Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Rama advises Bharatha to return to Ayodhya and rule the Kingdom under the guidance of the preceptors

 

Chapter – 309– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Rama advises Bharatha to return to Ayodhya and rule the Kingdom under the guidance of the preceptors

 

The Supreme Lord Rama who is the companion of the distressed, was pleased to listen to the guileless and soft speeches of Bharatha, began to speak words appropriate for the time, zone and situation “Oh! Dear brother, it was our preceptor Sage Vashishta and the King of Mithila who has taken a decision for the welfare of you and me, as well as the people of Ayodhya. Sage Vishwamithra, Sage Vashishta, Vamadeva, and King of Mithila are our guardians, they have decided who should live in the forest and who should be in the Kingdom of Ayodhya, hence leave all your apprehensions, you can’t even dream of troubles in their guidance. We, two brothers, have achieved highest of the piousness, our achievement in the material life, spiritual life, virtues, and fame lies in following the command of our father. The fruitfulness of our life lies in following the command of our father who keeps up his promise always and proves this world to follow the perceptions of the Veda. Whoever follows the instructions of the Preceptor, parents, Veda, and Master/Lord, never face mishaps even if they ride along the troubled path. Therefore, leave all your fear and anxiousness, and return to Ayodhya, rule the Kingdom wisely for the designated period of time. The responsibility of the protection of treasury, lands, fortresses, wealth, richness of the Kingdom and its subjects lies on the lotus feet of our preceptors. You have to protect the Earth, and the people of Ayodhya, sincerely following the instruction of our preceptors, Sage Vashishta, Sage Vamadeva, the chief of Minister Sumanthra, and our mothers Devi Kausalya, Devi Sumithra, and Devi Kaikeyi.”

Dheenabandhu Suni Bandhu Ke Bachana Dheena  Chalaheena | Desa Kala Avasara Sarisa Bole Ramu Prabeena ||

Thatha Thumhari Mori  Parijana Ki | Chintha Gurahi Nripahi Ghar Bana Ki || Mathe Para Guru Muni Mithilesu | Hamahi Thumhahi Sapanehu Na Kalesu || Mora Thumhara Parama Purusharththu | Swarathu Sujasu Dharamu Paramarathu || Pithu Ayasu Palihi Dhuyi Bhayi | Loka Bedha Bhala Bhoopa Bhalayi || Guru PIthu Mathu Swami Sikha Pale | Chalehu Kumaga Paga Parahi Na Khale || Asa  Bichari Sab Socha Bihayi | Palahu Avadha Avadhi Bhari Jayi || Desu Kosu Parijana Parivaru | Gurupadha Rajahi Laga Ccharubharu || Thumha Muni Mathu Sachiva Sikha Mani | Palehu Puhumi Praja Rajadhani ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Bharatha seeking the advice of Rama on how to conduct the worship of Lord of Raghu

 

Chapter – 308– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Bharatha seeking the advice of Rama on how to conduct the worship of Lord of Raghu

 

Bharatha spoke fervently “Oh! Deenadhayala, Oh! Kripala, Oh! Kosalapala, kindly advise me how shall I practice worship of my Master, Lord of Raghu at your lotus feet in the absence of you during your life in the woods. Oh! Prabho, the subjects of your kingdom, your companions and relatives were extremely happy in your presence, because of your kindness and compassion, they have considered the grief of worldly existence, death and birth are trivial in your presence, but in your absence, it is not possible for them to achieve the state of serenity and peace. Oh! Prabho, you are the protector of Jeeva, you are the source of welfare and auspiciousness, you are inseparable from the Jeevathma, you are that supreme Bhramam resides as a soul in the Jeeva, hence kindly take into consideration of the people of Ayodhya, families, and companions, Oh! Prabho, I am not least disturbed, I am certain that My Master will take consideration of all these matters and I still remember the kindness of my Master that removed my fear, grief, and anxiousness, and wiped off the flaws in me, Oh! Prabho, kindly advise me, and instruct this servant to follow your orders blamelessly.” The whole assembly of Brahmins, Rishis, Sages, preceptors, people of Ayodhya, and Mithila cheered “Bharatha is righteous like the swan that separates the milk from the water.”

