Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Lanka Kanda – The initial prayers – The construction of a mighty bridge across the vast ocean has begun

 

Chapter -1 – Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Lanka Kanda – The initial prayers – The construction of a mighty bridge across the vast ocean has begun

 

I shall prostrate before supreme Lord Sri Ramachandra who has the marvelous appearance, worshiped by Lord Kamari/enemy of Kamadeva, he is the destroyer of fear and anxieties of worldly existence, he resembles lion that attacks the group of elephants, he is Yogeendhra/Lord of Yogis, he symbolizes wisdom and virtues, he is unconquerable, he is free from attributes/impurities, he is dispassionate, he is beyond Maya/illusion, he is Lord of Lords, destroyer of sins and evilness, he is beloved Lord of Brahmanas, I shall repeatedly prostrate before Lord Rama who has dark cloud lovely appearance, beautiful eyes has the resemblance to lotus flower petals, incarnated as the son of King of Kosala.

 

I shall prostrate before supreme Lord Shankara, who symbolizes auspiciousness and virtues, he is the Lord of Kashi, beloved Lord of Goddess Girija/Girijapathi, he is the destroyer of cupid, he has the complexion of conch and moon, great stature, handsome appearance,  and attractive limbs, he is attired in the skin of a leopard, he is adorned in venomous serpents as ornaments all over the body, he is beloved Lord of Devi Ganga and Lord Chandra, he is the destroyer of the evilness of Kali era, he is Kalpadhruma/wish-fulfilling creeper to his devotees, I shall repeatedly prostrate before the supreme Lord Shankara.

 

I shall prostrate before supreme Lord Shankara, who is the ultimate object, and the provider of liberation from the repeated births, he is supreme bliss, he is the destroyer of sins and wickedness, I shall earnestly pray for his compassionate grace on us.

 

Oh! Jeeva, why do not you surrender at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Ramachandra who is wielded in bow and arrow, he is the essence of Time, the fraction of seconds, hours, years, Yuga, etc.

 

The King of the ocean returned to his abode praising the endless virtues of Rama, soon Lord Rama called out for the army of Vanaras and bears and instructed them to begin the construction of the bridge.  The elderly Jambavan stood before Rama with folded hands and spoke “Oh! Prabho, Sri Ramachandra, you are the delight of the solar race, the mere utterance of your sacred name ‘Rama’ would safely cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence of the Jeeva. Oh! Prabho, the construction of a mighty bridge across the ocean won’t take much time for you.” The Lord Vayu eulogized Lord Rama “Oh! Prabho, Sri Ramachandra, your endless glories like the flames are enough to dry up the vast ocean, the tears shed by the wives of your enemies caused the waters to taste salty.” The Vanaras assembled before Rama, looked at the marvelous appearance of Rama, and stood without blinking their eyes. Jambavan called out for the two brothers Nala and Neela, reminded them about their unique powers achieved as a boon, and advised them to contemplate upon Lord Rama and begin the construction of the bridge that would take no time. Further, he called out for the multitudes of Vanaras and spoke “Oh! Vanaras and bears, contemplate upon the lotus feet of Lord Sri Ramachandra, and begin your favorite sport, collect huge trees, mountains and rocks in large numbers.” The Vanaras and bears cheered in extreme delight “Hail Lord Sri Ramachandra! Hail Lord Sri Seethapathi! Hail Lord Rama and Lakshman!”

