Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – The three brothers Bharatha Lakshman and Shathrughna marries to Devi Mandavi, Devi Urmila, and Devi Shruthakeerthi respectively

 

Chapter – 317– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda– The three brothers Bharatha Lakshman and Shathrughna marries to Devi Mandavi, Devi Urmila, and Devi Shruthakeerthi respectively

 

Devi Janaki and Lord Rama took a seat on the magnificent throne, King Dhasharatha gazed at the couple without blinking eyes in extreme bliss, a sudden happiness rushed through the limbs, perceived the wish-fulfilling tree bore fruits of his meritorious deeds. The whole Universe drenched in bliss, and the people have nothing to speak of other than the grand wedding ceremony of the celestial couple Devi Sita and Lord Rama. Sage Vashishta advised King Janaka to bring princesses Devi Mandavi, Shruthakeerthi, and Urmila who are the daughters of Kushakethu, the younger brother of King Janaka in bride’s attire. Devi Mandavi who is the essence of virtues, goodness, beauty, and delight, was given in marriage to Bharatha.  Devi Janaki’s younger sister Urmila who resembled the crest-jewel of the charming girls was given in marriage to Lakshman. The fair-complexioned lovely princess Shruthakeerthi who is the essence of virtues, amiability, beauty, was married to Shathrughna/Ripusudhana. Thus, the marriage of the four pairs taken place according to the customary rites and rites prescribed in Veda, all these four couples were equally admirable, were the perfect match for each other, the crowd assembled cheered in extreme joy, and the deities showered flowers on the newly wedded couples.

 

Baite Barasana Ramu Janaki Mudhitha Mana Dhasarathu Bhaye | Thanu Pulaka Puni Puni Dhekhi Apane Sukritha Surutharu Phalanaye || Bhari Bhuvana Raha Ucchahu Rama Bibahu Bha Sabahi Kaha | Kehi Bhanthi Barani Sirath Rasana Yek Yahu Mangalu Maha || Thab Janaka Payi Basishta Ayasu Byaha Saja Savari Kai | Mandavi Shruthakeerathi Urmila Kuari Layi Hakari Kai || Kusasethu Kanya Prathama Jo  Guna  Seela Sukha Sobhayi | Sab Reethi Preethi Sametha Kari  So Byahi Nripa  Bharathahi Dhayi || Janaki Laghu Bhagani Sakala Sundhari Siromani Jani Kai | so Thanaya Dheenhi Byahi Lakhanahi Sakala Bidhi Sanmani Kai || Jehi Namu Shruthakeerathi Sulochani Sumukhi Sab Guna Agari | So Dhayi Rupusoodhanahi Bhoopathi Roopaseela Ujagari || Anuroopa Bara Dhulhini Paraspara Lakhi Sakucha Hiya Harashi | Sab Mudhitha Sundharatha Sarahahi Sumana Suragana Barashahi ||Sundhari Sundhara Baranha Saha Sab Yek Mandapa Rajahi | Janujeeva  Ura Chariau Avasya Bibhuna Sahitha  Birajahi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – Rama applies vermilion on the forehead of Devi Janaki - The newlyweds together completes the wedding rites

 

Chapter – 316– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda–Rama applies vermilion on the forehead of Devi Janaki - The newlyweds together completes the wedding rites

The Vandiganas eulogized the glories of the two clans, the Vedic chants reverberated in the sky, the sounds of divine musical instruments echoed all over, the deities rejoiced “Victory to Lord Sri Rama and Devi Sita! Victory to Lord Sri Rama and Devi Janaki!  Victory to Lord Sri Ramachandra and Devi Janakanandhini !’ and showered flowers on the newly wedded couple. The bride and groom circumambulated the fire gracefully, the crowd took feast on the beauty of the couple with their eyes, the beauty of the couple was beyond description. The mirror image of the couple reflected on all the pillars of the grand wedding hall gave out the appearance of the Devi Rathi and Kamadeva, the couple was bashful, often missed out of the sight of the crowd, all the crowd were transported to the state of ecstasy, and the state of Janaka and Devi Sunayana was beyond description. Rama applied vermilion on the forehead of Devi Janaki, resembled the fully blossomed flower enriched with the pollen, the newlyweds received gifts in abundance, finally, the Sages and Rishis assembled in the hall watched all the ceremonial rites in bliss and bade-farewell to the couple and departed. Sage Vashishta advised Lord Sri Rama and Devi Janaki to take a seat together after the ceremonial rites.

