Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Rama along with Devi Sita and Lakshman meets King Dasaratha

 

Chapter – 77– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Rama along with Devi Sita and Lakshman meets King Dhasharatha

 

King Dhasharatha saw Rama and Lakshman along with Devi Sita approaching his bedside, he could not control grief, embraced them with tears overflowing down his cheeks, words were choked, experienced extreme pain on the chest, and became restless. The Lord of Raghu rose from the bed, and prostrated at the lotus feet of the King, and began to speak in a soft tone “Oh! Father, kindly command me to proceed to the woods and bless us all. Why are you grieving on this auspicious hour? You are following your duty to fulfill the promises given to my mother Devi Kaikeyi, hence do not grieve, it is your attachment to your beloved son making you lament, Oh! Dear father, if you do not keep up your promises, you may lose your credibility and fame”. King Dhasharatha reached out for Rama’s strong arms, soon Rama made him seated on the bed, and he began to speak solemnly “Oh! Dear son, listen to me carefully, the sages and learned describes Rama as the supreme Lord who performs the function of creation, preservation, and destruction of the Universe. He is the Lord of living and non-living things; he is all-pervasive supreme Bhramam. The Almighty Lord disposes of the fruit of actions of the Jeeva, weighing the pious and evil deeds on the scale of judgment. The Veda and the scriptures emphasize that the Jeeva/Karmi who perform the deeds/Karma reap the fruit of actions.”

 

Siya Sahitha Sutha Subhaga Dhoau Dhekhi Akulayi | BarahiBara Saneha Basa Rau Leyi Ura  Layi ||

Sakayi Na  Boli Bikala Naranahu | Soka  Janitha  Ura Dharuna  Dhahu || Nayi Seesu Padha Athi Anuraga | Udi Raghubeera Bidha  Thab Maga || Pithu Aseesa Aayasu Mohi Dheejai | Harasha Samaya Bisamau Katha Keejai || Thatha Kiya Priya Prema Pramadhu | Jasu Jaga Jayi Hoyi Apabadhu || Suni Saneha Basa Udi Naranaha | Baitare  Raghupathi Gahi Baha || Sunahu Thatha Thumha Kaha Muni Kahahi | Ramu Charachara Nayaka Ahahi || Subha Aru  Asubha Karama Anuhari | Esu Dheyi Phalu Hridhaya Bichari || Karayi Jo Karama Pava Phala Soyi | Nigama Neethi Asi Kaha Sabu Koyi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Rama, Devi Sita, and Lakshman arrives to meet King Dhasharatha before leaving to woods

 

Chapter – 76– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Rama, Devi Sita, and Lakshman arrives to meet King Dasaratha before leaving to woods

 

Devi Sumithra spoke kind words “Oh! Dear child, forget about the stately life in the Ayodhya, and serve Rama and Sita persistently, and make sure they are having a happy life in the woods. Oh! Child, forget about all the relationships you have formed as son, husband, and companion.” Thus, Devi Sumithra bade farewell to Lakshman, wholeheartedly granted permission to Lakshman to follow the Lord of Tulsidas to woods. Devi Sumithra poured blessings on Lakshman “May your love and devotion at the lotus feet of Rama, the Lord of Raghu's and Devi Sita remain pure, constant and unblemished.” Lakshman prostrated at the lotus feet of Devi Sumithra, and moved enthusiastically with the prayer that nothing should hinder him from accompanying the supreme Lord Ramachandra to woods, Lakshman got relieved as the deer that narrowly escaped from the snare. Lakshman rushed to meet Lord of Janaki, he was extremely delighted to be in the company of his brother once again. He prostrated at the lotus feet of Rama and Devi Sita, and they proceeded to the chamber of King Dhasharatha. The women and men gathered in large numbers at the entrance of the palace poured out their grief “How strange is the plan of Almighty! Our most cherished wishes were about to get fulfilled, unfortunately, shattered at the last minute” they grieved over their bad luck, like the bees lamented over the lost hives, like the birds that got clipped off its wings. A huge crowd of men and women thronged at the entrance of the palace were grieving over their bad luck was beyond description. Sumanthra, chief of minister and charioteer of the King informed about the arrival of Rama, Devi Sita, and Lakshman and assisted the King to take a seat on the bed, King Dhasharatha looked at Rama, Devi Sita, and Lakshman sorrowfully.

