RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--CHAPTER 58

                                    RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—CHAPTER 58

The reply given by the Sons of Vasishtha to the request of Trisanku was wrathful. They called him an evil-minded man. “You have been rejected by our Lord, Vasishtha. He only speaks the truth. How dare you seek any other help? Can you pass by so lightly the son of Brahma? The Ikshvakus know no other High-priest. Once he says no they dare not question his wisdom! Can we dream of the sacrifice pronounced impossible by him?  You act like a child. Blind fortune has made you king. You go back home. Vasishtha alone has the right to conduct any sacrifice. And who are we to dare insult his majesty?”

But the king would not say it quit. “I have been denied by my master. No better treatment have I got from his holy sons. Nothing remains for me now than to seek another protector. You have driven me to it. Goodby!”

The sons of Vasishtha could not believe it. What! A member of Ikshvaku cutting himself away the spiritual ties that bound him! He is seeking the feet of another. What madness to lay the axe at the root of his House! He is a monster. And his heart should be horribly black. They cursed him in a fit of anger. “Wretch! You quite that form of kshatriya. And you take the degraded shape of a Chandala”. They spoke and enter their abode as if to avoid the foul sight of the traitor.

When the morning dawned Trisanku found himself turned into a vile Chandala. Each grade of society is based on the rigid discharge of the duties. Once a member fails in it he becomes what he has made himself. His bright robes flashing with gold and gems became dirty black rags. The stately form of a golden complex now took on a hideous tint. He became dark and more repulsive. He once had shining locks. Now they turned into to a tangled mass of wool. They were short and coarse. Garlands of flowers that had lain on the corpses in the crematorium now graced his shoulders. The ashes of the dead covered his limbs. An unsightly strip of leather lay on his chest. There once gleamed the Sacred Thread of Gold, the badge of the Twice-born. Ornaments of black iron added to the horror of the degradation. His ministers and counselors fled away in fear. And the loyal citizens followed them. but he wended his way all alone. Shame and anger filled his heart. But he stood like Titan. He was unconquerable in spirit. Visvamitra was the man he approached.

Visvamitra looked at the proud scion of the royal race of Ikshvaku. When Trisanku approached him, Visvamitra’s heart was filled with pity. Out of pity, he addressed the Lord of Ayodhya. “Hail to you. And all good! What brings you here? You are a son of a king. Have you fallen on evil days? You are a ruler of the stately Ayodhya. How have you come to be cursed to become a Chandala?”

“I have been spurned by my guru Vasishtha and his sons. I have not got what I sought them for.  What I do not deserve I have received at their hands. I wish to ascend to the world of the Shining ones with my mortal frame. I have performed innumerous sacrifices. But I am not near my goal. I have never lied in my life. So I cannot remember any breach of truth that has nullified the effect of my sacrifices. I am now in adverse conditions. But I swear to you that I speak the truth. I have never failed in my daily discharge of my duties. I have performed sacrifices to the Gods, to the Fathers. I rule my people in a just and wise manner. I have done humble service to my spiritual guides. I always walk the straight path of Right and Duty. But my teachers have not looked upon me with favour. I prayed them to conduct me a rite to gain me a seat among the Gods. I think Fate has played its trick. Fate rules supreme over everything. Fate is the sole Arbitrator of joy and sorrow. I request you to help me. May your glory never grow less! Cruel fate has pierced my shield. It has shattered my spear. It has beaten me down to my knees. I have reached the end of my resources. I throw myself on your limitless compassion. I shall not seek any other protector. For I have no protector. I cling to your holy feet. I will not leave your feet even if Vasishtha aske me to go back to him. I have utmost confidence in your power to make my Fate powerless.”  

                                                                         

                                         RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN –CHAPTER 57

                                                                           TRISANKU

Visvamitra took his defeat badly. He went with his wife to the South. He performed stern Tapas there. Wild roots and fruits were his only food. His rebellious senses were well under restraint. Several sons were born to him. Havishyanda, Madhushyanda and Dridhanetra were among the sons. They were righteous and of straight speech.

A thousand years passed. And at the end of it, Brahma stood before him. He said, “O son of Gadhi! Your Tapas has won for you the bright regions of Rajarshi.” Then he went back to his world.

But Visvamitra was not satisfied. He was not satisfied with being a Rajarishi. So he resumed his Tapas. It was at about this time Trisanku ruled Ayodhya. He was a man of truthful speech. He wished to perform a sacrifice and win a place in the mansions of the Blessed. He wanted to go there in the very body he had on earth. He called Vasishtha. Vasishtha was the high-priest of the Ikshvakus. Trisanku humbly submitted his prayer to him.

