Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Lakshman reveals his inability to follow the command of Rama in the following words ‘a Swan cannot elevate Mount Meru or Mandhara’

Chapter – 72– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Lakshman reveals his inability to follow the command of Rama in the following words ‘a Swan cannot elevate Mount Meru or Mandhara’

 

Lakshmana overwhelmed with various emotions, clasped the lotus feet of Prabhu Sri Rama and spoke in extreme anguish “Oh! Prabho, you are my Master, I am your servant if you abandon me, who will protect me? Oh! Prabho, you have given me nectar-like advice, but I am fainthearted to follow your instructions, hence it sounds unfeasible for me. Oh! Prabho, who are well-versed in Vedashasthra, noble souls, people of virtues and wisdom are fit to be taught those moral values. Oh! Prabho, I am a child who was nurtured by your love and care, how can a swan elevate Mount Meru or Mount Mandhara? Oh! Prabho, I know no preceptor, father, or mother, all I know is you, hence you are my Lord and Master. Oh! Prabho, all those relationships, love, affections are formed in this life is at your mercy, therefore you are the very existence of my life as declared by Veda and scriptures. Oh! Dheenabandhu, you are that supreme Bhramam resides as a soul in the Jeeva, you are omnipresent, and knower of all, Oh! Prabho, pious deeds should be taught to people who yearn for fame, prosperity, richness, wealth, and glory. Oh! Ocean of mercy, /Kripasindhu, how could you abandon a Jeeva who is already surrendered at your lotus feet by word, mind, and deed?”

 

Utharu Na Avath Premabasa Gahe Charana Akulayi | Natha Dhasu Mei Swami Thuma Thajahu Tha Kaha Basayi ||

Dheenhi Mohi Sikha Neeki Gosayi | Lagi  Agama Apani Kadharayi || Narabara Dheera Dharama Dhura Dhari | Nigama Neethi Kaha The Adhikari || Mei Sisu Prabhu Saneha Prathipala | Mandharu Moru Ki Lehi Marala || Guru Pithu Mathu Na  Janau Kahu | Kahau Subhau Natha Pathiahu || Jaha Lagi Jagatha Saneha Sagayi | Preethi Pratheethi Nigama  Niju Gayi || More Sabayi Yek Thumha Swami | Dheenabandhu Ura  Antharjami || Dharama Neethi Upadhesia Thahi | Keerathi Bhoothi Sugathi Priya Jahi || Mana Krama Bachana Charana Ratha Hoyi | Kripasindhu Pariharia Ki  Soyi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Rama instructs Lakshman to stay in the palace and take care of the Kingdom of Ayodhya and its subjects

 

Chapter – 71– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Rama instructs Lakshman to stay in the palace and take care of the Kingdom of Ayodhya and its subjects

 

Rama spoke in a pleasing tone to Lakshman “Oh! Dear brother, always remember that whoever sincerely follows the advice of preceptor, father, mother, and Lord won’t repent in their lives, they will achieve the fruitfulness of life on the Earth. Hence, be calm and kind, whoever does not follow the words of parents and preceptor would make their life miserable on the Earth. Oh! Brother, listen to my words, serve our parents and follow the instructions of our preceptors. Bharatha and Shathrughna/Ripusudana is not in the Kingdom, our father is not doing well and grieving over my plan to proceed to the forest. If I proceed to woods with you, our Kingdom and its people, our family members, preceptors, etc. would fall into deep misery. The Kingdom of Ayodhya can’t survive without a wise ruler, therefore you have to continue to stay in the Kingdom for the welfare of all, otherwise, we shall suffer from grave sin. The King who does not take care of the people or the Kingdom would suffer hellish torture. Oh! Brother, remember my words, and make up your mind to stay in the palace.” Lakshmana could not bear the words of Rama became inconsolable, his face turned pale as if the fully blossomed lotus flower shrunken at the touch of frost.