Jehi Upaya Puni Paya Janu Dhekhai Dheenadhayala | So  Sikha Dheyia Avadhi Lagi Kosalapala Kripala ||

Purajana Parijana Praja Gosayi | Sab Suchi Sarasa Saneha Sagayi || Raura Badhi Bhala Bhavadhukha Dhahu | Prabhu Binu Badhi Paramapadha Lahu || Swami Sujanu Jani Sab Hi Ki | Ruchi Lalasa Rahani Jana Ji Ki || Pranathapalu Palihi Sab Kahu | Dheau Dhuhu Dhisi Aur Nibahu || Asa Mohi Sab Bidhi Bhoori Bharoso | Kiya Bicharu Na Sochu Kharo  So || Aarathi Mor Natha Kara Cchohu | Dhuhu Mili Keenha Deedu Hadi Mohu || Yaha Bada Dhoshu Dhoori Kari Swami | Thaji Sakocha Sikhayia Anugamai || Bharatha Binaya Suni Sabahi Prasamsi | Kheera Neera Bibarana Gathi Hamsi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Bharatha requests Rama's permission to return to Ayodhya

 

Chapter – 307– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Bharatha requests Rama's  permission to return to Ayodhya

 

Bharatha visited the entire Chithrakoot and the sacred places in five days, on the last day the hermits and people along with Bharatha and Shathrughna spend their day discussing the glorious myths of Lord Hari and Lord Hara till the arrival of the dusk.  On the next morning, after performing ablutions, all the people, hermits, Sages, and Rishis, illustrious twice-born in large number, King of Mithila and Bharatha assembled before the Lord of Raghu. Rama perceived that the day was highly auspicious to return for all those people who have conducted journey to wood, but the compassionate Lord Rama did not utter a word or hurt the people assembled before him. Rama looked at preceptor Sage Vashishta and King of Mithila, at the very next moment, he withdrew his eyes in nervousness and stared at the ground. The whole assembly praised the kindness of Rama, realized that they could not find an ideal Master considerate as Rama in the whole Universe. Bharatha who is clever and thoughtful perceived the wish of Rama, he rose from the seat and prostrated before the assembly and Lord Rama, and spoke fervently “Oh! Prabho, you have fulfilled all my wishes and you have suffered a lot of hardships in the woods, in addition to that we have put you in a lot of inconveniences. Oh! Prabho, Lord Sri Ramachandra, kindly give us permission to leave, so that I may go back to Ayodhya and patiently wait for your safe return.”

Dhekhe Thala Theeratha Sakala Bharatha Panch Dhin Majj | Kahatha Sunatha Harihara Sujasu Gayau Dhivasu Bhayi Sanjja ||

Bhora Nyahayi Sabu  Jura Samaju | Bharatha Bhoomisura Therahuthi Raju || Bhala Dhina Aaju Jani Man Mahi | Ramu Kripala Kahatha Sakuchahi || Guru Nripa Bharatha Sabha Avaloki | Sakuchi Rama Phiri Avani Biloki || Seela Sarahi Sabha Sab Sochi | Kaha Na Rama Sama  Swami Sakochi || Bharatha Sujana Rama Rukha Dhekhi | Udi Saprema Dhari Dheera Bisheshi || Kari  Dhandavath Kahatha Kara Jori | Rakhi Natha Sakala Ruchi Mori || Mohi Lagi Saheau Sabahi Santhapu | Bahutha Bhanthi Dhukhu Pava Aapu || Ab Gosayi Mohi Dheau Rajayi | Sevau Avadha Avadhi Bhari Jayi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Bharatha and Shathrughna visiting the sacred lands in the Chitrakoot

 

Chapter – 306– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Bharatha and Shathrughna visiting the sacred lands in the Chitrakoot

There was nothing to surprise that everything turned out auspicious to Bharatha who is dear as life to Rama, and Mother Earth showed great hospitality to the beloved brothers of Rama, even the ordinary Jeeva who utters the name ‘Rama’ while yawning would achieve all the supernatural powers with the grace of that benevolent Lord. In this way, Bharatha visited the entire land of Chitrakoot, while the hermits and Sages got abashed watching the love and devotion of Bharatha at the lotus feet of Rama. The beautiful forest, ponds, rivers, streams, and inhabitants, birds and animals of the woods, cluster of auspicious trees thriving with flowers and succulent fruits, creepers and plants in an abundance of alluring flowers of rich fragrances, multiplied the beauty of the Chitrakoot. Bharatha was fascinated by watching the incomparable beauty of the forest, curiously enquired Sage Athri about the details of the plants, their origin, name and attributes, and their purifying effect. They have taken a holy dip in a sacred pond, worshiped the sacred shrines, after some time, with the permission of Sage Athri, they have taken seats under the shade of the peepal tree contemplating upon Lord Sri Ramachandra, Lakshman, and Devi Sita. The deities were highly pleased observing the amiability, virtue, and devotion of Bharatha and showered their blessings. In this way, Bharatha and Shathrughna spent three fourth of the day in the forest and returned to the hermitage of Rama, and prostrated before the Lord.

