God Dam(n) It, Maduranthakam

As the Vasantha Navarathri draws to a close, any leisurely stroll along the Mada Veedhis (Temple streets) of the Parthasarathi Temple at Thiruvallikeni in Chennai is bound to end up with you staring at posters after posters of the upcoming Upanyasams by celebrated Hari-Katha experts and singers. The entire Iyengar-community around the temple prepares for a week-long series of lectures based on the single most heroic man in their puranas – Sri Raama. This is one time of the year when everyone hurries to get their old dusty copies of the Valmiki Raamayana, Kamba Raamayana or Raamcharitmaanas, for it is Sri Raama Navami, the auspicious day which Purushottama (the Man supreme) chose, to be born into the prestigious Ikshvaaku line. And in celebration of this sacrosanct Hindu holiday, we at kshetrapuranas has come up with yet another juicy story to share with you – a tale which is as ancient as the Raamayana and yet as new as the last century.

The year was 1798 and the monsoons were at their peak. Winds ripped by mercilessly and the roads were flooded with rivulets of cascading water. Visibility was near zero and people were hesitant to wander out, fearing for their safety, but the district collector of the East India Company for the village of Maduranthakam, Colonel Lionel Blaze, was concerned about just one particular menace – the lake of Maduranthakam.

The lake in the village had proved itself to be a severe pain to all the yester-year collectors. Beautiful, though it was by the summer time, it became equally vicious with the arrival of the monsoon rains. Whatever efforts the East India Company took to strengthen the bunds on the banks of the lake proved to be futile. The bund always yielded to the swelling lake and the village was flooded time and again. The waters additionally washed away the roughly built waste weir adjacent to the lake, creating a total wreck. Every year, the villager’s efforts at farming were all reduced to zilch because of this predictable but unpreventable flood.

That year, Blaze decided to be extra careful with the arrangements. He was seriously in need of some quick promotions and what better way to do it than to solve a long-lasting problem. Hence, he decided to camp at the village for some time before the monsoons set in, to supervise over the annual building of the lake bunds. He arrived at the village with his huge army of stonemasons, servants and other workers, well-prepared for the tough monsoon.

The moment he entered the village, Blaze’s eyes immediately fell on the magnificent stone edifice of the Sri Kothanda Raamar temple, rising tall and splendid, soaring above the other buildings. Greatly attracted to the Dravidian architecture, he lost himself in its beauty and wandered into the temple. 

The temple archakaas came running out to welcome the collector into the holy precincts of their temple. “I did not know that such a splendid temple existed in a village under my administration”, he said, his eyes still taking in all the wonders in stone. “Pray, Oh holy men of this temple, do tell me why this temple is here? It is my common knowledge that every temple in India has some interesting legend behind it. What is the story behind this one?”

The head priest was only too delighted to hear the interest expressed by the colonel in knowing about the sthala purana of the temple. He humbly offered a seat to the Colonel and began to narrate the story of Sri Raama’s arrival to this quaint coastal village.

“Eons ago, when Sri Vishnu incarnated on this earth in the human form of Sri Raama, this particular kshetra was a dense forest of Bagula or Magizham trees (Mimusops elengi). Hence, the place is mentioned in our Puranas as Bagulaaranyam or ‘forest of the Bagula trees’. The forest was home to several rishis and munis, who had set up aashramas to perform austere penance and worship without any disturbance. Vipandakar was one such Maharishi who had set up a small place for himself, to perform daily ritual worship to the idols of Sri Karunaakaran, Sri Devi and Bhoodevi, So great was his bhakthi and so powerful was the aura of Sri Karunaakaran, that it drew the exiled prince of Ayodhya, Sri Raama to the spot. Extremely pleased with the rishi’s worship, Raama stayed back for a few hours to perform pooja to Sri Karunaakaran and bless Vipandakar with an opportunity to serve him. However, Raama couldn’t stay any longer because he was on a quest to redeem his kidnapped wife Sita. However, on parting with the Rishi, Raama promised to come back to this place once he had succeeded in rescuing Sita. The Rishi too went back to his penance waiting for the arrival of that glorious day.”  

“Time flew by and the Raama-Raavana war ended with Raama killing Raavana, thus fulfilling his duty on earth. After crowning Vibheeshana as the king of Lanka, Raama mounted the Pushpaka Vimana, the ancient flying chariot that was owned by Raavana, along with Sita and Lakshmana. The Vimana sped northwards towards the capital of Kosala, followed on ground by a loyal herd of Vanaras. They were flying over a dense forest, when the Vimana stopped mid flight, all of a sudden. To everyone’s surprise, it refused to budge even with the Vanaras pushing and pulling it in all directions. It was then that Sri Raama remembered his promise to Vipandakar, and he immediately ordered the Vimana to go down, which it dutifully followed. And so Raama visited Bagulaaranyam again, but this time along with Sita. To Vipandakar’s astonishment and joy, Raama’s Vimana stopped in front of his aashrama. Sri Raama alighted from it and appeared before the Rishi, clutching Sita’s left hand with his right, with Lakshmana by his side. The Rishi went into hysterics of joy at this divine vision and invited the divine couple to stay at his aashrama. Sri Raama, thus stayed with the Rishi for some time and enjoyed his devotion and hospitality to the fullest extent possible and then returned to Ayodhya.”

“After the visit of the divine couple, the place bloomed with happiness and sweetness. The flowers overflowed with nectar and there was eternal spring in the air. To commemorate the sweet visit of the divine couple, the rishis named the place as Maduranthakam. This, Oh Durai, is the legend behind this mesmerizing temple.”

