BHARATA RETURN’S RAMA TO AYODHYA

Bharata was in his maternal uncle home to visit while Rama was send to 14 years banabas by his mother Kaikayee. After returning Ayodhya he was very upset and angry to hear that those entire thing had happened due to his mother Kaikayee. He directly went to her chamber and asked Mother “All this I have done is only for you. I made you the future King of Ayodhya. Aren’t you happy with this?”
“Happy! Why must I be happy? The real ruler of Ayodhya is Brother Rama. He is the one to rule Ayodhya. He must be back to Ayodhya. And I am going to bring him back in any cost. I am leaving right now.” Bharata answered angrily.
Kaikeyee was ashamed for what she has done. She got ignored by her own son to whom she did this. 

Bharata directly went to the jungle and met Rama. He firstly touches the foot of his Rama and requested him to return home. Rama smiled and said, “I am here for the wish of mother Kaiyakee. She has wished to be you the king of Ayodhya. I am not going back home without completing this 14 years. You please don’t force me.”
Bharata convinced a lot Rama but he failed and finally he said, “If you are not going to go back than I am leaving this world. I myself is going to give penalty the death. He forcefully let Rama to go back to Ayodhya. When they were about to leave they saw mother Kaikeyee coming towards them. She directly went to Rama and beg sorry for hed did. Rama forgives the entire thing and became ready to be back to Ayodhya. While Rama entered Ayodhya everyone in the Ayodhya were waiting to see him after so long time. Everyone was happy in Ayodhya. They all live happily with joy and happiness.

THE END OF RAVANA

After than Vibhishana told them the way to reach Lanka. Rama and Lakshmana went Lanka in the Chariot of Bhaivishan. Vibhashan was also against Ravana. The Army of Rama was totally ready for the war with Ravana’s army. The Ravana’s messenger at the gate saw the army of Rama coming towards the palace. Then he rushed towards Ravana and sad the bad news to him. Ravana ordered every to get ready to face Rama’s challenge. Rama challenged Ravana to come to the yard and face his challenge.
Ravana went to the ground and get ready for the war. The Rama ordered his army to start their attract and so did Ravana. The war started with great force. Rama and Ravana also started their fight. Not only Rama but also Ravana was also powerful. Lakshmana face with Meghnada, the son of Ravana. Nearly about half of Ravana’s army was defected. Rama deliberately pulled the string of his bow attract to Ravana. The bow hit the chest of Ravana but still Ravana wasn’t dead. Ravana then started showing his full power o fight Rama. Rama was shocked. How could Ravana be alive still he thought? Vibhishana was watching all those activities. He rushed to Rama and told that Ravana will not die until the bow hit the stomatch. He was given power by god after his great Tapasiya than Rama tired another bow and hits towards the stomach of Ravana. Ravana cried with pain and fell down. Finally, he dead everybody was happy. At the other palace Lakshmana also killed Meghnanda but was badly injured by Meghnanda’s bow. Rama and Hanumana went to Lakshmana. Lakshmana was nearly about to die. Hen Rama commanded Hanumana to bring Amaranjibani to save Lakshmana from nearby hill. Than Hanumana fly towards the hill and search the Amarsinjibani but could not found and carry the hill in his palm and came to Rama. Rama searched the Amarshanjibani and gave Lakshmana to eat. After than Lakshmana befame fine. All the army were enjoing hteir wins were as Rama and his troops went to Sita and freed her from there.
After than they went to the Jungle and contunied their 14 years Banabas.

MEETING AT LANKA

Meanwhile, in Lanka, Ravana was feeling ashamed and irritated at the way a mere monkey had destroyed tha Ashoka Vatika and burnt Lanka to ashes. He called a meeting of ministers and army commanders to discuss what next step they must take. All the people gathered at the meeting. They were all real flatters. They said to Ravana that no one could do him any harm. He must not let go of Sita, whatever may be the consequence. 

Vibhishana, the intelligent brother and devotee of Rama was present in the court. He said, “O brother, do not heed the words of these flatters. Let Sita be free and let her go to Rama. You have already incurred the wrath of Rama by kidnapping mother Sita. It is not good for you or our race.”
Ravana grew angry when he heard his own brother making such claims about Rama whom Ravana considered to be an enemy. He kicked Vibhishana and asked him get out of the kingdom of Lanka and Ravana were in danger. So they went to the other shore of Lanka in their flying chariots. They landed before Rama and sought refuge. Rama blessed them with his protection. When Sugreeva protested, Rama said that he could not deny protection to anyone who came to seek his help, even if he was his enemy’s brother.

ARMY’S MARCH TO LANKA

Rama was overwhelmed with gratitude towards Hanumana. Rama addressed Sugreeva, “What a feat Hanumana has achieved? He has consoled Sita by giving her hope and has saved me by telling me that she is alive. But now we all must make out a plan to cross the ocean. We must reach Lanka before any harm befalls Sita.” Sygreeva said,” I have already decided that Hanumana will surely fly across the ocean carrying you and Lakshmana on his shoulders. My army and I will follow you. We would surely make out a way to cross the ocean. Now let us all march to the sea-shore.”
So a huge army of monkey and bears swiftly jumped over trees and hills to reach the sea-shore. Hanumana carried Rama and Lakshmana on his shoulder to make a hasty approach. They reached the sea-shores and set up a camp in a nearby forest.
After a restful night, Hanumana, sugreeva, Angad, Lakshmana, Jambavan and Rama discussed how they would go across the ocean. Rama said to Sugreeva, “Friend, we have a large army and the ocean is way too deep to swim across. Its width is too much to jump across. How will we ever reach Lanka?”
Suggestions and advice poured in from all sides, but none seemed logical. The whole group was rather optimistic. They had found Sita and would do anything to rescue her. They had achieved one goal and would go a step further then.

HANUMANA INFORMS RAMA ABOUT SITA

As Hanumana crossed the ocean and reached nearer to where everyone was waiting for him, the monkeys and bears standing on the seashore started jumping with joy. They shouted, “He has come! Our saviour has surely brought us some good news.”
Hanumana and the older monkeys and bears set of Kishkindha to give the news to Rama and sugreeva. Soma hours later, Hanuamana, Angada, Jambavana and other reached the royal pare that had been guarded by Sugreeva’s uncle, Dadhimukha. After eating to thier heart’s content, they left for the royal palace of Kishkindha. When they reached the palace, Sugreeva, Rama and Laksmana look at Hanumana with great expectation.

Hanumana walked to Rama with folded hands, and said, “My Lord, I have found mother Sita. She is held capative in the palace garden of Ravana. Your blessing made me find her as she sat chanting your name under an ashoka tree. Her purity of heart and conduct is reflected on her face. She is a chaste lady for sure. Ravana will burn to ashes if he dares to touch her. I have given your ring. As I was leaving she slipped her chooramani into my hands in secret, so I could show it to you.” 

