Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – The demon Kalakethu prepares an extravagant meal for the twice-born and their families – The fear and fury of twice-born

 

Chapter – 166– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – The demon Kalakethu prepares an extravagant meal for the twice-born and their families – The fear and fury of twice-born

 

King Prathapbhanu cordially invited the preceptor to the palace, soon made all arrangements to receive thousands of Brahmins and their families for the grand feast which was already planned and declared by the King’s men. The twice-born were invited with utmost reverence, provided them an abundance of charities, as per the Veda, in the meantime, the demon Kalakethu arranged for an extravagant meal of countless menus of Shadrasa/six types of tastes, in a large quantity to serve the thousands of twice-born and their families. Alas! the prepared meal included the meat of various species of animals and flesh of twice-born too. The Brahmanas invited for the meal were respectfully led to the large dining area, washed their feet, and provided a decent seat. King Prathapbhanu began to serve the meal, soon a voice echoed in the sky, it was demon Kalakethu “Oh! Bhramins, do not taste the meal served, get out of the place immediately. The meal served includes the flesh of animals and twice-born, it will take away all your Tapasya.” The Brahmins were alarmed, rose on their feet, hurried out of the dining area, with intense fear and fury. King Prathapbhanu horrified to watch the huge rush of twice-born in dismay, lost his consciousness in extreme terror, became speechless.

 

Nripa Harsheau Pahichani Guru Bhrama Basa Raha Na Cheth | Bare Thurath Satha Sahasa Bara Bipra  Kudumba Sametha ||

Uparohitha Jevanara  Banayi | Ccharasa Chari Bidhi Jasi Shruthi Gayi || Mayamaya Thehi Keenhi Rasoyi | Bijana Bahu  Gani Sakayi Na Koyi || Bibidha  Mriganha Kar  Aamisha Radha | Thehi Muha Bipra  Masu Khal Sandha || Bhojan Kahu Sab Bipra  Bolaye | Padha  Pakhari  Sadhar Baitaye || Parusan Jabahi Laga Mahipala | Mei  Akasabani Thehi Kala || BiprabrindhUdi Udi Griha Jahu | Hai Badi Hani Anna Jani  Khahu || Bhayau Rasoyi Bhoosura  Masu | Sab  Dhvija  Ude Mani Bisvasu || Bhoopa Bikala Mathi Moha Bhulani | Bhavi  Basa Na  Aava Mukha Bani ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – The hermit’s decisive plan against King Prathapbhanu – The hermit appears as a family priest in the palace

 

Chapter – 165– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – The hermit’s decisive plan against King Prathapbhanu– The hermit appears as a family priest in the palace

 

Sage Yajjavalkya speaks “Oh! Mune, as the conversation took place between the King Prathapbhanu and the hermitage, the tasks were carried out by the wicked hermitage, hid the real family priest in a cave in the woods, and presented himself as the family priest before the subjects of his Kingdom. The demon Kalakethu successfully tied the horse in the stable and placed the King beside the queen while the latter was in deep sleep. It was the midafternoon, the King woke up from deep sleep and found him on his bed, stunned and praised the skills of the wicked hermitage at heart. Immediately, he sneaked out of the palace without the knowledge of the queen, mounted on horseback, journeyed back to the dense wood to meet the hermit. It was the late afternoon he returned to the city and witnessed the preparation for the festivities and happiness of the people, the three days of the interval as per the agreement between the King and the hermit experienced too long for the King, anxiously waited for the day to meet the new family priest.  Finally, exactly on the third day, he met the hermit in the guise of the family priest in the palace, soon recollected all those conversations that took place between him and the hermit.

