Vanaras Born

After Narayan was born, the other Gods took birth as Vanaras.
Brahma asked the Gods to mate with the Vanara women that they found in the forests.
Indra and Surya made love to the same Vanara woman who first gave birth to Vali, from the grace of Indra and the Sugriva, from the grace of Surya. Angada was born as the son of Vali.

From Pavan's grace was born Hanuman and from Brahma's grace was born Jambuvana.
Hemkuta was born by the grace of Varuna and five Vanaras were born from the power of Yama.
Kesari was born with the grace of Shiva.
Nila was born from Agni and Pramathi from Kubera.
From the power of Dhanvantri, Sushena was born with knowledge of Ayurveda.
Mahendra and Devendra were the sons of Sushena.
Dadhimukha was born from the grace of Chandra.

Ravana's crown falls

While Rama was born in Ayodhya, Ravana in Lanka was feeling uneasy. This throne was vibrating. Suddenly the throne started jumping. His crown fell down from his head.
He was shocked. How could this happen? He asked for Indrajit to come to him. He wanted Indrajit to go and kill Vasuki, who was holding up the earth and thus causing his crown to fall off.

Vibhishana said, listen king, somewhere the one who will slay you is born,. That is the reason for this. Do not show undue anger on the earth or Vasuki. Somewhere, Narayana is born.

A voice in the skies said Dashratha was the king, in whose palace Vishnu had been born. He sent for Shuka and Sarana, his spies. He asked them to go around and find out where his enemy had been born. Once he had that information, he would kill the child.

Bowing to their king, the spies left. The two were devotees of Vishnu and wanted to see the avatar of Vishnu. Crossing the ocean, they went to Ayodhya.

Ayodhya was decorated. Everywhere lamps were lit. The city was glowing.

In her room , Kaushalya was sitting with her son in her lap. The lord was visible to all in whatever form they wanted to see him. Ravana's spies saw the four handed form of Vishnu.

Thet bowed down before the lord and asked for his blessings. They left for Lanka, deciding to tell Ravana that they had had not seen any such person.

They went to Ravana and told him that they had traveled all over but had not been able to see any sign of his enemy.

They asked him to go on a pilgrimage. That would help him take his mind off the crown falling.

Calling Vibhishana, he asked him to verify his information before speaking.

He asked for the Ocean to come to him him. When the might Ocean came, he asked him to get him waters from all the pilgrim places on this planet.

The waters arrived, Ravana had a bath in those and felt good.

Joy of all

Hearing the news of Rama's birth, the sages in the forests started dancing in joy.
The Gods in the heavens started celebrating.
Devyani, Saraswati and Brahma were lost in their dance. Indra and Sachi were dancing away.

Ladies, clad in their finest attire and jewels were lining up on the pathways of Ayodhya to have a glimpse of Rama.

Other princes born

Hearing the news of Kaushalya, Kaikeyi was sad. From now, being the mother of the crown prince, Kaushalya will have more power. Sulking and screaming, she started cursing her luck, for not having been the mother of the first born.
While she was sulking, her water broke.
She called Manthara to help her.
The child was in the womb, in the padma asana pose.
The child was a replica in form and shape, as that of Kaushalya's son.
Manthara gave the news to Dashratha who rushed to see his son.

Sumitra gave birth to twins. These two twin boys were fair.
Sumitra's maid went told the king.

The king elated, distributed gifts to all and went saw the twins.
In three rooms, he saw his four sons.

Rama born

The moment the queens had the pudding, their bodies started glowing. The queens had passed their prime , and suddenly their grey hair turned black, skin tight and they were looking young girls, in their first youth.
The queens were pregnant and and as days went by, their pregnancy was visible to all.
When the time was due, Dashratha organized a grand ceremony to celebrate the baby shower.
Kaushalya saw Vishnu in her dream. In her dream, she took Vishnu and placed him in her lap like her child. Vishnu addressing her said - Mother, You have worshiped me earlier. Due to that, I am taking birth as your son. Please take care of me.

Kaushalya narrated to Dashratha about her dream. Dashratha thought about the blind sage and realized that his words would be coming true. He called his priests and brahmans and narrated about the dream to them, and gave them valuable gifts.

When nine months of pregnancy were over, all people gathered around the palace. Any time soon, Dashratha would a father. All were waiting anxiously. The Gods gathered in the skies to witness the birth of the Lord.

In the month of Chaitra, On the ninth days of the Shukla phase of the moon, Vishnu took birth.

Kaushalya had no pain while delivering the baby. The baby was glowing like a million suns. The whole room where he was born, was glowing. He was dark in hue. The women started ululating and the midwife carefully cut off the umbilical cord.

Kaushalya's maid told the king about the news. The king elated, gifted the maid with many valuable gifts.

The King started distributing gifts to one and all. Then he went towards Kaushalya's quarters to see his son. Carefully lifting his son, he started kissing the child. 

The Pudding divided among queens

Let us now go back to Ayodhya, where Narayana was going to take birth as Dashratha's child. He came in his full glory, four hands with mace, discus, mace and lotus in his hands. Only Rishyasringa was able to see him.
Addressing Dashratha, Rishyasringa told Dashratha - Vishnu would be born as the son of Dashratha.
A voice from the heavens said Vishnu would be born in the house of Dashratha.

Rishyasringa added butter, chanting mantras, in the fire next to which he was seated. Taking the name of Vishnu, the sage then added some sticks in the fire. An astral being looking like Vishnu arose, holding a bowl of rice pudding.

Rishyasringa added the fruit the blind sage had given Dashratha. Vishnu, through the fruit, entered the pudding.

