SOME SRIVAISHNAVA SIDDHANTA LESSONS
(Anbil Ramaswamy)
A few Srivaishnava Siddhanta lessons gleaned from ?Sundara KhaNDam? highlighted in a short speech on the occasion of PaTTa abhishEkam of Sri ?Sita-Rama? on the conclusion of ?Sapta Sarga ParayaNam?
1. Meaning of the word ?Aikhyam? as per the three streams of Vedanta
THE SCENE:
Sri Sita asks Hanuman: how an alliance got forged between the simian and the homo-sapien species?
?VaanaraaNaam NaraanNaam cha katham aseeth samaagama??
Hanuman after describing the events leading up to this alliance, concludes:
?This is how the ?coming together? between Rama and Sugreeva came about?
?Raama SugreevayOr aikhyam Devi yEvam samajaayayta?
PHILOSOPHICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
Our Poorvacharyas quote this conversation to demolish on the one hand, the Advaitic interpretation of ?aikhyam? in the ultimate state of liberation (Moksha) as the complete and indistinguishable merging of Jivatama with Paramatma and the Dvaita interpretation seeking to establish Jivaatama from Paramaatma being totally and eternally separate and mutually exclusive entities.
The ?merger theory? projected by Advaitins as ?Saayujyam? is not supported by Srutis explicitly. It is repugnant to the much too numerous ?differential statements? (BEda Srutis) that abound all over the Vedas and therefore is faulty. ?Aikhyam? means merely ?Coming together?, ?an alliance? and definitely not ?merger?.
The ?eternal difference theory? of Dvaitins, at the other extreme, is equally faulty. ?ParipoorNa Brahmaanubhavam? as explained in Adhikaram 22 of Srimad Rahasya Traya Saaram of Swami Desika, reconciles these two opposing theories by interpreting the concept as ?Saamyam? which means ?alliance?, ?likeness? etc. - which do not lead either to a complete merger nor eternal separation. But a ?coming together?.(sam+ aagamaJ and happening together (Sam+ajaayataa)
Swami further explains this coming together known as ?Saayujyam? as ?Samaana yOgam + KshEmam? i.e. ?Sharing the enjoyment together in all happiness? - except those that are the exclusive domain of Bhagavaan like
i. Being the cause of all creations in the world (jagat kaaraNatvam)
ii. Having the Power to grant Moksham (mOksha pradatvam)
iii. Being the Support of everything (Sarva aadhaaratvam)
iv. Being the Controller of the universe (Sarva niyantutvam)
v. Being the Master of the universe (Sarva Seshitvam)
vi. Being the body of sentient beings and insentient things (Sarva Sareeratvam)
vii. Being the object of all subjects (Sarva Sabda vaachyatvam)
viii. Being glorified in all the Vedas (Sarva Veda vEdhyatvam)
ix. Being the ultimate refuge of all (Sarva lOka saraNyatvam)
x. Being the only means for all who desire liberation (Sarva mumukshu upaayatvam)
xi. Having the ability to grant all desires (Sarva phala pradatvam)
xii. Being omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent and the very personification of absolute joy (Sarva Vyaapta jnaana aananda svaroopatvam) and
xiii. Being the Spouse of Sri Lakshmi (Lakshmee sahaayatvam)
Swami further explains that there is no difference in enjoyment as between the different Jeevas while attaining Paramapadam nor any gradations as between SaalOkhyam, Saaroopyam, Saameepyam and Saayujyam as projected by Dvaitins and says that ? like a hundred being inherent in a thousand?, all other stages mentioned above are included in ?Saayujyam?.
-------------------------------------------------------
2. BRAHMAASTRAM AND SARANAGATHI:
THE SCENE
Indrajit binds Hanuman with Brahmaastra, the most potent ?weapon of destruction? (WMD?) after failing to vanquish him with other astras. And, for a while, it rendered Hanuman powerless. Hanuman willingly submitted himself to it in deference to the Great teacher of the worlds, the four-faced Brahma. He himself had secured a boon that even Brahmaastra can have a binding power on him only for one muhoortha. He feigned unconsciousness and great fear.
Now, the other Raakshasas rushed to the side of helpless Hanuman and started binding him with cords, ropes, barks of trees, jute, torn old cloths etc. No sooner had they bound him thus with such despicable materials than Brahmaastra gave up its hold.
Babhandhu: saNavalkalais cha drumachherais cha samhatai: /
Sa badddhas tEna valkEna vimuktO astrENa veeryavaan /
Astra bandha: sa cha anyam hi na bandhanam anuvartatE//
(Sargam 48 ? 46 & 48)
Indrajit exclaimed with impotent grief and anger:
?Alas! These fools are blissfully ignorant of the fact that the Brahmaastra will give up its grip when associated with any other of a lower kind. They have sadly undone my work. They have cruelly deprived me of my mightiest weapon. And, most unfortunate of all, I am prevented from using any other weapon against the enemy, once I have shot at him with the astra of Brahma and I cannot discharge Brahmaastra twice?. And, he sank into a fit of gloom and anxiety.
THE PHILOSOPHICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
- Like Brahmaastram that can be used only once, Prapatti can and need be done only once for securing Moksham. However, a subsequent Prapatti can be made for expiation of sins incurred in the Post- Prapatti period but NOT for the purpose of securing Moksham.
Such a Prapatti is called ?Praayschitha Prapatti?
- Like Brahmaastram that does not permit its being trivialized by astras of a lower kind, Prapatti done once will become futile, if the Prapanna resorts to other means thereafter for the purpose of securing Moksham.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Q&A On Ramayana
We commence with a few questions that H.H. poses and answers:
1. What is so great about Srimad Ramayanam that we are asked to learn it?
Answer:
Srimad Ramayanam is a great epic, the first and foremost dealing with Sri Rama and Sri Sita as the hero and the heroine. Sage Naarada declares that mere listening and learning this epic story can bestow mental peace, sense of fulfillment, true knowledge, carefree life, physical health and fearlessness.
ThushTa: pushTa; sudhaarmika: /
NiraamayO hi arOgascha durbiksha bhaya varjitha: //
What more can one wish for than these in this life?
That is why, Nammazhwar asked in Tiruvoimozhi 7.5
Karpaar Raamapiraanai allaal matrum karparO?
? Will anyone wish to learn anything other than Sri Ramapiraan??
That is why, Bhagavad Ramanuja stayed at the feet of Tirumalai NambigaL for one whole year and listened to the KalakshEpam of Srimad Ramayanam and the esoteric inner meanings treasured therein.
That is why, Tiruvarangathu Amudanaar in his ?Ramanuja Nootranthaadhi? eulogizes Ramanuja?s involvement in the study of Srimad Ramayanam thus:
PaDi koNDa keerthi RaamaayaNam ennum bhakti veLLam
kuDi kONda kOil Iraamaanujan.
When the Veda Purusha took His incarnation on earth as Rama, the son of Dasaratha, Vedam also took its incarnation as RaamaayaNa through Sage Valmiki?
Veda vEDhyE parE pumsi jaathE dasaraathmajE /
VEda; praachEthasaath aaseeth saakshaath RaamaayaNaathmanaa //
When poet Muraari wished to write an epic, ?Anargha Raaghavam?, he was asked why he chose to write on the oft-repeated hero, Rama, he answered-
?It is not proper to leave out Rama, for this reason. None has so far succeeded in completely recounting the auspicious qualities of Rama.
Here is an epic that teaches practical lessons on how a ruler should rule, how citizens should lead their life in society, how parents, children, siblings, in-laws and other members of a family should interact with each other. In short, it shows how to regulate life at the individual level, at the family level and at the level of society.
This is not merely a story but is also history, code of conduct, philosophical treatise ? all rolled into one - all meant to elevate the quality of life here and hereafter. Can you show any other work to compare with this epic??
2. Srimad RaamaayaNa is greater than Sri Rama Himself is. Do you know why?
A mirror can only reflect the image of one standing in front of it and for the duration of the person standing there. But the mirror of epic reveals Rama forever. Rama could be seen and enjoyed in His Vibava Avataara only by those who were coeval with Him; but Srimad RaamaayaNa reveals the Lord and thereby ennobles our lives especially in this Kaliyuga.
Sage Bardhwaaja learned from Valmiki that Ramayanam is the essence of all the four Vedas; the letter ?Ra? refers to Rug Veda; ?Ma?, Saama Veda; ?ya?, Yajur Veda and ?Nam?, AtharvaNa Vedam. So learning RaamaayaNam is equal to learning all the four Vedas.
When Haaritha, the hunter, waylaid some Maharishis, they asked him to go consult his family members whether anyone of them who benefited by his plunders were willing to share the sins he committed. None came forward and he returned to the Mahrishis and in a penitent mood inquired whether in view of his background of sin, he was eligible to be initiated into ?Raama naama?. The Maharishis replied: ? Unlike the text of the Vedas, there is no stipulation as to who can learn this Raama naama Japam and who cannot. There is none that has not attained liberation by doing this Japam. Luckily, Sriman Narayana is now born as Sri Rama in Ayodhya. Receive from us ?Raama naama mantra? and all blessings will be yours?,
Paatra apaatra vichaarO na Raama naamnaam prakeerthanE /
SravaNE cha upadEse cha tasmaath taththOdhyuthu kshamam /
Uthishta uthishta badram thEsaphala; satsamaagama: /
Rama naama samuchchaarya yasmaath paapaath na muchyatE/
Trailokhyaam asthi thannaiva sathyam etath prakeerthitham //
So saying, they advised him to repeat the word known to him as a hunter viz. ?maraamaram? meaning a tree by that name,
? Ekaagra manasaa atraiva marE ithi japa sarvadhaa?-Adhyaatma Ramayanam.
As he went on repeating it, it became ?Rama?, ?Rama?. That saved the hunter. This hunter is none other than Sage Valmiki!
3. What is the Avatara Rahasyam of Rama Avataara?
Rama learned his basic education at the feet of VasishTa. But, when he came of age when one is normally become subject to Kaama (desire) and KrOdha (anger), he underwent practical training at the hands of Viswaamitra who himself had suffered and graduated out of all these tendencies and therefore could impart such practical training! Even otherwise, Sri Rama was born to show the world the Grihastasrama Dharmam, filial obedience, fraternal love besides laws of nature, of the world, and Raja tantra (politics)
4. Rama naama is greater than Rama Himself. How?
Rama had to build a bridge across the Ocean to march on foot his army across to Lanka. But, AnjanEya could jump and literally fly over the ocean with absolute ease by chanting Rama Naama!
5. Raama naama is equal to Sahasra naama. How?
Once, Paarvati inquired Lord Siva whether there was anyway by which the learned ones could quickly recite the VishNu Sahasra naamam,
Kena upaayEna laghunaa VishNOr naama Sahasrakam /
PaTyathE PaNDithair nityam srOthum Ichchaami aham PrabhO //
He replied: ? Repeating the name of Raama is equal to reciting the entire 1000 names of Lord VishNu?
?Sri Raama Raama Raama ithi ramE Raame manOramE/
sahasranaama thath thulyam Raama naama varaananE //
Aadhi Sankara in his ?Raama KarNaamrutham? says-
?KalyaaNaanaanm nidhaanam kalimala mathanam paavanam paavanaanaam,
PaathEyam yan mumukshO: sapdhi parapadha praaptayE prasthithasya
Visraamasthaanam ekam kavi vara vachasaam jeevitham sajjanaanaam
Beejam dharmadhrumasya prabhavathu bhavathaam bhoothayE Raamanaama?
Meaning:
? There is one center of all bliss. It alone can dispel the sins of Kali, It alone can purify us, It acts as the food parcel to the mumukshu -traveler on the way to Paramapadam, It is beyond description even by the best of poets, It bestows bliss on the virtuous. It is the very seed of Dharma that sustains. It is this Rama Naama.?