 

Jaya Dhuni Bandhi Bedha Dhuni Mangala Gana Nisana | Suni Harashahi Barashahi Bibudha Suratharu Sumana Sujana ||

Kuaru Kuari Kal Bhavari Dhehi | Nayana Labhu Sab Sadhara Lehi || Jayi Na  Barani Manohara Jori | Jo Upama Kacchu Kahai So Thori || Ramasiya Sundhara Prathicchahi | Jagamagath Mani Khabhana Mahi || Manahu Madhana Rathi Dhari Bahuroopa | Dhekhath Rama Biahu Anoopa || Dharasa Lalasa Sakucha Na Thori | Pragatath Dhooratha Bahori Bahori || Bhaye Magana Sab Dhekhanihare | Janaka Samana Apana Bisare || Pramudhitha Muninha Bhavari Pheri | Negasahitha Sab Reethi Niberi || Ramasiya Sira Sedhura Dhehi | Sobha Kahi Na  Jathi Bidhi Kehi || Aruna Paraga Jalaju Bhari  Neeke | Sasihi Bhoosha Ahi Lobha Abhi Ke || Bahuri  Basishta Dheenhi Anusasana | Baru Dhulahina Baiti Yek Aasana ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – Devi Janaki was given in marriage to Lord Rama - The newlyweds circumambulated the Agni

 

Chapter – 315– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda–Devi Janaki was given in marriage to Lord Rama - The newlyweds circumambulated the Agni

The touch at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Ramachandra who is Paramathma Parambhramam incarnated as the son of Dhasharatha brought sheer joy in the heart of King Janaka and Devi Sunayana, while the huge crowd was watching the marriage ceremony in immense pleasure, the divine music instruments echoed from all over the place, there were cheers raised from the heaven, amidst the crowd and cheers, the couple washed the feet of Lord Rama whose lotus feet resides in the lake like the heart of Lord Shambhu, the mere contemplation upon that lotus feet removes the impurities of Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Madha, Moha, Mathshcharya, Ahamkara, and Mamakara of the Jeeva and removes the impurities of the Kali era, the lotus feet which removed the curse of Gauthamapathni Devi Ahalya, the lotus feet which caused to descend Devanadhi Ganga on the Earth which was taken hold of Lord Shambhu on his matted hair locks, Ganga considered the holiest river who is the purifier of souls which is the shelter homes for the bee-like minds of illustrious Sages and Rishis to achieve the Bhramanandham. The family priests joined the palm of the couple Devi Sita and Rama, and joyously recited the Pravara/the details of the clan of bride and groom, watching the  bride was accepted in the hands of the groom, Lord Bhrama and deities cheered in intense joy. The King and Queen gazed at the newly wedded couple in extreme delight, tears welled up, bodily hairs stood upright, were transported to a state of supreme bliss. Thus, followed by the rites in the family, and the rites prescribed in the Veda, all the wedding rites were carried out by Sage Vashishta and Sage Shathanandha, while King Janaka offered Devi Janaki as a wife in marriage to Lord Rama, like Himavan offered Devi Parvathi as wedded wife to Lord Mahadeva, and the King of the ocean offered Devi Sri Mahalakshmi as wedded wife to Lord Sri Hari. Further, the newly wedded couple together performed various ceremonial rites, fire sacrifices, and circumambulated the Agni.

 

Lage Pakharana Pathapankaja Prema Than Pulakavali | Nabha Nagara Gana Nisana Jaya Dhuni Umagi Janu Chahu Dhisichali || Je Padha Saroja Manoja Ari Ura Sara Sadhaiva Birajahi | Je Sakrita Sumirath Bimalatha Mana Sakala Kalimala Bhajahi || Je Parasi Munibanitha Lahi Gathi Rahi Jo Pathakamayi | Makarandhu Jinha Ko Sambhu Sira  Suchitha Avadhi Sura Baranayi || Kari Madhupa Manamuni Jogijana Je Seyi Abhimatha Gathi Lahai |The Padha Pakharatha Bhagyabhajanu Janaku Jaya Jaya  Sab Kahai || Bar Kuari Karathala Jori Sakhecharu Dhoau Kulaguru Karai | Bhayo Panigahanu Biloki Bidhi Sura Manuja Muni Anandha Bharai || Sukhamoola Dhulahu Dhekhi Dhampathi Pulaka Thana Hulasyo Hiyo | Kari Loka Bedha Bidhanu Kanyadhanu Nripabhooshana Kiyo || Himavanth Jimi Girija Mahesahi Harihi Sri Sagar Dhayi | Thimi Janaka Ramahi Siya Samarapi Bisva  KalaKeerathi Nayi || Kyo Karai Binaya Bidhehu Kiyo Bidhehu Moorathi Savari | Kari Homu Bidhivath Gati Jori Hona Lagi  Bhavari ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – King Janaka and Devi Sunayana washing the feet of groom Lord Ramachandra as a part of the wedding ceremony

