RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--CHAPTER 22

                                   RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN --CHAPTER 22

Then Dasaratha called to him Rama and Lakshmana. Lakshmana was his inseparable companion. He caused protective rites to be performed on behalf of the two brothers. Consecration with holy mantras was carried out. The High-priest, Vasishtha, performed them. Kausalya recited powerful and holy mantras. She performed the recitation to guard her son against every danger. Thereafter, the king clasped Rama to his chest. He smelt his head. He gave him his choicest blessings. Then he made him over to Visvamitra. For, Vasishtha opened his eyes to the real nature of Rama. He also told him about Rama’s mission in life. When the holy one took leave of Dasaratha, a cool breeze blew. Flowers rained from the heavens. Celestial drums, conches, and other martial music were heard. The gods rejoiced. They celebrated as their hour of deliverance drew nearer.

Visvmitra led the way. Rama followed behind. He had his bow on his back. His fair curls blew about his face by the gentle breeze. And Lakshmana came last. He was the shadow of Rama. The brothers of matchless prowess followed Visvamitra. There was bright space around the holy sage. It was more brightened by the two brothers. They were a charming sight to see. The brothers were armed with sword and bow. They had on their hands the leather gauntlets. It looked like the Fire-born sons Skanda and Viskha walking behind Mahadeva who is the Lord of the worlds.

They walked less than a mile along the southern bank of Sarayu river, when Visvamitra turned and said, “Lose no time Rama. Purify yourself with water and receive from me the mantras Bala and Atibala. Thereafter neither hunger nor thirst, nor fatigue nor fever, nor weakness of limbs shall come upon you. The night rangers shall not come near you. None shall stand before you in the worlds above or below.  You will not find your equal. In every respect, you will be far and above anyone, man or God. For these two mantras secure you all knowledge and its source. Recite these on your way and you and you will want for nothing. Unequalled fame shall be yours. For these sciences are the sons of Brahma. I cannot find anyone more fitted to get initiated in the two mantras. I know that you are the head and fount of all knowledge, human and divine. These two mantras will confer on you incalculable good.”

Rama purified himself accordingly. And with a glad hear and bright face received them at the hands of the Holy One. Suddenly Rama’s energy and splendour were immediately enhanced. The three spent the night on the banks of the river, Sarayu. The royal brothers stretched out on the grass bed. They were unaccustomed to it. All was strange after the princely luxury of the Royal Palace of their father.

{Dear readers, apart from this blog, I write four other blogs: they are as follows:

myresourcefulaunt.blogspot.com

kaviriyinselvan.blogspot.com

raguramkrishnabagavatgita.blogspot.com

raguramkarikalanandthetimemachin.blogspot.com}