Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – The glorious legend of Lord Sri Ramachandra serve the purpose of life-giving nectar to the distressed, a ferry to cross the ocean of Samsara

 

Chapter – 31 – Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – The glorious legend of Lord Sri Ramachandra serve the purpose of life-giving nectar to the distressed, a ferry to cross the ocean of Samsara

 

I was highly fortunate to listen to the  glorious myth of Lord Sri Ramachandra several times during my childhood days, from my preceptor in the Sookarakshethra, I was ignorant, could not take much of it. There is a saying that the listener and the reciter of the glorious legend of Ramachandhra should have possessed wisdom, unfortunately, I was not a qualified person at all, I am a dull-witted, have no sincere devotion or faith, drenched in the impurities of Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha, Mathshcharya, Ahamkara and Mamakara, how could I brief or understand the glories of that Sacchidhanandhaswaroopa Paramathma Parambhrmam?

Yet, my preceptor was too kind and compassionate to me, he repeated the glorious legend of Rama time to time, hence I could understand a little bit of it according to my intellect, I shall make all efforts to describe the same with utmost sincerity, so that I could achieve satisfaction. I am not a learned person, or intellectual, or a person of poetic skills, I shall describe the glorious myths out of true inspiration from the Supreme Lord Hari, it would remove the false perception, ignorance, illusion, grief and sufferings of mundane existence, and it would serve the purpose of a ferry to cross the unfathomable ocean of Samsara. The legend of Rama would remove the impurities of the mind, redundant thoughts of ignorance and illusion, it would destroy the evilness of the Kali era and it is a source of delight to whoever listens or recites. It represents the wood that ignites the sacred fire of wisdom, and peacock to the serpent-like wickedness of the Kali era. It resembles the divine cow Kamadhenu which fulfills all the desires and life-giving herb to the virtuous and noble-souls, it removes the fear of death and delusion, it is a nectar of immortality, remove the shackle of repeated births. It is beneficent to Jeeva to put an end to the miseries and sorrows of worldly existence, like the Goddess Parvathi who is the daughter of Mount Himavan, incarnated at her own will to destroy the demons and reinstated peace among the deities. The glorious legends are passed on to the Santh Mahathma and noble souls for several decades, Goddess Mahalakshmi sprang up from the ocean, the Mother Earth carries the burden of the entire Universe on her bosom, the sacred river Yamuna drive away from the fear of accidental and untimely deaths of her devotees, the sacred land Kashi provides liberation to the Jeeva whoever leaves the mortal coil in the Anandhavana. The glorious legend of Ramacharitha is as favorite as basil to Lord Ramachandra, and truly beneficial to Tulsi as his mother Hulasi.   Sri Ramacharitha is beloved of Lord Mahadeva as the sacred river Narmada, and is a storehouse of happiness and welfare. The legend of Lord Sri Ramachandra is the essence of pure love and devotion, as the love of Devi Aditi to her children/ deities.

 

Mei Puni Nija  Gura San Suni Katha So Sookarakheth| Samujji Nahi Thasi Balpan Thab Athi Raheau Achetha || Shrotha Baktha Gyananidhi Katha Rama Kai Gooda | Kimi  Samujjai Mei Jeev Jada Kalimala Grasitha Bimooda ||

Thadhapi Kahi Gura Barahi Bara | Samujji Pari Kacchu Mathi Anusara || Bhashabandha Karabi Mei Soyi | More  Man  Prabhodh Jehi Hoyi || Jas  Kacchu Budhi Bibeka Bal Mere | Thasa Kahihau Hiya Hari Ke  Prere || Nija Sandheha Moha Bhrama Harani | Harau Katha Bhava Saritha Tharani || Budha Bishrama Sakala Jana Ranjani | Ramakatha Kali Kalusha Bibhamjani || Ramakatha Kali Panga Bharani | Puni Bibeka Pavak Kahu Arani || Ramakatha Kali Kamadha Gayi| Sujan Sajeevani Boori Suhayi|| Soyi Basudhathal Sudha Tharangini | Bhaya Bhanjani Bhrama Bheka Bhuagini || Asura Sena  Sama Naraka Nikandhini | Sadhu Bibudha Kula Hitha Girinandhini || Santh Samaja Payodhi Rama Si | Bisva Bhar Bhar Achala Cchama Si || Jama Gan Muha Masi Jaga Jamuna Si | Jeevan Mukuthi Hethu Janu Kasi || Ramahi Priya  Pavani Tulasi Si | Tulasidas Hitha Hiya Hulasi Si || Sivapriya Mekala Saila Sutha  Si | Sakala Sidhdhi Sukha Sampathi Rasi || Sadhguna Suragan Amba Adhithi Si | Raghubar Bhagathi Prema Paramithi Si ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – The origin of Sri Ramacharitha

