Dhanushbhung

Our ancient sagas are replete with war-stories where both sides are engaged in a gruesome battle deploying various divyastras(divine weapons), we have always been so fascinated about them. We always wonder how those weapons looked like, there efficiency and efficacy, there limitations, if any. Among those, the most popular weapon or rather weapon system was dhanush or the bow; they were used to discharge arrows and to launch the divyastras as well and that's what made them prominent as without them it was difficult or rather impossible(in some cases) to launch those divine weapons.

Talking about bow or dhanush, I remember the most famous amongst all the bows in our legends, The Pinaak. It belonged to Bhagwan Shiv and hence also termed as Shiv-Dhanush. The amazing bow was employed by Shiv ji to annihilate Tripurasur. He later gave that bow to king Devvrat, ancestor of king Janak after demolishing Daksha-Yagya.

Yes, you got it right, we are approaching towards the great event of Ramayan - dhanushbhung, that proceeded to the Ram-Janki vivaah.

When sage Vishwamitra reached Mithila accompanied by Shri Ram and Lakshmarn, king Janak was immediately intimated of the sage's arrival. The king made no delays and presented himself at the sage's service. Janak’s eyesight caught glimpse of both princes, he was bewitched by the grace of the princes.

‘hey rishivar; strong and handsome like the devas, these two princes look like adamantine lion and bull; holding sword, quivers and bow like undefeatable warriors. Like the Ashwini Kumars; their exquisiteness is mesmerizing, they seemed to have just entered to their youth, coming all the way from the heavens, these two add to the pride of which dynasty, as Sun and Moon honors the sky likewise their radiance embellishes my kingdom.’ Janak asked Vishwamitra.
(Valmiki Ramayan;Baal Kaand;Chapter-50;Verse-17-21)

Vishwamitra introduced both princes and their amazing endeavors and they were there to sight the Shiv-dhanush. Janak also came to know about the obtention of divyastras by Shri Ram from the sage and the king was pleased to cognize it. There was now something going on his mind; his daughter Sita, a divine girl whom he discovered while ploughing the field.

Janak informed the sage about his daughter and the condition he had put for her marriage; the Shiv-dhanush, whoever would succeed in picking the massive bow, would win Sita's hand. Though many kings and princes tried their chivalry but failed miserably, no one couldn't even move the bow an inch, lifting it was out of question.

Shri Ram, at such young age, was an accomplished prince now and that too at such a tender age, he had the knowledge that was rare to devas even, above all, he hailed from Suryavansh, son of king Dashrath. Janak knew destiny had brought them at his place and his dear daughter's safety would be ensured(we will for sure get into that, but later).

Janak further told Vishwamitra that he would be more than happy to show the bow to both princes and if Shri Ram could lift the bow then he will marry his daughter Sita to him.
With sage's permission, the bow was summoned. An iron box-cart moved by eight wheels, was brought by five thousand heavy-weight people.

It was out of question for a mere human to pull it as well as to strike an arrow with it, when the divine devas and the valiant asurs failed miserably. 

Vishwamitra asked Shri Ram to have a look at the legendary bow.

‘With your permission; hey rishivar, I will try to lift this divine bow and will attach its string to its other end.’
(Valmiki Ramayan;Baal Kaand;Chapter-50;Verse-14)

Shri Ram rose and circumambulated the Shiv-Dhanush joining his palms. Then he held the bow from its center and lifted it with such an ease, like a child plays with a toy and playfully attached its string to the either sides. Thousands of people gathered were looking at him startlingly at that moment.

As he pulled the string to his ears; the bow broke from its center, due to stretching and made a sound of a thunder-bolt. An earthquake occurred the moment bow got broke.

Everyone except Shri Ram, Lakshmarn, Vishwamitra and Janak lost their consciousness with that massive blow.

नमोस्तुते श्री राघवम् 

Janak wished so, yet he was in an astonishment. Already mesmerized by Shri Ram's aura he lauded the unimaginable and marvelous incident. And thus the auspicious wedding of Shri Ram and Devi Sita took place to benefit the world.

