The Ultimate Liberator!

For the seekers of knowledge
Can there be a knowledge?
better than
The Knowledge of The Divine, Shri Rama!

The one who liberated
Even the blades of grasses
And all the swarms of ants

Leaving none behind
That ever existed
In the Good City of Ayodhya

And placed them in
An exotic heaven
Created exclusively for them
By the Great Grandshire Brahma!

-Nammazhvaar


Ramayanam is Agriculture
Bhagavatham is Harvest
-Me


The twin-syllable, Rama
When a devotee exalts!
The Birth-Death cycle
It permanently halts

Goodness and Wealth
It everyday brings
Sin and poverty
It cleanses and shrinks

-Kambar


Goodness Honesty Sweetness Simplicity
Gentleness Strength Humility Bravery
Valour Talent Prowess Success
Memory Trustworthiness Heroism Genuinity
Such adorable qualities and so much more
By chanting Rama's name you will score!

-Me

My Lord's Story: Goodness Incarnate

Ramayanam in English poetry.

The Supreme Lord of the Universe was once born on this earth as a Human Being, faced challenges and had His share of pain and pleasure going through both good and bad times like any of us. Like any of us He too, took His turn in laughter and cry.

This humility of The Lord, that makes Him come down to earth and share with us our difficulties to show us a way to handle them is what I admire in Him. This quality of Him, makes me surrender to Him unconditionally and makes me want to sing His Glory on and on and on.

My Lord's Story is an out pour of my devotion that seeps out in gratitude for the pains He took to be a lighthouse for us, to cross the ocean of Samsara.

Links to all the posts have been provided in an order on the right side column.


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Another Salvation


Lord Rama and Lakshman had walked too long
Lord Rama was pensive about what went wrong
He could not find fault with Himself, His brother, or His Wife
Yet, The Three of them had suffered so much in their life

On one side, He was being treated like a God
On the other side, He was tricked by a fraud
By law, by scriptures, by Dharma, He had never flawed
Yet, by the invisible claws of fate, He was being clawed

He was, on one side, grateful for the good things that came His way
And the good things were the people who loved Him, He would say
But the very same fate that brought them to Him
Also snatched them without informing, as if by whim

He could not understand as to why He should suffer thus
In spite of all the spiritual practices, His mind was now a mess
Thinking about all this, Lord Rama was silent and sad
On seeing the state of his brother, Lakshman felt bad

Lakshman's mind was filled with grief but he did not think why
In Lakshman’s mind, Lord Rama’s face was the only sky
In that sky when the happy sun arises, Lakshman’s mind will be bright
When it is dark with sorrow, Lakshman’s mind will be like at night

It was night, and The Brothers found a place to sleep
Being new moon, the night was very dark and deep
Lakshman made ready, with leaves, for His Brother a bed
Lord Rama slept on it with His folded arms, for His head

Lakshman kept watch, for, insects or snakes may crawl
While to his surprise, he heard a woman’s gentle call
When he looked around searchingly, he saw a woman, dark
Coming closer to Lakshman, she said she wanted to lark

On seeing her, Lakshman was not in the least perturbed
But He did not want his Brother’s peaceful sleep disturbed
Signalling her to come to a place that was quiet
He humbly and strongly told her to behave right

“Lady! Go away from here, for, you may be tortured
I do not like beings like you, who are ill natured
Wanting my Brother to peacefully sleep, I stay awake intently
Without disturbing us, and getting hurt, you go away contently”

But the lady, named Ayomukhi, would not listen
She tried to hug Lakshman showing her teeth’s glisten
Already feeling sorry for Surphanaka, Lakshman pushed her aside
But the fallen Ayomukhi, on the ground, would not passively reside

She again tried to hug him and vehemently pulled
Lakshman drew out his knife, and on her face he tilled
Hurt badly and bleeding profusely, she ran away shouting
From the ears and nose that were cut, blood was spouting

On hearing her shouts, Lord Rama awoke
On Lakshman’s absence, His Heart felt a choke
Disturbed was His mind, by the lady’s crying voice
He called out to Lakshman with a broken voice

On hearing his Brother’s call, Lakshman quickly went
On seeing His brother’s face, Lord Rama’s fear did vent
“What happened? Lakshman! Where have you been?
I was completely unnerved, for, you were not seen!”

Lakshman narrated about the woman who was gruff
Lord Rama appreciated Lakshman for being tough
About how danger could anytime creep,
They talked for sometime and went to sleep

The sleep after that, for Lord Rama, was a gentle stream
He saw His beautiful Wife, by His side, in a pleasant dream
The next day morning, Lord Rama woke, calling out Her name
Shocked on seeing, His dream and reality were not the same

He sat silently for sometime digesting the truth that was bitter
He then, as per routine, worshipped the sun, and felt much better
The Brothers started the journey immediately after eating fruits
They kept walking for long through wild animals’ roaming routes

They had crossed the area, where with trees, the forest flushes
And were now walking on an area full of rocks, shrubs, and bushes
As They walked, They saw a tentacled being coming towards them
Before The Brothers could realise, what it was, it gripped them

The Brothers realised, They were gripped by a gigantic hand
And when it dragged, They could not resist or firmly stand
A weird creature was dragging Them to death, They saw
Towards its wide open mouth which had teeth like saw

It was like a big ball with one eye, which was red
Whether it was sitting or lying could not be said
It had two hands that were long, flexible like a snake
And it had a mouth in its stomach, for food to take

Lord Rama, to fight, had no mood
He decided, for the creature, to become food
Allowing Himself to be dragged, to Lakshman, He talked
Lakshman to escape somehow and go back home, He asked

“You have done so much for Me Lakshman, please escape
Let Me become food for the creature, whose mouth is agape
I am so unlucky, and for Me, You should not anymore suffer
A life, with Our mothers and your young wife, you must prefer”

On hearing Lord Rama say such things, Lakshman’s throat choked
With his sword, on the hand that was dragging His Brother, he poked
He poked it so hard that the hand, to the ground, was pinned and tied
The creature that was dragging Lord Rama, painfully, yelled and cried

Lord Rama was free, and Lakshman was being dragged
On seeing which, Lord Rama’s Heart deeply sagged
Lakshman lost heart and thought his death was close
As if bidding farewell to his Brother, his words he chose

“Brother! To be Your Brother, I know I was fortunate
Forgive me if I had anytime erred and behaved obstinate
I wanted to die with You, serving You till Your life is at brink
Now, I want You to live long! And often about me, please do think”

On hearing Lakshman say thus, Lord Rama’s tears burst
He ran drawing His sword as His anger was at its worst
Before Lakshman could enter the creature’s mouth, He leapt
The hand was cut, and by profuse blood the ground was swept

Lord Rama hugged Lakshman like His long lost wealth
In each others’ hugs, Their contentment was restored to health
They then looked at the creature, thinking, ‘what must be done next’
To their surprise, it started to talk as if reading from its heart a text

“Lord! I am Kabandha, wealthy Dhanu’s son
I am sorry, for Your life, I gave You a run
You Both are Ram and Lakshman, am I right?
I am blessed, for, You Two have come to my sight”

Lord Rama and Lakshman were surprised by his talk at first
But they remembered Viradha who was in a salvation quest
To Kabandha’s question, Lord Rama nodded
Wanting to know more, Lord Rama prodded

“Lord! Previous to this birth, I had good looks
But I did not care to be in sages’ good books
I took ugly forms and threatened all sages
And took much delight in provoking their rages

One sage, named Sthoolasiras, lost his patience
And I had to take, with ugly form, another nascence
In this birth, I performed severe penance
Brahma made my bodily strength enhance

