PLACES OF PILGRIMAGE RAMESWARAM YATRA SOUTH INDIA

RAMESWARAM YATRA

Places covered:

1. Ramanathaswamy Temple

2. Agni Tirtham

3. Dhanushkodi Tirtham

4. Kothandaramaswamy Temple

5. Villoondi Tirtham

6. Sri Ekantha Ramaswamy Temple

7. Gandamadhana parvat (hill)

8. Rama Tirtham

9. Laxmana Tirtham

10. Panchamukha Hanuman Temple and Floating stones from Lord Rama’s Bridge

11. Jada Tirtham

12.Thirupullani Temple

13. Sethu Karai(Sethu Bridge)

14. Pamban Bridge

15. Gulf of Mannar Bio sphere Reserve (GOMBR)

Rameswaram is situated at the extreme south end of India on the Gulf of Mannar. The island is in the shape of a conch shell, 55 km by 12 km. It is one of the most prominent holiest pilgrimage places in India. Srimad-Bhagavatam (canto 10 chapter 79 verses 16-17) states that Lord Balarama visited “Setubandha [Rameswaram]” in the course of His pilgrimage. Lord Caitanya also visited Rameswaram during His South India tour as mentioned in Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya Lila Chapter 9 verses 199-209.

Rameswaram is tropical island surrounded by coral reefs and sandy beaches with coconut palms and tamarind trees. It is a major centre of pilgrimage. The Sri Ramanathaswamy temple is one of the most important in India. It is a massive complex with a number of shrines, holy wells, gopurams, and several long hallways, one reaching 4000 feet in length, the longest in the world. The halls are adorned with many large pillars, some of them covered with scroll work, lotus designs, animals, and other figures, and colorfully painted medallions are on the ceilings. The worship at the temple goes back many thousands of years. The Rameswaram temple is also where Lord Caitanya found the Kurma Purana. In Kurma Purana, Lord found a verse stating that Ravana kidnapped an illusory Sita, and the real Sita was safely hidden by Agnideva. This information has greatly relieved many devotees of Sri Sri Sita-Rama. Rameswaram is easy to reach after seeing Madurai and the surrounding area. One can catch the early morning train from Madurai to Rameswaram.

In Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya lila Chapter 9 verse 199, ISKCON Founder-Acarya A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada mentions in the purport: “The path from Mandapam through the ocean to the island known as Pambam consists partly of sand and partly of water. The island of Pambam is about 17 miles long and 6 miles wide. On this island, four miles north of Pambam Harbour, is Setubandha, where the temple of Rameavara is located. This is a temple of Lord Siva, and the name Ramesvara indicates that he is a great personality whose worshipable Deity is Lord Rama. Thus the Lord Siva found in the temple of Ramesvara is a great devotee of Lord Ramacandra.

In this area there are twenty-four different holy places, one of which is Dhanus-tirtha, located about 20 miles southeast of Rameswaram. It is near the last station of the Southern Railway, a station called Ramnad. It is said that here, on the request of Ravaṇa’s younger brother Vibhīṣaṇa, Lord Ramacandra destroyed the bridge to Lanka with His bow while returning to His capital. It is also said that one who visits Dhanus-tirtha is liberated from the cycle of birth and death, and that one who bathes there gets all the fruitive results of performing the yajna known as Agnistoma.”

1. RAMESHWARAM TEMPLE

(RAMANATHASWAMY TEMPLE)

History of Rameswaram Temple

Lord’s Atonement

On His way back after killing Ravana, Agatsya Muni and other rishis were praising Lord Ramacandra for His greatness. At that time Lord Ramacandra told them that “even though Ravana was a rakshasa, he was the grandson of Brahma and the son of a great Brahman Visrava. I must atone for the sin of killing Ravana.” There was no need for the Lord to perform such atonement. But it was His noble, humble nature.

The sages told Lord Ramacandra that Ravana was a great devotee of Siva, who gave him great benediction. So You should perform pooja to Lord Siva. You should get a Siva lingam from Kailash and worship that Siva linga. So Lord Ramacandra told Hanuman to get a Siva linga from Kailash. Hanuman went to Kailash and began to perform tapasya. But it was getting late and the auspicious time for the pooja was passing. So Sita devi with her own hands, made a Siva linga out of sand. Lord Ramacandra performed pooja to the Siva linga made by Sita devi. At that time Hanuman returned with the Siva linga from Kailash but he felt very sad that he could not serve Lord Ramacandra. Lord then told Hanuman that he could remove this Sivalinga made by Sita devi and place the Siva linga that he has brought from Kailash. Hanuman tried to remove the Siva linga but he was unsuccessful. He wrapped his tail around the linga and jumped but Siva linga didn’t move. Hanuman lifted mountains but he could not move a Siva linga. Hanuman was humbled and he understood that all the strength of the devotees is coming from Srimati Sita devi.

Then Lord Ramacandra told Hanuman that you install your Siva linga next to Sita devi’s and I command all My devotees that they should first worship the Siva linga brought by you and then they should worship the Siva linga made by Sita devi. At that time Lord Siva and Parvati appeared and proclaimed that anyone who bathes in Dhanushkoti and then worships me here, I will liberate them.

Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 12 chapter 13 verse 16 describes “vaisnavam yatha sambhuh”, that Lord Siva is the greatest Vaishnava. When Lord Ramacandra worshipped Siva that was an expression of His love towards His devotees. Similarly Lord Sri Krishna worshipped Sudama vipra and Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu danced before the deity of Lord Siva. Lord explains, mad-bhakta-pujabhyadhika, that worship of My devotee is better than worshipping Me directly. Lord Ramacandra taught us by His own example that how even He is eager to be the servant of the servant of the servant of His devotees.

Twenty-two tirthams (holy tanks) inside the Rameswaram temple

There are 22 tirthams (holy tanks) in the temple complex in which pilgrims traditionally bathe in before taking darshan of the Deities. Each of these wells have water of different taste, temperature, salinity and unique significance. The 22 teerthams inside the Rameswaram temple are namely: 1) Mahalakshmi Tirtham 2) Savithri Tirtham 3) Gayathri Tirtham 4) Saraswathi Tirtham 5) Sethu Madhava Tirtham 6) Gandhamadana Tirtham 7) kavatcha Tirtham 8) Gavaya Tirtham 9) Nala Tirtham 10) Neela Tirtham 11) Sanku Tirtham 12) Sakkara Tirtham 13) Brahmahathi Vimochana Tirtham 14) Sooriya Tirtham 15) Chandra Tirtham 16) Ganga Tirtham 17) Yamuna Tirtham 18) Gaya Tirtham 19) Siva Tirtham 20) Sadyamirtha Tirtham 21) Sarva Tirtham 22) Kodi Tirtham.

Rameswaram Temple

The temple of Rameswaram is as old as the Ramayana. The temple had humble beginnings with an ancient shrine housed in a thatched hut until the 12th century. The present structure is the work of number of persons spread over a number of centuries. The existing record shows that first ever masonry structure was built by Parakrama Bahu of Sri Lanka. The Setupathy (architects and stone masons) rulers of Ramanathapuram completed the rest of the temple. Although mainly Dravidian in style some of the temple vimanams resemble that of the Pallava period. The temple has also received royal patronage from several kingdoms such as Travancore, Ramanathapuram, Mysore and Pudukkottai. Much of the additions were carried out between the 12th to 16th centuries. Udayan Sethupathi of Ramnad expanded the temple in the 15th century and his statue is found near the southern entrance of the temple. Stretched over a vast area of 15 acres, Rameswaram Temple is the typical specimen of Dravidian style of architecture. The skyscraping gopurams (spires) truly dominate the skyline of Rameswaram. The shrine is famous for having the largest temple hallway in the world. This pillared corridor extends to 1,220 m (3,700 feet) in length, embracing more than 4000 brilliantly carved pillars that go around the Temple. The world famous long corridor (3rd prakaram) dates back to the 18th century. Erected on a raised plinth, granite pillars are intricately carved with beautiful images. What is unique about this corridor is that the rock is not indigenous to the island and it was brought in from elsewhere in Tamil Nadu across the sea. The main entrance of the temple tower has many stories related to Ramayana and stands tall. The four sides of the temple are enclosed by strong stone walls.

SRI RAMANATHA SWAMY TEMPLE

Sri Ramanatha Swamy Temple at Rameswaram

Sri Ramanatha Swamy Temple

World famous Long Corridor at Rameswaram Temple

This pillared corridor extends to 1220 m (3,700 feet) in length, embracing totally more than 4000 brilliantly carved pillars that go around the Temple. The world famous long corridor (3rd prakaram) dates back to the 18th century. Erected on a raised plinth, granite pillars are intricately carved with beautiful images. What is unique about this corridor is that the rock is not indigenous to the island and it was brought in from elsewhere in Tamil Nadu across the sea.

World famous pillar corridor at Rameswaram Temple

World famous pillar corridor at Rameswaram Temple

Rameswaram

2. AGNI TIRTHAM

Agni Tirtham is an important holy place in Rameswaram. After Agnideva returned Sita to Lord Ramacandra, he asked Lord Rama for a place where he could get purified because he had taken Sita away. So Lord Ramacandra asked him to take his bath in the ocean and that place came to be known as Agnitirtha. It is said that anyone who bathes in this place will develop the quality of chastity. Agni Tirtham is only 100 meters in front of the magnificent East Gopuram of the Rameswaram Temple.

Pastime:

Testing Sita

After the war of Lanka was over and Ravana was dead, Lord Ramacandra told Hanuman to go and inform Sita that the war was over and Ravana was dead. Hanuman walked freely through the pathways and came straight to Ashoka van where Sita was sitting under a tree and crying. Hanuman gave her the news and for the first time in last 10 months she became very joyful. She wanted to give many jewels and pearls to Hanuman but she had nothing. So she said, “All I have to give you is my gratitude.” Hanuman replied, “Seeing your joy is the only thing that I want.” After ten months of intense separation from her beloved, she was seeing Rama. She was very elated and she drank the beauty of Sri Rama through her lotus like eyes. Tears of ecstasy filled her eyes and her heart was overflowing with happiness.

Relationship between the Lord and His devotees are of two types: Vipralamba and Sambhoga. Vipralamba is state of separation between the Lord and His devotees and sambhoga is the state of union. Vipralamba causes one’s love for the Lord to find shelter deeper in the innermost recesses of our heart and sambhoga causes that joy to come out. The experience of the intensity of meeting is so much enhanced after separation.

Actually there can be no separation from the Lord for anyone. Lord Sri Krishna explains in Bhagavad-Gita chapter 18 verse 61,

isvarah sarva-bhutanam hrd-dese ’rjuna tisthati
bhramayan sarva-bhutani yantrarudhani mayaya

The Lord is situated as paramatma, the supersoul in the heart of every living being. The Upanishads explain that the soul and the Supersoul are like two birds sitting on the same tree. One of the birds is busy trying to enjoy the fruits of the tree and the other bird is simply observing his activities. However sinful and wretched we may become, Lord never rejects us. Even if a living entity is cast into the body of an insect, reptile or a tree, still the Lord lovingly accompanies us. But due to our own conditionings of becoming infatuated, obsessed and attached to external ego and superficial mental and physical pleasures, we have lost the ability to connect with that person who is closest to us always.

Lord comes to this world again and again to remind us that He is with us always. He speaks scriptures that give us the eternal standards of sanatana dharma. The Lord gave this knowledge to Brahma even before the creation took place. And through him the Lord taught all of us the purpose of creation and how to live in this creation. The Lord reveals through the hearts of His devotes the direction and the inspiration by which we can be reconnected with Him.

Lord Sri Krishna explains in the Bhagavad-Gita, bhaktya tv ananyaya sakya aham evam-vidho ‘rjuna, “My dear Arjuna, only by undivided devotional service can I be understood as I am, standing before you, and can thus be seen directly.”

It is not by our intelligence, our knowledge, our tapasya, our managerial skills, our physical strength, our wealth, there is no material method by which we could see God. It is possible only when the Lord by His infinite grace reveals Himself to us.Bhagavad-Gita chapter 4 verse 11 states,

ye yatha mam prapadyante tams tathaiva bhajamy aham
mama vartmanuvartante manusyah partha sarvasah

The Lord reveals Himself according to our surrender, according to how we take shelter. Bhakti is that science by which we take shelter and as long as there is false ego, we cannot really take shelter. It is superficial. Bhagavad-Gita chapter 7 verse 14 says,

daivi hy esa guna-mayi mama maya duratyaya
mam eva ye prapadyante mayam etam taranti te

When we realize that without the help of the Lord there is no hope, then we can take shelter of the Lord and then the Lord reveals Himself when we approach Him with love.

Sita is the hiadini shakti, the pleasure potency of the Lord. She is the source of all love. Rama or Krishna or Narayana is the shaktiman, the Supreme object of everyone’s love. And His eternal consort is the Supreme abode of love, the supreme whole of all love. The jiva is Lord Krishna’s infinitesimal part and parcel and our love for the Lord is also part and parcel of the love of Sita, Radha or Laxmi. The greatest mystery of all the shastra is how the Supreme Lord becomes subordinate to the love of His devotees. Sridama defeats Krishna. Krishna’s expansion - Maha Vishnu creates the entire cosmic manifestation by exhaling and annihilates by inhaling. How could a little cowherd boy defeat Krishna. Krishna takes greater pleasure by being defeated by the love of His devotee. Lord Krishna who is feared by the fear personified is in fear of Yashoda mayi who was a simple gopi. This is the power of Bhakti.

Then Lord Rama told Vibhisana to go and inform Sita to take her bath, decorate herself nicely and come to see Him. Sita was very eager to meet Rama. She decorated herself nicely. They put her in a palanquin and brought her to see Rama. Rama asked Vibhisana why is Sita riding on a palanquin, she should walk on foot, this confused everyone.

So the supreme reservoir of Bhakti, Sita devi, after ten months of separation is standing before Sri Rama. It is like seeing the sun after long period of darkness. But the Lord’s expressions were very grave. He practically ignored her. She beheld the beautiful face of Lord Rama but He had no emotions on his face, total gravity. She was so confused. Everyone was looking on. They could not believe what He was doing.