The pudding, which was now thich in texture, was lifted onto a golden plate by Rishyasringa. Seeing the moment auspicious, he asked Dashratha to give it to his first wedded wife.

Kaushalya and Kaikeyi were both together. They decided to share the pudding among themselves.
Kaushalya was asked to take the first part of the offering. She realized Sumitra had not had any. So she divided her portion into two, and gave a part to Sumitra.

Seeing this Kaikeyi was jealous. If Sumitra had a child, the credit would go to Kaushalya. She also went to Sumitra and gave a part of her offering to Sumitra.

Kaushalya consumed her portion first, followed by Kaikeyi and then Sumitra.

Vishnu divided himself into four portions, Dashratha thanked all the priests and brahmanas and rishis who had come to participate in the sacrifice. 

Birth of Sita

While Sita was born after Rama, Let me tell you about the birth of Sita before the birth of the Lord.

Vedavati had given up her life and in that same spot, the city of Mithila had come up.

(Vedavati and her story is told in the Uttara Kanda, the last part of Ramayana.)

The great sage Janaka, became the king of Mithila. He was running around, pulling a plow with his hands on the fields. He was childless and hd been told he would be able to get a child in this manner.

Urvashi was flying in the skies, and seeing her Janaka was passionately aroused. His semen flowed and mixed with the earth, and took the form of an egg.

On the touch of the plow, the egg came up and was visible to all. The king broke opened the egg and saw a girl child inside the egg.

A voice was heard from the skies - This is your daughter. Raise her as your child.

Janak, elated, took the child home.

When he reached home, his queen wanted to know whose child this was. Janak repeating what had happened, asked his wife to take this child and raise her.

Lakshmi started growing in Janaka's house. Born in the furrow, she was called Sita. 

Gods ask Vishnu for help

All the Gods bowing before Vishnu started praising him. Anata Vasuki with his thousand hoods was sheilding the Lord. The Gods said -
You are consciousness ; You are the state of sleep; You are the state of being awake; Please help us.

Seeing Brahma and the other Gods, Vishnu sat up. He looked around He saw the Gods around but no joy on their faces. He asked the reason for the sorrow.

Brahma asked Indra to explain the situation. He said tell him, that it is because of a boon of mine, that Ravana is behaving so.

The guru of Gods, Brihaspati, approached Vishnu. He said - You are the Lord of all. You know what is in the mind of the Gods. The son of Rishi Vishrava, Ravana, has got boons from Brahma. The boons have made him invincible and he has made life miserable for the Gods. He has made Yama his slave. The Sun cannot rise or set without his wish. Varuna has no control over his waters. Agni's glare is lost. Kubera has lost his land and wealth. All are afraid of Ravana. Brahma's boon is such that even Brahma is scared. The Gods are not able to take it any more. They need your help. You are the one who can defeat and kill Ravana.

Hearing this, Vishnu flared up. He asked Garuda to get ready and he said with his Chakra, he would cut off the head of Ravana.

Brahma stopped him. He said Ravana can be killed only by a human. Please save us all by taking birth as a human.

Vishnu decided to take birth on Earth.

Brahma said let me tell you more. Surya is a door keeper in Lanka. Indra makes garlands for him and Chandra, the moon, holds the umbrella over him. Agni is his cook and Varuna gets him water when he needs it. Yama has become the horse keeper for Ravana and cuts grass for his horses. Shani is his washerman. I have become a teacher in a school in Lanka. Narada has become a singer in his court.

Vishnu asked Brahma where should he take birth. Brahma said Please take birth as the son of Kaushalya, wife of Dashratha in Ayodhya.

Vishnu said he would be born as a son of Kaushalya. In a previous birth, Dashratha and Kaushalya had been granted a boon that Vishnu would be born as their son.

He then asked the Gods to be born as monkeys and with his help, he would kill Ravana.

Lakshmi wanted to know what would she do and when would she get to see Vishnu again? Vishnu asked Brahma where would Lakshmi be?

Brahma said Lakshmi had a big role to play in the death of Ravana. As one not born from a human, she would born from the earth and be the daughter of Janaka, King of Mithila.

The Sacrifice Begins

After hearing this from Sumantra, Dashratha left for the land of Anga. He was greeted by king Lompada. When he wanted to the reason for his visit, Dashratha said he wanted Lompada to leave for Ayodhya with Rishyasringa. He said if Rishyasringa helped, people of Ayodhya would see their prince.
Lompada took Dashratha to the place where Rishyasringa was. Dashratha greeted Rishysringa. Lompada introducing Dashratha said he wanted the sage's help in getting a son. He also added that Shanta, who the sage was married to, was in reality the daughter of Dashratha, so there was a relationship of a father-in-law and son-in-law between the two.
The sage realized that Vishnu would be born in the house of Dashratha and agreed to go.
With the sage, Shanta and Lompada, Dashratha left for Ayodhya.

Rishyasringa greeted Vashistha and asked for the fire sacrifice to start. He then asked Dashratha to invite all the great sages from all over the land. He then said to start a horse sacrifice in the name of Vishnu.
Many great sages came there, including Rishyasringa's father.
The sacrifice started with the sages reciting the Vedas. Along with the sages, their disciples joined in.
Kings from all over came to be a part of the sacrifice.
The sacrifice was taking place in a place which was eighty one yojanas long and twelve yojanas wide. Hundreds of fire sacrifices were started there.
Dashratha bowed down to all the sages and took their blessings.
Rishyasringa asked Dashratha to first bow before before his Guru, Vashistha and take his blessings.
Rice, Sesame and Butter was added in the fires.

