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Valmiki Maharishi
Maharishi
(the great sage) claims the distinction of being the author of the holy epic
'Ramayana', consisting of 24,000 verses. He is also believed to be the author
of Yoga Vasistha, a text that elaborates on a range of philosophical issues.
There are different versions regarding the time period and life of Valmiki. The
Valmiki Ramayana is believed to be dated variously from the period 500 BC to
100BC. But at the same time Valmiki is also said to be the contemporary of Lord
Rama. Sita took refuge in her Ashram where Lava and Kusa were born. Against
this backdrop, the period of Valmiki is likely to date back to thousands of
years.
There
is much controversy regarding the life of Maharishi Valmiki. There is a age old
belief th;at before turning into a sage Valmiki was a highway robber called
Ratnakara. This widely accepted story has been explained in detail below. But a
judgement given by Justice Rajive Bhalla of the Punjab and Haryana High Court
in the year 2010 could change an age-old belief about Maharsihi Valmiki.
Justice Bhalla quoted the research done by the head of the Maharishi Valmiki
Chair of the Punjabi University, Patiala, Manjula Sehdev, and said
that,"actual facts appear to be lost in the mists of antiquity." The
judge stated the salient features of the research, saying that "from Vedic
literature up to 9th century AD, there is no reference as such that Maharishi
Valmiki led a life of a dacoit or highwayman." It was also stated that in
his own work 'Ramayana', Valmiki is called Bhagwan, Muni, Rishi and Maharishi
and no reference of his highwaymanship is available there.
Early
Life
Maharishi
Valmiki was born as Ratnakara to sage Prachetasa. At a very young age,
Ratnakara went into the forest and got lost. A hunter, who was passing by, saw
Ratnakara and took him under his own care. Under the love and care of his
foster parents, Ratnakara forgot his original parents. Under his father's
guidance, Ratnakara turned out to be an excellent hunter. As he approached
marriageable age, Ratnakara was married to a beautiful girl from hunter's
family.
Turning
into a Robber
As
his family grew larger, Ratnakara found it next to impossible to feed them. As
a result, he took to robbery and began looting people passing from one village
to another.
Meeting
with Narada and Transformation
One
day, the great sage Narada, while passing through the jungle, was attacked by
Ratnakara. As Narada played his Veena and sang praises of the Lord, he saw a
transformation coming over Ratnakara. Then, he asked Ratnakara whether the
family, for whom he was robbing others, will partake in his sins also.
Ratnakara went to ask the same question to his family and on being refused by
all his family members, he went back to sage Narada. Narada taught him the
sacred name of 'Rama' and asked him to sit in meditation, chanting the name of
Rama, till the time Narada came back.
Ratnakara
followed the instructions and kept sitting in a meditative posture for years,
during which his body got completely covered by an anthill. At last, Narada
came to see him and removed all the anthills from his body. Then, he told
Ratnakara that his tapasya (meditation) paid off and the God was pleased with
him. Ratnakara was bestowed with the honor of a Brahmarshi and given the name
of Valmiki, since he was reborn from the Valmika (the ant-hill). Sage Valmiki
founded his ashram at the banks of River Ganga.
Receiving
Lord Rama
One
day, Valmiki had the fortuity of receiving Lord Rama, His wife Sita and brother
Lakshman at his ashram. On Valmiki's suggestion, Lord Rama built his hut on
Chitrakuta hill, near the ashram.
Writing
Ramayana
Narada
visited Maharishi Valmiki in his ashram once and there, he narrated the story
of Lord Rama. Thereafter he received a vision from Brahma in which the Lord
instructed him to write Ramayana in slokas, which the sage readily followed.
is
remarkable that Sri Rama himself listened to the story of the Ramayana' and was
pleased. Lava and Kusha sang the story before Rama very sweetly; Rama did not
know that they were own sons!
The
poet, who composed 'Ramayana' and taught the song and story to Lava and Kusha,
was a great sage by name Valmiki. How this man became a sage and a singer-poet
is itself a very interesting story.