We just saw how Shri Ram broke Shiv-Dhanush with such a grace.
But one thing has been keeping the masses in a perplex, or rather, entangled. What was Shri Ram and Devi Sita's age when this great event took place. There is nothing sensitive about it, cause as I have always said truth is emotion-less, it is we who see it with different outlooks. So before we discuss it, we need to have a better understanding, to know the characters more. Today let's get to know about the amazing bows discussed in our legends.

Theoretically, A bow is a flexible arc which shoots aerodynamic projectiles called arrows. A string joins the two ends of the bow and when the string is drawn back, the ends of the bow are flexed. When the string is released, the potential energy of the flexed stick is transformed into the velocity of the arrow. That was theory, let have a illustrated view:

 Here we can see as well as understand the definition of a bow given above.

According to Dhanurvaid; the bows can be made to different sizes referring to different purposes. Bhagwan Shiv's bow was believed to be around five and a half hands in length, so were the bows of Bhagwan Ram and Bharat, ParshuRam followed by sage Dronacharya, Arjun and Satyaki. Other bows used to be around four hands in length(an average human is approximately two and a half arms, yeah I tried to measure).

         Dhanurvaid is a sub-text of Ayurvaid, it is a compilation of complete warfare to enlighten any inquisitive of all kinds of weapons and launchers. Dr. Devvrat Acharya has done a commendable job penning the essence of dhanurvaid in today's perspective(I enlightened myself from there) .

Now, when we look above given illustration and the description of the Shiv-Dhanush that was carried in "an iron box-cart moved by eight wheels, was brought by five thousand heavy-weight people" things look superficial. How come a simple looking bow can be so heavy that it required the heavy weight cluster to move it.

There is a difference when we talk about a simple bow/dhanush and a divine bow. Pinaak was not any ordinary bow but a divine creation that too carried by Bhagwan Shiv, how can be things usual here. It was created by divine-architect Vishwakarma, with the length specified according to dhanurvaid. The reason it being so heavy was due to its capability of launching single or multiple divastras at once; no one, no one had strength to lift it apart from Bhagwan Shiv followed by Bhagwan Ram and that is why the question of misuse ceases.

There had been other divine bows like Pinaak; Vijay another exceptional bow that belonged to Bhagwan Shiv(though not greater than Pinaak) was rare and could not be lifted easily, it was passed to Karna of Mahabharat in order to counter Gandeev; the most famous bow that was presented by Agni dev to Arjun. In Ramayan, sage Agastya presented a infrequent Vaishnav-dhanush to Shri Ram accompanied by two quivers that never went short of arrows. Apart from these, there have been other bows with there limited powers that belonged to different devtas.

Now when we have come so far understanding bows; there have been theories with regards to these divine bows. According to some, these bows were actually not the typical bows as we know but a range of launchers of divine weapons. These launchers were motile hence easy to commute and target. Every launcher was employed with regards to the divyastra needed for discharge.

something like this, may be

Well this may sound logical, but then what about the description of Shri Ram lifting the Shiv-Dhanush and tying it's knot; also the descriptions in dhanurvaid do not give any indication of that sort. Some times we must stop implying science or logic and accept the divinity completely in stead of partially(accepting the divine weapons but doubting the concept of a bow). What I observed in Ramayan is that when Vishwamitra bestowed divyastras to Shri Ram, they were not with him all the time, but he manifested them reciting the mantra as per the need.

Shri Ram summons the divyastra and launches it through Indra's divine bow ending Raavarn's terror

Talking about launchers, according to dhanurvaid, there were weapons present known as shataghni, like the cannons we have in the present world. Yet, this possibility of motile weapon launching systems cannot be scrapped of, may be they co-existed, an assumption yet to be confirmed.