On seeing Sita’s chooramani, Lord Rama’s eyes were with filled with tears of gratitude. He turned to Hanumana and said, “You are blessed, O son of Wind God. Your news about sita has put new energy in me. How shall I ever reply your debt?”
Rama wandered off with the chooramani in his hand. He thought of what state Sita might be in. He imagined her sitting under a tree surrounded by demonesses. How pale and week would she be then? How she might be surviving the cold, heat and rain? He wished he had wings that could fly him and reach Sita to console her. Gradually, he came back to face the present situation at hand. How could he ever lead such a large army of monkeys and bears to cross the vast ocean and reach Lanka? He had to rush now to plan on to rescue his beloved Sita.

HANUMANA’S TAIL ON FIRE

The demons rushed with rags of clothes dipped in oil and tied around Hanumana’s tail, but the more rags they wrapped the longer his tail grew in length. The demons grew tired of getting enough oil-dipped rags to wound his tail. Then the demons set the tail on fire. Hanumana was once again dragged through was once again dragged the streets of Lanka with his blazing tail.
When Sita came to know about it, she promptly lit a small fire and offered praying to Agni, the god of fire and prayed “O Agni Deva, be gentle on Hanumana’s tail. Be cool as you touch my son’s body.” Meanwhile, Hanumana wondered what power was making his tail feel cool instead of heat of the fire.
For some time, Hanumana remained patient letting the people enjoy at his expense as they made fun of a monkey with a tail on fire. Then Hanumana decided that he had endured enough. He reduced himself in size shaking off the ropes that bound him.
Then suddenly, he took up the enormous size of a rocky mountain. He jumped with his flaming tail to the top of a high mansion. The mansion caught fire and went up in flames. When the demonic guards cane to recapture him, Hanumana pulled out a huge pillar and whirled it around his head. Then he threw it at the demons in full force. This caused fear amongst the demon brigade. Then Hanumana jumped on to another house and set it on fire.
As a strong wind began to blow, the whole city of Lanka went up in flames. Hanumana’s swiftness was unmatched

By anyone in Ravana’s demonic army. So, no one could catch Him. Hanumana kept jumping from house with his blazing tail And in this way all the golden houses were on fire. After Wrecking this havoc and instilling utter fear in the hearts of the Demons, hanumana went to meet mother sita. As usual she sat Worried and sad under a tree. But today, she was Worried for The safety of her son, Hanumana. When Hanumana appeared before her, she said having tears of joy in her eyes, “My son, are you all right? I am so happy to see you safe and sound.” Yes mother, I am safe and I have set Lanka on fire to teach Ravana a lesson. Mother, I am leaving to ho and inform my lord Rama about your whereabouts. Please be courageous and patient. Lord Rama will soon rescue you from here.” With these words, Hanumana increased his stature and set off from lanka.

HANUMANA MEETS RAVANA

Hanumana remembered that he had been blessed by Brahma that the Brahmastra could keep him bounded only for three-fourth of an hour, so Hanumana lay calmly to see what the demons could do to him then. Hanumana was dragged through the streets of Lanka as women came to stare and children clapped their hands in glee. By then the three-four of an hour had passed, but Hanumana pretended that he was still bound by the Brahmastra.
Soon the prossion that dragged Hanumana in public reached the royal palace of Ravana. Hanumana was presented before the royal palace of Ravana. Hanumana was presented before Ravana by Meghnada. Hanumana’s eyes were dazzled by the gold and gems on the walls of the palace and the diamonds that were encrusted inRavana’s throne of solid gold.
Ravana addressed Hanumana, “You look like a strange creature. Have you been sent by Indra or are you Kubera’s messenger? Who are you?”
Hanumana said, “I am Hanumana, the servant of Lord Rama, the chief Minister of Sugreeva and son of the Wind God and Anjani. I
Is but a messenger of doom of you. Death stalks the golden island of Lanka. By kidnapping mother Sita, you have called death and destruction upon yourself and the whole Lanka. Let mother Sita leave with me and you seek forgiveness from Lord Rama. Only this can save you and your race.”
At these words, Ravana lost his tamper and ordered his guards to kill Hanumana. Vibhishana, who was presented in the royal court said, “No don’t kill him for he is a messenger. We cannot kill a messenger as it is against the rule.” Ravana agreed to his but ordered his demons to set Hanumana,s long tail on fire.

INDRAJITA CAPTURES HANUMANA

Ravana got surrounded with apprehension when he heard about Hanumana’s doings. He sent his other son, Meghnand to conquer Hanumana. Meghnada was a very valiant and skillful warrior. Even gods feared to face him in a battle.
Meghnada was also called Indrajita as he had won the king of gods, Indra. He went to Ashoka Vatika and twanged his mighty bow. Hunumana also threatened Meghnada by increasing his stature as large as a mountain. The two valiant warriors met in a fight. Both of them were equal in strength and skill.
When all of Meghnada’s weapons failed, he used his Brahmastra. Hanumana got himself bound by the astra as he didn’t want to defame the greatest weapon Brahmastra.

HANUMANA MEETS MOTHER SITA

After Ravana’s departure from the garden, Sita sobbed bitterly. A little while later, a demoness named Trijata spoke up. She had a noble heart and had some spiritual inclinations. She told her companions, “I had a nightmare last night. Our kingdom was in flames. A monkey set our kingdom aflame and killed countless demons. Ravana went up to Death’s place riding naked on a donkey’s back. Sita was taken away by Rama.”
When the demoaesses left Sita alone and unattended, Hanumana begin singing the verses of Lord Rama. Sita heard the soft verse and began shedding tears. She wondered who in Ravana’s Lanka could be narrating her lord’s story. She said, “Whosoever is taking my lord’s Rama name, why don’t you reveal yourself to me?”
Hanumana came down from the tree. He bowed down before Sita with folded hands and said, “Mother Sita, I am Lord Rama’s messenger. Here is a ring sent for you so that you may know I am his messenger. Don’t worry. He will soon attack Lanka and kill Ravana. Then he will rescue you from here.”
Then Hanumana thought to examine the power of the enemy before returning back. He went to a garden named Ashoka vatika and started jumping on the trees. He plucked the fruits from the tree and threw them on the ground. The guards and demons grew alert and tired to catch Hanumana but he was too swift for them. When they attacked him, he answered back with his heavy mace. Soon he killed many demons who served as guards in Ashoka vatika. 

Ravana heard the news that a mere monkey had destroyed his beautiful Ashoka Vatika. Ravana sent his son, Akshaya to deal with Hanumana. Akshaya led his huge demonic army to attack Hanumana. But Humana had seen them approaching from afar. He uprooted a heavy tree and threw it with a great force at Akshaya. Akshaya and many of his demon warriors were crushed under the tree’s weight. The demons fled the spot to tell Ravana about Hanumana’s strength.

