Building parnasaala

Rama ,Lakshmana and Seethadevi reached Chithrakutaparvatham after leaving Valmiki maharshi.Rma directed Lakshmana to build a parnasaala withstrong wood.Lakshmana made a beautiful parnasaala and did vaasthupuja by cooking meat.They did gruhapravesam and started living there peacefully.They constructed the Parnasala on the banks of Maalyavathi river in Chithrakuta paravatham.They forgot the unhappy incidents of Ayodhya and were living happily.

Chithrakuta parvatham

Bharadwaaja told them the way. They had to go to the meeting place of Ganga and Yamuna. From there along the path of Yamuna they had to travel.After crossing Yamuna by Boat they would come across big banyan tree, Syaamamu.Seethaadevi has to pray that tree to fulfil their wishes and then they could take rest for a little time and then move forward.After walking for a krosu, they would come across a dark forest full of bamboo shrubs, and different trees.If they go by that route only they would reach Chithrakuta parvatham.

They went balong with Yamuna.There they built a small boat and Seetha devi along with her dresses, jewellery alighted the boat. They put their weapons also in to the boat and started their journey.Seetha prayed to that banyan tree that she would do puja again after successful return from woods and if they see Kousalya and Sumthra in good condition after their return.First Lakshmana,next Seetha and then Rama were going one after one in the forets. Lakshmana was bringing various flowers to Seetha when she asked. They were enjoing THEIR journey.Next day morning they came to Chithrakuta parvatham.On theri way they came across Valmiki abode and they met him.He welcomed them and hosted them.

Bharadwaajaasramamu

Next day morning theyv started walking and reached Prayaga where Ganga and Yamuna meet.They reached Bharaswaajaasramam nearby by sunset.Sage Bharadwaaja was doing homam.So they waited till it was completed and then introduced themselves to the Sage.Sage welcomed them warmly and gave fruits for them as food.He was happy for seeing Rama after so long time.He heard about the latest developments at Ayodhya.There was no crowd ther e. So Rama could live peacefully there.But Rama refused that as it was nearer to villages and towns people might frequently visit them. So they wanted to go deep into the forest but congenial for living.

Then Bharadwaaja suggested Chithrakuta Parvatham. It was at a distance of ten krosulu.It equals Gandhamaadana hill.If people see the tip oh Chithrakuta parvatham bad nature leaves us. Somany sages did thapa there and reached heaven.That place was ideal for them.So they could stay there if they liked it.Rama ,Lakshmana and Seetha slept there that night and next day after taking leave of the sage left for Chithrakuta parvatham.It was pleasant and therewas noshortage for fruits.

Ramas thoughts aloud

Rama was telling Lakshmana about his fears.Kousalya had become desolate and lonely.May be Kaikeyi would harm her!Please entrust my mother to Bharatha. May be Kousalya did a great wrong in her previous birth. That was why she was suffering so much in this life.Rama was detesting himself for leaving her mother in time of need.She brought him up with so much care, love and affection. But now he had left her.No one should have a son like him.His mother had a pet parrot who advised Kousalya to bite Kaikeyis feet as a revenge. He could not do even that much of help except giving her torment.If he lost his temper he would destroy the entire universe. But that was not the time for showing valour. He did not go for enthronement just because it was not rightful.

Lakshmana then stopped Rama saying that if talked like that Seetha and himself would be depressed.He was not interested in saying anyone by leaving Rama.Rama intended Lakshmana to speak thus. Actually these were Lakshmanas line of thought. If Rama spoke first then Lakshmana would realise how wrong thosw thoughts were.So from then onwards Lakshmana would not talk like that.See how tactful Rama was !

First night in the forest

Rama,Seetha and Lakshmana prayed river Ganges for their safe journey.Seetha takes oath that on their safe return after fourteen years she would do Pujas,donate cows to Brahmins and give wine and meat to the river.They reached southern end and they alighted the boat and started walking in to the forest. Rama told Lakshmana to be cautious and that all should move in unisionto ward off unwarranted incidents or dangers.They entered the country Vathsa.They lied down under atree and Rama was thinking of their parents in Ayodhya.He wondered ifatleast bythen Kaikeyi was happy.Their father was alustful man. So he got enmeshed in Kaikeyis crooked ideas.It seemed that lust was more powerful than Righteousness and other good traits in a man.If not how could the king sacrifice a dutiful ,righteus son like him?Now ,Bharatha and his would be happy and Bharatha could become the king after kings death.Aperson who does not follow right and justice would face thet same plight as Dasaradha.May be Kaikeyi has come to their family just to send Rama to the forest.To make king die and make her son the king.She would definitely humiliate Kousalya and Sumithra.Rama detested the idea of Sumithra being humiliated on his behalf. So Rama was requesting Lakshmana to return to Ayodhya the very next day and look after his mother.

