Kishkindha: Vaanar Rajyam

Welcome All! The second season of Ram-Janki Series starts today. Needless to say, the blogger in me was anxiously waiting, to resume sooner. Not just I missed blogging; but this platform, that puts me in person with you dear readers. And that's the advantage of being into this platform; face to face with any/every individual, irrespective of the geographical conditions.

This long interval that I took from blogging was caused by not one, but two reasons:

1.) The sequel to my debut book, The 7th Incarnation was in progress; and I must say, a lot of revelations await to daze your minds. This current blog season that starts today will be based on the sequel, so stay connected. The book will be soon on the floor for your read.

2.) Besides working on the sequel, I was also focused, marketing my book. In this process, I explored various measures, conventional and unconventional to enhance the visibility. I would like to thank all from the bottom of my heart, for your love and support, as the book's receiving positive reviews. The feedback I am receiving through mails and messengers is overwhelming; and yes, the book is going places.

With Mr. Shiv Sagar, Sagar World

We will start, from where we ended the first season; where many myths and misconceptions were broken, a lot of disinformation, was finally disproved. And we will continue to strive for truth through forthcoming blogs.

Let's start with the kingdoms of Vaanars, Kishkindha. After Devi Sita was abducted; during their search for her, Shri Ram & Lakshmarn confronted Kabandh, who advised them to befriend Sugreeve, guiding them towards Kishkindha.

Kishkindha's actual description comes at the later stage of the Kishkindha Kaand, when Lakshmarn reaches the kingdom, after Sugreeve's failure in fulfilling his commitment. Kishkindha, the cavernous city, held the same stature among the vanar kingdoms, as did Ayodhya among the human kingdoms; the Prime. It was ruled by the great Bali, twin brother of Sugreeve and son of Indra.

The mightiest: Bali

When Lakshmarn visited the vaanar kingdom; he was astonished to witness the opulence. He had never visited any such place, nor heard much detail about it. To his awe, the city looked much civilized than he thought off, contrary to the flickering in vaanars’ nature. The view of the city was lavish; he saw temples that were dedicated to various deities, gurukuls for aspirants and shops at regular places. Being situated amidst mountains, lush greenery and cultivated fields were obvious in that place with trees that bore juicy fruits. The streets were clean and broad. Everyone seemed pleasant there, he saw vaanars ornamented with gold and precious metal, houses in a colonial system and multi-storey palaces of the ministers of Sugreeve. That day, he could identify with the common ancestry they shared.

Observing the city’s majesty, he reached Sugreeve’s palace. There were seven antechambers that lead to Sugreeve’s room. He witnessed luxury while crossing those antechambers. There were abundance of precious stones and gold those were apparent with the city, being beneath the mountains. They were infused everywhere, the pillars, seats, carved windows, utensils and what not.

Soothing music was played with musical instruments, singers were singing in a balanced tone.

Beautiful women ornamented with gold and pearls, flowers tied on their hair were augmenting the charm of the royal palace. Beureaucrats and individuals looking after the kingdom’s administration were genteel on their conduct and looked contented.

The purpose, to put such and much detailing is to give another account of the Vaanars, that according to our beliefs were raw, unstable and rustics. Their lifestyle was no less ordinary, like the other species; humans, asurs, yakshas for instance.

The kingdom in modern times, can be identified with the regions around the Tungbhadra river (then known as Pampa) near Hampi and belongs to Koppal district, Karnataka. The mountain near to the river with the name Rishimukha where Sugriva lived with Hanuman, during the period of his exile also is found with the same name.

Like I always insist; "Before building a perception, let's keep our rational eye open"

Nothing was mere fiction, but real, we just need to perceive, the how's. We will continue our next blogs, knowing the Vaanars.

Tomorrow is Christmas, and the next big event to follow; New Year. Celebrate the spirit of Christmas, with the message of Christ; be good. If we assimilate these two words; everything, every deed of ours will be towards positivity, towards the righteous.

