r Kmad Ekda

Issue no: 9

31st March 2015

Features
THE ANCIENT DEITY OF SITA RAMA
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Prabhupada

HANUMANAS MEETING WITH SITA

Sri Valmiki Rmyaa

KILLING OF RAVANA
rmad-Bhgavatam

RETURNING TO AYODHYA
Sri Valmiki Rmyaa

SRI MURARI GUPTAS DEVOTION UNTO SRI

RAMACHANDRA
Srila Krishna Das Kaviraj Goswami

My dear mind, beware of your desire to attain material reputation. It is misleading you with its
attractive vision like an oasis of green trees, but it is simply a mirage in the desert of this world of
repeated birth and death. It will cause your utter spiritual destruction. Remember how Ravana,
the powerful demon, was bewildered due to false pride and in spite of all his efforts to achieve
temporary material prominence he was destroyed by Raghava (Lord Rmacandra).
'Vaiava Ke by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura

Issue no 9, Page 2

THE ANCIENT DEITY OF SITA RAMA

His Divine Grace
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

In the book known as Adhytma-rmyaa, there

are statements in Chapters Twelve to Fifteen about
worshiping the Deities of Sri Ramachandra and Sita.
There it is stated that during Lord Ramachandras
time there was a brahmana who took a vow to fast
until he saw Lord Ramachandra. Sometimes, due
to business, Lord Ramachandra was absent from
His capital for a full week and could not be seen by
the citizens during that time. Because of his vow,
the brahmaa could not take even a drop of water
during that week. Later, after eight or nine days,
when the brahmana could see Lord Ramachandra
personally, he would break his fast. Upon observing
the brahmanas rigid vow, Lord Sri Ramachandra
ordered His younger brother Lakshmana to deliver
a pair of Sita-Rama Deities to the brahmana. The
brahmana received the Deities from Sri Lakshmanaji

nitya bhgavata-sevay
and worshiped Them faithfully as long as he lived.
At the time of his death, he delivered the Deities to
Sri Hanumanji, who, for many years, hung Them
around his neck and served Them with all devotion.
After many years, when Hanumanj departed on
the hill known as Gandha-madana, he delivered
the Deities to Bhimasena, one of the Pandavas,
and Bhimasena brought Them to his palace, where
he kept Them very carefully. The last king of the
Pandavas, Kshemakanta, worshiped the Deities in
that palace. Later, the same Deities were kept in the
custody of the kings of Orissa known as Gajapatis.
One of the acharyas, known as Narahari Trtha, who
was in the disciplic succession of Madhvacharya,
received these Deities from the King of Orissa.

It may be noted that these particular Deities
of Rama and Sita have been worshiped from
the time of King Ikshvaku. Indeed, They were
worshiped by the royal princes even before the
appearance of Lord Ramachandra. Later, during
Lord Ramachandras presence, the Deities were
worshiped by Lakshmana. It is said that just three
months before his disappearance, Sri Madhvacharya
received these Deities and installed them in the
Udupi temple. Since then the Deities have been
worshiped by the Madhvcrya-sampradya
at that monastery. As far as the Sri Vaishnavas are
concerned, beginning with Ramanujacharya, they
also worshiped Deities of Sita-Rama. Sita-Rama
Deities are also being worshiped in Tirupati and
other places. From the Rmnuja-sampradya
there is another branch known as Ramanandi or
Ramat, and the followers of that branch also worship
Deities of Sita-Rama very rigidly. The Ramanujasampradaya Vaishnavas prefer the worship of Lord
Ramachandra to that of Radha-Krishna.
--- Caitanya-caritmita, Madhya Lila, 9.11, Purport

HANUMANAS MEETING WITH SITA

Sri Valmiki Rmyaa

After hearing Hanumans description of Rama,

Sita became fully convinced that he was indeed a
messenger sent by her husband. Thus, she began
shedding tears of joy. Hanuman then took the
opportunity to give Sita Ramas ring which had His
name inscribed on the inside of the band. When
she received it her face blossomed with joy, as if she
were experiencing the arrival of Rama Himself. She
then said, O Hanuman, I am eternally indebted to
you for this gift. You are so magnanimous to have
come here for my sake. Now, please tell me more

nitya bhgavata-sevay

about Rama.