Rama Avatara showed by ?Practice? what Krishna Avatara sought to ?preach? in the matter of Achaara and AnushTaana.
That is why while waking up Rama, Sage Viswamitra said-
? Kousalyaa Suprajaa Raama! Poorvaa Sandhyaa PravarthathE,
UthishTa narasaardhuula karthavyam deivam AHNIKAM?
That is why, elders used to say ?
?The Lord first ? practiced? as Sri Rama and then only ?preached? as Sri Krishna. So, try to do as Rama did and as KrishNa advised?
1. WHAT IS "SATHAKOTI RAMAYANAM"?
This mammoth work containing 9 Lakh khANDams, 900 Lakhs Sargams and
One Crore SlOkams, is believed to have been composed originally by
Sage VAlmiki. When Devas, Daityas and NagAs wanted to take the entire
work to their respective worlds and fought among themselves, the Lord
divided it into 3 parts allotting to each party 1/3rd of the
Granthas, and distributed the rest to MahAlakshmi, AadhisEshan and
GaruDan who took them to VaikunTam, PathALam and BhoolOkam
respectively. Two aksharams remained namely "RA' and "MA" which the
Lord gave to Siva .It is with this mantra that Siva is said to
whisper into the ears of to those about to die in Kasi kshEtram.
The part that was brought to "BHOOLOKAM" was divided as between the
islands (Dweepas) called Pushkaram, SAkham, Plaksham, Kucham,
Krouncham, Salmalee, and JAMBHU. Still, there was a balance of 4
SlOkas which the Lord advised to His son, Brahma
The portion which "JAMBHUDWEEPA" got was again distributed as between
the 9 Varshas called Kuru, HiraNmayam, Ramyakam, KethumAlam,
ILAvritham, BhadrAchalam, Hari, Kimpurusham, and BHARATHA VARSHAM".
One aksharam viz "Sri", however, was common to all the Varshams.
Of those that fell to the lot of "BHARATHAVARSHAM" it got further
subdivided as between different KhaNDas The portion that came into
the possession of "BHARATHAHKHANDAM" was the Srimad VAlmiki RAmAyaNa
of 24.000+ slOkas, which we know today.
Authority:
Ananda RAmAyaNam, ManOhara khANDam 1 &17; YAtrAkANDAm 1; Adbutha
RAmAyaNam 1; GovindarAjeeya VyAkhyAnams of Srimad VAlmiki RAmAyaNam,
BAlakhANDam of Tulasi dAsa RAmAyaNam all quoted by Sri C. R.
SrinivAsa Iyengar's Notes to Srimad RAmAyaNam BAlakhANDam (p2 to6)
2. HOW DID "SARAYU" RIVER GET ITS NAME?
Once upon a time in one of the previous "Kritayugas", a daitya
named "Sankan" stole the Vedas and hid under the Ocean. The Lord
killed him and retrieved the Vedas. The tears of joy flowing from the
Lord's eyes fell atop the HimAlayas and flowed down to the lake
called "mAnasa saras" When Vaivaswatha Manu wanted to do penance and
asked for an appropriate place to do it, his Guru advised him to
create a river from the "mAnasa saras". Accordingly, he broke open a
tiny part of the "saras" by aiming an arrow from his quiver. The
water flowed as a river near AyOdhya. As the water gushed forth from
the impact of an arrow, it came to be called "Sarayu".
(Authority: Ananda RAmAyaNam YAtrAkANDAm 4 quoted by Sri C.R.
SrinivAsa Iyengar in his Notes to BAlakhANDam (p378 &379)
3. HOW DID "TRISANKU" ACQUIRE HIS NAME?
Satyavrata was the son of an IkshvAgu king, TraiyAruNan. He was so
cruel that he drove away his father into exile. Subsequently, his
kingdom came under a severe famine. His Guru did not help him
because he thought that the famine was a just punishment for his
misdeeds. The king came across Sage ViswAmitra in the forest and
helped him to redeem his middle son who was earlier traded for food.
Once, when he himself could not find anything to eat, he killed the
cow of his Guru and consumed it without uttering the "ParisEshaNa
mantram". Because, he had committed three heinous sins of
disregarding his father (pitrudrOham), killing the cow of his Guru
(Gohathya) and Eating without mantram (mantraheena), he was
called "Trisanku". Because he had pleased ViswAmitra, the latter
helped him through his yOgic powers to reach Swargam with his
physical body.
Authority: VAyu PurANam 86.88 Quoted by Sri C.R. SrinivAsa Iyengar in
his Notes to BAlakhANDam (p463-464)
4. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE NAME "VAIDEHI"?
"VaidEhi" means one who was not born out of body (deham) of
anyone. "It means Sri MahAlakshmi"
Authority: Sri C.R SrinivAsa Iyengar's Notes on AyOdhyAkhANDam p 73)
5. HOW DID "PANCHAVATI" GET ITS NAME?
"PanchavaTi" lies on the Eastern bank of GOdAvari river near Nasik.
It was surrounded by 5 Banyan trees. Hence,it was called "PanchavaTi'.
("Pancha" means "Five" and "vaTA" means "Banyan tree")
Authority: Sri C.R. SrinivAsa Iyengar's Notes on AraNyakhANDam p49)
6. WHAT IS MEANT BY THE WORD "KAKUTSTHA"
When Puranjaya, the grandson of King IkshvAghu was ruling over
AyOdhya, a great war erupted in which as usual, the Asuras defeated
the Devas and as usual they prayed to Lord VishNu to help them. The
Lord advised them to take the help of Puranjaya to whom he would
bestow His own powers. When the Devas approached Puranjaya, he laid
a condition that if DevEndra could officiate as his vehicle
(vAhanam), he was prepared to help. DevEndra took the form of a bull
and held Puranjaya between his horns and Puranjaya defeated the
asuras. Since, Puranjaya was seated between the horns of a bull, he
came to be known as "KAkutstha" "kakuth" means horns of a bull "stha"
means "seated" Authority (ibid. Notes on SundarakhANDam (p10)
7. WHAT IS THE AGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SRI RAMA AND SRI SITA?
Sita was younger to Rama by just 6 months. Sita matured at age 11.
Authority Ananda RAmAyaNam 5 Quoted by ibid. Notes on AyOdhyAkhANDam
(p11)
8. WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE WORD "MADABHOOSI"?
It is said that when Bharata went to request Sri RAma to return to
AyOdhya, Sri Rama declined saying he could not transgress the command
of his father. When during the conversation between them (celebrated
as "RAMAGITA"), Bharata admired Sri Rama for his devotion to their
father. Sri Rama is reported to have referred to KAsyapa Rishi (of
Naitrava KAsyapa GOtram fame).KAsyapa's mother was too old to even
stand but wanted to be taken for a pilgrimage. KAsyapa put her
comfortably on a hammock and carried her all along to fulfill her
wish. Sri RAma referred to him as "one who adorned his mother" (Matru
bhooshaNam) and that he himself was no bhooshaNam to his father
(quite unlike KAsyapa), since he could not even perform the last
rites of his father. This word "MAtru bhooshaNam" in course of time
got corrupted into "MADa bhoosi".
(I understand that all "MADa bhoosis" belong to "Naitrava KAsyapa
GOtram ? I am subject to correction !- Editor)
Authority: Heard in KAlakshepam and it is said that because of
this "Matru sisroosha",KAsyapa attained Swarga and became PrajApathi
subsequently - ibid. Notes on AyOdhyAkhANDam (p19)
9. HOW DID "DHANUSHKODI" ACQUIRE ITS NAME?
Sri Rama used his bow to break Sethu at the northern tip of Lanka.
Hence, it came to be known as "Dhanush-kODi" "Dhanus" means "bow"
and `KoDi" means tip, corner" etc.
Authority: ibid. Notes on YuddhakhANDam (p28-29)
10. HOW DID RAVANA GET HIS 10 HEADS?
When RAvaNa prayed to Siva to the grant him "Atmalingam", he did so
by cutting his own head and offering it and by playing on his
lute "VeeNAgAnam". Pleased with his penance, Siva granted him 10heads
and 20 arms.
1. What is so great about Srimad Ramayanam that we are asked to learn it?
Answer:
Srimad Ramayanam is a great epic, the first and foremost dealing with Sri Rama and Sri Sita as the hero and the heroine. Sage Naarada declares that mere listening and learning this epic story can bestow mental peace, sense of fulfillment, true knowledge, carefree life, physical health and fearlessness.
ThushTa: pushTa; sudhaarmika: /
NiraamayO hi arOgascha durbiksha bhaya varjitha: //
What more can one wish for than these in this life?
That is why, Nammazhwar asked in Tiruvoimozhi 7.5
Karpaar Raamapiraanai allaal matrum karparO?
? Will anyone wish to learn anything other than Sri Ramapiraan??
That is why, Bhagavad Ramanuja stayed at the feet of Tirumalai NambigaL for one whole year and listened to the KalakshEpam of Srimad Ramayanam and the esoteric inner meanings treasured therein.
That is why, Tiruvarangathu Amudanaar in his ?Ramanuja Nootranthaadhi? eulogizes Ramanuja?s involvement in the study of Srimad Ramayanam thus:
PaDi koNDa keerthi RaamaayaNam ennum bhakti veLLam
kuDi kONda kOil Iraamaanujan.
When the Veda Purusha took His incarnation on earth as Rama, the son of Dasaratha, Vedam also took its incarnation as RaamaayaNa through Sage Valmiki?
Veda vEDhyE parE pumsi jaathE dasaraathmajE /
VEda; praachEthasaath aaseeth saakshaath RaamaayaNaathmanaa //
When poet Muraari wished to write an epic, ?Anargha Raaghavam?, he was asked why he chose to write on the oft-repeated hero, Rama, he answered-
?It is not proper to leave out Rama, for this reason. None has so far succeeded in completely recounting the auspicious qualities of Rama.
Here is an epic that teaches practical lessons on how a ruler should rule, how citizens should lead their life in society, how parents, children, siblings, in-laws and other members of a family should interact with each other. In short, it shows how to regulate life at the individual level, at the family level and at the level of society.
This is not merely a story but is also history, code of conduct, philosophical treatise ? all rolled into one - all meant to elevate the quality of life here and hereafter. Can you show any other work to compare with this epic??
2. Srimad RaamaayaNa is greater than Sri Rama Himself is. Do you know why?
A mirror can only reflect the image of one standing in front of it and for the duration of the person standing there. But the mirror of epic reveals Rama forever. Rama could be seen and enjoyed in His Vibava Avataara only by those who were coeval with Him; but Srimad RaamaayaNa reveals the Lord and thereby ennobles our lives especially in this Kaliyuga.
Sage Bardhwaaja learned from Valmiki that Ramayanam is the essence of all the four Vedas; the letter ?Ra? refers to Rug Veda; ?Ma?, Saama Veda; ?ya?, Yajur Veda and ?Nam?, AtharvaNa Vedam. So learning RaamaayaNam is equal to learning all the four Vedas.
When Haaritha, the hunter, waylaid some Maharishis, they asked him to go consult his family members whether anyone of them who benefited by his plunders were willing to share the sins he committed. None came forward and he returned to the Mahrishis and in a penitent mood inquired whether in view of his background of sin, he was eligible to be initiated into ?Raama naama?. The Maharishis replied: ? Unlike the text of the Vedas, there is no stipulation as to who can learn this Raama naama Japam and who cannot. There is none that has not attained liberation by doing this Japam. Luckily, Sriman Narayana is now born as Sri Rama in Ayodhya. Receive from us ?Raama naama mantra? and all blessings will be yours?,
Paatra apaatra vichaarO na Raama naamnaam prakeerthanE /
SravaNE cha upadEse cha tasmaath taththOdhyuthu kshamam /
Uthishta uthishta badram thEsaphala; satsamaagama: /
Rama naama samuchchaarya yasmaath paapaath na muchyatE/
Trailokhyaam asthi thannaiva sathyam etath prakeerthitham //
So saying, they advised him to repeat the word known to him as a hunter viz. ?maraamaram? meaning a tree by that name,
? Ekaagra manasaa atraiva marE ithi japa sarvadhaa?-Adhyaatma Ramayanam.
