All his efforts were directed in making sure that Hindu religion survives the difficult period. He succeeded in his mission. He was aware of some serious problems in the society, like: untouchable, caste and exploitation of females. Tulsidas addressed all these problems in his Ramcharitmanas. In the episode of Shabri, he addressed the problem of untouchables. In Uttarkaand, while describing Ram Rajya, he was categorical in stating that every man was allowed to have one wife and that there was no discrimination on the basis of caste. There were several problems of his time which he seriously addressed, and also used a bit of diplomacy to wade through the troubled waters. He however addressed the problem of dispute between worshippers of Lord Shiv and Lord Vishnu, much more seriously, and tried to address it several times.

1. RAMAYAN AND HISTORY In view of the growing popularity of TV channels, lot of serials on Ramayan are being made, people want to know, how much of this can be classified as facts. Since the period of Shri Ram is at least 500,000 yr old by some and much older as per Surya Siddantha, the result is CONFUSION. For instance, no one tells an average Hindu believer why Shri Ram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, came on this earth and what Dharm(s) he established? Some of the questions that a modern viewer asks are? What was so important about Yagna that King Dashrath was persuaded to send his sons to assist Sage Vishwamitra? Why did Shri Ram proceeded to Janakpuri after the Yagna?. How did Kaekai manipulate the entire royal family of Ayodhya for awarding vanvaas to Ram? The answer is important since Hindus worship Shri Ram to ward off such untimely obstruction, and there Ram was present in person yet the manipulation succeeded. Why did Bharat after making so much of noise, return empty-handed from forest and could not bring back Ram? Later, when Hanuman was bringing Sanjeevni & when Bharat came to know about it, why did he not send any help or assistance to Shri Ram? Where is Vibhishan now? He is supposed to live till the end of KALP.He is not in Lanka. Blog: Agni Pariksha of Sita URL: http://awara32.blogspot.com/ Post:RAMAYAN AND HISTORY URL: http://awara32.blogspot.com/2008/07/ramayan-history.html

2. Hindu History..START OF A NEW KALP “However human civilization has always been cruel on other beings. They started exploiting these two legged animals as slaves, and as animals. They refused to recognize them as human beings although they were now developing into same. The exploitation was cruel and inhuman to say the least. Here was the first batch of human beings of the new kalp-very pure and innocent (Aryans as one would like to call them in Sanskrit), and the batch of survivors of the older kalp-whose antecedents were not known, were torturing them instead of welcoming them”. The first avatar of Lord Vishnu was MATSYAAVTAR. This took place when at the end of Kalyug, the entire life, as existed on this earth, was destroyed earlier by man-made calamities and subsequently the survivors, THAT WERE LEFT, faced the wrath of natural calamities. The sea water rose significantly covering almost the entire land mass. Manu, the last king on the earth then started his journey on ships along with survivors. Vishnu in the form of fish escorts them. This journey continued for about 250,000 years. Several generations of survivors, as such, spend the life over water. Slowly with the phenomenal rise of water levels, the sea water also became stationary .All the turbulence and so called churning of water was gone. The water became still, very still. This was never witnessed by mankind before. Even sea life started slowly vanishing .They were at the end of the kalp. There in the extreme hostile conditions survival was difficult. Certain rules were made to make them easier. It is only in this context Manu’s Smriti is to be looked at. Rules regarding caste, behavior thereon, would start making sense in that context only. It, however, is not relevant in today’s world. It is not meant to be. Blog: Agni Pariksha of Sita URL: http://awara32.blogspot.com/ Post:HINDU HISTORY... START OF A NEW KALP URL : http://awara32.blogspot.com/2008/09/start-of-new-kalp.html PLEASE READ THE POST BY CLICKING THE LINK