 

Chapter – 30 – Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – The origin of Sri Ramacharitha

Oh! Tulsidas, there is no deity as compassionate and kind as Lord Sri Ramachandra who overlooks the mistakes of his devotees.  While living in the forest Rama taken a seat underneath the tree, the Vanaras and bears occupied their seats on the branches of the tree engaged in monkey acts, there is no deity generous as Lord Rama, he is most promising to all. I shall repeatedly prostrate before the supreme Lord Sri Ramachandra who have taken no notice of my sins, I shall begin to describe the splendor of that supreme Lord who is the chief of Raghu's, the mere listening to the endless glories of supreme Lord Raghuvara would remove the impurities of the Kali era.

 

I shall describe the glorious Ramacharitha which was narrated by the illustrious Rishi  Yajjavalkya to Sage Bharadhvaja, which would provide immense bliss to the listener and readers as well. It was previously described by the compassionate Lord Shambhu to his beloved consort Goddess Bhavani, later it was retold to Sage Kakabhusundi/Sage disguised as a crow, an ardent devotee of Lord Rama and well deserved to listen to the glorious myths of Ramachandra. Further, Sage Kakabhusundi narrated to Sage Yajjavalkya and passed on to Sage Bharadhvaja, both are staunch devotees of Lord Rama takes immense pleasure in briefing the pastimes of Lord Rama. These two illustrious Sages are Sarvajja, learned, knower of past, present, future, rejoicing the various amusements of Lord Hari, were considered good listeners and reciters as well.

 

Prabu  Tharu Thara Kapi Dar Par The Kiye Aapu Saman | Tulasi Kahu Na Ram Se Sahib Seelanidhan || Rama Nikayi Ravari Hai Sabahi Ko Neek | Jau Yah Sanchi Hai Sadha Thau Neeko Tulasika || Yehi Bidhi Nija Guna Dhosha Kahi Sabahi Bahuri Siru Nayi | Barnau Raghubar Bisadh Jasu Suni Kali Kalusha Nasayi ||

 

Jagabalika Jo Katha Suhayi | Bharadhvaja Munibarahi Sunayi || Kahihau Soyi Sambadh Bakhani |Sunahu Sakala Sajjana Sukhu Mani || Sambhu Keenha Yaha Charitha Suhava | Bahuri  Kripakari Umahi Sunava || Soyi Siva Kagabusundi Hi Dheenha | Rama Bhagath Adhikari  Cheenha || Thehi San Jagabalika Puni Pava | Theenha Puni Bharadhvaj Prathi Gava || The Shrotha Bakatha Samaseela | Savadharasi Janahi Harileela || Janahim Theeni Kala Nija  Gyana | Karathala Gath Aamalak Samana || Aurau Je Hari Bhagath Sujana | Kahahim Sunahim Samujjachim Bidhi Nana ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – The graciousness of Lord Sri Rama/Rama Kripalu

 

Chapter – 29 – Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – The graciousness of Lord Sri Rama/Rama Kripalu

 

The Supreme Lord Rama who is an ocean of mercy gets highly pleased with the pure love and devotion, Tulsidas is the servant of Seethanath Lord Sri Ramachandra, a wise and compassionate ruler, a great leader of the army of Vanaras and bears, everyone addresses me ‘Rambhola’, hence I claim myself as the servant of Lord Sri Ramachandra, even though I haven’t possessed any qualities in me. I have committed several grave sins due to ignorance and delusion, even the hell would get alarmed to listen to those, and Prabhu Sri Ramachandra who is omnipresent, knower of all, did not take notice of it, instead highly praised my devotion and pure love at his lotus feet. He is too kind and compassionate did not take notice of the sins of his devotees, all that he looks for the devotion and dedication, highly praise the virtues of his devotees to the size of the Mountain, even though it is ant-sized. He overlooks all the sins of his devotees, Rama killed Vali for his misdemeanor of taking possession of the wife of his younger brother.  Further, Sugriva was crowned as the King of Kishkindha, later he immersed in the stately pleasures, repeated the same mistake of Bali started living with Thara who is the wife of his elder brother, eventually forgot the promise to Ram, was forgiven. The same mistake was repeated by Vibheeshana too, immediately after crowning him as the King of Lanka, he started living with Devi Mandodhari.   Lord of Raghu pardoned them and considered Sugriva and Vibeeshana as equivalent to his young brother Bharatha.

