|| Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter -6 - Uththara Kandam

 

 Prabhu Sri Rama honors his guests and bade-farewell to Sugriva, Vibheeshana, Baliputhra, Hanuman, and Guha

Prabhu made arrangements for the comfortable stay of Vanaras in the palace. Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “Oh! Pakshiraja, listen to me carefully, whoever listens or recites the glorious myths of supreme Lord Ramachandra, which purifies the intellect and removes the impurities of the Jeeva, the three types of miseries/Thapathrya/attachments to people, attachments to body and attachments to material welfare, which causes the grief and miseries and worldly existences, eventually pushes the Jeeva to the vicious cycles of repeated births. Whoever listens or recites the glorious coronation ceremony of the supreme Lord Sri Ramachandra would attain Virakthi and Viveka as well. Whoever listens or recites this glorious legend to fulfill their desires would achieve the same, and enjoys the worldly pleasure which is rare even for the deities, ultimately attain the supreme abode of Lord. If this glorious myth was listened or recited by a Jeevanmuktha, or Viraktha or Vishaya Sukhasaktha would attain with devotion with the gradual practice and attain the Paramdhama of the Lord. Oh! Pakshiraja, I have narrated the Ramacharitha according to my intellect, is capable to remove the fears and anxieties of birth and death, and it destroys the miseries and sorrows of the worldly existence. It enhances the Viveka, Vikrathi and Bhakti of the worshiper, which is the safest ferry to cross the unfathomable ocean of the worldly existence.”

 

There were several festivities in the Kosalapuri on a daily basis, the people were immensely pleased, and they have achieved intense devotion at the lotus feet of supreme Lord Ramachandra whose feet are worshiped by Lord Bhrama, Lord Shambhu, deities, and Rishis and Sages. There were several charities that took place, the beggars received an abundance of wealth, and the twice-born received Go, wealth, lands, and ornaments as gifts. The Vanaras were immersed in the Bhramanandham, everyone was highly pleased and devoted to the feet of Prabhu. Thus, no one took notice of the time, six months have passed with all those auspicious festivities, Vanaras have completely forgotten their homes and families like the ascetics never think of ill for others. Raghupathi called for a meeting of his Sakhas, all of them were stood before Rama with great reverence, and Rama advised them to sit before him in a soft voice and spoke “Oh! Sakhas, you all have served me abundantly, how did I praise you in words? You have abandoned your shelter and families for me; therefore you have become beloved to me.  My brothers, Kingdom, wealth, Devi Sita, palace, and my relatives are dear to me, let me tell you the truth none of these are not as beloved as you. It is my nature, all the Masters love their sincere attendants dearly, but I love them more than that. Oh! My dear friends, kindly return to your homes, and constantly contemplate upon me, understand my all-pervasive and promising nature to all and shower your love and devotion upon me.” Those Vanaras forgot their existence listening to the most pleasing words of Prabhu, they have forgotten the place and the zone as well. They stood with folded hands, looked at Prabhu without blinking their eyes. Prabhu imparted the highest of the knowledge of Paramarththa, to them. They were speechless; they repeatedly stared at the lotus feet of Prabhu. Further, Prabhu ordered for precious ornaments and finest garments, Bharatha adorned Sugriva with the finest garments and ornaments with his own hands. Lakshman adorned Vibheeshana with all those finest ornaments and clothes, Raghuveera immensely pleased watching them. Angadha did not move an inch from his seat; Prabhu noticed his contentment, did not call him. Raghunatha adorned Hanuman and Jambavan with finest clothes and jewels, they drank that marvelous form of the Prabhu through their eyes and fixed in their hearts, they repeatedly prostrated before Prabhu.