3. AGNI PARIKSHA OF SITA – FACTS After becoming ChakravartiSamraat, Shri Ram ordained that humanity, present and future, would never ask any female to undergo this test. Perhaps this was the first Dharm of the much cherished RAMRAJYA. The main objection of people regarding Sita, was that Ravan approached Sita in the form of a ‘Bhikshuk’ and as a ‘Brahmin’ he was perfectly eligible to do that, and Sita, after transgressing LaxmanRekha went with Ravan on her own free will. As such Shri Ram had no reason to attack Lanka, kill unaccountable people and then ‘forcibly’ bring Sita back. In the court which was presided by Shri Ram, the representative of Royal family pleaded that Sita was forcibly abducted by Ravan who came in the guise of Bhikshuk for that very purpose and that she was coeresed in transgressing the LaxmanRekha. Sita also personally testified the same. As a further proof they cited the example of Jatayu who died fighting Ravana. Laxman gave this evidence because Jatayu, of course was dead. They further provided evidence, as how Sugrive had seen Sita being forcibly taken in the southern direction by Ravan and wailing the name of Ram she threw her ornaments were Sugrive was. They also made Hanuman testify, how in pathetic condition Sita was living in Ashok Vaatika waiting for Ram to rescue here. Blog: Agni Pariksha of Sita URL: http://awara32.blogspot.com/ Post: AGNI PARIKSHA OF SITA – FACTS URL: http://awara32.blogspot.com/2009/02/agni-pariksha-of-sita-facts.html PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST BY VISITING THE BLOG

4. HOROSCOPE OF SHRI RAM Shri Ram was born in the month of Chaitra, in Treta Yug, at Ayodhya on the ninth tithi of ShuklaPaksha. According to Maharishi Valmiki, Shri Ram was born at mid-afternoon, and at that particular moment, sun was exalted, Moon was in Punarvasu Nakshatra and all the planets were either exalted, benefic or in their own rashi. Karka(Cancer) rashi was rising at lagna. Since it is difficult to visualize the mathematical astronomical data of that time (we know that the mathematical data is generated by computation of actual movement of heavenly bodies at that time, and since we, at present have very little information about Treta Yug, we have to wait for further research), it will be difficult—rather impossible to mathematically (or, should we say astronomically) calculate and compute the horoscope of Shri Ram. We can therefore make a rough sketch of Shri Ram’s horoscope and leave it at that. Blog: Agni Pariksha of Sita URL: http://awara32.blogspot.com/ Post:HOROSCOPE OF SHRI Ram http://awara32.blogspot.com/2009/03/v-behaviorurldefaultvml-o.html Please click on the link to read the full post That precisely is the reason for writing this article—lot of people are claiming on TV channels that they have , using computer, casted the horoscope of Shri Ram and have determined the exact date of birth. This is not possible, using the existing mathematics and parameters, and we all have to agree that they are doing a great disservice to the Hindu community and religion by staking such false claims.

5. SWAMBER OF SITA SHRI RAM AND MARYADAS OF HIS TIME : 1 SHRI RAM, the most worshipped incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is a historical figure of Treta Yug. He was, and is, called Maryada Puroshattam Ram. Here we would like to understand why he was called Maryada Puroshattam Ram. Before venturing any further, we must have a clear and acceptable definition of Maryada. Maryada simply means ‘the noblest and finest traditions of that time’. However we have to understand one thing very clearly, Maryadas are time specific, age specific. Maryada of Treta Yug may not be relevant today. The other thing which must be absolutely clear to every reader is, that Maryadas, or traditions are followed by human beings...not God. God does not (and NEVER) follow any traditions or Maryadas. But human being is bound by Dharm and traditions. In the case of Shri Ram, this confusion is very evident, as people, while discussing him as God and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, also deliberate why he was called Maryada Puroshattam. There is no problem in accepting him as God and also Maryada Puroshattam, but please do not mix the two. King Janak informed the gathering about the serious problem that can be faced by all humanity because Shiv Dhanush had now become old and unreliable. The problem required immediate solution as Shiv Dhanush was a weapon of mass destruction and could cause serious and un-imaginable damage. Blog: Agni Pariksha of Sitahttp://awara32.blogspot.com/ Post:SWAMBER OF SITA http://awara32.blogspot.com/2009/05/swamber-of-sita.html Please read the full post by clicking on the link.