Sri Janakavalli Thaayar

Colonel Blaze listened to the entire story with rapt attention and soon, was totally lost in it. Only when the archakaa finally finished the tale did Blaze come out of his trance-like state. Looking quizzically at all the archakaas, Blaze’s wandering eyes fell on a large stack of uncut granite slabs, piled up against one of the walls. “What are these doing here?” he demanded. The head priest once again spoke out, “We are in the process of building a shrine for the lord’s consort, Sri Janakavalli Thaayar. However due to paucity of funds, we had to stop suddenly. We are sure that She would show us a way out. After all, she was the goddess of wealth incarnate.”

A blazing idea now shaped up in Blaze’s mind. “Oh holy men of my village, I promise to build the new shrine to your Goddess, if your deities can protect the lake from flooding over this year. Is that a deal?” he asked.

The priests looked at each other. They could obviously not say no to such a generous offer. They had nothing to lose after all. Unanimously, they all nodded their heads in agreement. With a curt nod to the priests Colonel Blaze too walked out of the temple, and he had not even had a darshan of the lord. Maybe it was a personal challenge between him and Raama.

The tank bund was soon built in time for the rains, but it was not any stronger than the previously destroyed ones. If the rains were as heavy as they usually were, this one was not going to last even a few days into it. As an extra precaution, Colonel Blaze asked the people to evacuate the village to ensure their safety. So except for a very few staunch devotees, who were totally against abandoning the temple, the other villagers left to visit their families and friends in the neighbouring villages.

The promised winds soon blew up, bringing along with them the dreaded storms. It was worse than ever that year. The storm uprooted trees with surprising ease and hurled them away like ragged dolls. Rains poured down in torrents and the lake began to fill up. Days went by, and the lake slowly started to swell, threatening to flood over.

One night, the rains were particularly terrible. But Colonel Blaze braved the gales to go out, with his attendant holding the umbrella, to look at the state of the lake bund. He had this nagging notion that the bund wouldn’t be able to hold on any further.

The Colonel's vision, Art by Deepak Saagar

 Wading through the waters, the colonel finally reached the banks of the lake. The lake looked terrible - black as death and swelling with every passing moment - it offered the very picture of calamity. But wait, why were there two men walking on the other side of the lake? The villagers had to be absolutely nuts to walk out in this weather. The colonel watched in utter surprise, as the two figures continued to walk along the tank periphery, and then he realised that they did not even look like the villagers. Tall and well built, with crowns on their head, they looked like kings, each holding a bow in one hand and a bunch of arrows in the other. This was definitely the weirdest sight ever. He watched the men as they walked around the lake and then realising the wet state that he was in, the colonel walked back to his dwelling, pondering over the strange sight that he had just beheld and cursing the men who were out at this time in the night.

The next day dawned bright and nice. The rains had ceased and the sun was shining. Colonel Blaze rushed to the lake, and to his complete amazement, he saw that the lake bund had held. At once, he ran to the temple, to tell the priests this happy news. “The village has been saved… The bunds held up… We’ll have a good crop this year…” he shouted over and over again. The priests were immediately affected by the infectious happiness of the Colonel and they invited him to join them in their morning worship. The Colonel was led towards the sanctum by the priests. The doors of the sanctum were closed, as the ritual dressing and adorning of the Lord was in progress. The Colonel patiently waited for them to open, while the priests chanted in some unknown language totally strange to him. 

The bells of the temple tolled and the sanctum doors were thrown open. What a sight met the Colonel’s eyes. Two men, dressed as kings, each bearing a bow and some arrows, accompanied by another woman. There they stood as stone idols, richly decked with garlands and shimmering with jewels. The colonel couldn’t believe it. Weren’t they the men who he had seen the previous night? Weren’t they the total insane villagers whom he had cursed at? 

The Colonel went into hysterics of ecstasy. He couldn’t hide his happiness. With his mouth open wide, he kept staring at the idols of Raama, Sita and Lakshmana, joyous tears running down his cheeks. The priests noticed this and they immediately enquired about his sudden state of joy. The colonel, still reeling from a pleasure attack, explained the happenings of the previous night, and his utter surprise when he had seen the two men being offered worship at the temple.

The priests were only too happy at the turn of events. Amidst tears of joy, they repeatedly assured Colonel Blaze that it was indeed Sri Raama and Lakshmana who had appeared the previous night to protect the lake from flooding. “Durai, it was Raama himself, who had come to prevent the flooding of the lake. You are a fortunate soul, Oh Sir! What we have not achieved over many-many years of devotion and worship, you have achieved within a few days of your stay in Maduranthakam. A miracle indeed, Oh blessed sir, nothing short of a miracle!”

That day, Colonel Blaze left the temple jubilantly, surrounded by the priests, accompanied by shouts of victory. “Victory to Sri Raama!!! Victory to the beloved of Sita!!! Long live Durai Lionel Blaze!!!”

Extremely awed by this miracle, Colonel Blaze kept up his word to the temple archakaas and built the shrine to Janakavalli Thaayar. Even today, the inscriptions outside the shrine reveal the fact that the shrine had been built using the generous contributions of Colonel Lionel Blaze, the Jagirdar of the East India Company. His name also appears on the waste weir that was built adjacent to the lake.

Thus was built the Thaayar shrine at the Maduranthakam temple. Henceforth, the deity at the temple also came to be known as Sri Eri Kaatha Raamar (Raama who protected the lake) in commemoration of the miraculous incident that had been experienced by Colonel Price.

The temple town of Maduranthakam, which acted as the backdrop for this divine drama, is situated 77km south of Chennai and is stunning to behold, with the shimmering lake and the whitewashed temple towers. The temple is small but elegant, with separate shrines for Andaal and Ramanujar apart from the main shrines to Sri Kothanda Raamar and Janakavalli Thaayar. The temple is exalted as an Abhimana Sthalam by the Sri Vaishnavas and has several unique aspects as compared to many of the other Sri Vaishnava temples.

