Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – ‘Phalashruthi’/the benefits of listening and reading the glorious celestial wedding of Shambhu and Bhavani and the birth of Lord Kumara would bring Dharma, Arththa, Kama, Moksha.

 

Chapter – 99– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda –‘Phalashruthi’/the benefits of listening and reading the glorious celestial wedding of Shambhu and Bhavani and the birth of Lord Kumara would bring Dharma, Arththa, Kama, Moksha.

 

The legend of Lord Shamugha, and the glorious birth related to the six-faced Lord, are widely known to the world, hence I have briefly explained them.  Whoever sings in praise or listens or writes the celestial wedding of the Goddess Uma and Lord Shambhu, and the legend of the son of Brishakethu/Lord Kumara would achieve Purusharththa/Dharma, Arththa, Kama, and Moksha, they would achieve all the auspiciousness and welfare in their lives. The legend of Girija Ramana is an unfathomable ocean, even the Vedas are incompetent to describe them, hence how could this dull-minded Tulsi describe them?”

 

Sage Bharadhwaja was highly delighted to listen to the glorious legends of Lord Shambhu and Goddess Bhavani, his eagerness and enthusiasm to listen them grown beyond boundaries, eyes welled up in tears, bodily hairs stood upright in extreme delight, was overpowered by the emotion, could not utter a word. Sage Yajjavalkya was highly pleased to watch the devotion and pure love of the Sage Bharadhwaja at the lotus feet of Shambhu and Bhavani, exclaimed “Oh! Mune, you are the fortunate one, you have achieved the fruitfulness of your life, you are a staunch devotee of Lord Gaureesha, and the glorious legends of the divine couple are dear as your life. The devotion at the lotus feet of Lord Shambhu and Bhavani is the achievement of devotion at the lotus feet of Raghupathi who is beloved of Goddess Rama. Whoever devoted to the lotus feet of Lord Shambhu are the staunch devotees of Lord Rama.  The supreme Lord Raghupathi is Vrathadhari who sincerely follows the austerities, vows, and promises, he is none other than Lord Shiva, and there is no chaste woman like Devi Sati. Whoever devoted to Lord Raghupathi, won’t find any differentiation in Hari and Hara.

 

Jagu  Jana Shanmukha Janmu Karmu Prathapu Purusharthu Maha | Thehi Hethu Mei Brishakethu Sutha Kar Charitha Sacchepahi  Kaha || Yaha Uma  Sambhu Bibahu Je Nara  Nari  Kahahi Je Gavahi | Kalyana Kaja Bibaha Mangala Sarbadha Sukhu Pavahi ||

Charitha Sindhu Girija Ramana Bedha Na Pavahi Paru | Baranai Tulasidasu Kimi Athi  Mathimandh Gavaru ||

Sambhu Charitha Suni Sarasa Suhava | Bhradhvaja Muni Athi Sukhu Pava || Bahu Lalasa Katha Par Badi | Nayana Hi Neeru  Romavali  Dadi || Prema Bibasa Mukha Aava Na  Bani | Dhasa Dhekhi Harshe  Muni  Gyani || Aho Dhanya Thav Janmu Muneesa | Thumhahi Prana  Sama Priya Gaurisa || Sivapadha Kamala Jinha Hi Rathi Nahi | Ramahi The Sapnehu Na  Sohahi || Binu Cchala Bisvanatha Padha Nehu | Ramabhagath Kar Lacchana Yehu || Siva Sama  Ko Raghupathi Bhrathadhari | Binu Adha  Thaji Sathi Asi Nari || Panu Kari Raghupathi Bhagathi Dhekhayi | Ko Siva  Sama  Ramahi Priya Bhayi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – Lord Shambhu and Goddess Bhavani settles in Mount Kailash – The birth of Shadvadhana/six-faced Lord Kumara

 

Chapter – 98– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – Lord Shambhu and Goddess Bhavani settle in Mount Kailash – The birth of Shadvadhana/six-faced Lord Kumara

 

Sage Yajjavalkya speaks “ Oh! Mune, thus Jagathjanani Paramba Bhagavathi took a leave from the abode of Mount Himavan after receiving blessings from the elderly members, she repeatedly turned back to watch her mother, her female companions took her to Lord Mahadeva who is all prepared to leave with the large number of Ganas. Thus, the newly wedded couple began the journey to Mount Kailash, followed by a huge number of Ganas, a group of celestial Gandharvas and Apsaras danced to the tune of divine musical instruments, the deities showered flowers on the couple. Himavan followed the couple to a fair distance to send them off to Kailash, was pacified and affectionately returned back by Lord Shiva.  Himavan returned to his abode and prepared to send off all his guests, lakes, streams, ponds, trees, and creepers attended the celestial wedding assuming divine form, offered them generous gifts, and send them back with great honor. Thus, Shambhu and Bhavani arrived in the supreme abode Mount Kailash, further, they bade farewell to all the deities and Ganas followed them with due respect. The Jagath Pitha Lord Parameshwara and Jagamba Goddess Bhavani left alone in the Mount Kailash, I shall refrain from the amorous sports taken place between the Universal mother and father. In this way, the divine couple lived in utmost joy in the company of each other for several thousands of years. As a result, the six-faced infant Shadvadhana Lord Kumara was born to this couple, who beheaded the demon Tharakasura in a vicious battle. The legend of Lord Shanmugha is highly eulogized by Veda and scriptures known to all.”

Janani Hi Bahuri Mili Chali Uchitha Aseesa Sab Kahu Dhayi | Phiri Phiri Bilokathi Mathu  Than Thab Sakhi Lai Siva  Pahi Gayi || Jachaka Sakala Santhoshi Sankaru Uma Sahitha Bhavana Chale | Sab  Amara  Harshe Sumana Barshi Nisana Nabha Baje Bhale ||

Chale Sanga Bimavanthu Thab Pahuchavana Athi Hethu | Bibidha Bhanthi Parithoshu Kari Bidha Keenha Brishakethu ||

Thurath Bhavana Aaye Girirayi | Sakala Saila Sar Liye Bolaye || Aadhar  Dhana  Binaya Bahumana | Sab Kar  Bidha  Keenha Himavana || Jabahi Sambhu Kailasahi Aye | Sura Sab Nija Nija  Loka Sidhaye || Jagath  Mathu Pithu Sambhu Bhavani | Thehi Singaru Na Kahau Bakhani || Karahi Bibidha Bidhi Bhoga  Bilasa | Gananha Sametha Basahi Kailasa || Har Girija Bihar  Nitha  Nayau | Yehi Bidhi Bipula Kala Chali Gayau || Thab Janameau Shatbadhan Kumara | Tharaku Asuru Samar Jehi Mara || Aagama Nigama Prasidhdha Purana | Shanmukha Janmu Sakala Jaga Jana ||

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 ||