RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN --CHAPTER 40

                                         RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN –CHAPTER 40

                                                            THE WRATH OF KAPILA

The Father of all beings listened to these words of the Celestials. They were out of their wits. “This earth,” said the Father of all beings, “belongs to the Lord Vasudeva. He, like Kapila, supports it for all time. These wicked princes shall be destroyed by his wrath. The destruction of the princes is foreordained.”

The Celestials departed to their abodes. They were happy. And the sons of Sagara created a great uproar. They thus sought above and below. Then they returned back to their father. They said, “Sir, we have searched the entire earth through and through. And we have put to death powerful and mighty beings. They include Gods, Danavas, Rakshasas, Pisachas, Uragas and Kinnaras. But we have not been successful in finding the horse or the thief. We await the further orders.”

At this, Sagara was exceedingly angry. Delve further and yet further. Delve to the innermost limits. Find me out the robber or come back with the thief at any cost!”

Thus they delved the earth further. They delved to the Rasatala. Then they came upon a huge elephant. Its name was Virupaksha. It was supporting the earth on its head. When the mighty elephant shook its head to ease the pain, an earthquake happened. They went round Virupaksha and paid him due worship. Then they pursued their undeviating course. They pierced through Rasatala in the east. Then they turned to the south. There they found another elephant. Its name was Mahapadma. It was supporting the earth on its head. It filled the princes with reverence and amazement. They went around it and pierce through the west. They saw another elephant supporting the earth. Its name was Saumanasa. Him too they reverenced and made kind enquiries. After that, they went to the north. There they found the snow white Bhadra. It was of immense proportions. It bore the earth in that quarter easily. They reverenced the huge animal. Then they pierced yet deeper into the earth. Coming to the northeast they dug deeper yet. They were furious with disappointment. That endowed them superhuman strength and fierce speed.

When, lo! there appeared Kapila. He was the incarnation of the eternal Vasudeva. And hard by was the horse grazing quietly. They were almost beside themselves with joy. They approached the animal with eager hearts. But the sight of the holy Kapila roused them to insensate fury. Because they mistook him for the robber. They flew at the sage, armed with spades and swords. They shouted, “Stop thief! Stop thief! You are the wicked wretch that spirited away the sacrificial horse. The sons of Sagara have come in search of you! The mighty sage flew into a rage. ‘Hum’ he cried. Within a wink of the eye, all the 60000 sons of Sagara vanished. A heap of ashes marked the place where they had stood a moment ago. 

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN --CHAPTER 39

                                                 RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN –CHAPTER 39

                                                              SAGARA’S HORSE-SACRIFICE

When the narrative ended, Rama asked, “My Master, I wish to hear fully how my ancestor celebrated his sacrifice!” Visvamitra was greatly amused at the eagerness shown by Rama. He said, “Nothing would give me greater pleasure. You see there the abode of Snow and Ice. It is the sky topped Himalaya. He is the father-in-law of the Black Throated One and faces proudly the far-famed Vindhya; and between them lies a broad land. Regard it as one of the holiest spots of the earth. For, countless sacrifices have been performed there. And your ancestor, Sagara, performed his Asvamedha there. Amsuman was the favourite grandson of the monarch. He was directed to go along with the consecrated horse and guard it. King Sagara was a mighty warrior and a famous general. And while he was duly conducting the sacrifice, Indra assumed the shape of a Rakshasa and spirited away the consecrated horse. At this, the sacrificial priests cried out to the King, “The consecrated horse has been taken away. This is an important day. Slay the robber and bring back the horse. Such a defeat as this is fraught with danger.  So see to it that the sacrifice comes to a safe end.”

Thereupon the monarch turned to his sons. There were 60000 of them. And he addressed them, “There is no room for any Rakshasa to interfere with this sacrifice. This sacrifice is conducted by honourable priests who have been purified by high learning and powerful Mantras. So here my words. So go and search the whole earth. Search the earth through and through. Do it with my grandson and the priests, till the horse come back.

Sagara’s sons went forward with cheerful hearts. They searched the surface of the earth from end to end. But they found neither the horse nor the thief. Then they delved into the earth. Every one of them delved a yojana. They were armed with adamantine nails, with tridents and with terrible ploughshares. The patient earth was pierced in her vitals. The earth began to emit loud cries of distress. Nagas, Asuras, Rakshasas and other mighty beings cried and died. They all were slaughtered by thousands by the infuriated sons of Sagara. Yet they dug into the bowels of the earth. Thereupon, the gods and the Gandharvas, the Asuras and Pannagas sought out the Great Ancient. They said, “Lord, behold see the sons of Sagara piercing into the bowels of the earth. They have slayed the creatures there by hundreds of thousands. They shout, “There goes the thief! There is the daring wretch who has laid his impious sacrifice! And countless myriads go down before their blind fury.” 