Ramanujar and Periya Nambi

To begin with, the temple town has close ties with Sri Ramanujacharya, the founder of the Sri Vaishnava sampradaya and an incarnation of Adisesha. It was here that he received deeksha (vows of Sanyas) from his Guru Periya Nambi, who performed the Pancha Samskaras to Ramanujar under a Magizham tree within the temple precincts. Ramanujar had actually started from Kanchi on a journey to Sri Rangam, to meet Periya Nambi there and join as his pupil. However, unknown to him, Periya Nambi had already started from Sri Rangam in search of Ramanujar. The Guru and Sishya met at Maduranthakam and Ramanujar insisted on taking his ascetic vows there, citing the uncertainty of human life and death against any postponement in his deeksha. Today, at the Ramanujar Sannidhi in the temple, both Periya Nambi and Ramanujar are present, which is a rare occurrence. Interestingly, unlike other temples, Periya Nambi is depicted to be in a Guru posture, with his hands depicting the Gnana mudra, and Ramanujar is shown as a Sishya, with his hands joint together. Also, this is the only temple where Ramanujar is adorned with white silk as compared to the ochre robes in other shrines, since this was the place where he had prepared himself to severe his ties as a householder. Hence, he is worshipped as a Grihasthi at his shrine, rather than as a Sanyasi, as in other places. Every year, this incident is celebrated on the Shukla Paksha Panchami Thithi in the Tamil month of Avani, when Ramanujar’s deeksha is enacted out under the Magizha tree in the temple compound.

The Chakra and Shankha mudras with Narthana Krishnan

The temple also has in its possession, the emblems of the Sudarshana Chakra, and the Panchajanya Conch, which were used by Periya Nambi to brand Ramanuja on his shoulders, when he took the deeksha. These copper brands were discovered in 1935 during a temple renovation along with a tiny copper idol of Sri Narthana Krishna. This idol is believed to be the personal deity of Periya Nambi and is shown to be in a dancing pose with a ball of butter in one hand. Child-less couplea seek a remedy for their grief by worshipping this idol and rocking him in a specially made silver cradle.

Sri Eri Kaatha Raamar and Sri Karunaakaran

Also, Maduranthakam happens to be the only kshetra where Raama is depicted to be holding the hands of Sita. Usually, in all Raama temples, Sita Devi is shown to be standing a little away from the lord. However, here Sri Raama is shown to be holding the left wrist of Sita with his right arm, just like he had jumped out of the Pushpaka Vimana to give darshan to Vipandakar. The shrine also has a statue of Vipandakar who is seen to be enjoying the presence of the Divine couple.

Interestingly, the temple has two Utsava moorthis – Sri Devi-Bhoodevi-Sametha-Karunaakaran and Sita-Lakshmana-Sametha Sri Kothanda Raamar. In spite of being a temple dedicated to Shri Raama, the primary respects are however offered to Sri Karunaakaran only. During all festivals and processions, it is Karunaakaran who is taken out. It is he who enjoys the marriage celebrations with Janakavalli Thaayar on Panguni Uthiram and with Andaal on Bhogi. Since Karunaakaran was worshipped by Sri Raama himself, this special status is reserved for him at the Maduranthakam temple.

Moreover, the Narasimha shrine at this kshetra is known to be associated with Kambar of the Tamil Raamayana fame. Prior to the staging of the Kamba Raamayanam, Kavi Chakravarthi Kambar went on a pilgrimage tour to various Raama temples in South India. When he came to the Maduranthakam temple, it is reported that he heard the roar of a lion repeatedly at one spot. On looking closely, he was blessed with a darshan of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha. The present day Narasimha shrine was raised on the very spot where it is believed that Sri Narasimha appeared to Kambar. The utsavar goes by the name Prahalada Varadhan and receives special Thirumanjanam and worship on Swathi Nakshatra days. Also, the Chakrathazhwar shrine at the temple is believed to possess tremendous powers, owing to the Yantra which is installed under the deity. Sudarshana Homa is regularly conducted at this shrine for human welfare on Chithirai Nakshatra days.

The glittering Maduranthakam Lake is situated right across the temple with a separate shrine for Anjaneya Swamy on its banks. The lake is so humongous that not many realize that the famous Vedanthangal bird sanctuary is located just on the other side of the lake. The sthala vriksha is of course the Magizham tree and there are plenty of them around, including many in the temple precincts, attesting to the town’s ancient name of Bagulaaranyam.

Raja Gopuram

The temple celebrates its annual Brahmotsavam in Aani and the Thirukkalyana Utsavam in Panguni along with the Raama Navami celebrations. On the seventh day during the Brahmotsavam, the Utsava vigrahas of Raama-Sita-Lakshmana are taken out in a chariot decorated like the Pushpaka Vimana, in memory of Raama’s visit to this kshetra. During the Raama Navami Utsava, the main deity is adorned with five different alankaaras in the course of one day. Famously known as the Panchalankaara Seva, he is adorned with a Pancha Gaccha in the morning, with a single strip of cloth just before noon, with Thiruvabharana and royal jewels at noon, with a diamond crown in the evening and with flowers and a pearl headdress at night. Thousands of devotees flock to the temple on these sacred days to catch a glimpse of the lord, who had once-upon-a-time revealed himself to a British stranger.

The town also makes a good picnic spot with its beautiful lake and serene atmosphere, and many people drive down for just the very same purpose. So when any of you Chennai-ites feel like you could kill a weekend, don’t hesitate to just race down the ECR to this scenic-cum-sacred town. I am sure that you won’t curse me for giving this suggestion.

