Describing Vasantha Ritu
(Spring season)
Preface
In earlier Kandams Rama showed the Dharma of protecting the Pious and weaklings. In this Kandam Rama follows the Dharma of protecting the friends. His character of conferring Moksha (Ultimate Salvation of God’s Feet) was seen in the earlier Kandam in passing. That Rama is none other than Personification of god is seen in this Kandam. The philosophy of Charanagathi (Last resort is to fall at God's Feet shedding one's Ego, Anger, Attachment, Desire, intelligence and seek HIS guidance, for HE knows what is in store for us) is seen in the initial 1st portion in the Bala Kandham containing Sita’s wedding; Meaning of 2nd portion is All the People were enchanted by Rama’s Luring Merciful Grace with his Uthama Gunangal (Noblest Virtues) in the Ayodhya Kandham; the 4th difference of Narayana meaning service was rendered by the Sages in AAranya Kandham upto the story till he reaches Panchavati; Namaha: meaning is seen by the stories of slaying of Kara; Since meeting of Mareecha the path for salvation of Life; despite seeing Mareecha the Living beings still flounder in Lust and Luxuries forgetting the purpose of seeing God. Due to this Geat Lust of Ravana is depicted;just by mere Karma the Life and Agyaanam (ignorance , Pride, Arrogant Ego and partial in his affection for some one) does not go away is seen by Jhatayu’s story; The Jeevan (the Soul) enters the Samsara (Life)’s skin is seen by Sita’s entry into Lanka; The Jeevan (Life source) undergoes the pangs of Feelings is seen by the bad beahviour of Rakshasis towards Sita;The Jeevan (soul) itself searches for remption from Life is seen by Rama searching for a path to reach Sita these are the purposes of Aaranya Kandham.
In Kishkinda Kandham God is teaching to the Souls that the Bhakthi (unstinted, unwavering Devotional surrender) is taught through the Guru. In the 1st Sargam God Rama feels bad that all the Souls instead of enjoying the Unlimited Energy, Wisdom, Blissful happiness are floundering in the quagmires of Misery of Life. The Soul untill Moksha has to follow the Dharma of Teacher, of Varnashrama (0 to 12years Balyam Playful, Learning,13 to 22years Brahmacharya Bachelor-Celibacy with Service to God / Parents , 23 -60years Youvana - wealth creation, Children, their Marriage, Grand children etc, Vanaprastha- >60 till Death Pray God in isolation away from worldly comforts). How Gyanis (teachers) and Devotees should conduct their Life, His Avatar’s magnificence and his own magnificence have been portrayed in Vasantha Ritu (Spring Season).
Then Rama saw the Lotus and Blue Lily filled Pamba Lake which were akin to Sita’s Face and Eyes, and the Fish Eyes reminded him of the vacillating nature of Sita. Despite him being a Courageous person and having a dear closest friend Lakshmana nearby was overcome by the absence of Sita’s physical presence moaned senselessly. Seeing that Lake made his body shudder in happiness.
Then Rama looked at Lakshmana “Child ! The water is Crystal clear like Vaidooriya (Lapiz Lazuli) a variety of Diamond and has Blossomed Louts and Uthpal Flowers and with countless number of Trees. In the nearby forest trees are full of Fruits and Flowers and are appearing like towering Mountainous Peaks. Despite Bharatha praying in many ways I did not heed to his requests;hence he is in Mendicant’s Dress in Nandigrama observing Fasts, Upavaasams. Even Sita, Fulcrum of my Life has been taken away. In this state the Spring is also roasting me with anguish. Isn’t it that a person in distress will have hatred towards anything he sees? Even myself who is in such a grievance, this Pamba Lake is enchanting me. Its cold water is covered by Flowers like Lotus. Pythons and other Serpents are running here and there. Despite having cruel Animals because of Flowers, this place looks beautiful. The tender leaves of grass of Yellow and Green hue due to the spilling of Flowers of differently variety and colours gives a feeling as though it is a Carpet which is woven by threads of different Flowers. The trees filled with flowers are covered by Creepers having Flowers of different hues; this is Spring time. The Trees are filled with Fruits and Flowers;everywhere it is Frangrance;the wind which is absorbing this Fragrance is pleasantly blowing as soft caressing gentle Breeze kindling our Desire. See the Flowers which are being showered by the Trees in the Mountains is like the rain bearing Dark Clouds sprinkling water. See the wild Trees amongst the Stone Boulders, due to heavy winds are swaying and showering the petals and Flowers. Those Flowers which have withered and which are about to fall are being sprayed and spewed in all four directions as though the Wind is playing with them. The Branches filled with Flowers being swayed by wind causing the Bees being blown away are following them humming away in glory. The Wind coming out of the caves of the mountains with roaring sound swaying the Trees;the regal haughty Nightingale, Cuckoos cooing away melodiously. It looks as though others are synchronizing with them in dance in Rhythmic manner. Others give the feeling Veena and Flute is also being played in tune with Divine Nature’s Dance and Song. The Trees which touching each other while being swayed looks as though it is Garland which have been hemmed in so natural manner.
