Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – The queen mothers receiving the grooms and brides at the entrance of the palace

 

Chapter – 342– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda– The queen mothers receiving the grooms and brides at the entrance of the palace

 

The wedding procession arrived at the entrance of Palace of King Dhasharatha, where there was Devi Kausalya, Devi Kaikeyi, and Devi Sumithra and all the members of the family were stood,  holding a tray full of Mangaladhravya and earthen lamps. All of them were equally yearning to witness the grooms and brides, they waved lights on the couples, stood motionless, raptured in various emotions which were beyond description. The queen mothers offered an abundance of precious ornaments, gifts, jewels, precious articles to their daughters in law, they behold the loveliness of four sons alongside the beautiful brides, they could not take eyes off from Lord Rama and Devi Janaki realized that they have achieved the fruitfulness of their lives, there is nothing remaining to achieve in this life. The companions of queen mothers gazed at the splendor of Devi Sita and sang beautifully praising the fortune of the Raghu clan. The deities drenched in bliss kept showering flowers, the celestial apsaras, and Gandharvas beautifully performed to the tune of divine music instruments, offering homage to the supreme Bhramam incarnated as the jewel of the Raghu clan. Devi Sarada who is the Goddess of speech lost words to praise the loveliness of the couples, and all her trails seemed fruitless, she stood motionless watching the splendor of the couples.

Yehi Bidhi Sabahi Dhetha Sukhu Aye Rajadhuara | Mudhitha Mathu Paricchani Karahi Bandhunha Sametha Kumara ||

Karahi Aarathi Barahi Bara | Premu Pramodhu Kahai Ko Para || Bhooshanamani Pat  Nana Jathi | Karahi Nicchavari Aganitha Bhanthi || Bandhunha Sametha Dhekhi Sutha Chari | Paramanandha Magana Mahathari || Puni Puni Siyarama Cchabi Dhekhi | Mudhitha Saphala Jagajeevana Lekhi || Sakhi Siya Mukha Puni Puni Chahi | Gana Karahi Nija Sukritha Sarahi || Barashahi Sumana  Cchanahi Cchana Dheva | Nachahi Gavahi Lavahi Seva || Dhekhi Manohara Chariau Jori | Saradha Upama Sakala Dadori || Dhetha Na  Banahi Nipata Laghu Lagi | Yekatak Rahi Roopa Anuragi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – The arrival of the grand wedding procession in the city of Ayodhya

Chapter – 341– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda– The arrival of the grand wedding procession in the city of Ayodhya

 

There were several auspicious omens visible in the Kingdom of Ayodhya, deities showered flowers from time to time, the celestials beautifully danced to the tunes of divine musical instruments, the Gandharvas sang melodiously, the skilled dancers enthusiastically performed on the occasion of the victory of Rama who is the supreme Bhramam illuminates the whole Universe with his radiance, the Bandhigana and Suthaganas eulogized the glories of the jewel of Raghu’s clan. The ten directions were echoed with the recitation of Vedic chants, the sounds of all types of musical instruments reverberated in the air, the deities and humans were drenched in supreme bliss, the splendor of the wedding procession was beyond description. The people of Ayodhya raptured with great pleasure, they congratulated the King and became cheerful at the sight of Rama, they spread valuables and gifts around the newlyweds as an expression of joy, eyes welled up in tears, bodily hairs stood upright. The beautiful women in marvelous attires and adorned in various ornaments, holding a try of Mangaladhravya and earthen lamps welcomed the newlyweds and removed the evil eyes on them by waving the Harathi around the couples. The women approached the magnificent Palanquin and raised the curtain to have a look at the new brides, they were stunned watching the loveliness of the brides, could not take their eyes off from them.

