Balakandam !! 29. The legend of Lord Vamana !!

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Iha Rama Mahabhaho Vishnur Deva Namaskrutha |

Varshani Subhahuni Iha Thadha Yuga Shathani Cha ||

Thapa: Charana Yogartham Uvasa Su Mahathapa: |

Yesha Poorva Ashramo Rama Vamanasya Mahathmana: ||

Siddha Ashram Ithi Khyatha: Siddho Hi  Athra Mahathapa: |

 

The illustrious Sage Vishwamithra described about the tranquil woodland to Rama “Oh! Rama, this is the most sacred land on Earth, where the supreme Lord Vishnu who is worshipped by the deities resided in a hermitage and underwent severe austerities and Yoga for hundred eras.  Previously it was the hermitage of Lord Vishnu, later Lord Vamana and Sage Kashyapa also underwent austerities in here.  While Lord Vishnu was undergoing austerities, there was a King Bali, son of King Virochana conquered the three worlds, there by Lord Indra and the deities lost their power and glories.  Emperor Bali decided to conduct a grand Yagna.  All the deities approached Lord Vishnu and appealed to assume the form of a dwarf to protect the deities.  In the meantime, Sage Kashya who has the brilliance of ritual fire and his chaste wife Aditi underwent severe penance and worshipped Lord Madhusoodhana, slayer of the demon Madhu.” 

 

Sage Kashyapa eulogized the Supreme Lord Vishnu “ Oh! Supreme Lord Purushothama, you are the epitome of asceticism and I can envision you with all those austere means that you are the embodiment of austerities.  I can visualize the entire Universe in your physique, you have no beginning and you are impossible to describe. I am taking refuge in you.  ”

 

Thapomayam Thaporashim Thapomoorthim Thapathmakam |

Thapasa Thvam Suthapthena Pashyami Purushothamam ||

Shareerey Thava Pashyami Jagath Sarvam Idham Prabho |

Thvam Anadhi: Anirdheshya: Thvam Aham Sharanam Gatha: ||

 

Lord Vishnu was pleased at the devotion of Sage Kashyapa, son of Sage Maricha and informed him to ask for a boon.  Sage Kashyapa requested Lord Vishnu to assume the form of a child to this pious couple and young brother to Lord Indra, in order to annihilate Emperor Bali and protect the deities from the agonies.  Thus, Sage Kashyapa earnestly prayed to Lord of Lords to become his child and the hermitage came to known as Siddhashrama, an auspicious place of accomplishment.

 

Sage Vishwamithra continued, “ In this way, Supreme Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a dwarf and born to Sage Kashyapa and Aditi.  Lord Vamana approached Emperor Bali at the Yagna arena and requested for a piece of land measured by his three strides with his teeny tiny feet, but covered the three worlds under his feet to protect the deities and for the welfare of the Universe. Ultimately, Lord Indra and deities regained their power and glories once again.  This hermitage is belonged to Lord Vishnu, destroyer of enemies and provider of Salvation from the cycles of birth and death.   I am fortunate to be a part in this hermitage due to my devotion and dedication to Lord Vamana.  Oh! Rama, demons who creates impediments in the hermitage should be eliminated.  Oh! Dear son, I will take you to the unparalleled Siddhashrama, the hermitage belongs to me will be known as yours too.”  Sage Vishwamithra pleased at heart took Rama and Lakshmana to the Siddhashrama, he was shone like Lord Chandra between the two warriors.  As soon as they entered in the marvelous Siddhashrama, all the sages assembled Sage Vishwamithra and offered veneration, likewise Rama and Lakshmana was received with great honor.  The princes of Raghu dynasty with folded hands spoke to Sage Vishwamithra, “Oh! Revered Sage, You may undertake the proceedings of the ritual by today, let this magnificent Siddhashrama become the accomplished one in eradicating the evils and let your promise given to my father and the purpose of brining me here should come true.”  Sage Vishwamithra carried out the vow of the rituals with the sages assembled in Siddhashrama.   On that night, Rama and Lakshmana was wide awake, in the early hours of dawn, they completed the procedures of ablutions and recitation of holy hymns of Gayatri.  They proceeded to Sage Vishwamithra who was seated before the Alter of Fire and initiated the ritual fire.

 

 Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Balakandam !! 28. Rama receives the divine weapons of Krishasva Prajapathi from Sage Vishwamithra !!

