Mantralaya-1075

(Why did Sri Rama heed to rumors and Rama's decision to exile Sita )

Date : Jan 31, 2024

Background

Dear Devotees : Namaskara.

| Sri MannMoolaRamastu Mannmathe Moolamahasamsthhaana Mantralaya Sri Rayaramathe||
|| OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAAYA NAMAHA||
SATYAMEVA   JAYATI NA ANRUTA


Background

Why did Sri Rama heed to rumors and Rama's decision to exile Sita ? A Clear explanation provided by Sri Madhwacharyaru is described in Mantralaya(1075) ..

Meaning

In a joyous celebration, people worldwide recently embraced Lord Sri Rama with heartfelt devotion, conducting Rama Pratishthapana in Ayodhya. The festival day was adorned with vibrant decorations, illuminating lights, and resounding chants of Sri Rama echoing in every corner.

As we move forward, let us extend this warm welcome to Sri Rama within the sanctuary of our hearts, engaging in perpetual worship through the offerings of our virtuous deeds. To achieve this, it is essential for us to wholly immerse ourselves in the divine presence of Sri Rama.

It is imperative to delve into the deeds of Lord Sri Rama as depicted in the Ramayana, addressing and dispelling any lingering doubts about his persona.

Today we will reveal an untold truth as  we embark on a profound exploration often overshadowed by the broader narrative. As we immerse ourselves in the pages of the Ramayana, a compelling revelation surfaces – a pivotal moment where Rama's decision to exile Sita to the forest stands as a potential misstep. The catalyst for this dramatic turn is the dissemination of unsettling rumors, a whisper campaign initiated by none other than a washerman, adding a layer of intrigue to the narrative.

Why did Sri Rama heed to rumors and make a decision that affected Sita, who loved him the most? Were rumors more significant to him? Sri MadhwaCharyaru offers clarification in the 9th chapter of Mahabharata Tatapariya nirnaya, where the initial chapters are dedicated to Ramayana.

Let's see the truth as described by Sri MadhwaCharyaru and Sri RaghavendraTeertharu

The Suranakas, a group of demons deeply entangled in sinful activities with a heavy burden of negative karma, engage in prolonged prayers to Lord Brahma. When Brahma manifests and inquires about their desires, the Suranakas express their wish. They seek the grace that, despite persisting in sinful deeds, they be permitted to reach Vishnu Loka, Vaikunta, and attain liberation (Moksha). Lord Brahma responds, stating that as long as they do not become the cause for the separation of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, they can achieve liberation even with the baggage of negative karma.

These Suranakas, reborn as a Dhobi (Washerman) in the context of the Ramayana, found themselves dwelling in Ayodhya after Sri Rama's triumphant return. The washerman lived contentedly among virtuous individuals dedicated to righteous living. Observing this, Goddess Lakshmi, Sita sensed an opportunity for the Suranaka in the guise of the Dhobi to undergo a transformation of heart. Sita envisioned that if Dhobi, Suranakas deamon recognized Sri Rama and Sita as Lord Vishnu and MahaLakshmi, he could attain Moksha—an outcome conflicting with the principles of the Karma philosophy.

In an intricate play of divine intervention, Goddess Lakshmi, Sita subtly influenced the Dhobi's mind through Maaya. Sita guided Dhobi to perceive Sri Rama and Sita not as divine entities but as ordinary king and queen. With this alteration in his mindset, the Dhobi began to speak ill of Sita and Sri Rama, spreading rumors. Surprisingly, Sri Rama and Sita were pleased with this turn of events. In keeping with the promise made by Lord Brahma, they upheld their commitment and prevented the Surakaranas from attaining Moksha.

When Lord Rama heard the rumors, he pretended to separate from Sita just for show, like acting in a play for everyone to see. It was like a drama for the common people.

Thus, the Dhobi, once a Suranakas, became a player in the drama of separation. In honoring Brahma's boon, Lord Sri Rama and Goddess Sita gracefully embraced a temporary parting, ensuring that Suranakas was barred from the gates of Vaikunta. After the Dhobi's departure, owing to the weight of his considerable negative karma, he descended into the shadows of a dark, eternal hell.

We should clarify these doubts about Ramayana to our current and next generation. Upon initial perusal of Vedic scriptures, doubts may naturally arise, but delving deeper into their teachings often reveals compelling answers, often accompanied by illustrative examples.

We express sincere gratitude to Madhwacharyaru and Sri RaghavendraTeertharu for providing invaluable clarifications, allowing us to confidently affirm that Sri Rama is indeed the epitome of virtue, the Maryada Purushottama.

The devotion towards Sri Raghavendrateertharu is the ultimate truth and is the most simple and effective way to reach Sri Hari  - "NAMBI KETTAVARILLAVO EE GURUGALA"! “Those who have complete faith in this Guru will never be disappointed.”

   || BICHALI JAPADAKATTI SRI APPANACHARYA PRIYA MANTRALAYA
   SRI RAGHAVENDRATEERTHA GURUBHYO NAMAHA||