32. Mandodari's advise to Ravana

      After Sita's abduction, Ravana took her to Lanka and held her captive in Ashok Vatika which is a beautiful garden in his kingdom. Ravana wanted to show off his kingdom's beauty to her. Sita sat under a tree in Ashok vatika and was waiting for Rama to rescue her. Ravana didn't want to own Sita forcibly. He kept  strict security around her and allotted many maids to serve her. He was proposing her everyday to be his queen to which Sita was rejecting. Ravana's wife Mandodari advised him not to do this sin and to give Sita to Rama and make friendship. Ravana was too arrogant and refused. Mandodhari asked Ravana what if Rama found out Sita's where abouts and declared a war on Lanka. Ravana was so confidant that he can win Rama. Then Mandodari reminded him two incidents.

      Once king Karthaveeryarjuna (Refer Parashuramavatar) went to river Narmadha with his beautiful wives to play water games and to bath . With his powerful thousand hands he stopped the flow of water in the river, entered the river and started playing in the water with his wives. Without knowing this, Ravana also came to the same river noted the flow in the river was very less. So he put a tent on the bank of the river and entered the river had a good bath, sat near his tent, started to perform Shiva Puja. Karthaveeryarjuna decided to finish his water game after some time and and go back to his palace. So he removed the blockage of water and allowed the flow in the river. The stopped water flew with great force in the river and affected Ravana’s Shiva puja. His tent was taken away by the force of flood. Ravana was very furious at the sudden flow of water in the river and understood that it was the work of Karthaveeryarjuna. He ran towards Karthaveeryarjuna to hit him. Karthaveeryarjuna lifted him with his fingers without any effort as if he was lifting a tiny creature even before he could start the fight, took him to his capital city Magishmathi and imprisoned him. Ravana had to be in the prison for many years. After some years Karthaveeryarjuna took pity on him and released him from the prison. Later Karthaveeryarjuna was killed by Parashurama (Refer Parashuramavatar). Parashurama accepted his defeat to Rama (Refer Sita's Swayamvaram). So Mandodari asked Ravana how he can win over Rama as he couldn't even stand a chance with Karthaveeryarjuna.

      Ravana had a son named Meghanath. One day Ravana mentioned Meghanath that he defeated all his enemies and should teach a lesson to Indra now. Ravana advised Meghanath to go and fight with Indra. They both fought went to heaven and challenged Indra for a battle. After a terrible battle, Indra lost and was brought to Lanka as prisoner. Ravana chained Indra to a big pillar and made him an object of fun. Finally he released Indra by request of Lord Brahma. Meghanath was given the title of 'Indrajit' (who won over Indra). People in Lanka were celebrating the victory. Sage Narada came to Ravana and praised him. Narada told Ravana that everyone in the world praising him except one. Ravana got angry and asked who as that. Narada told him that's its a big monkey named Vali ho is the king of Vanaras. Ravana pledged that he will defeat Vali and bring him to Lanka for the children to play with. He ordered his son and soldiers to get ready for battle. Narada laughed and said that it is shame to use a big troop of soldiers to fight with a monkey. So Ravana himself set out immediately to fight with Vali alone.

      Ravana and Narada reached Vali's place and Narada showed Vali to Ravana who was frightened by seeing a huge monkey. Vali was praying at that time. Ravana regained his confidence and challenged Vali to fight. As Vali was busy in praying, he didn't mind Ravana's words. Ravana was screaming a lot disturbing Vali's prayer. So Vali took Ravana in a hand and tied him with his tail. Ravana couldnt move any part of his body. Vali continued his prayer and went to all rivers to take bath. All the time Ravana was tied to hs tail helplessly. Finally when Vali reached Kishkindha, other Vanaras saw Ravana and asked Vali about him. Then Vali remembered and released him. Vali asked Ravana what was the matter. Ravana couldn't say anything except requesting him his friendship. From then Vali and Ravana became friends. Mandodari asked Ravana that he failed in battle with Vali and how can he win over Rama who killed Vali. Still Ravana was not convinced and was ready to fight with Rama.