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sathyavantham Sathya Keerthim Dhrushtam Ramasabha Yeva Cha |

Prathiharatharam Nama Parannmukham Avanmugham ||

Lakshya Alakshya:  Imou Chaiva Dhruda Nama Sunamakou |

Dhashaksha Shathavakthrai Cha Dhasha Sheersha Shatha Udharou ||

Padmanabha Mahanabhou Dhundhunama Swanamakou |
Jyothisham Shakunam Chaiva Nairashya Vimalou Ubhou ||

Yaugandhara Vinidhrou Cha Dhaithya Pramadhanou Thatha |

Shuchi Bahur  Mahabhahur Nishkali Viruchara Thatha ||

Sarchirmali Dhruthimali Vruththiman Ruchira: Thatha |

Pithrya: Soumanasa : Chaiva Vidhutha Makarou Ubhou ||

Paraveeram Rathim Chaiva Dhana Dhanyou Cha Raghava ||

Kamaroopam Kamaruchim Moham Avaranam Thatha |

Jrimbhakam Sarpanadham Cha Panyan  Varanaou Thatha ||

Krishava Thanyan Rama Bhasvaran  Kama Rupina: |

Prathiccha Mama Bhadhram They Pathra Bhoothosi Raghava ||

 

Rama from the prominent clan of Kakustha sanctified by the divine weapons received from the revered Sage Vishamithra, later he mellifluously spoke “Oh! Brahmarishey, I have become unconquerable even to deities by receiving those divine weapons, Oh! Revered Sage, I would like to learn the extraction of those powerful weapons too.”  The compassionate Sage Vishwamithra imparted the knowledge of the withdrawal of the divine weapon to Rama and spoke “ Oh! Rama, I offer you with the radiant weapons famously known as the children of Krishasva Prajapathi, such as  Sathyavantha, Sathyakeerthi, Dhrishta, Rabhasa, Prathiharathara, Paranmukha, Avanmukha, Lakshya, Alakshya, Dhridanabha, Sunabha, Dhashaksha, Shathavakthra, Dhashasheersha, Shatodhara, Padmanabha, Mahanabha, Dundhunabha, Svanabha, Jyothisha, Shakuna, Nairashya, Vimala, Yugandhara, Vinidhra, Dhaithya, Pramadhana, Suchibhahu, Mahabhahu, Nishkali, Virucha, Sarchimali, Dhrithimali, Vriththiman, Ruchira, Pithraya, Saumanasa, Vidhootha, Makara, Karaveerakara, Dhana, Dhanya, Kamaroopa, Kamaruchira, Moha,Avarana, Jrimbhaka, Sarvanabha and Varana are the dominant weapons with illusionary powers.  You are well capable to handle all those powerful weapons and let them protect you from all dangers.” Thus Sage Vishwamithra handed all those divine weapons to Rama.   All those divine weapons has the nature of fire, smoke, moon, sun etc… stood before Rama in a state of bliss, with folded hands waiting for the further instructions from Rama.    Raghava instructed those weapons to reside in his knowledge and assist him as and when it requires.  Ultimately, those powerful weapons, personification of deities circumambulated Rama and disappeared from the sight.  Rama, Lakshman and Sage Vishwamithra resumed their journey, a stunning lush green land caught the attention of Rama, it was not very far from the range of mountains, full of domesticated animals and spectacular birds, and it was the most attractive land on Earth added excitement and inquisitiveness in Rama.  He spoke “Oh! Great among the Sages, I am extremely delighted to witness this serene environment; I understand that we have passed the dreadful Thadaka Vanam.  Whose hermitage situated on this sacred lush green land?  Oh! Prominent Sage, where are those sinful creatures and evildoers? Where did they appear to hinder your rituals and fire sacrifices?  I have to protect your rituals and vanquish those demons. Oh! Brahman, where are those demons who killed the Brahmanas? I would like to hear about this place in detail.”

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Balakandam !! 27. Rama receives divine weapons /Asthra & Sasthra from Sage Vishwamithra !!

