Story of Maricha in the Ramayana – Demon Maricha

Story of Maricha in the Ramayana – Demon Maricha

The Golden Deer Entices Sita

Maricha was the son of Demon Sunanda and Tadaka in the Ramayana. He was also the uncle of Ravana. Story of Maricha can be found in the Bala Kanda and Aranya Kanda of Ramayana. It is believed that in his previous birth, Maricha was a gatekeeper in the Vaikunta and was cursed to be born as a Rakshasa. He was promised that he will get relief from curse when he will be killed by Sri Rama in the Treta Yuga.

Maricha used to disturb the Saints in the Dandaka Forest. He faced the power of the arrows of Sri Ram and Lakshman when he attempted to disrupt the yajna of Vishwamitra which was protected by the two brothers.

After this incident, there was change in Maricha’s character, he grew matted hair and spend his life in an ashram.

After the death of Demon Khara, Ravana arrives at the Ashram of Maricha. In the discussion that follows, Maricha convinces Ravana not to attack Rama.

The second meeting between Maricha and Ravana takes place after Surpanakha complains about Sri Ram and Lakshman. He also hears about the beautiful Mata Sita. But this time Maricha is not able to convince Ravana.

Ravana makes Maricha take the form of a golden deer. Maricha takes the form saying to Ravana he knows that he will never escape from the arrow of Rama.

Mata Sita who saw the golden deer wanted it. Rama gave it a chase. After sometime Rama felt something suspicious and shot at the deer. It fell down shouting ‘Ha Lakshmana’ in the voice of Rama. The cry was to mislead Lakshman and Mata Sita.

Marachia died at hands of Rama and regained his position of the guard in Vaikunta.

Source : http://www.hindu-blog.com/2013/08/story-of-maricha-in-ramayana-demon.html

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ABOUT LAKSHMI AND HER VARIOUS AVATARS

About Lakshmi and her various Avatars

Lakshmi has been born in various names. More than avatars or incarnations these are mere instances when Lakshmi took various forms in order to fulfill the wishes of the one''s who worshipped her.

   
Although much is not said about the various incarnations of Lakshmi, the mythology brings into light the various legends where Lakshmi has been born in various names. More than avatars or incarnations these are mere instances when Lakshmi took various forms in order to fulfill the wishes of the one''s who worshipped her.

Vedavati

A long time ago there was a king by name Rathadhwaja. In his family, worship of Lakshmi had a long tradition. The king gave up the worship of Lakshmi due to indifference. Consequently he lost the grace of Lakshmi. The enemies invaded with an army. Rathadhwaja was defeated in war and lost the kingdom.

Rathashwaja had two sons Kushadhwaja and Dharmadhwaja. They felt sorry for their father''s mistake. They observed rigorous penance, meditating for Lakshmi. When she appeared they prayed, "Bless us so that we get back our kingdom. Grant us a favor by being born as our daughter." Lakshmi granted the boons. They bravely fought, won the kingdom again and were living happily.

Malavati was the name of Kushadhwaja''s wife. Goddess Lakshmi, in fulfillment of the boon granted by her, entered the womb of Malavati in subtle form and was born as a daughter. It is said that even at the time of birth she was reciting Vedic verses clearly. Therefore, the parents named her ''Vedavati''. Kushadhwaja looked after her and brought her up with great affection. Vedavati grew up to be a beautiful, virtuous girl. She came of age. Both gods and demons came forward to wed her. She did not accept anybody. She went away to Pushkara, a place of pilgrimage and undertook a rigorous penance praying for Vishnu''s becoming her husband. The penance dragged on for a long time. One day a voice from heaven was heard: "Vedavati, you have to be born again. In your next birth, Vishnu will also be born and he will become your husband." Even then, Vedavati continued her penance without losing heart.

Ravana was in aerial chariot, PUSPAK, and in course of travel came there. Thinking that a guest had come to the hermitage, Vedavati was hospitable to him. Then Ravana asked her about her life. Vedavati said: "I am the daughter of king Kushadhwaja. My name is Vedavati. I have undertaken a penance with a view to getting Sriman Narayana himself to become my husband." On hearing this Ravana laughed derisively and said: "You, beautiful woman, should you, a young woman, observe penance? You talk about Narayana! Who is he? Has he as much wealth as I have? Is he strong? I am Ravana, king of Lanka. Marry me and be happy." Replied Vadavati, "Ravana, don''t talk so. Narayana means the king of the universe, Vishnu. Should you abuse him? A big fool you are." Realizing that she was not amenable to persuasion, Ravana caught her head and dragged her by hair. Enraged Vedavati immediately sheared her hair with her hand. Due to the influence of penance her hand itself cut her hair like a sword. She turned to Ravana and said, "You scoundrel, are you compelling me? By your touch my body became tainted. Be looking on, now itself I will give up my body. I will take birth as the daughter of another righteous person and will myself be the cause for your death." Immediately she jumped into a burning fire in the hermitage and gave up her life. Ravana returned to Lanka grief stricken.
Sita

