The Origin of Lord Rama's Avatar
Balakanda - Sarga 15
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Balakanda - Sarga 15
Rsyasringa, a highly intelligent sage well-versed in the Vedas (ancient Hindu scriptures), pondered for a moment before addressing King Dasaratha. He said, "I will perform a putriyeshti (a sacrifice for begetting sons) for you. This sacrifice will follow the mantras declared in the Atharva Siras (a portion of the Vedas), using traditional methods to fulfill your desire for sons."
The brilliant Rsyasringa then began the putriyeshti:
He poured oblations into the sacrificial fire.
He chanted mantras according to the prescribed rituals.
As the sacrifice commenced, celestial beings gathered to receive their share of the offerings:
Devas (gods)
Gandharvas (celestial musicians)
Siddhas (accomplished beings)
Great sages
Following tradition, these divine beings assembled at the sacrificial arena. They approached Brahma, the creator of the worlds, with an urgent plea.
"O Revered Lord," they began, "a rakshasa (demon) named Ravana is oppressing us all with his strength. We can't punish him because of a boon you granted him earlier. Honoring that boon, we endure his cruelty daily."
They described Ravana's evil deeds:
Inflicting pain on the three worlds
Hating the guardians of the earth
Attempting to assault Indra, the king of the celestials
Trespassing against sages, yakshas (nature spirits), gandharvas, asuras (demons), and brahmins (priests)
"Your boon has made him invincible and filled with pride," they continued. "Even natural forces fear him:
The sun doesn't scorch him
The wind doesn't blow near him
The ocean, with its ever-moving waves, becomes still in his presence
His dreadful appearance terrifies us. O Lord, please find a way to destroy him."
Brahma listened to the celestial beings and reflected. Then he replied, "I know how to destroy this wicked being. When Ravana asked for the boon, he didn't mention humans, monkeys, or bears out of disdain. Therefore, a man can kill him. No other means of death is possible for Ravana."
Upon hearing these encouraging words from Brahma, all the celestial beings and great sages rejoiced.
After Brahma's encouraging words, a significant event occurred. Lord Vishnu, the highly radiant protector of the world, arrived at the assembly. His appearance was majestic:
He held a conch, discus, and mace in his hands
He wore yellow garments
Vishnu met with Brahma and stood there calmly. All the celestial beings bowed before him and praised him with hymns. Then they addressed Vishnu:
"O Vishnu, we ask you to help all worlds. Please be born as the son of King Dasaratha of Ayodhya (an ancient Indian city). This king is:
Righteous and virtuous
Generous
As brilliant as great sages
Dasaratha has three wives who are like Hri (modesty), Shri (prosperity), and Kirti (fame). We pray that you divide yourself into four and become their sons."
The celestial beings continued their request:
"O Vishnu, become human and defeat Ravana in battle. Ravana has become:
A source of pain to the worlds
Unbeatable by gods
Very proud
This foolish Ravana hurts gods, gandharvas (celestial musicians), siddhas (accomplished beings), and great sages with his arrogant power. He has even harmed rishis (sages), gandharvas, and apsaras (celestial nymphs) playing in the Nandana groves (a heavenly garden)."
They concluded:
"We have come here with the sages to find ways to stop Ravana. We seek your help. O defeater of enemies, you are our greatest protector. Please decide to be born as a human to destroy the enemies of the gods."
Vishnu, the lord of celestials and greatest among gods, listened to their plea. He then spoke to all the assembled gods, who were guided by dharma (righteousness) and led by Brahma:
"Don't be afraid. For your good, I will defeat the cruel and wicked Ravana in battle, along with:
His sons and grandsons
His ministers
His friends, relations, and allies
After killing this terrible enemy of gods and sages, I will live in the human world for eleven thousand years, ruling and protecting the earth."
Having made this promise to the gods, Vishnu, the highest soul, thought about where he should be born as a human. The lotus-eyed lord decided to split into four forms and chose King Dasaratha as his father.
When Vishnu decided this, all the celestial beings - including gods, sages, gandharvas, rudras (forms of Shiva), and groups of apsaras - praised Madhusudana (Vishnu) with beautiful heavenly hymns.
They made a final request to Vishnu:
"Destroy the mighty Ravana, who:
Has terrible power
Is full of pride and endless arrogance
Causes great pain in the three worlds
Troubles ascetics
Is a fearsome enemy of Indra (king of the gods)
After defeating Ravana, his armies, and his relatives, return to the heavenly realm. Come back when you are:
Free from distress
Protected by Indra
Cleared of faults and sins"
This concludes the fifteenth chapter (sarga) of Balakanda, the first book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.