Jai Shree Ram!!
Lord Vishnu is my favorite deity. Among his 23 Leela avatars, Rama avatar has a special place in my heart. There is a saying in Bhagavata Puranam that when a soul takes birth, it chooses its deity based on the past life karma. People see him as a King of Ayodhya but devotes like me consider him as the Lord of the Universe. Nobody in the universe can endure such a hardship which Lord Rama and Goddess Sita devi went through. The Earth has never been seen emperor like Rama. On this festive day, let us have a look at two excellent stories from Ramayana which have great morals.
Ramayana teaches us many wonderful stories as how to lead a beautiful life by following Dharma. There are many stories, among those I thought of writing about – the squirrels help in building bridge and the encounter between Sabari and Lord Rama.
Squirrel’s help – Stories from Ramayana
According to his father Dasaratha Maharaj’s command, Lord Rama leaves to exile for 14 years accompanied by Goddess Sita Devi and Lakshmana. Life in the forest is never an easy thing. The Emperor and the Queen who want to enjoy luxurious life in palace. To keep his father’s command, he endures a great hardship in the forest. 13 years of their exile was about to end. Finally, they enter the furious Dandaka Aranya, a forest infested by demons.
Ravana’s sister who happens to visit the place fell for the charms of Lord Rama. Lord who is always devoted to devi Sita never saw other women with any other intentions. He declines her wish when she proposes her desire. As she was persistent, he recommends her to go to his brother who is equally handsome like him. Short tempered Lakshmana got angry upon hearing her request. He cut her nose and to this act she turned into her original form and rushed to Lanka and complains to her brother.
Ravana sends army of demons to fight Rama, whom Lord Rama defeats single handedly. Stunned by the valor of Lord Rama and upon hearing of eternal beauty of maa Sita.
Ravana disguises himself as a sage, who is looking for alms. He visits the cottage they were staying, when Rama and Lakshmana were not there. He commands Maa Sita to cross the Lakshmana rekha(line drawn by Lakshmana)to receive the alms.
Lakshmana before going on search for Lord ram after hearing Lord Rama distress cry. (Marichi demon who took deer form, cries like Lord Rama). Lakshmana draws a line and requests Sita devi to not cross until they return. To give alms Maa Sita cross the Lakshmana rekha, thinking Demon Ravana as a sage. Ravana takes his ten head form and abducts maa Sita.
To rescue maa Sita
In the Process of searching, Rama finds maa Sita’s whereabout through Hanuman who flies to Lanka in search of Sita Devi. It was impossible for the entire army to cross the ocean in order to rescue her. For this reason, they start building the bridge.
The entire Monkey army is busy in building bridge. By seeing it, a Squirrel came to help them by throwing small pebbles and sand. The monkeys which were carrying heavy boulder warned the little squirrel that it will get crashed if it comes in between. The Squirrel replies ” I am also working for a cause”, but that monkey mocked and stared laughing. By seeing it all the other monkeys started laughing by making fun of Squirrel.
Disheartened Squirrel went to Lord Rama and complained about the monkeys mocking. Lord Rama assembled everyone and told “No work is Inferior nor superior”. Look at the squirrel, its contribution helps boulders to hold tight. Then later Lord Rama takes Squirrel into his hand and marked three lines for its devotion and contribution.
Note: The bridge constructed by Lord Rama and his army is “Ramsethu Bridge”, which exist till date. Only in India one can see three beautiful lines on the squirrels no where in the world you can see that.
Sabari and Lord Rama encounter – Stories from Ramayana
Sabari was a normal woman who wanted to seek knowledge regarding the Dharma. While travelling to pursue the path she happens to meet Sage Matanga. He accepted her as his disciple, and she stays in his ashrama by taking care of the household works. When the time comes, the sage leaves Earth and attain moksha by entering Samadhi state.
Sabari express her wish as even she wanted to attain that state. Sage who was pleased with her service, advises her to wait for Lord Rama as he will provide liberation. From that day onwards Sabari waited for Lord Rama daily by bringing nearby berry fruits.
The auspicious day finally came as her wait to see Lord Rama came to an end, but by the time Lord Rama visits her, she was very old. She was so grateful and happy happen seeing Lord Rama finally. As usually she offered berries which she brings daily thinking Rama will visit. But before offering she tasted each berry and gave thinking where she will offer sour berry to her beloved Lord.
By seeing her unconditional love Lord Rama start eating the berries with happiness. Lakshmana was not pleased with her act; he expresses his concern to Lord Rama and for this Lord replies: he asked Lakshmana to taste the fruit and only then he will understand how tasty they are.
During this process Lord Ram explains her Nine folds of Bhakti.
Nava Vidha Bhakti
First one – A group of devotees where they indulge in spiritual actives under spiritual heads.
Second – Hearing to Gods stories with pure devotion
Third – Service to the Guru’s
Fourth – Sings God’s Glory through Keerthan, Doing Japa chanting.
Fifth – Following the scriptures injunction.
Sixth – Controlling senses, Noble character and who do selfless services.
Seventh – Seeing me in everyone and everywhere in this manifested world
Eighth – Finding no fault in other staying contented with oneself
Ninth – Surrendering to God with total faith final and ultimate one.
Temple – Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir Ayodhya (shrirammandirayodhya.com)
