Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Sage Vashishta insists Rama to allow the people of Ayodhya to enjoy his presence and get relieved from their grief

 

Chapter – 243– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Sage Vashishta insists Rama allow the people of Ayodhya to enjoy his presence and get relieved from their grief

 

Sage Vashishta spoke “Oh! Rama, you are the symbol of righteousness and mercy, that was made you speak in such a way, but the people of Ayodhya are grieving for a long time at your separation, let them get relieved from grief and sufferings and enjoy your presence for another couple of days.” Rama felt auspicious windblown on his favor listening to the most appropriate words of the preceptor, they bathed thrice in a day in the holy river Payaswini, the mere sight of this holy river is capable to remove the host of sins. The people assembled took feast on the marvelous appearance of the Lord of Raghu who is the essence of auspiciousness and welfare, prostrated before Rama repeatedly.  They collectively went to see the loveliness of Chitrakoot, but the beauty of wood was not so impressive in the absence of Rama who is the remover of grief and sufferings of the Jeeva. All the crystal-clear watercourses in the hills had the sweetness of nectar, could take away the miseries and grief of the people. The cool and fragrant breeze taken away their exhaustion of the journey soon revitalized their body and mind. The loveliness of the woods, the plants, trees, creepers, of various kinds loaded with alluring flowers of rich fragrance and succulent fruits, the lush green land, beautiful shelter homes on the pathways, was beyond description.

 

Dharma Sethu  Karunayathana Kasa Na  Kahahu Asa Rama | Loga Dhukhitha Dhina Dhuyi Dharasa Dhekhi Lahahu Bishrama||

Rama Bachana Suni Sabhaya Samaju | Janu Jalanidhi Mahau Bikala Jahaju || Suni Guru Gira  SumangalaMoola | Bhayau Manahu Marutha Anukoola || Pavana Paya Thihu Kala Nahahi | Jo Biloki Adha Audha Nasahi ||Mangalamoorathi Lochana Bhari Bhari | Nirakhahi Harashi Dhandavath Kari Kari || Rama saila Bana Dhekhana Jahi | Jaha Sukha Sakala Sakala Dhukha Nahi || Jjarana Jarahi Sudhasama Bari | Thribidha Thapahara Thribidha Bayari || BitapaBeli Thrina Aganitha Jathi | Phala Prasoona  Pallava  Bahu Bhanthi || Sundhara Sila Sukhadha Tharu Cchahi| Jayi Barani Bana Cchabi Kehi Pahi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Rama appeals to Sage Vashishta to take his mothers and the people back to Ayodhya

 

Chapter – 242– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Rama appeals to Sage Vashishta to take his mothers and the people back to Ayodhya

 

At the daybreak Raghunandhan performed all those rites instructed by his preceptor, Rama meticulously performed homage to ancestors prescribed in the Veda and scriptures. The supreme Bhramam, blameless, pure, free from afflictions, neither birth nor death, free from changes, performed all those ancestral rites to remove the blemishes. The Supreme Lord whose name ‘Rama’ capable to remove the host of sins, resemble fire to the cotton balls, whose very name is the source of all the auspiciousness, even the celestial river Ganga was consecrated at the touch of his feet, performed the ancestral rite for removing the sins. After two days of homage to ancestors, Rama affectionately spoke to the preceptor “Oh! Mune, all the people of Ayodhya are miserable and tired of a long journey to wood. They are living on fruits, rooted vegetables, and water in the forest. Bharatha, Shathrughna, and all the mothers are extremely dejected, when I see them in a troubled state, I feel every second as Yuga. Therefore, I request you to kindly return with them to Ayodhya, my father attained the abode of deities, and you are the one who could take care of the Kingdom and its subjects. Oh! Prabho, I have spoken too much on this occasion, I have mentioned whatever I have felt in my mind, kindly do what is appropriate at this moment.”

