Thread by @varadadya

#storytime

For 10 years Raama, Lakshmana and Sita lived quietly amongst the rishis in the Dandakaranya (Dandaka Forest). In Dandakaranya there were many Aashramas, knowing the Trio, all RISHIS welcomed Raama, Lakshmana, Sita. They would stay in one Ashrama after another.

After the passage of 10 years, Raama wished to have Darshan of AGASTYA RISHI.

Words fall short, in praise of AGASTYA RISHI. He was famous in Three Worlds.

It was said that if all the combined wisdom & spiritual Merit between the Himalayas and the Vindhyas was put on one Scale while AGASTYA RISHI (of the South) was made to sit on the other side.

The AGASTYA RISHI side of the Scale will come down by his Weight of Wisdom.

It is also said that, During the Event of the Holy Wedding Ceremony of Bhagwaan Shiva and Devi Parvati, all the RISHI MUNIS were in Mount Kailash.

It was AGASTYA RISHI, who single-handedly maintained the Balance of the Earth.

While the most interesting story of AGASTYA RISHI`s Maya is as ahead.

Two Raakshas Brothers, Vataapi and Ilvala, wreaked havoc for the Rishis.

Vataapi had a boon, no matter how many pieces his body was cut into he could come back to his whole form, at will.

Taking advantage of this, both brothers ran a ruckus racket.

Ilvala would disguise as a Brahmana and go to Ashramas. He would invite the Rishis to his HUT for Lunch.

According to Brahmana traditions, one should not Deny such an invitation from a fellow Brahamana.

Hence, gullible Rishis would agree and visit his HUT. After the austerities, lunch would be served to the Rishis.

Ilvala with his powers used to chop Vataapi into small pieces and add them to the food.

Once the Rishi would eat his food. Ilvala would close his eyes & call his Brother "Vataapi, Come out".

The result, Vataapi would explode out of the Rishis gut killing him then and there.

Troubled Rishis, bought this matter to Agastya Rishi.

AGASTYA RISHI, promised to solve this problem once and for all.

He stayed in an Ashram, near the two brothers, Vataapi and Ilvala.

As expected, Ilvala came in disguise and invited Agastya Rishi to their hut.

Agastya Rishi, went to their hut. He was served food.

When the food was over, hands folded Ilvala asked Agastya Rishi. "Munivar, I hope you liked our food"

Agastya Rishi said "Yes, very much"

Quickly Ilvala said "Vataapi, Come out"

Nothing Happened. Agastya Rishi stood there smiling.

Agastya Rishi had a boon from Ganesha, he could digest any rakshasa.

Ilvala tried again "Vataapi, Come out". No result.

Agastya Rishi rubbed his belly and said "He is Digested"

Ilvala couldn't believe, he blurted "You killed my brother"

Ilvala in anger tried to attack Agastya Rishi & with one cold stare. Ilvala too was reduced to Ashes.

No raakshasas would thereafter come near Agastya Rishi and that is how Agastya Rishi protected other Rishis too