Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Devi Sita’s life with her beloved Lord Rama in the woods

Chapter – 139– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Devi Sita’s life with her beloved Lord Rama in the woods

 

Lakshman who is sincerely devoted at the lotus feet of Rama and Devi Sita was completely forgotten about his brother Shathrughna, Kingdom of Ayodhya even in his dreams. On the other hand, Devi Sita led a blissful life in the association of her beloved Lord, forgot to think about the Kingdom of Ayodhya, her family, and beloved people. Devi Sita lived in extreme delight watching at the most beautiful lustrous moon-like face of her beloved Lord, like the Chakora bird, yearningly watch at the autumn moon, she has realized that the fondness between them grown beyond words day by day, she lived blissfully like Chakravaha during the daylight, her mind was completely enamored by the lotus feet of Lord Sri Ramachandra, hence the forest seemed dear as thousands of Ayodhya. Devi Sita lived happily in the association of her beloved Lord in the hermitage, the beautiful birds, and swans constituted her family members. The hermit in large numbers lived in the hills of Chitrakoot engaged in various austerities and penance were considered as father-in-law and mother-in-law, the fruits and rooted vegetables available in the forest were tasted like nectar to her. The pleasing conversation with her beloved Lord has brought the immense pleasure of hundreds of Kamadeva, will the worldly pleasures entice the inseparable Maya of that supreme Lord who is Prakrithi/Universe and its living and non-living things?

Cchinu Cchinu Lakhi Siya Ramapadha Jani Aapu Para Nehu | Karatha Na Sapanehu Lakhanu Chithu Bandhu MathuPithu Gehu ||

Rama Sanga Siya Rahathi Sukhari | Pura Prijana Griha Surathi Bisari || Cchinu Cchinu Piya Bidhu Badhanu Nihari | Pramudhitha Manahu Chakorakumari || Naha Nehu Nitha  Badatha Biloki | Harashitha Rahathi Dhivasa Jimi Koki || Siya Manu Rama Charana Anuraga | Avadha Sahasa Sama Banu Priya Laga || Paranakuti Priya Priyathama Sanga | Priya  Parivaru Kuranga Bihanga || Sasu Sasura Sama Munithiya Munibara | Asanu Amia Sama Kandha Moola Phala || Natha Satha Santhari Suhayi | Mayana Sayana Saya Sama Sukhadhayi || Lokapa Hohi Bilokatha Jasu| Thehi Ki Mohi Saka Bishaya Bilasu ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – The beauty of the sacred land Chithrakoot

 

Chapter – 138– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– The beauty of the sacred land Chitrakoot

 

The deities continuously sang in praise of the sacred land Chithrakoot and the living and non-living things on this sacred land, such as animals, birds, rivers, streams, mountains, hills, creepers, forests, etc. that has achieved the fortune to bear the footprints of Lord Rama, Devi Sita, and Lakshman and behold the beauty of the pairs and Lakshman. All the living things on this sacred land achieved the fruitfulness of their eyes by merely watching the marvelous appearance of Rama, and the non-living things achieved fortune by bearing the dust particles from the feet of the Lord. In this way, the living and non-living things on the Chithrakoot achieved an abundance of piousness in the presence of Lord Rama, thereby got released from grief and sufferings. How shall I describe the meritorious reward of the sacred land/forest and hills which were occupied as a shelter place, by the supreme Bhramam who is the ocean of mercy? The beauty of the Chitrakoot where the supreme Lord Rama settled along with Devi Sita and Lakshman after abandoning the beautiful milky ocean and Kingdom of Ayodhya were beyond description even for the hundreds and thousands of Adishesha. Hence, how can I describe them all, will it be possible for a tortoise living in the puddle to elevate Mount Mandhara? Lakshman who is devoted by word, mind, and deeds, sincerely waited for the instructions from his elder brother Rama.

