Sringhiperapura
It was customary that you take permission of the Presiding Diety before you leave the City after doing Namasakram. As the mind was focused during that critical situation, Rama could not do that. Hence when he reached the end of the Southern tip of Koshala Country, he stopped the Chariot and did Namskaram to Ayodhya Diety, and prayed that his vow to be in forest should be completed without obstacle and he sought it’s Blessings thus “ hey Ayodhya greatest amongst Cities! Governed by the Kings of Ikshwaku Dynasty ! those Dieties who reside in you , and those Dieties who guard you , and also youself I bow unto all of you and seek your permission to Leave. I should do Pithruvaakya Paripaalanaam (Implementing Fatehr’s wish/pledge), should come once more here with my parents and should see you, please Bless me accordingly. “ **(Rama was God, but having delegated responsibility to others , he did give respect to the Local Ditey). Whilst he was saying this he saw people with tears rolling in their eyes stood there and Rama saw them. Rama was moved with tears raised his hands and said to them “ The respect and Pity is immeasurable. But by seeing me this grief will only increase and not subside. Hence you may go and do your duty”. They also went around Rama and were wailing loudly , with a longing to see him again and again they slowly followed him . ** (Rama was God, hence it is no surprise the ordinary mortals souls do not want to be separated and wants to cling to the Omnipresent God Rama). However much they saw him, but were not still contended(unsatiable), and went on lamenting, like the Sun sets, Rama was slowly disappearing from their eye sight.
That Kohsala Country was rich with wealth and Granary(even today).It is a place where people of Good Conduct and those who abide by Dhana(Charity) and Dharma (Just,dutiful, respectful, humble) resided. Those who resided there did not have fear. It is beautiful to look at. It is adorned by Temples for Gods, and Yoobhasthambha (Pillars) to support Yagashala (Sacrificial Pits with supporting structures). Flower gardens, tree groves with hordes of Cows and each Village was equivalent to Ayodhya. It has plenty of water resources., the people residing there do not have physical or mental illness. The chanting of Vedas by Brahmins was always heard. Thus there were no shortcomings, all the wealth were splendoured, People filled with happiness, thus Rama passed through these places hurriedly. Any one will in this world,would like to rule this place and can any one imagine the Courage and Large heartedness of Rama who renounced it as a piece of Straw?
When they were proceeding south of Kaushala kingdom they reached the banks of River Ganga, This is the Holy River which flows in all 3 worlds Heaven, Earth, and Paatal(beneath Earth).The water of Ganga is pure an without aslage(Green weed or Pasi ); it removes all sins;always wanted and searched by Saints & Sages; many Ashrama(Places of Meditation) were constructed on it’s banks ; in it’s mounds Angels used to come for Swimming and bath in earlier days. This is place Humans, Celestials, Dhanav(Demons), Gabdharva (Musicians), Kinnaras (executioners of punishemnts after death), Gandharva Pathnis(wives) reside most. It has beautiful mountians and gardens where celestials play; the flowers here are taken by the Celestials to heaven and other places for worship.The sound of the water falling on the stones is lilting like the beautiful maidens laughter. The froth is like the bewitching smile of maiden. When the water flows between the ups and downs will be like her black Hair Braid;it has swirls; When it is running on deep, it’s Profound sound is like the Mridhangam (Drum instrument). When it is running over the granite stones generates noise like thunder,The river bejewlled & dazzled due to the Angels having taken bath there; Flowers such as black Neidhal had grown thick and spread like bush. Some places had large mounds. And some places had shining sand dunes in the centre of the river like an island, .Some places had Swans, Chakravaaham, storks with happiness shrieked ,some places the trees looked as though Ganges has been garlanded ,Some palces the water was coverd by flowers such as Lotus,Blossomed Neelothpalam (Blue water Lily),Aambal (Water Lily), Cheng kazhuneer (that which rinses away sin).The droplets from