Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Theertharaj Prayaga gets pleased with the pure love and devotion of Bharatha

Chapter – 198– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Theertharaj Prayaga gets pleased with the pure love and devotion of Bharatha

 

Bharatha solemnly prayed “Oh! Theertharaj, I have no interest to achieve material welfare, possession, wealth, fame, glory, or I have no desire for sensual pleasures, or I have no desire for fruitfulness afterlife. Oh! Prabho, kindly give me the boon of perpetual devotion and pure love at the lotus feet of Lord Rama and Devi Sita, in all my births.  Oh! Prabho, I have no need for other boons, even if Rama considers me as a wicked brother, or my preceptor and Master consider me as immoral, all that I ask for devotion at the lotus feet of Rama and Devi Sita. The clouds may neglect the cries of Chathaka, and discharge thunderbolts and hailstorm, but the Chathaka won’t stop its cries for droplets from the Swathi Nakshathra, definitely, it would intensify the love of Chathaka for the clouds, as the gold gets multiplied its brightness by shoving to fire, the devotion grew deep by practicing the worship of beloved Lord.” Soon, a divine voice echoed from the midst of Triveni “Oh! Dear Bharatha, you are a pious soul, your love and devotion at the lotus feet of Rama are boundless, do not give space for the depressing thoughts in your mind, Oh! Bharatha, no one is dear as you for Rama.”

Aratha Na Dharama Na Kama Ruchi Gathi Na  Chahau Nirabana | Janama Janama Rathi Ramapadha Yaha Baradhanu Na Aana ||

Janahu Ramu Kutila Kari Mohi | Loga  Kahau Guru Sahib Dhrohi || Seetharama Charana Rathi More | Anudhina Badau AnugrahaThore || Jaladhu Janama Bhari Surathi Bisarau | Jachath Jalu Pabi Pahana Darau || Chathaku Ratani Gate Gati Jayi | Bade  Premu Sab  Bhanthi Bhalayi || Kanakahi Bana Chadayi Jimi Dhahe | Thimi Priyathama Padha Nema Nibahe || Bharatha Bachana Suni Majj Thribeni | Bhayi Mridhu Bani Sumangala Dheni || Thatha Bhratha Thumha Sab Bidhi Sadhu | Ramacharana Anuraga Agadhu || Badhi Galani Karahu Manamahi | Thumha  Sama Ramahi Koau Priya Koau Priya Nahi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Bharatha offers ablutions on the river Prayaga

Chapter – 197– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Bharatha offers ablutions on the river Prayaga

 

In the afternoon Bharatha and the group of people arrived on the sacred Prayaga, the confluence of river Ganga, Yamuna. Bharatha could not control his grief, wept bitterly “Oh! Rama Oh! Sita” and continued the journey, the blisters on his feet glistened like dew drops on the lotus flower. The people felt extremely sad to hear that Bharatha conducted the whole day’s journey on foot. Everyone performed ablutions on the river Prayaga, he bathed in the white and dark-colored waters of river Ganga and Yamuna, performed rites, and offered an abundance of charities to Brahmins. Bharatha felt a sudden rush of a thrill watching the water current of Ganga and Yamuna, he offered prayers with folded hands “Oh! Prayaraj, you are the bestower of boons, Oh! Theertharaj/King of rivers, your glories are eulogized by Veda and scriptures, I am extremely distressed, hence I beg alms before you, forgetting the duties and responsibilities of a Kshatriya, kindly fulfill my desire, knowing that I am a distressed soul and you are generous and wise.”

Bharatha Theesare Pahara Kaha Keenha  Prabesu Prayaga | Kahatha Ramasiya Ramasiya Umagi Umagi Anuraga ||

Jjalaka Jalakath Payanha Kaise | Pankaja Kosa  Ausa  Kana Jaise || Bharatha Payodhehi Aaye Aaju | Bhayau Dhukhitha Suni Sakala Samaju || KhabariLeenha Sab Loga Nahaye | Keenha Pranamu Thribenihi Aaye || Sabidhi Sithasitha Neera  Nahane | Dhiye Dhana Mahisura Sanmane ||Dhekhatha Syamala Dhavala Halore | Pulaki Sareera Bharatha Kara Jore || Sakala Kamapradha Theeratharau | Bedha Bidhitha Jaga Pragata Prabhau|| Magau Bheekha Thyagi Nija Dharamu | Aaratha Kaha Na  Karayi Kukaramu || Asa Jiya Jani Sujana Sudhani | Saphala KarahiJaga Jachaka Bani ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Bharatha and the large group of people followed Guha to the dense forest