I became arrogant due to my unlimited strength
I performed many anarchic activities at length
Once, Indra, the king of gods, in war I tried to win
Indra hit me with Vajrayudha and my head went in

My head and legs went in and stayed in my bosom
Yet, without tearing, all parts were wholesome
With my head sunk, I could not see, eat, or hear
I begged, pleaded and asked for forgiveness in fear

Indra out of mercy granted me an eye and mouth
And he told me to go down and live in the south
He also granted me hands that were long
So that, I can grab animals and eat, to live long

Indra already said that, by You Both, my hands will be cut
And that I would regain my original form, after that”
When Kabandha said so, Lord Rama was intrigued
About the information that His future was prologued

“Lord! Indra asked me to give You one more information
But my memory is vague and about it, I have no confirmation
If You could cremate me by digging a pit and building a pyre,
I can regain my original form as my sins will be burnt by fire”

As per Kabandha’s request, Lord Rama and Lakshmana did
Kabandha rose up from the fire, and the information he said
“Lord! I realise You have lost Your Wife, that noble Woman
She had been abducted by Ravana, the very wicked demon

A monkey named Sugriva, You must befriend
That friendship will change Your life’s trend
Before that, an austere woman, Sabari, You must meet
She has been waiting long for You, so that She can greet”

Saying thus, Kabandha wished them success all the way
Happy that, some useful information, to The Lord, he could say
He then disappeared after falling at The Holy Feet of Ram!
Hailing the Lord, by saying, “Jai Shri Ram! Jai Jai Shri Ram!!”

Monday, January 16, 2012

Kolaveri for Lord Rama!


When a devotee of Lord Rama is caught by a Bandwagon such as 'Kolaveri'... This is what happens...:) ... Jai Shri Ram!

Yo Boys… I am sing song…..

Truth song….

Ruth song…..

How this Greatness Greatness Greatness Sir…..
How this Greatness Greatness Greatness Sir…..

Rhythm correct….

How this Greatness Greatness Greatness Sir…..

Maintain please…..

How this Greatness…. aa Sir…?


The Most Supreme God-u God-u…
Came to earth as Man-u….
The Man’s life so Great-u Great-u
While facing adverse fate-u!

How this Greatness Greatness Greatness Sir…..

Kaikeyi skin-u white-u white-u
But her heart was black-u
With Your daddy fight-u fight-u
But You did what was right-u….

Lakshmana came with you….
Mother Sita too joined with you…..

Ram Rama Ram… Ram Rama Ram… Ram Rama Ram Hare Ram…
Ram Rama Ram… Ram Rama Ram… Ram Rama Ram Hare Ram…

Chant properly….

Super hut was ready…
Years went…one.. two …three….four

Waaa…. What a change over that was…..

Ok…Lord… Then ur life changed-u….

Kaatla… kudisa….

Only English—

Jungle Hut-u…. Hut-la life-u….
Life with no fear-u…..
Peaceful-life-u….Ravan-come-u…..
Life reversu gear-u…..

Searching Searching….U went searching…
All the way walking….
Bow-u Bow-u.. With your bow-u..
You won him with your bow-u…

God-u You are so so great-u
I am wondering how-u…..
This song-u at Your feet-u
Which is so sweet-u….

How this Greatness Greatness Greatness Sir

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Brave Jatayu

Jatayu was sitting on a tree he used to sit usually
Pecking at a fish that he had caught, casually
Suddenly, he heard Mother Sita’s wail very loud
He turned to see Mother Sita on a golden cloud

Jatayu was surprised on seeing the golden object, that could fly
On seeing his daughter-like Sita being abducted, his anger was high
Forcefully holding Her was a man dark, tall, and with ten heads
Jatayu was incensed beyond a limit by Mother Sita’s tear sheds

The man was grasping Mother Sita by Her hair
On seeing that Jatayu's anger was a furious flare
The man showed no mercy to Mother Sita's pleads
Jatayu wanted to wreck the man's heads like weeds

Jatayu saw no shame or mercy in the man's faces that were cruel
To Jatayu's anger, the arrogance exhibited by the man, was a fuel
Wanting to stop the man from getting away, Jatayu took flight
To give courage to wailing Mother Sita, Jatayu picked up a fight

“Stop! You coward! Philanderer and thief!
Wait for Her Husband, for a moment brief
If truly, you have any pride in your valour
Do not behave with a fox’s demeanour

You are that Ravana, king of Lanka! Are you not?
How could you act so stupid, without fore thought?
What you are doing is nothing but suicide
Rama will wreck the island in which you reside

I’ve heard stories about how wicked and stupid you are
Now you demonstrate that by abducting Her, in Your car
First play with Rama and Lakshman the valour game
Win! And then take Her, if You have any shame”

Ravana was keen on escaping and therefore gave no reply
Jatayu was incensed, and some violence, he did apply
He jumped on to Ravana’s chest plunging his claws
And pecked Ravana on all his heads, for his flaws

Ravana was irritated heavily by this unexpected obstacle
He could not proceed further caught by Jatayu’s tentacle
Blood sprouted from Ravana’s heads and eyes
He decided to kill the bird, in his path, that vies

Jatayu by then knocked Ravana’s all ten crowns down
Ravana’s eyes rolled in anger like the crowns that rolled down
Ravana snatched his knife and stabbed Jatayu vehemently
Though hurt very bad, Jatayu put up a fight more ardently

Jatayu clung on to Ravana’s chest and never left
Ravana’s hope of getting away was almost bereft
It was getting late, and Ravana was caught by fear
That Lord Rama and Lakshman would be coming near

He had heard in detail about Lord Rama’s strength
Maricha had explained about it to him, in length
Out of fear and anger, He took a powerful sword
And cut off the left wing off the dutiful bird

Jatayu lost his balance and helplessly fell
Assurance, to crying Sita, he could not tell
He saw, as he fell, Mother Sita with tears stretching Her hand
Heart broken for not being able to help, he hit the land

Jatayu prayed desperately that he must not die
Hoping Lord Rama would come soon, he did lie
Mother Sita’s wailing lay heavily on his heart
Though he knew, he did his best on his part

Lord Rama with Lakshman was walking south
Silence was decorating His ever truthful mouth
Mother Sita was decorating His beautiful mind
Whom He knew not, how He was going to find

As They went, drops of blood on the way, they saw
Dropping down from a tree, it was fresh and raw
They saw a little further, a flag, on which a Veena was drawn
They knew it was a clue to where the abductor was gone

As They walked a little more, They saw a crown
On seeing its white pearls, Lord Rama did frown
“This crown belongs to that wicked and cowardly abductor
Who, to his own people and land, is going to be the destructor”

Leaving the crown behind, they walked further south watching
The sun above was high, and it was to a great extent scorching
On the way, at some distance, They saw a body of a beast lying
When They went close, They saw Their beloved Jatayu was dying

Jatayu had wounds all over his body, shedding profuse blood
He had shed so much blood that the land around him was red
Without one of his wings, his body was looking like an oval jar
He was so weak that his moaning could not be heard from far

When Lord Rama called out to him, he replied weakly
Feeling relieved on seeing The Brothers, he talked meekly
“Rama! Lakshman! Where have You both been?
In protecting Gentle Sita, should You not be keen?”

On seeing the bird struggle, Lord Rama shed tears
He lifted the bird, and on his laps, he placed its rears
“Jatayu! My dear uncle! Who has done this to you?
My father is dead, Sita is lost, and now it is going to be you!”

