sabari_

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 more fierce 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 colours 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 splendour .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 he 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 who 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 colourful 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 colourful petals to her as a child would display his colourful 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 laboured 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 “sabaree… and with a few more unsteady steps , she walked ahead and suddenly collapsed to the ground in heap. Sabari’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 , Ayomuki 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.
Sabri 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 I 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”
Ayomuki 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 dis oriented 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 cant control my younger brother. next move he will kill you.”I ran away terrified. .”So much for your advice ,Sabari, be 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 did’nt 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 prophesised 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 withAyomukhi. 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 loked 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 Laksmana 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? “
Laksmana 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 Bharatha . 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 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 ypu meet with him. He too has lost his wife and kingdom on account of a wild brotherYou 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 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 Kabhandha was waiting for his permission before leaving them . Rama addressed Khabandha” thank you khabandha, 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 Laksmana 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 lking 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 ghandharva. 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 shrt 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 . Viti hotra 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. Gandarva 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 did’nt say a word, he simply smiled and put the bird to his chest, in a tender gesture of ownership, which further infuriated vittihotra. 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 did’ nt 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 do’nt 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 favour 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’ nt know me. Nobody insults Vittihotra and lives. Take your hands off me and I will go after him now.
Maliini did’ nt 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 dont have to go after him. You dont 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 do’nt 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 nt 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 loked 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 gandharva 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 gandharva 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 favour. 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 swimmimg 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 colourful 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 signalled him to eat. She put her hand round Laksmana 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

Kamadhahanam

Shiva was seated on a platform made of granite rocks under a leafy deotharu tree in the Snow bound Himalayan terrain. A large size tiger skin was spread on the platform. He was clad only in a deer skin. He was bare from waist up. The skin was glowing with good health , though smeared with ash . He was seated in a yogic posture called Veerasana. His long hands were folded in front and the palms were placed on the lap one above other, open to the sky. From a distance it appeared as though he was holding blue coloured lotus bud in his lap. His body was still and erect. His large eyes were partly closed, looking at the tip of a long sharp nose. His breathing was rhythmic and power radiated from all his body, in a soft bluish glow attributed to his enormous yogic power.He had long unruly matted hair which he had attempted to tie up in a bun with a snake used as a binding rope. His string of rudraksha beads , were folded in a double loop which he had inserted in the pierced ears. He was in an yogic trance controlling all his life forces and senses.
In a near by hut was seated his loyal attendant Nandhi, in a human form, holding a golden cane , symbol of his status as head of forces loyal to shiva . Presently his job was to ensure that nobody disturbed while his master was in the trance.
From his hiding place Kamadeva watched Shiva very carefully.He has been here last few days trying to understand Shiva’s daily routine , his movements and the traffic from and to the hut guarded by Nandideva..He was calm and patient . He had some very important work to accomplish and he was looking for an opportune moment to strike. He looked at his armory with a smile. These were not the destructive type..The long flexible bow was made from cane shoot and the arrows were made from fine reed strung with exotic flowers. He had five different types of arrows , each one designed for particular target and desired effect For Siva he had selected special arrow which he piously called Sam mohanastram .It was expected to change the course of history. The welfare of three worlds depended on how successfully Kamadeva accomplished his task. The responsibility weighed heavily on the slim and shapely shoulders of the handsome kamadeva.