 

Chapter – 314– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda–King Janaka and Devi Sunayana washing the feet of groom Lord Ramachandra as a part of the wedding ceremony

Sage Shathanandha and Sage Vashishta performed the customary rites in great enthusiasms, invoked the blessings of the deities, Gauri and Ganesa. The deities assumed the form of beautiful females and twice-born, received the offerings, and blessed the couple. The priests carried out the ceremonies meticulously, whatever they have intended to offer the deities have appeared in their hands in a golden pitcher and trays instantly. Lord Surya observed the customary rites of the family and personally taken care of the ceremonies. Devi Sita was taken a seat on a magnificent throne and began the worship of invoking family deities, the loving glances shared by Devi Sita and Rama were beyond description and it was not perceivable, it was beyond mind, intellect, word. The grand fire sacrifice has begun, the Agnidevatha was overjoyed at an abundance of offerings made to the fire, the four Vedas of Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva disguised as twice-born, guided the marriage ceremony. King Janaka and Devi Sunayana who is the essence of virtues, wisdom, fortune, beauty, and joy, was resembled the creator’s excellence. At an auspicious hour the family priests summoned Devi Sunayana to attend with the members of the family, the Queen along with a large number of Suvasinis present on the dais was received with great honor. The King and the Queen resembled Mount Himvan and Devi Mena who performed the wedding ceremony of Devi Parvathi with Lord Mahadeva. The King and the Queen offered a golden pitcher of scented water, trays full of Mangaladhravya, gems, and jewels, to the groom. The whole atmosphere reverberated with the Vedic chants; the deities showered flowers on them, further the couple blissfully washed the feet of Lord Rama.

 

Acharu Kari Guru Gauri Ganapathi Mudhitha Bipra Poojavahi | Sura Pragati Pooja Lehi Dhehi Aseesa Athi Sukhu Pavahi || Madhuparka Mangala Dhravya Jo Jehi Samaya Muni Mana Mahu Chahai | Bhare Kanaka Kopara Kailasa So Thab Liyehi Paricharaka Rahai || Kula Reethi Preethi Sametha Rabi Kahi Dhetha Sabu Sadhara Kiyo | Yehi Bhanthi Deva Poojayi Seethahi Subhaga Sindhasanu Dhiyo || Siyarama Avalokani Paraspara Premu Kahu Na  Lakhi  Parai | Man Budhdhi Bara Bani Aagochara  Pragata Kabi Kaise Karai ||

Homa Samaya Thanudhari Analu Athisukha AhuthiLehi | Bipra Beshadhari Bedha Sab Bibaha Bidhi Dhehi ||

Janaka Pattamahishi Jagajani | Siya Mathu Kimi Jayi Bakhani || Sujasu Sukritha Sukha Sundharathayi | Sab Sameti Bidhi Rachi Banyi || Samau Jani Munibaranha Bolayi | Sunatha Suasini Sadhar Plyayi || Janaka Bama Dhisi Soha Sunayana | Himagiri Sanga Bani Janu Mayana || Kanaka Kalasa Mani Kopara Roore | Suchi Sugandha Mangala Jala Poore || Nijakara Mudhitha Raya AruRani | Dhare Rama Ke  Aage Ani || Padahi Bedha Munimangala Bani | Gagana Sumana Jjari Avasaru Jani || Baru  Biloki Dhampathi Anurage | Patha Puneetha Pakharan Lage ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – Sage Vashishta and Sage Shathanandha performs the customary rites meticulously following the Veda

 

Chapter – 313– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda– Sage Vashishta and Sage Shathanandha performs the customary rites meticulously following the Veda