“Rama! Don’t cry! Be brave and act very fast
I do not have much time left to breathe my last
Ravana, king of Lanka, has abducted Her by force
Having a flying object at hand, the sky way, he chose

But, do not think, She is lost to You for ever
Vindham, the time She was stolen, has some power
In that time if anything is lost, it cannot be lost for long
Realising this, search for Her, and always remain strong

Use Your weapons and wisdom; never become weakened
Make Ravana regret, for this incident to have happened
Promise me that You will win Her back without fail
In my ears echo Your names, She called to no avail”

“I promise, I will!” A crying Lord Rama strongly said
As He was wiping, from Jatayu’s wounds, flowing blood
Lord Rama realised, to protect Mother Sita, Jatayu had fought
Trying to defend Mother Sita, death on himself, Jatayu had brought

After hearing Lord Rama’s promise, Jatayu breathed his last
And attained the highest world, coveted by sages, very fast
The gates of the highest world opened and gave him gap
For, he was a lucky soul who had died on The Lord’s Lap

Lord Rama’s love for Jatayu was already deep
On seeing Jatayu’s loyalty, further love did seep
Lord Rama shed tears of love and regret ceaselessly
Feeling miserable about watching Jatayu die helplessly

After much crying, Lord Rama decided to do the ritual cremation
And offer, to the departed soul, water and sesame as oblation
Lord Rama’s regret, that He could not cremate His father, went
Being able to act like a son for Jatayu; great satisfaction it lent

Lord Rama lifted Jatayu and held him in His Hand
And waited till Lakshman readied the pyre stand
Jatayu’s body on the woods, He gently laid
Showering flowers on it, His homage He paid

He then set fire to it and stood by crying, profuse
And watched the smoke rise into the sky and suffuse
Once the body was burned to ashes, He collected them
Went to a nearby river, and chanting mantras, dissolved them

In offering to Jatayu’s soul, sesame seeds and water He gave
Praying that, the soul from hunger and thirst, it must save
He then chanted mantras for the welfare of the soul
And that made the cremation ritual complete and whole

Thus Jatayu fought bravely and gave up his life for Ram
Like a father, he died, on Lord Rama’s lap that was warm
Jatayu from heaven watched his body, cremated by Ram
Melting and in gratitude saying, “Jai Shri Ram! Jai Jai Shri Ram!!”

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

The Lord's sorrow and anger

A fox wailed loudly from Lord Rama’s hind
This ominous happening shook Lord Rama’s mind
Lord Rama walked towards the ashram in a hurried pace
Desperate sweat poured down from His darkened face

That His wife would not have sent His brother, Lord Rama hoped
In walks and runs with an unsteady mind, Lord Rama loped
On the way, Lord Rama came upon a sight
Seeing which, Lord Rama froze in fright

Lakshman was strolling with his head down
In his always humble face there was a thoughtful frown
There was no more enthusiasm left in his nerves
He swayed his bow, aimlessly, on the ground in curves

As He walked, Lord Rama called out to His brother as if to wake
Lakshman lifted up his head, giving to his thoughtfulness, a break
Lakshman’s face showed fears of disapproval from His Lord
As if accepting a failure and a mistake, he stood in accord

“Where is Sita, Lakshman?! What are you doing here?
To leave Her alone in the ashram, have you no fear?
To be on Her guard, till I come back, did I not tell?
Your action increases My fear that something is not well!”

“Brother! Mother commanded me to come to Your aid
On hearing Your voice call us, She was very much afraid
I knew it is not in Your nature to call anyone for help
But, the fear of losing You, Mother Sita could not gulp!”

“Knowing it’s just Her fear, why did you take it seriously?
What if something happens to Her, in Our absence, grievously?
Why did you not try to convince Her otherwise
That to fear about My safety is not very wise?”

Lakshman stood silently for sometime and then started to speak
The reason, as to why his determination to stay back, became weak
“Brother! Mother was angry with me when I wouldn’t go
Accusations regarding my character, She tried to throw

She accused me of coveting Her, and it very much pained
She accused me of awaiting Your death, and yet I remained
Hoping, the rightness in my decision, She would soon know
And that all Her anger, on seeing You, would melt like snow

But then, on seeing me so stubborn, Her suspicion and fear grew
With much firmness, Your sword from its sheath, She swiftly drew
Pointing it to Her chest, She threatened to thrust
My clarity of thinking was immediately bust

I fell at Her reverent Feet, crying and pleading
Telling Her to stop and that I was heeding
Only after I got ready with my weapons, the sword, She dropped
Her bitter crying, angry scolding, and vehement threatening, She stopped”

Unable to control anymore, Lakshman poured out his grief
Shedding tears, and dejected, He expressed his feelings, brief
“After all the years of service, this is the trust I earned
Being accused of betrayal, my heart is completely burnt”

Lord Rama hugged Lakshman and patted on his cheek
And tried to cheer him telling him not to be so weak
“She has spoken out of fear; do not take it to heart
You know, none can think of Me, leaving you apart

When She wanted to join Me in exile, She accused Me too
Women use tears and emotional words to get their points, through
Taking that to heart please do not get dejected or sad
Praiseful words for you, before Me, She has always had

When I tried to send you back home, did She not support you?
Only because of a wife’s fear, She has behaved, startling and new”
Lakshman, on hearing Lord Rama speak thus, dropped all his depression
Lakshman smiled at Lord Rama with a childlike and happy expression

“Brother! I am sorry I was affected by criticism and got distracted
Without getting hurt by passing anger, my duty, I must have enacted
I must have climbed some tree and watched the ashram without fail
Now I feel bad for coming all the way, dejected, with a heart so frail”

Both of their spirits were lifted by each other’s understanding and love
Both of them were walking towards the ashram in runs and walks, now
Lord Rama told Lakshman that He would pinch Mother Sita’s ears for sure
And make Her do Thoppukaranam before Lakshman, for Her obstinacy to cure

Talking thus Lord Rama and Lakshman laughed
In quite sometime, the distance was almost halved
Lord Rama asked Lakshman about the time he left
On hearing which Lord Rama’s hope was bereft

Lakshman had left the ashram more than an hour ago
More than five to six kilometer distance they had to go
They walked and ran fast, not talking much
Praying, They must see Mother Sita as such

Lord Rama’s intuition was ringing an uneasy alarm
Shaking off His fears, He tried to keep His mind calm
In the next thirty minutes, to the ashram, they were near
Unable to believe what they saw, They Both froze in fear

The plantain trees before the ashram were fallen
Flowers were scattered everywhere with their pollen
The fence at the entrance was, towards the ground, leaning
Lord Rama and Lakshman fearfully contemplated the meaning

As if for Their lives, towards the ashram, They ran
Calling out to Mother Sita as loud as They can
But to Their heartbreaking dismay, there was no response
Threatening silence was everywhere, sitting in an ensconce

Lord Rama knelt before the ashram catching His head
Lakshman could not think of words that could be said
Asking Lord Rama to rise, Lakshman stood by His flank
Lord Rama heard or saw nothing, as all for Him was blank

Lord Rama then, opened His eyes and looked everywhere
As if trying to find out, where He and His brother were
Just a moment went by and His memory was flooded
Lord Rama realised He was in the situation, He dreaded

As if pushed by a sudden impulse , He arose and ran
In, out, and around the ashram, like a crazy man
What ever He saw that moment, His tears did shroud
As if, like a blind man for help, He shouted loud

He rotated and revolved, like earth, around His favourite hut
To Him, all doors for a meaningful life ahead was fully shut
His wife, His only attachment, from Him was snatched
Any ray of hope, about getting Her back, was thatched

With hope, He ran to the river bank to see
Thinking, fetching water, His Wife could be
All He could see was the empty bank and flowing waters
Flowing nonchalantly, as if to tell Him, it could not care less

