Devi Sita performing Pinda-dana to king Dasharatha in Gaya

Gaya: Devi Sita performing Pinda-dana to king Dasharatha in Gaya:

(Krittivasa Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 22 to 24)

• Meditation:: I meditate on Devi Sita performing Pinda-dana to king Dasharatha in Gaya.

• Devi Sita performing Pinda-dana to king Dasharatha in Gaya: During the first anniversary of the death of king Dasharatha, Sri Rama decided to perform the Shraddha of king Dasharatha. Sri Rama asked for the gem-studded ring from Devi Sita to procure the materials for the Shraddha. Taking the ring, Sri Rama and Lakshmana went away to arrange for the materials. Devi Sita was alone walking over the sands on the bank of river Phalgu.

During this time, king Dasharatha appeared before Devi Sita and said that he was very hungry and thirsty. He said that he was his father-in-law and therefore, she should offer Pinda to him and remove his hunger and thirst. She said that she had no objection, but in the presence of Sri Rama, she is not entitled to do so. King Dasharatha said that she was as good as Sri Rama to him. Therefore, without hesitation and keeping witness, she should perform the Shraddha.

Devi Sita agreed and keeping the Vata Vriksha (Banyan Tree), Tulasi, River Phalgu and a Brahmana as witness, she offered sand Pinda to king Dasharatha. King Dasharatha became satisfied and left for heaven.

• Devi Sita cursing the Brahmana: When Sri Rama came, Devi Sita told him that the soul of king Dasharatha came there in his absence and accepted the Pinda offered by her. Sri Rama asked for the witnesses. Devi Sita first pointed to the Brahmana. The Brahmana thought that if he denies the incident, he will have a chance to perform another Shraddha. Therefore, he denied the incident. Devi Sita cursed him that even if he becomes a millionnaire, he will not be able to overcome the tendency of a beggar.

• Devi Sita cursing the Tulasi plant: Devi Sita then pointed to the Tulasi plant as witness. The Tulasi plant became jealous of Devi Sita since she thought that Devi Sita was more closer to Lord Vishnu (as Sri Rama) instead of her. Therefore, she denied the incident. Devi Sita cursed her that even though her leaves will be placed on the head of Sri Hari, she will be planted in all places, including unclean places, where jackals and dogs will urinate and leave their refuse.

• Devi Sita cursing river Phalgu: Devi Sita then pointed to river Phalgu as witness. River Phalgu thought that if she denies the incident, she will get more riches if Sri Rama performs the Shraddha. Therefore, she denied the incident. Devi Sita cursed her that the river will flow with scanty water in which dogs and jackals will play.

• Devi Sita blessing the Vata Vriksha: Devi Sita then pointed to the Vata Vriksha as witness. The Vata Vriksha said that he will give the witness if Sita-Rama appeared before him as Lakshmi-Narayana. Devi Sita then stood on the left side of Sri Rama. On seeing the yugala form of Sita-Rama, the Vata Vriksha with folded hands said that all the other three spoke untruth for their own gains. But if he speaks falsehood he cannot escape from the Lord who dwells in him. Those who perform millions of Tapas cannot equate with the one who speaks the truth. Saying this, the Vata Vriksha said that king Dasharatha came there and accepting the Pinda left happily in full view of all. Devi Sita blessed the Tree that he will stay cool in summer and warm in winter. All his branches will be filled with abundance of leaves and fruits. He will provide coolness to anyone resting under him.

• Sri Rama narrating the story of Gayasura to Devi Sita: Devi Sita asked Sri Rama to tell the reason for the greatness of Gaya. Sri Rama narrated the story of Gayasura to Devi Sita.

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