The Fragrance of the Sandal wood from the Malaya Hill is being carried is cold and soothing breeze thus takes away all the tiredness of us. The sound which is emanating by the gentle breeze which along with it’s soothing fragrance synchronizing with the humming caused by the Honey Bees is creating lilting sound very pleasing to the heart. The pure breed Trees growing in the Mountains are covered by the beautiful Flowers; seeing them from a distance looks as though it is crowd of Flowers.The Trees with Flowers swaying and the bees Humming over them looks as though someone is dancing wearing Flowers of different colours on their Hair Braids with a black crown or head guard (Bees) while singing melodiously by herself / himself all along. Seeing the Kongu Trees on all 4 sides with its branches full of flowers is akin to Sages who have adorned Creamish Pithambara (Dress) with Golden ornaments.
It is 13 years since we left the city. Having been separated from Sita these various Birds chirping away and the Animals sounds during this Spring season are making me more perturbed and increasing my Longing for her. Though I am infected by pangs of separation now I am more infected by Manmadha (Lord of Venus of Love). The Cuckoo cooing happily seems to drag me into competition with it. This Sky Cock a doodle from the Waterfall is happy calling me is inflicting me more, causing more anguish of Longing of Love. if you ask ‘is it habitually normal for me after hearing its sound, do I get perturbed?’ it is clear No. In an earlier time when Sita was in a Ashrama, after hearing the sound of this bird overcome by lust she lured me and enjoyed bliss with me in many ways. Hence now having separated from her, this bird’s sound is making me long for her more and causing Pangs.
Thus the Unique novel bird’s chirping , cooing in various ways now I see them flying away from the Trees and Bushes in all Directions. The Female birds are courting their male counterparts, with other birds saying ‘don’t you want a most compatible partner?’. With the bees humming melodiously enthusing them to make love with more vigour spurned by Desire.The Sky Cockadoodle’s sound and Cuckoo’s cooing with trees making lilting sound is compounding my desire more and more. Agni (Fire) you are burning me through this Spring season;the Ashoka Flower batches are the catalyist burning fire woods; the tender leaves are the Flames; The Bees ereeing sound is the like+ crackling sound when the Fire / Flames grow / Glow.
What is the use of my being alive without Sita, who has thin Eye lashes and with dark thick black curly hair? Where is my breathing Life partner. This Spring season and this beautiful forest, the Nightingales sounds filled in all directions Sita will be in Bliss. The Fire of Sorrow created by the desire of Manmadha (Lord of Venus of Love) grown by the Beauty of Spring season, will very soon burn me away. This Spring which is in the form of Cold caressing breeze with Flowers swiping away the Sweat that is caused by the heat of Making Love in Bliss is tormenting me being in front of me. I am again and again reminded of Sita who has eyes like that of those Deer Kids which are frightened; the pleasant breeze coming through the Trees bublling Flowers is cruel to me and burning me.
See this Peacocks whose feathers are swaying vibrantly are dancing away blissfully all over the place. Those Peacock Feathers from a distance looks like windows made of Crystals. The Peacock surrounded by Peahens was immersed in the ecstacy of Love, myself too is being kindled with Lust. Lakshmana that Peacock is dancing volptuously in the Hilly terrain with happiness. It’s consort in order to lure the Peacock is going nearer to the dancing Peacock.Seeing his enchantress trying to entice him the Peacock flapping it’s Feathers is pleasantly cooing in it’s response. It looked as though the Peacock was saying “In this beautiful season you are separated from your consort; look I am going to dance with her blissfully” teasing me. When I was in City Ravana did not take Sita away ;instead when I should have been enjoying in privacy here in this beautiful place, why did he take her away at this juncture? This Peacock because of his Luck did not suffer this fate.The Rakshsaas did not lift it’s consort. So those who enjoy with their Consorts in this beautiful place at this beautiful juncture are the Fortunate ones.
