Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – Devi Bhavani prepares to leave the abode of Mount Himavan

 

Chapter – 97– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – Devi Bhavani prepares to leave the abode of Mount Himavan

 

Himavan and Devi Maina stood before the supreme Lord Mahadeva and reverentially bow down head before him and spoke in a soft tone “Oh! Prabho, I have nothing to offer to you, kindly consider all of us as yours.” They both prostrated before the Lord and clasped his lotus feet. The compassionate Lord Shiva took the couple from his feet and comforted them with soothing words. Devi Mena, with tears overflowing, took hold of the feet of Shiva and spoke “Oh! Prabho, Uma is dear to me as my life, kindly accept her as your sincere servant, and forgive all her mistakes. Kindly, offer that boon to me.” Lord Shambhu pacified his mother-in-law in sweet words, she repeatedly bowed down before the Lord and returned to the palace. Devi Mena called out for Devi Uma, and took her lovely daughter on her lap, and began to speak excellent words on Sthreedharma “Dear child, you have to worship the lotus feet of your husband, it is the prime duty of a virtuous wife. Listen to me carefully, husband is the supreme deity to a wedded wife, she has no one to worship other than her husband.” Devi Mena embraced Uma and kissed her forehead repeatedly, tears overflowing down the cheeks, began to speak “Why did God has created woman in this Universe? Has to remain subordinate always, can’t dream of happiness while pleasing others.” Devi Mena was overwhelmed with emotion, and pain of separation from her lovely daughter, soon she regained her usual self, and Devi Mena repeatedly prostrated before the lotus feet of Bhavani who is the mother of Universe, that was beyond description. Finally, the time has arrived for the bride and groom to leave the abode of Himavan. Bhavani could not leave Devi Mena, she rushed back to her mother and embraced her again and again.

 

Dhayija Jiyo Bahu Bhanthi Puni  Kar Jori Himabhoodhara Kahyo | Ka Dheau Puranakama Sankar Charana Pankaja Gahi Rahyo || Siva Kripasagar Sasur Kar Santhoshu Sab Bhanthi Hi Kiyo | Puni Gahe Padha Pathoja Mayana Prema Paripoorana Hiyo ||

Natha Uma Mama Prana Sama  Grihakinkari Karehu | Cchamehu Sakala Aparadha Ab  Hoyi Prasanna Baru  Dhehu ||

Bahu Bidhi Sambhu Sasu Samujjayi | Gavani Bhavana Charana Siru  Nayi || Janani Uma Boli Thab Leenhi | Lai Ucchanga  Sundhar  Sikha Dheenhi || Karehu Sadha Sankara Padha Pooja | Naridharamu Pathi Dheau Na Dhooja || Bachana Kahath Bhare  Lochana Bari | Bahuri Layi Ura Leenhi Kumari || Katha Bidhi Srijji Nari  Jaga Mahi | Paradheena Sapanehu Sukhu Nahi || Mei Athi Prema Bikala Mahathari | Dheeraju Keenha Kusamaya Bichari || Puni Puni Milathi Parathi Gahi Charana | Paramapremu Kacchu Jayi Na Barana || Sab Narinha Mili Bheti Bhavani | Jayi Janani Ura Puni Lapatani ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – The grand wedding ceremony of Goddess Bhavani and Lord Shambhu

 

Chapter – 99– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – The grand wedding ceremony of Goddess Bhavani and Lord Shambhu

 