 

Sulabha Sidhdhi Sab Prakrithahu Rama Kahatha Jamuhath | Rama Prana Priya Bharatha Kaha Yaha Na Hoyi Badi Bath ||

Yehi Bidhi Bharathu Phiratha Ban Mahi | Nemu Premu Lakhi Muni Sakuchahi || Punya Jalashraya Bhoomi Bibhaga | Khaga Mriga Tharu Thrina Giri Bana Baga || Charu Bichithra Pabithra Biseshi | Boojjath Bharathu Dhibya Sab  Dhekhi || Suni Mana Mudhitha Kahatha Rishirau | Hethu  Nama Guna Punya  Prabhau || Kathahu Nimajjana Kathahu Pranama | Kathahu Bilokatha Mana Abirama || Kahathu Baiti Muni Aayasu Payi | Sumiratha Siya Sahitha Dhoau Bhayi || Dhekhi Subhau Sanehu Suseva | Dhehi Aseesa Mudhitha Banadeva || Phirahi Gaya Dhinu Pahar Udayi | Prabhupadha Kamala Bilokahi Aayi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – The hospitality of mother Earth towards Bharatha and Shathurghna

 

Chapter – 305– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– The hospitality of mother Earth towards Bharatha and Shathurghna

 

Sage Athri, Bharatha, hermits, and ministers returned to the hermitage of Lord of Raghu after visiting the well ‘Bharathakoopa’, all the way they had nothing to talk about other than the glory of the ‘Bharathakoopa’. Everyone who arrived in the hermitage of Rama was assembled before Rama and began to describe the glories of the Bharathakoopa and the purifying nature of the holy land of Chitrakoot. That night, all the hermits and the four brothers, people of Mithila and Ayodhya spent listening to the various glorious myths from the scriptures, in this way they continued till the daybreak. They have finished the morning ablutions and rite, after receiving permission from Rama, a group of hermits Sage Vashishta, Sage Athri, Bharatha, Shathrughna, conducted a trip to the forest contemplating upon Lord Rama. Bharatha and Shathrughna attired in simple clothes, walked around without foot cover all over the forests and hill, the Mother Earth has made the land soft and smooth in order to make their walks pleasant and tireless, she smoothened the surface of the rock, thorns, and Kushagrass, there was refreshing cool breeze carrying rich fragrance to take away the exhaustion of the travelers. The deities showered flowers in delight, the rain clouds offered cool shade, the trees were loaded with succulent fruits and flowers, the lush green land smoothened with soft and tiny grass, beautiful wild animals roaming all around the forest was a pleasant sight to their eyes, birds of various species produced sounds pleasing to ears, in this way the Mother Earth received the two brothers Bharatha and Shathrughna with a kind heart, knowing them as the beloved brothers of Rama.

 

Kahatha Koopa Mahima Sakalagaye Jaha Raghurau | Athri Sunayau Raghubarahi Theeratha Punya Prabhau ||

Kahatha Dharama Ithihasa Sapreethi | Bhayau Bhoru Nisi So Sukha Beethi || Nithya  Nibahi Bharatha Dhoau Bhayi | Rama Athri Guru Aayasu Payi || Sahitha Samaja Saja Sab Sadhe | Chale Rama Bana Atana Payadhe || Komala Charana Chalatha Binu Panahi | Bhayi Mridhu Bhoomi Sakuchi Manamahi || Kusa Kandaka Kamkari Kurayi | Katuka Kadora Kubasthu Dhurayi || Mahi Manjjuala Mridu Maraga Keenhe | Bahatha Sameera Thribidha Sukha Leenhe || Sumana Barisha Sura Dhana Kari Cchahi | Bitapa Phooli  Phali Thrina Mridhuthahi || Mriga Biloki Khaga Boli Subani | Sevahi Sakala Ramapriya Jani ||

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 ||