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN --CHAPTER 38

                                          RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN –CHAPTER 38

                                                                      SAGARA

Here ended his tale. And Visvamitra took up another narrative. “Rama there lived an ancestor of yours. His name was Sagara. He was a righteous ruler and a great hero. And Ayodhya was his capital. His heart yearned for a son but in vain. Kesini was his wife. She was the eldest daughter of the ruler of Vidarbha. Kesini was his first wife. She was very truthful and righteous. Sumati was his second wife. She was very fair. She was the daughter of Arishtanemi. He retired to the Bhrigu Prasaravana among the Himalayas. He went there along with his wives. He performed stern Tapas. A hundred years passed. Bhrigu was pleased with his Tapas. He conferred on him a boon. “A mighty race shall be born to you. And your glory shall be unparalleled. You shall have one son. Through him, your race shall continue on earth. Your other wife shall give you 60000 sons.” Thereupon the queens approached him reverently. “Your words shall ever come to pass. But which of us shall have one son and which many?” “It is for you to choose,” said Bhrigu. One son who will continue your race. Or many sons, famous, valiant and energetic. Suit yourself.”

Then Kesini chose before the king to continue the earth. And Sumati chose 60000sons. Thus the kings purpose was served. He and the queens returned to their kingdom.

In course of time, Kesini brought forth a son. He was named Asamanjas. While Sumati conceived a lump of flesh. They broke it and 60000 sons came out. The nurses brought them up in cases of clarified butter.

Asamanjas amused himself with throwing the children of the townsmen into the dark waters of Sarayu. And he laughed at their dying agonies. So Sagara banished that wicked son of his. But Amsuman, his valiant son endeared himself to all.

Long years after that, Sagara decided to celebrate a sacrifice. He consulted his priests and chaplains. They were well-versed in Vedas. The king set about the holy rite.”

{Dear Readers, apart from this blog, I am writing 6 more blogs. They are:

kaviriyinselvan.blogspot.com

bagavatgitaintamil.blogspot.com

The above two are in Tamil. The following are in English:

raguramkrishnabagavatgita.blogspot.com

raguramkarikalanandthetimemachin.blogspot.com

panjakini.blogspot.com

myresourcefulaunt.blogspot.com} 

                                               RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN –CHAPTER 36

                                                                            UMA’S CURSE

The brothers listened to the story with pleasure. When the Master had ended, Rama asked, “Now, will you tell us, sir, the story of the elder daughter of the Monarch of Mountains. Tell us in detail. For you know best her birth in Heaven and Earth. How did she come to take three courses? And thus she purified the three worlds? And tell us how she came to bear her name Tripathaga.”

Visvamitra started to tell the story: “In those times, Mahadeva took Uma as His wife. His throat was black and he was of boundless energy. He was overpowered with desire. He began to disport himself with her. Hundreds of years passed away. Mahadeva did not know it. But there was no issue born of them. At which Brahma and the Devas trembled with fear. If a son should be born to them who could bear him? So they approached the Divine One. “Supreme Lord!” they spoke, “you are always intent upon the welfare of the worlds. Please heed our prayers. The worlds are unable to bear the energy of yours. Restrain your energy in your own body. Engage with the Great Mother in Brahma Tapas. Have pity on the worlds. Protect all beings. It behoves you not to annihilate them.”

“Be it so” replied Mahadeva. “I and Uma shall retain our respective energies within our own bodies. Let the worlds rest in peace. But my energy has moved out of its receptacle. And it must break out. Who among you shall receive it?”

“The earth, O Lord, will take to her your energy.”

Then Mahadeva let out His energy on the earth. And he enveloped her entirely with her mountains and forests. Thereafter the Gods spoke to Agni, “You enter the energy of Siva. It is terrible to approach and so let Vayu assist you.”

The energy of Shiva was permeated by Agni. It was transformed into a white mountain. And in course of time, a clump of holy reeds sprang thereupon. And from it was born Karthikeya. He was of great energy. He was the son of Agni.

