Vayu gave birth to Hanuma. In the same way, for

Bala Kandam 25

Brihaspati Tarudu; for Agni-Neeludu; for Aswini devatas-Minda and Dwivida; for Varuna-Sushene; and millions ofVanaras were born for various devatas, incorporatingtheir inherent qualities in them.

18. The birth of Sri Rama :

As Dasaratha had sccessfully completed Aswamedhaand Putrakamana yagas, All devatas came and receivedtheir havisis. Dasaratha went back to his place with hisqueens.

Rama was born on the ninth day after Amavasya,which was an aspicious stellar event shown on acrossthe firmament. Five planets were there with the signs ofexaltation that night. The Nakshatra was Punarvasu andthe moon rose in his own house with lofty Jupiter in theKarkataka lagnam, cardinal sign of the crab. Under theseastrological background, that night Dasarathas seniorqueen Kausalya gave birth to a boy. In a day before themoon had moved into Pushyami nakshatra, the youngestqueen Kaikeyi gave birth to a boy. After another daypassed and when the moon was in Aslesha, twin boyswere born to Sumitra.

Dasaratha donated gold, lands and cows to scholars.Jataka karma for the four princes was done by the Royalpriest Vasishta. Subsequently, all the princes were putunder a guru and taught Vedas, Vedangas and sastras.They also learnt skills of archery and horse ridingbesides other skills needed for a warrior.

Lakshmana was closely attached to Rama, whereasSatrughna was emotionally attached to Bharata. Dasarathasaw and enjoyed the prodigious talents of his sons.

26 Valmiki Ramayana

For Dasaratha, Rama had become his life. He lovedRama more than his own life. Rama also was equqllyattached to his father. He used to fulfill everyrequirement of his father even before he asked for it.Dasaratha used to take so much pride about his son Rama.In this way, days passed very quickly.

Dasaratha thought that his princes attained the age ofsixteen and wanted to arrange and celeberate theirwedding. He told Vasishta and others to look for suitablebrides for the princes.

Viswmitra arrives :

One day, Dasaratha was in the durbar with Vasishtaand other ministers, the security guard came andinformed that the great sage Viswamitra was waiting atthe gate. Dasaratha went with Vasishta and ministers andwelcomed him with traditional honours and offered hima superior seat.

Viswamitra : Oh Raja! Are all your people happyand prosperous? Are you free from enemies? Are yousatisfying devatas through yagnas?

Dasaratha : Oh Maharshi! With your arrival, theentire Kosala had become pure and pious. After seeingyou, I am delighted like anything. It is very difficult toexplain my happiness in words. Maharshi! As you havegiven me so much happiness with your presence, youorder me what I can do for you in return. Oh Brahmarshi!With your devotion, dedication and concentration, youhave achieved the title of Brahmarshi. Wherever you setyour foot, would become a pious kshetra.

Bala Kandam 27

Since you entered my durbar, whole of mykingdom became very pure.Oh Maharshi! Howeverdifficult it may be your order, I will obey without fail.You are as great as God. Order me, without anyhesitation.

19. Viswamitra asks Dasaratha to send Rama withhim :

Viswamitra : Oh King Dasaratha! You hail from thegreat Ikshwaku family. Your humble words pleased me.I started a yaga to possess a siddhi. In course of yagaI should maintain silence and also forsake anger. Inview of my weakness, at the end of my yaga, Mareechaand Subahu, the rakshsas are flooding the yagasala withflesh and blood. They desecrate the yagas.As a result Iwas not able to complete it for the past several years.

To complete my yaga, you send Rama with me. Ramaalone can kill those two rakshasas. So, you send him withme without any fear or hesitation. With this Ramas famewill remain as long as the moon shines. You can be restassured, that I will protect him by all means.

20. Dasaratha turns down Viswamitras request:

Dasaratha : Oh superior Muni! Rama has not evencompleted sixteen years. He has no past experience inbattles. So how can he face cruel rakshasas? I dont knowthe background of those rakshasas also.

Viswamitra: Raja! I will tell you about theirbackground. Listen: There is a king of rakshasas by nameRavana. He is the son of Viswavasu and grandson ofPulastya, brother of Kubera. He is strong and vigorous.

