Namaste, I Am Rāma, and This Is Rāmāyaṇa

4
BĀLA KĀṆḌA
N
amaste. I am RISHI VISHVAMITRA, son of Gaadhi gādhi. Before
becoming a rishi, I was King Kaushika kauśika. I once battled Rishi
Vasishtha for his wish-fulfilling cow Shabala śabalā. It changed my life
forever. As an acclaimed rishi, I built alternate heaven called Trishanku
Swarga triśaṅku svarga for a former king belonging to Ikshvaku dynasty.
I have arrived at King Dasharatha’s palace to take Rama with me for an
important mission. Rama is not even sixteen years old. Dasharatha pleads
to be of service instead of Rama. I reject his offer. I know what the future
holds for Rama and I want him to be ready for it.
Dasharatha finally lets me take Rama, and
with him Lakshmana. On the way to my
place, I teach the boys Bala balā and Atibala
atibalā mantras
mantra to overcome
hunger and
thirst.
Later, I teach them how to invoke energized
weapons. I am pleased with their archery
skills r . I inspire them with stories of great
kings and rishis of the past who
were fully committed to
their Dharma a
dharma.
SAMPLE
ONLY
r
RAMA: I like my bow. I take it with me everywhere. Therefore, people also call me Kodandarama
kodaṇḍarāma. There is another Rama. He likes to carry an axe. I shall meet him shortly.
a
RAMA: Dharma is your duty as per your role in society. E.g., the Dharma of a king is to rule justly. It is to
act rightfully when dealing with others and as per your relationship with them (e.g., brother, friend, etc.).