 

Chapter – 196– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Bharatha and the large group of people followed Guha to the dense forest

 

Bharatha and Shathrughna finished the early morning rite and went to meet preceptors and mothers, prostrated before them. Shortly, Bharatha instructed Guha to lead them to the forest, all the palanquins, chariots, elephants, horses, carts etc. lined up to follow Guha. Shathrughna was instructed to follow the large group, the preceptors moved along with the Bhramins in large numbers. Bharatha prostrated before the river Ganga, and contemplating upon the lotus feet of Rama, Devi Sita and Lakshman moved forward, walked close to his horse. The attendants pleaded to Bharatha to mount on the horse, was replied grimly “How can I mount on the horse and travel, I have no right to do so, my brother Rama, Lakshman, and Devi Sita walked through the rough pathways barefoot, in fact, I should not walk on foot, I should walk with my head through these harsh pathways.” The servants were felt extremely sad watching the pure love and devotion of Bharatha at the lotus feet of Rama.

Prathakriya Kari Mathu Padha Bandhi Gurahi Siru Nayi | Aage Kiye Nishadha Gana Dheenheau Kataku Chalayi ||

Kiyau Nishadhanathu Aguayi | Mathu Palaki Sakala Chalayi || Sath Bolayi Bhayi Laghu Dheenha | Bipranha Sahitha Gavanu Guru Keenha || Aapu Surasarihi Keenha Pranamu | Sumire Lakhana Sahitha Siya Ramu || Gavane  Bharatha  Payadhehi Paye | Kothala Sanga Jahi Deriaye || Kahahi Susevaka Barahi Bara | Hoyia Natha  Asva  Asavara || Ramu Payodhahi Paya Sidhaye | Ham Kaha Ratha Gaja Baji Banaye || Sira Bhara Jau Uchitha Asa Mora | Sab The Sevaka Dharamu Kadora || Dhekhi Bharatha GathiSuni Mridubani | Sab Sevaka Gana Garahi Galani ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Guha pacifies Bharatha

Chapter – 195– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Guha pacifies Bharatha

 

Guha spoke affectionately “Oh! Prabho, it was the cruel fate that caused blemishes on you, it was a bad fate that drove Devi Kaikeyi is out of mind. Lord Rama praised your virtues abundantly on that night. Tulasidas firmly pronounce that you are dear as life to Rama, everything will be good at the end, hence gather courage, it is the promise of Tulsidas, the fervent devotee of Lord Rama. The Supreme Lord Rama is the all-pervasive Bhramam reside as a soul in the Jeeva, he is Antharyami/knower of all, he is the essence of kindness and compassion, ponder over it, and gather courage and thereby get rid of grief.” Guha advised Bharatha to take a rest for a while to get rid of the grief and exhaustion of the journey, Bharatha felt relieved listening to the compassionate words of Guha and began to walk towards the shelter place contemplating upon Lord Rama. The men and women of the Ayodhya received the news about the place where Rama slept before leaving to the woods, rushed to see the place with a heavy heart, they reverentially prostrated and circumambulated the Ashoka tree, they cursed Devi Kaikeyi for all the troubles, shed tears of extreme grief and blamed the cruel fate. Some of the people praised the pure love and devotion of Bharatha, and others praised the blamelessness of King Dhasharatha who gave away his life to keep up his promise to Devi Kaikeyi. Some of the people praised the Nishadharaja who has achieved the greatest fortune in his life to be with Rama, in this way, that night was sleepless for all of them. At the arrival of daybreak, they have begun the journey across the river Ganga. The preceptors and mothers were boarded on the newly constructed boats lined on the riverbank. In an hour and a half, all of them reached safely on the other side of the riverbank, Bharatha ensured the safety of all those people who have traveled with them.

