Balakandam !! Initiation of Ashwamedha Yaga by Sage Vashishta !!

 

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abhivadhya Vashishtam Cha Nyayatha: Prathipujya Cha |

Abraveeth Prashritham Vakyam Prasavartham Dhwijoththamam ||

Mithilapathim Shwaram Janakam Sathya Vadhinam ||

Thama Anaya Mahabhagam Swayam Eva Sussathkritham |

Poorva Sambhandhinam Jyathva Thatha: Poorvam Bhravimithey ||

 

King Dasaratha entered the arena where the grand Yagna was arranged, reverentially greeted the royal priest Sage Vashishta and spoke “Oh! Illustrious Sage, let the rituals be performed according to the sacred scriptures and successfully conclude the same without any impediments.  As the respectable royal priest of Ikshvaku clan, you shall conduct the proceedings of the rituals with extreme ardor.”  Sage Vashishta replied “ I  will thoroughly inspect all the proceedings of the rituals and do all that you have desired.”  Sage Vashishta summoned elderly Brahmins and Vedic scholars, proficient architects and experts in building ritual arena and skilled workers required for the construction, such as craftsmen, masons, carpenters, sculptors, supervisors, mangers etc…  It was decided to build various temporary guest chambers and abode with all the luxuries to serve the stay of Kings from neighboring cities, sanctified houses for the stay of Vedic Brahmins with all necessities including the arrangements for their food etc.., accommodation for the city dwellers, grand arrangements for the living of Kings, construction of horse stables, relaxation stalls for elephants, comfortable lodging facilities for the people visiting from various neighboring countries and arrangement of sumptuous meal for them.  Sage Vashishta narrated that the people arrived should be received with due honor, food should be served without taking into account of their Varnashrama and it should be served graciously.  Sage Vashishta advised the personnel who were engaged in the construction that whoever engaged in the construction of ritual arena should be treated with humility, respect and proper allocation of fund.    The organizers and artisans assembled were asserted that the entire work will be carried out meticulously and the workers engaged will be treated with respect.

 

Further, Sage Vashishta summoned Sumantra and instructed him to invite all the righteous Kings of neighboring cities with due respect and honors.  The people belonged to four Varnarshrama such as Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra from the neighboring countries should be invited with due respect.  Sage Vashishted advised Sumantra to personally invite:

 

King Janaka of Mithila, a righteous and valiant King who is the close associate of King Dasaratha,  

King of Kashi an affectionate and cordial associate of King Dasaratha,

King of Kekeya who is father-in-law of King Dasaratha, an elderly and virtuous along with his sons,

King Romapada/Chithraratha of Anga Kingdom, proficient archer and close associate of King Dasaratha

King Bhanumantha of Kosala & King Prapthignana of Magadha who has profound knowledge in scriptures

Kings of  Sindhu,Suvira and Saurashtra and the Kings of Southern Kingdom with all their friends and followers.

 

After listening to Sage Vashishta, Sumantra ordered for luxurious convoys to invite all those prestigious Kings.  Sumantra sincerely followed the orders of Sage Vashishta and travelled extensively to invite them.  The artisans engaged in the preparations of Vedic arena duly reported the work progress to Sage Vashishta.  Finally, Sage Vashishta advised everyone assembled to carry out the proceedings of grand Yaga that the deeds of dishonorable and unreliable will bring nothing other than shame to the person committed.  Shortly, Kings from neighboring cities started arriving to the Kingdom of Ayodhya with luxurious gifts for King Dasaratha was received with due respect and honor.  Sage Vashishta informed King Dasaratha about the arrival of Kings of neighboring cities and completion of Yagna preparations including the construction of grand arena.  On a promising day King Dasaratha arrived on the Yagna arena as per the advice of Sage Vashishta and Rishyashrunga.  Sage Rishyashrung entered the ritual hall accompanied by Sage Vashishta and eminent Vedic Brahmin scholars.  All the guests were present at the ritual hall; King Dasaratha along with his wives undertook the vow of ritual required before the commencement of the grand ritual. 