Finally, winding up for the day, I hope all of you had a very good Raama Navami. May Shri Raama save us from all the floods in our lives just like he had saved the lake from flooding into the tiny hamlet of Maduranthakam.

Cheers and keep yourself tuned in for many more such stories @ kshetrapuranas.

நன்மையும் செல்வமும் நாளும் நல்குமே

திண்மையும் பாவமும் சிதைந்து தேயுமே

சென்மமும் மரணமும் இன்றித் தீருமே

இம்மையே ராமா என்ற இரண்டெழுத்தினால். 

- கவிச் சக்கரவர்த்தி கம்பன்

"All riches and goodness will arrive at our very doors,

 The worst of our sins and our evil will be destroyed,

Gone will be this cycle of birth and death between lives,

If in this world we only utter the two syllables Raa-ma"

-Kavi Chakravarthi Kambar

Spring is in the air, a nine night's fair - Vasantha Navarathri

Spring is here at last and I am delighted - I think I have had enough of sub-zero temperatures to last for a lifetime. And now, finally, Mother Nature has woken up - the roads, and trees, and gardens blooming with the joy of spring. The dull white and grey backdrop has been replaced with shades of reds and greens and oranges and yellows, and the fragrance of various blooms just wafts in the fresh, crisp air. What a relief from the terrible winter!!!

Interestingly, the ever tropical climate in India has not deterred our ancestors from celebrating this season of joy. With spring comes a whole new life - a whole new year. And every year, a number of festivals fall around spring, glorifying the happiness that comes along with it. Baisakhi and Holi are two grand scale celebrations of the colours and bounty of the season. Filled with fun and laughter, these festivals bring out the celebrative mood in a very vibrant way. Bhangra, gulal, and Holika-dahan are widespread words of talk in the northern parts of India.

In the south, however, the people celebrate the dance of spring with a less vibrant worship of the divine Mother - the fountainhead of all creation. For nine days and nine nights they worship her in her various forms and thank her for all that she has given them and for all they believe that she would bestow on them. Yes, they celebrate the Vasantha Navarathri - a festival far less known than its cousin, the Ashada Navarathri that comes later on in the year in autumn, but just as potent.

The legend behind Vasantha Navarathri, its associated customs and rituals, and the various fruits of observing this celebration are detailed out in the Srimad Devi Bhaagavatham, in the third book from chapters 14 to 30. When Janamejaya asked Veda Vyasa to describe the glorious legends associated with Devi, Vyasa obliged to his request and started recounting some of the most memorable and mighty deeds performed by the Devi. The following narrative is based on this particular conversation between Vyasa and Janamejaya.

The illustrious Ikshvaaku clan of the solar dynasty, which ruled over Kosala, had the privilege of having given birth to many a valiant king – some of the very best of Bharathavarsha. King Dhruvasindhu was one such ruler, who ruled from the capital of Ayodhya. He was a kind, benevolent and strong monarch, who ruled over the entire kingdom with dignity and integrity. He had two queens - Manorama and Lilavati, exceedingly beautiful, intelligent, and qualified royal women.  Through the two queens, Dhruvasindhu had two sons – Sudarshana from Manorama, and Shatrujith from Lilavati. Sudarshana was older than Shatrujith by a month and hence was crowned the heir-apparent, but Shatrujith was more popular amongst the people with his spontaneous and open speaking habits. Kosala flourished under Dhruvasindhu’s rule, with the people of all the varnas living a life of comfort and quality. But unfortunately, by the plays of fate, the valiant king’s life came to a sudden end during one of his hunting expeditions. Dhruvasindhu was attacked by a fierce lion, and after a deadly combat between man and beast, they both succumbed to the numerous fatal injuries.

The death of Dhruvasindhu

The death of Dhruvasindhu put the entire kingdom of Kosala in a very tricky situation. Sudarshana, being the eldest, was the obvious choice for the next king. Preparations were immediately carried out by the Kulaguru Vasishta and the ministers to install Sudarshana on the throne of Kosala. However, King Yudhajith of Ujjain, Shatrujith’s maternal grandfather, wanted to see his grandson on the throne. Lesser to no one, King Virasena of Kalinga, Sudarshana’s grandfather, publicly announced that he would never allow that to happen as long as he was alive. Both the kings rushed down to Kosala to support their respective wards. Kings and princes of the surrounding lands also ended up at Kosala, each choosing a side between Yudhajith and Virasena. Words were hurled around, insults were thrown and curses uttered. Anarchy reigned at Ayodhya while many plunderers from the neighboring settlement of Sringaverpura penetrated into the kingdom and made use of the pandemonium to their thieving advantage. And finally the inevitable happened. War broke out between the armies of Kalinga and Ujjain to usurp the throne of Kosala.

As luck would have it, Virasena was killed in the battle, his head having been severed from his body by Yudhajith’s arrow. Yudhajith roared in triumph, and the armies of Kalinga scattered without a trace. He marched towards Kosala to crown his grandson as the king of the mighty Kosala Empire.

Having heard about the death of her father, Manorama shuddered. She realized that Yudhajith would always be a threat to her son’s life as long as he lived. Not knowing what to do, she consulted Viddala, the trusted chief minister of Dhruvasindhu.

“Viddala, be true to your heart and tell me what I should do. My father has been slain in a battle. My husband is no longer alive and my son here, is yet to come of age. When Yudhajith reaches Ayodhya, I can no longer guarantee the safety of Sudarshana. Where should I go?”

The venerable minister was touched by the queen’s pitiable condition and immediately came up with a piece of advice. “It is never advisable for us to stay here, Oh queen. We should immediately take refuge in the forests of Benares. There I have the support of my powerful uncle Subaahu. He is prosperous and has got a strong army. He will protect us. Do not worry, Oh lady. Prepare yourself to leave this kingdom at once.”