The Gods in the heaven were anxious. Ravana, son of Vishrava, was making the Gods his slaves. Indra asked Brahma when Vishnu would be born to save them.

They all went to the cosmic ocean where Vishnu was and bowed down before him.

On the great snake Ananta, Vishnu was in a deep sleep, with Lakshmi sitting at his feet.

Rishyasringa and Vibhandak

Continuing, Sumantra said :

The old lady told the king - I hjave sneaked off the son of Vibhandak. When he comes home he will be angry and he may curse you. Please think of a way to please him.
She asked the king to line the path from his land to Vibhandak's ahrama with cows. Seeing cows, the rishi's rage would be pacified.
The king set forth. He named the villages on the way, as Sri Rishyasringa.

In the forest, when Vibhandak came home he saw his son missing. Where had his son gone? He kept searching everywhere frantically but could not see his son. He started roaming around, anxiously to see if there was any sign of his son.

He came across a village and was astonished to discover that the village belonged to his son.

He thought his son had desired to be a householder and was happy. Realizing this, Vibhandak went back. He knew he would meet hi son when Dashratha would hold a great sacrifice, and decided to wait till then.

Rishyasringa comes to Lompada

The old lady, when she saw Vibhandak leave, asked her followers to be prepared. They approached Rishyasringa, who was pleased to see them.
The lady asked the young sage to go with them to their hermitage where they could get more sweets to eat.
The hermitage which was a boat, set sail and swiftly reached the land of Lompada. As soon as the boat touched the shores, it started raining.
Lompada along with Dashratha's daughter, Shanta came to the Rishi.
Shanta was promised to the sage.

Ending his story, Sumantra said, Rishyasringa is your son in law now.Invite him to your land.

Rishysringa and the old lady

The boat set sail on Narmada and reached where Rishysringa lived. Seeing Vibhandak they were scared and waited for him to leave the hermitage.
When he left, the girls came out and started playing musical instruments and started singing.
Rishysringa was reciting the Vedas. Hearing the music he came to see what was happening. Not able to distinguish between men and women, he thought people from heaven had arrived. He welcomed them and asked them to visit his house.
The old lady and her team was offered some fruits which they refused saying they had not finished their worship. She sat down and closed her eyes. Then said she said was done and as Vishnu's prasad, she offered the sage the sweets and sweetened water.
The sage wanted to know where such fruits were available.The girls asked the sage to follow them, and took him to their boat.
Fearing that Vibhandak may approach soon, the ladies told him to go and promised a visit, the next day.
When Vibhandak came back, Rishyasringa narrated all that had happened. He said rishis from heaven had come and fed him heavenly fruits.
Vibhandak hearing descriptions said they are women, probably rakshasha women who had happened to come there.
The next day Vibhandak was in a dilemma. If stayed back to protect his son, his years of worship would be destroyed. Then he thought, life will carry on. After all these relationships are the shackles of Maya.
Saying this, he lifted his copper pot and tulsi garland and left for the forest.
The old lady was watching this. As soon as Vibhandak left, she approached Rishyasringa.

Bringing Rishyasringa

Sumantra told the king, that Rishyasringa was staying in the land of Anga, in the house of Lompada.
Dashratha wanted to know why Rishyasringa went to Anga.
Sumnatra said :
Once there was a massive drought in the land. There was no rain for twelve years. The king was told Vibhandak's son Rishysringa would be the person who be able to get rains in the land.
The king made an announcement, who ever will be able to get Rishyasringa would be give half the kingdom.
An old lady said she would bring Rishyasringa. He was fourteen years of age and he had no distinction between men and women.
She asked for a boat, which would like a house with trees on it. She said she would go with the boat and fetch the sage.
The boat was built. It had two separate huts and was surrounded by fruit bearing trees. Sweet fruits and sweets were loaded onto the boat. In barrels of water, sweeteners were mixed to make it sweet and camphor was added to keep it cool.
A few very beautiful young ladies were selected to accompany the old woman. The girls were afraid of curses, but the old lady told them not to worry. She said when she was young she had enticed many sages and she know what to do.

Birth of Rishyasringa

For years Dashratha ruled Ayodhya. He got his ministers, courtiers and priests and spoke to them. He said People shun me as I have no son. I have grown old and I have no son who will carry my line forward. Andhaka, the blind sage blessed me but I do not see that blessing taking any fruit.

Vashistha asked him to fetch Rishyasringa, who would be able to help him. He then started telling about Rishyasringa.
Vibhandak was a fiery sage. All were afraid of him. Indra was afraid the sage would take his throne. He sent Vayu to tempt the sage. Vayu observed the sage and saw that where he went and what he did. He saw that the sage ate fruits from a particular part of the forest. Pawan smeared nectar on the fruits. The sage consumed those fruits and grew in size. He went off to the banks of Narmada to pray.
One day when he was standing in the waters of Narmada, he saw Urvashi, the apsara, passing in the skies, her dresses flying in the wind.
Excited, the sage ejaculated and his semen flowed in the water. A doe drank the water with the semen and became pregnant. In time she gave birth, and seeing a human baby she was shocked and left the child in the forest and fled.
Vibhandak saw the crying infant and knowing it as his child, he took it home. He fed honey and fruits and the infant began growing up into a small boy.
A few years old, and a small horn began growing on the boy's forehead. Seeing this, the boy was named Rishyasringa.

Vashishtha said this was the person who would help Dashratha fulfil his dream.