 

Angadha rose from his seat with folded hands, head hung down, tears overflowing, began to speak nectar-like words “ Oh! Prabhu, Sarvajja, Kripasindho, Anandharoopa, Dheenadhayala, Arththabandho, listen to me. Bali left me under your protection before his death, Oh! Prabhu who is most promising to devotees, kindly do not abandon me, you have taken the promise to protect people who take shelter at your lotus feet. You are my Lord, Father, Mother, and preceptor as well, I have no other shelters in this Universe, I have taken shelter at your lotus feet. Oh! Naresh, kindly understand, what did I do in my home without you? What is there for me in your absence? Kindly protect the child of yours, I am powerless, ignorant, pathetic, and I have no knowledge. I shall perform all those lowly tasks in the palace contemplating upon your lotus feet; in this way, I can cross the ocean of the worldly existence.” Angadha fell at the feet of Prabhu and took hold of it. “Oh! Swami, Oh! Prabho kindly protects me; kindly do not ask me to return home.” The most compassionate Lord with tears in his eyes raised Angadha, and embraced him. He adorned the ornaments from his chest to Angadha, and covered Angadha with the upper clothes from his shoulder, pacified Angadha, and sends him back to Kishkindha. Angadha’s heart was filled in love for Rama. Thus, the Vanaras and Vibheeshana prepared to leave Ayodhya, was accompanied by Bharatha, Lakshman, and Shathrughna. Angadha looked back several times with teary eyes on Prabhu, to get a glance of that Lord and repeatedly prostrated, with a yearning that Rama would call him back. Angadha remembered the Prabhu’s pleasing smile, and casual conversation with everyone, and moved forward. Bharatha, Lakshman, and Shathrughna returned to the palace after sending their very special guests back to their homes. At that moment, Hanuman prostrated before Sugriva and spoke “Oh! Prabhu, kindly give me permission to stay with Lord Ramachandra and serve him for another few days and after that, I will return to Kishkindha.” Sugriva readily agreed to him “Oh! Pavanakumara, you are the storehouse of fortune, go back and serve that Kripanidhi.” And all the Vanaras left, Angadha stood before Hanuman and spoke with folded hands “Oh! Hanuman, kindly informs my salutations to Prabhu.” And Baliputhra returned with the crowd of Vanaras. Hanuman returned to Prabhu and spoke highly about the devotion of Angadha, after listening to those, Prabhu immersed in a state of bliss.

 

 

Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “Oh! Pakshiraja, the heart of Prabhu Ramachandra is harder than Vajra and softer than the flowers. Who will be able to understand that?”Rama called for Nishadharaja and offered finest ornaments and clothes to him, and spoke affectionately “Oh! Nishadharaja, kindly returns to your home and always meditate upon me, and perform all the tasks righteously by word, mind, and deed. Oh! Sakha, you are like my brother Bharatha, and you should make frequent visits to Ayodhya.” Guha felt immensely pleased, shed tears, and fell at the feet of Prabhu, he returned to Shrungaberipura contemplating upon Prabhu, later he detailed all the festivities took place in the city of Ayodhya to the tribal clan.

|| Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter -5 - Uththara Kandam

The Veda and Lord Shambhu eulogizes the Supreme Lord Rama

 