Vedavati was later born as a daughter of king Janaka. King Janaka named her Sita. At that time Dasharatha was ruling over Ayodhya. To his wife Kausalya, Vishnu was born and became famous as Sri Rama. He came with sage Vishwamitra to Janaka''s capital and broke the bow given by Shiva. Then King Janaka, having admired Sri Rama''s valor, gave Sita in marriage to Sri Rama. When sometime passed, Sri Rama, as desired by his father, had to go to Dandakaranya with Sita and Lakshmana. While living there, Ravana deceitfully took Sita to Lanka. Sri Rama went to Lanka with Sugreeva, Hanumanta and other monkey warriors and invaded Lanka. In the terrible war that followed, Sri Rama killed Ravana. Thereafter, Sita came to Ayodhya with Sri Rama and lived a happy life. This story is told in great detail in the Ramayana.

Tulasi

On the other side, Lakshmi was born to Dharmadhwaja''s wife Madhavi. Her parents named her Tulasi. The child was very beautiful. She grew up to be virtuous. Later she married Vishnu. Vishnu told her: "You leave this body and stay with me. Let your body become a river by name Gandaki. I will became a Saligrama stone and will reside in Gandaki River. Let your hair grow into a plant, become famous as Tulasi and be worshipped by people. I love a garland of Tulasi petals."

Tulasi''s body flowed after becoming river Gandaki. Narayana became a stone and was residing in it. Tulasi plant was born from the hair of Tulasi and became sacred.

Rukmini

There was a king by name Bhishmaka in the kingdom of Vidharbha. He had five sons by name Rukmi, Rukmaratha, Rukmabahu, Rukmakesha and Rukmamali. Sriman Narayana was born for killing Kansa and with a view to establishing righteousness. When he was thus born as Krishna, Lakshmi was born as Rukmini, daughter of Bhismaka. She was beautiful and virtuous. Father Bhishmaka was not only god-fearing but had also great respect for Sri Krishna. He thought of giving Rukmini in marriage to Sri Krishna.

But Bhishmaks''s first son Rukmi did not agree to it. He had joined a gang of wicked men formed by Shishupala and others. He brought pressure on his father to give sister Rukmini in marriage to Shishupala. As Rukmi hated Sri Krishna he did not agree to have the relationship. Bhishmaka was not bold enough to ignore his advice.

Rukmini''s marriage with Shishupala was fixed. But Rukmini, having heard of Sri Krishna''s good character and greatness, had mentally accepted him as her husband. She sent a messenger to Dwaraka with the message that she would marry Krishna; and if not possible, she would give her life. Sri Krishna had already heard of Rukmini''s character, virtue and beauty. He wished to marry her. Therefore, he immediately boarded a chariot and came to Bhishmaka''s town. Balarama came to know that Sri Krishna went alone. Instantly he followed with a large army to help his brother.

In the capital of Vidarbha all arrangements were being made for Rukmini''s marriage. Shishupala had arrived with his friends Jarasandha, Salva, Paundraka and others. Balarama and Krishna also joined. Balarama had stationed his army far away outside the city.

After sometime the marriage rituals commenced. Rukmini went with her entourage to the temple to worship Gowri. She worshipped Gowri and prayed: "Let only Sri Krishna become my husband." She was not aware of Sri Krishna''s having come to the town. She was worried about what would happen. Rukmini completed worship of Gowri and came out of the temple. Instantly Sri Krishna brought his chariot, made her mount it and drove away towards Dwaraka. Jarasandha and others, when they came to know of this incident became angry and went after Sri Krishna. A terrible war was fought. Krishna and Balarama defeated all and set out to Dwaraka.

Thereafter the marriage of Sri Krishna and Rukmini was celebrated grandly at Dwaraka. Rukmini was the senior queen. Pradyumna is Rukmini''s son.

