Ramayana. 5

Aranyakand - 1

The Word Aranya in the Aranya Kanda means Forest. There are 28 chapters in this Kanda explaining the life of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita in the forest, besides the abduction of Sita by Ravana.

It begins with Rama getting clarification from his Kulapati on the uneasy atmosphere prevailing in Chitrakuta. Rama’s kulapati described the atrocities of forcing the Rishis to abandon the place. Rama was unhappy to stay in Chitrakuta not only because of the Rishis leaving the place but also due to painful memories that Bharata had left behind. 

They started their journey and had a meeting with the renowned Rishi Atri and his wife Anasuya, who herself was a great tapasvini. Anasuya was so pleased with Sita that she gave her blessings with all her heart and also gave her a few clothes, garlands and ornaments. Continuing their journey into the Dandaka Forest they had the first encounter with a Rakshasa by name Viradha, who reached heavens after being killed by the valiant brothers. 

They then reached the Ashrama of Sage Sarabhanga, who told Indra that he can come to Brahmaloka only after meeting Rama and entertaining him. Now the Rishis gathered around Lord Rama and expressed their happiness that their protector has decended on the Dandaka forest. This was followed by their visit to Sage Sutheekshana’s Ashram to pay their respects. They continued their life for the next 10 years wandering into the forest from one Ashram to another. 

Rama, who had heard about sage Agastya, was anxious to meet him. Taking directions from sage Sutheekshana, Rama reached the Ashrama and requested for an opportunity to dust the feet of sage agastya. Agastya was so happy in meeting Rama, Sita and Lakshmana that he gave Vishnu’s Dhanus designed by Vishvakarma along with inexhaustible quivers and silver sword. As suggested by Agastya, Lakshmana set up an Ashram for them to stay in a place called Panchavati. 

Ramayana should have ended here but for Shurpanaka’s desire for having Rama as her husband. She also threatened to eat up Sita. Lakshmana was so angered by this that he cut Shurpanaka’s nose and ear. 

Aranyakand - 2

Shurpanaka’s feelings were now converted to one seeking revenge and she provoked her brother Khara to fight with Rama and Lakshmana. At the end of a fierce battle, Khara, his commanders as well as an army of 14000 soldiers were killed single handedly by Rama. One Rakshasa escaped from the battlefield and narrated the tale of woes to Ravana whose first reaction was one of disbelief. The Rakshasa after describing the prowess of Rama suggested that Ravana abduct the beautiful wife of Rama, which will make Rama lose his life in sorrow. Ravana at this stage was dissuaded from doing so by his uncle Maricha.

Shurpanaka desperate by now to seek revenge succeeded in provoking Ravana by following two fold strategy. One, by telling Ravana that he is losing control over the forest to a man and Secondly, by describing the beauty of Sita devi and by creating a desire in Ravana’s heart to make Sita his wife. Ravana now made a plan and made his uncle Maricha take the disguise of a Golden Deer with Silver spots. When Sita spotted the golden deer, with silver spots and jewelled horns, she requested Rama to capture it alive so that she can have a playmate in the Ashram. Lakshmana warned Rama that it is all Maricha in disguise, however, Rama in his eagerness to please his wife and remembering Sage Agastya’s instructions to take care of sita in every way, goes after the deer leaving strict instructions to Lakshmana to guard sita. After a few minutes of frustrating chase luring Rama deep into the forest, Rama killed the deer (maricha) and as per instructions given by Ravana, Maricha shouted Ha Sita, Ha Lakshmana in a voice similar to that of Rama. Hearing this, Sita ordered Lakshmana to go and assist Rama. Lakshmana refused to go as his brother had instructed him to guard sita and he suspected that it is part of a deep scheme. More importantly, he was sure that Rama cannot be killed in a fight. However, sita devi in her anxiety and anger heaped insults on Lakshmana, accusing him of not helping his brother because of ulterior motives to make sita his wife. Finally, she threatens Lakshmana that if he did not go to help Rama she will kill herself. Lakshmana on the verge of tears, with great hesitation, looking back often took unwilling steps to the direction from where the noise came. Ravana who was hiding and seeing all this time came to the ashram under the disguise of a sanyasi and abducted her in his chariot. Ravana also killed Jatayu, the old eagle who tried to stop Ravana. Ravana, after reaching Lanka, tried convincing sita to marrying him. Sita not only refused but told ravana that his death at the hands of Rama and Lakshmana was certain. Ravana left sita with an ultimatum of 12 months to change her mind or else be killed.

Aranyakand - 3

 

Rama and Lakshmana by now returned to the Ashram and were shocked to find it empty. Rama was inconsolable by now and declares that he cannot live without sita. Lakshmana without overstepping his decorum of a younger man talking to his elder brother, tried to calm him down. After searching all over in vain, Rama was overcome with anger and declared that he will make all three worlds empty of all beings. Lakshmana was frightened to see his brother losing sight of dharma and talked in length to his brother. Rama listened to the sweetly spoken words of Lakshmana and asked lakshmana on what action is to be taken to find sita ? They then proceeded to search and met Jatayu in a pool of blood, who explained the events to Rama. While continuing the search of Sita, they meet a Rakshasa by name Kabandha, who gets a divine form as Dhanu on getting liberation from his curse and explains the six different factors which are needed to be learnt to know any truth. He went on to explain how the leader of monkey, Sukriva can help in finding Sita. As suggested by Dhanu, they visited the Ashrama of a great tapasvini, Shabari, which helps him to get rid of the agitation in his. However, Rama was totally taken by sorrow when he saw the beautiful surroundings near the pampa river, haunted by memories of Sita Devi. Lakshmana fully appreciating his brother’s feelings, aroused the inner strength of Rama by reminding him that a man’s sorrow can easily be overcome by observance of Dharma and performing one’s duty. All these words helped Rama overcome his despondency. They then proceeded to mount Rishyamooka to meet Sugriva.

 

Ramayana. 4

Ayodhyakand - 5

It was the sixth night after Rama had departed. Half the night had passed and the king was now wide awake. He was telling to Kausalya, "My queen, when a man does something, whether it is good or bad , he is sure to reap the harvest of his act."

Dasharatha had learned the art of archery. He could, by listening to the sound made by an animal, kill it with an arrow aimed from a distance. This is called ‘Shabdavedi’. King Dasharatha remembered the GHOR APRADH that he had committed - incident of killing Shravan Bal, an innocent son of blind parents, and their curse. Shravan’s father had cursed him saying," your death will also be similar to mine. you will die as a result of separation from your son.

For five nights the king had lived after Rama had left Ayodhya. On the sixth night he could not bear the pain any longer and died quietly.

Guru Vashishta sent a messenger to fetch Bharatha from Kekaya. On the night when the messenger reached the Rajgriha, the prince had a bad dream. Bharatha asked various questions to the messenger regarding the welfare of his father, mothers and brothers but the messenger were extremely careful in answering them.

Bharatha entered Ayodhya but was nonplused by its unusual appearance. he looked around and said, "Bad omens greet me when I enter the city". 

Kaikeyi heard him coming and rushed to meet him and welcome him. Bharatha asked his mother, "where is my father ? I want to see his face which I have been missing all these days. Kaikeyi could not grasp the extent of the misfortune which had befallen her. She spoke in a flat and unemotional voice, "Your father, the righteous Dasaratha, the refuge and solace of everyone who was in trouble, the father of this country, has attained that state which all living beings should attain one day.

Bharatha was surprised at the news that Rama was not in Ayodhya, when his father died. Kaikeyi said, "Bharatha my child, Rama has left for the forest Dandaka dressed in tree bark and with him have gone Lakshmana and Sita." His mind was sorely troubled. He asked his mother, "Why ? Why Mother ?Why was he sent to the forest by my father ?"

Kaikeyi spoke, "No Bharatha ,Ram did not commit any sin. I did not like nor want Rama to be crowned as the yuvaraj. I made the king grant me that Rama should be banished and you should be crowned as Yuvaraj".

Ayodhakand - 6

Bharatha was very angry with his mother Kaikeyi and said, "You banished Rama to the forest and you have been the death of your husband and to my lasting shame, I have to remember that I am your son, born of you. I will willingly kill you myself. I would have done so too, but then my revered brother Ram will not look at the me since he will attribute the sin of matricide to me. That is the only reason why I hesitate to draw my sword and kill you. Did you think, even for a moment, that I would accept the kingdom ? I would rather die than contemplate such a sinful act. I refuse to recognize you as my mother any more."