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Balakandam !! King Dasaratha orders to conduct the Yagna !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thatha: Pranamya Shirasa Thamam Viprama Deva Varninam |

Yajjyaya  Varyamasa Santhanartham Kulasya Cha ||

Thatha  Ithi Cha Sa Rajanam Uvacha Vasudhadhipam |

Sambhara: Sambhriyantham They Thuragascha Vimuchyatham ||

Sarvya:  Cha Utharey Theerey Yajjya Bhoomi : Vidhiyatham |

 

King Dasaratha decided to perform the Vedic ritual at the arrival of spring season.  King Dasaratha with folded hands prayed to the illustrious Sage Rishyashrunga to conduct the Vedic rituals on behalf of him to beget virtuous progeny that would maintain the existence of Ikshvaku clan.  Sage Rishyashrunga ordered to begin the arrangement of grand Yagna and release the ritual horse.  King Dasaratha commanded Sumantra to invite the royal priests Sage Suyajna, Sage Vamadeva, Sage Jabali, Sage Kashyapa and Sage Vashishta chief priest of Ikshvaku dynasty and Vedic Brahmins to conduct the Yagna.  Sumantra sincerely followed the command and brought all the chief priests and Vedic Brahmins to the palace were received with utmost reverence by King Dasaratha and addressed them “I am extremely anxious without progeny, decided to perform Vedic horse ritual.  I wish the Yagna should be performed according to the rules prescribed in the sacred scriptures along with strict observances, I desired to fulfill my long cherished wish through the divine Sage Rishyashrunga . “  The Sages and Vedic Brahmins assembled were appreciated the very idea of King Dasaratha, they showered blessings upon their King Dasaratha for obtaining four valorous sons and advised to release the ritual horse as an initiation of this auspicious event.  King Dasaratha was highly pleased at the words of the Sages and Vedic Brahmins ordered his men “ Let the ritual horse be released accompanied by gallant warriors and Vedic Brahmins, construct grand Yagna arena on the northern banks of river Sarayu, order for strict observances prescribed in the sacred scriptures and customs followed by ancestors, this auspicious event should be promoted and conducted by the Kings with strict austerities, though it’s extremely difficult task to perform.  The demons may create impediments at every stage of the event; put all their efforts to ruin the auspicious event.  If the rituals are not performed in right manner, the destruction of performer of ritual is definite.  Therefore, this ritual shall be conducted faultlessly with absolute adherence to the sacred scriptures.  I have absolute faith upon the illustrious Sages and Vedic Brahmins assembled will perform the task without any error.”  The arrangements for the Vedic rituals were begun in a high pace.  Once again, all the Sages & Vedic Brahmins appreciated the virtuous King Dasaratha for his enormous endeavor of undertaking Vedic rituals for the welfare of his Kingdom and its people.  King Dasaratha returned to his palace with his men and the Vedic Brahmins & Sages returned to their places. 

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

Balakandam !! Sage Rishyashrunga’s arrival to Kingdom of Ayodhya !!

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

Evam Sa Deva Pravara: Purvam Kathithavan Katham |

Sananthkumaro Bhagavan Pura Deva Yugo Prabhu: ||

Anapathyosmi Dharmathman Shantha Bhartha Mama Krutham|

Aahareth Thwaya Anjyaptha: Santhanartham  Kulasya Cha ||

Thatha : Swalarmkrutham Raja Nagaram Pravivesha Ha ||

Shankha Dhundhubhi Nirghoshai : Puraskruthva Dwijarshabham |

Anantha:  Puram Praveshya Yenam Pujam Kruthva Cha Sastratha: |

Kruthakruthyam Thadha Athmanam  Meney Thasya Upavahanath ||

 

Sumantra, Charioteer and one of Ministers of the Assembly of King Dasaratha recollects the predictions made in the beginning of Kritha Yuga by the illustrious Sage Sanathkumara who was born from the mind of Lord Brahma to the sages assembled ‘An honorable King Dasaratha born in the clan of Ikshvaku will be prominent for his righteousness, King Dasaratha will have close association with the King Rompadha/Chithraratha of Anga Kingdom.  King Chithraratha will obtain a fortunate girl child from King Dasaratha.   Later King Dasaratha will request the illustrious Sage Rishyashrunga to conduct a Vedic ritual to obtain progeny and will accomplish his desires.  King Dasaratha will address King of Anga about his decision to perform Vedic rituals to obtain progeny and his wish to appoint Sage Rishyashrunga to be in charge of the Vedic proceedings.  King Chithraratha will be extremely happy and instruct Rishyashrunga to proceed to the Kingdom of Ayodhya to conduct the Vedic rituals.  King Dasaratha will have four sons enriched with valor and virtue will be known to the entire world’.   (Shantha, Daughter of Dasaratha was the adopted child of King Chithraratha    was married to Sage Rishyashrunga).   Sumantra narrated the splendid incident to King Dasaratha. 