'सियाराम'

{Visit www.srirom.in to access my social profiles and The 7th Incarnation}

Cosmic Mother

"Aryaputra, you are a virtuous man, an idol for the entire civilization. But, if given a thought, you are following adharm, though you are far away from any grief and lust so you have a choice to escape this adharm. I honor and respect you with all my heart that is why I am preaching you about it; hunting the demons without any enmity or killing any being without any cause or offence is not dharm. We are in exile and violence is totally a contrast subject"
{Valmiki Ramayan; Aranya Kaand; Chapter:9}

Its very rare to come across with such conversations. A wife preaches her husband; whom she respects the most, that too about his duties involving righteousness. Only a woman who is well versed with scriptures and is aware of dharm can do so. But that's our heritage, a wife had all liberty to express her opinion as well as to counsel her spouse, if she felt the need for so. Here the woman I am mentioning is no one else but Devi Sita. A true companion without whom, the sole purpose of Ramavtar; extinction of Raavarn, wouldn't have been possible. 

The reason why Ramayan is not just about Ram, but SiyaRam:

{Image Source: Sanjay patel}

Let's see what Valmiki Ramyan says about her:

• She was an "ayonija", one who is not born from the womb. She didn't have any biological parent but appeared miraculously on Earth.

• King Janak found her while ploughing a field. The front part of the plough, 'sita' got stuck with a box and there the king found her and hence named her 'Sita'.

• She is famously and majorly believed to be the incarnation of Bhagwati Lakshmi, consort of Bhagwan Vishnu. 

• Valmiki Ramayan also mentions her as Vishnu's 'shakti', jagatmata i.e. mother of the cosmos.

• She is also believed to be the reincarnation of Vaidvati, an ascetic who did penance to obtain Bhagwan Vishnu.

Devi Sita's appearance is briefly described in the Valmiki Ramayan. Her resplendent contour was unmatched to any woman of that era. When Shri Ram annihilated Khar, the latter's commander, Akampan reached Lanka and informed him about Sita's enchantment, he advised to abduct her in order to avenge Khar. Raavarn himself was dumbfounded when he saw the first sight of her and appreciated her unparalleled beauty.

She was a firm woman with an unbowed attitude. A profound scholar who had excelled in vaidas and scriptures. Like the culture in those times, she had complete liberty to give her opinions, on the same time she was humble and respectful to her elders and caring to the youngers. Her love and devotion towards Shri Ram can be understood by the incident as when Shri Ram informed her about the exile and asked her to be in Ayodhya, she almost burst out at him with the fear of being distanced from him.

While in the exile, she stayed devoted to Shri Ram and when he promised the sages protection from the terrifying rakshasas, she didn't hesitate to preach him(her only concern being, if anything might happen to Shri Ram in spite of being aware of his vigor). Another illustration of her intellect was there in the Sunder Kaand, where she expresses her plight to Hanuman in a manner that an educated person does. Hanuman himself was an acclaimed scholar and not everybody could converse with him for longer. But Sita ji, in spite of her sorrows was able to converse with him about the situations.

But her prominence came during the golden-deer episode, where the real twist happened. When Mareech was eliminated by Shri Ram and the demon shouted Sita's and Lakshmarn's name in latter's voice, she asked Lakshmarn to go for Shri Ram's help. Lakshmarn tried to explain that no one in the world could harm Shri Ram. There, in order to send Lakshmarn away from the hermitage and to make her abduction successful, she turned into someone that shocked Lakshmarn. She alleged him of being Bharat's agent and reprimanded him for not helping Ram. She went so negative that she even charged him for having an bad eye on her. Hurt, Lakshmarn left the hermitage and went to look for Shri Ram. 

Devi Sita never doubted Lakshamrn, but to make her and Ram's plan work, she had to do so, else Lakshmarn would never left her form his sight. This was proven when Raavarn came in the sage's guise, Sita ji gave her introduction along with Shri Ram Lakshmarn and regarded the latter for his devotion.

Yet Sita's character had been portrayed week and timid by many, perhaps they never understood her ploy. She remained unmoved and determined in spite of Raavarn's riches and the threats he posed on her. She even rebuked the demon-king at times being firm on her devotion. That is the reason why she refused Hanuman's request to carry her to Shri Ram. She remained in Lanka and watched the fall of the Rakshas-Empire till the end of Raavarn. She even saved Hanuman from getting burnt during Lanka-Dahan, how, we shall discuss later.