6. KAEKAI AND RAM After the marriage of all the brothers, the next obvious thing that immediately occupied the attention of the royal family was appointment of Yuvraj. After all King Dasrath was an old man, and the earlier a Yuvraj was appointed, the better, everyone felt, it would be for Ayodhya. But now, everyone knew of the peace treaty between Shri Ram and Ravan. They also knew that Shri Ram had to stay in forest for a period of fourteen years to earmark specific areas around forest where the new generation of human, commonly called as Vaanars can flourish and grow. === ------ ======= ------- ======= -------- ====== ----- Kaekai episode is interesting in several ways. Some believe that whatsoever she did was because of her love for her son Bharat. Others believe that Kaekai loved Ram more than her son Bharat. Conclusions in both the cases will be different. In the first instance she would be deemed to have acted as a selfish queen, and in the second instance she was a selfless, god-fearing individual, who was prepared to make exemplary sacrifices for her NATION and HUMANITY. Blog: Agni Pariksha of Sita http://awara32.blogspot.com/ KAEKAI AND RAM http://awara32.blogspot.com/2009/05/kaekai-and-ram.html PLEASE READ THE FULL POST BY CLICKING ON THE LINK.

7. BHARAT MEETS RAM Instead of coronation of Shri Ram as Yuvraj, Shri Ram was awarded vanvaas. Sita chose to go with him and so did Laxman. The three left Ayodhya and after crossing Saryu River, they met Maharishi Bhardwaj in his ashram at Prayag, and then subsequently they went towards Chitrakoot. They were staying near the bank of the river Mandakani, as vanvaasis. On the other hand, developments in Ayodhya were taking place at a faster pace. King Dasrath could not bear the exile of Ram and died. Bharat and Shatrughan, who were far away at their Mama’s place, were called for by Sage Vashisht. When they arrived at Ayodhya they were distressed by the happenings in Ayodhya. However Sage Vashisht consoled everyone and asked Bharat to perform the last rites of his deceased father King Dasrath, which was done with full respect and honor to the departed soul. The royal court and the royal family told Bharat that he would now have to assume charge of Ayodhya as his King, but Bharat refused. He firmly told the court that he believed that the crown belonged to Ram and requested the court that he may be allowed to go and meet Ram in the forest so that he could persuade Ram to accept the throne. Sage Vashisht and the entire court also decided to accompany him, including all the royal ladies. Blog: Agni Pariksha of Sita http://awara32.blogspot.com/ Post:BHARAT MEETS RAM http://awara32.blogspot.com/2009/06/bharat-meets-ram.html Please read the full post by clicking on the link. =====--------======-----========----------=======--------=========------=== Bharat was left with no choice. As a Suryavanshi and dutiful son, he too had a responsibility that after the death of his father, his father’s last vachans were satisfied. With resignation, he accepted to rule Ayodhya, but insisted, that he would do that only after installing the wooden sleepers of Shri Ram on the throne so that the throne would always remain that of Shri Ram. On a specific request of Shri Ram, King Janak then informed everyone there, the remaining details of the treaty between Ram and Ravan. They were told that as per the treaty, Ram would not be entitled to any help from kingdoms or Ayodhya, in case Shri Ram fought a decisive war with Ravan and Rakshas.

