An Island Called Ramanikiya
Table of Contents (The Complete Mahabharata in Simple English)
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| Note: In the previous post, we read about how Vinata and Garuda were commanded by Kadru and her Snake Sons to take them on their shoulders to a beautiful island in the middle of the ocean. In this post, we will find out what the enchanted island of Ramanayika looked like. |
The downpour of rain drenched and gladdened the nagas. Riding on Garuda’s back, they soon reached the island called Ramanayika, which had been designated as an abode for the makaras.
On the island, they saw the terrible ocean of salt called Lavanya Samudra.
Then they saw a beautiful forest washed by the sea waters and resounding with celestial music and the notes of various birds. It had clusters of trees filled with various fruits and flowers. There were many tall trees that grew only on the hills of Malaya. These trees were so tall that they seemed to reach the heavens. And then, there were trees whose flowers were scattered all around by the breeze which itself smelled of incense.
The forest also contained beautiful mansions, water tanks filled with lotuses, and several pure-water lakes.
The forest was also filled with bees that were maddened with the honey they sucked from the flowers.
The Gandharvas loved this charming forest because it filled them with delight. This forest, capable of charming anybody with its beautiful objects, was delightful and holy.
Kadru’s snake sons, who were immensely delighted by this forest, began to enjoy themselves in various ways.
| Note: In the next post, we will read about a demand that the snakes make which causes Garuda to reflect on why he is bound to obey them and how he can free his mother and himself. |
Table of Contents (The Complete Mahabharata in Simple English)
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