He ran into the woods where they usually walked
And looking everywhere, unto the air, He talked
“Sita! Dear! Just for fun, are You hiding anywhere
If that is so, please come out, I am unable to bear

To see Your Face and Smile, My Heart yearns
Clouded by fearful smokes, My Heart burns
I feel like my head is going to anytime burst
I don’t think life can become anymore worst

Why fate targets Me again and again and treats Me so unkind?
Why does it snatch from Me my loved ones, leaving none behind?
What sin have I committed that I can love no one for very long?
Previous birth, I must have been a sinner and acted very wrong

I had to walk away from My father while he bitterly cried
I could not be at his side, to caress his chest, while he died
I could not give a shoulder when his body was kept on pyre
Though being the eldest son, I was not there to light the fire

I had to send back the people, both young and old
They came to Me out of love but I had to remain cold
Bharatha came to Me, renouncing all comfort, like dust
But separation from Me, upon him, I had to thrust

Why was I not born as a farmer, who happily ploughs the land?
I would’ve gone back home, everyday, holding My Wife’s Hand
As a Prince, with high responsibilities, why was I born?
Is it only to be caught in inextricable situations and get torn?

Why was I gifted with brothers and wife, so loving?
And then, why am I forced into separation and lonely living?
If only I was born as an orphan would I know, ‘what is love?’
If only I never knew that, would I have to lament like this now?

Why does this fate, as if by random wish, give and take
By torturing innocent men like this, what does it make?
Why was I not born as a tree in the forest whose life is so good?
Dancing in the breeze and giving shade, I could have happily stood

When my life, to me, is a burden
What service, can I offer men?
Was I born only to suffer?
Why does death, from me, defer?”

Saying thus and more, Lord Rama cried out like an orphan
Lakshman caressed His chest and head and consoled Him often
Lakshman too had run about the ashram surroundings in search
He noticed, brave Jatayu too was not seen, in his usual tree, perch

After much crying, Lord Rama laid down on the ground
And remained there for long without a word or sound
Like a baby in the womb with folded legs, He lay on his side
As if wanting the earth to open and forever take Him inside

Not wanting to hear anything, He closed His ears
From His tightly shut eyes, flowed river-like tears
Lakshman sat by His side and begged Him to take courage
Reminding Him, how all problems in life, are just a mirage

“To handle the situation at hand, this is not the attitude
We must act now and find Mother Sita, with fortitude
We cannot find Her, if You lie like a bird without a wing
You must use Your valour and wisdom, being a ‘to be king’”

The words, ‘find Mother Sita’, stirred Lord Rama again
It was like a balm applied to soothe His unbearable pain
Lord Rama after long arose from the ground and sat
Tears flowed for long from His eyes that did not bat

After sometime, He composed Himself and wiped His tears
Gathering hope, He decided to keep at bay His sorrows and fears
He stood up slowly and walked mustering His formidable will
On finding what had happened, He fixed His thinking skill

The Brothers went to the ashram observing everything on the way
The ashram animals gathered around, as if they wanted to say
Lakshman told Lord Rama that even Jatayu was not seen
Nodding thoughtfully to Lakshman, Lord Rama’s eyes were keen

Lord Rama noticed a sage’s ochre robs lie on the ground
White pearls, not belonging to Mother Sita’s jewels, were found
Within the fence, Lord Rama saw new and big foot marks deeply sagged
From the ashram to the fence, marks showed, someone was dragged

Lord Rama remembered the king, Maricha had mentioned while dying
He realised it was that king’s plan to defeat Him, without face to face vying
Outside the fence, there was a large square mark on the land
A square so large, within which, about hundred men could stand

Just before the square, the drag marks and foot marks ended
As to what would have happened, some light They rendered
Lord Rama first thought, ‘the mark was made by a palanquin’s pressing’
There were no foot marks of its carriers to support Lord Rama’s guessing

“Lakshman, the square mark shows something heavy stood there
But I am unable to guess, how the abductor of Sita brought it there
The land around shows no mark of people’s or animals’ feet
Without anyone carrying it, how was it lifted from its seat?”

To Lord Rama’s question, Lakshman thoughtfully nodded
His conclusion about the scene, Lakshman thoughtfully added
“Brother! I don’t think there was more than one man here
Seeing the same foot steps everywhere, this to me is clear”

Lord Rama too felt Lakshman’s guessing was right
He wondered if there was an object that could take flight
Thinking about all this, His anger enormously grew
With much determination, fire like words He threw

“Somebody is being very desperate, to die at My hand
He wants to destroy himself, his people, and his land
If only I don’t get back My Sita, as I saw last
I will destroy this entire creation that is vast

I will make the Gods, I humbly worshipped, beg and plead
For silently easing and watching from heavens, this anarchic deed
If I do not get an explanation for making Me suffer thus
My arrows with deadly mantras will create unlimited fuss

I will crush the king to a painful death for crossing my path
Even Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva cannot escape my wrath
What works do these God’s have other than protecting a man of truth?
Always being worshipped and pampered, they remain silent without ruth!

I will force these Gods who are so high
To come down and give me a humble reply
First, I will kill that cowardly demon king in war
Then for my arrows, those heavens will not be far”

Saying thus Lord Rama fumed unable to control His rage
Lakshman had never seen Lord Rama like that all his age
Lakshman, himself fuming in anger, knew not what to say
He silently remained, leaving Lord Rama be His way

Lord Rama then composed Himself and decided to go ahead
In search of His angel who His good fortune made Him wed
The Brothers got up discussing in which direction they would go
The ashram animals gathered around as if they wanted to show

They ran towards the south and looked back at Ram
They lifted their heads pointing to the sky that was calm
Thus another arduous and enlightening journey began in the noble life of Ram
As the animals sadly watched Him, thinking, ‘Jai Shri Ram! Jai Jai Shri Ram!!’

Sunday, January 8, 2012

The Golden Deer

The Noble Three had slowly returned to a normal life
It was more than a month since the unfortunate strife
The Noble Three thought of those incidents as a nightmare
Lord Rama’s wounds were long healed by Mother Sita’s care

About such encounters with demons, Mother Sita did fear
But, as time went by, Her mind became free and clear
Lord Rama and Lakshman, on Her, always kept an eye
Though no danger was imminent, their alertness was high

Lord Rama took care that Mother Sita’s mind is always light
Gifting flowers and rabbits, He was to Her, as always, a delight
About their parents, relatives, and friends, they talked a lot
Panchavati, to them, became once again a delightful spot

Lakshman at Lord Rama’s behest, for Mother Sita, made a swing
Pushed to and fro by Lord Rama, sitting on it, happily She did sing
At times, The Divine Couple sat together and kicked it to and fro
Their happiness like the waxing moon once again started to grow

Once Mother Sita, in the backyard, was picking up colourful flowers
The Brothers sat in the front discussing various mantras’ powers
The Brothers heard, Mother Sita call them in a delightful cry
They went back to see, what had made, Her spirits so high

They saw a golden deer that was strange and exotic
With golden skin and embedded gems, it was truly artistic
It had a white silky line of hair running on its hunch
On the tips of leaves and select herbs, a little it did munch

Its little tail that was colourful, often it twitched
From one shrub to another, it nonchalantly switched
Often it raised its head sprouting its ears that were swank
From the water collected on the grounds, for its thirst, it drank

As if to touch the ground gently, it placed its hoofs that were white
As if in fear, it blinked with its eyes that were black and bright
With every step, it looked like it was dancing to a rhythmic chime
Its black nose, like well polished granite, was, by beauty, very prime

Its silvery horns were branched and into the air they spread
With gems at the tips, they looked like a crown on its head
The gems embedded throughout its body were of various hues
Matching and contrasting each other, they were a splendid fuse

Catching Lord Rama’s hands, Mother Sita gazed at the deer
On seeing such splendour, Her child like excitement was sheer
Her joy made Lord Rama happy, and He too watched the deer
As if it wanted Them to admire, the deer came closer without fear

“I am bewitched beyond a limit by this wonderful creature
Beauty has been bestowed to it lavishly on every feature
I have never heard about such an animal so ornate in its nature
How would it be, if we could take it home, while we go in future?”

