Sabari - The Epitome of bhakti

Chapter1


She was old. She stood in front of her immaculately clean hermitage, with wide open eyes staring at the distant horizon for some sign of human movement. There was none today also. Sabari smiled, hiding her disappointment and stepped inside. The central part of the hermitage open to the sky was the yagnashala where a fire was blazing, originally lit by her master sage Matanga. It has been maintained to this day by his disciples One by one, all of them had ascended to the heaven through that fire. Now she was the last person left behind. Her time is yet to come. She had a mission to complete before she could qualify for her ascent to the other world. That was the command of her master, the sage Matanga. His words were still ringing in her ears, the words so soft and so wise”. He will come. He will be in a very terrible and distraught condition. You will wait on him, comfort and counsel him .With His permission, you can follow me. Till then, you will maintain this hermitage.”
Since then, she has been waiting. It was a sort of tapasya for her. Her master had told her “Patient endurance of suffering and being kind to all souls are the essentials of any Tapasya. You know, the fiercer is the fire that melts the gold, purer does the gold become. In this way, severe tapasya will make your soul purer and you attain mastery over yourself. When , you gain mastery over self , you will become an object of worship.. With this power achieved through austerities, you will master death too.” She seemed to be gaining strength on such fond memories of her master and his teachings. After going round the hermitage, she decided to look around at the outside.
Standing outside, at the garden, on the banks of Lake Pampa. Close to her hermitage, Sabari tried to relax. She admired the ripples floating on the surface of the cool waters of the lake as the winds from the eastern slopes of the mountain swept the lake. The lush vegetation , towering trees that covered the sun, flowers of all hues, making the entire ground aflame with burst of colors and filling the air with enchanting scent , seemed to comfort her lonely existence in that vast area.” You will stay here till all impediments in the path of ascetics are removed by Him.” sage Matanga had told her before ascending he astral chariot that had landed in the grounds to take him away as he entered the fire pit.. He had warned her that the other world has no place for those whose heart knows no pity and mercy.”Sabari had dedicated a life time combining kindliness, pity and mercy. She roamed around the vast forest spaces befriending all, helping a wounded animal or helping a pilgrim who had lost his way. They all knew her and she knew them all.
What were the impediments that affected the pursuit of ascetics? The ogres like Kabandha and Ayomukhi, who had strange powers that proved too much for the mild mannered Rishis and Munis, dominated this area and many a soft sage had ended up as a meal of these wicked souls. The rishis had made it their life mission to discern the meanings of Vedas and other scripts and indulged in sacrifices, using fire as medium for their learning and experimentation. The deadly deeds of these ogres tended to disturb their concentration and it was Sabari who frequently comforted these sages and negotiated with the ogres for peace to reign in these areas. Matangavana and its surrounds were out of bounds for ogres.
For a moment she concentrated on the ogre Kabandha. He had started as a very powerful overlord, matching Indra in might; Sungod in splendor .He had a gigantic form and threatened three worlds with his enormous power. He had gained special boons from Brahma which made him difficult to kill. With pride borne out of his might, splendour and guarantee of long life, he began harassing the rishis preventing them from doing their penances and consolidating their living space.
Sabari remembered the narrations of inmates of her hermitage who had escaped atrocities in his hands and of people who met their ends in his hands. She also recalled the incident when sage Matanga dispatched sage Sthulasira to negotiate a truce with the ogre. When the ogre refused to mend his ways and laughed in his face, the sage cursed him.
The dreaded Ogre challenged Indra and engaged him in a long and fierce battle. Indra could not kill him but used his thousand edged weapon, to push the ogre’s head deep inside the body and chopping of his limbs. . The demon pleaded with Indra that as he can not die, he should have some means of locating food and nourish his body till the day of his redemption. Indra took pity and allowed the ogre to have two long hands, a huge mouth and an unwinking eye. He could now move about by rolling on his trunk and catch his food with his long hands. Aghast at having secured a hideous form in place of a resplendent form he was born with, KABANDHA pleaded with STHULASIRA to indicate how he could redeem his old form. Sthulasira said” when Sri Rama and Lakshmana the scions of Raghuvamsha from Ayodya, cut of your hands and burn you up, you will regain your glory” .Kabandha had no idea of how long it was going to take for Sri Rama to make his appearance. He was frustrated and in his frustrated state he continued t o harass the pilgrims and ascetics in that area as he could not be killed by anybody, he became a menace.
Sage Matanga had advised Sabari,that he was leaving her behind ,so that she could help those who were unfortunate victims of KABANDA’S atrocities, if they turned up anywhere near Mathangavana beside her hermitage.
She obeyed her master and every time a harassed and physically hurt pilgrim came her way, he was received with compassion and comforted at her hermitage. She used to be terribly distressed to see the gory wounds, mangled limbs and hurting bodies pushing her to unknown limits of anger. She tried several times to use her yogic powers to take on Kabandha herself, but the spirit of Matangha muni always dissuaded her hinting that it was not her due and divine agencies better endowed than her would accomplish what she herself wanted to do. As part of her tapasya, she had to control her anger. The successive disciples of the sage continued to advise her in the same vein and she became aware gradually that it was her lot to wait on that divine agency that would redeem Kabanda.
She took great effort to maintain her equanimity
Every day she would wake up before dawn to clean up her hermitage. She would stoke the fire at the fire pit and then proceed to the cool waters of Pampa Lake. From the banks, she would survey the vast expanse of water and marvel at the beauty of colorful lotuses, water lilies and other plants floating on the water. The shrubs that grew on the banks would sway in the soft breeze, synchronizing their movements with the ripples that spread on the surface. She had given different names for those plants and she spoke to them in soft low tunes. They in turned swayed this way and that in consonance with her words sending thrills of joy in her heart. The buds in the plants bloomed in their excited state at the contact with her soft delicate hands, displaying their colorful petals to her as a child would display his colorful dress to an eager mother.
She remembered those young inmates of the hermitage, who would go beyond the lake to the lofty mountains to fetch sweet fruits and as they labored under the weight of those fruit laden baskets, the drops of sweat that dropped on the ground would turn into plants that gave very sweet smell and their flowers would retain their freshness for long time. . She bowed her head to the memory of those great souls
She climbed softly into the waters and even at her great age, she had sufficient energy to swim around to look at the water lilies and lotuses that were spread across the surface of water. From the water , she looked at the Sungod peeping through thick foliage acting like canopy spread over the water her soft , old and wizened features thrilled at the sight of golden orb of the early morning sun.She raised her ands over her head,, in total supplication to that source of vital energy that supported life on this earth. With a thankful bow, she ducked her head into the water three times and swam over to the banks, dripping wet. The cool rays of the sun illuminated her slender body in a golden glow and as she dried, she began to gather flowers for her morning worship.
Back at the hermitage, she fed the fire with dry logs and walked around the fire, her mind chanting appropriate hymns automatically and sat down with basket of flowers for her worship. She completed the routine and bowed her head in the southern direction and spent some time remembering her master and her own mission. A sense of fulfillment enveloped her fragile body. She tried to relax .She assured herself, “your time will come soon”
Then, in the distance, she saw the huge figure of Ayomukhi, blundering her way towards the hermitage. Sabari looked at her with mounting apprehension that peaked justifiably in anger, as it was very well known to Ayomukhi that the hermitage was out of bound for her. She thought her old eyes may be playing some lousy trick, so she waited till the huge figure loomed close to her. She could see her very clearly. There was no doubt now, it was Ayomukhi, all right. Ayomukhi let out a painful cry “Sabari… and with a few more unsteady steps, she walked ahead and suddenly collapsed to the ground in heap. Safari’s anger subsided fast at the sight of a suffering soul and surfacing of her matronly instincts. Holding her stick close to her body, she hurried towards the fallen figure, fearing the worst. The Matangavana and the hermitage were strictly out of bunds for Ayomukhi and her kind .It was Sabari, who used to go out and meet those ogres and other inhabitants around the lake Pampa. Only under extreme conditions would ogres breach the understanding and this time Ayomukhi had all the reasons to reach Sabari. She took a pitcher of water and grabbed basket of fresh herbs and rushed to wards the inert bulk, as fast as her aging limbs could help. Lying on the ground, Ayomukhi opened her eyes to look into the anxious face of grand old lady and said in very feeble voice” Sabari, help me, please. I am dying of thirst”. Sabari tilted the pitcher, over her great mouth and was horrified to see the mutilated face from up close. Trembling, with anger, she asked” who did this to you, Ayo, you promised me you would behave. You have been in a fight and were beaten by some one more vicious than you. Who was it? Tell me now, what happened?”
Gulping the cool, rejuvenating water feverishly, Ayomukhi held her hand up to stop Sabari from going on and on. Slowly gathering herself Ayo said” Sabari, I promise you, I have not reverted to my old habit. I have been keeping myself out of trouble, I swear. But when I wanted to do some thing good and kindly, I got hurt this way. She tried to smile but it hurt.
Sabari cleaned her up, wiping the caking blood stains, around the nose and ears, with a wet cloth. Actually there was no nose at all as it had been loped away leaving small ugly holes and some torn tissues in what was earlier a nose. The ears were badly slashed and barely hanging .Whoever had cut those organs must have been very mean indeed, Sabari thought. Ayomukhi had lost lot of blood and was just a bit alive. Crushing medicinal herbs and leaves in her work hardened palms, Sabari allowed the juice to drip on the injured organs and made pads out of soft leaves and bound those parts up in an expert manner. Ayomukhi allowed SABARI to do her nursing role patiently, flinching and grimacing with pain whenever she touched some raw parts. When she was satisfied that she had done all she could to comfort the injured soul, Sabari asked “now tell me. What were you upto? Who cut you up so cruelly “. A thankful Ayomukhi said, “thank you Sabari. I came here knowing very well that you would attend to me. Inspite of me being a vicious ogre, you are always kindness personified. Your compassion for a hurting soul is legendary.
Some where, south of Thunga Bhadra River, forest area, I saw two men blundering their way, through thick forest. They were very tired and had been walking for long. The exhaustion, hot sun and other troubles they had enroute, had demoralized them they had stopped to rest on the foot hills of the western mountain range
The elder one was almost wailing. He considered himself to be the most unfortunate and inheritor of misfortune wholesale. Deprived of his kingdom , driven to the forest , losing his father and now allowing his beloved to be kidnapped, this man has been blindly pushing southwards looking for some clue to the where abouts of his lost wife. Some dying eagle called Jatayu, who had valiantly fought to save the lady from the kidnapper, had informed this gent about the ogre king Ravana as the kidnapper and that he was heading southwards.” Ayo mukhi paused to get her breath back and Sabari was listening to the story, with her heart racing and mounting excitement.” What happened, tell me “
The younger one could not bear to see the pain and hurt experienced by his brother on account of separation from wife. He tried to console his brother talking to him about need for being strong in the face of extreme adversity and distress. It is not manlike to lose ones control and wail like a baby we have to bear with fate and be ready for things to change and think about making things turn around... He was repeatedly assuring that to gather, they would locate Ravana and deal with him.
Sabari could not suppress her excitement “Ayo, tell me how did they look like” Ayo asked “who, the younger or the elder?”
Sabari did not press .Instead she asked,”tell me how you got hurt”
Ayomukhi continued with her narration,” I heard them talk .I felt extremely unhappy to hear the sad story. The elder was pining for his lost wife and younger one was hurting to see his brother breaking down so easily. My heart went out to them. I thought I would talk to them, give them my love and lift their spirits up so tat they can enjoy the scenery around them and over come their unhappiness Honest; I did not have any other thought, in my mind. All I wanted was to make them feel a little bit more comfortable. So I put on my best appearance and approached them, with a very pleasant and welcome greeting. My sudden appearance out of no where startled them and the two became very alert and aggressive. I thought the reason for such hostile reception might have been their recent experiences with ogres. I decided to ignore their animosity and concentrated on overwhelming them with my superior charm it did not help. I thought I would go little closer to them, so that my sweet smelling scent would instill a sense of comfort to set aside the animosity. It did not help either. I touched the younger one softly and urged him to be cheerful and calm their nerves .Here was female, very well endowed and ready to please them, so that their sorrows could drown in the warmth of my company. But they were suspicious. When I was close to the younger one, the elder brother shouted, “Watch out, here is another Surpanaka”. The younger one stared at me. His eyes sharp and cruel saw through my disguise. When I put my arm around him, he gave me a stinging slap that disoriented me and aroused my suppressed anger. My form slipped and he saw me in my natural attire. With a scream “you back again” he jumped and drew his sword and with a mighty heave, he slashed my ears and loped off my. Nose. He was about to cut off my head when the elder one stopped him Horrified, I said weakly,” I was only trying to help. What have you done to me”? He snarled “we have not fallen so low that we need to be comforted by your kind. Go away if you value your life” I waited. Somehow at that moment, I was not angry with them. I put my hand up and touched his chin. He blew up in anger and his sword arm moved and separated my breast. I was mortally wounded, in pain and totally confused. The elder one screamed, please go away .I can’t control my younger brother. Next move he will kill you.” I ran away terrified. .”So much for your advice, Sabari is good to men. Of course, you did not specify, what sort of men. My first contact with men after your advice ended up in disaster for me. I sincerely wish that those two run into kabanda and meet their end in his hands. Would serve them right, for what they have done to me “”
Sabari was intrigued. She had heard all that was told by Ayomukhi .She found that Ayomukhi was stable and in less discomfort than before. So she asked her” Ayo, please tell me about the elder brother, Describe him to me”
“O, he was wailing all the time. But he was handsome. Very handsome. One could go on looking at him. He seemed to be so large, like wide blue sky. Yes, he had very fine complexion, all most blue. He was kind, not given to anger like his younger brother. My, he was explosive alright. But the elder one was very kind .He saved my life. Otherwise, the younger one would have killed me.”
Did you get their names at all” asked SABARI hanging on to every word from Ayomukhi.
No I didn’t and I don’t care “fumed the hurting AYOMUKHI” I hope Kabanda finds them”
Why do you wish like that?
Sabari, whose side are you in. You saw what they have done to me. Why all this interest, in those wild men”
“It would serve my purpose too, if they run into Kabanda, if I know who you were dealing with” the words came slowly from Sabari. She became suddenly very quiet, her thoughts racing ahead of her. She began to connect pieces of dialogue she had had with her master, very long time ago about Kabandha
Sabari, do you know that for all his bad qualities, Kabandha is indeed a blessed soul. It is prophesized that he would meet his end at the hands of Rama and Lakshmana, the princes from AYODHYA He has a mission to accomplish, to direct Rama to you