As he went on repeating it, it became ?Rama?, ?Rama?. That saved the hunter. This hunter is none other than Sage Valmiki!
3. What is the Avatara Rahasyam of Rama Avataara?
Rama learned his basic education at the feet of VasishTa. But, when he came of age when one is normally become subject to Kaama (desire) and KrOdha (anger), he underwent practical training at the hands of Viswaamitra who himself had suffered and graduated out of all these tendencies and therefore could impart such practical training! Even otherwise, Sri Rama was born to show the world the Grihastasrama Dharmam, filial obedience, fraternal love besides laws of nature, of the world, and Raja tantra (politics)
4. Rama naama is greater than Rama Himself. How?
Rama had to build a bridge across the Ocean to march on foot his army across to Lanka. But, AnjanEya could jump and literally fly over the ocean with absolute ease by chanting Rama Naama!
5. Raama naama is equal to Sahasra naama. How?
Once, Paarvati inquired Lord Siva whether there was anyway by which the learned ones could quickly recite the VishNu Sahasra naamam,
Kena upaayEna laghunaa VishNOr naama Sahasrakam /
PaTyathE PaNDithair nityam srOthum Ichchaami aham PrabhO //
He replied: ? Repeating the name of Raama is equal to reciting the entire 1000 names of Lord VishNu?
?Sri Raama Raama Raama ithi ramE Raame manOramE/
sahasranaama thath thulyam Raama naama varaananE //
Aadhi Sankara in his ?Raama KarNaamrutham? says-
?KalyaaNaanaanm nidhaanam kalimala mathanam paavanam paavanaanaam,
PaathEyam yan mumukshO: sapdhi parapadha praaptayE prasthithasya
Visraamasthaanam ekam kavi vara vachasaam jeevitham sajjanaanaam
Beejam dharmadhrumasya prabhavathu bhavathaam bhoothayE Raamanaama?
Meaning:
? There is one center of all bliss. It alone can dispel the sins of Kali, It alone can purify us, It acts as the food parcel to the mumukshu -traveler on the way to Paramapadam, It is beyond description even by the best of poets, It bestows bliss on the virtuous. It is the very seed of Dharma that sustains. It is this Rama Naama.?
Rama Avatara showed by ?Practice? what Krishna Avatara sought to ?preach? in the matter of Achaara and AnushTaana.
That is why while waking up Rama, Sage Viswamitra said-
? Kousalyaa Suprajaa Raama! Poorvaa Sandhyaa PravarthathE,
UthishTa narasaardhuula karthavyam deivam AHNIKAM?
That is why, elders used to say ?
?The Lord first ? practiced? as Sri Rama and then only ?preached? as Sri Krishna. So, try to do as Rama did and as KrishNa advised?
1. WHAT IS "SATHAKOTI RAMAYANAM"?
This mammoth work containing 9 Lakh khANDams, 900 Lakhs Sargams and
One Crore SlOkams, is believed to have been composed originally by
Sage VAlmiki. When Devas, Daityas and NagAs wanted to take the entire
work to their respective worlds and fought among themselves, the Lord
divided it into 3 parts allotting to each party 1/3rd of the
Granthas, and distributed the rest to MahAlakshmi, AadhisEshan and
GaruDan who took them to VaikunTam, PathALam and BhoolOkam
respectively. Two aksharams remained namely "RA' and "MA" which the
Lord gave to Siva .It is with this mantra that Siva is said to
whisper into the ears of to those about to die in Kasi kshEtram.
The part that was brought to "BHOOLOKAM" was divided as between the
islands (Dweepas) called Pushkaram, SAkham, Plaksham, Kucham,
Krouncham, Salmalee, and JAMBHU. Still, there was a balance of 4
SlOkas which the Lord advised to His son, Brahma
The portion which "JAMBHUDWEEPA" got was again distributed as between
the 9 Varshas called Kuru, HiraNmayam, Ramyakam, KethumAlam,
ILAvritham, BhadrAchalam, Hari, Kimpurusham, and BHARATHA VARSHAM".
One aksharam viz "Sri", however, was common to all the Varshams.
Of those that fell to the lot of "BHARATHAVARSHAM" it got further
subdivided as between different KhaNDas The portion that came into
the possession of "BHARATHAHKHANDAM" was the Srimad VAlmiki RAmAyaNa
of 24.000+ slOkas, which we know today.
Authority:
Ananda RAmAyaNam, ManOhara khANDam 1 &17; YAtrAkANDAm 1; Adbutha
RAmAyaNam 1; GovindarAjeeya VyAkhyAnams of Srimad VAlmiki RAmAyaNam,
BAlakhANDam of Tulasi dAsa RAmAyaNam all quoted by Sri C. R.
SrinivAsa Iyengar's Notes to Srimad RAmAyaNam BAlakhANDam (p2 to6)
2. HOW DID "SARAYU" RIVER GET ITS NAME?
Once upon a time in one of the previous "Kritayugas", a daitya
named "Sankan" stole the Vedas and hid under the Ocean. The Lord
killed him and retrieved the Vedas. The tears of joy flowing from the
Lord's eyes fell atop the HimAlayas and flowed down to the lake
called "mAnasa saras" When Vaivaswatha Manu wanted to do penance and
asked for an appropriate place to do it, his Guru advised him to
create a river from the "mAnasa saras". Accordingly, he broke open a
tiny part of the "saras" by aiming an arrow from his quiver. The
water flowed as a river near AyOdhya. As the water gushed forth from
the impact of an arrow, it came to be called "Sarayu".
(Authority: Ananda RAmAyaNam YAtrAkANDAm 4 quoted by Sri C.R.
SrinivAsa Iyengar in his Notes to BAlakhANDam (p378 &379)
3. HOW DID "TRISANKU" ACQUIRE HIS NAME?
Satyavrata was the son of an IkshvAgu king, TraiyAruNan. He was so
cruel that he drove away his father into exile. Subsequently, his
kingdom came under a severe famine. His Guru did not help him
because he thought that the famine was a just punishment for his
misdeeds. The king came across Sage ViswAmitra in the forest and
helped him to redeem his middle son who was earlier traded for food.
Once, when he himself could not find anything to eat, he killed the
cow of his Guru and consumed it without uttering the "ParisEshaNa
mantram". Because, he had committed three heinous sins of
disregarding his father (pitrudrOham), killing the cow of his Guru
(Gohathya) and Eating without mantram (mantraheena), he was
called "Trisanku". Because he had pleased ViswAmitra, the latter
helped him through his yOgic powers to reach Swargam with his
physical body.
Authority: VAyu PurANam 86.88 Quoted by Sri C.R. SrinivAsa Iyengar in
his Notes to BAlakhANDam (p463-464)
4. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE NAME "VAIDEHI"?
"VaidEhi" means one who was not born out of body (deham) of
anyone. "It means Sri MahAlakshmi"
Authority: Sri C.R SrinivAsa Iyengar's Notes on AyOdhyAkhANDam p 73)
5. HOW DID "PANCHAVATI" GET ITS NAME?
"PanchavaTi" lies on the Eastern bank of GOdAvari river near Nasik.
It was surrounded by 5 Banyan trees. Hence,it was called "PanchavaTi'.
("Pancha" means "Five" and "vaTA" means "Banyan tree")
Authority: Sri C.R. SrinivAsa Iyengar's Notes on AraNyakhANDam p49)
6. WHAT IS MEANT BY THE WORD "KAKUTSTHA"
When Puranjaya, the grandson of King IkshvAghu was ruling over
AyOdhya, a great war erupted in which as usual, the Asuras defeated
the Devas and as usual they prayed to Lord VishNu to help them. The
Lord advised them to take the help of Puranjaya to whom he would
bestow His own powers. When the Devas approached Puranjaya, he laid
a condition that if DevEndra could officiate as his vehicle
(vAhanam), he was prepared to help. DevEndra took the form of a bull
and held Puranjaya between his horns and Puranjaya defeated the
asuras. Since, Puranjaya was seated between the horns of a bull, he
came to be known as "KAkutstha" "kakuth" means horns of a bull "stha"
means "seated" Authority (ibid. Notes on SundarakhANDam (p10)
7. WHAT IS THE AGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SRI RAMA AND SRI SITA?
Sita was younger to Rama by just 6 months. Sita matured at age 11.
Authority Ananda RAmAyaNam 5 Quoted by ibid. Notes on AyOdhyAkhANDam
(p11)
8. WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE WORD "MADABHOOSI"?
It is said that when Bharata went to request Sri RAma to return to
AyOdhya, Sri Rama declined saying he could not transgress the command
of his father. When during the conversation between them (celebrated
as "RAMAGITA"), Bharata admired Sri Rama for his devotion to their
father. Sri Rama is reported to have referred to KAsyapa Rishi (of
Naitrava KAsyapa GOtram fame).KAsyapa's mother was too old to even
stand but wanted to be taken for a pilgrimage. KAsyapa put her
comfortably on a hammock and carried her all along to fulfill her
wish. Sri RAma referred to him as "one who adorned his mother" (Matru
bhooshaNam) and that he himself was no bhooshaNam to his father
(quite unlike KAsyapa), since he could not even perform the last
rites of his father. This word "MAtru bhooshaNam" in course of time
got corrupted into "MADa bhoosi".
(I understand that all "MADa bhoosis" belong to "Naitrava KAsyapa
GOtram ? I am subject to correction !- Editor)
Authority: Heard in KAlakshepam and it is said that because of
this "Matru sisroosha",KAsyapa attained Swarga and became PrajApathi
subsequently - ibid. Notes on AyOdhyAkhANDam (p19)
9. HOW DID "DHANUSHKODI" ACQUIRE ITS NAME?
Sri Rama used his bow to break Sethu at the northern tip of Lanka.
Hence, it came to be known as "Dhanush-kODi" "Dhanus" means "bow"
and `KoDi" means tip, corner" etc.
Authority: ibid. Notes on YuddhakhANDam (p28-29)
10. HOW DID RAVANA GET HIS 10 HEADS?
When RAvaNa prayed to Siva to the grant him "Atmalingam", he did so
by cutting his own head and offering it and by playing on his
lute "VeeNAgAnam". Pleased with his penance, Siva granted him 10heads
and 20 arms.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Sundarakanda
What is so great about ?Sundara KhaaNDam?? Does it mean that other six KhaaNDams are not ?Sundaram? (beautiful)?
Answer:
Srimad RamayaNam has 7 KhaaNDams and each one of them is indeed beautiful. But. there are several reasons to call this KhaaNDam as ?Sundara KhaaNDam?
1. The other KhaaNdams are location oriented -
1. Baala khaaNDam and AyOdhya KhaaNDam describe the events that happened in and around AyOdhya.
2. AaraNya KhaaNDam deals with the happenings in the forest
3. Kishkinda KhaaNDam deals with the Sugriva Sakhyam, Vali Vadam etc that took place in Kishkinda.
4. Yuddha KhaaNDam deals with the Great War between Sri Rama and RavaNa.
5. Uttara KhaaNdam deals with the backgrounds in which several incidents have been described in the whole of the epic.
But, ?Sundara KhaaNDam? stands apart in the sense that the hero of the KhaaNDam is the great Rama bhakta Sri Hanuman, even as Sri Rama is the hero for the whole RamayaNa.
2. What has the word ?Sundara? to do with Hanuman?
To answer this question, we have to go into the story as to how this KhaaNDam came to be written.
HANUMAN'S OTHER NAME WHICH HE HIMSELF DID NOT KNOW!