Lord Ramacandra then spoke, “For the sake of demigods I have conquered Ravana and as My dharma I have rescued you. I have no attachment for anything but dharma. Now I am going to become the king of Ayodhya and a king must be beyond all suspicion. You have spent 10 months in the house of another man. I cannot accept you back. You could stay wherever you like.” Upon hearing these words Sita fell to the ground crying. Her heart was absolutely shattered. No pain was greater than the pain of being rejected by Rama. She could not even speak. She was crying incessantly. Everyone was crying except Rama. The peak of her joy crashed down into the lowest depth of sorrow and pain. She was devastated.

She looked at Laxmana and said, “If you are not willing to accept me, if you think that I have not been chaste and faithful towards Rama. Then I will give up my life by entering into fire.” She ordered Laxmana to start the fire. Laxmana looked at Rama as if asking, “Why are You doing this?” But Sri Rama simply nodded His head, and that nod meant, “Yes Laxmana, start the fire.”

With trembling hands Laxmana collected the wood and started fire. Sita very gently circumambulated Rama and then she circumambulated fire and spoke, “If even for a moment, my mind is not in faithful and chaste remembrance of Lord Rama, then this fire burns me.” After offering her obeisances to Rama, she entered into fire. The flames were so huge that no one could see anything. Everyone began to cry; even Lord Rama broke down and began to cry. At that point even Lord Rama could not contain His emotions His heart broke and He wept Sita was gone in the fire.

Suddenly Agni Dev, the presiding deity of fire, appeared with Sita in his arms. She was dressed with beautiful clothes, garlanded with a mala of fresh celestial flowers. Agni deva testified, “I have tested her. She has been completely faithful and chaste her surrender and love is absolutely spotless. There was not a single moment when she was not having the thought of Your pure loving devotional service.”

Rama was overjoyed. He smiled tears in His eyes he accepted Sita by His loving embrace. Then Rama explained to her that He never had any doubts upon her chastity and purity. But being the king He had to set a proper example and also He wanted to glorify Sita for her purity and chastity. Whatever sorrow that was there for those 10 months was gone. Demigods began to shower flowers and sang the glories of Sita and Rama.

Srimati Sita devi is the mother of the three worlds and the wife of Lord Ramacandra. Among chaste women, she is supreme, and she is the daughter of King Janaka. When Ravana came to kidnap mother Sita and she saw him, she took shelter of the fire-god, Agni. The fire-god covered the body of mother Sita, and in this way she was protected from the hands of Ravana. Upon hearing from the Kurma Purana how Ravana had kidnapped the false form of mother Sita, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu became very satisfied. The fire-god, Agni, took away the real Sita and brought her to the place of Parvati, goddess Durga. An illusory form of mother Sita was then delivered to Ravana, and in this way Ravana was cheated. After Ravana was killed by Lord Ramacandra, Sitadevi was brought before the fire. When the illusory Sita was brought before the fire by Lord Ramacandra, the fire-god made the illusory form disappear and delivered the real Sita to Lord Ramacandra." -Caitanya-Caritamrta, Madhya-lila chapter 9 verses 201-206

AGNI TIRTHAM

After Agnideva returned Sita to Lord Ramacandra, he asked Lord Rama for a place where he could get purified because he had taken Sita away. So Lord Ramacandra asked him to take his bath in the ocean and that place came to be known as Agnitirtha. It is said that anyone who bathes in this place will develop the quality of chastity. Agni Tirtham is only 100 meters in front of the magnificent East Gopuram of the Rameswaram temple.

Agni Tirtham at Rameswaram

Agni Tirtham

Agni Tirtham

Agni Tirtham

3. DHANUSHKODI TIRTHAM

Dhanushkodi Tirtham or Dhanushtirtha is located at the eastern end of the Rameswaram island. It is named after Lord Ramacandra’s bow and is at a distance of 18 km from Rameswaram Temple. The boulders in the sea between Sri Lanka and Dhanushkodi are known as Adam's bridge. Lord Rama used them to reach across Lanka. The sethu (bridge) that was built by the monkey soldiers was 80 miles wide and 800 miles long. On the first day of the construction of the bridge they covered 100 miles and the next day they completed 150 miles. Within five days they built a seamless and perfectly symmetrical bridge. The entire bridge was 800 miles long and 80 miles wide.

After Ravana was killed, Lord Ramacandra along with His army returned to Rameswaram. At that time Vibhisana approached Lord Ramacandra and requested Him that “this beautiful sethu (bridge) which we have built is so good, but it gives easy access to Lanka and in future some demoniac kings may attack Lanka or some rakshasa may come over and cause disruption here. So please break this bridge”. So upon the request of Vibhisana, Lord Ramacandra took His bow and with one end of the bow He cut the bridge into three parts and the bridge was destroyed. The two oceans (Bay of Bengal and Indian ocean) which were separated by the bridge, merged together.

Sri Ramacandra called for all the holy waters and tirthas of the entire universe to enter universe to enter into Dhanushkodi Tirtham. All the heavenly tirthas personified came there and filled up the sea where the bridge was broken. The place is so beautiful that Lord Ramacandra and Sita devi bathed here. Lord Rama said, “Anyone who comes here will be liberated from material bondage and We will shower Our mercy on them.” Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya Lila Chapter 9 verse 199 mentions that Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu came to Dhanushkodi Tirtham during His South India tour and took bathe here.

In 1964 this place was struck by a cyclone and was completely washed away by. Now days, Dhanushkodi is a strip of land about 1 km wide and 18 km long on the eastern end of Rameswaram island. On one side are the waters of the Indian Ocean and on the other the waters of the Bay of Bengal. The two seas otherwise known as Ratnakaran and Mahodadhi with their confluence is shaped like a bow while the strip of land resembles an arrow poised for release. It is a place where the rough water of Indian Ocean and the calm sea of Bay of Bengal confluence together. Before 1964 this was a flourishing place with Railway station called Ramnad (last station on Southern Railway), hospital and port for many ferry services between Dhanushkodi and Talaimannar in Sri Lanka. Currently mute evidences remain in this place.

Danushkodi is about 18 miles West of Talaimannar in Jaffna, Ceylon. Before 1964 storm there was a train service up to Danushkodi called Boat Mail from Chennai Egmore station. The train linked a steamer to Ceylon. During the 1964 storm a huge wave of about 20 feet came crashing on the town from Palk Bay/Strait east of the town and destroyed the whole town, a train, the Pamban Rail Bridge etc. Danushkodi has the only land border between India and Ceylon which is one of the smallest in the world just 50 yards in length on a sand dune in Palk Strait. Buses from the local bus stand on East Car Street stop about 4km before the beach.

Way to Dhanushkodi Tirtham

Way to Dhanushkodi Tirtham

Way to Dhanushkodi Tirtham

Dhanushkodi Tirtham - spot where Lord Ramacandra broke the sethu (bridge) into three.

The sethu (bridge) that was built by the monkey soldiers was 80 miles wide and 800 miles long. On the first day of the construction of the bridge they covered 100 miles and the next day they completed 150 miles. Within five days they built a seamless and perfectly symmetrical bridge. The entire bridge was 800 miles long and 80 miles wide.

Deities at Dhanushkodi Tirtham

Dhanushkodi Tirtham

Ruins at Dhanushkodi from 1964 cyclone

Ruins at Dhanushkodi from 1964 cyclone

Dhanushkodi Tirtham

Dhanushkodi Tirtham

Dhanushkodi Tirtham

4. KOTHANDARAMA SWAMY TEMPLE

Kothandarama Swamy Temple is located 12 km away from Rameswaram. Here Lord Ramacandra arranged for the coronation of Vibhisana as King of Lanka after his surrender. The walls of Kothandarama Swamy Temple are adorned with marvelous paintings that depict the story of Ramayana.

History:

Vibhisana’s surrender

When Ravana’s spies headed by Saardula reported to him that there are countless monkeys assembled on the shore across the ocean, Ravana decided to have special war council. He called all his generals and commanders and explained the situation to them. Ravana said, “A first class leader does not make a decision without consulting, with open mind, wise experienced ministers, friends who have been faithful throughout life and family members who have proven their love and after taking that council and seriously considering every word of it depending upon the higher power of God or providence for right direction. A second class leader with his own intelligence searches his own heart what’s best to do and then after considering everything takes full responsibility. A third class leader is one who hastily attacks or does something serious without due consideration of the pros and cons.”

The ministers were very enthusiastic. One by one they stood up, raised their weapons and began to glorify Ravana and their own prowess. They were hungry for war. Finally Vibhisana stood up and spoke the truth. He said, “In the battle the virtuous are empowered to have ultimate victory and the sinful are doomed to defeat. Ramacandra is supremely virtuous and rakshasas are sinful. We cannot stand before Him. These men are not your friends. All of these generals are simply telling you what you want to hear and not speaking the truth.” Vibhisana then told Ravana about Khar and Dushana, when they attacked Ramacandra. Lord Ramacandra single handedly destroyed their entire army of 14,000 soldiers in just 2 hours. He is not a mortal, Ramacandra is the Supreme Lord and His wrath can destroy the whole universe.

Vibhisana said, “Stealing Sita devi was sinful. Please return Sita devi to Ramacandra or we will perish. Ramacandra will forgive you. Just beg forgiveness and return Sita otherwise you and your entire dynasty will be destroyed and you will be the cause of it.” Next day morning Vibhisana again went to meet Ravana and again tried to counsel him Ravana was very disturbed. He said to Vibhisana, “Why do you question my prowess. No one can defeat me. I will defeat Rama. Single handedly I can wipe out the entire monkey army. Why do you question me? I cannot give Sita. There will be war.” Vibhisana was devastated. There is nothing else he could do. But still he was going to try.

Ravana then called all his greatest war generals in the assembly hall. He told them that his heart has been captivated by Sita and he cannot give her up. He told them a lie. He said that Sita promised him that if Rama does not come to take her away within a year then she will be mine. Someone told him that you have strength of thousands of elephants and Sita is just a little girl, why don’t you enjoy her by force. Ravana then revealed a secret, once he was infatuated by seeing the beauty of heavenly damsel Rambha. He chased after her and forcibly enjoyed her. She went to her husband Nalakuvera. He was so devastated that he cursed me that if I ever try to enjoy any woman without her independent consent, then my head will break into hundreds of pieces. Lord Brahma confirmed this curse upon me. So I cannot enjoy Sita by force. She has to submit to me and she will never submit to me till she has hope that Rama will come to rescue her. Hearing this all the generals gave their full support to Ravana and agreed for war.

At that time Vibhisana stood up and said, “Who has put this venomous serpent around you. Sita is like a serpent; Her charming smile her fangs; Her shapely form is her coils; Her caste faithful love for Lord Ramacandra is like the venomous poison that is going to be the cause of your death. Give up Sita and live. By fighting with Rama you are putting a noose around your own neck.” At that time Indrajit began to brag about his prowess. Vibhisana chastised Indrajit. When Ravana heard Vibhisana chastising his son, he became furious. He stared into his eyes and said, “It is better to live with a venomous snake then with someone who is taking the shelter of your enemy.” He then rejected Vibhisana and asked him to get out of Lanka.

Lord Sri Krishna says in Bhagavad-Gita, within every heart there is a divine and the demoniac nature by the choices we make and by our own seriousness in our spiritual practice we are meant to cultivate and give strength to our divine nature and subdue this demonic nature that is within us.

Shurpanakha wanted to enjoy Rama and kill Sita devi, Ravana wanted to enjoy Sita and kill Rama and Vibhisana wanted to return Sita to Rama and offer loving devotion. They are living in the same place. In a similar way in our own hearts we have Shurpanakha’s tendencies, Ravana’s tendencies and deep down we have our eternal natural Vibhisana’s tendencies. We can cleanse the heart of the anarthas of Ravana and Shurpanakha by taking shelter of Lord Himself and in this age of Kali the Lord is there to annihilate these demons within and empower the divinity within us by the chanting of the holy names.

After being chastised by Ravana, Vibhisana and his four faithful ministers ascended in the sky. From there he looked down and spoke these final words to his brother, “I have honestly tried to help you. But I cannot tolerate harsh words against me, nor can I tolerate your sinful attachment to Sita. On this very day I am going to leave behind my family, wealth and everything I have and I renounce you.

Sugriva and other monkey soldiers saw Vibhisana and his four ministers in the sky and were about to attack them. Vibhisana said that he had come to take shelter of Lord Ramacandra. Sugriva went to Lord Rama and informed him about Vibhisana. Lord Rama asked them what He should do with Vibhisana. Sugriva said, they are demons, by nature they are deceitful and they cannot be trusted. Jambavan had similar opinion. Finally Lord asked Hanuman for his opinion.

Hanuman said, “Vibhisana is honest. While in Lanka he was constantly advising Ravana to give back Sita devi. We should immediately accept him to be one of our family members. He wants shelter, please give him shelter.” Lord Ramacandra very much appreciated Hanuman’s words.

Lord Rama’s vow

Lord Ramacandra then spoke His immortal words, “Anyone whoever they may be, who sincerely take shelter of Me and honestly says, even once, that from this day on my Lord I take Your shelter, I have to give him shelter. I declare this vow before all of you. Even if Ravana himself were to come to me today and with a sincere and honest heart seek shelter of Me, I will give him shelter.”

Upon hearing this all the monkeys were weeping in ecstasy to see the nature of lord Ramacandra’s mercy. They all shouted “Jai Sri Rama”.

What it really means by surrender. It is not just our words. To take shelter means to sincerely repent for one’s past misgivings, to vow to give up one’s misbehavior and to give one’s heart and take shelter of the Lord who has appeared in His holy names:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare |

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare ||

Then Vibhisana came down from the sky and surrendered his life to Lord Ramacandra. Rama told him that in days to come He will conquer Ravana and he would be the future king. Lord then coronated Vibhisana as the king of Lanka here - Kothandarama Swamy Temple. Lord Ramacandra asked Vibhisana, how to cross the ocean and Vibhisana told Him that He should ask Samudradev for help.

