Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Aranya Kanda – Rama visits the hermitage of Sage Athri and Devi Anasuya

 

Chapter – 3– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Aranya Kanda– Rama visits the hermitage of Sage Athri and Devi Anasuya

 

Jayantha committed a horrible sin out of ignorance was deserved the death punishment, but the compassionate Lord took one of his eyes and let him free from fear. Who is as compassionate and merciful as Lord Raghu? In this way, Lord of Raghu performed various passionate sport in the Chitrakoot that were sweet as nectar to listen to. Lord Raghu decided to leave the Chithrakoot when the hermits and villagers throng to visit him in a large number. Rama, Lakshman, and Devi Sita bade farewell to all the hermits, Rishis, and Sages of Chitrakoot and proceed to the hermitage of Sage Athri.  As soon as the Sage received the news of the arrival of Rama, Lakshman, and Devi Sita, he rushed to invite them, his limbs were quivered in extreme bliss, the heart was brimming with love for the Lord, watching the Sage rushing in great enthusiasm, Rama too hurried to the Sage. The two brothers prostrated before the Sage was raised from the ground and embraced, his eyes were overflowing with tears of love, further he led Rama, Lakshman, and Devi Sita to his hermitage affectionately. Sage Athri offered seats for his guests, conversed with them in a sweet nectar-like voice, and offered fruits, fiber roots to his guests.

 

Keenha Moha Basa Dhroha Jadhdhyapi Thehi Kara Badha Uchitha | Prabhu Cchadeau Kari Cchoha Ko Kripala Raghubeera Sama ||

Raghupathi Chithrakoot Basi Nana | Charitha Kiye Shruthi Sudha Samana|| Bahuri Rama Asa Mana Anumana | Hoyihi Bheera Sabahi Mohi Jana || Sakala Muninha San Bidha Karayi | Seetha Sahitha Chale Dhvau Bhayi || Athri Ke  Ashrama Jab Prabhu Gayau | Sunatha Mahamuni Harshitha Bhayau || Pulakitha Gatha Athri Udi  Dhaye | Dhekhi Ramu Aathura Chali Aaye || Karatha Dhandavath Muni Ura  Laye | Prema Bari  Dhau Jana  Anhavaye || Dhekhi Rama Chabi Nayana Judane | Sadhara Nija Ashrama Thab Aane || Kari Pooja Kahi Bachana Suhaye | Dhiye Moola Phala Prabhu Mana Bhaye ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Aranya Kanda – Jayantha’s/ son the Lord Indra mischievousness against Devi Sita

 

Chapter – 2– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Aranya Kanda– Jayantha’/son the Lord Indra   mischievousness against Devi Sita

 

The Supreme Lord Sri Ramachandra who is compassionate and kind, has always pleasing nature could not bear the mischievousness of the crow, when repeatedly played its trick. The arrow aimed at the crow chased it all the way to Indraloka. Indra’s son Jayantha assumed his real form and took shelter at his father, but Indra refused to protect him for his atrocity towards Lord Rama. Thus, he became disappointed like the Sage Durvass who was chased after by the fiery discus of the Lord. He rushed to the Bhramaloka all weary and tired, and Lord Shiva and other deities as well, but none of them were dared to protect him for the sin committed to Lord Rama, none of the deities want to give protection to the enemy of Lord Sri Ramachandra. Sage Kakabhusundi speaks “Oh! Garuda, the Jeeva who keeps enmity to Lord Rama would experience his/her parents as Lord Yama, friends as thousands of enemies, and the nectar as venom, and the celestial river Ganga becomes Vaitharini for them and the whole world seems to be the furnace for them. Maharishi Narada found Jayantha in utter distress, the Sages are always kind and the savior of distressed people advised him to take shelter at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Ramachandra. Jayantha rushed to Lord and fallen at his feet and cried “Oh! Prabho, you are the savior of the distressed soul, I shall surrender at your lotus feet, kindly protect me, Oh! Lord of Raghu, I am an ignorant Jeeva did not realize the incomparable might and matchless glory of you. I have reaped the fruit of my wicked deed, finally, I have taken shelter at your lotus feet, Oh! Prabho, kindly protect me.” Lord Shambhu speaks “Oh! Parvathi, the gracious Lord Prabhu Sri Ramachandra who is kind to Jeeva, released Jayantha from fear, further Jayantha lost one of his eyes as a punishment for his wickedness to Jaganmatha Paramba Bhagavathi Devi Sita.”