Sage Yajjavalkya speaks “ Oh! Mune, Jagathjanani Devi Sita who was accompanied by female deities in disguise, followed by lovely women/Suvasini from the royal family, holding Mangaladhrayas in large trays, accompanied her to the dais. The bride was decorated with the eighteen types of embellishment, has the gait of an elephant, gracefully moved to the center stage, soon the Sages and Rishis got out of meditation, the sounds of Cuckoos silenced in a shy, the auspicious songs of the women were continued, the jingling sounds of the bells adorned in anklets, girdle, bangles were echoed in the air. Devi Sita who is the epitome of beauty shone brilliantly in the middle of the group of lovely women, which was beyond description. The huge family members of the groom witnessed the splendor of Devi Sita who is the storehouse of virtue, fortune, beauty, and bliss, everyone praised her loveliness and greeted her in their hearts. The very sight of the loveliness of Devi Sita aroused desires in the heart of Rama. King Dhasharatha and their four sons immersed in supreme delight, watching the beauty of the bride, the joy of their hearts was beyond description. The deities showered flowers, the Sages and twice-born uttered sacred texts showering benedictions on the bride. The lovely women melodious sang matching to the tune of drums, pipes, etc. the crowd immersed in supreme bliss. The moment Jagathjanani entered the pavilion, the recitation of Vedic chants reverberated in the air, Sage Vashishta, preceptor of King Dhasharatha and Sage Shathanandha, preceptor of King Janaka meticulously performed all the customary rites, and the rites prescribed in the Veda.”

 

Chalilaye Seethahi Sakhi Sadhar Saji Sumangala Bhamini | Navasaptha Saje Sundhari Sab Math Kunjara Gamini || Kalagana Suni Muni Dhyana Thyagahi Kama Kokila Lajahi | Manjeera Noopura Kalitha Kankana Thala Gathi Bar Bajahi ||

Sohathi Banitha Brindha Mahu Sahaja Suhavani Siya | Cchabi Lalana Gana Madhya Janu Sushama Thiya Kamaneeya ||

Siya Sundharatha Barani Na Jayi | Laghu Mathi Bahuth Manoharathayi || Aavath Dheekhi Barathinha Seetha | Rooparasi Sab Bhanthi Puneetha || Sabahi Manahi Man Kiye Pranama | Dhekhi Rama Bhaye Pooranakama || Harashe Dhasharatha Suthanha Sametha | Kahi Na  Jayi Ura  Anandhu Jetha || Sura Pranamu Kari  Barisahi Phoola | Muni Aseesa Dhuni Mangala Moola || Gana Nisana Kolahalu Bhari | Prema Pramodha Magana Nara Nari || Yehi Bidhi Siya Mandapahi Ayi | Pramudhitha Santhi Padahi Munirayi || Thehi Avasara Kar Bidhi Byavaharu| Dhuha Kulaguru Sab Keenha Acharu ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – Jagathjanani Devi Sita was brought in a bridal attire by the female deities who appeared as members of the royal family

 

Chapter – 312– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda– Jagathjanani Devi Sita was brought in a bridal attire by the female deities who appeared as members of the royal family

 

Sage Yajjavalkya speaks “Oh! Mune, it was one of the most propitious moments of extreme delight, hence no one remembered each other’s details, all the eyes were on the Sacchidhanandhaswaroopa Paramathma Parambhramam Lord Rama, who is bliss personified, the whole atmosphere was diffused in extreme bliss. The deities in the guise of twice-born mentally offered prayers to Lord Rama and occupied their respective seats in great enthusiasm. All the eyes set on the loveliness of Rama were drinking the beauty, and the pleasantness of Paramathma at their heart’s content, like the Chakora birds, takes pleasure of the full moon rays. Finally, the auspicious moment has arrived, Sage Vashishta summoned Sage Shathanandha with great honor and informed him to bring the bride to the dais. Devi Sunayana was highly pleased to hear the message of the Sage, she invited twice-born, and the elderly women of the family to perform the wedding rites, including the female deities who have assumed the form of lovely women was beyond description. They melodiously sang various songs, none of them could recognize them as female deities, all the eyes were set on the beautiful women/Devi Sachi, Devi Rama, Devi Sarada, and Devi Bhavani. Queen Sunayana repeatedly honored them and praised their virtues and beauty, without knowing their real identities. These female deities decorated Jagathjanani, Paramba, Bhagavathi Devi Sita in the finest garments, brought her in a marvelous bridal attire, adorned in beautiful flowers on hair and chest, and ornaments all over the body, smeared Mangaladhravya and rich fragrance on her lovely limbs, and they stood as a circle around the bride and brought her to the pavilion.”

