"Dharma, when protected, protects in return. When it is destroyed, it destroys."
After hearing Aditya's explanation, Raj's curiosity deepened as he sought to grasp the significance of the next Yuga, Treta Yuga. Aditya painted a vivid picture of this age, where dharma and adharma intricately intertwined, creating a complex tapestry of moral conflicts. He highlighted the pivotal roles played by three iconic figures: Lord Rama, the epitome of righteousness and virtue; Ravana, the formidable demon king who epitomized wickedness and hubris; and Hanuman, the steadfast devotee whose unwavering loyalty and service to Lord Rama became legendary.
Aditya's narrative revealed how these characters' actions and choices shaped the destiny of their era, illustrating the timeless struggle between good and evil. Their stories resonated with profound moral lessons about duty, devotion, and the consequences of one's deeds, echoing through the ages to impart wisdom to those who seek it.
Master Bhargav's addition underscored the enduring relevance of these tales from Treta Yuga, particularly the epic Ramayana. He emphasized that these narratives transcend mere historical accounts, offering invaluable insights into human nature, the power of resilience, and the ultimate victory of righteousness. His words resonated deeply with the team, reinforcing their understanding that their own journey mirrored these eternal themes.
As they absorbed these teachings, the team felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination. They recognized that their path forward would be fraught with challenges, yet armed with the wisdom gleaned from ancient tales, they were prepared to confront adversity with courage and integrity. Inspired by the legacy of heroes from Treta Yuga, they embarked on their next steps with a profound commitment to upholding dharma and facing whatever trials lay ahead with unwavering resolve.
Raj's inquiry prompted Aditya to delve deeper into the contrasting figures of Treta Yuga, beginning with Ravana, the embodiment of adharma. As they gathered around, Aditya painted a vivid portrait of Ravana, highlighting his formidable intellect, unparalleled strength, and insatiable ambition. He described how Ravana's unchecked pride and desire for dominance overpowered his sense of morality, leading him to commit acts of cruelty and injustice.
Aditya narrated the infamous abduction of Sita and Ravana's defiance against divine principles, illustrating how these actions epitomized adharma. He emphasized that Ravana's downfall stemmed not just from his immense power but from his misuse of it, highlighting a critical lesson about the consequences of wielding power without wisdom and righteousness.
Arsh and the group absorbed Aditya's insights, contemplating the implications of Ravana's story. They recognized that the allure of power and the temptation to stray from dharma were timeless challenges, resonating even in their own journey. They understood that like Rama, their path required steadfast adherence to moral principles and resilience in the face of adversity.
As they reflected on Ravana's fate, the group gleaned valuable lessons about the pitfalls of arrogance and the enduring importance of ethical conduct. They reaffirmed their commitment to upholding dharma, knowing that their choices would define not only their own destinies but also the impact they would have on the world around them.
After regaining his kingdom and slaying the titans, Rama received visits from numerous sages. Kaushika, Yavakrita, Gargya, and Kanva from the eastern region; Svastiyatreya, Namuchi, Pramuchi, Agastya, Atri, Sumukha, and Vimukha from the southern region; Nrishangu, Elavashin, Dhaumya, and Kausheya from the western region; and Vasishtha, Kashyapa, Vishvamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni, Bharadvaja, and the seven Rishis from the northern region all came to pay homage to Rama.
Reaching the palace of Raghava, the ascetics, shining like Fire, approached the gate. Agastya, the virtuous prince of sages, addressed the doorkeeper.
Agastya: "Let the arrival of the ascetics be made known to the son of Dasaratha!"
The vigilant doorkeeper immediately went to inform Rama, who was as radiant as the full moon.
Doorkeeper: "O magnanimous sovereign, the prince of sages, Agastya, and other ascetics have arrived and seek your audience."
Rama: "Usher them in with all due respect."
The sages entered, and Rama rose to honor them with water and the Arghya, bestowing on each a cow. He then bowed low and provided raised and costly seats encrusted with gold, covered with cushions of Kusha grass and antelope skins. The mighty sages seated themselves according to rank.
Rama: "O revered sages, I hope all is well with you."
The great Rishis, accompanied by their disciples, replied:
Rishis: "O Long-armed Hero, Joy of the House of Raghu, all is well with us! By divine grace, we behold you happy and delivered from your enemies. By the heavens' favor, you have slain Ravana, that destroyer of the worlds. Furnished with your bow, you can undoubtedly destroy the Three Worlds! By heaven's grace, we behold you with Sita victorious today. We see you with your brother Lakshmana, who is devoted to your interests, in the midst of your mothers and other brothers. By divine grace, the Rangers of the Night—Prahasta, Vikata, Virupaksha, Mahodara, Akampana, and Durdharsha—have perished. By heaven's favor, Kumbhakarna, whose monstrous form had no equal in the world, was overthrown by you in combat. Trishiras, Atikaya, Devantaka, and Narantaka, those mighty night rangers, were struck down by you, O Rama. By divine grace, you measured your strength against that Indra of Titans, whom the Gods themselves were unable to destroy, and vanquished him in single combat. Assuredly, it was no small matter for you to overcome Ravana in a fight, but by divine grace, you were able to join issue with Ravani and slay him in combat.
Rama: "O Blessed Ones, I vanquished Kumbhakarna and that Ranger of the Night, Ravana, both of whom were filled with valor. Why, therefore, do you praise me particularly on account of Ravani? Since I vanquished Mahodara, Prahasta, the Titan Virupaksha, and those great warriors, Devantaka and Narantaka, why this commendation on Indrajita's account? Did I not overcome those Rangers of the Night, Atikaya, Trishiras, and Dhumraksha, who were full of courage? Why, therefore, do you extol me because of Ravani? In what lay his special power, strength, and prowess? How was he superior to Ravana? If I may learn it, for this is no command I lay upon you, if it is no secret that you may not reveal, I desire to know it. Shakra himself was vanquished by him; in virtue of what boon and from what source did the son derive those powers that his sire Ravana did not possess? From whence did this titan gain pre-eminence over his father in combat? How was he able to triumph over Indra? Tell me now of all the boons he received, O Foremost of the Sages!"
The sages, impressed by Rama's humility and curiosity, prepared to share the profound details of Indrajita's unique boons and powers.
[End of Chapter 35]