Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – King Dhasharatha advises Sumanthra to follow Rama to the woods

 

Chapter – 81– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– King Dhasharatha advises Sumanthra to follow Rama to the woods

 

Rama addressed the huge crowd of people “Oh! Dear people of Ayodhya, take good care of yourselves, and make sure my mother is not grieving on the pain of separation from me.” Rama cheered the crowd which was already besieged with the pain of separation from him, he prostrated at the lotus feet of the preceptor. Prabhu Sri Rama conducted the worship of Lord Ganesha who is the remover of obstacles, Goddess Parvathi and the Lord of Kailash, received the blessings from preceptors, and began the journey to woods. The people of Ayodhya grieved on the separation from beloved Rama, as the crowd was mourning over the sudden change of plans, the Lord of Raghu moved forward courageously, listening to the wailing of the huge crowd. S0on, the bad omens started to come into view in the city of Lanka as well as in Ayodhya, while the deities overcame with the mixed feeling of grief and sorrow. In the meantime, the spell of unconsciousness from the King disappeared, he called out for Sumanthra “ Oh! Sumanthra, Rama abandoned the Kingdom of Ayodhya, but my life is still lingering on me, why it is not leaving me? What is the joy in clinging onto this body? I wonder why my soul is not departing me? what’s that more solemn grief waiting to take away my life?” shortly, he regained his normal self and advised “Oh! Sumanthra, Oh! Dear friend, follow my children to the woods.”

 

Mathu Sakala More  Biraha Jehi Na  Hohi Dhukhadheena | Soyi Upau Thumha Karehu Sab Pura  Jana Parama Prabeena ||

Yehi Bidhi Rama  Sabahi Samujjava | Gurupadha Padhuma Harashi Siru Nava || Ganapathi Gauri Gireesu Manayi | Chale Aseesa Payi Raghurayi || Rama Chalatha Athi Bhayau Bishadhu | Suni Na  Jayi Pura Aaratha Nadhu || Kusaguna Lanka Avadha Athi Soku | Harasha Bishadha Bibasa Suraloku || Gayi  Murucha Thab Bhoopathi Jage | Boli Sumanthru Kahana Asa Lage || Ramu Chale  Bana Prana Na Jahi | Kehi  Sukha Lagi Rahath Thana Mahi || Yehi The  Kavana Byatha  Balavana | Jo Dhukhu Payi Thajahi Thanu  Prana || Puni Dheera Dheera Kahayi Naranahu | Lai Sanga  Sakha  Thumha Jahu ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Rama pacifies the people of Ayodhya that the preceptor Sage Vashishta will take care of stately matters in the absence of the King

Chapter – 80– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Rama pacifies the people of Ayodhya that the preceptor Sage Vashishta will take care of stately matters in the absence of the King

 

Sage Yajjavalkya speaks “Oh! Mune, soon all the arrangements for the travel to woods were completed, while the preceptors and Brahmins were watching in utter bewilderment, Lord of Raghu, Rama, and Devi Sita followed by Lakshman, attired in saffron robe left the palace.  People thronged at the hermit of Sage Vashishta was grief-stricken at the separation of beloved Lord Rama. The Lord of Raghu comforted all of them with the soothing words, met all the Bhramins assembled, give away an abundance of charities, and requested Maharishi Vashishta to provide funds for all those ingredients required for the performance of rites and other expenses to the twice-born. He provided charities to the mendicants, he summoned for the attendants and requested Sage Vashishta with folded palms, “Oh! Guro, kindly takes good care of them as your children.” Rama addressed the crowd pleasantly “Our preceptor is most promising to all, he will take care of the solar race, the Kingdom of Ayodhya and its subjects in the absence of the King.”

 

Saji Bana Saju Samaju Sabu Banitha Bandhu Sametha | Bandhi Bipra Guru Charana Prabhu Chale Kari Sabahi Acheth ||

Nikasi Basishta Dhvara Bhaye Dade | Dhekhe Loga  Biraha Dhava Dhade || Kahi Priya Bachana Sakala Samujjaye | Bipra Brindha Ragubeera Bolaye || Guru Sana Kahi Barshasana Dheenhe | Aadhara Dhana Binaya Basa Keenhe || Jachaka Dhana Mana Santhoshe| Meetha Puneetha Prema  Parithoshe || Dhasi Dhasa Bolayi Bahori | Guruhi Saupi Bole Kara Jori || Sab Kai Sara Sambhara Gosayi | Karabi Janaka Janani Ki Nayi || Barahi Bar Jori Juga Pani | Kahatha Ramu Sab  San Mridhu Bani || Soyi Sab Banthi Mora Hithakari | Jehi The  Rahai Bhuala  Sukhari ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Devi Kaikeyi offers the robes of the hermit, wooden vessels, and prayer beads to Rama

 

Chapter – 79– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Devi Kaikeyi offers the robes of the hermit, wooden vessels and prayer beads to Rama

 