 

Chithrakoot Ke Bihaga MrigaBeli Bitapa Thrina Jathi| Punya PUnja Sab Dhanya Asa Kahahi Deva Dhina Rathi ||

Nayanavantha Raghubarahi Biloki | Payi Janama Phala Hohi Bisoki || Parasi Charana Raja Achara Sukhari | Bhaye Parama Padha Ke  Adhikari || So Banu Sailu Subhaya Suhavana | Mangalamaya Athi Pavana Pavana || Mahima Kahia Kavani Bidhi Thasu | Sukhasagara Jaha Keenha Nivasu || Paya Payodhi Thaji Avadha Bihayi | Jaha Siya  Lakhanu Ramu Rahe Ayi || Kahi Na  Sakahi Sushama  Jasi Kanana |Jau Sath Sahasa Hohi Sahasanana || So Mei Barani Kahau Bidhi Kehi | Dabara Kamada Ki Mandhara Lehi || Sevahi Lakhanu Karama Mana Bani | Jayi Na  Seelu Sanehu Bakhani ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – The splendor of Chitrakoot

Chapter – 137– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– The splendor of Chitrakoot

The beauty of the Chitrakoot was beyond description, the beautiful rich lush green lands, streams, tall trees, and dense forests, crammed with the various species of birds, such as Blue Jay, Cuckoo, Myna, Parrots, Chathaka, Chakora, Chakravaha, etc.  spread instant delight with their sweet sounds. The wild animals such as lions, deer, monkeys, bears, boars, antelope, elephants, sported in complete harmony. The herds of deer behold the beauty of Rama, stood motionless, forgetting their search for prey. The Vanadevatha/the deities in the woods transported to a state of ecstasy watching the beauty of Rama. The Devanathi/celestial river Ganga, the Yamuna daughter of Lord Sun, Saraswathi, the fortunate Godavari, Narmadha the daughter of Mount Mekhala, and numerous lakes, streams, rivers, and ponds praised the fortune of river Mandakini where Lord Rama, Devi Sita, and Lakshman taken a dip on a regular basis. The eastern and western hill, the place where the sun rises and sets, Mount Kailash, Mount Meru the abode of deities, Mandhara, mountains in the Himalayas, sung in praise of the blessed land Chitrakoot. The presiding deity of Vindhyachala Mountain where Mount Chithrakoot was situated was extremely delighted realizing that it had won an abundance of meritorious rewards without performing much strenuous Tapasya.

Neelakanda Kalakanda Suka Chathaka Chakka Chakora | Bhanthi Bhanthi Bolahi Bihaga Shravana Sukhadha Chithachora ||

Kari Kehari Kapikola Kuranga | Bigathabaira Bicharahi Sab Sanga || Phiratha Ahera Rama Cchabi Dhekhi | Hohi Mudhitha Mrigabrindha Biseshi || Bibudha Bipini Jaha Lagi Jagamahi | Dhekhi Rama Banu Sakala Sihahi || Surasari Sarasayi Dhinakara Kanya | Mekalasutha Godhavari Dhanya || Saba Sara Sindhu Nadhi Nadha Nana | Mandhakini Kara Karahi Bakhana || Udhaya Astha Giri Aru Kailasu | Mandhara Meru Sakala Surabasu || Saila Himachala Aadhika Jethe | Chithrakoota Jasu  Gavahi Thethe || BidhiMudhitha Man Sukhu Na Samayi | Shrama Binu Bipula Badayi Payi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – The beautiful and blessed land of Chithrakoota

 

Chapter – 136– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– The beautiful and blessed land of Chithrakoota

 

The Supreme Lord Ramachandra, who is eulogized by Veda and sacred scriptures, and the illustrious Rishis and Sages undertake extreme penance and austerities to perceive that supreme Bhramam, listened to the kind words of the Kola and Bhila, like a parent listen to their baby talks. Oh! Jeeva,  the pure love and devotion at the lotus feet of Sri Ramachandra only attracts that Scchidhanandhaswaroopa Paramathma Parambhramam. Rama addressed them with the most affectionate words, they disbursed peacefully bowing their head before the Lord, they abundantly praised the virtues and the kindness of the Lord on all their ways and returned to their homes. Devi Sita and Lakshman pleased the minds and hearts of the hermits, deities, and foresters with their kindness and virtues. Ever since the Lord of Raghu settled in the Mount Chithrakoota, the entire forest has become the source of blessings to all the living and non-living things. The trees and plants loaded with the fruits and flowers, the creepers, shrubs remained fresh and green all the time, the entire forest looked like a heavenly abode as if the plant life in the heavenly abode abandoned the celestial abode and settled in the forest, where the swarm of buzzing honey bees, the cool breeze of rich fragrances multiplied the serenity and the beauty of the atmosphere.