31. Searching For Sita

      As explained in Vali and Sugriva, Rama and Sugriva became good friends and decided to help each other. Rama promised Sugriva that he will kill Vali and make Sugriva the king of Kishkindha. Sugriva promised Rama that he will send his troops all over the world to search for Sita once he becomes king of Kishkindha. But Vali was not confidant that Rama can kill Vali. There were 9 trees in that forest and vanaras believed that ho ever can cut all those trees with a single arrow, will be capable to kill Vali. To gain their confidence, Rama strike an arrow and cut all those trees in one shot. Then Rama told Sugriva to go and challenge Vali and planned to kill Vali while he was fighting with Sugriva. As planned, Sugriva challenged Vali to fight and they started fighting. Rama hid behind a tree and waiting to strike an arrow on Vali to kill him. But as Vali and Sugriva look a like, Rama couldn't distinguish between them. Finally Sugriva lost and fled. Rama explained him about his confusion and advised Sugriva to wear a garland and fight again with Vali. Sugriva wore a garland and challenged Vali again. This time while Vali and Sugriva were fighting, Rama hid behind a tree and killed Vali with his arrow.

      Before dieing, Vali asked Rama why he did wrong by not fighting face to face to which Rama explained that as Vali took his brother's wife forcibly, he is like an animal so he did right thing according to Kiratha nyayam (Rule of hunters). Rama promised Vali that Vali's son Angada will be the prince of Kishkindha and Vali died peacefully. Sugriva became the king of Kishkindha and Angada became the prince. Now its time Sugriva had to fulfil his promise. He had to send his troops to search for Sita. But due to rainy season, he asked Rama to wait till winter. Rama agreed and was waiting for winter. Sugriva was enjoying his royal pleasures and forgot about his promise to Rama. Rama asked Lakshmana to approach Sugriva and remind about the promise. Lakshmana did the same and Sugriva came to Rama will all his troops and asked his forgiveness. He divided his troops into some groups and sent them to all sides to search for Sita. Rama gave his ring to Hanuman and told him to show it to Sita if he meet her so that she can recognise him as Rama's friend.

      Hanuman, Angada, Jambavantha and some other vanaras headed south side. They reached the edge of south region of India and ocean ahead. They were sad that they couldn't find Sita. While they were talking, they spoke about Jatayu who sacrificed his life while trying to save Sita. Then Jatayu's brother Sampati (Refer Story of Jatayu and Sabari) was around and heard their talk. Sampati asked them about his brother Jatayu as he was searching for him for a long time. Vanaras told him that his brother is died while trying to rescue Sita. Sampati felt sad about his brother's death and informed vanaras that while flying over Lanka, he saw Lanka's king Ravana recently with a beautiful lady who was pleading him to release herself. She might be Sita. Now vanaras were thinking how to cross the ocean to reach Lanka and confirm about Sita's presence.

30 Vali and Sugriva

      Vali and Sugriva are vanaras (monkeys) and sons of Surya, the sun god. Vali ruled the kingdom of Kishkindha where all Vanaras live. Vali had a boon that when he fights with anyone, half of the opponant's strength will be transfered to Vali. So he was invincible. Sugriva was a loyal brother serving him as his minister. Tara was Vali's wife and Ruma was Sugriva's wife. One day a demon challenged Vali to a fight. Vali accepted the challenge, but when he sallied forth, the demon fled in terror into a deep cave. Vali entered the cave in pursuit of the demon, telling Sugriva to wait outside. He advised Sugriva before entering cave to close the cave with a big stone if Vali didn't return back in 3 days so that demon cannot come out. When Vali did not return in 3 days, and upon hearing demonic shouts in the cave and seeing blood oozing from its mouth, Sugriva concluded that his brother had been killed. With a heavy heart, Sugriva rolled a boulder to seal the cave's opening as per Vali's advise and returned to Kishkindha and assumed kingship over the vanaras.

      After some days Vali ultimately prevailed in his combat with the demon and returned home. Seeing Sugriva acting as king, he concluded that his brother had betrayed him. Though Sugriva humbly attempted to explain himself, Vali would not listen. As a result, Sugriva was ostracized from the kingdom, Vali forcibly took Sugriva's wife Ruma. From then Vali and Sugriva became biggest enemies. Sugriva tried to defeat Vali many times but failed. As per Surya's request, Hanuman joined forces with Sugriva (refer Birth of Hanuman). As per the mild curse on Hanuman, he doesn't know his own strength. He was just like any other vanara acing as Sugriva's minister. One day when Hanuman was leaving penance to Surya in the early morning, Ravana was taking away Sita on the same way. Sita removed all her garments and left it on the ground which fell directly in Hanuman's hands. Hanuman got surprised and gave them to Sugriva for safekeeping.