28 Valmiki Ramayana

He has several boons from Brahma. He would not do anyevil deeds by himself. He encourages rakshasas to spoilyagas. Mareecha and Subahu are spoiling my yaga. Theyare tools in the hands of Ravana.

Dasaratha: Oh Maharshi! Even deva, danava,gandharva and yakshas also cannot fight against Ravana.How can I send Rama against such a strong and cruelrakshasa? So you may have to excuse me. You are myguru. You are like my father. Please dont insist me onthis issue. I cant send Rama with you.Oh Maharshi!Mareecha and Subahu are trained in deceitful andcunning wars. They are capable of changing formsaccording to their will. So Rama is too young to fightagainst them.

21. Vasishta convinces Dasaratha :

Viswamitra: O Raja! The moment I entered yourdurbar, even before I asked anything from you, youyourself voluntarily offered that you would give mewhatever I ask. Now you are going back from yourpromise. This act of yours will not enhance the prestigeof Raghus dynasty. You and your sons may live in peaceand harmony. I will go back to my asrama.

With these furious words of Viswamitra, the earthtrembled. Devatas and siddhis expressed dismay.

Vasishta : Raja! You are born in Ikshvaku family.You know all dharmas and practice them. You are brave.You are an embodiment of all virtues. So you do notbreak your promise and lose credibility. That would notbring you any credit. Though Rama is just a boy, and

Bala Kandam 29

may not know the intricacies of war and may not bewell versed in any astra-sastras, he would be safe underthe care of Viswamitra. He would take care of Rama as thefire god, Agni, protects the nectar. You do notunderestimate Viswamitras capability. Even Indra doesnot possess as many sastras and astras as Viswamitrapossesses. Bruseswas sons donated all their astras toViswamitra, who now is in possession of all those astras.

Raja! He himself could kill all those rakshasas but inthe interest of Rama only, he came here. Rama would gettrained in battles with rakshasas and earn fame. So yousend Rama with him.

22. Rama, Lakshmana accompany Viswamitra :

As per this counselling by Vasishta, Dasarathaagreed to send Rama and Lakshmana with Viswamitra.

Viswamitra was leading and Rama, Lakshmanafollowed him. When they reached river Sarayu,Viswamitra told Rama and Lakshmana:

Viswamitra: My boys! You both take bath in theriver. I shall teach you some mantras called Bala andAtibala. By the power of those mantras, you will neverfeel tired or hungry or sleeplessness. You will attainmore wisdom, beauty, vigour and valour, and no onewill be equal or superior to you.

23. Kausalya supraja Rama :

They slept on the banks of river Sarayu that night.Before dawn, Viswamitra woke them with a popularsloka Kausalya supraja Rama. This is a song which issung even today to awaken the great Rama.

30 Valmiki Ramayana

Rama and Lakshmana walked upto the banks of riverGanges. On their way, they saw several hermitages builtby many hermits. Passing through one of the tapovanas,Rama asked, Whose vana is this?

Viswamitra said Long ago, Lord Shiva did histapasya here. Manmadha, the love God, tried to distracthis concentration. Lord Shiva became furious for thismischief, and burnt him to ashes. From that day,Manmadha (Cupid, the god of love) lost his physical form.Since he lost his physical organs, this land is named asAnangadesam. (The country of Ananga -he who has nophysical body) Since this was the place once Lord Shivadid penance, many rishis settled here and built theirhermitages.

As they were planning to sleep on the banks ofGanges, the rishis of that tapovana came and invited themto their asramas. Viswamitra sat with them and narratedseveral virtues of God.

24. Crossing River Ganges :

Before dawn, Viswamitra, Rama and Lakshmanacontinued their journey. Many rishis accompanied themupto the river, and arranged a boat to cross the river. Asthey were crossing, the river developed some strangesounds. The current of its flow increased rapidly. Ramaasked Viswamitra the reason for it.

Viswamitra : Rama! Long ago Brahma did penanceon Mt. Kailash. At that time, he wanted a lake by hisside. Immediately a lake was formed. Since it wascreated by a mere thought of his mind, it was named as

Bala Kandam 31

Manasa Sarovaram. The excess water flowed from thatsarassu, formed as a river and flowed into the plains.Since it is an overflowimg water from Sarassu, the riveris named as Sarayu. The river Sarayu is joining Gangesat this point. So you are hearing sublime sounds of itsflow. You both worship these rivers.

