Mandhakini River
Then Rama got down from the Hill and showed the pure holy Mandhakini river with crystal clear water to Sita. Due to the happiness derived by seeing Mountains, Forest, gardens, Trees, Birds, Animals and rare species and seeing her Face which was like Red Lotus Blossomed Flower Rama said “ Sithay ! Did you See the Mandhakini river? These Sand dunes how Vichithram (they are beautifully crafted in a novel manner by nature).Swans and the vandaazhwan Sparrows, are playing in between the Lotus flowers. It’s Banks which are full of Trees with bountiful Flowers and Fruits rivals and outshines ridiculing the famed Nalini Pond where Khubera (Gaurdian of Wealth) swims and enjoys. As the Animals in hordes come and drink water it is slightly churned creating a reddish tinge to the water and this enthuses and entices us to take Bath.
See there ! The saints wearing Deer Skin and matted hair are taking bath in this Holy River at the appropriate times. There you see some other Rishis(Saints) with their hands raised are paying obeisance to Sun God.Like those who are shaking their hands while throwing the flowers is similar to the mountain trees being swayed by the Air and spraying the Flowers, Leaves in the River in all 4 directions. Some places the water is pure like Pearl drops and twinkling like star. Some places the sand mounds are seen. Some places you can see Sidhars (who have attained by penance 1 or all the 8 super natural Powers). Happily playing in the river. Some places the Air is sweeping the flower bunch to the shores. Some places the flower bunches are floating in the centre of the Mandhakini River.In that flower bunch is stting some of the Chakravaha Birds and singing melodiously and inviting their contemproaries for Playing.
Hey Guile less Lady !In stead of living in City it is more enchanting to seeing this Chithrakoot Mountain. Instead of Living in the city, we can enjoy the solitude of this Chitrhakoot Mountain does it not give us Sukam (Enjoyment, comfort, unique merriment unavailable anywhere? In stead of looking at you, seeing this Mandhakii River gives me Raving feelings. Sidha Purusha (Saints who do immense Penanace ) have attained super natural powers by controlling their Senses;and are enjoying this place by bathing and making it holier with washing of their Feet. Come on let us get down and take Bath.The necessary materials are ready. Please remove your fear and shyness , like you play with your girl friends please play with me here in this river .By your bathing and the waves you create will submerge the Red and White Lotuses, you will see this. Please bestow the same Love you used to shower on the People in Ayodhya, on the animals here. Imagine this Hill is Ayodhya and this Mandhakini is the Saryu River.
Dharmathama Lakshmana will follow/ conduct as I desire; you are also in consonance with me. When a person who has a dear affectionate and loving wife and a duty bound brother who carries out every command can any one bargain for a better Sukam (Enjoyment, comfort, unique merriment unavailable anywhere ) ? In all 3 times of the Day we can bathe in this Holy River and then eat fruits, roots Honey along with you as long as I am with you in the Forest , I will not think of Ayodhya; nor will I think of the country. In this Mandahakini River bank the animals in hordes loiter, Due to the Power of Penance of the Saints the Elephants, Lions, Monkeys have left their natural enmity and are drinking water together in the same place. In the banks of Mandhakini River which is adorned by trees with fruits, flowers is a visual treat who will not realx and get over his Laziness or tiredness and will not get Bliss? Thus Rama described Mandhakini in many ways and loitered around the valley of Chithrakoot in dark black forest with Sita.(Slokas 19).
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