8. BALI VADH and MARYADAPURUSHOTTAM RAM After the abduction of Sita, Shri Ram immediately left Panchvati in search of Sita. He entered into a friendship pact with Sugrive, wherein, it was decided that, Shri Ram would ensure Sugrive’s win over Bali, and subsequently, Sugrive would assist in every possible manner, Sita’s safe return. This pact was important. In the first instance this was first of its kind, in as much that it recognized Vaanars as new generation of mankind and that they were equal in status to people living in rest of the kingdoms. Until now after the accord between kingdoms and Parashuram, the kingdoms were not having any relation- good or bad with Vaanars (pl. read Hindu History..Start of a New Kalp ), and now for the first time, Prince of Ayodhya, Shri Ram, was not only accepting them as equal, but was also entering into a pact accepting them as equal. Soon thereafter, on the advice of Shri Ram, Sugrive challenged Bali for a fight. Bali had earlier received a boon from gods that he would gain half the strength of his opponent in any man to man fight. As such he was unbeatable. Leaving the boon thing aside, Bali tactics were far too superior in man to man combats, making him almost invincible. This fact was discussed by Sugrive and Shri Ram and they had agreed that Shri Ram would kill Bali, by an arrow, hiding behind a bush, when Sugrive and Bali fought each other. Now the Maryada of that time was against any such interference, when two persons were engaged in a combat. Shri Ram knew that and was also prepared to go against it. He knew that if he won a comprehensive battle against Ravan, with the support of Sugrive and his Vaanars sena, it would become easier to bring them into the main stream of civilized life. It may also be argued that since the kingdoms of that time still regarded Vaanars as yet another animal breed, and never treated them as human beings, there was no problem in ambushing and killing them from behind a bush, as was normally done while hunting. Shri Ram had already accepted them as human being at par with those living in kingdoms, and to that extend that argument is inappropriate and inconsistent with the facts. Blog: Agni Pariksha of Sita URL: http://awara32.blogspot.com/ Post:BALI VADH AND MARYADAPURUSHOTTAM RAM http://awara32.blogspot.com/2009/06/bali-vadh.html Please read the full post by clicking on the link.

10. and the second, contain set of rules to be followed by people of that faith for offering prayers and perform rituals. Part of the second is personal while the rest is not. The rest is your religious obligation towards your family and the society. Put in more simply how much you believe in God or how you worship is personal, while the rest is not. The rest is totally outwardly…it starts with your interaction with your family and moves further outwards towards larger family and the society where you are living in. All this constitutes Dharm. When we talk of Dharm, there were certain rule which already existed and which are so relevant even today, that no Hindu Dharm can progress without following them. Not following them or ignoring them means decline of society, distress and dissatisfaction all around. And they were for Rishis, maharishis, gurus, and generally for people wearing saffron clothes. Since these people were the stalwarts, or caretaker of religion, they never owned or possessed any property(not even by opening Matths and creating and enjoying property through that source), they invariably walked on foot, took simple food, walked around the country side or would go and stay alone in deep forest for at least nine months of a year. They stayed in a cottage (not the AC one!), invariably followed and promoted nature and environment. When they delivered religious sermons, the rule was, that everyone can listen to them and see them and they can also watch the audience and their expression (no, they did not use the loud speaker). This was called Mahamantra. These religious stalwarts knew that not following the Mahamantra, would destroy the society, and the Hindu religion itself. EVEN TODAY, THIS MAHAMANTRA HAS TO BE REVIVED AND FOLLOWED BY GURUS, MATTH OWNERS, SADHUS, AND ALL SAFRON CLAD PEOPLE, IF HINDU RELIGION HAS TO REGAIN ITS LOST GLORY. Blog: Agni Pariksha of Sita http://awara32.blogspot.com/ Post:RAM RAJYA… THE FORGOTTEN Dharm http://awara32.blogspot.com/2009/07/dharm-of-ramrajya-we-have-now-come-to.html Please read the full post by clicking on the link