With folded hands, Hanuman replied, It is
only because Rama does not know where you are
that He has not come here to rescue you. Without
you, Rama does not know a moments peace of
mind. Truly, as soon as I return and inform Rama of
your presence here, He will immediately come and
kill Ravana.

Sita then urged, You must stress to Rama the
urgency of the matter, for after two months, Ravana
will kill me. Ravanas younger brother, Vibhishana,
has repeatedly pleaded with Ravana to return me
to Rama. Likewise, Vibhishanas eldest daughter,
Kala, has told me how an old and wise minister
named Avindhya, forewarned Ravana of the eminent
destruction of the Rakshsas by the hands of Rama.
Regardless, Ravana refuses to listen to this advice.

Hanuman then suggested, If you like, I can
immediately deliver you to Rama by carrying you to
Kishkindha on my back. I am sure that the Rakshasas
could not keep up with me as I fly across the ocean.
Sita was thrilled to hear this prospect, but still, she

Issue no 9, Page 3
replied, Your proposal seems quite like what a
monkey would present. How can someone so small
even think of carrying me across the ocean?

Hanuman was a little offended by this remark,
and so he thought, How little she thinks of me! Then,
to demonstrate his prowess, Hanuman revealed his
gigantic form, boasting, If you like, I can uproot the
entire city of Lanka. Then along with Ravana, carry it
back to Rama! So please, give up your doubts of me.

Sita then admitted, You are certainly strong
enough to carry me across the ocean. However, I
do not think it such a good idea. What if I become
faint as you dash across the sky and fall into the
shark and crocodile infested water? Moreover, when
the Rakshasas rally and attack you, you will be fully
engaged in fighting with them. What will happen
with me? Even if you somehow manage to kill all the
Rakshasas, this would only serve to diminish the glory
of Rama.

O Hanuman, since I am completely devoted
to my husband, I do not want to touch the body of
anyone else but Rama. When I was kidnapped by
Ravana, I was helpless and had no choice. However,
Rama must now come here Himself to rescue me after
killing the wicked Ravana. This act alone would be
worthy of enhancing His glorious reputation.

Hanuman replied, I appreciate your
statements, which are just befitting the chaste and
righteous wife of Rama. I will now leave, but first,
please give me some token that I can give to Rama to
help me convince Him that I have actually met you.

With tear filled eyes, Sita replied in a faint
voice, O Hanuman, to convince Rama that you have
met me, you may relate to Him the following incident:
One day while we were residing at Citrakuta, after
playing in the water, Rama sat down, dripping wet
on my lap. At that time a crow came and began
pecking at me, as though eager to eat my flesh. I
picked up a lump of dirt to throw to scare it away, but
the determined crow remained on the scene, hiding
nearby. Becoming angered, I accidentally pulled the
string that held my slip, causing it to fall down. Seeing
this, Rama laughed heartily, taking advantage of my
flustered countenance. In the meantime, the crow
returned, and again pecked at me. I took shelter of
Rama by sitting on His lap, and He comforted me,
wiping the tears from my eyes.

Feeling exhausted, I soon fell asleep in
Ramas arms. Likewise, He soon dozed off, too.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, the crow
suddenly swooped down and clawed at my breasts.
This awakened Rama, who felt drops of my blood

Issue no 9, Page 4
falling on Him, coming from my wounds.

Seeing the cuts on my breasts, Rama
became enraged, and asked me to identify the
culprit. Then, before I could answer, He saw the
crow sitting at a distance, his claws dripping with
blood. In great anger, Rama took a blade of kusha
grass from His mat and surcharged it with the
power of a brahmstra. As the straw burst into
flames, Rama hurled it at the crow. Then, as the
bird flew up into the sky, the kusha-grass weapon
followed it.