HANUMANA IN THE GARDEN

Hanumana flew and sat over the wall of the garden. He had assumed the form of a small monkey again. He looked into the beautiful garden with varied flowers, gurgling streams and fountains. The lush green trees were laden with fruits. He climbed up a high branch of a tree to get a better view of the garden.
He happened to see women with a tear-stained face, open locks of hair and in a simple garb. She was sitting under a tree with a sad look on her face. The divine that radiated from her face, the grief in her eyes and a look of longing made Hanumana sure that he found mother Sita at last. She was surrounded by many types of demoness who looked dark, ugly and menacing with large teeth that came out of their mouths. Before them, the pure and divine Sita glowed bright as a gem. Hanumana was eager to meet Sita but demonesses were guarding her. He had to be careful and patient before to be careful and patient before taking any step. Hanumana decided to stay hidden for same more time.
Hanumana saw Ravana arrived attired in fresh, spotless silk garments. His face was shining like the sun, for his learned on his face. He entered the garden and approached Sita. He addressed her and said, “O beautiful one! I have come to seek your love again. Marry me and you shall be the queen of Swarnalanka and the queen of my heart. Agree to my proposal and I shall give all the pleasure you wish for.”
Sita turned her face away from Ravana and said, “Go away, you deceitful man. You are a coward for you abducted me in my husband’s absence. You are but a man of straw. By carrying me off you have earned the warmth of my lord. Go and seek forgiveness from my Lord Rama if you want to live.” Ravana did not have any fit reply to Sita’s words. Therefore, he returned to his palace. However, before returning to his palace, Ravana instructed demoness to make Sita agree with his proposal.

HANUMANA LANDS LANKA

Then Hanumana continued his fly over the ocean. A demoness in the ocean caught hold of his shadow that fell over the ocean water and dragged Hanumana down. But the mightily son of the Wind God entered the demoness’s mouth swiftly and immediately emerged out of her body by ripping her stomach. So the ocean got rid of another evil spirits.
After many such trials and feats, Hanumana landed on the shores of lanka. He saw greenery all around as coconut trees and plantains swayed in the cool fragrant breeze. Hanumana saw a hill and climbed upon it to survey Lanka. The hill was named Trikoota and from there he had bird’s eye view of the grand Lanka. He was amazed at the beauty and splendour that his eyes beheld. The whole kingdom was enclosed inside a high-walled fortress and ocean surrounded the island. The high-walled fortress and ocean surrounded the islanded the island. The houses were large and luxurious and golden hue was spread all over the whole island. He had never seen such a beautiful city.
Hanumana saw the tight military security everywhere. He decided to enter Lanka at night as it was safest to enter in the dark of the night. At the gate of lanka, he received the blessing of Lankani, the guardian deity. He transformed into a small monkey and went to peep into all the houses, but not find any women beautiful enough whom he could think to be Sita. Then he entered the grand palace, which was Ravana’s residence. He went to Ravana’s private chamber where he saw many women, demonesses, gandharva women and heavenly damsels who were Ravana’s wives and mistresses. But none of them looked like Sita to Hanumana’s mind.
As Hunumana kept searching the other houses, he heard a voice. To be surprise, the voice was reciting Rama’s name. He approached in the direction from which the sound was coming. He saw a simple house.Over the roof of the house was a flag that bore Rama’s name. Inside, he saw a man in simple silk garments reciting Rama’s name. Hanumana came back to his original form and said to Vibhishana, “Brother, do not be scared of me. How could you chant Rama’s name in the kingdom of Ravana?”The man replied, “I am Vibhishana, Ravana’s brother and a devotee of Rama. I live away from his evil people in this simple house and spent my time praying my lord, Rama.”“Than I bow to you,” Hanumana said with folded hands. “Can you tell me where mother Sita is? She is not in Ravana’s palace.”Vibhishana said, “Mother Sita has been imprisoned in a garden adjoining the palace of King Ravana.”Hanumana thanked Vibhishana for his help and flew to that garden.

THE INSPIRING WORDS OF JAMBAVAN MADE HANUMANA FLY TO LANKA

The inspiring words made Hanumana rise up. He had forgotten his innate strength and power due to a sage’s curse, but Jambavan’s encouraging words revealed his hidden powers to him once again. So, Hanumana got up and took up a huge shape, as huge and expansive as the Himalayas. The monkeys and bears watched in amazement. His body emanated a glow. Then inspired by thought of Garuda, who had crossed the ocean, Hanumana decided to cross the ocean to reach Lanka.
Hanumana said aloud, “Jambavan, I will surely fly to Lanka to search mother Sita. Your inspiring words have done wonder. I am ready to do anything for Lord Rama. I am going to Lanka and nothing can stop me now.”
Hanumana ascended the Mahendra hill and stood atop it. Then he flew up into the sky towards Lanka. Suddenly a mighty mountain, named Mainaka rose from the sea, and blocked his way. The mountain spoke up, “O great Hanumana! You are going on a long journey. Please stop and rest for a while.”
Hanumana said, “O Brother! Let me go, for I must make haste lest Ravana might harm mother Sita. I shall meet you when return.” The mountain said, “I am Maianka Mountain. Go on. I bless you with success.”
As hunumana moved ahead, his way was once again blocked. From under the deep ocean, emerged the large face of Surasa, the mother of serpents. She had been appointed by the gods to test Hanumana’s wisdom and strength.
Surasa came in Hanumana’s way and opened her mouth one yojan (or eight miles) wide to gobble him up. Hanumana doubled his stature than the size of her mouth. Sarusa than spread her mouth wider. But Hanumana increased his body-size much more than her mouths. Every time Saurasa widened her mouth, Hanumana doubled his body-size. Then Hanumana saw that Surasa had opened her mouth hundred yojanas (or eight hundred miles) wide. So he made himself as tiny as the size of a thumb and entered her mouth and flew out to a safe distance. Surasa was impressed by Hanumana’s intelligent move and blessed him.

MONKES CONFER

Angada declared, “We have been patient and courageous all this time. Now we should not loose hope at any stage. We must declare which one of us can jump the longest to cover the distance from this seashore to land in lanka.”
Gaja reveald that he could jump ten yojans, Gavaksha could jump twenty and another monkey could accomplish thirty. Jambavan could jump ninety yojanas, but bLanka was hundred yojanas away. Angada could surely jump hundred yojanas to reach Lanka, but would be too tired to return back.

Jambavan saw Hanuman who was sitting quietly. He decided to encourage Hanumana to go to Lanka. He said to Hanumana, “O son of wind, you are fit in strength and valour to jump across the vast ocean to reach Lanka. You are adept in many feats. Your wisdom and strength has no equal. You must prove your might and intelligence now.” 

Hanumana remained quiet. So, Jambavan continued, “Your mother was a goddess. Her name was Anjani. She was turned into a she monkey due to sage’s curse. Wind god fell in love with her. He blessed her that you would born to her equal in strength and valour to Wind God himself. As a young child, you had put the Sun in your mouth thinking it to be a fruit. When Indra hurled his Vajra to protect the sun from you, you fell down to earth. Your jaw was broken. Wind God was very angry and he stopped his movements. People could not breadth due to lack of air. Then all gods asked forgiveness from him. You were blessed by Brahma and Indra that no weopen would slay you or affect you. Go on, Anjaniputra.”
Hanumana was overwhelmed by the praise.Jambavan continued inspiring Hanumana, “your strength is unmatched. Yet, your modesty and devotion is your crowning glory. As a young fello, I had gone around the globe twenty one times. Now I feel you can do much more than me. You can save all of us. Only you can cross this ocean and reach Lanka. Arise, O great Hanumana, prossessor of great strength.”