 

Mathu Pitha Guru Swami Sikha Sira Dhari Karahi Subhaya | Laheau Labhu Thinha Janama Kara Natharu Janamu Jagajaya ||

Asa Jiya Jani Sunahu Sikha Bhayi | Karahu Mathu Pithu Padha Sevakayi || Bhavana Bharathu Ripusoodhanu Nahi | Rau Bridhdha Mama  Dhukhu Mana Mahi || Mei Bana Jau Thumhahi Leyi Satha | Hoyi Sabahi Bidhi Avadha Anatha || Guru Pithu Mathu Praja Parivaru | Sab Kahu Parayi Dhusaha Dhukha Bharu || Rahahu Karahu Sab Kar Parithoshu | Natharu Thatha Hoyihi Bada Dhoshu || Jasu Rajapriya Praja Dhukhari | So Nripu Avasi Naraka Adhikari || Rahahu Thatha Asi Neethi Bichari | Sunatha Lakhanu Bhaye Byakula Bhari || Siare  Bachana  Sukhi Gaye Kaise | Parasatha Thuhina  Thamarasu Jaise ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Lakshman meets Rama and earnestly waits to hear the command of Lord of Raghu

Chapter – 70– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Lakshman meets Rama and earnestly waits to hear the command of Lord of Raghu

 

Devi Kausalya praised the virtues of Devi Sita and blessed her, and the couple prostrated at the lotus feet of Devi Kausalya repeatedly and parted their ways. Lakshmana heard the news of Rama and Devi Sita leaving to the woods,  he was devastated and puzzled, hurried to meet Rama in extreme anguish. Lakshmana prostrated at the feet of Rama, and clasped at the lotus feet with tears overflowing, he was unable to speak out of grief, quivered like a fish out of the pond. Lakshman wept at his fate “Oh! Prabho, what’s happening to us? all my happiness and fortune has come to an end, all those pieties achieved has vanished, Oh! Prabho, what shall I do? Kindly advise me, I am all prepared to follow your command, are you going to leave me in the palace or taking me to the woods?” Lakshman who was in a wretched state, folding palms together, was waiting to listen to Rama’s order with a trembling heart.  The merciful Lord Sri Ramachandra who is the essence of virtues, morality, welfare, and the ocean of love spoke in a pleasant manner “Oh! Lakshman, do not leave your good sense out of affection for me, Oh! Dear brother, be calm and considerate, the end results will be good for all.”

Seethahi Sasu Aseesa Sikha Dheenhi Aneka Prakara | Chali Nayi Padha Padhuma Siru Athi Hitha Barahi Bara ||

Samachara Jab Lacchimana Paye | Byakula Bilakha Badhana Udi Dhaye || Kampa Pulaka Thana Nayana Saneera | Gahe Charana Athi Prema  Adheera || Kahi Na Sakatha Kacchu Chithavath Dade | Meenu Dhin Janu Jala The Kade || Sochu HridhayaBidhi Ka  Honihara | Sabu Sukhu Sukrithu Sirana Hamara || Mo Kahu Kaha Kahaba Raghunatha | Rakhihahi Bhavana Ki Lehahi Satha|| Rama Biloki Bandhu Kara  Jore | Dheha Geha Sab Sana Thrinu Thore || Bole Bachanu Rama Naya Nagara | Seela Saneha Sarala Sukha Sagara || Thatha Prema  Basa Jani Kadharahu| Samujji Hridhaya Parinama Ucchahu ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Devi Kausalya blesses Devi Sita ‘May long live your virtues and devotion to your husband, as the sacred rivers Ganga and Yamuna flows on the Earth’

 

Chapter – 69– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Devi Kausalya blesses Devi Sita ‘May long live your virtues and devotion to your husband, as the sacred rivers, Ganga and Yamuna flows on the Earth’

 

Devi Kausalya began to speak with tears “When I shall achieve the most pleasing moment to address you as ‘Dear child’ Lord of Raghu ‘Chief of Raghu clan’, and get an opportunity to embrace you and gaze at your attractive beautiful limbs?” Devi Kausalya was besieged with the grief of separation, at that moment, Lord of Raghu approached his mother and spoke soothing words to remove her sorrow, soon Janakanandhi prostrated at the lotus feet of mother-in-law and spoke to her in a sweet tone “Oh! Dear mother, I am unfortunate to serve you on the occasion you deserved to be taken care of, the fate has abandoned that opportunity to me by throwing me out of your sight in the woods. Oh! Mother, do not worry about us, in the meantime do not stop showering your blessings and affection on us. It was the fate that separated us; it was no one’s fault.” Devi Kausalya became inconsolable listening to the compassionate words of Devi Sita, she embraced Sita again and again and shed tears of grief, and blessed her “May long live your virtues and devotion to your husband, as the sacred river Ganga and Yamuna continue to flow on the Earth.”