Valmiki's
Ramayana is in the Sanskrit language. It is a very beautiful long poem
narrating the story of a very great hero is called an epic.
Valmiki's
'Ramayana' is the very first such poem in Sanskrit. Therefore, it is also
called the 'Adikavya' or -the First Poem; Valmiki is also known as the
'Adikavi’, which means the First Poet.
Valmiki
was not the name that his parents chose for the poet. His real name was
Ratnakara. The word 'Valmika' in Sanskrit means an ant-hill. Since he came out
of an ant-hill, he got the name of Valmiki. But how strange! How did he come
out of an ant-hill? Now, that is a wonderful and delightful story.
Valmiki
also lived in the age of Sri Rama - called the 'Treta Yuga' (the Age of Treta).
In those days, there was a thick forest all along the banks of the river Ganga.
Many sages built their hermitage in that forest for their 'tapas' (penance);
that means they meditated on God. Among them was a sage by the name of
Prachetasa. He had, a son called Ratnakara. When he was s a very young boy, one
day he went into the forest. While playing he lost his way and began to cry.
Just then a hunter came there looking for a prey. He saw the chubby boy and
fondled and pacified him. The hunter had no children. He took the boy to his
hut in the midst of the jungle.
Ratnakara's
father searched for his son all around the hermitage, but could not find him.
Finally he and his wife thought that the boy had become the prey of some wild
beast. Both wept very much.
The
hunter and his wife brought up the lad with great love. Ratnakara forgot his
parents. He took the hunter for his father and the hunter's wife for his
mother. He was taught how to hunt by the father. Ratnakara was a clever boy and
learnt it quickly. He became a hunter with a sure aim.
To
the birds and beasts of the forest, he became verily Yama, the God of Death.
When he came of age, his foster father searched for a bride and celebrated his
marriage with a beautiful girl from a hunter’s family. In a few years she gave
birth to some children. Thus Ratnakara's family grew in size. It became very
difficult for him to provide food and clothing to his large family. So he took
to robbery. He began to attack people going from one village to another,
frighten them and to away all that they had. If they opposed him, he killed
them.
One
day Ratnakara was sitting by the side of a road waiting for a victim. It
happened that the great sage Narada was passing that way. Narada had his
favorite musical instrument, a Veena, in his hands. As he played on the Veena,
he was singing a song in praise of God. When he was thus lost in joy, suddenly
Ratnakara rushed at him. He lifted the stout staff in his hands and shouted,
"Look here! Hand over all you have or else I'll break your head."
But
Narada was not an ordinary man. He was a divine sage, and one who wandered all
over the Earth, the Heaven and the Underworld. He was not frightened by the
loud shouts of Ratnakara. He smilingly said, "My dear man, all that I have
only this old Veena and the rags I wear; if you want them, you can certainly
take them. Why should you break my head for these?"
Ratnakara
was astonished at these words. He looked up at Narada's face. There was neither
fear nor anger; there was only peace. And how bright was that face! He was
surprised to see a face tender and innocent like that of a child. He had never
seen such a lovely face. As he gazed, his cruel mind melted into tenderness.
Narada
sat beneath a tree and as played on the Veena, sang a song in praise of God. It
was sweet like the song of cuckoo. Ratnakara was deeply moved. Noticing the
change, the sage Narada paused in his song and said, "Brother, stealing is
a sin. Killing animals is also sinful. Why do you do such evil?"
"Sire,
what can I do Ratnakara replied, I have a large family. There are my old
parents and my wife and children; they partake of my happiness and my troubles.
I have to provide them with food and clothing. Hunting and stealing are all I
know. What else can I do?"
The
sage smiled and said, "My friend, will any member of your family partake
of your sin also? Go and ask them, and bring back their reply."
Ratnakara
thought that Narada was trying a trick to make his escape. Narada understood it
and again said, "Well, child, if you do not trust me, you can tie me to
this tree and then go."
Ratnakara
thought that was all right. He tied Narada to a tree and went home.