      As per sabari's advise, Rama and Lakshmana reached Sugriva's place (refer Story of Jatayu and Sabari). Sugriva saw them from distance and doubted whether they are friends or enemies. So Hanuman disguised himself as a brahmin and approached them. When he asked Rama about his where abouts, Rama called him Hanuman and told him that the chain in Hanuman's neck is showing his real form. Hanuman remembered that his mother Anjana told Hanuman that who ever can see that chain, will be his master (refer Birth of Hanuman). So he took his real form and fell on Rama's feet. From then Hanuma started serving Rama. He introduced Rama to Sugriva. When Rama told them about Sita's abduction, Hanuman showed them the garments he found the other day. Rama confirmed them as Sita's garments. Rama promised Sugriva that he will help him killing Vali and make him the king of Kishkindha. Sugriva promised him that he will send his troops all over to search for Sita once he become king of Kishkindha.

29. Story of Jatayu and Sabari

      As explained in Story of Garuda, Kashyap got two sons from Vinata. One is Aruna whose egg was partly broken by his own mother Vinata out of curiosity and another is Garuda. Aruna is charioteer  of Surya, the sun god. Aruna got two sons Sampati and Jatayu. when young, they used to compete as to who could fly higher. Once Jatayu flew so high that he was about to get seared by the sun's flames. Sampati saved his brother by spreading his own wings and thus shielding Jatayu from the hot flames. In the process, Sampati himself got injured and lost his wings. As a result, Sampati lived wingless for the rest of his life. Jatayu was saved by Dasaratha once while confronting with Samparasura. He is a good friend of Rama also. When Ravana was taking away Sita, Jatayu saw him and confronted. He tried to save Sita till his last breath. Ravana being stronger cut off his wings and killed him.

      There was a old woman called Sabari who served for long Rishi Matanga in his ashram near Rishyamuka, and when he was ascending to heaven, he bade his disciple await the advent of Rama who would come to her, bless her, and fulfill her tapas. Sabari obeyed her Master’s command. When Rama and Lakshmana set out in search of Sita (refer Sita's Abduction), en route they killed Kabandakan who had been transformed into an Asura due to a curse. After being released from the curse, he told Rama that Sabari has been waiting for them at Mathanga rishi's ashram. So Rama and Lakshmana visited the ashram where Sabari told them that Mathanga rishi and his disciples had attained moksha and gone to heaven. She also said that Mathanga rishi had told her that Rama and Lakshmana would visit the ashram and that she could reach heaven after serving them. As part of her hospitality, Sabari offered fruits to Rama and Lakshmana before taking them around the ashram and showing the place where Mathanga rishi and his disciples did yagas. She then sought Rama's permission to leave this world. On getting his consent, Sabari entered the fire wearing deer skin and emerged out of it as a beautiful woman wrapped in a silk dress and adorned with beautiful jewels. She attained moksha with Rama's permission.

      Before leaving her body, Sabari advised Rama to meet Sugriva, a vanara living near by who can help Rama with his troop in finding Sita. So Rama and Lakshmana started their journey to meet Sugriva (refer Birth of Hanuman). On the way they saw Jatayu on the ground. Rama was so sad to see him in this position. Jatayu explained him that he fought with someone who abducted Sita. He couldn't tell about Ravana's where abouts and died. Rama conducted final penance to Jatayu and started his journey to Sugriva's place.

28. Sita's Abduction

      As explained in Rama's Padukas To Rule Ayodhya, Rama was living on Badragiri mountain along with Sita and Lakshmana. There was a small forest called Panchawati. When Rama, SIta and Lakshmana were passing by, saints who were living in Panchawati requested them to stay there as some demons like Khara were terrorising the saints. Rama agreed and stayed there so that he can kill the demons and he can fulfil the boon he gave to Badragiri also. Rama killed many demons living in the forest and torturing the people near by. One day Ravana's sister Surpanakha (Refer Story of Ravana) was passing by and got attracted to Rama who was meditating at that time. She asked Rama to marry her to which Rama replied that he promised his wife that he wont touch any other woman in this life. Rama advised Surpanakha to approach Lakshmana who has same stature as him. Surpanakha approached Lakshmana and asked him to accept her to which Lakshmana replied that if he marry her, she will be a servant of Sita. Surpanakha got angry and told that she will kill Sita so that she need not serve to Sita. Surpanakha was about to attack Sita. Lakshmana stopped her and cut off her ears and nose.