VILTURE KING, SAMPATI

At a distance, the king of vultures, Sampati was hearing all these discussions. He was old and hungry. When he heard the bears and monkeys discussing about death, he felt very happy.

Just then, one of the monkeys said, “Great was Jatyu! At least he tired to save mother Sita from the cruel Ravana. We have nothing at all to find her out.”

When Sampati heard Jatayu’s name, he grew alert. Jatayu was Sampati’s brother and the news of his death brought tears into Sampati flew down to the search team and learnt who they were and what they were seeking.

Then Sampati used his keen sight to see that Sita was being held capative in Lanka by the king of demons, Ravana. Lanka was across the ocean from where they were sitting. The ocean was about 100 yojans wide.

Hanumana, Angada and Jambavan were filled with joy on getting the whereabouts of mother Sita. They held a conference to find ways to cross the ocean and reach Lanka.

SEARCH OF MOTHER SITA

When Hanumana was setting off in search of mother Sita, Rama called him and said, “I feel that you will surely find Sita. You must take this ring with you. When Sita sees it, she will recognize you as my messenger.”
Hanumana received Rama’s ring with reverence and kept it safe. Then he left with the monkeys in the southern direction. As months went by, the other search teams from north, east and west returned empty handed. Rama pinned his hopes on Hanumana who had gone south. Many great warriors like Jambavan, Nal, Neel and Angad were accompanying Hanumana in his search team.
After many weeks of intense search, they reached a deep and dark canvern. They found themselves in a beautiful garden with fruit-laden trees and streams of crtsta-clear water. There were golden palaces all around and fragrant breeze was blowing.
Then Angada and Hanumana spotted a majestic ascetic women sitting on a golden throne. Hanumana saw the glow on her face and enquired who she was. She said, “I am an ascetic woman named Swayamprabha. This place has been created for me by Maya, the creator of the demons. Whoever reaches this place cannot go out without my consent. I know you are searching for mother Sita, better half of Lord Rama. For this reason, I will send you out of the cave. You have many tasks to complete yet.”
So, with her divine powers, Swayamprabha transported Hanumana, Angada and his Army out of the cave. The team found themselves on a sea-shore. The bears and monkeys in Hanumana’s search team were amazed.
Hanumana and Jambavan sat down to discuss the situation. Spring was near. The time limit sat for searching Sita was about to over. How would they go back to Rama and Sugreeva without mother Sita? Angada decided that he would fast and seek death rather than return without mother Sita and be punished by Sugreeva.

Now Rama undertook the job of killing Bali first. He asked Sugreeva to challenge Bali to a duel in the forest and then he would shoot a fatal arrow at Bali from a distance to kill him.

The next day, Sugreeva went to the palace and challenged Bali to fight a duel with him. Bali knew he would easily defeat Sugreeva, so he agreed. Then Sugreeva met Bali in a duel in an open space in the forest. Rama was hiding behind a tree trying to confuse that which of the two brothers was Bali because both the brothers were alike in appearance. Because of this delay, Sugreeva was injured and fled to Rishyamook Mountain. 

Once on the Rishyamook Mountain, Sugreeva complained to Rama. “You did not shoot any arrow at all.” Rama said, “My friend, you and Bali look so similar. If I had shot an arrow and it would have hit you, then I would lose a beloved friend. Next time when you challenge him to a duel, you must wear a garland around your neck so that I can make out the difference. Challenge him again for a duel tomorrow.” 

Next day, Sugreeva challenged Bali to a duel once again. Bali, who was proud of his strength and powers, set off stamping his feet on ground. His wife, Tara stopped him and said, “My Lord! Please don’t go for the duel. Yesterday night I saw a bad dream. It is an ill-omen. Moreover, Sugreeva is your real brother. Make up with him and live peace.”

But Bali was too angry to hear any word of advice. Soon, he met Sugreeva in the open area of the forest where both brothers wielded maces. But this time Sugreeva had a garland around his neck, so Rama recognized Bali easily from behind a tree.

Rama shot a fatal arrow at Bali which pierched his chest. As he fell down and lay gasping for his last breadth, a messenger rushed to the royal palace to give the bad news. Bali’s son, Angada and wife, Tara came and sat beside the dying Bali. Bali breathed his last leaving Angad and Tara in Sugreeva’s care.

Sugreeva was crowned as the king of Kishkindha after Bali’s death. Sugreeva declared Angad as the crown prince. Rama and Lakshmana spent the time waiting for Sugreeva to come back and begin search for Sita but Sugreeva was busy enjoining his luxurious life in the palace.

Hanumana realized that Sugreeva had forgotten his promise given to Rama. He went to Sugreeva’s palace and reminded him of his duties towards Rama. Sugreeva realized his mistake. He at once ordered his large army to scatter in all directions and search for mother Sita.

SITA’S ORNAMENTS

After some time, Sugreeva sent a monkey to fetch a bundle. The monkey quickly brought the bundle and gave it to Sugreeva. Placing the bundle in Rama’s hand, Sugreeva said, “My friend, some days ago, I was standing at the mountaintop with some of my warriors. I saw a flying chariot carrying a demon and women in it.

The women were continuously crying for help. It seemed that the demon was forcefully carrying her away. When she saw us, she threw down some of her ornaments. I collected and packed them in a bundle. See if these ornaments belong to mother Sita.”

When Rama opened the bundle, his eyes were filled with love and tears as he saw his beloved’s ornaments. Lakshmama at once exclaimed, “I do not know about the other ornaments, but these anklets are surely mother sita’s for I have never seen anything but mother Sita’s feet which I used to touch every morning.” 

Then Sugreeva told Rama that the flying chariot fiew away towards the south direction, so it might be possible that Ravana had carried away mother Sita somewhere in the south.

SUGREEVA CONFERS WITH RAM

Hanumana made Rama and Lakshmana sit at a hilltop as he himself went to Malaya hill to call Sugreeva. He said to Sugreeva, “The two young men are Rama and Lakshmana, princes of Ayodhya. They are spending the years of exile to fulfill the wishes of their stepmother. They are searching for mother Sita. She is Lord Rama’s beloved better half who has been abducted by demon King, Ravana. They need your help to search Sita. They are very valiant and courageous. They can help you to gain your wife and kingdom back from Bali.” 