 

Bedha Bachana Munimana Agama The Prabhu Karuna Yena | Bachana  Kirathanha Ke Sunatha Jimi Pithu Balaka Baina ||

Ramahi Kevala Premu Piara | Jani Leau Jo  Jananihara || Rama Sakala BanacharaThab Thoshe | Kahi Mridhu Bachana Prema  Pariposhe|| Bidha Kiye  Sira Nayi Sidhaye | Prabhu Guna Kahatha Sunatha Ghar Aaye || Yehi Bidhi Siya Sametha Dhaou Bhayi | Basahi Bipina  Sura Muni Sukhadhayi || Jab The  Aaye Rahe  Raghunayaku | Thab The Bhayau Banu Mangaladhayaku || Phoolahi Phalahi Bitapa BidhiNana | Manjju Balitha Bara Beli Bithana || Suratharu Sarisa Subhaya Suhaye | Manahu Bibudha Bana Parihari Aaye || Gunjja Manjjuthara Madhukara Shreni | Thribidha Bayari Bahayi Sukha Dheni ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Kolas and Bhilas approaches the Lord Rama with a sincere request to give them the opportunity to serve the Lord

 

Chapter – 135– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Kolas and Bhilas approaches the Lord Rama with a sincere request to give them the opportunity to serve the Lord

 

The Kola and Bhilas spoke reverentially “Oh! Prabhu, we are fortunate to behold your marvelous appearance, we are feeling safe and protected now. Oh! Natha, our good luck provided us to meet you in the woods, Oh! Kosalaraya, Lord of Kosala we feel extremely fortunate, the Land, forest, pathways, hills, etc. which is bearing your footprint is blessed. Oh! Prabho, the birds, animals, and humans who have witnessed your marvelous appearance are fortunate. Oh! Prabho, the Kola and Bhilas, and their families in the forests are fortunate to behold your beauty, you have taken up the marvelous site as your abode, and you will be comfortable in this site in all the seasons. Oh! Prabho, we shall render our sincere service to you and keep you away from the wild animals in the forest, and we shall follow you to the dense forest, and to the unapproachable mountains and caves while exploring the woods by foot. Oh! Prabho, we shall take you for hunting expeditions, and to the beautiful watercourses, lakes, springs in the woods. Oh! Prabho, do not hesitate to command us, we are at your sincere service at all times.”

                                                                    

Ab Hama Natha Sanatha Sab Bhaye Dhekhi Prabhu Paya | Bhaga Hamare Aagamanu Raura Kosalaraya ||

Dhanya Bhoomi Bana Pantha Pahara | Jaha Jaha Natha Pau Thumha Dhara || Dhanya Bihaga Mriga Kananachari | Saphala Janama Bhaye Thumhahi Nihari || Hama Sab Dhanya Sahitha Parivara | Dheekha Dharasu Bhari Nayana Thumhara || Keenha Basu Bhala Dau Bichari | IhaSakala Rithu Rahaba Sukhari || Ham Sab Bhanthi Karaba Sevakayi | Kari Kehari Aahi Badh Barayi || Bana Baheda Giri Kandhara Khoha | Sab Hamara Prabhu Paga  Paga Joha || Thaha Thaha Thumhahi Ahera  Khelauab | Sara Niranjjara Jaladau Dhekhaub || Ham Sevak Parivara Sametha | Natha Na  Sakuchab Aayasu Dhetha ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – The Kolas and Bhilas/tribals arrives to meet Lord Rama, Devi Sita, and Lakshman

Chapter – 134– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– The Kolas and Bhilas/tribals arrives to meet Lord Rama, Devi Sita, and Lakshman

 

