Tara(Panchakanya) Ideal wife…….Diplomacy(2).

अहल्य द्रौपदी सीता तारा मन्दोदरी तथा
पञ्चकन्या स्मरेन नित्यं महा पातक नाशनं

This is an adjunct to Tara(Panchakanya) Ideal wife…….Love(1) . A Good wife has not only got to shower love on Husband, she has to stand by him supporting in his missions. This requires an excellent diplomacy in handling people. Let us see how Tara excels here.
Even while moaning for Vali she exhibits remarkable insight into Dharma. She identifies the exact sin which brandishes her husband as Aatataayee and led to execution by Rama. When she handles a diplomat par excellence like Hanuman she enlightens him (a brhmachari/unmarried) that it is father who grooms son to adulthood. When she handles Rama she does not show any hostility but instead shows sympathy by saying Vali will be suffering without me like you are suffering without your wife. At her weakest of moments she is firm and knowledgeable.
But there is another event in Ramayana where she is playing a vital role in saving the grace of Sugriva (her then husband).(See from Kishkinda kanda- sarga 33 slokas 29 to 37)
When Sugriva is in his inebriated state the visit of angry Lakshmana is slowly notified to him. It will be clear in all such cases Sugriva is a coward or does not have the personality to handle complicated situations. In a similar situation when Rama and Lakshmana first came to Rishimukha he sends Hanuman to meet them as he is afraid they may be Vali’s emissaries sent to kill him. Similarly now confronting an angry Lakshmana is not within his competence, but he has many valuable aids at his disposal and this time he sends Tara [4-33-32] The angry Lakshmana is received with melodious music [4-33-21]. ( so the important thing is the atmosphere). And Tara approaches him with sexy gai [4-33-38]. Seeing Tara, Lakshmana is put back and controls his anger. The first sentence itself is direct to the point and elevates his ego, asking him why are he is so angry and who is that person who is not listening to him or obeying his order [4-33-41]. Lakshmana is taken aback by this direct to the point question and asks why Sugriva is not bothered about his responsibility and is only interested in decadent behavior only [4-33-43]. And reminds of the four months time he took to start the search for Seetha. Tara immediately tells Lakshmana not to be angry and be tolerant towards Sugriva [4-33-45]. Lakshmana rants another 4 slokas on Sugriva’s dilapidations, and builds back the confidence in Sugriva. At first she pleads guilty in the folly committed [4-33-53]. Then Explains the weaknesses and the situation that he has to face for long time. Also even great Rishis loose the sense of time in such situations. [4-33-57]. Then assures him Sugriva has taken the necessary actions to pursue the search. [4-33-59] and then invites him into royal chamber. [4-33-61] the entire 34th. sarga Lakshmana reprimands Sugriva for the lapse. Tara intervenes again and now admonishes Lakshmana not to speak ill of Sugriva. [4-35-2] she again gives example of Vishwamitra who lost 10 years in the charm of Ghritaachi. [4-35-07]. Reprimands Lakshmana again for not knowing the details. [4-35-10]. Sugrival will disown even Ruma for the samke of Rama and so on she goes and paraises his capabilities.See from Kishkinda kanda- sarga 35 slokas 1 to 23.. This cools Lakshmana and the dialogue proceeds with Sugriva apologizing.
So a neat package: First Cool atmosphere, attract sensually, blast Lakshmana’s ego, then present him to Sugriva, go on the offensive when Sugriva is attacked, eulogies Sugriva and then belittle the lapses. When tempers cool apologize for the error and the situation is fully under control. Rt.Hon Sreenivasa shastry recommends this should be read by all diplomats as professional study.

