Historic union of Sita and Rama not to miss,

Fortunate who could see start of their wedded bliss.

To take place, so many events had to unfold,

Vishvamitra to Ayodhya, Janaka a contest to hold.

Regardless of place, behavior followed same pattern,

Respect shown to brahmanas, who fire of yajna burn.

With Rama and Lakshmana to Janakpur came Gadhi’s son,

With his priests and advisers, Janaka gave them a welcome.

Soon eldest son of Dasharatha Shiva’s bow to lift,

His marriage to Sita to eyes of attendees priceless gift.

The group stopped when Mithila within reach,

Vishvamitra of Ahalya’s history did speak.

Gautama Muni had the most beautiful wife,

She served him well in his spiritual life.

Lord Indra came and her chastity did break,

Gautama cursed him and wife unseen form to take.

Only when hospitably Rama and Lakshmana received,

Would from the curse beautiful woman be relieved.

Following sage, two brothers in her asylum they went,

Liberated Ahalya, to husband’s side she was sent.

Rama, with His arrows demons chased away,

Would be great if with munis He’d always stay.

But Vishvamitra knew that higher work there was to do,

Took Rama to sacrifice in Tirahuta, brought Lakshmana too.

Demigods by the night-rangers always harassed,

Needed someone who in strength them surpassed.

Rama came for this reason, and also to delight,

By on Rakshasas imposing His will and might.

Vishvamitra thus in Ramayana had integral role,

Brought Rama to Sita, demons’ demise to unfold.

Ghoulish creatures are the rangers of the night,

To innocent sages they present terrifying sight.

With Vishvamitra, to forest Shri Rama went,

With help of Lakshmana, demons to their death sent.

Now the attacks of the night-rangers to cease,

So forest sages could do their yajnas in peace.

Turned pleasurable a condition first horrifying,

So no wonder that sages to this day God glorifying.

Know that purpose of yajna is Shri Hari to please,

With that desire in mind your troubles He’ll ease.

To sages in forest Tataka was a pain,

Therefore they rejoiced when she was slain.

With her illusory powers, she came and went,

But finally killed by arrows from Rama’s bow sent.

The attacks on sages innocent to cease,

Because of Rama, they could now live in peace.

Eyes and mind to taste existence’s fruit,

By seeing Rama, whole creation’s root.

Dasharatha’s son, to all people He is all things,

Meaning to life His divine vision brings.

At pleasing the Supreme Lord guru is the best,

For their benefit, gives the disciple a test.

Son of Gadhi wanted Rama Tataka to kill,

Hearts of forest’s sages with terror she did fill.

At initial request Rama was hesitant,

To kill woman and break rules reluctant.

Nevertheless, showed that He can kill by sound,

Using nothing else, female demon’s location found.

Dropped to the ground after pierced in the chest,

With His arrows, Rama passed beloved guru’s test.

Childish play of innocent children adults like,

Youthful exuberance so much a pleasing sight.

More endearing when adult’s authority children know,

And the attention to rules at last minute they show.

To the forest went Vishvamitra the ascetic devout,

With Rama and Lakshmana, watched them run about.

Clouds hovered above wherever they went,

Shower of flowers too by demigods were sent.

Thus the sage’s heart with love became full,

Seeing Rama’s kind attention so pleasurable.

After chasing the birds and stopping the deer,

Brothers come to muni out of fear.

Flowers, fruits and leaves along the way they take,

So that beautiful garlands for pleasure they make.

Vishvamitra, son of Gadhi, all of this he sees,

Supreme Lord acts so that His devotees are pleased.

Spiritual master has information worthy to know,

Boat towards supreme destination he rows.

Eat prasadam, Lord’s glories do you hear,

To Rama’s vision your eyes do you steer.

The birds in the wilderness He did chase,

Giving them chance to see His beautiful face.

As part of His childish play,

Rama tries to stop deer in their way.

As the brothers with Vishvamitra move along,

The rivers, mountains and ponds they gaze upon.

Thinking of this scene for mind pleasurable,

Rama’s play with His brother for sage delightful.

Creatures of this world deserve God’s association,

They are souls too, devotees by constitution.

With Vishvamitra, Rama and Lakshmana move forth,

Like spring season going with sun travelling north.

Makes the spring season come and winter go away,

The sun is responsible, is the lord of the day.

That renewed life to sages in forest to bring,

Glories of Rama and Lakshmana they would then sing.

Image of trio leaving Ayodhya etched in poet’s heart,

Bringing to mind that sweet vision gives day the best start.

Take note of the comparison, keep image by your side,

So that in felicity of divine vision to reside.