He further said, "I can not rest until I bring Rama back from the forest and make him accept the throne which is his"

Vasishsta Rishi then came to Bharatha and said, "Shed this grief, my son and perform the last rites for your father .

Manthara was entering the palace of Queen Kaikeyi. Shatrughna saw her, he was very angry and he wanted to beat her and punish her for her crooked plan. But Bharatha told him, "My dear brother, women should not be punished even if they deserve to be. They should be forgiven. I have not killed this Kaikeyi yet is because I am afraid of Rama. He is noble and will be displeased with me if he knows that I have killed a women and a mother at that. He will never talk to me or even look at me."

Vasishsta then said, "Bharatha , your father the king ,has left this land for you to rule .He was a righteous man and he acted thus because he did not want to be called an Adharmi. As for the reason your brother Rama left for the Dandaka forest with his wife and Lakshmana, it was the same. Ram did not want his father to be called untruthful.

The kingdom as well as myself are Rama’s to do what he will. Please do not ask me to remind you of the rule of the line of the Ishvakus, that the eldest son has the right to the throne and none other. I will go to the forest and bring Rama back , if I do not succeed , I will remain with him and serve him like my brother Lakshmana is doing.

Bharatha called for his chariot and it was at the doorway in no time. He told Sumantara to take them to the forest with his retinue. The queens also went with him . Many of the people of Ayodhya also went with Bharatha. Bharatha came to Bharadvaj Rishi"s ashram. The Rishi welcomed all the guests and inquired after their welfare.

Bharatha then said, "I have come to the forest in search of Rama, to fall at his feet, to offer the kingdom to him and to take him back to Ayodhya where he should be crowned as emperor. Can you help me by telling me where the king of Kosala is?"

Ayodhakand - 7

 

Rishi Bharadvaj entertained all the guests and the army accompanied by Bharatha. In the process of talking to the Rishi Bharatha condemned his mother Kaikeyi.

 

The Rishi said, " Do not condemn your mother, Bharatha . I can look in to the future and I can see that this exile of Rama is for the good of the world . It is going to benefit the rishis of the forest, the devas and all the divine hosts. Forbear from your censure of this women."

Bharatha took leave of the rishi and after collecting his army around him left for the ashram of Rama.

Rama ,Lakshmana and Sita were very happy in the ashraam on Mount Chitrakuta. Mother Nature was lavish in her bounty here, and Sita , who had always been fond of flowers and birds and deer, was very happy here. Every day ,something new would be discovered by them and they would talk about it and they succeeded in forgetting the fact that they were exiles and that they were denied the comforts of the city.

On that particular day when they were seated, they found a herd of elephants running around as though in panic. Rama looked at this strange scene and heard an unusual noise. He said, "Lakshmana , some king or prince has entered the forest. Lakshmana was disturbed and angry.

Rama was greatly distressed by the violent anger of Lakshmana. He tried to pacify him with his soft and gentle words. He said, "Lakshmana, if Bharatha is coming here, where is the need for us to take up arms against him?

Rama said, "I will tell you why Bharatha has come. Bharatha is very fond of his brothers . He must have heard about us living in the forest dressed in tree-bark . With pain in his heart with affection for us he has come to the forest to see us.

Ayodhyakand - 8

BHARATHA MEETS RAMA

Bharatha stood still for along moment. His limbs refused to bear him. He then rushed towards Rama . He could not see properly since tears were clouding his eyes. His sorrow was like the sea which had burst its boundary. My brother who should be seated in the court served by his myriad attendants and courtiers is now seated on the floor covered by darbha grass and attended by animals of the forest as his subjects. 

Bharatha with his face drenched in tears, advanced towards Rama but fell down even before reaching his feet. Shatrughna who was with Bharatha all the while fell along with Bharatha at the feet of Rama. Ram raised them up and embracing them, shed tears.

Rama inquired about his father King Dasaratha When he heard from Bharatha that his father was no more in this world he fell down senseless..

Bharatha said, "Rama, I appeal to you to absolve me of this sin. Please be gracious enough to come back to Ayodhya and accept the kingdom which is yours by right."

Ram replied, "Righteous men should respect their mothers just as much as they do their fathers. When such is the case, when both my father and my mother told me to go to the forest, how could I act otherwise? YOU have been commanded to rule the kingdom and I have been commanded to live in the Dandaka forest for fourteen years. Walk in the path of DHARMA which you have been following all these years and do what our father asked us to do. I will do the same. You can make my father truthful only if you go back to Ayodhya and rule the country. The debt I owe to my parents is infinite. It is not possible to return the love of one’s parents. Such a great man was Dasaratha, my father, and I will not disobey him. Your duty is to obey the command of our father and rule the kingdom."

Bharatha prostrated before Rama’s sandals and said, "My beloved brother ,remember I will live wearing these coarse tree -bark and deerskin for the next fourteen years and will retain these matted locks until you remove yours. I will wait for you to come back and I will live outside the city of Ayodhya. My food will be fruits and roots. I will enthrone these sandals and they will rule the kingdom as your symbols. I will rule the kingdom as your representative."

Ramayana. 3

Ayodhakand - 1
 

Rama was the very life of the men of Ayodhya. He was unparalleled in the qualities which makes a man great. He was a very brave young man and yet his bravery was combined with mercy. Even if someone spoke harshly to him, he would never reply in the same tone. If anyone did him any favor, even if it were a small task, he would always remember it with gratitude while his own good acts would be forgotten by him even if they were hundreds in number. Each man loved him as his own son.

Words can not describe the wealth of goodness that is Rama. He was well versed in the arts which a Kshatriya had to master and he was also very proficient in the knowledge of Vedas and all its Angas. In short, Rama was the home of all the virtuous qualities that can be enumerated and he was the beloved prince of the citizens of Ayodhya.

King Dasaratha had in his heart the great desire to make Rama the Yuvaraj. In prowess Rama was like Yama and Indra and in wisdom he was like the divine Guru Brihaspati . He was the best among men , a rare soul and he was the best suited to rule the kingdom. The People of Ayodhya approved the suggestion that Rama should be crowned as the heir . They were eager to see Rama, drenched with the waters of the abhisheka, with his face sheltered by the white umbrella, riding on the elephant.

He was the personification of all that is good and great. He would never swerve from the path of truth and dharma. The earth was eager to have Rama as her lord , endowed as he was with all the qualities needed for a ruler. When he heard the commands of his father, Rama spoke not a word but stood still. He prostrated once again before his father and ascended the chariot which had brought him to the court. The crowd also dispersed slowly, each man thinking only of the glad event which was to happen soon.

When the crowd had dispersed and when the king was alone in his chambers he thought of arranging the coronation of Rama the next day since it was the auspicious Pushya nashktra. Accordingly Ram was informed and he was asked to observe all the necessary rituals, guided by VasishTha Rishi.

After Rama had gone away, Dasaratha sent for VasishTha and spoke to him about the coronation which had to take place in the morning. The people were delirious with happiness and there was joy and nothing but joy in the hearts of everyone in Ayodhya.

Ayodhakand - 2

On the same evening Manthara, the servant maid of Kaikeyi rushed to Kaikeyi and informed her of Ram’s coronation and warned her that it was a great danger for her. Kaikeyi paid no attention to the words of Manthara. Manthara stood fuming with anger. After a while composing herself, she said, "Madam, the king is contemplating your destruction. He is planning to crown Rama as Yuvaraj tomorrow .You will be destroyed, my queen, and I have come to you hoping to find a way to save you. Look he is now granting all good fortune to Kausalya and not to you. You do not know it but the king is really your enemy."

Some how Kaikeyi was convinced by Manthara and was poisoned to such an extent that she decides to go to Dasaratha for her two boons. Kaikeyi approached King Dasaratha and requested the King to sanction her two boons at any cost. She said, "You have made all preparations for Rama to be crowned as the Yuvaraj. Let the preparations remain as they are. Only, I want Bharata to be crowned instead of Rama. As for the other boon, wearing deerskin and tree -bark, Rama should spend fourteen years in the Dandaka forest."