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deva Asura Ganan Va Api Sa Gandharva Uragan Bhuvi |

Yai: Amithran Prasahya Ajou Vashikruthya Jayishyasi ||

Dhanda Chakram Mahath Divyam  Thava Dasyami Raghava ||

Dharma Chakram Thatho Veera Kala Chakram Thathaiva Cha |

Vishnu Chakram Thatha Athi Ugram Aindhram Chakram Thathaiva Cha ||

Vajram Asthram Narashreshta Shaivam Shoolam Varam Thatha |

Asthram Bhramashira:  Cha Yeva Aishikam Api Raghava ||

Dhadhami They Mahabhaho Brahmam Asthram Anuththamam |

 

On that night, Rama along with Lakshman and Sage Vishwamithra stayed in the Thadaka Vanam, on the next day, in the early hours of dawn the illustrious Sage Vishwamithra approached Rama with a compassionate smile and spoke “Oh! Rama, I am highly pleased at your deeds, to ensure your perpetual safety, I am going to offer you with all those divine weapons which are favorites of mine.  Those auspicious weapons are capable to protect you from any peril and conquer any number of deities, demons, Gandharvas, Uragas and humans in battle.  Oh! Raghava, I am going to provide you with highly auspicious Danda Chakra, Dharma Chakra, Kala Chakra, Vishnu Chakram, Indhra Chakram,  Vajrasthram, Trident of Lord Shiva/Shaiva Shoolam, Brahmashirasathram, Aishikasthram and Brahmasthram.  I am going to offer you with the two powerful maces called Modhaki and Shikhari.  Oh! Rahava, I will be giving you with the three nooses famously known as Dharmapasa/righteousness, Kalapasa/Time and Varuna Pasa/Varunasthra.  Oh! Raghava, I will give you the divine weapons called Shushka, Ardhra, Narayanasthram of Lord Narayana and Pinakasthram of Lord Shiva.  Oh! Rama, divine weapons known as Agneasthram/Shikharam, weapons of Lord Surya called Prathama and weapon of Lord Vayu/Vayavyasthram as well.  Oh! Raghava from the clan of Kakustha, I will be giving you the divine weapons of Lord Vishnu known as Hayashira and Krouncham of Lord Rudra as well.  I will be offering you with various fierce weapons like Kankalam, Musalam, Goram, Kapalam and Kinkinim for the eradication of demons.  Oh! Rama, Son of mighty King Dasaratha, I will be giving you the most powerful weapon Vaidhyadharam and gem of swords Nandakam,  Gandharvasthram/stupefy known as Mohanam, Prasvapanam/induce sleep and Prashamanam/pacifier too. Oh! Highly fortunate among the Raghu dynasty, I offer you with the weapons of Varsha/Rain, Shoshanam/Drought, Santhapanam, Vilapanam,Madhanam,  Dhurdharsham, Gandharvasthram, Manavasthram, Paishachasthram and Mohanam.  Oh! Rama, greatest among the warriors, I offer you with the weapons like Thamasam, Soumanam, Samvartham, Mousalam, Sathyasthram, Mayasthram, Thejaprabham, Shishiram/Somasthram, Sudharunam/Thvashtrasthram, Bhagasyasthram and the weapons of the Manu, first and foremost ruler of mankind.  Oh! Rama, you can have all those divine weapons which has illusionary powers and indestructible in nature.  Rama received all those auspicious weapons from the illustrious Sage Vishwamithra, stood facing east followed by certain rituals and sacred hymns recited.  The sacred hymns were flawlessly recited by the Brahman, that are impossible even for the deities to recite the sections and subsection of it, while reciting those sacred hymns by Sage Vishmithra, all those divine weapons stood in front of him and was accessible to Rama.  The deities presided on the auspicious weapons were highly pleased to obey the orders of Rama; with their folded hands revealed their compliance to carry out the orders of Rama, with pleasing heart Rama responded to the mighty weapons to manifest in his knowledge whenever the requirement of the weapons takes place.  Rama was extremely grateful to his Preceptor, revered Sage Vishwamithra and prepared to resume their journey. 

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Balakandam !! 26. Rama’s encounter with Thadaka !!

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pithur Vachana Nirdheshath Pithur Vachana Gouravath |

Vachanam Koushikasya Ithi Karthavyam Avishankaya ||

So Aham Pithur Vacha: Shruthva Shasanath Brahma Vadhina: |

Karishyami Na Sandheha: Thadaka Vadham Uththamam ||

Go Brahmana Hitharthath Dheshasya Cha Hithayacha |

Thava Chaiva Aprameyasya Vachanam Karthum Udhyatha: ||

 

