||Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram||

Chapter – 21 – Dhoha – 20

Tulsidas Maharaj speaks “There are three kinds of listeners, they are 1) liberated souls, 2)Sadhakas who are striving hard to attain Moksha, and 3) people who are completely soaked in worldly matters and bondage, they represent the cities and villages on the river banks. The saintly people and ascetics are the source of all the auspiciousness as incomparable to the city of Ayodhya.  The sacred river Sarayu represents the endless virtues of Rama, it confluences with the Suranadhi/Ganga who represents Bhakti. Later it merges with the Mahanadhi/Sona, which represents Lakshmana who is valorous, dearest younger brother of Rama. The Devanadhi/Ganga who represents Bhakti shines between the sacred rivers Surya and Sona that represent Virakathi/sense of abandonment/contentment and intelligence respectively. These three sacred rivers/Sarayu, Ganga, and Sona, eradicates the Thrividhapapa/Adhibaudhika, Adhideivika, and Adhyathmika, of the Jeeva, finally it confluences with the ocean that resembles Lord Rama.  The sacred river Ganga descends from the Devaloka confluences with the Sarayu which represents the virtues of Rama, therefore it purifies the mind and intellect of the Jeeva.  The various legends depicted are the pleasure gardens and greens on the river banks. The best men of the grand wedding of Uma Maheshwara were several aquatic animals. The various amusements of these four divine brothers resemble attractive lotus flowers of different colors. King Dasaratha, his queens, and relatives represent honey bees and water birds. The celestial wedding of this divine couple Rama and Sita is the beautiful pond and its marvelous surroundings. The questions related to these legends are ferries on the water on this pond, and the intelligent answers to the questions are the ferrymen.  The passengers on the ferry take pleasure in the recollection of various legends of supreme Lord Rama.  The fury of Lord Parashurama is the powerful water currents, the strong stone steps are the compassionate words of Lord Rama.  The celestial wedding of these four brothers is the brimming water that gives pleasure to all. The noble soul who listens to this glorious legend and takes great pleasure in it resembles the fortunate souls who are taking a dip in this holy water. The elaborate arrangements made for the coronation ceremony of Lord Rama resembles the noble souls who assembled on the shore to take a dip in the river during the auspicious days in a year.  The algae that spread on the stone steps resemble the decisive plan and sharp criticisms of Devi Kaikeyi.  The legend of Bharatha that removes all the afflictions of Jeeva, it resembles the Japa and Yajja conducted on the river bank.  The evil-mindedness of the people of the Kali era, and their atrocities represent the impurities in the water, crows, and pelican residing on the river bank.  The glorious legend of Rama provides happiness in six Rithu, which is attractive and purifies the souls. The celestial wedding of Lord Mahadeva and Goddess Bhavani represents the Hemantha Rithu/winter season.  The grand festival on the birth day of Lord Rama represents marvelous Shishira Rithu/cold season.  The grand celestial wedding of Lord Rama and its preparations represent the auspicious Vasantha Rithu/spring season who is the king of the seasons. The journey of Rama to the dense wood represents scorching Greeshma Rithu/summer season. His exploration through the dense would and the unbearable heat represents the blazing sun and burning heat waves. Rama’s encounter with the numerous demons represents the Varsha Rithu/rainy season, which is highly auspicious for the crops and provides an abundance of grains. The flourished land of the city of Ayodhya, and the endless glories and generosity of Lord Rama, represents the Sharath Rithu/autumn which is gorgeous and pleasure-giving and free of clouds.  The chastity of Devi Sita and her endless virtues represents the serene water.  The indescribable virtues and devotion of Bharatha represent coolness.”