The Vandhiganas eulogizes “Victory to the supreme Lord who has Saguna and Nirgunaswaroopa, incomparable, most attractive, the jewel among the Kings, slayer of wicked demon Dhashanan and his clan. Oh! Prabho, you have incarnated on the Earth to destroy the wicked demons and reduce the burden of the Earth and you have removed her grief. Oh! Dhayalo, the protector of distressed people who has taken shelter at your lotus feet, we shall repeatedly prostrate before that supreme Lord with the Shakthiswaroopini Devi Janaki. Oh! Hare, the Deva, Manushya and Asuras, Chara and Acharas are under the influence of your powerful Maya, Kala, Karma,  and Guna, and hurled in the bottomless ocean of the Samsara, causes to take several births. Oh! Natha, people who have attained your compassionate grace would get relieved from Thapathraya. Oh! Rama, who removes the sufferings, anxieties, and fears of worldly existence, we shall repeatedly prostrate before you, kindly protects us. The haughty intellectuals and whoever does not take shelter at the lotus feet of that supreme Lord who is the remover of fears of worldly existence, even though they attain the highest of the status with the piousness earned in previous births, Oh! Hare, they crumple down with their arrogance. The people who have abandoned the desires of worldly existence and bondage, and engage the practice of intense devotion and faith takes shelter at your lotus feet, and constantly utter your glorious myths and sacred names, easily cross the ocean of Samsara. Oh! Mukunda, Oh! Ramapathe, Oh! Rama, we shall repeatedly prostrate before you. We worship your lotus feet that carry the divine symbols of conch, lotus, Angusha, Vajrayudha, and Pathaka, the feet that caused to descend the Devanadhi/ divine river Ganga on Earth who is the purifier of the universe and its living beings, the feet that removed the curse of Devi Ahalya, the feet that took three strides and measured the whole Universe, the feet that holds the scars caused during the journey in the dense woods, the feet that is worshiped by Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva, and all the deities, the feet that is always caressed by Goddess Mahalakshmi. We worship that Samsaroopi Vruksha that has the Avyaktha Bhramam as its roots, it is eternal, has three states of awakening, sleep,  and dream as its skin, it has six  stem and twenty-five branches, and numberless leaves, flowers, and the fruits have the taste of bitter and sweet, eulogized by Veda and Vedanta. The intellectuals meditate upon the Nirguna Bramham which is invisible can be known through experience, that has no beginning or end, and eternal. Oh! Prabho, we always eulogize your Sagunaroopa and its virtues. Oh! Karunanidhi, Sathgunakara, kindly provide us a boon to have intense devotion at your feet with words, action, and mind.” In this way, the Veda disguised in the form of Vandhigana praised the supreme Lord Rama along with Devi Janaki, and disappeared to Bhramaloka. Sage Bhushundi speaks “Oh Garuda, listen to me, at that moment Lord Shambhu arrived to meet Prabhu, with a passionate voice praised the splendor of Prabhu Sriram.”

 

Lord Shambhu eulogizes “Oh! Ramaramana, Oh! Rama who is the destroyer of Bhavabhaya, Victory to you, kindly protects your sincere servant from the sufferings and miseries of the Samsara. Oh! Ayodhyapathi, Oh! Lakshmipathi, Oh! Devapathi, Oh! Vibho, I have taken shelter at your lotus feet, kindly protects me. Oh! Prabho, you have destroyed the demon Dhashanan who has ten heads and twenty hands and removed the grief of Earth. You have killed fireflies like those demon clan with the powerful arrows that have the strength of colossal fire. Oh! Prabho, you have marvelous appearance wielded in powerful bow and arrow. You are Lord Surya who removes the darkness like Madham, Moha, and Mamakara. The wicked Kama as a hunter pierce the deer like Jeeva, with its powerful arrows resembles Bhogas. Oh! Prabho, kindly kill that hunter/lust and desires/ and protects those hopeless Jeeva stranded in the dense forest like Samsara. Oh! Hare, the Jeeva is under the constant threat of illnesses and pain of separation, definitely, caused because of their ignorance to keep themselves away from your lotus feet. The Jeeva who does not practice devotion and faith sinks in the bottomless ocean of Samsara and eventually hurl into the cycles of rebirths, people who have not taken shelter at your lotus feet would remain pathetic, impure, and depressed always. The noble souls take shelter in your glorious myths along with Anantha, and recites your sacred names, get relieved from Ragadhvesha, Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha and Mashcharyas, ultimately they consider sorrow and happiness, gain and loss, are the same. Therefore the ascetics leave yogic practices and takes shelter at your lotus feet, they constantly contemplate and meditate upon you, they follow sincere austerities, leaving all the impurities of the mind. They consider honor and disgrace as the same, thus they blissfully travel all over the Earth. Oh! Raghuveera, Oh! Ranadheera who resides as the honey bee in the lotus-like heart of those ascetics, I shall surrender at your lotus feet, kindly protects me. Oh! Hare, I shall always recite your endless glories and names, you are the supreme cure for a severe illness like birth and death, and you are the enemy of pride and haughtiness. Oh! Lakshmipathe, you are the storehouse of virtues, and you are the supreme abode of humility and mercy. Oh! Raghunandhana, kindly remove the duality like miseries and grief, happiness and sorrow, hatred and love, gain and loss, etc. Oh! Bhoomipalaka, kindly shower your compassionate grace upon this distressed Jeeva/Dheena. Oh! Lakhshmipathe, kindly grant me a boon to have intense devotion and faith at your lotus feet, and provide me the constant association of the people who ardent devotees of you/Vaishnavas.” In this way, Umapathi praised the supreme Lord Rama and returned to Mount Kailash.

|| Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter -4 - Uththara Kandam

The city of Ayodhya prepares for the grand coronation ceremony of Rama as the King of Ayodhya

Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Bhavani, the compassionate Lord Rama understood Devi Kaikeyi is uncomfortable to meet her children, therefore Prabhu went to meet her in her private fortress, he pacified her and returned his fortress, and the people of Ayodhya highly praised the kindhearted Sri Hari. Preceptor Vashishta called for a meeting of twice-born and advised “ Oh! Vipra, today the Thithi and time are highly auspicious, therefore instruct Raghava to accept the throne of the Kingdom of Ayodhya.” The twice-born assembled were extremely happy and welcomed the very idea of Maharishi Vashishta, they spoke in chorus “Oh! Maharishi, the coronation ceremony of Rama as the King of Ayodhya would provide auspiciousness to the whole world. Oh! Munivara, do not delay it, adorn the auspicious vermilion and sandalwood paste on the forehead of King of Ayodhya.” Sage Vashishta called for Sumanthra and instructed to keep several chariots, elephants, horses, ready for the function, Sumanthra ordered several warriors to collect Mangaladhravya for the coronation ceremony, and he returned and prostrated before Maharishi Vashishta and reverentially stood beside him.

 

The city of Ayodhya got ready for receiving it huge numbers of guests for the grand coronation ceremony of Rama. The deities showered flowers; Sri Rama called his attendants and instructed “Make all the arrangements for the comfortable stay and bathing for my companions/Sakha.” They rushed to prepare all the arrangements for the very important guests of Prabhu, and Prabhu called Bharatha and removed his matted hair locks. The Supreme Lord who is Bhakthavathsala, Karunanidhi assisted his three brothers to have a bath with the various scents and Mangaladhravya. It is impossible to describe the kindness of Prabhu and the fortune of Bharatha, even for the number of Adhishsesha. Prabhu received permission from Preceptors and removed his matted hair locks, and took a bath. Prabhu attired in marvelous garments, decorated with the finest ornaments all over the body, the beauty of Prabhu put shame to crores of Manmatha.

 

Inside the grand palace, the mothers-in-law gave bath to Devi Janaki, attired in finest garments, and adorned in exquisite ornaments all over the body, smeared in auspicious vermilion and sandalwood paste, and rich scents. Thus, Goddess Rama who is the storehouse of virtues and beauty took a seat on the left of Raghurama.” Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “Oh! Garuda, at that moment Lord Bhrama, Lord Shambhu, and all the deities, along with several Rishis and Sages arrived in their celestial vehicles to witness Prabu Sri Ram and Devi Janaki. Sage Vashishta could not remove his eyes off from the loveliness of Prabhu, soon he called for the attendants to bring a magnificent throne gem decorated that has the brilliance of Surya, was beyond description.

 

Sri Rama prostrated before the twice-born and took a seat on that marvelous throne and Devi Sita on his left, witnessing the Janakisametha Rama, all the Rishis and Sages transported to a state of bliss, the Vedic Bhramins recited the sacred texts reverberated in the atmosphere, the deities and Rishis uttered the Jayaghosha, thus Maharishi Vashishta adorned Rama with the vermilion and sandalwood paste, and the twice-born assembled were repeated the same. The mothers were in a state of bliss, took Harathi several times to ward off evil eyes on Prabhu. They performed several charities to the twice-born and the beggars were served with an abundance of wealth enough for their life, so that they need not beg again. The deities produced the sounds of divine instruments watching the Lord of three worlds majestically seated on the throne. Kinnaras and Gandharvas sang melodiously, and the beautiful celestial Apsaras danced to their tune, thus the deities and Sages enjoyed the beautiful ceremony to their heart's content. Janakismetha Rama who has the loveliness of crores of Manmatha, seated on the majestic throne, surrounded by Bharatha, Shathrughna, Angadha, Vibheeshana and Hanuman holding Chathra, Chamara, sword, shield, and spear. The Supreme Lord Rama who has the dark-complexioned physique and the marvelous yellow silk garment, beautiful eyes resemble lotus flower petals, adorned in various ornaments all over the body, broad chest adorned in gem decorated ornaments, adorned in magnificent crown, armlets, waist ornaments, etc. enticed the hearts of the deities.

