| Values for Life: One should not take decisions on presumption |
Led by Tara, Lakshman reached the assembly hall. Sugreev, a bit perplexed and agitated with head hanging and eyes red, welcomed Lakshman with folded hands. Lakshman asked Sugreev: “How could you forget Sri Ram so quickly? If you want to follow your brother without delay, Ram asked me to tell you, the arrow that killed Bali is still with him.”
As the conversation was proceeding unpleasantly , Hanuman intervened and told Lakshman: “How could you speak like this, Lord? The king is so attached and devout to Sri Ram. He would never shirk from his word. He is very awake and alert on the causes of Sri Ram. He has already given orders for the accumulation of all the vanar forces from all around the world to Kishkinda. There won’t be any let up in the causes ofSri Ram.”
Hearing these words of Hanuman and convinced himself with all the visible arrangements made by Sugreev, Lakshman became mellowed. By the time, Sugreev gave devotional offerings to Lakshman and prostrated before him. Lakshman told them: “It was totally out of grief that I have mentioned all these. In fact Sri Ram has no hatred towards you and he is waiting warmly to welcome you all.”
Hearing Lakshman’s words Sugreev said: “Then don’t waste any more moments.”
Lakshman and Sugreev along with Maruti (Hanuman) ascended the chariot and they soon reached Sri Ram. Sugreev and Hanuman prostrated before Sri Ram with adoration and awe. Sri Ram took the hands of Sugreev and hugged him. He said: “May I assume that you and all in your great kingdom are happy?”
Sri Ram thereafter made them seated and hosted them.
Sugreev with utmost devotion and humility explained Sri Ram the actions he had taken so far.
He pointed out the huge array of the vanar forces already arrived from all around the globe. Some from fare remote places were yet to reach and were expected soon. Sugreev also discoursed to Sri Ram about the salient features of each vanar including character, temper, size, lineage, might, prowess, previous actions and strength. Almost all of them were gigantic, a small mountain in size. They were experts in changing their appearance as and when they like.
“They are born of the gods as you willed and are waiting to serve you impatiently,” Said Sugreev.
“This is Jambavan, son of Lord Brahma. He is the oldest among the race. He is very powerful. Look you, sir, this is Hanuman, my minister, who is your ardent devotee and who worked for our friendship and progress.”
Then Sugreev introduced all the great veteran monkey captains like Angada, Nala, Nila, Kesari etc. to Sri Ram. Observing the twenty-one million vanar force, irresistible in warfare, Sri Ram became overjoyed. He embraced Sugreev and told him: “All my success in tracing Sita is in your hands. I shall be indebted to you my friend. Send them to search for Sita to all destinations.”
Sugreev gave his orders: “With each veteran captain, hundred thousand fighters should go to all destinations. Towards the south, many pre-eminent heroes like Angada, Jambavan, Nala, Nila, Hanuman and others should go. Search all over the world and find Sita Mata within thirty days and return with success. .”
The vast vanar army was accordingly divided into four. All were very enthusiastic and were impatient true to their gallantry nature. When they started to disperse, Hanuman went to Sri Ram alone with supplicant hands as if to either seek his blessings or to take special leave. Sri Ram called Hanuman separately and told him:
“You are the main agency for achieving my target. Give this ring engraved with my name to Janaki so that she would have trust in you. And tell her this secret code sentence. Go and return with success at the earliest.”And Sri Ram gave him the secret code word.
KK Shanmukhan ( To be concluded )