Vasishtha said that though such a thing was possible, he would not perform the rite. For, he had looked into the three records of Trisanku’s past. It was not conducive to perform the rite. So desist from such rash resolve.” Vasishtha was stern in his resolve.

Trisanku was foiled in his dearest wish. So he went to the South. There numerous sons of Vasishtha were engaged in Tapas. They were shining with radiant but latent energy. Thus a glorious sight they presented. Trisanku approached them in humble guise. He laid his head at their holy feet. He stood up and bent low over his joined palms. “I take refuge in you. You are the last refuge of the hopeless. I prayed humbly to Vasishtha. But he has refused me what I asked for. I long for going to the world of the Blessed with my body. I pray you to perform for me a sacrifice. Bless me out of your noble hearts. And please assist in this sacrifice. Since my Master has refused me, I come to his radiant sons. I know that for the Ikshvakus the High-priest is their God. The High-priest is the Fountain of Power and Wisdom. And as such he is the shield and spear of the Kings. And after them you stand, the holy Brahmanas. You are my Guardian Angels.”              

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN --CHAPTER 56

                                              RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—CHAPTER 56

                                                          BRAHMANA VERSUS KSHATRIYA

It only required a small spark to kindle the fire. And Visvamitra madly rushed toward Vasishtha. “Stay, stay, you braggart!” Visvamitra cried. “Do you hope to beard the lion in his den? Do you hope to flee from here unscathed?” And Visvamitra hurled at him the flaming weapon. It was a weapon of the God of fire.

But Vasishtha raised his staff. “You vile wretch of a Kshatriya! I won’t flee. And I would give you a chance to parade your strength. You parade your brand of new weapons. Mark my words, your spirit will be destroyed. Your conceit in the magical weapons will also be destroyed. Pah! Your warrior energy! It is like the morning mist before the burning rays. Shame on you! You are a standing disgrace to your noble ancestors! You want to show off your child’s toys before me? Well, you will have a taste of my Brahmana might. It is divine in nature, mind you”.

The rushing of Weapons of the Fire God was quenched out of existence. It was like streaming cold water putting out a blazing fire.

Vesvamitra was speechless with rage and grief. He sped against Vasishtha. He sent forth a stream of magic weapons. They are: the darts of Varuna, Rudra, Indra and Pasupati; and Aishika, the Manava, the Mohana, the Gandharva, the Svapana, the Jrimbhana, the Madana, the Santapana, the Vilpana, the Soshana, Darana; the Vajra; the noose of Brahma, of Yama and of Varuna; the Pinakastra, dear to Siva; two bolts, the wet and dry; the Dandastra, the Paisachastra, and the Kraunchastra; the Dharmachakra, Kalachakra, Vishnuchakara; Vayavyastra, Mathanastra, Hayasiras; two Saktis; Kankala, Musala, Vidyadharastra, Kalastra, Trisula, Kapala, and Kankana. All these and many more Visvamitra sent against a serene Vasishtha. And indeed it was wonderful to behold or watch. The saintly son of Brahma was swallowing one after another with his Rod.

Thereafter Visvamitra held aloft the Brahmastra. And he hurled it at his enemy. The three worlds trembled in fear. The Brahmastra was speeding towards Vasishtha. The sage of stern wows did not stir. He did not even lift a finger to ward of the Brahmastra. His mighty Brahmana staff was charged with immeasurable energy. Vasishtha got the staff after ages of meditation on the Supreme. It absorbed the Brahmastra and nothing was left of it. The supernatural form of Vasishtha was fearful to think. And his staff was enveloped in sheets of flame. It was like the smokeless Fire of Destruction. It was also like the Rod of Time.

Then the sages prayed humbly, “O, Master of Enchantments! Your might is inconceivable. Your might is invincible. Visvamitra of mighty Tapas has been humbled by you. O, Master of Magic Potent, be gracious. And give peace and rest to the trembling worlds.”