Meanwhile Ravana sent Shuka to somehow convince Sugriva to give up Rama’s side. When Shuka came in the form of a bird and delivered this message, all the monkeys became enraged and they started beating him. Shuka cried out for Rama and Rama called for him. Rama said, he has taken shelter of Me. Release him. Shuka went back and told Ravana what had happened and requested him that he should better give Sita devi back or else Lanka will be destroyed.

Way to Kothandarama Swamy Temple at Rameswaram

Kothandarama Swamy Temple, Rameswaram

Kothandarama Swamy Temple

Kothandarama Swamy Temple is located 12 km away from Rameswaram. Here Lord Ramacandra arranged for the coronation of Vibhisana as King of Lanka after his surrender. The walls of Kothandarama Swamy Temple are adorned with marvelous paintings that depict the story of Ramayana.

Lord Kothandarama Swamy

Ravana and his brothers performed severe tapas in order to get boon from Lord Brahma. Vibhisana prayed for being a real devotee of Lord Vishnu. Brahma blessed him and awarded him the status of ‘chirancheevi’.

Maliyavan, Vibhisana advised Ravana to give back Sita to Rama and surrender to Him. Ravana got angry and kicked Vibhisana in front of all counselor.

Vibhisana left from Lanka and crossed over the sea and came to surrender Lord Rama. On seeing him on the space, Sugriva suspected him as a spy of Ravana and prepared to attack him.

All the leaders suggested Lord Rama to avoid Vibhisana’s request. But only Hanuman explained that being a honest man, we can believe and accept his surrender.

Lord Rama declares “Whoever he may be, no matter even if it is Ravana, one who surrenders me with a beloved heart, it is My duty to accept him. Let Vibhisana a join with Me.”

Lord Rama guided Laxmana to perform the ceremony of coronation to become the king of Lanka for Vibhisana.

5. VILLOONDI TIRTHAM

Villoondi Tirtham is an amazing place. Villoondi literally translated stands for ‘buried bow’. Upon returning from Lanka on His way back, Lord Ramacandra created well within sea with His arrow to satisfy Mother Sita’s thirst and a fountain of fresh water appeared at this place in the midst of the salty sea. Sita devi drank the water and was satisfied. This well is still there within the sea and is connected by narrow walking bridge which leads to the well. Villoondi Tirtham is located 7 km from Rameswaram Temple on the main road connecting to Pamban. This is an important holy place.

Villoondi Tirtham

Villoondi Tirtham

Villoondi literally translated stands for ‘buried bow’. Upon returning from Lanka on His way back, Lord Ramacandra created well within sea with His arrow to satisfy Mother Sita’s thirst and a fountain of fresh water appeared at this place in the midst of the salty sea. Sita devi drank the water and was satisfied. This well is still there within the sea and is connected by narrow walking bridge which leads to the well. Villoondi Tirtham is located seven km from Rameswaram Temple on the main road connecting to Pamban. This is an important holy place.

Villoondi Tirtham

Villoondi Tirtham

Villoondi Tirtham

Ancient temple near Villoondi Tirtham

6. SRI EKANTHA RAMASWAMY TEMPLE

Sri Ekantha Ramaswamy Temple is about six km from Rameswaram Temple on the main road connecting to Pamban. This is the place where Lord Ramacandra spent some time in seclusion. The temple has also a well which was used to quench the thirst of monkey soldiers of Lord Rama.

Sri Ekantha Ramaswamy Temple, Rameswaram

Sri Ekantha Ramaswamy Temple

Entrance of Sri Ekantha Ramaswamy Temple

Their Lordships Sri Sri Sita-Rama and Laxmana and Hanuman at Sri Ekantha Ramaswamy Temple

Sacred well at Sri Ekantha Ramaswamy temple

This well was used to quench the thirst of the monkey soldiers of Lord Ramacandra.

Description about sacred well at Sri Ekantha Ramaswamy Temple

Sacred well at Sri Ekantha Ramaswamy temple

7. GANDAMADHANA PARVAT

Gandamadhana parvat (hill) is at a short distance from Rameswaram temple. Here Lord Ramacandra along with His monkey generals stood here for a view of the area and His plan making. Temple also bears a shrine with the footprints of Lord Ramacandra. Gandamadhana parvat (hill) provides a commanding view of the Rameswaram island.

GANDAMADHANA PARVAT

Gandamadhana parvat temple

Temple bears a shrine with the footprints of Lord Ramacandra

View from Gandamadhana parvat

Here Lord Ramacandra along with His monkey generals stood here for a view of the area and His plan making. Temple also bears a shrine with the footprints of Lord Ramacandra.

View from Gandamadhana parvat

View from Gandamadhana parvat

8. RAMA TIRTHAM

Rama Tirtam is the place where Lord Ramacandra took rest for a while on His way to Lanka. This is close to Rameswaram temple about 1 km walk from Rameswaram Temple.

Rama Tirtham at Rameswaram

Rama Tirtham

Ancient temple at Rama Tirtham

9. LAXMANA TIRTHAM

Laxmana Tirtham is close to Rama Tirtham and the Rameswaram temple.

Laxmana Tirtham, Rameswaram

Temple at Laxmana Tirtham

Laxmana Tirtham

10. Panchamukha Hanuman Temple

Panchamukha (five-faced) Hanuman Temple is situated 2 km away from the Rameswaram temple. Here Hanuman is dressed with senthooram (vermillion). The temple has Deities of Rama, Sita and Hanuman which were originally at Dhanushkodi and are brought during the 1964 cyclone. Temple has floating stones called ‘sethu bandanam’ that were used during Sethu Bandanam (building a bridge between India and Lanka).

Panchamukha (five-faced) Hanuman Temple at Rameswaram

Panchamukha (five-faced) Hanuman

Floating rocks that were used by the monkey army of Lord Ramacandra for building sethu (bridge) across to Lanka

Floating rocks that were used by the monkey army of Lord Ramacandra for building sethu (bridge) across to Lanka

11. JADA TIRTHAM

Jada Tirtham is on the way to the Dhanushkodi Tirtham while going from Rameswaram. Lord Ramacandra washed His hair (Jada) in this tirtham on the way back after He killed Ravana so as to purify Himself before commencing the pooja for Siva linga.

Way to Jada Tirtham

Jada Tirtham

12. THIRUPULLANI TEMPLE

Thirupullani is very important and ancient Temple. Ahead of Lord Ramacandra’s march to Lanka, it was here at the Thirupullani temple (about 64 km north of Rameswaram and 10 km south of district headquarter Ramanathapuram) that Lord Rama invoked the blessings of Adhi Jagannathan, the moolavar deity at this Divya Desam seeking victory in his upcoming battle against Ravana. This place is also known as ‘darbhasayana’. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu visited this place. It is also the place ofSaranagati. Vibhisana surrendered to Lord Ramacandra at this place. It was here that Vibhisana gave Rama the idea that He should approach the ocean god Samudra deva and ask him the means to cross the ocean. Lord Ramacandra sat on ‘darbha’ orkusha grass and meditated for three days but Samudra deva did not come. This enraged Him and He angrily glanced on the ocean. By the mere glance of the Lord, the ocean became agitated. Samudra deva came out with folded hands and surrendered to Lord Ramacandra. Even the Lord of the ocean surrendered to Lord Rama at this place.

This is the place where Lord Ramacandra did fasting and penance on grass in Sayana (sleep) pose for three days, thus the place got its name as Thirupullani meaning the place where the Lord’s bed was grass. Normally, the Lord appears in sayana sleep pose only on the serpent bed. However, in this kshetram he is lying - “anai”: on “pull”: grass in Tamil language. And Thirumeans Lord. Thus the word Thiru- pull- anai: Thirupullani.

This is also one of the 108 divya-desams of the Sri Vaishnavas. This is a historic place and temple in relation to the ancient epic Ramayana of Lord Ramacandra. This is the place where:

a) Vibhisana surrendered to Lord Ramacandra.

b) Samudra Raja (the Ocean God) surrendered to Lord Ramacandra.

c) Lord Ramacandra, along with the monkeys, built the Sethu karai (Sethu Bridge) to go to Lanka from here.

The presiding Deity is Adi Jagannatha, Goddess is Padmasini Thaayaar. Two of the other Sannidhis (altars) are dedicated to deities of Lord Ramacandra - Pattabhi Ramar and Darba Sayana Ramar.

About the temple

Thirupullani Jagannatha temple is among the 108 divya-desams of Sri Vaishnavas. Sri Kalyana Jagannathar is the presiding Deity with His consorts Kalyanavalli Thaayaar and Padmasini Thaayar. Since Vibhisana fell at Sri Rama’s feet for completesaranagati (surrender) at this place, it is also known as “Saranagati Kshetram”. Also Ocean god and his wife sought saranagatiat the same place.

Sri Ramacandra did fasting and penance on grass in Sayana (sleep) pose for seven days, thus the place got its name as Thirupullani meaning the place where the Lord’s bed was grass. Normally, the Lord appears in sayana sleep pose only on the serpent bed. However, in this kshetram he is lying - “anai”: on “pull”: grass in Tamil language. And Thiru means Lord. Thus the word Thiru- pull- anai: Thirupullani.

As per Sri Vaishnavas, King Dashratha performed putra-kamesthi yajna here in front of Lord Adi Jagannatha and thus obtained four sons. These Deities were worshipped by Lord Rama when he came here. It is also said that the Deities gave Lord Rama a Sarangam bow by which he could defeat Ravana.

The three altars in the temple are:

1) Adi Jagannatha, closeby is Thaaayar (consort) in the next altar.

2) Darbhashayana Rama - Lord Rama sleeping on darbha grass.

3) Pattabhiramam - Lord Rama giving darshan along with Sitadevi and Laxmana.

Temple timing: The temple is open from 8am to 12:20 pm in the mornings and from 3:30pm to 8pm in the evenings.

Thirupullani is 64 km from Rameswaram. Close to Thirupullani at a distance of four km is Sethu Karai or the shore. Sethu Karaiis the place from where Lord Ramacandra constructed sethu (bridge) to Lanka with the help of the monkey army to rescue Sita devi from the clutches of Ravana.

Requesting Samudra dev

On Vibhisana’s advice that He should ask Samudradev’s help in order to cross the ocean to Lanka, Lord Ramacandra came to the shore of the ocean at this very place in Thirupullani and began to meditate upon the god of the sea, Samudra dev. He laid on ‘kusha’ grass in meditation. Lord Ramacandra is the Supreme Absolute truth and He is teaching the most exemplary behavior which is to honor people who have high responsibility.

Lord Caitanya said that the following of Vaishnava etiquette is the ornament that makes the devotee beautiful in the eyes of Lord Sri Krishna. Unless the Lord reveals it we would never understand what Vaishnava etiquette is. Lord Caitanya, while embarking on His South India tour, took blessing and permission of all the Vaishnavas. In every moment of Sri Caitanya Caritamrta and Sri Caitanya Bhagavat there is this beautiful jewel of Vaishnava etiquette which is based on humility, respect and an eagerness to serve and receive blessings and give blessings.

Lord Ramacandra laid on the ‘kusha’ grass meditating and praying in His heart for Samudra dev, the king of the sea to come before Him to resolve this very serious dilemma. A huge army had assembled on the shore of the ocean but except Hanuman no one could cross the ocean. Rama prayed while fasting for three days and nights. But Samudra dev didn’t come. He was not following any etiquette. The core reason why someone makes aparadha is due to arrogance or the false ego.

Lord Rama expressed His emotions as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He turned to Laxmana and said, “This king of ocean is so arrogant. I have been sitting here fasting for three days and three nights and he doesn’t say anything. This is because people who are too much intoxicated by material power and influence don’t take seriously the humble appeals of others. With all humility, politeness and gentleness I have been coming to him. But such a wretched state of consciousness he is in that he is thinking humility is a weakness. He is thinking brute force and harshness is real strength. Arrogant people respect arrogance. But I will devastate his arrogance, on this very day I will dry up the ocean into dry desert.

Lord Rama was enraged. He took His powerful bow and shot one hundred arrows. Within second the sea started to boil. The sea became so agitated and the waves were so huge that even the whales, alligators and sharks were flying in the air and falling back into the ocean.

Rama could not be pacified by Laxmana or the other great sages. Rama invoked the Brahmastra and in fear the sea receded ten miles. At that moment Samudra dev arose from the ocean. He wore beautiful garments and jewels. With all humility he prostrated at the lotus feet of Ramacandra and begged forgiveness. Lord forgave him and gave him shelter.

Rama asked him, “Please tell us how we can cross this ocean.” Samudra dev said that in the monkey army there is Nala, who is the son of Viswakarma, the architect and designer of the demigods. He knows the art of construction and You make him the in charge for building a bridge. Samudra dev assured that no aquatics will disturb the building of the bridge and the stones will float on the waters of the ocean.

Thirupullani Temple

Thirupullani Temple

Entrance to Thirupullani Temple

Thirupullani Temple

Their Lordship Darbha Sayana Raamar

Lord Ramacandra sleeping on the kusha grass, one of the main Deity at the Thirupullani Temple

At this place Lord Ramacandra laid on the kusha grass meditating and praying in His heart for Samudra dev, the king of the sea to come before Him to resolve this very serious dilemma. A hugs army had assembled on the shore of the ocean but except Hanuman no one could cross the ocean. Rama prayed while fasting for three days and nights. But Samudra dev didn’t come. He was not following any etiquette. The core reason why someone makesaparadha is due to arrogance or the false ego. Lord Rama expressed His emotions as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He turned to Laxmana and said, “This king of ocean is so arrogant. I have been sitting here fasting for three days and three nights and he doesn’t say anything. This is because people who are too much intoxicated by material power and influence don’t take seriously the humble appeals of others. With all humility, politeness and gentleness I have been coming to him. But such a wretched state of consciousness he is in that he is thinking humility is a weakness. He is thinking brute force and harshness is real strength. I will devastate his arrogance, on this very day I will dry up the ocean into dry desert. Lord Rama was enraged. He took His powerful bow and shot one hundred arrows. Within second the sea started to boil. The sea became so agitated and the waves were so huge that even the whales, alligators and sharks were flying in the air and falling back into the ocean. Rama could not be pacified by Laxmana or the other great sages. Rama invoked the Brahmastra and in fear the sea receded ten miles. At that moment Samudra dev arose from the ocean. He wore beautiful garments and jewels. With all humility he prostrated at the lotus feet of Ramacandra and begged forgiveness. Lord forgave him and gave him shelter.