King Dasaratha said, "I can live without Kausalya or Sumitra. I am prepared to give up even my kingdom . But I can never give up Rama. When my eyes light on Ram’s face, my heart becomes full of Joy, and when he is not with me I am the most unhappy of all beings. The world may live without the sun but I will not be able to live once I am parted from Rama. Kaikeyi , tell me ,how did this sinful thought come to your mind? You have been born just for the purpose of destruction. When I tell Rama to go to the forest, he will not speak a word in protest! How can I bear to see his face after I tell him this? You are a cruel woman and your mind thinks up only sinful thoughts. I must have sinned in my previous birth and that is the reason why I have to listen to you and your sinful wishes. The elders in the court will now approach me with the desire to take me to the hall where the coronation is to be performed. With the waters collected for the abhisheka let Rama perform the funeral rites for me who will die very soon."

Ayodhakand - 3

 

Sumantara was asked to bring Rama again. Rama came with Laxmana to Kaikeyi’s quarters. Rama looked at his father. An unnatural silence pervaded the place. Rama stood for a long time looking at his father. Rama could not understand king Dasaratha’s silence. Kaikeyi explained everything to Rama, including the two boons sanctioned to her by king Dasaratha.

 

Rama looked at Kaikeyi and said, "But certainly, my mother, I will go at once to the forest dressed as you say. I will not let my father break his words. I am unhappy only about one fact: why does the king refuse to look at me with love as he always does ? Why has the king not told me this good news?"

Rama then said, "Devi, Kaikeyi, you did not credit me one thing. I would have obeyed you if you had asked me to do this. Because of your lack of faith in me and in my love for you, you have approached the king." Rama looked like a great Sannyaasi who had renounced the world.

Rama then went to mother Kausalya and said, "Mother, a great misfortune has befallen you, my Sita and my beloved brother Laxmana. It happened just now and you do not know about it yet. What I need is an asana made of darbha grass. The time has come when I should abandon all this and go to the Dandaka forest and remain there. I must withdraw my mind from all thoughts of kingly comforts and live in the forest for fourteen years." 

Rama then said, "I am the last person to question my father’s action and the motives behind them. My father has never spoken an untruth and this incident should not prevent him from gaining a place in heaven."

Rama looked at mother Kausalya, whose face was bathed in tears and said, "Mother, my father has been deceived by Kaikeyi. Mother ,I do not have to tell you about the dharma of a Pativrata. Rama continued, "Bharatha is a righteous man and a very noble youth. He will walk only in the path of dharma."

Ayodhyakand - 4

Kausalya said, "Since fate has conspired against me , I am not able to change your mind. May that dharma protect you which you have been following so assiduously with a firm mind and with religious dedication."

Rama, Laxmana and Sita decided to go to the Dandaka forest without any further delay. Before that, Rama wished to give away all his belongings to brahmins and to the dependents in the palace. For Rama following the path of dharma was the only purpose in life and there was no disturbance in his mind since he knew that he was doing the right thing.

King Dasaratha tells Sumantara to take Rama, the noblest of men and leave him in the forest which is uninhabited by men. He realizes that even when a man follows the path of dharma, the acts he had performed in his previous birth will not leave him alone. 

Sumantara took his seat and the chariot began to move. Rama heard the wail of the king’s wives in the harem and the faint voice of his father. It came to the mind of the king finally that Rama had really left him and gone away. 

Dasaratha looked at Kaikeyi with burning eyes and said, "Kaikeyi you sinned against me and you have wished me ill. I do not consider you my wife any longer. I renounce you. Noble minded Bharatha has ever been devoted to his elders, and he has never swerved from the path of righteousness. If however, he should perchance be influenced by you ,and accept the throne won for him by you, he shall not perform the funeral rites for me. I will disown him too.

King Dashratha was carried to Kausalya’s palace and was placed on a couch covered with silk.

Rama then visited Bharadvaj Rishi’ ashram. When Rama was ready to leave that ashram the Rishi blessed them by reciting special verses meant for those going on a journey and he went with them as a father will. They reached the beautiful mountain Chitrakuta. It was full of birds, flowers, fruits and waterfalls.

They came across the ashrama of Valmiki and they visited him. He welcomed them and said, "Rama I know why you have come to the forest. I am glad that you have decided to live here where the Rishis have made their homes"

Sumantara came back to Ayodhya. It took him three days to reach city. King Dasaratha looked at him and his eyes were questioning. Sumantara recounted to him everything about Rama in detail.

Raamayana. 2

What have we to learn from Raamayana ?

The world today is in dire need of the message of the Raamayana. Jealousy, Hatred, disobedience, selfishness - all these evils has had bad influence on the society. Raama preached to the world the basic truth that the world is one family besides teaching the duties one should perform in everyday life in a society and towards a family. This triple stream of duties is the message of Raamayana. We need to perform our duty in the best possible manner like Lord Raama did.

Raama dwells in the heart of everyone. He is the indwelling spirit. When we sing " Atmaraama" week after week, this is exactly what we mean. Ayodhya, where Raama resides, symbolises our heart. Only if we keep our heart pure and firm, there will be room for Raama to stay forever. Among the many avataars of the Lord, the avataar of Lord Raama is also unique in the sense that the word "Raama" is not only a name but also a mantra in itself. Has not the Phalasruti we say in Vishnu Sahasranamam - Sri Raama Raama Ramethi….. been equated to reciting the entire sahasranamam ?

Lord Raama taught us how to remain unruffled in the presence of difficulties or joys, in pain or pleasure. A good man by his good conduct achieves greatness. These are the qualities, which everyone should cultivate. In fact the comparison of Sri Raama’s fortitude and strength to the Himalayas and the grace of his personality to the ocean- Samudra iva Gambheerye, dhairye Cha Himavaan iva portrays how his personality has been blended with the entire country.

When a Hindu’s acting in this world comes to an end, he is bid Raam Naam Satya Hai. Before we are bid such a farewell, let us atleast put into practice the teachings of Lord Raama. Vishnu Sahasranamam gives an assurance by saying Priyakrut Pritivardhana meaning when we stay in his path namely Dharma and Satya, he not only bestows all the desires but also takes the responsibility of keeping the devotee steadfast in his love and devotion towards him. Again the last reference to Sri Raama in the Vishnu Sahasranama is the word "Kshitisham" "Kshitisham" means a king. The Sahasranamam confirms Lord Ramaa to be our king and urges everyone to take the guidance of Ramaayana.

SRI RAMA JAYAM

Bala Kanda - 1

Dasaratha was the king of Kosala. The river sarayu flowed on the outskirts of the country. Ayodhya was the capital of Kosala. It was created by Manu. Dasaratha came under the scion of the Ishvakus. He was known for his wiseness, he has performed all the yagnas, and was a king loved by all.

Dasaratha has eight ministers who were all well versed in the art of advising the king in matters of importance. They were highly intelligent and were always interested in the well being of their king and his subjects. The ministers were Dhriti, Jayanta, Vijaya, Siddhartha, Arthasadaka, asoka, mantrapala and sumantra. The king has many priests to advise him on the matters pertaining to religion and religious rites and rituals. The chief of them were Vasishta and vamadeva. All the people in the kingdom were very happy and treasury of the kingdom was ever full and so was the granary.

Dasaratha was such a great king , but he was not at all happy. He had no son to make him happy. As he grew older, he was very much worried whether the line of Ishvakus will terminate after his death. At this time he thought of doing a Yaga by the name Ashwamedha. So he called for his able ministers and sent sumantra to call all the rishis and Acharyas like, Vasishta, Vamadeva Kashyapa etc. The king told them about his performing the Yaga and they also approved of his suggestion. The King told the ministers to take the advice of the rishis as to where the yaga is to be conducted. The yagnasala was to be built on the northern side of the river Sarayu.

Sumantra remembered that the famous rishi Sanatkumara had spoken about the birth of four sons to the king Dasaratha. He told the King to invite the sage Rishyashringa to preside over the yaga. Sage Rishyashringa was married to the daughter of Anga, whose name is Romapada. Dasaratha requested the king to allow his daughter and her husband (the great rishi) to come to his kingdom for the yaga. Very soon the seaon vasantha came, the rishi told the king to start the procedings of the yaga and to send the sacrificial horse for its sojourn around the Bharatvarsha. Dasaratha took the dust of the feet of sage Vasistha and prayed him to make the yaga a success. The king requested the sage Rishyashringa to perform the yaga by name of putrakama. The sage blessed him by performing the putrakama yaga as it is mentioned in the Atharva Veda.