The legend of Sita has more aspects that cannot be covered in a single post. We still have a lot of questions that remain unanswered. Who is she in actual; 'aadishakti', Lakshmi or Vaidvati, are these names identical or was she someone else. But to understand it, we need to understand the Ramayan further  with its characters and dharm. We will surely find our answers in one of my forthcoming posts, we will also examine the episodes of Agni-Pariksha and Vaidvati and found our answers in near future.
Till then, be proud; we deserve to be.

Here, the first season of Ram-Janki series is concluded. I am thankful to you from the bottom of my heart as your love and support has made it possible for me to go on with the legend of SiyaRam. We will get started with the next season soon, until then, you may connect with me anytime.

My book is available now on Amazon for your read. Go for it and get amazed with this new cognition. Geography doesn't matter as it is available on every domain of amazon.

"The Almighty/Ishwar is the source of this creation and he delivers it with 'AadiShakti's help "

'सियाराम'

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)

The Underrated

We are approaching towards the end of my blog-posts of the first season with today's blog that will be followed by the last post next week. In this journey we have came along well, knowing Ramayan with a whole new perspective. We gained cognizance of our glorious past that is perpetual but was discarded due to false perceptions, those being imposed on us from centuries making us believe that we are inferior and backward. Various myths and taboos were challenged with apposite reasoning and we finally have a different point of view to understand the characters of Ramayan. Above all, we got closer to Shri Ram, realizing his divinity, his transcendence.

My apologies for not being there for so long. Been busy with my maiden book's launch. With your blessings and support, #RamAeon is trending in the social circles and my book is now available on Amazon:

{Book Cover: Acharya Shri}

In today's post, we will try to know the characters of the saga, those were sidelined or barely revered:

• Kaushalya - Wife of King Dashrath, mother of Shri Ram. She was among the three prime queens of Ayodhya and revered as 'rajmata'. King Dashrath's senior most queen belonged to the kingdom of Southern-Koshal, another kingdom of Suryavanshees. She was an ardent devotee of Bhagwan Vishnu and was known for her composedness and austere lifestyle. When Shri Ram informed her about the exile, like any loving mother, she went went in distress; but soon she recovered from her state of mind and guided both Shri Ram and Devi Sita along with Lakshmarn to live a restrained life in the exile period. In the times of despair, she was always present to counsel in the spiritual matters to Bharat and Shatrughan.

• Sumitra - Among the three wives of Dashrath and mother of Lakshmarn and Shatrughan. Sumitra was the princess of Kashi and an ardent devotee of Bhagwan Shiv, she was considered to be the wisest of all the queens. Where Kaushalya was spiritual and calmed in nature and Kaikeyi was an skilled warrior princess and aggressive in nature, Sumitra was a balanced woman and an expert in management of kingdom affairs. She was devoted to both Kaushalya and Kaikeyi and that is why, she happily sent Lakshmarn on exile with Shri Ram and Devi Sita so that he can serve them well. Shatrughan often consulted her in managing the kingdom affairs. 

{Image: geni.com}

• Shatrughan - The youngest amongst the four princes, Shatrughan never came in the limelight. Yet his devotion towards Bharat can never be ignored, that was similar in the same way Lakshmarn was devoted towards Shri Ram. He was married to Shrutkirti, cousin of Devi Sita, with whom he fathered two sons, Subahu and Shatrughati. In the whole exile period of fourteen years, it was he who took care of Ayodhya like an ideal ruler; but in a role of the caretaker. Though Bharat, kaushalya and Sumitra guided him from time to time but it was certainly he who looked after the whole kingdom proficiently in an authoritative way. He brought Manthara to justice presenting her in front of Bharat knowing what sin she committed.

{Image Source: deviant art}

Shatrughan is also known for eliminating Lavanasur, king of Madhupuri(today's Mathura). Lavnasur was a tremendous demon who owned the trident of Bhagwan Shiv and hence was invincible. He was also the nephew of Raavarn and like him, was a menace to the beings. After killing him, Shatrughan reinstalled Mathura and ruled the kingdom with righteousness.

Now, after going with the above stated descriptive, we can understand the importance of every character to a legend. It were they, who made Ramayan one of the greatest epic serving Shri Ram in accomplishing his divine purpose. Hence, their contribution cannot be disregarded. In our next season, we will continue to explore more characters of the epic. Till then, be proud.

