Reasons for Ram avatar

Ram

The incarnated Ram
Devanagari राम
Sanskrit transliteration Rāma
Abode Vaikuntha
Consort Sita

The reason for which Ram takes avatar 'is just this', such cannot be said (there can be many reasons including those which no one can know). Shiva's opinion is that Ram cannot be reasoned with intellect, mind and speech. But according to the saints, the sages, the Vedas and the Puranas, whenever the Dharma (righteousness) decreases and the degraded arrogant Rakshasas (the unrighteous) increase, and they do such an injustice which cannot be described and the Brahmanas (the devotees), the cows, the Devas and the earth are in pain, then that ocean of kindness Ram assumes various types of forms to relieve the pain of the righteous. Killing the Asuras (the unrighteous) he establishes the Suras (the righteous), protects the dignity of his Vedas and spreads his pure glory in the world. This is the reason of Ram's avatar (incarnation). Singing that glory the devotees cross the ocean of this world. The God incarnates for the devotees. There are many mysterious reasons for the incarnation of Ram. Shiva describes five in detail.

Curse on gatekeepers of Ram

Jaya and Vijaya are the two gatekeepers of Lord Vishnu. Through the curse of a Brahmana (Sanakadi) those two brothers got the Tamasic bodies of Asuras.[1] The name of one was Hiranyakashyapa and the other was Hiranyaksha. They were renowned as destroyers of the pride of the lord of the Suras Indra. One of them (Hiranyaksha) was killed by Ram by assuming the form of a boar (Varaha); then the other (Hiranyakashyapa) was killed as Narasingha and Ram spread the beautiful glory of the devotee Prahlada [2] Those two (Hiranyakashyapa and Hiranyaksha) became the conquerors of the Devas and great warriors named Ravana and Kumbhakarna who were very powerful and valiant Rakshasas.[3] Despite being killed by God they did not attain Moksha because the Brahmana's curse was for three lives. Hence once again for their benefit the lover of the devotees Ram took avatar. In that avatar Kashyapa and Aditi were his parents, who were renowned by the name of Dasaratha and Kausalya. In one Kalpa taking avatar in this way Ram played sacred Leelas (characters) in this world.[2]

Curse of Jalandhar's wife

In one Kalpa seeing all the Devas in misery because of getting defeated in a war with the Rakshasa Jalandhara, Shiva fought with him a very fierce battle; but that extremely powerful demon could not be killed. The wife of that Asura Vrinda (Tulsi) was staunchly loyal ("Pativrata") to her husband. Due to her power even Shiva could not win over Jalandhara. Vishnu through deceit broke her fast (destroyed her chastity). When she realised his trick, then in anger she cursed God. Vishnu accepted her curse and proved it. That Jalandhara in that Kalpa became Ravana, whom Vishnu (as Ram) killing in the battle gave the highest position (Nirvana). For one incarnation this was the reason, because of which Vishnu wore a human body.[4][5]

