42 - Panchavati Part 2

Panchavati Part 2

Rishi Agast shows, Shri Ram, Lakshman & Sita Ma, the directions to pure, beautiful Panchvati. They live there in peace and harmony for a long time. One day Sita Ma sees a sensationally amazing deer with golden fur. Priceless jewels were adorably decorated on the golden skin. She is astounded by the sight and loses her tranquility, becomes disturbed and excited. She sends Ram Ji (out of Panchavati) to get the beautifully adorned skin of the deer. When Ram Ji seems to be in trouble, she sends Lakshman Ji (out of Panchavati) to go and help Him. When dusht Ravan sees Mata Sita is not with Ram & Lakshman, he kidnaps her and flies out of Panchavati.

That is basically the katha we have been told since our childhood.
Our Guru Jan told us a version slightly different. Here is what I could understand from that Parvachan, and would like to share with you.

In our previous emails we have (somewhat) discovered the worldly (real life) equivalents of Shri Ram (Gyan, Anand) Lakshman (Vairagye) and Sita Mata (Shanti, Bhakti, Shakti)
As more characters get introduced we will try and find their relevance in the great epic.
Agast ji here represents the Guru, the Sadhu, the Gyani who is there to show us the path to happiness (should you need it – of course !)
Panchavati is our body made up of the “paanch tatwa”.
है प्रभु परम मनोहर ठाऊँ। पावन पंचबटी तेहि नाऊँ।।

Dusht Ravan represents the evil, the satan, the corrupt, heinous and hideous people, things and thoughts that stop us from achieving prolonged happiness. Ravan here is “Moh” – believing in things that are not actually there.
सूपनखा रावन कै बहिनी। दुष्ट हृदय दारुन जस अहिनी।।
I’m sure there enough information above for you to form a narrative of your own. We will summarise this the next time we meet…..

Please disregard my ignorance and build on whatever seems of any use to you.

Muskaraate Raho