“Lakshmana! did you notice the Birds and Anmials are have close proximity towards one another? In this world the Man is happy by tuning himself to his wife. Whereas this Peahen overcome by lust was dancing to the tune of it’s Peacock Husband by dancing close to him. Did you notice the greatness of this Spring season? Will not by seeing me in this environment Sita with her blossomed Eyes join me and give me Bilss? Oh my that Cruel wicked Rakshsaa has taken away Sita. This spring season has made the Trees blossom with Fruits, Flowers and due to the heavy load the trees are bent and this Forest is full of them, but they are not giving me happiness. Despite the Bees surrounding the Flowers I am not able to enjoy them and hence have withered and fallen on the ground and are being wasted. The way birds are cooing and luring it’s partners looks as though to enhance my desire”.
In this Spring season, Sita also will be undergoing such mental torture. May be in the place where she is kept there may not be Spring season;but how will she be alive being separated from Me ? Even if I accept the Spring season is there where Sita is presently, being frightened by others what comfort / happiness can she be able to enjoy? She is young, worthy of all possible Enjoyments and Luxuries;she has red Lotus petals like Eyes;she speaks very softly to anyone, being the first one to initiate a dialogue;it doesn’t appear she will be alive in this Spring season. I know for certain that Sita can not be alive in my absence. Sita’s thoughts and Life force are entrenched in me deep rootedly. My Love and affection is also similarly deep rooted in her. This breeze which has absorbed the fragrance of the Flowers is blowing pleasantly, but to me it is like the Heat wave from embers caused due to my Longing of Sita. Same Breeze wasn’t it pleasant and enchanting giving me happiness when Sita was around? Why is it giving me pangs of unhappiness when Sita is not around? When being separated from Sita the same bird was shouting with hatred;now same is humming away pleasantly from the Tree. I deem it as a good omen that Sita is going to join me shortly. The bird, which made us separate is only going to unite us. See these Birds which are sitting in Trees full of Flowers; hearing them who will not be bewitched? The Bees seeing the swaying of bunches of Flowers of the Tilaka Tree like the person who is intoxicated in Love and enchanted, Lured by his Heroine the Bees too are going to the Flowers. By nature the Ashoka Tree is Cruel as it aggravates those who are suffering due to Longing for Love further and further. Seeing those Leaves and bunches of Flowers swaying it is scaring me to convey “ that Manamadha (Lord of Love) is intentionally sending those scorching Arrows which have been heated to it’s melting point”. Lakshsmana see these Mango trees which has flowered fully is akin to Humans in their ecstacy have applied Sandal wood on themselves.
Kinnaras are loitering around those Unique novel trees which are spread on all sides of the Lake. These Red Lotuses with Fragrance are dazzling in those water, like the early morning Sun. The water of the Lake is Crystal clear and has the Black Neidhal and Chengkazhuneer other Lilies and is filled with Swans and storks and watery birds. The Chakravaha Birds are flying in all the directions.In the banks of the Lake some unique Forest have grown. Elephant and Deer are getting down in the banks of the Lake to drink water. The wind is making the waves which are making the Lotus sway here and this is a sight which is beautiful and enchanting. Sita whose eyes have Lotus like petals has special Love for Lotus. Without seeing her I do not want to Live. Oh My what shall I tell of the torture of Longing of Lust? I do not know where Sita is. It doesn’t seem feasible that I will be able to meet her. Inspite of that, those words of Sita when she had asked me to fetch the Golden Deer is still ringing in my ears and hasn’t gone from my Manam { Chitha (Memory) + Inner Conscience Mind + Intellect (Bhuddhi) +Ego}. Since the spring season is making me get disturbed by the beauty, fragrance of Flowers and Fruits; this otherwise would not have made me long for Sita. Things which gave me happiness when she was around, those very same things are giving me unhappiness because she is not around. These Lotus petals are like Sita’s Eyes. The Breeze absorbing Fragrance of Lotus which are coming through the Trees is like Sita’s Breath .