 

Hohi Saguna Barashahi Sumana Sura Dhundhubi Bajayi | Bibudha Badhu Nachahi Mudhitha Manjuala Mangala Gayi ||

Magadha  Sootha Bandhi Nata Nagara | Gavahi Jasu Thihu Loka  Ujagara || Jaya Dhuni Bimala Bedha Bara Bani | Dhasa Dhisi Sunia Sumangala Sani || Bipula  Bajane  Bajana Lage | Nabha Sura Nagara Loga Anurage || Bane Barathi Barani Na Jahi| Maha Mudhitha Man Sukha Na Samahi || Purabasinha Thab Raya Johare | Dhekhath Ramahi Bhaye Sukhare || Karahi Nicchavari Manigana Cheera | Bari  Bilochana Pulaka Sareera || Aarathi Karahi Mudhitha  Pura Nari | Harashi Nirakhi Kuara Bara Chari || Sibika  Subhaga Auhara Udhari | Dhekhi Dhulahininha  Hohi Sukhari ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – The arrival of the Jewel of Raghu clan, King Dhasharatha to the city of Ayodhya

 

Chapter – 340– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda– The arrival of the Jewel of Raghu clan, King Dhasharatha to the city of Ayodhya

 

The four mothers holding the golden trays full of Mangaladhravya on their lotus hands, joyfully proceeded towards to meet their sons and brides at the entrance, were longing to shower immense love and affection on them, it was the moment of tremendous bliss which was beyond description. Soon, the sky filled with the freshly formed clouds of the month of Shravana, deities showered flowers from the heaven which resembled the swoop of herons taking flight in the sky. The rainbow resembled the festoons of jewels of seven colors, beautiful ladies in stunning clothing and jewels, appeared on the terrace to get a glimpse of the newlyweds resembled the flash of lightning, the loud noise of drums resembled thunder, the line of mendicants, penniless, stood watching in awe resembled the Chathaka, frogs, and peacocks. The deities showered the rain in the form of rich perfumes, that kindled joy in the hearts of the people like paddy crops. Sage Vashishta after perceiving the arrival of the auspicious moment advised the jewel of Raghu’s clan, King Dhasharatha to enter inside the city of Ayodhya. The King Dhasharatha followed by his ministers and twice-born, contemplating upon Lord Shambhu, Goddess Bhavani, and Lord Ganesha stepped into the city of Ayodhya.

Kanaka Thara Bhari Mangalanhi Kamala  Karahni Liya Math | Chali Mudhitha Paricchani Karana Pulaka Pallavitha Gatha ||

Dhoopa Dhooma Nabhu Mechaka Bhayau | Savana Dhana Ghamandu Janu Dayau || Suratharu Sumana Sala Sura  Barashahi | Manahu Balak Avali Manu Karashahi || Manjula Manimaya Bandhanivare | Manahu Pakaripu  Chapa Savare || Pragatahi Dhoorahi Atanha Para Bhamini | Charu  Chapala Janu Dhamakahi Dhamini || Dhundhubi Dhuni Ghana Garjani Ghora | Jachaka Chathaka  Dhadhura Mora || Sura  Sugandha Suchi  Barashahi Bari | Sukhi Sakala Sasi Pura Nara Nari || Samau Jani Guru Aayasu Dheenha | Pura Prabesu Raghukulamani  Keenha || Sumiri Sambhu Girija Ganaraja | Mudhitha Maheepathi Sahitha Samaja ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – Devi Kausalya, Devi Kaikeyi, and Devi Sumithra prepares to welcome the newlyweds

 

Chapter – 339– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda– Devi Kausalya, Devi Kaikeyi, and Devi Sumithra prepares to welcome the newlyweds

 

Mothers worshiped Lord Ganesha and Lord Tripurari who is the slayer of demons of Tripura offered an abundance of gifts to the Brahmins, and received their blessings to achieve four Purusharththa/Dharma, Arththa, Kama, and Moksha. The three mothers were in extreme delight, their feet refused to walk, and the limbs were motionless, raptured in extreme bliss, was yearning to get a sight of Rama made an elaborate arrangements for the welcoming of their beloved sons and brides. The melodious music echoed in the palace, Devi Sumithra rushed to collect the Mangaladhravya, turmeric, vermilion, unbroken yellow rice, flowers, sandalwood paste, musk, Durva grass, curd, leaves of mango, bale, Tulsi, betel leaves and nuts, grains, etc. in large quantities in beautiful golden vessels resembled the nest of a bird of cupid. There were large quantities of scented oils, and waters, collected in stunning golden vessels to receive the brides and grooms. Finally, mothers got ready to receive their brides and sons, with all those Mangaladhravya, and huge number of earthen lamps, singing melodiously, with the beautiful golden trays of  Harathi to remove evil eyes on the newlyweds.

