| Values for Life: A true follower is one who tries his best to help his master. |
Sita’s mind was in total chaos and confusion. She wept uncontrollably. Trijata, the blessed daughter of Vibhishan consoled her saying:“Sita, relax please.” She said. “During my nap for a short while, I saw a dream that Sri Ram along with his brother supported by a large force came over to Lanka and fought Ravan and destroyed him and his evil force. This dream may not go false.”
As Sita gazed at the lowest branch of the Simsipa tree in dejection, right then she heard a story in the form of a song.“Raja Dasarath, the king of Ayodhya on the bank of river Sarayu had four sons. Ram, Bharat, Lakshman and Satrugn…” Sita looked around and saw no one nearby. She thought that it maybe another trick of Ravan. The voice continued:“They were initiated under the family preceptor Vasishta. One day Brahmarshi Vishwamitra reached Ayhodhya seeking the help of Sri Ram to protect the yajna from various demons. After killing all the demons and conducting the yajna Vishwamitra took them to Mithila to show the massive bow of Lord Shiva kept and worshipped there. King Janak had a beautiful and virtuous daughter, Sita. He had pledged that only the hero that fastens the bow will be given Sita in marriage. Ram not only lifted the bow and fastened it but even broke it into two pieces. Soon Sri Ram got married to sita.
Hanuman stopped there. Sita was standing motionless with eager ears. He continued: “Dasarath who was planning to coronate Ram had to order him to live for fourteen years in the forest. Along with Ram, Sita and Lakshman also went. Dasarath died in grief. Bharat who was at his uncle’s house was summoned. He did the last rites of Dasarath. He thereafter went to the forest and met Ram. He returned with Ram’s sandals and keeping them on the throne started ruling the kingdom on proxy. Sita, Ram and Lakshman after visiting a lot of saints in the forest, set- up their hermitage at Panchawati. One day Surpanakha, Ravan’s sister came to Panchavati and tried to seduce Ram. Failing there she turned towards Lakshman. Gitting irritated Lakshman , chopped her nose and a ear. Roaring aloud she went to Khara and Dooshana who came with their huge army and fought Ram but were killed in no time. Surpanakha then went to Ravan. One day Maricha came there as an antelope and drove Ram and Lakshman away. Maricha was killed by Ram. As Sita was alone, Ravan came there in the guise of an ascetic and abducted Sita and proceeded southward in his viman. Jatayu saw this and fought Ravan. Jatayu whose wings were cut-off by Ravan died in the lap of Sri Ram.
As Ram and Lakshman went on searching for Sita, they met Sugreev, the king of the Vanar race at Kishkinda. Sugreev agreed to help Sri Ram in searching for Sita and sent thousands of his soldiers to various destinations in search of her. I am one among them. On the words of Sampati I crossed the ocean and reached here. And I have seen you, the spouse of my master and the Goddess of the universe, my life has been blessed.”
Sita said in soliloquy: “Is someone telling me the story or am I dreaming?
“Hanuman, unnoticed by the guarding Rakshasis appeared before Sita as a very tiny creature and said:“I am Hanuman, minister to Sugreev. There are millions of monkey like me waiting on the other side of the ocean.”
He took out the gold ring engraved with Sri Ram’s name and gave it to her. Taking the ring, she embraced it and shed tears. Sita got convinced that Hanuman was Sri Ram’s messenger. “Mother, no more worries and torments. I shall carry you on my shoulders and take you to Sri Ram.” “How can you do that? You are such a tender creature.”Hanuman soon showed his cosmic form to Sita.
Sita told Hanuman,“You go back and ask Sri Ram to finish Ravan and his retinue and take me back with honour.”And saying so Sita blessed Hanuman.
KK Shanumukhan (To be concluded)