The ideal man from the Raghu dynasty after listening to the legends of Thadaka narrated by Sage Vishwamithra, reverentially folded his palms together and replied to Sage “This task will be executed at the earliest with great reverence and admiration to my father’s order and the order of my Preceptor.  I will not disregard the advice of my father to follow the instruction of elders.   I will undertake the most important responsibility of elimination of Thadaka as instructed by Sage Vishamithra, like Lord Brahma.  I will meticulously carry out the instruction of you for the welfare of cow, Brahmin and the entire province.”  Rama, the destroyer of enemies, tightened his hand on the middle of the bow and made a deafening noise by touching the bowstring.  The inhabitants of the Thadaka Vanam were anxious at the loud noise and Thadaka was terribly annoyed by the thunderous noise.  She was exasperated and rushed to the direction where the noise has arrived.  Raghava noticed a hideous and giant demon with distorted figure, spoke to Lakshman “ Lakshmana, this Yakshi  has all those horrific  appearances capable to tear apart the heart of a coward, she in unconquerable and has obtained immense magical powers, you will see that her ears and nose are chopped off from its place.  I really do not want to kill a female, but I intend to terminate her impertinence and impediments caused to the inhabitants of Thadaka Vanam.”  Thadaka approached Rama with a boisterous laugh and swaying her hands around him.  Brahma Rishi Vishamithra spoke “Oh! Raghava, Be safe and victorious”.   Thadaka threw dust on Raghavas, perplexed them for a while by using her magical powers and took shelter under the cover of massive dust form, she flooded by hammering stone rain upon Raghavas, but Rama remained serene and aimed arrow at her gigantic arms that was hurrying towards him, her arms were cut down instantly at the shot of his arrow.  She roared pathetically at the battering of her two arms and was completely exhausted; it provoked Lakshman to sever her ears and nose.  She continued to battle against Raghavas, with all those illusionary powers by stone inundation.  Sage Vishwamithra spoke “ Oh! Rama put an end to your compassion towards a Yakshi, she is malicious and hindrance to the performance of rituals and fire sacrifices.  The sun is ready to set anytime, before that you have to eradicate her from horrifying act, a demon becomes unconquerable by the time of dusk.”  Rama released range of arrows slicing the downpour of stone, she dashed towards Raghavas, Rama shot an arrow on her chest, and she pounced down on the Earth like a thunderbolt and died instantly.  Lord Indra and deities praised the valor of Rama, witnessing the miserable death of a hideous demon.  Lord Indra and the deities spoke to Sage Vishwamithra “You are truly blessed, Lord Vayu and all the deities are pleased, keep showering your concern for Raghava,  sons of Krishasva Prajapathi are valiant and virtuous as well, all those ascetic powers will be offered to Raghava.  Rama is a strict follower of his preceptor, so he deserves the boon/powers and he has to accomplish several deeds for the deities.”  The deities and Lord Indra returned to their abodes and the end of the day has arrived.  Sage Vishwamithra was jubilant at the valor of Rama and the elimination of Thadaka, he kissed on the forehead of Rama and said “Today we will put a halt to our journey and will resume our journey on tomorrow to my hermitage.”  On that night, they stayed in the Thadaka Vanam, the beautiful garden that was released from the curse of Thadaka, which had the resemblance of  Chaithraratha, garden of Lord Kubera.  Rama along with Sage Vishwamithra waited for the sunrise while the celestials and liberated souls eulogized him at the annihilation of Yaksha’s daughter Thadaka.

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

Balakandam !! 25. Legend of Thadaka !!

 

 

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poorvam Aseeth Maha Yaksha: Sookethur Nama Veeryavan |

Anapathya: Shubhachara:  Sa Cha Theypey Mahath Thapa: ||

Pithamaha:  Thu Supreetha: Thasya Yakshapathey: Thadha |

Kanya Rathnam Dhadhou Rama Thadakam Nama Namatha: ||

Dhadhou Naga Sahasrasya Balam Cha Asya: Pithamaha: |

Na Thu Yeva Puthram Yakshaya Dhadhou Cha Asou Mahashaya: ||

 