 

Bhoru Bhaya Raghunandhanahi Jo Muni Aayasu Dheenha | Shradhdha Bhagathi Sametha Prabhu So Sabu Sadharu Keenha ||

Kari Pithu Kriya Bedha Jasi Barani | Bhe Puneetha Pathaka Thama Tharani || Jasu Nama Pavaka Adha Thoola | Sumiratha  Sakala Sumangala Moola || Sudhdha So Bhayau Sadhu Sammatha Asa | Theeratha Aavahana Surasari Jasa || Sudhdha Bhaye  Dhuyi Basara  Beethe | Bole  Guru Sana Rama  Pireethe || Natha Loga  Sab Nipata  Dhukhari | Kandhamoola Phala Ambu Ahari || Sanuja Bharathu Sachiva  Sab Matha | Dhekhi Mohi Pala Jimi Juga Jatha || Sab Sametha Pura Dharia Pau | Aapu  Iha  Amaravathi Rau || Bahutha Kahau Sab  Kiyau Didayi | Uchitha Hoyi Thasa Karia Gosayi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Sage Vashishta informs the news of the demise of King Dhasharatha to Rama

 

Chapter – 241– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Sage Vashishta informs the news of the demise of King Dhasharatha to Rama

 

Devi Sita prostrated at the feet of mothers and greeted them with great love. The Queen mothers overwhelmed with various emotions blessed her at heart “May you live a long and blissful married life”. Preceptor Vashishta saw the queen mothers and Devi Sita are utterly miserable, besieged with sorrow, hence he asked them to take a seat, and began to describe the ‘Paramarththa’ nature of Prakrithi/ the impermanent nature of material matters which is nothing other than the Maya/illusion, of Mayapathi, and the permanent nature of Purusha/soul etc. Further Sage Vashishta informed the demise of King Dasaratha to Lord of Raghu, that was completely shaken Rama, especially the knowledge of the pain of separation from him caused to leave his father mortal coil pained Rama to a great extent. The most unexpected demise of the King was struck like a thunderbolt on Lakshman. Devi Sita and queen mothers became inconsolable, wept bitterly. The whole people assembled were grief-stricken, they felt that day as the demise of the King. Sage Vashishta and Vamadeva pacified all the people assembled, especially Rama, and advised everyone to take a dip in the river Mandakini. That day Lord Rama followed strict austerities, did not consume meal or water, and the people assembled were followed the same, even though they were compelled to consume the meal, none of them could eat or drink.

Lagi Lagi Paga Sabani Siya  Bhetathi Athi Anuraga | Hridhaya Aseesahi Pema Basa Rahiahu Bhari Sohaga ||

Bikala  Saneha Siya Sab Rani | Baitana Sabahi Kaheau  Gurugyani || Kahi Jaga  Gathi Mayika Muninatha | Kahe Kacchuka Paramaratha Gatha || Nripa Kara Surapura Gavanu Sunava | Suni Raghunatha Dhusaha Dhukhu Pava || Maranahethu Nija Nehu Bichari | Bhe  Athi Bikala Dheera Dhura Dhari || Kulisa  Kadora  Sunatha Katubani | Bilapatha Lakhana Siya Sab Rani || Soka Bikala Athi Sakala Samaju| Manahu Raju Akajeau Aaju || Munibara  Bahuri Rama Samujjaye | Sahitha Samaja Susaritha Nahaye || Brathu Nirambu Thehi Dhina Prabhu Keenha | Munihu Kahe Jalu Kahu Na  Leenha ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Devi Sita meets her mothers-in-law attired in a white robe

Chapter – 240– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Devi Sita meets her mothers-in-law attired in a white robe

 

Lord of Raghu proceeded to the hermitage with the selected members of the family, elderly people, Bhramins, Agnihothris, ministers and preceptor Vashishta and Vamadeva. Devi Sita saw the arrival of preceptors, she rushed to them and prostrated before them, in return she has received an abundance of blessings, further, she met the wife of preceptor Devi Arundhathi, and wives of Bhramins and prostrated before them, that was beyond description, she prostrated at the feet of each and everyone and attained blessings from them. Devi Sita saw the queen mothers resembled the female swans trapped in the hands of the hunter, she could not bear the sight, shut her eyes tightly in utter shock, and cried “What was that mischievous fate done to my mothers ?” all the mothers were looked miserable attired in white garments, no ornaments on their bodies, and replied to Sita “Oh! Dear child, we have no choice other than bear the fate imposed on us.” Devi Sita regained her courage, her dark blue lotus eyes overflown with tears, she approached her mothers-in-law and embraced them, soon the whole Earth engulfed in the bleakness.