 

Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “Oh! Garuda, the loveliness of that Prabhu along with Goddess Janaki, and the happiness of the people assembled in the palace were beyond description even for thousand tongued Adhishesha, but it was known to Lord Shambhu who has experienced it. The deities and Rishis eulogized Prabhu Sri Ram and returned to their respective abodes. The Veda assumed the form of Vandhigana who sang in praise of Emperor.  Prabhu who is Kripanidhi and Sarvajja received the Vandhiganas with great honor; none has understood the secret of it. The Vandhiganas has sung in praise of the virtues of Prabhu Sri Ram.

|| Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter -3 - Uththara Kandam

 

 Prabhu's meeting with mothers/Vanaras assumed the form of humans and worshiped the preceptors of Rama and Devi Kausalya/ The city of Ayodhya prepares for the festivities

Bharatha and Shathrughna prostrated before Devi Sita and revealed their happiness. The people of Ayodhya felt extremely happy at the arrival of Prabhu, they have forgotten the pain of separation for the past fourteen years in a moment. Prabhu was watching the crowd of the people of Ayodhya gathered to have a look at Prabhu and appease their eyes, decided to perform an amusement, he assumed several forms of Rama and met each and every people of Ayodhya in person, and thus he showered his compassionate grace upon them and removed their grief. Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Uma, within a moment he enquired about the welfare of the entire people of Ayodhya and showered his compassionate grace upon them, but no one could understand the highly confident amusement of Prabhu. In this way, the supreme Lord who is the storehouse of virtues, and humility, moved forward to meet his mothers, like a calf run towards its mother. The mothers rushed to the site to meet their children like the cow rushes to its calf, Oh! Shive, it was like the mother cow returns home in the evening, after long hours of grazing out of the village, and returns to its calf in the evening shedding milk from its udder. Prabhu remained in the embrace of his mothers and spend some time in pleasant conversation with them. Thus, mothers got relieved from the pain of separation of long fourteen years, finally attained peace and happiness.

 

Devi Sumithra embraced Lakshman, thinking about his sincere devotion to Rama, Devi Kaikeyi felt guilty while embracing Rama. Lakshmana embraced three mothers and received their blessings, even though his dislike for Devi Kaikeyi has remained in the heart. Devi Vaidhehi remained in the embrace of her three mothers-in-law; she prostrated before them and received their blessings. They enquired about the welfare of her and blessed her “live a long and happy married life!” All the people assembled were looked at the marvelous beauty of Prabhu and stood like a portrait; they controlled tears, in the auspicious hour. The beautiful women offered Harathi to Prabhu and kept looking at him, they spread all the auspicious ingredients around Prabhu, and their heart was blissful and serene. Kausalya repeatedly stared at Prabhu and thought “ My children are too tender and lovely, how did Rama kill Lankapathi? Rakshasas are extremely haughty and skillful on the battlefield.” Devi Kausalya looked at the Prabhu along with Vaidhehi and Lakshman and immersed in bliss.