Bidhi Bama Ki Karani Kadina Jehi Mathu Keenhi Bavari | Thehi Rathi Puni Puni Karahi Prabhu Sadhar  Sarahana Ravari ||

Thulasi Na  Thumha So Rama Preethamu Kahathu Hau Sauhau Kiya | Parinama  Mangala Jani Apane Aaniye Dheeraju Hiya ||

Antharjami Ramu Sakucha Saprema Kripayathana | Chalia Karia Bishramu Yaha Bichari Dhrida Aani Mana ||

Sakha Bachana Suni Ura Dhari Dheera | Basa Chale Sumiratha Raghubeera || Yaha Sudhi Payi Nagara  Nara Nari | Chale Bilokana Aaratha Bhari || Paradhakhina Kari Karahi Pranama | Dhehi Kaikayihi Khori Nikama || Bhari Bhari Bari Bilochana Lehi | Bama Bidhathahi Dhooshana Dhehi || Yek Sarahahi Bharatha Sanehu | Koau Kaha Nripathi Nibaheau Nehu || NindhahiAapu Sarahi Nishadhahi | Ko Kahi Sakayi Bimoha Bishadhahi || Yehi Bidhi Rathi Logu Sabu Jaga | Bha  Binusara  Gudhara  Laga || Gurahi Sunava  Chadayi Suhayi | Nayi Nava  Sab Mathu Chadayi || Dhandachari Maha Bha Sabu Para | Uthari Bharatha  Thab Sabahi Sambhara ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Bharatha lamenting on the hardships of Rama in the woods

 

Chapter – 194– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Bharatha lamenting on the hardships of Rama in the woods

 

Bharatha spoke in tears “Oh! Guha, the precious Jewel of Raghu’s clan/Ragubamsamani, is bliss personified, he is the source of auspiciousness, slept on the plain ground of Kushagrass, the destiny is unconquerable indeed! Rama never heard the word sorrow or grief in his life, our father considered Rama dear as his life, he is precious to all those queen mothers and was protected like the eyeballs by the eyelid, the gem guarded by the serpent on its head. Alas! That Rama is wandering in the dense wood in search of fruits, flowers, and rooted vegetables. My mother Kaikeyi is the root cause for all those evil, she has turned hostile against her husband who was beloved of her life. My mother caused miseries and grief in the family, she invited widowhood for herself, resemble the ocean of sin and grief. The Almighty Lord ordained me to take birth as the son of Kaikeyi, a mark of impurity in my family, the deceitful act of my mother portrayed me as an enemy of Lord Rama.” The Nishadharaja comforted Bharatha “Oh! Brother, why should you lament in vain, the ultimate truth is that Rama is dear as your life to you and vice versa, and all the blames rest on the fate which is unconquerable.”

Sukhaswaroopa Raghubamsamani Mangalamodha Nidhana | The Sovath Kusa Dasi Mahi Bidhi Gathi Athi Balavana ||

Rama Suna  Dhukhu Kana Na Kau | Jeevanatharu Jimi Jogavayi Rau || Palaka Nayana Phani Mani Jehi Bhanthi | Jogavahi Janani Sakala Dhina Rathi || The Ab Phiratha Bipina  Padhachari | Kandhamoola Phala Phool Aahari || Dhiga Kaikeyi Amangala Moola | Bhayisi Prana Priyathama Prathikoola || Mei Dhiga Dhiga Adha Udhadhi Abhagi | Sabu  Uthpathu Bhayau Jehi Lagi || Kula Kalanku Kari  Srijeau Bidhatha | Sayidhoha  Mohi Keenha Kumatha || Suni Saprema Samujjava  Nishadhu | Natha Karia Katha Badhi Bishadhu || Rama Thumhahi Priya Thumha Priya Ramahi | Yaha  Nirajosu Dhosu Bidhi Bamahi ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Bharatha eulogizes Rama and Lakshman

Chapter – 193– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Bharatha eulogizes Rama and Lakshman

 