After listening to the detailed commentary about the demon Thadaka from Sage Vishwamithra, Rama inquisitively enquired “It has always been precise that the Yaksha’s strength is trivial, and furthermore Thadaka is a feminine, how could be possible for her to have the strength of thousand elephants?” Sage Vishwamithra replied compassionately to Rama & Lakshman “Once there was a dreadful Yaksha named Sukethu, he had no progeny; he had great interest in spiritual deeds, underwent severe austerities and pleased Lord Brahma.   Eventually the Yaksha couple was blessed with a stunning daughter Thadaka with the strength of thousand elephants.  Lord Brahma anticipated the ruthless menace from a male child born to this couple, so it was on purpose Lord Brahma did not offer a male child as a boon to Sukethu.  Thadaka was grown into beautiful young maiden; later she was married to Sunda, son of Jambha.  In due course of time, Thadaka and Sunda had a son Mareecha who was unconquerable.  Sage Agastya’ curse vanquished the demon Sunda.  Thadaka with an extreme grief of separation from her husband and full of vengeance returned with her son Mareecha to encounter Sage Agastya.  Thadaka ferociously hurried to Sage Agastya to swallow him.  Sage Agastya cursed Mareecha to attain demon-hood and Thadaka was cursed to become a carnivore with an outrageous appearance.  Instantly Yakshi Thadaka’s beautiful appearance vanished and she too had attained a horrendous appearance of a demon.  The most infuriated Thadaka vandalized the entire province and its people, which was previously the place of ascetics like Sage Agastya.  Oh! Rama, it is your responsibility to eliminate the horrific demon with the strength of thousands of elephant for the welfare of the people, Brahmanas, Cows and Rishis/Sages living in this province.  Oh! Legatee of Raghu, She has no fear of enemies, she believes unconquerable herself and none from the three worlds has the valor to fight against her.  Oh! Best among the men, a prince should be always concerned about the welfare of his subjects  and four categories of the society, don’t mull over at the thought of elimination of a woman and do not show any compassion towards her.   A protector always executes any deeds whether it’s ruthless or bias or sinful or unfair to protect his subjects.  Oh! Legatee of Kakustha, it is an age old tradition of an heir to the throne to eliminate ill reputed demon; I did not see any goodness in her.  Oh! Rama, protector of the people, have not heard of Lord Indra who vanquished Manthara, daughter of Virochana when the latter was prepared to annihilate the Earth.  Oh! Rama, Have not heard of Lord Vishnu eliminated the wife of Sage Brighu & mother of Shukracharya when she was desired the world without the King of deities Lord Indra.  Oh! Rama, great deities have eliminated the unrighteous woman, therefore it’s my order to leave your compassion and vanquish the demon Thadaka.”

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Balakandam !! The legend of the Province Maladha & Karusha !!

 

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thatha: Prabhathey Vimaley Krutha Ahnikam Arindhamou |

Vishwamithram Puraskruthya Nadhaya: Theeram Upagathou ||

Kailasey Parvathey Rama Manasa Nirmitham Param |

Bhramana Narashardhoola Thena Idham Manasam Sara: ||

Thasaman Sushrava Sarasa: Sa Ayodhyam Upaguhyathey |

Sara: Pravruththa Sarayu: Punya Brahma Sara: Chyutha ||

Thasya Ayam Athula: Shadhdho Jahnavim Abhivarththathey |

Vari Samkshobhajo Rama Pranamam  Niyatha: Kuru ||

 

 

It was in the early hours of dawn Rama & Lakshman arrived on the river bank where Sage Vishwamithra had just completed the ablutions and early morning rituals.  The virtuous and prominent sages of Kama’s hermitage assembled on the river bank, they had already arranged an auspicious ferry for Sage Vishwamithra’s journey.  The honorable Sages spoke to Sage Vishwamithra ‘You may precede the journey through the prosperous routes without any delay, keeping the princes to the front.’ Thus, the Sages of Kama hermitage bade farewell to the revered Sage Vishwamithra and Rama & Lakshman.  Soon the ferry sailed towards the vast ocean, upon the arrival of halfway through they could listen to the earsplitting gush of water, Rama became inquisitive and desired to know the significance of it.  Rama spoke “Oh! Preceptor, what’s that upsurge of noise?”  Sage Vishwamithra explained “ Oh! Rama, Lord Bhrama created an attractive lake Manasa in Mount Kailash, the water surged out of Manasa created a water body around the city of Ayodhya, was famously known as river Sarayu.  This river has got ample of pieties because it was created by Lord Brahma.  Oh! Rama, offer homage to these sacred rivers, the thunderous noise is the convergence of river Sarayu on the river Ganga.”  Rama & Lakshman offered salutations to the sacred river and preceded their journey to the south of the riverbank.  Rama said “ Oh! Illustrious Sage, this dark forest crammed with the trees of Dhava, Ashwakarna, Arjuna, Bilva, Thindhuka, Padala and Badri must be the dwelling place of dangerous creatures like swarms of leaping and chirping insects, predators, vultures, tigers, wild boars, untamed elephants etc. makes this forest too bizarre and wild.”  Sage Vishwamithra spoke “ Oh! Rama, I will narrate you about this miserable forest, once these were the flourished province of Maladha and Karusha who was created by the deities and has divine powers.  Oh! Rama, Lord Indra vanquished the demon Vrutha and afflicted with the sin of Brahmahathya, eventually all the impurities blemished him.   The Sages and Rishis cleansed the impurities on Lord Indra with the sacred water from their vessels; deities were pleased at the dedication of the ascetics, Lord Indra was extremely happy at the turn of events and provided astonishing boons to this sacred land which developed into the flourished province of Maladha and Karusha.  The people lived in this province were led a happy and prosperous life.  Later, a Yaksha female who has the strength of thousands of elephants, has the power to camouflage at her own will, was the wife of the devious demon Sunanda and her son Mareecha who has the powers equivalent to Lord Indra took possession of this sacred land.  Oh! Raghava, the demon Mareecha has gigantic body and dreadful features; he is terrorizing the people who are living in this province, and the malicious Tadaka is mercilessly destroying the inhabitants of Maladha and Karusha. Oh! Rama,  Thadaka lives at a distance of one and half Yojanas from this place, It’s the time to vanquish her with all your valor and eradicate her gruesome deeds.   I entrust the responsibility to you to make this province free from her notorious deeds.  Oh! Rama none could enter into this dark forest because of the horrific deeds of Thadaka, she made the entire province distraught, therefore you have to make this province inhabitable once again.”

