Aranya Kaanda
113 - Sri Rama proceeds further and kill Viradha; the episode of the sage Sarabhanga
Chaupais
Description
Said the sage,"Listen, gracious Rama (the Hero of Raghu's line), the swan disporting in the Manasa lake of Lord Siva heart; I was about to leave for Brahma's abode when the report reached my ears that Sri Rama (Yourself) was coming to the forest. I have ever since watched the road day and night. My heart is now soothed at the sight of my lord. I have accomplished nothing (to deserve Your grace); yet You have shown Your grace to me knowing me to be Your humble servant. Really speaking, however, You have done me no favour, my lord; You have only redeemed Your vow, O Stealer of Your devotees' hearts! For the sake of this humble servant remain here (before my eyes) till I have quitted this body and meet You ( in Your own abode)." So saying the sage offered to the Lord whatever practice of Yoga, sacrifices, Japa (muttering of prayers), penance and fasting he had done, and received in return the boon of Devotion. Having thus acquired the rare gift of Devotion the sage Sarabhanga prepared a funeral pile and discarding all attachment from his heart ascended it.