 

Pahichana Ko Kehi Jana Sabahi Apana Sudhi Bhori Bhayi | Anandhakandhu Biloki Dhulahu Ubhaya Dhisi Anandha Bhayi || Sura Lakhe  Rama Sujana Pooje Manasika Aasana Dhaye | Avaloki Seelu Subhau Prabhu Ko Bibudha Mana Pramudhitha Bhaye ||

 

Ramachandhra Mukha Chandhra Cchabi Lochana Charu Chakora | Karath Pana Sadhara Sakalapremu Pramodhu Na Thora ||

Samau Biloki Basishta Bolaye | Sadhar Sadhanandhu Suni Aye || Begi Kuari Ab Anahu Jayi | Chale Mudhitha Muni Aayasu Payi || Rani Suni Uparohitha Bani | Pramudhitha Sakhinha Sametha Sayani || Biprabadhu Kulabudhdha Bolayi | Kari Kula Reethi Sumangala Gayi || Nari Besha Je Sura Bara Bama | Sakala Subhaya Sundhari Syama || Theenhahi Dhekhi Sukhu Pavahi Nari | Binu Pahichani Pranahu The Pyari || Bara Bara Sanmanahi Rani | Uma Rama Saradha Sama Jani || Siya Savari Samaju Banayi | Mudhitha  Mandapahi Chali Lavayi ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – King Janaka welcomes the preceptors, Rishis, Sages, deities disguised as twice-born, and the members of the royal family

 

Chapter – 311 (2) – Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda– King Janaka welcomes the preceptors, Rishis, Sages, deities disguised as twice-born, and the members of the royal family

 

The grandeur of the majestic wedding Hall stole the hearts of sages and Rishis, further King Janaka welcomed all the prominent Sages, twice-born and ministers, and led them to their respective throne arranged in a stylish manner. Janaka worshiped Sage Vashishta, the preceptor of King Dhasharatha with utmost reverence, and received blessings from the Sage, next the King passionately moved to Kaushika, and worshiped the Sage with utmost devotion and sought his blessings as well. Janaka worshiped Sage Vamadeva who is the royal priest of King Dhasharatha, and Rishis in an appropriate manner offered them a marvelous throne and received their blessings. King Janaka moved towards King Dhasharatha, and profusely eulogized his glories and nobleness as Lord Shiva, and gracefully revealed his delight to be united with the illustrious clan of Raghus, and kept praising the King of Ayodhya folding his palms together. King Janaka received all the members of King Dhasharatha’s assembly, twice-born, ministers, Sage and Rishis in an appropriate manner and led them to the decorative throne arranged for them. How did I describe the warmth shared by the royal family, and the twice-born, sages and the people assembled with one tongue? Janaka honored all those members of King Dhasharatha with his sweet conversation and gifts. Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva, Ashtadhikpalakas, Surya, and deities knew the splendor of Lord Hari who is incarnated as Rama, hence all of them disguised as twice-born and assembled on the dais to witness the divine wedding. Though King Janaka was not aware of the deities disguised as twice-born, received all of them with great honor and led them to decorative thrones to be seated.

Mandapu Biloki Bichithra Rachana Ruchiratha Munimana Hare | Nija Pani Janaka Sujana Sab Kahu Aani Sindhasana Dhare || Kula Ishta Sarisa Basishta Pooje Binaya Kari  Aasish Lahi | Kausikahi Poojath Paramapreethi Ki REethi Thau Na  Parai Kahi ||

 

Bamadeva  Adhika Rishaya Pooje Mudhitha Maheesa | Dhiye  Dhibya  Aasana Sabahi Sab San Lahi Aseesa ||

Bahuri Keenhi Kosalapathi Pooja | Jani Eesa Sama Bhau Na Dhooja || Keenhi Jori Kara Binaya Badayi | Kahi Nija Bhagya Bibhava Bahuthayi || Pooje Bhoopathi Sakala Barathi | Samadhi Sama Sadhara Sab Bhanthi || Aasana Uchitha Dhiye Sab Kahu | Kahau Kaha Mukha Yek Ucchahu|| Sakala Barath Janaka Sanmani | Dhana Mana Binathi Bara Bani || Bidhi Hari Haru  Dhisipathi Dhinarau | Je Janahi Raghubeera Prabau|| Kapata Bipra Bara Besha Banaye | Kauthuka Dhekhahi Athi Sachu Paya || Pooje  Janaka Deva Sama Jane | Dhiye  Suasana  Binu Pahichane ||