RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN --CHAPTER 30

                                          RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN –CHAPTER 30

                                                                  VISVAMITRA’S SACRIFICE

The valiant princes were good judges of time and place. They knew when to speak and where. They addressed Visvamitra in respectful words. “Lord! Kindly tell us when we should be on our guard against the wicked Rakshasas. Because we do not wish to be taken by surprise.”

The assembled sages praised highly the two brothers. And they also noted and appreciated their martial ardour. “You should be on your guard six days and six nights. The Holy one has taken the sacrificial vow. He will observe silence.” And for six days and six nights, the youth of boundless energy kept watch. They were wholly absorbed in it. And Visvamitra was safer under their protection. He went on with his sacrificial rite uninterrupted.

On the sixth day, Rama said to his brother, “Lakshmana keep a sharp lookout.” Even as he spoke, the sacrificial fire began to glow all on a sudden. Lovely flowers were scattered over it. Spoons, ladles, pots, pans, fuel-sticks and sacred grass were also showered with flowers. Visvamitra was conducting the sacrifice with a grim face. The Adhvaryus priests assisted him therein. Holy Mantras were said to drive away the demons. All of a sudden the fire leaped up. They could hear the frightful roar from the sky. The dreadful Rakshasas were upon them. They were shrouded in thick murky clouds. It darkened the earth. It was the effect of their powers of illusion. Marich and Subahu and their followers ranged themselves in the sky. They kept a continual shower of blood on the fire-altar. The fire blazed up again. Rama’s eyes flashed. He rushed to the spot and looked up. All at once, Maricha and Subahu swooped down upon him. He said, “O, Lakshmana. There they come. They are the wicked wretches. They are the destroyers of numberless holy rites. These unsightly cannibals are the dread foes of the celestials. Yet they are tough and unassailable like thunderbolts. I cannot bring myself slay them. but I shall drive them away.

With that, he sent forth a Manavastra. It was flaming and terrible in its energy. It struck Maricha full on his chest. He flew back with great speed, hundred yojanas and more. Then he fell senseless into the depths of the tossing ocean.

Rama was amused at the sight. He turned to Lakshmana, “The Cold Arrow is wonderful. The mighty Manavastra is mighty and just in its punishment. See, it has struck him senseless. But it keeps the spark of life in him yet. It divined my secret resolve to spare him against a future occasion. And as for these friends and followers of Maricha, I shall destroy them mercilessly.”

So saying, Rama let fly an Agneyastra at Subahu which struck him square on the chest. He was hurled down, a shapeless corps. And once again he let fly a Vayavyastra. That despatched the rest to where the wicked ceased from troubling. The Devas were overjoyed. They had been anxiously watching this fight. They could scarcely believe what they saw. It was over soon. They broke forth in unstinted applause. They heartily blessed Rama. They were filled with strange awe and reverence.

The sacrifice neared its happy end. The earth and the sky were clear and happy once again. Visvamitra said to Rama, “Now my heart knows peace. My object has been accomplished. You have discharged the bidding of your Guru. This hermitage has been named rightly. You have conferred greater glory on it.”

Thanking thus the boy-hero in sweet words, he proceeded to his evening prayers. He was accompanied by the gratified princes.