Aranya Kaanda
114 - Sri Rama takes a vow to kill the demons
Chaupais
Description
The sage Agastya had a learned disciple, Sutiksna by name, who was a great lover of the Lord. He was devoted to Sri Rama's feet in thought, word and deed and had no faith in any other deity even in dream. As soon as the news of the Lord's approach reached his ears he rushed out hurriedly, indulging in his own fancy: "Will the Lord of Raghus, the befriender of the meek, O good heavens, ever show His grace to a wretch like me? Will Lord Sri Rama and His younger brother receive me as their own servant? I have no unswerving faith in my heart nor is my mind illumined by the light of devotion, dispassion or wisdom. I have no association with saints and practise neither Yoga (concentration of mind) nor Japa ( muttering of prayers), nor the ritual. Nor do I claim any steadfast devotion to the Lord's lotus feet. I bank on one characteristic of the all-merciful Lord; He holds the devotee dear who depends exclusively on HIm. This inspires me with the hope that my eyes will be rewarded today by the sight of the Lord's lotus face, that delivers one from the bondage of worldly existence." The wise was drowned in a flood of love; his condition. O Parvati, cannot be described in words. He had no idea of the four quarters, much less of the intermediate points of the compass; nor could he make out the track. He did not know who he was or whither bound. He would now turn back and then resume his journey in the same direction; and now he would dance and sing songs of praise. The sage had been gifted with devotion of the nature of intense love and the Lord watched him hiding behind a tree. When the Hero of Raghu's line, who dispels the fear of transmigration, saw the sage's excessive love, He revealed Himself in his heart. The sage sat motionless in the middle of the road, his body bristling like a jack-fruit with its hair standing on end. The Lord of Raghus thereupon drew near and was delighted at heart to see the state of His devotee. Sri Rama tried many ways to rouse the sage; but he would not wake, lost as he was in the ecstasy of his vision. Sri Rama then withdrew His kingly guise and manifested His fourarmed form in the sage's heart. The sage thereupon started up in great agony, growing as restless as a noble serpent that has lost the gem on its head. But seeing before him the blissful Rama in His swarthy form with Sita and His younger brother (Laksmana), the great and blessed sage was overwhelmed with affection and dropped like a log at His feet. Taking him in His long arms the Lord lifted him and with utmost affection pressed him to His bosom. While embracing the sage the gracious Lord shone forth like a Tamala tree meeting a tree of gold. The sage gazed on Sri Rama's face standing motionless like a figure drawn in a picture.