Aranya Kaanda
110 - Jayanta's mischief and punishment
Chaupais
Description
Winged with a spell, the shaft presided over by Brahma* sped forth and the crow in terror took to flight. Indra's son now assumed his own form and approached his father. But the latter refused to give him shelter knowing him to be an enemy of Sri Rama. Having lost hope ( of protection ) he felt as alarmed at heart as the sage Durvasa was afraid of the Lord's Discus. Weary and stricken with fear and grief, he traversed the abode of Brahma, the realm of Lord Siva and all other regions. But no one even asked him to sit down. Who can dare afford shelter to an enemy of Sri Rama ? Listen, Garuda (mount of Sri Hari ), a mother becomes as terrible as death and a father assumes the role of Yama ( the god of death), ambrosia turns into venom and a friend becomes as hostile as a hundred enemies, the celestial river ( Ganga ) is converted into the Vaitarani* nay the whole world becomes hotter than fire to him who is inimical to Sri Rama. The sage Narada saw Jayanta (Indra's son ) in distress and was moved with pity; for saints are always tender of heart. The sage sent him immediately to Sri Rama and he cried out, "Save me, O friend of the suppliant !" Bewildered and terrified he went and clasped His feet and said, "Mercy ! mercy ! O gracious Lord of Raghus. I could not perceive Your incomparable might and matchless glory, dull-witted as I am. I have reaped the fruit born by my own actions and have now sought refuge in You. Protect me, my Lord!" When the all-merciful Lord heard his most piteous appeal, He let him go with the loss of one eye, O Parvati.