Summary
Rama and Lakshmana inquisitively [curiously] enquired [asked] into the Siddha aashrama, Accomplished Hermitage in the earlier chapter for which Sage Vishvamitra informs about the heritage [legacy or inheritance] of that hermitage for it once belonged to Vishnu in Vaamna incarnation. Vishvamitra narrates about it and how Vaamna, a dwarfish ascetic boy eradicated evil on earth. It is a suggestion to Rama from Sage Vishvamitra to do likewise in this incarnation of Rama also.
Chapter [Sarga] 29 in Detail
When that matchlessly illustrious [eminent] Rama has asked for details, that highly resplendent [shining brilliantly] sage Vishvamitra started to narrate about that forest to Rama. [1-29-1]
"Here, oh, dexterous [skillful] Rama, he who is worshipped by Gods and who has got outstanding asceticism [practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline], that Vishnu resided here in the pursuit of practicing asceticism and yoga for good many years, likewise for a hundred eras. [1-29-2, 3a]
"This is the erstwhile [in the past or formerly] hermitage of great-souled Vamana, renowned as accomplished hermitage, why because the sage with supreme asceticism Kaashyapa got accomplishment to such of his asceticism there only. [1-29-3b, 4a]
"In the meantime, when Vishnu was in his asceticism in this hermitage, the son of King Virochana, namely Bali, has completely conquered all the assemblages [gathering] of Gods together with Indra and his coterie [an intimate or friend] called Wind-Gods, and ruling that kingdom where that hermitage is there, he has become renowned in all the three worlds for his magnanimity [courageous spirit]. [1-29-4b, 5]
"That great mighty chief of demons Bali then conducted a very grand Vedic ritual. But when Bali is conducting that ritual remaining as its officiator all the Gods personally approached Vishnu, keeping Fire-God ahead of them, just here in this hermitage and they spoke to him. [1-29-6]
“‘Oh, all-pervading God Vishnu, Bali the son of Virochana is conducting an unsurpassed Vedic ritual, before the completion of which our own mission, say the task of Gods, is to be achieved completely. [1-29-7]
Whoever the supplicant [one who asks] might be and from wherever he might be coming, but if one approaches and supplicates [asks] to him he is donating that in as is where is condition, whatever is supplicated [asked] and wherever it might be. [1-29-8]
As such, oh, Vishnu, you may effectuate [effect] the most suitable merited deed for the welfare of Gods on resorting to your illusory power, Vishnu Maya, and on assuming the form of a dwarf to deal with Emperor Bali.' Thus Gods appealed to Vishnu. [1-29-9]
"In the meanwhile, oh Rama, he whose brilliance is similar to ritual fire, who will be with his wife Lady Aditi, who is resplendent [shining brilliantly] with his own vitality [capacity to live and develop], that Godly sage Kaashyapa on completing his asceticism along with Lady Aditi started to eulogize [to speak or write in high praise of] the boon giver and the eliminator of demon Madhu, namely Vishnu." Thus Vishvamitra is narrating to Rama. [1-29-10, 11]
" 'Oh, Supreme Person, you are abounding with asceticism, aggregate of asceticism, the aspect of asceticism, and the very soul of asceticism, such as you are, I am able to see you with the well practiced asceticism of mine. [1-29-12]
“‘In your physique I am seeing this entire universe, oh, God, and you are without a beginning and indefinable, and in you I am taking shelter.' Sage Kashyapa praised Vishnu in this way. [1-29-13]
Vishnu is gladdened for the devotion of sage Kashyapa who is absolved [free] of any blemish [imperfection or impurity] by his asceticism, and then Vishnu said this to, "You may seek a boon as you are boon-worthy, I opine [state as an opinion] that you are a preferred one to me, let safety be with you." Thus Vishnu said to Kashyapa. [1-29-14]
On hearing the word of Vishnu sage Kashyapa, the son of Sage Mariicha said, "oh, God the accorder of boons, as you are pleased with us it will be apt of you to bestow the boon besought by Lady Aditi and the Gods, oh, lord with lofty vows, for which boon I am also supplicating [giving] to you, following them. [1-29-15, 16a]
