Shirdi Sai Baba Stories,Leelas and Teachings.: Ram Vijaya -Chapter 16.

Dear all

Here is chapter- 16 from the book Ram Vijaya. Readers who have missed out any chapter can read them by clicking on the link provided below this chapter . Jai Sai Ram

Ram Vijaya-Chapter -16.

They arrived at Ganga teera, where Rama sat down for rest on the grass under the shade of a tree near a beautiful river and, having refreshed himself there, requested a fisherman called Guhaka, who was his devotee, to convey him with Sita and Lakshuman to the other side of the river. Guha asked him who he was, when he informed him that he was Rama, the eldest son of Dasharatha.

Whereupon the fisherman, having embraced him, conveyed him with Sita and Lakshuman to the other side of the river, when Sumant took his leave of the prince and returned to Ayodya.

Rama then went to the abode of Bharadwaj, a Rishi, who worshipped him and requested him to stay with him for about fifteen days, when the prince said, "I cannot stay with you any longer, because the people of Ayodya will often come here and entreat me to return to the kingdom. I shall, therefore, go to the Dandakaranya"[A forest called Dandakaranya].

At the request of Rama, Bharadwaj showed him the way that led to tbe hills called Chitrakuta, where many learned Rishis lived. He went up to the hills and saw Valmika, a Rishi, and worshipped him with respect and reverence. Lakshuman built a parnakutika [A small hut] there, and they all lived in it.
On the return of Surnant to Ayodya Dasharatha died of grief for Rama. It was a pity that none of his sons was present at the time of his death. His wives, Kausalya and Sumitra, much mourned for the king but Kayakayi did not shed a tear for him. To perform the funeral ceremony of the king his sons, Bharat and Shatrughana, were sent for, and until they returned to Ayodya, his body was preserved in a Kadayi,[A large vessel made of iron.] full of oil.

Soon after, Bharat and Shatrughana returned to the city ; and, having seen the lifeless body of their father, they violently cried and much lamented for him. Vashishta said, " The body of the king cannot be burnt,unless some one is placed on the throne of Ayodya. Rama and Lakshuman have gone to the forest and I, therefore, ask Bharat to occupy the throne, as Kayakayi has got them banished to the forest to secure the throne for him. "

At this information Bharat was startled, and said to Vashishta with tears in his eyes, "0 !how can I bear this grief ? I do not want the kingdom. I want nothing from this city. I go down on my knees and beseech you not to install me in the throne, as my beloved Rama is a rightful claimant of it. I will go wherever Rama is, and pass my days with him."

Having known the Having known the heart of Bh-irat Vashishta placed the padukas* of Rama on the throne and proclaimed him as the king of Ayodya. Shortly after, the body of Dasharatha was carried to the funeral ground, and burnt with all his wives, except Kausalya, Sumitra and Kayakayi. Kausalya and Sumitra were ready to burn themselves with their husband, but Vashishta prevented them from doing so, as they had sons.

After the funeral ceremony of Dasharatha was over, Bharat went and saw his mother, Kayakayi, when she said, "Son! I have caused Rama and Lakshuman to be banished to a forest and secured the kingdom for you with the greatest difficulty. Now without delay take charge of the kingdom, and you will be very happy. We have now no enemies ; and it is a very good sign that the king has also died."

Bharat got very much enraged at what he had heard from Kayakayi and replied, "You are a murderess of your husband and an enemy of Rama. It is most sinful, wicked and disgraceful on your part to cause the death of my father and the banishment of my dear brother to the forest. Rama is the rightful claimant of the throne, let him come and take his kingdom.

I want nothing except Rama and shall pass my days with him in the forest." So saying he dressed himself in valkalyas and set out for Chitrakuta to join his brothers. He was followed by Vashista, Kausalya, Sumitra, Shatrughana, Sumant, and all the people of Ayodya, who were very anxious to see Rama. They all arrived at the river, where, Guha had his hut ; and at the request of Bharat the fisherman conveyed all the people to the other side of the river.

Previously Posted Chapters:

Ram Vijaya -Introduction and Chapter 1.
Ram Vijaya -Chapter 2.
Ram Vijaya-Chapter 3.
Ram Vijaya -Chapter 4.
Ram Vijaya-Chapter 5
Ram Vijaya-Chapter 6.
Ram Vijaya-Chapter 7.
Ram Vijaya-Chapter 8.
Ram Vijaya -Chapter 9.
Ram Vijaya -Chapter 10.
Ram Vijaya-Chapter 11.
Ram Vijaya -Chapter 12.
Ram Vijaya -Chapter 13.
Ram Vijaya -Chapter 14.
Ram Vijaya-Chapter 15.

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