 

Lankeshwara Vibheeshana, Vanareshwara Sugriva, Nalan, Neelan, Jambavan, Hanuman, Angadha, and various virtuous and valorous Vanaras have assumed the form of an attractive human. All of them highly praised the Niyama, Vratha, disciplines, and virtues of Bharatha, they were amazed to watch the devotion of the people of the city of Ayodhya, and their simple way of living, etc. Raghupathi called his Sakhas/Vanaras and Vibheeshana and spoke, “Everyone prostrate before my preceptor Sage Vashishta and Vamadeva, he is most venerable of Raghukula, it was his grace made me possible to kill Ravana and the demons.” Prabhu spoke to preceptors “Oh! Swami, these are my closest associates who worked like ferry to cross the battle against the demons like the ocean. They have sincerely served and offered their lives to protect me on the battlefield, hence they are beloved than Bharatha.” Those Vanaras and Vibheeshana and Jambavan were extremely happy to listen to the nectar-like words of Prabhu. Those Vanaras and Vibheeshana prostrated before Devi Kausalya and receive her blessings ‘You all are like my Raghunatha, beloved to me.” The deities showered flowers and Prabhu entered inside the palace. There were females and males packed all over the palace to have a look at Prabhu and Devi Sita and Lakshman. The ladies decorated their homes and kept Mangalakalasha in front of their homes was decorated with Pathaka and Dhwaja, and various flower garlands decorated the streets and pathways of the palace of Ayodhya. The pathways were sprinkled with highly fragrant scents, there was colorful Rangoli drawn on the street decorated with precious gems and pearls. The whole city was decorated with various auspicious ingredients, it was in a mood of festivities, and there were huge sounds of Mangalavadhya. The females offered various gifts to Prabhu and blessed him. A group of females sang melodiously, and some of the females offered Harathi to Prabhu who removes the afflictions of the worldly existence, in marvelous golden trays decorated with several earthen lamps.  The fortune, wealth, and auspiciousness of the city of Ayodhya were beyond description even for Devi Sharadha, Adhishesha, Veda, and Devi Saraswathi. Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Uma, the Goddesses were in a state of supreme ecstasy watching the prosperity of the city of Ayodhya, therefore how it would be possible for an ordinary human to describe them?” The people of Ayodhya were resembled the lotus flower in the pond of the city of Ayodhya, regained their happiness after a long fourteen years of the grief of separation from Prabhu. Once again, they have recovered the happiness and peace like the fully blossomed lotus flowers, after witnessing the lovely face of Raghurama resembles the full moon. Prabhu showered his compassionate grace upon the people of Ayodhya and entered inside the palace, there were several auspicious omens came into view, the sky reverberated with the promising sounds of Dhundhubi.

 

|| Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter -2 - Uththara Kandam

 Bharatha informs the return of Prabhu Sri Ram to preceptors, mothers, and the people of Ayodhya/The compassionate Prabhu introduce the majestic city of Ayodhya to the Vanaras and Vibheeshan and Jambavan/The meeting of Prabhu Ram with Bharatha and Shathrughna

Bharatha returned to the city of Ayodhya and informed the return of Raghunatha and all that happened in Lanka with great joy to preceptors Sage Vashishta and Vamadeva, further they have informed everyone in the palace about the safe return of Prabhu. The three mothers could not control their happiness; rushed all over the palace and made the preparation to receive their children, Bharatha informed the welfare of Prabhu and calmed them. The people of the city of Ayodhya were in a state of bliss, rushed out of their homes, the beautiful women of the city dressed in finest clothes and ornaments, prepared Harathi for Prabhu, they have arranged golden trays full of various auspicious ingredients like curd, grass, Gorochanam, fruits, flowers, Tulsi, vermilion, turmeric, etc. they left the elderly and infants at home and impatiently waited for the arrival of Prabhu “Oh! Brother, have you met the most compassionate Raghu?” The entire city got a new life and witnessed various auspicious omens, there was cool breeze carrying rich fragrances, and the waters in the river Sarayu was crystal clear. The compassionate Bharatha along with the preceptor Vashishta, Vamadeva, relatives, brother Shathrughna, and several twice-born, went to receive Kripanidhi to the city of Ayodhya. The females in the city took stand on the terrace to have a look of that celestial vehicle when it came into view in their sight, they sang melodiously. It was like autumn moon causes tides in the ocean, the people of Ayodhya crowded to see the Prabhu, were resembled the ocean and the women in the finest garments have appeared as waves in the ocean.

