The next day morning Vishwamitra told Rama that he was so pleased with him that he was going to teach him the use of several powerful Astras (weapons or some kind of missiles) which would make him invincible. Valmiki lists over fifty Astras and it is interesting to record the names of some here just for curiosity: Danda Chakra, Dharma Chakra, Kala Chakra, Vishnu Chakra, Deva Chakra, and Shiva's Pashupatastra. (Let us recall that in The Mahabharata Arjuna obtained Pashupatastra from Shiva after doing penance in the Himalayas). He also told Rama that all these would serve him to destroy the rakshasas. Then Vishwamitra stood facing the east and taught Rama all the necessary mantras for all these Astras. Another interesting detail is that all these Astras could also be withdrawn once sent if it became necessary. Rama was also eager to know these mantras too and Vishwamitra willingly taught them. These consisted of several formulas and each had a name. Valmiki gives over forty of them and to mention just a few, they were Satyavat, Satyakeerti, Drushtam, Rabhasam, Parangmukham, and so on. Finally, Vishwamitra told Rama that he fully deserved to learn also to receive the son Bhrushaswata which would be of great help to him. Rama agreed and Vishwamitra blessed him. Soon several persons appeared before Rama. Some of them were like smoke, some like fire, and some equal to the sun and moon. All of them offered respect to Rama and said that they were under his command. Rama replied that they could all go and render help to him when he was in need.
Then Rama shared this knowledge with his brother Lakshmana. Then they came to a place, which was so beautiful and very pleasing to the eyes and the mind. Rama then asked Vishwamitra to tell him all the details about that place. Vishwamitra started describing that place which was very famous.
0 Comments