On
reaching home, he first went to his father and said, "Father, I rob people
to get food and clothing for you all. It seems that is a sin. Do you not share
in that sin?"
His
father was angry and said, "You sinner, you should not do such bad things.
Am I to share your sins? No, never. You have to suffer for what you do."
Ratnakara
went to his mother and said, "Surely, mother, you will share my sin, won't
you?" But she also scolded him and sent him away. He then went to his wife
and said, "Do you know how I earn to provide you and your children with
food and clothing? It is by robbery. But I steal for your sake. Therefore you
are also partners in my sin. Isn't that so?"
The
wife was displeased and said, 'What are you saying? What have we to do with
your sin? You are my husband, and my children are your children. It is your
duty to look after us and give us food and clothing."
Ratnakara's
eyes were opened. He realized that he alone was responsible for all his sins no
one else would share his sin. As soon as it was clear to him, he ran to Narada.
He untied the sage and amidst weeping, narrated to him all that had happened in
his home. Falling at Narada's feet he asked the sage, "Oh, sire now what
of me? How can I atone for all the sins I have committed? You are my only
savior."
Narada
lifted him up and wiped his tears. He consoled him saying, "Do not be
afraid. I shall teach you a way to wash off your sins." So he taught
Ratnakara the sacred name of Rama - 'Rama Nam'. He made him sit beneath a tree
and asked him to go on repeating the sacred name of Rama. He said, I shall come
here again, Till then you should not get up and go away." Then the sage
departed.
Ratnakara
continued his 'tapas’ chanting the name of Rama. His eyes were closed. His
whole mind was concentrate on the chanting of the name of the Lord He forgot
his existence. He had neither food nor sleep for days and days. And in this way
quite a few years passed. An ant-hill grew all around and above him. He could
not even be seen by anybody.
At
last one day the sage Narada again came that way. Of course, he knew that
Ratnakara was inside the ant-hill. Very carefully he cleared that ant-hill
still Ratnakara was wholly lost in his 'tapas' and did not wake up to the world
around him. Narada chanted the name of Rama in his ears. Then he opened his
eyes and saw the sage standing before him. He saluted him from where he was
sitting. Narada helped him to get up. He also gently touched him all over.
Ratnakara felt new life flowing through him. He touched the sage's feet; Narada
lifted him up and embraced him. He said to him, "Ratnakara, you are
blessed. God is pleased with your 'tapas'. You are now a sage of the highest
order, a Brahmarshi. As you are now reborn from a Valmika (the ant-hill), will
here after be famous as Valmiki."
Tears
of joy welled up in Valmiki’s eyes at these words. He prostrated before Narada
again and said, "Sire, all this is your kindness. The company of good men
uplifts man. I am myself a proof of this." Narada blessed him and went his
way.
The
sage, Valmiki, now formed his ashrama or hermitage near the river Ganga. His
fame spread every – where Many other sages went with their families and settled
down in his ashrama. There sons became the disciples of Valmiki.
One
day Sri Rama with his wife Seetha and brother Lakshmana came to Valmiki's
ashrama. Valmiki's joy knew no limit. With the help of his disciples he waited
on them with great enthusiasm. His disciples brought them water to wash their
hands and feet, and spread mattresses for them to sit upon. They offered the
guests fresh milk and tasty fruits.
After
resting a while, Sri Rama narrated his story. He had come to the forest so that
his father's promise might be fulfilled. Valmiki was very pleased to hear it.
He said, "Ramachandra, there is none so truthful as you are. You have
given up your kingdom so that your father's promise may be kept. Giving up a
king's throne, you have come to the forest. You are not an ordinary man but the
Almighty Himself. The power of your name is such that I have changed from a
sinful hunter to a sage, a Brahmarshi. Your grace is great."
Sri
Rama smiled. Then he said to Valmiki, "O great sage, we have come he to
live near your hermitage. Please show us a suitable spot." There was a
hill very near Valmiki's hermitage. It was called Chitrakuta. It was a
beautiful place with many kinds of plants full of flowers and trees bearing
fruits. Valmiki guided Rama to that hill. Sri Rama lived for a while on the
hill with his wife and brother.
