A Timeless Tale

By Jeetisha Dutt

Characters:

Narrator- Sharanga (Ram’s bow)

Sumitra

Bharat 

Kevat

Shabri 

Angad

SKIT:

Sharanga:  Integrity - ‘Tis a virtue of honesty and righteousness. Aeons and aeons ago, The Raghu Kul Shiromani embarked on a journey of integrity for fourteen long years. As a constant companion who witnessed from his shoulders, deeds of immense devotion, dedication and sacrifice, I stand before you to tell those tales today. I am none other than his bow, Sharanga. 

(pause)

Sharanga:  Does one not wonder how a mother can bear to see her child leave the comforts of a palace for a fourteen-year long exile filled with hardships, even when he had no obligations to do so? Let us hark to the tale of a mother’s sacrifice. The tale of Mata Sumitra.

(Sumitra Enters)

Sumitra:  Is it not quite natural for a mother to long for her children and always wish to keep them within her embrace? However, a mother’s duty is to encourage her children to follow the path of righteousness. My son Lakshman takes pride in being the shadow of his elder brother. He finds Ayodhya wherever Ram is. It was I who encouraged my son to serve Ram and Sita selflessly throughout their exile. I shall only find true contentment on knowing that my son has fulfilled his duty.

(Sumitra Exits)

Sharanga: Lakshman’s unwavering commitment to Shree Ram and Mata Sita throughout their journey in exile has established him as the epitome of dedication. Indeed, the bonds of brotherhood strengthened the devotion of all three younger brothers towards the eldest. Let us now witness the true devotion of a dutiful brother, Bharat.

(Bharat Enters)

Bharat:  I have never been more distressed than when I learnt of my brother’s exile. I rushed immediately to Chitrakoot to bring him back home. However, he refused to do so before the exile was over. Hence, I placed his wooden sandals on the throne and administered the kingdom in his name. I am merely a servant of my lord, the true king of Ayodhya, awaiting his return n to the motherland.

(Bharat Exits)

Sharanga: Oh Prince, you spent fourteen years in an ascetic’s garb, leaving behind all luxuries for righteousness and devotion towards your brother. You truly are the personification of liberation.

As the journey progressed, the days of hardship flew by, but ‘twere laced with the sweet nectar of pure devotion. Indeed, a simple boatman’s unconditional love for the divine was unparalleled to anything seen before.

(Kevat Enters)

Kevat: I am Kevat, A poor, illiterate boatsman whose only source of livelihood is a small wooden raft. I have no knowledge of the scriptures. Word had gotten to me that Shree Ram had performed many miraculous deeds and that he was the almighty incarnate. However, what does this ignorant soul know about serving the supreme? Hence when I had privilege of taking Shree Ram across The Ganga, I sought his blessings in the only way that occurred to me, by washing his holy feet with water and drinking that sweet nectar. The Lord has indeed blessed this humble servant.

(Kevat Exits)

Sharanga: Blessed are you, Kevat and blessed is your devotion. May your humility and pure love be etched in the hearts of one and all who hears your tale.

When one’s piety runs so deep that it rekindles the flame of hope in their hearts every day, Then the lord himself comes to their doorstep to fulfil their longing. Truly, words are not enough to describe the piety and perseverance of Mata Shabri.

(Shabri Enters)

Shabri:  I was informed by Maharishi Matanga that Shree Ram and Lakshman would come to my cottage once in this lifetime. Since then, I prepared for his visit every single day. I laid flowers on the path to my home for the lord to walk on, carefully selected sweet fruits for him and awaited his arrival each day. Blessed was I the day he graced my humble home with his lotus feet. The Lord granted this low-caste woman the greatest boon of all, that of oneness with him.

(Shabri Exits)

Sharanga: Oh, Divine soul! Your love for the almighty was so immense that the lord himself ate the berries tasted by you, breaking societal norms. The world knows you today as the personification of devotion and dedication.

Determination and courage are two such virtues that can conquer the biggest obstacles in one’s path. The ability to stand up for what is right in all circumstances is embodied by a brave monkey prince. His story is one to be told.

(Angad Enters)

Angad: I am Angad, son of King Bali. My Father, who was killed by Shree Ram Chandra for his evil deeds, instructed me in his last moments to faithfully serve the Lord. Hence, I went to the court of Lanka with his message of peace. However, not only did Ravan and his ministers refuse any attempt at truce but also disrespected my master, Shree Ram and threatened to throw me out of the city. Standing up for him, I challenged all the warriors to come forward and attempt to do so. It was due to the strength bestowed in me by my lord that each one of them failed, and I could present Ravan’s crown at his feet.

(Angad Exits)

Sharanga: Young Prince, your bravery astounds every soul who hears your story. When you were not offered a seat in the enemy court, you built one for yourself using your own tail. Your drive towards following the path of righteousness shall always be remembered.

In this journey of integrity, every step forward has a tale to tell. Truly, I have witnessed more than what can be imagined and narrating it all might take many, many years. I am a bow, a weapon meant for war. However, I have also seen immense sacrifice, devotion, dedication and courage. The Ramayana is a timeless tale in which each character has qualities to learn from and to become better versions of ourselves. Hail the king of Ayodhya, the lord of the universe. Hail Shree Ram.

***************THE END***************

By Jeetisha Dutt