Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – An interesting conversation of Rama and the ferryman/Kevat

 

Chapter – 100– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– An interesting conversation of Rama and the ferryman/Kevat

 

Sumanthra seated on the chariot and began his journey, the horses neighed in grief, they often looked back at Lord Rama, the Nishadharaja and the villagers cried at the sight, bet their heads in grief and lamented. It was heartbreaking to watch even the animals grieved at the separation from the Lord, how could the people of Ayodhya, and their parents live without Rama? Immediately after sending Sumanthra back to the Kingdom, Rama withdrew to the riverbank of Devanadhi Ganga. Rama waved hands to a ferryman, but he was not willing to approach Rama, the Kevat said “Oh! Prabho, I know all your secrets, the dust particles from your lotus feet have possessed some magical quality, that would turn things into human beings. The dust particles from your feet have transformed a rock into a beautiful woman/Devi Ahalya, unfortunately, the wood has not possessed the quality of rock, it is lighter than the rock, if something like that happens to my ferry, I would be robbed, left with no means to live. The ferry is the livelihood, and I feed my family with the earnings from it, I do not know any other trade to practice and take care of my family. Therefore, if you want to cross the river, first thing, kindly let me cleanse the dust particles from your lotus feet.”

Rathu Hakeau HayaRama Thana Heri Heri Hihininahi | Dhekhi Nishadha Bishadhabasa Dhunahi Seesa Pacchithahi ||

Jasu Biyoga Bikala Pasu Yese | Praja Mathu Pithu Jiyihahi Kaise || Barabasa Rama Sumanthru Padaye | Surasari Theera Aapu Thab Aye || Magi Nava Na  Kevatu Aana | Kahayi Thumhara  Maramu Mei Jana || Charanakamala Raja Kaha Sabu Kahayi | Manusha Karani Moori Kacchu Ahayi || Cchuatha Sila Bhayi Nari Suhayi | Pahana The Na  Kad Kadinayi || Tharaniau Muni Dharini Hoyi Jayi | Bat Parayi Mori Nav Udayi || Yehi Prathipalau Sab Parivaru | Nahi Janau Kacchu Aaur Kabaru || Jau Prabhu Par Avasi Ga Chahau | Mohi Padha Padhuma  Pakharana Kahahu ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Sumanthra returns empty-handed to Ayodhya after several attempts to convince Rama to return home

Chapter – 99– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Sumanthra returns empty-handed to Ayodhya after several attempts to convince Rama to return home

 

Devi Sita continues “Oh! Revered one, kindly convey my humble salutations at the feet of my father-in-law and mother-in-law, and request them not to grieve for me, I am naturally happy in the company of my Lord in the woods. I have Lord of my life is on one side, and dearest brother-in-law on the other, they are the foremost heroes in archery, wielded on bow and arrows. I do not get tired or exhausted by the long journeys in the woods, and I have no grief or unhappiness, therefore kindly pray to my parents-in-law not to grieve for me.” Sumanthra felt uneasy like a serpent lost its gem, after listening to the most agreeable words of Devi Janaki. Sumanthra could not bear the grief, could not speak a word, soon Rama approached Sumanthra with soothing words, but nothing could give solace to him. Sumanthra made all efforts to prompt Rama to return to Ayodhya was failed, Rama who is the delight of Raghu’s pacified Sumanthra with the most courteous replies each time. Finally, Sumanthra understood Rama is unfaltering from his promise to his father, the fate of the Ayodhya and its subjects has turned unpromising. Sumanthra was prostrated at the lotus feet of Prabhu Sri Ramachandra, Lakshman, and Devi Sita, and withdrawn with tears running down the cheeks like the merchant lost all his wealth.

