Summary of Balakandam
A prep work for Ramayana Olympiad in Sanskrit
Backdrop: About 200 questions and 77 chapters to study.. Divide and Conquer amidst friends in the group.. A problem of Space and Time optimisation in an otherwise hard premise.. Cut, Tailor and Create mini stories to give a context to all these questions.. Practise the questions on quizlet app. Audio narration of Sanskrit questions by our dear teacher. Perhaps this activity and group study are markers, and will help in a more leisure study of the epic in the future.
It is Valmiki’s Ramayana.. Perched on the branch of pristine poetry, the cuckoo of his work cooing with sweetness. And like Russian Dolls, there are nested stories within stories.
An attempt to summarise the key events and stories. Some of the language borrowed from
https://valmikiramayan.net/utf8/baala/baala_contents.htm
https://valmikiramayan.net/utf8/baala/ [prose]
https://balarangam.wordpress.com/
https://www.valmiki.iitk.ac.in/sloka?field_kanda_tid=1
Sarga 1 : 4 The Backdrop of Ramayana Katha
Sarga 5 : 7 The Invincible Ayodhya
Sarga 8 : 19 Desire to Beget children and Story of Sage RishyashringaThe Sojourn with Sage Vishwamitra
Encountering Demoness Tataka
Siddashrama & Vamana
Demons Subahu and MarichaStories Enroute to Mithila:
Legends of Of Ganga, Bhagiratha and Sagar
City of Vishala & Samudra Manthana
The birth of Maruts
Ahalya’s curse
Legend of Vishwamitra, Kamadhenu &Trishanku
Shiva’s bowrAma breaks the bow
ikshvaaku & janaka lineage
Wedding
parashu rAma’s arrival
Happy days after marriage
Sarga 1–4 The Backdrop of Ramayana Katha
Like a flashback, the first few sargaas give a context to the work.
In a state of Tapas and contemplation, enquires Valmiki to Narada..
“Who is that great person? What was his path! Great is my curiosity”
कः नु अस्मिन्.. सांप्रतम् लोके ?? परम् कौतूहलम् हि मे”
And Narada narrates the magnificent description of Rama and describes entire Ramayana in a nutshell
Says Narada to Valmiki..
Born in the race of Ikshavaaku..Rama possessed these great triats..
इक्ष्वाकुवंशप्रभवो रामो नाम जनैश्श्रुत: ।
नियतात्मा महावीर्यो द्युतिमान्धृतिमान् वशी..
Plan for Rama’s abhishekam. Kaikayi reminds Dasharatha of her boon. Rama is exiled to the forest. Lakshmana follows Rama and Sita. And the story briefly narrated by Narada to Valmiki..
~
By the banks of Tamasa, Valmiki notices the male pumaansa Kraunch pakshi shot by a hunter and separated from its female partner. Valmiki is consumed with extreme shoka, and he utters a few words in a metered melody, which is later called as Anustup meter. Brahma commands him to compose Ramayana and gifts the power of rewinding and seeing the events of the past.
यावत् स्थास्यन्ति गिरयस्सरितश्च महीतले ।
तावद्रामायणकथा लोकेषु प्रचरिष्यति ।।1.2.36।।
As long as the mountains and rivers exist on this earth, the story of Ramayana will prevail among the people
Valmiki then composes the great epic in 7 sapta kandas with wonderful rasaas, spanning चतुर्विंशत्सहस्राणि 24,000 shlokas. He then wonders how to transmit and propagate this knowledge. The twins kusha-lava are commissioned for this task, as they are gifted musicians. They attract the masses in Ayodhya and even Rama by singing this sweet unheard song..
Sarga 5- 7 The Invincible Ayodhya
In ancient times, the entire earth was ruled by valorous kings, starting with Prajapati Manu. King Sagara, a descendant of Manu, had the ocean dug and was accompanied by his 60,000 sons [षष्टि सहस्राणि] in battle, who fenced him wherever he went. The city of Ayodhya, built by Manu, was the capital of the Kosala kingdom and a magnificent and prosperous city by the banks of Sarayu river, renowned for its well-planned highways, grand architecture, beautiful gardens, and well-protected turrets. Military horses and elephants were fetched and bred from far-off lands, including Kamojia and Vindhyas. The city sparkled with gems, and its people were gallant and gifted.
Ayodhya was like a spaceship imagined by the Rishis, an invincible and indestructible city, vibrant like Indra’s Amaravati. Its citizens were well-educated, and their homes were stocked with cattle, grain, and wealth. There were no misers, lustful people, or robbers, and the people enjoyed a lavish life, adorned with ornaments, earrings, headgear, perfumes, and oil massages.
King Dasaratha, a descendant of Sagara, ruled Ayodhya with the guidance of eight able ministers including Sumantra. The spiritual teachers, Vashishta and Vamadeva, provided counsel and wisdom. This was the city where the epic Ramayana was born.
Sarga 8 -17: Desire to Beget Children, and Story of Sage Rishyashringa
King Dasaratha, eager to have children, decides to perform the Aswamedha yajna with the guidance of his scholars and ministers, including Sumantra, Sage Vashishta, on the northern banks of River Sarayu. His minister, Sumantra, suggested inviting the renowned sage Rishyasringa to preside over the ceremony. But who was this mysterious sage, and how did he become associated with the royal family of Anga kingdom?
~
A Forest Dweller’s Encounter with Courtesans
Rishyasringa, a forest dweller and son of Vibhandaka, had never seen a woman or experienced worldly pleasures. One day, courtesans sent by King Romapaada’s ministers tempted him with their charms. Unaware of the other gender, Rishyasringa befriended them, worshipping them as deities and offering fruits and tubers.
A Journey to Anga Kingdom
The courtesans, fearing Rishyasringa’s father’s wrath, departed, leaving him disturbed. He later followed them to Anga kingdom, where King Romapaada offered his adopted daughter Shanta in marriage to the sage. Rishyasringa’s arrival brought rain to the parched land.
A Son-in-Law to Two Kings
Rishyasringa, now son-in-law to both Romapaada and Dasaratha, lived in Anga kingdom with Shanta.
~
Rishyasringa performs Yagya
King Dasaratha fetched Rishyasringa and Shanta to perform a grand ritual for progeny. The Yagya is performed on the banks of River Sarayu using soma-latha. The agni-kunda was constructed by skillful shilpa-nipunah brahmans. The ritual horse has returned without being captured, establishing the king’s invincibility.
Some lines from the Ashwamedha yagya sarga on Pravargya, hotre, shipanipunah, sarayu teere, meaning of mahishi
After completion of one year when the sacrificial horse had returned, ashwamedha yagya commenced on the northern bank of river Sarayu. The best of brahmins led by Rsyasringa performed pravargya and other special rituals. Havis was duly offered to Indra daily. The juice was extracted in the morning by pressing the soma plant.
The priests were specialists and talented.. shilpa nipuNah. Vasishta summoned righteous architects, skilled workers brick makers, carpenters, diggers, artisans, account keepers, dancers and actors, temporary residential buildings be erected with all the comforts to accommodate royal guests. Janaka, kekaya invited.. It was a huge event. All people old, young, women invited.
Kausalya, in her devotion to duty and with a happy state of mind, passed one night near that horse. Hotás joined the king along with his Mahișī, vavaata and Parivrtti.
**The Kșatriya kings could marry wives from among Kșatriyas, Vaişyas and Śūdras. The Kșatriya wife is called Mahiși, the Vaişya wife Vávātā and the Śūdra wife Parivrtti.