Anjaneya has several names. He is known as `Hanuman' in Tamil, `Hanumanthaiah' and `Mukhya Praana Devaru' in Kannada and `Hanumanthudu' in Telugu. As one moves North beyond the Vindyas,
he is called `Maruti' and in Maharashtra, they call him `Mahaveer'.
Do you know that besides being called `Vayuputran', `Anjaneya' and `Siriya Tiruvadi' (Periya Tiruvadi being Garudalwar), he had another name, which he himself did not know?
The story goes that Sage Valmiki wrote the epic after Sri Rama's Coronation. After completing Aaranya Khandam, he desired to name the
next Canto after Anjaneya. But, Anjaneya appeared before him pleading that he need not be given such an importance, for after all he was only a Rama Dasan - a servant of Sri Rama. The sage took his assent to name the Canto as "Sundara KhaaNDam". Thereafter, Anjaneya went to his mother to narrate the incident. Even as he was approaching, Anjana greeted him calling him by his pet name "Sundara", for that was the name she had given him at birth.
Anjaneya rushed back to the Sage to request him to drop this title also. But, the Sage said that it was too late as the Chapter had already been completed with " Sundara" as the hero. Thus, the name ?Sundara? got attached to this KhaaNDam.
3. The descriptions in this KhaaNDam are especial, exceptional and exquisite with unsurpassed lyrical beauty (e.g.) the descriptions of
(i) Lanka by moonlight (Bhavana Vichaya: Sargam 5)
(ii) RavaNa?s palace (RavaNa gruhaavEkshaNam: Sargam 6)
(iii) Viewing the aircraft (Pushpaka Darsanam:Sargam 7)
(iv) The Aircraft itself ( Pushpaka VarNanam: Sargam 8)
(v) The liquor bar (Paana bhoomi vichaya: Sargam11)
(vi) The destruction of the honey grove (Madhuvana PravEsa: Sargam 61)
4. There is an allegorical significance in this KhaaNDa:
It represents allegorically how Paramaatma (represented by Sri Rama) sends an Acharya (represented by Hanuman) to the Jivaatma (represented by Sri Sita). The Acharya dispels the sorrow of the Jiva, redeems it from the shackles of samsaaram and unites it with Paramaatma. This is a great Tattva that this KhaaNdam is said to reveal.
5. Scholars who have practically experienced aver that the ?Phala? or the benefits accruing (even at the mundane level) from the ?PaaraayaNam? of this KhaaNDam are many. The PaaraayaNam of individual Sargas are said to bestow the following benefits viz.,
(i) Sargam 3: Lanka Devata Vijaya: To ward off the mischief of evil spirits.
(ii) Sargam 7: Pushpaka Darsanam, Sargam 8: PushpakaaNu VarNanam, Sargam 9: Sankulaanta: puram, Sargam 10: MaNDOdari Darsnam and Sargam 11: Paana bhoomi Vichaya: - All these are said to dispel any dosham arising out of sexual misbehavior like extra marital sexual indiscretions.
(iii) Sargam 13; Hanumat NirvEda: is believed to cure the condition of mentally challenged persons. (To cure insanity)
(iv) Sargam 15: SitOpalamba: is said to repair any losses suffered (Daridram neenga) ? (Stock market crash?)
(v) Sargam 27: TrijaTaa Swapna: neutralizing the effects of bad dreams (Dur Swapna dOsha nivaaraNam)
(vi) Sargam 36: Anguleeyaka Pradaanam: Sure to bring together couples separated for whatever reason. (ViTTup pirindavar onru sera)
(vii) Sargam 38: Vaayasa Vrittanta Kathanam To save one from any hurt to Sri Rama or his Bhaktas in thought, word or action (Rama aparaada Dosham)
6. The similes employed by Aadikavi in this KhaaNdam are so unique that in the matter of ?Upama?, it can be confidently asserted that it is Valmiki who set the trend for other poets and writers to emulate.
We will deal with this in our next posting.
Answer:
Srimad RamayaNam has 7 KhaaNDams and each one of them is indeed beautiful. But. there are several reasons to call this KhaaNDam as ?Sundara KhaaNDam?
1. The other KhaaNdams are location oriented -
1. Baala khaaNDam and AyOdhya KhaaNDam describe the events that happened in and around AyOdhya.
2. AaraNya KhaaNDam deals with the happenings in the forest
3. Kishkinda KhaaNDam deals with the Sugriva Sakhyam, Vali Vadam etc that took place in Kishkinda.
4. Yuddha KhaaNDam deals with the Great War between Sri Rama and RavaNa.
5. Uttara KhaaNdam deals with the backgrounds in which several incidents have been described in the whole of the epic.
But, ?Sundara KhaaNDam? stands apart in the sense that the hero of the KhaaNDam is the great Rama bhakta Sri Hanuman, even as Sri Rama is the hero for the whole RamayaNa.
2. What has the word ?Sundara? to do with Hanuman?
To answer this question, we have to go into the story as to how this KhaaNDam came to be written.
HANUMAN'S OTHER NAME WHICH HE HIMSELF DID NOT KNOW!
Anjaneya has several names. He is known as `Hanuman' in Tamil, `Hanumanthaiah' and `Mukhya Praana Devaru' in Kannada and `Hanumanthudu' in Telugu. As one moves North beyond the Vindyas,
he is called `Maruti' and in Maharashtra, they call him `Mahaveer'.
Do you know that besides being called `Vayuputran', `Anjaneya' and `Siriya Tiruvadi' (Periya Tiruvadi being Garudalwar), he had another name, which he himself did not know?
The story goes that Sage Valmiki wrote the epic after Sri Rama's Coronation. After completing Aaranya Khandam, he desired to name the
next Canto after Anjaneya. But, Anjaneya appeared before him pleading that he need not be given such an importance, for after all he was only a Rama Dasan - a servant of Sri Rama. The sage took his assent to name the Canto as "Sundara KhaaNDam". Thereafter, Anjaneya went to his mother to narrate the incident. Even as he was approaching, Anjana greeted him calling him by his pet name "Sundara", for that was the name she had given him at birth.
Anjaneya rushed back to the Sage to request him to drop this title also. But, the Sage said that it was too late as the Chapter had already been completed with " Sundara" as the hero. Thus, the name ?Sundara? got attached to this KhaaNDam.
3. The descriptions in this KhaaNDam are especial, exceptional and exquisite with unsurpassed lyrical beauty (e.g.) the descriptions of
(i) Lanka by moonlight (Bhavana Vichaya: Sargam 5)
(ii) RavaNa?s palace (RavaNa gruhaavEkshaNam: Sargam 6)
(iii) Viewing the aircraft (Pushpaka Darsanam:Sargam 7)
(iv) The Aircraft itself ( Pushpaka VarNanam: Sargam 8)
(v) The liquor bar (Paana bhoomi vichaya: Sargam11)
(vi) The destruction of the honey grove (Madhuvana PravEsa: Sargam 61)
4. There is an allegorical significance in this KhaaNDa:
It represents allegorically how Paramaatma (represented by Sri Rama) sends an Acharya (represented by Hanuman) to the Jivaatma (represented by Sri Sita). The Acharya dispels the sorrow of the Jiva, redeems it from the shackles of samsaaram and unites it with Paramaatma. This is a great Tattva that this KhaaNdam is said to reveal.
5. Scholars who have practically experienced aver that the ?Phala? or the benefits accruing (even at the mundane level) from the ?PaaraayaNam? of this KhaaNDam are many. The PaaraayaNam of individual Sargas are said to bestow the following benefits viz.,
(i) Sargam 3: Lanka Devata Vijaya: To ward off the mischief of evil spirits.
(ii) Sargam 7: Pushpaka Darsanam, Sargam 8: PushpakaaNu VarNanam, Sargam 9: Sankulaanta: puram, Sargam 10: MaNDOdari Darsnam and Sargam 11: Paana bhoomi Vichaya: - All these are said to dispel any dosham arising out of sexual misbehavior like extra marital sexual indiscretions.
(iii) Sargam 13; Hanumat NirvEda: is believed to cure the condition of mentally challenged persons. (To cure insanity)
(iv) Sargam 15: SitOpalamba: is said to repair any losses suffered (Daridram neenga) ? (Stock market crash?)
(v) Sargam 27: TrijaTaa Swapna: neutralizing the effects of bad dreams (Dur Swapna dOsha nivaaraNam)
(vi) Sargam 36: Anguleeyaka Pradaanam: Sure to bring together couples separated for whatever reason. (ViTTup pirindavar onru sera)
(vii) Sargam 38: Vaayasa Vrittanta Kathanam To save one from any hurt to Sri Rama or his Bhaktas in thought, word or action (Rama aparaada Dosham)
6. The similes employed by Aadikavi in this KhaaNdam are so unique that in the matter of ?Upama?, it can be confidently asserted that it is Valmiki who set the trend for other poets and writers to emulate.
We will deal with this in our next posting.
Balakandam 1
"BALA KHAANDAM" PART -1 OF SRIMAD RAMAYANAM DISCOURSES IN THE
HINDU TEMPLE OF ATLANTA.
(ANBIL RAMASWAMY)
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
1. THE HOLY KINGDOM
River Sarayu runs through the Kosala Kingdom. All the poets vie with
each other in describing the prosperity of the Kosala Kingdom. Manu
who founded the city of AyOdhya as the Capital of the kingdom, made
it rich in wealth, flocks, fields and pastures what with well planned
royal roads running in geometrical shapes. The city was surrounded by
tall ramparts with deep moats that no enemy could cross without being
decimated justifying its name "AyOdhya"- that which cannot be won in
a war! The palatial mansions that stood high like skyscrapers were
sights for Gods to see. The city contained numerous well furnished
halls, pleasure grounds and natatoriums of breath taking dimensions.
The trees lining the landscape were in full bloom scattering flowers
spread like soft floor-mats all over the ground. The stables had
innumerable Equestrian high breeds, while the sheds for Elephants had
tall and majestic caparisoned pachyderms. The tall and healthy Cows,
Sheep and Oxen were aplenty vouching for the extraordinary
agricultural prosperity. There were artists and artisans of every hue
who excelled in their talents, be it in music, dance or other fine
arts.
2. THE CITIZENS
Valmiki describes the citizens in glowing terms.
tasmin puravarE hrishTaa: dharma aatmanO bahu srutaa: /
naraas tushTaa: tatai: svai: svai: alubdhaa: sathya vaadina: //
sarvE naraas cha naaryaas cha dharma seelaa: su-samyataa: /
uditaa seela vrittaabhyaam maha rishaya iva amalaa; //
In that kingdom, all citizens were happy and contented because
whatever it takes to make life enjoyable on Dharmic lines were
available aplenty in wealth, health or possessions like cows, horses,
grains, family and friends. They followed strict codes of conduct,
without avarice and jealousy, always truthful and considerate to all
those who came into contact with them. People belonging to all the
four castes lived in complete amity, each group following their Varna-
Aasrama Dharmas with zeal and honesty. Householders led blemish-less
lives as if they were ascetics, having given up all unethical
pleasures and practices.
While Valmiki devotes just one Sargam for describing the city and the
citizens, Kamban devotes 3 PaTalams, namely Aatrup PaDalam (Sarayu
River), NaaTTUp PaDalam (KOsala kingdom) and Nagarap PaDalam. (City
of AyOdhya)
Let us enjoy a few snippets from Kamban.
1. Aatrup PaDalam (Sarayu River)
mullaiyai kurinji aakki marudattai mullai aakki,
pulliya neithal tannaip poru aru marudam aakki,
ellai il porulgaL ellaam idai taDumaarum neeraal
selluru gatiyil sellum vinai ena senradu anrE (29)
"The floods of River Sarayu made the land fertile so as to convert
one kind of land into another kind. This looked like the result of
Spiritual merit (PuNyam) and Sins (Paapam) that made individual souls
to take different births like the celestials, human, flora and fauna"
2. NaaTTUp PaDalam (KOsala kingdom)
While Valmiki spoke high of the qualities of the citizens of kOsala.
