Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – The meritorious rewards of reading or recitation of the legend of Bharatha

 

Chapter – 319– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– The meritorious rewards of reading or recitation of the legend of Bharatha

 

Bharatha worshiped the wooden sandals of Lord Sri Ramachandra on a regular basis, with a heart full of love and devotion, in between he was constantly referred to the affairs of the King of Ayodhya. He continuously engaged in contemplation of Lord Rama and Devi Sita, with the tears overflowing uttering the sacred name ‘Rama’. In the meantime, Rama, Lakshman, and Devi Sita dwelt in the forest, Bharatha undertaken extreme penance and austerities in the hermitage of Nandgrama which resulted in his body shrunk into a skeleton, everyone praised the devotion of Bharatha. The illustrious Sages felt abashed watching the extreme penance, austerities, religious fervor, and devotion of Bharatha that made him into emaciated his body. The legend of Bharatha describes the purity, and devotion, is the source of joy and fountain of perpetual bliss, it would destroy the mountain-sized sins and evilness of Kali era, it removes the darkness of ignorance of Jeeva like the bright sunlight, it would eliminate the illusion/Maya/ignorance and the Thapathrya/ Adhideivika, Adhibhauthika, and Adhyathmika, which push the Jeeva to get snarled with the material matters of impermanent nature, causes grief and agony of worldly existence. The legend of Bharatha resembles the lion that crushes the herd of elephants like sins and sufferings of worldly existence. The legend of Bharatha is the source of eternal bliss and pure devotion like an unblemished moon, ultimately it would relieve the Jeeva from the repeated births as well.

If Bharatha was not born who is the essence of pure love and devotion to Lord Rama and Devi Sita, who would teach the highest of the austerities, vows, religious rites, penances, observance of celibacy, Shamadhamadhi, the practice of perfect control of mind and senses, etc. that was beyond the imagination of Sages and Rishis? Who would dispel the agonies, pain, sufferings of worldly existence? Who would persuade the sinful Tulsidas to practice devotion at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Ramachandra in this Kali era?

 

Whoever sings in praise of the glory of Bharatha, or listens to the splendor of Bharatha would achieve pure love and devotion at the lotus feet of Lord Rama and Devi Sita and get rid of grief and sufferings of worldly existence and interest in material matters of fleeting nature.

Nitha Poojatha Prabhu Pavari Preethi Na Hridhaya Samathi | Magi Magi Aayasu Karatha Raja Kaja Bahu Bhanthi ||

Pulaka Gatha Hiya Siya Raghubeeru| Jiha Namu Japa Lochana Neeru || Lakhana Rama Siya Kanana Basahi | Bharathu Bhavana Basi Thapa Thanu Kasahi || Dhoau Dhisi Samujji Kahatha Sabu Logu | Sab Bidhi Bharatha Sarahana Jogu || Suni Bratha Nema Sadhu Sakuchahi | Dhekhi Dhasa Muniraja Lajahi || Parama Puneetha Bharatha Aacharanu | Madhura Manjju Mudhamangala Karanu|| Harana Kadina Kalikalusha Kalesu | Mahamoha Nisi Dhalana Dhinesu || Papa Punja Kunjjara Mrigaraju | Samana Sakala Santhapa Samaju || Jana Ranjjana Bhanjjana Bhava Bharu | Rama Saneha Sudhakara Saru ||

 

Siyarama Prema Peeyusha Poorana Hotha Janamu Na  Bharath Ko | Munimana Aagama Jama Niyama Sama Dhama Bishama Bratha  Aacharath Ko || Dhukha Dhaha Dharidha  Dhambha Dhooshana Sujasa Misa Apaharatha Ko | Kalikala Tulasi Se Sadanihi Hadi Rama Sanmukha Karatha Ko ||

Bharatha Charitha Kari Nemu Tulasi Jo Sadhara Sunahi | Siyarama Padha Pemu Avasi Hoyi Bhava Rasa Birathi ||

||Ithi Shrimath Ramacharithamanase Sakala Kalikalusha Vidhwamsane  Dhwitheeya: Sopana: Samaptha: ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Lord Adishesha, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Saraswathi fails to describe the austerities and penance of Bharatha

 

Chapter – 318– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Lord Adishesha, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Saraswathi fails to describe the austerities and penance of Bharatha

