The princes left Ayodhya in great splendour and majesty, a gentle breeze blew through Ayodhya at their departure. The gods showered Rama and Lakshmana with flowers. Leaving Ayodhya the heavenly sage Vishwamitra guided them along the southern bank of the river Sarayu. As the sun began its descent in its west Vishwamitra instructed the princes, “Take some holy water of the Sarayu in your hands I will teach you some powerful mantras* to help you along your way. It will keep you away from hunger fatigue, and you shall never feel parched or tired. Demons will never trouble you in your sleep or unconsciousness and you will be unparalleled in the three worlds.” Soon the moon rose to its peak and the boys fell asleep at the foot of the sage, soothed by his gentle words and advice. The sage looked over the buys with care and protected them as they slept. The mighty sage woke the princes up with a divine chant-
कौसल्या सुप्रजा राम पूर्वासन्ध्या प्रवर्तते ।
उत्तिष्ठ नरशार्दूल कर्त्तव्यं दैवमाह्निकम् ॥१॥It means-
(O Rama, the most Excellent Son of Kaushalya; in the East the Dawn is fast approaching in this Beautiful juncture of Night and Day,
please Wake Up in Our Hearts, O Purushottama (the Best of Men ) so that we can perform our Daily Duties as Divine Rituals unto You and thus do the Ultimate Duty of our lives. )(Fact- This celestial song sung by the great rishi Vishwamitra to Rama is known as Suprabatham he woke up the divine lord Rama with his words and this is still used in many households to start the day with this shloka it has a significance and energy to wake up with)
Soon the brothers woke up and continued their journey after bathing in the Sarayu that evening they arrived at a peaceful cottage in the middle of the jungle it looked serene and calm the boys asked the rishi whose ashram it was….
To Be Continued
*Mantra- It is a chant of power and meditation
