Kakabhushundi: Sri Rama’s 3 Loving Interactions

#Story 1: Baby Rama plays with Kakabhushundi

Sri Rama would perform unique pastimes in Ayodhya and bring joy to his devotees. Kakabhushundi was His great devotee. During Sri Rama’s earthly incarnation, Kakabhushundi would loiter around baby Rama in King Dasharatha’s jeweled courtyard.

Glancing at Sri Rama’s infanct form, he would partake of His sweet remnants and feel blessed.

Kakabhushundi Instructs Garuda

Kakabhushundi is the greatest Acharya of Sri Rama Katha. In fact, he was the spiritual advisor of the greatest of Vishnu Bhaktas, Garuda.

Once, Sri Garuda doubted Sri Rama’s greatness on seeing him bound by the serpent weapon. Kakabhushundi dispelled his doubt by guiding him.

Kakabhushundi’s previous birth

In his previous birth, Kakabhushundi was a great Shiva Bhakta. Once, he was chanting in the Shiva temple. When, guru arrived, he looked upon his spiritual master with disdain, as he was full of himself. His spiritual master being an elevated soul forgave his indolence.

However, Lord Shiva could not tolerate the insult of the Guru Tattva and angrily cursed Kakabhushundi to take birth as a serpent. Finally, on his Guru’s plea for mercy, the Lord reassured Kakabhushundi – “You shall remember your previous birth and finally attain Rama Bhakti.’ Thus Lord Shiva granted him the greatest elixir in the guise of a curse.

Kakabhushundi debates with Rishi Lomesh

In one birth Kakabhashundi was born as a Brahmin. However, his argument with Sage Lomesh led to his birth in the crow species. Later, by the sage’s grace, he got two benedictions-

1) Adoring Sri Rama’s childhood

2) Boon of wishful death.

Kakabhushundi sees Baby Rama

Likewise, Kakabhushundi kept loitering around Sri Rama’s chambers to taste his sweet remnants. One day, Sri Rama held a malpua sweet in his hands and extended his hand towards Kakabhushundi. 

As Kakabhushundi moved forward to peck the sweet, Sri Rama pulled his hand back, trying to catch the bird with his other hand. However, Kakabhushundi pulled back to evade his grasp.

Sri Rama catches Kakabhushundi

This pastime went on for a while. The Lord’s pastimes entertain even lord Brahma and Shiva. Then what to speak of the common man? Even a great devotee like Kakabhushundi fell prey to the Lord’s playful gimmicks.

He thought, “The Lord whom I worship as the universal master struggles to catch me, an insignificant soul.” Immediately, Lord Rama extended his tiny hand toward him. To evade his grasp, Kakabushundi flew with all his might, penetrating the seven universal sheaths and the three worlds.

However, the Lord’s hand kept following him. Finally, Kakabhushundi sat exhausted. Then Sri Rama gulped him. In his stomach, Kakabhushundi saw the entire cosmic creation- countless suns, moons, Shivas, and Brahmas resided in the Lord’s stomach.

He even saw unimaginable and bizarre spectacles. Eventually, the Lord vomited him out of his mouth. Now, he only saw baby Rama holding a malpua in his hands and smiling sweetly at him. This is how all of Kakabhushundi’s doubts vanished.

#Story 2: Mother Kausalya feeds Baby Rama

King Dasharata’s jeweled courtyard has become the centre of baby Rama’s enchanting pastimes. The laughter of the four princes steals the hearts of all. The Devas dwelled in Ayodhya in their subtle bodies to witness Sri Rama’s childhood exploits. Even the bliss of the formless seems insignificant before Sri Rama’s naughty pranks.

Description of Sri Rama

This morning Kausalya Ma had done elaborate Shringar for Sri Rama.

Sri Rama’s body is like a blue lotus. From head to toe he is extremely handsome. Beautiful anklets adorn his feet. On his waist he wears a jeweled waist belt and tiny bracelets on his wrists.