 

Ramam Kamarisevyam Bhavabayaharanam Kalamathebhasimham | Yogeendhram Jyanagamyam Gunanidhimajitham Nirgunam Nirvikaram || Mayatheetham Suresham Khalavadhaniratham Bhrama Vrindhaikadevam | Vandhe Kandhavadhatham Sarasijinayanam Devamurveesharoopapm ||

 

Shankhendhvabhamatheeva Sundharathanum Shardhoola Charmambaram | Kalavyala Karala Bhooshanadharam  Ganga Shashanka Priyam | Kasheesham Kalikalmashaugha Shamanam Kalyana Kalpadhrumam | Naumeedyam Girijapathim Gunanidhim Kandharpaham Shankaram ||

Yo Dhadhathi Satham Shambhu: Kaivalyamapi Dhurllabham | Khalanam DhandaKridhyoasu Shankara: Tham Thanothume ||

 

Lava Nimesha Paramanu Juga  Barasha Kalapa Sara Chanda | Bhajasi Na Man Thehi Rama Ko Kalu Jasu Kodhanda ||

 Sindhu Bachana Suni Rama Sachiva  Boli Prabhu Asa Kaheau| Ab Bilambu Kehi Kama Karahu Sethu Utharau Kataku || Sunahu Bhanukula Kethu Jambavantha Kara Jori Kaha | Natha Nama Thava Sethu Nara Chadi Bhava Sagara Tharahi ||

Yaha Laghu Jaladhi Tharatha Kathi Bara | Asa Suni Puni Kaha Pavanakumara || Prabhu Prathapa Badavanala Bhari | Sosheau Prathama Payonidhi Bari || Thava Ripu Nari Rudhana Jaladhara | Bhareau Bahori Bhayau Thehi Khara || Suni Athi Akuthi Pavanasutha Keri | Harashe Kapi Raghupathi Than Heri || Jambavantha Bole Dhoau Bhayi | Nala Neelahi Sab Katha Sunayi || Rama Prathapa Sumiri Manamahi | Karahu Sethu Prayasa Kacchu Nahi || Boli Liye  Kapi Nikara  Bahori | Sakala Sunahu Binathi Kacchu Mori || Ramacharana Pankaja Ura Dharahu | Kauthuka Yek Bhalu Kapi Karahu || Dhavahu Markata Bikata Barootha | Aanahu Bitapa Girinha Ke Jootha || Suni Kapi Bhalu Chale Kari Hooha | Jaya Raghubeera Prathapa Samooha ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Sundara Kanda – A mighty bridge across the vast ocean was constructed by the Vanaras and bears with the grace of Lord Rama – Phalashruthi:

 

Chapter – 62– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sundara Kanda– A mighty bridge across the vast ocean was constructed by the Vanaras and bears with the grace of Lord Rama – Phalashruthi:

 

Lord Sri Ramachandra was highly pleased to watch the amiability of the presiding deity of the ocean, began to speak with a smile “Oh! Thatha, kindly advise which is the promising way to cross the vast ocean for the Vanaras and bears.” The presiding deity of the ocean began to speak “Oh! Prabho, Sri Ramachandra, the two brothers Nala and Nila have received a unique boon from a Sage during their childhood, with your grace, all those mountains and rocks thrown by them would float on the ocean waters. Oh! Prabho, I shall provide all my assistance to please you, in this way, you can construct a huge bridge, that would be spoken highly in the fourteen worlds at all times, and your glories would be sung in praise in the three worlds. Oh! Prabho, let your powerful arrows eradicate the wicked demons settled on the northern shore of the ocean.” The compassionate Lord Rama put a halt to the battle with the King of the ocean and removed his grief. The King of the ocean has highly praised the valor and virtues of Rama, he repeatedly prostrated before the Lord and took a leave.

 

The presiding deity of the ocean took a leave, soon the mighty Vanaras and bears began the construction of a huge bridge across the ocean with the grace of Lord of Raghu. Whoever reads or listens to the Sundarakanda singing in praise of  Lord Raghu which was written by the Sage Tulsidas would wipe off the evilness of the Kali era. The Ramacharitha is the ultimate bliss, it would remove all the apprehensions and constant miseries and sorrows of worldly existence. Oh! Ignorant, leave your interest in worldly matters and material things and sing in praise of Lord Sri Ramachandra.