You must be ready for that event. You must be here to receive him and care for him. For a brief period, you will feel like that great Anusuya, who had the three gods in her lap like babies. My dear SABARI, you are the glorious soul
Sabari was thrilled. She remembered jumping up and asking ‘SIR, WHEN WILL THAT HAPPEN?”
YES dear, it is a long way off. You must prepare yourself well for that arrival.

Sabari has been preparing for that day for so long. What Ayomukhi had told her , was the first indication that her great lord was on his way to meet with her, a withering old lady who had already outlived her usefulness and was merely waiting to receive her salvation at the feet of her lord.. It hurt her immensely to realize that her Lord was suffering on account of separation for His soul mate due to a diabolical plot scripted by a Rakshasa Called Ravana. Her thoughts went to her Lord’s consort who was facing more severe travails away from her Lord. A solitary tear dropped and then she composed herself.

CHAPTER2
Rama was very upset at the encounter with Ayomukhi. The incident was so similar to that happened at Panchavati, with such devastating fall outs. Would Ayo mukhi also now bring with her another army of ogres to attack them? He was not afraid of another battle, but thought it would hold up his search for Sita. That was the paramount task ahead and nothing should distract them from that... He must not lose control of his emotions. It was so unlike him to have lost control of his emotion when Ayomukhi incident happened. Possibly that is what happens, when you are separated from your soul mate.

He looked at Lakshmana and mentioned to him that it would not be a very wise idea to wait .You can never tell what Ayomukhi would do. Quickly they gathered their belongings and started on their southward march, as suggested by the noble Jatayu...
They entered the deep inside the forest region, bound on the west by the lofty peaks of SAHYADRI HILLS. Now and then paused at a waterfront and enjoyed the scenery and wondered how kind the Mother Nature has been to the region. Whenever they came across really enchanting sight, Rama used to remember Sita wondering aloud how much she would have enjoyed this .Then he would slip back into depression and Lakshmana had a busy time trying to console his dear brother, who was agonizing over the separation.
The land seemed totally UN inhabited by human beings and animals of all sorts roamed about freely. The animals stared at them curiously and they rushed away when Rama tried to befriend them. They made good progress.
Suddenly they heard rumble of falling rocks , crashing of trees and air was filled with scream of badly frightened animals, running helter skelter. Rama looked at the animals and stepped aside to avoid being stampeded by them. He took his bow and arrows out and got ready to ambush anything that appeared ahead He mentioned to Lakshmana, “ These are the lands under Ogre domination. We must be ready to face any kind of attack” While he was alerting Lakshmana this way , he pointed at some thing in front of them . They saw in the confusion of stampeding animals and crashing trees, two sinewy and incredibly long hairy hands closing in on them. To whom those hands belonged , they could not fathom. Like remote controlled limbs , the two hands were groping and very soon caught Rama and Lakshmana in their powerful fists
The moment , the two brothers were firmly grabbed, Kabanda felt a strange sensation run through his body like lightening strike. There was an immense feeling in his mind that the present catch was incredibly different from thousand other catches that his damned body was used to, in his miserable efforts to sustain himself till the date of his redemption., that so far gave no indication of coming. Suddenly his mind cleared and he somehow felt his days of accursed living would soon be behind him.
The hands that had grabbed the two brothers , Rama in one and Lakshmana in the other , lifted up in air and as they rose up , the brothers could see how far the two hands had stretched below them, nearly eight long miles, ending in mass of flesh that seemed to have no head or any other limbs. The fleshy body had in the center , a cavernous belly and above the belly was solitary , unwinking eye, that rolled in its hollow trying to spy at what he had caught. Rama saw the ugly and fierce looking creature and spoke to Lakshmana,” Dear brother, have we come all the way from Ayodhya to end up in this creatures stomach. Are we not going to retrieve our Sita in this life time. Is it the cruel fate that keeps on piling misfortunes at our steps as magnanimous king heaps gifts to the deserving. Is this what we have accomplished in our life.” Lakshmana realized Rama was plunging into despair and hastened to boost up the sagging morale. “ brother “, he shouted to be heard over all the other sound “there is no need to despair. Our hands are free and our weapons are with us. We will cut through these hands and will be free”. He drew his sword and saw Rama also doing the same. The light flashed from the swinging blades and the demon’s eye gleamed, his salvation was near. He was over joyed. With an uncommon clarity , he asked ”who are you. ? What are you doing in the forest.?”
The brave Lakshmana replied, every word slamming into the demon like thunder bolts
‘ That is Raghava, Son of Dasharatha , king of Ayodhya, up there in the north. I am his younger brother Lakshmana. We are all set to destroy you just now.” The demon’s response filled them with wonder. In a tone that resembled a temple bell and clarity of speech found only in the very learned , they heard
“ Welcome Rama and Lakshmana. My life time of waiting for your arrival has at last fructified I am the most fortunate of all living beings to have run into you this way. I am known as Kabandha , son of Dhanu , the original Dhanava. In my original form , I was as mighty as Indra and as Tejasvi as the Sungod. The curse of Sthulasira and battle with Indra has bought me this wretched form and a cursed life.. I move by rolling on my body and eat what ever my hands grab. Today those blessed hands have grabbed you two. How fortunate I am Now .please tell me what brought you two to this land. As ordinary men do not frequent this area for a stroll in the park. What is your objective? “
Lakshmana continued “ We entered the forests south of Ganga to fulfill the stipulated 14 years of exile as per wishes of our father. Our kingdom presently is ruled by our brother , the glorious Bharata . Rama’s wife Sita was kidnapped by a RAKSHASA from the south. We are trying to locate him . That is what has brought us to your hold”
Kabandha’s booming voice filled the air again “ so you have been dogged by bad luck all along. Look at life with positive mindset. Every trouble teaches you something new and you add to your knowledge as you find ways to over come. The fate has brought you two to complete an unfinished business. You will cut my limbs and set fire to my body. That way I will get my original body. In my original form , I will be able to guide you to wards some one who would be in a position to help you achieve your objective. It has been foretold by sage Matanga and Sthulasira that the princes from Ayodhya would help me to get out of this cursed form and restore me to my old splendor. You must now proceed with your action to cut me up and put me up in flames. Hearing the Dhanavas words , the brothers were galvanized into action. They cut of his long limbs and rolled the body into a deep ditch . They cut of trees and rolled logs over his body and then set fire to entire heap . As the flames blazed , the two brothers watched with hope and prayer. Out of the leaping flames emerged a figure of glorious features with shining ornaments He stood tall and huge, with folded hands. He rose up in air and said
”Rama . thank you so much. Look at my splendid body. This is gift given by you. I will use it henceforth for the good of the world. I promised you that in return , I will help you. I have no knowledge about the exact whereabouts of Sita. But I do know a person , who will help you to reach her.
People in your position should forge alliance , to help reach your objectives that independently may be beyond you today. I refer you to SUGREEVA, a Vanara of extraordinary intelligence , immense strength and foresightedness. He is the son of that powerful divinity which lights up this world , the SUNGOD. Presently he is in a plight very much akin to your own and you will see a kindred soul mate when you meet with him. He too has lost his wife and kingdom on account of a wild brother You will befriend him and help him to regain his lost glory. In Gratitude , he will provide you with an army that you can use to retrieve your consort. So please proceed towards Sugreeva.
He presently lives in the caves of Rishyamukha Mountain, beyond MATANGAVANA AND LAKE PAMPA. Please proceed to that place , south west of this place. You will rest there. Sugreeva is very wise. HE will locate you and reach out to you. Do not despair . You help him and he will help you , have no doubt about that.”
Rama’s face brightened on hearing the words of Kabandha. He knew Kabandha was waiting for his permission before leaving them . Rama addressed Kabandha” thank you Kabandha, we will proceed as per your advice. You may leave us now.” .Kabandha , with folded hands , went around Sri Rama three times , stopped in front of Lakshmana and bowed to him . , before departing
Kabandha reached Matanga’s hermitage and stood in front of Sabari in his resplendent new form. Sabari recognized him instantly and felt extremely elated at his good fortune. Kabandha told her “Sabari , see I have seen Rama just like what your master had said. Your days of waiting are over. He will come this way looking for Sugreeva. You have spent a lifetime waiting for Him. HE WILL COME TO YOU , treat him kindly.”
He disappeared leaving an excited Sabari. Sabari leaned on the door frame closing her eyes. Her thoughts moved another age and phase of her eventful past.