 

Upadhesu Yahu Jehi Thatha Thumhare  Ramasiya Sukha Pavahi | Pithu Mathu Priya Parivara Pura Sukha Surathi Bana  Bisaravahi || Thulasi Prabhuhi Sikha Dheyi Aayasu Dheenha Puni  Aasisha Dhayi | Rathi Hoau Abirala Amala Siya Raghubeera Padha Nitha Nitha Nayi ||

 

Mathu Charana Siru Nayi Chale Thurath Sankitha Hridhaya | Bagura Bishama Thorayi Manahu Bhaga Mrigu Bhaga Basa ||

Gaye Lakhanu Jaha  Janakinathu | Bhe Mana Mudhitha Payi Priya Sathu || Bandhi Ramasiya Charana Suhaye | ChaleSanga  Nripamandhira Aye || Kahahi Paraspara Pura Nara Nari | Bhali  Banayi Bidhi Batha Bigari || Thana Krisa Mana Dhukhu Badhana Maleene | Bikala Manahu Makhi Madhu Ccheene || Kara Meejahi Siru Dhuni Pacchithahi | Janu Binu Pankha Bihaga Akulahi || Bhayi Badi Bheera Bhoopa Dharbara | Barani Na Jayi Bishadhu Apara|| Sachiva  Udayi Rau  Baitare | Kahi Priya  Bachana Ramu Pagu Dhare || Siya Sametha Dhoau Thanaya Nihari | Byakula Bhayau Bhoomipathi Bhari ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Devi Sumithra instructs Lakshman to serve Rama and Devi Sita in the woods by word, mind, and deed

Chapter – 75– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Devi Sumithra instructs Lakshman to serve Rama and Devi Sita in the woods by word, mind, and deed

 

Devi Sumithra spoke pleasantly “Oh! Dear son, I promise you, we are fortunate, your mind is already surrendered at the lotus feet of Rama.  The fortunate are the women whose children are devoted at the lotus feet of Rama, if not, it is good to remain childless. The unfortunate is the mother who has given birth to a child hostile to Rama. Oh! Son, it is your good fortune that Rama and Devi Sita are proceeding to woods, and you are blessed with the opportunity to serve them relentlessly. The highest of the meritorious reward is devotion and pure love at the lotus feet of Rama and Sita, and you have inherited it with your piousness. Oh! Dear son, don’t give place for anger, jealousy, pride, ego, lust, and desire in your heart and serve Rama and Sita sincerely by word, mind, and deed. Oh! Dear Child, I promise you, you will be extremely delighted in the association of Rama and Sita who are your parents in the woods. Oh! Dear son, take good care of Rama and Sita in the forest and this is the only instruction I have to give you.”

 

Bhoori Bhaga  Bhajanu Bhayahu Mohi Sametha Bali Jau | Jau Thumhare  Mana Cchadi Cchalu Keenha Ramapadha Dau ||

Puthravathi Jubathi Jaga Soyi | Raghupathi Bhagathu Jasu  Suthu  Hoyi || Natharu Banjja Bhali Badhi Biani | Rama Bimukha Sutha The  Hitha Jani || Thumharehi Bhaga  Ramu Bana Jahi |Dhoosara Hethu Thatha Kacchu Nahi || Sakala Sukritha Kara Bada Phalu Yehu | Ramasiya Padha Sahaja Sanehu || Ragu Roshu Irsha Madhu Mohu | Jani Sapanehu Inha Ke Basa  Hohu || Sakala Prakara Bikara  Bihayi | Manakrama Bachana Karehu Sevakayi || Thumha Kahu Bana Sab Bhanthi Supasu | Sanga Pithu Mathu Ramu Siya  Jasu || Jehi Na  Ramu Bana Lahahi Kalesu | Sutha Soyi Karehu Ihahyi Upadheshu ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Devi Sumithra advises Lakshman to accompany Rama and Devi Sita to woods

 

Chapter – 74– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Devi Sumithra advises Lakshman to accompany Rama and Devi Sita to woods

 

