Hemantha Rithu (Autumn)
While they were staying there the Hemantharitu (Autumn) had set on. That time is very congenial to the Thapasvis (Mendicant Saints). Since time was ripe for slaying of Kara Dhooshana the root cause being Surpanakas arrival, hence it was Anukool (In consoncance with time / occasion- befitting and beneficial) for Rama as well.
One day morning all 3 of them went to bathe in River Godavari. Then Lakshmana said “Anna! the Autumn very dear to you has started now. Hence the whole place is beautiful and atmosphere is alive.This time the body due to cold will not be soft. The agriculture will be rich and growing. Water cannot be touched and Fire will be desirable. Domestic husbands bring the new agricultural produce home and do BhagaYagnya called Agrayana and thus please Pitrus(Fore fathers) and get released from Sins. Those who are living outside there desires will grow. Milk, Curd (Yogurt) will be available in plenty. Kings will attack enemies for Victory. Since Sun is south he looks like the Lady without thilak (Red Dot Indian Women wear in their forehead in between eye brows to inform their marital status) hence Sun is not Shining. Himalayas which are normally covered with Snow is further covered by thick Snow foliage. (Himalaya in Sanskrit means place having Snow).Sun during mid day gives out comforting heat. During this time one can easily see him. Shadow and Water instigates consternation. Sun does not burn you excessively. Winter is high, hence the leaves in the Trees are shed and hence the Animals unable to go out hide themselves. People afraid of the winter cramp their Limbs. During Night people will not sleep in open spaces. Pushya Month is nearing. Due to fog it is hazy. During night the cold winds are more. The day is shortened. Nightfall is Long. Moon having given its beauty and authority to sun he looks similar to the Mirror which has a mist of our breath on it, having lost its shean and looking hazy. During Pournami (Full Moon ) the night having lost its lusture due to fog, Looks akin to Sita whose face has gone dark and pale when exposed to Sun during summer. But it does not have it lusture of Sita. The westerly winds by nature are cold. It’s chillness has increased with winter (ie Wind chill factor) . In the forest the Wheat Stalks, Yavai stalks are having dews in Sunrise; during this time the Crowncha, Vandavzh sparrows coo amongst them, looks as though the Forest is crying aloud shedding tears. Golden Rice Paddy stalks have fully grown and due to its weight looks like the Date fruits Flower in it their tips. Despite Sun having risen high in the sky, the sun rays are covered by the Winter fog and looks like Moon. In the forenoon you can feel the slight warmth of the Sun; mid day it is ordinary; the red coulour heat with white falls on the ground. Since there is dew constantly the fresh grass is wet and the Forest ranch is brightening due to early morning Sun. The Elephants which are thirsty having gone to drink water fold back their trunks as the water is cold. Like those who have not been trained hesitate to go to war, the Storks are not entering the water and sitting on its banks. The Foot path in Forest have been covered by Fog and looks as though they are sleeping and do not have Flowers. Even the water in River is covered by mist. We have to find out the location of Vandavzh Sparrows from its sound only as they are not visible. The sand on the river banks are covered and wet by dew.The water fall from the peak of the hills, due to dew and fog with depeleted Sun Ray is interesting to look at. The Lotus stalks with their Leaves burnt and darkened by the severity of winter looks aghast in the streams unlike normal times.
In this time greatest amongst men Bharatha due to his devotion unto you in search of Dharma is doing penance with grief in Nandi grama. He has forsaken the Kingdom, Luxuries, Authority and with Diet restrictions is sleeping on the ground. At this time he must be surrounded by the Government officials must be going to take bath in the Sarayu river. He has been brought up with opulence; worthy of comfort living only. He has soft skin; how will he take bath in that cold water before sun rise? Knower of Dharma; Sathyavaan (Truth abiding person); one who has won over Senses; he is shy of doing wrong things; He is Great Warrior ; he has the eyes like the Lotus flower leaf ; He is blue sky hued in complexion ; he has flat stomach; one who has Arms stretching to the knees; he who speaks endearingly with one and all; great Bhagysaali (extremely Blessed and charmingly Great Good Fortunes). Despite all this discarding all the Luxuries he is seeking your umbrage In all aspects. Though you are in Forest, he the Great Soul is implementing the same Dharma of a saint living in forest in Nandigrama.So he will attain the noblest of the worlds. The adage that ‘Men are not like their Father; they have the habit of their Mother’. Has been belied by him
. How did Kaykeyi get this cruel nature when she has Dasratha as husband and Bharatha as son?” - the Dharmavaan Lakshmana out of love for Bharatha accused Kaykeyi.
Rama unable to tolerate same said ‘You should never ridicule you own mother Please tell the Virtues of greatest amongst Men Bharatha. Though I am steadfast in being in Forest, I am longing for Bharatha and feel like seeing him now here.Enderaingly, Sweetly, affectionately, and with well meaning soothing Bharatha’swords which are like nectar and gives Bliss to the heart, I am reminded often. When You, me, Bharatha and Shatrugna together will enjoy?” lamenting they took bath in the river and offered Tharpanam (Libations of water) for Pitrus. They praised Sun and Celestials with Sthotras (Chantings). When Rama with Sita and Lakshmana were returning after bath looked like Siva, Parvathi and Nandi returning after Bath. (Slokas 43).
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