Bharatha spoke gravely “Oh! Guha, even after watching these golden beads that have lost luster after the separation Devi Sita, the ornament of the virtuous woman and a devoted wife to Lord Rama I am unfortunate, my heart does not break in grief, my Prana does not leave this body after watching all these. My younger brother Lakshman should be praised highly for his love for Rama and Devi Sita, there was no one like him, and will not be a brother like Lakshman in the future. He is beloved of parents, preceptors and people of Ayodhya, he is dear as life to Devi Sita and Lord Rama. His body is tender and delicate, never been exposed to harsh climates, yet he was most willingly followed Rama, still bearing the hardships in the woods. Oh! Guha, the mere remembrance of all those hardships creates extreme pain in my heart like I was struck by millions of thunderbolts. Rama is the delight of the solar clan, family, people of the Kingdom, and the preceptor, he illuminated the whole Universe with his birth, he is the ocean of beauty, virtues, amiability, and happiness, even the enemies praise the virtues, kindness, pleasantness, politeness of Rama. Devi Sarada who is the excellence in speech and Adhishesha who has thousands of tongues could not explain the virtues of supreme Lord Rama.”

Pathi Devatha  Suthiya  Mani Siya  Sathari Dhekhi | Biharatha Hridhau Na Hahari Hara Pabi The Kadina  Biseshi ||

Lalana Jogu Lakhana Lagu Lone | Bhe Na  Bhayi Asa  Ahahi Na Hone || Purajana Priya Pithu Mathu Dhulare | Siya Raghubeerahi  Pranapiare || Mridhu Moorathi Sukumara  Subhau | Thatha Bau Thana Laga  Na Kau || The Bana Sahahi Bipathi Sab Bhanthi | Nidhare Koti Kulisa  Yehi Cchathi|| Rama Janami Jagu Keenha Ujagara| Roopaseela Sukha Sab Guna Sagara ||Purajana Parijana Guru PIthu Matha | Rama Subhau Sabahi Sukhadhatha || Bairiau Rama Badayi Karahi| Bolani Milani Binaya  Mana Harahi || Saradha Koti  Koti Sath Sesha | Kari Na  Sakahi Prabu Guna Gana Lekha ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Bharatha shed tears thinking about Rama and Devi Sita

 

Chapter – 192– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Bharatha shed tears thinking about Rama and Devi Sita

 

Guha showed the sacred Shimshupa/Ashoka tree where Rama took shelter during his journey, soon Bharatha reverentially prostrated before the tree and looked at it with great admiration, further he beautifully placed the Kushagrass around the tree and prostrated once again. Bharatha took the dust particles from the footprints of Rama, applied them on forehead and eyes with great love, which was beyond description. Bharatha spotted a few golden beads under the tree, that was reverentially placed on his head as if he was offering salutation to Devi Sita. Bharatha shed tears in extreme grief and spoke solemnly “Oh! Guha, Oh! Brother, see these golden beads have lost their beauty and luster due to the separation from Devi Sita, like the men and women of Ayodhya who have lost their happiness at the separation of this couple. The entire people of Ayodhya have doomed to utter gloominess. Who can live an ascetic life like the illustrious King Janaka, father of Devi Sita? He is the supreme ascetic who considers pleasure and pain as the same, while taking pleasure in the Kingdom, he is neither happy nor sad.  Her father-in-law is the illustrious King Dasaratha who is the Lord of the solar race, even the deities envy his fame and glories. Her beloved Lord is Lord of Raghu's, Rama whose virtues, righteousness, kindness, and compassion are well known in the fourteen spheres.”

Jaha Simsupa Puneetha  Thara  Raghubara Kiya Bishramu | Athi Sanehu Sadhara Bharatha Keenheau Dhanda Pranamu||

Kusa  Santhari Nihari Suhayi | Keenha  Pranamu Pradhacchinna Jayi || Charanarekha Raja Aankhinha Layi | Banayi Na Kahatha  Preethi  Adhikayi || Kanaka  Bindhu Dhuyi Charika  Dhekhe | Rakhe  Seesa  Siyasama Lekhe || Sajala Bilochalna Hridhaya Galani | Kahatha Sakha Sana Bachana Subani || Sreehitha Siya  Biraha Dhuthiheena | Jaya  Avadha Nara Nari  Bileena || Pitha Janaka Dheau Patathara Kehi | Karathala Bhogu Jogu Jaga Jehi || Sasura  Bhanukula Bhanu Bualu | Jehi  Sihatha Amaravathipalu || Prananathu Raghunatha Gosayi | Jo Bada  Hotha So Rama Badayi ||