Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Rama insists the ferryman to accept the fare

 

Chapter – 102– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Rama insists the ferryman accept the fare

 

The ferryman drank the water after washing the feet of Prabhu Sri Ramachandra, thus he has brought salvation to his ancestors from the Samsarachakra, transported them from worldly existence, and he gladly took Lord Rama, Devi Sita, and Lakshman on his ferry and crossed the river. Rama got down from the ferry along with Devi Sita, Lakshman, and Guha, soon the ferryman got down the ferry and prostrated at the lotus feet of Lord Rama who felt uncomfortable watching his love, but nothing to offer him, Devi Sita read the mind of Prabhu, immediately took off her precious ring and gave it to him. The gracious Lord said “Oh! Kevat, take the fare.” Suddenly Kevat fell down at the lotus feet of Rama, clasped his feet, and shed tears “Oh! Prabho, I have got rid of the wildfire like grief agony, and poverty. I have been doing this job for a long period of time, today the almighty Lord has given me a fair return. Oh! Prabho, you are kind and compassionate, I don’t want anything from you, Oh! Prabho, while your return, whatever you bestow on me I shall accept them with joy.”

 

Padha Pakhari Jalu Pana Kari Aapu Sahitha Parivar | Pithara Paru Kari Prabhuhi Puni Mudhitha Gayau Loyi Para ||

Uthari Dat Bhaye Surasari Retha | Siya Ramu Guha Lakhana Sametha || Kevat Uthari Dandavath Keenha | Prabhuhi Sakucha Yehi Nahi Kacchu Dheenha || Piya Hiya Ki Siya Jananihari | Mani Madhuri Manmudhitha Uthari || Kaheau Kripala Lehi Utharayi | Kevat Charana Gahe Akulayi || Natha Aaju Mei Kaha Na Pava | Mite Dhosha Dhukha Dharidha Dhava || Bahuth Kala Mei Keenhi Majoori | Aaju Dheenha Bidhi Bani Bhali Bhoori || Ab Kacchu Natha Na  Chahia More | Dheenadhayala Anugraha Thore || Phirathi Bar Mohi Jo  Deba | So Prasadhu Mei  Sira Dhari Leba ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – ‘No one is meritorious than the Kevat/ferryman’

 

Chapter – 101– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda–‘No one is meritorious than the Kevat/ferryman’

 

The Kevat spoke “Oh! Prabho, I will let you get into the ferry after washing your feet. Oh! Prabho, I don’t ask for any money, all I ask for letting me wash your lotus feet with my hands. Oh! Prabho, I promise on King Dhasharatha, whatever I have pronounced is true, let Lakshman shoot me with his powerful arrows, I won’t let you step in the ferry, unless and until I wash your lotus feet. Oh! Lord of Tulsidas, Oh! Kripalu, you are the ferry to cross the ocean of Samsara, let me wash your lotus feet.” Rama looked at Janakanandhini and Lakshman after listening to the most compassionate words of the Kevat, and three of them smiled watching the pure love and devotion of the Kevat. The Supreme Lord Rama replied pleasingly “Oh! Kevat, do whatever you feel safe to prevent the loss of your ferry, bring water and wash my feet at once. We are getting late, take us across the river.” The Kevat achieved the highest fortune of life,  he washed the feet of Supreme Lord Sri Ramachandra whose sacred name ‘Rama’ is capable to liberate the Jeeva from Thapathrya/grief and remove the Jeeva from the Samsarachakra/repeated births. The Kevat attained the fortune to wash the feet of that supreme Lord who has measured the whole Universe in three strides with the tiny feet/Vamana. The celestial river Devi Ganga rejoiced at heart, soon the ferryman brought water and washed the lotus feet of Lord with a heart full of love, and joy, he caressed the feet of Prabhu Lord Sri Ramachandra with intense love and devotion. The deities showered flowers and cheered ‘no one is meritorious than the Kevat’.

Padhakamala Dhoi Chadayi Nava Na Natha Utharayi Chahai | Mohi Rama Rauri Aana Dhasharatha Sapatha Sab Sachi Kahhau || Baru Theera Marahu Lakhanu Pai Jab Lagi Na Paya Pakharihau| Thab Lagi Na  Tulasidasa Natha Kripala Paru Utharihau ||

Suni Kevat Ke Baina Prema  Lapete Atpate | Bihase Karunayena Chithayi Janaki Lakhana Thana ||

Kripasindhu Bole Musukayi | Soyi Karu Jehi Thava Nava Na Jayi || Begi Aanu Jala Paya Pakharu | Hotha Bilambu Utharahi Paru || Jasu Nama Sumiratha Yek Bara | Utharahi Nara Bhavasindhu Apara || Soyi Kripalu Kevatahi Nihora | Jehi Jagu Kiya Thihu Pagahu The Thora || Padha Nakha Nirakhi Devasari Harshi | Suni Prabhu Bachana Moha Mathi  Karashi || Kevata Rama Rajayasu Pava | Pani Kadvatha Bhari Leyi Aava || Athi Anandha Umagi Anuraga | Charana Saroja Pakharana Laga || Barashi Sumana Sura Sakala Sihahi | Yehi Sama Punyapunja KoauNahi ||

 

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 ||