Lakshman Rao
King Rama lay in a pleasant slumber, while the court singers melodiously filled the air with their songs, accompanied by the gentle strains of traditional instruments. The soothing sound brought joy to all who listened, mingling with the systematic chanting of the Vedas by the sages. The soft jingling of small bells, stirred by regal elephants passing along their designated paths, added a natural harmony to the serene atmosphere. Under this peaceful spell, Rama awoke, his presence radiant, as if the god Vishnu himself had risen from his bed of serpents.
As Rama stirred, many gathered to offer their prayers, while leaders from various branches of the royal court greeted him and informed him of an impending visit from Devarshi Narada. After completing his morning rituals, Rama took his place in the royal court. There, seated according to rank, the assembly commenced their duties, addressing matters of immediate concern. Upon completing these, they welcomed Sage Narada with the customary honours. The sages sang Vedic hymns, seeking blessings from the king. Sage Vasishtha, expressing his delight at Narada’s arrival, urged him to stay as their guest for a time.
Sugreeva and his retinue, along with Vibhishana and his group, took their places in the court. Rama, eager for wisdom, asked Narada to recount the tale of the birth and growth of Vali and Sugreeva. Narada, nodding in agreement, began his tale, promising a wondrous story.
“Once, Creator Brahma was absorbed in deep meditation. From the intensity of his thought, a tear fell, and he placed it upon the ground with the intent that a being of great use in the future would spring forth. When Brahma opened his eyes, before him stood a mighty monkey, hands folded in respect. ‘Father,’ the monkey asked, ‘why was I created? What should I do?’ Brahma named him Ruksha Rajas, instructing him to dwell freely in the gardens of the mountain, to enjoy the fruits and roots there, and to come and go freely from Brahma’s court.
Ruksha Rajas lived contentedly, visiting Brahma’s court daily, where gods, sages, fairies, and kings gathered to greet him. But one day, while wandering deep into the forest, he grew thirsty. He found a crystal-clear lake and, upon gazing into the water, mistook his own reflection for an adversary. Contemplating how to overcome this foe, he leapt into the lake. The moment he submerged, he transformed into a radiant woman, so beautiful that no one in the three worlds could rival her. Her grace was like that of Lakshmi, her serene eyes mirrored those of Parvati, and her movements were as fluid as Saraswati’s. She possessed the allure of all three goddesses.
As she wandered around Mount Meru, Brahma’s celestial seat, her beauty caught the attention of Indra, who, enchanted, sought to forge a divine bond. From this union, she bore a son, Vali, named for the glance Indra had first cast upon her tail. In a similar fashion, Surya, the sun god, upon gazing at her neck, fathered Sugreeva. Though no words passed between them, Indra placed a garland of golden lotuses around her, bestowing upon Vali immense strength. Surya blessed Sugreeva and entrusted him to the care of Hanuman.
For a time, the woman raised her children with love, feeding them fruits, honey, and roots. But the fickle nature of her monkey spirit stirred within, and one day, she dipped back into the lake, emerging once more as Ruksha Rajas. He gathered the children and went to Brahma, bowing at his feet. Brahma blessed both Vali and Sugreeva, causing them to grow to full size instantly, resembling Ruksha Rajas himself.
Brahma then summoned his messenger, instructing him to escort Ruksha Rajas and his sons to Kishkinda, a land rich and mighty, with great structures built by the divine architect Vishwakarma under Brahma’s guidance. Brahma commanded that Ruksha Rajas be crowned king, with the support of the many monkeys and bears that inhabited the region. The king’s commanding presence soon brought all under his sway, and the ambassador, having completed his task, reported back to Brahma.
‘O Rama,’ Narada concluded, ‘this is the secret of Vali and Sugreeva’s birth. Ruksha Rajas is both their father and mother.’ With that, Narada suggested they retire for the day, promising more wondrous tales of the ancient world to come.”