Lakshamana! Look at the south banks of Pambha‘s Hill Valley see the Kongu Tree having Flowers. There the Rishya Mukha hill which is filled with minerals when the wind is hurling themselves Is sprinkling many coloured sparks. The Pahalasa trees which are shedding their leaves from their Trees was like the Fire embers sprouting all around. In Pamba there were different Flowers like Jasmine, Rose coloured Arali, Nochi, Small Jasmine, Big Jasmine, Kurukuthi etc. Plants and Trees like Navel, Muralanchedi, Jack tree, Kichili, Banyan, Thumbai, Peepal, Kongu, Aacha, Thavam,Nageshwara Manchadi, Sweet Mango, Pungai, Black Ashoka, Blue kadambu, Red Sandalwood, Alari, Ashoka, Neem,Dates,Shanbhagam, Thazha (cream colour leaf),Teak Bettle leaf,Mango, Kora, Lemon, Neerkadambu, Palm, Thinisi, Alexandriya Laurel, ilupaai (Mahua Long leaved bassia), Bilvam with 3 petals formation, thumba, Spandha, Black kanjali, Karungali, Palasa, Padri Vanni, Forest wild trees. When wind blows the Creepers and Plants, Flowers were adorning those creepers also swaying in the directions of the Wind;it is like the Woman swaying with Drunken Men.
This Wind is blowing from Hill to hill, Flower to Flower, Tree to Tree having drunk different types of Essence appears that it is regaling majestically. Some trees which are filled with Flowers looks like it has drunk Honey and was emanating fragrance. Some Trees were filled with Flower Buds was like Dark Clouds.This Bee said “This Flower Is beautiful;this is very tasty; this has blossomed thus was enjoying every Flower. It sat in every place for shortwhile, out of greed goes flying to another flower. Here the Flowers which have fallen by them selves were like a Carpet uniquely woven with different hues, intricacies. In some boulders there were Shanbhga Flowers which had fallen looked like the Golden Cots. Some places the Arali flowers were fallen looked like the Silk Bordered Clothes and also many coloured Carpet beds.
Lakshamana! In this Spring season everywhere the Trees are filled with Flowers and Bees humming melodiously and Bees were boasting “How handsome am I? You are no match to me” amongst themselves. The Storks are diving in this water along with their consort and enjoying themselves. playfully. Seeing that makes me intoxicated with Lust. Just as how much this Pambha is beautiful, Mandhakini is also looking beautiful. Hence it has earned the special name in this world. Sita must be attained again by us and if we were to Live here again then I will not long for Indra Loka (heaven) or Ayodhya. If I were to spend time with Sita in this ranch of tender grass Green Carpet joyously then I will not remember even the Loss of Kingdom or all the sufferings even once; so beautiful is this place.Seeing this place full of Trees and Flowers of different types;due to separation from Sita my Intellect is getting scattered and shattered. In this Cold water Pambha Birds such as Crowncha, Chakravaaha, Royal Swans, Flower Swans and other Storks were dancing and cooing in delirium, Deer, Boar also getting into the Lake and were playing, seeing this reminds me of Sita and every moment is making me Long more and more for her.
Lakshamana ! in this Hilly terrain all the Animals are enjoying themselves blissfully and I am in anguish due to separation from Sita. Seeing the birds haughty due to this environement is making me feel more miserable. Unless Sita also enjoys this breeze from Pambha I will not survive. With the fragrance of flowers of Lotus, ChengKazhuneer, removes the sorrowing ailments of those who mingle. Those who enjoy the cool breeze in this Pambha Laks are the Lucky and fortunate ones. Sita is worthy of enjoying all these Luxuries, comforts with her Youth of the caressing Winds from the Hilly terrain. She is of uncomparable beauty; she is grown in the house of Emperor Janaka who has all the wealth;now that she is caught in the web of the Enemy how can she survive? After I return to Ayodhya if Janaka were to ask in presence of the Citizens, enquires the welfare of Sita, what reply can i give to that Great Soul Wise person? Even if I want to commit suicide due to this anguish the Enemies wouldn’t let me. I having Lost the Kingdom, driven away by Father;Sita who observing Pathivratha ( pure pristine and Noblest, Chaste, Loving, Humble dotting Wife not falling prey to Fame, Money or Power) followed me and bore with all the sufferings and made me happy Where is Sita now? How will I live being separated from her? My Manam { Chitha (Memory) + Inner Conscience Mind +Intellect (Bhuddhi) + Ego} is aching to see Sita who has blemishless face with most beautiful Eye Lashes with pleasant fragrance emananting from her Face. When I will hear her words which always is spoken with smiling face sagaciously and Sweetly? The Jewel amongst the Pathivratha (pure pristine and Noblest, Chaste, Loving, Humble dotting Wife not falling prey to Fame, Money or Power) who despite all sufferings and Grievance never showed her misery or discomfiture and was always cheerful. When would she wipe out my agony and my Longing for her with her beauty and words of Nectar in Flood like fashion?