Accordingly, the princes worshipped the rivers.Then they reached the southern banks of river Gangesand continued their journey.

Viswamitra: My child! Long ago Indra suffered thesin of Brahmahatya for killing Vritasura. The sin of thisBrahmahatya attacked him in the form of acute hungerand impurity. With these setbacks, no one can enterheaven. So also Indra was denied entry to heaven.Devatas and devarshis took pity on him and purified withVedic mantras and washed him with holy waters. Theimpurities from his body fell on this land. Since the landis filled with impurities and filth, it was called asMalamu and Kalasamu,. However, Indra out ofgratitude, made these malada-karura cities very fertile.Since then, people were able to live with prosperity andcomforts in Malada-Karura desams.

After sometime, a yakshini by name Tataka, entered this country and settled here. She began eating people.Since Tataka made it her residence, it is called as TatakaVanam.

Tataka has the strength of thousand elephants. Shemarried Sundadu. Through him, she had a son by nameMareecha. He was having as much strength as that ofIndra. Mareechas face is as big as a hillock. Teasing andkilling of people are his hobbies.

32 Valmiki Ramayana

Rama! Ever since Tataka entered this land, peopleabandoned this Tataka vanam. Now you should kill thatRakshasi and turn this country fit for safe living, and alsofertile and prosperous again.

Rama! I told you about her birth and antecedents.I will also narrate to you with what objective she enteredthis forest. Listen :

25. Viswamitra provokes Rama to kill Tataka :

Rama : Maharshi! Normally yakshas are weak limbs.How that Tataka is so strong?

Viswamitra : Rama! Long ago there lived a Yakshaby name Suketun. As he had no children, he madetapasya on Brahma, who was pleased and so blessed himwith a daughter. Brahma also blessed that girl would beas strong as thousand elephants. She was named Tataka.As soon as she attained youth, Suketuvu married her toSundu. After some time they had a son by nameMareecha. He was as strong as his mother, but he becamea rakshasa due to some curse.

When Agastya maharshi was deeply involved inmeditating, Sundu disturbed him. Getting angry maharshicursed him to death. Furious Tataka and Mareechaattacked maharshi to kill him. He cursed them to becomerakshasas and to have ugly faces and frighten people,and to live on human flesh.

As she possessed the form of rakshasi, she killedpeople indiscriminately. People got scared of herpresence and migrated to places of safety. Since then, shedeveloped vengeance on scholars, and began spoiling

Bala Kandam 33

their yagnas. She was killing tapasvins and eating theirflesh.

Rama! Dont hesitate to kill her, simply because shehappens to be a woman. You can kill her, since she iskilling scholars and cows. In the interest of people, aking can kill even a woman. In the same way, Indrakilled Vasundhara the daughter of Virochana. Long ago,Brighu maharshis wife did penance for the eradication ofthe post of Indra. Then Vishnu killed her. Likewise, youkill her immediately without any hesitation.

26. Rama kills Tataka :

Rama : Maharsihi! In the presence of Vasishta andothers, my father told me, to do everything that youorder. Today obeying your order is my duty. Mahatma!You are a defender of Vedas. Whatever you say in theinterest of people, I will obey your orders. In the interestof cows and scholars, I shall certainly kill her.

Then Rama took his bow and twanged its strings.That sound spread to all the four directions and createdterror. On hearing that terrific sound, Tataka came outfuriously to know what it was. She saw many peoplestanding.

Tataka created a whirl wind and rained with stones.She jumped on them. Lakshmana cut her nose and ears.Notwithstanding the pain, she started raining bouldersinstead of stones and dust. Thereby she made the skyhazy and invisible. No one knew where she was.

Then Rama discharged the Sabdavedhi astra, whichwould attack the object by virtue of its sound itself. That

34 Valmiki Ramayana

arrow went and struck her chest. She immediatelycollapsed and died.

Viswamitra complimented Rama and said, Oh Rama!Whoever sees or whomever you see, will becomefortunate and attain superior worlds.``

They all slept there for that night. Next day,Viswamitra asked Rama to take bath and come back. Thenhe asked Rama to turn east and sit to initiate some moremantras. Rama did accordingly and received mantras.

