Saints Leave Chithrakoot
The saints in Chithrakoot Hills were near Rama and were worriless. After Bharatha left ,Rama came to know that saints were planning to leave the Chithrakoot hills and were afraid of something from their Words and their behaviour .By indicating Rama with their (eyes) side glances and raising eyebrows , they were exchanging messages amongst themselves secretly.It looked like they were doubting something abour Rama. Unable to infer the reason for the same Rama went and met the Leader of the saints with folded hands “ The Thapasvis (Saintly Mendicants known for his Penance) who are here are not behaving the same way as they were moving with me earlier.What is the reason? Did they find any change in my conduct? Or Lakshmana due to carelessness did any thing to affront them by doing anything wrong? Or is it Sita while attending to me erred or lapsed in her duty/service to you all? “ asked Rama.
That Saint was very old. Due to Old Age and severe penance he was Lean. Due to weakness his limbs were shaking. He addressed Rama who has love for all creatures and said “ Sita’s habit is to tend to others all the while for their well being; she has special craving for that;. She is the daughter of King Janaka; will she ever slip in the culture of Pious? Will she ever give an opportunity Abacharam (Disrespectful behavior, discourteous,uncivilized) in the matters of Thapasivis? The Thapasvis are afraid of the Rakshasaas (Persons who have Demonic traits, canibals) for you. There is a city called Jhanasthaanam, There is a Rakshasaasa named Karan . He is Ravana’s brother; he has huge arrogance; he has won many a battle; he is Merciless ; he kills Humans and eats them ; he has excessive Kozhuppu( Muscles – proud of his physical strength- physical arrogance)Greatest Sinner. He has boundless malice towards you. Since your arrival here in this hermitage ,Rakshasaas have been troubling the Thapasvis. They disguise themselves in Uncouth, Scary, Cruel ,manner with Vikara ( ugly, revolting body shapes, postures) scare the Thapasvis. They throw the dirty, unclean,unholy materials on them. Others they suddenly meet them and kill them, Some times with out the knowledge of the inmates they hide in the Hermittages and destroy the Thapasvis there.During performance of Rligious rites such as Homam they throw away the Vessels used for the Rites. The Homa Agni (Fire for sacrifice ) are quenched with pouring of water on them. Thye break the Earthern pot containing water for Mantrha –Verses.The Saints have been harping/ coercing me on leaving this place which are infested by these Durathma(Wicked, cruel heartless, merciless intimidating Souls) who are tormenting us. WeThapasvis should leave this hermitage before we are bodily assaulted. There is a place a Hermittage very close by There pure water, Fruits, Roots are available in abundance for we thapasvis. We have decided to go there. Before Karan directly attacks you, if you so desire, you can join us. In this new Hermittage(Ashram). When you are pious and helpful ,if you stay with your wife, there is a Lurking danger always. So your staying here is troublesome”.said the chief of Saints. When the saint gave all these reasons Rama asked “ When I am here why do you fear? I will by any means protect you. “ despite all the assurances Rama could not prevent them from leaving the hermitage.“They pacified and wit their Chief left the Hermittage to another destination after taking leave from Rama.
Rama followed them for a Long distance. They explained and counseled Rama of further actions to be done and gave him permission to return affectionately. Rama paid respects and returned the Holy hermitage . Rama has the culture of those Saints. Due to his contact the Saints benifitted a lot of his noble virtues and for long did not leave him. Even though they have gone away now their hearts were with Rama all the while.(Slokas 26).
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