Vishwamitra's Invitation: The Beginning of Rama's Righteous Journey (Ramayana Series-2)

Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna completed their Vedic studies. They had attained spiritual knowledge and were fully equipped with all the virtues required of Kshatriyas (warrior class).

Among the four brothers, Sri Rama stood out as the one with immense brilliance, truth in valor, and as one who brought joy to all, much like the moon brings comfort to the night. He was skilled in riding elephants and chariots. Rama had mastered the sciences related to elephants, horses, and chariots and was unparalleled in the knowledge of archery. He was always devoted to serving his father. Lakshmana, known for increasing prosperity, was deeply attached to his elder brother Rama since childhood. Rama considered Lakshmana his second self, saying, “My very life exists outside me in the form of Lakshmana.” Similarly, just as Lakshmana was dearest to Rama, Shatrughna was exceedingly dear to Bharata. They mirrored each other in love and devotion.

Seeing his sons filled with unmatched brilliance and virtue, King Dasharatha was filled with joy, just like Lord Brahma, the creator of all worlds.

As the princes matured, the righteous King Dasharatha began consulting with sages and relatives about their marriages. At that very moment, the great sage Vishwamitra arrived at the palace gates.

Seeing him, Dasharatha was overjoyed and respectfully said: “O great sage, please tell me the reason for your visit and bless me by allowing me to serve your needs. No matter how difficult the task you assign, I shall accomplish it completely.”

Hearing these words, Vishwamitra, thrilled by Dasharatha’s hospitality, said: “O King! I am currently engaged in performing sacred rituals under strict vows. But two Rakshasas (demons), capable of changing forms at will, constantly disturb my penance. At the moment when my sacrificial rituals begin and until they are completed, the two Rakshasas—Subahu and Maricha—defile the altar by throwing blood and flesh. As per my vows, I cannot lose my temper or curse them. Doing so would violate the sanctity of the ritual. Thus, I am unable to stop them myself. Therefore, I request you to send your valiant eldest son Rama with me to protect the sacrifice. The auspicious time to begin the sacrifice is approaching. Please send Rama with me—it will bring you great merit.”

Upon hearing this, Dasharatha became deeply distressed and replied: “O great sage! My Rama is but sixteen years old, still a youth. How can I believe he is fit to battle Rakshasas? But do not think your sacrifice will go unprotected—I myself will accompany you with my full Akshauhini army (a massive military formation). I will fight the Rakshasas until my last breath. But I cannot send Rama with you alone.”

These words, spoken in an inappropriate and emotional manner, angered Sage Vishwamitra. He said: “O King! You had earlier promised me that you would fulfill any request. Now you are trying to break that vow. Breaking one’s word is not suitable for the righteous Ikshvaku lineage. If you believe this is proper, I shall leave as I came. Live happily with your family and ministers.”

Seeing the enraged sage, the earth trembled, and even the gods were frightened. At that moment, the wise Sage Vashishta, the royal priest, intervened and said: “O King! You are born into the great Ikshvaku dynasty, known for its righteousness and courage. Do not commit the sin of breaking your vow and abandoning your dharma. There is no doubt that Vishwamitra himself has the power to burn the Rakshasas to ashes in an instant. But he has come to you for Rama’s sake, to benefit your son. Therefore, send Rama with him.”

Hearing Vashishta’s wise counsel, King Dasharatha's mind calmed, and he agreed to entrust Rama to Vishwamitra. Rama, along with his brother Lakshmana, received blessings from their mother Kausalya and father Dasharatha and got ready to depart with Vishwamitra.

Rama, Lakshmana, and Vishwamitra

As Rama, Lakshmana, and Vishwamitra journeyed together, divine drums sounded, and flowers rained from the heavens. After traveling about one and a half yojanas (a measure of distance) along the southern banks of the Sarayu river, Vishwamitra said: “Rama! Now I shall initiate you into the powerful Bala and Atibala mantras, which form the basis for immense strength and immunity. By mastering these mantras and repeating them, fatigue and illness will never affect you. These divine powers ensure that you will never lose your luster. Once you master them, none in the three worlds will be your equal.”

Rama respectfully received these sacred mantras, sat before the sage, and chanted them with full devotion. After the initiation, Rama served his guru in all appropriate ways. That night, Rama, Lakshmana, and Vishwamitra rested peacefully on the banks of the Sarayu River.