Chapter3

Malini stood resplendent in her bridal dress. It was he biggest day of her life. At her side stood the youthful liking Vitihotra. They were standing in front King Chitra kavacha, waiting for his blessings and permission to leave his country and go beyond to start their new life together. The great Ghandarva king was hiding his disappointment gracefully . This marriage was very much against his liking. He had tried to alert his beautiful and intelligent daughter that her choice was flawed. Vitihotra though young , well read and skillful in arts and science, was not a Ghandarva. He was an ordinary earth bound creature who had stumbled to greatness more by accident than design. But his daughter was madly in love, so blind to many shortcomings in his character and mental makeup., which were so obvious to the king’s all knowing and probing eyes. For Ghandharvas a marriage was union of two like minded souls and in this case it appeared to him that Malini and Vitihotra were .poles apart in maturity mind. Malini was well read , knew how to use her extraordinary powers with responsibility. What she saw in her husband , he could never know.. He thought initially it was an infatuation that would pass off but
His impulsive daughter was seriously in love coming under the youthful charm of Vitihotra just like the predictions made by Rishi Matanga. He thought he was unfair to the bride groom about whom he had learned from Matanga on the banks of lake Pampa. The Rishi had clearly told him “ please do not throw him away. Accept him with all short comings that you see in him. I have taught him all the scriptures myself and he has learnt the martial skills from great masters. He as at times displayed fickleness of mind, but you can not hold it against him He has a role to play in a divine undertaking. I know it for a fact that the marriage would be short lived and you can not stop what is already ordained. We play our roles as directed by forces which we can not control. Simply bless them and let them go away to make their own life”. That is what he was presently doing , blessing and sending them away. The king had a great respect for the great Rishi who , he knew was a divine agent and was endowed with a foresight denied to ordinary people. At his suggestion only , he had allowed this union to take place and he should not stop it now.

Malini was extremely happy as she took leave of her parent.. She flew away carrying her husband with her , over the mountains , lakes , forests and enchanting gardens. They enjoyed each others company . Vitihotra was charming. He kept his young and lovely bride very impressed with his talks, and delicate loving gestures. His mere touch sent Malini to heights of ecstasy and they enjoyed every moment of togetherness. They planned their future on the banks of river Pampa not very far from the ashrams of sage Matanga . Viti Hotra did not want to stray to far away from his master.
They had roamed about in a carefree manner before coming to rest in a forest clearing. Vitihotra was feeling hungry. Malini brought luscious tasty fruits and tender roots which were her staple diet. Combined with milk and honey , it was a meal fit for the gods.
Vitihotra was already tired of all the satvik food. The prospect of a long evening in the company of lovely Malini made him long for a different type of food , something more substantial than all fruits and roots. He longed to hold in his hands juicy well cooked flesh .A fairly large sized dove flew in front f his eyes and his mouth began too water increasing his craving. He stretched his hand and using his yogic power produced a beautifully carved bow with arrows tipped with steel and ends decorated with white eagle feathers for balance.. He stretched the bow and strung it up tight. He tested the tension by plucking at the string. The boom of vibrating string woke up Malini and stood transfixed seeing her husband with bow and arrow in hands. He looked totally a different person , she was terrified at the thought of what he was going to do. Ghandarva girls knew a great deal about weapons and Malini herself was an expert marksman , but she abhorred all actions of violence and for her hunting game was akin to barbarism. He looked at her with a smile and said” Did you know, Malini, I am a very accomplished bowman The bow I am holding is a match for Vishnu’s bow the sacred Saranga. With this bow I can strike anything I see. Do you want to see some exciting shooting. Come and be quick and point out a flying object and I will show how it is done. Do you want to see me bring that big mango hanging on that tree branch” with out waiting for her reply he let an arrow fly and ran forward too catch the falling fruit. He caught and pushed it into the soft trembling hands of Malini. He smiled at her and said “now , for something bigger”. His shining eyes scanned the skies and spotted a white dove, a male one showing off his gliding skills to his mate who was perched on top of a tall tree watching him with a bored look. For a moment the dove stalled standing still when the arrows struck and he fell down like a stone. His mate flew away fully realizing there is no fun watching a dying mate..
Vittihotra’s fleet foot carried him to the spot where the dove had dropped. He raced dodging the trees that blocked his way. Then he stopped. There was a young hunter holding the dove in his hand. There were two arrows struck in the dove’s fragile body. Vittihotra recognized his arrow with white eagle feather. It was his shot, he thought .He could not understand how any body else could have hit the same bird. He was angry to have come second best while his wife was watching.” Give it to me” he shouted. The yung hunter didn’t say a word, he simply smiled and put the bird to his chest, in a tender gesture of ownership, which further infuriated Vitihotra. The young hunter said” No, it is mine”. Vittihotra grabbed at the hunter’s hand to snatch the bird. The boy whipped the bow slapping vittihotra in his hands. The slap hurt and he pushed the boy around to face him. The boy swung his right leg in a long arc and kicked hard at vittihtra’s groin. Vittihotra doubled up in pain and dropped to the ground. The boy didn’t follow up his advantage but instead turned and walked away. He had taken a dozen steps when he heard a cold menacing voice ”if you do not stop, will put an arrow through your back.”

The youngster stopped and turned slowly, the setting sun illuminating his sunburnt face. He said ”This is sabara land. A sabara never allows a stranger to take away from his hands the game shot by him . You seem to be new around this place. I see the pretty girl there. You better go to her, if you wish to live in these parts alive.”

Vittihotra heard the cold words spoken with utter disdain. The young rascal had no respect for all that Vittihotra stood for. The peaking anger snapped the intelligence and brought out a terrible challenge.” Then let the strength of my arms decide the next step”. Before the words died down , the youngster moved. He whipped his bow around and shot two quick arrows at Vittihotra, blasting the bow out of his hands. Vitti Hotra had no more weapons in his hands. Malini flew and positioned herself in front of Vittihotra shielding him effectively from further attacks by the youngster. He had no inclination to continue the fight but he was not going to back down , if the mad scholar continued to push him. Malini screamed at him” You have spoken very rudely to a person of immense learning. He is now very angry and an angry man is likely to do something very foolish .Yu don’t see the danger .Please go away “. She waited for the young hunter to move out of sight, before turning to her husband. She held him fast and said,” You should know better than to pick up a fight with a sabara. He was very good . He could have so easily killed you. He did you a great favor by disarming you. His skill with bow was extraordinary. Why can’t you forget him.”.
Vittihotra was fuming .’You think he has beaten me already? You simply do’ not know me. Nobody insults Vittihotra and lives. Take your hands off me and I will go after him now.
Malini didn’t release her hold. She said” you seem to forget that today is our wedding day. No girl wants to start her wedded life with gory sights of mangled body.’

Her husband shouted “whose side are you on? There can be no wedded life as long as that sabara brat lives. If you really care for me then help me to teach that upstart a lesson.”
‘There is no need for that sort of talk.”, she said softly”. He has already walked away. Let him be gone. You don’t have to go after him. You don’t have to prove anything to me.”. After a pause se continued ,”For that hunter, hunting is a way of life. For you it is a sport. He gets his food by following his professional instincts . For you the gods have spread out a bountiful variety of food. Why don’t you enjoy what you get with out a sweat”
‘My peace of mind has been shot. I cant rest in peace till overpower that brat.’. He pushed Malini down and began to run in the direction of the hunter. Malini flew in front of him trying to change his mind. The more she tried, more determined he became…Malini realized that that she could not live with a person so much obsessed with his own bruised ego. She said calmly making every word make sense ,”You know some thing. I can not allow a man of your status go after a simple sabara. I do not want the world to say that my husband murdered young sabara. There is no percentage in trying to prove your superiority over a lowly sabara.. Now listen to me very carefully. If you still go after that Youngman, you will have to deal with me. I will protect that boy from your wrath, if it is the last thing I can do to save you from disgrace. If I save him , you will suffer. So please , I beg you , stop behaving this way .’
Vittihotra looked at his bride with strange glint in his eyes. He was sneering “so my pretty wife has had a change of heart and you have taken a fancy for that young hunter. Watch me decimate him in front of your eyes”. Malini stood rock still. Suddenly she realized and understood why her father was against her marriage with him. She remembered his words” This man is not strong of mind.. He may be well read and skillful. But I see foolish streaks in his mind,” Malini had not taken his words seriously, thinking that he was acting like any father who was against his daughter marrying outside her clan. She now was convinced that Vittihotra was a wrong choice and time had come to disengage herself from him. Like many Ghandarva girls before her had done , she now mentally cancelled her alliance with Vittihotra. It was her duty now to protect that young hunter,
so that Vittihotra does not disgrace himself committing a crime, that was not worth. It was a noble thought and it had its own share of risks. Vittihotra read her thoughts correctly, a derisive laughter emerged from him. “I will teach her a lesson , but now I must kill that boy who not only robbed me of my dove , but has also destroyed my marriage.” Using his yogic power he took to air and started . scanning the ground for that boy. Malini found the boy first and quickly transferred to him all knowledge she possessed about one to one combat. Now she waited for the battle to start.
Vittihotra did not stand a chance. The boy was very quick and savage, His sure arrows struck home and weapons held by vittihotra were rendered useless. The boy showed no mercy . He shot his enemy down. Mortally wounded Vittihotra fell. Malini appeared in front of him and wanted to hold his hand , her eyes and face filled with pain. she saw in her husbands eyes an enormous hatred belching out like fire. He cursed her” you sided with a lowly sabara against your own husband and helped him to kill me. For this treachery , you will lose soon your identity of a Ghandarva woman and assume the form of a lowly Sabari and roam the forests for ever in a lonely state.. Malini smiled to him and said “ so be it” and walked away. She had to save him before the curse took effect. She thought of her father and he appeared immediately . She pointed out to vittihotra and said ,”please father , do me this favor. Take him away with you and revive him. let the world not say that Sabari killed her own husband “. The king put his hands around her and promised that her wishes would be taken care of by him. Sabari put her head down and began walking away.






