RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN –CHAPTER 42
BHAGIRATHA’S PENANCE
When Sagara died, the subjects decided his grandson Amsuman should rule over them. Amsuman was a great king. His son’s name was Dilipa. Amsuman resigned the kingdom in favour of his son. He himself retired to the mountains to perform fearful austerities. 32,000 years had passed. And then the call came for him from Heaven. And Dilipa came to know of the destruction of his grandfathers. He was overwhelmed with grief. But he did not know what to do. “How shall I bring down Ganga? How shall I offer the grandfathers libations of holy water? How shall relieve them of their fate?” This sorrow ate into his heart. And to him was born a son, Bhagiratha. He excelled his father in saintliness. Dilipa performed many a sacrifice. People rejoiced under his rule which lasted 32,000 years. He did not know how to raise his departed grandfathers to Heaven. He died of a broken heart.
Bhagiratha was a royal sage. He had everything he could wish for. But he yearned in vain for a son. He entrusted his rule to his able ministers. He resolved to bring down Ganga. He went to the sacred Gokarna. There he spent long years. He performed terrible austerities. He placed himself in the midst of five fires. And he withdrew his senses into his heart. He raised his arms above his head and did perform fearful penance. He only took a meal once in a month. Then appreciating his penance, Brama came to him. He spoke to him, “Bhagiratha, the Lord of men! I am pleased with your Tapas. Ask me whatever you want and it shall be given to you!” Bhagiratha asked for the sons of Sagara to receive libations of water at his hands. He also wanted for the Ganga water to flow over their ashes. Let them rejoice in Heaven. And let me have a son. And may the race of ikshvaku ever remain upon Earth.”
“You are a mighty hero,” said Brahma. You shall get what you ask for. The royal race of Ikshavku shall owe to you for the undying glory. Ganga shall come down to earth. But the earth cannot stand the force of the Ganga flowing from Heaven. I cannot see anyone who could bear it safely. Except Mahadeva, no one could bear Ganga. So you seek His help.” Having said those word, Brahma went back to his radiant world.
No comments:
Post a Comment