 

Sada Sevaka Ki Preethi Ruchi Rakhihahi Rama Kripalu | Upala Kiye  Jalajan Jehi Sachiva Sumathi Kapi Bhalu || Haihu Kahavath Sabu  Kahath Rama Sahath Upahas | Sahib Seethanath So Sevak Tulasidas ||

 

Athi Badi Mori Didayi Khori | Suni Adha Narakahu Naka Sakori || Samujji Saham Mohi Apadar Apane | So Sudhi Rama Keenhi Nahim Sapane || Suni Avaloki Suchith Chakh Chahi | Bhagathi Mori Mathi Svami Sarahi || Kahath Nasayi Hoyi  Hiya Neeki | Reejjath Rama Jani Jan Ji Ki || Rahitha Na  Prabhu Chith Chook Kiye  Ki | Karath Surathi Saya Bar Hiye Ki || Jehim Adha Badheau Byadha Jimi Bali | Phiri Sukand Soyi Keenhi Kuchali || Soyi  Karathoothi Bibheeshan Keri | Sapnehu So Na Rama Hiya  Heri || The  Bharathahi Bhetath Sanmane | Rajasabha Raghubeer Bakhane ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – Sri Ramanama is the source of Happiness and welfare in the Kali era

 

Chapter – 28 – Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – Sri Ramanama is the source of Happiness and welfare in the Kali era

 

 The Ramanama resembles Narakesari, the half-lion- half-man incarnation of Lord Vishnu to protect his child devotee Prahladha from the demon Hiranyakashipu/Kanakakashipu, hence, whoever taken shelter in the Ramanama would get protected from the evilness of the Kali era. The glorious Ramanama recited whether in Bhaya/fear or without fear, humorously or sincerely, pleasantly or unpleasantly, undoubtedly it would provide fruitfulness to Jeeva. I shall repeatedly prostrate before the supreme Lord Rama who is the Lord of Raghu's, and recites his glorious name with utmost faith, and I shall begin to describe the endless virtues of the Lord out of pure love and devotion, I am certain that the grace of the Lord would rectify my mistakes, like a mother to her infant. I shall prostrate before the supreme Lord Rama who is the ocean of mercy and virtues, nurtured this Tulsi, he is my Master and I am his sincere servant. The Veda and scriptures highly praise the benevolence of Lord Sri Ramachandra to the devotees who have taken shelter at his lotus feet, he is impartial to all those good or bad, wise or dull, poor or rich, city dweller or villager, scholar, or ignorant. The King of Kosala Lord Sri Ramachandra is the Jana Shiromani, a wise and compassionate ruler, have great respect and admiration to the Sadhu, Santh, Mahathma, pleasant natured, willing to listen to the pleas of the people and suggest appropriate solution to their problems, was most admired and beloved of the people of Ayodhya. Supreme Lord Rama gets highly pleased with the pure love and devotion, I am a dull-minded Jeeva, can’t find anyone wicked than me.

 

Ramanama Narakesari Kanakakasipu Kalikala | Japak Jan Prahaladha Jimi Palihi Dhali Surasala ||

Bhaya Kubhaya Anakha Aalasahu | Nama Japath Mangala Dhisi Dhasahu || Sumiri So Nama Rama Guna Gatha | Karau Nayi Raghunathahi Maya || Mori Sudharihi So Sab Bhanthi | Jasu  Kripa Nahim Kripam Adhathi || Rama Susvami Kusevaku Moso | Nija Dhisi Dhekhi Dhayanidhi Poso || Lokahu Bedh Susahib Reethi | Binaya  Sunath Pahichanath Preethi || Gani Gareeb Gramanar Nagar | Panditha Mooda Malina Ujagar || Sukabi Kukabi Nija Mathi Anuhari | Nripahi Sarahath Sab Nara Nari || Sadhu Sujan Suseela Nripala | Esa Amsa Bhava  Parama Kripala || Suni Sanmanahi Sabahi  Subani | Bhanithi Bhagathi Nathi Gathi Pahichani || Yaha Prakritha Mahipala Subhau | Jana Siromani Kosalarau || Reejjath Rama Saneha Nisothe | Ko Jaga Mandha Malinamathi Mothe ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – Sri Ramanama is the Kalpatharu in the Kali era – It is the savior in the Kali era

 

Chapter – 27 – Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – Sri Ramanama is the Kalpatharu in the Kali era – It is the savior in the Kali era

 

