| Viswamitra in Ramayana - 2
 After
Rama killed the demoness Thatagai, Viswamitra gave him a lot of asthras and
taught him how to use them. Then they reached a place which appeared very
pleasant with trees in full bloom, singing birds, plants and creepers. Rama
was enamoured by it's beauty and enquired of Viswamitra about the place. The
latter replied that it was the place where the protector of the universe Lord
Mahavishnu attained Siddhi in Vamana Avathara and that the place was called
Siddhashrama. He further added that he had chosen this place to perform yaga
(sacrifice) and that the demons were spoiling his efforts. He expressed his
desire that they should be killed in the very same place.
They entered the Siddhashrama
where they were received by the other rishis. Rama requested Viswamitra to
begin his yaga. The yaga was to be performed continuously for six days. Both
Rama and Lakshmana with bow and arrow guarded the sacrificial hall day and
night without sleep. Five nights passed peacefully without any hindrance, but
on the sixth day the two demons Subahu and Mareesan tried to pour blood from
the sky. But before it could harm the sacrifice, Rama with his Manavasthram
stopped the rain of blood and hit Mareesan on his chest. The asthra numbed his
mind, carried him and dropped him in the Sea. Rama killed Subahu and the other
demons using other asthras.
 Thus
Rama helped Viswamitra finish his yaga peacefully. The next morning after
finishing their ablutions, they were told by the other rishis that they were
leaving for Mithila where King Janaka was planning to perform a grand
sacrifice. They informed that King Janaka possessed a bow called 'ShivDhanush'
which no one can string regardless of heather they were humans or demons or
devas. the rishis invited Rama and Lakshamana to come and see the Bow. But
Viswamitra replied that they could only come to Mithila on the way to
Himalayas.
Then Rama, Lakshmana with
Viswamitra left Siddhshrama and went North. They reached river Senai and
rested there. Viswamitra described his family lineage to Rama and thus they
spent the night talking about the Kusa Vamsa. Then they started on their
journey and reached river Ganga, bathed and performed 'Homams' and ate their
food (prasadham ). When they were resting, Rama expressed his interest in
knowing the story of the river Ganga. Viswamitra obliged him by reciting the
story of Ganga in detail.
|