 

 

Sumantra enthusiastically advised King Dasaratha to invite Sage Rishyshrunga with the consent of Sage Vashishta, chief of the priests of Ayodhya also sought permission for the arrangement of fabulous conveyance facilities and assistants to follow Sage Rishyashrunga for his journey to Ayodhya .  Thus King Dasaratha left with the prominent people and ministers of assembly to meet Sage Rishyashrunga.  Shortly King Dasaratha arrived in Anga Kingdom was reverentially greeted by King Chithraratha.  King Dasaratha witnessed the Sage Rishyashrunga who has the brilliance of ritual fire seated next to King Chithrartha.  Sage Rishyashrunga was appropriately introduced to King Dasaratha with due respect and honor.  Later, King Dasaratha spent seven/eight days in the pleasant company of King Chithraratha in his palace.     Before leaving Anga Kingdom King Dasaratha spoke to King Chithraratha “ Oh! Righteous King, your daughter Shantha along with her husband Sage Rishyashrunga may proceed to the Kingdom of Ayodhya to witness the proceedings of Vedic rituals.” King Chithraratha was pleased at heart and replied ‘So it shall be’, they embraced and bade farewell to each other.    In due course, messengers were assigned to inform the arrival of Sage Rishyashrunga to Ayodhya and King’s order to embellish the city in a splendid manner, eventually magnificent decoration of streets and the city of Ayodhya took place; appropriate arrangements were made to receive the illustrious Sage Rishyashrunga and his wife Shantha.  As soon as the couple arrived in the sparkling city of Ayodhya , divine music of drumbeats & conch reverberated the entire city.  The people of Ayodhya mesmerized at the divinity of illustrious Sage Rishyashrunga, the people of entire Ayodhya was jubilant at the arrival of the Sage Rishyashrunga, and he was received with utmost reverence like Lord Indra was received Lord Vamana into the celestial world.  King Dasaratha received Sage Rishyashrunga to his palace according to the rite prescribed in the scriptures.  The arrival of marvelous couple brought immense joy in everyone.  The presence of gorgeous Shantha brought the feeling homecoming of their daughter to the ladies in the palace.  Shantha was enormously admired by King Dasaratha and all of the members of the family; she was blissfully resided in the palace with her husband Sage Rishyashrunga.

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Balakandam !! Sage Rishyashrunga’s arrival to Anga Kingdom !!

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rishyashrungo Vanachara: Thapa: Swadhyaya Samyutha: |

Anabhishcha: Thu Narinam Vishyayanam Sukhasya Cha ||

Pithu: Sa Nithya Santhushto  Na  Athichakrama Cha  Ashramath ||

Na Thena Janma  Prabhruthi Ishta Poorvam Thapasvina |

Stri Va  Puman Va Yaccha Anyatha Sathvam Nagara Rashtrajam ||

 

Sumantra, one of the ministers of the assembly of King Dasaratha narrated the arrival of Sage Rishyashrunga, a true ascetic to the Kingdom of Anga.  The ministers of King Romapadha of Anga advised to bring Sage Rishyashrunga to his Kingdom to get rid of the crucial famine.  They narrated Sage Rishyashrunga who is a forest dweller, immersed in the studies of Veda and scriptures was not aware of worldly pleasures or worldly matters or the existence of women.  The courtesans were appointed to complete the mission by the ministers of the assembly and the priests with the permission of King Romapada.   The ministers were well aware of the fact that the most desired sense pleasing objects would change the mind of any ascetic, they decided to send fine attired courtesans to lure the heart of Sage Rishyashrunga and these courtesans were offered with valuable gifts for their work.  The most excellent courtesans were arrived in the woodland and settled near the hermitage of the Sage Vibhandhaga, with an intention to get a fleeting look of the ascetic Rishyashrunga, who was serene, pleased with his life was not traveled around or out of his hermitage.  He has not seen any women or men or any sense pleasing objects, he was not undertaken any expedition to country side or city in his life.  On one occasion, Rishyashrunga came out of his hermitage and observed the lovely courtesans; they were extremely marvelous looking attired in fabulous clothes and singing mellifluously.  The courtesans lustfully approached Sage Rishyashrunga and spoke ‘Oh ! Brahmin Who are you? Why you have chosen to be in the isolated woodland? We would like to hear more about you.”