Balakanda - 2

When the Ashwamedha yaga was going on, the Devas led by Indra went to Brahmaji the creator. They complained to him about the troubles and harassment done by Ravana. They complained to Brahmaji that your boons have made him very very powerful . He has frightened all the three worlds and he has threatened to insult me in my Amravathi. Because of his boons , the sun god is afraid to glows brightly and vayu does not blow hard, even the sea is frightened of him. Because of his boons he cannot be killed by any of the devas. 

Brahmaji listened to them and said , Yes, Ravana cannot be killed by any devas, or danavasor gandharvas, or yaksha, or any rakshasas. However because of his arrogance he forgot to get immunity to be killed by a man. And that his how he will be killed said , Brahmaji.

While they were talking thus, Lord Narayana came there with his shankha , chakra , he was seated on Garuda. Brahmaji requested to him to be born as a son to the king Dasaratha and also told that four sons will be born to the king. He requested Lord narayana let all the four sons be the Amsas of you. Your avatara will be of immense help to the mankind and also for us. 

Lord Narayana listened to the words of Brahmaji, and said that I have decided to be born in the world of men and I will destroy Ravana and his entire clan . After killing him, I will rule the world for 11,000 yrs. To assist me in this avatara, he told the devas that they will also be born in the world of men as Monkeys as ravana had forgotten to ask for immunity of death from monkeys.

The Putrakama yaga came to an end . From the fire came a divine form. The divine form held in his hands a bowl with a silver covering. It said , I am a messenger from Brahmaji. I have been commanded to hand over this payasa to you. Give it to your queens and your wish for sons will be fulfilled. The king prostrated before the divine form and took the payasa. The yaga came to a glorious end and the king took the blessings of all the rishis and came to the inner chambers of his palace and gave half the payasa to his eldest queen, kausalya, and then gave half of what was left to Sumitra, and again half of what was left to Kaikeyi, and when some more was left he gave it to sumitra again. 

Balakanda - 3

The king dasaratha was very happy and the month of chaitra was approaching and the vasanta rutu was nearing. The month was Chaitra and it wasShukla paksha , it was ninth day of the new moon, all the five planets were in the auspious position, the lagna was karkata and the planet Guru was rising with the moon. The star was Punarvasu. The Lord Narayana was being born in the world of mankind as a man for the benefit of mankind. When the next star pushya appeared under the Meena Lagna a son was born to the queen kaikeyi. Sumitra gave birth to twins when the star Ashlesha was born. All the four sons of Dasaratha were the amsas of the Lord and kausalya’s son Rama was Lord Narayana himself. There was so much joy in the whole of kosala and king Dasaratha was the most happiest man . The children grew up like the moon in the shukla paksha . Right from their childhood Lakshmana was very very attached to Rama. He was always with Rama and Shatrugna was attached to Bharata. 

The children grew up learning from their guru Sri Vasishta. They were well versed in the art of fighting like all the Kshatriyas and they were humble and softspoken . They were all liked by everybody and Rama was the darling of everybody. Of the four , Rama was the favourite of his father. The children were now of 16 years of age and Dasaratha was thinking in his mind about their marriage. At this time Sage Vishwamitra arrived at his palace. Dasaratha welcomed him with all shraddha and bhakti and with great humulity asked the sage about the purpose of his visit. Sage Vishvamitra told the king about the Yaga he was performing and the troubles he has to suffer from the rakshasas who could take any form any time. I cannot curse them because there is no place for anger when I am doing this yaga. Dasaratha asked what help do you need from me? I am willing to do anything to help in your yaga. When the king spoke like that, Sage Vishvamitra asked him to send rama with him . He said don"t worry about him and about his safety . He will be famed in the three worlds because of these good deeds . Dasaratha was worried now. He did not want to send rama with the sage. In his eyes rama was just a child and how can a child kill all the rakshasas? He pleaded with the sage , and even offered to go himself along with the sage and said I can fight the rakshasas . The king said my son is not even 16, and has not yet finished his education and then how can he help you? I cannot live a moment without seeing my beloved son rama. Rama is my very life and of all the four sons he is the most dearest to me. By now sage Vishvamitra patience was running out, He was very angry with the king who offered all the help and now he is going back on his words.The sage told the king that I am going back and you can live happily with all your kith and kins but you will be remembered as aking who did not keep his word and the you will be discredited by the world . The earth trembled when the sage spoke like this. Blinded as he was by his love for his son king dasaratha did not realise what he was doing. Sage Vasistha who was the kula guru then spoke to dasaratha, made him realise his mistake , he spoke about the prowess of the sage, thepowers of the sage and told him to get out of the delusion called Putrasneha. Finally the king realised his mistakes and fell at the feet of the sage and asked for forgiveness. He told the sage the Lakshmana is always with rama and they are always together. So Rama and Lakshmana went with sage Vishvamitra.

Balakanda - 4

When they reached the southern bank of the river Sarayu, sage Vishvamitra told rama to take water in his palms and he taught him the mantras Bala and Prabala. They are the daughters of Brahmaji, the creator. You will never feel tired nor hunger will trouble you nor thirst will trouble you. That night they rested and next day before dawn they were woken up by sage Vishvamitra. They reached the spot where river sarayu joins river ganga. There were many Ashramas and many rishis were performing all sorts of tapas. They crossed the river ganga and the forest that they saw was very very dense but there was no sign of any habitation there. Sage Vishvamitra told them that a terrible rakshasi by the name of Tataka lives here and she has been terrorising everybody. Sage Vishvamitra told rama to kill tataka and rama obliged him by killing her and the forest was freed from tataka. Vishvamitra blessed rama and gave all the divine astras of his to him and taught him as to how to use it and told him to teach lakshmana . 

Finally they reached the place where the yaga was to take place . Many rishis had gathered there . Rama and lakshmana paid obeisance to all of them. The rishis told them that the yaga will last for 6 days and sage Vishvamitra will observe vow of silence and they told them to guard the place very very carefully. The yaga proceeded with out any troubles for the first five days. But on the sixth day all of the sudden there was a lot of commotion . R and L knew that these are the works of the rakshasas. Rama took up the astra by the name manavastra and aimed it at the rakshasa by the name Marichi. The astra struck marichi and threw him about hundred yojanas in to the sea but it did not kill him . Rama then took up the other astra by the name Agneyastra and it killed subahu and the other rakshasas.

Balakanda - 5

After the yaga was over, Rama asked the sage as to what they should do now ? Sage Vishvamitra told rama and lak , we will go from here to the kingdom of Janaka , Mithila. The famed bow of Mahadeva is in Mithila and till date nobody has been able to lift it. They reached the kingdom of Mithila and the king on knowing about the arrival of sage Vishvamitra welcomed him with all honour and respect. He also asked about the purpose of his visit. 

The sage introduced the two princes to the king and told the king that they both are great archers and they are impatient to see the bow of Mahadeva and asked the king to make arrangement to bring the bow.

King Janaka narrated as to how the bow came to be with him , and he also spoke about his daughter Sita, who was found as a beautiful child from the mother earth, when he was preparing the earth for doing a yaga. That is why she is named Sita, and whoever is able to lift the bow, Sita will be their bride. 

Janaka made arrangements to bring the bow, and rama with the blessing of sage Vishvamitra lifted the bow as though it were just a sport. Rama held the bow straight with his left hand and he bent the bow with his right hand . The earth trembled at the noise, and many people fell down unconscious. King janaka was very very happy that Sita will be rama’s bride and she will be the bride of the house of Ishvakus. He made arrangements and send messengers to Kosala about the impending marriage of Rama and Sita. Dasaratha was very very happy and they all left for Mithila. King janaka told king Dasaratha, please accept my 2^nd daughter for your son Lakshmana. At this time Sage Vishvamitra spoke to the king Janaka, about his brother’s daughters and asked the king to get the two daughters to be given in marriage to Bharata and Shatrugna. 

When the star is in Uttara Phalguni let the marriage be performed.