Sugreeva felt very happy on hearing this. He at once accompanied Hanumana and went to meet Rama and Lakshmana. After some conversation, he had confirmed all that Hanumana had said. Then Sugreeva said, “Lord, I was as devoted to Bali as Lakshmana to you. One day, Bali was fighting a demon named, Mayavi. While fighting, both of them entered a dark cave. Bali asked me to stand at the mouth of the cave. A little while later, I heard Bali scream out in pain and river of blood flowed out of the cave. I thought my brother had been killed by Mayavi. So, I closed the mouth of cave to prevent Mayavi from coming out and killing others. Then I had to become the king of Kishkindha, as there was no one else to look after the kingdom. But, actually Bali had not died. He escaped from the cave and came to the royal court. He accused me of treachery. He has now captured my wife and the kingdom and is after my life now. A curse will not let him come up this mountain, so I am living here with some of my followes.”
“I am grieved to here your tale of woe,” Rama said. “I shall surely help you out. How can I see you in such grief now that I have taken you as my friend?”
Sugreeva said, “I too shall do my best to help you search mother Sita. I have a force of monkeys. I will send them in various directions in search of mother Sita.” So Rama and Sugreeva became friends. To cement their friend-ship, they performed a small ritual. Sugreeva asked Hanumana to collect some logs which he gathered and lit a small fire. Then keeping Agnideva, the fire god as their witness, Rama and Sugreeva swore to remain friends forever. They promised to always share their joys and sorrows.

RAVANA TOOK SITA TO HIS STATE LANKA

At evening, after hunting Rama and Lakshmana searched for Sita but couldn’t find. Lakshmana’s heart was true. They searched Sita in many place but failed to find her Rama and Lakshmana both were very worried about Sita. Both were thinking for what could have happened? They searched for whole the day but could not found. In the time of searching they found Hanumana, who was the devotee of Lord Rama. Hanumana asked Rama for the problem as he was ready to give his life to solve the problem of Rama. Rama explained the problem to Hanumana. Hanumana was ready to help to Rama and Lakshamana to find out mother Sita. 

Ravana took Sita to his chariot and flew towards lanka. Mother Sita cried a lot for a help but there wasn’t anyone to help. Many other creatures tried to stop Ravana but they were failed. Many of them loosed their life many got hurt. Finally Mother Sita was taken to lanka. 

PROBLEMS ON BANABAS

In a jungle Rama, Sita and Lakshmana made a small hut and live over there. Many small as well as big problems occurred while spending there life. They were comfortably living on the Jungle. Once living Sita alone in hut, Rama and Lakshmana went for hunting. On the way, a young girl with heavy dress and heavy ornaments was met to Rama and Lakshmana. She was Shupernakha, the sister of Ravana. She was there to purpose Rama and make him marry her. She did everything to make Rama her but she failed. She started making problem over there. Lakshmana got very angry and cut her nose and said,” Listen Rama is already with his beloved getting rid out of here and never shows your face again. 

Shuparnakha leave that place angrily and crying. She went to Ravana and wept a lot. Ravana asked what had happened to her. Shuparnakha explained the situation slowly with her cut nose. Ravana got very angry and decided to kill Rama. The same moment Shupernakha exclaimed, “You are not doing this anymore the only and the thing is you are going to kidnap to Sita and get marry her.” 

Ravana asked, “Who is Sita?” Shuarnakha answered, “Sita is the wife of Rama. She may suit you. Get married with her.” 

Ravana decided to take Sita away from Rama. He himself changed into the form of Sage and went to the Jungle. He sat hiding under a tree and waits a chance. Rama and Lakshmana were preparing to go for hunting leaving Sita alone. But before living Lakshmana was in

tension he wasn’t in the mood of living Sita alone his heart was telling some thing bad is going to be happening. So he draws a line which was known as Lakshmana rekha and said, “You are not going to cross this line any cost. Today I am felling bad environment. Some bad smells of demons I fell anything may happen to so be careful.” 

Saying this Rama and Lakshmana leave for hunting. Ravana got happy and carefully went to Sita being a Sage to take Vikshya. Sita brought some food and gave it from inside the Lakshamana rekha but the Sage refuges to take it from inside the Rekha. Sita many times tried to give it from inside but Sage did not take it. Sage said, “Aren’t you going to obey a Sage saying. What happens if you cross the line, I am here to take Vikshya and bless you not to harm you?” Sita thought that was true and crossed the line to give the Vikshya immediately Ravana come to originality and carry Sita to hisChariot.

The KAIKEYEE SEND RAMA TO 14 YEARS BANABAS

As time passed the Dhai aama of Bharat was jealous of Rama. As Rama was going to be a King of Ayodhya after the demise of king Dashratha. She got a plan to make Bharata the king of Ayodhya. Dashratha had promised Kaikeyee to fulfill her two promises while marring. And taking that wish as a medium Bharata’s Dhima was going to adopt the Rajya to Bharata. She inspired Kaikayee by saying various things. She made Kaikayee to talk Dashratha about the wishes. She made Kaikayee was totally inspired and blind by the words of Dhaima. She also wants Bharata to be the king of Ayodhya after the demise of King Dashratha instead of Rama. She talked to Dhaima about this matter. Dhaima told Kaikayee to ask her two wishes to be fulfilled by King Dashratha. And the two promises would be Rama should go 14 years Banabas and Bharata should be the King of Ayodhya.
Firstly, Kaikayee was shocked by listening such cruel wishes but Dhaima inspired Kaikayee to do so for the sake of his son. The next day Kaikeyee went to Dashratha chambers. She slowly talked Dashratha about the two Wishes that he had promised to be fulfilled. Dashratha said “O ya I had .Ok! Then ask what the two wishes are? Kaikeyee became alert and said, “The two wishes are firstly, Rama should be sent to 14 years banabas and my son Bharata should be the king of Ayodhaya.” 

King Dashratha became shocked, he sat down to his bed and catch his head and said, “O no kaikayee what you have wished? How can I fulfill those wishes? I can’t.” “How couldn’t you? Kaikayee said, “You had promised me and you are going to break it. If you aren’t going to fulfill than a great king words will be in a fault.”
King Dashratha got in a great trouble. Whether cut his words or fulfill the wish of Kaikayee. At last staying in a promise he decided to fulfill the wish of Kaikayee. After a movement he organized a meeting of his family in a royal hall and ordered Rama as per Kaikayee wishes. Everyone in the hall was shocked and amazed to listen such words from King Dashratha. Rama himself was shocked but he didn’t speak a word rather get father’s permission to get ready to leave. He was making some arrangements while Sita his beloved said, “Me too is coming with you. How can I stay here alone without you? Whatever will be the situation I am going with you and that’s it?” Rama tired to stop Sita but he couldn’t. Lakshmana also wasn’t in the condition to be far from his brother Rama so, Lakshmana too decided to join Rama. Rama took blessings of all his elders and leave towards jungle. Kaushlaya, the mother of Rama was in worry. She cried a lot but couldn’t stop Rama. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana leave Ayodhya for Banabas.