Manorama fled from Ayodhya on the pretext of performing the final rites for her father. She was accompanied by Sudarshana, Viddala and a handful of trusted servants, including a eunuch maid. Manorama performed her father’s final rites and finally, she reached the banks of the Ganges after two days of tiring journey. As fate would have it, the group was attacked by a band of robbers, who stripped them of all their wealth. With nothing but the clothes that clad them, the group reached the aashrama of Bharadhwaja Rishi. There, Viddala narrated the sad story of Manorama and Sudarshana to the sage. Extremely moved by their piteous conditions, Bharadhwaja offered them refuge and asked them to make the aashrama their home. “Oh queen, rear your child here, amidst the best of tapasvis. No sorrow will affect you as long as you remain within the confines of this aashrama. Your son will surely be a great king one day. Until that time comes, you are welcome to stay here.”

At Ayodhya, Shatrujith was crowned the king of Kosala amidst much fanfare, but Yudhajith was not satisfied. His hands itched for the blood of Manorama and Sudarshana. Gathering an army, he went in search of them. Eventually he reached Bharadhwaja’s aashrama.

“Bharadhwaja Maharishi”, Yudhajith bowed to him humbly, “I have come to take away Queen Manorama and her son. They pose a threat to my grandson’s reign and need to be eliminated. It is Kshatriya dharma to vanquish our enemy. Please don’t stand in my way. Hand them over to me peacefully. If not, I have no choice but to resort to brute force to achieve my means”

Bharadhwaja just smiled. “It maybe Kshatriya dharma to vanquish your enemies, Oh Yudhajith”, he said, “but it is a Mano-dharma to protect the one who has taken refuge in you. I am not going to hand over the people who have approached me for my help. It is highly recommended that you turn back, lest you want to feel the wrath of a brahmana. Oh King! If there be any strength in you, you can take away Manorama by force; but the result will be similar to that when King Vishwamitra wanted to take away the heavenly cow Nandini from the hermitage of Vasishta”, he ended calmly.

Yudhajith’s anger flared up at the rishi’s calm countenance and he raised his hands to attack the rishi, when his ministers pounced on him and pulled him back. The ministers reasoned out the rishi’s point of view to Yudhajith and also narrated the story of Vishwamitra (which would probably be another post) to the king. Having no other go, Yudhajith returned to Ujjain, without Manorama and Sudarshana.

Years passed and lady luck smiled on Sudarshana. He grew up in the aashrama along with the other sons and daughters of the rishis. They were taught the various shaastras and the Vedas along with war craft, horse riding, sword fighting etc. Soon the prince excelled in all the 64 forms of art.

One day, a hermit’s son came to the aashrama and called out to the eunuch maid using the Sanskrit word for the same - “Kleeba”. The young prince was fascinated by this new word and using the first syllable alone, he kept mispronouncing the word as Klee. Little did he know that it happened to be the Beeja Mantra (Kleem) of the holy Mother, one of the most sacred and potent mantras ever recited. The prince kept repeating the syllable in a playful manner, humming it like a favorite song - and unknown to himself he achieved a never-before-experienced sense of calmness.

Years passed again, but Sudarshana never forgot the mantra. He recited it all throughout the day – while he played or hunted or ate or laid down for a nap. The mantra was always present on his lips. One day, all of a sudden, a bright glow materialized in front of him and Shakthi stood there, in all her glory, shining with resplendence. The potency of the mantra, and the innocent, untainted devotion of Sudarshana had simply drawn her to his abode, just as a bee is attracted to a freshly bloomed flower. She blessed him whole-heartedly and bestowed upon him a number of divine weapons, an enchanted armour and a quiver that remains unexhausted. Blessing him once again, she disappeared, just as suddenly as she had come.

Sashikala pines for Sudarshana

At just about the same time, the King of Benares, Subaahu, was zealously searching for a suitable groom for his daughter, Princess Sashikala. He sent messengers far and wide to the remotest of kingdoms to invite their princes to his daughter’s Swayamvara. The princess, however, had already selected her groom. Sashikala had totally fallen for the charm of Sudarshana, which was relayed to her through a soothsayer. She spent all her day dreaming about this yet-to-be-seen prince charming, who would marry her some day. Her prayers yielded their fruits when Devi appeared in her dreams one night and spoke highly of Sudarshana, declaring him to be the fit groom for Sashikala. Sashikala’s joy knew no bounds and she shared her dreams with her ladies-in-waiting.

The queen of Benares, was however, shocked to hear about Sashikala’s choice. Not only was Sudarshana in exile with nothing to claim as his own but he also lived under the constant threat of death at the hands of Yudhajith. Why would her daughter ever choose to marry such an insecure person? She shared her distress with the King, who at once agreed with her. Together, they tried to talk Sashikala out of this ridiculous match, but Sashikala remained firm in her decision. Having no other go, the King sent his envoys to invite Sudarshana to the Swayamvara.

On hearing from Subaahu’s envoys, Sudarshana expressed his desire to attend the Swayamvara to his mother. But Manorama was shocked at Sudarshana’s desire. "No my son! There's nobody to come to your rescue at Benares - not even a bodyguard - should any danger be fall you. Besides, King Yudhajith might want the princess to marry his grandson. He spared you once because of his fear of the sage. But once you are away from the forest and you prove yourself to be a rival to his grandson, I am sure that there would be no second chance!"

"Mother, I feel that I have divine protection from the Goddess herself. It is not for nothing that the princess has set her heart upon me. Don't worry, mother, I will return to the forest with glory," said the prince.

"In that case my son, let me go with you. I cannot be at peace even for a moment without you," said the queen.

