RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN, CHAPTER 51, VISVAMITRA'S VISIT TO VASISHTHA

                                             RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN –CHAPTER 51

                                                   VISVAMITRA’S VISIT TO VASISHTHA

The words of Visvamitra filled Satananda’s heart with delight. For he was the eldest son of Gautama! He gazed at Rama with wonder. He turned to address Visvamitra.

“Mighty One! You have my thanks for having brought Rama in front of my mother. I have no doubt she offered due hospitality. It is a pity she had nothing better to offer than meagre products of the woods. I am sure Rama was told the story of my mother’s fate. Now she has been restored to her lord, my father. Thanks to the all-purifying presence of Rama she has been cleansed of the sin. I hope Rama was fitly entertained by my father.”

“Nothing was slack” said an enthusiastic Visvamitra. It was my care that everything went smoothly. You may set your heart at rest, sir. Like Renuka was restored to her lord Jamadagni your mother was restored to your father.”

Satananda addressed Rama, “Hail to you, you Lord of men. And I welcome you gladly. It was fortunate that you have accompanied the Holy Visvamitra. He has done wonderous deeds through his Tapas. He is matcheless in glory. Among Brahma Rishi he occupies no mean place. You are fortunate to have been guarded by him. Listen to me while I tell you about his royal race of Kausika.

The Four-faced One had a son, Kusa. And from him descended father and son, Kusnabha and Gadhi and Visvamitra. He was a great king. For thousands of years, he ruled over his empire. He was steadfast in virtue. He was a master of all the knowledge of his time.

One day he toured his vast dominions and the lands around. He marched at the head of his army. He passed through kingdoms and stately towns. He crossed noble rivers and over high mountains. He halted at every holy spot and hermitage. He at last came to the house of Vasishtha.

It was a lovely spot. It was Brahma’s own Celestial seat. There were tall trees. They spread their shade around. Under the shades gazed or reposed many a forest beast. Siddhas and Charanas, Devas and Danvas, Gandharvas and kinnaras came often to the spot. While Brahma Rishis and Devarishis made it their home. There were many hermits of fiery lustre. But all of them were of restrained senses and sweet manners. Valakhilyas thronged the place. Vaikhanasas made the holy place holier.

Such was the hermitage of Vasishtha. And such a sight made the king filled with wonder.