Sri Ramanama is Kalpatharu which fulfills all the desires and provide all the auspiciousness to the worshiper, it removes the evilness of the Kali era, hence whoever recite the sacred ‘Ramanama’ would get rid of impurities of lust, desire, anger, jealousy, pride, Ahamkara, Mamakara, like the poisonous shrub and gets transformed into holy basil. The sacred name ‘Ram’ provided all the auspiciousness in the four Yugas/Krita, Thretha, Dwapara, and Kali Yuga, and the past, present, and future, and the Earth, Heaven, and neither worlds as well. The Veda, Puranas, Rishis and Sages repeatedly affirm that whoever taken shelter at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Ramachandra, and in the Ramanama with pure love and devotion would achieve commendable rewards at all times. In the Krita Yuga, the people were engaged in Tapasya/extreme penance to achieve the grace of Lord, in the  Thretha Yuga people were immersed in the performance of spiritual and religious rites, and fire sacrifices to please the Lord,  in the Dwapara Yuga the worship of deities began to earn the desired results, thus the  idol worship came into practice, and in the Kali Yuga nothing of the above would yield the grace of Lord, due to the impurities of mind and evilness of Kali era the Jeeva splashing in the ocean of sins, hence the mere recitation of ‘Ramanama’ would provide all the desired results to the worshiper, it would destroy the illusion and ignorance in the Jeeva, remove the impurities of Ahamkara and Mamakara, thereby the sufferings and the grief of Samsara. The Ramanama is the savior in the Kali era, it is like the father and mother to the Jeeva who have taken shelter in it achieves auspiciousness in the Iha/life on the Earth and Paraloka/life after death as well.  In the Kali era the Karma/deeds lacks purity and the Bhakti/devotion has become the mere show-off and the Gnana/wisdom and intellect got tarnished, therefore the ‘Ramanama’ is the safest asylum to the Jeeva who yearn for liberation from the sufferings and grief of Samsara and Samsara Chakra. The Kali era is full of wickedness as the demon Kalanemi who met miserable death in the hands of Pavanasutha, therefore, the Ramanama resemble the valorous Hanuman who is the safest haven to the Jeeva taken shelter in it.

 

Namu Ramko Kalpathru Kali  Kalyan Nivasu | Jo Sumirath Bhayo Bhanga The Tulsi  Tulasidasu ||

Chahu Juga Theeni Kal Hithu Loka | Bhaya Nama Japi  Jeev Bisoka || Bedha Puran Santh Math Yehu | Sakala Sukrutha Phala Rama Sanehu || Dhyanu Prathama Juga  Maghabidhi Dhuje | Dhvapar Parithoshath Prabhu Pooje || Kali Keval Mala Moola Maleena | Papa Payonidhi Janaman Meena || Nama Kamatharu Kala Karala | Sumirath Samana Sakala Jaga Jala || Ramanama Kali Abhimath Dhatha| Hitha Paraloka Loka Pithu Matha|| Nahim Kali Karama Na  Bhagathi Bibeku | Ramanama Avalamban Yeku || Kalanemi Kali Kapat Nidhanu | Nama Sumathi Samarath Hanumanu ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – The splendor of Sri Ramanama – Lord Mahadeva/Avinashi achieved immortality with the recitation of Ramanama

 

Chapter – 26 – Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – The splendor of Sri Ramanama – Lord Mahadeva/Avinashi achieved immortality with the recitation of Ramanama

 

The supreme Lord Mahesha composed a hundred crores of verses praising the splendor of Lord Sri Ramachandra and it was equally divided among the deities, humans, and demons, finally, all that he much preferred to keep it with him was the sacred syllable ‘Ra and Ma’, therefore Lord Bhrama and Lord Rama highly eulogize the graciousness of Lord Mahadeva who is the bestower of boons. Lord Shambhu achieved immortality/Avinashi, with the constant recitation of Sri Ramanama, as a result the toxic poison like Kalakoot turned out an ornament on his neck. Lord Mahadeva is the storehouse of virtues and auspiciousness, even though decorated in an inauspicious garland of skulls. The illustrious Sages, Sanakadhis, Siddha, Muni, Jogi, achieves Bhramasukha/Bhramanandha/supreme bliss with the constant recitation of Ramanama. Maharishi Narada enlightens the Jagath/Universe about the Namaprathapa/devoutness of Nama, he is beloved of Lord Hari and Lord Hara, spreading the Bhakti/devotion and Ramanama.  The child-devotee Prahladha achieved the grace of Lord Hari with the constant recitation of the sacred name and became one of the jewels among the ardent devotees/Bhakta Shiromani.  The little child Dhruva who was humiliated by his stepmother Suruchi, immediately abandoned the home and conducted extreme penance at the instruction of Maharishi Narada in the Madhuvana, achieved the grace of supreme Lord Hari, attained the highest of the honor ‘pole star Dhruva’. The Pavanasutha Hanuman achieved the nearness of Lord Rama with his firm devotion and selfless service to Rama. Hence, the Sri Ramanama is highly propitious to the devotees whoever taken shelter in it, the twice-born Ajamila, Ganika/prostitute, the untamed elephant Gajendra, became staunch devotees of Lord, achieved liberation with the constant recitation of Ramanama. Therefore, I am incompetent to describe the glory and the splendor of practice of recitation of Ramanama which is beyond words.

