Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – The significance of ‘Bharathakoopa’ in the Chitrakoot

 

Chapter – 304– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– The significance of ‘Bharathakoopa’ in the Chitrakoot

 

Sage Athri spoke to Bharatha “Oh! Thatha/son, there is a beautiful well adjoining to the hill of Chitrakoot, the water is crystal clear and sweet like nectar, you can deposit the sacred waters brought from various Theerthas in that well.” Bharatha after receiving the command of Sage Athri, followed by his younger brother shathrughna and several illustrious Rishis and Sages proceeded to the well close to the hill of Chitrakoot, which was huge and bottomless, Bharatha deposited the waters of various Theertha in it. Sage Athri was transported to a state of bliss, began to speak “This is one of the holiest lands on the Earth, which accomplish the austerities and penances undertaken by the people of spiritual interest from an ancient period of time. My disciples found the soil of the land has rich in mineral wealth, it has the source of underground spring, hence they dug this huge well of limitless depth in order to collect the spring water for the purpose of the people living in and around Chitrakoot. You have deposited the sacred waters collected from all the Theertha and elevated the status of it too far more inexplicable, which provides commendable religious merit to the people who consume the water from this well. Oh! Bharatha, this marvelous well would be named as ‘Bharathakoopa’, which could provide all the religious merits in abundance, the sanctity of the well has been enhanced due to the presence of waters from several sacred Theerthas. Oh! Son, whoever takes a dip in this water with faith and devotion would achieve purity of thoughts, words, and deeds.”

Athri Kaheau Thab Bharatha Sana Saila Sameepa Sukoopa | Rakhia Theeratha Thoya Thaha Pavana Amia Anoopa ||

Bharatha Athri Anusasana Payi | Jala Bhajana Sab Dhiye Chalayi || Sanuja Aapu Athri Muni Sadhu | Sahitha Gaye Jaha Koopa Agadhu || Pavana Patha Punyathala  Rakha | Pramuditha Prema Athri Asa Bhasha || Thatha Anadhi Sidhdha Thala Yehu | Lopeau Kala Bidhitha Nahi Kehu || Thab Sevakanha Sarasa Thalu Dhekha | Keenha Sujala Hitha Koopa Bisesha || Bidhibasa Bhayau Biswa Upakaru | Sugama Agama Athi Dharama Bicharu || Bharathakoopa Ab Kahihahi Loga | Athi Pavana Theerthajala Joga || Prema Sanema Nimajjana Prani | Hoyihahi Bimala Karama Mana Bani ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – The people of Ayodhya and Mithila transport to the state of bliss watching the faith and truthfulness of Rama and Bharatha

 

Chapter – 303– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– The people of Ayodhya and Mithila transport to the state of bliss watching the faith and truthfulness of Rama and Bharatha

 

The deities who always seek opportunity for their welfare heard the conversation between Bharatha and Lord Rama, which is the source of auspicious and welfare, they praised the commendable virtues of Raghu’s clan and showered flowers on them. They cheered in great enthusiasm “Hail Bharatha! Hail Bharatha’s supreme Lord Sri Ramachandra!” The Lord of Mithila King Janaka and Sage Vashishta and the prominent members of the assembly rejoiced over the kind and compassionate words of Bharatha. The King of Vidheha experienced a sudden rush of thrill through the limbs, watching the virtues, pure love, and affection of the two brothers. The ministers assembled were overwhelmed with love praised the disposition of Rama and Bharatha in their own words to the best of their abilities, they eulogized the ideal relationship of Master and servant, the utmost faith and truthfulness of the two brothers. The people of Mithila and Ayodhya were besieged with mixed feelings of joy and sorrow, after listening to the conversation between Rama and Bharatha. Devi Kausalya who has grown beyond sorrow and grief, pacified the other queens in sweet nectar-like words, praising the virtues of Rama. In this way, some of them were praised the commendable virtues of Rama and others praised the devotion of Bharatha.