In order to promote his dynasty, king Dasaratha gave away eastern region to Hotar, western region to Adhvaryu, southern region to Brahma
The Gods beg Vishnu to take birth in Human Form
Sage Rishyasringa commences with putrakaameSTi ritual as per atharva-veda for the king to beget sons. The dieties and residents of heaven complain to Brahma: ‘Due to your blessings, Ravana is tormenting the 3 worlds. He is invincible against the yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, and Brahmins.’ Vishnu arrives on this Garuda. The deities then plead to him. ‘Oh! Lord Vishnu, we nominate you… to become the son of Dasharatha. To kill the enemies of divinity give a thought to take birth in human’s world.’
The Porridge
A deity called praajaapatya purusha arises from the sacrificial fire to give a golden vessel of divine sweet dessert to Dasharatha for distribution among his queens, to beget progeny. He gives 1/2 to Queen KAushalya, 1/2 of the remaining to Sumitra, 1/2 of the remaining to Kaikayi, and the remaining to Sumitra again. The three queens on eating the sweet divine dessert conceive their children. Rama born in punarvasu nakshatra, 5 planets in high position uccha sthana. Bharata born in Pushyami nakshatra.
The birth of Vanaras
Similarly, the Vanara race was created by the Gods, led by Brahma, to aid Rama in his battle against the Paulastaya descendant Ravana. The forefather of the Vanaras is Jambavanta, a powerful bear created by Brahma as a role model.
Sojourn with Vishwamitra
The Legend of Vishwamitra
King Vishwamitra, once a powerful monarch of kushika lineage clashes with the sage Vasistha over the divine cow Shabala. After failing to overpower Vasistha’s spiritual might, Vishwamitra renounces his kingdom and undertakes severe penance and achieves the status of a Rajarishi. He establishes Siddhashrama, a hermitage dedicated to further penances. He eventually become Maharshi
Sarga 19-21: Vishwamitra Seeks Rama
Vishwamitra arrives at Ayodhya and requests King Dasharatha to send his son Rama to protect his sacrificial rituals from demonic interruptions by Mareecha and Subaahu .
“It will be apt of you to send your choicest son, the lotus-eyed Rama, just for ten days of the ritual”.
Dasharatha swoons and then opposes vehemently.
“Why because Rama is boy!
Is he an equal to the demons — no;
Those demons definitely conduct a deceitful warfare, isn’t it?
न चासौ रक्षसां योग्यः कूटयुद्धा हि ते ध्रुवम् 1.19.7
This makes Vishwamitra angry. VasisTa reminds Dasaratha.
“Whether Rama is trained in weaponry or not, demons cannot trounce Rama, as long as Vishvamitra protects him”
Sarga 23: Departure from Ayodhya
Rama and Lakshmana leave Ayodhya with Vishwamitra and sojourn in a hermitage at a place where River Ganga and River Sarayu are confluent. Once god Shiva with his third eye burnt down the physical entity of Manmatha, the kaama-deva at this place. The famous verse which influenced suprabhatam
कौसल्या सुप्रजा राम पूर्वा संध्या प्रवर्तते |
उत्तिष्ठ नरशार्दूल कर्तव्यं दैवमाह्निकम् 1.23.2
Fortunate is Kausalya to beget you as her son Rama… get up oh, tigerly-man, eastern aurora is emerging, daytime tasks towards gods are to be performed.
And he teaches Rama the hymns bala atibala
“Take waters my boy… for I am going to teach… a group of hymns and you receive bala and atibala, thereby no tiredness, no feverishness…nor your personality will misshapen…Not in your sleep or in an unvigilant state, the demons dare not wish to annoy you.
Sarga 24–26: The Tale of Demoness Tataka
While crossing over the River Ganga, Rama is curious about the turbulent sounds in the waters.
Says Vishwamitra
“On Mount Kailash, Brahma created a great lake at his will, hence that is called Maanasa Sarovara. That river which flows out of that Maanasa Lake surrounds Ayodhya city is this one, the River Sarayu. Because this has originated from a lake, saraH, this is known as Sarayu. This is the remarkable noise of such a Sarayu River in its coursing towards River Ganga”
On seeing an uninhabited wretched forest, Sage Vishvamitra recounts..
O Rama, in ancient times after killing Vritrasura, Indra was overpowered by the sin of slaying a brahmin (brahma-hatya) and was affected by impurity and hunger. Devas and rishis bathed Indra with the waters in kalash pitchers (brought from all rivers). Cleansed of his impurities and his hunger gone, Indra once again became pure. All powerful Indra highly pleased gave an excellent boon to that region. ‘let these places be extremely fertile and prosperous and let this be renowned throughout this world as Malada and Karusha’.
The Gods told PaakaSaashanah Indra “Sadhu sadhu well done”
Rama was curious to know how Tataka posessed such strength being a mere female yaksha. Vishwamitra continues to narrate the story of Tataka..
“Suketu, son of Jamba, was a great Yaksha leader and was blessed with a girl Taataka, who was beautiful and having the strength of a thousand elephants. She was married to Sunda,and got a son named Mareecha. Sunda was killed by Sage Agasthya; and Taataka with Mareecha ran towards Sage Agasthya to devour him. The mighty sage cursed Maareecha to become a Rakshasa, and cursed Taataka to forsake the body of a Yaksha woman and become a repulsive monster.”
Vishwamitra prods Rama! She knows no Dharma. You must kill her to protect all orders of your society. Even in the past women raakshasas were eliminated by Indra and Vishnu.
It is heard that in the past Indra slew Manthara, Virochana’s daughter who intended to destroy the earth.
In olden times, Kavya, the mother of Sukracharya, and the wife of sage Bhrigu, was destroyed by Vishnu as she determined to destroy Indra.’”
Rama tells Lakshmana.. “O Lakshmana, behold! The sight of the dreadful hideous body of this yakshini will break timid hearts. ”
Brahmarshi Viswamitra threatened her with hunkara. Tataka raising a cloud of frightening dust left the descendants of Raghu bewildered quite for a moment.
Then invoking the power of magic, she showered extensive rain of boulders on both the descendants of Raghu. Rama was enraged and retaliated with a volley of arrows. When she was tired and roaring in a nearby place with her hands chopped off, Lakshmana cut off her ears and the tip of her nose in indignation.
On seeing them hit and thrown about by a rain of stones from all sides, Vishwamitra prods Rama! “अलं ते घृणया राम… Enough with your compassion Rama! Eliminate this wicked woman! Kill her, for dusk is fast approaching. During evening the strength of rakshasas tends to increase and they become unassailable”.
Having seen the slain yakshini of terrible appearance, sahasrAkshi thousand eyed Indra and other suras worshipped Rama, exclaiming “well done, well done साधु साधु O Kaakusta”. “O Brahmarshi, you may offer to Rama, the sons of Prajapati Brushasva who are the weapons bestowed with the power that comes from truth and ascetic energy”.
Viswamitra rejoiced over the death of Tataka, kissed the forehead of Rama and said. “Tonight we shall stay here. Tomorrow morning we proceed to my hermitage”
Jamba >> suketu >> tataka + sunda >> mareecha
Sarga 27–28: Vishwamitra grants Rama weapons
Satisfied by Rama’s victory, Vishwamitra grants him weapons and missiles called shastras and astras. Rama enquires about anullment missiles and is granted.