Lord Rama silently listened to Mother Sita’s desires with a smile
Lakshman tried to speak up his doubts that this could be a guile
“Mother! This deer that glitters may not be really gold
This could be some demon, cunning, deceptive, and bold

I hope You remember Surphanaka who was young and slim
Who later revealed her old body, once Brother Rama behaved grim
This is the nature of all rakshasas; we must not be deceived
A bitter lesson, regarding their nature, we have already received”

On hearing Lakshman speak, Mother Sita’s face fell
The disappointment in Her Heart, tears came out to tell
Thinking deeply for a moment, She accepted with a nod
That the beautiful deer could be the disguise of a fraud

Seeing Mother Sita’s tears, Lord Rama’s heart began to melt
Allowing His Wife to be disappointed, to Him, was great insult
Whether the deer was true or fake
An attempt for Her, He wanted to make

“I’ve decided to go for the deer” Lord Rama said
Smiling at Mother Sita, He turned His head
He asked obedient Lakshman to fetch His bow
The reason for His decision, He explained though

“Lakshman, Sita has desired for the deer
Fulfilling Her wish, to me, is very dear
She has never desired for anything as far as I know
But She has walked difficult paths for Me in a row

I do not want to sit back simply without trying
While, with an unfulfilled desire, Her heart is crying”
On hearing Lord Rama say this, Mother Sita was glad
Yet, She was afraid that something might go bad

“Lord! I know You would do this and more for Me
But this desire of Me is nothing, so let it be
As Lakshman says that deer could be some demon
Such acts by those wicked beings are always common

I do not want a deer, putting our lives at risk
Even a small mistake can make our fortune whisk
So, let the golden deer roam and go its way
The attempt to catch it, please keep at bay”

In His decision, to go for the deer, Lord Rama remained
The reason for sticking to His decision, Lord Rama explained
“Dear! One reason, I think I should go for the deer, is You
The other, is to know the truth behind the deer, which is new

I too think this deer must be some demon’s treason
In that case, to go, I have all the more reason
Why should some asura come here in guise?
Is their strength in the jungle again on rise?

How can we sit back and relax when we think,
Demons are still roaming in our ashram’s brink?
So let me go and try to snatch this deer for You
While Lakshman stays behind and protects You

I will be getting You a gift if this deer is true and rare
You and the deer, in our ashram, will make a beautiful pair
In case I find this deer is a pretense
Then I will kill it for such offense

A whole army, all by myself, did I not take on
So please do not be scared while I am gone
I am protected by mantras, sage Vishwamitra taught
I cannot be, by anyone’s deceit, defeated or caught”

Mother Sita, though worried, felt Lord Rama was right
Lakshman was completely satisfied knowing Lord Rama’s might
Lord Rama received the bow and arrows His brother brought
Kissing His wife good-bye, after the golden deer, He sought

He slowly walked out of the ashram looking for the deer
The deer was loitering amidst shrubs in a space that was clear
Lord Rama rubbed on Himself some herbs as a cover scent
Bending His knees and hiding Himself, towards the deer, He went

He came close to the deer about a distance, four feet
To hug it from behind, He leaped, and the deer took fleet
He was surprised when He thought how the deer could have sensed
While His smell, sound, and presence from it were completely fenced

The deer had run off quite a distance but was very much in sight
Only after Lord Rama went close to it, it again took flight
The deer repeated this act in a cunning way
Lord Rama, far from the ashram, it led astray

Lord Rama observed how the deer hovered within His sight
And how, only when He went close to it, it showed fright
Lord Rama noticed, from the shrubs, it pretended to eat
Leaves were all intact, green, fresh, whole, and neat

Lord Rama also noticed the other animals showing fear
When the golden deer, though very tiny, went to their near
Birds on the trees fluttered above and it took long to settle
Even larger stags ran away from it in spite of their mettle

Stronger and stronger became Lord Rama’s suspicion
So He hid Himself and watched the deer for rendition
The deer, to His surprise, started to search for Him
It traced back the path, through which it led Him

It went past the tree, Lord Rama was hiding
As if in doubt and in hurry, it was striding
Now it was not as relaxed as it was before
Nor did it munch or drink, as it did before

It went through shrubs and bushes tearing them rough
To its gentle appearance, such behaviour was tough
Lord Rama was sure that it was no gentle being
And that it had come there for some evil doing

Lord Rama came out of his hiding and clapped
The deer turned back in the direction and gasped
This time before the flurrying deer could take flight
Lord Rama’s arrows pierced it with the speed of light

“Lakshman! My Brother! Help! Help! Help!”
Lord Rama was perplexed to hear the deer yelp
“Sita! My Love! Send Lakshman to Me now”
The deer imitating His voice, He knew not how

As if to answer all His questions
And as if to confirm all His suspicions
In the place of the deer that treacherously ran
There lay, bleeding and half dead, a gigantic man

When He went close and looked at the lying man’s face
Lord Rama identified the person through His memory’s trace
It was Maricha who Lord Rama’s arrow threw afar like a ball
While Lord Rama was protecting sage Vishwamitra’s yagna hall

Lord Rama was very angry and confused about Maricha’s acts
He wanted to collect from Maricha all the plans and facts
Lord Rama realised Maricha was not working alone
He approached Maricha and talked in a demanding tone

“Are you not Maricha who came to disturb My guru’s work?
Now to come here thus, who is the one, who offered you perk?
Already once, you got a chance to live again
Using it properly, some merits, could you not gain?

Why is it that you are bent in spoiling others’ peace?
Relishing what nature offers, why can’t you live in peace?
What have you gained by this act, other than loosing your life?
With people living in recluse, why do you always pick up strife?”

Lord Rama asked those questions in an angry snap
Like shooting His arrows during a fight without a gap
To His surprise, Maricha replied in an apologetic tone
Immense respect towards Lord Rama, by him, was shown

“Forgive me Lord, for, this service to my king I owed
To make my daily provider happy, my gratitude I showed
When my king asked me to trick You, I was completely shaken
For, a lesson about Your amazing might, I have already taken

When I warned my king about Your potent
My king from his way would not repent
For eating his salt and singing Your praise, he did scorn
A death sentence for me, for disobedience, he did warn

I realised my time of death had come too close
A proud death during my service, I happily chose
I know playing the fool with You is nothing but suicide
Yet, to be a good servant to my king, I did so decide

In trying to protect him from You, I have genuinely tried
And now in carrying out his orders, I am fully satisfied
Please do not hate me, for I am just the arrow
I did not act with a grudge to give You sorrow”

Lord Rama was no more angry with the dying man
He realised, the man, as a servant, has did the best he can
Anyway Lord Rama wanted to know who the king was
For that king to hate Him, He wanted to know the cause

“Who is this king, please do tell
The name of his country, please do spell
What are his future plans? Please do say!
Why did he choose this tricky way?”