Bharatha Rama Sambadhu Suni Sakala Sumangala Moola | Sura Swarathi Sarahi Kula Barashath Suratharu Phoola ||

Dhanya Bharatha Jayarama Gosayi | Kahatha Deva Harashatha Bariayi || Muni Mithilesu Sabha Sab Kahu | Bharatha Bachana  Suni Bhayau Ucchahu || Bharatha Rama Gunagrama Sanehu | Pulaki Prasamsatha Rau Bidhehu || Sevaka Swami Subhau Suhavana | Nemu Pemu Athi Pavana Pavana || Mathi Anusara Sarahana Lage | Sachiva Sabhasadha Sab Anurage || Suni Suni  Rama Bhratha Sambadhu | Dhuhu Samaja Hiya Harashu Bishadhu || Rama Mathu Dhukhu Sukhu Sama Jani | Kahi Gunarama Prabodhi Rani || Yek Kahahi Raghubeera Badayi | Yek Sarahath Bharatha Bhalayi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Bharatha receives permission from Rama to visit all those holy places which carry the footprints of Rama in the Chitrakoot

 

Chapter – 302– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Bharatha receives permission from Rama to visit all those holy places which carry the footprints of Rama in the Chitrakoot

 

Bharatha spoke fervently “Oh! Deva Deva,  Oh! Prabho, after discussing with our preceptors, I have brought all the ingredients, waters from the sacred rivers, for the coronation ceremony of you as the King of Ayodhya, kindly fulfill our desire to witness the same. Oh! Prabho, I have a longing in my heart, but I couldn’t disclose it due to fear and anxiousness.” Rama abruptly rose from the seat and spoke “Oh! Dear brother, do not hesitate, what is that you are yearning for” after receiving permission from his elder brother, Bharatha began to spoke in a soft tone full of love “Oh! Prabho, kindly allow me to visit the sacred Mount Chithrakoot, forests, hills, lakes, streams, and mountains that hold your footprints.” Rama spoke affectionately “Oh! Bharatha, certainly visit those beautiful places which is the result of austerities and penance of Sage Athri, you can visit all those stunningly beautiful places with Sage Athri, and deposit that holy water you have brought from various sacred rivers in the streams and ponds wherever the Sage advise you to deposit, it would make the entire land furthermore auspicious and beautiful, remember to sprinkle the holy water on the places wherever Sage Athri directs you.” Bharatha rejoiced at heart and rushed to Sage Athri with great enthusiasm, and prostrated before the lotus feet of the Sage.

Deva Deva Abhisheka Hitha Guru Anusasanu Payi | Aaneau Sab Theeratha Salilu Thehi Kaha Kaha Rajayi ||

Yeku Manorathu Bada Manamahi | Sabhaya Sakocha Jatha Kahi Nahi || Kahahu Thatha Prabhu Aayasu  Payi | Bole Bani  Saneha Suhayi || Chithrakoota Suchi Thala Theeratha Bana | Khaga Mriga Sarasari Nirjjara Girigana || Prabupadha Ankitha Avani Biseshi | Aayasu Hoyi Tha Avau Dhekhi || Avasi  Athri Aayasu sira Dharahu | Thatha  Bigathabhaya  Kanana Charahu || Muni  Prasadha Banu Mangala Dhatha | Pavana Parama Suahavana Bhratha || Rishinayaku Jaha Aayasu Dhehi | Rakhehu Theeratha Jalu Thala Thehi || Suni Prabhu Bachana Bharatha Sukhu Pava | Munipadha Kamala Mudhitha Siru Nava ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Bharatha seeking for perpetual grace of Rama

 

Chapter – 301– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Bharatha seeking for perpetual grace of Rama

 

Rama spoke “Oh! Bharatha, a servant should sincerely follow the command of his master, hence servant resembles hands, legs, and eyes, and the Master resembles the Mouth, it is the ideal relationship of a Master and servant.” The whole assembly was transported to a state of ecstasy listening to the most compassionate and kind words of Rama of Lord of Raghu, those were nectar churned out from the milky ocean of love. Devi Sarada was astounded watching the state of people assembled. Finally, Bharatha achieved the supreme state of serenity, realized that his Master is highly propitious to him, all the anguish and fear flew away from him. Soon, Bharatha regained cheerfulness, and the heaviness of his heart was disappeared once for all as if the dumb person achieved excellence in the speech with the grace of Goddess Sarada. Bharatha prostrated at the lotus feet of Rama and began to speak with folded hands “Oh! Prabho, I have achieved the joy of accompanying to the dense wood, I feel like I was born again. Oh! Gracious Lord, kindly pronounce your command, whatever may be your order I shall follow it with great reverence and truthfulness. Oh! Prabho, kindly shower your auspicious grace on us and provide something that I could feel the presence of you during your term of exile, which would provide courage and perpetual grace so that I can carry out your orders sincerely.”