The Bhrighu mark adorns his chest. A beautiful necklace and gunjamala shines on his neck. Sri Rama’s teeth, lips and chin are extremely appealing. Marks of sandalwood and Kajal (collyrium) adorn his forehead. Sri Rama is innately serious and joy-providing to his devotees. A tiny bow rests in his hands.

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Kaushalya ma’s love for Sri Rama

Mother Kausalya has already adorned her son. She now wants to call him for his breakfast. Currently, she holds a small piece of Pua (Indian Bread) in her hands. Repeatedly, she stretches her hand and requests Sri Rama to eat.

“Lala, quickly come here and sit. See. Today I have prepared such a delicious breakfast for you. After breakfast, you may peacefully go and play outside with your brothers and friends. See how impatiently they are waiting for you.”

But now Sri Rama wants to trouble his mother with his naughty pranks.

Which is why he ignores her repeated calls. Instead of coming to her, he goes running outside, he runs to his father’s chambers or towards his brothers. Sometimes he also goes running to his mother. As soon as Ma comes to feed him, he runs away from her and mischievously smiles at her.

Ma says, “Lala, If you keep troubling me like this, then how will I do my other household work? I have to bathe and worship our Ishta Devata also.

I have to offer bhoga. Good children don’t act fussy. They obey their elders.

Now stop your mischief and eat breakfast. If you still disobey me, I shall not speak with you. I will neither take you on my lap nor sing a lullaby for you.”

Lord Rama listens

As it is, the Lord’s sole objective is to provide joy to his devotees. In fact, He incarnates only to fulfil their desires through his various pastimes. He simply wants his devotee to completely surrender unto him.

Then the Lord has nothing to hide. Sri Rama very lovingly sat next to his mother and, with his innocent smile, mesmerized her as he ate each morsel.

#Story 3: Sri Rama plays with friends

Bharata and mother Kauslaya

Once Lord Bharata visited Mother Kausalya’s palace. After venerating Kausalya ma, he touched Sri Rama’s feet. Kausalya ma blessed him. Thereafter, Sri Rama gave him a warm hug and asked about his well-being.

Bharat folded his hands and said- “Oh, blissful one! Come to play with us. Your dear friends and numerous other children are awaiting your presence near the royal gates. Be merciful by giving them your darshan

On hearing Bharata’s humble appeal, Sri Rama stood up at once. An extremely sweet-looking bow adorn his tiny hands. His large eyes and long hands appear heavenly. 

Sri Rama goes to play

When Sri Rama exits his palace with his friend circle, won’t the Ayodhya vasis (Citizens of Ayodhya) feast their eyes over his beauteous form? The women of Ayodhya continually drink in his beauty through their windows and shower flowers on him.

Similarity between the four princes

Actually, Bharata is Sri Rama’s look-alike.

Often, people get confused between the two. In this regard, even Sri Lakshmana and Shatrughna share the same physical traits. The four brothers, holding a bow in their hands, wearing a pitambari cloth, tightening a quiver on their waists, walk majestically.

Studded ornaments dazzle on their bodies. Lord Rama plays with his friends in the lanes, streets, markets, and gardens of Ayodhya. He fills the hearts of his devotees with love for him.

The devas say, “The Ayodhyawasis are immensely fortunate. Sages burn themselves in the fire of austerities just to get a single glance of his form. That very Lord has personally come to bless them in the royal streets of Ayodhya.

Blessed are the inhabitants of Ayodhya. Their piety of countless lifetimes has borne fruit today. Even enlightened seers revere Sri Dasharatha-Kausalya. Sri Rama, the son of Sri Kausalya Devi, entertains his friends and audience with his unique playing style.

Through his play, he brings joy to his people. When Sri Rama ventures out on the royal streets, men and women, young and old, all forget their chores and watch him one-pointedly.

Lord Rama’s Nature

Sri Rama is loving with his juniors and obedient to his elders. Besides, he speaks so sweetly that whoever hears him talk shall become his forever. While playing, Sri Rama constantly tries to entertain his friends and brothers. Blessed are the men and women of Ayodhya who have the fortune to behold the lord’s sweet trascendental pastimes.