Kaikeyi nurses Dashratha

The king returned to his kingdom. He went to see Kaikeyi, who was a beloved of his. Kaikeyi also knew the Sanjivani matra. The king had been wounded in the battle with the asura and Kaikeyi trated his wounds with the mantra.

The king said, O Queen, you have helped me relive my paid. Ask for a boon.

Kaikeyi went to Manthra and asked for her advise. Manthra asked the queen to tell the king that she would ask for the boon later.

Kaikeyi told the king the same, and he agreed.

Once the king's nail became septic. He was in pain with blood and pus oozing out. The physician said if some sucked out the pus, he would be cured. Kaikeyi agreed to do that, and she sucked out the pus and spat that out. The king relieved asked her to ask for something. She said she would ask for it, when time came.

Blind Sage's curse

The bling sage and his wife were in their hut. Suddenly the left eye of Sindhu's mother started throbbing. She asked her husband - things don't seem correct. Sindhu should have been home long back.
The husband said maybe Sindhu did not get something close by so he went deep into the forest to get fruits and water.
Dashratha approached the hut with Sindhu's body. He stepped over dry leaves, which made some noise.
Thinking their son had come, they both said Son you are late today. Do give us some fruits and water to drink.
The king did not know what to do. With the body in his arms, he stepped back a step.
The sage said, You are playing with your blind parents, do come out and talk to us.
He started meditating and realized what had happened to his son.
With watery eyes, Dashratha laid down Sindhu's boy.
The sage said Welcome Dashratha, Killer of my son. I do not know what to say except that you will also die when your son leaves you. We will give up our body, grieving for our son. May you also die grieving thus.
While the sage cursed him, the king felt joy. He would eventually become a father. Addressing the sage, the king said - What you have said has come to me as a boon. Let me die after I see my son. Your curse has come to me as a boon.
The sage meditated and realized that Narayana will be born in the house of Dashratha. He said - Go King, you will have four sons. You will die of grief when your sons leave you. Let me tell you how I lost my eyes. Once the sage Trijata came to my ashrama. He had elephantiasis and both his legs were swollen. Reluctant to touch his feet, I closed my eyes and touched them. Trijata blessed me to be like that, and from that day I lost my vision. My wife had also done the same, and she also lost her vision. My curse will act like a boon for you. I have a coconut with me which I had gathered in the forest. Mix this in the holy offering and you will be blessed with sons. Please bring Sindhu close to me. Let me touch him.

The king kept Sindhu on the ground the sage couple started running their hands over Sindhu's body. Taking the name of Narayana, he gave up his body. His wife, devoted to her husband, also left her body.

The king went to the banks of the river, and lit a pyre. There he laid the sage couple and Sindhu and lit their pyre. He then left for his kingdom.

Having killed a brahman, the king instead proceeding homewards, went to his Guru, Vashistha's ashrama. Vashistha was not there, but his son Vama was. The king told him what had happened. Vama said take the name of Rama three times and you will be free. Free of guilt and sin, the king went home.

In the evening, when Vashitha came home, Vama told him what had happened. Vashistha said taking the name of Rama once will liberate one from the killing of a million (Ramayana says Koto or Crore, ten million)  brahamans. As my son you did not pay heed. Go live the life of a Chandala.

Vama asked, how would he be free. His father said, Rama will be born as son of Dashratha. One day he will meet you on the banks of Ganga. When his feet touch you, you will be freed.

Taking the name of Guhaka, Vama began roaming in the forests. 

Killing of Sambhara

An asura named Sambhara started creating trouble for the Gods. He defeated Indra and took over his kingdom. Indra went to Brahma asking for help. Brahma said Sambhara would die in the hands of Dashratha. Fetch him.

Indra came to Dashratha. He asked for his help in defeating Sambhara. The king said he would come. When Indra left, the king got ready. Getting his chariot and weapon ready and wearing his armor,  he went where the battle between Sambhara was happening.

A fierce battle started between the two. The heavens were covered with arrows flying around. The king thought of the Gandharva Astra. He released that. Millions of Gandharvas appeared on the battle field. The Gandharvas attacked the asura's army and soon finished off all.

Seeing his army destroyed, the asura made himself invisible. Not seeing the asura, the king invoked the Shabdabhedi astra , the sound missile. Tracking the sound of the asura, the weapon killed Sambhara.

Indra pleased asked the king to ask for a boon. The king said I had accidentally killed a sage. Let that sin not be on my shoulders.

Indra similing said, Go, You do not have the sin on you.

Sindhu

For seven days and seven nights it rained continuously in Ayodhya.All rivers, ditches, wells and lakes were filled. Rivers flowed and fields were watered. All were happy.

The king had one worry. He had no children. Apart from Kaushalya, Kaikeyi andSumitra the king married many more women, hoping he would get a son. Of the other wives, one wife gave birth to a daughter, Hemalata.
Lompada king was a friend of Dashratha. Hearing that Dashratha had a daughter, he came to see the child. He was also childless and adopted the child as his own.

One day the king went on a hunt. Chariots , horses, elephants went accompanying him.
The whole day the king roamed around. In the evening, tired, finding a big tree, he rested below that.
Sindhu, son of the rishi Andhaka, had come to stream nearby to get some water. He had a pictcher with him. When he would dip his pitcher in the stream, it would make a gurgling sound.
From a distance, the king heard the sound. He thought this was an animal that had come to drink. He assumed this to be a deer. It was dark so he could not see. Taking his bow, he invoked the sound missile. The weapon hit the traget - the boy who had come to fill water. The boy fell.
The king did not hear anything as the boy was silent. The king went to collect his kill and was schoked to see a human hit by his weapon.
He started hitting his head with his hands. What had he done.
The boy did not curse him. He asked for some water, which the king gave him. He then slowly said cursing you will not help me. I am reminded of an incident from a previous life. I was a prince who loved killing birds. I was cursed by one of the birds that I would be killed by someone similarly.

