Yoga Vashishtha 1.3.17–31
(Prince Ram's pilgrimage wish)
महर्षि वाल्मीकि उवाच।
भरद्वाज महाबुद्धे रामक्रममिमं शुभम्।
शृणु वक्ष्यामि तेनैव सर्वं ज्ञास्यसि सर्वदा ॥ १७ ॥
विद्यागृहाद्विनिष्क्रम्य रामो राजीवलोचनः ।
दिवसान्यनयद्गेहे लीलाभिरकुतोभयः ॥ १८ ॥
अथ गच्छति काले तु पालयत्यवनिं नृपे।
प्रजासु वीतशोकासु स्थितासु विगतज्वरम् ॥ १९ ॥
तीर्थपुण्याश्रमश्रेणीर्द्रष्टुमुत्कण्ठितं मनः ।
रामस्याभूद्भृशं तत्र कदाचिद्गुणशालिनः ॥ २० ॥
राघवश्चिन्तयित्वैवमुपेत्य चरणौ पितुः ।
हंसः पद्माविव नवौ जग्राह नखकेसरौ ॥ २१ ॥
श्रीराम उवाच ।
तीर्थानि देवसद्मानि वनान्यायतनानि च ।
द्रष्टुमुत्कण्ठितं तात ममेदं नाथ मानसम् ॥ २२ ॥
तदेतामर्थितां पूर्वां सफलां कर्तुमर्हसि।
न सोऽस्ति भुवने नाथ त्वया योऽर्थी न मानितः ॥ २३ ॥
इति संप्रार्थितो राजा वसिष्ठेन समं तदा।
विचार्यामुञ्चदेवैनं रामं प्रथममर्थिनम् ॥ २४ ॥
शुभे नक्षत्रदिवसे भ्रातृभ्यां सह राघवः।
मङ्गलालंकृतवपुः कृतस्वस्त्ययनो द्विजैः ॥ २५ ॥
वसिष्ठप्रहितैर्विप्रैः शास्त्रज्ञैश्च समन्वितः ।
स्निग्धैः कतिपयैरेव राजपुत्रवरैः सह ॥ २६ ॥
अम्बाभिर्विहिताशीभिरालिङ्ग्यालिङ्ग्य भूषितः ।
निरगात्स्वगृहात्तस्मात्तीर्थयात्रार्थमुद्यतः ॥ २७ ॥
निर्गतः स्वपुरात्पौरैस्तूर्यघोषेण वादितः ।
पीयमानः पुरस्त्रीणां नेत्रैर्भृङ्गौघभङ्गुरैः ॥ २८ ॥
ग्रामीणललनालोलहस्तपद्मापनोदितैः ।
लाजवर्षैर्विकीर्णात्मा हिमैरिव हिमाचलः ॥ २९ ॥
आवर्जयन्विप्रगणान्परिशृण्वन्प्रजाशिषः।
आलोकयन्दिगन्तांश्च परिचक्राम जाङ्गलान् ॥ ३० ॥
अथारभ्य स्वकात्तस्मात्क्रमात्कोशलमण्डलात्।
स्नानदानतपोध्यानपूर्वकं स ददर्श ह ॥ ३१ ॥
17. Maharshi Valmiki said: "O Bharadwaja, the one of great wisdom! Listen attentively as I narrate to you this auspicious course of events concerning Rama. By hearing this, you shall attain complete Knowledge at all times."
18. After completing his studies, Rama, whose eyes were like blooming lotuses, spent his days at home in playful activities, free from any fear or worry.
19. As time passed, when the king ruled the land with justice, and the people lived free from sorrow and suffering, Rama’s mind grew eager.
20. The virtuous Rama developed a deep yearning to visit sacred places, holy shrines, and the hermitages of revered sages.
21. Contemplating this desire, Rama approached his father, King Dasharatha, and reverently touched his feet, just as a swan grasps the fresh petals of a lotus.
22. Shri Rama spoke: "O father, my mind is filled with a deep longing to visit sacred pilgrimage sites, Divine abodes, forests, and holy sanctuaries."
