Lakshman Rao
In the ancient scriptures, the sages are described as hailing from different cardinal directions. This division is not geographical but symbolic, with each direction representing a distinct culture, belief system, faith, and method of religious ritual. However, the underlying truth, or Dharma, remains one. This concept helps us understand how to approach and honour the sages, facilitating the exchange of diverse spiritual practices, while emphasizing that no single path is superior to another—a testament to the unity in diversity.
After Lord Rama’s conquest of Lanka and the installation of Vibhishana as king, Rama turned his attention to improving the welfare of his people. A council of sages was convened to assist in this mission, as it was challenging to identify what the people lacked, living as they were in complete contentment.
A messenger sought permission to report that four groups of Rishis had arrived, each led by a prominent sage. One of the council members, concerned about the possibility of demons disguising themselves as Rishis, requested more details. Understanding the gravity of the concern, the messenger respectfully provided a thorough account, as was customary in such esteemed assemblies.
“O noble sage,” he began, “I have meticulously verified their identities before seeking permission for their entry. From the east come sages such as Kausika, Yavakreeda, Garga, Galava, and Kanva, son of Medhatithi. From the south, Athreya, Namuchi, Vramuchi, Agastya, Sumulu, and Vimukha. From the west, Nrushinga, Kavashi, Dhoumya, and Kausheya. And from the north, Vasishtha, Kashyapa, Atri, Vishwamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni, and Bharadwaja. All of them are serene, peaceful, and radiating vitality.”
Pleased by this report, Sage Sumantra, along with the other members of the council, moved to welcome the esteemed Rishis. They were respectfully escorted to Rama’s court, where he greeted them with great reverence, ensuring all formalities were observed before inviting them to be seated.
Rama, with genuine concern, asked, “Are you able to perform your daily duties and special rituals without any hindrances? Are there any obstructions to your sacred work? Do you have sufficient food throughout the year, or are there any shortages? Please inform me at once, and I will rectify any deficiencies. You are the pillars of Dharma, the propagators of goodness for all beings. It is unacceptable that harmless sages like yourselves should face any difficulties. My entire assembly and forces are at your service—kindly command.”
Bharadwaja and Kanva responded, affirming that the entire community of sages was immensely content under Rama’s rule. “We are so secure and safe that, beyond the rituals we perform to honor the gods, kings, and sages, we have no other concerns. Your reign is truly governed by Dharma. We have come to bless you for your great victory over the invincible demon forces and for making Vibhishana, a living embodiment of Dharma, the king of Lanka.”
Sages Kasyapa and Kausheya then asked, with great curiosity, how it was possible for the mighty demon Kumbhakarna to have fallen, as well as the skilled warriors Mahodara, Virupaksha, and Trisiras. “We are convinced,” they said, “that your strategy, supported by unity and adherence to Dharma, ensured your victory.”
Galava and other Rishis requested Agastya to narrate the story of the demons’ origin and the marvels of Lanka’s creation. Rama, his brothers, and the council eagerly awaited the tale.
Agastya began, “Pulastya, the son of Brahma, full of divine knowledge and grace, sought permission to descend to earth and perform penance. Brahma granted his request, advising him to carry out his austerities at the ashram of the royal sage, Truna Bindu. There, Pulastya chanted Vedic hymns daily, imbuing the area with serenity, drawing visitors to the place. However, the playful frolics of young girls often disturbed his concentration. Frustrated, Pulastya, with his divine powers, declared that any girl entering the ashram would immediately become pregnant. Terrified, the girls stayed away, allowing him to continue his practices undisturbed.
“One day, however, Truna Bindu’s daughter, unaware of the curse, entered the premises and noticed changes in her body. She ran to her father, who, using his clairvoyant powers, understood what had happened. He approached Pulastya and humbly requested that he accept his daughter in marriage, praising her virtuous nature. Pulastya agreed, and from this union was born a son, Visravasu, a being of great Vedic wisdom.
“Visravasu’s reputation grew, and one day, the sage Bharadwaja offered his daughter’s hand in marriage to him. The couple had a son, Vaisravana, who later became Kubera, the king of treasures. Kubera excelled in the study of the Vedas, Upanishads, and Dharma Shastra. Under his father’s guidance, he performed rigorous penances, culminating in various sacred Yajnas, including the Pitru Yajna (honoring ancestors), Bhuta Yajna (serving all living beings), and Deva Yajna (worshiping the gods).
“Pleased with Kubera’s devotion, Brahma granted him the position of Loka Pala (guardian of the world) and Dhana Pala (guardian of wealth), elevating him to the rank of god of wealth, alongside Indra and Varuna. Brahma also bestowed upon him the divine chariot, ‘Pushpaka,’ and instructed him to take residence on the mountain of Trikuta, beyond the southern ocean, where Viswakarma had crafted magnificent structures for the Rakshasas. Fearing Lord Vishnu, the Rakshasas had retreated to the nether realms, leaving Lanka uninhabited.
“Thus, Kubera entered Lanka as its king, ruling with splendor and allowing the Rakshasas and Yakshas to settle in the city. His consorts, Bhadra, Riddhi, and Rambha, along with his children, Nalakubara and Manigreeva, lived harmoniously, bridging the earthly and heavenly realms.”
As night fell, the assembly dispersed, with the sages and guests retiring to their designated quarters. Rama, having prayed for the well-being of the sages, returned to his palace.