This crow was, however, the son of Indra,
and while being chased by the brahmstra, he
tried to obtain shelter all over the universe. Even his
father was powerless to help him. Finally, the crow
came and surrendered to Rama. Out of compassion,
Rama forgave the pale, exhausted bird, but said,
This brahmstra cannot be ineffectual. Therefore,
it must be directed somewhere.

Saying this, Rama directed the weapon to
destroy the crows right eye. Thereafter, Indras son
departed after offering his obeisances.

Sita became overwhelmed with sorrow
while relating her pastime with Rama. Then, with
tear stained eyes, she said, O Hanuman, formerly,
Rama used the brahmstra against an insignificant
crow. Why does He not attack Ravana now? Does
Rama no longer have any affection for me? In some
former life I must have committed an abominable

top right 3

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sin to cause Rama to disregard me now. Hoping to

encourage the despondent Sita, Hanuman reassured
Sita, saying, I can personally vouch for the fact that
He is feeling great separation from you. Rama is
completely merged in the depths of the ocean of
sorrow. Now, please give me some object that I can
show to Rama.

Sighing, Sita said, At least I now have some
real hope of being rescued. Somehow you must urge
Rama to come quickly, for if I must pass another
month away from Him, I will surely die from grief.

Saying this, Sita took a bright jewel from her
cloth that she formerly used to ornament her head,
gave it to Hanuman. Sita said, When Rama sees
this jewel, He will remember three persons, since it
was given to me by my mother as a dowry gift in the
presence of Rama and His father. O Hanuman, please
return quickly, and urge Rama to quickly terminate
my unbearable suffering.
Rmyaa of Vlmki, By Purnaprajna Dasa.

KILLING OF RAVANA
rmad-Bhgavatam

After constructing a bridge over the ocean by throwing

into the water the peaks of mountains whose trees
and other vegetation had been shaken by the hands of
great monkeys, Lord Ramachandra went to Lanka to
release Sitadevi from the clutches of Ravana. With the
direction and help of Vibhishana, Ravana's brother,
the Lord, along with the monkey soldiers, headed
by Sugriva, Nila and Hanuman, entered Ravana's
kingdom, Lanka, which had previously been burnt
by Hanuman.

After entering Lanka, the monkey soldiers
occupied all the sporting houses, granaries, treasuries,
palace doorways, city gates, assembly houses, palace
frontages and even the resting houses of the pigeons.
When the city's crossroads, platforms, flags and
golden waterpots on its domes were all destroyed,
the entire city of Lanka appeared like a river disturbed
by a herd of elephants.

When Ravana, the master of the Rakshasas,
saw the disturbances created by the monkey soldiers,
he called for Nikumbha, Kumbha, Dhumraksha,
Durmukha, Surantaka, Narantaka and other
Rakshasas and also his son Indrajit. Thereafter he
called for Prahasta, Atikaya, Vikampana and finally
Kumbhakarna. Then he induced all his followers to
fight against the enemies.
Lord Ramachandra, surrounded by

nitya
bhgavata-sevay
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Lakshmana and monkey soldiers like Sugriva,

Hanuman, Gandhamada, Nila, Angada, Jambavan
and Panasa, attacked the soldiers of the Rakshasas,
who were fully equipped with various invincible
weapons like swords, lances, bows, prsas, is,
akti arrows, khagas and tomaras. Angada
and the other commanders of the soldiers of
Ramachandra faced the elephants, infantry, horses
and chariots of the enemy and hurled against them
big trees, mountain peaks, clubs and arrows. Thus
the soldiers of Lord Ramachandra killed Ravana's
soldiers, who had lost all good fortune because
Ravana had been condemned by the anger of
mother Sita.

Thereafter, when Ravana, the king of the
Rakshasas, observed that his soldiers had been
lost, he was extremely angry. Thus he mounted
his airplane, which was decorated with flowers,
and proceeded toward Lord Ramachandra, who
sat on the effulgent chariot brought by Matali, the
chariot driver of Indra. Then Ravana struck Lord
Ramachandra with sharp arrows.