Their Lordship Darbha Sayana Raamar

Lotus Feet of Lord Ramacandra at Thirupullani Temple

Beautiful painting of Darbha Sayana Raamar

Sri Sri Sita-Rama, Laxmana, Hanuman

Ponds with beautiful lotus flowers on the way from Rameswaram to Thirupullani Temple

Beautiful Lotus flowers

13. SETHU KARAI

Sethu Karai or Shore is close to Thirupullani at a distance of four km. This is the place from where Lord Ramacandra constructed sethu (bridge) to Lanka with the help of Hanuman, Nala and the monkey army to rescue Sita devi from the clutches of Ravana. At this place there is Temple with the Deity of Hanuman. It is amazing to see that the Deity of Hanuman is directly facing the ocean.

Theerthavari Utsavam

Every year Theerthavari Utsavam is held at this place in memory of Lord Rama’s onward march to Lanka that was planned from the Sethu Sea shore and in celebration of his subsequent victory over Ravana. Kalyana Jagannatha Perumal, the Utsava deity and Pattabhisheka Rama of Thirupullani divya desam make a joint once in a year 4 km trip to the Sethu Sea shore. Kalyana Jagannathan and Pattabhisheka Rama make an early start to the day with a 7am alankara to get them ready for the day long procession to the southern sea shore.

Seated on two separate palanquins and driven all the way on bullock carts Jagannatha Perumal and Pattabhisheka Rama go on an one hour procession to the Sethu Sea shore for the Theerthavari Utsavam. At the Hanuman temple on the banks of the Sethu sea shore, special Thirumanjana is performed for both Lord Jagannathan and Pattabhisheka Rama, while Hanuman is honored with a special Abhisheka as an acknowledgement of his efforts in locating Sita and giving Rama the good news. After providing joint darshan on the banks of the Sethu Sea shore for over 3 hours, Kalyana Jagannatha Perumal and Pattabhisheka Rama make their way back to Thirupullani Divya desam in the evening.

Building the sethu (bridge)

Nala was very excited. He called all the leaders of the army and told them what to do. The monkey soldiers began to collect materials for the bridge. They started bringing huge stones, mountain peaks, trunk of trees and started stacking them on the shore. Nala also asked them to collect tons and tons of vines and creepers which would be used to tie the stones together.

According to their particular strength they were bringing entire mountains and under Nala’s direction they began to throw them in the ocean. They had the task of building a bridge 80 miles wide and 800 miles long. On the first day of the construction of the bridge they covered 100 miles and the next day they completed 150 miles. Within 5 days they built a seamless and perfectly symmetrical bridge.

Lord Ramacandra wanted to show the world that if His devotees just put aside their ego for a common cause of serving the Supreme Lord and work together for that cause, there is unlimited divine power that He gives them.

Srila Prabhupada said, “The strength of our society (ISKCON) is our unity.” He quoted, united we stand, divided we fall. He gave the example of how it is easy to break one stick but when they are stacked together they cannot be broken. In the same way on our own, maya will break us but if we are united, united in the service of Lord Sri Krishna, in the service of Guru and Vaishanavas then maya has no power to break us.

One of Srila Prabhupada’s last instruction was, “You can show your love for me by how you cooperate.” It was not only for the purpose of pushing this great movement but it was also out of great compassion for each and every one of us, because we need each other. Yes, whatever differences those monkeys may have had, it did not matter. They had a mission to achieve and it was urgent and they worked together and the Lord empowered them to build the greatest bridge ever made.

Sethu Karai

Sethu Karai Temple

This is the place from where Lord Ramacandra constructed sethu (bridge) to Lanka with the help of Hanuman, Nala and the monkey army to rescue Sita devi from the clutches of Ravana. At this place there is Temple with the deity of Hanuman. It is amazing to see that the deity of Hanuman is directly facing the ocean. Sethu Karai Temple is about four km from Thirupullani.

Hanuman at Sethu Karai Temple

Hanuman at Sethu Karai Temple

Sethu Karai, the exact spot from where the construct of sethu (bridge) started

Theerthavari Utsavam

Every year Theerthavari Utsavam is held at this place in memory of Lord Rama’s onward march to Lanka that was planned from the Sethu Sea shore and in celebration of his subsequent victory over Ravana. Kalyana Jagannatha Perumal, the Utsava deity and Pattabhisheka Rama of Thirupullani divya desam make a joint once in a year 4 km trip to the Sethu Sea shore. Kalyana Jagannathan and Pattabhisheka Rama make an early start to the day with a 7am alankara to get them ready for the day long procession to the southern sea shore.

Seated on two separate palanquins and driven all the way on bullock carts Jagannatha Perumal and Pattabhisheka Rama go on an one hour procession to the Sethu Sea shore for the Theerthavari Utsavam. At the Hanuman temple on the banks of the Sethu sea shore, special Thirumanjana is performed for both Lord Jagannathan andPattabhisheka Rama, while Hanuman is honored with a special Abhisheka as an acknowledgement of his efforts in locating Sita and giving Rama the good news. After providing joint darshan on the banks of the Sethu Sea shore for over 3 hours, Kalyana Jagannatha Perumal and Pattabhisheka Rama make their way back to Thirupullani Divya desam in the evening.

Theerthavari Utsavam

Theerthavari Utsavam at Sethu Karai

14. PAMBAN BRIDGE

Rameswaram is an island which was connected by the main land with the help of Boat services from Mandapam on early days. Now day’s two famous Bridges which connect Rameswaram and Mandapam viz the bow shaped Road Bridge and cantilever Railway Bridge are the eye attractions of anyone passing through.

Road Bridge: The engineering marvel of this bridge took 14 years to complete. Inaugurated in 1988, it is designed like a bow over the sea to allow ships to pass beneath. The bridge is 2.03 km long and is supported by 79 pillars (64 of which are built in the sea). This bridge is also known as Pamban Bridge or Annai Indira Gandhi Bridge.

Rail Bridge: this bridge was built during 1913 and is 2.06 km long. A portion of the bridge opens up like a pair of scissors to let the ship pass under it.

Pamban Bridge at Rameswaram

Pamban Bridge

Pamban Bridge

Pamban Bridge

Pamban Bridge

View from Pamban Bridge

15. Gulf of Mannar Bio sphere Reserve (GOMBR)

GOMBR is encompassing the whole Indian part of sea extending between Rameswaram to Kanyakumari. The total area of this reserve is approximately 10,500 square km. There are twenty one islands having coral reef areas, sea grass meadows, shallow water habitats and other fragile Eco systems found in Gulf Mannar. There are nearly 3600 species of marine organisms found to be existing in the reserve. Pemphis acidula, Enhalus acuroidus and ptychodera flora are some of the important endemic organisams found in this reserve. 117 species of corals, 13 species of mangroves, 100 species of echinoderms, 460 species of molluscans, 12 species of sea grasses and 217 species of birds are some of the important diversities of the reserve. The Gulf of Mannar is also identified as one of the important dolphins and whales sighting area in the world. The sea cow (dugong dugon) is found in this region. For further details contact, The Trust Director, Gulf of Mannar Bio Reserve Trust, Jawans Bhavan, Ramanathapuram. Phone no: 04567 - 226335.  

Corals at Gulf of Mannar Bio sphere Reserve (GOMBR)

Rameswaram

Coconuts at Rameswaram

Rameswaram

Rameswaram Yatra - Transcripts from the lectures by His Holiness Radhanath Swami Maharaj’s South India Yatra 2010

Search for Sita

As asura Kabandha was being liberated by Lord Ramacandra and Laxmana, he informed them that “in a beautiful place called Pampa Sarovar there is a wonderful forest where a great ascetic lady resides, her name is Shabri. On the mountain called Risyamukha parvat, the king of the monkeys Sugriva resides accompanied by his principal associates like Hanuman. He told Lord Rama that in order to find Mother Sita, You make allies with them and they will surely help You.”

Allies with Sugriva

Lord Ramacandra and Laxmana went to Pampa sarovar where Hanuman ji met them and then keeping Them on his shoulders he leaped back on the top of Rsyamukha mountain. Lord Rama helped Sugriva to kill Bali and then Hanuman performed a yajnaconsecrating the vow between the two to be faithful for their cause. After the rainy season was over, Sugriva sent his mass of monkey armies in four directions in search of Sita. Lord Rama had highest confidence in Hanuman’s spotless devotion. Lord gave Hanuman His own ring as evidence to Mother Sita that he was truly Rama’s messenger. Lord Rama said if anyone would find Her, it is you.

Angada was leading the group with Hanuman. They were confident that this was the way Mother Sita was flying in the airways with Ravana. However they could not find Her anywhere and being disappointed the entire search party decided to fast till death.

Sampati reveals the truth

At that time a gigantic bird came out of the cave and was very happy to see so many monkeys as his food. But when he heard them glorifying Rama and they spoke about Jatayu’s sacrifice, he told them that he was Sampati, the elder brother of Jatayu. Sampati told how his wings were burned while he was trying to protect his brother from sun’s rays and at time he was told that when messengers of Lord will come then your wings will grow back. He then told them that he had a very powerful vision and he could see that Sita was in Lanka. After that his wings grew back and then he flew in the sky.

Who will cross the ocean?

Now the problem was how to cross the ocean. The distance was 800 miles. All the monkeys began to speak about how much they could probably jump. Angada said, “I could probably make it there but I cannot come back.”

Then Jambavan spoke and reminded Hanuman, “You have been blessed by sages to forget your powers until someone reminds you.” Hanuman remembered his powers. He climbed on mount Mahendra and assuming an enormous size he leaped into the air crying out “Jai Sri Rama”. As he jumped all the animals living on the mountain became agitated and due to the force of the wind the trees few behind Hanuman.

He was not concerned if something was possible or impossible. He was fixed on rendering service to his beloved Lord Ramacandra, according to his capacity, and therefore he was fearless. When we think from material consciousness we are subject to fear - fear of failure, fear of death, fear of disappointment. For Hanuman there was only one thing, to please Lord Ramacandra and Lord Ramacandra is pleased by the sincerity of our endeavor.

Tests on the flight

As Hanuman was flying through the air to Lanka in search of Mother Sita many obstacles came his way.

Mainaka

The first one was Mount Mainaka. Mount Mainaka came out and the personification of that mountain told Hanuman, it is a long way please rest for some time here. Hanuman considered this to be an obstacle. Lord Krishna explains in Bhagavad-Gita that there are two enemies on the path of Bhakti - Egoism and Lethargy. For just a moment Hanuman touched the mountain and said I am honoring your offering.

Surasa

Then another demoness of the name Surasa appeared and wanted to test Hanuman if he was really the one who could enter the fortified city of Lanka and perform this impossible mission. Surasa appeared from the sea and told Hanuman that she has a benediction from Lord Brahma that no one can cross this ocean without being eaten by her. So she opened her mouth to eat Hanuman. Hanuman increased his size, in response Surasa widened her mouth. After her mouth was very wide open, Hanuman very cleverly took a very small size and went into her mouth and came back. He then said to her, “I have honored the benediction of Brahma. You have eaten me so now please give me permission to go.” Surasa was pleased by his cleverness and she blessed him.

Surasa represents the obstacles of egoism. She kept trying to be bigger and bigger than Hanuman. Our tendency is we want to be bigger; we want to be better than others, i.e. ahankar. Bhagavad-Gita Chapter 3 verse 27 states:

prakrteh kriyamanani gunaih karmani sarvasah

ahankara-vimudhatma kartaham iti manyate

Those who are bewildered by the three modes of material nature think themselves to be the doer of the activities. If we think we are the doer of our activities then the inclination is to be envious of people who do more or to be arrogant towards people who do less. Either one spoils the spirit of true devotion.

Lord Sri Krishna is the strength of the strong, the intelligence of the intelligent, the ability in man. If we honestly and earnestly consider ourselves to be instruments of the grace of God in our work then there is no possibility of ego.

How to overcome this mountain of false ego that is within us and all around us, Hanuman showed us. He took a very small position. Lord Caitanya taught us gopi-bhartuh pada-kamalayor dasa-dasanudasah, when we feel ourselves to be the servant of the servant of the servant and feeling ourselves to be unqualified and grateful for whatever grace that Lord Sri Krishna has given us. We take shelter in that spirit of humility then we can be carried by the grace of the Lord beyond this ocean of ahankar, ego.

Simhika

As Hanuman was flying a rakshari named Simhika checked his movement by grabbing his shadow. Then she came before him to devour him but Hanuman took a tiny form and went right into her body and cut her body open. She fell down dead in the ocean.

Hanuman taught us that we can face these obstacles on the path of devotion by taking humble position. Hanuman’s humility was not cowardly. He was a hero, he was full of courage, he was full of enthusiasm, he was full of determination. Some people think when you become humble you become weak. Just the opposite, when you become real humble you are divinely empowered.

Simhika represents envy. Just like she grabbed down Hanuman’s shadow, which represents darkness, similarly envious people try to focus their attention and grab on to the negatively of others, the darkness of other people and even if there is no darkness in other people you see darkness because it is in you.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura said, one sees faults in other people because we are honey-combed with so many faults ourselves. A great devotee does not see the negativity in a person out of envy or pride but in spirit of helping that person come out of that, just like a doctor to a patient. One of the great obstacles in devotional service is when we find satisfaction, we find relief, we think we are pushing ourselves to a higher position when we hold on to the shadow, the dark side of another, which means fault finding. Hanuman overcame that obstacle and taught us how to do so. We have to rip out the very root cause of that envy from our hearts and we can do so by taking shelter of the Lord and His holy names:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Lankini

Finally Hanuman arrived on the shores of Lanka. There he saw a magnificent city and wonderful forests. Hanuman decided to take a smaller form and went to one of the gates, which was guarded by Lankini. She rebuked Hanuman and told him that she had a blessing from Lord Brahma that no one can pass her. She slapped Hanuman. Since Hanuman was on a mission, he slapped her back and she fell to the ground. She then told Hanuman that Lord Brahma told her that when a monkey comes and slaps you that is the indication that soon Ravana will be destroyed.