And hence Sudarshana, along with his mother, got into a beautiful chariot which had been gifted to Sudarshana by the Nishada chief, and reached Kashi. King Subaahu received them with all the courtesy due to a royal guest. Benares wore a festive look with garlands hanging at every doorway, the entrances to homes decorated with colourful rangoli, and musical instruments being played at public halls and parks. Kings and princes from the states of Kosala, Anga, Madra, Mahishmati, Chozha, Ujjain and many more had come to grace the occasion. Amongst them was Shatrujith, Sudarshana’s step brother, who was accompanied by his overshadowing grandfather Yudhajith. On seeing Sudarshana, Yudhajith’s blood boiled with fury. He itched to put an end to him that very instant but he restrained himself. He vented his anger through his words. “I see no reason for Sudarshana to be here. He is an exiled prince, with no proper means to take care of himself. How does he expect the princess to choose him as her groom? And if that does happen, I promise that the princess would become a widow the very next moment.”

On hearing this, the other kings gathered at the Swayamvara chided Yudhajith for his thoughts. “Oh King, how could you speak such inauspicious words at this time. The princess is free to select her groom in this Swayamvara and once she has done so, it is our duty to bless and wish the married couple. Your words show your innate hatred towards Sudarshana, who is on an exile only because of your cruel deed.” 


On the other hand, they also questioned Sudarshana about his presence there. “Oh prince in exile, how do you hope that Sashikala would garland you, who has neither the means nor the way to treat her like a queen? Why have you come here for a lost cause?”

Sudarshana smiled gently at the kings, “It is true that I have neither the wealth, nor the power to treat her like a queen. But I do have the blessings of the Goddess upon me, and with Her on my side, I am sure no difficulty would be too big to overcome. I nurture no enmity towards Yudhajith either. Let him be in peace.” But Yudhajith was not humbled. He wanted Shatrujith to marry Sashikala, and he was leaving no stone unturned to make his wish come true.

The next day dawned bright and auspicious. All the suitors for the Swayamvara had assembled in the grand court room of Subaahu’s palace. The princes were adorned in their finest silks and the most exquisite of jewels. Diamonds and emeralds and rubies sparkled amongst the gathered crowd. Finally, at the appointed hour, Subaahu entered the hall, shining like a sun on the eastern horizon. He welcomed all the princes and kings and bade them to take their seats. Having thus taken care of everyone, he left the room again to talk to Sashikala.

Sashikala too had been adorned in the best of bridal silks, with rows of ordered necklaces, many coloured gems sparkling away at her ears and hands. She looked like a reincarnation of Lakshmi herself. Subaahu’s heart overflowed with joy at the sight of his beautiful daughter. His eyes brimmed up with tears as he said, “Oh child, pick up the holy garland and go choose the one who is worthy of you. The court is filled with hundreds of eligible princes and kings, just waiting to take your hand in marriage. Come child, let us proceed.”

But Sashikala just stood rooted to her spot, her head hung low. “Father, I have already let you know about my desire. I wish to marry Sudarshana alone and no one else. I will not enter the Swayamvara hall like a prostitute looking for the best of her bets. It is a great sin to be in the very sight of such kings, whose hearts know no love but only lust. I tell it again, I will accept Sudarshana alone as my husband. This is the very wish of the Goddess. Let it be very clear father, either I will marry Sudarshana and die with him, if he is ever attacked by Yudhajith, else I will end my life this very moment and rid you of all the troubles.”

Subaahu was shocked at his daughter’s words, but he realised that somewhere behind these harsh sentences, were hidden the tender feelings of a woman’s true love for a man. But what would he tell the crowd that had gathered at the Swayamvara hall? Who would take the brunt of the kings’ anger at Sashikala’s behavior? Who would accept the responsibility for any blood that would be spilt over this trivial issue? But he had no choice. With his head bent low, he proceeded to the hall and addressed all the suitors. “Oh valiant kings and princes. My dear daughter refuses to come into the hall to select her suitor, for she believes that she already knows her choice. Please consider her to be an innocent girl, who knows not much about the matters of the world and forgive her behavior. I apologize on her behalf. Do accept the very best of my humble gifts and take leave of us. It was an honour to serve you all for the past few days.”

On hearing Subahu’s humble apologies, the assembled kings remained silent, but not Yudhajith. His eyes became bloodshot with anger and sweat poured down his forehead. “Oh Subaahu, Do you realize the foolishness of the mistake that you are committing? After having invited the very best kings of this land to compete for your daughter’s hand, are you going to marry her off to Sudarshana without so much as a formal Swayamvara. If that is to happen, I will kill you and Sudarshana right now, and make Sashikala the bride of my grandson. I have no problems if she were to choose anyone else as her husband, but not Sudarshana. You have convened a Swayamvara and it is the right of the most eligible prince in the assembly to claim your daughter’s hand in marriage. Go speak sense into your daughter’s head and ask her to garland Shatrujith, the king of Kosala. It will be for the good of both the states. If you still disagree, blood will run through your city like a river in spate, Subaahu. Beware!”

Subaahu was now positively shuddering, but he knew his daughter’s answer. He stood in front of the crowd, fiddling with his hands when suddenly, an idea struck him. He placed his entire burden at the feet of the Goddess and once again, he addressed the assembly, “Oh virtuous rulers, I will try to talk sense into Sashikala and make her come to the Swayamvara tomorrow morning. Until then, please retire to your camps and enjoy the best of the Benarasi hospitality. We will reconvene here tomorrow once again. Thank you all for your understanding.” The kings were satisfied with Subaahu’s proposal and they all went back to their camps to rest and rejuvenate.