Oh, God, oh, sinless one, you may please attain the son-ship of Lady Aditi and myself, oh, dispenser [one that dispenses or destroyer] of demons, it will be apt of you to render help to Gods who are agonized [suffering] in the anguish owing to the predominance [having superior strength, influence, or authority] of Emperor Bali, by becoming the younger brother of Indra. [1-29-16b, 17]
Oh, God of Gods, as the works of my austerities are accomplished here, by your grace this hermitage will be renowned by the name Siddha ashram, Hermitage of Accomplishment, hence oh God, arise from here to become my son.' So said sage Kaashyapa to Vishnu. [1-29-18]
"That great resplendent [shining brilliantly] Vishnu then adopting a semblance [apparent resemblance] of a dwarf emerged from Aditi, and that dwarfish ascetic boy approached Emperor Bali, the son of Virochana." Thus Vishvamitra continued narration. [1-29-19]
"That dwarf ascetic boy Vamana begged and received a space that can be covered in three strides [to take a very long step], but strode [stepped] all the three worlds in those three steps for the purpose of saving worlds, as he is interested in the welfare of all the worlds. Vishnu gave the earth back to Indra restraining Emperor Bali with his vitality [capacity to live and develop]. Thus that great resplendent Vishnu made the three worlds to come under the control of Indra again. [1-29-20, 21]
"This hermitage which at one time is presided by Vishnu, is an eradicator [destroyer] of stress, either the stress and strain caused by the evil on earth, or the stress of going through the cycle of birth and death, thus this hermitage is an accorded of salvation, and I am also beneficed [favored] with this hermitage owing to my devotion to Vamana. [1-29-22]
"Demons causing obstacles, oh, manly tiger Rama, will be arriving at that hermitage and there alone those demons with evil pursuit are to be eliminated. [1-29-23]
"Rama, we now go to the unexcelled hermitage of accomplishment, oh, dear one, as to how this hermitage belongs to me, this also belongs to you." Thus Vishvamitra said to Rama. [1-29-24]
So saying that great sage Vishvamitra is highly gladdened to lead Rama together with Lakshmana to the hermitage, and on his entering the hermitage with those two, that sage shone forth like moon with a two starred constellation called Punarvasu, the fifth or seventh lunar mansion [house], after dispersal [spreading] of mist. [1-29-25]
On seeing the arrival of Vishvamitra all of the resident sages of accomplished hermitage have quickly approached him with hustle [hurry] and bustle [to move briskly] adoring him. [1-29-26]
Those sages reverenced [to regard or treat with honor] Vishvamitra according to their deservedness [being that which one deserves]; likewise they have offered hospitality to both of the princes, Rama and Lakshmana. [1-29-27]
Those two princes from Raghu's dynasty and the enemy-subjugators [conquerer], namely Rama and Lakshmana, briefly took rest and adjoining palms they spoke to the sagely tiger Vishvamitra. [1-29-28]
"Oh, the eminent sage, to day itself you may undertake the ritual of solemnity that is undertaken prior to the main ritual, be safe, and let this hermitage of accomplishment become an accomplished one in eradiating vice [wickedness], true to its name, and let the word of yours given to my father in fetching me to this place come true." So said Rama to Vishvamitra, supported by Lakshmana. [1-29-29]
When he is said so, that great radiant and supreme sage Vishvamitra, thereupon scrupulously [painstaking] undertook the vow of ritual controlling his senses. [1-29-30]
Both the youngsters Rama and Lakshmana on spending that night vigilantly got up with the sunrise. On finishing morning time bathing, they meditated upon the easterly aurora [dawn], and then on completing the supreme meditation on Gayatri in its regularity, they addressed themselves to sage Vishvamitra, who by now has enkindled [to set on fire or lighted] ritual fire and sitting before the Altar of Fire. [1-29-31, 32]
Thus, this is the 29th chapter in Bala Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, the First Epic poem of India.
Sriman Moola Rama Vijayate