Farewel to Guha and Sumanthra

Sumanthra was lamenting thus. What was the use of brahmacharya,righteousness and vedaadhyayan if person likeRamahad to go to woods on the demand of his father and stepmother?Rama became great by conceding fathers request butwhat about their fate?How could anyone be happy in Kaikeyis kingdom?

Rama started consoling Sumanthra. He told him to goback and console Dasaradhaand make him happy.Sumanthra was to tell Dasaradha that vanavaas was not tedious and they were enjoing it. Bharatha was to be called back and made the future king.He was paying homage to all his mothers.Bharatha was to be told to respect his father. He should love Kousalya and Sumithra as he loves Kaikeyi.Sumanthra requested him tolet him stay with him as he could not go back without Rama and answer his mother.

Then Rama said that unless Sumanthra went back and told that they left for forest Kaikeyi would not believe. Unless she believed she would not let Dasaradha be happy.He asked Guha to bring latex of the banyan tree so that he cou;ld plait his hair to go into the forest.Lakshmanafollowed suit. Then they travelled by boat .

voyage

Sreeraama wastelling about the towns and villages they were crossing in the country,Kosala,to Seetha.They crossed the borders.He was talking to Sumanthra about when he would again come back to Kosala.He turned towards Ayodhya and took leave of it.Some more people had accompanied them till that place. So,Rama requested them to go back to Ayodhya. With much ado they returned back.Ramas chariot reached Srungiberapuram on the banks of Ganges.It was in the kingdom of Nishaada.Guha was the king of that country. He was a good friend of Rama.He welcomed Rama with open hands.He brought tasty food and bedding for these people.But Rama declined politely saying because he was doing vanavaas.He did Sandhya and drank gangaajal and tookrest under atree along with Seetha.Guha along with Lakshmana and Sumanthra woke up all through the night to safeguard Rama and Seetha.He told Lakshmana alos to take rest but he did not oblige.Ganga was flowing fast . So Guha arranged for a boat to cross the river.

Ayodhya without Rama

People who accompanied Rama got up and found they already left.They scolded themselves for getting such deep sleep.With much difficulty they returned to Ayodhya.Their wives at home abused them for not bringing Rama to Ayodhya.Lakshmana alone was great because he could follow Rama.It is spring where Rama stays. Everyone wanted to go and catch up with Rama.Let us all serve Rama and Seetha in the forest.Kaikeyi was vicious. THere was no safety in her kingdom.sShe sacrificed son and husband for wealth.She sent great They did not even cook food in their homes.soul,Rama ,to the forest.Everyone was unhappy.

Seetha,Rama and lakshmana leave for forest

All three were going in a chariot. People were following them. Rama was seeing them with loveand affection.Rama was tellingthem to show similar love and affction towards his brother ,Bharatha.Bharatha was agnaani.Though soft, he was an efficient warrior.He had all the qualities neede for a king.He was elected by Dasaradha. So every one should respect his word and accept him as king.No oe heard RAMAS WORDS.Aged Brahmins were requesting the horses tostop and bring back Rama to Ayodhya.Rama came down the chariot and Lakshmana and Seetha followed.They walked along with Brahmins.They were requesting Rama to permit them also to come to forest.Theycamenear Thamaasa river.Sumanthra gave rest to the horses.Everyone took rest there.Rama ,Seetha,Lakshmanaand Sumanthra got up early in themorning before othersand left for Thapovanam.