The splendor of Jagathjanani Paramba Bhagavathi was beyond description, the Vedas, thousand hooded Adhishesha, and Goddess Saradha who symbolizes excellence in speech found it difficult to describe her loveliness, hence what did this dull-minded Tulsi could narrate? Goddess Bhavani who is the epitome of beauty, intelligence, fame, wealth, endurance, was gracefully approached Lord Shiva who was already taken a seat on the magnificent throne. She was too shy to look at the Lord, fixed her gaze on the floor, the honey bee like her heart was already fixed at the lotus feet of Lord Shiva, was taking immense pleasure in it. Sages instructed Lord Shambhu and Bhavani to offer initial obeisance to Lord Ganesha who is the remover of obstacles, do not keep any misconception, the supreme Lord has no beginning or end. Thus, the sages performed all the ceremonial rites strictly adhered to Veda. While the whole atmosphere reverberated with the sounds of Vedic hymns, Himavan who was already known that Uma is the eternal consort of Bhava, performed the ‘Kanyadhanam ceremony of Bhavani’ holding Kusha grass in one hand, and Devi Bhavani on the other, he offered his lovely daughter as wedded wife to Lord Shiva.  The supreme Lord Bhava took hold of the hand of Devi Uma, soon the whole atmosphere echoed ‘Hail Shankara Hail Bhavani! Hail Shankara Hail Bhavani! Hail Shankara Hail Bhavani!” all the deities, Rishis and Sages rejoiced, divine musical instruments reverberated in the sky, deities showered flowers on the newly wedded couple, thus the celestial wedding of Goddess Bhavani and Lord Shambhu took place in a grand manner. The entire Universe experienced extreme joy in the grand wedding ceremony of Lord Shambhu with Goddess Bhavani. Further, Himavan and Devi Mena prepared to send off their daughter to Mount Kailash, on this occasion, Himavan offered loads of food grains, wealth, gold, jewelry, garments, horses, elephants, cows, chariots, a large number of male and female attendants, as dowry that was beyond description.

 

Kotihu Badhana Nahi Banai Baranath Jaga Janani Sobha Maha | Sakuchahi Kahath Shruthi Sesha Saradha Mandhamathi Tulasi Kaha || Cchabikhani  Mathu Bhavani Gavani Madhya Mandhapa Siva Jaha | Avaloki Sakahi Na  Sakucha Pathi Padhakamala Manu Madhukaru Thaham ||

 

Muni Anusasana Ganapathihi Poojeau Sambhu Bhavani | Koau Suni Samsaya Karai Jani Sura Anadhi Jiya Jani ||

Jasi Bibaha Kai Bidhi Shruthi Gayi | Mahamuneenha So Sab Karvayi || Gahi Gireesa Kusa Kanya Pani | Bhavahi Samarapi Jani Bhavani || Panigrahana Jab Keenha Mahesa | Hiya  Harashe  Thab Sakala Suresa || Bedhamanthra Munibar Uccharahi | Jaya Jaya  Jaya Sankara Sura  Karahi || Bajahi Bajan Bibidha Bidhana | Sumanabrishti Nabha Mei Bidhi Nana || Hara Girija Kara Bhayau Bibahu| Sakala Bhuvana Bhari  Raha Ucchahu || Dhasi Dhasa Thuraga Ratha Naga | Dhenu Basana Mani Basthu Bibhaga || Anna Kanakabhajan Bhari  Jana | Dhayija Dheenha Na Jayi Bakhana ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – The bride and groom were invited on the dais to take a seat on the magnificent throne to carry out wedding rites

Chapter – 98– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – The bride and groom were invited on the dais to take a seat on the magnificent throne to carry out wedding rites

 