“O Rama the descendant of Raghu, receive from me the effulgent weapons who are the sons of Bhrusasva and who are capable of changing forms at will. They are Satyavanta, jrumbaka etc.. [1.28.10]”
“Certainly” said Rama, and with a delighted heart received the astras. Some of the astra devatas were coal-black, some like smoke, some resembled rays of Sun or Moon. Assuming corporal forms, with shining, divine bodies, those weapons with the their bodies bent down and palms folder they spoke to Rama in a gentle voice: “O tiger among men, here we are, What can we do for you”?
Rama spoke to them (astra devatas) saying, “Reside in my mind and render assistance in times of need. Now you can go according to your will”.
Sarga 29: Arrival at Siddhashrama & Story of the Dwarf Vamana
Seeing a big hill with a lovely forest in the valley, Rama asked Viswamitra
“Is this, the place, where you do your ‘Yagas’? And where are the demons that I have to deal with to protect your sacred ventures?”
Vishwamitra replied..
“Yes, Rama, this is the place where I stay for doing my ‘Yagas’; this holy place is called Siddhashrama”
“Vishnu meditated for several cycles in this place. Later, Sage Kasyapa, son of Mareechi, along with his wife Aditi were blessed with Vishnu as their son ‘Vamana’”
Vamana conquers over Bali also known as virochana kumar.
Sarga 30: Defense Against Demons
“O sons of Raghu’s lineage! Protect the sacrifice for six nights from today. With the ceremony initiated, the sage would observe silence”, said the inmates.
The princes got ready to protect the tapovana for six days and six nights without sleep ahoratram. When the sixth day arrived Rama cautioned Lakshmana to be vigilant. A great sound causing fear emerged from the sky. Maricha and Subahu of fearful appearance arrived with their followers and rained streams of blood. Rama hurled the highly powerful and effulgent Manavaastra on the chest of Maricha. Maricha was thrown to a full distance of hundred yojanas into the surging high seas. Then Rama took hold of the celestial, marvellous Agneya weapon and hurled it into the chest of Subahu.
“O mightyarmed Rama I am fulfilled. Your father’s commands have been executed. O Illustrious one, Siddhaashrama has proved true to its name”.
Sarga 31: Enroute to Mithila.. Stories narrated
With Vishwamitra’s rituals complete, the sage decides they travel to Mithila kingdom to attend a ritual of King Janaka and also to see the auspicious bow of Shiva that is being worshipped in the palace. They all proceed from Siddha Ashram towards River SoNa, a tributary of Ganga, and camp on its bank for a night.
Sarga 32–34: The legend of Kusha
As they camp near river Sona, Rama enquires.. “what could be the reason for this region shining with luxuriant groves? I wish to hear from you.”
There was a great ascetic named Kusa, born to Brahma. They were Kusamba, Kusanabha, Adhurtarajas and Vasu. They built 4 magnificent cities.
Here we are in the city built by Vasu. The sumagadhi or Sona river flows like a garland.
The other brother Kusanabha begot one hundred beautiful daughters who looked like lightnings in the rainy season. The wind God wanted to marry all of them and promised immortality, but they refused to marry him. Angered, he assaulted and disfigured them to hunchbacks. Kushanabha learns about his daughters and praises them for their forbearance and courage.
क्षमा दानं क्षमा यज्ञः क्षमा सत्यं हि पुत्रिका:।।1.33.8।।
क्षमा यश: क्षमा धर्म: क्षमया निष्ठितं जगत्।
The 100 daughters are married to Brahmadatta, son of a nymph. Kushanabha performs putrakamesti and Gadhi was born.
Gadhi is my father. I am known as Kausika being born in the family of Kusa. My elder sister Satyavati was bestowed in marriage to Richika. Following her husband, she reached heaven with her human body, and down assuming the form of a sacred river, flowed Kausiki in himavat area. From then onwards with affection towards my sister Kausiki, I am living happily in the vicinity of Himavat mountains.
8. Sarga 35–44: The Legend of Ganga
On seeing River Ganga with her pious waters and adored by swans, all the sages felt delighted along with both of the Raghavas.
Rama enquires..
“Oh, godly sage, I wish to listen about Ganga, the river that has a trinal course, and as to how she is reaching the ocean, the destination of rivulets and rivers!”
Vishwamitra says..
“The lordly mountain Himavan who is the greatest treasure trove of minerals, also treasures up a pair of daughters. Mena, the daughter of Mt. Meru is the dear wife of Himavan.”
“This Ganga has emerged as an elder daughter to Himavan and Mena, and a Uma has become a second daughter.”
“Uma with her severe penance marries Rudra and begets Karthikeya”
~
And regarding the story of Ganga..
In the divine lineage of Sage Kashyapa, King Sagara of the Ikshvaku dynasty, embarked on an Ashwamedha Yagna.
Who was King Sagara?
[AK 110]
“After being defeated by Haihayas, Talajanghas and the valiant Shashibindavas became the enemies. your ancestor King Asita became a sage staying by a charming mountain. Asita’s two wives became pregnant. It is a hearsay that one of his wives gave poison to the other co-wife in order to destroy her fetus. A sage called Chyavana, belonging to Bhrigu race was staying in a Himalayan mountain. Kalindi (Asita’s wife) approached that sage and offered her salutation.”
Bhrigu says, “O, Queen! A high-souled son, who will be world-famous, righteous, of a good conduct, a perpetuator of the race and an annihilator of enemies will be born to you.” And she delivered a son, having eyes resembling lotus-leaves and having a radiance like that of Brahama the Lord of creation. Poison was given earlier by her co-wife with an intention to kill her fetus. Born with that poison itself, he became Sagara (a man with poison).”
Sons of Sagara
After a long penance at Brugu-parsravana mountain, Sagara was blessed with 60,000 sons. While performing the yagya, his sacrificial horse was stolen by Indra and hidden in the netherworld. Sagara’s sixty thousand sons, in their wrath, dig the earth all over causing havoc. The Gods rush to Brahma for help.
‘This Mother Earth belongs to him, he is that Vasudeva. Hence, that l Vishnu in the guise of Sage Kapila will burn down the Sons to ashes’ says Brahma.
After tunneling the Earth, They spot sage Kapila with the horse and attack with crowbars. Angered, Kapila turns them to ashes condemning their souls to eternal unrest.
The task of their salvation fell to Sagara’s grandson Anshuman, Garuda advises to get waters of Ganga from heaven. Anshuman is met by the Dig-gajas, and later the task of salvation falls to his son Dilipa who could not succeed either.
Kashyapa >>>> Sagara >>60K sons >> Anshuman >> Dilipa >> Bhagirath
Bageeratha Tapasya
It was Bhagiratha, after rigorous penance standing on the tip of his big toe at Gokarna, who moved Brahma to release the celestial river Ganga to Earth. Ganga’s powerful descent was controlled by Lord Shiva, who captured her in his locks and gently released her.
When Shiva discharged the Ganges, she split in seven streams. Hladini, Pavani and Nalini flowed eastwards, and Suchakshu, Sita and Sindhu westwards. The seventh stream followed Bhagirath’s chariot.
While Sage Jahnu was performing a Vedic-ritual, Ganga flowed over the ritual field. Angered he drank it. Later on request he releases from his ear.
In this way, River Ganga followed Bhageeratha and joined the Sea at ‘Saagar Islands.’ The King performed the funeral rites and obsequies in Ganga, and all the sixty thousand sons of Sagara got salvation on the auspicious ‘Makara Sankranti’ day.