"Beneath every Legend, there's a foundation of  heroes"

'सियाराम'

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)

The 7th Incarnation

The moment has finally arrived. With the advent of the Great Lord yesterday at Ram Navmi, my debut book; The 7th Incarnation, is now available for your read.

Here's the trailer that will give you a fair idea about the book:

Bhagwan Ram, one of the most revered and the most discussed deity, yet misunderstood. Catch the book and let this cognition amaze you.

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

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

The book is available in all territories to download, soon the paperback will be available too. Thanks for being a great support and sharing my blog-posts spreading the legend of Shri Ram all over.

'सियाराम'

Visit my website:

http://www.srirom.in)

Evolution: Daughters of Daksha(contd.)

We will continue from where we left, understanding evolution, knowing The Dakshayanis:

• Manu - Mother of humans. Gradually they were split in castes- Brahmmarns, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shoodras according to their deeds.

{Image Source: deviantart}

• Tamra - Gave birth to the five famous daughters’ viz., Kaunchi, Bhasi, Shyeni, Dhratrashtri and Shuki. These daughters gave birth to different species of birds.

• Krodhvasha - delivered ten daughters viz. Mragi, Mragmanda, Hari, Bhadramada, Matangi, Shardooli, Shweta, Surbhi, Sursa and Kadruka. These daughters gave birth to differen species of animals.

{Image Source: krishna.com}

• Anala -  She gave birth to fruit bearing trees.

Manu; wait, what? We all know Manu right, but that was a MAN, son of Surya dev and the initiator of the legendary Suryavansh. Yes, but he is accredited for only Suryavansh. The rest of humanity begin from here, human castes including the kshatriyas were produced by this lady named Manu. Coincidentally the names were similar and that is why we are known as manavs. Moreover, a myth that's been blindly prevailed in the society shatters here; every human is equal, as we all come from one divine mother; Manu. I have said it earlier, it's our deeds that profiles us, not our birth. The caste system when made, worked without any exploitation and to maintain the balance, else no one is inferior or superior claiming his/her birth.

Things were looking believable and there came Tamra, Krodhvasha and Anala; how can they produce animals, birds and trees as their offspring. I quoted once "Divinity, you can either believe it or discard it, there ain't any midway". It has all got to do with GODLINESS; science of GOD and here our mere humanitarian logic doesn't works that too when we have not been able to understand the human mind/brain completely. Everyday is a new discovery for us; who would have thought a hundred years back of smartphones those are too regular today. Same is with what we say miracle, till science discovers it or rather understands/cognize it. There are end no. of things that are mystery to us whether it's Bermuda Triangle or Immortality of Ashwatthama.

Now we can see here that the devas, daityas and other beings were no different, they were recognized through their mothers' names like these mothers were known as Dakshaynis, daughters of Daksh. It were their deeds that put them on different paths. I have discussed this chapter a bit more elaborately in my upcoming book.

"Everyday a new discovery awaits us, we got to have an eye for that"

'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)

Evolution: Daughters of Daksha

Mankind has always been curious to know about its inception/origin. No matter how much progress modern science has made, it still has gotta lot to find, a lot to learn and a lot to know. Even though science postulates to know a lot, but, it continues to disregard itself with Dharm and Vaidas calling it baseless and that's where it falls behind.

I say so as various Vaidic streams for instance, Ayurvaid has always been of significance. And this is the reason that in spite of plethora of theories viz. Darwin’s and others, we look forward to our legends for answers as to how it all started, irrespective to our beliefs and faith. 

Obviously we need to keep our minds rational while we seek knowledge from them as it is only when we question, only then we get the answers.

Talking about ancient legends; in India, creation story changes a bit with the sects, i.e. in the Vaishnav sect, Bhagwan Vishnu is the supreme and he initiated the creation; in the Shaiv sect, Bhagwan Shiv is the supreme and likewise in the Shakt sect, Bhagwati is supreme. But one truth remains constant, there is only one supreme entity, for some its Vishnu, for some its Shiv and for some its Bhagwati. See, this is the choice or flexibility we get, worship anyone, your prayers will get answered, provided, they are true. 