Bharatha who is dear as the life of Rama did not take the appreciation of his achievements, like the Chathaka bird earnestly wait for the droplets from Swathi Nakshathra and the Swan that are famous for its power of discrimination, skillfully separates the milk from the water. Bharatha undertook severe austerities and penances living in the hermitage of Nandigram, his body grew thinner day by day, the strength of the limbs and pleasing appearance and effulgence of face remained the same, his love and devotion for Rama was dazzling as ever. His virtues were steadily advanced, he was not at all distressed, he was self-restrained, had perfect control over mind and senses, his religious practices and austerities shone stars on the cloudless sky like in his heart. His faith at the lotus feet of Rama stood as the pole star, the prospect of Rama’s return after the exile period represented the full moon, the pain of separation from Lord Rama glistened like the milky way, his affection for Rama was pure, like the spotless moon that shone in the middle of the galaxy of stars. The illustrious poets were incompetent to describe the life of Bharatha in the Nandigram, his austerities, vows, penance, religious practices, dispassion, virtues, etc. were impossible to describe even the thousand tongued Adhishesha, Lord Ganesha who is the Lord of wisdom, and Goddess Saraswathi who is the Goddess of speech.

Rama Pema Bhajana Bharathu Bade Na Yehi Karathoothi | Chathaka Hamsa Sarahiath Tek Bibeka Bibhoothi ||

Dheha Dhinahu Dhina Dhoobari Hoyi | Ghatayi Theju Balu Mukha Cchabi Soyi ||Nitha Nava Ramaprema Panu Peena | Badatha Dharma Dhalu Manu Na Maleena || Jimi Jalu Nighatath Saradha Prakase | Bilasath Bethasa Banaja Bikase || Sama Dhama Sanjama Niyama Upasa | Nakhatha Bharatha Hiya Bimala Akasa || Dhruva  Biswavasu Avadhi Raka Si | Swami Surathi Surabeethi Bikasi || Rama Pema Bidhu Achala Adhosha | Sahitha Samaja Soha Nitha Chokha || Bharatha Rahani Samujjani Karathoothi | Bhagathi Birathi Guna Bimala Bibhoothi ||Baranatha Sakala Sukabi Sakuchahi | Sesa Ganesa Gira Gamu Nahi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Bharatha conducted practicing austerities and penance in Nandigram

 

Chapter – 317– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Bharatha conducted practicing austerities and penance in Nandigram

 

Bharatha after obtaining permission from preceptors, called out for astrologers and found an auspicious day, and installed the Ramapadhuka/ on the throne of Ayodhya. Further, he received permission from Devi Kausalya and preceptors, prostrated before the RamaPadhuka.  Bharatha who is the essence of love and devotion, took a leave to Nandhigrama where he wanted to conduct strict austerities and penances. Bharatha erected a Parnnashala/hermitage/hut made of leaves and bark of trees in Nandhigrama, abandoned the royal costume, attired in a saffron robe, adorned in prayer beads, and matted hair locks, the Kushagrass spread as a bed on the pit down from the ground level, abandoned all the ornaments, and wooden sandal, practiced extreme austerities and vows. Lord Indra envied the wealth and richness of the Kingdom of Ayodhya, King Dhasharatha has possessed immense wealth that excelled Lord Kubera. In that glorious city of Ayodhya  Bharatha has dwelt as an indifferent bee in the garden of Champaka flowers. Whoever devoted at the lotus feet of Rama would discard the worldly enjoyments, sensual pleasures, and interest in material matters of trivial and impermanent nature as a vomit.

 

Suni Sikha Payi Aseesa Badi  Ganaka Boli Dhinu Sadhi | Sindhasana Prabhu Padhuka Baitare Nirpuadhi ||

Rama Mathu Gurupadha Siru Nayi | Prabhu Padha Peeda Rajayasu Payi || Nandhigav Kari Parana Kuteera | Keenha Nivasu Dharama Dhuradheera || Jatajoota Sira Munipata Dhari | Mahi Khani Kusa Sathari Savari || Asana Basana Basana Bratha Nema | Karatha Kadina Rishi Dharma Saprema|| Bhooshana Basana Bhoga Sukha Bhoori | Man Than Bachana Thaje ThinaThoori || Avadha Raju Sura Raju Sihayi | Dhasaratha Dhanu Suni Dhanadhu Lajayi || Thehi Pura Basatha Bharatha Binu Raga | Chancharika Jimi Champaka Baga ||Rama Bilasu Rama Anuragi | Thajatha Bamana Jimi Jana Badabhagi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Bharatha seeking permission of preceptors to leave to Nandigram and undertake austerities

 

Chapter – 316– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Bharatha seeking permission of preceptors to leave to Nandigram and undertake austerities

 