But Visvamitra sighed in impotent rage. He felt his heart would break. “Shame upon the puny or little warrior might!” he said. “The Brahmana energy, now that is something to pray for. All my arms were baffled by that single staff in the hand of a Brahmana! I shall calm myself and become serene. I will set myself on the path that leads to the coveted eminence of a Brahmana.”                                              

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--CHAPTER 55

                                              RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN –CHAPTER 55

                                                          VASHISHTHA AND VISVAMITRA

Sabala’s warriors were hard pressed by the Astras of Visvamitra. Vasishtha cried to the cow, “your power is infinite. Bring forth fresh troops through your Yogic power.” At his word, Sabala gave forth a mighty grunt. Immediately there stood before her many armies. The Kambhojas were radiant like the sun. From her udders sprang forth Paplavas. They were fully armed. Yavanas came forth from her organs of generation. Sakas from her organs of excretion. Countless Mlechchas, Haritas and Kiratas came from every pore of her body. Soon nothing remained of the vast armies of Visvamitra. There were neither horses, nor chariots, nor elephants nor soldiers.

The ruler had a hundred sons. They were in a fury. They fell upon Vasishtha. He was a master of dread spells. He cried “Hum”. And they lay there in a heap of ashes. Their father became very angry. Shame gnawed him. He was also grief-stricken. Visvamitra was a miserable man. The king’s pride was broken. His energy was lost. His dear sons and proud army were destroyed. He became powerless even to lift a finger in defending them. But he resolved to live. He wanted to take revenge on his foe. He made a son king in his place. Visvamitra advised him to rule wisely. Then he went to the Himalayas. By terrible austerities he propitiated Mahadeva. Long years passed thus. At last Mahadeva appeared before him on his Bull.

“Why are these severe penances? What is your wish and you will have them? For, I am the Giver of Boons. And you have found favour with me. Speak and don’t hesitate.” Visvamitra bowed low in front of the Lord Mahadeva. He said to the Lord, “I wish to be initiated in the science of war. I want to be initiated in all its branches. Reveal to me its innermost secret. I want to know its potent spells unknown to others. I want perfect mastery over magic weapons of the Devas, the Asuras, the Gandharvas, the Yakshas, and the Rakshasas, sages and brave heroes.” “So be it” assented Mahadeva and vanished from view. And the proud Visvamitra became prouder still. He thought the feeble Vasishtha was already a dead man.

Visvamitra went straight to the peaceful hermitage of Vasishtha. He let loose the fires of his vengeance. The lovely spot became a lonely waste. The Saints fled away. Hundreds of thousands of them were scattered. After them, the disciples fled. The beasts and birds of the forest followed them. A moment ago it was a scene of peace and calm meditation. But now it was turned into a lonely waste.

Vasishtha was at last shaken out of his philosophical indifference. But he cried out in time, “Don’t be afraid, my friends. I will annihilate this son of Gadhi. He turned to Visvamitra and hissed, “Wretched fool! You have destroyed the shelter of many an innocent thing. your cup of iniquity is full. Your hour has come.”

He held aloft his magic wand. It was terrible as the smokeless Fire of Dissolution or as the fearful Rod of Death.                 

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--CHAPTER 54

                                    RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—CHAPTER 54

                                                                SABALA FIGHTS

Visvamitra found the sage, Vasishtha unwilling to part with “the cow of plenty.” So he used force and began to drag it away. Sabala was sad at heart and burning with grief. She said to herself, “Has the sage forsaken me? Has he delivered me to the king? I have never offended the sage. Why then did he cast me off?”

All at once she made up her mind to fight her way out. She shook the king’s menial crowd off as though they were feathers. And then she went back to stand beside her master. She appealed to Vasishtha with sobs and moans. She spoke to the sage. “O, child of Brahma? The king’s servants drag me away by force. Is it that you have cast me off?”

“Don’t you know, Sabala that you are like a sister to me? That I will not be ready to part with you? But it is the king who takes you away by force. It is against my will. He is a mighty monarch. He is immensely proud of his might. He is a great warrior. He is lord and master of wide lands. He has millions to do his biddings. They stand there like sands of the ocean in number. There are chariots, horses, elephants and infantry. Now, don’t you see he is mightier than me?

Salaba heard him out. And then gave the answer in humility. “Lord! The warrior’s strength and might is nothing before the radiant energy of a Brahmana. Because it is not of earth! It is divine in nature. A kshatria is as chaff before a gale. He cannot pit himself against a Brahmana. I know your potent might. It is utterly immeasurable. Visvamitra is a bold warrior. Yes, but what is he before your awful might?  The terrible Brahmic energy is stored in me. Say one word, Lord. I will reduce the king’s armies in a moment.

“Be it so. Bring forth your mighty armies. Let them scatter to the wind the proud armies of the King.”

