Rama meets Sage Athri
After the Thapasvis (Saintly mendicants doing Penanace) left the place, Rama considered his option of himself shifting out of the are for many reasons and did not want to stay there further thought to himself “Here Bharatha, Queens, Citizens of Ayodhya came and met me; those thoughts will haunt me and make me feel sad. Further since Bharatha stayed here with his Army the place has been polluted very badly with the dungs of the Animals in all directions. We should go and live in another place “thus he took Lakshmana and Sita and went to Sage Athri’s Ashram (Hermittage) and did Namskarams(bowed to him).That Sage treated him like his son and and himself extended special courtsies,and pacified Sita and Lakshmana in many ways. Then his ripe old wife who is the Jewell amongst the Pathivratha( pure pristine and Noblest, Chaste, Loving, Humble dotting Wife not falling prey to Fame, Money or Power) Anusooya also came there. He called her and said “ Please take care of our dear Child Sita “ and handed over to her. Then looking at Rama said“ She(Anusooya Devi) is very focused in implementing Dharma. She has immense Power gained by her Penance (Thapas). Once in earlier times there was no rain for 10 years due to which the grass, Vegetation, creeper, plants,Trees all were dried and dead. She with her Thapobhalam ( Power accured due to Continuous Penaance/Thapas) she was creating them afresh.She has ensured there is no let up in the Ganga’s Pravaahum(continuous flow). Some other time in order to Devas (Celestials) Anukool (In consancance with time/occasion- befitting and beneficial) She made 10 days as one Night. She has severe penance for many thousands of years, **(In Tretha Yuga people could live for many thousand years eg Dasaratah 60,000 years). And observed the Krushram, Chandraayanam Fasts completely and won over the obstacles encountered during the course and attained fame.You should consider her as your own Mother. She has the greatness of being worshipped by all Creatures; She is of great fame;she is very old;she never knows what is Anger any time. For the welfare of the world, she has observed those severe Fasts & Penances ; which cannot be done by any one else, inspite of that she is uncomparable in serving her husband, hence she is so great that none can have Asooya (Envy, malignity, intolerance. orvalemi.) towards her, ehnce She is known as Anusooya. ‘Let Sita be with her’said the sage.
Rama agreed”Let it be so”and told Sita who was aware of all Dharmas “Hey daughter of Janaka the Great Gnyani(Learned Wise person) Did you hear the words of the Sage for our well being? quickly go to Goddess Anusooya “ said Rama. Rama who always tells what is in her Hitham( Soothening- in the interest/Good of the person- well meant)Sita rushed to Anusooya and introduced herself.
Anusooya was very old; her body had became infirm due to old age and the skin had shrunk, Hair had gone grey, and like the Banana tree shakes during heavy wind, she was shaking . That great Pathivratha( pure pristine and Noblest, Chaste, Loving, Humble dotting Wife not falling prey to Fame, Money or Power) Anusooya with folded hands Sita offered her prayers and worshipped her with Happiness and humility enquired her welfare.Anusooya with extreme affection hugged her and kissed her forehead and blessed Sita and said “ Child! Are you implementing the Pathivratha( pure pristine and Noblest, Chaste, Loving, Humble dotting Wife not falling prey to Fame, Money or Power) Dharma properly? You have come here with your husband who has been ordered by his father to spend 14 years in the Forest foresaking/ shedding all the Relations/Wealth/Ego.Husband whether he is in City or Forest , he be a Sinner or Great Good Soul, Wife with affection and devotion serves him then She will attain Salvation in the best of the Worlds. Husband if he is of bad Character and falls prey to Lust, or has no wealth, for Noble Ladies Husband is the God. There is no relation greater than a husband who has the capacity to guard his wife under any condition, He is like the eternal Penance which gives benefit always.Whereas the Dhust(Scoundrel, bad, wicked, cruel,cunning,rascal, evil, Villainous,devil, nasty,heinious )Lady do not weigh the Virtues and Dosh(Fallacy, deficiency, defect,flaw, offence, weakness, fault, imperfection, shortcoming, blame, catch, mistake, guilt, reflection, accused, culprit,delinquent, culpable,convice, blameworthy)circumstances , they are bent upon achieving their aspirations only. Husband is the Lord instead they want to Lord over their husband. Their mind is bent towards other men and their conduct is bad,By straying away from the path of Dharma they will get infamy for ever.Whereas persons like you know the ups and downs of Life, adorned by UthamaGunangal (Noblest Virtues) they shine in Worlds which are earmarked for the Dharmathamas. Hence you should follow the PathivrataAacharam( Respectfulbehaviour,Courteous, Humble, clean, pure in thought action and deed) at the same time follow and implement the Husband’s Dhrama andFasts.By doing this you will get Eternal unerasable Fame. You will be celebrated by all and finally with the power of Punyam( Good fortune accrued from Past or being accumulated for future by Virtuous Dharma/good deeds/conduct)attain the Best position and Sukham(Comfort, Luxury, Joy, Fun,Cheer, Love, Affection and fulfilled Desires).” Thus Anusooya counselled the percepts of Pathivrata Dharma.(Slokas28).
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