The Birth of Rama
Balakanda - Sarga 16
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Balakanda - Sarga 16
Explore the origin of the Rama as gods urge Vishnu to defeat Ravana. Witness the divine intervention that sets the stage for Rama's birth in this ancient epic.
The gods approached Lord Narayana (another name for Vishnu) with a plea. They urged him to take human form to defeat Ravana. Vishnu, though already aware of what needed to be done, spoke softly to the gods:
"What strategies should we use to destroy the evil-minded Ravana, who torments the sages?"
The immortal gods responded to Vishnu:
"Take the form of a human being and slay Ravana in battle."
They explained Ravana's background:
Ravana had performed severe penance for a long time.
This penance pleased Brahma (the creator of the world).
As a result, Brahma granted Ravana a powerful boon.
The boon stated: "Except for humans, you will have no fear of death from any other living beings."
Importantly, Ravana had disregarded humans when seeking this boon.
After obtaining this boon, Ravana became arrogant. His actions caused great suffering:
He brought destruction to the three worlds (earth, heaven, and the underworld).
He forcibly carried away women.
The gods concluded that only a human could kill Ravana.
Vishnu listened to the gods' words carefully. He then made a crucial decision: he chose King Dasharatha as his future father. At that time, King Dasharatha:
Was known for his brilliance
Had no sons
Was performing a sacrifice to obtain offspring
During Dasharatha's sacrifice, a mighty being emerged from the sacrificial fire. This celestial being had remarkable features:
Unmatched splendor, prowess, and strength
Black and crimson garments
A red face
A voice like a drum
Whiskers of soft, shining tawny hair
Fine hair on his head
Auspicious signs and divine ornaments
The height of a mountain peak
The stride of a ferocious tiger
Radiance like the sun and blazing fire
In his hands, the being held a large golden vessel. This vessel:
Was filled with payasam (a sweet dish made of rice, milk, and sugar)
Had a silver lid
The celestial being addressed King Dasharatha:
"O King, I come here as a messenger from Prajapati (Brahma, the creator)."
Dasharatha, with folded palms, replied respectfully:
"O Revered lord, welcome. How may I serve you?"
The messenger from Prajapati continued:
"O King, you have earned this payasam (sweet rice pudding) today as a reward for worshipping the gods. This divine dish:
Grants offspring
Brings prosperity
Enhances health
Accept this payasam and give it to your worthy wives to consume. They will bear you the sons you seek through this sacrifice."
Dasharatha rejoiced. He:
Respectfully accepted the golden vessel filled with divine payasam
Bowed to the celestial being
Circumambulated the being several times (a sign of deep respect)
The king's happiness was likened to that of a poor man suddenly gaining wealth.
After fulfilling its purpose, the radiant and wondrous being vanished from sight.
Dasharatha entered his inner chambers, where his wives lived. He distributed the payasam as follows:
To Kausalya: Half of the payasam
To Sumitra: One-quarter of the payasam
To Kaikeyi: One-eighth of the payasam
To Sumitra again: The remaining one-eighth
Dasharatha's three main queens:
Felt deeply honored to receive the payasam
Were filled with joy
Consumed their portions of the divine dish
Shortly after consuming the payasam, all three queens became pregnant. They glowed with a radiance comparable to fire and the sun.
Seeing his wives pregnant, Dasharatha:
Regained his peace of mind
Became overjoyed
His happiness was compared to that of Vishnu being worshipped in heaven by Indra (king of gods), the siddhas (accomplished beings), and the rishis (sages)
Thus ends the sixteenth sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.