27. Viswamitra gives many Astras to Rama :

Viswamitra : Oh Rama! You are the superior to allpeople. You are the purest person. You have a bath andcome back. I will bestow you some more astras. Withthese astras nobody including deva, danava, yaksha,rakshasa and any other warrior can defeat you.

Rama, I hereby pass on to you the ability to use verymany weapons such as dharmachakra, Kalachakra,Vishnuchakara, Indrastra, Vajrastra, Brahmastra, Modaki andSikhini ( two clubs), Sikharam and Hrdramu (thunderbolts), Sikhara Agneyastram, Prechana (Vayavyastra), HayaSirassu and Kraunchamu (Sakthi), Kankalamu, KapelamuKankanem (musloms), Vaidyadhare (Sword), Yaudhsevaastram (with this astra one can wake up the enemy ormake them to sleep), Paupana, Sosana, Santepana, Vilopanaastras, Madnastram (most favorite to Manmadha),Mohanastram (pertaining to Pisechas). Tamasa-Samanastras, Sovardha, Mounala, Satya, Mayadhere Astras.Sudamestram (It will take away the strength of theenemy), Somedevakastram, sisinestram, and Mohanastram.

Bala Kandam 35

He further said Even for Devatas it is not possibleto posses all these rarest weapons.

Then Viswamaitra taught Rama all the mantraspertaining to each of the astras. Rama learnt mantras foreach one of them. Then all the devatas of the astras,stood before Rama obediently and said We are all yourservants. Rama touched all the astra-devatas by hand andtold them Please always stay in my mind . Then theMuni and Rama resumed their journey.

28. Rama reaches Sidhasrama :

Rama : Maharshi! With your kind grace I ampossessing all the Astras and their withdrawal mantrasalso. My mind is now as pleasant as beautiful mountainsand forests. I have a feeling that I know all these placesearlier. I see many hermitages, whose asrams are they?

Viswamitra : Rama! Kasyapa attained Sidhi in thisasrama. That is why this is called as Sidha asrama.

In those days, king Bali, had defeated all devatasand Indra was driven away from the heaven. All the keyposts were filled by rakshasas. Agni, the fire god, onbehalf of Indra, prayed to Vishnu.

Agni: Oh Deva! You have no alternative god! Youare the only real god! You are superior! You are pure!I salute at your feet.

Oh my lord! King Bali, son of Virochana isperforming a great Yagna and donating invaluable giftsto scholars. All the devatas were dislodged from heaven.So in the interest of dharma, you must punish Bali and

36 Valmiki Ramayana

protect dharma and devatas. At the same time Bali alsoprayed saying Yagneswara! Yagna Swaroopa! Achuta!You are the savior of all needy people! Give us fortune!If you are satisfied, you give everything! If you are wise,you will make any one most capable to enjoy Dharma,Ardha and Kama! You bless all Sidhis. I prostate to LordVishnu.

Vishnu: Oh Kasyapa prajapathy! Rakshasas defeatedand drove away your son from the heaven. I know that.At the moment, the power of demons is on the higherside. Added to that, they are all well protected bySukracharya. So you cannot defeat them.

You have meditated on me and did this yagna forme. I am satisfied. I will be born as your son. Keep thisas a top request.

Thus granting the boon, he disappeared.

29.Continues Viswamithra:

Rama! On the twelfth day in Sravana, Vamana wasborn to Kasyapa. Upanayanam was performed at theappropriate time.

On the banks of river Narmada, under the guidanceof Sukracharya, Bali performed an Aswamedha yaga. Theshining Vamana reached the yagnasala. Bali saw the boyand was astonished at the brilliance on his face. Baliwashed his feet and sprinkled the holy water on hishead and asked him Oh superior Brahmin! By touchingyour feet, all my ancestors are purified. You order mewhat you want. I will give you immediately.``

Bala Kandam 37

Vamana, who was actually the Lord Vishnu himselfin this form, asked for mere three feet of land. Baliagreed to this request. Vamana with those three feet occupied all the three worlds and fastened Bali, he gaveheaven to Mahendra and Patala to Bali.

Rama! After Balis episode, Vamana stayed in thisasrama for a few years. As I am devoted to Vishnu somuch, I prefer to stay in this asrama.