Bahuri BacchaKahi Lalu Kahi Raghupathi Raghubara Thatha | Kabahi Bolayi Lagayi Hiya Harashi Nirakhihau Gatha ||

 Lakhi Saneha Kathari Mahathari | Bachanu Na  Aava Bikala Bhayi Bhari || Rama Prabhodhu Keenha BidhiNana | Samau Sanehu Na Jayi Bakhana || Thab Janaki Sasu Paga Lagi | Sunia  Maya Mei Parama Abhagi || Seva Samaya  Dhaua Banu Dheenha | Mora Manorathu Saphala Na  Keenha || Thajab Cchobhu Jani Cchadia Cchohu | Karamu Kadina  Kacchu Dhosu Na MOhu || Suni Siya  Bachana Sasu Akulani | Dhasa Kavani  Bidhi Kahau Bakhani || Barahi Bar Layi Ura Leenhi | Dhari Dheeraju Sikha  Asisha  Dheenhi || Achala  Hoau Ahivathu Thumhara | Jab Lagi  Ganga Jamuna  Jaladhara ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Devi Sita and Rama prostrates at the lotus feet of Devi Kausalya and receive her blessings to leave to forest

 

Chapter – 68– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Devi Sita and Rama prostrates at the lotus feet of Devi Kausalya and receive her blessings to leave to forest

 

Devi Sita sobbed “Oh! Prabho, my heart did not grieve on listening to your advice, and the news of separation from my beloved Lord did not take away my Prana, I am still alive and unfortunate, after bearing the news of separation from my Lord.” Thus, Devi Sita overwhelmed with grief, became inconsolable. Lord of Raghu understood, the mere words of separation are unbearable to Devi Sita, hence if she was advised to stay in the palace would bring another disaster, she may not survive in his absence. The merciful Lord of the solar race comforted saying “Oh! Sumukhi, Oh! Priye, kindly gave up your grief and accompany me to the woods. Do not waste your time, get ready to leave to forest immediately.” Devi Sita regained her cheerfulness, the couple prostrated before the lotus feet of Devi Kausalya who spoke affectionate words “Oh! Dear children, return safely after completing fourteen years of life in the woods, return safely to the Kingdom and remove the distress of the people of Ayodhya, do not forget to think about your heartless mother who is grieving at the separation from her dear children. Oh! Almighty Lord, will this unfortunate tide disappear from Ayodhya? Will I have the opportunity to witness the beautiful pair before my eyes? Oh! Dear son, I shall wait for the auspicious hours of your return from the woods, like the Chathaka bird yearns to taste the droplets of water from the star Swathi.”

 

Yeseau Bachana Kadora Suni Jau Na Hridhau Bilagana | Thau Prabhu Bishama Biyoga  Dhukha Sahihahi Pavara Prana ||

Asa Kahi Siya Bikala Bhayi Bhari | Bachana Biyogu Na Saki Sambhari || Dhekhi Dhasa Raghupathi Jiya Jani | Hadi Rakhe Nahi  Rakhihi Prana || Kaheau Kripala Bhanukulanatha | Parihari Sochu Chalahu Bana Satha || Nahi  Bishadha  Kara Avasaru Aaju |  Begi  Karahu Bana Gavana Samaju || Kahi Priya  Bachana Priya  Samujjayi | Lage Mathu Padha  Asisha Payi || Begi Praja Dhukha Metab Aayi | Janani Nidura  Bisari Jani Jayi || Phirihi Dhasa Bidhi Bahuri Ki Mori | Dhekhiau Nayana Manohara Jori || Sudhina Sudhari Thatha Kab Hoyihi | Janani Jiatha Badhanabidhu Joyihi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Devi Sita declares her willingness to join with Rama to travel to the woods

 

Chapter – 67– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Devi Sita declares her willingness to join with Rama to travel to woods

 

