Aranya Kaanda
113 - Sri Rama proceeds further and kill Viradha; the episode of the sage Sarabhanga
Chaupais
Description
Having said so he burnt his body with the fire of Yoga* and by the grace of Sri Rama rose to Vaikuntha. The sage was not absorbed into the person of Sri Hari for this simple reason that he had already received the boon of personal devotion. The multitude of sages (assembled on the occasion) who saw the high state to which the great sage had now been translated were greatly delighted at heart. All the hosts of sages now extolled the Lord, "Glory to the friend of the suppliant, the fountain of mercy." Then the Lord of Raghus went on further into the forest and many a host of great sage followed Him. Seeing a heap of bones the Lord of Raghus was moved with great compassion and enquired the hermits about the same. "Though knowing everything, how is it that You ask us, our master? We know You are all-seeing and can read the innermost feelings of all. Hosts of demons have devoured all the sages." The eyes of Sri Rama (the Hero of Raghu's race) filled with tears when He heard this