Wandering through Lanka

Hanuman waited till it was night because he wanted to see as much he could so he could report nicely to Ramacandra. He took a small size and like a cat he was roaming around. He could not believe what he was seeing. He saw millions of demons engaged in many sinful activities. He was amazed what was going on in Lanka. But his mind was fixed on finding Sita.

Eventually he came to the palace of Ravana. He saw thousands of ladies in that palace and then in a special room Hanuman saw Ravana lying on bed with ladies sleeping all around. Ravana was very strong and beautiful. His body had scars of Indra’s thunderbolts. Hanuman looked at Mandodari and thought if she was Sita but then he thought that it is not possible because she cannot be so peaceful sleeping next to Ravana.

He kept searching and searching. By this time morning was coming and he came to Ravana’s own garden within his palace, the Ashoka Vana and sitting under a tree was the most beautiful lady in all of creation. Her body was covered with dust and her clothes were all soiled. She was weeping incessantly crying out the names of Lord Rama. Hanuman ji understood that she is Sita.

As the dawn broke, Ravana came to see her and somehow try to convince her to submit to his will. But Sita was steadfast in her vows of chastity. Sita was so disgusted, she said, “Your trying to enjoy me is like an ignorant fool trying to lick honey on a razor’s edge.” She further said that his attempts to enjoy her are like taking sharp needles and piercing through the eyes.

Hearing al this Ravana was outraged. He told her, ”I have given you one year to submit to me. Ten months have already passed. If by the end of the year you do not agree then I’ll drink your blood and eat your flesh as breakfast. He then told the rakshasis to harass her and do anything necessary to make her submit to him. As those rakshasis harassed her, Sita simply wept crying out the names of Rama. Hanuman seeing all this wanted to annihilate them all but this was not his mission, he had come to give Rama’s message to Sita.

At that time Trijata, the daughter of Vibhisana came and told that she had a dream last night and in that dream she saw Rama in brilliant while clothes with Sita, riding on an effulgent chariot drawn by while horses. She also saw Ravana dressed in black asses and his chariot and all other relatives and friends were sinking in a heap of stool. The rakshasis were expert in interpreting dreams and they went to Ravana to tell him what they had heard.

Hanuman meets Sita

Meanwhile Hanuman was wondering how to approach Sita. So he very intelligently began to recite Lord Rama’s pastimes and hearing the recitation Sita looked up and she saw, in the tree, a small monkey sitting and offering obeisances. Sita became afraid and asked him whether he is Ravana in disguise. Hanuman explained to her that he was servant and a messenger of Lord Ramacandra. I have come to tell you that Rama is waiting for you, he sent me to search for you and as evidence He gave me this ring to show to you.

This was the ring which Sita gave to Rama at the time of Their marriage. When Sita saw the ring, she put it on her heart and started crying. Sita told Hanuman her plight and Hanuman told Sita about Rama’s plight. Hanuman said please give me something that I can present to Rama on your behalf. Sita said I will give you something in the form of a message. There is a story that no one in the world knows except Rama and me.

Sita narrated the story, “When we were living together in Chitakot. One day on the banks of Mandakani Ganga we were sitting on a rock and enjoying the beautiful ambience. I told Rama that this place is more beautiful than Ayodhya. At that time Indra’s son assumed the form of a demoniac crow and came to test us. Right in front of Rama that crow attacked me. In anger Rama picked up a blade of grass and threw it towards the crow. The crow ran all over the universe but nobody could give him shelter. Finally the crow came back and took shelter of Lord Ramacandra and begged forgiveness. Rama gave shelter to the crow. Rama told him, “I cannot release a weapon without doing something.” So painlessly He took out one of the crow’s eyes. And the Lord stated that anyone who takes shelter of me with sincere heart whatever they have done I must protect them and give them shelter.” Sita told Hanuman to narrate this story to Lord Rama and from her soiled cloth she took out a dazzling yellow jewel and asked him to give it to Rama.

Then Hanuman bowed his head and asked her to climb on his back and he will carry her across the ocean. Now at time Hanuman was just a tiny monkey and Sita wondered how he could possibly do that. Hanuman increased his size. But Sita told him there are many reasons why I cannot come with you. When you are flying over the ocean, the strong winds will make me fall off and I’ll be eaten by the dangerous aquatics in the ocean. If Ravana’s army sees you taking me on your back they will attack you and how will you fight all of them with me on the back. Besides that I had vowed never to touch any man except my beloved Rama. And most important of all is, for Rama’s fame to be known forever it is necessary for Him to come and conquer Ravana. With this message and the gift Sita asked Hanuman to return to Rama.

Hanuman burns Lanka

Hanuman went back to his little monkey size and he wanted to do some extra service. He wanted to see the power of Ravana’s forces and he wanted to see Ravana face to face and reveal his heart.

He started to destroy the Ashoka Vana. When the rakshasis saw this they reported it to Ravana. Ravana sent 80,000 soldiers to fight with Hanuman. He picked up an iron rod from a nearby fence and began to fight with the army and in no time he killed them all. He then pulverized a beautiful temple which was very dear to Ravana. Then Ravana sent Jambumali and Hanuman slayed him too.

Then Ravana sent one of the prince. His name was Aksha. Ravana had personally trained him in war skills. A great fight ensued between Hanuman and Aksha and ultimately Hanuman picked him and whirled him around and smashed him on the ground. He was dead. When Ravana heard this he was struck with sorrow and fury. He then sent Indrajit and a formidable battle took place between Hanuman and Indrajit. Indrajit released a brahmastra which was predominated by a ‘naga’. Hanuman decided to be voluntarily defeated by Indrajit. He wanted to see Ravana. So Indrajit captures Hanuman and brought him in the court.

Hanuman began to chastise Ravana. He said, “You are a coward, why didn’t you face Rama. I am just a monkey and there are millions more powerful than me. Above all the Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Ramacandra is there and He will destroy you.” Ravana could not tolerate this and he ordered the soldiers to kill him. At that time Vibhisana intervened and said that according to the codes of ksatriya conduct a messenger can never be killed. You can beat him or punish him in any other way but you cannot kill him. So Ravana ordered that Hanuman’s tail be put on fire. They wrapped a large quantity of cloth around his tail, soaked it in oil and put it on fire.

When Hanuman’s tail was put on fire, he felt that fire to be cool and refreshing. He immediately understood that it is only because of Mother Sita’s prayers. He then reduced in size and slipped right out of the ropes and began to jump from one building to another. Within a short time all the buildings were on fire. In any situation a devotee sees how he can serve Lord Sri Krishna in that situation.

Ravana had ordered to put Hanuman’s tail on fire and now the same fire had burned entire Lanka. This is a principle of dharma.When we do something against someone who is dear to the Lord that very thing we do, will undo us. For every action there is a reaction either in this life or the next. Any pain we cause to others, through our words or through our actions, it is going to come back and burn us. That is the law. From another perspective of the devotee, whatever be the situation he is always thinking how to use it for Lord Sri Krishna’s service.

Hanuman’s returns

After burning Lanka Hanuman puts off the fire on his tail. Then he went to the top of the mountain and shouted “Jai Sri Rama” and leaped back. Meanwhile Angada and others were waiting anxiously and suddenly they saw in the sky the form of Hanuman roaring the names of Rama. They knew by the sound of his voice that he was victorious.

He told the whole story to Angada and his colleagues. All the monkey were very happy and they started for Kishkindha. While on the way they came to Madhuvan forest. This was Sugriva’s favorite forest. The monkeys began to destroy the entire forest and when the guard came to stop them, they slapped the guard. The guard went to Sugriva to inform what was happening. Sugriva said that if they are so jubilant means they must have found Sita. He asked them to meet Rama and myself.

Along with Sugriva they went to the top of the mountain called Prasavana or Malyavanta, where Rama was residing. Rama was so very eager to hear. Hanuman told him the entire story. Rama with tears in His eyes and heart melting listened to everything. Hanuman told Him the message of Sita. Then he told about his meeting with Ravana and the burning of the city. Then he gave the yellow jewel to Rama. Lord Rama said to Hanuman, Indra gave this jewel to Maharaj Janaka and Maharaj Janaka, on the day of our marriage, gave this jewel to Sita.”

Ultimate reward

Rama was overcome with emotions and He began to praise Hanuman for his valor. Rama said, “Hanuman, there is no devotee so pure and so great as yourself. What Sita said is true. How is it possible for anyone to cross over that ocean. How is it possible for anyone to face Ravana and his armies and survive. But you did it all for me, out of love. Only Garuda or Vayu could have possibly done it and you did it. Hanuman you have gone way beyond the call of duty. Your surrender, your love, you are willing to take all risk, just conquered My heart. When someone comes to give such good news, it is our duty to reward them. But I am living in exile in the forest. I have nothing to give you. All I have Hanuman is My profuse gratitude and My infinite love in the form of My embrace.”

Then Lord Rama, from His heart of hearts, He put His arms around Hanuman and pressed Hanuman intimately to His own heart. Hanuman considered this as the supreme fortune. Lord Caitanya taught,

na dhanam na janam na sundarim kavitam va jagad-isa kamaye

mama janmani janmanisvare bhavatad bhaktir ahaituki tvayi

“I do not want wealth or the beautiful company of the opposite sex, nor do I want power, great scholarship, fame. I don’t even want liberation from suffering. I don’t want mystic powers. I only want one thing, let me by your servant birth after birth after birth.”

One of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura’s final instruction to all of us is that our supreme aspiration in life should be to become the dust at the feet of Sri Rupa and Sri Raghunatha Das Goswami. That means to see that the greatest honor, the greatest privilege and the greatest of all goals is to be the servant of the servant of the servant of the servant of the Lord’s devotees.

In that embrace Lord Sri Ramacandra awarded Hanuman the ultimate position of the servant of the Lord. The supreme perfection of everything we do is according to how we please Lord Sri Krishna, the Supreme Lord. Hanuman conquered Ramacandra’s heart. This is the power of devotion. Lord Krishna confessed to gopis, “Your love for Me is so pure, you have given up everything for My pleasure. I have no power to repay you. Even with all that I have and all the material and spiritual worlds for an entire lifetime of Brahma, I cannot repay you for your love. Please just accept that love itself as the compensation.”

This is the supreme greatness of the Lord. He is atmaram, completely self-satisfied. But He was conquered and feels Himself indebted and unable to pay the devotees for their love.

In Sri Rama’s embrace of Hanuman He revealed this secret of all secrets, the highest revelation of the Vedas, that Bhakti that culminates in Prema. Undivided, unmotivated pure love conquers the unconquerable. The embrace of the Lord is the eternal liberation and eternal satisfaction of the soul. Nothing else could give such happiness. That is what Rama bestowed upon Hanuman.

Then Lord Rama looked around to all the monkeys around and expressed His concern, “how is it going to be possible for all of us to cross the ocean.” Sugriva said, “We have faith, we will do it. Have no hesitation be happy, let us go.” On Rama’s order, the vanara dynasty marched to the sea, when Lord Rama saw the sea, there was no end to it. It seemed forever. His lamentation in separation from Sita filled His heart and He was thinking how to cross the sea.

Vibhisana’s surrender

When Ravana’s spies headed by Saardula reported to him that there are countless monkeys assembled on the shore across the ocean, Ravana decided to have special war council. He called all his generals and commanders and explained the situation to them.

Ravana said, “A first class leader does not make a decision without consulting, with open mind, wise experienced ministers, friends who have been faithful throughout life and family members who have proven their love and after taking that council and seriously considering every word of it depending upon the higher power of God or providence for right direction. A second class leader with his own intelligence searches his own heart what’s best to do and then after considering everything takes full responsibility. A third class leader is one who hastily attacks or does something serious without due consideration of the pros and cons.” The ministers were very enthusiastic. One by one they stood up, raised their weapons and began to glorify Ravana and their own prowess. They were hungry for war.

Finally Vibhisana stood up and spoke the truth. He said, “In the battle the virtuous are empowered to have ultimate victory and the sinful are doomed to defeat. Ramacandra is supremely virtuous and rakshasas are sinful. We cannot stand before Him. These men are not your friends. All of these generals are simply telling you what you want to hear and not speaking the truth.”

Vibhisana then told Ravana about Khar and Dushana, when they attacked Ramacandra. Lord Ramacandra single handedly destroyed their entire army of 14,000 soldiers in just two hours. He is not a mortal, Ramacandra is the Supreme Lord and His wrath can destroy the whole universe.

Vibhisana said, “Stealing Sita devi was sinful. Please return Sita devi to Ramacandra or we will perish. Ramacandra will forgiveyou. Just beg forgiveness and return Sita otherwise you and your entire dynasty will be destroyed and you will be the cause of it.”

Next day morning Vibhisana again went to meet Ravana and again tried to counsel him Ravana was very disturbed. He said to Vibhisana, “Why do you question my prowess. No one can defeat me. I will defeat Rama. Single handedly I can wipe out the entire monkey army. Why do you question me? I cannot give Sita. There will be war.” Vibhisana was devastated. There is nothing else he could do. But still he was going to try.

Ravana then called all his greatest war generals in the assembly hall. Ravana told them that his heart has been captivated by Sita and he cannot give her up. He told them a lie. He said that Sita promised him that if Rama does not come to take her away within a year then she will be mine.

Someone told him that you have strength of thousands of elephants and Sita is just a little girl, why don’t you enjoy her by force. Ravana then revealed a secret, once he was infatuated by seeing the beauty of heavenly damsel Rambha. He chased after her and forcibly enjoyed her. She went to her husband Nalakuvera. He was so devastated that he cursed me that if I ever try to enjoy any woman without her independent consent, then my head will break into hundreds of pieces. Lord Brahma confirmed this curse upon me. So I cannot enjoy Sita by force. She has to submit to me and she will never submit to me till she has hope that Rama will come to rescue her. Hearing this all the generals gave their full support to Ravana and agreed for war.

At that time Vibhisana stood up and said, “Who has put this venomous serpent around you. Sita is like a serpent; Her charming smile her fangs; Her shapely form is her coils; Her caste faithful love for Lord Ramacandra is like the venomous poison that is going to be the cause of your death. Give up Sita and live. By fighting with Rama you are putting a noose around your own neck.”

