Puthra Kaameshti Yagnya
Preface
Then Maha Vishnu though knew what is to be done ahead asked as though ignorant “ Hey Devas, To Kill Raavana what means do you suggest? Should I incarnate in my Oriningal form or is there any other way?”. Hearing the Maha Vishnu who can never be born Devaas addressed him “ Lord of the Universe Raavana had done penance for Long and got the Boon from Brahma that he should not get Death by any one. Ignoring the puny Human ,Ravana did not include in his List ,through them Death should not come to him Like the Rakshasaas, Devas the Celestials, Yakshaas, Nagas, Kinaras, Ghandharvas etc who live in all the worlds but forgot to include Humans through whom also he should not get his death. Hence Ravana knows he will never have his death caused by those from whom he got exception and so became Haughty and Arrogant, started tormenting all the worlds, is compelling other Ladies. Since it is ordained his death will be caused by Human, kindly take the birth of a Human and kill him.
At that time Dasrata was performing PuthraKaameshti Yagnya, so God Maha Vishnu decided to be born to Dasaratha as son, tooke leave of Brahma and vanished.In that Yaga when Sage Rishyashringha gave the offering to the Fire, from the Fire pit rose a Person of Huge Form with exceptional radiance with an Illuminating aura . He was adorned by Clothes of Black and Red colours with Pink face, with a roaring voice like Dhundhubhi, the Mustache and Beard like that of Lion’s mane, Mountain like stature,the strength of a Fat full grown Tiger, he was shining like the Sun which makes one close his eyes, with salient Features of Handsomeness, with ornanments of exquisite beauty; this person had a Golden Pot decorated with Silver carvings, had the Sweet Porridge(Paayasam or Kheer) as though holding dearly his consort with both his hands addressed Dasratha “ Hey King please be known that I have been assigned by God Brahma to meet you”.
Dasratha with folded hands bowed and said “ Hey Lord, Welocme What is it that has to be done by me sire?” That Messenger of Brahma “ Since you have prayed by performing Ashwamedha and Puthra Kaameshti Yagnya You are getting this Divine Paysam (Kheer or Sweet Porridge). This will confer you the Long lasting wish for begetting a Child with Fame and Good Health. Hence please take this and please give it to your Queens to consume. You will reap the beinifits of the efforts you are taking.
King “ Shall do as ordered by you sire” took the Golden Vessel containing the Payasam (Sweet Porridge) sent by Devas the celestials with reverence and endearment and kept on top of his head went around the Form and bowed by doing Namshkaram.He was ecstatic Like most wretched beggar gets wealth , the messenger of Brahma also vanished in the Fire.
Dasaratha completed the Puthrakameshti yagnya and went to hiss Harem and called his Queens Kaushalya and other 2 and said “ ThisPayasam is sent by Devas(celestials). This will confer you the right to bear Children so please consume this”. Like the Moon shines in the sky during summer,the Queens radiated in that harem hearing those words of their King Dasaratha.
King Dasratha gave 50% of the Payasam or Kheer to Kaushalya, 25% to Sumitha and 12.5% to Kaikeyi and the remaining 12.5% to Sumithra.The Sages appreciated this distribution of Payasam. The Queens happily lapped the Payasam or Sweet Porridge and became pregnant to beget Sons having Aura like the Sun and Fire God. King’s worries was thus removed and shone like Indra the God of Celstials. (Slokas 34)
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