Story of Ganga
97. Grandson of Sagara Chakravarti was? Anshuman
98. He went in search of the sons of Sagara Chakravarti? Anshuman
99. They encouraged Anshumante on the way in search of Sagara's sons. The dik-gajaahaas
100. He spoke to Anshuman about the death of the sons of Sagara? Garuda
101. Himavan’s eldest daughter was? Ganga
102. Garuda said that water from the river was required for the watering of the cremated sons of Sagara? ganga
103. To Sagara about the death of his sons and the theft of his horse
104. Sagara Chakravarti ruled the kingdom for? - 30,000
105. Anshumat had a son? Dileep:
106. Anshuman remained in the forest of penance for many years? 32,000
107. Was the son of Dilip? Bhagiratha
108. Dilip ruled the kingdom for many years? 30,000
109. Bhagiratha performed austerities? Gokarnakshetra
110. Seeing the austerities of Bhagiratha He was pleased? Brahma
111. Brahma said that he was able to hold the Ganges? Shiva
112. Seeing the austerities of Bhagiratha, he agreed to hold the Ganges? Shiva
113. When Shiva discharged the Ganges, the Ganges flowed in how many streams?. Seven
114. The streams of the Ganges named Hladini, Pavani and Nalini flowed in this direction. praachim?
115. The streams of the Ganges called Suchakshu, Sita and Sindhu. They went towards the direction.
paschim
116. The seventh flow of the Ganges followed? Bhagirath
117. Following Bhagiratha, the Ganges flooded the sacrificial field in the middle of the road of? Sage Jahnu
118. Seeing the pride of the Ganges, he drank it? Sage Jahnuh.
119. Sagara had how many sons? 60,000
120. The story of the descent of the Ganges to Rama was narrated by? Vishvamitra
9. Sarga 45: The Story of Vishala & Samudra Manthana
“Oh great sage! Which king was ruling this city of Vishaala? I am interested to hear of it” Thus Rama spoke to Vishvamitra. Sage Vishvamitra started to narrate about the ancient legend of Vishaala.
“Once in Krita era, the sons of Lady Diti were extremely unruly, whereas the sons of her younger sister Lady Aditi were venerable, vigorous and highly righteous ones”
“For amrut of immortality, they decided to churn the Milky Ocean, and they made Vasuki, the mighty King of Snakes as the churning rope, and Mt. Mandara as stirrer. And when fangs of Vasuki caused poison halahala, the Gods prayed, and Lord Shiva appeared there immediately, and in the meanwhile, handling the disc and conch Vishnu also appeared there alone.”
“Then on the continued churning by suras and asuras, that Mt. Mandara, caved in to the netherworld… Then Vishnu adopting Himself a tortoise.”
Many things appeared from the ocean, as the churning proceeded.
Excellent women emerged out of the essence produced by churning of waters. Therefore they are known as apsa-rasas.. अप्सु निर्मथनात् तस्मात् रसात्.. from that essence of the waters.. वरस्त्रिय: उत्पेतु: excellent women emerged.. तस्मात् अप्सरस: अभवन् for that reason they were called apsaraas. Neither devas nor danavas accept them in marriage. Unmarried, all of them have been regarded as belonging to all.
Thereafter Varuna’s daughter Varuni (goddess of wine) came out searching for a consort.. वरुणस्य तत: कन्या वारुणी .. उत्पपात (fell out) महाभागा मार्गमाणा परिग्रहम् (searching for consort). While Diti’s sons did not accept the unblemished Varuni, the sons of Aditi did. For that reason, sons of Diti were called asuras. Aditi’s sons were known as suras. Devatas grew exceedingly glad for having Varuni.
Ucchaishravas the best of horses (the celestial horse), kausthubham, the kausthab jewel and the best amrutam came out.. उच्चैश्श्रवा: हयश्रेष्ठ: .. कौस्तुभम् मणिरत्नं च .. तथैव उत्तमम् अमृतम् उदतिष्ठन्..
Finally ‘Dhanwantari’ came with a golden pot of ‘Amrita’. The Daityas snatched it, and Vishnu took the form of ‘Mohini’, retrieved it and served ‘Amrita’ to the ‘Devas’ only. A great war ensued, and most of the ‘Daityas’ were killed. After destroying many sons of Diti in war, Indra, son of Aditi took over the entire celestials and was very happy.
121. क्षीरसागरमथनसन्दर्भे देवदानवाः रज्जुरूपेण कं स्वीकृतवन्तः वासुकिं
122. क्षीरसागरमथनसन्दर्भे मन्धानरूपेण देवदानवाः कं पर्वतं स्वीकृतवन्तः? मन्दर-पर्वतं/मन्दरं
123. क्षीरसागरमथने आदौ ...किम्........ उद्भूतम्? विषम्
124. समुद्रमथनात् उद्भूतं हालाहलं कः स्वीकृतवान्? शिवः
125. मन्दरपर्वतस्य अधः स्थित्वा तस्य भारं कः स्वीकृतवान् - विष्णुः
126. विष्णुः...कस्य रूपे स्थित्वा मन्दरापर्वतं धृतवान् - कूर्मस्य
127. वारुणीवरुणयोः पुत्री का आसीत्? मद्यदेवता
128. क्षीरसागरात् उत्पन्नस्य अश्वस्य नाम किम् अस्ति? उच्चैःश्रवाः
129. क्षीरसागरमथनात् उत्पन्नस्य मणेः नाम किम् आसीत् - कौस्तुभः
130. मोहिनीरूपं कः धृतवान् ?विष्णुः10. Sarga 46–47 The Birth of Maruts
The mother of the ‘Daityas’, Diti was upset by the sorrowful state of affairs. She told her husband Kasyapa: “Many of my sons were killed by your sons, I wish to practice austerities; Be pleased to favor me with a son, powerful enough to kill Indra.”
Kasyapa replied: “O Good lady! If you sincerely follow the practices for a period of full thousand years without any break, you will have a son capable of killing Indra.”
She performed severe penance in this Vishala country with Indra protecting her. One day she was overcome with sleep in the evening and slept in an improper posture with her hair touching her feet, which was a break in the vow of purity. Indra came to know of this break, at once entered her womb and cut her fetus into seven parts. The unborn seven parts of the fetus began to cry loudly, which indicated that they were not dead. Advising them, ‘do not cry; do not cry — (ma rude..ma rude).
The 1000 eyed Indra folds hands to his step-mother and says. “The sapta-maruta-gana would be pervading in the forms of gods, for they are your offspring.”
131. Was the husband of Diti? Kashyapa
132. To care for Diti during her penance? Devendra:
133. He aborted the womb of Diti? Devendra:
134. Indra cut the womb of Diti to? Saptadha11. Sarga 48 49: Ahalya’s Redemption
After staying one night and receiving warm hospitality by King Sumati, they set out for Mithila. All the ascetics, having seen that auspicious city of Janaka, worshipfully admired Mithila saying, ‘Excellent, Excellent साधु साधु इति’. सर्वे मुनय: जनकस्य ताम् शुभाम् पुरीम् दृष्ट्वा साधु साधु इति शंसन्त:.. At the sight of an old uninhabited, beautiful and desolate hermitage in a grove near Mithila, the Raghavaas enquired, “To whom did this belong in the past.” राघव: मिथिलोपवने पुराणम् निर्जनम् रम्यम् शून्यम्आश्रमम् दृश्य, मुनिपुङ्गवम् पप्रच्छ.. पूर्वम् अयम् आश्रम: कस्य ? ज्ञातुम् इच्छामि..