Kamban reverses the picture negating all these qualities in a clever
and inimitable way, a way that only reiterates and reinforces what
Valmiki has mentioned.
vaNmai illai Ore varumai inmaiyaal, thiNmai illai nEr serunar
inmaiyaal
uNmai illai poyyurai ilaamaiyaal, veNmai illai pala kELvi mEvalaal
(85)
- In kOsala kingdom, there were no "givers" because everyone
was so rich and self-sufficient that there were no "takers". So,
there was no question of "daanam".
- There were none itching for fight and therefore, there was
no occasion for exhibiting one's valor;
- Jealousy, anger and enmity the root causes of conflicts were
absent, So, there were no quarrels, no disputes, no winners and no
losers.
- When everyone without exception was equally educated one
cannot discern anyone being uneducated. So, Kambar says, there was no
education at all!
- When everyone was truthful, how could one differentiate
anyone as a liar? Therefore, says Kamban, that there was no
discernible truthfulness! "
3. Nagarap PaDalam. (City of AyOdhya)
kaLvaar ilaamaip poruL kaavalum illai yaadum,
koLvaar ilaamaik koDuppaargaLum illai maadO (106)
kalladu nirpaar pirar inmaiyin kalvi mutra vallarum illai avai
vallaar allaarum illai
ellaarum ellaa perum selvamum eidalaalE illarum illai uDaiyaargaLum
illai maadO (107)
In AyOdhya, people never locked their doors because there were no
thieves; there was no need for Police or prison houses because there
was no crime; there were none unemployed and therefore no loafers.
Everyone had everything they needed. So, there was no distinction
between the "haves" and "have-nots".
3. WHY VEDA VIDS ARE ALWAYS POOR?
"PRASANGA RATNAAVALI" gives an interesting imaginary conversation
between the Poet and Mahaalakshmi. about the "have-nots"
The poet asks Mahaalakshmi: Why are you favoring fools with fortune
and why do you keep the learned languishing in penury?
Mahaalakshmi: It is not so. The wise can go anywhere and earn their
livelihood but the unlettered cannot do so. I am only helping the
helpless.
Poet: But, I find that those who are well versed in Vedas and
Saastras are struggling.
Mahaalakshmi: True. Have you heard of Sage Agastya? He drank the
entire ocean. Thus, he hurt my father, Samudra Raja. Again, Sage
Brigu hurt my husband on his chest where I reside. I was looking out
for a place to rest and found the lotus tank. The Bhaktas would not
leave me in peace even there. They came to pluck Lotus flowers saying
that it was best for their pooja to the Lord. Thus, wherever I went,
they are after me. Naturally, I ignore them when distributing wealth.
Poet: How else could they secure your grace?
Mahaalakshmi: When guests arrive at one's home, he is verily
MahaavishNu himself.
(Is it not said: "athithi dEvO bhava"? I bless those who welcome and
treat guests properly and stay at their homes.
4. THE EMPEROR
This ideal Kingdom was ruled by an ideal King, in fact, a "King of
Kings", a "Chakravarti" (Emperor) whose writ ran through all the
seven worlds. He was verily a "nall ara moorthi" as Kamban describes
and "Dharmaraaja" as Valmiki calls him. That was his original name.
Because, he could ride his chariots in all the ten directions, he
subsequently acquired the sobriquet of "Dasa-ratha" . He is the one
who gave birth to the hero of this great epic, Sri Rama.
ammaaN nagarukku arasan arasarkku arasan,
semmaaN tanikkOl ulagu yEzhinum sella ninraan
im maaN kataikku Ore Irai aaya iraaman ennum
moymmaaN kazhalOn taru "nall Ara moorthi" annaan (Kambar- Bala-169)
Sri Rama advises his mother against her wish to accompany him to the
forest that when the Emperor whom he refers as "Dharmaraaja" was
alive, she as a dutiful wife should not leave him alone and come with
him (vide- AyOdhya 21)
tasmin punar jeevati "dharmaraajE svE pathi vartamaanE/
dEvee mayaa saardham itO apagchchEt kathmsvid anyaa vidavE naree//
Dasaratha was renowned throughout the world. He was a terror to foes
and joy to friends and subjects. He was conversant with all arts and
sciences. He was known for his great munificence. And, more than
anything else, he was famous for the numerous Yagjnas and Yaagas
(Sacrifices) that he performed almost non-stop.
4A. LIKE DUSHYANTA:
KaaLidaasa in his Saakuntalam says that Dushyanta offered to serve as
the relative whom anyone had lost and thus dispel their sorrow. But,
he made one exception.
You know what? He would not act as husband to a widow which would be
sinful!
Dasaratha was like Dushyanta in this respect.
yEna yEna viyujyantE prajaa: snigdEna bandhunaa/
sa sa paapaadrutE taasaam dushyanta iti gushyataam //
5. THE MINISTERS:
He had eight Ministers and two Chief priests besides a host of
advisors. The very names of the ministers are indicative of what they
excel in. They were:
1. DrishTi: Far sighted
2. Jayanta: Winner
3. Vijayan: Victorious
4. Siddhaarthah: Accomplisher
5. Artha Saadakah: One who has all his desires fulfilled
6. AsOkah: One bereft of any sorrows
7. Mantrapaalah: Protector of secrets of the State
8. Sumantra: One who could advise correctly and on time
Each one was qualified also in the other aspects than what is
suggested by their names.
The Chief "PurOhitas" (Priests) were VasishTa and VaamadEva while
there were other Achaaryas like Jaabaali and Kaasyapa who were well
versed in statecraft as much in the Sruti, Smriti and the various
Saastras and with impeccable character. All of them had one thing in
common. All of them were intensely devoted to the welfare of the King
and the subjects, were uncompromising guardians of righteousness and
faithful companions of the King guiding him in good governance and in
carrying out the Sacrifices strictly as per the scriptures. They were
truly tactful, intelligent, efficient and admirable in fortitude.
6. DASARATHA'S GRIEF
Though the King had all these in ample measure, had ruled for over
the kingdom for over 10,000 years and had innumerable wives besides
the three queens in Kousalya, Sumitra and KaikEyi - he had one, just
one deficiency - He was not blessed with a son to succeed him in
ruling the country. This was weighing heavily on his mind for quite
so long that he reached a stage when he had lost almost all hopes of
begetting a son. He invited his advisers to deliberate on the means
to solve this problem. They advised him to perform "AswamEda Yaagam"
(Horse Sacrifice) that was considered to be a panacea for removing
all sins and in securing all desires. Immediately, the King ordered
for the preparation for performing the Sacrifice.
6A. ROMAPADA'S STRATEGY
The question arose as to who should be the officiating priest to
perform the sacrifice. No doubt, VasishTa, the family priest was very
much available. But, when Sumantra, who was a constant companion of
the King both as a Minister and as his Charioteer and had, therefore,
very many occasions to move confidentially with the King narrated the
event that he had heard earlier from Sage Sanatkumara, how King
ROmapaada of AngadEsa brought Sage Rishyasringa (Son of VibaanDaka),
to his Kingdom and consequently copious rains lashed AngadEsa that
was writhing in drought for long and that he may be the best
qualified for officiating as priest for this great Sacrifice. All
including VasishTa agreed unanimously.
HINDU TEMPLE OF ATLANTA.
(ANBIL RAMASWAMY)
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
1. THE HOLY KINGDOM
River Sarayu runs through the Kosala Kingdom. All the poets vie with
each other in describing the prosperity of the Kosala Kingdom. Manu
who founded the city of AyOdhya as the Capital of the kingdom, made
it rich in wealth, flocks, fields and pastures what with well planned
royal roads running in geometrical shapes. The city was surrounded by
tall ramparts with deep moats that no enemy could cross without being
decimated justifying its name "AyOdhya"- that which cannot be won in
a war! The palatial mansions that stood high like skyscrapers were
sights for Gods to see. The city contained numerous well furnished
halls, pleasure grounds and natatoriums of breath taking dimensions.
The trees lining the landscape were in full bloom scattering flowers
spread like soft floor-mats all over the ground. The stables had
innumerable Equestrian high breeds, while the sheds for Elephants had
tall and majestic caparisoned pachyderms. The tall and healthy Cows,
Sheep and Oxen were aplenty vouching for the extraordinary
agricultural prosperity. There were artists and artisans of every hue
who excelled in their talents, be it in music, dance or other fine
arts.
2. THE CITIZENS
Valmiki describes the citizens in glowing terms.
tasmin puravarE hrishTaa: dharma aatmanO bahu srutaa: /
naraas tushTaa: tatai: svai: svai: alubdhaa: sathya vaadina: //
sarvE naraas cha naaryaas cha dharma seelaa: su-samyataa: /
uditaa seela vrittaabhyaam maha rishaya iva amalaa; //
In that kingdom, all citizens were happy and contented because
whatever it takes to make life enjoyable on Dharmic lines were
available aplenty in wealth, health or possessions like cows, horses,
grains, family and friends. They followed strict codes of conduct,
without avarice and jealousy, always truthful and considerate to all
those who came into contact with them. People belonging to all the
four castes lived in complete amity, each group following their Varna-
Aasrama Dharmas with zeal and honesty. Householders led blemish-less
lives as if they were ascetics, having given up all unethical
pleasures and practices.
While Valmiki devotes just one Sargam for describing the city and the
citizens, Kamban devotes 3 PaTalams, namely Aatrup PaDalam (Sarayu
River), NaaTTUp PaDalam (KOsala kingdom) and Nagarap PaDalam. (City
of AyOdhya)
Let us enjoy a few snippets from Kamban.
1. Aatrup PaDalam (Sarayu River)
mullaiyai kurinji aakki marudattai mullai aakki,
pulliya neithal tannaip poru aru marudam aakki,
ellai il porulgaL ellaam idai taDumaarum neeraal
selluru gatiyil sellum vinai ena senradu anrE (29)
"The floods of River Sarayu made the land fertile so as to convert
one kind of land into another kind. This looked like the result of
Spiritual merit (PuNyam) and Sins (Paapam) that made individual souls
to take different births like the celestials, human, flora and fauna"
2. NaaTTUp PaDalam (KOsala kingdom)
While Valmiki spoke high of the qualities of the citizens of kOsala.
Kamban reverses the picture negating all these qualities in a clever
and inimitable way, a way that only reiterates and reinforces what
Valmiki has mentioned.
vaNmai illai Ore varumai inmaiyaal, thiNmai illai nEr serunar
inmaiyaal
uNmai illai poyyurai ilaamaiyaal, veNmai illai pala kELvi mEvalaal
(85)
- In kOsala kingdom, there were no "givers" because everyone
was so rich and self-sufficient that there were no "takers". So,
there was no question of "daanam".
- There were none itching for fight and therefore, there was
no occasion for exhibiting one's valor;
- Jealousy, anger and enmity the root causes of conflicts were
absent, So, there were no quarrels, no disputes, no winners and no
losers.
- When everyone without exception was equally educated one
cannot discern anyone being uneducated. So, Kambar says, there was no
education at all!
- When everyone was truthful, how could one differentiate
anyone as a liar? Therefore, says Kamban, that there was no
discernible truthfulness! "
3. Nagarap PaDalam. (City of AyOdhya)
kaLvaar ilaamaip poruL kaavalum illai yaadum,
koLvaar ilaamaik koDuppaargaLum illai maadO (106)
kalladu nirpaar pirar inmaiyin kalvi mutra vallarum illai avai
vallaar allaarum illai
ellaarum ellaa perum selvamum eidalaalE illarum illai uDaiyaargaLum
illai maadO (107)
In AyOdhya, people never locked their doors because there were no
thieves; there was no need for Police or prison houses because there
was no crime; there were none unemployed and therefore no loafers.