CHAPTER4
Sabari was calm and ready. She knew exactly what was ahead of her. Her Lord would visit her and she must show her hospitality.
What is hospitality , she asked herself. She remembered her master’s words as though he was once again speaking to her” what do the wise toil and set up homes for? It is to feed the tired guest and help an unwary pilgrim.
She also remembered “behold the man , who has tended to the out going guest and awaits the incoming one. He will be welcome guest of gods.”
She looked around her hermitage with new interest. Is this place fit for her lord , she queried herself. The hermitage seemed to mock at her and she distinctly heard the words “A guest received with an honest smile , will see prosperity even under a thatched roof” Sure said SABARI beaming at the roof.
I will be myself today . I will have my own guest
What would he like me to do?
She remembered another old saying” better even than a generous gift, is a sweet smile of welcome and graceful inviting looks, to please a tired soul standing a your door”
She had lived by a code a protocol of giving every one his due respect,. It does not matter if he is a friend or foe , when he is at your door , he is the guest , greater than god.
With her mind swimming in such thoughts, she busied herself She cleaned up again an already immaculately clean hermitage. The fire in the pit was ablaze and she fed some more wood. She looked at her fruit basket. It was full and smelled sweet. She went out with another basket and returned with more fruits.
She sat at her door steps and her eyes closed for a moment in sheer tiredness. She dreamt of nicest things that ever happened to her. She saw her master and all his disciples. ”Are you asleep already Sabari , there is a guest a your door, don’t you know”
She woke with a start and looked out . She saw at her door steps two brothers looking at her with un common love and affection. HOW LONG were they standing , she had no idea.
A sudden feeling of guilt , made her to rush, admonishing herself “what a stupid girl I have been , to have slept just when they arrived. How wonderful it would have been to see them walk up to your place”
With an enthusiasm that overcame the sense of guilt, she picked up the pitcher of cool water and poured it on the blue tinged lotus feet that rivaled the colorful flowers in the lake. She went round them in a swift circle and allowed the youngster to grab the pitcher from her hands. She had no words of welcome as all her memory failed. She held the hands of RAMA and led him inside softly. He had a bemused smile on his face . Lakshmana followed them. They went round the fire
Strange light engulfed the room. She ran to pick up a pair of wooden planks to serve as seats and she offered water to drink. Suddenly remembering something , she stood up and walked towards fruit baskets and lifted one. Lakshmana stood up and helped to bring the basket towards RAMA. She filled her hands with choicest selection of honey dripping fruits and wished she had bigger pair of hands for more fruits.. Kneeling on her legs , she lifted her hands in front of Rama and for the first time a word came out of her mouth “ please ‘ she said. Rama looked at Lakshmana , who was standing behind SABARI. He moved to occupy a seat close to her.. She transferred the fruits to Rama’s hands and signaled him to eat. She put her hand round Lakshmana and fed him in his mouth. Rama saw Sumitra there and a weeping Lakshmana holding on to that great lady’s knees. Rama buried his face in her lap, tears streaming down his face in extreme emotion., in the face of motherhood pure and simple
She rubbed their heads and lifted their chins . Her eyes flashed a question ‘ is all well?” Their eyes met and exchanged thousand silent words. A mothers words of comfort wiped the pain away. She said “She must not suffer for long. Your discomfort is nothing compared to what she is going through. Be strong. You have along way to go and great deal to do
Move on, commanded a brave mother

The brothers stood and with folded hands they moved around the aging attendant.. She watched them walk around the fire pit and out of her doorway. They did not look back

SABARI stood alone. Her Purpose was over She had nothing more to do . She had seen Him. She helped in some way to reduce His pain. She had sent him on His way with a mission.
She walked upto the lake and plunged into the cool waters. Wet , she climbed out and looked around her, the hills , the vast forests, green grass and flower decked ground , nature in her very best She smiled her thanks
She walked inside. The fire was leaping high. She stepped into the sacred pit and flames embraced her She saw a great flood of white light and the enchanting vehicle flown by white swans. A helping hand led her to the bright chariot and it rose to the heavens, carrying some one special
A GREAT SOUL DEPARTED LEAVING BEHIND , IN THE SANDS OF TIME A BEAUTIFUL AND IMMORTAL STORY

Vaali

Vaali

Killing of Vaali is a very controversial incident in Valmiki’s Ramayana. This incident has been debated countless times at different Forums to decide whether Rama could be at fault or could his action be justified. Here is an attempt to recreate the incident and reexamine the motives and answer the question. Read the story again ……


Chapter1

Vaali stood tall in front of the massive gates of city of Kishkinda, his powerful hands on his hips, legs spread apart and feet firmly planted on the ground. His long tail snaking on the ground with its tip standing upright .He made a powerful presence, with broad chest, shoulders heavy with muscles. The hands were long and fingers clenched to form a hammer head. His body was covered in silvery gray colour hair and his face was shining...His beady eyes were wide open and stared straight ahead. There was no fear or doubt in them. .He was strong and he was aware of it. He had never retreated from any call for battle. And when he fought he always won... He was now looking across the space at the new challenger in the form of a giant buffalo, who had bellowed at the top of his voice, rousing him from sleep amidst beautiful vanara ladies. Vaali was ready.

From a ledge on top of his palatial cave Vaali and his ladies had earlier, looked down at the great form of Dhundubi who had made a huge din, smashing trees, and blasting mountains with his powerful bull runs. All the quarters had reverberated with the sound of pounding hoofs, thundering on the ground. He wanted to wake up Vaali and he succeeded. .On seeing the great Vaali on the ledge accompanied by his ladies, Dhundubi had roared,”I have come here seeking one to one combat with you, Vaali, after defeating Himavan the king of mountains and Samudra Raja the king of oceans. They have directed me to prove my prowess against you to lay claim to be the greatest fighter in the three worlds. They felt you could stop me. Come on show me what you are. If you are too tired after your amorous night with your ladies, I shall come again at Sunrise.

Vaali was the personification of intolerance and never could he suffer fools. It was not in his nature to turn his back on a call to fight irrespective of the time of day or night. .Now he was calm and his voice carried across to Dundhubi impinging on his massive ears like thunder bolts. Vaali simply said, “Go away Dhundubi, I know you for what you are... I have already killed your brother .I do not wish to add to the miseries of your family, by killing you also. Regarding your defeating Himavan and Samudra raja, that is a joke. I respect them and I know they would not have given you the time of the day, leave alone engage in a combat with a scum like you... They have displayed their magnanimity by allowing you to go free and directing you to me. I am not like them. I fight and when I fight I kill.” Chilling words that would have scared any one. But Dhundubhi was different and he was not rattled. He bellowed back “speaking is easy, especially in front of ladies. It takes courage to back your words with action I am waiting VAALI …If you don’t show up for a fight by sun rise, I will smash your pretty city of Kishkinda to hell and high water”

Vaali looked to the east. There was some more time left for sunrise. He said to himself that he would deal with this nuisance after completing his early morning ablutions and the ceremonial circling of earth from east to west in obeisance to Sun god. He completed his rituals with out hurrying and with out thinking about Dhundubhi. The only slip he made that morning was not to greet the Sage Matanga, who was walking in the opposite direction for his morning prayers.He hoped that the Rishi had not noticed. But the sage had and he smiled to himself.

Vaali put all such thoughts out of his mind, as he now stood facing Dundhubhi .The sun had made his appearance and the peaks of Rishyamukha Mountains were aglow with soft lights of the rising sun. The golden vyjayanti necklace adorning Vaali’s neck was glowing .That was a special gift to him from his father Indra. The jewels embedded in the necklace usually emitted strange light that blinded most of his opponents and that was one of the secrets of his invincibility. Now he was measuring up his new foe.

Dhundubi, the demon in the shape of a Buffalo, looked solid like a moving mountain with a huge body and very sharp horns. He had the strength of a thousand elephants. He believed that with his enormous strength and powerful horns he could make short work of the eminently agile Vaali. So thinking, he charged, head kept low and horns slanted for scooping action that would end up in a toss.