Eloquent and brilliant Viswamitra, replied to the descendant of the Raghus saying — I shall tell all you about this hermitage cursed by the wrath of a great man. This hermitage resembling a celestial retreat and well honoured even by devatas once belonged to illustrious Gautama. In ancient times, that Gautama in the company of Ahalya practised austerities for several years.
The thousand eyed Indra, the consort of Sachi, having found an opportunity, assumed the guise of the ascetic and said to Ahalya — ‘O most beautiful and proportional one! सुसमाहिते! Those overtaken by passion would not await the completion of the menstrual period. O woman of fine waist! I desire union with you.’ सुमध्यमे! अहम् त्वया सह सङ्गमम् इच्छामि!
Ahalya, inclined towards the king of the celestials, and knowing him to be the thousand eyed Indra in the guise of the ascetic, consented for the union. “O Chief of the celestials I’m satisfied. सुरश्रेष्ठ! कृतार्था अस्मि.. O Lord, quit this place: Protect yourself and also me from Gautama in all respects.” शीघ्रम् गच्छ देवेश.. आत्मानं च मां च सर्वदा गौतमात् रक्ष.. Indra says - यथागतम् गमिष्यामि I shall go like I have come..
Indra beheld the great ascetic Gautama, unassailable by devatas and danavas, endowed with the power of ascetism, drenched with sacrifical waters, shining like flaming fire, carrying sacrificial firewood and Kusha grass and preeminent among sages, entering that leaf hut. Gautama got enraged and said — “O Wicked natured one assuming my form you have done a forbidden act. For that reason you shall be devoid of scrotum. त्वम् विफल: भविष्यसि.. He also cursed Ahalya: ‘You will be staying here for thousands of years without food and subsisting on air, lying down in ashes, doing penance, without being seen by any living beings in this ashrama’…अदृश्या सर्वभूतानां आश्रमेऽस्मिन्निवत्स्यसि. ‘When the son of Dasaratha, the unassailable Rama enters this dreadful forest, you will be cleansed’.. यदा चैतद्वनं घोरं रामो दशरथात्मज:।।1.48.31।। आगमिष्यति दुर्धर्षस्तदा पूता भविष्यसि। By offering hospitality to Rama, without covetousness and passion, you will happily live with me by regaining your present form’.
Deprived of his testicles, Indra with a frightened face addressed hordes of rishis and charanas with agni in the forefront. ‘I have accomplished the objective of the devatas by creating obstacles to Gautama’s austerities, evoking in consequence the wrath of the sage’. He has lost his ascetic energy through the pronouncement of this great curse on Ahalya and me. ‘For that reason, it is your duty to restore my testicles for the benefit I have given you’. The maruts and devatas then graft the organ of a ram/mesha to Indra which was offered for the sacrifice.
“O Rama! Therefore enter the hermitage and liberate this fortunate Ahalya. तारय एनाम् अहल्यां..महाभागाम् देवरूपिणीम्..”
Rama beheld the highly fortunate Ahalya, shining brilliantly with the power of her asceticism. She could not be seen even by men, suras or asuras joined together. She looked divine and illusory as if created with special efforts by Brahma. She became perceptible when Rama touched her feet. She received them with water to wash their feet and offerings made with due devotion.
Amidst sounds of celestial kettledrums, devatas showered flowers, gandharvas sang and apsarasa danced. There was a great assemblage. the devatas worshipfully exclaimed साधु साधु इति.. Brilliant Gautam, the great ascetic, along with Ahalya, worshipped Rama according to tradition..
138. मिथिलायाः समीपे कस्य मुनेः आश्रमं श्रीरामः दृष्टवान् । - गौतमस्य
142. गौतमस्य पत्नी..का आसीत् । - अहल्या
143. गौतमस्य वेषं धृत्वा अहल्यायै कः आगतवान् ? देवेन्द्रः
144. कस्य.भावेन अहल्या शापविमुक्तिं प्राप्तवती? - श्रीरामस्य12. Legend of Vishwamitra battle’s with VasisTa’s cow
Meeting with Janka and Satananda
Rama accompanied by Lakshmana with Viswamitra ahead proceeded in north-easterly direction and reached the sacrificial ground of Mithila. When the king Janaka heard of the arrival of Viswamitra he went forward with Satananda, the blemishless family priest in order to welcome him with humility. On seeing Rama and Lakshmana, he is astonished and asks..
“O Sage.. Who are these two young men with the prowess of the celestials the gait of an elephant or a lion? They resemble a tiger or a bull in courage. They have large eyes like lotus petals. They are armed with bows and quivers. With their approaching youth, they resemble the Aswini-kumaras in beauty. They look like gods who have descended on earth from heaven out of their free will. Whose sons are they? How did they come here on foot? And for what purpose? These two young men with hair falling on their temples like the wings of a crow, each of them resemble the other in personality, expressions and gestures. Wielding excellent weapons they adorn this land like the Moon and the Sun deck the sky. Whose sons are they? I wish truly to hear about these heroes”.
इमौ कुमारौ भद्रं ते देवतुल्यपराक्रमौ।।1.50.17।।
गजसिंहगती वीरौ शार्दूलवृषभोपमौ।
पद्मपत्रविशालाक्षौ खड्गतूणीधनुर्धरौ।।1.50.18।।
अश्विनाविव रूपेण समुपस्थितयौवनौ।
यदृच्छयैव गां प्राप्तौ देवलोकादिवामरौ।।1.50.19।।
कथं पद्भ्यामिह प्राप्तौ किमर्थं कस्य वा मुने।
Viswamitra presented them to him saying that they were the illustrious sons of Dasaratha, and narrates to Janaka in full their undaunted journey to Siddhashrama, and the slaughter of rakshasas there, the view of the city of Vishala, meeting with Ahalya and Gautama, and the inquisitiveness about the great bow which brought them to Mithila
सिद्धाश्रमनिवासं च राक्षसानां वधं तथा।।
तच्चागमनमव्यग्रं विशालायाश्च दर्शनम्।
अहल्यादर्शनं चैव गौतमेन समागमम्।।1.50.24।।
महाधनुषि जिज्ञासां कर्तुमागमनं तथा।
Satananda the eldest son of Gautama, enquires if his mother has been liberated and united with his father. He then describes the efforts and achievements of Viswamitra to Rama.
~
King Kusa was a Prajapati, and his son was Kusanabha, a powerful and righteous King. His son was Gadhi and King Viswamitra was Gadhi’s son. King Viswamitra ruled as a King for many years.
Kusha dynasty >> kusha nabha >> gadhi >> vishwamitra
Once King Viswamitra went round the world with a huge army. He enters hermitage of Maharshi VasisTa, son of Brahma, where his troop was warmly received with food and shelter.
“O Sabala, come on quick Listen to my words. I have decided to honour this royal saint and his army with excellent food. Make necessary arrangements. O Kamadhenu, quickly entertain them for my sake with the food of six kinds of tastes as desired by each, and some solids, liquids and sippables..
Heaps of hot rice as high as mountains, savoury food, condiments and abundance of curd, various kinds of soups, containers in their thousands completely filled with edibles with all six tastes and preparations made of jaggery (were distributed).
Vishwamitra’s eyes were on the divine cow Kamadhenu which was also called sabala. He begs the sage and offers hundred thouasand cows, jewels etc as Kamadhunu is a jewel, and her place ought to be with the king.