The Yogis, Sages, and Rishis returned to their respective hermitage after paying obeisance to the Lord, and continued their austerities, Japa, Thapa, meditation, fire sacrifices, etc. The Kolas and Bhilas in the forest came to know the arrival of Rama, Lakshman, and Devi Sita, they were extremely delighted and rushed to meet them, as if the nine types of treasures of Lord Kubera made it's way to the forest. They carried several wicker baskets full of rooted vegetables, succulent fruits, plates, and cups made of leaves to meet the Lord, as if the pauper approaches the treasure of gems. Some of them were already met the two charming princes explained their loveliness and compassion to others on their way, the listeners were grown too eager to meet the two princes. Finally, they have arrived in the hills of Chithrakoota where Rama and Lakshman along with Devi Sita settled in the woods, they lined up the wicker baskets of fruits and rooted vegetables before the Lord greeted him reverentially, and stood far from the Lord, beholding the beauty of Lord Rama, they shed tears of pure love and devotion. Lord greeted them affectionately, Rama perceived them as distressed, overwhelmed with various emotions, he addressed the crowd of Kola and Bhila with the soothing words, they repeatedly prostrate before the Lord and began to speak with the folded palms.

Jathajoga Sanmani Prabhu Bidha Kiye Munibrindha | Karahi Joga Thapa Japa Gaga Nija  Ashramaniha  Succhandha ||

Yaha Sudhi Kola Kirathanha Payi | Harshe Janu Nava  Nidhi  Ghar Ayi || Kandhamoola Phala Bhari  Bhari Dhona | Chale Ranka Janu Loottana Sona || Thinha Maha Jinha Dhekhe Dhoau Bhratha | Apara Thinhahi Poochahi Magu Jatha || Kahatha Sunatha Raghubeera Nikayi | Aayi Sabanihi Dhekhe Raghurayi || Karahi Joharu Bhet Dhari Aage | Prabuhi Bilokahi Athi Anurage || Chithra Likhe Janu Jaha Thaha Dade | Pulaka Sareera  Nayanajala Bade || Rama Saneha Magana Sab Jane | Kahi Priya Bachana Sakala Sanmane || Prabhuhi Johari Bahori Bahori | Bachana Bineetha Kahahi Kara Jori ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Rama, along with Devi Sita and Lakshman settles in the hermitage, all the sages and Rishis assembled offers salutation to the Lord

Chapter – 133– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Rama, along with Devi Sita and Lakshman settles in the hermitage, all the sages and Rishis assembled offers salutation to the Lord

 

Lord Rama along with Devi Sita and Lakshman adorned the hermitage, gave out an appearance of the charming Lord Kamadeva in a saffron robe of a hermit, and Devi Sita resembled Devi Rathi, and all the Sages and Rishis appeared as the deities and Vasantharithu. All the deities, Naga, Kinnara, and Ashtadhikpalakas came to know about the arrival of Lord of Raghu in the Chithrakoota, flocked to meet the Lord. Lord Rama offered humble salutations to the deities who were gladdened to achieve the reward of their eyes. The deities showered flowers on Rama and exclaimed “Oh! Raghunandhana, we feel protected today.” The deities got out of their terrible woes and delightfully returned to their respective abodes. The hermits thronged to Chithrakoota to get a glimpse of Lord of Raghu. Lord Rama was extremely delighted to meet the hermits, he has fallen at the feet of the hermits, they embraced Rama affectionately and showered an abundance of blessings on him, the hermits were transported to a state of ecstasy while beholding the beauty of Devi Sita, Rama, and Lakshman, and felt that all their spiritual practices have brought fruitfulness in their lives.

 

Lakahana Janaki Sahitha Prabhu Rajath Ruchira Niketha| Soha Madhanu Muni Besha Janu Rathi  Rithuraja Sametha ||

Amara Naga  Kinnara Dhisipala | Chithrakoota AAye Thehi Kala || Rama Pranamu Keenha Sab Kahu | Mudhitha Deva  Lahi Lochana Lahu || Barashi Sumana Kaha Deva Samaju | Natha Sanatha Bhaye Hama AAju|| Kari Binathi Dhukha Dhusaha Sunaye | Harashitha Nija Nija  Sadhana Sidhaye || Chithrakoota Raghunandhanu CChaye | Samachara Suni Suni Muni Aye || Aavath Dhekhi Mudhitha Munibrindha| Keenha  Dhandavath  Raghukula  Chandha || Muni Raghubarahi  Laye Ura  Lehi | Suphala Hona Hitha  Aasisha  Dhehi || Siya Saumithri Rama Cchabi Dhekhhi | Sadhana Sakala Saphala Kari Lekhahi ||