Brahma had told Indra that only Kamadev had the necessary power to bring about the destruction of the dreaded asura Taraka , so please convince Kamadev that he should get involved. And here he was stalking Siva in his own den. Mention of Taraka reminded him of the dialogue he had with Indra Indra’s normally glowing face was some how looking dull. His arrogance was subdued and he moved about like a beaten man robbed of all his glory and grandeur. The reason was the continuous pounding he had been subjected to by the wily asura , Taraka . Not only physical pounding but also the ridicule heaped on him and his associates. Today , Indra was moving about doing errands for Taraka. His famous Vajrayudha was wasted on TarakaThe other devatas who went to the aid of Indra were also severely dealt with. Kubera lost his Gadayudam and his famous city of Amaravathi. Varuna lost his pasa and Yama found his kaladhanda useless against the valour of Taraka. Even Surya did not have the heart to fight Taraka. The famous sudarshan chakra could not even scratch the Armour of Taraka .He was protected by a powerful boon granted by Brahma .When Taraka was asked how he wished to die he said sarcastically “ If I should ever be defeated in a battle , let me taste defeat at the hands of a son born to the ascetic minded Shiva.” Taraka believed that Shiva would never marry, leave alone beget a son . That was the conviction. After the departure of Sati at the time of Daksa yagnam Shiva had become a recluse, steeped in asceticism . With Shiva showing no inclination for a married life and conjugal bliss , the Asura ruled and terrified the three worlds , with out any deterrent to stop him. His atrocities continued un abated and his hordes of followers continued to humiliate the devas in every possible manner. The Samudra raja had to gather all the pearls and gems from the ocean floor and deposit them at the asura’s feet as his homage.The Asura blasted mount Meru for mining gold required for his palaces. Indra had to surrender all the provisions from Kalpa vriksa to Taraka on regular basis and all the deva kanyas had to be sent to Asura’s palace for the entertainments of Asura lords under Taraka..Now Kamadeva has been adviced by Indra to do something to change the mindset of Shiva using his extraordinary powers, so that a son capable of overwhelming Taraka could be born
The word about kamadeva’s attempts to influence Siva’s mind from ascetic way of life to that of domestic bliss, reached Taraka’s ears and he laughed aloud. He declared “ Fools, Dont you know that Shiva is not a child whose mind can be changed . Do not finger Siva, he has a very wild temper.Yu are playing with fire when you are dealing with Him. He will simply burn you up.”
Rati , the consort of Kamadeva was worried about her lords safety .She told him to stay away from Siva. “It is not our fight. Our job is to spread love and pleasure all round.We should not get hurt doing what is our duty” Kamadeva assured her that he would be very careful. We simply can not allow an asura to go about , insulting Devatas day in and day out .After all we also belong to Devagana. “Seeing her beautiful face clouded by un known fear Kamadeva explained ,” my dear . You know my powers very well. I can ignite fire of passion in any soul, however elevated that soul may be. I can erode virtue as easily as a river erodes the bank.There is no woman whose virtue is safe from my darts. I can bend the mind of the most virtuous to a life of ruin in no time. I can defeat sanity and forebearance in any vairagi .In that sense my arrows are more lethal than the arrows kicked by Pinaki wielded by shiva. The other arrows maim , cut and tear flesh. My arrows go deeper. They dont leave any mark on the body.They simply touch essential nerve centers in the brain..Even though I have such awesome powers , I have never used any of my powers to destroy a good man or a good virtuous woman.I have used my powers only to spread love and friendship and make this earth a better place to live and propogate life..That is why my power has been on the rise. I Know that if I ever use it for personal gain or too punish any one , I will cause my own ruin. I know that if I succeed in kindling passion in the heart of Shiva, I would accomplish what Brahma wanted.I know Shiva is an extremely difficult proposition. I know what happened at the Daksa yagna and how Shiva’s consort Sathi immolated herself. I know shiva will never forgive me if I smash his ascetic shield. But I have to do what I can .”
Rati was not convinced. She had a very uneasy feeling.. She said “ My lord , you must not engage Shiva alone. You must take our friend Vasantha . He will create a very conducive atmosphere for you to succeed. I will also go with you”
Kamadev was happy that Rathi has given him the permission. He said “ That would be very nice. Today I spent lot of time studying Shiva at his place. I see that Parvathi also has been frequenting that place, helping Shiva in his prayers and worship. Se as made up her mind t wed shiva only and the union has the approval of Himavan, her father and Lord Brahma. Her proximity to Shiva, is what Iam going to cash on.Every one is interested in shiva marrying Parvathi and I would be helping a good cause .So far the desire has been from Parvati’s side only and her love has not been reciprocated by Shiva because , he simply has not become aware of it. All I am aiming to do is to create that awareness . Would that be wrong?

Chapter3

Next day Kamadeva accompanied by Vasantha and Rati visited the place very close to Shiva’s hut. The trio watched with bated breath. Siva had just then broken out of yogic trance. His eyes opened softly and watched Parvathi walking towards him along with her friends, carrying flowers and fire wood required for shiva’s sacrificial fire. The presence of Vasantha in the neigbourhood had an effect on the ambience.Siva w ho was endowed wit extraordinary perception
For sensing subtle changes in the envirnment became aware. His back straightened and he watched.He stared at Parvathi as he suspected her to have brought an enticing smell in the air. He was staring at her while all his senses went on high alert. Kamadev read the situatin very correctly . He advised Vasantha to withdraw fearing discovery before he was ready to shoot.. Shiva seemed satisfied that everything was normal. He accepted thhe garland ffered by Parvati . He even smiled at Parvati. She was thrilled to see some emotion on his face. She looked enchantingly beautiful.There was more spring in er steps. She was humming a delightful tune. . The flowers she had worn in her hair had an enticing lingering scent. Her eyes were large and shining.Te eye brows arched enhancing her attractive face, which was now glowing with anticipated pleasure . The red dot in the center of her broad forehead added luster to her face.. The delicately wrn dress cvering er top was slipping tentalisingly.The shapely narrow hips and heavy bosom
added curves and slants that accentuated her delicate figure.. Kamadeva was now certain that such close proximity of Parvathi to Shiva would be a great help to his work. He now looked at his bow and arrow.The bow was made from tender cane shoot. Te arrow was made from a string of just blossomed mango flowers. The bees hovering over the flowers got stuck to the flowers as they were arranged in the string.
The cucks sang , having just partaken the honey from the mango trees, heralding the arrival of vasanta. The notes raised by the cuckoos reached Siva’s ears, just as the pleasant breeze whipped by the swinging arrow, carried the mesmerizing scent of mango flowers
Reached his nostrils. The pleasant breeze hit his bare torso smeared with ash , creating faint vibrations permeating softly all through his body, which so far remained under strict control of his mind through his yogic power..