Vaali stood his ground, squarely facing the enemy. When he was with in striking distance , Vaali leaped up in air and jumped clearly over the on rushing buffalo .Now on his hind side,Vaali grabbed the demons tail and stopped the speeding buffalo.With enormous power and using his steel like muscles , he strained and succeeded in holding him still. Then like an athlete in a throwing arena in the royal games, he twirled the big buffalo by his tail and released him in air. The demon flew some distance and crashed into a tree and tree and the animal fell on the ground together.Dhundhubi was stunned and took some time to get his breath back. In the mean while, the herons who got scared at the falling of their tree buzzed around his ears, making him mad. Dhundubi realized that Vaali was not an ordinary adversary. He decided to slow down .He steadied himself and kicked his hind legs and bellowed to boost his own confidence than to strike terror in his opponent who was now standing nonchalantly waiting for another charge..Now moving with a little more caution, he got closer to Vaali By deft movement of his horns to right and left he managed to pin Vaali against a massive tree.Then with a lightening move he plunged his horn deep into the stomach.Vaali moved fast and tried to avoid the horns by glancing them to the side, but could not avoid a nasty gash near the ribs. Blood spurted from the wound and Dhundhubi boomed having drawn first blood...Vaali simply ignored the bleeding , getting ready for the next assault and when it came ,
Dhundhubhi was taken aback.Vaali simply stopped his rush by holding him by his horns. A vigorous swing of head and Vaali was thrown ten feet away.Vaali closed down on his opponent and both traded hefty blows that would have stopped any other fight...Dhundhubi moved away when Vaali relaxed his hold a little.He saw Vaali uproot a giant tree and used it as a club when the buffalo tried to rush. The sledge hammer blows began to have effect and slowly Vaali‘s superior fighting abilities came to the front.Vaali decided it was time to cut the fight short. He walked behind the huge body of the weakening foe, grabbing the hind legs in his huge hands and broke the legs. He lifted the massive buffalo over his hand and brought it crashing to ground. Two, three such blows made Dhundhubi scream, with blood flowing from his nose eyes and mouth.Then Vaali lifted him again and with a big cry of triumph spun him like a wheel overhead and threw the buffalo up in air.The bleeding Dhundubhi fell among the trees of Rishya mukha mountain s. On the way blood got smattered all over the place disturbing the sage Matanga, who was liberally, smeared with blood from the flying buffalo’s, dead body. In total anger , he cursed’ who so ever did this act of defiling my person , my ashram and this mountain range will not step into this territory any more and if he does so foolishly his head will break into thousand pieces.”Vaali heard the curse and shivered .He did not mean to insult the sage but got carried away during the fight. He hung his head in some repentance and walked slowly towards his cave. His beloved Tara hugged him and wanted to look at the wound. He brushed her aside and retired to his private quarters

Chapter2

Rama was seated on huge boulder under a giant banyan tree, with the ever watchful Lakshmana standing behind, with bow in hand and great sword at his side grip.Sugreeva with his attractive face and very wise words had already made a good impression .He spread the silken cloth on the ground and placed one by one the jewels retrieved by him from where sita had dropped them while being carried away by Ravana in his vimana..Rama touched them one by one and was so much overcome by emotion. Keeping his dignity in front of the Vanara leader, he thanked Sugreeva for handing them over. For Rama every jewel had a story to tell rekindling the pangs of separation from his beloved. The wise ogre Kabanda was right in directing him towards Sugreeva. In sugreeva, Rama saw a kindred soul for sugreeva also was separated from his consort by Vaali...A more powerful brother had deprived him of his sovereignty .Kabanda had told Rama “Sugreeva is a noble soul, son of surya. He is very intelligent and loyal. Even though he is in exile, he still commands the respect of huge army of monkeys presently under Vaali’s control. If you come to an agreement to restore his sovereignty somehow, he will help you to locate Sita. Go and seek his hand of friendship. Proceed towards Rishya mukha mountain range and Sugreeva will see you long before you meet with him.

Blessing the wise kabanda mentally, Rama began to think how best to help Sugreeva, so that he will be obliged to help Rama in his search for Sita...He expressed a desire to know more about the altercation between the two brothers that had led to Sugreeva’s exile.Sugreeva explained about the good times the two brothers had and the affection for each other..”We had fought shoulder to shoulder against our common enemies. He always treated me like a son. It never occurred to me at any time that I would have to match Vaali any time. I was happy to serve him. Every thing was happy before the advent of Mayavi who had challenged Vaali.

Mayavi was spoiling for a fight and Vaali liked to fight. Very quickly Vaali thrashed the brigand, who after a severe beating ran towards the mountain.Vaali wanted to finish him off, so gave him a chase. I tried to dissuade him from going after him but he was determined. There was a huge cave in the mountain and that cave was leading to a sub terrainian territory, where it was believed that a huge horde of demons were living Thus VAALI was tricked into falling into a trap. I suggested to Vaali that if we had to go inside their territory we should go with our army Vaali laughed at me saying I was a coward. He said to kill Mayavi; he did not need an army. He ordered me to wait at the entrance till he returned after killing Mayavi and any one else who came to his aid. I did not want to let him go alone .So I offered to go with him saying two of us could handle any situation better. But he was adamant .He went inside alone .I waited as per his wish. .

From where I was I could only hear the sound of running feet, trees smashing and weapons clang as they crashed. There was a big war on. I could hear many people groan in pain but there was no shout from Vaali. There was a long period of silence .The fighting went on for many days and very soon lot of time was spent waiting for Vaali’s return. Then one day it rained inside and I could see blood and foam mixed with rainwater streaming out of the caves. I have never seen so much bloodshed in any war before. Then there was silence. I called out for Vaali a number of times and got no response. I began to have doubt and was anxious about his life. Still as per his order, I waited, as I was afraid of his anger when any one disobeyed him. I came to the conclusion that Vaali might have been overcome and killed. I was also afraid; the demons might come out and attack kishkinda. In my fear, I rolled a huge boulder to the mouth of the cave and effectively sealed the opening and returned home with out Vaali. I explained to the vanara elders all that happened. As more than a year had passed by, all concluded that Vaali was dead. All the elders of our tribe gathered and the ministers counselled together. In their wisdom they installed me as their king and guardian for Vaali’s son and spouse. I discharged my duties as a king in impeccable manner. I took particular care of Angadha; Vaali’s Son and installed him as yuvaraja. I respected Tara the senior most queen of Vaali and I sought her advice on all-important matters as she was very wise. Thus every thing became normal in our land after the disappearance of Vaali.

Then one day Vaali reappeared and took me to task for deserting from my duty of standing guard at the mouth of the cave. It appeared that he was surrounded by the demons and had to fight for long before killing all of them. After the fighting was over, he was so exhausted that he slept for long. When he woke up and tried to return, the cave was found to be sealed from this side. He accused me of betrayal and wanted to kill me for taking control of the kingdom and his sovereign power. I was very happy to see my brother safely home and offered to restore all power back to him. He did not trust me and made up his mind that I should be killed. He quickly disrobed me and confiscated all my assets including my wife Ruma When reason failed and I had to defend my life, I fought back which made him more furious. It did not take much time for him to beat me in a fight and I had to run. It is not that that I am weak or I have no spirit for fighting. Vaali is simply unbeatable. I realized that only space where I could be safe from attacks of Vaali or his army, was the Rishyamukha mountain and the forests around that, on account of Sage Matanga’s curse. Sage received me well and allowed me to use that area. Soon some of my friends who did not like Vaali’s action joined me. Vaali could not do much to stop them because they were all powerful in their own way they are Hanuman, Nala, Neela and Tara. They are my friends and my minister’s .I depends on them for my safety and they regard me as their king. Vaali continues to harass me and has made several attempts to assassinate me through his agents who can freely roam about these forests. These four are always vigilant and catch their spies. We have kept fighting to keep ourselves ready for a day when we could move against Vaali. Every day I pine for my spouse, the pretty Ruma who is languishing in Vaali’s cell as his plaything. You know what kept me alive.” Rama looked up to see Sugreeva’s face and studied all the pent up emotion Sugreeva continued “ sage Matanga always assured me that one day the Prince of Ayodhya would visit this place and he would liberate me from the harassment of Vaali.’ Rama wondered how fate moves
Different people at different places bringing the needy together for a cause. Sugreeva looked at Rama and declared, “Now that you are here we should get together. I know you have suffered on account of separation from your spouse. I will help to locate Sita. .” Rama did not speak but Lakshmana had already read his brother ‘s mind and spoke” Do not despair, oh king. Your days of suffering are over. We have come a long way searching for Sita. With your friendship we will reach her. We will deal with Vaali suitably’
Sugreeva was very happy with the initiative shown by Lakshmana on behalf of Rama.But yet, Rama was the person he looked upto for assurance.So he addressed Rama directly, in a pleasing manner choosing his words carefully ‘Rama, You are the scion of a great family, descending from a race respected world over. Your reputation for salutary qualities of character, valour, fortitude and word of honour are known far and wide. You are said to be personification of the righteous ness as depicted in Dharmasastra, enunciated by your worthy progenitor , the much revered Manu, .I am an ordinary monkey ,presently in a state of destitute robbed of my family and prosperity. If you will accept my hand in friendship, I on my part promise to render all help to locate your spouse, wherever she may be. And put myself and my army at your disposal for any action you may wish to take to retrieve her from captivity... I shall not rest in peace till I see the glorious union of the princess of Mithila with the lord of Ayodhya , Sri Rama” Rama heard these words said with so much reverence and sense of commitment that his heart warmed upto accepting Sugreeva. He experienced a strange sense of elation as though he had already won Sita back. Tears rolled down from his eyes and Sugreeva stood expectantly. The pact was sealed in presence of five witnesses , with Lakshmana on Rama’s side and the four Vanara nobles from Sugreeva’s side , with each one adding his own solemn pledge to the accomplishment of the stated objective.

Sugreeva was silent after that. While he sensed some amount of satisfaction at having acquired a powerful ally, in one corner of his mind a worm of doubt was gaining strength... He was very afraid to put in words his doubt. After a long pause he told Rama” Great King, You heard what I said and you know I keep my word. I am still afraid that for me to be true to you, I must be free from the threat Of Vaali once for all and it is up to you to make me free. I surrender myself to you totally, now it is your duty to protect me.” Rama noted the doubt, though not expressed explicitly about his ability to protect sugreeva from Vaali. He reached for his great Bow and showed it to Sugreeva “Look at this Bow. This belonged to Lord Vishnu and reached me through sage Agasthya. This quiver full of arrows are divine and were presented to me by Agasthya. I have received instructions in the use of missiles directly from Sage Vishwamitra. These missiles have special power of coming back to me after accomplishing their objectives. Many demons, ogres and enemies of my state have found death at the tip of these missiles. I can use them to burn up all the three worlds, I can use them to dry up all the seven oceans or smash all the mountains on this earth, so believe, Vaali is not a match for me. When the time comes you will see me shoot down Vaali a clearly as you see the sunrise after a dark night.