Ramayana. 1

This is taken from www.hindunet.org/ramayana

Introduction

raamaayaaNa is one of the largest epics in the world, comparable to the Illiad and Odyssey. it originates form bhaarata (india) - the land of king bharata. raamaayaNa is one of the two itihaasa (historical account) scriptures of sanaatana dharma (Hindu-dharma), the other being the mahaabhaarata. It describes events that took place in ancient bhaarata around 7000 BCE (before common era - also known as B.C.) It contains the story of Lord raama the 7th avataara (incarnation) of Lord vishNu in the tretaa yuga (the silver age among the four ages in a mahaayuga which corresponds to a complete cycle of the earth's percession). The puraaNas, raamaayaNa and the bhagavada geeta are considered (both-independently and together) by many as a fifth veda. Among the four most popular sets of Hindu scriptures - the vedas, puraaNas, itihaasas and tantras, the itihaasas (raamaayaNa & mahaabhaarata) are the most popular among Hindus all around the world today. Among the numerous translations of raamaayaNa are shrii raama charita maanasa in avadhii language by tulasidaasa and kamba raamaayaNa in Tamil.
The original raamaayaNa was authored by r^shi (Seer, Sage) vaalmiiki in sanskr^ta. The interesting thing about it is that raamayaNa unfolded AFTER it was written. The incidents that were to happen around the seventh avataara of vishNu were revealed to vaalmiiki before they even took place. Another way of looking at is that vishNu simply played out a role as raama as dictated in the raamaayaNa. The significant thing however is that the role itself was of an ideal human being. r^shi vaalmiiki was originally a robber who later turned into a r^shi of the highest stature. He is credited to be the first human to compose poetry and is given the title aadikavi. Valmiiki himself appears in the raamaayaNa. In the last part of raamaayaNa when siitaa is sent to the forest by raama, it is r^shi vaalmiiki's hermitage where siitaa takes refuge.        


raamaayaNa stresses on bhakti yoga - the yoga of devotional love. raama represents the ideal man and siitaaraani the ideal woman. hanumaan is an epitome of a bhakta (devotee) with daasya bhaava (accepting God as the supreme master). Since raamaayaNa is about events in tretaa yuga, when the society was still mature, it represents the best of relationships among humans. Even the raakshasas (roughly translated as demons, but a better translation would be misguided or ignorant beings) of lankaa followed a strict code of conduct. Thus in the raamaayaNa we can find the ideal relationship between father and son in dasharatha & raama as well as in raavaNa and meghanaatha. The ideal couple is represented by raama & siitaa and raavaNa and mandodari. raama and lakshamaNa are the best of brothers and so are bharata and shatrughna. hanumaana and vibhiishaNa are the ideal devotees.
There are some interesting differences between raama and krishNa although both are avataars of vishNu. raama was born and died as a prince and king but lived as an ascetic, krishNa on the other hand was born in a prison and died due to a wound caused by a hunters arrow, but He lived as a king all his life. raama exemplifies the ideal human and is most loving and gentle. krishNa on the other hand has the most fun and lovable personality. In the form of raama, vishNu simply plays a part or role already assigned to Him by vaalmiiki whereas as krishNa he reveals that he is God incarnate.
raamayaNa is a religious, spiritual and historical manual. The tulasii raamaayaNa is one of the most popular scriptures authored during the bhakti era in medieval India.
The vaalmiiki raamaayaNa has the following kaanDas (chapters).

1.   baala
2.   ayodhyaa
3.   araNya
4.   kishkindhaa
5.   sundara
6.   yuddha
7.   uttara

Where in lay the secret of this unique greatness in Raama’s personality? He is called Maryadha Purushottama- the great one who never deviated from the norms of Dharma. In the eyes of a Hindu, the touchstone of human excellence is Dharma. Devotion to Dharma came first in Raama’s life. It was his supreme commitment to putra-dharma that made Raama smilingly depart to the forest for fourteen years. Again He did not budge from the path of Dharma when he was made the future emperor of Bharat. Don’t we recite in Vishnu Sahasranama that Raama is Dharma himself :

Ramo Viramo Viraj, Marg Neyo Neyonayah
Veera Shakthimathan Shresta, Dharmo Dharmavidhutamma

Lord Raama was ready to forsake everything else to uphold his kingly duties - Rajdharma and take care of his countrymen. In fact he once told Sitadevi that he would not hesitate to sacrifice even her if the welfare of the people of Ayodhya required it.

Sneham dayaam cha soukhyam cha, yadi vaa jaanakimapi
Aaraadhanaaya lokasya, munchate naasti me vyatha.

However, the most crucial test came when Lakshmana violated the orders of Lord Raama and admitted Durvasa’s presence with a view to averting the destruction of Ayodhya by Durvasa’s curse. Raama stuck to the Law of the land and awarded death sentence to Lakshmana- one whom he loved dearer than his own life. Such was Lord Raama’s intense adoration and love for the motherland and this is revealed in the following legendary couplet

Janani Janmabhoomischa Swargaadapi Garreyasi

This means that the mother and motherland are greater to me than the heavens themselves.

Sri Raama’s role as one of the first and foremost national unifiers of Bharat is also unique and extraordinary. He embraced Guha, the boatman and also enjoyed the fruit offered with devotion by Shabari, a tribal lady without any hesitation. Lord Raama has become so much identified with all the good, great and virile qualities of a human being that expressions such as "Us me Ram nahi Hai" have become common usage.

 

Symbolism in the Ramayana

Scholars have offered different symbolic interpretations to the Ramayana. Sri Rama represents the embodiment of virtues. He acted His role as a dedicated son, a husband, a king, brother, a model citizen, and a good friend to perfection whereas Ravana represented the rajasic thamasic qualities in a person. According to one interpretation, when the animal instincts represented by Ravana concealed the consciousness represented by Sita Devi, the jivatma represented by Sri Rama, lost the goal of His life, Ayodhya. The two were brought together by wisdom, devotion and faith represented by Sri Anjaneya.

In another interpretation, Sri Rama represents pure consciousness or the paramatma and Sita Devi represents nature. According to Sankhya philosophy (Sankhya Darsana) propounded by Sage Kapila, nature is made up of three gunas (modes) which are in equilibrium. Guna means quality, but it is in the nature of energy. The three gunas are tamas (inertia, lassitude, and delusion), rajas (desires, passion, and action), and satwa (peace and knowledge). When this equilibrium is disturbed, the universe manifests itself, and the budhi (intelligence) and other evolutes manifest in man. When wordly desires arise he becomes rajasic. When he finds that these are futile, he craves for peace and knowledge, and becomes satwic. At a higher satwic state he comes by supernatural powers. When he transcends this satwic stage also the Great Insight dawns. Saints are those who have transcended the satwic state. The three gunas will be in varying proportions in different people. The proportions, however, can be altered by well-directed and conscious efforts.

When mind interacts with nature, the pure consciousness can not live in its source, represented by Ayodhya. It is forced to go to forest represented by the mundane life. It becomes extroverted and is diverted from Sri Rama (pure consciousness) to materialistic pleasures (the golden deer) represented by Mareecha, a close relative of Ravana (the ten senses). The paramatma’s greatness is forgotten for a while and the demoniac instincts are mistaken for the inner voice of the paramatma. By illusion, the mind worries about the safety of Sri Rama. Sita Devi (nature) asks tapasakti represented by Lakshmana to rescue Sri Rama. Tapasakthi draws a line cautioning the mind not to cross the limit. But when the tapasakti left, the mind represented by Sita Devi crossed the limit and was hijacked by the ten senses (the five pancha indriyas and the five karma indriyas) represented by the ten headed Ravana. The mind started wandering in the forest represented by Lanka. Lanka represents a rajas dominated mind.

Sita Devi became remorse and kept on contemplating on paramatma chanting the name of Sri Rama. Sri Rama sent His emissary Sri Hanuman as a token of assurance that divine intervention was forthcoming soon. Thus, Anjaneya represents the guru whose services are essential for self realisation. It also reveals that when the disciple is ready the teacher would arrive!

Yet another interpretation is that the union of jivatma and paramatma is possible only by meditation and breath control. Here breath is represented by Sri Hanuman, the son of Vayu, the deity of wind.

Other Characters

Kousalya represents icha sakthi, kaikeyi represents kriya sakthi and Sumitra represents jnana sakthi. The path of karma proceeds from icha (desire), through kriya (action) and ends with jnana (knowledge). Action represented by Kaikeyi grows to become instincts represented by Manthara, the servant maid. It becomes the cause for the prabdha. One should be very careful about such instincts.