Devas had now gathered around Kamadeva to witness the magical moment , when Kamadev would hit Siva and send him into raptures of passion that would finally engulf
Parvathi too.They wanted to be there to bless the union of two souls .Parvathi blissfully ignorant of divine manipulations to help her avowed ambition , walked demurely twards Siva extending a garland strung out of brilliantly coloured flowers.As the breeze struck her , her dress slipped and a hand darted to hold the fabric in place.
Kamadeva chose that moment to strike.Hhe was already in kneeling stance, pulled at the bow hard snapping it inta tight circle, with the famous sam mohanastram locked in place. He pulled at the bow string, a smile lighting up his face in anticipation of his ultimate triumph.
Siva sensed the attack and turned. His mind quickly erased the images of Parvthi’s tentallising figure.His ears closed shut the strains of enthusiastic cuckoo.. His nostrils flared.His eyes focussed in the direction of Kamadeva catching him at the point of release of the fateful arrow. The blue face turned crimson as the anger surfaced fast . He recognised Kamadeva and he became severely aware of the plot to subvert his asceticism
and yogic power. His left hand raised and pointed in the direction of Kamadeva
The devas sensed impending danger to kamadeva and shouted in unison Shantam shantam, but he did not hear a word. The third eye flashed open and a blistering stream of sparks raced in a powerful beam to engulf Kamdeva. Kamadev released the arrow and it sped faster towards its target. Rathi threw herself in the line of the beam but she was dreadfully slow. She sensed the burst of heat as flames lit up kamadeva and in a fleeting second he was reduced to a pile of ash. She collapsed on the floor totally un conscious.


Chapter4

The earth shook as Shiva stood up and stamped his feet in anger. Parvati stepped back in horror as she witnessed from close quarters the immolation of Kamadeva by the flames from the dreaded third eye of Shiva.She saw anger and disapproval from every crease in the reddish face of Shiva. She ran out of the hut trying to suppress a scream and in total confusion. She knew that her hopes of marrying Siva were now dashed to the ground. All her efforts to win Siva by display of devotion and dedicated service were wasted efforts now.
Shiva walked away in opposite direction. Devas left the scene one by one.Vasanta rushed towards Rathi and tried to bring her back to consciousness.. When she regained her senses , she had full knowledge of what had happened. She saw the anxious face of Vasanth and groped around to locate her husband. Then her eyes fell on the still warm mound of ash, that was all that was left of her consort’s immaculate body. A long wail of un fathomable grief came out of her trembling mouth that made every living thing near by shake up in fear. She raised both her hands over her head and slapped her fore head crying pitifully and cursing every fate and divine agencies that ad contributed t the incineration of her consort in a flash. She questioned the divine agencies”what was the fault .committed by her consort, who did what was assigned t him? His capabilities and unique powers formed the bed rock on which the human species was supposed to propagate and proliferate. With out his work , this earth would have been a desolate hostile place unfit for human settlement. His mission in life was to bring about peace , harmony, love , union and new life . Hw can he be rubbed out so mercilessly, for doing his duty?”
As she went on wailing , she suddenly realized her own plight. Till a few moments ago , she was the consort of the most perfect man ever created and se was the most envied woman on earth.All her time was spent in the most pleasant union of her heart , soul , mind and body with that of Manmadha, an association that was intoxicating.And in ne flash she had become a destitute, helpless widow.She did not have the courage nor thhe inclination t face a life with out Manmadha at her side. She tore of her garment and scooped with two hands as from the pile and smeared her body, slapping her chest and banging her head on the ground Vasantha held her fast and tried to console her but he could not utter a single word as he himself was totally shattered. Rathi commanded him”Vasanta , you were his closest friend. You know that I can not live with out him.I will put my body down hugging his ashes .You cover us with logs and set fire to our pyre.Atleast in the land of the dead , we will live together . That is the only way you can honour your dead friend.”Unable to think on his own , vasantha did what was told. He piled up logs and fire wood on top of Rathhi and prepared to light the pyre .He walked around the pyre weeping like a child suddenly orphanned . As he was about to touch the wooden pile with his fire brand, powerful lightning flashed overhead and an unearthly voice announced” Stop this Vasantha.Help Rathi to get up. Rathi , you do not have to grieve . Your Kamadeva sacrificed his body for the welfare of Devas. He is not dead. While he will remain invisible to every one , you will be able to see him and feel him . Te love ignited by him in the soul of shiva will in course of time , will change his mindset and direct him towards Parvathi as ordained by nature Siva will wed Parvathhi very soon and when that happy union takes place Kamadeva will regain his form. World can not exist with out Rathi and Manmadha because you make this place lovely .Please forgive the agencies for bringing you so much grief. PLEASE PRESERVE THE ASHES

Rathi felt the stirring in her heart as the ashes seemed to come live. An eerie image emerged from the ashes, she put her arms around the image crying “Ananga, Ananga”
She was convinced that the prophesy that she had heard would come true. She decided to wait for the event to take place