Subaahu too retired back to his rooms – not to talk sense into Sashikala, but to meet with the most trusted of his advisers, and to make arrangements for a secret wedding between Sudarshana and Sashikala. In the early hours of the morning, Sashikala and Sudarshana were escorted into a well-lit room, deep within the palace, strung with fragrant garlands and filled with the smell of various perfumes. There, in the presence of Manorama and the queen of Benares, accompanied by the vedic chants of the wise priests, and amidst the auspicious sounds of several musical instruments, Subaahu gave away Sashikala to Sudarshana, with the sacred fire and the 33 Crore gods as witnesses.

“Oh sister of mine”, the king addressed Manorama, “I entrust the welfare of my daughter into your hands. From this moment, she is as much your daughter, as she is mine. Please accept these humble gifts from my side on this joyous occasion.” Saying so, Subaahu showered Sudarshana with several jewels, soldiers, horses, chariots, elephants and other royal paraphernalia.

Manorama was touched by this act of Subaahu. "You are a noble soul, brother! It speaks of your courage and kindness, that you let your charming daughter marry my son, who lives in exile."

"Sister, no longer should you consider yourself to be hapless. I, my castle, my army, and my kingdom are at your disposal. I do not expect much trouble, but should there be any, I'm ready to face it with all my might. I have already submitted my problem to the Divine Mother and I now have no fear!" said Subaahu.

"In your speech I hear the voice of God, brother. I feel as if our luck has begun to take a turn towards the better. My innocent son, who should be enjoying the luxuries of his palace, has been living in a forest. Maybe, the time has come for him to assert himself," said Manorama, looking towards her now married son.

Subaahu smiled at Manorama’s hopes, and invited the group to enjoy a grand breakfast. He alone went to break the news to the rest of the kings, who on the other hand, had already come to know of the secret wedding through their trusted network of spies.

They stood in the courtroom, their voices laced with anger and vexation at the unforeseen happenings of the day. Yudhajith stood at the very front, his arms crossed across his chest, the very picture of an angry tyrant.

Subaahu approached them, with a smile on his face. "Oh kings, be pleased to come in and bless the newly-wed couple. I must confess that I had to marry my daughter off to the bridegroom of her choice rather secretly, for I feared trouble from some quarters. Do come in and join in the celebrations."

At Subaahu’s words, Yudhajith growled under his breath. It was obvious that the guests did not take the king's announcement kindly. The king understood their minds at once. He said again, "My noble friends, please do not misunderstand me. I tried my best to convince my daughter that she should appear before all of you  and make her choice. But she refused to do so. She even threatened to kill herself if I did not agree to her marriage with Prince Sudarshana. You are a conscientious lot. You will excuse me, I trust. Please come in and partake of the feast." 

Finally, some of the assembled kings calmed down and said, “Oh Subaahu, do not bother about entertaining us. We are sure that you have acted in the best of your interests as well as ours. Pray, go forward and take care of the wedding celebrations. Our blessings would always be with the bridal couple.” Saying so, they departed from Benares. Subaahu also, returned back to the palace, to make arrangements for his daughter’s journey to Sudarshana’s place. While the preparations were in full swing, many of Subaahu’s friends warned him about sending the bridal couple to the aashrama immediately. They feared that Yudhajith would seek revenge for his humiliation by making an attempt on Sudarshana’s life. Subaahu too felt the same way, and requested Sudarshana to postpone his date of return, but Sudarshana would not hear of it. “Oh King, don't have any fear about our lives. The Divine Mother will protect us both, for it was her will that we should unite in the sacred bond of marriage. I shall lead your daughter safely to my hut. I have no palace, but my forest is in no way less attractive than the best of the palaces.”

Subaahu no longer attempted to stand in Sudarshana’s way. With tearful eyes, he bid farewell to his daughter and son-in-law. He insisted on sending a regiment of his army to accompany them and later, Subaahu himself followed the couple at a safe distance, without the knowledge of Sudarshana. The small group had just reached the borders of Benares, when they were ambushed by Yudhajith and a few other vexed princes. Yudhajith drew his sword and ran towards Sudarshana, but suddenly he was blocked by Subaahu, who had rushed to the spot the moment he had sensed danger. And a fight broke out between Subahu’s regiment and Yudhajith’s group. Amidst all the sword clashes, and shouts of pain and anger, Sudarshana remained calm and repeatedly meditated on the Goddess.

The Goddess appears

All of a sudden, there was a bright flash, and to everybody’s surprise, there appeared a luminous female figure riding a lion, in the very thick of the battle. She was stunningly beautiful to behold and was adorned with various exquisite ornaments. In her arms she wielded various weapons with the ease of a seasoned warrior. The kings blinked at this stupendous sight and were agape at the exceeding beauty of the lady. Who was this lady and how did she come here?

“Behold, Oh King of Benares! Our Mother is here to protect us. Why fear when she is here?” said Sudarshana to Subaahu. Stunned by the beautiful sight, they both bowed deeply in front of the Goddess.

The Goddess smiled at them, and suddenly the lion let out a roar of terror. Hearing this, the elephants of Yudhajith’s army trembled with fear and ran hither-tether. Yudhajith was furious now. “Oh kings, go ahead and catch that forest-dweller, who is stealing my grandson’s rightful bride. Don’t be afraid of this silly woman on a lion. Let us see what she can do.” Shouting out thus, Yudhajith ran towards Sudarshana’s chariot, when the Goddess jumped in the way, and with one neat sweep of her sword, severed his head from his body. Next to fall was Shatrujith. In quick succession many of Yudhajith's soldiers and collaborators died at the hands of King Subaahu and Prince Sudarshana. The rest fled from the field and soon the place was calm and quiet once again.

