Welcome Lord Ram!!! - From the different versions

Hi everyone!

As we all know, there are different versions of Ramayan. This epic has been translated or rewritten in many languages.

It was originally Mandodari ji's idea that it would be nice to know how Lord Ram was welcomed into Ayodhya in the different versions of Ramayan. Hence, I'm posting Lord Ram's welcome into Ayodhya from the different versions I have read.

I was wondering where to start and where to end. I think that the first person to welcome Lord Ram was Maharishi Bharadwaj, hence, I'll start from there. And my friends, you all can suggest whether I can end with Lord Ram entering Ayodhya or continue till the end of the Consecration Ceremony.

I first thought that I can just give a brief description of the events - but that would end up in a monotonous tone and would not do justice to the splendour and grand welcome He received. So, I'm describing the scenes in detail. If it gets too long, please feel free to remind me to rewind and make it short and I'd like a feedback too so that I can do better in the next post. Also, I'll post the events in parts - its too long for a single post.

My language may not adhere strictly to the rules of English Grammar - I've done so in a feeble attempt to bring in the essence of the original text. So, please excuse me if any mistakes have occurred. Also, feel free to correct me if any of the events is wrong or incorrectly explained.

A request from my side. . . If any of you know more from these texts or from any other versions apart from what I'm posting, please share it with me (and all of us) in this thread.

I'm starting with the Valmiki Ramayan . . .

Lord Ram's welcome in Valmiki Ramayan:

Lord Ram stopped by Rishi Bharadwaj's ashram on their way back to Ayodhya to pay his respects to the sage. Ram enquired about the welfare of the people of Ayodhya, his mothers brothers and relations. Rishi Bharadwaj said that all is well with the people of the country his family except that they pine to see him soon. His brother Bharat was still steadfast in his resolve and awaits his return eagerly. Rishi Bharadwaj said, "When I first saw thee banished, with thy wife (in hermit's dress) and brother wandering all alone in the dangerous forests, I felt sad. My heart swelled with pity for thee who was thrown away from all the princely comforts and though forlorn and worn with care, yet firm in thy decision to keep up your father's word and to fulfill your duty. I'm overwhelmed with joy in seeing thee return victorious and with good friends. I have seen the joys and sorrows of thy path and I know the glorious deeds performed ? saving the brahmins and defeating thy enemies. I know thy good virtues and about the many seasons spent in powerful penance and devotion. I grant you a boon, Ram (ask for anythign you wish). Receive this and stay in this Ashram for the night and leave for Ayodhya at dawn." Lord Ram asked that the way to Ayodhya from there (the ashram) should be filled with colourful, sweet and ripe fruits (for the vanars to eat and replenish themselves). No sooner than he spoke his wish was fulfilled. The vanars enjoyed their feasts of fruits.

Ram called Hanuman to his side and said, "Speed to Ayodhya and learn if all is well with those who dwell in the palace. On the way, tell Guha, the Lord of the Nishadas, that I return victorious with my queen restored to me and that I return with good health (I was confused whether Valmiki mentioned that Ram was returning with good health and strength or Sita was restored to him with good health and full strength). Then, follow the way he will show and go swiftly to Ayodhya. Give my love to my brother Bharat and tell him all that happened to us these 14 years. Tell him that I return victorious in battle with Lakshman and my wife Sita. Observe carefully even his most minute emotions of joy or grief (on his face). Closely view each gesture, each look and attitude. Where can a man who will not wish for all the King's glory and riches be found? Where can a heart that can give up an ancient kingdom without any regret or bear to gladly give back a land well known for excellent breeds of horses and elephants fe found? If day by day, my brother had become inclined to rule the kingdom, I'll let him rule in peace. I'll retire to the forest with my wife and spend the rest of my days there. Go and mark him well, learn his true feelings and return before we (Ram, Lakshman, Sita and the rest of them) near the city of Ayodhya."