Dhiye Dhana Bipranha Bipula Pooji Ganesa Purari | Pramudhitha Parama Dharidhra Janu Payi Padharatha Chari ||

Modha Promodha Bibasa Sab Matha | Chalahi Na Charana Sithila Bhaye Gatha || Rama Dharasa Hitha Athi Anuragi | Paricchani Saju Sajana Sab Lagi || Bibidha Bidhana Bajane Baje | Mangala Mudhitha Sumithra Saje || Haradha Dhoob Dhadhi Pallava Phoola | Pana Poogaphala Mangala Moola || Acchatha Ankur Lochana Laja | Manjula  Manjari Tulasi Biraja || Choohe Purata Ghata Sahaja Suhaye | Madhana Sakuna Janu Needa Banaye || Saguna Sugandha Na Jahi Bakhani | Mangala Sakala Sajahi Sab Rani || Rachi  Aarathi Bahuth Bidhana | Mudhitha Karahi Kala Mangala Gana ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – The city of Ayodhya decorated in a grand manner to receive the marriage procession of the divine couples

 

Chapter – 338– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda– The city of Ayodhya decorated in a grand manner to receive the marriage procession of the divine couples

 

All the houses in the Ayodhya were decorated with Mangala Kalasha, flowers, banners, flags, and rangoli, the entire atmosphere was filled with festivities, Lord Bhrama and deities envied watching the splendor of the birthplace of Lord of Raghu's. The Palace of King Dhasharatha was decorated in a grand manner, enticed the heart of Lord Kamadeva. The country was witnessing several auspicious omens, flourished with rich natural and mineral wealth, eight types of Sidhdhis assumed the human form and resided in the palace of Dhasharatha, brought the welfare and happiness in the city. All the eyes were set on the divine couple Lord Rama and Vaidhehi, the married women/Suvasinis excelled the beauty of Devi Rathi, attired in marvelous clothes and ornaments, rushed to get a glimpse of the Vidheha’s daughter, these Suvasinis were holding a golden tray full of Mangaladhravya, earthen lamps, flowers, unbroken yellow rice, vermilion, sandalwood paste, musk, etc. to remove evil eyes from the couple, as these women singing melodious music resembled Goddess Bharathi/goddess of speech have assumed the forms of Suvasinis. The palace of Ayodhya reverberated with the melodious music of divine instruments, the happiness of Mother Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumithra was beyond description, envisaging the stunningly beautiful brides besides their charming sons, forgot their existence, transported to a state of supreme bliss.

 

Bibidha Bhanthi Mangala Kalasa Griha Griha Rache Savari | Sura Bhramadhi Sihahi Sab Raghubara Puri Nihari ||

Bhoopa Bhavanu Thehi Avasara Soha | Rachana Dhekhi Madhana Manu Moha || Mangala Saguna Manoharathayi | Ridhi Sidhi Sukha Sampadha Suhayi || Janu Ucchaha Sab Sahaja Suhaye | Thanudhari Dhari Dhasharatha Griha Cchaye || Dhekhana Hethu Rama Baidhehi | Kahahu Lalasa Hohi Na Kehi || Jootha Jootha Mili Chali Suasini | Nija Cchabi Nidharahi Madhana Bilasini || Sakala Sumangala Saje Aarathi | Gavahi Janu  Bahu Besha Bharathi || Bhoopathi Bhavana Kolahalu Hoyi | Jayi Na  Barani Samau Sukhu Soyi || Kausalyadhi Rama Mahathari | Premabibasa Thana Dhasa Bisari ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – The wedding procession arrives at the entrance of the city of Ayodhya

 

Chapter – 337– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda– The wedding procession arrives at the entrance of the city of Ayodhya

 

