Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – The pure love and devotion of forest dwellers at the lotus feet of Rama

Chapter – 245– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– The pure love and devotion of forest dwellers at the lotus feet of Rama

 

The Kiratha spoke “Oh! Mahathma, kindly accept the fruits, vegetables, shoots, offered with great affection and shower your compassionate grace upon us. Oh! Noble souls, you have come to visit the woods, you are most welcome guests of us, kindly let us serve you all at our heart's content, what else we could offer to you? Kindly accept the fruits and spices as a symbol of friendship from Kiratha. Oh! Noble souls, we don’t steal your clothes, or vessels, even though we hunt animals for food, born in the lowly clan, and wicked natured. Our days and night are in pursuit of pleasure and meal, yet we don’t get enough meal to fill our stomach, or we are not used to wearing clothes to cover our body from the harsh climates of chillness and heat. How could we dream to meet the Lord of Raghu, the delighter of the clan, and serve noble souls like you? Ever since we have achieved the great fortune to meet the Lord of Raghu, and serving the lotus feet of the Lord, all our terrible woes and sorrows have disappeared.” The people of Ayodhya praised the fortune of the forest dwellers and were overwhelmed with emotion watching their devotion and love at the lotus feet of Lord Rama.

Yaha Jiya Jani Sakochu Thaji Karia Cchohu Lakhi Nehu | Hamahi Kritharatha Karana Lagi Phala Thrina Ankura Lehu ||

Thumhapriya Pahune Bana Pagu Dhare | Seva Jogu Na Bhaga Hamare || Deba Kaha Hama Thumhahi Gosayi | Edhanu Patha Kiratha Mithayi || Yaha Hamari Athi Badi Sevakayi | Lehi Na  Basana Basana Chorayi || Hama Jada Jeeva Jeevagana Dhathi | Kutila Kuchali Kumathi Kujathi || Papa Karatha Nisi Basara Jahi | Nahi Pata Kati Nahi Pet Adhahi || Sapanehu Dharama Budhdhi Kasa Kau | Yaha Raghunandhana Dharasa Prabhau || Jab The Prabhupadha Padhuma Nihare | Mite Dhusaha Dhukha Dhosha Hamare || Bachana Sunatha Purajana Anurage | Thinha Ke  Bhaga  Sarahana Lage ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – The beauty of Chitrakoot and the hospitality of the forest dwellers

 

Chapter – 244– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– The beauty of Chitrakoot and the hospitality of the forest dwellers

 

The rivers, ponds, and streams were packed with the various colors of water lilies, the sounds of the swarm of the buzzing of bees, chirping of birds of various species, and the sounds of various kinds of wild animals roaming free from hostility. The Kola, Bhilla, Kirathas, and forest dwellers prepared bowls and plates out of the leaves and bark of the trees, and filled them with the honey, succulent fruits of various types, and offered to the people of Ayodhya walking all over enjoying the beauty of the woods. The forest dwellers greeted their guests with great respect and handed them variety of fruits, and vegetables detailing its name, taste, quality and the usage to them. The people of Ayodhya offered a fair price for the fruits, vegetables, spices offered were denied by the forest dwellers and requested their guests to take them all as a gift in the name of Lord Rama, and overwhelmed with emotion, they spoke in chorus “The virtuous people respect true love and compassion, you all are noble souls, we are Nishadha, living in the forest, hunting on animals for livelihood and vile natured, it was the blessings of Rama, we have met noble souls like you. The noble souls are like the celestial river Ganga, inaccessible to the desert of Maru, the merciful Lord Rama showered great love and mercy on the Nishadharaja Guha, hence we are duty-bound to serve the kith and kin of our King.”

 

Sarani Saroruha Jala Bihaga Koojatha Gunjjatha Bhringa | Baira Bigatha Biharatha Bipina Mriga Bihanga Bahuranga ||

Kola Kiratha Billa Banabasi| Madhu Suchi Sundhara Swadhu Sudha Si || Bhari Bhari Parana Puti Rachiroori | Kandhamoola  Phala Ankura Joori || Sabahi Dhehi Kari Binaya Pranama | Kahi Kahi Swadh Bhedha Gunanama || Dhehi  Loga Bahu Mola Na  Lehi | Pheratha Rama Dhohayi Dhehi ||Kahahi Saneha Magana Mridhubani | Manatha Sadhu Pema Pahichani || Thumha Sukrithi Hama Neecha Nishadha | Pava Dharasanu Rama Prasadha || Hamahi Aagama Athi Dharasu Thumhara | Jasa Maru Dharani Dhevadhuni Dhara || Rama Kripala Nishadha Nevaja| Parijana Prajau Chahia Jasa Raja ||

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 ||