Hanuman, disguised as a human, sped swiftly as a storm. When he saw the Ganga and Jamuna (is this the same as Yamuna ? ? I've always got confused with this) meet, he descended and entered Shringavera (I'm not sure if this is the correct spelling), Guha's territory and delivered Lord Ram's message to him. Guha was very much satisfied to hear the message Ram had sent him. Then with his mighty strength renewed Hanuman sped along the way Guha showed Hanuman. He (Hanuman) saw Nandigram, a village where bright colourful flowers bloomed, trees with lovely foliage had given shade where their bows met (the bows meeting with each other had given shade to the path below) and women sat and watched their grandsons play. Hanuman's eager eyes fell on Bharat who sat before his lonely dwelling in a hermit's dress, tangled hair, pale, weak and worn out by endless care(s). He still watched and pined for Ram to return neglecting the comforts of the royal life. He still kept his word and revered Ram's sandals which he had kept on the throne. And yet, the terror of his might had protected the land form all fear and harm that might befall the country.

Hanuman, bowed before Bharat and spoke, "I bring fond greetings to thee, Prince, from Ram himself for whom your spirit still sorrows like a pitiful hermit with matted locks and hermit's wear. Throw out the sorrow from your heart and hear the joyous news I bring. You can meet your brother soon (this day) happy in the defeat of his enemies (by him). As he has completed his fourteen long years of exile, he returns victorious with his wife Sita and younger brother Lakshman and his friends.

Bharat's joy was too mighty to control ? his senses and strength gave way and he fainted upon the ground. After a length of time, he sprung up from the ground and embraced Hanuman shedding tears of overwhelming emotion upon Hanuman's neck to which he clung on to. "Are you God or Human?" Bharat cried, "Who have come to me in love and pity. For this happy news, I give you, a hundred thousand cattle. A hundred villages will be yours. I'll give you a score of spotless maids ? beautiful and loving with golden faces, each known for her loveliness and grace."

Originally posted by: Vibhishna

<FONT size=2><FONT color=#9900ff>Hi everyone! </FONT></FONT>

<FONT size=2><FONT color=#9900ff></FONT></FONT>

<FONT size=2><FONT color=#9900ff>As we all know, there are different versions of Ramayan. This epic has been translated or rewritten in many languages. </FONT></FONT>

<FONT size=2><FONT color=#9900ff></FONT></FONT>

<FONT size=2><FONT color=#9900ff>It was originally Mandodari ji's idea that it would be nice to know how Lord Ram was welcomed into Ayodhya in the different versions of Ramayan. Hence, I'm posting Lord Ram's welcome into Ayodhya from the different versions I have read. </FONT></FONT>

<FONT size=2><FONT color=#9900ff></FONT></FONT>

<FONT size=2><FONT color=#9900ff>I was wondering where to start and where to end. I think that the first person to welcome Lord Ram was Maharishi Bharadwaj, hence, I'll start from there. And my friends, you allcan suggest whether I can end with Lord Ram entering Ayodhya or continue till the end of the Consecration Ceremony. </FONT></FONT>

<FONT size=2><FONT color=#9900ff></FONT></FONT>

<FONT size=2><FONT color=#9900ff>I first thought that I can just give a brief description of the events - but that would end up in a monotonous tone and would not do justice to the splendour and grand welcome He received. So, I'm describing the scenes in detail. If it gets too long, please feel free to remind me to rewind and make it short and I'd like a feedback too so that I can do better in the next post. Also, I'll post the events in parts – its too long to be posted in a single post. </FONT></FONT>

<FONT face="Times New Roman, Times, serif" color=#9900ff size=2></FONT>

<FONT size=2><FONT color=#9900ff>My language may not be strictly adhering to the rules of English Grammar – I've done so in a feeble attempt to bring in the essence of the original text. So, please me if any mistakes have occurred. Also, feel free to correct me if any of the events is wrong or incorrectly explained. </FONT></FONT>

<FONT face="Times New Roman, Times, serif" color=#9900ff size=2></FONT>

<FONT color=#9900ff><FONT face="Times New Roman, Times, serif" color=#9900ff size=2>A request from my side. . . If any of you know more from these texts or from any other versions apart from what I'm posting, please share it with me (and all of us) in this thread.

<FONT size=2><FONT color=#9900ff>I'm starting with the Valmiki Ramayan . . . </FONT></FONT>

</FONT></FONT>

Hey Vibishna, this is so awesome. I do not know why you are saying this is a humble attempt. This is an awesome attempt. Thanks so much.