Mahisura Manthri Mathu Guru Gane Loga  Liya Sath | Pavana Ashrama Gavanu Kiya Bharatha Lakhana Raghunatha ||

 Siya  Aayi Munibara  Paga Lagi | Uchitha  Aseesa  Lahi Manamagi || Gurupathinihi Munithiyanha Sametha | Mili Pemu Kahi Jayi Na Jetha|| Bandhi  Bandhi Paga  Siya Sabahi Ke | Aasirabachana Lahe Priya Je Ki || Sasu Sakala Jab Siya  Nihari | Moodhe Nayana Sahami Sukumari || Pari Badhika Basa Manahu Marali | Kaha Keenha Karathara Kuchali || Thinha  Siya Nirakhi Nipata  Dhukhu Pava | So Sabu Sahia Jo Dhaiu  Sahava || Janakasutha Thab Ura  Dhari Dheera | Neela Nalina  Loyana Bhari Neera || Mili Sakala Sasunha Siya  Jayi | Thehi Avasara Karuna  Mahi Cchayi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Lord Rama and Lakshman meets all the mothers and return to the hermitage with the preceptors and the queen mothers

 

Chapter – 239– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Lord Rama and Lakshman meets all the mothers and return to the hermitage with the preceptors and the queen mothers

 

Lord of Raghu met all his mothers and pacified them with the nectar-like words “Oh! Dear mothers, the whole Universe functions under the will of Almighty Lord, no one should be blamed for their fault. Rama and Lakshman prostrated at the feet of Devi Arundhathi, wife of Sage Vashishta, and the wives of Bhramanas accompanied to the woods. Raghu honored them as sacred Ganga and Gauri, and received an abundance of blessings from them. The two brothers prostrated at the feet of Devi Sumithra and took a seat on her lap as if the pauper found the treasure, further they prostrated at the feet of Devi Kausalya, everyone drenched in love, Devi Kausalya embraced the children and shed tears of affection. How could a poet describe the joy and tears of love on the union of Rama and Lakshman with their beloved mothers, if so, it would be like the dumb person detailing the sumptuous meal he had consumed? After meeting all the mothers, Rama and Lakshman requested the preceptor to visit his hermitage, Sage Vashishta instructed the people of Ayodhya to settle safely on the riverbank of Payaswini was taken in a good spirit, soon everyone settled in the shelter homes constructed for their usage.

 

Bheti Raghubara Mathu Sab Kari Prabodhu Parithoshu | Amba Esa Adheena Jagu Kahu Na  Dheyia Dhoshu ||

Gurthiya Padha Bandhe Dhuyi Bhayi | Sahitha Biprathiya  Je Sanga Aayi || Ganga Gauri Sama Sab Sanmani | Dhehi Aseesa  Mudhitha  Mridhubani || Gahi Padha Lage Sumithra Anka | Janu Bheti Sampathi Athi  Ranka || Puni JananiCharanani Dhoau Bhratha | Pare Pema  Byakula Sab Gatha || Athi Anuraga  Amba Ura  Laye | Nayana Saneha Salila  Anhavaye || Thehi Avasara Kara Harasha  Bishadhu | Kimi Kabi Kahai Mooka  Jimi Swadhu || Mili  Jananihi Sanuja  Raghurau | Guru Sana Kaheau Ki Dharia Pau || Purajana Payi Muneesa  Niyogu | Jala Thala Thaki Thaki Uthareau Logu ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Rama meets Devi Kaikeyi and prostrated before her, and comforted her saying that time and fate are unconquerable

 

Chapter – 238– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Rama meets Devi Kaikeyi and prostrated before her, and comforted her saying that time and fate are unconquerable