At which Gods and sages praised Siva and Uma. Their hearts were filled with joy at the great danger being averted. But Uma spoke bitter words to the assembled Gods. “You reap the fruit of your crooked ways. You have caused me grief and disappointment. And for your pains take my curse upon you.”  Suddenly she took up water and her whole frame started to glow. Her eyes became red with the fire of wrath. “You have interfered with my pleasures. You who have come between me and my son shall never have sons born to you of your own wives. From this moment, your wifes will be childless.”

Next, she returned to the frightened earth. “Vile creatures, many shall be your forms and many your Lords. Evil-minded one, you envied me a son. And succeeded in depriving me one. But my wrath has the power to deny you any comfort from a child.”

Rudra glanced an eye of pity a the Devas. They hung their heads in shame. And He proceeded to the North-west. There he engaged in stern Tapas in the dark woods.

Thus you have heard from me the narrative of Uma. Now I shall relate to you the origin of Ganga, the elder sister.”  

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN --CHAPTER 37

                                           RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—CHAPTER 37

                                                             THE BIRTH OF KARTIKEYA

Meanwhile, the Devas wanted a general to lead them against the Asuras. They went to the Lord and prayed to him. “Lord, he whom you gave to us to lead our armies is always engaged in Tapas. He does so along with his consort, Uma. Advice us what to do next. The welfare of the worlds is dearer to you. Please point out the best course of action.”

The four-faced One calmed the fears of the Devas. He encouraged them. “The words of the Great Mother that you would not have son of your own loin will prove good forever. Now Agni shall bring forth a son of Ganga. She is even now purifying the three worlds. He shall be the General of the Gods. He shall be the terror of His foes. Uma, her sister, shall take the child to her heart. And he shall be to her as the child of her womb.

These words rejoiced the hearts of the Gods. They took leave of their leader. They proceeded to Kailasa. It was rich in metals, gold and gems. They directed Agni to bring forth a son to accomplish their ends. “Oh, thou. The leader of the Gods and the Light of the World! Help us in our need. Pleas direct your energy towards Ganga. She is the daughter of the Monarch of mountains.”

“It shall be even as you desire” replied the Lord of Fire. He approached Ganga. And he said, “The gods desire that you bear in your womb my energy. And you are to bring forth a son to serve their purpose. “With great pleasure, she replied. And she assumed a divine form. At the form he marvelled greatly. He discharged his fiery energy. He permeated her in all her limbs. And Ganga was penetrated through and through. But it was too much even for her. And she cried out to the Priest of the Gods in utter helplessness. Lord I feel powerless to bear within me thy terrible energy.”

Thereupon, Agni, out of great ity said, “If so, Ganga, let out that which is in your womb at the foot of Himavan. May be it will relieve your pain. The holy river hastened to do so. And the refulgent Embryo was directed through the various streams. They all had their origin in her. And what came out of her womb was like molten gold. From the pungent element thereof were produced copper and black iron. The impure parts of it were converted into brass and lead. Thus were the diverse metals were brought forth into existence. The mighty mountain turned of the colour of gold. The forest around it were filled with the unbearably bright energy. All these proceeded from the womb of Ganga. The gold was, from that day, called by human beings as Jatarupa. It was radient even as fire. The trees, the grass, the creepers and everything therein was converted into gold, Kanchana.

Indra and the other gods arranged that Krittikas should nurse the boy. They took him as their child. And upon a promise they suckled him. This boy brought up by your breast milk shall be called after you name. He shall be called Kartikeya. His fame in this world shall be unparalleled. The Krittikas washed him free of faetal impurities. The impurities adheared to him when he was dropped from the womb of Ganga at the foot of the Himalaya! Since he was dropped from the womb, he shall be called Skanda. And Kartikeya was known by that name also.

The Divine boy shone in his supreme radiance even as the smokless flame. Milk streamed forth from the breasts f the Krittikas. The child put forth six heads. He had six mouths to draw milk from his foster mothers. In the short space of a day he grew up into his full strength and height. He was of matchless beauty and grace. It was child’s play for him to destroy the Daityas. The Celestial hosts assembled around him with pure joy. And they crowned Him as their Lord. They installed him inhis proud post.   

Visvamitra said to Rama, “Thus I have narrated the wonderful story of Kartikeya and Ganga. Whoever worship him with faith and admiration he shall live a long life. And when he leaves the body, he will be taken to the Heavens where Kartikeya resides.”