Flowers sprinkled nearby and shone with pride in it’s Red hue., and in some places pure & dazzled as crystalclear (like Spatikam). in the nearby forest special Elephants the vehicles for Celestials, Elephants and the Rogue Elephants trumphetted; Flowers , fruits, sprouts,tender leafs, were dazzling with Dense creeper plants and birds; it looked like a Noble lady had adorned herself to match her enchanting beauty.Crocodiles, otters, Snakes, were in that water. Ganges was born at the feet of Maha Vishnu, got down from the matted hair of Lord Siva and as the wife of Samudra Raja(King of Oceans)Sinless,that Divine River which destroys other’s Sins, in the banks of this Great Mother Ganga is the place called Sringhiperapura towards which Rama , Lakshmana and Sita went. Seeing this holy River Rama said “ Sumnathara ! please stop the Chariot, we will stay here today. Can you see that big Pungaitree (Alexandrian Laurel ?) with lots of Frutis, branches, flowers ,unripe fruits, tender leaves we will stay underneath it. We will pay our respects to this Holy River which is adored by Birds, Animals, Humans, Celestials, Dhanav(Demons), Gandharva (Musicians)” said Rama.Sumanthara accordingly drove the Chariot there and stopped. When they alighted , he relased the Horses and stood with folded hands near Rama who was seated on the ground under the Tree.
The King of that country Guha is a best friend of Rama; born in a hunter family; Strongman;Having come to know that Rama has come to his country, he came with Elderly Ministers , relations to meet Rama . Both Rama and Lakshmana seeing from the distance went forward to receive him. Seeing Rama in the garb of Mendicant Guha was extreemly pained and hugged him with limitless affection**( Guha and Rama had studied together in school) “Just as much as Ayodhya belongs to you same way think, this Kingdom also Is yours.Who will get such a royal visitor? I am your slave.I am willing to do as you command” thus saying he extended facilities as per the cusoms prevailing then.He also brought many types of meat and other item etc “ hey Lord. Did you arrive safely here? This entire Forest is yours. We are your servants; you are our guardian. By accepting all the food, vehicles, facilities and also those needed for the Horse and you can rule the Kingdom from here ‘ prayed Guha.
Guha who knew Rama is God, was ecstatic at the arrival of Rama to his kingdeom,he gave away himslef and all that belongs to him,and made him responsible for everything he has and surrendered to Rama, he sought the privelige of serving Rama which will give the best way to Slavation.
When Guha said this, Rama was immensely happy and embraced Guha tightly with his Elephant trunk like arms “ some people are never satisfied however much they are given hospitality, we are not like that. The mere fact that you came to see us and ‘ offered everything you have, even those words are enough’ and I am satisfied,this itself is better than all the hospitalities.You and your realtions and friends are keeping good health I suppose? Is you wealth growing? Seeing you makes me very happy. I accept all your hospitality and I am pleased. But now I cannot accept anything from any body and enjoying them is against the Fast I have undertaken. I have to do the Pithuuvaakya Paripaalanaam (Implementing Fatehr’s wish/pledge) for that I am now wearing the Deer skin, Dress made of wooden leaf/barks , Pavithram;I have to live in forest and eat Fruits, Stem of the plants, roots and do penance. King has special affection towards these horses, so am I ; please give what is needed by them. We do not need anything else.if you do this , that itself will satisfy us and it will be equivalent to all the Pujas one will do.
Guha ordered his servants to give the horses the necessary fodder etc. then Rama wearing the wooden bark dress in a garland manner did Sandhyavandhanam as it was dusk. And drank the pure Ganga water, After Rama and Sita layed down in the ground Laskhamana cleaned the feet of Rama and Sita. Lakshmana came near the Tree. Rama who is sagacious, of immense Fame, and Dharmathma, and one who had never experienced sufferings and is worthy of enjoying comfort and Luxury, was sleeping with Sita . Guha was guarding with bow and arrow and was speaking about the virtues of Rama. (Slokas 51).,
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