SRI RAGHAVENDRA SWAMY’S SRI RAMACHARITRYA MANJARI (ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಘವೆಂದ್ರ ಸ್ವಾಮಿ ವಿರಚಿತ “ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಮಚಾರಿತ್ರ್ಯ ಮಂಜರಿ)

SRI RAGHAVENDRA SWAMY’S SRI RAMACHARITRYA MANJARI

(ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಘವೆಂದ್ರ ಸ್ವಾಮಿ ವಿರಚಿತ “ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಮಚಾರಿತ್ರ್ಯ ಮಂಜರಿ)

Jatayu introduces self to Srirama

When Rama was happily living in Panchavati, King of Vultures Jatayu came to meet Srirama. After exchange of pleasantries, Jatayu began narrating his background to Srirama.

“Oh Ramadeva, sage Kashyapa is the son of Mareechi and grandson of Lord Brahma. Sixty daughters of Dakshaprajapati were the wives of Kashyapa. Vinuta was one of those sixty wives. Vehicle of Lord Vishnu Garuda and Aruna, the charioteer Lord Sun are the sons of Vinata. Aruna begot two children namely Sampati and I, Jatayu from one of his wives called Shweni. I and your father Dasharatha are good friends. When you and Lakshmana will be away from the hermitage, I will protect Seetha, who would be alone in the Ashram. As I want to be your attender or servant, please approve.” Srirama agreed.

More about Shurpanakha

The actual statement in the form of verse is “rAkshaseem vikrutAm Akuruta” (ರಾಕ್ಷಸೀಂ ವಿಕೃತಾಂ ಆಕುರುತ).ShUrpanakha was a sister of Ravana. She married a demon named Vidyujjihwa belonging to the dynasty called Kalakeya. She was living happily with her husband for a long time. Once, Ravana indulged in a very fierce battle and killed innumerable demons. Vidyujjihwa, who too jumped into the war, was killing thousands of foes by barging boldly into the rival army. Ravana, in a spirituous battle, failed to identify Vidyujjihwa and involuntarily assassinated Vidyujjihwa thinking that he was a soldier of his own army. Because of this mistake, Shurpanakha abused her brother Ravana by using all bad words. Ravana then pacified his sister by stating “You can love any man of your choice. I am sending Khara, Dushana with you to protect you. If a person refuses to marry you for any reason, the demon army of Khara and Dushana will subdue him and force him to marry you.” Since then, she was living in Janasthan forest, along with Khara and Dushana. She saw Rama living with Seetha and Lakshmana in Janasthana. After seeing the charm and handsome personality of Rama, she decided that he would be her new husband. She came to Rama and praised him in every manner to impress him. She introduced herself as the sister of the indefatigable and most powerful king in the universe, Ravana.                  

Why did Rama punish Shurpanakha?

Srirama thought that being a widow, Shurpanakha was searching for a husband, which was nothing short of blasphemy. She deserves to be punished. By cutting her nose and ears, she would be wearing an ugly face and therefore, in future, none would come forward to marry her. In those days, kings were cutting and ears of convicts and criminals as a way of punishment and they were doing so through their servants. They never used to do it by themselves. Rama also thought of cajoling her for some time to make her understand that what she was doing as a widow was wrong. Therefore, Rama kept on dodging her and made her run to Lakshmana. Both brothers made her run around for quite a while. She became furious and was about to unleash her demonic attitude. At that time, Rama ordered Lakshmana to cut her ears and nose. Blood was oozing out of her face. She was crying aloud with pain. She ran to Khara and Dushana to complain against Rama and to pursue them to kill Rama. What transpired later is well known. It will be narrated in the next edition.

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