Surpanakha represents the carnal urges in human beings. She was the sister of Ravana and both represented rajas. Kama esha krodha esha rajo guna samudh bhava: Bhagavad Gita - III-37. Desires often appear wearing a legitimate or attractive mask. Sri Rama rejected them and had to pay a heavy price in return but He won ultimately.

Sabari represents devotion. Ahalya represents a rocklike mind which was made sublime by a touch of divine consciousness.

The ogress that pulled Anjaneya by His shadow represents the materialistic memories from the past that people normally entertain. Anjaneya removed her by one blow. It means that one should remove such thoughts then and there in one stroke as they become obstacles to one’s spiritual progress.

Tataka, an ogress who was killed by Sri Rama while he was in forest with Sri Viswamithra, represents the initial obstacles a devotee/sadhaka would have during his/her spiritual pursuit.

The Ramayana depicts a human being (Sri Rama) appreciating a person born in a demon clan (Vibheeshana). It is a masterpiece of unity in diversity. Throughout the epic, Sri Rama moves shoulder to shoulder with Sabari (a low caste woman), Guha (a low caste boatman), Hanuman and Sugriva (monkey race), Jatayu and Sambathi (birds), and Jambavan (a bear).

Jatayu, who fought with Ravana and lost his life, became great by devotion to Sri Rama. Ego and arrogance represent the two wings of ignorance. Sambathi lost both his wings in the presence of Sun, representing jnana. The name of Jatayu became the cause for Sambathi’s enlightenment when he lost his wings of ego and arrogance.

The Veera Narayana temple

The Veera Narayana temple is located in Belavadi(Kannada: ಬೆಳವಾಡಿ), also known as Ekachakranagara, a village in Chikmagalurdistrict of Karnataka.This ornate trikuta (three towers) temple was built in 1200 CE by Hoysala Veera Ballala II. The material used is Chloritic schist.Each of the shrines has a complete superstructure (tower on top of shrine) andis one of the largest examples of Hoysala architecture. While the famous temples at Belur and Halebidu are known for their intricate sculptures, this temple is known for its architecture. The plan of this temple is unique in that two of the shrines face each other on either side of a wide and spacious open mantapa(hall) containing 37 bays. There is also an older shrine containing a closedmantapa with 13 bays and a closed mantapa with 9 bays at the end of which is a central shrine. This third shrine is an older construction and exhibits a perfect Hoysala architectural idiom containing tthe basic elements of Hoysala temple

Parshuram, the Incarnation of Lord Vishnu

Parashurama - the epic hero with an axe - was a real 'Yama' ( God of Death) to the evil and arrogant. He traversed and earth twenty-one times and punished hte evil - doers who were harrassing the people. Parashurama is recognised as one of the immortals and an incarnation of God Vishnu.

Parashurama

Ages ago, in pauranic times, several kings who had turned into evil beings because of their royal wealth, arrogance of power,and people'sallegiance, ruled our Bharata- varsha. They had posed a serious threat to the pious, religious and scholarly life- pursuit of those who wanted to lead a life of moral and social rectitude.

A Prayer Fulfilled
It was at this time that a great man, an incarnation of God, manifested himself on the earth. He achieved an adventurous, romantic and revolutionary desire. Because of his campaigns, injustice was done away with and justice established on earth.

This virile, powerful and towering person picked up an axe, went round the earth twenty-one times and killed the evil Kshatriya kings like felling trees in the forests, and thus brought solace to the people. The country again smiled with peace and prosperity. And it was as if a New World had been created.

That was Parashurama' s creation.Because his weapon was 'Parashu' (axe), he was known as ‘Parashurama’. Our epics tell us that Parashurama is the sixth incarnation of Vishnu on this earth and one among the ageless, immortal beings, like Ashwatthama. Hindus believe this story and worship Parashurama as God.
The Rishi's Prayer
A 'rishi' (sage) named Rucheeka was on a tour of the country looking for a bride.

At that time there were two most famous royal clans ruling in BharatSuryavamsha (SolarRace) and Chandravamsha (Lunar Race). King Gandhi belonging to the latter had a daughter named Satyavati who had blossomed into a lovely damsel imbued with fine moral qualities. The king was on the lookout for a suitable bridegroom for her. Just at that time Rucheeka, in the course of his travels, visited the king at his palace. The king entertained the sage with traditional honors. Pleased with the warm reception he received there, Rucheeka asked of the king:

"O Maharaja, I have come to seek a favour from you. Will you fulfil it?"

"Respected sage! I deem it a privilege and pleasure to make any offering to you. Please let me know what you desire."

"King! I would like to marry your daughter Satyavati"
From Palace To Hut
The king was taken aback at the thought of sending his beloved daughter grown up in royal environment, to the poor life in a thatched hut. But he had given word to the sage that he would fulfil his desire.

The king said: "O sage! You can marry my daughter upon one condition. Can you give us one thousand horses, all with one ear black and the body white-complexioned, as dowry?"

Rucheeka agreed He made a penance to please Varuna (the rain-god), obtained the thousand fine horses of the desired prescription and presented them to king Gandhi. The king was happy and now convinced of his son in-law's worth, married off his daughter to the sage.

Though she had grown up amidst royal riches and pleasures, Satyavati easily adjusted herself to the simple living mode of the hermitage. She served her husband with devotion, considering him to be her god. The couple had no children for some time.
An Exchange
King Gandhi had only one daughter and no sons. He was worried about succession to the throne. His daughter Satyavati also knew his father's worry. One-day sage Rucheeka asked her: "Tell me what is worrying you. I will give you a boon to solve your problem."

Gladdened, Satyavati requested him to bless her and her mother that they might beget male children to perpetuate the line age. The sage gave them a consecrated herbal concoction separately to each and asked them to drink it. Satyavati's mother, thinking that the sage may have given her daughter something special, took the offering intended for her daughter

while the latter consumed that meant for her mother. Thus the sage's offerings were reversed in consumption.
Valiant Grandson
Both became pregnant in due course. Rucheeka noticed ’Kshatriya’ (royal) brightness on the face of his wife and was surprised. By his insight, he under stood the reason, and upon his mentioning this to Satyavati, she realized the mishap.

She prayed that her son might become a sage and the grandson a valiant royal hero. Her husband blessed her accordingly.

Rucheeka's son was Jamadagni and Jamadagni's son was Parashurama who," wielding an axe, toured the land getting rid of evil kings and assuring the pious peace and freedom from evil.
Kartaveeyarjuna
Parashurama' s mother was Renuka. She was the adopted daughter of king Prasenajit. She had married sage Jamadagni and was serving him faith fully Parashurama was her first son and he was followed by four others Rumanvanta, Sushena, Vasu and Vishwavasu. Several incidents enraged Parashurama, forcing him into the vow of getting rid of Kshatriya families from this land.

There was a king named Kritaveerya belonging to the Lunar Race. Born to him was Kartaveeryarjuna, a heroic personality. He had worshipped Lord Dattatreya and been blessed with invincibility. He possessed the strength of a thousand arms on the battlefront. He had defeated Ravana at war and was reigning at Mahishmati, full of glory and arrogance.

One day Kartaveeryarjuna went on a gaming expedition to the forest accompanied by his huge army. After the expedition had progressed for some time he began to feel hungry and thirsty and asked his men to look for any sage's hermitage around. Nearby they sighted the ashram of Jamadagni. When the king arrived there the sage extended him a warm welcome and also requested that the royal personage could rest at the ashram for the day and move out later. The king, tired after the day's hunting adventures, could wish for nothing better. He was ceremoniously and sumptuously treated there.
The Surprised King
The sages perform penance for securing welfare to the world. Not only the people on earth but those in heaven also assist them in their task. Indra, the Lord of Heaven, had sent the divine cow-Kamadhenu- for assisting Jamadagni who was in penance at the time.

Kamadhenu was a wish fulfilling divine cow. The king of the land had been visiting the hermitage and he had to be treated with a reception fitting the majesty of royalty. The sage requested the divine cow to oblige him by helping to arrange for a sumptuous lunch. Soon, the ceremonial lunch was ready. The sage treated the guests to a royal feast and all felt happy and contented.

"What a wonderful feast! I had never tasted such fine meals even at the palace. And it is practically impossible to prepare such a festive meal at such a short notice even at the palace. How did you arrange this?" the king queried in surprise.

