Home | Index to Raamaayan | Biographies | Notes | Names
Baal Kaand | Ayodhyaa Kaand | Aranya Kaand | Kishkindhaa Kaand | Sundar Kaand | Yuddh Kaand | Uttar Kaand

Previous | Next

Sarg 49 - Raam Crosses Koshal Desh

Raam went very far in the night itself. In the morning they did their daily chores and headed forward. On their way they met farmers who were abusing Kaikeyee. How Seetaa will tolerate the hardships of forest? Dashrath also abandoned his own son like Raam? Hearing such words Raam crossed the boundary of Koshal Desh, crossed Ved Shruti River, and then came to the land of Agastya Muni. After traveling for a long time they then turned towards south and crossed Gomatee River. Its water was very cold and clear. Cows were grazing on its bank. Then they came to Syandikaa River where they heard swans and peacocks etc. After crossing this river, Raam showed to Seetaa the southern direction of Koshal Desh. Ikshwaaku got this Koshal Desh from Manu. It was very large and contained many other Desh.

Raam said to Sumantra - "After coming back from exile, when I will see my father, I will come here to prey in this flowered forest of Sarayoo River. But I don't like to prey much, it is not good because this only for entertainment. Manu's sons used to prey sometimes. This is good only to practice to aim at." Thus Raam talked to Sumantra on various topics.

Sarg 50 - Raam Meets Guh Nishaad

Raam crossed Koshal Desh and turned His face to Ayodhyaa and said joining His palms - "Hey Ayodhyaa, I ask permission from your deities, Raajaa and people to go to forest, and after the time period ends, I will see you again." Then said to the people - "You took too much trouble for us, now you return to Ayodhyaa and let us go to forest to obey our father." They also circumambulated Raam and bade farewell to Him sadly, and Raam also got disappeared from their sight. Raam went off the border of Koshal Desh and entered another country which was very beautiful.

Then he came to Tripathgaa River (Gangaa). Rishi had beautiful Aashram there. The River was blessed by Devtaa, Kinnar, Gandharv, and Naag. Many Apsaraa used to come there to take bath and there were many lakes too. That River belonged to Shiv Jee; and Devtaa and Gandharv used to visit that place. The same river was in Aakaash too for Devtaa named as Devpadminee. Bloomed lotus flowers of this river were used by Devtaa to worship. There were many types of birds singing there. Somewhere its water was deep, somewhere it was shallow, somewhere it was  disturbed. It had so many white lotuses. This river has come out of Vishnu's foot. Through the Tapasyaa of Bhageerath, Shiv Jee held back it in his Jataa and released her later for Mrityu Lok. This is supposed to be the greatest river among all rivers. Cranes always make sounds on her banks.

Raam came to Shringverpur which is inhabited on her bank and said to Sumantra - "Today we will rest here. There is sacred fig tree nearby, we will take rest there. Its water is respected by all Devtaa, Gandharv, beasts, birds alike." With the permission of Raam, Sumantra tied the horses to that Ingudee (fig) tree. Raam, Lakshman and Seetaa climbed down from the chariot. All sat down under the tree.

The king of this country Raajaa Guh was the friend of Raam. He was of Nishaad tribe and was a respectable king of that community. When he heard that Raam is in his country, he went to see Him with his elderly people and ministers. When Raam saw Guh himself coming to Him, He got up with Lakshman and met him. Guh was a little surprised to see Raam there, he said - "Raam, As you treat Ayodhyaa, you can treat this country in the same way. Tell us what we can do for you, because we have a special guest today." Guh brought the excellent quality of cooked rice, and other food items and offered water to wash hands. He then said - "Hey Raam, This Prithvi is yours, because you are our Swaamee and we are your servants, therefore you rule us. Here are some drinks, syrups, various kinds of dishes and excellent bed for and food for your horses."

Raam said to Guh - "Friend, We are very pleased with the respect you have offered to us. You even walked down to see us.  How much more love can be than this? I am very happy to see you healthy with your community people. It is good that your public is also happy. It is all because of your love to me, I accept them, but I cannot accept donations. Because I have come in the form of a Tapaswee that is why I need to eat only fruits, roots and flowers. This is my vow. But whatever you have brought for horses, I accept that. These horses are very dear to Raajaa Dashrath, therefore I will feel happy to provide them comfort."

Hearing this Guh sent his men to feed horses very well. Raam did His Sandhyaa and took only water brought by Lakshman. Lakshman washed and cleaned Raam's feet. While Raam and Seetaa slept, Guh, Lakshman and Sumantra passed the night talking about Raam. That one night seemed like a very long night to Raam,[as He was used to live in a luxurious way].

Previous | Next