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)                            

Ravana abducts Seetha Devi/ರಾವಣನಿಂದ ಸೀತಾಪಹರಣ

When Ravana appeared in his original form and revealed his intention of abducting her, Seetha Devi tells him:

“Oh demon! You are unaware of the prowess of my husband Srirama. You will die in his hands if you think of possessing me.”

Ravana replied: “Oh Seetha, having defeated Indra and all other deities, I care a straw for Srirama, who is just a human being. I have no fear from humans.”

Seetha Devi was strong enough to defend herself. No other Goddess has the strength that can match the strength of Seetha Devi. She could have killed Ravana then and there. But, she was aware of the oath that Srirama had taken and that is why she did not kill Ravana. She created a look-alike form that appeared exactly like her. She left that look-alike form there and disappeared from the place. As per the opinion of Srirama, she went to Kailas and was getting worshipped by Parvati and Parameshwara till the death of Ravana at the hands of Srirama.

Ravana saw Vedavati in the guise of Seetha Devi and took her away under an illusion that it was Seetha he was taking. He shifted her into his chariot and travelled through the space. Now, Vedavati needed the strength, courage and patience to tolerate the torture that female demons were to give her in Lanka. Therefore, Devendra entered a portion of his form into Vedavati. He also ensured that Vedavati remembered everything that Seetha had done or experienced till then. Vedavati should also possess all the qualities and character that Seetha possessed. A thing enjoyed by someone cannot be remembered by another person. Therefore, Seetha Devi also entered Vedavati with a portion of her own power. As a result, Vedavati in the form of Seetha Devi began crying and screaming for help:

“Alas Rama, please protect me from the clutches of Ravana. Alas Lakshmana, look at my current state. Relieve me from this demon’s hold and join me with my husband. Oh Goddess of Forest, at least you can have pity on my present situation and inform Rama about it. Oh King of Birds Jatayu, tell Rama instantly about my plight.”

Immediately on hearing the voice of Seetha, Jatayu rose from his mountain cave and confronted Ravana. A fierce battle ensued between Ravana and Jatayu, when Jatayu cautioned Ravana that he was not taking Seetha Devi but his own death. Jatayu was no match to Ravana. Still, he fought with Ravana with tooth and nail. Finally, Ravana cut the wings of Jatayu with his sword. As a result, Jatayu fell on the ground. He was severely wounded and bleeding. He lost his consciousness. Vedavati ran to him, hugged him and cried. Ravana forcibly took her away, placed her in the Pushpaka Airplane and swiftly moved towards Lanka. On the way, Seetha Devi (Vedavati) saw five giant monkeys at the tip of a mountain. She removed some jewels she was wearing, tore the border of her sari, kept the jewels in that torn piece of sari and threw them in the midst of those monkeys. Hanumantha, who was among those five monkeys, immediately thought of killing Ravana and retrieve Seetha Devi. But, Sugreeva objected as he knew the divine will. It is not that Hanumantha was unaware of the divine will. He wanted to show to the world that a capable person should not be blind to some injustice being done to his fellow being. Every being is responsible for the other. It may so happen that at some times, one person will be very weak and another very strong, depending upon the Karma or the deeds or misdeeds of previous births or life. Both Hanumantha and Sugreeva showed to the world the kind of behavior one should practice at critical moments.

Ravana entered Lanka, showed her his kingdom, the glory, luxury and comforts of his empire. He once again boasted about his power and valour. He reiterated that there was no possibility of Srirama finding Lanka or Seetha and asked her to forget Rama. Vedavati boldly retorted:  

“There is no place Srirama cannot enter. He will kill you even if all deities and demons lend support to you. No barrier can save you.”

Ravana really trembled with fear, but did not show. He was enraged. He sent Vedavati to his royal garden Ashoka Vana, assigned the duty of protecting her to eight well-built demons.

It must be understood or realized here that Sri Narayana and Lord Rama are one and the

same; similarly, Goddess Lakshmi Devi and Seetha Devi are one and the same. Both Narayana and Lakshmi are omnipresent. All these actions of Ravana, Mareecha, Khara, Dushana, were known to Srirama and Seetha Devi because they are inseparable. All their actions are like lessons to human world.
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