RamarpaNam-112

File 112.

Dated:  September 04, 2012.

Jai Sri Ram.

Rama and Mithila-vaasi-s

Sri Rangam, the first and foremost of the 108 Divya Desams is renowned as ‘bhoo loka Vaikundam’. All the 10 Alwars have sung in praise of Lord Sri Ranganatha of this temple in 247 exclusive ‘Pasurams’.

Lord Ranganatha and Rama are connected to one another in more than one way.  The Lord was in Ayodhya as the presiding deity of the Royal temple there. He then was brought to Sri Rangam by VibheeshaNa and consecrated here.

Rama gave the ‘praNavakaara vimana’ along with the Lord as a parting gift to VibheeshaNa. While returning home he rested on the isle of Sri Rangam for performance of ‘pavithrotsavam’ to the Lord. VibheeshaNa then left to his kingdom, as the Lord didn’t budge to go with him.

The people of Mithila were questioning to themselves as to why should Rama be asked to string the bow; instead should He not be married to Sita with due honors and prayers.  Everyone was looking at Rama with their eyes wide open without a whisker.  

Then they saw and heard Rama lifting the bow and the sound that followed, missing every other action of resting it on His thumb and stringing it swiftly.

Devas feared the sound as though the seven worlds have given way, as if the snake-God had tossed them out, held by Him on his head thus far.

The people took time to read the real happenings. Relieved of the shock thereby were happy and said to one another:

He the son of Dasaratha is lotus eyed. Oh! He is dark complexioned like the pregnant clouds. Flowers would not vie with Him in softness or gentleness.  No, Not a human and must be the Lord of the milky ocean, they concurred.

Divided were they. Taking sides with Sita and Rama, the people there, started eulogizing them both. One group said Sita should borrow 1000 more eyes to have a glimpse of Rama. Others defied saying that Rama too, should doth on each such occasion. Turning to LakshmaNa, they said the world is fortunate to have them both and thanked Sage Vishvamitra to have brought them there.

Meanwhile, Neelamala, a lady-friend of Sita, unfurled the message that Rama will be Her groom.

Rama had to bend the bow to win Sita and Her vara-mala. Lord Ranganatha had to bend River Cauvery to win a caressing garland around Him.