NEWLY WEDS REACH AYODHYA

The city of Ayodhya was glowing with earthen lamps. The queens were also ready at the palace to receive theirs sons and daughters-in-law. When King Dashratha reached the outskirts of Ayodhya with the newlyweds, Sage Vashishtha advised him to offer obeisance to Lord Shiva, Godess Parvati and Lord Ganesha before entering the city. King Dashratha did as he was told. Soon the royal wedding procession entered Ayodhya. The people showered flowers and blessing on princes and their wives.
At the royal palace, the queens held gold platters with flowers, incense, aarti and sweets to welcome the brides. The people of Ayodhya danced and sang for the whole night.
Time passed by. The four princes and the new brides settled down in royal household. All the four brides were able to earn the Love of their husbands and the blessings of there father-in-law and mother-in-law.

THE FOUR WEDDINGS

Sage Vishwamitra and Sage Vashishtha discussed the matter with King Dashratha when saw the two princesses beautiful, gentle and virtuous in nature, he agreed for Bharata’s and Shatrughna’s marriage with them. King Kusadhwaja was very happy to hear the news. He agreed to the marriage proposal at once. King Janaka’s younger daughter, Urmila was to marry Prince Lakshmana. There was rejoicing mood in Mithila. 

At the auspicious hour, the four princes of Ayodhya married the four beautiful princesses. Then the pleased parents blessed the newlywed couples. King Janaka and King Kusadhwaja presented their daughters with gifts to take to Ayodhya. King Dashratha donated cows to four lakh Brahmins. Each cow’s horns were planted in pure gold. These gifts were given as a sign of joy at the event and also because he knew that one gives in joy come back in manifold forms.

Then the royal wedding procession with the four royal couples departed for Ayodhya. All the people in Ayodhya were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their princes with their brides.

RAMA WINS SITA & THE WIDDING PROCESSION

When Sage Parashurama left the royal hall, everyone’s attention returned to the valiant princes, Rama. A shower of flowers rained down from the heaven on Rama as the Gods expressed their joy. Sita stood in all her beauty with dowencast eyes. She approached Rama with halting steps and shying garlanded him. Once again, a shower of flowers rained over the couple from heaven. All the learned scholaes and sages present in the royal hall blessed th couple.
A while later, king Janak sent his swiftest messengers to Ayodhya to inform King Dashratha about Sita’s swaymvara and Rama being chosen as her life partner. The messangers were received with respect at King Dashrath’s royal court. 

When the queen heard the good news, their hearts were filled with joy. They got busy making arrangements to receive the beloved bride of their illustrious son, Rama.
Meanwhile, King Dashratha and his courtiers made all the arrangements to go in a wedding procession to Mithila. Great sages, learned saints and ministers accompanied King Dashratha as he led the glittering procession to Mithila. People who saw the procession marveled at the opulence and gaiety. Dancer and Musician swayed as they went along the way, never ceasing to rejoice even for a moment. In four days, the wedding procession reached Mithila. There they received a warm welcome.
The people at King Janaka’s palace started arranging for the wedding rituals. King Janaka was very happy.
King Kusadhwaja, the kiug of Sankasya, was King Janaka’s younger brother. He had two beautiful daughters named Mandavi and Shrutakirti. When Sage Vishwamitra and Sage Vasishtha saw the two princess, they thought of Bharata’s and Shatrughna’s marriage with them.
Bharata and Shatrughana had also reached Mithila along with the marriage procession.

PARASHURAMA’S ANGER

Sage Parashurama stormed into the hall and shouted, “king Janaka, tell me who has dared to break Lord Shiva’s bow?’
King Janaka could not utter even a word. At that moment, Rama got up and with folded hands he addressed the sage, “O great sage! It is I, a humble servant of yours who has broken this bow. Please tell me how I may I serve you.” 

“Ha! My servant!” Sage Parashurama exclaimed in anger. “One who has broken the bow of lord shiva is my enemy. Who are you?”

“I am Rama, son of King Dashratha,” Rama replied.
‘Rama, if want to prove your strength, then takes this bow gifted to me by Lord Vishnu and strings it. Only Lord Vishnu can string this bow. If you fail, you will have to battle with me.”
Rama respectfully took the bow from sage Parashurama’s hands. He easily strung the mighty bow of Lord Vishnu, for him himself was none other than an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He had come to earth to destroy the false pride of the people like Sage Parashurama. Then Rama took out an arrow from his quiver and aiming at Sage Parashurama, said, “Tell me, O great sage, what should I destroy-your ascentic power or your power of locomotion?”
Sage Parashurama realized that Rama was none other than the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He bowed before him and said, “Take all my ascentic powers, but let me go in safety to Mahendra mountain before sunset.” Rama let Sage Parashurama go to Mahindra Mountain.

CONQUEST AND COMMOTION

Rama approached the mightily bow. He bowed before King Janaka. Then with has left hand, he picked up the huge and heavy bow as if it was a mere feather.
Then with his right hand, he strung the bow effortlessly. He pulled the string so hard that the sturdy bow of Lord Shiva broke into two and the loud sound reverberated through the large royal hall.

A sound thunder echoed in the sky and the earth shook violently. Everyone in the hall was very happy when Rama won the feat. Sita blushed on seeing Rama. Suddenly, there was a commotion the door of the royal hall. Everyone wondered what the cause of the so much noise.
A man dressed in a sage’s robe and carrying bow on his shoulder, and holding an axe in his hand, entered the royal hall. He was none other than the great sage, Parashurama. 

Parshurama was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He had always thought that no one could break lord Shiva’s bow. The thunder sound of the broken bow had reached to him on the Mahendra mountains. Sage Parashurama was a Brahmin and hated the kshatriyas, as his father had been killed by a kshatriyas for ages. His arrival at the venue got King Janaka and others worried.

FALUAR OF KINGS & RAMA IN THE ARENA

At an auspicious hour, princess Sita entered the hall. She was glowing in hr chaste beauty from head to toe. Everyone’s eyes turned to her. After some time, the swayamvara started.

All the kings tried to strings the bow, but no one could lift it even. Even the king of demons, Ravana could not lift it, all the kings and princes walked back to their seats with shameful faces.

King Janaka was shocked to find that none of them had ability to win his daughter’s hand. He became angry and lost hope. He stood up and addressed the assembly harshly, “Ah! What mighty warriors and rulers have gathered at janakpur today? None of you have the ability to life the bow of Lord Shiva. Is there no one on this earth who can complete the feat? What a dearth of heroes, I must say!” When Lakshmana heard such words, he was enraged. He felt as if someone is trying to insult the Raghuvansha. 

Lakshmana stood up from his seat and said, “How can you say so? Don’t you know that this assembly has been made august by the presence of the princes of Raghuvansha? I, Lakshmana, the son of King Dashratha of Ayodhya cannot only lift and string this bow, but can run hundred yojans (eight hundred miles) carrying it on my shoulder. All I need is the permission and blessing of my brother, Rama.”
With these words, Lakshmana touched Rama’s feet and sought his blessing Understanding the sensitivity of the moment, sage Vishwamitra stood up and said, “Calm down, Prince Lakshmana. Your elder brother, Prince Rama will go first to string the bow. Go, Rama and string Lord Shiva’s bow. My blessing are with you.”

