Rama is one who is gifted with an excellent physique, endowed with radiance, exceptional memory and deep knowledge of policies of the kingdom. He has conquered his enemies both external and internal. The commentator quotes from Vararuci and Brahmapurana while describing different limbs of Rama, which portray him as the most handsome man. Rama being a great destroyer of enemies, the title arindama is quite appropriate. While describing the lines on the forehead of Rama the commentator refers to Katyayana. And to Brahamapurana while describing Rama’s gait. He continues to state ‘Rama is neither too tall nor too short and his limbs are proportionately framed to the perfect measure with a pleasing dark colour. His valour creates shivers in the hearts of his foes. Rama gives shelter to the distressed. He has won the fame as the killer of Ravana. He is rich in spiritual knowledge and is aware that his being a man is only ‘maya’ (illusion). He is pure in body and mind by ablutions and pranayama. His attachment to the world is outward only. He is equal to Prajapati as he could send Parasurama and Jatayu to Brahmaloka. He would destroy the enemies of his devotees, external as well as internal. He would protect the varnas and asramas. He is an ardent follower of dharma and has mastered the scriptures such as the Vedas and Vedangas. He is well-informed about the use of weapons. His knowledge of schools of philosophy and their commentaries is quite deep. He would remember instantly the appropriate implications of the scriptures and other relevant works in all his activities. He has extraordinary courage and is undeterred in the face of calamities.
He is always well attended by noble men and he is like Visnu in human form to the seekers and he has a pleasant face like the moon but in anger he is like devastating wild fire. His wealth which is immeasurable is intended for charity only. He is like the earth in his forgiveness. He has earned the love and good will of his subjects as he is their benefactor and has all the qualities of the heir to the throne.
The Anecdote of Rsyasringa 1.9.16-19
The Mahabharata says that the courtesans mounted the boat that was ready and led Rsyasringa to Angadesa over the flooded river. Was there no loss of penance for Rsyasringa as a consequence of touching the courtesans or eating the fruits given by them? How did it rain as he moved in? The commentator opines that there was no loss of penance as he was ignorant of women’s ways. Even if there was a little loss, that was compensated by his penance. A pure celibate, the sage had known the Vedas and other scriptures. To say he was ignorant and he lost the power derived from penance is wrong. When a person has vision of Brahman through pure celibacy and sees Brahman everywhere there could not be the slightest taint attached to him. Due to his past deeds he was destined to marry a kshatriya girl. He conducted himself quite well with the courtesans. His father also did not curse him. All this suggests that he was free from sin. And it is also indicated that the knower of Brahman will always attain the goal. Had Vibhandaka cursed his son and brought him back to the hermitage on hearing about his marriage with Santa, even then Rsyasringa’s spiritual image would not have been affected. Even otherwise the anger of Vibhandaka against Rsyasringa for the loss of celibacy could not have prevented the courtesans.
Description of Rama 1.9.19
Rama is one who is gifted with an excellent physique, endowed with radiance, exceptional memory and deep knowledge of policies of the kingdom. He has conquered his enemies both external and internal. The commentator quotes from Vararuci and Brahmapurana while describing different limbs of Rama, which portray him as the most handsome man. Rama being a great destroyer of enemies, the title arindama is quite appropriate. While describing the lines on the forehead of Rama the commentator refers to Katyayana. And to Brahamapurana while describing Rama’s gait. He continues to state ‘Rama is neither too tall nor too short and his limbs are proportionately framed to the perfect measure with a pleasing dark colour. His valour creates shivers in the hearts of his foes. Rama gives shelter to the distressed. He has won the fame as the killer of Ravana. He is rich in spiritual knowledge and is aware that his being a man is only ‘maya’ (illusion). He is pure in body and mind by ablutions and pranayama. His attachment to the world is outward only. He is equal to Prajapati as he could send Parasurama and Jatayu to Brahmaloka. He would destroy the enemies of his devotees, external as well as internal. He would protect the varnas and asramas. He is an ardent follower of dharma and has mastered the scriptures such as the Vedas and Vedangas. He is well-informed about the use of weapons. His knowledge of schools of philosophy and their commentaries is quite deep. He would remember instantly the appropriate implications of the scriptures and other relevant works in all his activities. He has extraordinary courage and is undeterred in the face of calamities.
He is always well attended by noble men and he is like Visnu in human form to the seekers and he has a pleasant face like the moon but in anger he is like devastating wild fire. His wealth which is immeasurable is intended for charity only. He is like the earth in his forgiveness. He has earned the love and good will of his subjects as he is their benefactor and has all the qualities of the heir to the throne.
The Anecdote of Rsyasringa 1.9.16-19
The Mahabharata says that the courtesans mounted the boat that was ready and led Rsyasringa to Angadesa over the flooded river. Was there no loss of penance for Rsyasringa as a consequence of touching the courtesans or eating the fruits given by them? How did it rain as he moved in? The commentator opines that there was no loss of penance as he was ignorant of women’s ways. Even if there was a little loss, that was compensated by his penance. A pure celibate, the sage had known the Vedas and other scriptures. To say he was ignorant and he lost the power derived from penance is wrong. When a person has vision of Brahman through pure celibacy and sees Brahman everywhere there could not be the slightest taint attached to him. Due to his past deeds he was destined to marry a kshatriya girl. He conducted himself quite well with the courtesans. His father also did not curse him. All this suggests that he was free from sin. And it is also indicated that the knower of Brahman will always attain the goal. Had Vibhandaka cursed his son and brought him back to the hermitage on hearing about his marriage with Santa, even then Rsyasringa’s spiritual image would not have been affected. Even otherwise the anger of Vibhandaka against Rsyasringa for the loss of celibacy could not have prevented the courtesans.