Lakshmana after I return to Ayodhya if Kaushalya were to ask “Child ! where is my Daughter in Law? “what would I reply her? If I tell the truth, due to the excessive Love for Sita she will immediately Die. So you return to Ayodhya and be happy with Bharatha. Will I survive without her?” - thus Great Soul Rama in many ways lamented like an orphan.
Hearing that Lakshamana said “ Anna! (Elder Brother) You Greatest amongst Men. Can you afford to lose Courage? Can you grieve like this? May Sakala Mangalam (May all Blessings and Auspicious happenings) be showered on you.Having matchless Courage can you be shattered like this? Don’t we see in this world that, On whom we shower Love, when we are separated from them we suffer maximum pain? So we should remove the root cause for that misery. As the wick which has been soaked much in the oil is burnt by Fire. (Due to Friendship the soft Manam { Chitha (Memory) + Inner Conscience Mind + Intellect (Bhuddhi) + Ego} craves for the missing person physically suffers in Agony. The wick has 2 friends Love and Oil). Even if Ravana goes to Paathal (Underneath the Earth) will he survive? Let us find out his place where he stays.Sita should be given back to us or else he should be destroyed. Even if he has kept in the womb of a guest, if Ravana does not return her back I will kill him now. Please shun this worry. Be Courageous. If someone decides on a task, unless he makes efforts, can he achieve his task? For Humans nothing will give benefit as persevearance and relentless Efforts. For a person who tries consistently there is nothing which is ungettable. Those people while carrying out tasks relentlessly do not lose Courage. If we have only enthusiasm we will certainly get Sita. Do not spoil your intellect with Lust and Sorrow. Please remember that you are a Courageous person and have balanced Mind and trained for the same”. Thus Lakshmana said with Humility, Appropriately, soothingly. Hearing these words Rama overcame the sea of sorrow, anguish and confused mind and thus regained his Courage.
Then Rama and Lakshmana who are the most valorous crossed the Pambha River. While Rama was still suffering pangs of separation of Sita, Lakshmana went and looked at every Mountain, Forest & Cave searching for Sita carefully and went ahead. Lakshmana protected Rama who was walking majestically .
( Lakshmana has Bhakthi (unstined, unwavering Devotional surrender) to Rama which never gets coagulated; Greatly Courageous; one blessed with the opportunity to serve Rama. With his walking gait Rama endeared all Living beings, Lakshamana had controlled his senses and did not allow himself to be astray; He is the Adisesha who became a Seat for Rama to sit, he is Umbrella when Rama is standing, he was Foot wear to Rama and took it as his Blessings to serve Rama . Knowing this Lakshmana’s mother Sumithra “Child ! When Rama is walking in the forest, do not get mesmerized by his walking gait, do not forget your duty of Service” - thus counseled him. She sagaicoulsy advised him Worldly strictures, Laws of Governance at appropriate times;motivated and encouraged him to kill enemies with disdain}
Thus encouraging and motivating themselves they reached Rishya Mukha Hill. There Sugreeva seeing the Courage and PARAKRAM (Achievement, Might , Puissance, Exploits, Valor, Heroism, Gallantry , Prowess, Ability, Valour) of these two warriors and was awestruck. Even though I am strongman, has by any chance Vali sent these people to kill me? He was scared and stood still. Seeing them moving around searching in all directions only increased Sugreeva’s apprehension. Even those Monkey warriors who were with Sugreeva got worried and went and hid themselves in Sage Mathanga’s Holy Ashram.
(Slokas 132)
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