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--CHAPTER 35

                                                           RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN

                                                                         CHAPTER 35

Visvamitra and Sages rested for the night on the banks of Sona. At the day-break, Visvamitra roused the princes. He said, “The morning twilight comes on speedily. Give up your slumber, Rama and prepare to start.”

They went through the morning prayers. Then Rama asked Visvamitra, “Sir, this Sona runs shallow. Her clear waters are dotted with small hillocks. Which way shall we cross it?”

To which the sage replied, “Our friends are taking the route I advised them to.” They crossed to the further bank. And proceeded on their journey. They were feasting their eyes on the beautiful scenery. At noon, they broke their journey because they had covered a long way since morning. The resting place was the banks of the sacred Ganga. The river was the delightful resort of for countless ascetics. The sight filled the brothers with joy. The broad waters formed the home for swans and other aquatic birds. They were sporting in the river. There they pitched their quarters. They bathed in the holy river. Then they offered libations of water for the departed manes. Then devout worship of the Holy Fire took place. And then they had a hearty sweet food. Once again they sat around Visvamitra. And Rama started the conversation.

“Master mine, I want to know how Ganga came down to the earth from her heavenly abode.”

Visvamitra proceeded to tell the story of Ganga, the heavenly river. “Himavan was the monarch of the mountains. His wife was Manorama. She was the daughter of Meru. Through Manorama he had two charming daughters. Of them, Ganga was the elder and Uma the younger. The Devas prayed Himavan to grant them the presence of Ganga. It was to accomplish certain ends of theirs. With a philanthropic heart, he allowed the Devas to take her away. The Devas were glad at the hospitality of Himavan. They took Ganga to their world. But the younger daughter, Uma entered upon a difficult course of Tapas. At the end of which her parents gave her to Rudra as wife. He was the right bridegroom for the maiden of mighty spiritual energy. Now, Rama, I have related to you the origin of Ganga and Uma. The holy stream before you is none other than Ganga.   

DEAR READERS, APART FROM THIS ONE, I AM WRITING 6 MORE BLOGS.

THEY ARE AS FOLLOWS:

raguramkrishnabagavatgita.blogspot.com

kaviriyinselvan.blogspot.com

myresourcefulaunt.blogspot.com

raguramkarikalanandthetimemachin.blogspot.com

panjakini.blogspot.com

bagavatgitaintamil.blogspot.com

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN --CHAPTER 34

                                             RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN –CHAPTER 34

                                                                  VISVMITRA’S ANCESTRY

His daughters were gone away with Brahmadatta. The childless father decided to perform a sacrifice for a son. It was to continue his line on Earth. Kusa was his father. He was the mind-born son of Brahma. He came down to him. And he said, “Son! You will be blessed with a boy. He will be a righteous one after your heart. You should call him Gadhi. He will hold up your name in all the worlds.” After this, he went back to the world of Brahma.

And in good time Kusanabha had a son. The son was named Gadhi. Gadhi was a marvel of virtue and holiness. I am proud of Gadhi. I am a kausika. I am a descendant of the godlike Kusa. I have a sister too. Her name is Satyavati. She was born before me. She is given in marriage to Richika. She is ever devoted to her husband. She followed him to Svarga in her mortal body. But soon she came down on earth. She came down as the holy steam Kausiki. She was heavenly in her origin. The water was pure and crystal-like. My sister has devoted herself for the good of humanity. Out of great love, I abide at her side on the slopes of the Himalaya. She flows from there. In pursuance of the vow, I have come down to Siddhasrama. It is far from my sister.

Well, it is past midnight. And I have kept you all from sweet sleep. And now you all go to sleep. Else our journey tomorrow will be delayed. Not a breath of air stirs the leaf of those trees. Beasts and birds have sought their silent abodes. And night has spread her black pall over the earth. The shades of twilight are gradually fading away. And dark Night keeps watch over the sleeping earth. And here comes the Queen of Night. She infuses joy and gladness into the hearts of all beings. See the Rangers of the night. They are the hosts of Yakshas, Rakshsas, and terrible monsters. They eat human flesh.”

When he ended the audience said, “You have spoken well, Holy One” And they praised him. “Noble is the race of the Kausikas. And they are always intent upon Right and Virtue. The kings that adorn that line is like the Father Himself. Your holy self has attained everlasting fame. Your sister, Kausiki also is not left behind. She is the best of streams. She is a bright gem in the crown of Kusa.”

To the sound of their sweet praise, Visvamitra sank into sleep. The Royal brother also praised Viswamitra. Their eyes were filled with awe and wonder. They also went to sleep.