Chapter3

The team now began to move towards Kishkinda leaving the safe haven of the mountains. On the way they passed through an area made famous by the Saptajanas who had practiced severe penances and austerities for over 700 years subsisting only on air breathed once in seven nights. The hermitage of the saptajanas was used by travelers to rest and recoup their energy after a punishing march through the mountains Sugreeva suggested that they should stop for a moment to pay homage to the souls of the saptajanas and prey for success of their mission. That was the spot from where those great souls ascended to heaven. They all stood silently putting their palms together over their hearts in reverance to the noble souls each with his own prayer and seeking fulfillment.
All through the journey Sugreeva remained silent and in deep thought. .His mind was wrestling with various options and strategies they should follow for elimination of Vaali. The more he thought about him, bigger and more formidable he became, sending slight shivers of fear down his spine. With Vaali as an adversary most of the strategies normally failed. That much Sugreeva knew from personal experience. From close quarters, he had watched Vaali fight many a battle blasting all strategy by sheer use of brute strength. His opponents simply lost the will to fight after merely exchanging initial blows. He had that effect on his opponents. How would Rama fare in front of Vaali? Once this question came to his mind his doubts began to grow. All he had heard about Rama’s prowess was all hearsay and nothing watched in person. He was not at all sure that Rama would be able to handle VAALI in a face to face combat. He looked at Rama from the side and thought compared to great Vaali he really looked small.

Lakshmana a keen observer of human emotions saw Sugreeva struggling with doubts, reading his mind accurately. He walked up to Sugreeva and tapped his back and asked ‘You are still not sure about Rama, is it not. Please tell me what would satisfy you about Rama’s ability to bring Vaali down.’ Sugreeva was grateful to Lakshmana for bringing up that subject as he himself found it difficult to broach the matter. Just then they had come to a spot very close to Matanga‘s hermitage immediately after Dundhubi’s dead body crashed in the undergrowth close by. Sugreeva pointed out to Lakshmana a heap of bones of the dead dundubhi after the jungle beasts had made a meal of all his flesh. Look Vaali had thrown dundubhi over a distance of 10 miles. Lakshmana asked with all seriousness if Sugreeva would be satisfied if Rama threw the heap of bones twice that distance. Rama was not impressed with Lakshmana treating the matter with any levity. He walked upto the carcass with out any body telling him anything to be done. He simply inserted the lower tip of his bow under the heap of bones and with his left foot toe flicked the bow end. The entire mass of bones flew in air and went out of sight. He looked at sugreeva‘s face for some reaction. Sugreeva shook his head saying ‘when Vaali threw him he was full of blood and flesh weighing a great deal more than his bones thrown by you. RAMA ACKNOWLEDGED THE POINT MADE. Sugreeva rushed forward exclaiming you must realize that Vaali is incredibly strong. He could destroy a forest full of mature Saal trees in no time “Rama asked him if he would like to see him shoot through a saal tree...Sugreeva with out answering pointed out to a line of saal trees as if he was challenging Rama to have a go at them. Rama stopped to fit an n arrow to the bow string. He twanged the string testing for its tension. The twang reverberated in the forest frightening a team of deer resting under the saal trees. Rama held the arrow, pulled the string as far back as it would go and then let go. The string slapped back at the grip releasing the arrow which now seemed to have a mind of its own. . It shot through space screaming like a wind, drilled a straight through hole in the first tree. It emerged from there in with increasing velocity to the second tree. It blasted another neat hole screaming out towards the third. Entire forest shook as the missile rushed through third, fourth, fifth, sixth and emerged from the seventh now aglow with light. Sugreeva was dumb with fear as the arrow had still not stopped it blasted through the mountain in the backdrop and plunged down towards earth. It still had not stopped! The arrow blasted through earth, towards the subterranean regions. The hordes of ogres fell flat on the ground as if they had seen the fiery sudharshana wheel in action. Emerging from the depths, the arrow went round the vanara leaders and screamed close to the ears of sugreeva before softly landing back in Rama’s quiver after making a circle around Rama’s head Sugreeva had ducked in terror expecting it to slam into Rama’s back and wanted to cry for looking out. Rama was still looking at the line of saal trees. They were all speechless and they were very sure they had never before seen a display of archery as this one... Lakshmana was the first to recover and he held his hand towards Rama and exclaimed to sugreeva .Here is
Dhanurdharo dhanurvedho dhando dhamayita dhamaha
Aparajita sarvasaho niyanta niyamoyamaha
Sugreeva the most intelligent of the monkey race and an illustrious son of Sun understood the meaning of every word uttered by Lakshmana. Rama was being referred as the greatest wielder of great bows and master of art and science of archery, He was also referred as the weapon used for punishing (dhanda) and he is the Dhamayita, person for meting out punishment to the sinners. For those receiving punishment at his hands he is the dhamaha, the release from further sinful acts meaning fruits of repentance and ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death. .He is unbeatable as aparajita; he can withstand all enemies as sarvasaha. He is niyanta the power that ordains people to different positions and as niyamaha he is not bound in any way by any codes to which ordinary mortals are bound and as ayamaha he is deathless.
As the full impact of these words sunk in, sugreeva was thrilled and marveled at his own fortune for having entered into a friendship pact with such a mighty warrior. All his doubts had vanished like snow in front of rising sun. He was now a friend of a super being who will dictate the future course of events... In his eyes Rama now looked only as the punisher of the unrighteous and realize d that Rama had already established a platform for the destruction of Vaali. With a very clear and doubtless mind sugreeva fell flat at the feet of Rama and passionately recited

Satvavan satvikah satyaha satya dharmaparayanaha
abhiprayaha priyorarha priyakrit preetivardhanaha

I realise now that you are the embodiment of Satvaguna which is the compact combination of compassion , courage and valour, you are the epitome of satva guna, you are the satya the truth that stays true for ever, you are the protagonist of satya dharma parayana steeped in righteousness, you are the desired and loved by all and you enhance every ones love towards you

Sugreeva knew his days of prosperity are close at hand and for that he must thank Rama .He knew also that Rama had already worked out a strategy and there would be a solution to his problem. Rama now addressed him

‘ YOU KNOW, I CAN HIT Vaali from any place. So there is no need for face to face confrontation between him and me. You will challenge Vaali for a dual and he will not decline . When you are engaged in the fight , at appropriate time , I shall shoot him down “

Sugreeva was aghast. He was so mortally afraid of Vaali that he could never visualize a situation where in he would have a dual with him. Rama watched him with amusement as sugreeva was running out of emotion as his mind was trying to absorb the strategy and his own role in it. It was as though Rama was trying to tell that every body will pay his dues in this sacrifice.. Slowly the warrior in sugreeva surfaced and he lifted his hand in excitement and punched air with power. The other Vanara leaders shouted encouragement with great vigor and mood turned towards the expected engagement between two great brothers in arms

Chapter4

Angadha , the wise Tara and her husband Vaali were engaged in a serious conversation, trying to analyze a report from one of the spies monitoring the movement of Sugreeva and his friends He had mentioned seeing a line up of seven saal trees being pierced by a single arrow. Tara was sure that it was the handiwork of the newly acquired friends of Sugreeva. She was telling “ please note this is supposed to be demonstration of strength and a message for us. Sugreeva has finally found a powerful ally It is possible that Sugreeva might have asked for a show of strength before accepting this newcomer as a dependable ally. He knows your strength and he wont accept a non entity as a friend. We must watch the development very carefully.” That is what VAALI liked in Tara . She could analyze every thing very clearly. Vaali also sensed that this was not a simple demonstration , it was a warning from a very sophisticated warrior who seemed to be saying . I can hit beware.

Angadha was telling that he was talking to some monkeys who had strayed into rishya mukha forest lands and saw dhundubhi ‘s carcass flying in air and disappearing. Tara sucked air with a hissing sound that a monkey would make when they see a dangerous snake near by. "You know , it would take lot of strength even to shift that carcass. Here it went flying Stupendous power. We must watch out.”
They continued to discuss . Angadha felt that very soon some very powerfully endowed warrior may confront Vaali, on behalf of Sugreeva. I am going to personally find out what they are upto. Tara agreed that was the proper thing to do . find out every thing about this new comer. Possibly the junior ascetics at the Matanga ashrama may have some vital information .Vaali was watching the mother and son discuss security with so much concern . This is what he liked in them ,always concerned about their Vaali and arranging his security with commitment He thought this time they were going over board. He told them “ Sugreeva is very intelligent . he is possibly working out a new strategy to retrieve Ruma .If we release Ruma his ally will have no work. .You all know very well no body can beat me. Only a fool will side with Sugreeva in his fight with me.” He was slowly rubbing the golden necklace presented to him by his father Indra the lord of Devas The necklace was some thing very special. It was part of his armament. It had the power to rob his enemy of half his strength. The necklace made him unconquerable.” With this ornament in place , nobody can harm me. So do not worry too much. However like Tara always says let us know more about this new entity .It would be helpful to decide how to negate his influence on sugreeva.” He now patted his dear son and told him to go to the mountain and find out about this person who likes to shoot. He smiled and said “ , take care . Don’t let them see you “

Angadha left the parents and went out to seek out the spy who had brought the information about the flying bones. Spy presented himself, a nervous little monkey .He was meeting the Yuvaraja Angadha for the first time and he was in some sort of a trance .Angadha was not small in Stature or physical shape. He was tall and powerful and in due course of time would grow up like his father. He was now talking to the spy in a calm and self assured manner” I saw it sir , with my own eyes. All he did was insert the tip of his bow under the heap and flicked it with his toe and the entire mass of debris flew in air out of sight . Never believed any man could pack so much power in a toe.’ Angadha was now getting slightly irritated seeing the little monkey keep rambling about that man’s power. He said “ enough , now tell me about the man” Well he was a marvel to look at. Never seen a more attractive person. Tall and dark he was . very strong, very broad at the shoulders He lifted the great bow with ease , sir . The bow looked very big and when he twanged it entire region reverberated. He has very long hands sir and he could pull the bow string right upto his ears
‘ who is he ? where does he come from “
There are two of them sir, I do not know much about their back ground. I did not want to get very near them . You know what happened to Kushi sir Nala caught him and killed him immediately . I was afraid me being so small. I am sorry sir “
Angahdha did not like any of this. Two of them , he thought. He asked the little monkey . Tell me how were they dressed?
They looked like Muni kumaras . They were dressed in saffron clothes , they had matted hair piled high over their head. They had shoulder straps and in the side grip they held long swords. They really looked dangerous sir especially the younger one . he was like the fire god The elder one who threw the bones , he was so serene , and not even an earthquake could shake him”
Angadha’s curiosity was aroused. He desperately wanted to get close those men and find out what they were upto . He dismissed the little monkey and decided to go to the mountain personally to see the situation. He adapted a simple disguise. He removed all his jewellery and changed his cloth. He could do nothing to hide his powerful young body . He thought if he ran into Nala he could handle him. He moved fast and silently and very soon he was in that stretch of forest which abounded in Saal trees. It did not take much time for him to locate those seven trees. He examined the trees with new interest and saw the clear holes made by power full arrow. Angadha always admired marksmanship. This was archery at its best Angadha could never master the bow. Like all monkeys he depended on brute strength of hand and feet. Agility and ability to hit hard were his means of winning a war. He wondered how could one arrow shoot through seven trees and reach back the quiver. By any stretch of imagination , it was a super human feet and for the first time in his life he believed his father could be in real danger if he had to face this man. Vaali had a huge reputation. His chest was said to be as hard as iron , impenetrable In his various wars with rakshasas who wielded bows vaali was never hurt because he was so fast and agile he could dodge the speeding arrows , will he be able to dodge this Man’s arrows. A question mark found a place in his mind. Worried about his father , he found a fine sense of respect towards this man who had suddenly sprung from no where to disturb their sense of security.
He reached the Matanga ashram and soon found a talkative young disciple who knew about the new friends of Sugreeva He had lot of information. It appeared as though the entire ashram was agog with the arrival of princes of Ayodhya , sons of legendary king Dasaratha. Rama and Lakshmana. So sad that Rama’s wife Sita the princess of Mithila, was kidnapped by Ravana. Now Rama was searching for Ravana. Sugreeva and Rama had entered into a friendship pact

Angadha could now understand the development. He asked a simple question to himself . How can a deposed monkey lord with out an army offer to mount an all out search for Sita Anghadha shivered as the enormous significance of his findings dawned on him .There was a sort of quid pro quo agreement in place. He was now very sure that Sugreeva was going to use Rama to kill Vaali and take over the army.