At that time Indrajit began to brag about his prowess. Vibhisana chastised Indrajit. When Ravana heard Vibhisana chastising his son, he became furious. He stared into his eyes and said, “It is better to live with a venomous snake then with someone who is taking the shelter of your enemy.”

He then rejected Vibhisana and asked him to get out of Lanka. Lord Sri Krishna says in Bhagavad-Gita, within every heart there is a divine and the demoniac nature by the choices we make and by our own seriousness in our spiritual practice we are meant to cultivate and give strength to our divie nature and subdue this demonic nature that is within us.

Shurpanakha wanted to enjoy Rama and kill Sita devi, Ravana wanted to enjoy Sita and kill Rama and Vibhisana wanted to return Sita to Rama and offer loving devotion. They are living in the same place. In a similar way in our own hearts we have Shurpanakha’s tendencies, Ravana’s tendencies and deep down we have our eternal natural Vibhisana’s tendencies. We can cleanse the heart of the anarthas of Ravana and Shurpanakha by taking shelter of Lord Himself and in this age of Kali the Lord is there to annihilate these demons within and empower the divinity within us by the chanting of the holy names.

After being chastised by Ravana, Vibhisana and his four faithful ministers ascended in the sky. From there he looked down and spoke these final words to his brother, “I have honestly tried to help you. But I cannot tolerate harsh words against me, nor can I tolerate your sinful attachment to Sita. On this very day I am going to leave behind my family, wealth and everything I have and I renounce you.

Sugriva and other monkey soldiers saw Vibhisana and his four ministers in the sky and were about to attack them. Vibhisana said that he had come to take shelter of Lord Ramacandra. Sugriva went to Lord Rama and informed him about Vibhisana. Lord Rama asked them what He should do with Vibhisana. Sugriva said, they are demons, by nature they are deceitful and they cannot be trusted. Jambavan had similar opinion. Finally Lord asked Hanuman for his opinion.

Hanuman said, “Vibhisana is honest. While in Lanka he was constantly advising Ravana to give back Sita devi. We should immediately accept him to be one of our family members. He wants shelter, please give him shelter.” Lord Ramacandra very much appreciated Hanuman’s words.

Lord Rama’s vow

Lord Ramacandra then spoke His immortal words, “Anyone whoever they may be, who sincerely take shelter of Me and honestly says, even once, that from this day on my Lord I take Your shelter, I have to give him shelter. I declare this vow before all of you. Even if Ravana himself were to come to me today and with a sincere and honest heart seek shelter of Me, I will give him shelter.”

Upon hearing this all the monkeys were weeping in ecstasy to see the nature of Lord Ramacandra’s mercy. They all shouted “Jai Sri Rama”.

What it really means by surrender. It is not just our words. To take shelter means to sincerely repent for one’s past misgivings, to vow to give up one’s misbehavior and to give one’s heart and take shelter of the Lord who has appeared in His holy names:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare |

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare ||

Then Vibhisana came down from the sky and surrendered his life to Lord Ramacandra. Rama told him that in days to come He will conquer Ravana and he would be the future king. Lord then coronated Vibhisana as the king of Lanka here - Kothandaramaswamy Temple. Lord Ramacandra asked Vibhisana, how to cross the ocean and Vibhisana told Him that He should ask Samudra dev for help.

Meanwhile Ravana sent Shuka to somehow convince Sugriva to give up Rama’s side. When Shuka came in the form of a bird and delivered this message, all the monkeys became enraged and they started beating him. Shuka cried out for Rama and Rama called for him. Rama said, he has taken shelter of Me. Release him. Shuka went back and told Ravana what had happened and requested him that he should better give Sita devi back or else Lanka will be destroyed.

Requesting Samudra dev

On Vibhisana’s advice that He should ask Samudra dev’s help in order to cross the ocean to Lanka, Lord Ramacandra came to the shore of the ocean at this very place in Thirupullani and began to meditate upon the god of the sea, Samudra dev. He laid on ‘kusha’ grass in meditation. Lord Ramacandra is the Supreme Absolute truth and He is teaching the most exemplary behavior which is to honor people who have high responsibility.

Lord Caitanya said that the following of Vaishnava etiquette is the ornament that makes the devotee beautiful in the eyes of Lord Sri Krishna. Unless the Lord reveals it we would never understand what Vaishnava etiquette is. Lord Caitanya, while embarking on His South India tour, took blessing and permission of all the Vaishnavas. In every moment of Sri Caitanya Caritamrta and Sri Caitanya Bhagavat there is this beautiful jewel of Vaishnava etiquette which is based on humility, respect and an eagerness to serve and receive blessings and give blessings.

Lord Ramacandra laid on the ‘kusha’ grass meditating and praying in His heart for Samudra dev, the king of the sea to come before Him to resolve this very serious dilemma. A huge army had assembled on the shore of the ocean but except Hanuman no one could cross the ocean. Rama prayed while fasting for 3 days and nights. But Samudra dev didn’t come. He was not following any etiquette. The core reason why someone makes aparadha is due to arrogance or the false ego.

Lord Rama expressed His emotions as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He turned to Laxmana and said, “This king of ocean is so arrogant. I have been sitting here fasting for three days and three nights and he doesn’t say anything. This is because people who are too much intoxicated by material power and influence don’t take seriously the humble appeals of others. With all humility, politeness and gentleness I have been coming to him. But such a wretched state of consciousness he is in that he is thinking humility is a weakness. He is thinking brute force and harshness is real strength. Arrogant people respect arrogance. But I will devastate his arrogance, on this very day I will dry up the ocean into dry desert.”

Lord Rama was enraged. He took His powerful bow and shot 100 arrows. Within second the sea started to boil. The sea became so agitated and the waves were so huge that even the whales, alligators and sharks were flying in the air and falling back into the ocean.

Rama could not be pacified by Laxmana or the other great sages. Rama invoked the Brahmastra and in fear the sea receded ten miles. At that moment Samudra dev arose from the ocean. He wore beautiful garments and jewels. With all humility he prostrated at the lotus feet of Ramacandra and begged forgiveness. Lord forgave him and gave him shelter.

Rama asked him, “Please tell us how we can cross this ocean.” Samudra dev said that in the monkey army there is Nala, who is the son of Viswakarma, the architect and designer of the demigods. He knows the art of construction and You make him the in charge for building a bridge. Samudra dev assured that no aquatics will disturb the building of the bridge and the stones will float on the waters of the ocean.

Building the sethu (bridge)

Nala was very excited. He called all the leaders of the army and told them what to do. The monkey soldiers began to collect materials for the bridge. They started bringing huge stones, mountain peaks, trunk of trees and started stacking them on the shore. Nala also asked them to collect tons and tons of vines and creepers which would be used to tie the stones together.

According to their particular strength they were bringing entire mountains and under Nala’s direction they began to throw them in the ocean. They had the task of building a bridge 80 miles wide and 800 miles long. On the first day of the construction of the bridge they covered 100 miles and the next day they completed 150 miles. Within 5 days they built a seamless and perfectly symmetrical bridge.

Lord Ramacandra wanted to show the world that if His devotees just put aside their ego for a common cause of serving the Supreme Lord and work together for that cause, there is unlimited divine power that He gives them.

Srila Prabhupada said, “The strength of our society (ISKCON) is our unity.” He quoted, united we stand, divided we fall. He gave the example of how it is easy to break one stick but when they are stacked together they cannot be broken. In the same way on our own, maya will break us but if we are united, united in the service of Lord Sri Krishna, in the service of Guru and Vaishanavas then maya has no power to break us.

One of Srila Prabhupada’s last instruction was, “You can show your love for me by how you cooperate.” It was not only for the purpose of pushing this great movement but it was also out of great compassion for each and every one of us, because we need each other. Yes, whatever differences those monkeys may have had, it did not matter. They had a mission to achieve and it was urgent and they worked together and the Lord empowered them to build the greatest bridge ever made.

Marching to Lanka

Sugriva told Sri Rama that Hanuman will take You on his back and Angada will take Laxmana on his back and we will all follow. Meanwhile Vibhisana and his four ministers were on the other side of Lanka, guarding the bridge. Now these millions of monkeys had no weapons but Ravana’s army had the most sophisticated weapons. According to material considerations there was no possibility of victory for the monkey army. But because they had Lord Ramacandra on their side, their victory was guaranteed. Real victory is not based on material calculations of what we have; it is based on the grace of God.

The monkey army arrived on the shores of Lanka and made their base. Ravana wanted to create fear in the heart of the monkey soldiers. So he asked his rakshasa soldiers to start beating the war drums and create tumultuous sound. But instead of creating fear that sound excited the monkeys and they started roaring loudly. Their roar was so deafening that nobody could hear the sound of the war drums.

Espionage

Ravana sent two his most confidential men, who were trained in espionage. Their name was Shuka and Sharana. They disguised themselves as monkeys and entered into Rama’s army. As they were wandering through Vibhisana immediately recognized them. The monkey soldiers caught them and started beating them. They cried out, “Rama please save us.” Upon hearing their cries Lord Rama told to release them. He then told Vibhisana to explain their entire plan and whatever else they wanted to know. And tell them to give this message to Ravana, “I am still giving him one more chance. Give back Sita otherwise we are going to destroy him.”

When they returned to Lanka, Ravana asked them what had happened. They explained the entire situation and told Ravana that millions of monkey soldiers have surrounded Lanka. The entire bridge, which is 800 miles and 80 miles wide, is filled with monkeys waiting to get in Lanka. Millions more are waiting on the shore to get on the bridge and reach Lanka. And they are all shouting loudly to kill you. Shuka and Sharana explained the might of Rama and Laxmana. Ravana screamed at them, “You are traitors, I will kill you. I hate you. I could not care less for all the years of service you have done for me. Get out of my sight.”

Ravana’s trick

Ravana wanted to get Sita by another trick. There was one rakshasa who was a magician. He was expert at creating illusions. His name was Vidyujeeva. Ravana had him construct a head that looked just like Rama’s. The next morning Ravana came to Ashoka van and spoke to Sita, “Now you have no reason for not surrendering to me. When the monkey army along with Rama and Laxmana reached on the shore, they were very tired. They all went to sleep and while they were sleeping my army headed by Prahasta attacked them and butchered them all.” Then Ravana uncovered the illusory head of Rama. Upon seeing that, Sita was struck with intense grief and she began to lament and cry. At that time Ravana received a message that war has begun and that he is required on the battlefield.

At that time Sarma, the devoted wife of Vibhisana came to Sita and pacified her. She explained to her that it was Ravana’s trick and that head was an illusory head. Rama is still living and He has crossed the ocean. He is about to attack Ravana and very soon you will be reunited with Rama.

The War

Ravana stood on a wall looking out. At that time Sugriva, who was standing on a mountain with Rama, saw Ravana and could not control his rage. He leaped towards Ravana and a fierce wrestling pursued. They both were very strong and neither could defeat other in physical strength. Sugriva realized that he could not confront Ravana in his supernatural powers, so he jumped back where Rama was. Rama rebuked Sugriva for this hasty step. Sugriva apologized for his act.

The war began and all the while Vibhisana was at Rama’s side giving him valuable advice. After days of battle, Ravana and Lord Ramacandra were face to face in the battlefield.

Ravana dead

What a battle that was, they were fighting and fighting for days. The demigods were watching and all the monkey soldiers were watching. Everyone was amazed and wonderstruck. The result of this war was going to decide the future of the universe. Rama decided that it was getting dark and he must kill Ravana. So Rama began to cut his arms and head. But as Rama cut one of his heads another will grow back immediately. Rama was thinking how to kill him. At that time Vibhisana told him that Ravana has a benediction from Brahma. He can be killed only if you dry up the nectar which is there in his heart. Vibhisana reminded Rama to use the weapon which was given to Him by Agastya muni.

Ramacandra invoked the weapon and chanted the Aditya Varna mantra. The shaft of that arrow was presided by Vyu, the plumes by Agni and the tip by Surya. Rama pulled it back, chanted the mantra and released the arrow. A deafening thunder shook the earth. That arrow was effulgent like millions of suns. He blinded all the directions as it soared through the air and struck the chest of Ravana. That arrow dried up the nectar from the heart of Ravana and came out of his chest and went into the earth. Ravana’s mouths vomited blood, his eyes rolled; he spun around in total disorientation and fell from his chariot onto the ground dead.

As soon as Ravana was dead the monkey soldiers began to rejoice and celebrate. On the other hand, Vibhisana, out of natural love for his brother, began to cry. He hated his behavior but he loved him. The quality of a saint is to hate the disease, but love the person suffering from the disease. The disease of ignorance, avidya, which is the cause of all the symptoms that Ravana personified, Lust, envy, anger, pride, greed and illusion. Ravana’s wives, headed by Mandodari, came out running, weeping and crying. Now they were widows.

Rama wanted to pacify Vibhisana. He told him that Ravana died a glorious death. For a kshatriya to die in the battlefield is the fulfillment of their dharma. I killed him with My arrow so he will achieve the highest most auspicious destination. Rama then told Vibhisana to perform the last rites. But Vibhisana was hesitant. He said Ravana was so

cruel and caused so much pain to so many people, I cannot perform his final rites Rama said, “All the cruelty and negativity is gone now. The soul is pure and divine. You must help him become liberated forever. Never hold grudge against anyone. Be the instrument of My compassion.”

They put Ravana’s body on the funeral fire and Vibhisana lit it and before everyone’s eyes all that was left of this great conqueror, on the physical platform, was a pile of ashes. Then Rama told Laxmana to officially coronate Vibhisana as the king of Lanka.

Reunion

Then Rama told Hanuman to go and inform Sita that the war was over and Ravana was dead. Hanuman walked freely through the pathways and came straight to Ashoka van where Sita was sitting under a tree and crying. Hanuman gave her the news and for the first time in last 10 months she became very joyful. She wanted to give many jewels and pearls to Hanuman but she had nothing. So she said, “All I have to give you is my gratitude.” Hanuman replied, “Seeing your joy is the only thing that I want.”