Thank you Mandodari ji. I'm glad you like it.

wow

Continuation . . . (From the Valmiki Ramayan)

For a while Bharat was speechless with joy. Then he asked Hanuman to tell him all that happened to Ram ? his joys and sorrows, his woes and victories. Hanuman recited all that happened to Ram from the first day when he stood in the shade of Dandakaranya to the war, his victory over Ravan and the trial (Agnipariksha) and the reunion of Ram and Sita. Bharat heard each and every tale Hanuman said with great rapture. Bharat sent the glad news and his orders to Shathrugan. "Let every shrine be decorated with flowers. Let the incense be burnt and music played. Let everyone come out, come forth and meet their King. Let the tabours (a small kind of drum ? I think it makes a delicate sound) and the minstrels sing. Let high notes of praise come from the bards and poets who are skilled in the lore of the ages gone by. Call the royal matrons and all the nobles. Send all those who are close to us (family) and those we love the most, the Bhahmins, the warrior hosts (who accompany the victorious king back to the motherland) and a glorious gathering to bring back home our victorious lord and king."

Shathrugan was overjoyed. Ever obedient to his elder brother, he gave orders "Send forth ten thousand men with strong and stout limbs to prepare the road for the king of Kosala. Let thousands of others sprinkle (or throw) showers of fresh water as cool as snow. And let others spread many garlands and the most beautiful flowers in the way to be trodden by our emperor. Let our royal (colourful and majestic) banners be put up to fly high in the wind (let it wave in the air). Let every temple porch, tower and gate be decorated with beautiful blossoms and sacred beads.

The nobles of the palace rushed forth and fulfilled every thing Shathrugan had desired. They rode on elephants whose girths were decked with glowing jewels and attended closely by thousands of servants who bore their gear and flags. A thousand chiefs (army chiefs) rode on their war horses and displayed their thousand glittering chariots. And countless other hosts (for the king) followed them on foot eagerly. And then the queen mothers came in palanquins with silken veils. Mother Kaushalya came first leading the rest of the household women. Mother Sumitra came next and then the others of lower ranks followed. The women folk were follwed by a huge crowd of white robed Brahmans who came singing sacred songs. Then with countless people shouting for joy, with the mingled sound conches (shells) and tambours and the drums sounding so loud, Bharat joined the crowd with Sri Ram's sandals placed upon his head.

A canopy that was white like the moon and decorated with garlands was spread. And jeweled chouries to be held over Ram's brow shone bright with gold. When all of them came near Nandigam they couldn't find any sign of Ram. Bharat called Hanuman and asked him if he (Hanuman) like his kind (the vanars) has sought to play a trick or an illusion. Bharat asked eagerly, "Where is Ram? Show me the hero. Show me the victorious one. Though I keep watching, I see no vanars who can assume any shape or form at will.

To this Hanuman replied, "Look! On those lush and green trees with the murmur and the song of bees, the saint (Rishi Bharadwaj) had made fruits and shade appear. Even Indra could not display such power. Hear the voices of the Vanars. Hear the shouting that tell us they are nearby. They are about to cross the Gomati stream. I can see the flying vimana that was created by Lord Brahma himself. This vimana was designed to move at will by Brahma's own power. This vimana was once, Ravan's possession ? his property and pride. Now it's the victor's spoil since Ravan is dead. Look! There ? the sons of Raghu and between the brothers stands Rama's rescued queen. There is Vibhishan and Sugreev and his retinue."

Hanuman stopped there and the whole gathering had spotted Ram in the sky and was ecstatic. Everyone ? man, woman, old and young cried out in joy ? "Its Him! Its Rama ? who comes from the sky." All the nobles and chiefs had climbed down from the elephants, horses and chariots. Everyone's eyes were intently watching Sri Ram's face which was as bright as the moon. For a moment Bharat gazed entranced by the spectacle. He then raised his hands reverentially above his head and welcomed his brother with the due respect to an honoured guest. Bharat climbed up the Pushpaka Vimana to greet his King and fell at his brother's feet. Ram raised him from the floor (of the vimana) and embraced him dearly. And as Lakshman and Sita came forward to meet Bharat, he greeted thm by saying his name. (It was the custom of the olden days to introduce and greet elders and the superiors by saying our name and greeting them, like, I, Bharat, son of Dasrath greet you / welcome you.) He then formally greeted Sugreev, the King of the Vanar Race and Jambavan, Bali's son Angad, and the other Lords and chiefs who had accompanied Ram without omitting anyone.