Devi Sita continues “Oh! Dheenabandhu, if you leave me in Ayodhya and proceed to woods, I promise you, I shall not survive without you. Oh! Prabho, you are the remover of distress, you are supreme Lord, knower of all, charming and compassionate, you are the storehouse of virtues and amiability. Oh! Prabho, as I walk behind you following your lotus footsteps, I shall forget the hunger and exhaustion. Oh! Prabho, I shall render relentless service to remove your exhaustion from the journey to woods. Oh! Prabho, I shall remain at the lotus feet, fanning you while you take rest under the shades of the trees. I shall forget all my grief watching your lotus face, following your footsteps. Oh! Prabho, I shall massage your lotus feet while taking a rest on the grass mattress during the night hours, so that you may get rid of the exhaustion of the journey. The scorching heat or chillness of the weather cannot harm me while I take pleasure contemplating and serving at your lotus feet. None of the wild creatures would dare to look at me in the presence of my Lord, how did the jackal and wolves withstand in the presence of a lion? Oh! Prabho, it is true that my limbs are delicate and fragile, but my beloved Lord is capable to carry the whole weight of the Universe and its hardships, hence it is appropriate for me to leave all the luxuries of the palace and follow your footsteps while you undertake penance.”

Rakhia Avadha Jo Avadhi Lagi Rahatha Na Janiahim Prana | Dheenabandhu Sundhara Sukhadha Seela Saneha Nidhana ||

Mohi Maga  Chalatha Na  Hoyihi  Hari | Cchinu Cchinu Charana Saroja Nihari || Sabahi Bhanthi Piya Seva Karihau | Maraga Janitha Sakala Sharama Harihau || Paya  Pakhari Baiti Tharu Cchahi| Karihau Bau Mudhitha Manmahi || Shrama Kana Sahitha Syama Thanu Dhekhe| Kaha Dhukha Samau Pranapathi Pekhe || Sama Mahi Thrina Tharupallava Dasi | Paya  Palotihi Sab Nisi Dhasi || Bar Bar Mridhu Moorathi Johi | Lagihi Thatha Bayari Na Mohi || Ko Prabhu Sanga Mohi Chithabanihara | Sindhabadhuhi Jimi  Sasaka Siara || Mei Sukumari Natha Bana Jogu | Thumhahi Uchitha Thapa Mo Kahu Bhogu ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Devi Sita requests Rama not to leave her in the palace

 

Chapter – 66– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Devi Sita requests Rama not to leave her in the palace 

 

Devi Sita spoke fervently “Oh! Prabho, the birds and animals in the forest would be my relatives, the woods, bark, and trees would be a spotless robe for me, and finally, the hut where I live with my beloved Lord would be comfortable as the abode of deities to me. The Vanadeva and Vanadevatha would take care of me as Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, and the god and goddess in the woods would protect us like their relatives, the tender leaves and grass would provide the comfort of cushions as long as I am with the company of my beloved Lord. The fruits and rooted vegetables in the forest would make a lavish meal for us, the mountains and the lush land would provide the luxuries of hundreds of palaces of Ayodhya to me. Oh! Prabho, the practice of contemplation at your lotus feet would make me delightful as the female Chakravaha during the daylight. Oh! Prabho, you have mentioned the difficulties and hardships involved in the life of woods, but none of them would match with the pangs of separation from my beloved Lord. Oh! Kripanidhan, kindly note my sincere requests, you are the ocean of mercy, Oh! Lord of Raghu who is the precious jewel adorned on the crown, kindly allow me to follow you, do not leave me behind. Oh! Prabho, I shall refrain from giving long lectures knowing that you are kind and compassionate to Jeeva, and you are attainable with pure love and devotion.”

Khaga Mriga  Parijana Nagaru  Banu Balakala Bimala Dhukoola | Natha Satha Surasadhana Sama Paranasala Sukhamoola ||

Bandhebi Banadeva  Udhara | Karihahi Sasu Sasura Sama Sara || Kusa Kisalaya Sathari Suhayi | Prabhu Saga Manju Manoja Thurayi || Kandhamoola  Phala Amia  Aharu | Avadha  Saudha Satha Sarisa Paharu || Cchinu Cchinu Prabhu Padhakamala Biloki | Rahahau Mudhitha Dhivasa Jimi Koki || Bana Dhukha Natha Kahe Bahuthere | Bhaya Bishadha Parithapa Dhanere || Prabu Biyoga Lavalesa  Samana| Sab Mili Hohi Na Kripanidhana || Asa Jiya  Jani Sujana Siromani | Leyia Sanga Mohi Cchadia Jani || Binathi Bahuth Karau Ka Swami | Karunamaya Ura  Antharjami ||