Great Sage Sarabhanga
Preface
It is said Viradha being killed was the direct benefit of the Charanagathi which the Saints of Viradha Forest submitted themselves to Rama. The Charangathi which the Saints of Sage Sarabhanga will do will result in the slaying of Rakshasaa Kara and others - Poet Valimiki wants to elucidate that. For that, one should have Sowlabhyam (the ease with which one is able to mingle freely with all creatures including Humans) these features are with Rama - this the Poet wanted to highlight while Rama went to Sage Sarabhanga’s Ashram (Hermitage).
After killing the strong Vidarha, to allay the fear, shyness and suffering caused by Viradha’s Violence, Rama hugged Sita, consoled and comforted her. He addressed the dazzling Lakshmana - “Child ! To live in this forest is a real problem; lot many dangers can happen so let us go quickly to Sage Sarabhanga’s Ashram (Hermitage)” and started. Saint who was equivalent to the Celestials and he has seen God directly due to his Penance - they were surprised to see something near that Sage.They saw a Great person dazzling like Sun, got down from his chariot, standing but not touching the ground. He was adorned with exquisite expensive clothes, shining Ornaments bejeweled. Many great Souls like him were surrounding him and were doing Upachaaram (Extend Courtesies-Civilities-vidhipadi –Protocol offered him Roots / Fruits and did civilites of Prayers accorded those days) to him. His Charoit which was reined in by balck colour Horses shone like the rising Sun and stood in the sky. Near him shone the white Umbrella with unique Flowers, like the Moon’s cosmos. Nearby the Celestial’s Ladies were fanning the Royal insigniya made of Quills with Golden handles.The Gandhravas, Sidhas, Spirits of Celestials and Saints were praising him.
Thus Devendra (God of Celestials) talking to Sage Sarabhanga Rama said “Lakshaman see that Chariot which is dazzling and shining with Aura like the Mid day Sun in the Sky. The Horses which are tied to Indra’s Chariot are having the features of pure breed. See those Men who are surrounding him, they are in all eight directions in herds, adorned by Weapons and with beautiful ornamanets of ear lobes wearing the garlands which are shining like Flames with costumes in blood red colour . They are young 25 year olds youth like, with great Valour like Tiger and broad Eyes. Even the celestials Angels are also of similar ages.This great Man has again alighted the Chariot. You be here with Sita. Let me go and find out who this Tejhasvi (shining with dazzling radiance of Aura) is” thus ordained him. Lakshmana unwilling to be parted from Rama just started and Rama turned around and said “will return in a few seconds, be here” and started walking towards the Ashrama.
Devendra also saw Rama coming told Sage Sarabhanga “Rama is coming here. I should see him after his pledge is fulfilled. If I talk to him now his Godliness will be exposed. In human garb a big task has to be accomplished by Rama which none can achieve. Only after he kills Ravana by fulfilling the desire of Celestials, can I see him” told the Sage, paid respects and left for his abode in Heaven.
Then Rama, Lakshmana & Sita went to the Agnihothrashala (Religious offering by reciting Vedic Verses in the Sacrificial Fire Pit with Ghee (Melted butter) and other materials to Gods / Celstials) where Sage Sarabhanga was and did namaskara to him. He extended civilities and made and offered them suitable seats to them. Rama enquired about purpose of Indra’s visit said “Rama ! Indra who is well wisher of all the creatures on the ordain of Brahma (God of creation) came to take me to Brahma’s World. Why I have not gone there because You who is always Living in my heart, due to my Bhagyam (Blessings / Good Fortunes accrued by past Births, good virtuous deeds) you have come here, Without seeing such a dear Guest. Will I go to Brahma Loka without meeting you? As mere sighting of your Divine Form will confer immense Bliss. If you ask “which world will you attain”, After I have become worthy of your mercy, you are the embodiement of Truth and hence I will attain Your Vaikuntam the tripathvibhuthi. If you say “do your enjoy your Punyam ( Good fortune accrued from Past or being accumulated for future by Virtuous Dharma / good deeds / conduct) now and let this happen in chronological order. “Please accept all Punyam I have done and the Brahma World and other Lokas hitherto, were done remembering you as worship unto you. I am giving all these as my gift ; as you have come here to Bless me.
Rama who is the fulcrum of all Knowledge and wisdom in the Universe said “Hey Great Sage! I am a Kshatriyan (Warrior); I will not accept any thing given in Charity; Those Worlds I will earn them myself. Please show me a suitable place where we can Live. (Rama tacitly approved the Punyam done by them, and in return gave a job to the Sage. From here on Rama is going to visit all rishis one by one stay with them, thereby obtain the Karma pala (Repreive them of the good and bad deeds of theirs thus helping in their spiritual elevation) and get their blessings / wishes as well ; in other words they are indirectly playing a stellar role in helping in the killing of Ravana for the welfare of the world by giving away to Rama all their powers they have accrued by their pennace. By this act of their’s Rama’s incarnation purpose got easily fulfilled. Their Punya efforts got fruitified. We should not forget that the 3 Gods Brhama, Vishnu, Siva and the Saints do Thapas (Penance) for the welfare of the world. The Karma we do should be submitted to service of God that is Yaaga & Yagnya.
Sarabhanga Sage knew all the 3 Times (Past, Present, Future). Thinking of Mareecha Slaying he thought and said “Rama! Nearby, there is Saint Sudheeshana who is Dharmathma. You please go to him. He will extend all necessary help. He will show a pure and beautiful place for you. The Flowers which will go like Float in the Mandhakini River if you go westwards it will reach you there” - said the sage. “Hey fulcrum of the World! Like the snake sheds its skin, I am going to leave my body. Till then with your Mercy please keep blessing me” - thus he prayed. Then he started the Agni (Fire) and recited as per procedure the Brahmadhay Manthara, pouring the Ghee (melted Butter) and Sarabhanga entered the Agni (Fire). His Skin, Skeleton, muscle, Blood, Hair were burnt in them. The great soul started from the Agni (Fire) he took the form of a 30 year old, and shone like God. Seeing this Rama, Lakshmana and Sita were awestruck. After that Sarabhanga crossed day, Fortnight of waxing and waning moons, Utharanyanam (Summer), Year, Sun, Moon, Lightning and their ruling Deities, with his Punya earned the noblest World. There he saw the Sri Narayana with Lakshmi who are worshipped by Nithyasooris. God with all love received him and enquired his welfare.
(Slokas 44).
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