Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Aranya Kanda – Sage Agasthya instructs Rama to live in Panchavati situated in the Dhandaka forest

 

Chapter – 12– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Aranya Kanda– Sage Agasthya instructs Rama to live in Panchavati situated in the Dhandaka forest

 

Rama took a seat in the middle of the assembly of Sages, all the Sages fixed their gaze on the marvelous appearance of Rama, like the Chakora birds yearningly look at the autumn moon. The Lord of Raghu began to speak amiably “Oh! Mahathma, Oh! Prabho, I have nothing to hide from you, and you all know the purpose of my visit to the glorious Dhandakavana, Oh! Prabho, kindly advise me how can I eradicate the enemies of the hermits in the forest.” Sage Agasthya smiled at Rama and began to speak “Oh! Rama, you are the destroyer of evils, you have sought after my advice due to your virtues and amiability, Oh! Prabho, your glories are endless, I know very little of them. You are Mayapathi, your Maya resembles the huge Audhumbara tree, and the multitudes of Universes are the fruit of that tree, the animate and inanimate things in the Universe are the insects’ dwells inside those succulent fruits like Universe, hence they have limited knowledge of you. Oh! Prabho, the ‘Time’/Kalachakra, devours the insects like animate and inanimate things dwell inside the succulent fruits, yet that ‘Time’ is under your control. Oh! Prabho, you are the Lord of ten directions, yet you are seeking my opinion as an ordinary human being. Oh! Prabho, you are an ocean of mercy, kindly provide us the boon of intense devotion at your lotus feet, dispassion and close association with the Santh, Mahathma, and noble souls, and your eternal presence with Goddess Sita, and Lakshman in our hearts. Oh! Prabho, you are that supreme Bhramam perceived by the Santh Mahathma and noble souls undertaking austerities, Tapasya, vows, celibacy, Shamadhamadhi, etc, Oh! Prabho, you have a marvelous appearance that entices the whole Universe, you have been too kind and compassionate to your devotees always, hence you have decided to seek my advice. Oh! Lord of Raghu, this is one of the marvelous forests called Panchavati, situated in the Dhandaka forest, you have sanctified this forest with your footprints, and removed this beautiful land from the curse of Shukracharya. Oh! Prabho, kindly reside in Panchavati, and consider it as your abode to undertake austerities and penances, and thereby shower your auspicious grace on all these Sages residing in the Panchavati.” Rama after receiving permission from Sage Agasthya proceeded to Panchavati.

Muni Samooha Maha Baite  Sanmukha Sab Ki Aur | Saradhaindhu Thana Chithavath Manahu Nikara Chakora ||

Thab Raghubeer Kaha Muni Pahi | Thumha San Prabhu Dhurava Kacchu Nahi || Thumha Janahu Jehi Karana Aayau | Thathe Thatha Na Kahi Samujjayau || Ab So Manthra  Dhehu Prabhu Mohi | Jehi Prakara Marau Munidhrohi || Muni Musukane  Suni Prabhu Bani | Poochehu Natha Mohi Ka Jani || Thumhareya Bhajana Prabhava Adhari | Janau Mahima Kacchuka Thumhari || Umira Tharu Bisala Thava Maya | Phala Bhramanda Aneka  Nikaya || Jeeva Charachara Janthu Samana | Bheethara Basahi Na Janahi Aana || The Phala Bhacchaka Kadina Karala | Thava  Bhaya Daratha Sadha Soau Kala|| The Thumha Sakala Lokapathi Sayi | Poocheahu Mohi  Manuja Ki Nayi || Yaha Bara Magau Kripaniketha | Basahu Hridhaya Sri Anuja Sametha || Abirala Bhagathi  Birathi Sathsanga | Charana Saroruha Preethi Abhanga || Jadhdhyapi Bhrama Akhanda Aanantha | Anubhava Gamya Bhajahi Jehi Santha || Asa Thava Roopa Bakhanau Janau | Phiri Phiri Saguna Bhrama Rathi Manau || Santhatha Dhasanha Dhehu Badayi| Thathe Mohi Poochehu Raghurayi || Hai Prabhu Parama Manohara Dau | Pavana Panchabati Thehi Nau || Dhandaka Bana Puneetha Prabhu Karahu | Ugra Sapa Munibara Kara Harahu || Basa Karahu Thaha Raghukula Raya | Keeje Sakala Muninha Para Dhaya || Chale Rama Muni Aayasu Payi | Thurathahi Panchabati Niarayi ||