He said he had blind parents to take care of. What would happen to them? He was sad to think that he would not be able to see his parents any more.Whenever his parents needed something, he would fetch that. He was their eyes.

He asked the king to take him where his parents were.

He started taking the name of Narayan and blood started coming out of his mouth. The king slowly took out the weapon out of the boy. The king had come on a hunt and instead of an animal, he had killed a mendicant boy.

Lifting the boy, he took him where his parents lived.

Dashratha and Shani

Preparing himself, Dashratha went back to where Shani resided. Shani thought this Dashratha in whose house Narayana will be born. It is because of this he got saved the first time.
Closing his eyes, he came in front of Dashratha and said his sight was cause of ill of many. He said let me tell you a story of the ill effects of my sight.
Ganapati was born as the son of Parvati and Shiva. All went to see the new born baby except Shani. Shani was sent for. As soon as Shani looked at Ganapati, his head broke and fell apart.
Parvati was shocked. Who dared take the head of her son. The gods said this was because of Shani's sight.
Picking up a trident, Parvati went to attack Shani.The Gods started praying to Parvati. You are the mother of all. The primal strength. You have created all. Shani is also your creation. When then do you go to destroy him. You have given the boon to Shani, that ill will fall on all on whom Shani's sight falls.
Brahma said he would bring back the baby to life.He asked Pawan to go to the northern side and get the head of the first animal he saw.
Indra's mount., Airavat, was sleeping on the banks of Ganga. Pawan cut off his head and got that. Brahma fitted the head and the baby came to life - body of a human, head of an elephant.
Parvati was aghast. What kind of God would this be? When all the children of Gods would be playing around, this one would feel awkward.
Brahma said, Do not worry. This boy will be Gajanana. He will have to worshipped first before all Gods.
All were pleased except Indra. He owned the horse Uchhasravas and the elephant Airvata. Now Airavat was no more.
Brahma told Pawan to go to western side and get the head of the first animal he saw. Pawan saw a white elephant resting there. Pawan cut off the head and that was fitted on Airavat , who came back to life.
All went back happy.

Ending his story, he said you are from the Solar dynasty. I, Shani, son of Surya also belong to the same dynasty Pleased he asked the king to ask for a boon. The king said, the sight of Shani was causing drought in Ayodhya. Shani said he would remove his sight from the Rohini constellation. . 

Dashratha meets Jatayu

The Gods said Indra did not want a war with Indra.
Dashratha asked why then was there a drought in Ayodhya. He said a promise had been made by Indra, but the promise was not being kept. He said, if the drought was not removed, he would take over Amaravati, kingdom of Indra.

The gods went to Indra and conveyed what the king had said. Indra said he was not afraid of what a human was saying. The Gods told Indra to be afraid. Dashratha had a sound missile, called the Shabdabhedi baan. This weapon could identify the sound of its source, and strike based on that. If Dashratha released that, it be sure death.

Indra taking their advise went and welcome the king. Dashratha asked what was the reason for the drought. Indra said this was because of Saturn in the Rohini constellation, which was causing this.

Dashratha taking leave of Indra, started towards where Shani lived. When Shani looked at the king, his chariot broke and the horses fell on the ground. The king started falling towards the ground.

The great bird, Jatayu, was in the skies when he saw the king fall. The bird spread its wings and the king landed on the wings. Getting up, the king started preparing his chariot to go once again. He asked the bird, I would have fallen on the ground and died. You have saved my life. Who are you?

The bird said he was Jatayu, son of Garuda and the younger brother of Sampati. I was flying around when I saw you fall. Knowing you and knowing that your death would mean the death of noble soul, I decided to save you.

Dashratha lit a fire and taking oaths, Jatayu and Dashratha pledged friendship to each other.

Sumitra and the Drought

The king was happy living with Kaushalya and Kaikeyi.

In the land of Singhal, Sumitr had a beautiful daughter called Sumitra. He was thinking who would be a suitable husband for her. He thought of Dashratha, the brave king, a mention of whose name sent fear in the rakshasas. He asked his priests to go and invite Dashratha.

Arriving in Ayodhya, the priests introduced themselves and said they had come to ask the king to wed the princess of their land, Sumitra.

Hiding his intention from Kaushalya and Kaikeyi, the king giving an excuse of going on a hunt, went off with the priests to the land of Singhal.

In Singhal greeted Dashratha and the custom of Nandimukha was performed, where tribute was paid to the departed ancestors. A shradha ceremony was then performed for the dead. When the time was good, around twilight Sumitra was brought in, and the king and the princess saw each other for the first time, performing the ceremony of Subha Drishti.

Greeting all and taking their blessing, in the land of Singhal, the king and Sumitra left for Ayodhya.

This was day of Kalraatri, where the husband and wife were not to be together. The king not able to hold himself, made love to Sumitra, on his way to Ayodhya.

Kaikeyi and Kaushalya, when they saw Sumitra, were jealous of her beauty

With his three queens, the king lived in Ayhodhya, but he was childless.

In the Rohini constellation, Shani (Saturn) came by, causing famine in Ayodhya. The king, busy with his wives never realized what was happening in his land. The people were suffering.