 

 

The women assembled before Sage Rishyashrunga were extremely beautiful and captivating, Sage Rishyashrunga was never witnessed anyone like these attractive women in the forest.  Immediately, he had a feeling of companionship spurted in his heart and introduced him “I am an ascetic, I am Rishyashrunga, son of Sage Vibhandhaga.  You all have an auspicious look; I wish to perform veneration to all of you according to the rules prescribed in the scriptures.”  All the women with a deep inclination to witness the hermitage of the Sage accompanied him.  They were received with honor, introduced to the places of hand-wash, feet-wash and offered various fruits & juices.  All the women took great pleasure in the company and hospitality of Sage Rishyashrunga, but all had a fear of arrival of his father Sage Vibhandhaga at any moment, so they all bade farewell to Sage Rishyashrunga, they embraced him affectionately and offered him various sweets and left the hermitage.  Rishyashrunga never had the tastes of the sweets offered other than the common fruits available in the woodland.  The courtesans abruptly took leave from the hermitage of Sage Rishyashrunga with a fear of arrival of Sage Vibhandhaga and his curse.  After consuming the sweets offered by the courtesans, Rishyashrunga felt uneasy and restless.  On the very next day, Sage Rishyashrunga with extreme anxiety reached the place where he met the marvelous women.  The courtesans were overjoyed at the presence of Sage and received him with utmost reverence and great honor.  They offered various fruits to him and spoke in sweet words, eventually Sage Rishyashrunga decided to follow them to Anga Kingdom.  The moment Sage entered the city, Lord Varuna set off the much awaited downpour with pleasure.  King Romapadha approached the Sage Rishyashrunga and prostrated before him and he was received with utmost reverence and honor.  King Romapadha earnestly requested Sage Rishyashrunga to protect him and his Kingdom from the fury of his father for bringing him to the Anga Kingdom.  Shortly, King Romapadhas’s daughter princess Shantha was offered in a customary marriage to Sage Rishyashrunga.  Thus, the well respected great soul Sage Rishyashrunga lived a blissful married life with Shantha in Anga Kingdom.

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Some of the Characters from Srimad Ramayan !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Emperor Dasaratha – Ruler of the Kingdom of Ayodhya & renowned charioteer who has the proficiency in controlling ten chariots at his will, father of Lord Rama, Lakshman, Bharatha & Shatrugna.

 

Kousalya, Kaikeyi & Sumitra – wives of King Dasaratha & Empress of Ayodhya

 

Lord Rama – Personification of Lord Vishnu & Hero of the great epic Srimad Ramayan

 

Sita – Daughter of King Janaka of Mithila, daughter-in-law of King Dasaratha of Ayodhya , wife of Lord Rama.  She has various names like Janaki, Maithili, Vaidhehi, Janakananthini, Janaka Kumari.

 

King Janaka – Rajarishi, King of Mithila, father of Urmila (Married to Lakshman), foster father of Sita

 

Sunayana – Wife of King Janaka of Mithila & foster mother of Sita

 

Kuchadhwaja – Brother of King Janaka of Mithila & father of Mandavi & Shruthakirthi, father-in-law of Bharatha & Shatrugna.

 

Sumantra – chief of Assembly & Charioteer of King Dasaratha

 

Maharishi Narada – Lord Brahma’s Manasaputra & one of the personifications of Lord Vishnu

 

Sage Valmiki – Composer of the great epic Srimad Ramayan also has the name Ratnakara & he provided shelter to Goddess Sita, mentor to Lava & Kusha (sons of Lord Rama & Goddess Sita)

 

Sage Parasurama – Personification of Lord Vishnu, born to Sage Jamadagni & Renuka

 

Sage Vishwamithra – Preceptor of Lord Rama, Rama learned science of armaments and its usage from Sage Vishwamithra, later Rama accompanied Sage to Mithila for marrying Sita

 

Sage Bharadhwaja – Father of Sage Dronacharya lived in a hermitage on the river banks of Prayag.  Rama paid visit to Sage Bharadhwaja during his exile from Ayodhya.

 

Sage Vashishta – family priest of King Dasaratha & husband of chaste woman Arundhati

 

Sage Markandeya, Sage Vishwamitra, Sage Jabali, Sage Vamadeva, Sage Moudhkalya, Sage Kashyapa, Sage Karthiyayana, Sage Gautama – Priestly Members of assembly of King Dasaratha

 

Ahalya – Chaste wife of Sage Gautama was transformed into a stone due to the curse of her husband.  Later relieved from her sin and regained her real form at the touch of Lotus feet of Lord Rama.

 

Sage Agastya – Passionate devotee of Lord Shiva, eulogized Sri Aditya Hrudayam(glories of Lord Surya) to Lord Rama in the war field.