The most attractive female deities attired in exquisite garments and ornaments, assembled the place where the meals served to their consorts, joined in pleasant conversation kindled laughter among them, and it was continued for a long time, the atmosphere of joy and laughter in the dining area cannot be described in words. At the end of the meal, water was served to cleanse their mouth, and betel leaves stuffed with rich fragrant ingredients was served to the deities, soon they happily returned to their respective fortresses. The Saptharishis assembled in the huge hall in the palace, and reminded the auspicious hours and the preparations for the celestial wedding is ready, eventually the invitations were sent to deities to assemble on the auspicious occasion. Himavan received his guests with great honor and introduced to their throne, a huge raised platform was constructed in the middle of the hall for the wedding ceremony which was decorated according to the Vedic rite, beautiful ladies attired in finest garments and jewelry assembled on the stage sang melodiously. There was a magnificent throne gem decorated, with exquisite paintings and  statues of lions positioned on the dais to be seated for the couple. The Supreme Lord Shiva arrived on the dais, bowed before the Brahmanas/Bhoodevatha, contemplated upon Lord of Raghu's and taken a seat on the marvelous throne. The Sages instructed the ladies to bring the bride on the dais, soon Devi Parvathi attired in stunning garments, finest pieces of jewelry all over the body, appeared in rich bridal costume, accompanied by several beautiful ladies. The loveliness of Jagathjanani Paramba Bhagavathi who is the epitome of beauty was beyond description, none of the poets could describe her loveliness, the deities were enticed in her beauty, soon they regained consciousness and reverentially bowed before the Jagathjanani, who is the consort of supreme Lord Mahadeva. The beauty of the Goddess Uma cannot be described even with the millions of tongues, all the guests assembled in the marriage couldn't take away eyes from the divine couple.

 

Gari Madhur Svar Dhehi Sundhari Bigya  Bachana Sunavahi | Bhojanu Karahi Sura Athi Bilambu Binodhu Suni Sachu Pavahi || Jevath Jo Badyo Anandhu So  Mukha Kotihu Na Parai Kahyo | Achavayi Dheenhe Pan  Gavane BasJaham Jako Rahyo ||

 

Bahuri Muninha Himavanth Kahu Lagan Sunayi Aayi | Samaya Biloki Bibaha Kar Padaye Dheva Bolayi ||

Boli Sakala Sura Sadhara Leenhe| Sabahi Jayochith Aasan Dheenhe || Bedhi Bedha Bidhana Savari | Subhaga Sumangala Gavahi Nari || Sidhasanu Athi Dhibya Suhava | Jayi Na  Barani Biranchi Banava || Baite Siva  Bipranha Siru Nayi | Hridhaya Sumiri Nija Prabhu Raghurayi || Bahuri Munisanha Uma  Bolayi | Kari  Singaru  Sakhi Lai Ayi || Dhekhath Roopu Sakala Sura Mohe| Baranai Cchabi Asa Jaga Kabi Ko Hai || Jagadhambika Jani Bhava Bhama | Suranha Manahi Man Keenha Pranama || Sundharatha Marjadha Bhavani | Jayi Na Kotihu Badhana Bakhani ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – Maharishi Narada describes the self-immolation of Devi Sathi – Devi Mena and Himavan gets rid of perplexities

Chapter – 97– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – Maharishi Narada describes the self-immolation of Devi Sathi – Devi Mena and Himavan gets rid of perplexities

Maharishi Narada continues “Oh! Devi,  Lord Shankara was compelled to discard Devi Sati for assuming the form of Devi Sita and reinstated Dharma and the cult of Bhakti. Later, Devi Sati spends several years of isolation in the abode of Kailash, finally attended the grand Yaga organized by her father Dhakshaprajapathi, in that she was humiliated and forced to self-immolate in the Yogagani. Devi Sati taken birth as Parvathi in your abode, conducted penance to achieve that supreme Lord Mahadeva as her husband. Oh! Devi Mena, kindly gets rid of your anxiousness and grief, she was born to achieve Lord Shankara as her wedded husband, let the couple reunite once again. Devi Girija is beloved of Lord Shankara and they are inseparable.”

 

Maharishi Narada’s advice removed the despair and gloominess in the atmosphere, everyone regained happiness, soon the information spread all over the abode of Mount Himavan, the people were rejoiced and enthusiastic to watch the celestial wedding of Devi Parvathi and Lord Mahadeva. The whole city cheered in delight, Himavan and Devi Mena repeatedly prostrated before Jagadamba Bhavani. The people of the Kingdom of Himavan, the elderly, children, men, women of all age group expressed their joy singing and dancing in praise of the couple, merrily dancing to the tune of divine music instruments reverberated in the atmosphere. The arrangements for the guests were made in an elaborate manner, the sumptuous meal was prepared for the guests, difficult to name the beverages, sweets, and savories, in the abode of Goddess Bhavani who is Mother Annapoornna.  Mount Himavan and Devi Mena reverentially greeted the guests, Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu, and all the deities, and the guests participated in the wedding procession. The guests were served with varieties of extravagant meals, the deities occupied their seats, while the deities consuming meals their beautiful consorts assembled before them took great pleasure in teasing them with their lovely gestures.

