Brahma's Boons

Bharadwaj Sunu Jahi Jav Hoee Vidhata Vaam

Dhuri Marusum Janak Jum Tahi Vyalsum Daam

Yagyavalk has some profound advise for Bharadwaj muni. He says that when God is not on one's side then,even a small thing will take huge proportions. Sand will become like the Sameru mountain (something heavy that can crush you!) a father can become like Yama (God of death) and a rope will appear like a snake that will bite you!!

However, continuing with the story, that same king Prakatapbhanu and his entire clan, was born as a rakshas named Ravan. He was a mighty warrior who had ten heads and twenty hands. His younger brother Arimardan was born as Kumbhkaran, a pillar of strength. The minister Dharmruchi was born as Pratapbhanu's younger step brother, Bibhishan, who was well versed in the sciences and was a Vishnu bhakta. All the sons and the workers of the king were born as scary rakshas. Not only did they have no morals, but they were criminals, thieves, heartless killers who could change their forms whenever they wanted, creating terror and pain in the whole world. In spite of being born in the lineage of Pulusth Rishi, due to the shrap/curse of the Brahmins, their acts were sinister.

Nonetheless, the three brothers took upon themselves to do rigorous tap/penance. Bramha was very pleased with their hard labour, and came to see them and said, 'Sons, I am pleased, ask for a boon".

Ravan was the first to ask. He wished his death at the hands of a man or monkey, and no body else. Shivji says, that he, along with Brahma seeing his great fervor, granted Ravan that boon.

Brahma was really surprised when he went to see Kumbhkaran. He thought to himself, that if this huge monster of a rakshas ate daily, he would put the planet upside down. So Brahma influenced Saraswati (Goddess of knowledge) to change Kumbhkaran's thinking. Therefore, he asked to sleep for six months every year.

Gayee Bibhishan Paas Puni Kaheyou Putra Var Maang

Tehin Mageyou Bhagwant Pudh Kamal Amal Anuraag

Then Brahma went to Bibhishan and asked him to ask for a boon. He asked for unflinching and everlasting love at the feet of Shri Ram.

Think before you ask, and you will always be in Ram Rajya. Do you think that Ravan thought out his boon? Maybe he did, we shall see. JAI HO!