The people of Ayodhya performed various austerities, rites, undertaken strict vows, for the safe return of Rama after fourteen years of exile from the Kingdom. They refused to take pleasure in the material matters, or bodily pleasures followed strict celibacy, and eagerly waited for the return of Rama from the woods. Bharatha instructed the ministers, attendants, and loyal servants to take good care of the Kingdom and its subject, he called out for young brother Shathrughna and entrusted the duty and service of the welfare of all the mothers. Bharatha summoned the twice-born/Bhramins, reverentially prostrated before them, and spoke with folded hands “Oh! Mahathma, kindly entrust me with the duties low or high status, good or indifferent without any hesitation.” He called out for ministers, prominent members in the Kingdom, the two brothers went to invite the preceptors Vashishta and Vamadeva, soon everyone assembled in the Hall, Bharatha prostrated before them and spoke with folded hands “Oh! Noble souls, Oh! Prabho, kindly allow me to proceed to Nandigram, and live as a hermit with your permission.” The preceptors overcame with the rush of love watching the devotion of Bharatha, replied “Oh! Thatha, whatever you speak, think, and do are the essence of religious merits for the welfare of the world.”

Rama Dharasa Lagi Loga Sab Karatha Nema  Upabasa | Thaji Thaji Bhooshana Bhoga Sukha Jiatha Avadhi Ki Aas ||

Sachiva  Susevaka Bharatha Prabhodhe | Nija Nija Kaj Payi Sikha Aaudhe || Puni Sikhi Dheenhi Boli Laghubhayi | Saupi Sakala Mathu Sevakayi || Bhoosura Boli Bharatha Kara Jore | Kari Pranama Baya Binaya Nihore || OOnch Neech Karaju Bhala Pochu | Aayasu Deba Na Karaba Sankochu || Parijana Purajana Praja Bolaye | Samadhanu Kari Subasa Basaye || Sanuja Go Guru Goha Bahori | Kari Dhandavath Kahath Kara Jori || Aayasu Hoyi  Tha Rahau Sanema | Bole Muni Than Pulaki Sapema || Samujjab Kahab Karab Thumha Joyi | Dharama Saru Jaga Hoyihi Soyi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – King Janaka supervise the state of affairs of the Kingdom of Ayodhya for few days and returns to Mithila

 

Chapter – 315– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– King Janaka supervise the state of affairs of the Kingdom of Ayodhya for few days and returns to Mithila

 

Rama, Lakshman, and Devi Sita shone as Bhakti/Devotion, Vairagya/dispassion, and Gnana/wisdom respectively. On the other hand, the Sages, Rishis, twice-born, preceptors, Bharatha, King Janaka, and the families were heartbroken at the separation from Rama, Lakshman, and Devi Sita. Their mind was fully occupied by the virtues, amiability, love of Rama, they moved in utter silence. They have crossed the river Yamuna, and spend that day without any meal. The next halt of the journey was in the village Shrungaberipura, on the riverbank of Ganga where Guha made all the arrangements for the comfortable stay of his guests. They have traveled in ferries to cross the river Sai, took a holy dip in the river Gomathi, and reached Ayodhya on the fourth day. King Janaka stayed in Ayodhya for four days to supervise the administration of the Kingdom, entrusting the duties and responsibilities to the respective ministers of the assembly, preceptors, and Bharatha, and he left to the Kingdom of Mithila. The people of Ayodhya sincerely followed the instructions of the preceptors and lived in happiness in the Ramarajadhani.

Sanuja Siya Sametha Prabhu Rajath Parana Kuteer | Bhagathi Gyanu Bairagya Janu Sohath Ghare Sareera ||

Muni Mahisura Guru Bharatha Bhualu | Rama Biraha Sabu Saju Bihalu || Prabhu Guna Grama Ganatha Manamahi | Sab Chupachap Chale Maga  Jahi || Jamuna Uthari Par Sabu Bhayau | So Basaru Binu Bhojana Gayau || Uthari Devasari Dhoosara Basu | Ramasakha Sab Keenha Supasu || Sayi Uthari Gomathi Nahaye | Chauthe Dhivasa Avadhapura  Aaye || Janaku Rahe Pura Basarachari | Raj Kaja Sab Saj Sambhari || Saupi Sachiva  Guru Bharathahi Raju | Therahuthi Chale Saji Sabu Saju || Nagara  Nari Nara Guru Sikha Mani | Base  Sukhena Rama Rajadhani ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Rama describes the virtues, pure love, and devotion of Bharatha

 

Chapter – 314– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Rama describes the virtues, pure love, and devotion of Bharatha