Narada went to the place where the king was. Seeing Narada, the king welcomed him. Narada said while others are trying to save themselves from the rain being sent by Indra, your people are suffering from drought and famine. You are enjoying with your wives, but your people have troubles.

The king went out and went to see what his land was like. In the North side, all rivers were dry. Tired, the king took refuge under a tree. On the tree, there was a bird couple who were talking among themselves. The female bird was saying that she was tired of living in the land where the king was not bothered about his subjects. The male bird said it was not like this before. I have seen good days here. My ancestors have lived here and I would like to live and die here too.

The king had been listening to this. He said, Indra had promised my grandfather never to have drought and famine in Ayodhya. He has not kept his word. He needs to taught a lesson.

Going heavenwards, the king called out to Indra.

Kaikeyi

In the land of Giriraj ruled the king Kekya. He had a beautiful daughter called Kaikeyi. When she was of marriageable age, ther father wanted a suitable husband. He decided to hold a Swayamvar where the girl would choose her husband. He sent out messages all over, inviting eligible kings.

A messenger came to Ayodhya. Seeing a brahman messenger, Dashratha welcomed him.The messenger said he had from the land of Giriraj inviting Dashratha for the swayamvar of princess Kaikeyi. Dashratha agreed to attend the same and set off for Giriraj.

In the assembly hall, all invited kings were seated when Dashratha entered. Soon after Kaikey entered the hall. It was as if the goddess of beauty was there. The kings were reminded of Indumati, who had been snatched off by Aja, father of Dashratha.

The maiden looked at all the kings and stopped where Dashratha was sitting. She put her garland around Dashratha. The other kings did not know how to react.

The king if Giriraj gave away his daughter with all rites. Along with Kaikeyi, Dashratha also got back Manthara, a hunchbacked hand maid of Kaikeyi. All together came back to Ayodhya.

Kaushalya

When Dashratha was old enough, the king of Kausal sent him a proposal. He wanted him to marry his daughter, Kaushalya.
With a gathering of musicians and priests, the king went to get married. Bells and Conches sounded as the king went.
As per the rites, Kaushalya married Dashratha. 

Aja and Indumati

Raghu's son was Aja. After Raghu's death, he became the king. He was a great king. Around then, Mathura's King had organized a swyamvar for his daughter
Indumati. When Aja reached the Swyamvar, he was the most handsome young man around.No one could take their eyes off him. Indumati was a very beautiful gir. When she
steeped into the chamber where the kings and princes were sitting, she was sight to behold. Vermillion marked her forehead, her eyes were lined with khol, she was wearing wonderful jewellery and ornaments, as they had been designed by the gods for her.

She walked around the kings and princes leaving them heart-broken, till she saw Aja. She chose him.

Aja was the youngest in that hall. The other kings and princes decided to get Indumati for themselves. When Aja and Indumati passed where the kings and princes were hiding, they were attacked. Aja shot one arrow. That arrow changed into a Gandharva. The gandharva started replicating and finally more than one gandharva attacked and killed the kings and princes. Aja returned to Ayodhya with Indumati.


Indumati gave birth to a beautiful boy, who was named Dashratha.

When Dasharatha was a year old something terrible happened. Narada was travelling in the heavens. His Veena had garlands of Parijat flowers around it. One of the garlands slipped and fell down on Indumati. She died instantly. Heartbroken, Aja too died. Two dancers from the heaven had been cursed to go stay on earth. They had been born as Aja and Indumati. With Aja and Indumati's deaths the dancers were released and they went off to the heavens.

Seeing a young prince alone and orphaned, Vashishta and his wife took the charge of bringing up Dasharatha. When he was old enough, he learnt his lessons from Vashistha and weapons and the art of fighting from Brighu. When was fifteen, he was crowned the king of Ayodhya.

Dilipa and Raghu

Soudasa's son was Sudasa. Sudasa's son was Dilipa. Dilipa's son was Raghu.

Once when Dilipa decided to perform the Ashwamedha Yagna, young Raghu decided to follow the horse and protect it. Indra being afraid that Dilipa would take over
heaven, stole the horse. Raghu thought, Indra is known to steal horses. It must be his work. So saying, climbing into a chariot driven by a thousand horses, Raghu marched
towards heaven.

Reaching heaven, Raghu started looking around for Indra. Coming face to face, Raghu decided to fight the God. Indra was amused to see a young man
challenging him. While Indra was looking at Raghu, Raghu shot three arrows at Indra. Indra fell down from Airavata's back. Rising up, Indra shot 10 arrows towards Raghu, but Raghu cutoff those 10 arrows by shooting ten arrows.Thus the battle of arrows continued. Now, Raghu knew about the Pashupatiastra, the terrible weapon. He aimed that towards Indra; bound by its power, Indra became Raghu's captive.

With a bound Indra and the horse, Raghu returned to Ayodhya.

All the Gods were amazed at Raghu's skill. Brahma blessed Raghu saying your dynasty will be known by your name "Raghuvamsha". Raghu released Indra, after Indra promised that never would Ayodhya face famine or drought. Indra left for the heavens. After Dilip's death, Raghu became the king of Ayodhya. He led a very simple life, eating from earthenware vessels and sleeping on grass.

In Rishi Kashyapa's ashrama, there was a brahmin boy called Varadutta. Varadutta had finished his studies. When he asked his guru, what he(the guru) would like for GuruDakshina, the sage demanded an immense amount of Gold. He thought of Raghu, the great King. It was said, no one came empty-handed from Raghu's house. He asked for seven days from his Guru and approached Raghu. Raghu was drinking water at that time form an earthenware bowl. The brahmin thought, "Oh! this king is poor. He cannot afford a glass; how can he help me". Raghu, seeing the Brahmin, told him to sit asked him how he (the king) could help. On learning of his demand, Raghu told the brahmin to rest, saying that the gold would be available the next day.