Devi Sumithra painfully remembered the beauty, amiability, and noble disposition of Rama and Sita, and the love of the King for the couple, she could not bear the sorrow, bet her head and shed tears of grief, she understood the wickedness of Devi Kaikeyi who destroyed the happiness of all. Devi Sumithra who is pious and virtuous regained her normal self, remembered that it is not the moment to shed tears, she spoke gentle words “Oh! Thatha, my dear child, Rama who nurtured you with affection is your father and Vidhehanandhini is your mother. Rama is the sun to the race of Raghu's, he is the delight of the Raghu clan, Ayodhya is the Kingdom of Rama. Oh! My dear son, if Rama and Sita proceeding to wood, you have no obligation to Ayodhya in their absence. Oh! Son, preceptor, brother, deities, father, and mother should be served sincerely, Rama is supreme Bhramam resides as a soul in the Jeeva, hence he is dearer as life. Rama is most venerable, and inseparable from Jeevathma, he is dearer to us. Oh! My child, always remember my words and accompany Rama and Devi Janaki to woods, it will provide the fruitfulness of your life.”

Samujji Sumithra Rama Siya Roopu Suseelu Subhau | Nripa Sanehu Lakhi Dhuneau Siru Papini Dheenha Kudhau ||

Dheeraju Dhareau Kuavasara Jani | Sahaja Suhridha Boli Mridhu Bani || Thatha Thumhari  Mathu Baidhehi | Pitha Ramu Sab Bhanthi Sanehi || Avadha Thaha Jaha Rama Nivasu | Thahayi Dhivasu Jaha Bhanu Prakasu || Jau Pai Siyaramu Bana Jahi | Avadha Thumhara  Kaju Kacchu Nahi || Guru Pithu Mathu Bandhu Sura Sayi | Seyiahi Sakala Prana Ki Nayi || Ramu  Pranapriya  Jeevana Ji Ke | Swaratha Rahitha Sakha  Sabahi Ke || Poojaneeya Priya Parama Jaha The | Sab Maniahi Rama Ke Nathe|| Asa Jiya Jani Sanga  Bana Jahu | Lehu Thatha Jagajeevana Lahu ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Lakshman meets Devi Sumithra and informs the exile of Rama from the Kingdom of Ayodhya

Chapter – 73– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Lakshman meets Devi Sumithra and informs the exile of Rama from the Kingdom of Ayodhya

 

The Supreme Lord Sri Ramachandra who is Kripasindhu/ocean of mercy was highly pleased with the devotion and pure love of Lakshman, raised him from the floor, and embraced him tightly, forgot all those wisdom before the affection of his younger brother. Soon Prabhu Sri Ramachandra advised Lakshman “Oh! Thatha, Go and get permission from your mother, and join with us to leave to woods immediately.” After listening to sweet like nectar words of Lord of Raghu, Lakshmana rejoiced at heart, forgot all those anxiousness, and felt he has achieved the highest of the fortune to follow Rama to woods. Lakshman joyfully rushed to meet his mother Devi Sumithra, like the blind person regained the eyesight. He enthusiastically prostrated at the lotus feet of Devi Sumithra, while his mind was already with Prabhu Sri Ramachandra and Devi Janaki.  Devi Sumithra enquired the reason for his gloominess, Lakshman described all that happened with Rama and Devi Sita, which was horrifying news to Devi Sumithra, like the doe caught in the wildfire. Lakshman was failed to speak anything before Devi Sumithra who was already besieged with sorrow, doubted his mother may disagree with his plans to follow Rama and Devi Janaki out of her affection, Lakshman felt nervous, and sincerely prayed at heart “Oh! Almighty Lord, will my mother allow me to accompany Prabhu Sri Ram and Devi Sita to the woods?”

Karunasindhu Subandhu Ke Suni Mridhu BachanaBineetha | Samujjaye Ura Layi Prabhu Jani Saneha Sabheetha ||

Magahu Bidha Mathu  Sana Jayi | Aavahu Begi  Chalahu Bana Bhayi || Mudhitha Bhaye Suni Raghubara  Bani | Bhayau Laba Bada Gayi Badi Hani || Harashitha Hridhaya Mathu Pahiaye | Manahu Andha  Phiri Lochana Paye || Jayi Janani Paga Nayau Matha | Manu Raghunandhana Janaki Satha || Pooche  Mathu Malina  Man Dhekhi | Lakhana Kahi Sab Katha  Biseshi || Gayi Sahami Suni Bachana  Kadora | Mrigi Dhekhi Dhava Janu  Chahuaura || Lakhana Lakheau Bha Aanaratha Aaju | Yehi Saneha Basa  Karab  Akaju || Magatha  Bidha  Sabhaya Sakuchahi | Jayi Sanga Bidhi Kahihi Ki Nahi ||

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 ||