There had been a bow that was mightier than the Pinaak, we will know about it in the following post. Till then, be proud(we have so much to be after all)

"divinity cannot be doubted or questioned, it is holy. One can either believe it or disown it as there is no mid-way"

'सियाराम'

[Book is now available for your read:

Amazon(e-book): amazon.in/7th-Incarnation-Ram-Janki-Book-ebook/dp/B01E8LJ9HG (including other amazon domains)

For Paperback: https://pothi.com/pothi/node/188538]

Visit my website:

http://www.srirom.in)

Announcement

Hello Folks,
My blog-post this week would be unavailable for your view. I will see you next Thursday with my latest post. My apologies for the inconvenience caused.

Till then be proud, forever.

'सियाराम'

Bala-Atibala; the divine mantras

With the conclusion of Vishwamitra's legend in my last post, we now know his prominence in Shri Ram's legend. We also know as why he was chosen to educate and enlighten him. He was a connoisseur in war arts and archery, but he learned a lot during his journey towards 'brahmmanatv' and afterwards, I hinted this in my post on Tadka and now everything can be linked.

When Brahmm Dev appeared and blessed him as 'brahmmrishi', Vishwamitra asked-

'If I have attained Brahmmanatv, then kindly bless me with Omkar, Vashatkar and the Vaidas, they all should patronize me.' Brahmm Dev granted him so.

Hence, with the thorough knowledge of the Vaidas and other sciences, he discovered many divyastras and mantra-vidyas; Gayatri Mantra being the prime and the source to others. He entrusted Shri Ram with divine weapons those were rare to others. We will definitely learn about those weapons and their source later.

But, before he endowed those divine weapons or divyastras to Shri Ram, Vishwamitra prepared the latter to be capable of carrying those.  

When Shri Ram and Lakshmarn left Ayodhya with Vishwamitra to help him in saving his yagya, they halted at the banks of River Saryu. The sun was setting and so Vishwamitra instructed Shri Ram to take the divine water of Saryu without making any further delays as it was an appropriate time for receiving BALA and ATIBALA, two great group of hymns that would make him invincible. With the divine effects of those hymns a person never feels exertion or stress, neither would he get caught by fever, no enemies or demons could attack him while sleeping. His strength will be second to none.

Shri Ram followed Vishwamitra’s instructions and went in accordance with that due to which he mastered those two great mahavidyas. It was the divine effect of these hymns that helped Shri Ram in his future endeavors whether it was war with Khar or the historical warfare in Lanka. And that ladies and Gentlemen, is the beauty of Ramavtar; he, who is omniscient, who is the invincible, acted like a innocent human and we get tangled in his ‘maya’ every now and then, debating whether he was God or a 'mere' human.

Now we know about Bala and Atibala, two amazing mantras and their functionality, but do we know what mantra actually means. Let's have a look at the fact those are related to mantras -

• The word mantra has two parts: man, which is the root of the Sanskrit word for mind; and tra, which is the root of the word instrument. A mantra is therefore an instrument of the mind, a powerful sound or vibration that you can use to enter a deep state of meditation.
• Every mantra has a different configuration and individuality of its own.
• Mantras are not only attached with wars and violence; people in their daily life recite mantras as per their convenience or purposes. For example; Om, the basic yet a principal mantra, people recite it to calm their minds. 
• While reciting or invoking a mantra, timing is important. For different mantras, different time slot is appropriate, above stated episode of Bala and Atibala proves that.
• With a efficient application of mantra partnered with yantra(machine) and tantra(sorcery), unprecedented accomplishments can be achieved. Pushpak is the best example I can give you here(yes, we will have a session over that).

Yes, there might be inadmissibility to whatever I  just discussed. May look superstitious or too much fictitious. But we must understand that in the 80's no one would have thought of anything like mobile phones, touchscreens possible or even viable. But today, life is totally incomplete without it. This all is vigyaan or science, till today's scientific world manages to rediscover it what is known here from ages.

I will end here, but before that, I bow to the most sacred form of mantra, let there be knowledge everywhere. ॐ 

                                  

"the only limitation that you have is ignorance, lose it and nothing would be unattainable"

'सियाराम '

[Book is now available for your read:

Amazon(e-book): amazon.in/7th-Incarnation-Ram-Janki-Book-ebook/dp/B01E8LJ9HG (including other amazon domains)

For Paperback: https://pothi.com/pothi/node/188538]

Visit my website:

http://www.srirom.in)

Legend of Vishwamitra : Brahmmrishi Vishwamitra

Learning his lessons well this time, Vishwamitra prepared himself for a tougher journey.