Lord Ramachandra said to Ravana: You are
the most abominable of the man-eaters. Indeed,
you are like their stool. You resemble a dog, for as a
dog steals eatables from the kitchen in the absence
of the householder, in My absence you kidnapped
My wife, Sitadevi. Therefore as Yamaraja punishes
sinful men, I shall also punish you. You are most
abominable, sinful and shameless. Today, therefore,
I, whose attempt never fails, shall punish you. After
thus rebuking Ravana, Lord Ramachandra fixed an

Issue no 9, Page 5

arrow to His bow, aimed at Ravana, and released

the arrow, which pierced Ravana's heart like a
thunderbolt. Upon seeing this, Ravana's followers
raised a tumultuous sound, crying, "Alas! Alas! What
has happened? What has happened?" Ravana was
vomiting blood from his ten mouths, fell from his
airplane, just as a pious man falls to earth from
the heavenly planets when the results of his pious
activities are exhausted. Thereafter, all the women
whose husbands had fallen in the battle, headed by
Mandodari, the wife of Ravana, came out of Lanka.
Continuously crying, they approached the dead
bodies of Ravana and the other Rakshasas. Striking
their breasts in affliction because their husbands
had been killed by the arrows of Lakshmana, the
women embraced their respective husbands and
cried piteously in voices appealing to everyone.

O my lord, O master! You epitomized
trouble for others, and therefore you were called
Ravana. But now that you have been defeated, we
also are defeated, for without you the state of Lanka
has been conquered by the enemy. To whom will
it go for shelter? O greatly fortunate one, you came
under the influence of lusty desires, and therefore
you could not understand the influence of mother
Sita. Now, because of her curse, you have been
reduced to this state, having been killed by Lord
Ramachandra.
-Srimad Bhagavatam 9.10.16 -27

Issue no 9, Page 6

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Before entering Ayodhya Sita, Rama, Lakshmana stop at Bharadvaja rishi's ashram

RETURNING TO AYODHYA
Sri Valmiki Rmyaa

After getting back the original Sita from Agni,

Ramachandra said, Now we must go to Ayodhya.
Vibhishana went quickly and brought Rama the
Pushpaka chariot. This wonderful chariot originally
belonged to Kuvera before it was stolen from him
by Ravana. The chariot was constructed from gold
by Vishvakarma, with seats of vaidurya gems.
The wonderful spaceship could travel anywhere,
following the mental indication of its driver. Thus,
when Rama and Lakshmana saw the chariot
hovering before them, awaiting their command,
they were quite astonished. Then, standing before
Rama with folded hands, Sugriva and Vibhishana
pleaded, O Lord, please allow us to accompany
You to Ayodhya. Then, after seeing the coronation
ceremonies, we shall return home.

Rama replied, Nothing would please Me
more than to return to Ayodhya with all of My dear
friends. Therefore, you and all the other monkey
heroes can get up onto the Pushpaka chariot and
we will embark immediately.

Finally, after all were comfortably seated,
the Pushpaka chariot rose majestically into the
air. Thus, while all the monkeys and bears were
thoroughly enjoying the flight, Rama pointed out

the sights to Sita: Look there at the battlefield

where all the heroic Rakshasas lay dead, all
killed for your sake. Look, there is Ravana, there
is Kumbhakarna, there is Indrajit, and there is
Prahasta. Over there is the bridge called Nalasetu, by which we crossed the ocean to Lanka.
There, on the far shore, is the place called
Setubandha (Rameshvaram), where Lord Shiva
appeared to Me, and the bridge construction
began. From this time onward, Setubandha will
be a very sacred place, capable of washing away
all of ones accumulated sinful reactions. Then,
as Rama pointed to Kishkinda, Sita said, I would
be pleased if I could return to Ayodhya in the
company of the wives of the monkey chiefs.