Rama! Many rishis came here to perform yagnas. Todisturb their yagnas, rakshasas also wander here and spoilour yagas. Unless you kill them all, we cannot performyagas peacefully. So kill them all.

Rama! We are now in that pious Sidha asrama. Thisis your own asrama. Since I am your devotee, it belongsto me also.

Rama and Lakshmana said : Oh superior Muni!You can take your deeksha and perform yagna. You wordswill become true.

30. Rama meets the rishis and kills Rakshasas :Rama : Oh Maharshis! You let us know the precise

time: we shall kill all rakshasas and save your yagna.

Maharshis : Oh princes! Now Viswamitra has takenyaga deeksha. Till the end of his yaga, he will maintainsilence. So you both are to be vigilant for six days andsix nights from today.

So, Rama and Lakshmana guarded the yagasala forfive days and five nights. On the sixth day, the sky overthe yagasala developed flame. That was an indicationthat in a short time the rakshasas were going to attack.

38 Valmiki Ramayana

Rama : Lakshmana! Look at my ability in archery.Just as Vayu drives away the clouds, my arrows willdrive away these rakshasas.

So saying, Rama took out the Manavastra and shot itinto the chest of Mareecha. With the power of that astra,Mareecha was not killed, but was thrown hundredyojanas away from the yagasala. Rama and Lakshmanasuccessfully killed Subahu and all other rakshasas.

Viswamitra : Rama! You have successfullycompleted your job. By the grace of you, I completed myyagna. You have made Siddhasrama immortal. Icongratulate both of you!

31. Travel to Mithila :

Viswamitra completed his yaga successfully. Hehappily spent few days in Sidhasrama, with Rama andLakshmana. One day both the princes went to Viswamitraand said with utmost reverence:

Rama, Lakshmana : Oh Maharshi! We are yourservants. Order us what more service we can do foryou? What are the further assignments?

Munis: Oh Rama! You both killed all rakshasas andprotected us. From now onwards, we can continue ourtapasya and yagas peacefully. Now we are all going toMithila to see a great yagna being performed by kingJanaka. You also come with us. There is some surprise foryou also.

Rama! Long ago Devata, king of Mithila did a greatyagna. At that time, they gave him a bow for safecustody. Since then, that bow was in their possession.

Bala Kandam 39

The centre portion of that bow was very strong andhard. Many Devatas, gandharvas and kings tried to stringit but failed. So you both come with us. Rama wantedto see the bow. They arranged to make a trip to Mithila.

Before dawn, they started their journey.

Viswamitra took leave from the goddess of forestsand started to Mithila with other rishis. Out of love forViswamitra, all the animals and birds followed them.After some distance, he persuaded them to go back tothe forest and blessed them to live happily.

32. The daughters of king Kusanabha :

On the way to Mithila, Rama asks : Oh Puremaharshi! Those places are looking beautiful with flowersand gardens. Is there anything to know in this place?

Viswamitra : Rama! Long ago there lived a king byname Kusudu. He was the son of Brahma. He lived in thepath of dharma. He had four sons: Kusambudu,Kusesebhudu, Adhorterajasudu and Vasubu. Kusudu toldhis sons to build a city for each one of them and rulefrom there, Presently, we are now in the kingdombelonging to Vasu. His city is surrounded by hills on allsides. So it is named as Girivrajapuram. Here all riversflow from east to west. Because sufficient water isavailable for irrigation, the country is rich in grains andcattle. Kusanabha married Ghrutachi, an apsara woman.Through her, he had one hundred daughters. In course oftime, they all attained youth. While they were spendingtheir time playfully, one day Vayu, the god of wind, fellin love with them. He said to those maidens :

40 Valmiki Ramayana

Vayu :

Oh Princes! At the first sight itself, I fell in lovewith you all. I want to marry and make you all divinegirls. Thereby you will not suffer from old age, diseasesor death.

Princes : Oh God Vayu! We all hail from respectablefamilies. We do not take decisions independently. Wemarry a person whomever our father arranges for us.

Vayu tried several ways to convince them to hisway. As he failed, he was very much annoyed withthem and cursed You all become hunchback.Immediately they all become hunchback. They wenthome and told their father what had happened.