“Lord! Before rendering answers to Your questions
From my life, I like to give You some visions
To what I have to say, please do listen
Then you tell me, how to end this mission

Lord! We first met while You were a teen
More than twenty long years, it has been
I was flying towards the sage Vishwamitra’s hut
You were facing us, demons, with tremendous gut

The first moment I saw Your hand go to the quiver
The next moment I saw my pals fall in a shiver
Before I could travel a dozen feet
I saw all my men were deplete

Then I was shocked to see Your attention on me
The next moment I felt myself flying to the sea
I realised an arrow delivered from Your bow
Hit me so hard, and I had to involuntarily go

I was stirred, and I was shaken, to the core
Even now I shiver though the incident is of the yore
From then on I chose a pious way of living
Renouncing my anarchic path of misgiving

Since then my king has been feeding me for my hunger
So within the belt of loyalty towards him, I have to linger
Only with this loyalty I tried to protect him from You
But those who give the same advice in his ministry are few

As a person who has given up the sinful way
For the person who fed me, I have to repay
So I came here, and till now, have acted well
Now my king’s name to You, You want me to tell

If I do thus, I will be betraying my king
And such act is very much a sinful thing
All my life, I could not be a very clean slate
I like to be good at the end of my fate

As I am in Your hold, if You hit
My king’s name, in pain, I may spit
But then I will be dying, failing in my duty
From such shameful death, please show me pity

I am at Your mercy, do as You please
Either way at Your feet, my life will cease
For, to the next world, I am on my way
Whether it is heaven or hell, is Your say!”

Saying thus, Maricha ended His plea
Lord Rama decided to leave him free
He silently walked to a nearby lake
And brought back water for Maricha’s sake

Maricha drank water from The Hands of Ram
Maricha in friendship, smiled at Ram
Maricha died at The Feet of Ram!
Finally uttering, “Jai Shri Ram! Jai Jai Shri Ram!!”

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Bloodshed


Lord Rama was sitting before His ashram on a wooden seat
Thinking of Bharatha, who, His heart yearned to meet
Mother Sita was inside the ashram doing some chore
Lakshman, to fetch water, had gone to the river shore

Like a white and shining cloud that causes dark shadow
A beautiful lady came and stood upon a nearby meadow
Seeing Lord Rama’s manly features, her eyes became wide
The lustful desire, evident in it, she did not care to hide

She wanted to be embraced by Lord Rama’s arms that were strong
Though a married woman, she did not think it was wrong
She wanted to be kissed by Lord Rama’s lips that were red
She did not care to know if Lord Rama was already wed

On seeing the Warrior’s broad chest that was unarmoured
She heaved a heavy sigh as she was helplessly enamoured
To make amorous advances, towards Him, she decided
She entered the fence of the ashram, The Noble Three resided

Lord Rama was surprised on seeing her, in that, almost deserted place
He wondered why a young woman walked alone, through jungle ways
Anyway, with goodwill, He decided to do what was best
With folded palms and smile, He greeted the uninvited guest

“I am not a goddess, just because I am dressed in gold
I hope my toned body would tell You that I am not old
So this unnecessary respect for me, You can shun
And behave like a man so that we can have some fun”

Saying thus, she winked and smiled in a naughty way
Hands on her hips, she moved them in a tempting sway
Lord Rama was shocked, ashamed, and incensed by her act
Anyway, He decided to handle the delicate issue with tact

“Lady! By behaving thus you are only inviting pain
Within the prescribed limits of a woman, please remain
Look for a man who loves you, and please marry
In talking about this to your elders, don’t tarry”

On hearing such dialogues, from inside, Mother Sita was shocked
She came out to know, with whom, Lord Rama thus talked
On seeing Mother Sita, Surphanaka, the lustful woman, smiled
She thought, because of His Wife inside, Lord Rama had guiled

“Oh! So You already have a Wife, I did not know
Giving some privacy to the dumb Couple, let me go
Good bye Lady! You can, all for Yourself, have the man
Hmmm! I hope at least with You, He will behave like a man”


She said that and laughed as though it were a joke
A man’s ego in Lord Rama, hoping she could provoke
Allowing her robes and hairs to freely fly, she turned around
In a slow catwalk, she carelessly walked out the ashram ground

With water pots in his hands, Lakshman came
Wondering who that woman was, having no shame
Almost close to rubbing against him, she went by
Lakshman stepped aside to give way, feeling shy

Lord Rama assuaged His angry brother and disgusted Wife
Relieved that she was gone, He returned to His normal life
But to His dismay, she approached Him again
And spoke unruly words that caused Him pain

“What do You see in Her, that pious looking Hen
She can be no match for me, in satisfying men”
“One more word, Lady, you will loose your teeth
From that ugly face of yours, blood will seethe”

Lord Rama’s anger only fired up her lust
Herself on Lord Rama, she tried to thrust
Before she could touch, He slapped her soon
The slap was so hard, she fell in a swoon

Lord Rama stood there for a moment, controlling his anger
He walked back to the ashram not wanting to stay any longer
When He went to the ashram, He was in a pensive mood
Mother Sita and Lakshman realised something was not good

Lord Rama told Them everything and became silent
While Surphanaka rushed in with a behaviour so violent
As she came in, the ashram’s fence and plants, she battered
Terrified by her screaming, the ashram’s animals got scattered

This time, she was not beautiful or young like before
Lord Rama recognized her only by the mouth He tore
The Brothers realised, towards Mother Sita, she was rushing
Bad and angry words about Mother Sita, she was gushing

To be, by His Wife’s side, Lord Rama stepped back
While Lakshman moved forward, deciding to whack
Hoping to scare her away, Lakshman gave out a shout
Seeing she wouldn’t budge, Lakshman pushed her out

Surphanaka retorted by trying to slap and scratch
Lakshman twisted her hands, and kept her in his catch
Seeing her mouth, by His brother, was already torn
Not wanting to hurt her anymore, he tried to warn

“Lady! Violence against women is something I hate
Once I leave you, please walk out without debate
Instead, in such stupid and useless acts, if you persist
From cutting off your nose and ears, I will not desist”

Saying thus, he slowly released the hands he gripped
Back to her violent behaviour, from calmness, she flipped
Crying and yelling, she scratched Lakshman’s chest
Lakshman realised, patience would not be anymore best

He cut off her nose and ears without another word
Drawing out from its sheathe, his sharp and shining sword
Shocked, ashamed, and in pain, she started to run
The Noble Three felt bad for what was done

Lord Rama told Lakshman that They must be alert
For, Surphanaka, in one way or other, may try to revert
Since they discussed the matter thus, not even two hours went
Surphanaka came with fourteen hefty men, for her anger to vent

From afar, they heard horses’ hoofs, making a rattle
Instantly, The warrior Brothers, got ready for battle
Well before the ashram, by Lord Rama, the enemies were faced
Without a warning or a word, their attacks, they raised

Their iron clubs, at Lord Rama, at a time, they threw
Lord Rama shredded them in a second, and their wonder grew
At Lord Rama’s Feet, the clubs lay, broken asunder
As if to show, how and why, their wielders must surrender

“Not bad!” They said. “Nice tricks you have learnt!
But lo! They are wasted as You are going to be burnt
Having messed with our king’s sister, Your life is no more Yours
And that Dame, who watches from Your behind, is going to be ours”

Saying thus, and drawing their swords, towards Lord Rama, they rushed
The next moment, from their headless torsos, bloody fountains gushed!
Struck by wonder, dismay, and fear, Surphanaka was baffled
Her lust and anger on Lord Rama grew, seeing the way He battled

With disappointment, not anger, at Surphanaka, Lord Rama stared
Surphanaka took a run for her life, thinking His anger has flared
Mother Sita was relieved while Lakshman jumped with joy
Lakshman celebrated Lord Rama for handling the weapon like a toy