Angadha became very angry at Sugreeva. He wanted to reach Sugreeva then and there and deal with Rama later. He also had to alert his father and mother . They will have something better to deal with the diabolical plot hatched by Sugreeva . H e rushed back to his cave in kishkinda. On the way he saw Rama near a pond and stopped to look at him .He was blue like the winter sky. Rama turned to look at the handsome monkey and he raised his hand . The monkey bowed his head and his hands were held together. There was an amazing sense of devotion in his person and Rama was overcome with compassion. He blessed the young monkey heartily and saw him speed away

Chapter 5

Tightly girded around the waist, Sugreeva roared with an eagerness for battle , rending the air with his shouts .With hitherto unknown vehemence called out to Vaali to come out for a fight. Sugreeva sounded very confident possibly because he had a new ally , hiding somewhere among the trees to drop Vaali dead .Vaali was standing on a ledge on top of his cave with his vyjayanti necklace dazzling in the evening sun. He looked down on Sugreeva some what nonplussed by his belligerence. Vaali had always loved fighting and to beat the day lights out of the vengeful Sugreeva was a past time he enjoyed immensely. With a promising entertainment close at hand he was preparing to jump to the ground when he saw his young soon swing from top of a tree and land in front of Sugreeva. Vaali waited to see how Sugreeva handled his son.

Anghadha stood tall and bold . But in front of Sugreeva he appeared to be a little small. Sugreeva had always loved the young Prince and would have liked to exchange some pleasantries, if the time and place was different . But the situation demanded that he should not dilute the aggressive mental make up as he was certain Vaali would come down for a fight. Anghadha held Sugreeva’s hand and hissed” Go away . I have seen Rama and before something untoward happens please go away. Sugreeva was somewhat annoyed that Anghadha knew about Rama’s presence and he became anxious. His anxiety led to indiscretion and he threw Angahdha The young prince expected to be thrown , and with amazing agility , did a somersault in air and landed safely. But WHAT Vaali saw was his son being thrown by Sugreeva. He lost his temper. He jumped from his high position on sugreeva and they both fell down together. Then There ensued a hand to hand fight of such intensity that spectators were spell bound. Each blow was accompanied a grunt of pain and shout of triumph. The two brothers were a good match and neither showed any compassion to other. Years of travail made sugreeva bold and he wanted to hurt his brother as much as possible Vaali showed no mercy wanting to finish off Sugreeva as soon as possible. It was a close quarter fight where neither opponent wanted to be the first to move away .Very soon the superior skills of Vaali began to dictate the effects. Sugreeva in the initial zeal for fight forgot all about Rama and as Vaali ‘s telling blows began to take heavy toll of his stamina , he started wondering what the hell Rama was waiting for. He realized if it continued this way he would soon end up dead. So he broke free and jumped towards a great tree and uprooted it with his bare hands and Vaali caught the swinging trunk to avoid getting smashed. As he ducked under the tree Sugreeva saw an opportunity to run He expected Vaali to give chase but Vaali for some strange reason held his place and shouted CONSIDER YOURSELF AS SPARED. He pointed a finger at Sugreeva as he shouted those word and slowly moved in a circle .He was directing the finger at Rama and wanted to locate his hide out. From his cover , Rama admired Vaali ‘s daring posture opening out his broad chest and presenting a fine target .Rama realized that here Vaali was inviting him to shoot but Rama was not ready yet. He had watched his ward receive a severe beating but was happy that he was not killed in this encounter. He had given Vaali sufficient time to plan his next set of action Rama was a very patient man.

Sugreeva was in a foul mood. He believed that Rama failed to keep his word and was furious .He had taken a heavy beating and his morale was very much shattered. Rama had tough time consoling sugreeva. HE TOLD HIM , “ look ,you two are so much alike that from the distance I was not sure I was aiming at vaali. I did not want to shoot you down by mistake You must wear something different to distinguish between you two. Lakshmana immediately brought a garland of Gaja pushpika flowers. Rama asked sugreeva to wear that for the next round of fight. Sugreeva trembled at the very thought of fighting Vaali again.

Chapter 6

Vaali was in his room talking to some of the Vanara ladies when he heard the booming shouts of Sugreeva from a distance. He made a face with disgust at the thought of having to fight sugreeva again. Only the other day Sugreeva had retreated from a fight when he was very close to getting himself killed. How come he is keen for another round? Vaali was intrigued to find out the reason. For him a challenge was meant to be accepted. He could tell you instances of kings who came to grief because they avoided a challenge. He came out of the room with all intentions of going out to fight his dear brother again.
Tara and Angadha were running towards him , their faces distraught . They stopped when they were close to him Tara said softly ‘ My Lord , we have some very important information for you. Please listen to us patiently and do not step out to fight him today. Let him make a din . We must ignore him today. He will get tired howling this way and then he will go back. Whatever happens you must not step out today” Vaali did not like to be told what he should or should not do. He always decided that on his own . But the insistence in Tara’s words, which worried him because Tara was a daring woman. She also liked to see him fight.” Sugreeva has hatched up a plan to get you killed and we know all the details. please listen to what your son has found out”

Angadha explained “ I visited Matanga Ashram and spoke to the inmates about the new friends acquired by Sugreeva. They are the princes of great city of Ayodhya ,capital of kingdom of Kosala ruled by king Dasaratha . You have spoken to us about him. These princes go by the names of Rama and Lakshmana. They have reached here while searching for Rama’s spouse kidnapped by a Rakshasa king called Ravana. Sita is the princess of Videha ruled by the RajaRishi called Janaka. Thus they are the scions of very illustrated family steeped in Dharma. Sugreeva has entered into a pact with Rama seeking his protection from attacks by you. In return Sugreeva is expected to assign his army to search for where abouts of Sita and for any action required for her retrieval. This pact can be used to put you out of your present position. And Sugreeva can regain his lost glory and prosperity.
The sages speak very highly about Rama’s various classical attributes. His commitment to establish order and righteousness is very much lauded and his devotion to this cause is very firm. He has already decimated a large section of hordes of Rakshasas as per requests of Rishis dwelling around DHANDAKARANYA. Rama received instructions in scriptures from Vasishta their Raja guru who also descended from Brahma. His martial training was completed under the great Vishwamitra , culminating in destruction of THATAKA and her son SUBAHU . Recently Sage Agasthya bestowed on Rama the famous Vishnu Dhanus along with a set of divine missiles with instructions on their usage. Thus Rama is a complete warrior of great distinction. It is said he is the only man capable of burning up all the three worlds , dry up all oceans and smash all mountains., with his missiles.

He has already demonstrated his prowess with bow and arrow by shooting through 7 saal trees. A warrior of this caliber siding with Sugreeva is not for our good. Recent increase in his belligerence against you is possibly a ploy to serve as an excuse for Rama to intervene on his behalf to put you down.

This is a sure and certain danger that you should take serious note of. Unless we negate this alliance with suitable counter , you must not move out.

I have seen Rama from a distance and he looks capable of great deeds. So we must be wary of him.”

Vaali heard Angadha’s warning and smiled.” M y son, there is no cause to be alarmed.. If Rama is really what you he is , then I need not fear any danger arisising from him .I f he is really a disciple of Vasishta , he would know what is right and what is wrong. As I am not fighting him , I don’t expect him to fight me. If he has received martial training from Vishwamitra and Agasthya , two great souls very well known to me, I know his great and proven prowess will not be misdirected at me .I now have great confidence in the character of Rama now that we know his antecedents. A scion of IKSHWAKU line will not indulge in unjust killing. So please do not be alarmed on my account. Look, Sugreeva is calling me again for a fight. Do you want me to behave like a coward

Tara spoke softly , ‘ MY LORD, we are not suggesting that you should behave like a coward. How can any one say Vaali was afraid. No , what we are suggesting is that we must reconsider our relationship with Sugreeva in the light of Rama’s entry into the scene. After all Rama is a man , however noble he may be, he is now desperate for help and Sugreeva has assured him that help. As nothing is given free , rama has to pay for what he is expecting to receive and that would be at our cost. Do you see , what is ahead of us. Now is not the time for confrontation but consultation and accommodation in the form of subtle diplomacy. Please consider burying the hatchet as for as Sugreeva is concerned Make him a regent, restore Ruma to him and restore his high status in our kingdom and get Rama off our back . with Sugreeva back in our fold , we can offer Rama the same help that sugreeva has promised. This way will work to every ones advantage . For us to mount the diplomacy we need to buy time That means you should not go out for this fight with sugreeva . I fear the worst. “ Tara could not hold back her tears. Her keen intelligence had offered a very viable solution acceptable to all the members Vaali was very impressed. He took her in his arms and said very softly ‘ every word uttered by you is true and acceptable to me. But I would take recourse to diplomacy only from a position of honour and not out of fear of somebody. Let it be clear I am not scared of Vishnu or Rama who ever it is against me.

He strode past Tara and young Angadha. The distraught son ran ahead pleading with his proud father to stop. Then he cried out ,father look at that Gaja pushpika garland around his neck . You know what it means. It is the signal to you from Rama that if you walk out to fight Sugreeva he will kill you . he has given you time to reconsider. That is why he did not kill you first time Rama is compassionate. But he will kill if there is reason. Your treatment of Sugreeva will decide if he has a reason or not. So . please father do not advance any further.

