Viswamitra Bestows Ancient Knowledge on Rama

Dasaratha Sends Rama and Lakshmana with Viswamitra (Shlokas 1.22.1 - 1.22.10)

When Vasistha (the royal sage) finished speaking, King Dasaratha summoned Rama and Lakshmana with a cheerful expression. The brothers received farewell blessings from their mother, father Dasaratha, and the priest Vasistha, who recited auspicious mantras (sacred verses) for their protection.

Dasaratha kissed his beloved son Rama on the forehead and entrusted him to Viswamitra (son of Kusika) with a pleased heart. As the lotus-eyed Rama departed with Viswamitra, a gentle, pollen-free breeze began to blow.

The air filled with:

• Showers of flowers

• Sounds of celestial drums

• Blowing of conch shells

Viswamitra walked in front, followed by Rama with his bow in hand. Lakshmana (Sumitra's son), known for his side locks of hair and archery skills, walked behind them. The two princes, carrying their bows and adorned with quivers, illuminated all ten directions. They resembled:

• Two three-headed serpents following Viswamitra

• The twin Ashvini Kumaras (divine horsemen) accompanying Brahma (the creator god)

Rama and Lakshmana were:

• Well-attired and armed with bows and scimitars

• Wearing leather arm guards and finger protectors

• Radiating youth, beauty, and splendor

• Faultless in appearance

Their presence cast a brilliant radiance, like Skanda and Visakha (sons of the fire god) following Sthanu (another name for Shiva, the incomprehensible god).

Viswamitra Teaches Rama and Lakshmana (Shlokas 1.22.11 - 1.22.23)

After traveling more than half a yojana (a unit of distance) along the southern bank of the Sarayu river, Viswamitra addressed Rama in a gentle voice:

"O child, take this water in your hands without delay. You will receive from me a collection of mantras (sacred verses) and also Bala and Atibala (two powerful mantras). With these, you will:

• Experience no fatigue or fever

• Maintain your appearance

• Be protected from rakshasas (demons) even while sleeping or distracted

O Rama, in might, no one on earth equals your strength. In the three worlds, none can match you in:

• Good fortune

• Kindness

• Wisdom and intellect

• Giving appropriate replies

Once you gain these two types of knowledge, you'll be unparalleled. Bala and Atibala are mothers to all kinds of knowledge."

Viswamitra continued, "O best among men, O Raghava (descendant of Raghu), if you recite Bala and Atibala on your journey, you won't feel hunger or thirst. These two sciences, daughters of the grandsire Brahma (the creator), are full of radiance. O Rama, born in Kakutstha's line and righteous one, you're worthy of receiving them."

"These sciences, nourished by austerities, will take many forms. Touch the water, purify yourself, and receive these sciences from me, who has perceived the supreme soul."

Rama touched the water and became purified. With a cheerful face, he received the two sciences from the great sage. Rama, now radiant with knowledge, shone like the thousand-rayed sun god in autumn.

After performing all the services due to a preceptor, Rama, Lakshmana, and Viswamitra spent the night comfortably on the bank of the Sarayu river. Though unaccustomed to a bed of grass, the two eminent sons of Dasaratha slept well, comforted by Kusika's son's (Viswamitra's) gentle words.

Thus ends the twenty second sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.