Rama Learns of Kama's Fate
Balakanda - Sarga 23
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Balakanda - Sarga 23
At daybreak, Viswamitra addressed Rama and Lakshmana, who were resting on leaf beds:
"Rama, son of Kausalya, dawn has come. Rise, tiger among men. It's time for your daily divine rituals."
Hearing the sage's words, the princes:
Bathed
Offered water oblations
Recited holy mantras (sacred verses)
After their morning rites, they stood before Viswamitra, ready to depart.
As they traveled, the brothers saw the holy Sarayu river joining the divine Ganga (which flows in three paths). There stood a sacred hermitage where powerful sages had performed austerities for thousands of years.
Delighted, Rama and Lakshmana asked Viswamitra:
"Revered one, whose holy hermitage is this? Who lives here? We're eager to know."
Viswamitra smiled and replied:
"Rama, listen to the story of this place. Once, Kandarpa (the god of love) lived here in human form. The wise call him Kama.
Kama foolishly challenged Lord Shiva, who was deep in meditation. Shiva was traveling with his new wife and the Maruts (wind gods).
Angered, Shiva roared and burned Kama to ashes with his third eye. From then on, Kama became known as 'Ananga' (the bodiless one).
This beautiful place where Kama lost his form is called Angadesa."
Viswamitra continued:
"This hermitage now belongs to Kama's disciples, who are always righteous.
We'll stay here tonight at the rivers' meeting point and cross the Ganga tomorrow.
After our morning rituals, we'll enter this pure hermitage."
As they spoke, the resident ascetics recognized them with their spiritual vision and were overjoyed.
They first welcomed Viswamitra, then Rama and Lakshmana, with traditional hospitality.
The guests delighted their hosts with conversation. The ascetics performed their evening prayers as usual.
Rama and Lakshmana spent a pleasant night in the hermitage. Viswamitra entertained them with captivating stories.
Thus ends the twenty third sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.