In the Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana, after the culmination of the fierce battle in Lanka where Lord Rama triumphed over the demon king Ravana, a remarkable event unfolded on the battlefield. This story illustrates not only the divine powers at play but also the profound spiritual truths embodied in the saga.
Indra's Boon to Rama
After the fall of Ravana and the subsequent victory of Lord
Rama, the celestial beings, or Devas, descended to the battlefield to honor the
hero. Among them was Indra, the king of the gods, who was immensely pleased
with Rama’s valor and righteousness. As a gesture of gratitude and in
recognition of Rama's extraordinary feat, Indra offered him a boon.
Rama, ever compassionate and noble, requested that all the
vanaras (monkey warriors) who had laid down their lives in the battle be
brought back to life. He expressed his deep sorrow for the loss of his loyal
allies and sought their revival so they could be reunited with their loved
ones.
The Revival of the Vanaras
Moved by Rama’s selfless request, Indra immediately agreed.
He then performed a divine act: he sprinkled amrita, the nectar of immortality,
across the battlefield. The amrita, known for its life-restoring properties,
began to work its magic. To the amazement of all present, the dead vanaras
started to stir and rise. Severed limbs were restored, and grievous wounds
healed as if they had never been. The battlefield, which was a scene of death
and devastation, transformed into a place of miraculous revival and joy.
Rama's Question to Indra
However, Rama noticed something peculiar and intriguing.
Although Indra's amrita had revived the vanaras, the slain rakshasas (demon
warriors) remained lifeless. This observation puzzled Rama, and he turned to
Indra with a question that weighed on his mind.
"Great Indra," Rama said, "I saw you sprinkle
the divine amrita on this battlefield. There were many fallen rakshasas as
well. How is it that, despite being touched by the divine nectar, only the
vanaras have come back to life while the rakshasas remain as they are?"
Indra's Insightful Explanation
Indra's response was profound and filled with spiritual
insight. He explained, "Rama, the rakshasas were deeply absorbed in your
name as an enemy. Throughout their lives and even in their final moments, they
had the name 'Rama' on their lips. Their focus and devotion to defeat you were
unwavering. So accidently they were always taking your pious name. Thus, upon
their death, they attained moksha (liberation) and were transported to
Vaikuntha, your divine abode, where they now dwell in eternal bliss."
He continued, "On the other hand, the vanaras, despite
their bravery and loyalty, were often consumed with the names of their enemies.
They chanted the names of the rakshasas in their hearts and minds, driven by
their desire to defeat them. This worldly attachment bound them to the cycle of
life and death, and hence, the amrita could restore their earthly
existence."
The Underlying Message
This narrative holds a deeper meaning. It highlights the
power of one’s focus and devotion. The rakshasas, despite their role as
adversaries, attained a higher spiritual plane because they constantly chanted
Rama’s name, showcasing the transformative power of sincere devotion and
remembrance of the divine. The vanaras, though valiant and noble, were caught
in the material and temporal concerns of the battle, symbolizing how attachment
to worldly conflicts can bind one to the mortal realm.
This story emphasizes the importance of maintaining a divine
focus and underscores the notion that even adversaries can attain liberation
through genuine devotion. It also reflects the compassionate nature of Rama,
who seeks the well-being and revival of his allies, demonstrating his deep
sense of responsibility and love for those who stood by him.
Thus, the sprinkling of amrita by Indra and the resurrection
of the vanaras is not merely a tale of divine intervention but also a lesson in
spiritual values and the profound impact of one's thoughts and devotions on
their ultimate destiny.