Sanskrit	English
4-33-32
किम् नु रुट् कारणम् सुभ्रु प्रकृत्या मृदु मानसः | स रोष इव संप्राप्तो येन अयम् राघवानुजः || ४-३३-३२	“This brother of Raghava is mellow-hearted by his nature, oh, suavely eye-browed Tara, but he turned up as if with some disdain, really what must be the reason for a grudge! Back
4-33-21
प्रविशन् एव सततम् शुश्राव मधुर स्वनम् | तंत्री गीत समाकीर्णम् सम ताल पदाक्षरम् || ४-३३-२१व	On his very entry Lakshmana heard the ongoing melodious tunes commixed with lyrics and strains of string-instruments, and all are unvarying in cadence, wording and lettering. Back
4-33-38
सा प्रस्खलंती मद विह्वल अक्षी प्रलंब कांची गुण हेम सूत्रा | सलक्षणा लक्ष्मण संनिधानम् जगाम तारा नमित अंग यष्टिः || ४-३३-३८	Exquisitely featured Tara went to the proximity of Lakshmana with a waddling gait, tipsily flustering eyes, rrivière-strings of golden cincture dangling, and with a sticklike gracile body humbly bent. [4-33-38] Back
4-33-41
किम् कोप मूलम् मनुजेन्द्र पुत्र कः ते न सन्तिष्ठति वाक् निदेशे | कः शुष्क वृक्षम् वनम् आपतन्तम् दवाग्निम् आसीदति निर्विशंकः || ४-३३-४१	“Oh, prince, what is the cause of your anger? Who is not abiding by your oral order? And who is he that draweth nigh of a wildfire that is befalling on a forest of dried-up trees, without a shadow of doubt?” Tara enquired thus with Lakshmana. Back
4-33-43
किम् अयम् काम वृत्तः ते लुप्त धर्मार्थ संग्रहः | भर्ता भर्तृ हिते युक्ते न च एवम् अवबुध्यसे || ४-३३-४३|	“Oh, Tara, the associate of husband’s prosperity! Why your husband is bound up in profligacy alone, remiss in garnering rectitude and riches, and his dereliction is unbeknownst to you, is it! [4-33-43] Back
4-33-45
स मासान् चतुर कृत्वा प्रमाणम् प्लवगेश्वरः | व्यतीतान् तान् मद उदग्रो विहरन् न अवबुध्यते || ४-३३-४५	“On stipulating a four month criterion for an embargo the king of fly-jumpers is not able to realise the completion of that period as he is frantically insensible. Back
4-33-53
जानामि कोपम् हरि वीर बन्धोः जानामि कार्यस्य च काल संगम् | जानामि कार्यम् त्वयि यत् कृतम् नः तत् च अपि जानामि यत् अत्र कार्यम् || ४-३३-५३	“I am aware of the fury of Rama, the friend of champion of the monkeys, namely Sugreeva, I am also aware of the time lapse in the task, I am even aware of the folly we have committed, and what need be done in this matter, I am well aware Back
4-33-57
महर्षयो धर्म तपोभिरामाः कामा अनुकामाः प्रति बद्ध मोहाः | अयम् प्रकृत्या चपलः कपिः तु कथम् न सज्जेत सुखेषु राजा || ४-३३-५७	“Esteemed sages who take delight in their holy merit and pious asceticism, they themselves will be closely following the course of their desire fulfilment when entangled in lust, then how about this one, namely Sugreeva, being an impulsive monkey, besides being a king, how he cannot wallow in enjoyments Back
4-33-59
उद्योगः तु चिर आज्ञप्तः सुग्रीवेण नरोत्तम | कांस्य अपि विधेयेन तव अर्थ प्रति साधने || ४-३३-५९	“On the part of his endeavour in your task, oh, best one among men, he has ordered long before for its operation aiming to achieve your objective, despite of the fact that he is servile to overindulgence. Back
4-33-61
तत् आगच्छ महाबाहो चारित्रम् रक्षितम् त्वया | अच्छलम् मित्र भावेन सताम् दरा अवलोकनम् || ४-३३-६१	“Hence oh, dextrous one, get inside the palace-chambers for you have been standing here at the door coyly unwilling to behold womenfolk inside, and enough is this upholding of tradition by you. Oh, come on, peering at the wives of friends with a friendly intent is not at all impolite for good-willers.” Thus Tara affectionately invited Lakshmana inside the palace-chambers Back
4-35-02
न एवम् लक्ष्मण वक्तव्यो न अयम् परुषम् अर्हति | हरीणाम् ईश्वरः श्रोतुम् तव वक्त्रात् विशेषतः ||	“Let not this king of monkeys be addressed in this way, oh, Lakshmana, and he is not warranted to listen such tongue-lashing, especially from your tongue. Back
4-35-07
घृताच्याम् किल संसक्तो दश वर्षाणि लक्ष्मण | अहो अमन्यत धर्मात्मा विश्वामित्रो महामुनिः || ४-३५-७	“Oh, Lakshmana, that great-sage Vishvamitra clinging together with Ghritaachi, an angelic apsara, for a period of ten years, forsooth that virtue-souled sage regarded that period as one day. Back
4-35-10
न च रोष वशम् तात गंतुम् अर्हसि लक्ष्मण | निश्चयार्थम् अविज्ञाय सहसा प्राकृतो यथा || ४-३५-१०	“Without knowing realities, oh, young man Lakshmana, it will be extraneous of you to hastily enter into the control of your rancour like a commoner. Back

