“Tulsidas says that the Lord is looking especially beautiful joined with Sita and Lakshmana. The demigods are happily showering flowers from the sky, and the whole place has a good aura and good qualities.” (Dohavali, 2)

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सीता लखन समेत प्रभु सोहत तुलसीदास
हरषत सुर बरषत सुमन सगुन सुमन्गल बास

sītā lakhana sameta prabhu sohata tulasīdāsa
haraṣata sura baraṣata sumana saguna sumangala bāsa

The goal is to change our outlook. If we shift the viewpoint from the start, then the objective naturally aligns with our self-interest. The tendency from the time of birth, however, is to go for our own satisfaction. Search after immediate enjoyment, in the view that we are the enjoyer. The Sanskrit word is purusha. We are indeed the enjoyer in comparison to the material nature, which is prakriti. But His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada explains that in the higher understanding, we are actually prakriti. We are meant to be enjoyed by the supreme enjoyer, who is purusha across the entire spectrum. In this regard, the offering of flowers is one way to serve, to see to the enjoyment of the enjoyer. The historical narrative of the avatara known as Rama shows how there are plenty of occasions to make such offerings.

1. When He follows the spiritual guide

Rama is the Supreme Lord, after all. He is the origin of everything and everyone. Though He kindly descends from the spiritual world as the avatara, to take birth in the family of the Raghu dynasty, Rama is actually the sun of the solar race. He is the long-awaited and cherished first son to King Dasharatha. The penance, austerity, and decision to agree to the recommendations of the esteemed Rishya-shringa yielded Dasharatha not one, but four beautiful sons. They were born to the three queens: Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi.

Rama is the eldest, born to Kausalya, and though He knows everything He is kind enough to accept instruction from spiritual guides. There is one point where the forest-dwelling ascetic known as Vishvamitra specifically asks for Rama’s presence. Vishvamitra essentially wants a bodyguard. Dasharatha would rather send a mature adult to serve in that capacity, but Vishvamitra insists on Rama.

As the Janaki Mangala of Goswami Tulsidas describes, there is a shower of flowers when Rama and His younger brother Lakshmana follow Vishvamitra. This is a moment to celebrate since it shows how kind Rama is to the brahmana class. Rama vows to protect them. Rama plays like an innocent child, at the same time, to delight those who love Him.

देखि बिनोद प्रमोद प्रेम कौसिक उर
करत जाहिं घन छान्ह सुमन बरषहिं सुर

dekhi binoda pramoda prema kausika ura
karata jāhiṃ ghana chānha sumana baraṣahiṃ sura

“Seeing the children playing happily Vishvamitra’s heart fills up with love. Wherever they go the clouds hover above to give shade and the demigods drop flowers from the sky.” (Janaki Mangala, 35)

2. When He wins the contest of the bow

It is said that the exalted spiritual seers are trikala-darshi. They know the three time periods of beginning, middle, and end. Therefore, it is not surprising to find that Vishvamitra’s request accomplished several important tasks simultaneously. In addition to protecting the yajnas of the sages from the attacks of Rakshasas, Rama’s presence in the forest led the group to the contest of the bow. This was held by King Janaka of Mithila, to determine the suitable husband for his beloved daughter, Sita Devi.

As He possesses strength to the highest degree, Rama showed Himself to be the only person capable of lifting the bow. He ended up snapping the bow into two pieces while attempting to string it. This was another occasion for a drop of flowers. Devotees celebrate the victories of the all-victorious one, who is the only husband for the goddess of fortune.

3. When He returns home to Ayodhya

Rama won the contest and married Sita. Janaka was in such a giving mood that he also offered brides for Rama’s three younger brothers. This meant that four newlywed couples returned home to Ayodhya. This was cause for further celebration. Rama is happy for the devotees and the devotees are always happy for Him.

दुलह दुलहिनिन्ह देखि नारि नर हरषहिं
छिनु छिनु गान निसान सुमन सुर बरषहिं

dulaha dulahininha dekhi nāri nara haraṣahiṃ
chinu chinu gāna nisāna sumana sura baraṣahiṃ

“Looking at the bride and groom, the men and women were so happy. Again and again, songs and drums played and the demigods rained down flowers.” (Janaki Mangala, 142)

4. When He defeats Ravana

This is a triumph after a difficult military conflict. Rama upholds His vow to protect. Sita Devi was previously taken in secret and by force. Rama proceeded to Lanka, without the help of the royal army. Instead, a band of forest-dwelling creatures assisted, headed by Sugriva and Hanuman. Rama fulfilled the mission of the devas by ridding the world of the evil Ravana. This was yet another occasion to celebrate with flowers.

5. When devotees are meditating

The Sanskrit word nityotsava refers to a continuous celebration. Despite the events of Rama’s time on earth taking place thousands and thousands of years ago, devotees prefer to always remember. They do not necessarily have to be reminded of the need to worship. They retain the beautiful image of Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana within the mind. In that scene, they are kindly offering flowers, to show their love and to see their beloved objects of worship appropriately adorned. No one can stop this outpouring of affection.

In Closing:

Image in meditation got,
That flowers profusely to drop.

As eternal pastimes to recall,
Lifting of bow and Ravana to fall.

In joyous celebration to extend,
Of whose glories never to end.

Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana too,
Fixed in heart of devotee who.

Categories: the five

Tags: dailyprompt, god, hare krishna, poem, poems, poetry, ramayana