Everyone had everything they needed. So, there was no distinction
between the "haves" and "have-nots".
3. WHY VEDA VIDS ARE ALWAYS POOR?
"PRASANGA RATNAAVALI" gives an interesting imaginary conversation
between the Poet and Mahaalakshmi. about the "have-nots"
The poet asks Mahaalakshmi: Why are you favoring fools with fortune
and why do you keep the learned languishing in penury?
Mahaalakshmi: It is not so. The wise can go anywhere and earn their
livelihood but the unlettered cannot do so. I am only helping the
helpless.
Poet: But, I find that those who are well versed in Vedas and
Saastras are struggling.
Mahaalakshmi: True. Have you heard of Sage Agastya? He drank the
entire ocean. Thus, he hurt my father, Samudra Raja. Again, Sage
Brigu hurt my husband on his chest where I reside. I was looking out
for a place to rest and found the lotus tank. The Bhaktas would not
leave me in peace even there. They came to pluck Lotus flowers saying
that it was best for their pooja to the Lord. Thus, wherever I went,
they are after me. Naturally, I ignore them when distributing wealth.
Poet: How else could they secure your grace?
Mahaalakshmi: When guests arrive at one's home, he is verily
MahaavishNu himself.
(Is it not said: "athithi dEvO bhava"? I bless those who welcome and
treat guests properly and stay at their homes.
4. THE EMPEROR
This ideal Kingdom was ruled by an ideal King, in fact, a "King of
Kings", a "Chakravarti" (Emperor) whose writ ran through all the
seven worlds. He was verily a "nall ara moorthi" as Kamban describes
and "Dharmaraaja" as Valmiki calls him. That was his original name.
Because, he could ride his chariots in all the ten directions, he
subsequently acquired the sobriquet of "Dasa-ratha" . He is the one
who gave birth to the hero of this great epic, Sri Rama.
ammaaN nagarukku arasan arasarkku arasan,
semmaaN tanikkOl ulagu yEzhinum sella ninraan
im maaN kataikku Ore Irai aaya iraaman ennum
moymmaaN kazhalOn taru "nall Ara moorthi" annaan (Kambar- Bala-169)
Sri Rama advises his mother against her wish to accompany him to the
forest that when the Emperor whom he refers as "Dharmaraaja" was
alive, she as a dutiful wife should not leave him alone and come with
him (vide- AyOdhya 21)
tasmin punar jeevati "dharmaraajE svE pathi vartamaanE/
dEvee mayaa saardham itO apagchchEt kathmsvid anyaa vidavE naree//
Dasaratha was renowned throughout the world. He was a terror to foes
and joy to friends and subjects. He was conversant with all arts and
sciences. He was known for his great munificence. And, more than
anything else, he was famous for the numerous Yagjnas and Yaagas
(Sacrifices) that he performed almost non-stop.
4A. LIKE DUSHYANTA:
KaaLidaasa in his Saakuntalam says that Dushyanta offered to serve as
the relative whom anyone had lost and thus dispel their sorrow. But,
he made one exception.
You know what? He would not act as husband to a widow which would be
sinful!
Dasaratha was like Dushyanta in this respect.
yEna yEna viyujyantE prajaa: snigdEna bandhunaa/
sa sa paapaadrutE taasaam dushyanta iti gushyataam //
5. THE MINISTERS:
He had eight Ministers and two Chief priests besides a host of
advisors. The very names of the ministers are indicative of what they
excel in. They were:
1. DrishTi: Far sighted
2. Jayanta: Winner
3. Vijayan: Victorious
4. Siddhaarthah: Accomplisher
5. Artha Saadakah: One who has all his desires fulfilled
6. AsOkah: One bereft of any sorrows
7. Mantrapaalah: Protector of secrets of the State
8. Sumantra: One who could advise correctly and on time
Each one was qualified also in the other aspects than what is
suggested by their names.
The Chief "PurOhitas" (Priests) were VasishTa and VaamadEva while
there were other Achaaryas like Jaabaali and Kaasyapa who were well
versed in statecraft as much in the Sruti, Smriti and the various
Saastras and with impeccable character. All of them had one thing in
common. All of them were intensely devoted to the welfare of the King
and the subjects, were uncompromising guardians of righteousness and
faithful companions of the King guiding him in good governance and in
carrying out the Sacrifices strictly as per the scriptures. They were
truly tactful, intelligent, efficient and admirable in fortitude.
6. DASARATHA'S GRIEF
Though the King had all these in ample measure, had ruled for over
the kingdom for over 10,000 years and had innumerable wives besides
the three queens in Kousalya, Sumitra and KaikEyi - he had one, just
one deficiency - He was not blessed with a son to succeed him in
ruling the country. This was weighing heavily on his mind for quite
so long that he reached a stage when he had lost almost all hopes of
begetting a son. He invited his advisers to deliberate on the means
to solve this problem. They advised him to perform "AswamEda Yaagam"
(Horse Sacrifice) that was considered to be a panacea for removing
all sins and in securing all desires. Immediately, the King ordered
for the preparation for performing the Sacrifice.
6A. ROMAPADA'S STRATEGY
The question arose as to who should be the officiating priest to
perform the sacrifice. No doubt, VasishTa, the family priest was very
much available. But, when Sumantra, who was a constant companion of
the King both as a Minister and as his Charioteer and had, therefore,
very many occasions to move confidentially with the King narrated the
event that he had heard earlier from Sage Sanatkumara, how King
ROmapaada of AngadEsa brought Sage Rishyasringa (Son of VibaanDaka),
to his Kingdom and consequently copious rains lashed AngadEsa that
was writhing in drought for long and that he may be the best
qualified for officiating as priest for this great Sacrifice. All
including VasishTa agreed unanimously.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Introduction
Almost everyone knows the story of the epic though in broad outline,
if not in every detail. Though it makes a good story as well, the
importance of a study of Ramayanam lies in drawing the lessons it
conveys to us through the different characters and different
situations and how far they are relevant to the modern times.
Therefore, our focus will be on the morals conveyed in the various
episodes. This would necessitate retelling the story in brief before
proceeding to comment.
6. VALMIKI AND NAMMAZHWAR
Nammazhwar in his Tiruvoimozhi 7.5.1 puts a rhetorical
question: "Karpaar Ramanai allaal matrum karparO?" meaning "Will
anyone read anything other than Sri Ramapiraan?"
What is so great about Srimad Ramayanam that we are asked to read
it?
And, what is so great about Valmiki Ramayanam over the others?
ANSWER
Srimad Ramayana is the practical guide for proper conduct as
exemplified by the Lord Himself in his Avataara as Sri Rama. If we
desire to regulate our lives on the right lines, it is to Ramayana
that we should turn to.
It shows not only how one WOULD react to situations but more
importantly also how one SHOULD react. This is very important for us
to regulate our lives by adopting the "SHOULD" part of it and
avoiding the "WOULD" part.
But, why are we addicted to the "would" part of it and seem to shun
the "Should" part?
The reason is not far to seek. Our Scriptures say that all living
beings from the four faced Brahma down to the lowly worm are
governed by a mixture of what is known as TriguNa, the trio of
Sattva (virtue), Rajas (emotion laden action) and Tamas
(sullenness). Just as in democracy, the party that gets a majority
rules the nation (at least for the time being), the preponderance of
any particular guNa at any given point of time, governs one's
thoughts and behavior. And, most of the time, we are slaves to the
Rajas and Tamas and we are emotion driven. This leads us to the way
we react to situations. The Rajas while being the motive force for
all our actions provides a breeding ground for the 6 evils that
plague us namely, kaama, krOda, mOha, lObha, mada, maatsarya which w
have to be vigilant to constantly keep under check
In Ramayana, we find three brothers acting differently.
Vibheeshana with Sattva, Ravana with Rajas and Kumbakarna with
Tamas as the predominant traits. We learn from these characters that
we should strive to augment Sattvaguna, regulate Rajas (because we
cannot totally eliminate it) and avoid Tamas altogether.
7. "RaamaayaNam ethanai RaamaayaNam aDi"
The quality and content of the Aadhikavi, has ignited the
imagination of a galaxy of innumerable poets and writers, throughout
the world and over the ages and in a variety of languages. We are
told that there are at least 50 versions of Ramayana. (For example)
- Aananda Ramayana by Pasaurama
- Adbutha Ramayana, by Valmiki himself
- Adhyaatma Ramayana by Sage Viswamitra
- AgnivEshaya Ramayanam by AgnivESya
- Anargha Raghava of Muraari,
- BhaTTi Kaavya by BhaTTi Kavi
- Champu Ramayana by BhOja
- Hanuman- NaaTaka by Hanuman
- Jaina Ramayanam by Hemachandra
- Kamba RamayaNam in Tamil by Poet Kambar
- Mantra Ramayanam by LakshmaNa Arya
- Prasanna Raghava by JayadEva
- Raghava Nishadeeya by Haradatta Suri
- Raghu Vamsam of KaaLidaasa,
- Ramacharita Maanas in Hindi by TuLasidas
- Ramayana Manjari by KshemEndra
- Sangraha Ramayanam by Narayana PaNDita
- Uttara Rama Charita by Bhavabhooti
- Yoga VaasishTam by Valmiki himself and many others.
It is doubtful if any other work of religious literature enjoyed
such a fascination. (Of course, Bhagavad Gita has been translated in
several languages but perhaps, not so prolific like Ramayana).
There is a song in Tamil detailing the various names of Rama that
asks "Raaman ethanai RaamanaDi" We may perhaps ask
similarly "RaamaayaNam ethanai RaamaayaNam aDi"
8. AADI KAAVYAM
But, what makes Srimad Valmiki Ramayana as special and outstanding
is the fact that it is the first ever epic in Literary world.
It is, therefore, known as "Aadikaavya" and its author Valmiki,
the "Aadikavi". It is the most authentic and authoritative account
of the life story of Sri Rama ? the only true account of every
detail as it happened. In fact, it is the first "Ithi-aasa" Meaning:
(Thus it happened)
9. PURUSHARTAS
SaptastOma stipulates that to qualify as an "Itihaasa" the work
should bring out all the 4 Purushartas (Objectives) of Dharma
(Righteousness), Artha (Wealth), Kaama (Desire) and MOksha
(Liberation). Srimad Ramayanam does this in an exemplary manner.
The secondary objectives of Artha and Kaama have been adroitly
sandwiched between Dharma and MOksha to emphasize that they should
be regulated on Dharmic principles if one wants to attain MOksha
(Salvation).
10. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DO NOT REGULATE SO?
- That Artha is secondary to Dharma is brought out by Sri
Rama's abdication of the throne which was his birthright of
primogeniture.
- That a-dharmic Kaama leads to fall is portrayed in the
events in the lives of Dasaratha, Ravana and Soorpanaka.
- That the one who acquires and expends wealth and enjoys
permitted pleasures of life on Dharmic lines ultimately gains mOKsha
are very vividly illustrated in the various episodes in Srimad
Ramayana.
- The delineation of mOKsha is explained in Uttara KhaaNDam.
What is Dharma? It is defined as "That which sustains". What does it
sustain?
It is the inculcation in our lives such noble traits as obedience to
parents, brotherly love between the siblings, chastity which is
common to both man and woman, reverence to elders and holy men,
compassion that forgives the repentant (vide Kaakaasura incident),
commingling of the mighty Emperor Sri Ram with the lowliest of lowly
(Vide Guha the boatman, Sabari the huntress and VibheeshaNa the
Rakshasa) etc.
11. VEDAS AND ITIHASAS
While Vedas command with "Dos and Don'ts" Itihasas like Ramayana act
as good friends and illustrate by examples, interesting stories and
anecdotes how virtuous people prospered and how the evil ones came
to grief ultimately, so that we can learn how we should emulate
characters like Rama and avoid behaving like Ravana and similar
characters.