On checking his coffers, Raghu saw there wasn't enough wealth. While Raghu was thinking what to do, Narada arrived there. Narada told him get the gold from Kubera, the god of wealth.

Raghu told his army to get ready to march towards Kailasha, where Kubera stayed.

Narada went to see Kubera and told him about Raghu's plan. Kubera got scared and instantly Raghu's treasury was full of Gold. He appeared before Raghu and said "I have filled your coffers. Leave me alone".

With the gold, the Brahmana reached his guru. The guru had thought of an impossible task; now he was scared. If thieves and robbers got to know, he would be killed. He told the Brahmin to leave the gold with Indra. Indra learning that the gold was Raghu was scared. He refused to touch that gold, fearing that Raghu would march back into his kingdom. The brahmin returned to his guru, who then told him to take the wealth to Kubera. Kubera got his wealth back and all were happy.

Soudasa

Bhagirath ruled Ayodhya. He had a son called Soudasa. One day when he was out hunting. He saw two tigers. These were actually a Rakshasha and a Rakshashi. The king killed one of the tigers which happened to be the Rakshasha. The Rakshashi said she would have her revenge, as her innocent husband had been killed.
The king went to the sage Vashistha and told him about what had happened. He also wanted to know how he would be relieved. Vashistha told the king to perform an Ashwamedha Yagya.
Seeing this, the Rakshashi took the form of Vashishtha and asked to eat meat. Whn the king agreed, the female demon then took the form of the cook and cooked some human meat which was served to Vashishtha.

When the sage was served this, he became furious and cursed the king to become a rakshasha.He said when you see the river Ganga you will be relieved.

So it happened and so was the greatness of Ganga that one day the demon got some droplets of water sprinkled on him, and he went to heaven.

Ganga Sagar

Ganga crried her travels. A rishi's ashrama was on the way. This rishi was Padma. When Ganga touched this ashrama, she became known as Padmavati.
As she had been travelling along with Bhagirath, she became known as Bhagirathi. She also got names like Sapavani, Suravani, Bhairavavahini and SagarGamini.

The gods showered flowers on her.Indra had a dip in her, and the spot became known as Indreshwar. Ganga came close to they spot known as Navadwip. Come close to the ashrama of Kapila, Ganga split herself into hundred tributaries. Her water touched the ashes of Sagara's sons who getting salvation, went heaven wards.

Taking blessings of Ganga, Bhagiratha left for Ayodhya amd Ganga left for the ocean, and the spot became known as GangaSagar. 

Ganga's travel

From Sumeru, Bhagirath went towards Kailasha where Shiva was.From there, Ganga would enter the earth. If Ganga as Alaknanda came on earth, the earth would not be able to withstand the force and would collapse.
Ganga said only Shiva had the power to hold her force.
Leaving Ganga there, Bhagirath went to pray and please Shiva.
Shiva wanted to know why he had come again.
Bhagirath said the earth would not be able to stand the weight of Ganga and needed his help to control her speed.
Shiva and Durga both agreed to help.
Ganga jumped on Shiva's head.
Shiva's head had huge locks of matted hair and Ganga got lost trying to find her way out.
Bhagirath again went back. Mother how do I get you out of this predicament.
Bhagirath prayed to Shiva who parted his locks and Ganga came out of Shiva's locks, in a place called Haridwar.
A branch of Ganga, made a crack in the earth and went under as Bhogawati.
Soon Ganga came and met two other rivers, Yamuna and Saraswati. The spot where Ganga met became known as Triveni.
Ganga and Bhagirath then reached the city of Varanasi.
Once Shiva had kill a brahman. Shiva had the sin of killing a brahman on his head. Ganesh, Kartikeya amd Durga were grieved by this. Shiva said Do not worry. Ganga is on the earth. A dip in the river, and I will be free of the sin.
Riding a bull. Shiva and Durga went to the place where Ganga was flowing then. Using a blade of the Kusha grass, Shiva sprinkled some water on his head.
This area became known as Varanasi.

Progressing, Ganga reached the place the sage Jahnu was meditating. His hut was made of twigs and leaves. Now able to withstand the force, the hut got swept away. The sage was meditating. He was angry and swallowed the entire river.

Going some distance, Bhagirath and looked back. He could not see the river. He saw the sage below a banyan tree. Bowing before him, Bhagirath wanted to know if he had seen Ganga. The sage said he had swallowed the river as she had destroyed his house.

Bhagirath prayed to the sage who was pleased. He said, if he released the river through his mouth she would not be considered pure. He released Ganga from his right thigh. As had resided in Jahnu for sometime, she became known as Jhanavi.

Travelling slight towards north, they came across the ashrama of the rishi Kandara. He was a sinner. From childhood he would mix with prostitutes, of them he liked a particular woman and lived most of his time in her house. One day he was in the forest when a tiger attacked him and killed. The messengers of Yama came to take him away.

The tiger had eaten his flesh, but his skeleton was left on the ground. A crow picked up a bone to fly away with. An eagle spotted the crow and chased it. The bone slipped from the crow's beak and fell in Ganga.

As soon as this happened, messengers of Narayana came took Kandara away from the messengers of Yama. The messengers went to Yama with their complaint. Yama asked the same of Narayana.

Narayana said - this is the greatness of Ganga. 