 

SageAtri – Manasaputra of Lord Brahma & husband of chaste woman Anasuya

 

Sage Rishyashrunga – Who was performed Putrakameshti Yaga for King Dasaratha

 

Sage Sadananda – son of Sage Gautama & Ahalya performed the wedding ceremony of Lord Rama & Goddess Sita

 

Sage Mathanga – severe ascetic & Rama paid visit to the hermitage of Sage Mathanga during his exile from the Kingdom of Ayodhya

 

Lord Anjaneya – born to Anjanadevi & Kesari with the blessings of Lord Vayu, 

 

Sugriva – Monkey King of Kishkindha & brother of King Vali was born with blessings of Lord Surya

 

Angada – Son of monkey King Vali and Thara & crown prince of Kishkindha

 

Akambanan – one of the army men of King Ravana and spy, discreetly escaped from the arrow of Lord Rama

 

Indrajit/Meghanathan – Elder son of Ravana, killed by Lakshman in the battlefield

 

Khara & Dushana – Brothers of Ravana and the rulers of Janasthana killed by Lord Rama.

 

Kabhandha – demon disfigured by Lord Rama, later assumed the form of Gandharva and guided Rama and Lakshman to Kishkindha.

 

Guha – Chief of tribal clan lived on the river banks of Ganga and a ferry rider who assisted Lord Rama, Sita & Lakshman to cross River Ganga.

 

Kumbhakarna – Younger brother of Ravana spared big part of his life for sleep.

 

Kumbhan – Son of Kumbhakarna

 

Shambarasura – had a battle with the deities, King Dasaratha assisted deities in the battle.

 

Sabari – disciple of Sage Mathanga had attained salvation at the lotus feet of Lord Rama

 

Shathabali – Is one of the chief of monkey warrior who lead army towards north at the command of Sugriva in search of Goddess Sita

 

Sampathi – Is the elder brother of Eagle King Jatayu, assisted the monkey warriors with the information about Goddess Sita’s abduction and her existence in Ashoka Vatika.

 

Sushena – father-in-law of Vali,  was the leader of army of monkey warriors in search of Sita.

 

Shoorpanakha – widow & Sister of demon King Ravana

 

Dadhimukha – brother of Sugriva’s father & care taker of Madhuvanam, pleasure garden of Sugriva.

 

Thadaka – Ferocious Demon killed by Lord Rama with the guidance of Sage Vishwamithra

 

Thara – Wife of monkey King Vali & highly intellectual, mother of  Angada who was the crown prince of Kshikinda

 

Dhanyamalini – one of the wives of demon King Ravana accompanied with her husband to Ashoka Vatika and had conversation with Sita

 

Trijada – Compassionate demon who was deputed to look after of Sita in Ashoka Vatika

 

Trishirass – Khara’s (Ravana’s brother) minister of army

 

Nala – Son of Vishwakarma, a highly scholarly person who built bridge across the vast ocean to reach Lanka.

 

Nikumbha – Son of Kumbhakarna

 

Neela – was born with the blessings of Lord Agni & one of the army personnel of King Sugriva and a close associate of Nala

 

Mandhara – maid servant of Kaikeyi brought from the Kingdom of Kekeya

 

Mandodhari – Daughter of Mayan (architect of demons) was a passionate devotee of Lord Shiva & wife of demon King Ravana & mother of Indrajith

 

Maricha & Subhahu  - Sons of demon Thadaka who  was killed by Lord Rama

 

Malyavan – Ravana’s maternal grandfather

 

Mathali – Charioteer of Lord Indra

 

Yudhajith – Brother of Kaikeyi & Maternal Uncle to Bharatha

 

King Ravana – Son of Mishrava, grandson of Sage Pulastya, brother of Lord Kubera

 

Ruma – Wife of monkey King Sugriva was kidnapped by Vali

 

Lankini – Protector of the City of Lanka who was killed by Lord Anjaneya

 

Samudra Rajan – Lord Varuna/King of ocean blessed Rama to construct bridge over the vast ocean Sethu

 

Monkey King Vali – Born with the blessings of Lord Indra

 

Demon Viradha – was resided in Dandakavanam, later he was killed by Lord Rama and attained salvation at the lotus feet of Lord Rama

 

Vibhishana – A passionate devotee of Lord Rama & brother of demon King Ravana

 

Vinathan – one of the chief monkey warriors deputed in search of Goddess Sita

 

Jadayu – Brother of Sampathi/ King of birds, who lost his life while fighting against Ravana to protect Goddess Sita from the clutches of the demon & a close associate of King Dasaratha,

 

Jambavan – A divine bear born with the blessings of Lord Brahma

 

Swayamprabha – An ascetic lived in a cave who was helped the monkey warriors led by Angada, Jamban & Lord Anjaneya assisted to conduct search for Sita

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!