Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 29 Yudhakandham
Coronation of Vibheeshana
Rama asked Vibhishana to take charge as the king of Lanka. Hearing this, the Vanaras along with the Rakshasa citizens, prepared a quick ceremony to formalize it. He was already the coronated king of Rakshasas. Rishis blessed him: “May you reign Lanka as long as Rama’s story is sung in the world over!” Rakshasas came to see the new king with lots of gifts and Vibhishana submitted them at Rama’s feet and offered his salutations. Rama blessed him and to please him, told him: “Be happy. Consider I have accepted all your gifts”. Then Rama embraced Sugriva: “Yes, we have accomplished what we had in mind, because of your help. Without your help, I could not have killed Ravana.”
Rama Meets Sita After the War
Rama sent Hanuman to inform Sita of Ravana’s death, asking him to observe her reaction. Hanuman, welcomed by Rakshasas, told Sita of Rama’s victory. Overjoyed, Sita expressed her longing to see Rama immediately. Hanuman conveyed her wish, and Rama instructed that Sita be brought in royal attire on a palanquin. When Vanaras crowded to see her, Rama compassionately allowed them, likening Sita to their mother.
“O Daughter of Mother Earth! come to
me. Why is there a scandal on you?” Rama was thinking about how the Maya Sita
was created to play her part in the drama. He pretended to be angry and
expressed his concerns. Sensing the discomfort of Rama, Sita Devi declared: “To
make my husband have full confidence in my chastity, I will jump in the fire
right away. Lakshmana, make a fire, I don’t fear the test.”
Lakshmana, with Rama’s permission, made an altar with large flames of fire. Sita Devi, circumambulated the fire three times with folded hands and meditated on Agni and other Devas. Then she said: “Lord Agni, you are the witness of everything and if I had ever thought about anyone other than my husband in my mind, you would know it. It is time for you to tell the truth.” She jumped in the fire without a semblance of concern on her face. The whole universe stood still for a moment. Devas and celestials lined up the sky and the forefathers witnessed the Agni test.
Indra’s Stuti
Indra praised Rama, seeking refuge and chanting his glories, noting even Lord Siva’s devotion to Rama’s name. Rama requested Indra to revive the fallen Vanara warriors without their memories of death, make fruits sweet for them, and rivers taste like honey. Indra fulfilled these wishes, and the revived Vanaras honored Rama. Lord Siva arrived, introducing Rama to his father, Dasaratha, who recognized Rama as Paramatma, freeing himself from rebirth. Dasaratha, Sita, and Lakshmana shared an emotional reunion before he returned to heaven. Lord Brahma, Siva, Parvati, and other celestials departed to their abodes, concluding the divine events.
Travel to Ayodhya
Vibhishana invited Rama to stay in Lanka for hospitality, but Rama, eager to reunite with Bharatha in Ayodhya after his 14-year exile, declined, citing Bharatha’s wait and potential self-sacrifice if delayed. Instead, Rama requested Vibhishana to host a grand feast for the Vanara warriors, equating their satisfaction to his own. Vibhishana provided lavish food, drinks, gold, and precious stones to the Vanaras. He offered the Pushpaka Vimana for Rama’s journey, and Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana boarded it with Sugriva, Angada, and Vibhishana, who wished to attend Rama’s coronation in Ayodhya. During the flight, Rama pointed out key locations to Sita, including Trikuda Mountain, the Lanka battlefield, Rameswaram temple, and Kishkindha. Sita, empathizing with the Vanara ladies’ separation, suggested stopping at Kishkindha to include them. The Vimana landed, and many Vanara ladies joined the journey, exchanging pleasantries with Sita. Rama continued showing landmarks like Rishyamooka Mountain, Panchavadi, Agastya’s hermitage, Chitrakooda, and Ayodhya.
Rama
asked Hanuman to go to Ayodhya and inform Bharatha that he is on his way.
Hanuman, in the guise of a Brahmana, went to see Bharatha. He also met Guha on
the way. He went to Nandigram, a village where Bharatha was living the life of
a monk, although he was the ruler of a large kingdom. He was staying in a small
hut, always chanting Rama’s name, along with Shatrughna and the ministers.
Hanuman paid his respects and told him that it will be impossible to find a
devotee more dedicated than Bharatha. “O Blessed One! Your brother will be here
soon. He is coming in the Pushpaka Vimana, with Sita and Lakshmana, accompanied
by the Vanara and Rakshasa armies led by Sugriva and Vibhishana, respectively.
You can relax soon, seeing your brother, the victorious one, who killed Ravana,
the mighty Rakshasa.”
Hearing this, Bharatha fainted for a moment, taken aback with exhilaration. He wept the tears of joy and embraced Hanuman kissing his forehead. “Who are you? a Deva or a human? You told me the most pleasing words that are honey to my ears. What will I give you as a gift to show my elation? You removed my sorrow, and nothing will be adequate as a reward. Tell me all about Rama. How did he meet Vanaras? What led to the abduction of Sita?” Hanuman replied: “I will tell you about everything from the day you left Chitrakooda, with a heavy heart, to what happened today.” Hearing the whole story, Bharatha was pleased. Shatrughna, the ministers, and their servants also listened to Hanuman intently and sat there dumbfounded.
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