Rama got up and touched Sage Vishwamitra’s feet to seek his blessings. Then he approached lord shiva’s bow with courage and confidence. Sita, who was watching all this, blushed when she saw Rama’s young and strong strides nearing the bow. She waited with bated breath.

JANAK INVITES VISHWAMITRA

Later on, when Rama and Lakshmana went to Sage Vishwamitra for further orders, he said, “Tomorrow all of us will leave for the kingdom of Mithila (videha). King Janaka has invited us at the Swayamvara of his daughter. The swayamvara will have the great bow of Lord Shiva. Whosoever will be able to string the mighty bow will get King Janaka’s daughter, the beautiful and righteous Sita as his wife. I want both of you to accompany me to mithila (videha).” 

Next, morning Sage Vishwamitra along with Rama and Lakshmana set off for Mithila (videha). Sage Vishwamitra was well aware that Rama was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It was now time for Lord Vishnu to meet his soulmate, Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi who was born as Sita in Mithila (videha). 

Then Rama, Lakshmana and Vishwamitra processed towards Mithila (videha). Soon, they reached Janakpur, the capital of Mithila (videha); king Janak gave them a grand and respectful welcome. He enquired Vashwamitra about the two young princes. The learned sage replied with a smile that the two princes were the valiant sons of the illustrious King Dashratha ofAyodhya. 

The next day early in the morning, all the arrangements were made for princess Sita’s swayamvara. King Janaka himself led Sage Vashwamitra and the princes of Ayodhya to the royal hall where the swayamvara was to be held. There, in the center of the huge hall, was kept Lord Shiva’s massive golden bow encrusted with diamonds and gems. Nearly ten thousand princes were invited from all around the world. Each one was hoping to win the beautiful princess’s hand in matrimony.

THE SLAYING OF TADAKA, MAREECHA & SUBAHU

Rama smiled and held his bow. Then, he deliberately pulled the string of his bow. The twang of the bow echoed in the dense forest. Suddenly, there was a commotion. The birds flew out of the trees and animals ran helter-shelter. Rama and Lakshmana saw a huge dark demoness with green eyes and long, sharp teeth screaming as she rushed towards them. Rama and Kakshmana rained a volley of arrows on her. The next moment a fatal arrow from Rama pierced cruel Tadaka’s heart and she fell down dead. 

Sage Vishwamitra saw the end of Tadaka and said to Rama, “God bless you. You have proved to be a courageous young prince. Now you must be ready to face Mareecha and Subahu. Mareecha is Tadaka’s son. So in anger or retaliation, he might prove to be more dangerous”.
The Sage Vishwamitra led Rama and Lakshnmana to his hermitage deeper in the Dandaka forest. On reaching the hermitage, Sage Vishwamitra told his pupils and other sages about Tadaka’s death. Everyone in the hermitage rejoiced heartily. A while later, Rama and Lakshmana had a bath and took some refreshments. Rama said “Guru Vishwamitra, please make arrangements for a yagna tomorrow morning. I and my brother ill stay awake tonight to keep an eye on the demons that come to disrupt your yagna.”
The sages at the heritage went to sleep in peace. They woke up early in the morning and made all the necessary arrangements for the yagna. Then with the chanting of shlokas, Sage Vashwamitra and other began the yagna.
Suddenly, there was an eerie silence all around. It grew dark; Rama and Lakshmana looked up at the sky and saw the ugly looking Mareecha and Subahu coming flying towards the heritage. Rama got ready with his bows and arrows. The evil demons began to throw animal blood and flesh into the pure sacrificial fire. Then Rama aimed the Mahavastra at Mareecha.
The Mahavastra did not kill Mareecha, but wrapped him up in a bundle of his own body which could not resist any force at all. Then Mareecha was thrown across a hundred yojan wide-sea. Then Rama shot Agniastra at Subaha. He died on the spot. Then Lakshmana and Rama together killed all the other demons. Sage Vishwamitra and the other sages blessed the two princes of Ayodhya.

SAGE VISHWAMITRA’S PLEA

One day, Sage Vishwamitra came to meet King Dashratha. King Dashratha alighted from his throne and rushed to the palace gates to receive the great sage. After welcoming him respectfully, Dashratha said, “O great sage, I am honoured and blessed by your presence. You have traveled such a long distance to meet me. Is there any problem? How may I help you?”
Sage Vishwamitra said, “King of Ayodhya, I am here to seek your aid. Please send your eldest and most valiant son Rama with me. I know he can fight the demons that have been disrupting my Yagnas. I know with his valour and courage, he can kill those demons that have been troubling me for so long. They are Mareecha and Subahu.”
When King Dasahratha heard Sage Vishwamitra’s words, his heart sank for he knew that his son was too young to face such strong and fierce demons. Moreover, he could not dream of parting from Rama even for a single day. So he said, “O great sage, my son Rama is too young to fight such cruel demons. Please let my strong army to fight them in person.”
Sage Vishwamitra said, “Your son Rama is the bravest and the wisest of all. Only he can defect them. Do not hesitate in sending him with me. It will be a good test for him.” “Please do not hesitate,” Sage Vishwamitra advised King Dashratha. “Let Rama go with Vishwamitra. He will soon return Ayodhya after killing those demons.”
On Sage Vashwamitra’s assurance, King Dashratha relented with a heavy heart. Rama and Lakshmana were asked to accompany Sage Vishwamitra to the Dandaka forest.
The next day, Rama and Lakshmana went with sage Vishwamitra. They crossed the river Gangas and after a while eerie sound of animals and other strange sounds. Sage Vishwamitra warned Raman ad Lakshmana saying, “Be careful sons. This part of the forest is the abode of the evil demoness, Tadaka. She hears any movement in the forest and goes on to attack the creature. Her strength equals that of a thousand elephants. You must kill her, so that the sages and creatures in this part of the forest can live in peace.”

SAGE VISHWAMITRA

Sage Vishwamitra was not a sage from always. He was a valiant king. Once he paid a visit to Sage Vashishtha’s hermitage. Sage Vashishtha welcomed the king with a grand lunch and great decorum. King Vishwamitra wondered how a sage had so much wealth. When he learnt that a divine cow named Kamadhenu was the source of wealth, he asked the sage to sell him the cow. The sage refused to give him the cow. This ensued a fierce battle between the two. All of king Vishwamitra’s attacks were foiled by the spiritual powers and divine grace up his kingdom and handed it over to his son. Then he went to meditate in the jungle to attain spiritual powers. 

After many years of meditation, he was blessed with great spiritual powers by the Gods. However, it was Sage Vashishtha who first declared him as a Brahmarishi. Since then, Sage Vashishtha and Sage Vishwamitra respected each other’s learning and powers.

