Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 16 Kishkindha Kandham

 Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 16   Kishkindha Kandham

Rama Instructs the Kriyamarga to Lakshmana

Rama and Lakshmana retreated to Pravarshana Mountain, finding a cave amidst a scenic landscape of glittering minerals and fruit-laden trees. There, Rama, the incarnation of Vishnu, often meditated, reaching states of samadhi. One day, Lakshmana sought guidance on the Kriyamarga, a spiritual path leading to moksha for those following the four-fold varna system. He asked Rama to explain how sages like Narada and Vyasa attain liberation through Narayana’s worship, seeking instructions to achieve moksha in this life.

Rama, addressing Lakshmana affectionately, provided a concise teaching on Kriyamarga. He explained that devotion to him could take various forms, such as internal contemplation within the “lotus of the heart” or external worship using fire, idols, the sun, water, or a Salagrama stone. He recommended chanting Vedic hymns, bathing early, and performing rituals during morning and evening twilights. Rama advised envisioning him as a guru and offering incense, flowers, and light, with even a single drop of water sufficing if offered with devotion. For those able, lavish offerings like sweetmeats were welcome, but devotion was paramount. Post-ritual, music and dance could be offered, and accepting the Prasada symbolized divine blessings. Rama emphasized that daily practice fosters devotion, leading to moksha and a form akin to his (Saroopya). Even learning about Kriyamarga, he noted, yields spiritual benefits.

After this profound teaching, Rama reverted to his human persona, overwhelmed by grief for Sita, losing sleep and requiring Lakshmana’s consolation. This duality—divine wisdom juxtaposed with human sorrow—illustrates Rama’s role as both a spiritual guide and a relatable figure enduring personal loss.

Hanuman and Sugriva

In Kishkindha, Sugriva, now king, appeared to indulge in pleasures, prompting Hanuman to remind him of his duty to Rama. Hanuman warned that Rama, who fulfilled his promise by defeating Bali, expected Sugriva to reciprocate by aiding in Sita’s search. Neglecting this obligation, Hanuman cautioned, could lead to a fate like Bali’s, as ingratitude equates to spiritual death. He urged Sugriva to act, noting Rama’s grief on the mountain.

Acknowledging Hanuman’s wisdom, Sugriva praised his counsel and ordered immediate action. He dispatched ten thousand Vanaras in all ten directions, covering seven islands, to search for Sita, mandating their return within two weeks under penalty of death. Hanuman executed these orders, mobilizing the Vanara forces. This episode underscores Hanuman’s role as a wise minister and Sugriva’s need for a reminder to uphold his promise, reflecting the importance of reciprocity in alliances.

Sri Rama’s Grief of Separation from Sita

On Pravarshana Mountain, Rama’s anguish over Sita intensified. He confided in Lakshmana, fearing Sita might be dead or suffering, vowing to confront her abductor if her whereabouts were known. He lamented Sugriva’s apparent neglect, suspecting he was distracted by royal pleasures despite his promise to act post-monsoon. Frustrated, Rama threatened to destroy Kishkindha if Sugriva continued to ignore him.

Enraged, Lakshmana sought permission to confront Sugriva, arming himself with a bow. Rama, tempering his anger, reminded Lakshmana of their friendship with Sugriva and instructed him to warn Sugriva about the arrow that felled Bali. Lakshmana arrived at Kishkindha’s gates, his fury terrifying the Vanaras. Angada welcomed him, and Lakshmana demanded Sugriva honor his commitment, warning of consequences.

Tara and Hanuman intervened, with Tara respectfully explaining Sugriva’s lapse as a result of his newfound relief after years of fear. She assured Lakshmana that Sugriva had already sent ten thousand Vanaras to search for Sita and would not falter. Sugriva, meeting Lakshmana, reaffirmed his devotion to Rama, noting the search was underway. He offered fruits and roots as a gesture of respect, acknowledging Rama’s compassion in restoring his kingdom. Lakshmana, regretting his harshness, invited Sugriva to join them on the mountain to meet Rama.

Sugreeva goes to see Rama

In the wake of Bali’s fall, Kishkindha transformed from a battlefield to a realm of renewed hope. Sugriva, now crowned king of the Vanaras, prepared to fulfill his vow to Rama. Accompanied by Hanuman, Neelan, Angada, and a vast army of Vanaras, Sugriva rode a chariot to meet Rama, who resided in a cave atop Prasravana Mountain. Drummers and artists trailed the retinue, adding vibrancy to the procession. Rama, dressed as a mendicant with an unkempt beard, welcomed Sugriva warmly. The two exchanged pleasantries, shared fruits and roots, and spent joyful moments together before turning to the urgent task of planning the search for Sita.

Sugriva presented his formidable Vanara army to Rama, describing their strength and diversity. “These warriors, hailing from forests and islands, are ready to serve you,” he said. “Some are gigantic, others strikingly handsome, but all are devoted. Born of Devas, they appear as Vanaras to aid you, sustained by simple fruits and leaves. Leaders like Jambava, Hanuman, Neelan, Gajan, Gavayan, and Gavakshan stand ready for your command.” Rama, moved by their loyalty, instructed Sugriva to organize the search. They dispatched one hundred thousand Vanaras in each direction—north, south, east, and west—with a strict thirty-day deadline to locate Sita. Failure to return with news of her whereabouts would mean death. The Vanaras bowed to Rama and set out, their resolve unshaken.

Rama called Hanuman aside before the departure, his voice filled with trust. “I feel you will find Sita,” he said, handing him a ring engraved with his name. “Give this to her, and share a secret word only she and I know, to assure her of your mission.” With this, Hanuman and a massive contingent of Vanaras headed south toward Lanka, where Ravana was believed to have taken Sita. Along the way, they scoured every corner and swiftly defeated a demon they encountered, their determination unwavering.

Search For Sita

The southern-bound Vanaras, led by Hanuman, Neelan, and Angada, pressed through dense forests, their bodies weary from hunger and thirst. Their throats parched, they searched desperately for water. Spotting a deep ditch, they hoped to find relief, but no water was visible from above. Then, birds emerged from the ditch, their wings dripping with water, signaling a hidden source. The Vanaras, gripping each other’s hands in the pitch-black darkness, ventured into the ditch. After a arduous trek, they stumbled upon a breathtaking sight: a golden-hued paradise with sparkling springs, fruit-laden trees, and lush bushes. The place, devoid of human presence, felt like a celestial realm, brimming with enchantment.