 

Bhrama  Rama The Namu Bada Bara Dhayak Bara Dhani | Ramacharitha Sathakoti Maha Liya Mahesa Jiya Jani ||

Nama Prasadha Sambhu Abinasi| Saju Amangala Mangalarasi || Suka Sanakadhi Sidhdha Muni Jogi | Nama Prasadha Bhramasukha Bhogi || Naradha Janeau Nama Prathapu | Jagapriya Hari Hari Hara Priya Apu || Namu Japath Prabhu Keenha Prasadhu | Bhagath Siromani Bhe Prahaladhu || Dhruva Sagalani Japeau Hari Nau | Payau Achala Anupama Dau || Sumiri Pavanasutha Pavana Namu | Apane Bas  Kari Rakhe  Ramu || Apathu Ajamilu Gaju Ganikau | Bhaye Mukutha Harinama Prabhau || Kahai  Kaham Lagi Nama Badayi | Ramu Na  Sakahim Nama Guna Gayi ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – Sri Ramanama Mahima - whoever taken shelter in the Sri Ramanama won’t experience grief not even in their dreams

 

Chapter – 25 – Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – Sri Ramanama Mahima - whoever taken shelter in the Sri Ramanama won’t experience grief not even in their dreams

 

The scriptures highly speak about the recitation of Sri Ramanama and Ramanama Mahima, the Bheel Yuvathi Shabari who is famous for her pure love and devotion at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Ramachandra achieved liberation with the mere recitation of the sacred Sri Ramanama. The Pakshiraj Jatayu who fought against Ravana while abducting Devi Sita was badly wounded, left mortal coil on the lap of Lord Sri Rama reciting his name, thus attained liberation from the Samsara.  The Lord protected all those who have taken shelter in him and his Nama. Sugriva who was hiding in the dense forest in fear of Bali lost Kingdom, and his wife, took shelter in Rama, eventually regained lost glories and Kingdom.  Vibheeshana the younger brother to Ravana was humiliated and driven out of Lanka took shelter at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Ramachandra, was later crowned as the King of Lanka. The army of Vanaras and bears who have taken shelter in the Sri Ramanama and constructed a mighty bridge across the vast ocean at the instruction of Rama. All those huge stones and rocks written the Ramanama on it heaved to the ocean were floated on the water and formed a colossal bridge across the ocean. Thus, the army of Vanaras and bears Vibheeshana along with the Rama and Lakshman crossed the mighty ocean, battled against Ravana and annihilated the entire clan of demon, returned with Devi Sita to the Kingdom of Ayodhya. The illustrious Rishis and Sages have sung in praise of the valor of Rama, and the sincere servants of Rama, the army of Vanaras, bear fondly remembered the miracle of the Sri Ramanama recited with pure love and devotion. Hence, whoever taken shelter in the Sri Ramanama won’t experience grief not even in their dreams.

 

Sabari  Geedh Susevakni Sugathi Dheenhi Raghunatha | Nama Udhare Amitha Khal Bedh Bidhitha Guna Gatha ||

Rama Sukanda Bibeeshana Dhoau | Rakhe Saran Jana Sabu Koau || Nama Gareeb Aneka Nevaje | Loka Bedh Bar  Biridha Biraje || Rama Bhalu Kapi Kataku Batora| Sethu Hethu Shramu Keenha Na Thora || Namu Leth Bhavasindhu Sukhahim | Karahu Bicharu Sujan Man Mahim || Rama Sakula Rana  Ravanu  Mara | Siya Sahitha Nija Pura Pagu  Dhara || Raja  Ramu Avadha Rajadhani | Gavath Guna Sura Muni Bara Bani || Sevak Sumirath Namu Sapreethi | Binu Shrama Prabala Moha Dhalu Jeethi || Phirath Sanehu Magan Sukha Apane | Nama Prasadh Socha  Nahim Sapane ||