|| Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter -1 - Uththara Kandam

 

Bharatha worries about Prabhu Sriram/Bharatha receives the message of Prabhu from Hanuman

Prarthana Shloka:

Kekikandabhaneelam Suravara Vilasathvipra  Padhabjachinham | Shobhadyam Peethavasthram Sarasijanayanam Sarvadha Su Prasannam | Panau Narachachapam Kapinikarayutham Bandhuna Sevyamanam | Naumeedyam Janakeesham Raghuvaram Anisham Pushpakarooda Ramam ||

 

Koselndhra Padhakanjjamanjjulau Kolamalavaja Maheshavandhithau | Janaki Karasarojalalithau Chinthakasya Manabhringasanginau || Kundha Indhudhara Gaura Sundharam Ambikapathimabheeshta Sidhdhitham | Karunika Kalakanjjalochanam Naumi Shankaram Anangamochanam ||

 

I shall prostrate before Janakeesha who is the dearest darling of Devi Janaki, he has the bluish color complexion resembles the neck of the peacock, his chest holds the divine symbolic mark of the feet of the twice-born/the symbol of the footprint of Sage Bhrigu has a pleasing appearance, attired in majestic yellow silk garment, his beautiful eyes resemble the petals of lotus flowers, has a beautiful smile on his face, wielded in bow and arrow, seated on the majestic throne on the Pushpakavimana, followed by numerous Vanaras, served by beloved brother Lakshman, and he is the Lord of Janaki.

 

I shall meditate upon the lotus feet of Supreme Lord Sri Rama whose beautiful feet are worshiped by Lord Bhrama and Lord Shiva, it takes pleasure  in the touch of  the soft and supple lotus-like hands of Devi Janaki, it takes rests in the lotus-like heart of the noble souls. I shall prostrate before Lord Shankara who is Ambikapathi has attractive physical features, his lustrous physique has the appearance of the conch, jasmine flower, and moon, he has beautiful eyes resembles lotus flower petals, he fulfills all the desires of the worshiper, removes the interest in worldly matters and bondage of the worshiper.

 

The people of Ayodhya were anxiously waiting to look forward to meeting Rama, as it was the previous day of the last day of Vanavasa of Rama. The people of Ayodhya were shrunken in deep sorrow and extremely worried about the absence of Rama. They have witnessed several good omens in the city; it elevated their mood and brought immense happiness.   The City of Ayodhya seemed extremely beautiful once again, as an indication of the arrival of Prabhu after the Vanavasa. The left eye and hand of Bharatha trembled as a sign of good omen. Devi Kausalaya, Devi Sumitra, and Devi Kaikeyi were impatiently waiting for the arrival of their dearest children and daughter-in-law. Even though Bharatha witnessed the auspicious omens, was little anxious inside “why didn’t Prabhu make a visit? Has he abandoned me? Lakshman is extremely fortunate to witness those lotus feet and serve him. Prabhu must have thought me wicked, that may the reason for not taking me with him for Vanavasa, I will not get salvation in the number of years for my sins, but Prabhu never takes notice of the sins of his worshiper, he is an extremely compassionate and constant companion of the distressed people. I have great faith in him, that Prabhu will make a visit to Nandagau, I am witnessing all those auspicious omens, if Rama did not return after the period of Vanavasa, and if I am alive, that  would be my ill fate, there will no one in the world unfortunate like me.” In this way, Bharatha immersed in various thoughts and sunk in deep sorrow.

 

Soon, Vayuputhra disguised in the form of Bhramin arrived in the hermitage, as ferry before Bharatha who was sinking in the ocean of deep sorrow. Hanuman noticed Bharatha emaciated in starvation, matted hair locks, uttering the names “Rama! Rama! Raghupathi!” his lotus-like eyes shedding tears, seated on the mattress of Dharba grass,  Hanuman shed tears watching the devotion of Bharatha and spoke “Oh! Prabho, whose separation brought immense grief to you, and whose virtues are constantly sung by you has arrived. That supreme Lord Raghurama who is the source of supreme bliss, the protector of deities, Rishis, and Sages have safely returned after winning over the enemy in the vicious battle. The deities are singing in praise of him, he is returning with Devi Sita and Lakshman.” These pleasing words of Hanuman were nectar to the thirsty Bharatha, he suddenly rose from the seat and forgot all his worries and spoke “Oh! Bandhu, who are you? Where are you coming from? You have brought the most pleasing news to me that have given new life to me.” Hanuman spoke “Oh! Kripanidhe, listen to me, I am Vayuputhra, Hanuman a sincere servant of Prabhu, I am a Vanara.” Bharatha rushed to Hanuman and embraced him, they remained in the embrace for some time, shed tears of joy, and transported to a state of ecstasy and spoke “ Oh! Hanuman, I have forgotten all my worries and sorrows the moment I have witnessed you. I have seen my beloved Rama in you; I have embraced that Rama in you.” He repeatedly enquired about the welfare of Rama, and spoke “Oh! Brother, what did I give to you in return for the most pleasing news? I haven’t seen anything to offer in exchange for that pleasant news. I am not able to repay my debt to you, kindly describe the stories of Raghava.” Hanuman prostrated before Bharatha and described the splendor and virtues of Rama. Bharatha enquired “Oh! Hanuman, did that compassionate Rama remember me as one of his sincere servant and devotee?” Hanuman was highly pleased listening to the most humble words of Bharatha, fallen at his feet, and spoke “Oh! Prabho, the supreme Lord Ragha whose virtues are recited by the Charas and Acharas as well, he is most amiable, pious, virtuous, and ocean of mercy, cannot forget you. Prabho, you are dear as life to Rama, Oh! Dear Brother, kindly considers my words are true.” Bharatha repeatedly embraced Hanuman, shortly Hanuman bade farewell to Bharatha and returned to Prabhu Sriram and informed all that news about Bharatha. Soon Prabhu along with Devi Sita and Lakshman followed by numerous Vanaras started their journey in their celestial vehicle.