The deities praised the practice of devotion at the lotus feet of Lord Rama Seethapathi “The illustrious Sage Vashishta embraced Guha with great love, and was more affectionate to him than Lakshman. It is the glory of pure love and devotion at the lotus feet of Seethapathi.” Rama found the people of Ayodhya are miserable, suffering from the pain of separation from him, therefore he met each individual affectionately and consoled them, thus Rama and Lakshman met everyone who journeyed to the woods and relieved their grief and agony. It was no surprise that Rama met each individual at the same time and pacified, like the reflection of the sun is countless on the vessels of water. The people of Ayodhya admired Nishadharaj for his fortune to become a great companion of Lord Rama, and praised his relentless service and devotion to Lord. Rama found his mothers are dejected like the creepers dried of batter of frost. Rama rushed to meet Devi Kaikeyi who was already suffering from grief and guilt, Rama reverentially prostrated at her feet and comforted her saying that it was fate and time had played its role in their lives.

 

Jehi Lakhi Lakhanahu The Adhika  Mile  Mudhitha Munirau | So Seethapathi Bhajana Ko Pragata Prathapa Prabhau ||

Aaratha Loga  Rama Sabu Jana | Karunakara  Sujana Bhagavana || Jo Jehi Bhaya Raha Abhilashi | Thehi Thehi Kai  Thasi Thasi Rukha Rakhi || Sanuja Mili Pala Mahu  Sab Kahu | Keenha Dhoori Dhukhu  Dharuna Dhahu || Yaha Badi Bath Rama Kai Nahi | Jimi Ghata Koti Yek Rabi Cchahi || Mili Kevatahi Umagi Anuraga | Purajana Sakala Sarahahi Bhaga || Dhekhi Rama Dhukhitha Mahathari | Janu Subeli Avali Hima Mari || Prathama Rama Bheti Kaikeyi | Sarala  SubhayaBhagathiMathi Bhayi || Paga  Pari Keenha Prabodhu Bahori | Kala Karama  Bidhi Sira  Dhari Khori ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Rama and Lakshman meets preceptors Sage Vashishta and Vamadeva

Chapter – 237– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Rama, and Lakshman meets preceptors Sage Vashishta and Vamadeva

 

Guha spoke fervently to Rama “Oh! Prabho, Munishreshta Sage Vashishta, the people of Ayodhya, ministers, attendants, and queen mothers are grief-stricken at the separation from you, Lakshman and Devi Sita, hence all of them have journeyed to wood to meet you.”  As soon as Rama heard the name of the preceptor, he entrusted Ripusudhana with Devi Sita and rushed to meet his preceptors Sage Vashishta, and Vamadeva. Rama and Lakshman hurried to preceptors and prostrated before them. Sage Vashishta raised Rama and Lakshman from the ground and embraced them affectionately. Nishadharaja Guha stood at a fair distance watching the amiability of Lord Rama and Lakshman, he too prostrated before the preceptors. Sage Vashishta moved forwarded and embraced Guha knowing him as the greatest companion of Rama. The deities showered flowers and exclaimed, “The devotion at the lotus feet of Lord Raghu is the source of all the auspiciousness, there is no one terrible as Guha born in the lowly clan has achieved the blessings of the illustrious Sage Vashishta.”

 

Natha Satha Muninatha Ke Mathu Sakala Pura  Loga |Sevaka Senapa Sachiva Sab Aye Bikala Biyoga ||

Seelasindhu Suni Guru Agavanu | Siya Sameepa Rakhe Ripudhavanu || Chale  Sabega Ramu Thehi Kala |Dheera Dharama Dhura Dheenadhayala || Gurahi Dhekhi Sanuja Anurage | Dhanda Pranama Karana Prabhu Lage || Munibara  Dhayi Liye Ura  Layi | Prema Umagi Bhete Dhoau Bhayi || Prema Pulaki Kevata Kahi Namu | Keenha Dhoori The Dhanda Pranamu || Ramasakha Rishi Barabasa Bheta | Janu Mahi Ludatha Saneha Sameta || Raghupathi Bhagathi Sumangala Moola | Nabha Sarahi Sura Barisahi Phoola || Yehi Sama Nipata  Neecha Koau Nahi | Bada  Basishta  Sama Ko Jaga Mahi ||