The ascetic left everything(literally) and continued his penance until Brahmm Dev is pleased. Another thousand years passed; he was annoyed in all ways but this time he was unshakable and one day, after completing thousand years of ascesis he prepared food to break his fast. At that moment, a brahmmarn arrived there and requested for food. Vishwamitra gave all his food and stayed pleasant and calm; he rightly identified Indra and his ploy( to the typicality of it). You may now start condemning Indra, that's the reputation he has built afterall.

But Vishwamitra, refined and composed, started his ascesis again. 

For another thousand years his penance continued 'without breathing', it resulted in fumes that started coming from his head, beings all over the world became worried as it started creating imbalance in all the three worlds. They all pleaded Brahmm dev that Vishwamitra was out of any impurity, he had won over his senses and his ascesis had reached such stage that could lead to destruction. They requested him to bless him whatever he desired, even if he wished the throne of the heavens, let him had it too in order to save the world.

Brahmm dev went to Vishwamitra and the latter finally got his labor paid, ‘Rise Brahmmrishi Vishwamitra, I am pleased with your ascesis, you have achieved brahmmanatv now.’

Vishwamitra was in an ecstasy, he humbly joined his palms and requested Brahmm Dev that may sage Vashishth also address him as brahmmrishi.

Vashishth at that very moment arrived and pronounced Vishwamitra as Brahmrishi-Vishwamitra and therefore both befriended.

This was the legend of a Kshatriya king who became a Brahmmrishi. 

Vishwamitra's journey has a lot to offer us; it educates us that we are never absolute, no matter how accomplished we feel about ourselves. There's another dimension to it, may be we are perfect, we have got everything as per the roles, the designation we play, but there's always an option to strive for better. His legend showcases both dimensions.

He proved that how impossible the target may look, firmness will lead you to it.

The transition of a kshatriya to a brahmmarn is the prime lesson to learn, installing karm over varn.

Here, Indra's role is very crucial and critical as he is always looked with a disdainful look. Personally, I am a hater too, but  again hating is an emotion and truth/satya has got nothing to do with it. To your surprise, Indra wasn’t totally negative this time, we must understand his profile; he is the caretaker of the all three worlds, his major work is to maintain balance in those. It’s not so easy to achieve any position, you have to be completely pure and firm as well as focused about your goals. Now, if he hadn’t sent Menka followed by Rambha and then himself in guise of a Brahmmarn begging food then how could have Vishwamitra came out so strong every time a challenge posed over him. If you guys will give it a thought, being Indra, he actually helped Vishwamitra to become Brahmmrishi, coz. anyone or everyone can’t reach this position so he has to see whether a particular individual deserves to be what he aims to be or not. You see if he hadn't done so, Vishwamitra would have never attained brahmmanatv being unaware of his drawbacks being stuck in the illusion forever.

To understand what I explained above, we must know what is Indra. You read it right, what, not who.

Indra is actually not a person but a designation or a post; like president, prime minister etc. The person appointed for the position is also named with the same, i.e. Indra and yes they change periodically. Currently, the person who had been appointed Indra is the son of sage Kashyap and devi Aditi, SHAKRA. Yes, that's the actual name of Indra and according to the popular beliefs, next Indra would be Asur king Bali, another myth-breaker that Indra is a dev. Like I said in one of my earlier posts; KARMA rules. Even Shakra had to went through tests and long austerity before he was crowned as the king of devas. Thus, we have now understand why he tested Vishwamitra.

"a dark side doesn't mean a bad soul, and if it is, who's good then"

'सियाराम'

[Book is now available for your read:

Amazon(e-book): amazon.in/7th-Incarnation-Ram-Janki-Book-ebook/dp/B01E8LJ9HG (including other amazon domains)

For Paperback: https://pothi.com/pothi/node/188538]

Visit my website:

http://www.srirom.in)