While
going in the southern direction in
quest of his consort, Sri Rama was confronted at Pullaranyam, 5 miles from
present Ramnad Town, with a vast expanse of water and marshy land which checked his
further progress to Lanka. To devise ways and means to overcome this terrible obstruction
Sri Rama immersed himself in deep meditation for 3 days and nights lying on the green
grass (Darbha) near the temple of Adi Jagannatha in Pullaranyam.
Sri Adi Jagannatha being pleased with the penance
of Sri Rama appeared before him and presented him with the weapon of victory, called Divya
Chapa, and blessed him with success. Because Sri Rama observed days of penance here, lying
on Darbha grass, the place is called Darbha Sayanam. After obtaining the blessings, Sri
Rama invoked the King of the Ocean to assist him by making way for him to Lanka by
receding to a length. But Samudra Raja did not come, though invoked twice. At this Sri
Rama became enraged and took his bow and arrow to kill the Sea Lord. |