Curse of Nārada

Narada

Once Nārada cursed, therefore in one Kalpa for that Ram took avatar. In the Himalayas there was one big cave. Near to that the beautiful Ganges flowed. Beholding that immensely sacred beautiful Ashram (hermitage) Nārada's mind was enraptured. Looking at the beautiful mountain, the river and the woods Nārada felt deep devotion for Ram. The very thought of God stopped the effect of the curse on him (the curse of Daksha because of which he could not stay in one place.) and as his mind was naturally pure he attained Samādhi.[6] Noticing this state of Nārada the lord of the Devas Indra was in fear.[7] He felt that Nārada was after his kingdom Amarāvati. He asked Kamadeva (god of desire) to break his Samādhi.[8][9] But Kamadeva failed.[10][11] However this incident sowed the seed of arrogance in the heart of Nārada that he won over Kamadeva.[12] When Ram came to know that the seed of a powerful tree of vanity has germinated, then he vowed to uproot it immediately. His Maya created a town of a 100 Yojanas (around 1300 km2).[13] That town was even more beautiful than the abode Vaikuntha of Ram. There was a king named Shilnidhi.[14] He had a very charming daughter named Vishwamohini, whose beauty could even enchant Ram. The embodiment of all virtues she was in reality the Maya of Ram. That princess wanted to arrange her Swayamvara, that is why a lot of kings had come as suitors. Playful sage Nārada went to that town. The king worshipped him and showed the princess to Nārada. Beholding her beauty the sage forgot Vairagya (dispassion) and just kept on looking at her for a very long time.[15] Looking at her figure the sage forgot himself and was elated in his heart. Thinking of her figure he said in his mind — "Whoever marries her will become immortal".[16] The sage resolved to marry the princess. He thought of somehow obtaining a great body to seduce the princess. At that time Nārada prayed to God in various ways and asked for his help — "O Lord! Please give me your appearance as there is no other way I can get that princess. O Lord! Whatever is beneficial to me, please do that quickly. I am your devotee."[17] Noticing the immense power of his Maya the benevolent Ram laughed within himself and said — "O Narada! Listen, whatever is the best for you, I will do only that, nothing else. My word is never untrue. O Yogi Rishi! Listen, if a patient distraught with disease asks for a poison the doctor does not prescribe it. Likewise I've resolved to help you."[18] Saying this he disappeared. Being in the grip of Ram's Maya the sage became such a fool that he could not even understand the guileless assertion of God. Nārada immediately went where Swayamvara was taking place.[19] For the welfare of Nārada the benevolent Ram gave him a very hideous form, but this character no one could know. Everyone greeted him as Nārada only.[20] Only the princess saw that appearance. Seeing his monkey-like face and terrible body the princess in anger ignored him completely. Ram also went there in the guise of a king. The princess happily married him.[21] The two gatekeepers of Ram (Jaya and Vijaya) who had also assembled there disguised as Brahmanas (ascetics) ridiculed Nārada — “at least see your face in the mirror”. When Nārada came to know of this trick he became furious and cursed them.[22] He then went to Ram who was with Lakshmi and the princess and cursed him — “The body [of a king] assuming which you deceived me, you also assume that form, this is my curse. You gave me a monkey-like form, hence only monkeys will help you. [The woman I loved, effecting my separation from her] You have harmed me tremendously, so you will also suffer in the separation of your wife.”[23] Respecting the curse, exulting in the heart Ram entreated a lot with Nārada and withdrew the effect of his Maya. When God removed the Maya, then there existed neither Lakshmi nor the princess. Then the sage in terror begged for mercy — “O benevolent! May my curse be in vain.” Then God said that all this was my will. The sage asked — “How will my sins be destroyed?” God said — “Go and chant Shiva Sahasranama, it will give you instant peace in the heart. No one is as dear to me as Shiva.”[24] When the two gatekeepers saw Nārada free from delusion then they pleaded for the removal of their curse. The sage said — “You two be the Rakshasas; you will attain immense glory, splendor and power. You will win over the entire world, then Lord Ram will appear in the guise of a human. In the war you will die at the hands of him, because of which you will attain Moksha and you will not be born again in this world.” For this reason in one Kalpa Ram took avatar.[25][26]

