Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Lanka Kanda – The initial prayers – The construction of a mighty bridge across the vast ocean has begun

 

Chapter -1 – Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Lanka Kanda – The initial prayers – The construction of a mighty bridge across the vast ocean has begun

 

I shall prostrate before supreme Lord Sri Ramachandra who has the marvelous appearance, worshiped by Lord Kamari/enemy of Kamadeva, he is the destroyer of fear and anxieties of worldly existence, he resembles lion that attacks the group of elephants, he is Yogeendhra/Lord of Yogis, he symbolizes wisdom and virtues, he is unconquerable, he is free from attributes/impurities, he is dispassionate, he is beyond Maya/illusion, he is Lord of Lords, destroyer of sins and evilness, he is beloved Lord of Brahmanas, I shall repeatedly prostrate before Lord Rama who has dark cloud lovely appearance, beautiful eyes has the resemblance to lotus flower petals, incarnated as the son of King of Kosala.

 

I shall prostrate before supreme Lord Shankara, who symbolizes auspiciousness and virtues, he is the Lord of Kashi, beloved Lord of Goddess Girija/Girijapathi, he is the destroyer of cupid, he has the complexion of conch and moon, great stature, handsome appearance,  and attractive limbs, he is attired in the skin of a leopard, he is adorned in venomous serpents as ornaments all over the body, he is beloved Lord of Devi Ganga and Lord Chandra, he is the destroyer of the evilness of Kali era, he is Kalpadhruma/wish-fulfilling creeper to his devotees, I shall repeatedly prostrate before the supreme Lord Shankara.

 

I shall prostrate before supreme Lord Shankara, who is the ultimate object, and the provider of liberation from the repeated births, he is supreme bliss, he is the destroyer of sins and wickedness, I shall earnestly pray for his compassionate grace on us.

 

Oh! Jeeva, why do not you surrender at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Ramachandra who is wielded in bow and arrow, he is the essence of Time, the fraction of seconds, hours, years, Yuga, etc.

 

The King of the ocean returned to his abode praising the endless virtues of Rama, soon Lord Rama called out for the army of Vanaras and bears and instructed them to begin the construction of the bridge.  The elderly Jambavan stood before Rama with folded hands and spoke “Oh! Prabho, Sri Ramachandra, you are the delight of the solar race, the mere utterance of your sacred name ‘Rama’ would safely cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence of the Jeeva. Oh! Prabho, the construction of a mighty bridge across the ocean won’t take much time for you.” The Lord Vayu eulogized Lord Rama “Oh! Prabho, Sri Ramachandra, your endless glories like the flames are enough to dry up the vast ocean, the tears shed by the wives of your enemies caused the waters to taste salty.” The Vanaras assembled before Rama, looked at the marvelous appearance of Rama, and stood without blinking their eyes. Jambavan called out for the two brothers Nala and Neela, reminded them about their unique powers achieved as a boon, and advised them to contemplate upon Lord Rama and begin the construction of the bridge that would take no time. Further, he called out for the multitudes of Vanaras and spoke “Oh! Vanaras and bears, contemplate upon the lotus feet of Lord Sri Ramachandra, and begin your favorite sport, collect huge trees, mountains and rocks in large numbers.” The Vanaras and bears cheered in extreme delight “Hail Lord Sri Ramachandra! Hail Lord Sri Seethapathi! Hail Lord Rama and Lakshman!”

 

Ramam Kamarisevyam Bhavabayaharanam Kalamathebhasimham | Yogeendhram Jyanagamyam Gunanidhimajitham Nirgunam Nirvikaram || Mayatheetham Suresham Khalavadhaniratham Bhrama Vrindhaikadevam | Vandhe Kandhavadhatham Sarasijinayanam Devamurveesharoopapm ||

 

Shankhendhvabhamatheeva Sundharathanum Shardhoola Charmambaram | Kalavyala Karala Bhooshanadharam  Ganga Shashanka Priyam | Kasheesham Kalikalmashaugha Shamanam Kalyana Kalpadhrumam | Naumeedyam Girijapathim Gunanidhim Kandharpaham Shankaram ||

Yo Dhadhathi Satham Shambhu: Kaivalyamapi Dhurllabham | Khalanam DhandaKridhyoasu Shankara: Tham Thanothume ||

 

Lava Nimesha Paramanu Juga  Barasha Kalapa Sara Chanda | Bhajasi Na Man Thehi Rama Ko Kalu Jasu Kodhanda ||

 Sindhu Bachana Suni Rama Sachiva  Boli Prabhu Asa Kaheau| Ab Bilambu Kehi Kama Karahu Sethu Utharau Kataku || Sunahu Bhanukula Kethu Jambavantha Kara Jori Kaha | Natha Nama Thava Sethu Nara Chadi Bhava Sagara Tharahi ||

Yaha Laghu Jaladhi Tharatha Kathi Bara | Asa Suni Puni Kaha Pavanakumara || Prabhu Prathapa Badavanala Bhari | Sosheau Prathama Payonidhi Bari || Thava Ripu Nari Rudhana Jaladhara | Bhareau Bahori Bhayau Thehi Khara || Suni Athi Akuthi Pavanasutha Keri | Harashe Kapi Raghupathi Than Heri || Jambavantha Bole Dhoau Bhayi | Nala Neelahi Sab Katha Sunayi || Rama Prathapa Sumiri Manamahi | Karahu Sethu Prayasa Kacchu Nahi || Boli Liye  Kapi Nikara  Bahori | Sakala Sunahu Binathi Kacchu Mori || Ramacharana Pankaja Ura Dharahu | Kauthuka Yek Bhalu Kapi Karahu || Dhavahu Markata Bikata Barootha | Aanahu Bitapa Girinha Ke Jootha || Suni Kapi Bhalu Chale Kari Hooha | Jaya Raghubeera Prathapa Samooha ||