Welcome to the second episode of The Journey of Rama. If this is your first encounter with The Journey, please read Episode One first.
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On with Episode Two!
The delegation of Devas made the cross-galactic pilgrimage to Vishnu’s home, the spiritual planet Vaikuntha. At first, they sought him at his vast Crystal Palace. Upon arrival, a servant informed them that Lord Narayana (another name for Vishnu) slept for a third of each year and was currently engaged in his four-month sleep period. He could be found on the cosmic sea, where he and his wife Lakshmi rested on the back of the great cobra, Shesh.
The Devas began to moan and chatter among themselves. “Four months of sleep!” one cried out. “Can we wake him? We need his aid immediately!”
“We are very sorry, but he cannot be disturbed. However, tomorrow is the eleventh day of the bright fortnight of month Kartik, so he will awaken then. Go to the Cosmic Sea and wait until he opens his eyes.”
Each month of the year is divided into two fortnights, one fortnight, known as Shukla, brightening as the moon shifts from new to full, and the other fortnight, Krishna, darkening as the sky darkens again. The delegation was relieved to learn that Lord Vishnu would only be asleep for one more day, so they set off immediately for the Cosmic Sea.
Meanwhile, on Earth...
King Dasharatha paced the floor of his throne room. The marble was cool on his bare feet, but he took no notice, nor did he take in the splendor of the pillars, carvings, and golden emblems of the sun that surrounded him. He left his crown sitting on his throne as he strode up and down the length of the vast chamber. Crown or no crown, he was supremely regal in appearance: tall and muscular with long greying locks and flowing beard. No one would ever mistake him for anything but a king.
The kingdom of Avadh was at peace, the capital city, Ayodhya, thrived, and the King’s people prospered. The workings of government moved as smoothly as oil poured from a jar, thanks to the wisdom and care of the eight-member King’s Council. The ministers of the Council were Dhristi, Jayantha, Vijaya, Saurashtra, Rashtravardhana, Akopa, Dharmapala, and Dasharatha’s chief minister, the noble Sumant. They managed the day-to-day affairs of Avadh while keeping the King updated.
Sumant himself seemed to be everywhere all the time: leading the Council, following the King’s every instruction, and thoroughly aware and in control of all the goings-on in the palace. Sumant was comfortable in any task, from leading the affairs of state to driving the King’s chariot to helping the gardeners collect flowers for worship. Sumant considered his job description to be “Serve King and kingdom,” and whatever that might entail. The king knew how fortunate he was to have Sumant as his chief minister and close friend.
Dasharatha should have been secure and content, yet he was not. The King was distressed.
He called to one of his personal guards standing in the entranceway. “Please go and summon Minister Sumant. I wish to see him as soon as he is available.” The guard left the throne room swiftly. Dasharatha moved his crown to a nearby table and sat heavily upon his throne.
At the Cosmic Sea...
Lord Vishnu lay on his right side; his right elbow bent up. His shining head rested on his hand. Goddess Lakshmi sat near him as they rested on the coils of the mighty serpent Shesh. Vishnu’s eyes opened, and as he awoke, his blue form took on a luster that made him seem to glow.
“Ah, you are awake, my beloved Lord,” said Lakshmi softly. Vishnu nodded but did not move. The sky above the sea appeared to brighten. “A group of Devas awaits an audience with you.”
Vishnu raised an eyebrow. “Why did they not go to Lord Shiva while I slept? The universe is in his charge during my rest.”
“Lord Shiva is with them. It seems only you can help. Balance must be restored.”
Vishnu slowly rose to sit crosslegged. “Bring them,” he said softly, and without any other movement, the Devas appeared before him, floating on the waters.
They bowed low before him. The eldest Deva spoke, “Lord Narayana, we bring a message and a plea from the sages of Earth and from Earth herself.” He explained how the practices and offerings of holy men were being interrupted, even destroyed, by Asuras and that the holy men had begged for relief. "We have learned that the King of the Asuras, the demon Ravana, encourages and supports these attacks.”
Lord Shiva spoke up. "The citizens of towns and cities are also influenced by the demons. They practice selfishness and other wicked deeds. You, my Lord, are the Restorer, and something must be done. I cannot destroy Ravana as he is my devotee, and any discipline less than destruction would be ineffective."
Vishnu had heard of Ravana and knew that the demon king was, in fact, a half-demon. Ravana’s father had been a human of the priestly caste, and his mother had been an Asura. Ravana had done many severe austerities in hopes of gaining blessings from the Gods and was indeed a great devotee of Lord Shiva.
Vishnu was also aware that after a thousand years of austerities, Ravana had been granted a boon by Lord Brahma, guaranteeing that no celestial being could slay him. Ravana had initially asked for immortality, but Brahma had explained that no austerity, however severe, could win that blessing. Yet, by becoming invulnerable to celestials, Ravana had overcome the Gods themselves. Still, there had to be a way to defeat Ravana’s demonic horde and restore balance to the universe.
Vishnu went into a deep meditation as the Devas waited for his response.
In Ayodhya...
Sumant stood at the door to the throne room until the King rose and gestured for him to come forward. Receiving the gesture, he approached the monarch, bowed low to touch the king’s feet, then stood.
“How can I help, Your Majesty?” Sumant asked. It seemed to Dasharatha that they had never had a conversation that didn’t include Sumant’s question.
“I’m not certain that you can, my friend,” said Dasharatha as he sat again and bade his minister take a seat. He paused to compose his words carefully. “We have three queens. You know that I married thrice in the hope of having at least one son to carry the lineage of my family, the Raghu clan.”
Sumant nodded. He wanted to stroke his mustache but restrained himself.
“Three wives, no son,” Dasharatha said softly. “I must have an heir, but none is forthcoming. Each month my beard becomes greyer, my stride less sure. I will not despair, but I do not see my next steps. Therefore, I ask my minister for advice.”
“My lord, I am humbled that you trust me with your private matters, but to give advice here is beyond my scope, even as your friend.” Sumant looked deep into the king’s eyes. “Perhaps you should discuss a matter between you and the gods with your preceptor?”
Dasharatha nodded. “Indeed. I hesitate to bother Guru Vashistha with a family matter, but as this case grows more serious, you are, as usual, correct. I will visit him at once.”
Sumant held up his hand. “May I suggest you summon him here? I don’t know what rituals he may prescribe, but perhaps Ayodhya is the place to perform them.”
Dasharatha sighed. “I am his student, his disciple, and so I’m loath to summon him from his ashram.”
“You are also his King,” said Sumant. “Bring the guru here. This is my advice.”
I’m not putting any of The Journey of Rama behind a paywall - I wouldn’t feel right. Feel free to take a free subscription.
I do hope, however, that you will take a paid subscription instead for two reasons. One, writing is how I make my living, and I’d like to spend a lot more time working on this if I can afford to. And two, 50% of whatever income I derive from this work will be donated to Dhyanyoga Centers to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of my Guru, Shri Anandi Ma. If it weren’t for Her, I’d never have been introduced to the Ramayana.