 

Rama and Devi Sita along with Lakshman prostrated before Sage Vashishta and Devi Arundhathi, and received their blessings, returned to their hermitage with a mixed feeling of joy and sorrow. The Nishadharaja Guha was send off with great affection, but it was a heart-wrenching moment for Guha to leave the Lord. The Kolas, Kirathas, Bhillas, and foresters were returned to their respective villages unwillingly at the request of Rama, Lakshman, and Devi Sita. The villagers repeatedly prostrated before Lord Rama and dejectedly left the scene. Lord Rama, Devi Sita, and Lakshman took a seat under the shade of a Banyan tree and grieved over the separation from the families, parents, preceptors, and dearest ones. Rama described the virtues, pleasant disposition, love, and devotion of Bharatha, and recollected the conversation with him was described to Devi Sita and Lakshman. Rama was overpowered by the pure love and affection of Bharatha by words, mind, and deed while describing the virtues of Bharatha, all those animate and inanimate creatures in the forest of Chitrakoot felt inconsolable. The deities showered flowers on Rama, and informed the state of mind of people who departed to their own villages and Kingdom, are safe and blissful, have left without fear or anxiousness.

Guru Guruthiya Padhabandhi Prabhu Seetha Lakhana Sametha | Phire Harasha  Bisamaya Sahitha Aaye Parana Niketha ||

Bidha Keenha Sanmani Nishadhu | Chaleau Hridhaya Bada Biraha Bishadhu || Kola Kiratha Billa Banachari | Phere Phire Johari Johari || Prabhu siya Lakhana Baiti Bata Cchahi | Priya Parijana Biyoga  Bilakhahi || Bharatha Saneha Subhau Subani | Priya  Anuja Sana Kahatha Bakhani || Preethi Pratheethi Bachana Mana Karani | Sreemukha Ramaprema Basa Barani || Thehi Avasara Khaga Mriga Jalameena | Chithrakoota Chara Achara Maleena|| Bibudha Biloki Dhasa Raghubara Ki | Barashi Sumana Kahi Gathi Ghar Ghar Ki || Prabhu Pranamu Kari Dheenha Bharoso | Chale Mudhitha Mana Dara Na Kharo So ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – The people of Ayodhya and Mithila led by Bharatha and King Janaka has left Chitrakoot

 

Chapter – 313– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– The people of Ayodhya and Mithila led by Bharatha and King Janaka has left Chitrakoot

 

Rama approached Devi Kaikeyi, mother of Bharatha, and prostrated before her, and embraced her affectionately, thus he removed all her embarrassments and grief and made her seated in a comfortable palanquin to return to Ayodhya. In the meantime, Devi Sita bade farewell to her father Janaka, and mother Devi Sunayana, relatives and companions, she hurried back to her mothers-in-law and embraced them with great affection, it was beyond description. Devi Sita received an abundance of blessings and advice from both families; she was drenched in the love of her parents and mothers-in-law. Lord of Raghu helped his mother’s board on the beautiful palanquin, consoled them with pleasant words, Rama and Lakshman embraced the mothers again and again, finally bade farewell to them. Thus, the two large groups led by King Janaka and Bharatha, followed by several elephants, horses, chariots, carts, etc. set out their journey to their respective Kingdom. All of their heart was brimming with love for Rama, Lakshman, and Devi Sita, they were in a state of bliss, the animals such as elephant, horses, bullocks were reluctant to leave the forest and nearness of Rama moved through the woods with less enthusiasm.

Bharatha Mathu Padha Bandhi Prabhu Suchi Saneha Mili  Bheti | Bidha Keenha Saji Palaki Sakucha Soch Sab Meti ||

Parijana Mathu Pithahi Mili Seetha | Phiri Pranapriya Prema Puneetha || Kari  Pranamu  Bheti Sab Sasu | Preethi Kahatha Kahi Hiya Na Hulasu || Suni sikha Abhimatha Aasisha Payi | Rahi Siya Dhuhu Preethi Samayi || Raghupathi Patu Palaki Magayi | Kari Prabodhu Sab Mathu Chadayi || Bar Bar Hili Mili Dhuhu Bhayi | Sama Saneha Janani Pahuchayi || Saji Baji Gaja Bahana Nana | Bharatha Bhoopa Dhala Keenha Payana || Hridhaya Ramusiya Lakhana Sametha | Chale Jahi Sab Loga  Achetha || Basaha Baji Gaja Pasu Hiya  Hare | Chale Jahi Parabasa Mana Mare ||