Boon to Manu–Sātarupā

Svayambhuva Manu and his wife Sātarupā, who are the progenitors of this incomparable human world,[27] these two husband-wife had very good Dharma and behaviour. Even the Vedas sing their principles. King Uttanapada was his son,[28] whose son Dhruva became a famous Ram devotee. The name of his (Manu) younger son was Priyavrata, whom the Vedas and the Puranas extol. Again Devahuti was his (Manu) daughter, who became the beloved wife of Rishi Kardama and mother of Kapila, the founder of the Sāṅkhya school of philosophy. That Manu ruled for a very long time.[29] Though he grew old, yet there was no Vairāgya from subjects (detachment from sensual pleasure or pain); thinking of this he became very sad that without the Bhakti (devotion) of Ram the life went just like that. Then Manu forcefully giving his kingdom to his son went to the forest with his wife. The extremely pure and provider of the Siddhis (spiritual psychic powers) to the Sādhakas (devotees) supreme among the Tirthas (places of pilgrimage) Naimisharanya is renowned. There groups of Rishis and Siddhas reside. The king Manu exulting in his heart proceeded there. They reached the bank of the river Gomti. Delightedly they bathed in the pristine waters. Siddhas and Rishis came to meet them. Wherever beautiful Tirthas were, Rishis with reverence took them to all. Their bodies had become lean, they were dressed like Rishis and in the community of saints regularly listened the Puranas. And chanted with love the Dwadash Mantra (the twelve-lettered mantra — ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय). In the lotus-feet of Krishna the mind of that king-queen was intensely absorbed. They ate vegetables, fruits and roots and meditated on Sachidānanda Brahma.[30] Then they began Tapa for Ram and leaving roots-fruits sustained only on water. Persistent in the heart was the wish that how could we see that supreme lord through our eyes, who is Nirguna (formless), indivisible, endless and eternal (beginning-less) and whom seekers of the supreme reality meditate on.[31] Whom the Vedas delineate by saying ‘Neti neti’ (not this, not this). Who is the embodiment of bliss, without designation and unparalleled, and from whose tiny fragments many Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu manifest. Even such a great lord is under control of the devotees and for them assumes a divine body. If in the Vedas this proposition is true then our wish will surely be fulfilled. Undergoing Tapa by taking a diet of only water six thousand years passed. Then for seven thousand years they lived on a sustenance of only air. For ten thousand years they left the support of even air. Both were standing on a foot. Seeing his tremendous Tapa Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva repeatedly came to Manu. They tempted them in many ways and said that ask for some boon. But that utmost stoic king-queen showed unflinching perseverance in their Tapa. Although their bodies were reduced to mere skeletons, then too in their minds there was not even a slight pain. The omniscient lord Ram regarded the Tapasvi king-queen in his sole refuge as ‘my devotee’. Then this utmost solemn and benevolent voice soaked in nectar came from the sky — ‘ask for a boon’. Making a dead alive this beautiful voice passing through the holes of the ears when reached the mind, then the bodies of the king-queen became such beautiful and muscular, as if just now came from home.[32][33] To the ears like nectar hearing those words their bodies became blithe and euphoric. Then Manu in prostration said, his heart overwhelmed with love — “O Lord! Listen, you are for the devotees the Kalpavriksha and the Kamadhenu. Your feet-dust is worshipped by even Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. You are easy to worship and provider of all pleasures. You are the protector of the devotees and the lord of the universe. O benevolent! If you love us, then with pleasure bestow this boon that that form of yours which resides in the mind of Shiva and for attaining that the sages strive. O Lord! Be benevolent to us to satiate our eyes we want to see that form.” The gentle, respectful and soaked in love words of the king-queen were very endearing to Ram and he manifested himself.[34][35]

Like a blue lotus, a blue gem and a blue (with rain) cloud the soft, bright and succulent body of God with a dark complexion was embarrassing crores of Kamadeva. His lovely face was the limit of the beauty of the autumn full moon. The cheeks and the chin were very attractive, the neck was like a conch-shell (spiral). The red lips, the teeth and the nose were extremely beautiful. The smile was slighting the moonlight.[35] The exquisite beauty of the eyes was like the lotus in fresh blossom. The lovely glance was captivating the heart. The slant eyebrows were stealing the beauty of Kamadeva’s bow. There was a bright Tilak on the forehead. In the ears the fish-like ear-rings and on the head the crown was magnificent. The curly black hair were so dense, as if it were a swarm of bees. On the chest the curly hair, a beautiful garland, a gem embedded necklace and the jewellery of gems were ornate. The lion-like neck, and the sacred thread were pretty. The jewellery in the arms was alluring. The arms were like the trunk of an elephant. In the waist a quiver and in the hands the arrows and a bow were elegant. The golden-bright yellow robe could even embarrass the lightning. On the abdomen there were three beautiful lines and a pretty navel. On the left of God there was Sita. Beholding the form of the ocean of beauty Ram the stunned Manu-Sātarupā without blinking kept on staring. That divine form they reverently admired with an insatiable appetite.[36][37]