The journey of brides and grooms to Ayodhya was indescribable, people who followed the large procession were drenched in great enthusiasm performed various skills to entertain the fellow travelers.  The procession put a halt in between the journeys at the advice of the Sages, finally, the grand marriage procession arrived in Ayodhya on an auspicious moment. The city woke up with the sounds of divine music instruments and conch, neighing and trumpeting of horses and elephants, sounds of rolling the chariot wheels on the pathways, the sounds of cymbals, kettledrums, clarinets, etc. that gave a hint of the arrival of marriage procession, the people of Ayodhya drenched in supreme bliss, stood their bodily hairs upright. The entire city, market places, roads, pathways were already decorated with flowers, banners, flags, etc. the houses were decorated with flowers, flags, and colorful rangoli, the pathways were sprinkled with the rich scented water, the trees of Thamala, mango, Kadamba, Bakula, plantain was loaded with the fruits, the palace of Ayodhya was decorated in a grand manner with exquisite murals, idols of gem studded revealing the skill of artisans.

 

Beech Beech Bara Basa Kari Maga Loganha Sukha Dhetha | Avadha Sameepa Puneetha Dhin Pahunchi Ayi Janetha ||

Hane Nisana Panava Bara Baje | Bheri Sankha Dhuni  Hatha  Gaya Gaje || Jjanjji Birava Dindimi  Suhayi | Sarasa Raga Bajahi Sahanayi || Pura Jana Aavath  Akani Baratha | Mudhitha Sakala Pulakavali Gatha || Nija Nija Sundhara Sadhana Savare | Hat Bat Chauhat Pura Dhvare || Gali Sakala Aragaja Sichayi| Jaha Thaha Chauke Charu Purayi || Bana  Bajaru Na Jayi Bakhana | Thorana Kethu Pathaka Bithana || Saphala Poogaphala Kadhali Rasala| Rope Bakula Kadhamba Thamala || Lage Subhaga  Tharu Parasath Dharani | Manimaya Aalabala Kala Karani ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – The wedding procession resumed their journey to Ayodhya

 

Chapter – 336– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda– The wedding procession resumed their journey to Ayodhya

 

King Janaka approached Lakshman and Ripusudhana/Shathrughna, embraced and blessed them, and bowed in respect to each other. Lord Rama highly praised the virtue of King Janaka and proceeded the journey with his three brothers. Janaka approached Sage Kaushika, and prostrated before him, took the dust particles from the feet of the sage and adorned them on his head and eyes, spoke in a pleasant tone “Oh! Lord of Sages, whoever achieves your sight would get all their wishes fulfilled, and later nothing would become unattainable for them. Oh! Bhagavan, you have brought immense bliss, and fortune to me, you have brought the Lord of the Universe as my son-in-law, which is more than I deserved to achieve, you have showered immense glories and joy in my life which is far more than I could wish in my life.” King Janaka praised Sage Vishwamithra in humble words, and prostrated before him and received the blessings of the Sage. Soon the people of Ayodhya began the journey, the sounds of divine music reverberated in the air, the whole creatures of the Universe transported to the state of ecstasy watching the grand procession of the divine couple. The men and women of the villages fixed their gaze on the charming Lord of Raghu and achieved the fruitfulness of their lives.

Mile Lakhana Ripusoodhanahi Dheenhi Aseesa Maheesa | Bhaye Paraspara Premabasa Phiri Phiri Navahi Seesa ||

Bar Bar Kari Binaya Badayi | Raghupathi Chale Sanga  Sab Bhayi || Janaka Gahe Kausika Padha Jayi | Charanarenu Sira  Nayananha Layi || Sunu Muneesa Bara Dharsana Thore | Agamu Na Kacchu Pratheethi Man More || Jo Sukhu Sujasu Sulabha Mohi Swami | Sab Sidhi Thava Dharasana Anugami || Keenhi Binaya  Puni Puni Siru Nayi | Phire Maheesu Aasisha Payi || Chali Barath Nisana Bajayi | Mudhitha Cchot Bada Sab Samudhayi|| Ramahi Nirakhi Grama Nara Nari | Payi Nayana Phalu Hohi Sukhari ||