Like
the story of Valmiki's becoming a sage, the story of his composing the
Ramayana' is also very interesting. One day the sage Narada came to Valmiki’s
ashrama. Valmiki was very happy. He showed him great courtesy, offered milk and
fruits. Valmiki and his disciples sat with folded hands before Narada. Then
Valmiki said to the divine sage, "Sire, you visit all the three worlds,
and therefore know what happens anywhere. You can certainly answer my
questions. Please tell me, who is the most virtuous person among all the human
beings on the earth? One who always speaks the truth, and is always calm? Who
is he, who desires the well being of everyone, and is loved by all? Who the
man, whose words and actions are praised by the Gods? Who is famous as the
greatest hero and the noblest of men in the world?"
In
answer to Valmiki's question, Narada mentioned the name of Sri Rama. Narada
narrated how Sri Rama was born as the eldest son of King Dasharatha, married
Seethadevi, and went to the forest for fourteen years to honour his father's
promise. He told them in detail how in the forest Ravana stole Seetha, how Sri
Rama killed that very evil person, returned to Ayodhya with Seetha and
Lakshmana, and was finally crowned as King. Hearing all this, Valmiki was very
happy. He praised Narada and bowed to him. The divine sage blessed him and
left.
Sometime
after Narada left, Valmiki went to the river Ganga to bathe. A disciple by name
Bharadwaja was with him carrying his clothes. On the way they came across the
Tamasa Stream. The water in it was very clear. Valmiki said to his disciple,
"Look, how clear is this water, like the mind of a good man! I will bathe
here today."
Valmiki
was looking for a suitable place to step into the stream, when he heard the
sweet chirping of birds. Looking up he saw two birds flying together. Valmiki
felt very pleased on seeing the happy bird couple. Just then one of the birds
fell down hit by an arrow. It was the male bird. Seeing the wounded one, its
mate was screaming in agony. Valmiki's heart melted at this pitiful sight. He
looked around to find out who had shot the bird. He saw a hunter with a bow and
arrows, nearby. The hunter had shot the bird for food. Valmiki was very angry.
His lips opened and words came out: "You, who have killed one of a happy
couple, may you not yourself live long!" Of course, he spoke in Sanskrit.
The form he used is called a 'sloka' in Sanskrit. It means a couplet. A sloka
was born out of his sorrow.
The
sad plight of the birds had moved Valmiki to curse the hunter, but yet he felt
very unhappy, because he had cursed him. He expressed his sorrow to Bharadwaja
who was with him. He was equally surprised that a sloka should have come from
his lips. He was thinking of this all through his bath. As he walked back to
his ashrama and also later, he thought only of the sloka.
While
Valmiki's mind dwelt so intensely on the sloka that had sprung from his lips,
Brahma, the Lord of Creation, appeared before him. He said to Valmiki, "O
great sage, the sloka which came from your lips was inspired by me. Now you
will write the 'Ramayana' in the form of slokas. Narada has narrated to you the
story of the 'Ramayana'. You will see with your own eyes all that happened.
Whatever you say will be true. Your words shall be truth. As long as there are
rivers and mountains in the world, people will read the 'Ramayana'." So
Lord Brahma blessed him and disappeared.
Valmiki
wrote the 'Ramayana'. He taught the slokas first to the sons of Sri Rama, Lava
and Kusha. They were born twins in Valmiki's ashrama and grew up there. Now,
why did they, a king's sons, grow up in a hermitage? That is also an
interesting story.
After
Sri Rama killed Ravana in a great war to regain Seetha, he returned to the city
of Ayodhya with Seetha and Lakshmana. He was then crowned King of the Kosala
country. Seethadevi was now the Queen. They were happy. All his subjects were
also very happy and joyful. After some years Seethadevi became pregnant. Sri
Rama was very pleased that his line would continue. He said to her,
"Seetha, you are now with child and you may have some desire or the other.