 

Siya Beshu Sathi Jo Keenha Thehi Aparadha Sankar Parihari | Hara Biraha Jayi Bahori Pithu Ke  Jagya Joganala Jari || Ab Janami Thumhare Bhavana Nija Pathi Lagi  Dharuna Thapu Kiya | Asa Jani Samsaya Thajahu Girija Sarbadha Sankar Priya ||

 

Suni Narada Ke Bachana Thab Sab Kar  Mita Bishadh | Cchan  Mahu Byapeau Sakala Pura Ghar Ghar Yaha Sambadha ||

Thab Mayana Bimavanthu Anandhe | PUni PuniParbathi Padha Bandhe | Nari Purusha Sisu Juba Sayane | Nagara Loga Sab Athi Harshane || Lage  Hona Pura Mangalagana | Saje Sabahi Hataka Ghat Nana || Bhanthi Aneka Bhayi Jevanara | Supasasthra Jasa  Kacchu Byavahara || So  Jevanara Ki  Jayi  Bakhani | Basahi Bhavan Jehi Mathu Bhavani || Sadhar  Bole  Sakala Barathi | Bishnu Biranchi Dheva Sab Jathi || Bibidha Pathi Baiti Jevanara | Lage Parusan Nipuna Suara || Naribrindha Sura  Jevath Jani | Lagi Dhena Gari  Mridhu Bani ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – Maharishi Narada describes the previous birth of Devi Parvathi

 

Chapter – 96– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – Maharishi Narada describes the previous birth of Devi Parvathi

 

Devi Parvathi calms her mother “Oh! Mother, do not lament over the destiny of mine, do not get anxious. Whatever written on my destiny be it sorrow or happiness, shall reap wherever I go.” Listening to the wise words of Devi Parvathi the ladies assembled were became gloomy, they cursed the creator with tears running down the cheeks. Mount Himavan who was reverentially greeting the guests, hurried back to the palace knowing the distress of Devi Mena, came rushing on feet, with Maharishi Narada and Saptharishis.  Maharishi Narada addressed the crowd of women who were drenched in sorrow and began to describe the past life of Devi Parvathi. Maharishi Narada spoke “Oh! Devi Mena, listen to my words carefully, your daughter is none other than Jagathjanani, Paramba, Bhagavathi, Jagadamba Bhavani who is the mother of the Universe, and it's living and non-living things. She is an inseparable consort of Lord Shambhu, who is supreme Purusha, the whole Universe came into existence from the mother Bhavani and father Shambhu. She is Ardhangi of Lord Shambhu, creator, preserver, protector, and destructor of the Universe as well. They incarnate on the Earth at their own will to restore the righteousness, Devi Jagadamba was born as Sathi daughter of Dhakshaprajapthi in her previous birth, she is the epitome of beauty, wisdom, intellect, fame, and fortune married to Shankara, and later what happened to her was known to the world. One day, while Devi Sati returning to Kailash with Lord Mahadeva found Lord Rama desperately searching for his consort Devi Sita who was abducted by the demon. Devi Sati assumed that the supreme Bhramam personified as Rama cannot act like an ordinary human, went against the will of Lord Mahadeva, put that Lord of Raghu who resembles the sun to the cluster of lotus flowers like Raghu's on a test, she has assumed the form of Devi Sita. Finally, Devi Sati understood her mistake for not believing the words of her consort, got home perplexed and anxious returned to Lord Mahadeva.