Vaali turned back to look at Tara, Tell your Son that his father is not a coward

I know you are not. But if you insist on fighting, please snatch away that garland at the first opportunity
Vaali embraced his son and kissed him on his head and walked away

Chapter8

Vaali walked like a lion . tall and majestic , with out any fear what so ever. He stood in front of his brother and with one hand held his shoulder His right-hand stretched out, index finger pointing out , he turned him slowly in a small circle trying to locate Rama’s hide out. The finger stopped at a point directly looking at Rama. It was like a dagger pointed at his chest, Rama felt slightly disconcerted, but held his place and did not show up. He marveled At Vaali ,and waited for action to begin. Sugreeva stood transfixed not being able to release from that grip. Slowly he saw the fingers close into a fist and a thumping blow on his head made him reel away. Vaali quickly followed him swinging his feet in wide arc and kicking sugreeva at the nape of neck. The kick made sugreeva turn around presenting his face for a series of hard punches to the nose and mouth. He started bleeding. Vaali did not relent . He grabbed sugreeva a by both hands and threw him head over heels .Sugreeva flew like a ball landing fifteen feet away. So far he had not touched Vaali even once . Vaali ran up to him staggering Sugreeva just trying to stand erect , with a high kick to the chest. In no time sugreeva was down and Vaali Stood over him triumphant that he had vanquished his tormentor and his protector had still not acted. Vaali bent down grabbing Sugreeva by the neck and shaking him up like a doll.

Rama had never seen such a vicious attack. Sugreeva stood no chance against a determined Vaali .He stood watching the one sided fight with out any remorse. WHEN VAALI BROUGHT HIS LEG Up TO SMASH THE NOW LIMP BODY OF SUGREEVA IN THE HEART Rama acted. The arrow was already locked in place . he did not even look at Vaali when the arrow shot out of his hold. It went screaming towards Vaali. He caught it squarely in the breast. Even though he was expecting it when it came he was not prepared for the impact. The blow made him leap in air and was thrown back 15 yards and he landed on his back while the arrow stuck out like a flag mast out of his body.

Vaali knew he was mortally wounded . he looked in the direction from which the arrow came and he saw Rama walking towards him. The bow was on his shoulder after it had served its purpose. There was no arrow in his hand. Rama did not expect to be attacked. In his face there was only peace. No sense triumph at having felled a giant.
Vaali had built an image in his mind about how Rama looked and now he could see that he was face to face with that image. For some reason , his mind was highly disturbed and a storm of questions rushed forth in his mind It made him angry and it was with great effort that he greeted Rama with words “ well done , Rama, well done . “ Rama found a rock near by and he sat on it and watched Vaali As vaali spoke he became emotionally charged and words flowed out of him in a torrent” You know , my wife Tara , told me that you would do this to me. She has uncanny mind to perceive things not clear to others. She also said you learnt your scriptures from THE GREAT VASISHTA . Did he teach you that it is alright to intervene I n a battle where you do not have a part. Do the dharma sastra that you propagate hold that shooting from cover is bravery. would your instructor of martial arts , sage Vishwamitra be proud of what you have done today. Is this the hall mark of your distinguished race starting from Manu. Was a divine missile designed to shoot down a monkey

Rama did not respond. He kept looking at Vaali for some sign of remorse. There was none, not at that point of time Vaali still very angry continued
“ what did you see in what I have that you covet, so much that you are prepared to shoot to kill with out warning.
My kingdom does not boast of any riches that are not already available in the great kingdom of Kosala. So what is that you wanted that you visit my territory on the sly.
Monkey flesh is not edible and my skin wont serve any use in your palace , so why this.

I do not remember that any time in the past , I have done any harm to any of your kin Then why did you have to shoot me down in such covert manner.
My Son Angadha tells me that you have entered into a pact with sugreeva as per which his army would help you to locate your spouse kidnapped by Ravana. How can a deposed monkey sugreeva be of any help to you. Had you come to me straight , I would have presented both sita and the vile ravana to you in no time. I am the only power , Ravana could not defeat , and did you know that . he beat every body else but not me.
As he spoke he was greatly getting agitated. He felt Rama had committed a mistake and had been very unfair in felling him. He continued to berate “You are regarded as the protector of Dharma . You are said to be free from blemishes that are normally associated with humans. You are supposed to be the purveyor of justice. Alas , you have slipped. The great Ikshwaku clan now boasts of a son who did stray from straight path . I am ashamed for you

The words became slow drained of all strength. His breathing was becoming increasingly difficult. Rama held his hand and addressed him softly.

I am not sure if I have to justify my action to you. But I am very sure that the questions you posed would definitely be posed by coming generation who will read about you and me in future. An affected and biased mind can not dissect, analyze and pass judgment on actions that seem unwarranted to the ignorant.

You are now wounded and your brain functioning is slowing down covering the truth with irrational thoughts

Yes , I learnt my scriptures and dharma shastra at the feet of the eminent Vasishta. You can not ask for a more knowledgeable preceptor or a versatile teacher. As I say these words , I bow to my guru in all sincerity When you made comments on my action and cast aspersion on my guru , you acted out of ignorance. You cant claim to have learnt any shastra that I have not learnt. As a monkey you are at a different intellectual level.

Yes , the martial arts and dhanur vidhya that I learnt from Vishwamitra and the divine missiles received from SAGE AGASTHYA were meant for use to protect weak from the wicked. Certain very secretive missile usages have been taught to me with total faith that I possess the courage to use them when wanted and do not resort to them for personal aggrandizement or frivolous ends. .As on date I swear I have not misused them. Hence your reference to them is reading nonsense. In my lineage , we have kept our faith even at the cost of our own life.

Yes , you, VAALI as an individual or as a king do not possess any thing that I could ever covet. Your kingdom of kishkinda is a part of greater Kosala for which presently Bharata , my dear brother , is the emperor. This land under bharatakanda was bestowed to our clan for administration by eminently reverable Manu. As his agent I am roaming about these parts helping the sages and ascetics to lead a life free from tormentation by ogres and unscrupulous agencies. In the process I have killed a countless number of different kinds of agencies of evil. when I killed them as per my duty as kshatriya and agent of the lord of the land , I did not have to look any one in the eye or sound out an alarm of warning before killing them . They all died at my hand as sinners and on having died they got their due redemption in the other world.
Yes , you mentioned that had I approached you directly , you would have readily presented me with my wife Sita and ravana. I did not ask for help to deal with Ravana.
I got into a friendship pact with your brother , and as per that pact his problems became mine. I am duty bound to restore his prosperity and redeem his spouse presently held by you. A king and his agents are duty to bound to listen to complaints of the subjects and remove the problems and give them solace. Sugreeva ‘s problems were recounted to me in that way and I had to take action.
As an agent of great Bharata , I am hereto promote virtue among people and ensure adherence to righteous path. It is our cardinal duty to judge and punish the wrong doers who so ever they may be

All good beings who follow the path of righteousness and value virtue as important in life , all regard their father, elder brothers and teacher as Father having similar values and deserving respect. Similarly a younger brother, ones own son and a deserving virtuous pupil are to be regarded as ones own son. The principle governing the conduct of the virtuous is indeed subtle.

Now Vaali , get to know the reason for your present situation. The sin committed by you as per above code of conduct, morality and that is dictated to every living soul by what is called their conscience , is your behavior towards your younger brothers wife. Throwing all decencies to wind and ignoring the eternal law concerning relationships , you have sinned while cohabitating with the Fair Ruma , the wedded spouse of high souled Sugreeva , your younger brother. Ruma IS VIRTUALLY YOUR DAUGHTER IN LAW .While your brother is still alive , you have coveted his spouse. This perpetuation of sin by you attracts punishment of death to be enacted by the king. As an Agent of the king my arrow has found you. A punishment has been meted out to you as per precedent set by my illustrious forefather Mandhata who had to kill a pious monk for a deed very similar to yours. I as a kshatriya born of a high and imperial pedigree can not brook your indulgence in sin Death is the punishment ordained for a sinner who approaches carnally his own offspring , a sister or wife of an younger brother
Why were you not killed during your first fight with Sugreeva Your Son Angadha and spies of your wife Tara were allowed to see for themselves the saal trees to assess my strength and threat I pose to your life. In your own words you talked of the advice given by Tara to resort to diplomacy and do what is right for Sugreeva. Anghadha identified the threat my presence pose to you and pleaded for reconsideration of your conduct towards Sugreeva. Your faith in your own strength had made you blind to realities around you and you missed a lifetime opportunity to correct the situation. Hence there was no scope for condoning your punishment

You must know by now that every sin has to be punished and the punishment acts as a cleansing agent for the soul and serves towards gaining redemption . You have been punished now and having received the punishment you stand redeemed. You still have time to rectify the wrongs You are no doubt a great warrior with countless admirable qualities that include all that I too respect. You are now free to go to your appointed position in the heavens, commensurate with what you do.

Vaali was silent for a long time. He watched his son and wife rush toward him Sugreeva was standing nearby tight with emotion. Slowly he muttered to Rama


Dharmagubdharmakrudh dharmi sadasatksharamaksharam
Avignata sahastraaamshu vidhata krutalakshanaha

You safeguard dharma with your action. You transcend the distinction between dharma and adharma. All your actions are towards establishing dharma and righteous values. You are the Dharmi the protector of dharma For you Sat and ASAT have only one meaning and you apply it to all kshr and aksharas. As avignata you are indifferent . You are vidhata the ordainer and as krutalakshana you are the eternal conscienceor chaitanyatvam
You cant be wrong at any time .I accept your decree for the sins I admit that I committed. In the remaining time I have at my hand I will what is right for Sugreeva .please offer protection to my son Angadha and wife Tara

Slowly he raised his two hands together with closed palms and said with out hesitation

ABHIRAMA GUNAKARA DASARATHE, JAGADEKA DHANURDHARA DHEERANUTE
RAGHUNAYAKA RAMA RAMESH VIBHO
VARADHO BHAVA DEVA DHAYA JALADE

AGNANINA MAYADHOSHAN ASESHAN VIHITANA HARE
KSHAMASVA TVAM , KSHMASVA TWAM RAGHUVAMSHA SHIKAMANE

Rama held Vaali’s hand helped him to lie at his feet. Vaali heaved a great sigh of relief. He had made his peace with his creator. His was a noble soul
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