      Surpanakha went to her brother Ravana and told that Rama, Lakshmana cut off her nose and ears. Ravana got so angry that he wanted to kill Rama. Surpanakha also told him that Rama had a beautiful wife who deserves to be with Ravana. So Ravana decided to teach a lesson to Rama by abducting Sita as it will be like tit for tat to his failure in Sita's Swayamvaram also. He understood that he need some help so he called his old friend Maricha for help. Maricha's mother was killed by Rama in Panchawati and Maricha himself got defeated two times by Rama after which Maricha left everything and was meditating in a cave peacefully. Ravana provoked Maricha to help him in abducting Sita. Maricha told him that Rama will kill him if he help. Ravana told him that he will kill Maricha if he didn't help. So Maricha wanted to die in good hands and agreed to help him.

      According to plan, next day Maricha showed up in the forest as a golden deer to which Sita got attracted and asked Rama to get it. Rama immediately got prepared to go after that deer. Lakshmana doubted that it might be some demon as golden deers are not real. Rama didn't fear about demons and wanted to check it out. Rama chased the deer to very long distance and finally when Rama strike an arrow to the deer, it became Maricha and screamed calling Lakshamana and Sita with Rama's voice after hearing which Sta got worried about Rama and asked Lakshmana to check. Lakshmana was so confidant that Rama was impossible to defeat. But Sita was still worried provoking Lakshmana to go after Rama. Finally Lakshmana had to go to check on Rama. Before leaving he marked a line around the hut and requested Sita not to cross it till he return which will protect Sita from any demons and went to check on Rama. At that moment Ravana approached there but couldn't cross the line so he disguised himself as a saint and begged. Sita didn't cross the line and offered food to Ravana to which Ravana acted like getting angry and asked her to cross the line. Finally when Sita crossed the line, Ravana took his real form and Sita got fainted. Ravan cut some ground with his hands on which Sita fainted and took her with out touching. Rama and Lakshmana came back to hermitage and searched for Sita all over and understood that someone abducted Sita. They started looking for her.

27. Rama's Padukas To Rule Ayodhya

      As explained in Sri Rama's Vanvas, Rama started his vanavas accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana. Sumanthra, a charioteer left them till banks of the river Ganga. Guha, a close friend of Rama and the leader of the hunters was ruling the place near Ganga. He came by foot to meet Rama who welcomed him with open arms treating him like a brother. Guha offered them his kingdom and told that he and his people will serve Rama. But Rama rejected saying that it is not right as he was on Vanvas. He didn't even took royal food from him but only accepted water. Rama consumed only water as his food and lay down on the floor with Sita for the night. Lakshmana watched over them with out sleeping whole night. Next day Rama asked Guha to arrange a boat to cross the river Ganga. Guha prepared the boat and washed Rama's foot. Guha himself ride the boat and bid them farewel after crossing the river Ganga.

      Later Rama, Sita and Lakshmana went on the way of Atri and Anasuya's hermitage (Refer Story of Dattatreya) who heartfully invited them. Anasuya gave some herbs to Sita by using which Sita can protect her beauty even in forest. Next day they took leave from Atri and Anasuya and started their journey again. Once a mountain named Badragiri (Giri means mountain) worshipped Lord Vishnu and took a boon that Vishnu should reside on him. Now in Ramavatar, Vishnu as Rama reached to Badragiri along with Sita and Lakshmana. He told Lakshmana to build a hermitage there and they started living there. Meanwhile Bharata and Sathrugna came back to Ayodhya and with out knowing that Rama went to Vanvas, they went to Rama's place straight. When they didn't find Rama there, they knew everything happened from others. Bharata was so angry that he scolded his own mother Kaikeyi for becoming cause of Rama's exile and Dasaratha's death. He immediately started with all his family members to meet Rama. When he met Rama on Badragiri, he wept like a kid at Rama's feet and informed about their father Dasaratha's death. Rama also felt sad and they did last penance to their father in river Ganga.