Not even three hours went, they heard a tumultuous sound
They saw agitated birds and dust, arising from the far off ground
They heard sounds of drums, trumpets, and conches
Sounds made by an army, while, an attack it launches

The warrior Brothers knew, it was time for a war
They quickly got ready, while the enemy was still afar
It was decided; Lakshman would guard Mother Sita in a nearby cave
While Lord Rama would cause in the enemy’s army a devastating wave

About Lord Rama single handedly fighting, Mother Sita was hesitant
Lord Rama reassured Her with a smile, saying, “He was not a debutant”
Mother Sita, to a cave in the nearby mountain, Lakshman took
The battle scene from there, They could clearly look

Lord Rama got ready for battle, invoking His anger
Thinking, ‘they will realise, they have never been wronger’
He wore His helmet, armour, and finger guards
Which were given to Him by various gods

He tied to His back, the quiver filled with arrows
He was pained about the many wives’ future sorrows
Worshipping the gods at heart, He lifted the bow
He decided to talk sense to His enemy, though

He walked in the enemy’s direction, and chose a high land
Like a fire awaiting moths, He took a majestic stand
The midday sunlight fell on His armour, and made it shine
Amidst the shady tress, like a second sun, He looked divine

He was like a fire; His fury its heat
He was determined to perform a mighty feat
His eyes and ears were alert, and sharp
His mind was playing the enthusiastic harp

Divine chariots that were beautifully fashioned
In the sky above, by gods from heaven, were stationed
Some rishis stood in the sky and prayed for Lord Rama’s sake
They wished, all the enemies’ heads, Lord Rama must take

The sound made by the enemies became loud
He could see amidst the trees, the enemy crowd
They were rushing towards Him like a swarm of bees
Lord Rama knew He could wipe them with a playful ease

His left hand was holding the bow that stood on the ground
His right hand was kept on His hips that were round
To show that He was ready, His legs were spread
Due to unlimited anger, His lotus like eyes were red

About thirty feet from Him, the army halted
To give way to its leaders, the army parted
To Lord Rama’s view, the three leaders of the army came
They were surprised to see, a single man against an army game

“So You are that Rama, our sister told, who has some weird little skill
With which You can shoot a dozen arrows, within a second, to kill
But now I am afraid, we are by numbers very large
Giving up this stupidity, surrender, before we charge”

The king of Janasthana, Khara, was the one who spoke thus
Trisaras and Dhooshana were on his sides, with an angry focus
Trisaras had three heads, like cauliflowers, as his name indicates
Looking at them with pity, Lord Rama spoke His vindicates

“Underestimating the enemy is not good for health, dear friend
Instead of coursing your sister’s path, why don’t we change the trend?
She behaved badly, paid no heed to Our words, and so got punished
If only you could realise this and go back, the matter is finished”

Instead, if you try to attack me, thinking I am alone
Even before you realise, your lives will long be gone
A thousand ants joining, doesn’t help them eat an ember
Do not dream of victory, just because you’re large in number”

Lord Rama spoke thus, in a very confident tone
The enemies, like animals, started to loudly groan
Without speaking anything more, an attack, they launched
The weapons that flew towards Him, Lord Rama staunched

Lord Rama spent some time defending Himself, hurting none
He kept cutting off all the flying weapons, as if it were fun
The army started to charge furiously towards Him
Seeing that, to hurt them now, Lord Rama got a whim

He kept cutting the weapons only to show
That He can shoot unlimited arrows in a row
He hoped, at least by seeing that, they would realise his might
But on seeing them charge, He decided to engage in a violent fight

Lord Rama sent a deluge of arrows as if showering a rain
Those arrows made the army’s spirits and numbers drain
They threw weapon after weapon, yelling their hatred, all in vain
Limbs severed, throats cut, and hearts pierced, they all cried in pain

Lord Rama was so fast that for every single weapon thrown
He retaliated with two swift and sharp arrows of His own
One, to encounter the weapon, and another, to hurt its wielder
Both found their marks and stressed, ‘their Lord is not a yielder’

Among the thousands of weapons, a few, on Lord Rama, did hit
Though they caused wounds and bitter pain, He never minded it
Along with the pain, His anger and alertness started to grow
Lord Rama started to send more arrows, knitting His hairy brow

To wipe the blood from His wound, He did not try
He made two, four, six, and eight arrows angrily fly
Covered completely by blood, Lord Rama was a sight, to look
None of His arrows missed their marks, and each a life, they took

A sharp arrow shot by Khara made Lord Rama’s bow break
Khara rejoiced thinking, ‘Lord Rama’s life was now for his to take’
But Lord Rama playfully smiling at Khara extended His hand
In it appeared a mighty bow, well decorated, and very grand

Three, five, and seven arrows, at a time, Lord Rama shot
Charged with mantras of fire, they were all red and hot
Four, eight, and twelve arrows, at a time, Lord Rama sent
Powered by Kandharva mantra, multiplying themselves, they went

The fire-charged arrows entered into bodies like hot iron rods
The Kandharva arrows split up bodies, and made them open pods
The fire-charged arrows drank blood and hissed like venomous snakes
The enemies’ lives, for the Kandharva arrows, were for generous takes

The enemies fought with physical strength that was brutal
Lord Rama fought with spiritual power that was immortal
Not a hundred, nor a thousand, but fourteen thousand men when numbered
Were all fallen to the ground, either killed, or their vital parts dismembered

Khara, Dhooshana, and Trisaras now realised what is frustration
This was the first time they saw, their army in utter devastation
They thought, ‘going back to their women would be any more shame’
Wanting either victory or death, towards Lord Rama, they swiftly came

Lord Rama cut one of Trisaras heads as if it were an apple
Shooting at Dhushana’s chariot, Lord Rama made him topple
Yet they rushed towards Lord Rama with maces, uttering angry words
Lord Rama swiftly pierced their hearts, and made their souls free birds

Khara was now alone in fear, and anger, completely shaken
By his army and his commanders, he was now forsaken
His chariot rushed towards Lord Rama, yet
Soon, soaked in his own blood, he was wet

At Lord Rama's mighty chest, Khara aimed and threw a spear
Lord Rama cut it into two before it could come any near
Lord Rama sent an arrow and Khara's chariot's axle broke
Khara fell headlong, like and along, with his domination's yoke

Though completely defeated, not wanting to give up, still
Khara uprooted a tree hoping, Lord Rama, to kill
Lord Rama sliced the tree into pieces within a spell
Disappointed and in rage, Khara started to yell

Not wanting to delay anymore, Lord Rama cut off his head
On the ground, along with his soldiers, Khara sadly fell dead
Lord Rama saw one man run, taking the news somewhere
He did not try to hurt the man, as He thought it was unfair

Lakshman and Mother Sita, from the cave, came running
Hugging both of Them, Lord Rama rejoiced His winning
Mother Sita shed tears on seeing Lord Rama’s wounds bleed
She wiped them clean, and applied a paste made of turmeric seed

The Gods from above showered flowers on Ram
The Gandharvas with music sang praises of Ram
The Rishis were glad and relieved, by the victory of Ram
In a chorus they sang, “Jai Shri Ram! Jai Jai Shri Ram!!”