Sasu Sasura  San  Mori Hanthi Binaya Karabi Pari Paya | Mora Sochu Jani Karia Kacchu Mei Ban Sukhi Subhaya ||

Prananatha Priya Devara Satha | Beera Dhureena Dhare Dhanu Bhaya || Nahi Maga Sharamu Bhramu Dhukhamana More | Mohi Lagi Sochu Karia Jani  Bhore || Suni Sumanthru Siya Seethali Bani | Bhayau Bikala Janu Phani Mani Hani || Nayana  Soojja Nahi Sunayi Na Kana | Kahi Na  Sakayi Kacchu Athi  Akulana || Rama Prabodhu Keenha Bahu Bhanthi | Thadhapi Hothi Nahi Seethali Cchathi || Jathana Aneka Satha Hitha Keenhe | Uchitha Uthara Raghunandhana Dheenhe || Meti Jayi Nahi Rama  Rajayi | Kadina Karamagathi Kacchu Na Basayi || Rama Lakhana Siyapadha Siru Nayi | Phireau Banika  Jimi Moora Gavayi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Devi Sita’s wise words praising the nearness of her beloved Lord

 

Chapter – 98– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Devi Sita’s wise words praising the nearness of her beloved Lord

 

Devi Sita addressed Sumanthra “Oh! Respected one, I have to be strict with you due to my grief, kindly do not get offended, in the absence of the lotus feet of my Lord all those kinships have no importance. I have witnessed the glories in the Kingdom of my respected father King Janaka, whose footrest was worshiped by the illustrious Kings and prostrate before my father, though it was an abode of bliss, those glories, and luxuries in the Kingdom of my father won’t give happiness to me in the absence of my Lord.  My respected father-in-law the illustrious Emperor of Kosala, who is the Lord of the solar race, a close associate of Lord Indra, his fame is well known in the fourteen worlds, he makes frequent visits to the heavenly abode of Lord Indra and sit with him on the throne, therefore I can’t describe the glories of my father-in-law in words. The Kingdom of Ayodhya is my abode, the queen mothers are my mothers in law, loves me as my mother. Oh! Respected one, in the absence of the dust particles from the feet of my Lord of Raghu, nothing seems pleasing to me not even in my dream. Therefore, the dense forest, inhabited with the wild animals, elephants, lions, tigers, birds, tribes of Kola, Bhila, unapproachable mountains, lakes, streams, impassable roads, hills, are greatly pleasing to me in the company of my beloved Lord.”

Aarathi Basa  Sanmukha Bhayu Bilagu Na Manab Thatha | Aarajasutha  Padhakamala Binu Badhi Jaha Lagi  Natha ||

Pithu Baibhava  Bilasa  Mei Teeda | Nripamani Mukuta  Militha Padha Peeda || Sukhanidhana Asa Pithu Griha  More | Priya Biheena  Manabhava  Na Bhare || Sasura  Chakkavayi Kosalarau | Buvana Charidhasa  Pragata  Prabhavu || Aage Hoyi Jehi Surapathi  Leyi | Aaradha Sindhasana Aasanu Dheyi || Sasura  Yethadhrisa  Avadha Nivasu | Priya Parivaru Mathu Sama Sasu || Binu Raghupathi Padha Padhuma  Paraga | Mohi Keau Sapanehu Sukhadha Na Laga || Agama Pantha Banbhoomi Pahara | Kari  Kehari Sara Saritha Apara || Kola Kiratha  Kuranga  Bihanga | Mohi Sab Sukhadha Pranapathi  Sanga ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Devi Sita reveals her unwillingness to return to the palace

 

Chapter – 97– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Devi Sita reveals her unwillingness to return to the palace

 

Sumanthra conveyed the message of the King “Oh! Devi Sita you can choose to live either in the palace of Ayodhya or The Kingdom of Mithila as you please, there is an abundance of comforts in both the palaces. Oh, Devi, the affection and piousness of the King cannot be described in words.” Rama who is the Lord of mercy after listening to the compassionate messages of his father, repeatedly advised Devi Sita “Oh! Devi, if you return to the palace, the grief of the King and queen mothers, your preceptors, and all your dear and near ones would get removed.”  Devi Sita, daughter of Vidheha spoke in a soft tone “Oh! My beloved Lord, Oh! Pranapathi, Oh! Karunamaya, Oh! My dearest companion, Oh! Intelligent one, kindly listens to me, is it possible to remove the shadow from the substance? Is it feasible to remove the sunlight from the Sun? or the moonlight from the moon?” Then she turned to Minister Sumanthra “Oh! Dear, you are like my father, and father-in-law, hence I would like to keep silent, I should not disappoint you with my answer.”