"O king! This is the grace of Kamadhenu. Lord Indra has sent this sacred cow to assist me. The cow can bestow any favour instantly. All these are her blessings."
'I Demand This!'
A strong selfish desire gripped the king and he entreated the sage thus; "O sage! It would be very useful if such a distinguished cow remained at the palace. Thousands of people visit us and we will be obliged to treat them without delay. But your ashram will not be under such pressure as a routine. I shall leave a lot of. Land and other property for you. You can look after your guests comfortably. Please hand the cow over to me."

The sage replied: "O king! I can’t present this cow to others. I can get her to help with only the needs of the ashram. I have no right to present her to anyone else. Please don't ask for her."

The arrogant king was angry. He ordered his soldiers to take the cow by force and they tied her and drove away to the capital Mahishmati.

Jamadagni was distressed. Is this how the king should express his thanks for the reception he received?
Parashurama Acts
By this time, Parashurama who had gone to the woods to collect material for sacrificial worship ('Yagna') returned and learnt about the king's taking away Kamadhenu by force.

Enraged, Parashurama decided to go in pursuit of Kartaveeryarjuna and bring Kamadhenu back. 'The king is to suffer proper punishment’, he thought and armed with his sharp axe and bow and arrows, left on the chase.

What are sages' children before a king? Kartaveeryarjuna' s soldiers pounced upon Parashurama who how ever confronted them boldly and began to chop them off mercilessly. Finally Kartaveeryarjuna himself appeared before Parashurama and the two were engaged in a fierce battle. Parashurama axed down the king's thousand arms and killed him. His sons and remaining soldiers ran for their lives leaving Kamadhenu behind. Parashurama brought her back and respectfully handed her over to his father.
'A Hero, But-'
Jamadagni was naturally happy over his son's heroism. He was very happy at the return of Kamadhenu. But he wondered whether a Brahmin could afford to get so terribly angry.

He advised his son: 'Dear Parashurama, no doubt you are a great hero. Such valour should be the pride of anybody. But you should have kept your wrath under check. See now, you have killed so many people and the responsibility for that cruelty lies upon you. You should rid yourself of this sin. Go on a pilgrimage and visit holy places. Return to the ashram purified."

"As you order, father", said Parashurama and bowing to him left upon pilgrimage. He traveled for a year and returned to help his father in his chores.
The Sudarshana Chakra Story
There is a story prevalent about the incarnation of Parashurama.

Sage Narada was once visiting Vaikunta, the abode of Lord Vishnu. He extolled the Lord in very colorful terms. Vishnu's major weapon was the 'Chakra' (sharp-edged swinging wheel) known as 'Sudarshana Chakra'. So far none could face it and come out of the attack victorious. The Chakra had a deity associated with it and he used to boast that all the powers the Lord had were due to him and He couldn't kill the demons without his help. Narada's praising of Vishnu angered him; he was sore that Narada had ignored his prowess.

Learning of this, Vishnu called him and said 'Dear Sudarshana, it is true I defeated the Asuras with your help. Go to earth and be born a thousand-armed hero; I will come and appear as the son of a sage. Let us match our strength there!"

The Sudarshana Chakra could no longer remain in Vaikunta and came down to earth. Kritaveerya, belonging to the Lunar Race, was childless for a long time and later a son without arms was born to him. However, he acquired one thousand arms and invincibility by the grace of Lord Dattatreya.But this arrogant man, Kartaveeryarjuna, and faced Parashurama in battle and died.The Sudarshana Chakra was thus subdued.
'Kill Renuka!'
It was a pleasant day in spring when the colorful nature had made the surroundings shine with charm and fragrance. Renuka, the devoted wife of Jamadagni, had to get the Ganga water, for her husband's Fire worship, and accordingly, proceeded to the river with a pot.

The Ganga was flowing majestically. At that time a 'Gandharvas' (celestial being) named Chitraratha was enjoying a festive bath and was engaged in frolic with his wives. Renuka was watching these activities for some time. She had been somewhat mesmerized and after a while awakened herself realizing her duty to carry the pot of water to her husband.

She rushed back to the hermitage.

Jamadagni was a sage possessing supreme vision. He visualized the reason for his wife's delayed arrival. He was angered at her and took umbrage at her becoming 'impure' by witnessing Chitraratha with unbecoming interest. He called out his sons and ordered them to kill her!

The children were shocked; they could not believe their own ears. How can they kill their own mother? They stood transfixed. Jamadagni was now furious, seeing that his sons were not obeying him. Parashurama returned after a while, and Jamadagni asked his son to kill his mother and also the 'disobedient' brothers.
Revived
Parashurama did not hesitate even for a moment. Readily he raised his axe, chopped off his mother's head and later killed his brothers. As he bowed before his father in reverence, the latter's anger subsided. However, five persons had been killed.

Jamadagni said: "My son, your devotion to your father has pleased me. Tell me what is your desire and I shall fulfil it.'"

Parashurama replied: "O father, nothing satisfies me more than fulfilling your desire. If you want to grant me a boon,

kindly oblige by making my mother and brothers come back to life. Please forgive their disobedience."

"As you wish," agreed Jamadagni.

The dead rose to life and prostrated before the sage. The ashram's rituals were resumed unhindered. Thus Parashurama saved his mother and brothers.
Vengeance
At the same time, the sons of Kartaveeryarjuna at Mahishmati were pining for vengeance. Having once faced the wrath of the axe-wielding Parashurama, they were afraid of confronting him again and hence conceived a secret plan.

Parashurama, accompanied by his brothers, had gone out on an errand. Hearing of this from there. Spies, the sons of Kartaveeryarjuna laid siege to the hermitage of Jamadagni. They vowed to seek their revenge by killing the sage. The sage was sitting in meditation. Kartaveeryarjuna' s sons stormed the place. Renuka, realizing the danger confronting them, entreated the invaders to spare the life of her husband. But her plea went unheeded. Jamadagni, in penance, was beheaded and his skull was taken away to Mahishmati and to ashram was destroyed.
Again The Axe-man

Renuka shouted 'O Rama! O Rama! O Rama!'

Parashurama and his brothers who were approaching the ashram heard their mother's cry and rushed to the place. They were shocked to see the body of their father lying in a pool of blood; his head was missing. Their mother had lost consciousness and collapsed. The children helped her to regain conscious- ness. She wept and narrated the happenings. Renuka and the boys surrounded the headless body of Jamadagni and wailed and wailed.

But Parashurama did not sit quietly and cry. He learnt from the inmates of the ashram the details of the incidents. Reddened with anger, he picked up his axe and hurried towards Mahishmati.

On reaching the city, he first butchered the guards at the main entrance. Breaking down the heavy gate, with his eyes like a couple of fireballs, he stalked to the palace like an enraged lion. There he destroyed the whole army, which came to attack him. He killed all the princes, picked up his father's head and returned to the ashram. There the children performed all the obsequies in honor of the departed soul. His Wrath
Even after this, Parashurama' s wrath did not subside. He felt uneasy and full of anguish whenever he saw his sorrowful mother.

In his anguished heart was slowly taking shape a plan of action.

Finally, Parashurama vowed:

"All these kings are evil men. They stole the cow which had fed them; they killed my father They made my' mother suffer widowhood. This entire kingly class should be destroyed. The pious cannot live in peace till then. Let me sharpen the axe. I am going to wipe out the whole lot of them.'"

Carrying the axe on his shoulder, he traversed the earth twenty-one times chopped off all the anogant Kshatriya, wiping out the entire royalty.
Generosity, Altruism
It is said Parashurama built lakes out of the blood of the evil princes he killed. There he prayed for peace to his father's soul. These lakes are known as 'Syamanta Panchaka'. He conducted'Ashwamedha' , ‘Vajapeya' and other sacrifices to purify himself and gifted the land he hadacquired after killing the princes to the priestly men who had come to these sacrifices. Finally, he bathed himself in the river Saraswati, built a hermitage at the foot of the Mahendra Mountain and settled down for penance.

It is believed Parashurama is living there even today, as he is ageless.

When Parashurama decided to build a hermitage for himself, a problem confronted him. He had given away all the land he had acquired. Now, any plot upon which he settled down would mean his taking back the land he had donated, and it would be a wrongful act.