Padmavati 

Once the great sage Bhrigu went to heaven. Vishnu was sleeping on Adisesha. The sage became angry and kicked at Vishnu''s chest. Then Vishnu got up and said: "O sage, welcome to you. Excuse me. I am sure your foot must be hurting because it touched my hard chest." He massaged his leg and comforted him. Sage Bhrigu was pleased. Saying, "You have comforted me without losing your temper even when kicked. You possess good nature, you are the best," he left.

However, Narayana''s wife Lakshmi was dissatisfied. "The sage kicked at the chest in which I reside. It means dishonoring me. Without punishing him my husband comforts him. I cannot reside in this chest any more," she decided, and in disgust went to Kolhapur and settled there. Even to this day the temple of Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur is famous.

As Lakshmi left, Vishnu became sad. He went from Vaikuntha to Tirupati and settled in Venkatadri under the name of Venkatesha.

Akasharaja, the king of Chola country, had no children. His teacher told him to perform a religious function to get children. The king agreed to it and he himself began ploughing the earth to level the ground to set up the ritual stage. When the plough split the ground, a lotus with many petals came into view. A female child was lying in it. A voice was heard from heaven saying, "O King, this girl is very fortunate. Bring her up considering her as your daughter." With pleasure the king gave the child to his queen Dharanidevi. The child was named ''Padmavati''. She was brought up with great affection. She grew up into a woman bright as the moon in the first phase of the month.

One day when Padmavati was enjoying herself in the garden with her friends, sage Narada came there. Looking at Padmavati he said, "O Mother, I know who you are. You are truly Lakshmi. As you could not bear the separation from Vishnu, you have been born thus and come here. He, in the form of Venkatesha, is suffering due to the separation from you and living in Tirupati. Within a few days you two will be married," and went away. Venkatesha attracted Padmavati, one day when she was amusing herself in the garden Venkatesha came there and saw her. They became acquainted and love grew between them. When Akasharaja came to know of this, he gladly agreed to their marriage. As desired by Venkatesha, Brahma and other gods attended the wedding. The marriage was celebrated magnificently. Because ''Sri'' (Lakshmi) permanently settled down in Tirupati on Venkatesha''s chest, he got the name ''Srinivasa'' (the one in whom sri resides).

Source : http://www.biharlokmanch.org/indian_festivals_culture.php?aid=16

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The Legend of Lord Karttikeya or Murugan

The Legend of Lord Karttikeya or Murugan by Sanchita Chowdhury Lord Skanda-Murugan Lord Karttikeya is a well known figure in Hindu mythology. He addressed by different names such as Murugan, Subramaniam, Sanmukha, Skanda and Guha. He is most popular as Lord Muruganin the southern states of India. A number of temples dedicated to the deity can be spotted all over the South India. The story of the birth of Lord Karttikeya or Murugan has different versions. In some texts it is said that He is the son of 'Agni' or the God of Fire. However according to the Skanda Purana, Karttikeya is said to be the elder son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is also believed that Karttikeya was not born from the womb of Parvati. The Goddess was cursed by Rati, the consort of Kama (God of Love) that she would never be able to bear children. Birth Story of Lord Karttikeya Ancient Khymer Skanda statue According to the legends, there was a demon named Tarakasura who asked for the boon that he should only be killed by Lord Shiva's son. He knew very well that Lord Shiva was an ascetic and He would not marry or have children. Hence, Tarakasura would be invincible. However after much ado, Lord Shiva finally married Goddess Parvati. Since Parvati couldn't conceive due to the curse, Lord Shiva took her to a cave and asked Her to meditate. As they both meditated, a ball of fire emerged out of their cosmic energies. In the mean time, the other Gods being insecure from Tarakasura, sent Agni or the God of fire to get hold of the ball of fire. But even Agni couldn't bear the heat of the energy of Shiva and Parvati. So, He handed over the ball to Goddess Ganga. When even Ganga couldn't bear the heat, She deposited the fire ball into a lake in a forest of reeds. Then Goddess Parvati took the form of this water body as She alone could bear the energy of Shiva and Shakti. Finally the fire ball took the form of a baby with six faces. Hence, Karttikeya is also known as Sanmukha or the 'God with Six Faces'. He was first spotted and taken care of by six water nymphs who represented the Pleiades or the Krittikas. So, the divine child was known as Karttikeya or the son of the Krittikas. Later Karttikeya kills Tarakasura and becomes the commander-in-chief of the Gods. Lord Karttikeya is depicted as a dark, young man with a spear in His hand. His mount is a peacock and He symbolizes power and strength. Through the blessings of Lord Karttikeya, one can achieve great strength and get rid of all his woes. His peacock represents Him as the destroyer of all bad habits and a conqueror of sensual desires. Karttikeya represents perfection and the need for every human to move towards being perfect. Courtesy: BoldSky.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

