Kakabhushundi and his devotion to Rama

 

Kakabhushundi and devotion to Rama

Multiple universes co-existing at the same time is not a new concept in Hinduism. A very interesting and intriguing character in Ramayana called Kakabhushundi is mentioned in Ramcharitamanas. Kakabhushundi was supposed to have witnessed the Ramayana happening 11 times and the Mahabharata happening 16 times with different outcomes. Kakabhushundi was blessed to be Chiranjeevi (the one who can live through many yugas) and hence had witnessed the happenings of many yugas.

Let us walk through an interesting episode of Kakabhushundi’s story. In the city of Ayodhya resided the mighty bird Garuda, the mount of Vishnu and a bird of great valour. The lineage of Garuda continued through his son Sumukha, grand son Suparna and great grand son Shyama. Shyama was an ardent devotee of Lord Rama. Lord Rama was immensely pleased with his devotion and granted him the boon that Shyama wanted – that he will continue to remember his devotion to Rama and remain his devotee forever.

Yugas rolled. What happened to Shyama? He eventually passed away and was reborn in Ayodhya. He was learning his scriptures under a Guru who was a staunch devotee of Shiva. He became more popular than his Guru in his recitation and interpretation of the scriptures and this made him arrogant. Once, when he was interpreting the scriptures and his Guru walked in. Everyone else got up in respect but the young man did not. This angered Lord Shiva who cursed him to undergo 1000 births in sub-human form. The Guru felt sorry for his immature student and requested Lord Shiva for leniency. Shiva relented and said that after 1000 births the young man would find himself and his devotion to Rama.

Years passed and the young man completed his 1000 births and was finally born as a brahmin called Bhushundi. From birth, he was devoted to Rama and wanted to only hear tales of Rama’s heroism. Once he went to Sage Lomasha and wanted to learn from him. His obsession with only discussing Lord Rama irritated Lomasha who cursed him to be a crow.

When he heard about the curse, Lord Rama intervened and asked Lomasha to be kind to Bhushundi. Lomasha relented and gave Bhushundi the blessing of the taraka mantra of Sri Rama and gave him the diksha (knowledge) of the entire Ramcharitamanas. He also blessed him to be a Chiranjeevi who will be alive till the Kaliyuga and recite Rama’s story and greatness to the world.

Thus, Bhushundi became Kakabhushundi and retired to his hermitage. Every time Lord Rama is born in Ayodhya, Kakabhushundi visited Ayodhya to see the Lord play. He saw Rama playing one day like a normal child. He had a small doubt whether this child Rama was a normal mortal or a divine child. At the same time, Rama tried to catch him. Kakabhushundi flew high up in air and could see the fingers of Rama at touching distance irrespective of which loka (universe) he was flying in. When he flew back to Ayodhya, he saw the same laughing child Rama. To his surprise, in the laughing child Rama’s mouth he saw the entire cosmos and many worlds. He realised that it was the same moment when he had left Ayodhya. He realised that Lord Rama wanted to assuage Kakabhushundi’s doubt about Rama’s divinity. This episode is narrated by Kakabhushundi to his ancestor Garuda. 

Kakabhushundi was blessed with being a witness to many cycles of the universe and this made him very wise. Kakabhushundi is supposed to have witnessed Sita’s abduction and also observed the entire rescue. He had also imparted his knowledge and wisdom to many of the characters in the Ramayana especially Hanuman.

The dialogue between Garuda and Kakabhushundi at the end of Ramcharitamanas is considered very deep in its philosophical meaning. (The questions are Garuda’s and the answers are from Kakabhushundi).

Which is the most difficult form to obtain?

Human form is the most difficult form to obtain. It is the form that every other living and inert substance hopes to obtain. A human throws away this blessing and focuses on sensual pleasure is akin to someone who throws a precious stone for glass.

What is highest form of misery one can feel?

There is no misery greater than poverty. Poverty of wisdom, love and resources.

What is the greatest form of joy?

There is no greater communion than the company of sages and learned men.

What are the characteristics of a good and bad people?

Beneficence and suffering for others are the quality of the saints and good souls. Tormenting others and injuring others for their gain is the characteristic of the wicked. The advancement of a saints and good people brings peace and prosperity, while the elevation of the wicked can cause calamity in the world.

What is the highest merit that one can hope to attain?

The vow of ahimsa is the highest vow that any living thing can aspire for.

What is the greatest form of sin?

Speaking ill of others, especially Gods and saints, brahmins and devotees is the greatest sin.

What are the diseases of the mind?

Infatuation, lust and anger are the three greatest diseases that a human can suffer. These affect judgement, make humans covet other’s belonging and leads to constant dissatisfaction and angst.

Kakabhushundi left for Vaikunta with the advent of Kaliyuga. He recited the great qualities of Lord Rama and left for the lotus feet of his favourite god Lord Rama.