A lesser
known story from the Ramayana
The long and arduous journey, far and wide through the jungles
of Kishkinda, in the search for Sita Devi, was tiresome and the Vanaras’ became
exhausted and dismayed. It was when they saw a Vulture resting near the banyan
tree. It was Samapti, the demi god and younger brother of Jatayu. Angada,
the Vanara group leader, made a rapport with him and exchanged the predicament
and sorrow which brought them there. Sampati, once back to normalcy conveyed to
Angada and the entourage that he saw Ravana was carrying Sita Devi in his
Vehicle and moving in the south direction and beyond seas and about Sri Lanka.
In no time Sri Rama along with Lakshmana and the Army of
monkeys led by Angada, Hanuman and Jambhvan reached the southern coast of our
vast land. Though much exhausted, they were bemused on seeing the vast expanse
of water that separated them from Sri Lanka. They were not dismayed, instead
were fully charged mentally because they knew now the search for Sita is over.
It is now for Sri Rama to act and redeem her from Ravana by peaceful persuasion
or by war, if necessary.
Before undertaking any new work, it is customary as per our tradition to seek divine help. So it was desired to consecrate and worship Sri Mahadev. Soon arrangements were made for Poojas, but finding a suitable priest to guide and conduct the same posed a problem. SrI Rama thought for a while and it was suggested that the best person nearby is Ravana, the King of Sri Lanka and to invite him. It gave a mix of complete shock and surprise among the assembly as to how can their enemy be invited to conduct such an auspicious function. Is Ravana a fool to accept such a preposterous invitation from their enemies. However, it was decided finally that Hanuman was a loyal soldier and to obey the Royal command to undertake the journey to Sri Lanka and convey the message in all humility to Ravana.
No less was the surprise and shock of this strange
invitation from Sri Rama, the Prince of Ayodhya, to the people around their
King in Sri Lanka. But Ravana true to his stature, as a great scholar and
Pundit in Vedas, also an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva was too glad and
immediately accepted the invitation to perform the ceremony as it is his Divine
duty. Ravana alongwith Hanuman reached Sri Rama’s place, much to the surprise
of everyone around.
Soon the place of worship and other arrangements were inspected by Ravana and
turning to Sri Rama, said “O Prince of Ayodhya, though you have organized all
well for the conduct of this function, you are not qualified to install the
idol of Lord Shiva in the absence of your wife. Our Shastras declare that no
person, however high, can perform such ceremonies without his consort aside.”
The entire assembly was silent and the mood was charged by confusion and
curiosity to know what next?
Sri Rama, the noble Prince was calm, smiled and replied, “We are so happy that
you came on our invitation and to conduct the flawless performance of the
consecration. It is your duty to point out a flaw in tune with your knowledge
as a pundit. While I thank you, may I also request for a solution too which
also forms part of your duty.”
The King of Sri Lanka was not only a great Ruler but also a great scholar. The
scholar in him rose to the occasion now and said,” O Rama, I can and shall provide
a solution, save blame will follow me for non-performance of the Divine
worship, but on a condition .I shall arrange to bring Sita here for the
ceremony but you should permit her to return back to my place as soon after the
function.”
The gathering were aghast and speechless at the clash of wit and fantasy of
words between the two great men and waited with bated breath of Sri Rama’s
rejoinder. The noblest of men, ever cheerful, simply accepted the offer. The
ceremony was conducted with all pomp serenity and in solemnity.
Ravana on viewing the couple blessed, “Let victory be yours”. ! He knew very
well the irony of those words meant his own destruction. Human values surpass
all constraints of the self !
This exposition of Sanatan postures and privileges between the greatest of
kings and noblest of men, was becoming even a treat for the Gods!
The last remaining formality is that of honoring the priest with Dakshina. Sri
Rama invited the Pundit himself to suggest the fees for the ceremony. It was at
this juncture the greatest and most crucial episode of Ramayana unfolded before
an unbelieving audience.
Ravana, the mighty king would not accept any gifts, fees from anybody, not even
from Sri Rama, as he always was at giving and not taking favors. But again, as
the occasion demanded the vedic Pandit in him came to the fore and said , “ Sri
Rama, knowing you as very well, the only fee I solicit is that you stand by me
when my life departs “.
Thus it came to pass, that when Ravana lay with arrows in the battlefield, in
his last moments Sri Rama was near him.
THIS EPISODE ONLY REVEALS, HOWEVER HIGH OR LOW ONE MAY BE THE ULTIMATE AND
LASTING COMFORT REMAINS IN HAVING DIVINITY NEARBY AT THE MOMENT OF DEATH
( source : Veda Vyasa Ramayana )
