RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--CHAPTER 29

                                                  RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN –CHAPTER 29

                                                                      VAMANA AND BALI

Rama desired to know about the story of the grove. Visvamitra replied, “Here it was that Vishnu, the Lord of the Universe lived invisibly for ages. He engaged in long and difficult Tapas. The Tapas was for the good of the worlds. As Vamana, He sanctified it with His Divine Presence. It is called Siddharama.

“It was about that time, Bali, the son of Virochana, routed the celestial hosts. He held undisputed sway over the three worlds. He commenced a grand sacrificial rite. Agni and other Gods came to Vishnu here. And they said, “Bali is performing a great sacrifice. And before it is over, we should accomplish our object. He refuses nothing to anyone who may ask him for it. It does not matter who or what. For our sake call your Power of illusion to your aid. Assume the form of a dwarf. Seek the sovereignty of the three worlds at his hands as a gift. And thus bring peace and happiness to tortured hearts of us all.”

It so happened that Kasyapa and his wife, Adity carried on a severe course of austerities. And they won the grace of the Lord. Vishnu came down to bless him. He said, “Son, I am very much pleased with your Tapas. Ask me what you want and it is yours.”

With noble heart, Kasyapa praised the Lord. “Supreme one! My long and difficult vow has indeed borne fruit. I have been blessed with a sight of You! You are the sum total of all Tapas. You are the innermost soul of every kind of Tapas. I see the whole Universe in your form. You have no beginning. And your nature is beyond the knowledge of any person. I take my refuge in You and your boundless mercy.”

And the Lord said, “Again let me tell you that you have won my grace. You are pure as purity itself. I can’t refuse you anything.”

Then the son of Marichi submitted to him a prayer. “Great one! You give this boon to Adity and the gods who pray you. You should be born to us as our child. Let the world know you are the younger brother of Indra. You render a signal service to the Devas. And this holy spot be known as Siddhasrama. You go from this place when your object has been accomplished.”

“Be it so,” replied the Lord. And he was born of Aditi as Vamana. He approached Bali. He said to him, “Great Giver, grant me this prayer of mine. I want three short feet of earth. And he got it. Thrice he put forth His mighty foot. And the three worlds were covered. Bali was shorn of his overwhelming pride. And Vamana gave back the sovereignty of the worlds to Indra.

“This hemitage is ever associated with the presence of the Lord. And my heart turn to it with boundless joy. Here the Rakshasas resort. They are the untiring enemies of the sages and their sacrifices. And here you should lay them low. We shall reach it this day. The holy Siddhashrama is yours.”

Very soon they were within its sacred precincts. And then Viswamitra shone like the cloudless moon. He was welcomed by numerous ascetics. They accorded to him due worship. They extended a similar welcome to the princes. The brothers rested themselves for a while. Then they approached Visvamitra and said, “Lord, If you so choose, you can take the sacrificial vow even today. This place is rightly called Siddhashrama. For your object shall be realized here.”

“May your words prove true” said Visvamitra. And then he took upon him the initiatory vows. In that holy place the prices passed the night in the holy company of the sages. At dawn, they got up and offered their prayers to the Twilight. After their religious observances, they touched the feet of their teacher. He was seated in calm repose after his offerings to the Fire-god.