We will discuss about the creation thing some other time; today, let’s talk about evolution. Though sage Valmiki created Ramayan with a clear view, to make the world aware of Shri Ram’s legend that will guide the mankind towards an ideal lifestyle where he can believe in himself as no human is inferior and if they wish, they can even challenge the mightiest with Dharm on their side. Still, during the exile, when Shri Ram met Jatayu and asked for his introduction, the latter acquainted them about him through the story of evolution of beings, as how after the creation, beings got in this world.

When Brahmm dev started this creation, he created several prajapatees/progenitors whom he commanded to contribute by elaborating the creation; among these progenitors, sage Kashyap was the youngest. Kashyap was married to the daughters of Daksh, one of the early progenitor and son of Brahmm Dev. Kashyap engendered many species with the union of the daughters of Daksh. These woman played the crucial part in the process of evolution of various species; let's know about those divine mothers, The Dakshayanis:

• Aditi - She gave birth to 33 sons; they being- twelve ‘Adityas’, eight ‘Vasus’, eleven ‘Rudras’ and two ‘Ashwini Kumars’. These divine sons later achieved dev-hood due to their noble deeds and were known as the thity three devtas.

{Image Courtesy: deviant art}

 Diti - Gave birth to reputable sons known as Daityas who used to rule whole earth along with the sea.

{Image Courtesy: Vahini}

• Danu - Her children were known as Daanavs; she gave birth to ‘Ashwagreeve’.  

{Image Courtesy: deviant art}

• Kalka -  She gave birth to ‘Narak’ and ‘Kalak’.

{Image Courtesy: deviant art}

We will halt in here and comprehend what we just read above one by one. Though Aditi and all others were daughters of Daksh; yet, there traits varied, individually and intellectually. Aditi was a serene woman who was calm and composed by nature, her sons were known as Adityas basically. Indra, Surya and other devtas were her sons only. Here I would like to bring a myth into your focus, we heard most of the times that there are thirty-three crores devi and devtas in Hinduism. Sheer rubbish, these sons of Aditi are described as prime 33 devtas, the rest are secondary. The confusion arose from the term - 33 koti devtas; now koti means distinctive and on the other hand it also means a crore. That's where the confusion arose and drew such outlook. 

Diti, though Aditi's real sister, played an antagonist. Arrogant and unruly and insecure for her sons. The Daityas, gradually turned hostile towards the Adityas. Some famous Daityas - Hiranyaksh, Hiranyakashyap, Bali etc. 

Danu and kalka were the mothers of Daanavs; though they were not as mighty as the sons of Aditi and Diti. Still they were extremely powerful and dominant. For instance, Vidyujjihv, husband of Shurpnakha and Raavarn's brother-in-law was a Daanav king. He ruled the kaalkeya daanavs, a sub-group of daanavs in the Ashm kingdom that was situated in Pataal-lok. These kaalkeya daanavs are the same that we have seen in the famous 'Bahubali' movie.

We will learn about the other daughters of Daksh in the next post. Be prepared for more eye-openers. 

"When  a logical mind is applied, myths shatter and actual beliefs reborn"

'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)

The Elderly Savior: Jatayu

VaImiki introduced Shri Ram’s saga in front of the world with a purpose to encourage mankind that nothing in this world is unachievable for him. If he believes in himself; the world will bow in front of him. And that is pretty much the reason that he kept the Godliness of Shri Ram to minimum. If you will go through Valmiki Ramayan you will see the humane side of Shri Ram who is not detached but emotional; caring. And that is what led some individuals believing Shri Ram as a mere human with some good values.

But again, the occurrences, whether exceptionally miraculous or ordinary; each one of them were recorded in the saga. Here, one such legend that comes to my mind today is of Jatayu's. In Ramayan; Jatayu is accredited for putting the evolution chronicles in order to introduce himself when confronted by Shri Ram. It is then in the legend we came to about the birth of various beings/species that is so astonishing to know. It is this point, where we got to know as how and when the creation took the next step and also nothing happened of a sudden, but gradually.

Let's get to know Jatayu:

Jatayu was the son of Arurn, charioteer of Surya Dev and elder brother of Great Garurn . Jatayu was the descendant of sage Kashyap, the last prajapati/progenitor who played a pivotal role in the evolution. Jatayu had an elder brother known to the world as Sampati who also had a major role to play in the legend. We will know about his contribution to the divine cause soon, today we will focus on Jatayu.