Rama's obedience to parents (pitru vaakhya paripaalanam),
Lakshmana's Bhagavad Kainkaryam, Bharata's conviction that there was
no refuge other than Rama and Satrughna's Bhaagavata Kainkaryam are
object lessons for humanity for all time to come.
12. DIFFERENT ROLES
The Lord needed different complementary roles for different purposes
and so he cast himself in different characters:
Rama - Bhagavaan
LakshmaNa -Bhagavad Seshatvam
Bharata - Bhaagavata and
Satrugna - Bhaagavata Seshatvam
Taken together, Rama Avatara was as much a PoorNa Avatara as
Krishnaavataara.
13. RAMAYANAM IS THE EXPOSITION OF THE VEDAS
The Upakrama SlOka says that when the Lord decided on his descent as
Rama, the son of Dasaratha, the Vedas also took descent in the form
of Ramayana.
vEda vdDhyE parE pumsi jaatE dasaraatmajE/
vEda: praachatasaad aseeth saakshaat RaamaayaNaatmanaa//
14. OTHER NAMES OF RAMAYANA:
Besides the name "Ramayana" meaning the story of the exploits of Sri
Rama, it is also called "Sitaayaa: Charitam mahath" (the great story
of Sri Sita). In Tamil, it is described as the "Greatness of the
woman who went to jail" (Sirai irundavaL yEtram).
(cf: Mahabharata is known as "thoodu senravan yETram). It is also
called "Poulastya Vadam' meaning the "Killing of the descendent of
Pulastya". Ravana was that descendent.
15. SITAYANAM
Srimad Andavan, Poundarikapuram Swami Asramam, Srirangam explains
how the middle name relating to Sri Sita is more appropriate than
the other two.
The purpose of Avataras is to protect the virtuous (paritraaNaaya
saadoonaam), destroying the vicious (vinaasaaya cha dushkritaam) and
establishment of Dharma (Dharma samsthaapanaarthaaya).
- Sri Rama protected only those who surrendered to him; Sri
Sita protected even those who tortured her.
- Sri Rama gladdened the hearts of people; Sri Sita gladdened
his heart also.
- But for her acting as the mediatrix in all situations, none
of the souls could have secured any protection from Sri Rama.
- Lava and Kusa sang her praise because it was because of
their father's cruelty to their mother in banishing her that they
lived in her company and were more attached to her than to Sri Rama.
- Sri Sita underwent incarceration in order to procure the
release of celestial nymphs whom Ravana had imprisoned. And, it was
the crux of the whole epic
16. WAYS TO MOKSHA.
Our Acharyas tell us that there are only two paths to attain mOKsha,
namely Bhakti (Devotion) and Prapatti (Absolute surrender to
God).Srimad Ramayanam is a work on both Bhakti and Prapatti.
bhaktyaa Paramayaa vaapi prapattyaa Vaa mahaa mate/
praapyOham na anyatAa praapyO mama kainkarya-lipsubhih/ and
prapannaad anyEshaam na disati mukundo Nijapadam
prapannas cha dvEdhaa sucharita-paripaaka-bhidayaa/
vilambEna praaptir bhajana sukham yEkasya vipulam
parasya aasu praaptih parimitarasaa jeevita dasaa//
We find that Srimad Ramayana is a work that delineates both Bhakti
and Prapatti in its own inimitable way.
17. SRIMAD RAMAYANAM AS A WORK ON DEVOTION (BHAKTI)
Nine kinds of Bhakti have been identified:
sravaNam keerthanam vishNO: smaraNam paada sEvanam/
archanam vandanam daasyam sakhyam aatma nivEdanam//
We can see that all these nine kinds of devotion are exemplified in
Srimad Ramayanam
- sravaNam (Listening to stories of the Lord)
Hanuman, the virtual hero of RamayaNam (RamaayaNa mahaa maalaa
rathnam) refused to go with Sri Rama saying that in Paramapadam he
cannot `hear' the story of Rama but only "Saama-gaanam". He is said
to be present wherever there is talk on or about Rama with hands over
his head and tears of joy in his eyes.
Yatra yatra Raghunaatha keerthanam tatra tatra krita mastaka anjalim/
Baashpavaari paripoorNa lOchanam maarutim namata raakshasa anthakam //
- keerthanam (Singing the praise of the Lord)
Valmiki is known to derive immense pleasure in reciting the name of
Rama. He repeatedly uses the name of Rama wherever he could.
- smaraNam (Remembering the exploits of the Lord)
Sri Sita is known to have been always thinking of her Lord. The way
she remembers and incessantly describes the Lord while at AsOka vana
reveals her "SmaraNa Bhakti"
- paada sEvanam (Serving at the feet of the Lord)
Bharata vowed that if he were not successful in bringing back Sri
Rama to AyOdhya, he would also don the robe like that of Rama and
stay in the forest to serve Rama. But, when Rama gave his Padukas and
bade him to go back to AyOdhya, he obeyed him, installed the Padukas
on the throne and acted as its vassal in the absence of Rama.
- archanam (Offering fruits. flowers etc to the Lord)
Sabari saved tasty fruits for offering to Rama, if and when he
visited her. Recognizing her Bhakti, Rama sent her to VaikunTam. She
did not offer spittle tainted remnants to Rama as some would have us
believe!
- vandanam (Falling at the feet of the Lord)
VibheeshaNa though a born Raakshasa was a "Dharmaatma"
"vibheeshaNastu dharmaatmaa na tu raakshasa chEshTita:"
He gave up everything (including wife, children, wealth etc) to
surrender to Sri Rama. He was an ideal example of the saying: One who
is attached to Paramaatma will be totally detached from all worldly
things"
"Parama aatmani yO raktah, viraktO: a-parama aatmani"
- daasyam (Physically serving the Lord)
LakshmaNa accompanied Sri Rama pledging to do all kinds of service to
Sri Rama in the forest while Rama was awake or while he slept:
"aham sarvam karishyaami jaagrata: svapatas cha tE"
- sakhyam (Being friendly to the Lord)
Sugreeva was so impressed with the qualities of Rama that he became
his best friend and showered on Rama unalloyed love as a friend.
- aatma nivEdanam (Surrendering one's soul to the Lord)
JaTaayu, when he saw Sri Sita being carried away by Ravana gave a
fight with him in which he almost lost his life. Valmiki describes
him as "Sreemaan JaTaayu"- an epithet he uses only in referring to
two others, namely, VibheeshaNa (Antarikshagata: Sreemaan) and
GajEndra (Sa tu naagavara Sreemaan)
Thus Srimad RamayaNam gives examples of the nine kinds of Bhakti
Therefore, it is rightly deemed a treatise on Bhakti
18. SRIMAD RAMAYANAM AS A WORK ON PRAPATTI
In fact, it is known as "Prapatti Saastra". In almost every canto, we
find numerous instances to prove the efficacy of Prapatti (Absolute
surrender to the Lord)
Bala khaaNdam:
- The surrender of Devas seeking his protection
- Trisanku's surrender to Viswaamitra for going to Heaven with
his physical frame
- Surrender of Sunaschepa
AyOdhya khaaNdam:
- Lakshmana's surrender to Rama for accompanying him to the
forest.
- Bharata's surrender that fetched him Paaduka Kainkaryam first
because the earlier DEva SaraNaagati had to bear fruit first and
Bharata's surrender bore fruit in Rama's taking over the kingdom
after the Vanavasam,
AraNYa khaaNdam:
- Sages surrender resulting in the decimation of Kara, DooshaNa
etc
- Mobile and Immobile beings surrender (by being in AyOdhya
which itself is taken as surrender) and thus attain higher worlds.
- The cruel crow surrenders and its life is spared, with a
light punishment for its misdeeds.
- Lord Rama surrenders to the Ocean King who later surrenders
to Rama- These show how surrender can be effective only when a lowly
person does it to an able and capable superior.
Sundara khaaNdam:
- TrijaTa advises the Rakshasis to surrender to Sri Sita saying
that the latter would readily forgive their torturing her.
- PiraaTTi advises the Raakshasis that should Rama emerge
victorious as he was bound to, she would protect them.
- When Hanumaan wanted to take on the Raakshasis, Sri Sita
advised him that they did only their duty asking: "Who has not
erred?"- "KaruNam kaaryam aaryEna, Na kaschit na aparaadyati"
Yuddha khaaNdam:
- * The famous VibheeshaNa SaraNaagati. Sri Rama vows that even
if RavaNa himself had surrendered he would forgive the offender and
accept his surrender.
Uttara khaaNDam:
- Sri Rama's reply to Maalyavaan: Just like, a tiger could be
killed for protecting the cows, the latter killing of the enemies for
honoring an earlier surrender was only just and proper.
Vaali Vadam: The same logic holds good here. In order to honor the
earlier
if not in every detail. Though it makes a good story as well, the
importance of a study of Ramayanam lies in drawing the lessons it
conveys to us through the different characters and different
situations and how far they are relevant to the modern times.
Therefore, our focus will be on the morals conveyed in the various
episodes. This would necessitate retelling the story in brief before
proceeding to comment.
6. VALMIKI AND NAMMAZHWAR
Nammazhwar in his Tiruvoimozhi 7.5.1 puts a rhetorical
question: "Karpaar Ramanai allaal matrum karparO?" meaning "Will
anyone read anything other than Sri Ramapiraan?"
What is so great about Srimad Ramayanam that we are asked to read
it?
And, what is so great about Valmiki Ramayanam over the others?
ANSWER
Srimad Ramayana is the practical guide for proper conduct as
exemplified by the Lord Himself in his Avataara as Sri Rama. If we
desire to regulate our lives on the right lines, it is to Ramayana
that we should turn to.
It shows not only how one WOULD react to situations but more
importantly also how one SHOULD react. This is very important for us
to regulate our lives by adopting the "SHOULD" part of it and
avoiding the "WOULD" part.
But, why are we addicted to the "would" part of it and seem to shun
the "Should" part?
The reason is not far to seek. Our Scriptures say that all living
beings from the four faced Brahma down to the lowly worm are
governed by a mixture of what is known as TriguNa, the trio of
Sattva (virtue), Rajas (emotion laden action) and Tamas
(sullenness). Just as in democracy, the party that gets a majority
rules the nation (at least for the time being), the preponderance of
any particular guNa at any given point of time, governs one's
thoughts and behavior. And, most of the time, we are slaves to the
Rajas and Tamas and we are emotion driven. This leads us to the way
we react to situations. The Rajas while being the motive force for
all our actions provides a breeding ground for the 6 evils that
plague us namely, kaama, krOda, mOha, lObha, mada, maatsarya which w
have to be vigilant to constantly keep under check
In Ramayana, we find three brothers acting differently.
Vibheeshana with Sattva, Ravana with Rajas and Kumbakarna with
Tamas as the predominant traits. We learn from these characters that
we should strive to augment Sattvaguna, regulate Rajas (because we
cannot totally eliminate it) and avoid Tamas altogether.
7. "RaamaayaNam ethanai RaamaayaNam aDi"
The quality and content of the Aadhikavi, has ignited the
imagination of a galaxy of innumerable poets and writers, throughout
the world and over the ages and in a variety of languages. We are
told that there are at least 50 versions of Ramayana. (For example)
- Aananda Ramayana by Pasaurama
- Adbutha Ramayana, by Valmiki himself
- Adhyaatma Ramayana by Sage Viswamitra
- AgnivEshaya Ramayanam by AgnivESya
- Anargha Raghava of Muraari,
- BhaTTi Kaavya by BhaTTi Kavi
- Champu Ramayana by BhOja
- Hanuman- NaaTaka by Hanuman
- Jaina Ramayanam by Hemachandra
- Kamba RamayaNam in Tamil by Poet Kambar
- Mantra Ramayanam by LakshmaNa Arya
- Prasanna Raghava by JayadEva
- Raghava Nishadeeya by Haradatta Suri
- Raghu Vamsam of KaaLidaasa,
- Ramacharita Maanas in Hindi by TuLasidas
- Ramayana Manjari by KshemEndra
- Sangraha Ramayanam by Narayana PaNDita
- Uttara Rama Charita by Bhavabhooti
- Yoga VaasishTam by Valmiki himself and many others.