Tell me whatever it is, and I shall fulfill it."
Seetha
smiled and said, "My lord, what other wish can I have? I only desire your
happiness and your love. Still there is a small thing I would like to mention.
When we were in the forest years ago, we used to go to the hermitages of the
Rishis. But I could not give anything to the wives of the sages at that time.
Can I go there now, and offer them gifts to my heart's content? I would like to
spend some time with them." Sri Rama gladly agreed to fulfill her desire.
After
a few days, one morning Sri Rama was sitting in his chamber attending to his
kingly duties. Then a spy came to him. His work was to disguise himself at
night and to listen to what different persons said. In the morning he met the
king and reported everything. The previous night he had heard some persons
criticizing Sri Rama. It was his duty to tell the king whatever he had heard.
He said to Rama, "Sire, the people of Ayodhya are full of praise for you.
But there are some who do not speak well of one action of yours. 'Queen
Seethadevi was a prisoner in Ravana's palace. Ravana was the King of Rakshasas,
and a wicked fellow. Therefore what of Seetha. Who was his prisoner? Sri Rama
was wrong in bringing her back.' I have heard some persons speak like this.
"
Sri
Rama was greatly pained to hear this. He knew that Seethadevi always thought
only of him, and was very pure. But a king should always so conduct himself as
to please and satisfy his subjects. That is the quality of a good king.
Therefore Sri Rama decided to give up Seetha. He sent for his brother Lakshmana
and told him all that he had heard from the spy. He asked Lakshmana to take
away Seethadevi at once and leave her near Valmiki's hermitage. Lakshmana was
shocked at the order he received from his elder brother. He tried to change the
mind of Sri Rama but could not succeed. Lakshmana had no choice; he had to take
away his sister-in-law.
He
brought a chariot to the gate of Seethadevi's palace. Seethadevi thought that
Sri Rama was fulfilling her desire to visit the ashramas of sages. She was all
enthusiasm. She got up a big package of haldi, kumkum, bangles and gold
ornaments to be given to the wives of the Rishis. She told everyone in the
palace that she was going on a visit to hermitages, and took leave. Sri Rama
was not in the palace. So she requested Kausalya, her mother-in-law, to inform
Sri Rama. She then entered the chariot. Lakshmana himself drove the chariot.
They
sped along and soon reached the banks of the river Ganga. Nearby was the
hermitage of Valmiki Rishi. But Lakshmana did not go to the ashrama. He got
down in the forest near the ashrama. He helped Seethadevi to alight from the
chariot. Then tearfully he said to Seetha, "Mother, Sri Rama has asked me
to leave you in the forest. Some people in Ayodhya have spoken ill of you with
doubts in their minds. They blame Sri Rama for having brought you back from
Ravana's prison. A king has to win the respect of his subjects. Therefore Rama
arms given you up. This has given him great pain, but he is bearing it because
he thinks of his duty. I have obeyed his instructions. I am a very great
sinner, to be leaving you in the forest. Kindly forgive me." He touched
her feet. Then he left the weeping Seethadevi in the forest and returned to
Ayodhya.
Lakshmana's
words were like a thunderbolt to Seethadevi. She stood for a long time staring
at Lakshmana who was going away. Deep sighs escaped from her lips. Unable to
stand, she collapsed on the ground. She recalled the entire story of her life.
Should this be the fate of a woman who always thought of her husband as her
God? She wept and wept. But yet she did not blame her husband. She thought it
was her bad fate. She was soon to become a mother and was wearied by the
journey; she had eaten no food and her mind was full of agony, so she crumpled
up. She was overtaken by sleep and lay down under a tree.
Seethadevi
awoke from her sleep by the evening. She did not know what to do and began to
cry loudly. Just then Valmiki’s disciples had come to the forest to gather
flowers and leaves for the master's worship. They heard the loud wails of
Seethadevi and followed in the wake of the sound.