No sooner had the sage said the words than Sabala uttered “Hump”. There came into view vast hordes of Paplavas. Hundreds and thousands of them came forth. They spread ruin and confusion among the ranks of the enemy. All this happened right before the eyes of Visvamitra.

But soon he recovered himself. His splendid army was cruelly wrecked. He was roused to fury. He rushed forth in his chariot. He was red in his eyes. He rained arrows and small weapons upon the Paplavas. They were laid low, every one of them.

Sabala was sad at what happened. She brought forth the fierce Sakas, Yavanas and Kambhojas. They marched forth against the enemy. So numerous they were that they hid the earth from view. Visvamitra hurled magical weapons upon them. And the Yavanas, the Kambhoojas, the Paplavas and the Sakas were scattered to the wind.       

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--CHAPTER 53

                                                  RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—CHAPTER 53

                                                             “GIVE ME THE COW OF PLENTY”

Sabala was the cow of plenty. As directed by Vasishtha, Sabala supplied everyone with his heart’s needs. It supplied juice of sugar cane, honey, fried rice, Maireya and such like costly liquor. It also supplied delicious drinks, various kinds of cakes, heaps of hot cooked rice, curious varieties of deliciously prepared food, soups, Dadhikulyas (rice prepared with milk) and countless plates of silver heaped up with various sweet extracts and pies of six different tastes.

The well-fed troops of Visvamitra were rendered happier than before. Such was the grand repast. The royal sage Visvamitra was mightily pleased. He thanked Vasishtha for the kingly repast. “Reverend Sir, right royally have I been entertained by you. I would like to make a humble request. Will you please give me this Sabala of yours and get a hundred thousand cows in exchange? She is a gem, the best of her kind. I need not say she should be with me. And that would be her lawful place. You know best that the best and the rarest product belongs to the king. So give her to me”.

“Hunreds of crores of such cows will not induce me to part with Sabal,” said Vasishtha. “Sabala can’t be removed from me. My offerings to the Gods and the Fathers, to the sacred Fires, visible and invisible, my oblations and my daily sustenance depend on her. It endows me with perfect health and serenity. And she is all in all to me. So I am not in a position to give it to you.”

This certain refusal only heightened the desire of the King. He offered now fourteen thousands of lordly elephants with golden chains. He also offered eight hundred chariots of gold. A thousand and ten high-bred steeds from Kambhoja and Bahlika which trace their pedigree to Uchchaisravas and Gandharvas. One crore of young and healthy kine. Will you take this and give me Sabala?”

But Vasishtha spoke sternly. “You are of matchless wisdom. Sabala shall never be thine. She is my gems. She is my wealth. She is everything to me. She is my very life. You have my last word upon this subject. Everything you offer me I can have by a simple wish. I am not insane to part with her to you.”                  

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--CHAPTER 52

                                                  RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—CHAPTER 52

                                                        VASISHTHA WELCOMES VISVAMITRA

Visvamitra was glad to see the best of saints. Vasishtha welcomed him. He gave his seat to him.  He entertained his royal guest cheerfully.  He gave Visvamitra roots and fruits. The pleased monarch made respectful inquiries. All was well with himself. He had his sacred fires and disciples and his hermitage. He asked Visvamitra, “How are you? Do you rule over your subjects as becomes a noble king? Do you see that your servants want for nothing? Do they give ready obedience to your commands? Do your enemies acknowledge your might? Is it all right with your armies, your revenues, your friends, kith and kin?”

“Yes, Holy One. Fortune favourse me still,” replied the royal guest. Time passed swiftly. They were discussing on things high and holy. The mutual delight was increasing with the passing of time. At length, Vasishtha said, “My desire is great to offer my hospitality to your armies and you. Please accept my hospitality. You are my king and I cannot honour you enough.

“That you have already done” replied Visvamitra. “You have given roots and sweet fruits. You have given crystal water to wash and drink. And last not the least you have given your presence, which is all purifying. And now give me leave to touch your feet and leave to depart.”

But the noble Vasistha pressed him again and again to stay. And the king could not deny. He said, “I obey. I bow to your sweet pleasure.”

Then Vasishtha called the spotted calf, Nandini and said, “I want to treat the armies and the king right royally. You see that they have princely fare. Give them everything they desire. Give them whether it is meat or drink, food of every kind imaginable. Whether it is bitter, sweet, or acrid give everyone according to his taste. Let them sip, quaff or eat. Give them abundantly, mind you? You will do all this for my sake. And don’t tarry!”