Tara(Panchakanya) Ideal wife…….Love(1)

अहल्य द्रौपदी सीता तारा मन्दोदरी तथा
पञ्चकन्या स्मरेन नित्यं महा पातक नाशनं

The women mentioned here are Ahalya, Draupadi, Sita, Tara and Mandodari,
called as Pancha kanyas and thinking about them daily is supposed to destroy sins.
The five names are noteworthy and there are some deviations as some people use Kunti instead of Sita. The main point is these wives are the spouse of great people who were Chauvinistic ( Meaning : zealous and aggressive patriotism or blind enthusiasm for military glory). But here let us Track Tara and see as to how she attained such high status.
Devoted Wife
There is no mention of the period when she was wife of Sugriva when Vali was in dungeon. The first time we hear is when she tries to dissuade Vali going for 2nd time fight with Sugriva. Her arguments are clear and Knowing Vali she very respectfully draws his attention to fact the Sugriva who has been thrashed recently is not coming for fight again without some ulterior motive and the act is highly suspicious. Also warns him about Rama and Lakshmana. But Vali who takes no counseling from others does not heed her and pays dearly with life. She rushes to mortally wounded Vali’s side. On the way see sees all monkeys including Angada’s bodyguards running away in terror. Tara enquires “if a brother kills brother for the sake of kingdom why are you all running in fear” (4-19-9) All the monkeys warn Tara not to proceed further and to safeguard Angada.
But see what Tara says: “what use is my son, or kingdom, or my life to me when the great Vali my husband is dead” (4-19-18)And starts wailing. “I have never blamed you in your presence or absence why do you not speak to me now?” (4-20-5) “ have you discarded me for this earth?” (4-20-06) “My heart seems to be strong that it is still not splintered” (4-20-10) . Then she questions him for taking Sugriva’s wife for which reason alone says “this is your fate”. “You did not take my warning and brushed me off”. “it is fate alone that befell you”. Asks Angada to say farewell to departing father. Said Tara “If I have done anything undesirable pardon me”. Thus she lamented pitiably.
Hanuman in his inimitable style consoles Tara and reminds her of duties to Angada and kingdom. But she continues to lament. “100 Angadas against my dead husband and I will choose embracing my dead husband” (4-21-13) .” father is the real defender of a son,and not the mother” (4-21-15) , and opts to join her dead husband (4-21-16) . “No father will propose bride to adventurers and my happiness is deluged by anguish” (4-23-8/9) Even rich woman is called a widow without a husband”. “ This arrow is hindering me from embracing you” She addresses her son “your father reached this state due to sinful deeds” (4-23-22&23).” .” You did not heed me nor could I convince you, Now I am doomed with my son”. Then Sugriva moans on this sudden turn of events. He says “ I don’t deserve Kishkinda” (4-24-07).” Then Tara hugs Vali and looking at Rama bemoans “ Kill me too with same arrow and send me to my dear husband (4-24-33).” .” Vali will be suffering like you without me” [4-24-35]. Rama consoles her by saying world is like this (4-24-41).” . The lamentations of Tara and Sugriva, brought tears into eyes of Rama. (4-24-24).” . Almost 4 Sarga of melodrama where all rue the fate and this sudden turn of event. This shows Tara’s Love and affection towards her husband. Next we will see how great a Diplomat she is in Tara(Panchakanya) Ideal wife…….Love(1) .