 

Raja Ke  Uparohithahi Hari  Lai  Gayau Bahori | Lai  Rakhesi Giri Khoha Mahu Maya Kari Mathi Bhori ||

Aapu Birachi Uparohitha Roopa | Pareau Jayi Thehi Seja Anoopa || Jageau Nripa Anabhaya Bihana | Dhekhi Bhavana Athi AcharajuMana || Muni Mahima  Man Mahu Anumani | Udeau Gavahi Jehi Jan Na  Rani || Kanana Gayau Baji Chadi Thehi | Pura Nara Nari Na  Janeau Kehi || Gaya Jama Juga  Bhoopathi Aava | Ghar Ghar Uthsava Baj Badhava || Uparohithahi Dhekha Jab Raja | Chakitha Biloki Sumiri  Soyi Kaja || Juga Sama Nripahi Gaye Dhin Theeni | Kapati Muni Padha Raha Mathi Leeni || Samaya Jani  Uparohitha Aava | Nripahi Mathe  Sab Kahi Samujjava ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – The demon Kalakethu begins to work with illusionary powers on King Prathapbhanu

 

Chapter – 164– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – The demon Kalakethu begins to work with illusionary powers on King Prathapbhanu

 

Sage Yajjavalkya speaks “Oh! Mune, enemies should not be considered lightly under any circumstances, even if they are all alone, they are like the bodiless Rahu who torments the Surya and Chandra in all Kalpa. The hermit was happy to meet his close associate demon Kalakethu, rose from the seat, and cordially invited him. They conversed about the King Prathapbhanu who is helpless, seeking shelter in his hermitage, also informed his future plans to destroy the King with his clan. The demon Kalakethu became happy and said “Oh! Rajan, you have well taken care of your enemy as per my advice, cease your worries, and get some sleep.  Oh! Rajan, it is an opportunity provided by God as a cure without the usage of medicine, I know what I should do to uproot our enemy along with his clan, will meet you on the fourth day.” Thus, the haughty demon Kalakethu withdrew from the hermitage in sheer joy. In a few seconds, the demon delivered the horse of the King in his stable, and placed the King Prathapbhanu on his well-decorated bed, beside the queen, in his luxurious chamber.

 

Ripu Thejasi  Akela  Api Laghu Kari  Gania Na Thahu | Ajahu Dhetha Dhukha Rabi Sasihi Sira Avaseshitha  Rahu ||

 

Thapasa Nripa Nija  Sakhahi Nihari | Harashi Mileau Udi Bhayau Sukhari || Mithrahi Kahi Sab Katha Sunayi | Jathudhana Bola Sukha Payi ||Ab Sadheau Ripu  Sunahu Naresa | Jau Thumha Keenha  Mora Upadhesa || Parihari Soch Rahahu Thumha Soyi | Binu  Aushadha Biadhi Bidhi Khoyi|| Thapasa Nripahi Bahuth Parithoshi| Chala Mahakapati Athiroshi || Bhanuprathapahi Baji Sametha | Pahuchayesi Cchan Majj Niketha || Nripahi Nari  Pahi Sayan Karayi | Hathagriha Bandhesi Baji Banayi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – The hermit’s close association with the demon Kalakethu

 

Chapter – 163– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – The hermit’s close association with the demon Kalakethu

 

The hermit continued “Oh! Rajan, I will be in your palace in the guise of your family priest, will make sure to recollect all those conversations that took place between us.” Thus, the King went to sleep, and the Sage did not move an inch from his seat, was restless and anxious. King Prathapbhanu was so tired of a long journey in the dense wood, hence easily slipped off to deep sleep, but the mendicant could not get peace of mind, as he was disturbed by the cluster of thoughts, planning, and plotting, etc. Soon, the demon Kalakethu who was a great companion of the Sage, has possessed great skills in illusionary powers, had assumed the form of a wild boar and appeared before King Prathapbhanu, and led him into the dense forest, was present before the Sage and stood before him obediently. The demon Kalakethu has hundreds of sons and ten brothers of equivalent might, who were possessed great illusionary powers, harassed the deities and holy men. These are the Kshatriyas who fought against King Prathapbhanu, took birth as demons who were already killed on a battlefield by King Prathpbhanu, to put an end to their atrocities against the twice-born, deities, and saints, further they have attained the form of demons for their wickedness. The hermit achieved great association with these haughty demons, was waiting for an opportunity to retaliate against King Prathapbhanu who was fast asleep in his hermitage.