23. "Therefore, please grant this long-cherished wish of mine. In this world, there is no supplicant who has ever approached you and been denied their request."
24. Thus, when the king was earnestly petitioned, he consulted with Sage Vashishta and, after due deliberation, granted Rama's request as the foremost petitioner.
25. On an auspicious day marked by favorable stars, Rama, adorned with sacred ornaments and having performed the necessary rites under the guidance of Brahmins, set forth with his brothers.
26. Accompanied by learned sages sent by Vashishta, along with a few affectionate royal companions, the best of the princes embarked on his journey.
27. He was blessed repeatedly by his mothers, who embraced him lovingly and adorned him with ornaments before he set out on his pilgrimage.
28. As Rama left the city, the citizens played musical instruments, and the women of the town gazed at him with admiration, their eyes trembling like swarms of bees drawn to a fragrant flower.
29. The rural maidens waved their lotus-like hands to bid him farewell, and showers of rice grains (a symbol of blessings) fell upon him, resembling snowfall on a Himalayan peak.
30. Rama proceeded joyfully, engaging in conversation with Brahmins, listening to the blessings of the people, and beholding the vast landscapes and distant horizons as he traveled through the wilderness.
31. Departing from the Kosala kingdom in a prescribed manner, he performed rituals of bathing, charity, penance, and meditation while observing various sacred sites along his journey.
These verses describe the moment when Rama, after completing his education, embarks on a pilgrimage. The passage highlights the spiritual inclination of Rama, who, despite being a prince, seeks knowledge and Divine experience through sacred travel.
Key Themes and Teachings:
1. The Transition from Playfulness to Spiritual Inquiry:
Rama initially enjoys a carefree life, but as time passes, his mind turns toward a deeper yearning for spiritual exploration. This signifies the natural evolution of a seeker's journey — moving from worldly pleasures to higher wisdom.
2. The Role of a Benevolent Ruler:
King Dasharatha is portrayed as a just and compassionate ruler who considers the welfare of journey.
These verses describe the early stages of Rama’s journey of pilgrimage, which is a symbolic precursor to his deeper spiritual journey. The passage carries significant philosophical and ethical insights, emphasizing several key themes:
3. The Importance of Pilgrimage and Holy Sites
Rama, after completing his education, develops a strong yearning to visit sacred places and hermitages. This reflects a crucial idea in Vedic and yogic traditions: Tirtha-yatra
(pilgrimage) is not just a physical journey but also a spiritual exercise, helping to purify the mind and elevate the soul. His desire to see these places is indicative of an inner calling toward wisdom and enlightenment.
4. Dharma of the King – Compassion and Generosity
Rama’s approach to his father, King Dasharatha, highlights the ideal qualities of a ruler. Dasharatha, representing a just and compassionate king, never denies a genuine request. This emphasizes the Vedic principle that a true leader should be responsive and generous to those who seek guidance or support. His immediate approval of Rama’s request signifies the role of a king in facilitating spiritual growth among his subjects, including his own children.
5. The Blessings of Elders and the Role of Gurus
Before departing, Rama receives the blessings of his mothers, brothers, and sages. This underscores the traditional value placed on receiving guidance and good wishes from elders and spiritual teachers before undertaking any significant journey — physical or metaphysical. The involvement of Sage Vashishta, who ensures that Brahmins accompany Rama, highlights the role of a guru in guiding a disciple toward higher realization.
6. A Journey Towards Inner Awakening
Rama’s travel through jungles, his interaction with Brahmins, and his reflections on the distant horizons signify more than just a physical movement — it represents his transition from the sheltered life of a prince to a path of deeper Self-Inquiry. The mention of bathing, charity, penance, and meditation indicates the discipline required for spiritual progress.
Philosophical Implications:
This section of the Yoga Vashishta subtly introduces the idea that life itself is a pilgrimage. The external journey of visiting sacred places mirrors an internal quest for truth. Rama, though still a prince, is beginning to step into the role of a seeker (sadhaka), foreshadowing the deeper philosophical discourses he will later engage in with Sage Vashishta. The passage teaches that true fulfillment does not lie in material pleasures but in seeking higher Wisdom and Self-Realization.
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