Continued - the grand splendour of Sri Ram's entry into Ayodhya.

Bharat embraced Sugreev and greeted him with gratitude, "Vanar King, we were four brothers by birth. Now we can boast of a fifth one in thee!" To the King Vibhishan, "Thou hast fought well for the sake of Ram." Shathrugan was as swift as his brother to greet Ram with reverence and pure love and to greet the other chiefs and to fall at Lady Sita's feet. Then Ram came to is mother. He saw her pale cheeks and wasted frame. He consoled her with gentle words and clasped her feet lovingly. And then he bent to Mother Sumitra's feet and then paid his reverence to Mother Kaikeyi too. Then Ram bowed to his preceptor and teacher. From the crowd a huge shout arose, "Welcome O Rama!!! We have mourned so long." "Welcome ? Joy and pride of Kaushalya!!!" ? ten hundred thousand voices greeted.

Then Bharat who had never swerved from his duty placed Sri Ram's sandals on his feet. He said, "My King, receive again the Kingdom I have preserved through years and years of pain. Take back the rule and lordship of the Empire that was entrusted to my weaker (than Ram's) hand. No more will I have to sigh over the sorrows that surrounded my past. At last, my birth and life has been blessed by the glad sight of Ram coming back to rule his own kingdom."

Such a faithful love for his elder brother Bharat held. This moved each heart gather there and was approved by all present there. The Vanar chiefs could not hold back their tears that fell like the rain from heaven. Then Ram who was ecstasic beyond limits by Bharat's loving words threw his arms around Bharat and descended from the vimana to the grove where Bharat spent the last fourteen years. Then at his command, the Pushpaka Vimana rose to the sky and sailed towards the home of the Lord of Gold, Kuber, who owned this ancient treasure.

Bharat saluted his brother with joint palms and said, "Thy Kingdom is restored to you O King, unharmed to the its rightful Lord. My feeble arms could scarcely bear the toil and pain of the burden. This heavy burden well nigh broke the neck that was untrained to bear the yoke. The royal swan always wins over the crow (in flight). The steed is faster than the mule. My feet cannot be lead through the rough ways in which only thy feet should walk. Now grant thy subjects wish and begin thy rule O King! Let our eyes see the glorious and ancient ritual of consecrating the new King.

When Bharat stopped speaking, Ram bent his head in acceptance (In plain words - he nodded his acknowledgement). He sat and the barbers trimmed his tangles of neglected hair with extreme care. Then Ram bathed and clothed in royal clothes and jewels shone like the Sun in all its splendour. Sita with the aid of the married women put on shining robes and jewels. The charioteer Sumantra (It seems that Sumantra was the charioteer, a nobleman and a family well wisher), ordered by Shathrugan drew near and stopped within the grove. In the chariot, Sugreev's consorts graced with many gems and Ram's royal queen sat. All of Ayodhya watched as the chariot sped swiftly.

Like the thousand eyed Lord Indra in his chariot drawn by a fleet of lions through the skies, radiant and glorious, Lord Ram rode homeward unparalleled in might and power. The chariots reign was held by Bharat. Above the unequalled victor's head Shathrugan held the snow - white shade. And Lakshman, ever ready to serve, fanned Lord Ram's forehead with a chourie. Vibhishan too shared the task of fanning the King close by Lakshman's side. Sugreev mounted a huge elephant by name Shatrunjay (victor of foes) which looked like a mountain. Assuming human forms, the chiefs of the Vanar Race were born by nine thousand elephants all gay and happy and in rich attires, adorned with gold and precious gems.

Thus, Lord Ram the foremost among men rode in the front of the whole procession. Borne in a Royal State, Lord Ram reached Ayodhya's gate and was welcomed with they sacred notes of the conches and drums and the joyful shouts. "Here comes Lord Ram!!!" With solemn Brahman host and cattle (cows and the rest of the auspicious creatures) and a long procession followed him. Many happy maids who came in an orderly fashion showered grains and gold (coins and jewels) liberally. Beneath the gorgeous royal flags that waved in rows and rows over the towers and roofs, amidst the merry and cheering crowd, the royal procession neared the Royal Palace of Ayodhya.

u brought tears in my eyes vibishan

Wow its a great post. Great jo Vibhishna

Great job, Vibishan!
It's really good to know all this!
Thanks for opening this thread.