Bhayike Sasure Sakala Sukha Jabahi Jaha Manu Mana | Thaha Thab Rahihi Sukhena  Siya Jab Lagi Bipathi Bihana ||

Binathi Bhoopa  Keenha  Jehi Bhanthi | Aarathi Preethi Na  So Kahi Jathi || Pithu Sandhesu suni Kripanidhana | Siyahi Dheenha Sikha Koti Bidhana || Sasu Sasura  Guru Priya  Parivaru | Phirahu Tha Sab Kar Mitai Khabharu || Suni Pathi Bachana Kahathi Baidhehi | Sunahu Pranapathi Parama Sanehi || Prabhu Karunamaya Parama Bibeki | Thanu Thaji Rahathi Cchaha Kimi Ccheki || Prabha Jayi Kaha Bhanu Bihayi | Kaha  Chandhrika  Chandhu Thaji  Jayi || Pathihi Premamaya Binaya Sunayi | Kahathi Sachiva  San Gira  Suhayi || Thumha Pithu Sasura  Sarisa  Hithakari | Utharu Dheau Phiri Anuchitha  Bhari ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Sumanthra appeals to Devi Sita to return to the palace

 

Chapter – 96– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Sumanthra appeals to Devi Sita to return to the palace

 

Rama spoke graciously to Sumanthra “Oh! Dear, you are like my father, kindly convey our humble salutations to our dear father and tell him not to worry about our safety in the woods. You were always been kind and compassionate to us as our father. Oh! Father, I request you with folded hands, kindly do something to remove the grief of my parents and do whatever possible to make my father out of the grief.” Nishadharaja Guha and the people after listening to the conversation between Lord of Raghu, Rama, and Sumanthra, felt extremely distressed. Lakshman could not bear the grief of his elder brother began to blame his father for all the disasters that took place in the family, soon Rama intervened and stopped Lakshman from the highly objectionable deed. Rama felt embarrassed before Sumanthra, and requested him not to mention any of the comments Lakshman uttered out of childishness and fury to his father. Sumanthra approached Devi Sita and conveyed the message of King Dhasharatha “Oh! Devi, life in the wood is not appropriate for you, it involves lots of hurdles and miseries, hence return to the palace after receiving approval from Rama, life without you in the palace is miserable for your elderly parents’ in-laws. Your father-in-law may not survive without your support, even the fish may survive out of water.”

 

Pithu Padha Gahi Kahi Koti Nathi  Binaya Karaba Kara Jori | Chintha  Kavanihu Bath Kai Thatha Karia Jani Mori ||

Thumha Puni Pithu Sama Athi Hitha More | Binathi Karau Thatha Kar Jore || Sab Bidhi Soyi  Karthabya Thumhare | Dhukha Na  Pava Pithu Socha Hamare || Suni Raghunatha Sachiva  Sambadhu | Bhayau Parijana Bikala Nishadhu || Puni Kacchu Lakhana Kahi  Katu Bani | Prabhu Baraje Bada Anuchitha Jani || Sakuchi Rama Nija Sapatha Devayi | Lakhana Sandhesu Kahia Jani Jayi|| Kaha Sumanthru Puni Bhoopa Sandheshu | Sahi Na  Sakihi Siya Bipina  Kalesu|| Jehi Bidhi Avadha Aava Phiri Siya | Soyi  Raghubarahi Thumhahi Karaneeya || Natharu Nipata  Avalamba  Biheena | Mei Na  Jiab Jimi  Jala Binu Meena ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Sumanthra requests Rama to return to Ayodhya

 

Chapter – 95– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Sumanthra requests Rama to return to Ayodhya

 