 

Sevaka Kara Padha Nayana Se Mukha So Sahib Hoyi | Tulasi Preethi Ki Reethi Suni  Sukabi Sarahahi Soyi ||

Sabha Sakala Suni Raghubara Bani | Prema Payodhi Amia Janu sani || Sithila Samaja Saneha Samadhi | Dhekhi Dhasa Chup Saradha Sadhi || Bharathahi Bhayau Parama Santhoshu | Sanmukha Swami  Bimukha Dhukha Dhoshu || Mukha Prasanna  Man Mita  Bishadhu | Bha Janu Goongehi Gira Prasadhu || Keenha  Saprema Pranamu Bahori | Bole Pani Pankaruha Jori || Natha Bhayau Sukhu Satha Gaye Ko | Laheau Lahu Jaga Janamu Bhaye Ko || Ab Kripala Jasa Aayasu Hoyi | Karau seesa Dhari Sadhara Soyi || So Avalamba Deva Mohi Dheyi | Avadhi Paru Pavau Jehi Seyi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Rama advises Bharatha to follow his duties and responsibilities

 

Chapter – 300– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Rama advises Bharatha to follow his duties and responsibilities

 

Rama spoke “Oh! Thatha, our preceptors saved not only the Kingdom of Ayodhya, and the state of affairs, they also protected our dignity, integrity, fame, virtues, righteousness, possessions, richness, etc. and it would remain protected with the grace of our preceptors for several thousands of years. Oh! Bharatha, the grace of our preceptors will continue to protect us in the woods as well as in the Kingdom. The Dharma/righteousness is strictly following the orders of one’s own parents, preceptors, and Veda and Shastras, Lord Adishesha holds the entire Universe on its hood. Oh! Dear brother, kindly obey the orders of our parents, and preceptors, and allow me to do the same for the welfare of all, in this way we can be the savior of the solar race. This is one of the disciplines that would bestow success and sacred as the Triveni/confluence Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswathi, which would bring fame, prosperity, and salvation from repeated births. Oh! Dear brother, kindly consider the hardships of the people of Ayodhya, and our own people, make all efforts to relieve their troubles and grief. Oh! Bharatha, my difficulties had been shared by all of you, I fear the fourteen years of exile of mine would put you in a lot of anguish. Oh! Brother, you are too emotional, soft-hearted, yet I have to speak the truth which is harsh, in difficult times the virtuous brothers stand together.”

 

Raja Kaja Sab Laja Pathi Dharama Dharani Dhanadhama | Guru Prabhau Palihi Sabahi Bhala Hoyihi Parinama ||

Sahitha Samaja Thumhara Hamara | Ghar Bana Guru Prasadha Rakhavara || Mathu Pitha Guru Swami Nidhesu | Sakala Dharama Dharanidhara  Sesu || So Thumha Karahu Karavahu Mohu | Thatha Tharanikula Palaka Hohu || Sadhaka Yek Sakala Sidhi Deni | Keerathi Sugathi Bhoothimaya Beni || So Bichari Sahi Sankatu Bhari | Karahu Praja Parivaru Sukhari || Bati Bipathi Sabahi Mohi Bhayi | Thumhahi Avadhi Bhari Badi Kadinayi || Jani Thumhahi Mridhu Kahau Kadora | Kusumaya Thatha Na  Anuchitha Mora || Hohi  Kudaya Subandhu Sahaye | Audiahi Hatha Asanihu Ke Dhaye ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – The nectar-like speeches of Rama

 

Chapter – 299– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– The nectar-like speeches of Rama

 