Happy to grant Sitas request, the chariot
halted as Rama instructed Sugriva and the other
warriors to quickly bring their wives. Then, when
everyone was seated, their journey continued
In this way, Rama, Sita and Lakshmanas entire
forest life was remembered in reverse order as
they retraced their way back to Ayodhya. Finally,
the river Sarayu came into view, and at last, the
outskirts of Ayodhya.

Before entering the city, however, Rama
stopped at the ashram of Bharadvaja Rishi
to inquire about His relatives welfare before
meeting them.

nitya bhgavata-sevay

In the meantime Hanuman told
Ramachandra, We must go as early as possible,
otherwise Bharata will jump in the fire. Because
you have already completed your fourteen
years of exile. Ramachandra told Hanuman,
You go before us. So Hanuman flew very
fast and jumped in front of Bharata. By that
time it was sunrise already, and Bharata was
circumambulating the fire and preparing to
jump into it. He went once, twice round. On the
seventh round he would get into the fire. When
he completed the second round he heard the
sound, Rama is coming! Rama is coming! As he
looked up, he asked, Where is Rama coming?
Then he went around again. The third round he
saw this figure jumping in front of him, a big tail
and a club on his shoulder with a crown and so
many ornaments on his chest. Bharata looked
at him and said, Who are you? Hanuman then
approached Bharata, announcing, I have come
as a messenger from Rama. He inquires about
your welfare, and wishes to inform you that He
will soon return to Ayodhya.

Hearing these glorious words, Bharatas
face immediately lit up with great delight. Then,
becoming exhilarated with transcendental
emotion, he suddenly fainted to the ground.
Upon coming to his senses, Bharata stood up

Issue no 9, Page 7
and embraced Hanuman with great satisfaction.
Then, while bathing Hanuman with torrents of
tears, Bharata said, Because you have brought
me this good news, I shall immediately reward
you with 100,000 cows, 100 villages and sixteen
virgin girls to marry. Now, please sit down and
tell me everything that happened during Ramas
exile.

Thereafter, once Hanuman had finished
telling Bharata everything of Ramas exile, up
to the point of His immanent return, Bharata
exclaimed, My long cherished desire has finally
been fulfilled!

Bharata then ordered Shatrughna to
make all arrangements for Ramas reception.
Thus, Sumantra and the other ministers soon
arrived at Nandagram, riding elephants.
Kaushalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi then arrived
on palanquins, while engineers hurriedly
constructed a new road connecting Nandagram
with Ayodhya.

After all arrangements had thus been
made, Bharata picked up Ramas sandals, a
white royal umbrella and cmaras. Then,
accompanied by many brahmanas, he left his
cottage amidst the blowing of conchshells and
the beating of drums, awaiting Ramas arrival.

Meanwhile, since the news of Ramas
arrival had spread like wildfire, almost the entire
population of Ayodhya came to Nandagram,
hoping to see Rama. However, when, after some
time, there was no sign of Rama, Bharata told
Hanuman, I pray you were not exhibiting your
frivolous monkey nature by joking with me.

Hanuman then pointed to the distance
where clouds of dust were being raised by
the approaching monkeys. Likewise, at that
moment, the tumultuous sounds of their roaring
could be heard. When Hanuman suddenly
sighted the Pushpaka chariot in the distance, he
shouted, Here comes Sri Rama!

A loud, spontaneous cheer suddenly
arose from the crowd as they too, sighted the
Pushpaka chariot, which appeared to be just
like the full moon, rising in the sky. Everyone
then respectfully got down from their chariots,
elephants and horses, as Bharata began
worshipping Rama from a distance.

With folded hands, Bharata recited
many prayers in glorification of Lord Rama, as he
offered water and other paraphernalia in puja.
Finally, when Bharata could clearly see Rama,

Issue no 9, Page 8
Who was magnificently glowing, seated at the
front of the Pushpaka chariot, he bowed down
with great reverence.