Sudarshana, along with his newly wedded wife, and his father-in-law, prostrated in front of the divine Mother. They sung her praises, and worshipped her repeatedly, with songs, mantras, and words. The Devi was pleased beyond measure, and she offered to grant a boon to Subaahu.  Subaahu was elated at this and bowing humbly, he said “"Mother! Now that you have come to my rescue so compassionately, be pleased to dwell forever in the city of Kashi. I am told that Kashi will remain in existence as long as the earth exists. Do make this city your temple, and bless my people for all times to come.” Devi was extremely happy with Subaahu’s wish and granted it immediately.

Then, she turned towards Sudarshana, “Oh child, I am extremely pleased with your pure devotion. My grace will always be with you. Go back to Ayodhya, and rule over Kosala with kindness and justice. Worship me every day with all your heart, and I will protect you and your citizens for generations to come. Every year, with the birth of spring, honour me with a celebration for nine long nights. Your clan will achieve immeasurable success.” Smiling upon them, the Devi once again returned to her heavenly abodes.

Pleased with the turn of events, Sudarshana, along with Sashikala and Manorama, returned to the aashrama of Bharadhwaja to seek his blessings. The delighted sage blessed the couple and immediately escorted them back to Ayodhya along with Queen Manorama. The news of Yudhajith’s and Shatrujith’s deaths had already reached the city, and the ministers were eagerly waiting for the arrival of their eldest prince and his consort. Sudarshana and Sashikala were received at the city gates with rituals and auspicious music, and were then led to the palace. Sudarshana immediately went to meet Lilavati, and tried to console her at the loss of her son and father. “Oh mother, realize this that I nurse no ill-will towards anyone, least of all for you. My attitude towards you will be like my attitude to my own mother.” he said. With tears streaming down her cheeks, Lilavati blessed him and welcomed him back home.

On an auspicious day, at the court room of Ayodhya, Bharadhwaja and Vasishta installed Sudarshana on the throne, and crowned him as the regent of Kosala. The city rejoiced at the return of their king and the celebrations lasted for several months. With the aid of his bevy of ministers, Sudarshana ruled over Kosala wisely and justly.

As ordered by the Goddess, King Subaahu, installed an idol of the Goddess at Kashi, and celebrated various festivals in her honour.  Sudarshana, similarly installed a golden image of Durga on a throne, in the palace, and worshipped it every single day of his life. He built several other temples dedicated to Durga all over Kosala, to facilitate her worship by the common masses. Sudarshana and Sashikala also performed the nine day worship for Devi on a grand scale year after year. He performed homas and yagnas in her honour, and donated generously to the public. The King of Benares also popularized the worship of the Mother at the advent of spring, for the welfare of one and all. The people soon followed their kings’ lead and began to recite the hymns as advocated by the agamas, and became deeply attached to the worship of the Goddess.

The splendour of the Ikshvaaku clan spread all over the nation. All the descendents of Sudarshana, followed in the footsteps of their fore-father, and upheld the custom of this spring festival, and the associated worship of the Goddess. True to Devi’s words, Shri Vishnu himself was born in their clan as Raama, who immortalized the glory of the solar dynasty. 

Shri Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswathi

Thus began the tradition of celebrating the Vasantha Navarathri, by the command of the Goddess herself, and true to her words, people who have observed the rituals of Vasantha Navarathri, with faith and devotion, are known to have achieved success in life - both materialistic and spiritual.

This year, Vasantha Navarathri started on the fourth of April (2011), the first day of the Hindu month of Chaitra, and continues for nine days, culminating with Shri Rama Navami on the twelfth of April. The Goddess is worshipped in her three forms of Saraswathi, Lakshmi and Parvathi for three days each. Kalasha pooja, Chandi yagna and Mantra parayana also form an integral part of the celebrations. Devotees read the entire Devi mahatmyam or the Devi Bhaagavatham over the course of the nine days. It is also customary to invite unmarried virgin girls (2-10 years of age) into one’s dwelling, honour them as Devi herself, feed them and then send them away with gifts of clothes, kumkum, bangles and other auspicious articles. Chapters 26 and 27 of the Third book of the Devi Bhaagavatham explain in detail about the various customs and rituals that are to be observed during the pooja. These include several tasks, from the selection of the worship site, the preparation of the dais, the rituals to be followed on every single thithi from Amavasya to Navami, to the selection of suitable virgins for worship, the benefits of worshipping virgins of different ages, and the method of inviting and worshipping the virgins. I bet that you would not be able to find a more detailed compendium of worship than this.

Kumari Pooja

So what are you waiting for? It’s high time to join in with the spring song (If only the dratted weather outside stabilizes once and for all… Sigh!!!).

Notes :

1.   The temple of Durga that was established by King Subaahu is today famously known as the Durgakund Mandir at Kashi, and is one of the major centers of worship apart from the Vishwanathar, Vishalakshi and Annapoorni temples. It is located by a scenic water-body, locally known as Durga-Kund.

Varanasi Durga Devi

2.     The ancestry of Dhruvasindhu and Sudarshana can be traced from the Raamayana, which sings about the glory of the Ikshvaaku dynasty starting from Brahma himself.

3.    While worshipping a virgin as an incarnation of the Goddess, virgins of different ages are called by different names, each associated with varied forms of the Goddess. The worship of each such virgin is believed to bestow certain benefits upon the worshipper as said below

Age	Form of the Goddess	Benefits
2	Kumari	Extinction of miseries and poverty, extirpation of one’s enemies, and an increment of riches, longevity and power.
3	Trimurti	Longevity and the acquisition of the three pillars of Dharma, wealth, and desires, and the coming in of riches, sons and grandsons.
4	Kalyani	Learning, victory, kingdom, and happiness
5	Rohini	Cure of diseases
6	Kalika	Destruction of enemies
7	Chandika	Prosperity and riches
8	Shambhavi	Enchanting and overpowering one’s enemies
9	Durga	Removal of miseries and poverty
10	Subhadra	Victory in battles