They
approached her and said to her, "Mother, who are you? Why are you crying
alone in the forest? We are disciples of the sage Valmiki. Have no doubts.
Guruji's hermitage is quite near. Please come with us, Mother."
The
very mention of Valmiki Rishi brought Seethadevi some comfort. She took courage
and went with the disciples to the ashrama.
As
soon as she saw Valmiki, Seethadevi prostrated before the sage with great
devotion. Weeping, she narrated her whole story to the sage. Valmiki was deeply
moved. He consoled her in various ways. He then assured her that he would keep
her in his hermitage. He asked the women of the ashrama to look after her. He
told them that she was a very virtuous lady and they should look after her with
all possible care and affection.
After
a few days. Seethadevi gave birth to two sons. They were born on a good day
under very auspicious stars. The two babies were beautiful like dolls made of
moonlight. Valmiki rejoiced when he saw them. On the tenth day after their
birth, he named them Lava and Kusha. Every one in the ashrama was very fond of
these babies. Someone or the other among the inmates of the ashrama was always
carrying the babies and fondling them. Their affection for her children filled
Seethadevi with joy. Seeing those pretty children, she was able to forget her
sorrows. And this brought Valmiki great relief.
Lava
and Kusha grew up day by day like the waxing moon. Valmiki himself taught those
boys the first letters. He taught them to read and to write. The boys also
learnt to recite several songs of prayer. They had very sweet voices. When they
sang, all around listened spellbound. Valmiki would often make the children
sing before Seethadevi; their song delighted her like divine nectar (Amrita).
Lava
and Kusha were now eight years old. Valmiki performed their 'sacred thread
ceremony" - the Upanayana. Then he began to teach them the sacred Vedas.
He had by now completed the Ramayana', which also he taught them. The two boys
learnt it by heart. They sang the 'Ramayana'
So
movingly that Valmiki was filled with joy. He made them sing his long poem
before Seethadevi. Her heart melted at the story of the 'Ramayana', at the
singing and the sweetness of the voices. Their recitation gave the story of
'Ramayana' a new beauty and appeal. Seetha’s eyes were filled with tears of
joy. Valmiki felt proud of the boys and their singing. He would ask Lava and
Kusha to sing the 'Ramayana' before everyone who came to his ashrama.
The
boys grew up day by day and advanced in their education in Valmiki's ashrama.
Sri Rama's reign continued. He thought of performing the great sacrifice of
Ashwamedha. In those days an Ashwamedha Yaga was no small matter. It was the
greatest aim and ambition of many a king. Only the most heroic of kings in the
world would be able to perform that sacrifice successfully. A king desirous of
undertaking it would worship a horse of a fine breed. As the horse was free to
roam, if any other king tied up the horse he had to be conquered in a war. Thus
the king who wanted to perform Ashwamedha had to conquer all kings on the earth
and become an emperor. After the horse roamed over all countries and returned
home, the owner could perform the Ashwamedha sacrifice. Sri Rama undertook such
a venture. All other kings on earth offered their tributes and gifts, and
accepted him as Emperor. Then he performed the great Sacrifice. All the sages
in the land were invited to the sacrifice. So was Valmiki Rishi, who went there
with his disciples.
Sri
Rama's Ashwamedha Yaga went on for several days in grandeur. Poor people were
given food and good clothing to their heart's content. Brahmins and rishis were
pleased with the generous gifts and money. On the final day when all the rishis
were gathered together in the evening, Valmiki asked Lava and Kusha to recite
his 'Ramayana. Another disciple of his played on the flute pleasingly. It was a
night of the full moon. The two boys sang the 'Ramayana' to the accompaniment
of the flute. The recitation went on all night. The rishis and the Brahmins who
had assembled there were overjoyed. The sages and Brahmins, being so pleased,
gave gifts to the boys. Valmiki was over whelmed with joy at this appreciation
of his poem and of the recitation by his disciples.