11. PLEASE REVIVE RAM RAJYA RAMAYAN is an important Dharmic Granth of Hindus, and one which can give wonderful results in Kalyug. Because of its importance it has been written and rewritten by several SiddhPurush in different Indian languages. It is believed that if the principles of the Dharm enshrined in this sacred book are followed religiously, all the problems faced by individuals and societies would vanish, yet this has not happened in India. And there do not seem to be any solution to it. WHY? LET us find an answer to it. We have written history of more than 3000 years, and if we go through it, we will find that the decline of Hindu religion had started due to regular invasions of outsiders; initially for plundering, and later, not only for plundering but also staying in India and enjoying its wealth, and, by force enforcing their culture, religion. These regular invasions of more serious nature started from Khyber Pass, and the different kings ruling India at that time, at various places could not unite to face this onslaught. This, in spite of the fact, that, every kingdom had a RAJGURU, to advise the king on such matters. These raj gurus lived in palaces, wore costly clothes and jewelries and generally enjoyed all luxuries. On the other hand Maharishi Vashist, the Rajguru of Ayodhya, stayed in cottage, outside Ayodhya, preferred to walk on foot, and promoted nature and natural resources. The history of India of last 2000 years is full of attack of outsiders and how they succeeded in plundering India because we could never unite even against outside invasion. The GURUS and rulers, of that time, have let us down. GoswamiTulsidas, in his UTTARKAND, severely dealt with this issue by declaring what type of GURUS you can expect in Kalyug. Even in Sikh religion, the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, abolished the succession of Gurus, and made Guru Granth Sahib, the symbol of Guru himself. Why we cannot learn from them? Our 2000 years of history should at least make us look inward and analyze what went wrong. Now that we are living in the information age, and when we know that physical parameters(read: Ramayan and History) for measuring the success or decline of religion are available, why, nothing is being done. It is my humble petition with folded hands, and PRAYER that people, who matter in Hindu Religion, must take stock of the situation and initiate corrective measures. Blog: Agni Pariksha of Sita URL: http://awara32.blogspot.com/ Post:PLEASE REVIVE RAM RAJYA http://awara32.blogspot.com/2009/08/please-revive-ram-rajya.html Please read the full post by clicking on the link.

12. A REVIEW OF RAMCHARITMANAS The period in which Ramcharitmanas was written was the period of rulers. But now we do not have any rulers, WE HAVE SELF RULE. Yet even now, no effort is being made to reverse the attitude that an average Hindu has. Our religious leaders are required to tell the society, that Hindu religion is the only religion in the world which does NOT believe that God sitting in Heavens is going to help the faithful. No! HE will never do this. In case HE has to help the society HE has to come on this earth as an incarnation. Rest of the time, YOU, as an individual has to take care of your family, and also act responsibly as a member of a society, which is involved in SELF RULE Your inaction, and expressing your helplessness is an act of Adharm, which is totally unpardonable, unacceptable and totally negative. You cannot sit in your drawing room, tea or coffee shop and express your helplessness as to what is going on in India. No, you are responsible for corruption, misgovernance, and decline of Hindu religion. YOUR INACTION IS UNPARDENABLE, AND TOTALLY AGAINST HINDU DHARM.JAGO INDIA JAGO! Blog: Agni Pariksha of Sita http://awara32.blogspot.com/ Post:A REVIEW OF RAMCHARITMANAS http://awara32.blogspot.com/2009/09/review-of-ramcharitmanas.html Please read the full post by clicking on the link.

13. DURATION OF A KALP And now some reconciliation of the details provided above with some known facts. As per the information provided by the modern science, the Himalayas are approx. 70 million years old. The development started about 70 M years back; some hills started appearing 60 M yeas back and gigantic mountain range was there about 50 M years back. As per the Hindu history, during the last Maha-kalp or Manavavtaar, there was a serious division between Devtaas (gods) regarding the type of human race that should be developed. Daksh, the Prajapati (or in charge), wanted a human race which could not be destroyed. While Lord Shiv did not say anything, her wife Sati, strongly opposed it and sacrificed her life on the fire at the place where these efforts (yagna) were taking place. Lord Shiv destroyed everything pertaining to that YAGNA and killed Daksh. The destruction was extremely severe. Earth witnessed turmoil and massive changes after that. When exactly all this could have happened? Since we know that there are 72 Kalps in a Maha-Kalp, out of which 60 kalps fill the zodiac as discussed above and remaining 12 kalps are night (sandhi) or darkness where there is no life, the possibility of this experiment taking place is only towards the end of house of karma i.e. at the end of 50th kalp. So the last 22 kalps plus the existing 28 kalps added together constitutes the period during which the process of formation of Himalayas took place. Thus time in years 50x1.56= 78 million years. The modern science says it is at least 70 million years. WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT FROM ANCIENT HINDU HISTORY? Blog: Agni Pariksha of Sita URL:http://awara32.blogspot.com/ Post:DURATION OF A KALP http://awara32.blogspot.com/2009/10/duration-of-kalp.html Please read the full post by clicking on the link