Then Lord Rama told Vibhisana to go and inform Sita to take her bath, decorate herself nicely and come to see Him. Sita was very eager to meet Rama. She decorated herself nicely. They put her in a palanquin and brought her to see Rama. Rama asked Vibhisana why is Sita riding on a palanquin, she should walk on foot, this confused everyone.

She beheld the beautiful face of Lord Rama but He had no emotions on his face, total gravity. She was so confused. Everyone was looking on. They could not believe what He was doing.

Lord Ramacandra then spoke, “For the sake of demigods I have conquered Ravana and as My dharma I have rescued you. I have no attachment for anything but dharma. Now I am going to become the king of Ayodhya and a king must be beyond all suspicion. You have spent ten months in the house of another man. I cannot accept you back. You could stay wherever you like.”

She fell to the ground crying. Her heart was absolutely shattered. No pain was greater than the pain of being rejected by Rama. She could not even speak. She was crying incessantly. Everyone was crying except Rama.

She looked at Laxmana and said, “If you are not willing to accept me, if you think that I have not been chaste and faithful towards Rama. Then I will give up my life by entering into fire.” She ordered Laxmana to start the fire. Laxmana looked at Rama pleading please don’t let her do this. But Rama just nodded His head and said “do it”.

Laxmana’s hands were shaking. He started the fire. Then Sita weeping tears of love circumambulated Rama. Her hands folded she looked into the fire and spoke, “If even for a single moment I was not absorbed in thinking about You, my beloved Lord Rama, then let this fire burn me. But if I was completely chaste as your loving servant, without cessation, then this fire cannot do anything to me.” With these words she entered fire. Everyone was weeping and crying. At that point even Lord Rama could not contain His emotions His heart broke and he wept Sita was gone in the fire.

Suddenly Agni dev emerged from the fire with Sita in his arms. He said, “I have tested her. She has been completely faithful and chaste her surrender and love is absolutely spotless.”

Rama was overjoyed. He smiled tears in His eyes he accepted Sita. Whatever sorrow that was there for those 10 months was gone. Demigods began to shower flowers and sang the glories of Sita and Rama.

Lord Ramacandra returns

Lord Ramacandra along with His army returned to Rameswaram. At that time Vibhisana approached Lord Ramacandra and requested Him that “this beautiful sethu (bridge) which we have built is so good, but it gives easy access to Lanka and in future some demoniac kings may attack Lanka or some rakshasa may come over and cause disruption here. So please break this bridge”.

So upon the request of Vibhisana Lord Ramacandra took His bow and with one end of the bow He cut the bridge into 3 parts and the bridge was destroyed. The two oceans (Bay of Bengal and Indian ocean) which were separated by the bridge, merged together.

Sri Ramacandra called for all the holy waters and tirthas of the entire universe to enter universe to enter into Dhanushkodi Tirtham. All the heavenly tirthas personified came there and filled up the sea where the bridge was broken. The place is so beautiful that Lord Ramacandra and Sita devi bathed here. Lord Rama said, “Anyone who comes here will be liberated from material bondage and We will shower Our mercy on them.”

Lord’s Atonement

On His way back after killing Ravana, Agatsya Muni and other rishis were praising Lord Ramacandra for His greatness. At that time Lord Ramacandra told them that “even though Ravana was a rakshasa, he was the grandson of Brahma and the son of a great Brahman Visrava. I must atone for the sin of killing Ravana.” There was no need for the Lord to perform such atonement. But it was His noble, humble nature.

The sages told Lord Ramacandra that Ravana was a great devotee of Siva, who gave him great benediction. So You should perform pooja to Lord Siva. You should get a Siva lingam from Kailash and worship that Siva linga. So Lord Ramacandra told Hanuman to get a Siva linga from Kailash. Hanuman went to Kailash and began to perform tapasya. But it was getting late and the auspicious time for the pooja was passing. So Sita devi with her own hands, made a Siva linga out of sand. Lord Ramacandra performed pooja to the Siva linga made by Sita devi. At that time Hanuman returned with the Siva linga but he felt very sad that he could not serve Lord Ramacandra Lord Ramacandra then told Hanuman that he could remove this Siva lingamade by Sita devi and place the Siva linga that he has brought from Kailash. Hanuman tried to remove the Siva linga but he was unsuccessful. He wrapped his tail around the Siva linga and jumped but Siva linga didn’t move. Hanuman lifted mountains but he could not move a Siva linga. Hanuman was humbled and he understood that all the strength of the devotees is coming from Srimati Sita devi.

Then Lord Ramacandra told Hanuman that you install your Siva linga next to Sita devi’s and I command all My devotees that they should first worship the Siva linga brought by you and then they should worship the Siva linga made by Sita devi.

Then Lord Siva and Parvati appeared and proclaimed that anyone who bathes in Dhanushkoti and then worships me here, I will liberate them. Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 12 chapter 13 verse 16 describes “vaisnavam yatha sambhuh” Lord Siva is the greatest Vaishnava. When Lord Ramacandra worshipped Siva that was an expression of His love towards His devotees. Similarly Lord Sri Krishna worshipped Sudama vipra and Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu danced before the deity of Lord Siva.

Lord explains, mad-bhakta-pujabhyadhika, that worship of My devotee is better than worshipping Me directly. Lord Ramacandra taught us by His own example that how even He is eager to be the servant of the servant of the servant of His devotees.

Bhakti

After the war of Lanka was over and Ravana was dead, Lord Ramacandra asked Hanuman to get Sita. After 10 months of intense separation from her beloved, she was seeing Rama. She was very elated and she drank the beauty of Sri Rama through her lotus like eyes. Tears of ecstasy filled her eyes and her heart was overflowing with happiness.

Relationship between the Lord and His devotees are of two types: Vipralamba and Sambhoga. Vipralamba is state of separation between the Lord and His devotees and Sambhoga is the state of union. Vipralamba causes one’s love for the Lord to find shelter deeper in the innermost recesses of our heart and Sambhoga causes that joy to come out. The experience of the intensity of meeting is so much enhanced after separation.

Actually there can be no separation from the Lord for anyone. Lord Sri Krishna explains in Bhagavad-Gita chapter 18 verse 61,

isvarah sarva-bhutanam hrd-dese ’rjuna tisthati
bhramayan sarva-bhutani yantrarudhani mayaya

The Lord is situated as Paramatma, the supersoul in the heart of every living being. The Upanishads explain that the soul and the Supersoul are like two birds sitting on the same tree. One of the birds is busy trying to enjoy the fruits of the tree and the other bird is simply observing his activities. However sinful and wretched we may become, Lord never rejects us. Even if a living entity is cast into the body of an insect, reptile or a tree, still the Lord lovingly accompanies us. But due to our own conditionings of becoming infatuated, obsessed and attached to external ego and superficial mental and physical pleasures, we have lost the ability to connect with that person who is closest to us always.

Lord comes to this world again and again to remind us that He is with us always. He speaks scriptures that give us the eternal standards of Sanatana dharma. The Lord gave this knowledge to Brahma even before the creation took place. And through him the Lord taught all of us the purpose of creation and how to live in this creation. The Lord reveals through the hearts of His devotes the direction and the inspiration by which we can be reconnected with Him.

Lord Sri Krishna explains in the Bhagavad-Gita, bhaktya tv ananyaya sakya aham evam-vidho ‘rjuna, “My dear Arjuna, only by undivided devotional service can I be understood as I am, standing before you, and can thus be seen directly.”

It is not by our intelligence, our knowledge, our tapasya, our managerial skills, our physical strength, our wealth, there is no material method by which we could see God. It is possible only when the Lord by His infinite grace reveals Himself to us.Bhagavad-Gita chapter 4 verse 11 states:

ye yatha mam prapadyante tams tathaiva bhajamy aham
mama vartmanuvartante manusyah partha sarvasah

The Lord reveals Himself according to our surrender, according to how we take shelter. Bhakti is that science by which we take shelter and as long as there is false ego, we cannot really take shelter. It is superficial.

daivi hy esa guna-mayi mama maya duratyaya
mam eva ye prapadyante mayam etam taranti te

(Bhagavad-Gita chapter 7 verse 14)

When we realize that without the help of the Lord there is no hope, then we can take shelter of the Lord and then the Lord reveals Himself when we approach Him with love.

Sita is the hiadini shakti, the pleasure potency of the Lord. She is the source of all love. Rama or Krishna or Narayana is theshaktiman, the Supreme object of everyone’s love. And His eternal consort is the Supreme abode of love, the supreme whole of all love. The jiva is Krishna’s infinitesimal part and parcel and our love for the Lord is also part and parcel of the love of Sita, Radha or Laxmi. The greatest mystery of all the shastra is how the Supreme Lord becomes subordinate to the love of His devotees. Sridama defeats Krishna. Krishna’s expansion - Maha Vishnu creates the entire cosmic manifestation by exhaling and annihilates by inhaling. How could a little cowherd boy defeat Krishna. Krishna takes greater pleasure by being defeated by the love of His devotee. Krishna who is feared by the fear personified is in fear of Yashoda mayi who was a simple gopi. This is the power of Bhakti.

Testing Sita

So the supreme reservoir of bhakti, Sita devi, after ten months of separation is standing before Sri Rama. It is like seeing the sun after long period of darkness. But the Lord’s expressions were very grave. He practically ignored her. Lord told her, “Since you have stayed for 10 months in the house of another man, I cannot accept you. You can go wherever you like. I have performed my dharma for the sake of the demigods.” Upon hearing these words she fell to the ground crying and weeping. Everyone present was crying, except Rama. The peak of her joy crashed down into the lowest depth of sorrow and pain. She was devastated. She looked at Laxmana and told him to start fire. Laxmana looked at Rama as if asking, “Why are You doing this?” But Sri Rama simply nodded His head, and that nod meant, “Yes Laxmana, start the fire.”

With trembling hands Laxmana collected the wood and started fire. Sita very gently circumambulated Rama and then she circumambulated fire and spoke, “If even for a moment, my mind is not in faithful and chaste remembrance of Lord Rama, then this fire burns me.” After offering her obeisances to Rama, she entered into fire. The flames were so huge that no one could see anything. Everyone began to cry, even Lord Rama broke down and began to cry.

Suddenly Agni, the presiding deity of fire, appeared with Sita in his arms. She was dressed with beautiful clothes, garlanded with a mala of fresh celestial flowers. Agnideva testified that there was not a single moment when she was not having the thought of Your pure loving devotional service. Upon hearing this Ram was thrilled. He smiled and welcomed Sita back home by His loving embrace. Then Rama explained to her that He never had any doubts upon her chastity and purity. But being the king He had to set a proper example and also He wanted to glorify Sita for her purity and chastity.

Returning to Ayodhya

At that time Lord Siva appeared and proclaimed that the 14 years of Rama’s exile is finished, and now He can return to Ayodhya where everyone is waiting for Him. Then Lord Siva pointed into the sky where Maharaja Dasratha was riding on a celestial airplane. Maharaja Dasratha came down from his chariot, embraced Lord Sri Ramacandra and sat beside Him. Dasratha Maharaja said, “Living in Indra’s abode is a good, but it cannot compare to this moment of being reunited with You my son. The ultimate happiness of my life will be when You return to Ayodhya and rule the kingdom.” He then embraced Laxmana, showered his love on Sita and returned to his abode.

Sri Rama looked at Vibhisana and asked him how to return to Ayodhya. Vibhisana said, “Pushpak, the celestial chariot, which was originally with Kuvera but was stolen by Ravana, is now Yours.” At that time Pushpak descended and Lord Rama along with Sita and Laxmana ascended. Sugriva asked if they could also accompany the Lord and witness His coronation. Lord Rama agreed and all the monkey soldiers boarded the Pushpak. Lord then asked Vibhisana to also come along. As they were flying in Pushpak, Lord showed various places to Sita, where They had performed pastimes. As the plane was flying over Kishkindha, Lord asked all the monkeys to get their families also.

Before the Lord boarded the Pushpak, many demigods came to offer blessings to the Lord. Lord Rama asked Indra to revive all the monkey soldiers who had been wounded or died in the war. Indra poured celestial water on the monkeys and they all got revived with healthy bodies. He then asked Vibhisana to give abundant wealth to each of the monkey who had risked their lives for His sake.

The Lord on every level felt indebted to His devotees. What is really beautiful in this story is not the jewels or gold that gave them happiness, it was the Lord’s love being expressed through them that made them happy. The Lord is bhavagrahi janardana, He does not accept the things, He accepts the mood in which they is offered. When one is doing puja to the archa murti, Krishna does not need your little lamp of light, it is not as if He cannot see without it. There are Kamdhenu cows who can give unlimited amounts of milk and ghee. Lord says that He is the light of the sun. So He doesn’t need our things but because the Lord has instructed and when we offer with love Lord accepts our offerings.

As Lord told, Vibhisana gave them abundant wealth, for what they have done for Him. It’s not the healthy bodies or wealth made them happy but everything they were given melted their hearts because it was the Lord’s way of expressing His infinite love and gratitude towards them. So this is reciprocation. It is the intent that gives pleasure to the Lord when we offer anything. When a devotee is in the sunshine, there is a little pleasure thinking how nice the sun is here to keep me warm and give me light. But how much more happiness when we feel that it is the Lord’s love, Lord’s compassion that I am getting through this sunlight. Whatever health I have that is Lord’s love and grace towards me. When we recognize the Lord’s love, we feel that love in every situation and in everything. That is a transcendental state of consciousness, when we recognize the mercy of God’s love manifesting through so many mediums.

Lord stopped at Prayaga to receive the blessings of Bharadwaja Muni. He was a great rishi staying on the bank of the confluence of three rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. Lord along with Sita and Laxmana offered obesiances. Bharadwaja muni told Lord Rama, “My disciples are regularly going to Ayodhya and getting reports for me. They are all waiting for You. Bharat is still living in Nandigram. Please do not delay; by tomorrow morning please be there at Ayodhya.”

Vibhisana had arranged for Rama’s ceremonial bath with celestial waters and royal clothes. But Lord Rama rejected it all and told that unless Bharat puts on the robes of a prince I’ll also not accept it. This was the love of the Lord for His loving devotees.

