During their exile period, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana were traveling through a dense forest when they came across a serene, shimmering lake. As they approached the water's edge, they were entranced by an ethereal melody that seemed to float out from the depths of the lake itself. The music was unlike anything they had ever heard, soothing and enchanting in equal measure.
Curious and slightly perplexed, Rama turned to a group of
sages who had made their hermitage nearby. The sages welcomed the exiles warmly
and provided them with refreshments. After some rest, Rama inquired about the
source of the mysterious music emanating from the lake.
One of the eldest sages, with a long white beard and eyes
twinkling with ancient wisdom, began to recount the tale. "This lake, dear
prince, holds a story of dedication, temptation, and divine intervention. Long
ago, a sage named Rishyasringa chose this very spot for his austere meditation.
His penance was so intense and unwavering that it started to unsettle even the
gods in heaven. Indra, the king of the gods, grew anxious about the sage's
growing spiritual power. He feared that such power might challenge his own
supremacy."
"To break the sage's meditation, Indra devised a plan
and summoned five of the most beautiful apsaras, celestial nymphs known for
their allure and enchanting dance. He instructed them to distract the sage and
break his concentration. Dutifully, the apsaras descended to this earthly realm
and approached the meditating sage. However, as they neared him, they were
overcome with awe and respect for his ascetic aura."
"Fearful of being cursed for disturbing such a holy
man, the apsaras hesitated. Instead of confronting him directly, they chose to
hide themselves in the lake, hoping to create a distraction from there. From
the depths, they began to sing and play their divine instruments, filling the
air with celestial music. The melodies were meant to lure the sage out of his
deep meditation, but Rishyasringa's focus remained unbroken."
"To this day," continued the sage, "the music
of the apsaras can still be heard emanating from the lake. It is a reminder of
the sage's unyielding devotion and the celestial presence that once graced this
place. The music serves as a testament to the power of meditation and the
respect even the gods had for a true ascetic's dedication."
Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana listened intently, moved by the
story of Rishyasringa's steadfastness and the divine melodies that now seemed
even more enchanting. As they continued their journey, the story of the lake
and its celestial music remained with them, a beautiful reminder of the
spiritual wonders they encountered during their time in exile.
This story is found in the Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana.