In the timeless epic of Shree Ramayana, the story of Shree Ram, Mother Sita, and their family members unfolds with profound spiritual and moral insights. While countless tales have been shared from the epic, Swami Mukundananda sheds light on an often-overlooked moment between Shree Ram and His family, which encapsulates a life-changing lesson on what to ask of God.

The Boons at Holi: Uncovering Each Character’s Heart

Following the victorious return to Ayodhya after the battle in Lanka, Mother Sita proposed a beautiful idea to Shree Ram during the festival of Holi. She wished to ask each family member what they desired most, offering them a unique boon as a token of divine love and respect. Shree Ram supposed her plan wholeheartedly, leading to an illuminating exchange.

Bharat's Wish: Unwavering Devotion at Shree Ram’s Feet

With unwavering devotion, Bharat bows at Lord Ram's feet, seeking only a heart full of eternal love and service.

When Mother Sita asked Bharat, he revealed the depth of his devotion by requesting only one thing: Akhand Prem, or unwavering love and devotion for Lord Shree Ram. Bharat, known for his humility and love for Shree Ram, asked nothing for himself but sought the eternal joy of serving Shree Ram's feet. His request teaches us that true devotion is selfless, desiring nothing but closeness to the divine.

Mandvi's Strength: Inner Resilience

Mandavi humbly seeks inner strength, showing that resilience is our greatest ally in overcoming life’s trials.

Mandvi, Bharat's wife, requested inner strength or Manobal. Reflecting on the trials she endured, including separation from Shree Ram and the loss of her father-in-law, she demonstrated that inner resilience is essential for navigating life’s hardships. Through her request, Mandvi teaches us that inner strength sustains us through adversity.

Lakshman’s Wish: Eternal Association with Shree Ram

Lakshman's heartfelt wish is to stay forever by Shree Ram’s side, embodying the seeker’s eternal longing for divine companionship.

Lakshman, Lord Shree Ram’s devoted brother, wished for lifelong association with Shree Ram. His love for Shree Ram goes beyond mere loyalty; it is a deep, spiritual bond. Lakshman’s request to always remain by Shree Ram’s side exemplifies the desire of every seeker: to stay connected with God through every journey, never feeling the pang of separation.

Urmila’s Fulfillment: Contentment in Fortunate Circumstances

Urmila’s heart radiates gratitude, teaching us the grace of contentment in cherishing our blessings.

Urmila, Lakshman’s wife, humbly expressed her contentment with the blessings she has already received. She feels honored to be part of Shree Ram's family and asks for nothing further. Urmila teaches us to recognize and cherish our blessings without endlessly yearning for more, embodying the virtue of contentment.

Shatrughna’s Service: The Joy of Serving Others

Shatrughna’s heartfelt wish to serve Bharat reflects the profound joy found in selfless devotion.

When asked by Mother Sita, Shatrughna declared his wish to always serve Bharat. Known for his devotion to his elder brother, Shatrughna’s wish illustrates the joy and fulfillment found in serving others. In the spiritual tradition, service to others is often seen as an indirect way of serving God, as each soul embodies divine essence.

Shrutakirti’s Humble Request: A Simple, Material Reminder

Shruti’s humble request for a piece of forest attire honors the sacrifices of Shree Ram's family, cherishing remembrance and humility.

Shruti, Shatrughna’s wife, requested a small piece of the forest attire worn by Shree Ram, Mother Sita, and Lakshman during their exile. She desired a keepsake to remind her of the hardships they endured, symbolizing the importance of remembrance and humility. Shruti’s request highlights that, while everyone else asked for spiritual boons, material objects can also hold sacred meaning if the intent is pure.

Tulsidasji’s Reverence: Offering Pranam to the Divine Family

Tulsidasji's reverent verses in the Ramayana remind us that devotion to the divine family brings grace and wisdom to our lives.

In the Shree Ramayana, the poet Tulsidas pays homage to these divine personalities. His words express deep gratitude and reverence for each member of Shree Ram’s family, reflecting a heart filled with devotion. Tulsidasji's prayers, or Mangalacharan, remind us that reverence for spiritual teachers and family members can uplift our own lives, imbuing it with grace and wisdom.

A Moment of Divine Humor: The Sindoor Story of Hanumanji

Hanumanji’s joyful act of covering himself in sindoor reflects his pure, boundless love to please Lord Ram.

One of the lighter yet heartwarming stories Swami Mukundananda shares involves Hanumanji, the ever-devoted servant of Shree Ram. Seeing Mother Sita apply sindoor (vermillion) on her forehead, Hanumanji asked why she does so. Mother Sita explained that it pleases Shree Ram, prompting Hanumanji to cover his entire body in sindoor! Hanumanji's innocent, childlike devotion demonstrates the bliss of surrender and the lengths one may go to express love for the divine.

What Do We Ask from God?

The profound lesson in Swami Mukundananda's narration emerges from the simplicity and sincerity of each family member’s request. Unlike requests for wealth, power, or fame, each individual asks for qualities that bring them closer to divine love, service, and resilience. This story encourages us to reflect on our own desires when we pray or meditate. Are we asking for temporary material gains, or are we seeking something eternal and transformative?

In the modern world, it’s easy to be drawn toward requests for personal success and satisfaction. Yet, the Shree Ramayana reminds us that spiritual seekers may find greater joy in qualities that foster humility, love, and service. By emulating the example of Shree Ram's family, we can deepen our spiritual journey and draw closer to inner peace.

Practical Takeaways

  1. Value Inner Strength: Just as Mandvi sought resilience to face life's challenges, we, too, should cultivate inner strength to deal with the uncertainties of life.
  2. Seek Devotion Over Material Gains: Like Bharat, we can prioritize spiritual growth and love for the divine rather than merely material accomplishments.
  3. Embrace Service: Shatrughna’s wish to serve Bharat teaches that serving others can bring immense joy, as it aligns us with a higher purpose.
  4. Celebrate Contentment: Urmila’s humble contentment with her circumstances is a powerful reminder to find peace with what we have, appreciating the blessings already present.
  5. Remember the Journey: Shruti’s request for a memento signifies the importance of remembering both the trials and triumphs that shape us, reminding us to learn and grow from our experiences.
  6. Love in Simplicity: Hanumanji's act of covering himself in sindoor demonstrates that sometimes the simplest acts of devotion resonate the most, carrying profound sincerity and love.

Call to Reflect and Act

The stories of Mother Sita, Shree Ram, and their family members offer timeless wisdom on how to align our desires with spiritual goals. They invite us to contemplate what we truly seek in life and encourage us to make requests that bring us closer to the divine.

If you’ve found inspiration in these insights, consider exploring the teachings of Swami Mukundananda on his YouTube channel. His videos delve deeper into the wisdom of eternal Vedic scriptures and provide guidance on practical spirituality. Subscribe and be part of a community that seeks inner transformation and divine love.

Through these timeless lessons from Shree Ramayana, may we all learn to ask God for the qualities that enrich our hearts and minds, leading us closer to peace, wisdom, and love.