The women assembled were advised Devi Sita to follow the words of elderly members in the family, though their advice sounded pleasing and most agreeable, nothing seemed attractive to Devi Sita, instead felt like the touch of the rays of the autumn moon on female Chakravaha that made restless. Devi Sita who is too modest did not reply, but Devi Kaikeyi was blazing listening to the talks of women assembled. Soon, Devi Kaikeyi brought the robes of the hermit, prayer beads, and wooden vessels and placed them before Rama and Sita, and spoke gentle words “Oh! Raghuveera, you are dear as life to King and the people of Ayodhya. Your father is too weak to forget the promises due to the attachment to his son. He is all prepared to give away his fame, righteousness, and promises, and the goodness of life after the Earth for the sake of his beloved son, he may make all attempts to stop you from proceeding to woods. Therefore, keep all those in mind, and do whatever appropriate for the moment.” Lord Sri Ramachandra rejoiced at heart listening to the speech of Devi Kaikeyi, it was like sharp arrows that pierced the heart of the King who was already wounded badly. King Dhasharatha lamented at his fate “will my life come to an end sooner?”. The people assembled were saddened to watch the animosity of Devi Kaikeyi, soon the King lost his consciousness, the people retired from the chamber in utter dismay. Prabhu Sri Ramachandra delightfully dressed in a saffron robe, prostrated before the mothers, and left the palace.

 

Sikha Seethali Hitha Madhura  Mridhu Suni Seethahi Na Sohani | Saradha Chandha Chandhini Lagath Janu Chakayi Akulani ||

Siya Sakucha Basa Utharu Na Dheyi | So Suni Thamaki Udi Kaikeyi || Muni Pat Bhooshana Bhajana Ani | Aage  Dhari Boli Mridhu Bani || Nripahi Pranapriya Thumha Raghubeera | Seela Saneha Na  Cchadihi  Bheera || Sukrithu Sujasu Paraloku Nasau | Thumhahi Jan Bana Kahihi Na Kau || Asa Bichari  Soyi Karahu Jo Bhava | Rama Janani Sikha Muni Sukhu Pava || Bhoopahi Bachana Bana Sama Lage | Karahi Na Prana Payana Abhage || Loga Bikala Murucchith Naranahu|  Kaha Karia Kacchu Soojj Na Kahu || Ramu Thuratha Muni Beshu Banyi | Chale Janaka Jananihi Siru Nayi ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – The wife of preceptor and Bhramin priests’ requests Devi Sita not to leave to woods

 

Chapter – 78– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– The wife of preceptor and Bhramin priests’ requests Devi Sita not to leave to woods

 

King Dhasharatha spoke grimly “Oh! Dear child, in our lives the person who has committed the deed left the other person reaping the fruit of it.  The actions of Almighty Lord is mysterious, no one in the world is competent to understand them.” Further King Dhasharatha tried all means to stop Rama from proceeding to the woods were failed miserably. King thoroughly understood the mind of Rama who is virtuous, righteous, steadfast, cannot be stopped from his plan of actions, Rama was already prepared to leave the palace and the Kingdom, hence it is impossible to stop him. King embraced Devi Sita, and pacified her with sweet words, made her understand the difficulties involved in living in the dense forest so that he could detain Devi Sita in the palace, he comforted her that she is independent to choose either to live in the palace of Ayodhya or the palace of King Janaka, but none of them could stop her decision to follow her husband to the forest. Devi Sita whose mind is already surrendered at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Ramachandra was least bothered about the stay in the palace or in the woods, none of them seemed attractive to her as long as she is at the lotus feet of Lord Rama. The wives of the minister and the ladies of the family priests assembled were made an unfruitful attempt to change the mind of Devi Sita who was already prepared to follow her husband to the woods. They spoke in an amiable tone “Oh! Devi Janaki, no one urged you to follow your husband to woods, kindly follow the promising words of your father-in-law and preceptors.”

Auru Karai Aparadhu Koau Aur Pava Phala Bhogu | Athi Bichithra Bhagavanth Gathi Ko Jaga Janai Jogu ||

Raya Rama Rakhana Hitha Lagi | Bahuth Upaya Kiye Cchalu Thyagi || Lakhi Rama Rukha Rahatha Na Jane | Dharama Dhurandhara Dheera Sayane|| Thab Nripa Siya Layi Ura Leenhi | Athi Hitha Bahuth Bhanthi Sikha Dheenhi || Kahi Bana Ke Dhukha Dhusaha Sunaye | Sasu Sasura Pithu Sukha Samujjaye || Siya Manu Ramacharana Anuraga | Dharu Na Sugamu Banu Bishamu  Na Laga || Aurau Sabahi Siya Samujjayi | Kahi Kahi Bipina  Bipathi Adhikayi || Sachiva  Nari  Guru Nari  Sayani | Sahitha SanehaKahahi Mridhu Bani || Thumha Kahu Thau Na  Dheenha Banabasu | Karahu Jo Kahahi Sasura  Guru Sasu ||

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 ||