Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – The splendor of King of Theertha, Theertharaj Prayaga

Chapter – 105– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– The splendor of King of Theertha, Theertharaj Prayaga

 

Lord Rama invoked Lord Ganesha, Lord Shambhu with the prayers and prostrated before river Ganga, and proceed to dense wood followed by Devi Sita, Lakshman, and Guha. That day, Lord Rama slept under the tree, Guha and Lakshman provided all the available comforts to the Lord. At the daybreak, Lord Rama performed the morning rites and proceeded to the King of holy Theertha Prayaga, this King has beloved consorts Sathya and Shradhdha, and promising friend Lord Bindumadhava. The Theertharaja Prayaga is the provider of Purusharththa,/Dharma, Arththa, Kama, and Moksha, the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna makes it more beautiful. The Theertharaja is inaccessible to the wicked, and all those sacred places surrounded by the Prayagraj are the valiant warriors of the Theertharaja, capable to destroy all the sins of the Jeeva. The confluence of Ganga and Yamuna represent throne, the Akshaya Vatavruksha represents the umbrella on the top of the throne, captivate the heart of Sages. The water current of Ganga and Yamuna are Chowries, the very sight of the Prayagaraja removes the sins and the interest in worldly matters.

Thab Ganapathi Siva  Sumiri Prabhunayi Surasarihi Matha | Sakha Anuja  Siya Sahitha Bana  Gavanu Keenha Raghunatha ||

Thehi Dhin Bhayau Bitapa Thara Basu | Lakhana Sakha Sab Keenha Supasu || Pratha Prathakritha Kari Raghurayi | Theertharaju Dheekha Prabhu Jayi || Sachiva  Sathya  Shradhdha Priya Nari | Madhava  Sarisa  Meethu Hithakari || Chari  Padharatha Bhara Bhandaru | Punya Pradhesha Dhesa Athi Charu || Cchethru Aagama Gandu Gada Suhava | Sapanehu Nahi Prathipacchinha Pava || Sena Sakala Theeratha Bara Beera | Kalusha Aneeka Dhalana Ranadheera || Sangamu Simhasanu Sudi Soha | Cchathru Akhayabatu Muni Manu Moha || Chavara Jamuna Aru  Ganga Tharanga | Dhekhi Hohi Dhukha Dharidha Bhanga ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Rama advises Guha to return to his village Shringaberipura

Chapter – 104– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Rama advises Guha to return to his village Shringaberipura

 

Devi Ganga spoke “Oh! Vaidhehi, all your wishes shall come true, you shall safely return to Ayodhya with your beloved Lord and his younger brother, after successfully accomplishing the task and your glories shall spread across the Universe.” Devi Sita was delighted to hear the most promising nectar-like blessings of Devi Ganga. Lord Rama advised Guha to return to his village Shringaberipura, Guha’s face turned pale, all his joy vanished from the heart, felt distressed. Guha with folded hands addressed the Lord in pitiful words “Oh! Prabho, kindly listen to my prayers, Oh! Raghuvamsamani, kindly allow me to live with you, I shall take you through the dense woods, and let me serve you for another few days, I shall construct a beautiful hut of creepers and leaves for your stay in the woods. Oh! Lord of Raghu, after constructing a hut, you can ask me to leave or stay according to your wish.” Rama was highly pleased to watch the pure love of Guha and permitted him to stay in the woods for another few days. Guha felt immensely happy, called for his kinsmen, and advised them to proceed to their homes.

Prananatha Devara Sahitha Kusala Kosala Ayi | Poojihi Sab Manakamana Sujasu Rahihi Jaga CchaYi ||

Ganga Bachana Suni Mangala Moola | Mudhitha Siya Surasari Anukooola || Thab Prabhu Guhahi Kaheau Ghara  Jahu | Sunatha Sukha Mukhu Bha Ura Dhahu || Dheenabachana Guha Kaha Kara Jori | Binaya Sunahu Raghukulamani Mori || Natha Satha Rahi Panthu Dhekhayi | Kari Dhina Chari Charana Sevakayi || Jehi Bana Jayi  Rahab Raghurayi | Paranakuti Mei  Karabi Suhayi || Thab Mohi Kaha Jasi  Dheb Rajayi | Soyi Karihau Raghubeera Dhohayi || Sahaja Saneha Ramalakhi Thasu | Sanga Leenha Guha Hridhaya Hulasu || Puni Guha Gyathi Boli Sab Leenhe | Kari  Parithoshu Bidha  Thab Keenhe ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Rama and Devi Sita worships Lord Shiva and Devi Ganga

 

Chapter – 103– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Rama and Devi Sita worships Lord Shiva and Devi Ganga

 

Devi Sita and Lakshman prompted the ferryman to take his fare, but he refused to accept anything in return, the compassionate Lord provided him pure devotion as a boon and send him off. Lord Rama took a bath in the river Ganga, and a Shivalinga made out of the sand, they worshiped Lord Shiva. Devi Sita earnestly prayed to Devi Ganga “Oh! Mother, kindly accomplish our desires and bless me for a safe return with my beloved Lord and his younger brother, so that we can worship you.” After listening to the nectar-like prayers of Devi Sita, a divine voice originated from the water currents of Ganga “ Oh! Vaidhehi, the beloved consort of Lord of Raghu Sri Ramachandra, who is not aware of your glory? Whoever worships you achieves the greatest of fortune, achieves the status of master of heavens quarters at your auspicious glance, and they inherit all supernatural powers at your divine glance. Oh! Vaidhehi you have offered humble prayers and raised my glories. Oh! The most venerable one, bless you in return.”

Bahuth Keenha Prabhu Lakhana Siya Nahi Kacchu Kevatu Leyi | Bidha Keenha Karunayathana Bhagathi Bimala Baru Dheyi ||

Thab Majjanu Kari Raghukulanatha | Pooji Parathiva Nayau Maya || Siya  Surasarihi Kaheau Kara Jori | Mathu Manoratha Puraubi Mori || Pathi Devara Sanga Kusala Bahori | Aayi  Karau Jehi Pooja Thori || Suni Siya Binaya Premarasa Sani | Bhayi Thab Bimala Bari Bara Bani || Sunu Raghubeera Priya Baidhehi | Thava Prabhavu Jaga Bidhitha Na Kehi || Lokapa Hohi Bilokatha Thore | Thohi Sevahi Sab Sidhi Kara Jore || Thumha Jo Hamahi Badi Binaya Sunayi | Kripa Keenhi Mohi Dheenhi Badayi || Thadhapi Debi Mei  Debi Aseesa | Saphala Hona Hitha Nija  Bageesa ||

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 ||