      Bharata requested Rama to come back and rule Ayodhya. Even Kaikeyi requested Rama to do so saying that she took her boon back. But Rama said that it's his father's word that he should complete 14 years of Vanvas so he must follow it. According to rules of royalty, If any king didn't rule for 14 continuous years, he is not eligible to rule again. That's why Kaikeyi asked Rama to exile for 14 years. So Bharata told Rama that he will kill himself if Rama didnt come to Ayodhya after completing Vanvas. He asked Rama to give his Padukas (chappals) and promised that till Rama's return to Ayodhya, his padukas will rule Ayodhya on his be half. Bharata took Rama's padukas on his head and went back to Ayodhya with his family. From then Rama's padukas ruled Ayodhya till Rama's coming back to Ayodhya. That's the reason Rama could rule Ayodhya even after 14 years of vanvas.

26. Sri Rama's Vanvas

      Rama's father Dasaratha was famous for his miraculous ability to hunt blind and shooting arrows by hearing the sound only. Once during hunting, Dasaratha heard a noise resembling elephant drinking water and shot an arrow in the direction which shot an young boy named as Sravana Kumar who was collecting water in a pitcher for his blind parents. Sravana was the only child of his blind parents who were totally dependent on him. Sravana used to carry them everywhere on two pans of balance supported on his shoulder. Sravana asked Dasaratha, as his dying wish, to carry water to his thirsty parents. Dasaratha carried the water to the old couple and they drank the water thinking that it was being offered by their son. The king then hesitantly narrated the death incident of Sravanakumar to them. The old couple was so distressed that Sravana's father cursed Dasaratha that one day he too would suffer from Putrasoka (grief of separation from one's son). The old couple then sacrificed their lives, as they did not want to live anymore after consuming water offered by their son's killer.

      Once Dasaratha also fought for the gods in the battle against demons and his last wife Kaikeyi acted as his charioteer who saved Dasaratha's life during the battle. Dasaratha was so pleased with Kaikeyi that he asked her to wish two boons on which Kaikeyi said that she would ask when she wished to avail them. After his sons' marriage, Dhasaratha came back to Ayodhya with his family (Refer Sita's Swayamvaram). His three wives, four sons and four daughter in laws all were happy. Janaka's brother Kushadhvaja who is now the father in law of Lakshmana, Bharata and Sathrugna invited his three son in laws to his place. Lakshmana rejected the offer as he always wanted to be with his brother Rama. Bharata and Sathrugna had to accept after Dhasaratha's advice and went to their father in law's kingdom with their wives. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana, Urmila were in Ayodhya along with their father and mothers.

      Dhasaratha wanted Rama to take up his duties as new king of Ayodhya. Even his three queens and all people in that kingdom were wishing for that moment. Dhasaratha consulted sage Vasishta for muhurth (right time) for Rama's Pattabhishekam (occasion from which new king will be assigned to his duties). Vasishta noted a good muhurth for Rama's pattabhishekam which was announced by Dhasaratha to all people in Ayodhya. All people were happy about it and were celebrating. Kaikeyi had a maid named Mandhara who was Kaikeyi's great confidante. When she heard the news about Rama's pattabhishekam, she was overpowered with sudden anger. She mind washed Kaikeyi saying that if Rama became king, his own son Bharata and his wife would be Rama and Sita's servants. Kaikeyi finally fall into her trap and  Mandhara advised Kaikeyi to ask Dhasaratha two boons which he promised earlier. First boon will be that Bharata should be declared as king of Ayodhya instead of Rama and second boon will be that Rama should be sent into exile for fourteen years.

      Kaikeyi asked Dhasaratha to grant same boons suggested by Mandhara after hearing which he was shocked and rendered speechless. After regaining his courage, Dasaratha tried to console Kaikeyi saying that he will make Bharata as King of Ayodhya and requested her to take back the wish to send Rama into exile. But Kaikeyi was adamant about her wishes which Dasaratha had to fulfil as promised. Dasaratha was terrified with the thoughts of living with out Rama and dropped unconscious. Kaikeyi called Rama and explained him that Dhasaratha was feeling grief to fulfil her wishes. Rama promised her that he will do anything to upheld his father's promise and after hearing about her boons, he agreed for Bharata's pattabhishekam and to take vanvas.

