Rhymes of Bharat
The Amar Crow attacks Devi Sita
(A palindrome)
Each line of this poem reads the same, whether read left to right or right to left. Try it !
Bird's avid mood: doom divas! Drib!
Amar peels. "Sleep, Rama."
"Don on, amma!" No nod.
"I am red now" wonder mai ?
"No son."
Rama saw: Gag was Amar.
No span peep; naps on.
Drib deed, dab—"Bad deed, Bird!"
Rama sees Amar.
Evil alive.
Dogma, I am God.
Won't lover deified revolt now?
Rama: "No devil lived on, Amar!"
"Live on time-tenet. Emit no evil!"
Amar: "Dammit, I'm mad, Rama!"
Reviled warts did straw deliver.
Now Amar, eye Rama won.
Note: Both the references to Devi Sita in this poem : "amma" and "mai" mean mother.
​Meaning
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This poem, a palindrome rich with meaning, recounts an episode narrated by Devi Sita to Hanuman in the Sundar Kanda of Valmiki's Ramayana. It serves as a testament to her encounter with the crow Jayanta, the son of Indra, in the Dandaka forest while Sri Rama slept peacefully on her lap. Jayanta, referred to as 'Amar'—a fitting title for the celestial beings with their enduring lifespans—played a pivotal role in this incident.
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The poem opens with the portrayal of the audacious mood of the Amar bird, who harbors malevolent intentions towards the Goddess, now embodied in human form. Filled with a desire to cause harm, the bird spots Devi Sita, and driven by its wicked intent, it pecks at her, drawing blood. Yet, amidst this assault, Devi Sita's sole concern remains the undisturbed sleep of Sri Rama. The bird, eager to provoke, wishes to ignite anger within her, but she remains composed, not even stirring from her position. The Amar bird taunts her, asking, "Are you wondering that you're red now, mother?" But her gentle response, "No, son," reflects her unwavering focus and serenity, as she remains undisturbed by the bird's actions, wholly absorbed in ensuring Sri Rama's comfort.
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For a moment, Sri Rama gazes at the bird, Amar, who cunningly silences himself, hoping to escape notice. However, Sri Rama does not dwell on the bird, choosing instead to continue his rest. Despite this, the bird's relentless attack causes blood to flow from Devi Sita's body.
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In time, Sri Rama becomes aware of the bird Amar, whose deeds have embodied evil itself. Such malevolence is often born of the delusion of being supreme, a false god in one's own mind. The question then arises—won't the venerable Rama, the epitome of dharma, be stirred to anger upon seeing his beloved so grievously harmed?
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Sri Rama, the paragon of virtue, addresses the bird with calm authority: "No devil can exist in my presence. One must live by the principles of dharma and the righteousness of the current age, refraining from evil acts."
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In the end, the Amar bird comes to recognize its transgressions. Seeking forgiveness, it surrenders to Sri Rama's mercy. Rama, in his boundless compassion, forgives the bird, yet also delivers justice by hurling a straw that blinds one of the bird's eyes, sparing its life but leaving a lasting mark—a reminder of the consequences of straying from righteousness. The bird's misgivings are thus cleansed, and it is brought back to the path of virtue under the guidance of Sri Rama.
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