Values for Life: No one can distract a person from his mission if he is totally devoted to achieve the same.
Having heard the news from the spies that Hanuman had proceeded to the Himalayas to bring the medicines for revival of Sri Ram and Lakshman who had got wounded after Meghanada’s attack, Ravan did not sleep. He before dawn went to Kalanemi, an expert occultist. Seeing Ravan at his door steps at so early an hour, Kalanemi was exclaimed. He received the guest with respect.“You could have sent a messenger, instead of coming yourself personally. Ravan said, “I assume that you have known the developments. Many of our kinsmen have died in war with Ram and his force. Now my son has won them and they are lying dead. It is understood that Maruti has proceeded to the Himalayas to bring certain effective herbal remedy. You go there at once and make his delay in returning. I don’t see anybody else as capable as you in helping me in this mission.”
To this unexpected favour from Ravan, Kalanemi said:“Ravan, look, I am your well wisher. I want to see you in all riches, splendour and happiness. I don’t have the slightest fear to die for you. But to what avail with all these? Many of your people including own sons died. If you live alone in this world what pleasure you can derive from Janaki? I have known that Ram is Lord Vishnu himself. Surrender to him and become his devotee. Return Sita to him. Now, since you have fulfilled most of your desires go to the forest and spend the rest of your days there.”
Hearing these good words, bitter to Ravan, his eyes became red with rage. He drew his sword up and roared:“My first duty becomes to kill you now.” And so saying he approached Kalanemi who prevented him and said:“You evil soul, it is better to die at the hands of Ram, instead of with your sinned hands. I will go.” Kalanemi reached the Himalayas instantly with his magic.When the thirsty and tired Hanuman was searching the herbs, he found a ashram below. He surmised: “I have not come across such an ashram here earlier. However I shall meet the saints and salute them and then have some water to slake my thirst.”
Deciding thus, he descended and met the pseudo saint, Kalanemi in disguise. Hanuman introduced himself to the saint: “I am Hanuman, Sri Ram’s messenger. I have come to collect some herbs from Dronachala. I am unable to bear thirst. Please provide me with water”.“O Hanuman, you are welcome. You drink water from my Kamandalu and eat sweet fruits aplenty and take a sound sleep. Thereafter I shall initiate the sacred mantra with which you can reap the herbs. Don’t entertain any worry about Ram and others. They have recovered from the slumber and are proceeding for war. I can see everything with my internal eyes.”
Hanuman was very much pleased. He thanked Kalanemi and said:“Saint, I am so thirsty that the water in your Kamandalu will not be sufficient for me. Please instruct your disciples to lead me to any pond nearby.”“No problem.” Replied the Rakshasa in disguise: “Close your eyes while drinking water.”
Kalanemi made an artificial ascetic and told him to lead Hanuman to the pond. Hanuman without any distress of mind went to the pond and started to drink water closing his eyes. He heard a splashing sound and opened his eyes. He saw, just in front of him, a huge crocodile with mouth wide open to swallow him. He suddenly gave blast on it. The crocodile transformed into a beautiful apsara. She thanked Hanuman and told him:“Jewel among vanars, I am liberated by your grace. I was an apsara and a certain saint cursed me for an offence. He told me that when I receive your blow, I shall be liberated. One important thing I want to tell you, that Kalanemi is not a saint. Kalanemi is a Rakshasa who has been waiting here persuaded by Ravan to get your purpose delayed. Kill him at once and accomplish your task at the earliest. Good luck.”
After drinking water Hanuman reached the artificial ashram. Kalanemi asked him: “Why are you so late? Come. I shall impart the mantra to you.”Hanuman, as an obedient disciple, went to him and swiftly gave a blow on his head. Kalanemi went to Yama’s abode.
(To be concluded)
KK Shanmukhan