Sri Rama told Hanuman to go ahead and tell Bharat about His arrival the next morning. Lord told Hanuman to carefully study Bharat’s response, “If you sense in him even the slightest attachment that he may have in ruling the kingdom then I will make sure he remains the emperor and I will be there to serve him.”

Hanuman first went to Guha and told him to come to Ayodhya to attend Rama’s coronation. Then he arrived at Nandigram and he saw that Bharat was having matted hairs, he was wearing a black deerskin and since he had been practically fasting for last 14 years, he was emaciated. He looked very sorrowful drowning in the ocean of sorrow in separation from his brother.

Hanuman approached him and told him that Lord Rama is arriving the next morning. When Bharat heard this he swooned and fainted in ecstasy. Hanuman saw in Bharat that there was not even a trace of anything but loving service to Sri Rama. Bharat instructed his brother Shatrughna to make elaborate arrangements in Ayodhya for welcoming Lord Rama. The citizens ran to Nandigram to welcome the Lord. Everyone was very eagerly waiting and finally they saw the Pushpak in the sky. Upon seeing the Lord of their hearts, all the citizens very loudly cried out “Jai Sita Rama”.

Upon getting down from the Pushpak, Lord embraced Bharat. They could not give up each other’s embrace. Satrughna was embracing with Laxmana in such a way that all the citizens were overcome with emotion and shouted the holy names - “Jai Sita Rama”.

Lord Rama then saw His mother standing in a corner. He approached her and clasped her feet. Kaushalya picked her up and embraced Him. Maharaja Janaka, who was called by Bharat, lovingly looked upon Sita who endured so much trouble. This supreme reunion very much symbolizes the reconnection of the soul with God in the spiritual world. That type of union is waiting for each and every one of us. When in the mood of Bharat we take shelter, when in the mood of Vibhisana and Hanuman, who have taught us the standard of loving service that is the very key to the doors of Vaikuntha.

Under the supervision of Vashishtha Lord Rama’s coronation was performed. Bharat brought the sandals, and he told Sri Rama, “Your sandals are here. These sandals have ruled over the kingdom for the last 14 years. I have been just a trustee and servant. Since You have gone the power and wealth of Ayodhya have increased 10 times. This is the power of Your grace that has manifested though Your sandals. Now the kingdom is Yours.”

Beautiful chariots brought Sri Rama and Sita back into the town of Ayodhya. The celebration went on for one month. Nobody could leave. First he sent back all the kings to their kingdoms and gave them gifts for their faithfulness and kindness. Then the Lord encouraged Sugriva, Hanuman and other vanaras to return to Kishkindha.

Lord’s Reciprocation

When Sita Rama were sitting on the throne, Vayu appeared with the most incredible necklace of celestial pearls, woven together with divine jewels. He gave it to Sri Rama. Rama put it around the neck of Sita. Sita removed it and called for Hanumanji. Sita put that most precious jewelled necklace around Hanuman. It was the jewel of Sita’s love and mercy. It was Hanuman’s ultimate wealth. Rama told Hanuman, “I want to give you everything and anything, you have done so much for Me.”

Hanuman said, “Let me remain alive in this body, in this world as long as someone is chanting Your holy names. Let me live to always protect Your devotees. And let there be not a moment when I am not remembering You in loving devotion.”

Lord Ramacandra said, “As long as anyone is remembering Me or chanting My names you will remain alive and that will be as long as this creation exists.”

Then Sri Rama approached Vibhisana and told him to return to Sri Lanka and rule the kingdom. Vibhisana is the symbol ofsaranagati. He surrendered everything. He took such risk in his loving service to Sri Rama. Seeing Vibhisana’s deep attachment, Rama wanted to give him the best thing He had. He gave him His own personal murti, which was the ishtadev of Raghu dynasty for many ages. The history of this murti is very wonderful.

LORD SRI CAITANYA MAHAPRABHU AT RAMESWARAM

DURING HIS SOUTH INDIA TOUR

Ramdas Vipra’s devotion

While on His south India tour, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu stopped in Madurai, there He visited the Sunder, Ishwari and the Meenakshi temples. One day one Brahmin invited Caitanya Mahaprabhu to his home. The Lord accepted his invitation but when He reached his home for lunch, he found that nothing was prepared. So the Lord asked him, “why is there no Prasad.’ With great emotion the Brahmin replied that he was a simple forest dweller and therefore he could not prepare anything on time. He said chat Laxmana has gone to the forest to bring the ingredients so that Sita can cook and he would simply assist her. But today Laxmana has not yet returned. Lord Caitanya was very pleased with his absorption; he was completely absorbed in Ramayana. In fact he was living Ramayana.

Lord is within the heart, if you are just pretending, if something is just sentimental, it’s not pleasing to the Lord. But Ramdas Vipra was for real and he was totally absorbed in the mood of pure unalloyed devotion. One should not try to imitate that or pretend to be like that, without the purity of heart and without realization.

The Lord knows every living being’s past, present and future. Nothing artificial in our devotion will give real pleasure to the Paramatma. We have to be honest and sincere. Therefore devotees don’t try to make themselves great. If you are great then you are grateful. The more honest and sincere we are, we grow in our devotion.

vedahath samatitani vartamdnani carjuna

bhavisydni ca bhutaini math tu veda na kaisana

(Bhagavad-Gita chapter 7 verse 26)

Lord Caitanya was very happy with the genuine devotion of the Brahmin. Every day his meditation was to wait for Laxmana to bring the vegetables from the forest so that he can assist Sita in the cooking. Ramdas Vipra arranged everything by 3pm and Lord Caitanya happily accepted the offerings because it was offered with devotion. Lord Caitanya saw that the Brahmin was very sad and was fasting. So Lord asked him why he was lasting. The Brahmin replied, “How can I live when Sita Devi has been touched by Ravana.”

Lord Caitanya told that Brahmin that do not be unhappy. Sita is the supreme goddess of fortune and among the all the chaste women, she is the topmost. She is the eternal consort of Ramacandra. Her body is purely spiritual and therefore it cannot be seen or touched by anything material. Ravana was a materialistic person full of egoism, lust, envy and anger. He cannot see the spiritual body of Sita nor could he possibly touch her. It was a maya Sita, an illusory Sita that was taken by Ravana to Ashoka vana. That which is pure spiritual substance cannot be perceived by gross material senses.

We can only see the Supreme lord or His consort when our eyes are anointed with the salve of love. When we engage in the service of Hrishikesh, the Lord of the senses, our senses become purified, they become spiritualized and then we can see things as they are.

Lord Caitanya requested him to take his lunch and be happy. Ramdas Vipra had faith in the Lord’s words, because he was speaking with such deep and intimate compassion. The Lord stayed overnight and then continued his journey and eventually He came to Rameswaram.

Lord Caitanya in Rameswaram

Darbhasayana or Thirupullani: Lord Caitanya visited the ‘darbhasayana’. It is the place of Saranagati. Vibhisana surrendered to Lord Ramchandra at this place. It was here that Vibhisana gave Rama the idea that He should approach the ocean god Samudradeva and ask him the means to cross the ocean. Lord Rama sat on ‘darbha’ or kusha grass and meditated for three days but Samudradeva did not come. This enraged Him and He angrily glanced on the ocean. By the mere glance of the Lord, the ocean became agitated. Samudradeva came out with folded hands and surrendered to Lord Rama. Even the Lord of the ocean surrendered to Lord Rama at this place.

Dhanushtirtha or Dhanushkodi: Then Lord Caitanya came to Dhanushtirtha which is a very holy place. It is 12km walk from the Rameswaram temple. After Ravana was killed and Vibhisana was coronated as the king, he approached Lord Rama and requested Him that this beautiful bridge which we have built gives easy access to Lanka and makes it easier for the kings to attack Lanka. So please break the bridge. So Lord Rama cut the bridge into three pieces and that time the two oceans, which were separated by the bridge, merged together. Sri Ramacandra called for all the holy waters and tirthas of the entire universe to enter into Dhanushtirtha.

The place was so beautiful that Lord Rama and Sita devi bathed here. Vibhisana comes regularly to take his bath here. Srila Prabhupada says that anyone who bathes at this place will get liberation. Anyone who just says the word ‘Dhanushtirtha,’ while medicating on this place, will get liberation. After bathing at Dhanushtirtha, Lord Caitanya bathed in 22 other tirthas, which are in the temple of Ramanatha, each offering a special benediction. There is one more tirtha called the Agnitirtha. After Agnideva returned Sita to Lord Rama, he asked Lord Rama for a place where he could get purified because he had taken Sita away. So Lord Rama asked him to take his bath in the ocean and that place came to be known as Agnitirtha. It is said that anyone who bathes in this place will develop the quality of chastity.

Kurma Purana

Lord Caitanya then went to the temple of Rameswaram. While He was in the temple, He was hearing Hari katha with pure hearted Brahmins. During the talk He heard them discussing a section of Kurma Purana describing the story of the chaste lady. In that section the pastime of Ravana kidnapping Sita is described.

Ravana was so egoistic that he felt anything good has to be mine. This is the nature of ego. When it is inflated it cannot tolerate somebody having something that we want. It’s a condition that people spend their whole life trying to achieve, but are so foolish that they do not know that there can be no satisfaction of the heart in that state.

Hiranyakasipu was so powerful, all the demigods and sages were afraid of him and would offer their respects to him. But even though he had so much power, mysticism, wealth he was never happy because he could not control his minds and senses.

Hiranyakasipu was anxious as he thought if he cannot control Prahlada then he is his enemy. That is demoniac quality and that nature, is to some extent, present in all conditioned souls. We want things to go our way, we want people to be what we want people to be.

Real love is I accept you for who you are and you accept me for who I am and we appreciate and somehow or other we get through this life with higher principles in the middle, principles that can actually bring real love. When husband or wife or friends or god brothers or god sisters when they accept each other for who they are and instead of you being what I want you to be and I being what you want me to be, we both try to encourage each other to be what Krishna wants us to be. For a higher principle accept the differences and appreciate.

Hiranyakasipu thought if I cannot destroy my son then he will destroy me. He could not control his son and that is a great cause of anxiety in this world. We want people, we want circumstances to come out our way. We want things to be what we want them to be. But there is a problem we are not the controllers, so it’s not going to be that way. And if we expect it, to be our way, we suffer when it is not and if we don’t expect it to be how we want it to be, then we are happy.

Lord Brahma is a great personality but he also realized that when he tries to be a controller he is miserable. So when difficulties come upon us then instead of blaming the circumstances or situations if we are just grateful and thank God for that situation then we can achieve supreme liberation.

So Ravana upon hearing of Sita’s beauty became very lusty. He disguised himself and came before Sita. Sita took shelter of lire and Agnidev put her in custody of Parvati. From fire Maya Sin appeared and Ravana stole her.

According to the Sthala Purana of Tirupati once when Ravana was flying in his airplane he came over a region in Himalayas where he saw a beautiful young lady performing penances. She was extremely beautiful and had matted hairs, her name was Vedavati. Ravana approached her with the intention to enjoy her but Vedavati replied that she has taken a vow that she will only accept Lord Visnu as her husband. Once a pure sage was reciting the Vedas and a girl was born and she came to be known by the name Vedavati.

Upon hearing Vishnu’s name Ravana was enraged, he began to blaspheme Lord Visnu. He attacked her and caught her by the hairs but Vedavati, with her mystic powers, cut off her hairs with her hand. She then proclaimed that since you have touched my body I cannot bear living in this body anymore. I will take my next birth from the earth and in my next birth I will be the cause of the destruction of your dynasty. Then by her yogic powers she burst herself into ashes.

Ravana stole Vedavati in the form of Maya Sita and she had to undergo 10 months of harassment. So Sita devi requested the Lord to accept her as His wife but Rama replied that in His next incarnation He will marry her. In a later incarnation as Venkatesh, Lord married Vedavati who appeared as Padmavati at that time.

Lord Caitanya got this scripture copied and personally came to Madurai and gave it to Ramdas Vipra. When he saw this Kurma Purana he became ecstatic and offered a nice feast to Lord Caitanya.

Awakening true love

The greatest mystery is the sweetness of the nature of the love of the Lord towards the devotee and the devotee’s love towards the Lord. Lord Caitanya from His very appearance taught us how we can please Him by purifying our hearts by chanting of the holy names. He made His auspicious appearance on a lunar eclipse, which is considered inauspicious and people in order to remove that inauspiciousness were chanting the holy names of the

Lord. As a baby He was very charming and conquered everyone by His love, beauty and charm. He was a little infant and the only thing that would stop Him crying was when all the family members came together and chanted the holy names.

He began kirtans at the house of Srivas Pandita. One day He said “we are chanting in the day but wasting so many hours at night by sleeping. So for one year let us have kirtans at night also.” He then taught them how to do it. He gave them the verse, which is the key to constantly chanting the holy names.

trnad api sunicena taror iva sahisnuna

arnanina manadena kirtaniyah sada harih

To be more humble than a blade of grass, to be more tolerant than a tree, offer all respect expecting none in return. Those kirtans at Srivas Angan were the manifestation of Vrindavana Dhama. The devotees and Lord Caitanya were exchanging pure relationships benediction of chanting of the holy names.

In this age of Kali specially, the way to awaken that love is by learning the proper science of chanting the holy names of the Lord. This is why sincere chanting is so pleasing to

Krishna because if it’s done with proper service attitude, with this proper intention of humility and devotion it awakens that love and Krishna is hungry for that love.

[References: His Holiness Radhanath Swami Maharaj South India Yatra 2010 and Sri Sri Radha-Gopinatha Temple - ISKCON Chowpatty, Mumbai]

How to reach Rameshwaram:

By Air: The nearest airport is at Madurai, 163 km from Rameshwaram.

By Train: Rameshwaram is connected by rail with Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Thanjavur and other important cities. The two kilometres stretch of Indira Gandhi Bridge connects the island of Rameshwaram to the mainland of Mandapan.

By Road: Rameshwaram is well connected to Madurai, Kanyakumari, Chennai and Trichy. It is also connected to Pondicherry and Thanjavur via Madurai.

Local transportation: While traveling within the township, one may hire jeeps, auto rickshaws and even cycle rickshaw.

Rameswaram Yatra