KRISHNA LIFTING GOVARDHAN - STORY

Krishna Lifting Govardhan Story

Bhagavata and other Puranas deal with the story of Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill or Govardhana Parvat. Once, near Vrindavan, Srikrishna found many people moving with their children towards some place. He enquired with his father Nandagopa “Where are these people going to?” Nanda replied, “A sacrifice is being performed in worship of Indra, for his grace on us and the rain he gives us every year. People are going to that Yajnabhumi (field of sacrifice) to perform the rituals”. Sree Krishna sat thinking for a while and said “We get the rain every year, because of our mountain Govardhana. He helps in gathering clouds and make them pour as rain into our land. Therefore, Govardhan Giri should be worshipped and not Indra.

Nanda was taken aback by the words of Krishna. He told Krishna “No my boy, it is not so. If we do not worship Indra, he will become angry and destroy us”. Krishna added, "Why should he? Do you agree to what I said?"  "Yes", replied Nanda. Krishna continued, "Then, let us do Govardhana Puja this time and see what happens. It is not proper to worship someone, out of fear!" Nanda was not quite satisfied with the stand of Krishna. 

News of the discussion between Nanda and Krishna spread everywhere. Some people agreed with the view of Krishna and supported him. Nanda was pacified by Krishna and they all decided to perform a ritual to thank Govardhana for his grace on giving rain. The ritual was begun and Indra came to know about it. He was angry and wanted to teach the people of Vrindavan a lesson. Using his thunderbolt, Indra caused strong wind and heavy rain in Vrindavan. Soon Vrindavan was filled with water and people ran out of their houses. They guessed that the calamity was created by Indra, who was angry because of the worship given to Govardhana. They regretted that it was a folly to follow Krishna’s words, which resulted in the disaster.

Krishna also understood the trick played by Lord Indra. He wanted to teach Indra a lesson. He consoled the people saying that he would save them from the heavy rain. He went near the mountain Govardhana, bowed to him and prayed to save them from Indra's envious act. He then lifted the huge Govardhana mountain with his little finger and held it as an umbrella. The people were astonished to see Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill and rushed to seek shelter under the mountain umbrella. All of them were happy that Krishna saved them from the heavy rain.

On realizing all this, Indra understood his folly and felt bad about himself. He appeared before Lord Krishna, bowed to him and begged pardon for his mistake.

Source : http://www.hindudevotionalblog.com/2014/01/krishna-lifting-govardhan-story.

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SHIVA THIRD EYE STORY

Shiva Third Eye Story

Story of Shiva Third Eye. The synonym Trilochana of Hindu God Shiva is well-known. The Sanskrit word “trilochana” means one who has three eyes. The third eye of Lord Shiva is depicted in the middle of his forehead. Below is the story of Shiva’s third eye.

Once, Lord Shiva was sitting fully engaged in meditation. Goddess Parvati, his consort came there and playfully covered both his eyes with her hands. Immediately, the entire universe plunged into darkness. Chaos prevailed everywhere. Even the Gods of heaven were afraid. With his divine power, Siva created a third eye in the centre of his forehead. Fire emerged from his third eye and he restored light in the universe. The heat emitted by the fire of the third eye caused Parvati’s hands, that covered Siva’s left and right eyes, to perspire. The perspiration filled with the power of Siva and Sakti (Parvati) transformed into a child which was called Andhaka.

An Asura devotee of Mahadeva adopted Andhaka. He grew up without knowing his true origins. In his youth, he performed a great penance and obtained a boon that he would not be killed by anyone other than his father. On the strength of the boon, Andhaka set out to conquer the three worlds. Once, he happened to see Parvati and attracted by her beauty, he decided to make her his wife. He chased her and then Parvathi called aloud Parameshwara to save her. Shiva came to her rescue and impaled Andhaka on his trident. Andhaka realized the truth of his birth and apologized for his incestuous desires. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva constitute the Trimurti of Hindu pantheon. Brahma is in charge of creation, Vishnu in charge of protection and Siva in charge of destruction. Since the incident mentioned above, Siva’s third eye was kept for destruction.

source : http://www.hindudevotionalblog.com/2013/09/shiva-third-eye-story.html

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STORY OF ARDHANARISVARA

Story of Ardhanarisvara

Ardhanarishvara is one of the many forms of Lord Shiva. The meaning of the name Ardhanarishvara is the male God whose half is woman. The names Umamahesvara and Sivasakti also denote the same meaning.