 

Jani Lehu Mathu  Kalanku Karuna  Pariharahu Avasar Nahi | Dhukhu Sukhu Jo Likha Lilar Hamare Jab Jaham Paub Thahi || Suni Uma Bachan Bineetha Komala Sakala Abala Sochahi | Bahu Bhanthi Bidhihi Lagayi Dhooshana Nayana Bari Bimochahi ||

Thehi Avasar Naradha Sahitha Aru Rishi  Saptha Sametha | Samachar Suni Thuhinagiri Gavane Thurath Niketha ||

Thab Narada Sabahi Samujjava | Poorub Kathaprasangu Sunava || Mayana Sathya  Sunahu Mama Bani | Jagadhamba Thava Sutha Bhavani || Aja Anadhi Sakthi Abinasini | Sadha Sambhu Aradhanga  Nivasini || Jaga Sambhava Palan Laya Karini | Nija Iccha Leela Bapu  Dharini || Janmi Prathama Dhaccha Griha Jayi | Namu Sathi Sundhar Thanu Payi || Thahahu Sathi Sankarahi Bibahi | Katha Prasidhdha Sakala Jaga Mahi || Yek Bar  Aavath  Siva Sanga | Dhekheau Raghukula Kamala Pathanga || Bhayau Mohu Siva Kaha Na  Keenha | Bhrama Basa Beshu Siya  Kar Leenha ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – The grief of Devi Mena

 

Chapter – 95– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – The grief of Devi Mena

 

Devi Mena wept bitterly “How strange that the Bhrama created the most beautiful female child in the Universe and also created a dreadful mendicant as a groom, a fruit that should adorn the wish-fulfilling tree ordained to hang in the thorny Babula tree. I won’t let this happen to my lovely daughter, I would prefer to kill myself and my child, I would set fire on myself keeping you in my arms, I would prefer to jump down from the mountain peak, I would prefer to jump in the ocean and gave away my life and my daughter’s. I do not care about what the world has to talk about me, or my family, let my home doom into despair, I won’t let this marriage take place, I won’t let my daughter marry a mendicant while I am alive.” All the ladies surrounded Mena became distressed watching the devastated state of Devi Mena, soon the entire atmosphere of joy turned into utter despair, Devi Mena continued to shed tears uttering “What did we do to Maharishi Narada to put us in utter dismay? He ruined my family and daughter’s life, advised her to undertake extreme penance to achieve a mendicant as a wedded husband. Usually, the ascetics are passionless, merciful, abandoned interest in worldly matters, possession, family, wealth. But Maharishi Narada intentionally destroyed my family. He is free to travel three worlds at his own will, has no shame or fear. What does a barren know the pain of childbirth?”. Devi Bhavani regained composure, and approached her mother who is utterly miserable “Oh! Mother, whatever destined to happen cannot be overruled, hence do not worry about it, Oh! Mother, If I was destined to marry a mendicant why should you blame others for it? Kindly accept whatever comes on your way.”

Kasa Keenha Baru  Bairaha Bidhi Jehi  Thmhahi Sundharatha Dhayi | Jo Phalu Chahia Surutharuhi So  Barbasa Baburahi Lagayi || Thumha Sahitha Giri The  Girau Pavak Jarau Jalanidhi Mahu Parai | Dharu Jau Apajasu Hoau Jaga Jeevath Bibahu Na Hau Karau ||

Bhayi Bikala Abala Sakala Dhukhitha Dhekhi Girinari | Kari  Bilapu Rodhathi Badhathi Sutha Sanehu Sambhari ||

Narada Kar Mei Kaha Bigara | Bhavanu Mor Jinha Basath Ujara || Asa  Upadheshu Umahi Jinha Dheenha | Baire Barahi Lagi Thapu Keenha || Sachehu Unha  Ke Moha Na  Maya | Udhaseena Dhanu Dhamu Na Jaya || Para Dhara Dhalak Laja Na Bheera | Banjj Ki  Jana Pravasa Kai Peera || Jananihi Bikala Biloki Bhavani | Boli Jutha Bibeka Mridhu Bani || Asa Bichari Sochahi Mathi  Matha | So Na  Darayi Jo Rachayi Bidhatha || Karama Likha Jau Baura Nahu | Thau Katha  Dhosu Lagayia Kahu || Thumha San Mitahi Ki  Bidhi Ke Anka | Mathu Byarththa Jani Lehu Kalanka ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – The chaos caused by the wedding procession of Lord Shiva in the abode of Mount Himavan