      Rama seek permission from his other mothers Kousalya and Sumitra and prepared to go for Vanvas. Sita also prepared to go forest with him saying that she must accompany him as his half part. Lakshmana also prepared to follow them to serve Rama and Sita. Lakshmana's wife Urmila told his husband to serve Rama and Sita every second and that she will sleep all time on be half of Lakshmana also. From then till they reach Ayodhya back, Lakshmana didn't sleep at all and Urmila slept for the whole time. After Rama left Ayodhya, Dasaratha could not bear the pain of the separation from his most beloved son. Unable to withstand the anguish, the dispirited king Dasaratha died out of grief and pain.

25. Birth of Hanuman

      Hanuman is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. He is son of Kesari, a male vanara (monkey) and Anjana, a female vanara. Anjana in her previous life was servant for celestial beings. She born as a female vanara due to a curse. according to that she should give birth to Shiva's incarnation to get rid of the curse. So Anjana and Kesari prayed Lord Shiva to beget him as their son. As explained in Birth of Rama, Dasaratha performed Putrakamisti  yagna to get kids. Then Yagna purush gave him nectar by drinking which any lady can get kids. An eagle snatched a part of the pudding and dropped it where Anjana was meditating and Wind god delivered the drop to her outstretched hands by taking which she gave birth to Hanuman. Thus Lord Shiva incarnated as a monkey. Hanuman also known as Pavana Puthra (son of Pavan means wind).

      The birth of Hanuman released Anjana from the curse. Before she returned to heaven, she told Hanuman that fruits as ripe as the rising sun would be his food. One day mistaking the glowing Sun as his food, Hanuman leaped for it. After reaching near to Sun, he realised that it is not a fruit. Sun knew that he is incarnation of Shiva. They became good friends. As Hanuman came to outer space and disturbing the flow, Indra struck him with his thunderbolt and hurled him down to earth. Wind god saved him and took him into a cave. As wind was not around,, all life panted for air and Brahma had to beg him to return. In order to appease him they conferred a lot of boons and blessings on his foster child that made Hanuman invincible, immortal and super powerful.

      Hanuman asked Sun to be his master to which Sun refused saying that he has to roam every second on his chariot. Hanuman increased his size and kept his legs on east and west side and got ready to listen from Sun. Sun got impressed and taught him all Sasthras. Sun considered the manner in which Hanuman accomplished his studies as his tuition fees but when Hanuman requested him to accept something more than that, Sun asked Hanuman to assist his son Sugriva, by being his minister and compatriot. Hanuman was mischievous in his childhood and sometimes teased the meditating sages in the forests by snatching their personal belongings and by disturbing their well-arranged articles of worship. Finding his antics unbearable but realizing that Hanuman was just a child, the sages placed a mild curse on him by which he wont know his own ability unless reminded by another person. From then Hanuman was behaving just like any other Vanara.

      Once sage Narada infatuated with a princess. He thought that if he looks like Vishnu, princess will choose him to be her husband. So he went to Vishnu and asked for a Hari-Mukh. Hari means Vishnu and Mukh means face. But Vishnu instead bestowed him with the face of a monkey. Unaware of this, Narada went to the princess who burst into laughter at the sight of his monkey face before all the king's court. Narada, unable to bear the humiliation, cursed Vishnu that Vishnu would one day be dependent upon a monkey. Vishnu replied that Narada's request for Hari has the dual Sanskrit meaning of Vanara. Due to this curse only Vishnu had to take Hanuman's help in Ramavatar. Hanuman's mother Anjana gave him a chain to wear on his neck always and told him that who ever can see that chain will be his master and Hanuman should serve him as his life duty. Hanuman was waiting to meet his master to fulfil his life duty.

24. Sita's Swayamvaram

      Once there was an intelligent sage Gritasmada. One day he had a very big cough and from that came a child whose main ambition was to conquer all the three worlds. That demon worshipped Lord Shiva who appeared before him and granted a boon that three(tri) houses (pura) will be created for him. One on land, another one on sky and last one in between land and sky. After 1000 years, those three will be joined and who ever destroys those three houses with a single arrow, he only can kill this demon. Till then he cant meet his death. With this boon, Tripurasura (who lives in three houses) conquered all the three worlds and gods were waiting for the right time. Once 1000 years passed, all houses joined as one. Gods prayed Shiva to save them who then prepared for battle. He ordered to build a special chariot to executed demon Tripurasura. Chariot was made of earth. Wheel was made of sun and moon. Lord Vishnu himself became arrow of Shiva's arch and the lord Bramha drove chariot. Shiva destroyed all three houses with one arrow and later killed Tripurasura.

