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Affection clouds mind

CHENNAI : The two human manifestations of God as Rama and Krishna offer interesting comparisons and contrasts, which commentators and scholars utilise to highlight the distinguishing features of their descents in the world. One such is the nature of the Lord's fathers. Rama was born to Dasaratha when he was advanced in age after he performed a sacrifice to beget Him. His joy knew no bounds because he had been childless for long.

So his attachment to His eldest son Rama was total and he delighted in just being in His presence and beholding Him. Dasaratha's case was exceptional in that Rama was the very incarnation of the Supreme Being, the repository of all the auspicious qualities that a human being could possibly possess— the very epitome of virtue.

Vasudeva was also singularly blessed in that the Lord chose to be born in His Krishna incarnation as his son and what a rare privilege He granted him and Devaki by manifesting in His divine form at birth! But, Vasudeva could not enjoy His company for long as Krishna directed him to take Him to His foster parents Nandagopa and Yashoda across the Yamuna. Taking it as divine command Vasudeva did as directed without allowing his attachment to cloud his mind. But, in Dasaratha's case he allowed his affection for Rama to overrule his judgement, which can be seen in the context of Sage Viswamitra's request to send Rama with him to the forest, said Dhamal Sri Ramakrishnan and Srimati Perundevi Seshadri in their discourse.

When Viswamitra arrived at his palace Dasaratha extended his hospitality graciously and did not wait for the sage to express the purpose of his visit volunteering instead to fulfil whatever he desired. Viswamitra was an all-knowing sage and he desired to be instrumental in bringing about the marriage of the Lord and the Divine Mother in their manifestations as Rama and Sita. But he used the pretext of seeking Dasaratha's help by allowing Rama to accompany him to protect his sacrifice.

The king swooned the moment the sage mouthed his request. To him Rama was but a youth, and how could He be a match for the ogres? The sage was furious that the king had gone back on his word and finally it was with Vasishta's intervention that the king saw reason and agreed to send Rama.

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