It is doubtful if any other work of religious literature enjoyed
such a fascination. (Of course, Bhagavad Gita has been translated in
several languages but perhaps, not so prolific like Ramayana).
There is a song in Tamil detailing the various names of Rama that
asks "Raaman ethanai RaamanaDi" We may perhaps ask
similarly "RaamaayaNam ethanai RaamaayaNam aDi"
8. AADI KAAVYAM
But, what makes Srimad Valmiki Ramayana as special and outstanding
is the fact that it is the first ever epic in Literary world.
It is, therefore, known as "Aadikaavya" and its author Valmiki,
the "Aadikavi". It is the most authentic and authoritative account
of the life story of Sri Rama ? the only true account of every
detail as it happened. In fact, it is the first "Ithi-aasa" Meaning:
(Thus it happened)
9. PURUSHARTAS
SaptastOma stipulates that to qualify as an "Itihaasa" the work
should bring out all the 4 Purushartas (Objectives) of Dharma
(Righteousness), Artha (Wealth), Kaama (Desire) and MOksha
(Liberation). Srimad Ramayanam does this in an exemplary manner.
The secondary objectives of Artha and Kaama have been adroitly
sandwiched between Dharma and MOksha to emphasize that they should
be regulated on Dharmic principles if one wants to attain MOksha
(Salvation).
10. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DO NOT REGULATE SO?
- That Artha is secondary to Dharma is brought out by Sri
Rama's abdication of the throne which was his birthright of
primogeniture.
- That a-dharmic Kaama leads to fall is portrayed in the
events in the lives of Dasaratha, Ravana and Soorpanaka.
- That the one who acquires and expends wealth and enjoys
permitted pleasures of life on Dharmic lines ultimately gains mOKsha
are very vividly illustrated in the various episodes in Srimad
Ramayana.
- The delineation of mOKsha is explained in Uttara KhaaNDam.
What is Dharma? It is defined as "That which sustains". What does it
sustain?
It is the inculcation in our lives such noble traits as obedience to
parents, brotherly love between the siblings, chastity which is
common to both man and woman, reverence to elders and holy men,
compassion that forgives the repentant (vide Kaakaasura incident),
commingling of the mighty Emperor Sri Ram with the lowliest of lowly
(Vide Guha the boatman, Sabari the huntress and VibheeshaNa the
Rakshasa) etc.
11. VEDAS AND ITIHASAS
While Vedas command with "Dos and Don'ts" Itihasas like Ramayana act
as good friends and illustrate by examples, interesting stories and
anecdotes how virtuous people prospered and how the evil ones came
to grief ultimately, so that we can learn how we should emulate
characters like Rama and avoid behaving like Ravana and similar
characters.
Rama's obedience to parents (pitru vaakhya paripaalanam),
Lakshmana's Bhagavad Kainkaryam, Bharata's conviction that there was
no refuge other than Rama and Satrughna's Bhaagavata Kainkaryam are
object lessons for humanity for all time to come.
12. DIFFERENT ROLES
The Lord needed different complementary roles for different purposes
and so he cast himself in different characters:
Rama - Bhagavaan
LakshmaNa -Bhagavad Seshatvam
Bharata - Bhaagavata and
Satrugna - Bhaagavata Seshatvam
Taken together, Rama Avatara was as much a PoorNa Avatara as
Krishnaavataara.
13. RAMAYANAM IS THE EXPOSITION OF THE VEDAS
The Upakrama SlOka says that when the Lord decided on his descent as
Rama, the son of Dasaratha, the Vedas also took descent in the form
of Ramayana.
vEda vdDhyE parE pumsi jaatE dasaraatmajE/
vEda: praachatasaad aseeth saakshaat RaamaayaNaatmanaa//
14. OTHER NAMES OF RAMAYANA:
Besides the name "Ramayana" meaning the story of the exploits of Sri
Rama, it is also called "Sitaayaa: Charitam mahath" (the great story
of Sri Sita). In Tamil, it is described as the "Greatness of the
woman who went to jail" (Sirai irundavaL yEtram).
(cf: Mahabharata is known as "thoodu senravan yETram). It is also
called "Poulastya Vadam' meaning the "Killing of the descendent of
Pulastya". Ravana was that descendent.
15. SITAYANAM
Srimad Andavan, Poundarikapuram Swami Asramam, Srirangam explains
how the middle name relating to Sri Sita is more appropriate than
the other two.
The purpose of Avataras is to protect the virtuous (paritraaNaaya
saadoonaam), destroying the vicious (vinaasaaya cha dushkritaam) and
establishment of Dharma (Dharma samsthaapanaarthaaya).
- Sri Rama protected only those who surrendered to him; Sri
Sita protected even those who tortured her.
- Sri Rama gladdened the hearts of people; Sri Sita gladdened
his heart also.
- But for her acting as the mediatrix in all situations, none
of the souls could have secured any protection from Sri Rama.
- Lava and Kusa sang her praise because it was because of
their father's cruelty to their mother in banishing her that they
lived in her company and were more attached to her than to Sri Rama.
- Sri Sita underwent incarceration in order to procure the
release of celestial nymphs whom Ravana had imprisoned. And, it was
the crux of the whole epic
16. WAYS TO MOKSHA.
Our Acharyas tell us that there are only two paths to attain mOKsha,
namely Bhakti (Devotion) and Prapatti (Absolute surrender to
God).Srimad Ramayanam is a work on both Bhakti and Prapatti.
bhaktyaa Paramayaa vaapi prapattyaa Vaa mahaa mate/
praapyOham na anyatAa praapyO mama kainkarya-lipsubhih/ and
prapannaad anyEshaam na disati mukundo Nijapadam
prapannas cha dvEdhaa sucharita-paripaaka-bhidayaa/
vilambEna praaptir bhajana sukham yEkasya vipulam
parasya aasu praaptih parimitarasaa jeevita dasaa//
We find that Srimad Ramayana is a work that delineates both Bhakti
and Prapatti in its own inimitable way.
17. SRIMAD RAMAYANAM AS A WORK ON DEVOTION (BHAKTI)
Nine kinds of Bhakti have been identified:
sravaNam keerthanam vishNO: smaraNam paada sEvanam/
archanam vandanam daasyam sakhyam aatma nivEdanam//
We can see that all these nine kinds of devotion are exemplified in
Srimad Ramayanam
- sravaNam (Listening to stories of the Lord)
Hanuman, the virtual hero of RamayaNam (RamaayaNa mahaa maalaa
rathnam) refused to go with Sri Rama saying that in Paramapadam he
cannot `hear' the story of Rama but only "Saama-gaanam". He is said
to be present wherever there is talk on or about Rama with hands over
his head and tears of joy in his eyes.
Yatra yatra Raghunaatha keerthanam tatra tatra krita mastaka anjalim/
Baashpavaari paripoorNa lOchanam maarutim namata raakshasa anthakam //
- keerthanam (Singing the praise of the Lord)
Valmiki is known to derive immense pleasure in reciting the name of
Rama. He repeatedly uses the name of Rama wherever he could.
- smaraNam (Remembering the exploits of the Lord)
Sri Sita is known to have been always thinking of her Lord. The way
she remembers and incessantly describes the Lord while at AsOka vana
reveals her "SmaraNa Bhakti"
- paada sEvanam (Serving at the feet of the Lord)
Bharata vowed that if he were not successful in bringing back Sri
Rama to AyOdhya, he would also don the robe like that of Rama and
stay in the forest to serve Rama. But, when Rama gave his Padukas and
bade him to go back to AyOdhya, he obeyed him, installed the Padukas
on the throne and acted as its vassal in the absence of Rama.
- archanam (Offering fruits. flowers etc to the Lord)
Sabari saved tasty fruits for offering to Rama, if and when he
visited her. Recognizing her Bhakti, Rama sent her to VaikunTam. She
did not offer spittle tainted remnants to Rama as some would have us
believe!
- vandanam (Falling at the feet of the Lord)
VibheeshaNa though a born Raakshasa was a "Dharmaatma"
"vibheeshaNastu dharmaatmaa na tu raakshasa chEshTita:"
He gave up everything (including wife, children, wealth etc) to
surrender to Sri Rama. He was an ideal example of the saying: One who
is attached to Paramaatma will be totally detached from all worldly
things"
"Parama aatmani yO raktah, viraktO: a-parama aatmani"
- daasyam (Physically serving the Lord)
LakshmaNa accompanied Sri Rama pledging to do all kinds of service to
Sri Rama in the forest while Rama was awake or while he slept:
"aham sarvam karishyaami jaagrata: svapatas cha tE"
- sakhyam (Being friendly to the Lord)
Sugreeva was so impressed with the qualities of Rama that he became
his best friend and showered on Rama unalloyed love as a friend.
- aatma nivEdanam (Surrendering one's soul to the Lord)
JaTaayu, when he saw Sri Sita being carried away by Ravana gave a
fight with him in which he almost lost his life. Valmiki describes
him as "Sreemaan JaTaayu"- an epithet he uses only in referring to
two others, namely, VibheeshaNa (Antarikshagata: Sreemaan) and
GajEndra (Sa tu naagavara Sreemaan)
Thus Srimad RamayaNam gives examples of the nine kinds of Bhakti
Therefore, it is rightly deemed a treatise on Bhakti
18. SRIMAD RAMAYANAM AS A WORK ON PRAPATTI
In fact, it is known as "Prapatti Saastra". In almost every canto, we
find numerous instances to prove the efficacy of Prapatti (Absolute
surrender to the Lord)
Bala khaaNdam:
- The surrender of Devas seeking his protection
- Trisanku's surrender to Viswaamitra for going to Heaven with
his physical frame
- Surrender of Sunaschepa
AyOdhya khaaNdam:
- Lakshmana's surrender to Rama for accompanying him to the
forest.
- Bharata's surrender that fetched him Paaduka Kainkaryam first
because the earlier DEva SaraNaagati had to bear fruit first and
Bharata's surrender bore fruit in Rama's taking over the kingdom
after the Vanavasam,
AraNYa khaaNdam:
- Sages surrender resulting in the decimation of Kara, DooshaNa
etc
- Mobile and Immobile beings surrender (by being in AyOdhya
which itself is taken as surrender) and thus attain higher worlds.
- The cruel crow surrenders and its life is spared, with a
light punishment for its misdeeds.
- Lord Rama surrenders to the Ocean King who later surrenders
to Rama- These show how surrender can be effective only when a lowly
person does it to an able and capable superior.
Sundara khaaNdam:
- TrijaTa advises the Rakshasis to surrender to Sri Sita saying
that the latter would readily forgive their torturing her.
- PiraaTTi advises the Raakshasis that should Rama emerge
victorious as he was bound to, she would protect them.
- When Hanumaan wanted to take on the Raakshasis, Sri Sita
advised him that they did only their duty asking: "Who has not
erred?"- "KaruNam kaaryam aaryEna, Na kaschit na aparaadyati"
Yuddha khaaNdam:
- * The famous VibheeshaNa SaraNaagati. Sri Rama vows that even
if RavaNa himself had surrendered he would forgive the offender and
accept his surrender.
Uttara khaaNDam:
- Sri Rama's reply to Maalyavaan: Just like, a tiger could be
killed for protecting the cows, the latter killing of the enemies for
honoring an earlier surrender was only just and proper.
Vaali Vadam: The same logic holds good here. In order to honor the
earlier
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