 

Chapter – 94– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – The chaos caused by the wedding procession of Lord Shiva in the abode of Mount Himavan

 

The children flee from the possession after witnessing the groom smeared in sacred ashes all over the body, adorned in venomous serpents, the skin of animals as clothing, the skull of garland adorned on the chest, Ganga and crescent moon on the reddish matted hair locks mounted on the celestial bull, holding Trishula, and Damaru, followed by the numerous spirits, ghosts, etc. in dreadful appearance returned home and addressed parents “After witnessing the horrific appearance of the groom, followed by the huge number of alarming spirits, ghosts of ghastly appearance, who will survive to witness the marriage of Devi Parvathi would be the fortunate one in the Universe.” Thus, the number of children flee from watching the terrifying wedding procession of Lord Mahadeva had nothing to speak about other than the horrific procession of the groom. The parents of children immediately guessed it is none other than the mighty Lord Shiva and pacified their children not to fear Lord Mahadeva who is the savior of the Universe. The prominent members of the assembly of Himavan received the procession of Lord Mahadeva with due respect brought them to the palace and offered stunning fortresses arranged for their stay. Devi Mena prepared fabulous Harathi, a beautifully decorated golden plate full of auspicious ingredients Haldi, Kumkum to receive the groom and his people, she was followed by a group of elderly female members singing melodiously. Thus, Devi Mena holding a marvelous golden tray full of auspicious ingredients moved enthusiastically through the huge crowd to receive her future son-in-law. Alas! the women proceed were shocked to witness the ghastly appearance of Lord Rudra, shrieked out in fear, the next thing, those auspicious ingredients slipped out of their hands and the women flee in different directions. Lord Hara with a smile returned to the fortress arranged for him. Devi Mena could not retrieve the awful appearance of Lord Rudra, she was horrified, and dejected, with mounting grief, called out for her lovely daughter Parvathi.  Devi Mena made Devi Parvathi sit on her lap, and tears welled up on her eyes kept looking at her daughter’s eyes, embraced her again and again. “How did the creator could become so mean and dull-minded to you, found a groom who is having dreadful appearance for one of the most beautiful creations in the Universe.”

 

Thana Cchar Byala Kapala Bhooshan Nagan Jatila Bhayankara | Sanga Bhootha Pretha Pisacha Jogini Bikat Mukha Rajanichara || Jo  Jiath Rahihi Barath Dhekhath Punya Bada Thehi Kar Sahi | Dhekhihi So Uma Bibahu Ghar Ghar Bath  Asi  Larikanha Kahi ||

 

Samujji Mahesa  Samaja Sab Janani Janaka Musukahi | Bala Bujjaye Bibidha Bidhi Nidar  Hohu Daru  Nahi ||

Lai  Agavan Barathahi Aye | Dhiye Sabahi Janavas Suhaye || Maina Subha Aarathi Savari | Sanga Sumangala Gavahi Nari || Kanchana Thara Soha Bar Pani | Paricchan Chali Harahi Harshani || Bikata Besha Rudrahi Jab Dhekha | Abalanha Ura Bhaya Bhayau Bisesha || Bhagi  Bhavan Paiti Athi Thrasa | Gaye MahesuJaham Janavasa || Maina Hridhaya Bhayau Dhukhu Bhari | Leenhi Boli Girirajakumari|| Adhika Saneha Godha Baitari | Syama Saroja Nayana Bhare Bari || Jehi Bidhi Thumhahi Roopu Asa  Dheenha | Thehi Jada Baru Baur Kasa Keenha ||