When sage Vasishta did not consent to part with the wishfulfilling cow, Viswamitra dragged Sabala by force. Vasista and Kamadhenu feel helpless under the power of the mighty king. Kamadhenu reminds Vasista — I am possessed of your brahminic power. Command me. I will destroy the insolent and power of that wickedminded one. And with her sound “humba” she creates an army of “paplava”, “shakas”, “yavanas” and crushes Vishwamitra.
Viswamitra’s sons and soldiers get destroyed in the clash . He entrusted his kingdom to another son who was alive and he retired to the forest, and performed severe ‘Tapas’. Lord Siva was pleased with his austerities and grants him weapons. The proud King Viswamitra, armed with all types of ‘Astras’ (Missiles) and ‘Sastras’ (weapons) known to the world, attacked Sage Vasishta and burnt his holy hermitage. Sage Vasishta took a staff — ‘Brahma–danda’, representing Brahmic strength and defended himself against the king, who used all the divine weapons at his disposal, including the never-failing ‘Brahma-Astra’.
Viswamitra realized the supremacy of ‘Brahmic excellence’. He thought: “I have to achieve that status of a ‘Brahma-Rishi’ and nothing less than that.” Brahma grant him status of Rajarshi, but he strives even more to become Maharshi.
Story of VishwaMitra
150. Vishvamitra’s father’s name is? gadhi
151. Vasishta was son of? Brahmanah
152. He offered to give whom 1000 cows? vasista
153. Shabla..... was next to? Vishvamitra
154. He wanted to take kaamadhenu? Vishwamitrah
155. Who was Brahmarshi? Vasishta
156. There was a mighty king who became a sage? Vishvamitra
157. The hermitage of Vasishta was destroyed by? Vishwamitra
158. These were sprung from the hairy follicles of Shabbalah? Sainika, soldiers
159.Vishvamitra performed austerities to? Shiva
160. Shiva gifted Vishvamitra? Dhanurveda
161. Vishvamitra was? Rajarshi
162. Vishvamitra used this astra on Vasishta? Agneyaastram
163. Vasishta opposed all weapons by? Brahmadanden
164. Raghav went with his queen? Southwards?
165. Eshwara cursed? Trishanku13. Legend of Trishanku
Tri-sanku’s real name was SatyaVrata, a descendant of Ikshwaku. He was so much in love with his body that he did not want to leave it, and desired to ascend the heaven with his body. This was really an impossible task for any mortal, but he persisted in pursuing it at any cost. His Guru, sage Vasishta and Vasishta’s sons refused to perform a ‘Yaga’ to fulfill this desire.
Not only that, he was cursed to be a Chandala, an outcaste, with an ugly and horrific body. Wearing a black piece of cloth, and head shaven, with ashes from the burning ghat over his black body, he came to Viswamitra for help. He ascended upwards, but unfortunately was stuck in between.
Sarga 61: Legend of Shunashepa
Sadananda Maharshi was continuing the story of Viswamitra’s great achievements to Sri Rama at Mithila. Since Viswamitra lost much of his power earned by his austerities, he decided to move to Pushkara in the west for increasing his ‘tapas’, eating only roots and fruits.
At that time, there was a great King of Ayodhya, named Ambarisha. Once while doing a horse-sacrifice, Lord Indra carried away the sacrificial horse. The priests informed him about the evil effects of such an obstruction in the Yaga. To atone for this, they suggested that within a stipulated time, he should offer a human sacrifice. The King searched far and wide to purchase a victim from poor parents by giving wealth in the form of cows and gold. He came across ‘Rishi Richika’ who agreed to give away his second son, Sunah-Sephas, who also volunteered to be a sacrificial victim. While the King was returning with Sunah-Sephas, they halted at Pushkara for rest. King Ambrisha toured countries, villages, forests till he spots richika near brugu parvata. स पुत्रसहितं तात सभार्यं रघुनन्दन । भृगुतुङ्गे समासीनमृचीकं संददर्श ह ।
During this time, Sunah-Sephas saw his maternal uncle, Sage Viswamitra doing ‘Tapas’ there. He appealed to him to save him from death.
Consoling Sunah-Sephas, Viswamitra spoke to his own sons to go instead of the young boy. “How is it that you want to save another’s son, parting with your own sons?” said one son. Annoyed by this reply, the Sage cursed his sons: “Like the sons of Vasishta, you shall be born on earth among Chandalas and Mushtikas, living on the flesh of dogs for full thousand years.”
Sage Viswamitra then taught Sunah-Sephas two secret verses in praise of Lord Indra and Lord Vishnu to be chanted when he would be tied to the sacrificial post.
The yagya was to be performed at ‘pushkara kshetra’. Lord Indra, who was the ‘Adhidevata’ of this yagna was greatly pleased by the ‘mantras’ by Sunah-Sephas, and appeared and blessed him long life. Indra also blessed King Ambarisha that he would get the benefit of the yaga without killing the human victim of sacrifice. Thus Sunah-Sephas could save his life through the help of Viswamitra, who later adopted him as his son, and named him Devaratha.
Thus Vishvamitra not only creates another universe as in Trishanku’s episode, he even accords longevity, or even deathlessness to mortals by his ascetic power such as Shunashepa.
166. इक्ष्वाकुवंशजः (who)। - रामः
167. अम्बरीषः (of which place) अधिपः । - अयोध्यायाः
168. यज्ञ pashu जहार by whom? indra
169. अम्बरीषः मध्याहे (where) विश्रान्तिं स्वीकृतवान् । - पुष्करक्षेत्रे
170. शुनश्शेफस्य मातुलः who? - विश्वामित्रः
171. विश्वामित्रः स्वपुत्रान्.. [for how long] पृथिव्यां जीवन्तु इति शप्तवान् । varsha-sahasram14. Sarga 63–65 Vishwamitra: Menaka & Ramba
All the gods wanted to bestow the fruits of austerities on the Viswamitra. They approached him after a thousand years of penance and his final ritual bath. Brahma spoke to him, “You have become a rishi through the self earned sacred deeds. Fare you well”.
After a long period of time, the chief apsara Menaka came to bathe at Pushkara. Viswamitra saw Menaka whose beauty was incomparable. She looked like lightning in the clouds. Kandarpa strikes in him, and he says.. “, O Apsara welcome to my hermitage stay here. I am infatuated with you. Oblige me. Wish you well.” And thus ten years rolled by happily. As the period passed, Viswamitra was filled with grief, anxiety and remorse. ‘All this is the conspiracy of the gods to deprive me of my great austerities’, he thought. Viswamitra took a vow of celibacy in order to control his senses. And performed rigid austerities on reaching towards the northern mountains by the bank of river Kausiki.
While he was performing rigorous penance for a thousand years on the northern mountains, the gods were gripped with fear. Brahma confers him rank of Maharshi.
Viswamitra whose wealth was his penance carried on his rigid austerities for a thousand years amidst five fires, in summer, under the open sky in monsoon, and immersed in ater night and day in winter. Indra along with all the maruts spoke to the celestial Rambha. “O Rambha you must entice Viswamitra by lust and passion. This important work must be done by you in the interest of the gods”. Rambha apprehends and Indra tells — “O Rambha have no fear. Feel safe. Carry out my order. When the trees look so beautiful in spring I shall in the form of a cuckoo, stay by your side in the company of Kamadeva”
Excited by the charming warble of the cuckoo, Viswamitra opened his eyes. On hearing the sound of the of the cuckoo along with the sight of Rambha, a doubt arose in his mind. He knew it was the work of Indra. Seized with anger, he cursed Rambha. “You shall turn into a rock and remain so for ten thousand years.” Kamadeva and Indra fled from the scene hearing maharshi’s words.