Sanskrit	English
4-19-09
राज्य हेतोः स चेत् भ्राता भ्रात्रा कॄरेण पातितः | रामेण प्रसृतैः दूरात् मार्गणैः दूर पातिभिः ||	“Whether or not a cruel brother made his brother to fall for the reason of kingdom with the arrows of Rama which can surge well from distance and fall on distant target? Aver it. Back
4-19-18
पुत्रेण मम किम् कार्यम् किम् राज्येन किम् आत्मना | कपि सिम्हे महा भागे तस्मिन् भर्तरि नश्यति ||	“Of what avail is a son, or a kingdom, or I to myself when my husband that lion like monkey with great honour perished. [4-19-18]    Back
4-20-05
अतीव खलु ते कांता वसुधा वसुधाधिप | गत असुर् अपि ताम् गात्रैः माम् विहाय निषेवसे ||	“The earth seems to be a highly cherished darling of yours, oh, lord of the land, as you still embrace her with your limbs leaving me off, even when your lives are drained.   Back
4-20-10
हृदयम् सुस्थिरम् मह्यम् दृष्ट्वा विनिहतम् भुवि | यन् न शोक अभिसंतप्तम् स्फुटते अद्य सहस्रधा ||	My heart is very sturdy – perhaps, even on seeing you slain and fallen to ground, it is not splintering now into thousand splints, though it is tormented by sorrow. Back
4-21-13
अंगद प्रतिरूपाणाम् पुत्राणाम् एकतः शतम् | हतस्य अपि अस्य वीरस्य गात्र संश्लेषणम् वरम् ||	“Let there be a hundred selfsame Angada-s on one side, and this brave one the other, for me embracing him who is put to death is the best …. Back
4-21-15
न हि एषा बुद्धिः आस्थेया हनूमन् अंगदम् प्रति | पिता हि बंधुः पुत्रस्य न माता हरि सत्तम ||	“Hanuma, this thinking of yours that Angada is to be crowned is really untenable, oh, best monkey, father is the real defender of a son, but not the mother. Back
4-21-16
न हि मम हरि राज संश्रयात् क्षमतरम् अस्ति परत्र च इह वा | अभिमुख हत वीर सेवितम् शयनम् इदम् मम सेवितुम् क्षमम् ||	“Indeed there is nothing highly befitting to me, either in this world or in the other, than the auspices of the king of monkeys, and now to me the only befitting thing is to join in this brave one on this death bed, which he is adoring when put to death while he is facing away. Back
4-23-8/9
शूराय न प्रदातव्या कन्या खलु विपश्चिता || ३-२३-८ शूर भार्याम् हताम् पश्य सद्यो माम् विधवाम् कृताम् |	“Really considerate fathers shall never propose brides to adventurers, they say. Yes! See me the wife of an adventurer, in a trice rendered as a war-widow left in the lurch     Back
4-23-23
अवस्थाम् पश्चिमाम् पश्य पितुः पुत्र सुदारुणाम् || ३-२३-२२ संप्रसक्तस्य वैरस्य गतो अन्तः पाप कर्मणा |	“See the highly harrowing end time plight of your father, oh, son, he reached his end owing to the enmity harnessed by sinful deeds.   Back
4-24-07
श्रेयो अद्य मन्ये मम शैल मुख्ये तस्मिन् हि वासः चिरम् ऋष्यमूके | यथा तथा वर्तयतः स्व वृत्या न इमम् निहत्य त्रिदिवसय लाभः ||	“I think it would be better for me to live on that best mountain Rishyamuka for ever in an as is where is condition, somehow spending life befitting to a monkey, and achieving even heaven on killing my brother is of no good. Back
4-24-33
एन एव बाणेन हतः प्रियो मे तेन एव बाणेन हि माम् जहि हि | हता गमिष्यामि समीपम् अस्य न माम् विना वीर रमेत वाली ||	“Oh, brave one, kill me too with the same arrow with which you have killed my dear husband, and on getting killed at your hand I wish to reach his near, as Vali takes no delight without me. Back
4-24-35
स्वर्गे अपि शोकम् विवर्णताम् च मया विना प्राप्स्यति वीर वाली | रम्ये नगेन्द्रस्य तटा अवकाशे विदेह कन्या अरहितो यथा त्वम् |	“Even though Vali is in heaven he will derive despair and despondency without me, like you, who are despondent and despaired on the pleasant stretches of mountainsides of that best mountain Rishyamuka, as you are without Seetha. Back
4-24-41
इति एवम् उक्तः तु विभुः महात्मा ताराम् समाश्वास्य हितम् बभाषे | मा वीर भार्ये विमतिम् कुरुष्व लोको हि सर्वो विहितो विधात्रा ||	Thus that way when Tara spoke to that lord and great-souled Rama, Rama consoling Tara well, spoke this word of expediency, “oh, wife of valiant one, let not your mind go raving, the Creator decreed all the world to be in this way, isn’t so! Back
4-24-24
इति एवम् आर्तस्य रघु प्रवीरः श्रुत्वा वचो वालि जघन्य जस्य | संजात बाष्प पर वीर हन्ता रामो मुहूर्तम् विमना बभूव ||	On hearing the anguished words of the younger brother of Vali, namely Sugreeva, the eyes of Rama, the best valiant one from Raghu’s dynasty and the eliminator of valiant enemies, are moistened and he became perturbed for a moment. Back