Like their father Arurn; Sampati and Jatayu were also valorous beings. Due to an incident, destiny separated both brothers and Jatayu since then, based at the Dandkaranya. One can so comprehend Jatayu's might that even after being old-aged, he gave Raavarn a hard time while the latter was trying to abduct Devi Sita. Raavarn, The mighty rakshas-king, invincible to any being, who beat Indra and other devas was almost defeated by Jatayu. 

{Image Source: Twitter}

Raavarn’s armour, that was radiant as blaze; Jatayu shattered it with the powerful flutter of his wings. He killed the asses tied with the chariot and broke the chariot. He then slashed charioteer’s head with his beak. When all this devastation happened, Raavarn fell on the ground carrying Devi Sita. He attacked Raavarn with his nails all over his body; he relied on his three weapons – nails, wings and his beak and he was using them at their full potential. Despite all this, Jatayu couldn't defeat the demon-king, that too when he tore all his ten arms one by one attacking with his beak, but slaying those arms was worthless as new arms came out every time. It was the boon of Brahmma ji that was helping Raavarn. And then, after the long battle, he took his sword out and chopped off Jatayu’s wings, legs and front, Jatayu fell on the ground. Jatayu died soon, but before dying, he proved his worthiness and informed Shri Ram of the abduction.

Raavarn was one rakshas whom no being dared to challenge or fight. But Jatayu chose righteousness over fear and became immortal with his deeds. 

We will end here today remembering Jatayu; next blog, be prepare to get amazed as new theories and myth-busters await you. Till then, be curious.

"It's not your age that matters, what matters is the the side you choose"

'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)

Province of the Holy- The Tribal Sage

Whatever legends we have discussed until now with regards to the great sages of our land, today's one will be a "myth-breaker". As the term sage is always associated with Brahmarns; today we will know about a sage who was neither a brahmarn nor a male. Yet, she stood out amongst the great devotees and showed the world, that patience and belief wins at the end.

This story is of Shabri's, let's know her:

• Shabri was born in a nishad family. The Nishads were a tribal community based in forest regions and were into boat business.
• At a very young age, she became a devoted disciple of sage Matang, another accomplished sage of ancient times who was revered among the great saints.
• It was her inquisitiveness and diligence for truth and dharm, that brought her in touch with sage Matang. 
• She served sage Matang and the hermitage selflessly that gained her acclaim among the beings.
• Pleased with her service and dedication; sage Matang enlightened her about Shri Ram and his eminence. He told her that she will attain salvation after welcoming Shri Ram along with Lakshmarn.

{Image Source: The Red News}

• Everyday; after the sage enlightened her; she would wait for hours to welcome Ram with flowers decorated in path and fruits for his welcome.

When Shri Ram reached the hermitage, they saw the magnificent hermitage of sage Matang that was look after by Shabri. She recognized him and touched his feet giving them a traditional welcome with flowers and fruits.

Shri Ram praised Shabri for her dedication and devotion towards her guru and enquired about her austerity and her experience; whether she was able to gained over her desires.

Overwhelmed with Shri Ram's visit, she told him how sage Matang directed her mind towards dharm that helped in wining over her senses. It were Shri Ram's divine feet she waited for, to welcome him in the hermitage so that she could worship him. She then asked for his consent in order to leave her mortal form. As Shri Ram permitted her, Shabri then sacrificed her body to holy fire and attained a divine body, she was embraced with divine clothes and garland and ornaments, and then attained the realms where her teachers lived to serve them and be with them.

This was the life story of Shabri; whenever we recall the great saints and devotees of Shri Ram, Shabri's name is and will always be taken with respect.

Today I don't have much to say as we all have learn as why I used the term "myth-breaker" in the starting. As after going through the above description, we know why and how. When we learn about 'Shravarn', when we know about 'Guh' and today, 'Shabri'; we can easily disregard perceptions those are being spread from times to defame dharm, as I am unable to see any prejudice. In this land; where a demon is worshipped and a Goddess, whom we also address as "माँ " or mother; is maligned and for what eliminating that evil demon? And still the hypocrites cry foul and say there's intolerance, how STUPID. We must know one thing, dharm is divine and flawless, we beings practice it in our accordance or rather self-interest. Be rational, it will make things easy.

