Rama's Raft Crosses Yamuna River
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 55
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Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 55
Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana embark on their forest exile, crossing the Yamuna River and entering a new world. Experience their journey of devotion, wonder, and adaptation in this epic tale.
After spending the night, Rama and Lakshmana, the princes who vanquished their enemies, paid their respects to the great sage Bharadwaja (a revered spiritual teacher). They then set out towards Mount Chitrakuta (a sacred hill).
The great sage blessed them for a safe journey. As he watched them leave, he followed them for a short distance, like a father seeing off his children.
Then, the illustrious sage Bharadwaja, radiant with spiritual energy, began to speak to Rama, whose strength lay in his truthfulness.
Bharadwaja instructed Rama and Lakshmana:
"O best among men, reach the sangam (confluence) of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Then, proceed along the Kalindi (another name for Yamuna) river flowing westward. When you come across the swift-flowing Yamuna, you'll find an ancient, well-used crossing spot. There, make a raft and cross the river, daughter of the Sun.
After crossing, you'll see a large nyagrodha (banyan tree) with lush green leaves. It's surrounded by many other trees, appears dark and shady, and is inhabited by siddhas (accomplished sages). Sita should offer prayers there with folded hands for her well-being."
"From that tree, you may rest or continue. About a krosa (approximately 2 miles) from there, you'll see a beautiful dark forest mixed with palasa (flame of the forest) and badari (Indian jujube) trees, along with vamsa (bamboos) growing near the Yamuna.
This is the path to Chitrakuta, which I've traveled many times. It's ramya (beautiful), smooth, and free from daava (forest fires)."
After providing these directions, the great sage turned back. Rama said, "Tathaastu" (So be it), paid his respects, and requested Bharadwaja to return.
As the sage departed, Rama said to Lakshmana, "O Saumitri (son of Sumitra), we are indeed fortunate that the muni (sage) has shown us such anukampa (compassion)."
The two noble-minded vira (heroes), best among men, conversed thus as they proceeded towards the Kalindi river, with Sita walking ahead of them.
Upon reaching the swift-flowing Kalindi (Yamuna) river, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita pondered how to cross it. The two brothers then constructed a large raft using dry bamboos and logs, covering it with fragrant ushira (vetiver) grass.
The valiant Lakshmana, brother of Rama, cut reeds and branches from the jambu (Indian blackberry) tree to create a comfortable seat for Sita on the raft.
Rama, son of Dasharatha, helped his beloved Sita onto the raft. She appeared as radiant as Shri (the goddess of fortune) herself, with a hint of bashfulness as she stepped aboard.
With great care, Rama placed Sita's belongings on the raft:
Robes and ornaments beside her
Their weapons for protection
A crowbar and basket for their journey
The two heroic sons of Dasharatha held the raft firmly as Sita boarded first. Then, with great caution, they began to cross the river.
As they reached the middle of the Kalindi, Sita offered a reverent prayer to the river goddess. Her supplication included:
A request for safe passage
A wish for Rama to fulfill his vrata (sacred vow)
A promise to worship the river upon their return to Ayodhya
An offering of a thousand cows and a hundred pots of sura (wine)
Sita, the lady of fair complexion, continued her prayer with folded hands until they reached the southern bank of the Yamuna.
After crossing the swift-flowing Yamuna, they left the raft behind and proceeded towards a large, dark nyagrodha (banyan) tree. Sita, daughter of Videha, approached the tree with reverence.
She addressed the tree, saying:
"O Mahavriksha (great tree), I offer you my namaskara (salutations)."
"May my husband fulfill his vow."
"May I behold Kausalya and the illustrious Sumitra upon our return."
Following her words, Sita circumambulated the tree, showing her deep respect for nature.
Observing his wife's devotion, Rama turned to Lakshmana and said:
"O Lakshmana, brother of Bharata and best among men, walk ahead with Sita. I shall follow behind, armed with weapons. Provide Sita with any fruit or flower she desires, anything that pleases her mind."
As they walked, Sita moved gracefully between the two brothers, resembling a nagavadhu (female elephant) between two mighty tuskers.
Their journey through the forest was marked by:
Sita's curiosity about unfamiliar trees, shrubs, and flowering creepers
Lakshmana's delight in fulfilling Sita's requests for various beautiful plants
Sita's joy at beholding the Yamuna river, with its sparkling waters and sands
The melodious calls of hamsa (swans) and sarasa (cranes) echoing around them
After walking for a krosa (about 2 miles) into the Yamuna forest, the brothers hunted several medhya (pure, suitable for sacrifice) deer for their meal. They then explored the shubha (auspicious) forest, which was:
Resounding with the cries of peacocks
Inhabited by vanara (monkeys) and varana (elephants)
Finally, appearing in high spirits, they reached a level, convenient spot on the riverbank and made it their temporary abode.
This concludes the fifty fifth chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.