Sumithras philosophy

Sumithra told Kowsalya not to feel sorry for Rama.He was righteous.Lakshmana was lucky to follow Rama.Seetha was a pious lady because she accompanied Rama to the forest.Everything is possible for hom. He knows only success.Rama would definitely come back and rule Ayodhya.Sumithra was agreat lady. Actually Vaalmiki described her as saint.She was not sorry that her son ,lAKSHMANA WENT TO THE FOREST.She praised him.She was one among the few who realised the greatness of Rama.There can not be any harm to those who realise Rama. That is why she was calmand composed.

Dasaradhas agony

Dasaradahas body was wet with sweat.He could not compete with horses.Then his ministers advised him one should not follow them whom we want us to return safely.Dasaradha, Kowsalya and others stopped running.He saw the dust which was caused by Ramas chariot and fainted .Kowsalya went to his right and Kaikeyi to his left to lift him.Dasaradha lamented and told her not to touch him.He disowned Kaikeyi.If Bharatha accepts the throne he cant pay homage to Dsaradha after death.He was saying that as he cant live without Rama kaikeyi would become a widow.He asked to be taken to Kowsalyas abode.Dasaradha was semiconscious in the agony of Ramas absence.Hecould not see anything. He wanted to be touched by Kowsalya, Seeing all this Kowsalya also lamentedShe would have committed heinous crimes in her previous birhts to suffer like this.Her son who had to enjoy his life being in prime of youth is sent to the woods.Probably she might have cut the nipples of mothers while their children were about to suck the milk.

Sumithra consoled both of them.

Sumithras advise to Lakshmana

Sumithra kissedher sons head.She advised him thus.You love Rama very much.So you have decided to go to forest with him. God might have directed you for this task alone.You look after them without any negligence.Whether Rma is an emperor or an addict to bad habits he is your goal.You follow him to the forest.You remember that Rama is your father and Seetha is your mother and Forest is Ayodhya.All my blessings are with you!

Sumanthra brought tha chariot. Seetha adorned with all the ornaments alighted the chariot happily. Rama and Lakshmana also alighted it.Chaript was going fast.People were requesting to go slowly.They were praising Seetha as she was with him like his chaaya.Lakshmana was great as he could serve them in the forest

People were weeping and walking.The dust that rose with their walking subsided with their tears.Dasaradha ,and the queens also ran behind the chariot. Seeing their pligjht Rama asked Sumanthra to move fast.Dasaradha was asking him to go slow and Rama was asking him to go fast.

Seeing Sumanthras dilemma Rama told him To tell Dasaradha that he did not hear them.

Kowsalyas advise to Seetha

Kowsalya hugged Seetha.She advised Seetha thus. Normally women are wavering. As long as husband gives them what they need. They love him. Once that is stopped their love also vanishes.They talk harshly with their husbands.They dont care for anything.Only pious women pray their husbands.Do not humiliate Rama because he had been sent to the woods.

Seetha replied that she would pay heed to Kowsalyas instructions. As it is she knew how tolook after her husband.If strings break veena will not play. Similarly without husband women cant be happy even if they have hundreds of children and other relations.

It all seems as if they are talking about Kaikeyis lapses.For the sake of one son sha sacrificed her husband.But Kaikeyi did not waver.

Rama took permission of his parents totake Seetha and Lakshmana along with him to the forest.

Vasishtas advise to kaikeyi

Kaikeyi brought rough cotton sarees to Seetha.Seetha did not know how to wear them. She felt ashamed and asked Rama as how to wear them. Then Rama draped them around her silk saree.Everyone who saw that wept at their plight .They requested that as Seetha was not asked to goto forest, she could as well stay at Ayodhya.But Rama did not heed their words.

Vasishta got angry and started scolding Kaikeyi.He told that Seetha need not go to forest. So, they would make her sit on throne and make her rule the country.Everyone in Ayodhya would go along with Rama to the woods and she alone with her son would live in Ayodhya.If Bharatha was a genuine son of Dasaradha he would not accept the throne given under protest.Hewould not care her.She was not helping Bharatha but harming him.Everyone started abusing Dasaradha.

Rama consoled Dasaradha and told him to look after his mother till he returned.