Viswamitra was deprived of his ascetic merit due to his anger. He had no peace of mind for his inability to control his senses. he resolved not to lose his temper nor ever breathe a word. “Further, I shall not even inhale for hundreds of years. I shall conquer my senses and dry up this body. Until brahminhood is obtained by my austerities, I shall stay without breathing or eating for innumerable years. While performing penance, my limbs shall not undergo deterioration”.
“That great-saint Vishvamitra then leaving off the snowbound Himalayas on north, oh, Rama, he reached eastern quarter and undertook rigorous ascesis.” Thus Sage Shataananda continued the legend of Vishvamitra.
On one day when those thousand years of vrata with the rigorous pledge of Vishvamitra are being completed, and when he started to eat his meal,Indra arrived there disguising himself as a Brahman and requested for the readily available meal. Then that godly Vishvamitra willingly gave away all the readied meal to that Brahman, and as no meal is leftover by Brahman-Indra, that great-ascetic Vishvamitra starved himself. Vishvamitra did not speak a little to the Brahman in dissent as he is abided by his pledge of muteness, and he again remained in muteness and breath-control. That eminent saint remained without respiration for another thousand years, and then fumes have started to emit from the head of sage who is controlling his breath.
The worried Gods rush to Brahma.. “Oh, God, great saint Vishvamitra turned out to be the embodiment of Fire-god, and before that great-resplendent and most reverential sage makes up his mind for total destruction of all worlds he is to be placated.”
“Oh, Brahmarshi! We are much contented with your ugra tapas. Oh, Kaushika, braahmaNyam praaptavaan asi.. you have obtained Brahman-hood. Along with the Marut-Wind-gods, I bestow upon you a long life. Let blissfulness betide you. You be safe. दीर्घमायुश्च ते ब्रह्मन् ददामि समरुद्गणः ..
स्वस्ति प्राप्नुहि भद्रं ते गच्छ सौम्य यथासुखम्”
vAsista made friendship with Vishvamitra.
In this manner, Satananda describes the glory of Vishwamitra, and everyone in Janaka’s court worship the great sage.
Mithila
15. Rama breaks the bow [66–67]
Says Vishwamitra to Janaka.. “Dasaratha’s sons, the kshatriyas renowned in the world, are eager to see that great bow in your possession. This is their desire. Once it is fulfilled, they will go back.”
Janaka replied, “I shall tell you how this bow came to be deposited here. There was a famous king named Devarata, sixth in line from Nimi. This bow was kept with him in trust by Shiva.”
“Earlier, at the time of destruction of Daksha’s sacrifice, Rudra endowed with great prowess, lifted this bow sportively and spoke to the gods. ‘O gods in your anxiety to partake your share of the sacrifie, you have failed to provide mine in the sacrificial offerings. Therefore, I shall sever your jewelled heads and beautiful limbs with this bow’. All the gods with agitated minds propitiated Siva and he was pleased with them. That bow belonging to Siva was given to the great gods, who in turn got it deposited in trust with our ancestor.”
“While I was ploughing and cleaing the (sacrificial) ground, Sita, was lifted up by the blade of the plough.” अथ मे कृषत: क्षेत्रं लाङ्गूलादुत्थिता मया। क्षेत्रं शोधयता लब्धा नाम्ना सीतेति विश्रुता।।1.66.13।।
“ she has been sought after in marriage by many princes. The bow was brought and placed before those who were curious to test their strength
but none was able to grasp or lift the bow. Those eminent kings felt humiliated. Inflamed with anger, they tormented the city of Mithila. Everywhere in the city all the means of living were exhausted. I felt deeply sad over this situation. Thereafter, I propitiated the gods by my austerities. Highly pleased, they gave me an army of four divisions (chariots, elephants, horses and infantry ). They were beaten and defeated. They fled away along with their ministers in different directions.”
“if Rama could lift and string this bow I shall give my daughter Sita, not born from a woman, to him (son of Dasaratha)”. Janaka said to his feudatories, “Let the divine bow adorned with flowers and sandalpaste be brought from the city”.
Five thousand mighty stalwarts drew with great difficulty the eightwheeled cart on which the bow was placed in a box. “ this great bow was worshipped by my forefathers. Hosts of devatas, asuras, rakhasas, kinnaras and great serpents, the best of gandharvas and yakshas, also failed. How then can men bend, string, fix the arrow, pull the string and lift it?”
Having heard the words of Janaka, the righteous Viswamitra said: “O Child O Descendant of Raghu look at this bow”. At the words of the great rishi Viswamitra, Rama opened the casket, beheld the bow and said: “O Brahmarshi, shall I touch this great bow with my hands lift and string it”. The king as also the rishi said “Be it so”. Rama lifted the bow. Stringing it with a twang he drew it and broke it into two in the middle. It generated a loud sound like the clap of thunder, like the trembling of the earth and the splitting of a mountain. On hearing the sound, except Janaka, Viswamitra and the two raghavas, the rest of the people around fell down and fainted.
Janaka was exhalted.. “I have witnessed the prowess of Rama, son of Dasaratha. I had not imagined that this marvellous feat could be ever accomplished. By receiving Rama, son of Dasaratha, as her husband, my daughter Sita will bring glory to my dynasty. I announce Sita to be the ‘Reward of prowess’. My vow has come true. She is more valuable than my life and fit to be given to Rama.”
The virtuous king, having consulted his ministers, despatched counsellors to Ayodhya to communicate to king Dasaratha all that had taken place and bring him (to Mithila).
198. two sons of Hasvanvarom? Janaka: and Kusadhwajacha
199. There was a great celebration of the marriage of Sita and Rama? Mithila
200. Rama Vishnu a bow and arrows? - To Eshwara and Varuna
178. The name of the child found by the father during the plowing of the field was? Sita
179. Janaka said that he would show it to Rama and Lakshmana? Dhanuh Bow
180 . The father said that he would give .. by lifting the bow? Sita
181. The messengers of Janaka entered in? AyodhyA[yaam]
- Firework, Yagya
182. The works were completed by Janaka? Yagya
183. The learned man who came to.......... at the command of Kusadhwaja's brothe?sudhamuni. of Sudamuni
184. Śatananda immediately took part in the sacrifice and set out on his journey? Vayuvegena.. Mano vegena..16. ikshvaaku & janaka lineage
The messengers of King Janaka reached Ayodhya “Sage Viswamitra and King Janaka of Mithila have sent you happy news. Your son Sri Rama, who came to Mithila, has won our princess Seeta by fulfilling the conditions set for her hand and breaking the Shiva Dhanush. King Janaka eagerly awaits your gracious consent for the marriage, as well as your presence and blessings at the festivities.”
In the assembly with Dasaratha, King Janaka described his ancestors from Nimi, Mithi (who built Mithila) to Hriswaroma. A couple of sons were born to that high-souled King Hriswaroma. “I am the elder of the two”, said King Janaka, “and my valiant brother, Kusadwaja, the younger.
King Sudhanwa of Sankasya besieged Mithila, with an ultimatum to send to him the Rudra’s Bow as well as my daughter Seeta in marriage to him. On my refusal, he fought with me and was killed by me in battle. Having got rid of Sudhanwa, I enthroned my brother, Kusadhwaja at Sankasya.