 

Mei Aauab Soi Beshu Dhari Pahichanehu Thab Mohi | Jab Yekanth Bolayi Sab Katha Sunvau Thohi ||

Sayana Keenha Nripa Aayasu Mani | Aasana Jayi Bait  Chalagyani|| Shramitha Bhoopa Nidhra Athi Ayi | So Kimi Sova Soch Adhikayi || Kalakethu Nisichara Thaha Aava | Jehi Sookara Hoyi Nripahi Bhulava || Paramamithra Thapasa Nripa Kera | Janayi So Athi Kapata Dhanera || Thehi Ke  Sath Sutha Aru Dasa Bhayi | Khala Athi Ajaya Deva  Dhukhadhayi|| Prathamahi Bhoopa Samara Sab Mare | Bipra Santh Sura  Dhekhi Dhukhare || Thehi Khala Pacchila Bayaru Sambhara | Thapasa Nripa Mili Manthra  Bichara || Jehi Ripu Cchaya Soyi Rachenhi Upau | Bhavi Bas Na Jan Kacchu Rau ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – The hermit details the plan of actions to the King and promises to deposit him and his horseback to his Kingdom

 

Chapter – 163– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – The hermit details the plan of actions to the King and promises to deposit him and his horseback to his Kingdom

 

The hermit spoke “Oh! Rajan, you can invite hundred thousand of Bhramin a day for the meal, continue to do so, invite twice-born from different regions, in this way, you can complete the vow within a year, I shall make sure to meet the requirements of the sumptuous meal for them. In this way, you can propitiate the Bhramins, in return they perform various fire sacrifices, offering a generous quantity of oblations to please the deities, thus you can achieve the merits from twice-born as well as from the deities. Oh! Rajan, I can’t take part in the function with the appearance of a mendicant, so I shall assume the form of your family priest with supernatural my power and carry out all the functions smoothly, in the meantime, I shall keep your family priest locked in the hermitage for a whole year. I will be attending whatever rites conducted in your Kingdom, as your family priest. The dark hours of the night are already over, you can retire now, we will meet on the third day from today, I shall make sure to safely deposit you and your horse, back into your Kingdom, and you will find yourself in your chamber.”

 

Nitha Noothana Dhvija  Sahasa Satha Barehu Sahitha Parivara | Mei Thumhare  Sankalpa Lagi  Dheenahi Karabi Jevanara ||

Yehi Bidhi Bhoopa Kashta  Athi  Thore | Hoyihahi Sakala Bipra Basa There || Karihahi Bipra  Homa Makha Seva | Thehi Prasanga Sahajehi Basa Deva || Aur Yek Thohi Kahau Lakhau| Mei Yehi Besha Na  Aauba Kau|| Thumhare  Uparohitha Kahu Raya | Hari Aanab Mei Kari Nija Maya || Thapabala Thehi Kari Aapu Samana | Rakhihau Iha Barasha Paravana || Mei  DhariThasu Beshu Sunu  Raja | Sab Bidhi Thora Savarab Kaja|| Gau Nisi Bahuth Sayana Ab Keeje | Mohi Thohi Bhoopa Bhet Dhin  Theeje || Mei  Thapabal Thohi Thuraga Sametha | Pahuchaihau Sovathahi Niketha ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda –The wicked hermit persuades the King to serve the meal cooked by him to twice-born and families

 

Chapter – 162– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – The wicked hermit persuades the King to serve the meal cooked by him to twice-born and families

 