Sumanthra spoke with tears “Oh! Prabho, the King of Kosala ordered me to bring you back, I shall follow whatever my Lord has ordered to me. Oh! Prabho, kindly makes sure that the Kingdom of Ayodhya is not left without Masters to rule.” Sumanthra fell at the lotus feet of Rama and wept like a child. Soon Rama raised Sumanthra from the floor and spoke most amiable words “Oh! Dear one, you might have heard of the virtues of Sage Dhadhichi, King Sibi, King Ranthi Deva, and King Harishchandhra, and King Bali are the upholder of the virtues and truthfulness. Although they had to undergo severe trials and hardships, they did not give up the truthfulness which is the superior virtue. The Veda, scriptures, and Agamashasthras emphasize truthfulness as the superior virtue, hence I have adopted that to achieve goodness in three worlds, and for a man of high self-esteem, the ill fame would bring the experience of millions of deaths. Hence, what shall I do? If I say anything soothing, I may get afflicted with the grave sin.”

Nripa Asa  Kaheau Gosayi Jasa Kahayi Karau Bali Soyi | Kari Binathi Payanha Pareau Dheenha Bala Jimi Royi ||

Thatha Kripa  Kari  Keejia  Soyi | Jathe  Avadha  Anatha Na Hoyi || Manthrihi Rama Udayi Prabodha | Thatha Dharama Mathu Thumha Sabu Sodha || Sibi Dhadheechi Harichandha Naresa | Sahe Dharama Hitha Koti Kalesa || Ranthideva Bali Bhoopa  Sujana | Dharamu Dhareau Sahi Sankata Nana || Dharamu Na Dhoosara Sathya  Samana| Aagama Nigama Purana Bakhana || Mei Soyi Dharamu Sulabha Kari  Pava | Thaje Thihu Pura  Apajasu Cchava || Sambhavitha Kahu Apajasa Lahu | Marana Koti Sama Dharuna Dhahu || Thumha San Thatha Bahuth Ka Kahau | Dhiya Utharu Phiri Pathaku Lahau ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Rama and Lakshman prepares to adopt the life of a hermit

 

Chapter – 94– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Rama and Lakshman prepares to adopt the life of a hermit

 

Lakshman continues “Oh! Guha, the supreme Bramham has personified on Earth, for the welfare of cows, Brahmins, deities, and noble souls. That gracious Lord is performing deeds like an ordinary human, mere listening to his glories would remove the grief of worldly existence, and release the Jeeva from the repeated cycles of birth. Oh! Friend, leave all your grief, and anger, and take shelter at the lotus feet of Lord of Raghu Lord Sri Ramachandra.” Lakshman continued to describe the virtues of Rama to Guha, thus the whole night has passed without their knowledge. Soon the Lord of Raghu woke up at Bhramamuhurtha, went for ablutions, ‘does the supreme Bhramam requires any cleansing?’  and performed his morning rite. He called out for Lakshman to bring milk of the Banyan tree to tie the matted hair locks on the pinnacle of the head, the two brothers applied the milk of Banyan tree on their head and tied hair locks, while watching the princes takes up the life of a hermit, Sumanthra could not control his tears with folded hands prayed to Rama “Oh! Sons, The King of Kosala advised me to bring three of you back to the palace after taking a dip in the river Ganga. He instructed me to bring back three of you at the earliest, he is expecting your return to home.”

Bhagatha Bhoomi Bhoosura  Surabi Surahitha Lagi Kripala | Karatha Charitha Dhari Manuja Thanu Sunatha Mitahi Jagajala ||

 Sakha Samujji Asa  Parihari Mohu | Siya Raghubeera Charana Ratha Hohu || Kahatha Rama Guna  Bha Bhinusara | Jage Jaga Mangala Sukhadhara || Sakala Saucha Kari Rama Nahava | Suchi Sujana Bada Ccheera Magava || Anuja Sahitha Sira Jata Banaye| Dhekhi Sumanthra Nayanajala Cchaye || Hridhaya Dhahu Athi Badhana Maleena | Kaha Kara  Jori BachanaAthi Dheena || Natha Kaheau Asa Kosalanatha | Lai Rathu Jahu Rama Ke  Satha || Banu Dhekhayi Surasari Anhavayi | Anehu Pheri Begi Dhoau Bhayi || Lakhanu Ramu Siya Aanehu Pheri | Samsaya Sakala Sankocha  Niberi ||