HOMECOMING OF THE PRINCES

The people of Ayodhya were eagerly waiting for the arrival of the outskirts of the kingdom. Soon, the princes arrived in the grand chariot. When they saw the four handsome princes, they felt very happy. The joyous people led them to the city. The princes looked around and saw that the city had been decorated with lights and flowers to welcome them. As they approached the palace the four princes grew even more eager to see their parents.
When the chariot reached the royal palace, first of all, Rama got down from it. He saw mother Kaikeyee at the door of the palace. He rushed to her and touched her feet reverentially. Kaikeyee hugged him with love. Then Rama turned to Kaushaiya and Sumitra and touched their feet too. Meanwhile, Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughana also alighted from the chariot and touched theirs mothers’ feet. Then the princes went to meet their father. They touched his feet respectfully.
When King Dashratha saw his son’s faces shining with learning and their well-built physique, his heart swelled with joy and pride.
The king ordered food and alms to be to all the poor in the kingdom. He celebrated his son’s homecoming after long time.

EDUCATION OF THE PRINCES

When the princes became ten, king Dashratha decided to teach them the skills that a Kshatriya prince requires. King Dashratha was himself archer. He could shoot at a target even without seeing it, merely guided by the direction from which he heard or sensed a sound or movement. King Dashratha made arrangement for a learned and skilled instructor to train his four sons in archery. Time passed by. The young princes became great archers.
After a year, it was the time for the princes to gain the formal education as was the custom in those times. So the four princes were made to discard their royal robes and dressed up simple attire. Then they were sent to Sage Vashishtha’s hermitage to gain knowledge of the Vedas, which was necessary to be a good administrator. Before leaving for their guru’s hermitage, the four princes went through the sacred thread ceremony.
At Sage Vashishtha’s hermitage, the four princes proved to be obedient and intelligent pupils. Soon they had learnt a lot about being a good human being true Kshatriya and an able ruler. Soon the education of the four princes was completed. Sage Vashishtha sent a message to king Dashratha to let the princes return to the royal life once again. King Dashratha sent his trusted minister, Sumantra to fetch the princes. When Sumanantra alighted from the chariot at Sage Vashishtha’s hermitage, he first touched the learned sage’s feet and sought his blessings. Sage Vashishtha enquired about King Dashratha and residents of the royal palace. After spending some time there, Sumantra took the sage’s leave. The princes gave up their simple garments and dressed in royal robes. Rama, Lakshmana, bharata and Shartrughna then went and touched Sage Vashishtha’s feet and sought his blessings. They respected their guru and had come to love him too, for he had cared for them as a father does. Their sense of love and attachment overwhelmed their hearts. But the princes remembered their guru’s teaching and conquered those feelings and set off on their journey back to Ayodhya.

THE PRINCES IN THE PALACE & CHRISTENING OF THE PRINCES

Everyone was happy for the birth of princes in Ayodhya. He ordered everyone in the kingdom to be given free food; clothes and their king had someone to carry on the rule of the dynasty. Everyone was enjoying. 

The christening ceremony of the four princes was held thirteen days later. Kaushalya’s son was named Rama as he embodied joy and bliss. Kaikeyee’s son was named Bharata meaning supporter of the universe. Sumitra’s two sons were named Shatrughna and Lakshmana. Shatrughna as the name indicates, means one who destroys his enemies. Lakshmana means the base of the universe. 

As the infants played in their mother’s arms, their soft skin and wandering eyes made everyone want to hold them. As months passed by, the four princes grew into chubby babies crawling around the palace and crying for things they could not reach. The king and the queens enjoyed the childhood of the princes.

PARTAKING OF THE PRASAD

When King Dashratha reached the palace, the queens were in their chambers. Dashratha took half of the parsad in a silver bowl and took it to Queen Kaushalya’s chamber. She took the kheer gladly from Dashratha and ate it. Thus, Rama was born to her. Dashrath took the other half of the Prasad to Sumitta’s chamber. 

The queen took half from it and left the other half for Kaikeyee. King Dashratha took this parshad to Kaikeyee’s chamber. She also took the Prasad. But after she had taken her share, a small amount was still left in the bowl. Dashratha took this leftover to Queen Sumitra again. So Queen Sumitra received two shares of kheer and bore two sons namely lakshmana and Shatrughna. Kaikeyee also bore a son who came to be as Bharata. 

King Dashratha was really very happy. He offered thanks to the Gods for fulfilling his wish. He offered prayers to the Sun God at the banks of the Saraya River. The King Dashratha went to Sage Vashishtha, his great guru and conveyed the good news to him.

Sage Vashishtha was pleased to hear the news and said, “O great king, remember that it is your duty to care for the queens in this state. You must fulfill all the desires and cravings they will feel in this state.”

THE SURYAVANSHA

The Suryavansha used to worship the Sun God. This vansha (cian) was established by Vaivaswata Manu, who was the son God. He is also considered to be the first ruler of mankind. Manu’s eldest son, Ikshvaku built the city of Ayodhya on the bank of river Saryu. The city prospered and became the capital of the Suryavansha. All the descendants of Ikshvaku were as righteous and illustrious as him. They include Raja Harishchandra, Maharaja Sagar, Raja Bhagiratha, Raja dileep, Maharaja Raghu, Raja Aja Raja Dashratha and the great king, Lord Rama himself. Maharaja Raghu had performed the glorious Sarva Dakshina yagna. After that, the Suryavansha came to be glorified as Raghuvansha. Maharaja Raghu’s son, Aja had a righteous son named Dashratha, who also became the king of Ayodhya. He proved to be a just, a truthful and a god-fearing ruler, who always worked for the welfare of his subjects.As a valiant warrior, King Dashratha had defeated many small and weak kingdoms and had expanded his kingdom. His strength was unmatched and his wealth matched that of Lord Indra and Kubera put together. King Dashratha had attained such a great height as a benevolent king and also in spiritual matters that he came to be called a Maharishi.

KING DASHRATHA’S YAGNA

As all the kings of his times, King Dashratha too had more than one wife. His eldest queen, Kaushalya was a righteous and virtuous lady whose face glowed with love and peace. His second queen, Sumitra was epitome of maternal love and calm and quiet personality. His third wife, Kaikeyee was a beautiful and intelligent woman. King Dashratha had only one grief that none of his wives had borne any child. So he decided to perform a yagna under the guidance of Sage Vashishtha. The gods were pleased by King Dashratha’s offerings and requested Lord Vishnu to be born as Dashratha’s son. Lord Vishnu agreed and at the same moment, a bright shining figure of divine image came out from the holy fire of the yagna. He was holding a golden bowl brimming with sweet kheer which he offered to Dashratha and said, “Take this Prasad and give it to your wives. They will beget virtuous sons for you.” 

King Dashratha bowed before the divine image with folded hands and then took the golden bowl of kheer. He hold it with great reverence and as lovingly as one handles a new born infant. Then with respect he bowed before Sage Vashishtha, the great learned guru and said, “O great sage, I seek your permission to leave this spot. Now that I have been blessed by the Gods, I want to give the parsed to my wives.”

The sage gave the permission and also blessed Dashratha and the three queens. King Dashratha then left for the palace with the golden bowl in his hands. He was veryhappy.