Dasaradha then directed Sumanthra to bring the chariot and bring sarees and ornaments for Seetha for fourteen years.

minister Siddhhardha

Kaikeyi was adament.Dasaratha realised that it was inevitable to send Rama to the forest.So, he told Sumanthra to send army and wealth along with Rama.Kaikeyi protested that if that is done what would Bharatha do in barren land?She then quoted that Asamnja went to forest without any possessions.Then another minister Siddhaardha replied. Asamanjudu was a cruel fellow. He used to dip peoples children in Sarayu river and enjoying their plight. Then when people told the atrocities of Asamanjudu, emperor Sagara outcast him.But in the present case,Rama did not do any wrong.He was a pious man.He told her not to send Rama to forest . He requested her not to get bad name by doing such heinous act.Dasaratha then wanted to accompany Rama to the forest.Then Rama consoled him that he is sacrificing everything to live in forest. Of what use are wealth and army?It looks as though one gifts away an elephant but objects to lose rope with which it is tied.So atlast Rama asked for cotton clothes and implements to acquire food.

minister Siddhhardha

Kaikeyi was adament.Dasaratha realised that it was inevitable to send Rama to the forest.So, he told Sumanthra to send army and wealth along with Rama.Kaikeyi protested that if that is done what would Bharatha do in barren land?She then quoted that Asamnja went to forest without any possessions.Then another minister Siddhaardha replied. Asamanjudu was a cruel fellow. He used to dip peoples children in Sarayu river and enjoying their plight. Then when people told the atrocities of Asamanjudu, emperor Sagara outcast him.But in the present case,Rama did not do any wrong.He was a pious man.He told her not to send Rama to forest . He requested her not to get bad name by doing such heinous act.Dasaratha then wanted to accompany Rama to the forest.Then Rama consoled him that he is sacrificing everything to live in forest. Of what use are wealth and army?It looks as though one gifts away an elephant but objects to lose rope with which it is tied.So atlast Rama asked for cotton clothes and implements to acquire food.

Seetharama lakshmana going to Dasaratha

Seetha, Rama aand Lakshmana started to go and see Dasaratha.There were no chariots,no umbrellas. They were walking on the roads.People were weeping.Everyone was scolding Dasaratha and Kaikeyi.They all wanted to leave the city and follow Rama into the forest.Sumanthra was very unhappy with the latest developments. He started abusing Kaikeyi openly. He told togo in the right path. But she did not waver her decision.Kousalya aand Sumithra also came there.Rama asked Dasarathas permission to take Seetha and Lakshmana along with him to the forest.Dasaratha requested him to stay one night but Rama did not accept.

Sumanthra was telling about Kaikeyis mother.Her mother was also selfish.Because of a boon from a great person , Kaikeyis father could understand the languages of all the animal kingdom.Oneday he was hearing the ants talk among themselves and laughed. Kaikeyis mother thought that he was laughing at her.She was adamant that he tellthe correct reason for laughing.He told that he would die if he told her the real reason.Then she replied she doesnot care if the king lives or dies but she wanted the reason for laughing.THen the king had no choice but to reject her.If the mother is like that how can the daughter be different?

Story of thrijata

Thrijata was a poor Braahmin.He was n a very desperate condition.He was aged and had many children.His wife was young.Oneday she told him togo and see Rama.Atleast then ,their position might improve.He went to Rama in torn clothes. His face was aglow with virtue. So no one stopped him.He requested Rama to help him.Rama ,in a jovialmood denied him.But he put him to test.He told Thrijata to throw a stick as fast and as distant as possible.Thrijata did as told and the stick fellon the outer bank of Sarayu river.Rama was happy and gave him as many cows as needed.Rama then hugged Thrijata and placated him not to get angry as he was only jovialand wanted to test his power.

Here we have to take into consideration the fact that Rama was least affected by his travel to the forest.He wasmore cool and calm than before.Otherwise how could he be jovial with Thrijata?

Donating all the belongings

Rama told lakshmana to bring all the wealthand distribute among Brahmins and the needy.He also directed him to bring Suyagna.Lakshmana brought him.Rama along with prayed him and gave all the ornaments which he was wearing.As per Sithas request Rama requested Suyagna to take Siths ornaments to his wife.They gave him their cot and beds.suyagna accepted them andblessed them.Rama directed Lakshmana to give Kousalyas teacher and others who attended on their parents money,not less than thousand cows.Lakshmana gifted like Kubera.Everyone tehre was weeping on this occassion. Rama told them to light their houses every day till they returned from woods.