As Sitha Devi crossed the Godavari river along with Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Guha, she prayed to the river for her safe return to Ayodhya! She offered a heart-felt grand harathi to the river. She bathed in the waters of Godavari. The river has always been a place of worship with the association of our divine mother, Sithamma.
Maha Kavi (great poet) Sri Kalidas described Godavari water as “janakathanaya snaana punyodakamulu” (the water sanctified by the touch of the daughter of Janaka, Sitha Devi)
Our culture has always taught us to see nature, and every being in this grand creation as Lord’s divine embodiments. What we forgot is to implement this knowledge. We must go back to utilising them with respect and gratitude.
It’s a great year to revive the culture in its true form. The name of this year is Vikari. In Samskurtham, it means “a good change”. The year has surely brought two major changes to the nation:
- All provisions of the Indian Constitution are now applicable to Jammu and Kashmir (05th August 2019);
- Construction of Ramjanmabhumi in Ayodhya (09th November 2019)
Close to 17 and half lakh years ago, Adi Kavi (the first poet) Valmiki has written the following lines in the history of Sri Rama Chandra:
Ikshwakunaam iyam bhumi hi sasaila vana kaananaam
Every inch of this land was under the pleasant rule of Ikshwaku dynasty. Sri Rama Chandra is the proud heir of the dynasty
➣ Every tree in Ayodhya shed its leaves unable to bear separation from Sri Rama
➣ Rama was loved the tribal king, Guha
➣ Rama was worshipped by Sabari, an old tribal lady
➣ Rama was adored by Sugreeva, an animal
➣ Rama was admired by Hanuman, an animal
➣ Rama was respected by Jatayu, a bird
➣ Rama was revered by Vibheeshana, a rakshasa
This shows only a glimpse of Sri Rama’s greatness in terms of His character and valour. We are all proud descendants of such an adorable virtuous, Sri Rama Chandra.
Let’s look at one incident in Ramayana which refers to Ikswaku dynasty and its rulership. Vali was shot by Rama. Watching him suffer, Sugreeva and Rama approached him. Vali was so upset and angry that he accused Rama for shooting him without valour, from behind a tree. He questioned Rama’s right to get into a fight between him and his brother.
Rama responded saying, Bharatha is taking care of the crown in Ayodhya. Lakshama and Himself are given the role of guarding the forests and animals (Animal Husbandry and Forests Departments). The entire land is under the established rulership of Ikswaku Dynasty.
Rama explained to Vali that the law of land dictates that one who seizes the power of his own brother and captures brother’s wife is sentenced to death. The manner in which the death sentence is implemented is the choice of the judge and not the accused. Also, an animal is hunted by diverting its attention to something else and then fighting it. Here, Sugreeva kept Vali busy while Sri Rama carried out the necessary deed.
Rama explained to Vali that the law of land dictates that one who seizes the power of his own brother and captures brother’s wife is to be sentenced to death. The manner in which the death sentence is implemented is the choice of the judge and not the accused. Also, an animal is hunt by diverting its attention and then shooting it. Here, Rama kept Vali busy with Sugreeva and shot him. There is nothing illegal or immoral here.
Vali realised that he lost his mind as he was extremely angry and upset having fallen to death. And therefore, he accused Rama. Vali then agreed his fault and bowed down to Sri Rama as he realized Ikshwaku dynasty’s rulership of the entire land.
Vali realised that he lost his mind as he was extremely angry and upset having fallen to death. This caused him to blame Rama. Vali then agreed to his fault and bowed down to Sri Rama as he realized Ikshwaku dynasty’s rulership of the entire land.
This year is grand one which allowed us to resolve the dispute over 2.77 acre land where Sri Rama was born to have a mondir built. Let this decision instill in us a principled and righteous way of life that Sri Rama Chandra lead and showed to all of us.
When we connect with our rich history, we will have a direction to walk forward. Otherwise, there will be darkness all around in the form of ambiguity.
We have the eyes. There are objects around us. But, we will still need light to show us the objects the way they are. Similarly, the culture and ancient history is available. What we are missing is the association and ownership of the proud culture with ourselves. This month of Karthika, let’s all lit the diya of this association with our highly rich culture.
– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji
– Godavari Maha Harathi, November 24 th , 2019
– Dharmapuri
Swamiji offered His prayers to Lakshmi Narasimha Swami, the form of Lord guarding Dharmapuri. Yamaraj also offers his respects to Narasimha Swami here. It is believed that those who visit Dharmapuri will later need not visit Yamapuri !
Swamiji offered blessings to Sriman Muralidhar Rao ji and all those involved in organising the inspiring Godavari Harathi for the past 7 years.