 

The Supreme Lord Rama who has the luster of blue lotus, Surya of Suryavamsha was introducing every nook and corner of the beautiful city of Ayodhya to those Vanaras. “Oh! Surgirva, Oh! Angadha, Oh! Vibheeshana, listen to me, this city is highly auspicious and pure, it is a beautiful city. The Vedas and Puranas highly describe the splendor of the Sri Vaikundam, but the city of Ayodhya dearer to me, only a few know about that secret.  This beautiful city is the birthplace of mine.  It has beautiful river Sarayu on its northern side, the pious and noble souls take a dip in this holy river and attain my supreme abode.  People who live in this marvelous city are dearer to me, this sacred city is rich in all the sense, and ultimately it provides the Paramdhama to the Jeeva.” Vanaras responded in extreme joy “The city of Ayodhya is highly praised by the supreme Lord Rama is fortunate.”

 

Prabhu saw the people of Ayodhya on foot to meet him, soon he instructed the Vimana to land, and instructed to return the abode of Lord Kubera. Thus, the Vimana returned to its place of origin with a mixed feeling of happiness and sorrow. Bharatha who was too thin at the grief of separation from Prabhu came into view with the preceptors Vashishta, Vamadeva, Shathrughna, relatives, twice-born and people of Ayodhya, they approached Prabhu was discarded the bow and arrows and prostrated before his preceptors. Sage Vashishta and Vamadeva embraced them and enquired about their welfare. Rama spoke “Oh! Swami, all our welfare is the results of your compassionate grace.” Dharmaveera Raghava prostrated before those twice-born. Bharatha prostrated at the lotus feet of Prabhu which is worshiped by Lord Bhrama, Lord Shambhu, and the deities and Sages. Bharatha was not willing to leave those lotus feet, even though Prabhu made an effort to raise him. Finally, Prabhu took him forcefully from the feet and embraced him tightly, the Kripasindhu who has blue complexioned stood in a state of bliss in the embrace of Bharatha, and they shed tears. Bharatha remained in the embrace of Prabhu who is the commander of three worlds, was soaked in tears, transported to a worldly of ecstasy. Lord Shankara speaks “Oh! Shive, listen to me, the meeting of Prabhu with his beloved brother Bharatha is not describable, I am incompetent to narrate them, it was the meeting of ‘Prema’ and ‘Shrungara’ assumed in the form of humans. Kripanidhi enquired about the welfare of Bharatha, but he could not speak a word due to extreme grief. Oh! Shive, listen to me, that moment Bharatha was drenched in an extreme state of bliss that is beyond description. Bharatha spoke, “ The Karunanidhi, Kosalaraja, removed all my grief with his presence while I was sinking in the grief of pain of separation.” Prabhu moved to Shathrughna and embraced him; Bharatha and Lakshmana embrace each other. Lakshmana embraced Shathrughna and all of them relieved from the pain of separation from each other.

|| 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.

|| Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter -25 - Lanka Kandam

The concluding part of Lanka Kandam - Rama's return to Ayodhya/Rama visits the hermitage of Rishis and Sages/ The nectar-like marvelous message of Sri Goswami Tulsidas Maharaj