He then found a solution for the problem. He threw his axe into the sea and requested the King of the Ocean to give him land up to the spot where the axe hit the seawaters. There he built his ashram. This came to be known as 'Parashurama Srishti'. It is an age-old belief that this stretch of land would always be prosperous and no drought or disease would ever affect the region.
The Merciful
Though bloody, Parashurama' s rebellion contains many instances of his submission to 'Dharma'.

He did not kill those kings who performed religious sacrifices ('yajnas') and kings like Janaka were thus saved; he did not kill married princes, and thus king Dasharatha and others were spared. He did not attack women. In fact, it I said that upon knowing that Parashurama would not harm women, some Kshatriya princes donned the robes of women and escaped amidst female groups. One such person came to be known a 'Nari-kavacha' (one who sought protection amidst women.)
Parashurama And Sri Rama
There are stories pertaining to Parashurama in Ramayana and Mahabharata. Vishnu appeared on the earth as Sri Rama, son of king Dasharatha, and his consort Lakshmi was born as Sita, daughter of King Janaka. On her reaching marriage able age, a 'Swayamvara' (an assembly wherein a princess chooses a prince as her mate from amongst the invitees) was arranged. Many were those who came with high hopes of securing her hand. At the palace of Janaka, there was an ancient bow said to have been blessed by Lord Shiva. Janaka announced that his daughter would marry the prince who could bend the bow and tie it up. All the assembled princes attempted it and failed while Sri Rama easily accomplished the task broke the bow into two and Sita married him.

Dasharatha was returning to his kingdom Ayodhya with his sons and daughters.

Parashurama, upon learning of Sri Rama's breaking the bow, became angry. Parashurama had learnt archery from Lord Shiva. Added to his anger was the fact that the feat had been accomplished by a Kshatriya prince.

As Sri Rama was heading toward Ayodhya with his father Dasharatha wife Sita and others, Parashurama confronted them and a battle ensued between him and Sri Rama. The former wielded his axe while Sri Rama replied with his famous ‘Kodanda' bow As they stood confronting each other their eyes met; and both instantly realized that they were the incarnations of the same Supreme Power. The Vishnu-effulgence of Parashurama merged itself with Sri Rama's personality.

Parashurama realized that his incarnation had come to an end and returned to his hermitage in the Mahendra Mountain.
In The Mahabharata
According to references in the Mahabharata, there was a king ruling Kashi (Benaras). He had three daughters named Amba, Ambika and Ambalika. They had reached marriageable age and the king arranged a; Swayamvara; for finding bridegrooms for them. The contenders had to participate in a battle and the victorious princes would marry the princesses.

A king named Shantanu was ruling in another kingdom Hastinavati. Devavrata was his son. The queen had left Shantanu for some reason and the latter wanted to marry again. To fulfil his father’s desire, Devavrata undertook to fulfil two vows – that he would not become a king and that he would not marry. He came to be known as Bhishma signifying these vows. Upon the death of Shantanu, Bhishma crowned his step brother Vichitravirya as the king.

Bhishma came to know of the 'Swayamvara' of the Kashi king's daughters and thought it would be a good idea to marry the girls to his brother. He attended the assembly, defeated all other princes, brought the three princesses, and asked Vichitravirya to marry them Arnbika and Ambalika agreed for this proposal. However...
But Amba?
Amba, from the beginning, wanted to marry the king of Salwa. She requested Bhishma to send her to that prince. He accordingly agreed and sent her away. But the Salwa king refused to marry her as she had been taken away after victory in a battle.

Amba came back to Bhishma and entreated him to marry her. An avowed celebrate, he did not wish to depart from that state of life.

Amba knew that Bhishma highly respected Parashurama and would not say 'no' to the latter's words. So she went to him and narrated her story. Parashurama thereupon accompanied her to see Bhishma and said: 'Bhishma, marry this girl.'

'I cannot do so. If I do, it would be breaking my vow.'

Parashurama and Bhishma thereupon engaged themselves in a battle and the fighting went on for many days. Both were valiant and could not be vanquished. Ultimately, they stopped fighting and returned to their places. Amba, a dejected damsel, threw herself into fire and died. Later she was reborn as Shikhandi and took revenge on Bhishma.
Karna
As mentioned earlier, Parashurarna had learnt archery from Lord Shiva himself and had mastered all the fine points of that discipline. It was said that Shiva was very pleased with his disciple’s prowess and had bestowed him with the axe; Goddess Parvati had blessed and given him many fine weapons Many young men were coming to him for training in the art of archery.

But Parashurama would not teach the Kshatriya. He felt that a weapon the hands of an evil person would pose a danger to the pious. Karna was a hero of Mahabharata. He was separated from his mother at a very young age. He desired that he should learn archery from Parashurama. But how to achieve it? Karna decided to act as a Brahmin boy and went to Parashurama;

Parashurama taught Karna and in fact was very pleased to notice the keen interest and capabilities of Karna. He became a particularly beloved pupil of Parashurama and continued his training to reach greater heights.
Karna's Misfortune
One day, Parashurama, resting his head on the lap of Karna, was sleeping.

Indra, the king of the Devas, had a special affection towards Arjuna, one of the five Pandava’s brothers, because the latter had been born to Pandava’s' mother Kunti by his (Indra's) own blessings.

Indra knew that Pandava’s had to wage war against their cousins, the Kauravas led by Prince Duryodhana, and that Karna would be the right hand man of the prince. He decide that Karna had to be vanquished so a to ward off danger to Arjuna.

Indra pondered over how to realize this objective. Karna had completed his training from Parashurama success fully; who can match him now? Indra had to think of some incident wherein the Guru's wrath would descend upon his disciple. He assumed the form of a diamond-sharp insect and began bite into the flesh of Karna's lap. Can anybody withstand such severe torture for long? But Karna was worried that even the slightest dislodging of his lap would disturb the Guru' sleep. He suffered all the severe pain of the insect's biting with tenacity His lap began to bleed, and as the floor got wet with blood, Parashurarna suddenly woke up. And what did he see? His disciple is sifting quiet, while his lap was bleeding He was suffering such great pain silently

A doubt confronted Parashurama. This boy is certainly not a Brahmin, for only a Kshatriya could suffer this pain in silence. The boy must be a Kshatriya; he had deceived him and learnt archery.

Parashurama was red with anger. He cursed: "Let the training you have had from me be of no avail to you at the time of your difficulties Later, during the great Mahabharata war, a fierce battle ensued between Karna and Arjuna. The 'Sarpaastra' (the serpent-arrow) let off by Karna failed to kill Arjuna and Karna also could not remember another great 'astra’ taught by Parashurama. He succumbed to Arjuna's arrows.
Exalted Personality
Thus the story of Parashurama is one of the most exciting episodes is our mythology. Parashurama was not only a great hero; he was also a savant rich in wisdom. Just before the Mahabharata war, Lord Krishna visited Duryodhana and advised him to hand one half of the kingdom in a just manner Parashurama at that time was sitting a Duryodhana's court along with other dignitaries, and he too counseled Duryodhana: "Pandava’s have kept the word. You should now act justly

Give them their share of the kingdom Otherwise, that injustice may destroy you.' But Duryodhana was adamant. He waged war in which thousands of people died. His own brothers, near and dear relatives, friends - all perished, he had his leg betoken, and breathed his last.

Parashurama embodied several noble qualities. His utter devotion to his father whose words he readily fulfilled, his great respect for his mother and regard for his brothers for whose resurrection he ardently prayed, the determination with which he set about to destroy the kingly clan which had brought about the death of his father, the generosity with which he donated the lands he had conquered, his asking the sea-king for land up to the point where the axe hit sea waters, his mastery in archery, and above all his magnificent sense of 'Dharma' (virtuousness) -all these features shine in his life like pure diamonds.

And therefore, Parashurama is hailed as the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.There is a traditional verse, which is popular

'Ashwatthamo Bali Vyasah

Hanumanscha Vibhishanah

Kripah Parashuramascha

Saptaite Chirajeevinah'

Ashwatthama, Bali, Vyasa, Hanuman, Vibhishana, Kripa and Parashurama- these are the seven eternal, ageless, immortal souls according to our traditional belief. In particular, it is believed Parashurama is sitting even today in penance at Mahendra Mountain. Why this great penance? Not for himself, but for the peace and happiness of the whole world.

Parashurama is thus one of our celebrated epic Heros who, down the ages, is acclaimed as Vishnu's incarnation.