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

Balakandam !! Rama & Lakshman arrives at the confluence of river Ganga & Sarayu !!

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kousalya Supraja Rama Poorva Sandhya Pravrarthathey |

Uththishta Nara Shardhoola Karthavyam Deivamahnikam ||

Thasya Rishey: Parama Udharam Vacha: Shruthva Nrupa  Nara Uththama: |

Snathva Krutha Udhakaou Veerou Jepathu: Paramam Japam ||

Thou Prayanthou Mahaveerya Divyam Thripayagam  Nadhim |

Dhadhrusha They Thatha: Sangamey Shubhey ||

Thathra Ashram Padham Punyam Rishinam Bhavi Atha Athmanam |

Bahu Varsha Sahasrani Thapyatham Paramam Thapa: ||

 

The illustrious Sage Vishwamithra saw in the early hours of dawn that the legatees of Kakustha sleeping on the grass bed and spoke “ Oh! Rama, Kousalya is extremely fortunate to beget you as her son. Oh! Valorous son, the early hours of sun rays has come into sight, there are some important rituals to be performed to satisfy the deities”.   Hearing the compassionate words of Sage Vishwamithra, the two valiant men got up from the grass bed, bathed and performed ablutions reciting the holy hymns of Goddess Sri Gayathri.  After finishing the rituals, they enthusiastically appeared before Sage Vishwamithra and paid obeisance to him.  They continued the journey with the Sage Vishwamithra through the woods, shortly they arrived at a sacred place where river Ganga confluences with the river Sarayu, they witnessed the hermitages of great souls, the place where the Rishis and sages performing severe austerities for several thousands of years.  Rama and Lakshman were highly delighted at this sight and enquired Sage Vishwamithra “ Oh! Revered Sage, Whose hermitages are they? Who is the Preceptor of these great souls?  We are thoroughly inspired by this sight and  we would like to listen more about this place.”  Sage Vishwamithra replied with a smile “ Oh ! Rama,  it  is the place where Lord Kamadeva was burnt by the wrathful third eye of  Lord Shiva,  Lord Kamadeva was disrupted Lord Shiva while performing severe penance.  Ultimately, Lord Kamadeva was burnt into ashes and remained bodiless entity, the place where Lord Kamadeva gave up his body was known as Anga Province.  And these are the hermitages belonged to Lord Shiva, occupied by the disciples of Lord Shiva, who are sinless by nature.  Let us put a halt on this sacred place tonight, tomorrow we will continue our journey to cross Ganga.   Initially we will perform ablutions and meditation before entering into the venerable hermitage.”   The Sages who were present in the hermitages were blissfully approached Sage Vishwamithra, reverentially greeted him and offered water to wash hands and feet, offered initial veneration to Sage Vishwamithra, in a while they offered warm welcome to Rama and Lakshman.  Sage Vishwamithra was pleased at the dedication of the sages assembled; they amused their guests with various myths and legends, Rama & Lakshman along with the sages went to perform meditation at the early hours of sunset, that night Rama comfortably stayed in the precinct of Lord Shiva’s hermitage in the association of virtuous souls and Sage Vishwamithra, happily absorbed in various myths.

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!