“This younger brother of mine, as well as I, the elder, offer to you my two daughters, as your daughters-in-law, Seeta for Rama and Urmila for Lakshmana.”
~
Sage vAsisTa narrates lineage of Dasaratha to Janaka
https://www.valmiki.iitk.ac.in/sloka?field_kanda_tid=1&language=dv&field_sarga_value=70
“From the unmanifest अव्यक्तप्रभव: was born the eternal, the constant, the imperishable ब्रह्मा शाश्वतो नित्य अव्यय:. To him was born Marichi and to Marichi, Kasyapa.
Kasyapa begot Vivasvan and Vivasvan, Manu. Ikshavaku was the son of Manu otherwise called Prajapati or Vaivasvata.
It may be noted that Ikshvaku was the first ancestral king of Ayodhya whose son was the wellknown, glorious Kukshi.
Valiant kings belonging to the races of the Haihayas, Talaiangha, and Sasibindus became the enemies to Asita.
The king Asita who was a weakling was defeated in the conflict against the kings and was exiled. Along with his counsellors he lived at on the Bhriguprasravana Himavat mountain.
It is said that his (Asita’s) two wives were pregnant. One gave food mixed with poison to the other with the intention of destroying her embryo.
At that time Chyavana of the family of Bhrigu liked to stay at Himavat, the great, pleasant mountain.
That the lotuseyed and highly accomplished Kalindi, offered herself for a son to Chyavana who was glowing like a god.
‘O Great lady a child of high prowess, lustre and virtues is growing in your womb. In a short time this glorious son carrying with him the poison (administered to you) will be born. O Lotuseyed lady, do not grieve’.
This eldest queen who was a devoted wife, afflicted with sorrow due to loss of her husband gave birth to a son by the grace of Chyavana.
सपत्न्या तु गरस्तस्यै दत्तो गर्भजिघांसया।
सह तेन गरेणैव जात: स सगरोऽभवत्।।1.70.37।।
Since poison was given to her by her rival queen with the intention of destroying the embryo, the son was born with poison and so came to be known as Sagara.
सगरस्यासमञ्जस्तु असमञ्जात्तथांऽशुमान्।
दिलीपोंऽशुमत: पुत्रो दिलीपस्य भगीरथ:।।1.70.38।।
Asamanja was the son of Sagara and to him was born Anshuman. Dilipa was the son of Anshuman and father of Bhagiratha.
Bhagiratha begot Kakustha whose son was Raghu. Powerful Pravriddha was Raghu’s son. He became Purushadaka (cannibal), on the curse of Vasistha. He grasped water in order to retaliate Vasishta but was prevented by his wife. The water fell on his feet and he came to be known as Kalmashapada (feet polluted with water). Samkhana was born to him.
[ Kalmashapada was cursed by the eldest son of Vasishta named Saktri to become a rakshasa. Under the influence of the curse he had killed all the children of sage Vasishta. But later sage Vasishta had freed him from the curse. Before the curse was revoked, an incident had taken place in Kalmashapada’s life.
When he was still a rakshasa, he used to desire for human flesh. After devouring all the children of Vasishta, he roamed in the forests to hunt. One day he found a Brahmin couple in the forest. They were in their intimate moment when they were attacked by Kalmashapada. Both the Brahmin and his wife ran for their life. Kalmashapada got hold of the Brahmin. His wife stopped on seeing his husband in the clutches of the demon. She begged for his life but Kalmashapada devoured the Brahmin. The wife of the unfortunate Brahmin cursed Kalmashapada that he would never be able to get intimate with his wife. The Brahmin lady knew how Kalmashapada had killed all the children of sage Vasishta. Hence, she added to the curse and said: “ If you would ever want to have a child, you will have to seek Vasishta to beget a child on your wife, the same Vasishta whose children you killed mercilessly.”
Later when Kalmashapada got freed of the curse, he realised everything that he had done. He remembered the curse. To continue the lineage of the Ikshaku dynasty, he took help of sage Vasishta. He sent his wife Madayanti to the sage. The son born of Madayanti and sage Vasishta came to be known as Asmaka.]
King Nahusha was the son of Ambarisha. To Nahusha was born Yayati whose son was Nabhaga.
Nabhaga’s son was Aja. Aja was the father of Dasaratha and Dasaratha, the father of Rama and Lakshmana.
https://balarangam.wordpress.com/2016/11/08/bala-kandam-49/
On the eve of the marriage ceremony in mithila, the maternal uncle of Prince Bharata, Yudhajit of Kekaya visited Mithila incidentally. King Janaka requested Sage Vasishta to conduct the marriage ceremony. And with Viswamitra and Satananda in the forefront, an altar was adorned all sides with fragrant flowers, golden ladles, waterpots with holes filled with sprouts, holders of burning fragrant incense conchshaped vessels, sacrificial ladles, bowls filled with water for arghya and other purposes, vessels with roasted paddy and grains of rice.
Janaka brought Sita adorned with various ornaments and placed her in the presence of Agni in front of Rama.
इयं सीता मम सुता सहधर्मचरी तव।
प्रतीच्छ चैनां भद्रं ते पाणिं गृह्णीष्व पाणिना।।1.73.27।।
पतिव्रता महाभागा छायेवानुगता सदा
~
Wedding Bells
Janaka says to VasisTa
‘O Lord O Maharshi, perform with the rishis the marriage ceremony of Rama who causes delight to the three worlds”.
Venerable and renowned ascetic Vasishta said “Be it so”.And with Viswamitra and virtuous Satananda in the forefront, an altar was duly improvised in the centre of the sacrificial pavilion. He adorned the altar on all sides with fragrant flowers, golden ladles, waterpots with holes filled with sprouts, earthen vessels with sprouts, holders of burning fragrant incense conchshaped vessels, sacrificial ladles, bowls filled with with water for arghya and other purposes, vessels with roasted paddy and grains of rice.
~
“This my daughter Sita will be your partner in performing her rightful duty. Accept her. Farewell. Take her hand into your own. She will follow you like shadow.”
(This verse from Ramayana is quoted in all weddings, when a bride is given in marriage.)
“Lakshmana come and accept my daughter Urmila ”. He addressed to Bharata: “O Descendant of the Raghus hold Mandavi’s hand in your own”. “O Mightyarmed Satrughna take the hands of Srutakirti”.
At the words of Janaka the four princes took the hands of the four sisters with their own with the consent of Vasishta .
ParashurAma’s Anger
On hearing the news of Shiva’s bow being broken, Parshurama marches in anger from his residence in Mahendra.. “I have heard in full of your marvellous prowess and your feat in breaking the bow of Siva. Having heard it I have come here with another auspicious bow obtained through Jamadagni. “O Rama! I challenge you to string this Vishnu Bow, if you can. In case you are able to do that, you will be worthy to have a duel with me.”
Dasaratha begs him to spare his young son. “You have taken vow not to touch weapons. Why do you want to destroy my family?”
Parshurama does not pay heed. “That bow was given to Shiva to fight the demon Tripura. This bow was given to Vishnu.”
Despite the provocation, Rama remains calm and respectful and accepts the challenge to demonstrate his own prowess. Rama effortlessly strings the bow of Vishnu and prepares to use it, which leaves Parashurama astonished.
Parashurama humbly submits to Rama and praises him. He gives his divine bow to Rama and withdraws from the world, understanding that his role has been fulfilled and that it is time for Rama to take on his divine duties.