Thereafter, as the celestial airship
landed, Bharata rushed forward and climbed
onto the chariot to greet his older brother. Rama
immediately got up from His seat to embrace
Bharata, then taking him on His lap. Afterwards,
Bharata greeted Lakshmana and Sita, showering
them with praise. He then greeted Sugriva by
embracing him, saying, Although we are four,
you are now just like our fifth brother.

Thereafter, Bharata came before Rama,
His wooden shoes in hand. While carefully
placing the slippers upon Ramas lotus feet,
Bharata said, Here is the kingdom I have
overseen in Your absence. By Your mercy,
Ayodhya is flourishing, and the treasury,
storehouses and army have all increased tenfold. My duty is now over, and I hereby relinquish
everything unto You.
'Sri Valimiki Ramayana' ,Compiled from the translations
of Srila Bhakti Vikas Swami and Atma tattva Das

SRI MURARI GUPTAS DEVOTION UNTO SRI

RAMACHANDRA
Srila Krishna Das Kaviraj Goswami

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu embraced Murari

Gupta and began to speak about his firm faith
in devotional service. This was heard by all the
devotees.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said,
Previously I induced Murari Gupta again and
again to be allured by Lord Krishna. I said to him,
My dear Gupta, Lord Sri Krishna, Vrajendrakumara, is the supreme sweetness. Krishna is
the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the origin
of all incarnations and the source of everything.
He is pure transcendental love itself, and He
is the reservoir of all pleasure. Krishna is the
reservoir of all transcendental qualities. He is
like a mine of gems. He is expert at everything,
very intelligent and sober, and He is the summit
of all transcendental humors. His character is
very sweet, and His pastimes are melodious.
He is expert in intelligence, and thus He enjoys
all His pastimes and mellows. I then requested
Murari Gupta, Worship Krishna and take shelter
of Him. But for His service, nothing appeals to
the mind. In this way, he heard from Me again
and again. By My influence, his mind was a little

nitya bhgavata-sevay
converted. Murari Gupta then replied, I am
Your servant and Your order- carrier. I have no
independent existence.

After this, Murari Gupta went home and
spent the whole night thinking how he would
have to give up the association of Raghunatha,
Lord Ramachandra. Thus he was overwhelmed.
Murari Gupta then began to pray at the lotus
feet of Lord Ramachandra. He prayed that
death would come that night because it was not
possible for him to give up the service of the
lotus feet of Raghunatha. Thus Murari Gupta
cried the entire night. There was no rest for his
mind; therefore he could not sleep but stayed
awake the entire night. In the morning Murari
Gupta came to see Me. Catching hold of My feet
and crying, he submitted an appeal.

Murari Gupta said, I have sold my head
unto the lotus feet of Raghunatha. I cannot
withdraw my head, for that would give me too
much pain. It is not possible for me to give up
the service of Raghunathas lotus feet. At the
same time, if I do not do so I shall break Your
order. What can I do? In this way Murari Gupta
appealed to Me, saying, You are all- merciful, so
kindly grant me this mercy: Let me die before
You so that all my doubts will be finished.

Hearing this, I became very happy. I
then raised Murari Gupta and embraced him.
I said to him, All glories to you, Murari Gupta!
Your method of worship is very firmly fixedso
much so that even upon My request your mind
did not turn. The servitor must have love and
affection for the lotus feet of the Lord exactly like
this. Even if the Lord wants separation, a devotee
cannot abandon the shelter of His lotus feet. Just
to test your firm faith in your Lord, I requested
you again and again to change your worship
from Lord Ramachandra to Krishna.

In this way, I congratulated Murari
Gupta, saying, Indeed, you are the incarnation
of Hanuman. Consequently you are the eternal
servant of Lord Ramachandra. Why should
you give up the worship of Lord Ramachandra
and His lotus feet? Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
continued, I accept this Murari Gupta as My life
and soul. When I hear of his humility, it perturbs
My very life.
Caitanya-caritmita, Madhya-ll, 15.137-156

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