"What counts is our devotion, for it's ingenuity that makes us closer to GOD"

'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)

Province of the Holy- Legend of Sage Agastya

"Fame belongs to those who strive for it; but, those who are selfless in their deeds become immortal"

Every civilization or society's survival as well as development rests on the shoulders of few individuals for its smooth running. These foundation builders lay down the ground rules so that the civility of the society remains. In our ancient history such personalities were known as saints; from teaching in their hermitages to providing consultations to the kings. They never had any hidden agenda of theirs’, whether preaching to the masses or penance in the stiff conditions for societal benefit or developing new theories in medical sciences as well as extraordinary weapon systems. After all that is what sainthood is all about, to give. And when I say sainthood, I don’t mean brahmarn; I mean a being, either human or daitya or any class.

Today we will learn about one such persona; Sage Agastya, a revered sage of our ancient times. We can understand his prowess with a simple fact that when the mighty Indra felt helpless against the demons of the Dandkaranya and the southern region, he went to Agastya’s refuge and requested him to save the beings from those demons’ dread. There’s an incident I can recollect that Shri Ram himself narrated to Devi Sita and Lakshmarn, let’s hear it:

Long ago there lived two demon brothers Vatapi and Ilwal. Those demons were extremely cruel and atrocious. In order to lure the Brahmmarns and feed on them, Ilwal used to disguise himself as a Brahmmarn and visit the sages in order to invite them for rituals. He offered them food that was in actual Vatapi himself disguised in a lamb’s form and unknowingly Brahmmarns ate that. Ilawal then used to shout, ‘Vatapi come out’. Listening to this; Vatapi did come out ripping the sages’ stomach and by so those carnivorous demons killed thousands of Brahmmarns . Indra requested Agastya for help; the latter hence went to the region and followed the scripted set of events by the demons. He knowingly ate the demon that was in a vegetable’s form this time. Like every time Ilwal shouted, ‘come out’. But this time nothing happened to the divine sage, he was smiling, ‘the brother you are calling to come out has been digested by me and delivered to hell, now he won’t be coming back.’ Listening to the brother’s demise the demon angrily attacked the sage. Agastya looked at him with his fiery eyes and the demon got ablaze and died like his brother.’

Such was the immense strength that sage Agastya displayed. Let’s look at another episode after which he was named so:

Once the immense mountain Vindhya elongated its height to block Sun’s way. It resulted in  disarray. Sage Agastya visited the mount; with respect, he bowed to the sage. The sage instructed him to be gentle and the mountain remained low following the sage’s instruction.

That’s why he was famed as ‘Agastaya’, i.e., the one who amazes the ‘Ag’, i.e., the mountain.’

Like Brahmmrishi Vishwamitra, Agastya was also a knower of divine weapons; like other divine beings, he also knew about the prophecy. He knew Shri Ram’s motive of spending his exile in the Dandkaranya; elimination of Raavarn. To do his bit, he presented him a great Vaishnav bow that was designed by Vishwakarma and given to Bhagwan Vishnu. He also honored Ram with an amazing arrow that radiated like Sun which was given by Brahmm Dev, apart from that two quivers presented by Indra that never went out of arrows and a sword that was decorated with gold.

Sage Agastya was an amazing personality of his time and a very humble being. Just for sake of social well being, he relocated to an altogether different place, and stopped as well as fought injustice spreading hope among the beings; I believe that itself defines selflessness that comes with purity of mind and heart.

{ Image Source: India net zone}

Before we end this post, I would like to draw your attention towards the rakshas brothers’ incident that were finished by the great sage. This story had generated a misconception among the intellectuals of our society to whom I feel very sorry for. The fallacy being as though the Brahmmarns were strictly vegetarian living only on sattvik food, but on occasions like shraddh, they were fed on meat, as here lamb’s meat is stated.

But as I always say, reading between the lines is the real task. Here we need to understand that those rakshasas invited the sages on shraddh; these customs are performed for the libation of the departed soul. The sages participated for the noble cause not knowing that they were being served non-veg instead. Those demons deliberately did so to corrupt those sages’ tapascharya, hence it became easier to kill the Brahmmarns. Agastya was not a normal sage, that’s why Indra requested him and he redeemed the sages from those demons.

'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)