The story of Siva becoming Ardhanarishvara has many versions, both puranic and folk. Lord Brahma, who was in charge of creation among the three Murtis started creation. There was no sex difference among the things he created. Then he thought: “how can this further proceed? Those which I create should proceed themselves with further creation. And for the same, there should be both sexes among the created ones.”  Suddenly there appeared before his eyes, Siva whose right half was male and left half female. Inspired by the form of Siva, Brahma divided himself into two, right half male and left half female. From the right half further originated all male beings and from the left half all female beings.

Originally, Ardhanarishwara form of Siva was a single person. It was Brahmadeva who requested Shiva that Ardhanarishwara be divided into two to become God and Goddess. And so Mahadeva divided himself and let his Shakti, Uma, Parvati (his power) be apprehended separately.

source : http://www.hindudevotionalblog.com/2013/08/story-of-ardhanarisvara.html

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STORY OF MARICHA GOLDEN DEER IN RAMAYANA

STORY OF MARICHA GOLDEN DEER IN RAMAYANA

Maricha, one of the characters in Ramayana, plays the most notable role in Ravana’s kidnapping of Sita. Once, demon Sunda (son of Jamba or Jharjha) attacked the hermitage of Agasthya Rishi. The angry sage burnt him by his meditative powers. On Sunda’s death, his wife Yaksha Thataka and his sons Mareecha and Subahu attacked Agastya. The sage cursed them to become demons.

Vishwamitra’s Yajna

Sage Vishwamitra was performing a sacrifice. He was tormented by Tataka and her sons. Visvamitra approached Dasaratha, the king of Ayodhya, and requested him to send his eldest son, Rama to protect his sacrifice. Though with reluctance, Dasaratha sent 13-year old Rama and his younger brother Lakshmana with Visvamitra. Near the forest of Tataka, the demoness attacked them. Rama, aided by Lakshamana, slew her with his arrow. Vishvamitra reached his ashram and began his sacrifice. On the sixth day, Maricha and his brother Subahu, appeared and tried to destroy the sacrificial fire. Rama fired his arrow and Maricha was thrown hundred leagues away. The sacrifice was completed successfully. Under the guidance of Visvamitra, Rama wed Sita, the adopted daughter of Janaka and the princess of Mithila.

Maricha fight with Rama in Dandakaranya

Later, Dasaratha directed Rama for an exile in forest for 14 years, at the behest of Rama's step mother Kaikeyi. Rama proceeded to forest. Lakshmana and Sita followed him. The trio travelled through the Dandaka forest to the banks of the river Godavari, where they built a hermitage at Panchavati. Once, Maricha saw them and attacked them to wreak vengeance. Rama killed Maricha's allies, but his arrow narrowly missed Maricha, who fled. Surpanakha, the sister of Ravana, requested Rama to marry her. Rama refused and directed her to Lakshmana. Lakshmana joked at her. Surpanakha attacked Sita. Lakshmana cut out her ears and nose. Surpanakha reached Lanka and prompted Ravana to steal Sita.

Story Maricha Golden Deer Ramayana

Ravana went to meet his uncle, Maricha. He told Maricha to turn into a golden deer with silver spots and graze near Rama's ashram. On seeing the deer, Sita would surely tell Rama and Lakshamana to catch it. When they would leave Sita alone, Ravana would abduct her. Rama, aggrieved by Sita's separation, would be easily killed by Ravana. Maricha dissuaded Ravana. Ravana reiterated his plan and finally Maricha agreed.

Maricha’s disguise as Golden Deer

Maricha and Ravana flew to Panchavati. Maricha assumed the form of a beautiful golden deer, which had silver spots. It appeared in the vicinity of Rama's ashram. Sita was collecting flowers. The golden deer lured Sita, who called Rama and Lakshmana to see it. Lakshmana sensed foul play and suggested that the deer was Maricha. Sita persuaded Rama to get her the deer. Rama asked Lakshmana to take care of Sita and went after the deer. Maricha ran, followed by Rama. After a long chase, Rama shot him down. Maricha took his real form and cried out mimicking Rama's voice "Oh Sita! Oh Lakshmana!" Sita asked Lakshmana to go and search for Rama. Lakshmana insisted that no one could harm Rama. Worried Sita ordered Lakshmana to go. Lakshmana reluctantly left. Immediately, Ravana appeared as a mendicant. Sita stepped forward to give him alms and he kidnapped her.

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