Sage Yajjavalkya speaks “Oh! Mune, King Prathapbhanu fell at the feet of mendicant and spoke “Oh! Sage, kindly be gracious and compassionate to me, Oh! Kripalu, Oh! Dheenadhayala kindly takes the trouble to visit my kingdom by yourself.” The wicked hermit understood the King Prathapbhanu trapped in his snare, felt immensely happy at the thought that it is easy to motivate the King to do things that would destroy him and his entire clan without a terrible battle. The mendicant spoke “Oh! Rajan, I shall tell you the truth, I have nothing impossible in this world to obtain, my austerities, Tapasya, vows are capable to bring all that desired under my feet. I shall make all effort to fulfill your wishes as you are true to words, deeds, and thoughts. The power of Yoga, meditation, contemplations should be kept highly confidential to feel the experience of the succulent fruit of it. Oh! Rajan, I shall arrange to cook a sumptuous meal in large quantities, and you can serve them to the twice-born and their families, in this way you can keep the matters undercover. All that you need to invite and serve the meals prepared to the twice-born in your Kingdom, that would provide an abundance of piousness, and whoever consumed the meal would follow your command without any hesitation. Oh! Rajan, make further arrangements for the same, do not reveal the secret to anyone, take a vow to continue this practice for a year.”

 

Asa Kahi Gahe Naresa Padha Swami Hohu Kripala | Mohi Lagi  Dhukha Sahia Prabhu Sajjana Dheenadhayala ||

Jani Nripahi Aapana Adheena | Bola  Thapas Kapata Prabeena || Sathya Kahau Bhoopathi Sunu Thohi | Jaga  Nahina Dhurllabha Kacchu Mohi || Avasi Kaj Mei Karihau Thora | Man Than Bachana Bhagath Thau Mora || Joga Juguthi Thapa Manthra Prabhau | Phalayi Thabahi Jab Karia Dhurau || Jau  Naresa  Mei Karau Rasoyi | Thumha Parusahu Mohi Jan Na  Koyi || Anna So Joyi Joyi Bhojana Karayi | Soyi Soyi Thava  Aayasu Anusarayi || Puni Thinha Ke Griha Jevayi Joau | Thava Basa Hoyi Bhoopa Sunu Soau|| Jayi Upaya Rachahu Nripa Yehu | Sambath Bhari  Sankalpa Karehu ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – King Prathapbhanu eulogizes the glories of Santh Mahathma and noble-souls

 

 

Chapter – 161– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda – King Prathapbhanu eulogizes the glories of Santh Mahathma and noble-souls

 

King Prathapbhanu sincerely enquired “Oh! Prabho, how shall I get protected from the curse of twice-born? How shall I win over the hearts of them? I haven’t seen anyone gracious than you in all my life.”

 

The wicked mendicant replied “Oh! Rajan, there are various methods to propitiate the twice-born, and it is an extremely difficult task. Ever since I was born and lived all my life in the woods, it is difficult for me to visit your Kingdom, I have not been in the houses or villages all my life, and my visit to cities is forbidden as I am a mendicant. The reality is If I did not make it, that may cause trouble to you, I am in a dilemma now.” King Prathapbhanu replied pleasantly “Oh! Mune, the huge mountains bear tiny grass on their bosom, the vast ocean permits the foam to float on its surface, the gracious Mother Earth bears the sand and the living and non-living on her bosom, likewise, the Santh Mahathmas are kind-hearted and generous, hence the Veda and scriptures highly eulogize the nobility of these Mahatmas.”

Hohi Bipra Basa Kavana Bidhi Kahahu Kripa Kari  Soau | Thumha Thaji Dheenadhayala Nija Hithu Na Dhekhau Koau ||

Sunu Nripa Bibidha Jathana Jaga Mahi | Kashtasadhya Puni Hohi Ki Nahi || Ahayi Yek Athi Sugama Upayi | Thaha Paranthu Yek Kadinayi || Mama Adheena  Juguthi Nripa Soyi | Mora Jab Thava Nagara Na Hoyi || Aaju Lage Aru Jab The Bhayau | Kahu Ke  Griha Grama Na Gayau || Jau Na  Jau Thava Hoyi Akaju | Bana Ayi Asamanjas Aaju || Suni Maheesa Boleau Mridhu Bani | Natha Nigama Asi  Neethi Bakhani || Bade  Saneha Laghunha Par  Karahi | Giri Nija  SiraniSadha Thrina Dharahi || Jaladhi Agadha  Mauli  Baha Phenu | Santhath Dharani Dharath Sira Renu ||