 

Whoever sings and listens to the endless glories and virtues of Lord Sri Ramachandra would achieve the perpetual blessings of the Lord, and whoever reads and listens to them with firm devotion and faith would cross the Bhavasindhu/ unfathomable ocean of mundane existence of grief and sorrows.

 

Sunatha Bineetha Bachana Athi Kaha Kripala Musukayi | Jehi Bidhi Utharai Kapi Kataku Thatha So Kahahu Upayi ||

Natha Neela Nala Kapi Dhau Bhayi | Larikayi Rishi Aasisha Payi || Thinha Ke Parasa Kiya  Giri Bhare | Tharihahi Jaladhi Prathapa Thumhare || Mei Puni Ura Dhari Prabhu Prabhuthayi | Karihau Bala Anumana Sahayi || Yehi Bidhi Natha Payodhi Badhayia | Jehi Yaha Sujasu Loka Thihu Gayia || Yehi Sara Mama Uththara That Basi | Hathahu Natha Khala Nara Adha Rasi || Suni Kripala Sagara Mana Peera | Thurathahi Hari Rama Ranadheera || Dhekhi Rama Bala Paurusha Bhari | Harashi Payonidhi Bhayau Sukhari || Sakala Charitha Kahi Prabhuhi Sunava | Charana Bandhi Payodhi Sidhava ||

Nija Bhavana  Gavaneau Sindhu Sreeraghupathihi Yaha Matha Bhayau| Yaha Charitha Kali Malahara Jathamathi Dhasa Thulasi Gayau || Sukha Bhavana Samsaya Samana Dhavana Bishadha Raghupathi Gunagana| Thaji Sakala Aasa Bharosa Gavahi Sunahi Santhatha Sada Mana ||

Sakala Sumangala  Dhayaka Raghunayaka Gunagana | Sadhar Sunahi The Tharahi Bhavasindhu Bina Jalajan ||

 

||Ithi Sriramacharitha Manase Sakalakalikalusha Vidhwamsane Panchama: Sopana: Samaptha: ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Sundara Kanda – The presiding deity of the ocean singing in praise of the valor and virtues of Rama

 

Chapter – 61– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sundara Kanda– The presiding deity of the ocean singing in praise of the valor and virtues of Rama

 

Sage Kakabhusundi speaks “Oh! King of Birds, Oh! Garuda, after nurturing a plantain tree if it was not given fruits, it is meaningless to protect the same, better to cut it down. In the same manner, if a wicked and arrogant person did not heed to the prayers, it is advisable to be reprimanded.” The presiding deity of the ocean prostrated before Lord Sri Ramachandra, and clasped his feet in guilt “Oh! Prabho, Sri Ramachandra, kindly forgive my sins. Oh! Prabho, the essential five elements Earth, Air, Water, Fire, Ether are initiated at your will. The scriptures eulogize that it was initiated at your will from the inseparable Maya of you, which were brought for the smooth functioning of the creation of the Universe, the happiness lies in the will of the supreme Lord. Oh! Prabho, you have taught me a good lesson, all the creations of the Universe function at your will, if not they cannot achieve happiness. Oh! Prabho, Dhol/drum, Gavara/ ignorant, Shudra/lowly clan, Pasu/animal, and Nari/woman are deserved to be taught lessons from time to time. Oh! Prabho, I shall keep the ocean waters at a bay with your grace, so that you can construct a mighty bridge across the ocean. The Veda emphasizes that you are unconquerable, you are Almighty Lord I shall sincerely follow your command and act whichever pleases you.”

