Aranya Kanda
Narration
After visiting many hermitages, Lord Rama and his companions arrived at the hermitage of Sage Sutikshna. Having stayed there for some time, and with the sage’s permission, they proceeded to the hermitage of Sage Agastya’s brother and then to Agastya’s own ashram, hearing along the way of the great sage’s glory and influence.
Then Lord Rama continued onward. Sita, radiant and graceful, walked between the two brothers — Rama leading, and Lakshmana following with his bow in hand. As they journeyed together, the three beheld many magnificent sights — towering mountain peaks, lush forests, and rivers of breathtaking beauty.
Along the riverbanks they saw cranes and chakravaka birds moving gracefully. The ponds glowed with blooming lotuses, surrounded by water birds that enhanced their charm. Herds of spotted deer wandered peacefully, while wild buffaloes with mighty horns and fierce boars with long tusks roamed freely. Even elephants, enemies of the trees, were seen moving in the distance.
After a long day’s travel, as the sun began to set, the three travelers noticed a splendid lake ahead of them. It appeared vast — about a full yojana in both length and breadth. The lake was filled with red and white lotuses, and herds of elephants frolicking in the water added to its beauty. Swans, cranes, and other water birds, along with fish and aquatic creatures, filled the waters. The crystal-clear lake shimmered with divine charm.
From within, they heard the sound of music and singing — melodious, enchanting, yet no one could be seen. Filled with curiosity, Lord Rama and the mighty Lakshmana turned to the sage accompanying them, whose name was Dharmabhrit, and asked,
“O revered one, we are all filled with wonder at hearing this delightful music. What is this? Please explain it to us.”
Hearing Lord Rama’s question, the virtuous sage Dharmabhrit began to explain the mystery of the lake.
“Raghunatha, this is the sacred Panchapsar Lake, ever full of deep, unfathomable water. It was created by the great sage Mandakarni through his intense penance. The sage once lived within the waters of a reservoir, sustaining himself only on air, and performed severe austerities for ten thousand years.
At that time, the gods — Agni and the others — grew greatly disturbed by his penance. They gathered together and said among themselves, ‘It seems this sage wishes to take one of our divine positions.’ Thinking thus, the gods became anxious.
To disturb his penance, all the gods together appointed five principal celestial nymphs (Apsaras), whose beauty glowed like lightning. Those five Apsaras, following the command of the gods, approached the sage who had mastered both worldly and spiritual knowledge. They succeeded in drawing his mind toward love and desire.
These five Apsaras became his wives and have dwelt here ever since. For them, a hidden abode was built within the waters of this lake. There they reside joyfully, serving the sage — who, by the power of his penance, regained his youthful form.
The sounds of music and song that we hear now are produced by those very Apsaras, accompanied by the gentle jingling of their ornaments and the melodies of their instruments.”
Listening to the sage’s account, the glorious Lord Raghunatha, together with his brother Lakshmana, exclaimed in wonder,
“This indeed is most marvelous!”