RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--CHAPTER 15

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN –CHAPTER 15

Rishyasringa was well-versed in the numerous Sakhas of the Vedas. He was a thorough master of mysteries therewith. After a long consideration, he hit upon the method of realizing the King Dasaratha’s wishes. He said, “O Dasaratha, now I will perform for you an Ishti. It is consecrated by the Atharvana Mantras. And that will get you a son!” And he started to perform the rite. He made an offering in the fire. It was accompanied by powerful Vedic Mantras.

Meanwhile, various Angelic Presences approached for offerings. They approached their chief. They said, “Lord! A Rakshasa, Ravana by name, has won your favour by his wonderful austerities. And he has been blessed with mighty boons. And we, poor souls, have to pay for it. We are bound by our respect for the giver of those boons. So we have to put up with his cruelties without a murmur. The three worlds tremble at the mention of his name. He will, in no time, drive away Indra and other Regents. He is strong. In the strength of his boons, he bids defiance to everyone. He ill-treats sages and Brahmins, Yakshas and Gandharvas, Devas and Asuras. The Sun draws in his heat and adjusts its warmth to the taste of the Demon. The wind God is afraid to blow hard through his garden. The roaring Oceans stand still at his approach. Ravana’s fierce looks strike terror into our hearts. And we live a life of misery and fear. We seek you some means to relieve us from this living terror.”

Brahma replied to the shining ones. “That wicked Ravana prayed of me immortality. The Devas, the Gandharvas and the Rakshasas cannot bring about his death according to the boon. But you are fortunate. For Ravana has omitted to ask it from men. He thinks of men as far too inferior to bring about his destruction. There is his weak point. And he should be made to meet his death at the hands of man.”

The hearts of sages and gods danced with joy. The news was a glad one. And they rejoiced as though they have already been delivered.

Then there appeared Lord Vishnu. He is the Ruler of the Universe and the living God in the hearts of all. His face was resplendent. The time had come for Him to destroy the wicked and safeguard the righteous. He ever bears in His hands the conch and the disc. They are to extend His protection to those that take refuge in Him. Brahma advanced to reverence Him. Then the sons of Light prayed to Him. “We pray thee that thou deign to be born as four sons to Dasaratha. He is the Lord of Ayodhya. He is very righteous. Please take human form through Dasaratha’s three queens. They are the mortal embodiment of Hari, Sri and Kirti. And please destroy the impious Ravana. He is the terror of all beings. He is not to meet his death from anyone except Man. He has got a boon of Brahma. Whereby he is not to meet his death at the hands of sages, Yakshas and Gandharvas. He persecutes the lovely Apsarasas. We pray Ravana’s death at Your hands. We take our refuge in You. You are our only stay and support. We pray You to take human form to destroy Ravana, Indrajit, Lavana and certain Gandharvas.”

Then, the Lord of all Lords, spoke to them all. “Don’t be afraid my children. All good comes your way. I shall come down among men as the son of Dasaratha. I shall slay Ravana in dreadful battle. I shall destroy all his kith and kin. I shall reign over the Earth for 11000 thousand mortal years. I shall restore Law and Order.”

Vishnu was attracted to Dasaratha’s righteousness. So He decided to take birth as Dasaratha’s sons. He made up His mind to limit His illimitable essence and come down into this dark and sinful world of ours. It was so that the ‘wicked might cease from troubling and the weary be at rest.’

Then the Shining Ones, the Gandharvas, the Rudras and the Apsarasas sang His divine glory. They repeated their prayer: “Soul of compassion! Lord of infinite Mercy! Save us from the wrath and oppression of the terrible Ravana. Slay him in battle. Slay his kith and kin. Ravana is naturally endowed with pride and might. He has become insufferable. It is through the boons conferred on him by Brahma. The good and righteous cry out against him. They raise their trembling hands with tearful eyes in mute appeal to You. It is for deliverance and protection. After Your work is over You come back to Your Vaikuntha, the eternal world.”