SRI RAGHAVENDRA SWAMY’S
SRI RAMACHARITRYA MANJARI
(ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಘವೆಂದ್ರ ಸ್ವಾಮಿ ವಿರಚಿತ “ಶ್ರೀ
ರಾಮಚಾರಿತ್ರ್ಯ ಮಂಜರಿ”)
SUNDARAKANDA BEGINS/ಸುಂದರಕಾಂಡದ ಆರಂಭ
Hanumantha began expanding his body and he grew like
as though he wanted to touch the sky by standing on earth. Being an embodiment
of all knowledge and power, Hanumantha saluted Sri Rama in his mind. His body
looked like wildfire that was spreading across the ocean to engulf Sri Lanka
and he appeared as though smoke was emanating from his body, hiding the fire
inside. His long tail was spiraled in round shape and his ears straitened. He
stared at Sri Lanka from the hill spot from where he was about to spring into
the sky. Other monkeys were not confident that Hanumantha could really
accomplish the task. They said aloud in a single voice: “Oh Hanuman, we wish to
see you back from Lanka after completing the job. For that, we have to be fortunate
enough indeed.”
Hanuman replied:
“Most of you have seen how a single arrow of Srirama
destroyed the seven Sal trees, entered the underworld and killed all demons
there, returned to the quiver of Srirama. With his grace, I will travel
quickly, see Seetha Devi and return soon like the arrow shot by Srirama. If I
am unable to find Seetha Devi, I will bundle the entire city of Lanka in my
tail and bring it here. Like the Sun evaporates the sea waters, I will dry out
all the seven seas and walk across to Lanka. If any mountains obstruct my way,
I will pull them out and throw them like a ball. I will certainly accomplish
the task easily and return to see you all.”
Munis, saints, Rishis and ascetics, who were eagerly
waiting for this occasion, offered prayers to Lord Hari to bless Hanuman to be
able to complete the assignment successfully.
Meanwhile, Hanumantha flew into the sky with wild
force due to which the trees were uprooted, the rocks in mountains erupted and
followed him from behind to a long distance. Later, they fell like cotton,
unable to match Hanumantha’s speed. As he was surrounded by a rare radiation,
many people wondered if there were two Suns in the sky.
Devotion of Mainaka
Earlier, mountains had wings and they were flying
freely like birds. However, when they desired, the mountains were coming down
to earth for resting. When they were settling down in a place, several
villages, huge population and livestock were getting destroyed under the weight
of those flying mountains. Then, with the intention of saving the villages and
their inhabitants, Lord Indra began cutting the wings of all mountains with his
Vajrayudha. At that time, Mainaka, the son of Himavanta, brother of Parvati and
brother-in-law of Lord Rudra, appealed to Lord Vayu to save him. Lord Vayu
helped Mainaka in escaping from the onslaught of Indra by immersing Mainaka in
the ocean. Since then, Mainaka was living under the sea and he was waiting for
an opportunity to reciprocate the help rendered by Lord Vayu. Now, he saw
Hanumantha flying across 100 Yojana-long sea to reach Lanka. Mainaka thought of
helping Hanumantha to rest for a while on his body. He rose from the sea and
appealed to Hanumantha to descend on his body, rest for a while and continue
his journey. Hanumantha politely told Mainaka: “Modest Mount Mainaka, my friend,
rest is needed by those who get tired. I am not tired and hence I don’t need
any rest. Before starting my journey, I had promised my fellow monkeys that I
will not rest till I see Seetha Devi and return. Therefore, I cannot rest now.
The daylight is dwindling and the time is very close to dusk. There are several
tasks at hand to complete. I should land in Lanka before dark. Oh Mainaka! Why
did you shift from earth to the sea?”
Mainaka explained the background and said that the King
of Oceans was a devotee of Srirama and he advised me to assist you in this endeavor.
Moreover, I was duty bound to serve you.”
Hanumantha embraced Mainaka affectionately and
continued his journey.
Please read, comment and share. SDN
No comments:
Post a Comment