Sunday, January 1, 2012

An offender forgiven


A crow flew down, and hit on Mother Sita’s face
Mother Sita waved a stick, at the crow, to chase
The stick She waved, it quickly dodged
Its beak into Her chest, it cruelly lodged

Though it pained, to cry, She did not raise Her voice
Disturbing Her husband’s sleep, on Her lap, was not a choice
The crow hit on Her, again and again
Mother Sita suffered abominable pain

She did not cry or shout, though She was incensed
Something bad happening to Her, Lord Rama sensed
He opened His eyes, and saw the unlawful crow
With tremendous fury and pain, He knit His brow

As He did not have with Him, His arrows and bow
He looked around for something heavy, to throw
Seeing nothing that could hurt, He plucked a grass
He held it like a weapon that was made of iron and brass

Into it the destructive Brahma mantra, He efficiently chanted
To come back with the crow’s life, His permission, He granted
The Brahmaastra- grass flew like a missile, spitting fire
Seeing danger at stake and fearing for life, the crow flew higher

The crow was actually Jayanthan, Indra’s son
Taking his true form, He started to run
He ran to heaven, and fell at his father’s feet
Not as a son, but even as a guest, Indra refused to treat

Again, becoming a crow, to Kailash he went
Shiva refused to help, wanting him to repent
From there, to surrender, to the creator Brahma he went
Only to realise, even on Brahma he could not depend

Realising no one would protect him from Lord Rama’s anger
He kept his head at The Lord’s Feet without delaying longer
The merciful Lord wanted to give Him complete protection
But it was too late for any such consideration or reflection

“Brahmaastra’s power cannot be nullified but can be reduced
The folly in torturing others, I hope you have deduced
Your left eye to the Brahmaastra, you must give
Giving up anarchic ways and misdeeds, you must live”

Jayanthan fell once again at The Lord’s Feet and apologized for his madness
Standing up once again to his height, he started singing The Lord’s Greatness
Along with his tears, his gratitude profusely flowed
Though his left eye was damaged by the grass that glowed

“Rama! Rama! Rama! Greatest Lord!
Though in human garb, I realise, You are God
Being the source of riches, like a mendicant, how could You be?
My fortune, not misfortune, has brought me to Thee!

Giving up my ego and shame, I beg Your love
Unlimited devotion unto Your feet, please bestow
I fall at Your Feet, wanting to be completely cleansed
For, from a devotee of Thy Feet, temptation is fenced

Never again must I err in my life
Never again must I look another’s wife
Though, the love of Your life, Mother Sita, I have offended
Me, from Your anger, You Yourself have defended

Both to Your might, and to Your mercy, I have been a witness
By which I have regained my mental sanity, and moral fitness
The loss I suffered is only a small fee
As from all future sins, I am free

Oh, Handsome One! The One with a heart, beautiful like a blossom
For every creature on this earth, there is a place in Your bosom
Only the lucky ones encounter You, with a good or bad intention
As they are released from all sins, once they get Your attention

You are unlimited love! You are all that is good!
For wisdom to grow, Your thought is food
You are the One, who has all the might!
You are the One, who is always right!

Forgive me, Lord, for all my sins, and accept me
Last in the queue of all Your devotees, let me be!”
Saying thus, Jayanthan fell at the Feet of Ram
Gratefully and truthfully saying, “Jai Shri Ram! Jai Jai Shri Ram!!”

Happy days in Panchavati

Lord Rama, Mother Sita and Lakshman had walked for days, three
Though they had walked so long, from fatigue, they were free
For, in the past ten years, they had become tough
Due to the ten year pilgrimage, a process very rough

They had crossed mountains, and were now walking on plain land
On their way, suddenly, The Noble Three saw a huge creature stand
The warrior Brothers’ grip on their strong bows tightened
But when they heard the creature talk, their hearts lightened

“I do not eat human flesh; You need not worry or fear
No human has wanted to hold against me, his angry spear
Tell me youthful people, Your names and native place
I am neither a weakling nor Your enemy for You to chase”

The Noble Three were surprised on seeing that talking creature
Lord Rama admired, in its talk, the brave and friendly feature
The Noble Three walked closer towards the king size vulture
Wondering how a bird could talk like it was from human culture

They introduced themselves, and told about their native place
They noticed the old bird’s face showed a delightful trace
“Ram!” It exclaimed. “How is Dasaratha, my friend and Your father?”
Saying thus, it became silent as its memories had traveled back farther

Lord Rama’s face fell, reminded of the death of his dad
The vulture could not get why Lord Rama became sad
Lakshman told the vulture about the king’s demise
The vulture was pained as if, under a crushing device

“Oh! Dasaratha! My good old friend!
Why did your life, so soon, have to end?
Green are the memories when we both roamed the world
I stayed away from you, only to allow you rule the world

Why did you go to heaven, leaving me
Without you in this world, how could I be?
Already my beloved brother Sampathi, I have lost
Now you too have left me alone and gone very fast

With no one to love me, why must I be alive
Tying my wings, from a mountain, I am going to dive”
Saying thus, the vulture cried for long, and got ready to fly
But Lord Rama stopped him before he could rise too high

“Live for us, uncle! We Three have none but you alone
What would we do, if you too go, leaving us alone?
I am so happy to see you, for you love my father so much
The one, who would die at a friend’s death, though not in touch

As though I am seeing my father, I am delighted at your sight
Be with us as an elderly guardian, and give us some respite
Please don’t think you have none; We are here, and We are yours
On seeing you, the wound from My dad’s death, in My heart cures”

By the sincere words of Lord Rama, the vulture felt embraced
To stay in that place, guarding The Three, the vulture’s mind braced
He introduced himself as Jatayu, the son of Aruna, sun god’s charioteer
Being Dasaratha’s children, to guard Them, he was a happy volunteer

The Noble Three decided to stay there choosing a suitable place nearby
Lakshman built an ashram asking The Divine Couple to simply stand by
He built the ashram, better than he did in Chitrakut, so beautifully
He meticulously cared for even the minutest details, so dutifully

The ashram was located at the heart of a place of plenty
Fruit bearing trees stood at a distance, by feet, just twenty
Nearby ran a river providing sweet water for their basic needs
They settled in the ashram, doing both spiritual and fun filled deeds

Lord Rama and Lakshman worshipped the sun without fail
The deities in the ashram, Mother Sita worshipped to hail
On specific days on the lunar calendar, they spent in fasting
For spiritual and material wellbeing as well as happiness, everlasting

On other days, they also had a lot of fun
To enjoy lives like them, there was none
They took long walks in the beautiful surrounding
Witnessing animals and birds that were astounding

They heard stories of the yore, through Jatayu’s narration
He brought to life, those days, with his act and animation
To go back to Ayodhya, after the exile term, they were eager
But the sorrow, due to separation and death, was now meager

They played little games for their hearts’ gladdening
To make time useful and for food, they did some gardening
Though in jungle, Their life was truly rich and wealthy
They did meditation and yoga, to keep Themselves healthy

Once, The Noble Three went to the nearby river to swim
Due to recent rains, the river was flowing brisk and brim
Mother Sita challenged Lord Rama in a swimming race
She said She could swim faster as She was an expert and ace

Lord Rama warned Her of defeat, but She would not budge
Lakshman was made to sit on a rock, to be a good judge
Once Lakshman clapped, The Divine Couple dived
To touch the other shore, and come back first, They strived

Lord Rama touched the other shore, and He came back fast
But He thought He would feel guilty, if His Wife came last
Splashing the waters, He pretended as if He was swimming
Mother Sita overtook Him quickly, and rejoiced Her winning

To keep it natural, He followed Her fast, and close behind
And complained, She had tricked, and the race must be rewind
The Noble Three laughed, but each, for different reasons
Time went like this happily, showing its different seasons

Days went by giving Them delight after delight
Months went by without any bickering or fight
Giving happiness as offering, time went by, serving Ram
As if it worshipped Him by saying, “Jai Shri Ram! Jai Jai Shri Ram!!”