      Parashurama was gifted the bow which was used to destroy Tripurasura by Shiva for being a great disciple. Parashurama gave it to King of Mithila, Janaka for safe-keeping. That bow was so heavy that even gods can't lift it. One day Sita was playing with her friends with a ball. After some time that ball rolled under the wooden trolley on which Shiva's bow was kept. Sita could easily move that trolley aside and picked up her ball. Janaka was surprised after seeing this and knew how wonderful Sita was. When Sita's marriage was planned, Janaka announced a Swayamwaram and told that who ever can aim with Shiva's bow will be gifted with Sita. Many princes, who had heard of Sita’s beauty, came to Mithila only to return disappointed. No one could pick up the bow.

      As explained at the end of Story of Ahalya, Vishwamitra was travelling towards Mithila along with Rama and Lakshmana to attend Sita's Swayamvaram. Once they reached, Janaka welcomed them with respect and explained Vishwamitra that he was so sad that he was not finding suitable husband for his daughter as no one was able to aim with Shiva's bow. Then King of Lanka, Ravana arrived there and was so proud that he can lift Shiva's bow very easily as he could lift mount Kailasha where Shiva lives. He tried to lift the bow with one hand but the bow was too heavy for him. He used two hands but failed. Then Vishwamitra sighed Rama to go and try. Rama went to Shiva's bow and bestowed to it. Then he could lift the bow effortlessly and stringed it. As the bow was too old, it broke while Rama was aiming with it. Ravana disappeared with humility. Sita approached Rama and bestowed garland on him.

      Rama's family was called from Ayodhya by Janaka and marriage was celebrated grandly. Rama married Sita and Lakshmana, Bharata, Sathrugna married Urmila, Mandavi and Shrutkirti who were the daughters of Janaka's brother, Kushadhvaja. After marriage, when Dasaratha and others were about to leave with newly wed couples to Ayodhya, sage Parashurama arrived there. He was angry on Rama for breaking Shiva's bow. Janaka and others tried to pacify him but with his anger on kings, Parashurama was uncontrollable. He gave Vishnu's bow which is more heavier than Shiva's bow to Rama and challenged him to aim it. Rama could handle it easily as well. Then Parashurama knew that he is also Vishnu's avatar just like himself. Parashurama's pride was won and he promised Rama that he will return to his hermitage and never interfere with worldly matters.

23. Story of Ahalya

      Once Lord Brahma created a beautiful lady called Ahalya. All the gods including Indra were attracted by her beauty and they wished to marry her. Lord Brahma put a condition that he was ready to make match to the one who come back first after revolving around the earth. Accordingly all the gods set out their journey. But sage Narada knew with his yogic powers that the great saint named Goutham was suitable to her. At that time, Goutham saw a Dwamukhi cow (Dwamukhi cow means the cow in the stage of giving birth to a calf) and did pradakshina around it as it is considered as a good thing. Without wasting time Narada met Goutham and described everything and told him to marry Ahalya. Goutham asked Narada how he could win the race because other gods had already set out their journey. Narada explained him that doing pradakshina to a Dwamukhi cow is equal to doing pradakshina to the earth.  Lord Brahma also agreed to give Ahalya to Goutham.

      Indra felt humiliated and had lecherous dreams about her. One day he took form of a rooster and imitate rooster's call during midnight. Goutham thought its early morning and went to near by river to perform morning ablutions. While Gautam was away, Indra disguised as Gautam, approached Ahalya and satisfied his lust. Finally Gautam on return caught them and cursed Indra to have female sexual organs (Vagina) all over his body and to loose his manliness. Gautam cursed Ahalya to become a stone and he left the hermitage. Indra did severe penance toward Shiva. Shiva gave him the boon to convert that mark of female organ to that of eye. From that day Indra is called Sahasraksha, one with thousand eyes. Ahalya became stone and was suffering.

      After several thousand years, as explained in Birth of Rama, Vishwamitra took Rama and Lakshmana and proceeded towards Mithila for attending Sita's Swayamvaram. On the way they walked through Goutham's hermitage. When Rama's foot touched a stone, it became Ahalya. Sage Goutham also reached there and told that Ahalya became pure after being touched by Rama's foot. Goutham accepted Ahalya as her wife again. Vishwamitra and other continued their journey towards Mithila to attend Sita's Swayamvaram.