During
the night when Lava and Kusha were singing, Sri Rama was lying down on the open
terrace of his palace. He heard the song of the boys. It was like nectar to
him. He sent for the boys the next morning. When they came there, he requested
them to sing the 'Ramayana' again. As they sang and as he listened to the story
of his own life, he was very pleased. He shed tears whenever there was mention
of Seethadevi. Alas, how much had she suffered! She had married him; what
happiness had the marriage brought her? Her whole life was full of trouble and
sorrow. Sri Rama wiped his tears; hardly able to speak, he asked the boys,
"Who are you?’
"We
are Seethadevi's sons and disciples of Valmiki," they said.
Sri
Rama was stunned at the mention of Seethadevi. 'Did Seetha, whom I sent away to
the forest, give birth to these children? Are they then my own sons he thought.
He sent for sage Valmiki atonce. When the Rishi arrived, Sri Rama heard from
him the story of those two boys in detail. He was very eager to get back
Seethadevi and begged Valmiki to fetch her. He gave the assurance that she
would again be his Queen.
Valmiki
sent his disciples to fetch Seethadevi from the ashrama. When Seethadevi
arrived, Sri Rama said to her, "Seetha, swear before all the sages
assembled here, that you loved me alone and are in truth a virtuous woman. Let
the minds of all those who doubt you be cleared. Then I shall take you
back." Sage Valmiki protested. He said to Sri Rama, "Lord Rama,
Seetha is the most virtuous of women. Please do not test her again and again.
Why should she again swear before this gathering? Her mind is already greatly
hurt. Do not pain her again. You are verily Lord Mahavishnu, the great
Protector of the Universe, and she is your divine consort, Mahalakshmi. Let
there be no further test."
But
Sri Rama did not agree. He said the test was needed in order to remove the
suspicion of people.
Seethadevi
felt ashamed. She stood with her head bowed. Tears flowed like a stream from
her eyes. All the Gods came down from heaven to witness the test of this most
virtuous woman. Before all those Gods and the rishis, Seetha prayed to the
Earth Goddess, "O Mother Earth, if it is true that I have never thought of
anybody but Sri Rama, receive me in your arms. O Mother Earth, if it is true
that I have always worshipped only Sri Rama, then please receive me. If my
words are true at all, O Mother Earth, receive me in your arms."
As
Seethadevi uttered these words, the Earth burst open, and a throne rose.
Bhoodevi, the Goddess of the Earth, was seated on the throne, which was held up
by four serpents. Bhoodevi drew Seethadevi into her arms and embraced her. In a
moment, both disappeared into the earth with the throne. The earth, which had
opened, closed again.
Seeing
Seetha vanish underground, Sri Rama was in great misery. He wept loudly. Seetha
was the daughter of Bhoodevi. She had again entered the mother's womb. Sri Rama
prayed to Bhoodevi, his mother-in-law, to give his wife back to him; he blamed
himself, craved for Seetha, and raved angrily. But it was all in vein.
Then
Brahmadeva, the Lord of the Creation, appeared to him and soothed him.
"Sri Rama," he said, "You -are no human being, but Lord
Narayana. You were born a human being to kill the demon-king Ravana. That
mission is over; you must now get back to your own world of Vaikunta. Your wife
Seethadevi awaits you there as Lakshmi."
Sri
Rama realized that these words were true. His sorrow subsided. The assembled
Gods and sages were filled with wonder. After some days Sri Rama left the earth
and returned to Vaikunta.
The
story of Valmiki is meaningful. Valmiki is a great example of how people are
uplifted by the company of good men. By coming into contact with Narada, he
became a great sage, a Brahmarshi; and he also gave the 'Ramayana' which the
world can never forget. It is one of the great epics of the world. People of
other countries read it in their own languages. The study of the 'Ramayana can
reform our lives. We can never forget Valmiki who gave this great epic to us.
Let us offer our salutations to that great sage and bard.
Guruji. A. Sivaguru Swamy
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Skype – sivaguruswamy29
45/2, Opp.Railway Station, Sirkali Tq, Vaitheeswaran Koil,
Naagai Dist, Tamilnadu–609 117
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