Rama spoke passionately “Oh! Dear Bharatha, you are devoted by mind, words, and deed to me, there is no brother like you in this Universe, how can I keep silent without praising your virtues in the assembly of sages, Rishis, and noble souls? How can I recount the virtuous of my younger brother? You are incomparable and eloquent, Oh! Dear Bharatha, the illustrious clan of Surya, known for truthfulness and virtues, and our father’s fame are well known in the three worlds, you have elevated yourself to the noble status of our clan, you have thoroughly understood the seriousness of the situation, and respect for elders, preceptors, and noble souls, you have considered your foes and companions as neutral, you are well aware of the duties and responsibilities of us, and what’s advisable for you and me, and what we have to do at this critical moment. Oh! Thatha, I have utmost faith in you, still, I would like to quote something appropriate to the situation. Oh! Dear brother, we have not assigned the duties and responsibilities towards our preceptors, and subjects of our Kingdom in the absence of our father. If the sun sets before the hours of dusk, who would not suffer? In the same manner, the demise of our father the illustrious King Dhasharatha brought extreme agony and hardship to the Kingdom and its people. Fortunately, King Janaka and Sage Vashishta protected the Kingdom of Ayodhya and its people from further calamities.”

 

Karama Bachana Manasa Bimala Thumha Samana Thumha Thatha | Guru Samaja Laghu Bandhu Guna Kusumaya Kimi Kahi Jatha ||

Janahu Thatha Tharani Kulareethi | Sathyasandha Pithu Keerathi Preethi || Samau Samaju Laja Gurujana Ki | Udhaseena  Hitha Anahitha Mana Ki || Thumhahi Bidhitha Sabahi Kara Karamu | Aapana Mora Paramahitha Dharamu || Mohi Sab Bhanthi Bharosa Thumhara | Thadhapi Kahau Avasara Anusara || Thatha Thatha BinuBath Hamari | Kevala Gurukula Kripa Sambhari || Natharu Praja Parijana Parivaru | Hamahi Sahitha Sabu Hotha Khuaru || Jau Binu Avasara Athava Dhinesu | Jaga Kehi  Kahahu Na Hoyi Kalesu || Thasa  Uthapathu Thatha Bidhi Keenha | Muni Mithilesa Rakhi Sabu Leenha ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – The plight of the people in the assembly – The merit of singing in praise of devotion of Bharatha

 

Chapter – 298– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– The plight of the people in the assembly – The merit of singing in praise of devotion of Bharatha

 

Bharatha’s faultless glories resembled the unblemished moon, and the creative mind of the brilliant poets was like the Chakora birds devotedly looking at the moon without blinking their eyes, waiting to consume the droplets from the Swathi star. The Vedas and scriptures were incompetent to sing in praise of Bharatha’s nobility, not to speak about the minds of the poets, hence mere singing in praise of Bharatha’s devotion and love, who wouldn’t achieve pure love, devotion, and faith at the lotus feet of Rama and Devi Sita? Is there any vile Jeeva free from devotion to Rama, even after listening to the pure love of Bharatha? The Supreme Lord Sri Ramachandra perceived the mind and plight of the people, and Bharatha. The Lord of Raghu who is an ocean of mercy, love, truth, bliss, and virtue, after observing the time, place, and the situation, began to speak nectar-like compassionate words “Oh! Dear Bharatha, you are an upholder of virtues, righteousness, and you have in-depth knowledge of scriptures and Veda.”

Baratha Bimala Jasu Bimala Bidhu Sumathi Chakorakumari | Udhitha Bimala Jana Hridhaya Nabha Yekataka Rahi Nihari ||

Bharatha Subhau Na Sugama Nigamahu | Laghu Mathi Chapalatha Kabi Cchamahu || Kahatha Sunatha Sathi Bhau Bharatha Ko | Siyarama Padha Hoyi Na Ratha Ko || Sumiratha Bharathahi Premu Rama Ko | Jehi Na  Sulabhu Thehi Sarisa Bama Ko || Dhekhi Dhayala Dhasa Sabahi Ki | Rama Sujana Jani Jana Ji Ki || Dharama Dhureena Dheera Naya Nagara | Sathya Saneha Seela Sukha Sagara || Desu Kalu Lakhi Samau Samaju | Neethi Preethi Palaka Raghuraju || Bole Bachana  Bani Sarabasu Se | Hitha Parinama Sunatha Sasi Rasu Se || Thatha Bharatha Thumha Dharama Dhureena| Loka Bedha Bidha Prema Prabeena ||