MF Husain (Pain)tings

MF Husain’s death made the whole country go into introspection. He was one of the greatest artist and richly rewarded and awarded in India. But in his very old age the Hindu extremists had harassed him and drove him away. Yes the govt. gave him protection but his query was what about my paintings, creations. BJP of course gave him posthumously the right to come back and be buried in India. It was a shame. What these BJP doesn’t realize is that when they think they are right they give themselves the right to vandalise, ( MF Husain’s Paintings, Libraries for writing against Shivaji etc. ), murder(Gujarat), or go about bombing and defecating mosques, churches, dragging girls from Bars and so on. Congress just lets them do it and keeps mum thereby isolating them as extremists. High time BJP comes into main stream and support right decisions by Congress and share the glory of India’s growth else they will be sidelined as they are now.
Yes Saraswathi’s painting was obscene. But remember painting any human leave alone a Hindu gods is itself haram in Islam.

Ravana ……………..goes to garage!!

After the death of Khara and Dusha it was Akampana (a spy) who first reports to Ravana(3-31-XX). Reports many demons and Khara and Dusha have also been killed. Ravana was infuriated and enquires who did this? Ravana boasts about his ability to bring demise of even gods. Then Akampana describes Rama as young and handsome. Akampana also says Rama is a mighty archer with powerful arrows and conducts a war with honor. When Ravana says that he will kill Rama, Akampana describes Rama’s proficiency in warfare, and thus warns Ravana against launching combat singly. Then Akampana describes Seetha to him and assures Rama will not exist without Seetha. Ravana agrees to bring Seetha into Lanka. Then he proceeds in his chariot to Maareecha. This is the line to be noted as Valmiki does not describe what happened after Akampana revelation, instead he fast forwards the scene to Ravana travelling by chariot to Maareecha. Maareecha dissuades him and he returns. Now comes the Shuurpanakha (3-32-XX). First she throws scorn at Ravana (3-33-XX). She condemns him as one who is not aware of happenings around. Then she extols the abilities of Rama who single handedly eliminated 14000 demons with Khara and Dusha. Hearing his Ravana enquires about Rama and his skill in fighting. Shuurpanakha recants about the battle and describes Rama and Lakshmana. And gently starts describing Seetha. She boasts that she intended to bring her as his (Ravana’ s) wife. Then she rushes him into action. Hear Valmiki changes the track. When Akampana told the same thing Valmiki fast forwarded the scene to Ravana flying in chariot to Maareecha. But now Valmiki says Ravana sent off the ministers (meaning not consulting them) then thought about the methodology to be adopted. Then secretly goes to chariot garage (3-35-XX). The word used is (यान शालाम् ) (3-35-4). This way Valmiki shows how when Ravana was stricken by hatred he was still rational. But when he is stricken with passion secrecy and determination overcomes rational. Thus when fate calls, even a king like Ravana goes to garage driving himself to frenzy and destruction. This time he has no intention of listening to Mareecha’s advice. Valmiki understands human behavior and is writing with intricate knowledge of actions performed under different level of stress. He is not only a good poet but a knower of human character par excellence.