Long ago, in the mythological period there was a robber

named Ratnakar. He used to rob the people in the forest near his village. After robbing them he used to kill them. People

were very afraid of him.

One day, while he was waiting for a prey, he saw Devarishi

Narada roaming freely in the jungle. He asked him to hand over

whatever he had. But Narada told him, “You are opening the

way to hell for yourself by robbing and killing the innocent

people.” Hearing Narada, Ratnakar said in his defence, “I am

doing this to look after my family. It is my duty.” Narada said, “Are you sure that your

family will share the burden of the sin you are committing? Go

and ask them. I will wait for you here." Ratnakar thought for a

while. Then, he tied Narada to a tree and left for his house

Having reached his house, he asked his parents whether they

would share the burden of the sin he is committing to feed them.

They refused and said that they never asked him to rob the

people. Ratnakar was very surprised. When he put the same

question to his wife, she also refused to share the burden of his

sin.

Now Ratnakar was disappointed and sad. He thought, 'I have

been killing and robbing people only for my family. This way I

was opening the way to hell for myself. But my family is not

ready to share even the burden of these sins with me.' He came

back to the forest and untied Narada.

He fell on the feet of Narada and said, "You have opened my

eyes. Kindly guide me to the right path of life."

Narada blessed Ratnakar and said, "I am happy

that you have repented on your wrongs. Now chant the name

*Rama' and you will get the salvation of your soul,” Saying

this, Narada disappeared.Thereafter,

Ratnakar sat under a tree to meditate as

advised by the sage, Narada and started

chanting the name of Lord Rama.

He did this for many years.

Even when ants made an anthill around him,

he did not move from his place.

The robber Ratnakar later became popular as the great

Maharishi Valmiki

who wrote Ramayana,

the great epic in Sanskrit literature.

e-ADARSHA