Athi Kripala Raghunayaka Sadha Dheena Para Neha | Tha San Aaye Keenha Cchalu Moorkha Avaguna Geha ||

Preritha Manthra Bhramasara Dhava | Chala Bhaji Bayasa Bhaya Pava || Dhari Nija Roopa Gayau Pithu Pahi | Rama Bimukha Rakha Thehi Nahi || Bha Nirasa Upaji Mana Thrasa | Jaya Chakra Bhaya Rishi Dhurbasa || Bhramadhama Sivapura Sab Loka | Phira  Shramitha Byakula Bhaya Soka || Kahu Baitana Kaha Na  Auhi | Rakhi Ko Sakayi Rama Kara Dhrohi || Mathu Mrithyu Pithu Samana Samana | Sudha Hoyi Bisha Sunu Harijana || Mithra Karayi Satha Ripu Kai Karani | Tha Kaha Bibudhanadhi Baitharani || Sab Jagu Thahi Analahu The Thatha | Jo Raghubeera Bimukha Sunu Bhratha || Naradha Dhekha Bikala Jayantha | Lagi Dhaya Komala Chitha Santha || Padava Thuratha Rama Pahi Thahi | Kahesi Pukari Pranatha Hitha Pahi || Aathura Sabhaya Gahesi Padhajayi | Thrahi Thrahi Dhayala Raghurayi || Athulitha Bala Athulitha Prabhuthayi | Mei Mathimandha Jani Nahi Payi || Nija Kritha Karma Janitha Phala Payau | Ab Prabhu Pahi Sarana Thaki Aayau || Suni Kripala Athi Aaratha Bani | Yeknayana Kari Thaja Bhavani ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Aranya Kanda – The initial Prayers – The passionate sport of Rama in Chitrakoot

 

Chapter – 1– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Aranya Kanda– The initial Prayers – The passionate sport of Rama in Chitrakoot

 

I shall prostrate before Lord Shankara who is the essence of righteousness, piety, and wisdom, initiated from the clan of Lord Bhrama, beloved of Lord Sri Ramachandra, like the full moon provides bliss to the ocean, the sunlight that causes to blossom the lotus flower. He dispels the darkness of ignorance in the Jeeva, destroys the sins, and removes grief and agony of worldly existence.

I shall prostrate before Lord Sri Ramachandra along with Lakshman, who is the source of bliss, attired in majestic yellow silk garment, he has attractive blue limbs resemble the freshly formed rain clouds, he is wielded in powerful bow and arrows, and the quiver fastened on the waist, he has beautiful large eyes resembles blue lotus flower petals, he is adorned on matted hair locks.

 

The legend of Goddess Uma’s meeting with Lord Rama is mysterious, the Sages and learned developed dispassion/Vairagya appreciate it, while the ignorant Jeeva drenched in worldly matters, and chasing after physical pleasures, keep away themselves from the practice of devotion to Lord Hari would get bewildered listening to those glorious legends.

 

I have illustrated the pure love and devotion of Bharatha and the faith of the people of Ayodhya at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Ramachandra to the best of my ability. I shall describe the glorious deeds of Lord Sri Ramachandra in the woods that was performed for the delight of deities, hermits, and Rishis. On one occasion, Rama picked up a handful of fresh alluring flowers of rich fragrance and created a garland for Devi Sita, who was seated on the crystal rock. Rama made a few flower ornaments too for his dearest consort and decked her with his own hands. At that moment, the dull-witted son of Lord Indra took the form of a crow, wanted to test the might of Lord Sri Ramachandra, like the ignorant dive into the bottomless ocean to measure its depth. The son of Lord Indra disguised as a crow jabbed on the feet of Devi Sita and flew away, Lord Raghu noticed only when the blood was oozing out of the wound on her feet, it infuriated Lord prepared to shoot an arrow aiming at the crow.

 

Moolam Dharmatharorvivekajaladhe : Poornendhumanandhadham | Vairagyambhuja Bhaskaram Hridhdhandhvanthapaham  Thapaham | Mohabhodharapooga Patanavidhau Kha:sambhavam Shamkaram | Vandhe Bhramakulam Kalankashamanam Sri RamaBhoopa Priyam ||

Sandhranandhapayodha Saubhagathanum Peethambaram Sundharam |Panau Banasharasanam Katilasath Thoonirabharam Varam | Rajivayathala Lochanam Dhritha Jatajootena Samshobitham | Seethalakshmana Samyutham Pathigatham Ramabhiramam Bhaje ||

Uma Rama Guna Gooda Panditha Muni Pavahi Birathi | Pavahi Moha Bimooda Je Hari Bimukha Na Dharmarathi ||

Puranara Bharatha Preethi Mei Gayi | Mathi Anuroopa Anoopa Suhayi || Ab Prabhu Charitha Sunahu Athi Pavana | Karatha Je  Bana sura  Nara Muni Bhavana || Yek Bar Chuni  Kusuma Suhaye | Nija Kara Bhooshana Rama Banaye || Seethahi Pahiraye Prabhu Sadhara | Baite Phatika Sila Par Sundhara || Surapathi Sutha Dhari Bayasa Besha | Sada Chahatha Raghupathi Bala Dhekha || Jimi Pipeelika Sagar  Thaha | Maha Mandhamathi Pavana Chaha || Seethacharana Chocha Hathi Bhaga | Mooda Mandhamathi Karana Kaga || Chala Rudhira Raghunayaka Jana | Seeka Dhanusha Sayaka Sandhana ||

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 ||