Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 7 Ayodhya Kandham

Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 7

Travel to the forest

Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita, claded in rough garments of tree bark, left Ayodhya in the royal chariot, their hearts steady though sorrow surrounded them. The sight of their beloved prince and princess leaving for the harsh forests tore through the hearts of Ayodhya’s citizens. Men, women, and children followed the chariot, weeping aloud, unable to bear the separation. Dasaratha, crushed by sorrow, collapsed again after their departure, and was gently taken to Queen Kausalya's palace for solace.

As dusk fell, Rama and his companions reached the Tamasa riverbank. Having eaten nothing, the entire day except for some water, they prepared for the night. Rama and Sita rested beneath a tree while Lakshmana stood guard, his bow in hand. Nearby, Minister Sumanthra sat, watching the sleeping citizens of Ayodhya who had followed their beloved prince. Rama, aware of their love, told Sumanthra, “Before dawn, we must leave, else they will follow us into the forest, unable to let us go.” So, while the people still slept, Sumanthra quietly drove the chariot away. When the citizens awoke to find Rama gone, they returned home brokenhearted, their only solace the hope of his return.

Crossing dense woods and rivers, they reached the banks of the mighty Ganga. That night too, Rama and Sita rested on the ground beneath a tree while Lakshmana kept watch.

Meeting with Guha

There they met Guha, the tribal king of Nishadha, who welcomed Rama with deep devotion. Bringing fruits and flowers, Guha prostrated at Rama's feet. Rama embraced him warmly. Guha, overwhelmed, offered his entire kingdom to Rama and invited him to stay in his palace. Rama gently declined, explaining his vow of forest life. Instead, he asked Guha to bring banyan sap to tie their matted hair in the ascetic’s style. Guha complied, though his heart ached seeing his Lord and Lady in such austerity.

That night, Lakshmana and Guha kept vigil, discussing life’s mysteries. Seeing Rama and Sita resting on the earth, Guha sighed, “How could the mighty king Dasaratha send his son, the jewel of Ayodhya, to this hardship?” Lakshmana, ever wise, explained the workings of karma and fate: “Pleasure and pain are part of life’s design, bound by our own actions. No one escapes their effects—not gods, demons, or men. But the wise accept both joy and sorrow with equanimity, without attachment.” With these words, the night passed.

At sunrise, Rama completed his morning rituals and prayers. Guha prepared a boat to ferry them across the Ganga. As they boarded, Sita prayed to Mother Ganga, “O holy river, protect us during our exile. When we return, we will worship you again with offerings.” Guha, his heart heavy, offered to accompany them, but Rama gently refused. “Your kingdom needs you, Guha. Wait for my return in fourteen years. We will meet again.” With a final embrace, they parted, and Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana disappeared into the thick forests beyond the river.

Hermitage of Sage Bhardwaja, Story of Valmiki

Journeying onward, they reached the ashram of Sage Bharadwaja, who welcomed them with great joy. Offering them fruits and water, he honored Rama’s divine presence. Bharadwaja, knowing Rama’s true nature as the Lord incarnate, praised his virtues and offered his humble ashram for their stay. Rama, however, sought a more secluded place and requested guidance. After a night spent in spiritual discussion, Bharadwaja directed them toward the peaceful Chitrakoota hills.

With two brahmacharis guiding them, they reached the hermitage of Sage Valmiki. The forest there was serene, with blooming trees and gentle animals living in harmony. Valmiki warmly received Rama, recognizing him as the Supreme Being incarnate. With humility, Rama asked for a suitable place to stay. Valmiki, aware that the Lord dwells wherever love and virtue reside, replied: “O Rama, you dwell in hearts free from desire and hatred, where all beings are treated as equals, and in the minds of sages who see no duality in the world. Stay where virtue is practiced, and your name is sung.”

Valmiki then narrated his own story of transformation. Once a violent bandit named Ratnakara, he had lived a sinful life until the great sages, the Sapta Rishis, guided him to introspection. Realizing his family would not share his sins, Ratnakara abandoned his evil ways. He meditated upon the Lord’s name for years, until an anthill (valmika) covered his body, giving him the name Valmiki. By the grace of chanting “Rama,” he was reborn as a sage. Now, seeing Rama before him, his joy knew no bounds.

Valmiki showed them a beautiful spot near Chitrakoota, where Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana built a modest hermitage. There, they began their forest life, with Lakshmana vigilantly protecting them, as his mother had advised.