Prabhu Sita Ram took a seat on the grand throne in the celestial vehicle/Pushpaka Vimana, the Vanaras and bears cheered “Victory to Raghuveera’, that celestial vehicle had great speed, the deities’ showered flowers upon Rama. There were cool freeze carrying rich fragrances of fresh alluring flowers, the waters in the ocean, ponds, and rivers were pure, there were several auspicious omens came into view, all their hearts were pleasing and serene, the sky and all the directions looked clear, Raghuveera spoke to Devi Sita “Oh! Sita, look at this place; this is where Lakshman killed Meghanatha, see the places where the demons got killed in the hands of Angadha and Hanuman, look at this place where Kumbhakarnna and Ravana who were the enemies of the deities killed. Oh! Devi, look at this place, here is the grand bridge constructed across the vast ocean, and take notice at the Shivalinga sanctified in this place.” Lord Rama and Devi Sita heartily prostrated before Lord Shambhu.  The compassionate Lord showed and detailed the names of woods he has taken shelter, and the places he had spent in the absence of Devi Sita. Shortly, the celestial vehicle arrived in Dhandakaranya the place where Sage Agasthya and illustrious Rishis lived in the woods. Rama visited all the hermitages of the Rishis assembled, received their blessings and went to Chitrakoot, he met Rishis and Sages in Chitrakoot, prostrated before them and received their blessings as well. The celestial vehicle they have traveled had the speed of wind; Prabhu showed the Kalimalaharini the sacred river Yamuna to Devi Sita. Then he showed the Punyavathi Devanadhi Ganga, and spoke “Oh! Sita, prostrate before her, it removes the sins of crores of Janma with the sight of this sacred river Ganga, Oh! Devi, look at the Prayagraj which is the King of all the sacred places on the Earth. Oh! Devi, look at the highly auspicious river Papanashini and have a look at the river Thriveni which is the ladder to the abode of Lord Sri Hari. Oh! Devi, look at this magnificent, and highly auspicious Ayodhyanagari which removes the Thapathraya and Bhavabhaya of the Jeeva.” Kripalu prostrated before the city of Ayodhya, his eyes overflown with the tears, immersed in a supreme state of bliss. Prabhu took a halt in Thriveni and took bath in the sacred river, performed rites, and various charities with the Vanaras to the twice-born.

 

Prabhu spoke to Hanuman “ Oh! Kapishwara, assume the form of a twice-born, go to Nandagau and meet Bharatha, inform all that happened in Lanka, and enquire his welfare as well, and return to me immediately.” Vayuputhra left to skywards, Prabhu visited the hermitage of Sage Bharadhwaja. Sage received Rama, Sita, and Lakshman with great reverence worshiped and eulogized Rama, and blessed them. Prabhu prostrated before Sage Bharadhwaja, and bade farewell with folded hands, returned to his celestial vehicle. Nishadharaja Guha came to know the return of Prabhu, called out for an urgent meeting of all those tribal people, and ordered his men to arrange several ferries to keep ready for Prabhu. At that moment, the celestial Vehicle took a stop on the riverbank of Ganga at the will of Prabhu. Devi Sita worshiped Ganga and performed detailed rites; Devi Ganga was highly pleased and blessed Devi Sita “Oh! Sundari, have a long blissful married life.”

 

Guha came to know about the arrival of Prabhu, rushed to him with extreme happiness. He fell at the feet of  Janakisametha Rama, Prabhu was highly pleased to watch the devotion of Guha, raised him from the feet, and embraced. Ramapathi who is the essence of wisdom and kindness, embraced Guha and instructed him to be seated next to him, and enquired about his welfare. Guha spoke “ Oh! Prabhu, I am extremely happy watching those lotus feet, which is worshiped by Lord Bhrama, and Lord Shambhu, Oh! Rama who is supreme bliss, flawless, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you.” Prabhu Sri Hari affectionately embraced Guha as if Bharatha.  Guha who was born in the tribal clan, have no wisdom or practices had achieved the greatest fortune in his life. Tulsidas Maharaj speaks “Oh! Prabhu, this dull-minded and ignorant Tulsidas engaged in worldly desires, and completely forgotten to take shelter at the feet of Karunanidhi who is most promising to all. The glorious legend of Ravanashathru Lord Rama provides intense devotion and faith, moreover, it removes the Kamadhi Dhosha of the listener and reader as well. It provides supreme wisdom and knowledge, is constantly sung by Devas, Siddhas, and Sages in extreme bliss. Whoever read or listen to the Rama and Ravana Yudhdham, with great devotion and faith, would attain success, intellect, and perpetual grace of Prabhu. Oh! Mortals, listen to it carefully, this Kali era is the house of evilness, there is nothing that could save you other than the glorious names of Lord Sri Rama.”

 

Ithi Sri Ramacharitha Manase Sakala Kali Kalusha Vidhwamsane Shashtama: Sopana: Samaptha:||