Alaknanda

On a chariot Bhagirath left, with Ganga coming behind him. The Gods showered flowers on his and blessed him.
Bhagirath reached the Sumeru mountain. This was range of mountains with numerous peaks and equal number of tunnels in its base. Flowing through the base of the mountain, Ganga got lost in the montain, in an underground cave, and could not find a way out.
Looking back, Bhagirath could not see Ganga behind him and he retraced his way back. He started praying to the river and asked for her help. He prayed to her saying she had come to the earth to give salvation to his ancestors, and how would that be possible if she remained in the Sumeru mountains.
Ganga said she was not able to find a way out. She asked Bhagirath to bring Airavat there, who was Indra's elephant. If Airavat tore down the mountain and made a way, Ganga would be able to come out.
Bhagirath went back and started praying to Indra to send Airavat.
Hearing his prayer, Indra came to Sumeru riding on Airavat.
Airavat was a proud elephant. He asked Bhagirath to pass a message to Ganga. If Ganga was willing to spend a night with him, he would make way for her.
Bhagirath was shocked. He did not know what to say. Ganga knew something was wrong and wanted to know what Airavat. Bhagirath said he would not be able to utter the words. Ganga said he had nothing to worry about. Bhagirath repeated the elephant's words.
Ganga said, Go back to the elephant and tell him if he can withstand two and half waves of her, she would happily live with him for seven days.
Hearing Bhagirath's words, the elephant with his tusks, tore open the peak inside which Ganga was trapped. He formed four gaps and out of the four gaps, Ganga came out in four forms - Vasu, Bhadra, Shweta and Alaknanda.
Of these, Alaknanda stayed on the earth while the others went heavenwards.
One wave of Alknanda, Airavata was nearly dead. Addressing the river as Mother, the elephant begged for forgiveness.

Angrijha

Bhagirath was sent to the ashrama of rishi Vashistha for his education. One day Bhagiratha came home disturbed. His friends had told him he had no father. The prince wanted to know from his mothers who his father was. The queens told him about Sagara, his sons and told him he was the son of King Dilipa, born from the grace of Shiva.
Hearing this, the young prince wanted to go to the forests and pray. The queens tried to stop him, but he would not listen.
In the forests, he first prayed to Indra for years. Indra appeared before him and asked him to pray to Shiva, who would be help him.
Bhagirath prayed long and hard and Shiva appeared before him. Shiva asked him to pray to Vishnu and also told him that he would be successful in getting Ganga to earth.
Bhagirath prayed to Vishnu. Finally Vishnu appeared before him. Vishnu asked Bhagirath to take Ganga with him and took him to where Brahma was. Brahma seeing Vishnu coming, washed his holy feet with the water he had stored. As Ganga had been used to wash the feet of Vishnu, she became known as Angrijha. (The closest Sanskrit meaning for the word is probably - That which is used in the lower limbs. As the water had been used on Vishnu's feet, thus the name came by).
Vishnu and Brahma then asked Ganga to go with Bhagiratha down to earth. With the mere touch of Ganga, all sins would be destroyed.

Ganga was sad. She said all will wash their sins became pure, but I would have to bear their sins. How will I become pure? Vishnu said, whenever a Vaishnava would have a dip in the waters, you will get pure. I reside in the Vaishnavas and thereby, a Vaishanav's touch would be my touch, and you will become pure.
(This gives an idea of the great sense of the Vaishnava Cult, that was prevalent then, when Kriitivasa was writing this.)

Giving a Conch Shell to Bhagirath, Vishnu said you go blowing the shell. Ganga will follow you.

Bhagirath

One day, in the heavens, Shiva began singing. So divine was his singing, that Narayana (Vishnu) who was there could not control himself. He became liquefied and this was Narayani Ganga. Brahma collected this in his pot and kept it with him.
Stopping his take Kapila said, if you can get this Ganga to earth, not only your uncles but many others would attain salvation. Kapila also said someone in your dynasty is destined to bring Ganga down to earth.

Bowing to Kapila, Anshuman returned with the horse, back to Ayodhya. He told all that he had heard and seen to Sagara.
Sagara was in deep shock. Then he controlled himself and said my sons were not destined to live long.
Crowning Anshuman king, Sagara went to the forests to pray and please the Gods to get Ganga down to earth.
He could not get Ganga but in the process, Sagara passed away in the forests.

In Ayodhya, Anshuman crowned his son,Dilip, King of Ayodhya and went to the forests to pray for Ganga. His prayers were not were not successful and he too died in the forests.

After sometime, Dilip also went to the forests to pray for Ganga. He was childless and had left his two wives in Ayodhya. He too died in the forests.

Dilip's death was not welcomed by the Gods. In this dynasty, Vishnu would be born to King Dasharatha. If Dilip dies childless, where would Vishnu be born? They asked Shiva to go and help.

Shiva went to Ayodhya. By the blessings of Shiva, one the queens became pregnant. When the queen gave birth, it was not a child but a mass of flesh. They were shocked to see this. In the dead of the night, the queens took this mass of flesh and left it on the banks of River Sarayu.

Early Morning. Ashtavakra rishi was going for his bath in the river. His body was bent in eight places, which is why he was called Ashtavakra. He accidentally stepped on the mass of flesh. He looked at that and said if this is someone who is playing a practical joke on me, may you be burnt immediately. If you are a deformed child, then may you get a body and structure like that of Vishnu.

The mass imeediately transformed itself into a handsome young boy. The queens had been watching this. Seeing the boy rise, they came and embraced him. They bowed down before Ashtavakra and after taking his blessings took the boy back home with them. He was named Bhagirath.