33. Kusanabha consoles his daughters:

Kusanabhas daughters : Father! Vayu wanted us tomarry. We told him we were all protected by our fatherand hence we could not take decisions independently.He was annoyed and cursed us all to be hunch back.

Kusanabha : My children! You said the right thing.Patience is rhetoric for women, though you are capableof cursing Vayu in retaliation, you have not resorted tothat. You kept up our family prestige. Since your motherGhrutachi belongs to devata community, I presume youare also devatas.

Kusanabha consoled his daughters and sent them totheir apartment. Next he summoned his ministers andasked them to look for suitable bride grooms for hisdaughters.

Bala Kandam 41

Ministers: Oh King! Once there lived a great tapasviby name Chooli. A gandharva by name Somada wasserving him. One day Maharshi offered her a boon inappreciation of her sincere and honest services. She toldhim Oh Maharshi! You are as glorious as Lord Brahma;I am neither a wife to any one nor do I have anyhusband. However, I want a son as great tapasvi as youare. Bless me Maharshi blessed her with a son by themere power of his will. Thus she had a son by nameBrahmadutta. He became the king of Kapilya. He is asuitable person to marry these girls.

As advised by his ministers, Kusadhwaja invitedBrahmadatta to his capital and gave all his daughters tohim as his wives. Brahmadatta took the hands of all thegirls one after the other. By touching his hand all ofthem got back their previous beautiful forms.

34. The birth of King Gadhi:

Viswamitra : Rama! Kusanabha had daughters only.He very much wanted a son. So he performedputrakamana yaga. While he was performing yaga, hisfather Kusudu appeared before him and blessed himYou will get a son and disappeared.

Subsequently Kusanabha had a son by name Gadhi.Gadhi ruled his country in a righteous manner. Gadhi ismy father; I have a sister by name Satyavathi. She wasa chaste and virtuous wife. She went to heaven with herhusband. From there, she became a river to servepeople. That river flows from Himalayas by nameKausiki.

42 Valmiki Ramayana

Rama! This is my birth details and mybackground.

On hearing, Rama said Oh Maharshi! No wonderthat in your family all the scions were the most piousand had rightly attained everything.

35. The birth of Ganges :

The next day, Rama and Lakshmana completedmorning rituals and went to Viswamitra to inform himabout their readiness for the journey. Viswamitra saidLook Rama! All these maharshis know the way to Mithila.They will lead us and we follow them.

Rama : Maharshi! I am aware the river Ganges ispious for all the three worlds. I would like to know howit has become so pious.

Viswamitra : Rama! Himavanta is the king of allmountains. Himalayas is his abode. He had twodaughters. The eldest was Ganga. She was so beautiful.All the people of three worlds wanted her. VirtuousHimavanta gave her to devatas. That is how it became adivine river.

36. Parvati wants a child:

Rama : Maharshi! If Ganges became a divine river,how it flowed in three directions?

Viswamitra : Rama! Lord Siva and Parvati enjoyedblissful marital life continuously for over hundreddivine years. Brahma and other devatas went to Siva andprayed Oh Parameswara! None of the three worlds canabsorb your rethassu. So we all request you to hold it in

Bala Kandam 43

your body itself. Then Siva told them Oh Brahma! Myrethassu has already started flowing from the place of itsorigin. I cannot stop it. So you show me a place whereI can discharge it.

Brahma consulted other devatas and said OhParameswara! You discharge it on earth. So Sivadischarged his rethassu on earth. It had overflown inforests and mountains. People of all worlds werefrightened. Then Brahma and other devatas requested toabsorb it. Agni with the help of Vayu froze the entirefluid, which became a white mountain.

From that mountain a divine saravanam was raised,which was as bright as Agni and Sun. From thoseSaravanams, a boy was born. He was named asKumaraswamy. Since he had born from the semen of Sivaand Agni, he was also called as Agnisambhavudu.Since he was brought by krithikas, he was called Karthikeya and Saravana. Brahma and other devataspraised Uma-Maheswara in several ways.

Rama! Though Devatas praised Uma-Maheswara,Umadevi was annoyed at the devatas and said OhDevatas! When I was having intimate moments withLord Shiva with a view to have a son. You all spoiledit. So I curse you that in future you also do not havechildren through your wives. Further, she also cur