Being excessively overpowered by excitement they forgot the consciousness of their bodies. Clasping the feet of God with their hands they fell straight on the ground like a stick (prostration). The ocean of benevolence lord with his hands touched their forehead and lifted them at once. Then Ram said — “Knowing me to be extremely happy and immensely generous, whatever pleases your mind ask for that boon”. Listening to the words of God, with folded hands and with patience the king in gentle voice said — “O lord! Seeing your lotus-feet now all our wishes are fulfilled. Then too in the mind there is one great craving. I want to have a son like you.”[38] Seeing the king’s love and listening to his priceless words the ocean of benevolence God spoke — “So be it. O king! Where should I search the other like me! Hence I myself would be your son.” Seeing Sātarupā with clasped hands God said — “O queen! Whatever be your wish, ask for that boon.” She said — “O lord! O benevolent to the devotees! You are the father (the Creator) of even Brahma, you are the lord of the universe and you are the Brahman who knows all within everyone’s heart. [I ask you this] O lord! Who are your devotees, who attain that (divine everlasting) bliss and achieve that supreme state. O lord! That bliss, that state, that Bhakti (devotion), that love in your feet, that Jnana (knowledge) and that mode of life kindly bestow on us.” Listening to the gentle, mysterious and fascinating words of the queen Ram said — “Whatever wish is in your mind, all that I give you, never doubt it. O mother! Due to my benevolence your divine Jnana (knowledge) will never be destroyed.”[39] Then Manu after praying the lord’s feet said — “O lord! I have one more request. In your feet my love be like the one a father has for his son, although the world may call me a great fool for that. Like a fish cannot survive without water, that way my life be dependent on you (without you no life).”[40] Saying this the king remained holding on to his feet. Then God said — “So be it. Now obeying me you stay in the capital Amaravati of the king of the Devas Indra. O father! There enjoying a lot of divine pleasures, after some time, you will be the king of Awadh (Kosala or Ayodhya). Then I will be your son. Adorning a human body created as per my wish I will manifest myself in your home. O father! Incarnating along with my fragments I will perform characters blissful to the devotees. Reverently listening to those characters the very privileged humans, renouncing delusion and vanity, will cross the ocean of this world. The primordial force this Maya of mine, who has produced this universe will also take avatar [in the form of Sita]. This way I will fulfill your wishes. My pledge is true, is true, is true. Again and again saying this the benevolent God disappeared.” That couple (king-queen) keeping Ram in their hearts stayed in that Ashram (hermitage) for some time. Then at a suitable time, leaving their bodies with ease (without any pain), they went to Amaravati and stayed there.[41][42]

Curse on Pratapbhanu

In the Kaikeya kingdom there was a king named Satyaketu. Pratapbhanu was his elder son and the younger was Arimardan. The king gave the kingdom to the elder son and himself went to the forest for Tapa. There was a minister named Dharamruchi who was a devotee of Ram.[43] Through his power Pratapbhanu subjugated all the seven continents. Once he went to the dense forest of Vindhyachal for hunting. There he saw a boar in the forest. He chased it but the boar ran into a deep cave of the mountain.[44] Exhausted due to hard work and restless due to thirst the king became enervated in search of river or lake. Wandering in the forest he saw one Ashram (hermitage); there in the deceptive guise of a Rishi a king lived, whose kingdom Pratapbhanu had confiscated and who leaving the army had escaped from the battle.[45] The king Pratapbhanu went to that Ashram. He immediately recognised Pratapbhanu. As the king was exhausted he could not recognize the hermit.[46] He asked — “Who are you?” The king said — “O Rishi! Listen, There is a king named Pratapbhanu, I am his minister.”[47] The king did not recognize him but he recognized the king. While the king was pure-hearted the Rishi was an expert in deception. That enemy remembering his kingly-pleasures was sad. Karma, Dharma and recounting many types of legends he started delineating Vairagya and Jnana. A lot of mysterious stories about the origin of the universe, its position and eventual destruction he explained in detail.[48] After listening the king came under control of the hermit. He told the king to ask for whatever he likes. The king said — “I want my body to be free from aging, death and misery; no one could win over me in the battle and on the earth my rule be for a hundred Kalpas.”[49] The ascetic said — “O king! So be it. If you impress the Brahmanas, then even Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva would be under your control.” That impostor Rishi asked the king to observe utmost secrecy. He said — “O king! If I prepare the food and you serve it and my identity is kept secret, then whoever eats that food will be under your complete control.” Then the ascetic summoned Kalaketu Rakshasa, who disguised as boar had strayed the king. They plotted the conspiracy to destroy Pratapbhanu. That trickster created a Mayavi kitchen and prepared innumerable recipes as described in the Vedas. The flesh of numerous types of animals was cooked and in that that savage mixed the flesh of the Brahmanas.[50] The moment Pratapbhanu started serving the food, an announcement (by Kalaketu Rakshasa) came from the sky — “O Brahmanas! Return to your Ashrams; don’t eat this food. In the kitchen the flesh of the Brahmanas is cooked.” Hearing this the Brahmanas in rage cursed Pratapbhanu — “O wicked! You tried to destroy our Dharma but God protected us. O fool! You along with your family be the Rakshasas.” That king along with his entire clan became the Rakshasa named Ravana. The younger brother of that king named Arimardan became Kumbhakarna. His minister named Dharamruchi became Vibhishana. Although they were born in the extremely sacred Kula (lineage) of Rishi Pulastya, yet due to the curse of the Brahmanas all of them were embodiments of evil.[51][52]

See also

Notes

References

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