Katehi Payi  Kadhari Pharayi Koti Jathana  Koau Seench | Binaya Na Mana Khagosa Sunu Tatehi Payi Nava Neech ||

Sabhaya Sindhu Gahi Padha Prabhu Kere | Cchamahu Natha Sab Avaguna Mere || Gagana Sameera Anala Jala Dharani | Inha Kayi Natha Sahaja Jada Karani || Thava Preritha Maya Upajaye | Srishti Hethu Sab  Granthani Gaye || Prabhu Aayasu Jehi kaha Jasa Ahayi | So Thehi Bhanthi Rahe Sukha Lahayi || Prabhu Bhala Keenha Mohi Sikha Dheenhi | Marajadha Puni Thumhari Keenhi || Dola Gavara Soodhra Pasu Nari | Sakala Thadana Ke Adhikari || Prabhu Prathapa Mei Jab Sukhayi | Utharihi Kataku Na Mori Badayi || Prabhu Agya Apela Shruthi Gayi | Karau So Begi Jo  Thumhahi Sohayi ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Sundara Kanda – Lord Rama invokes Agneya Asthra, thereby the presiding deity of ocean was brought under control

 

Chapter – 60– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sundara Kanda– Lord Rama invokes Agneya Asthra, thereby presiding deity of the ocean was brought under control

 

Lord Rama seated on the Kushagrass and spent three days mediated upon the presiding deity King of the ocean. Alas! none of the prayers of Rama was answered, Rama spoke angrily “Oh! Lakshman, no love develops without the fear, therefore bring my bow and arrows immediately. I shall dry the ocean with the Agneya Asthra, so that the presiding deity of the ocean can be brought under control. Oh! Brother, it is futile to give lectures on the glories of Lord Sri Hari to 1) A dull-minded person, 2) person who is in illicit relationship 3) the person who was born miser 4) person who is drenched in worldly matters and material matters of richness, wealth, fame, possessions, interest in wife, children, relatives, and companions, etc. 5) It is meaningless to talk about dispassion to a person who is drenched in the impurities of lust, desire, ego, anger, pride, jealousy, Ahamkara, and Mamakara. 6) it is worthless to give a speech on the glories of Lord Sri Hari to a person who has no control over senses, finally, it is as futile as sowing seeds on the barren land.” Saying so, Rama stretched the bow to invoke the Agneya Asthra that was pleased the heart of Lakshman. Rama fastened the arrow, and invoked the Agneya Asthra, soon a massive fire broke out in the middle of the ocean which made the entire aquatic creatures flash in deep distress, the presiding deity of the ocean noticed the mayhem caused by the aquatic animals amid the massive flame, he immediately gave up his pride and appeared as a divine Bhramin before Lord Rama, he greeted the Lord with a golden plate full of various precious gems.

Binaya Na Manatha Jaladhi Jada Gaye Theeni Dhin Beethi | Bole Rama Sakopa Thab Bhaya Binu Hoyi Na Preethi ||

Lacchimana Bana Sarasana Aanu | Soshau Baridhi Bisikha Krisanu || Sad Sana Binaya Kutila San Preethi | Sahaja Kripana San Sundhara Neethi || Mamatha Ratha Sana Gyana Kahani | Athi Lobhi Sana Birathi Bakhani || Krodhihi Sama  Kamihi Hari Katha | OOsara Beeja Baya Phala Jatha || Asa Kahi Raghupathi Chapa Chadava| Yaha Math Lacchimana Ke Man Bhava || Sandhaneau Prabhu Bisikha Karala | Udi Udhadhi Ura Anthara Jwala || Makara Uraga Jjasha Gana Akulane | Jaratha Janthu Jalanidhi Jab Jane || Kanaka Thara  Bhari Mani Gana Nana | Bipraroopa Aayau Thaji Mana ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Sundara Kanda – The spy Shuka has taken shelter at the lotus feet of Rama, eventually gets rid of the curse on him

 

Chapter – 59– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sundara Kanda– The spy Shuka has taken shelter at the lotus feet of Rama eventually gets rid of the curse on him

 

The minister read out the message loudly “Oh! Wicked Ravana, your mind is in utter illusion Oh! Fool, do not bring the complete destruction of the demon race. If you keep enmity with Lord Sri Ramachandra, you can’t achieve protection even from the trinities, Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shambhu. Therefore, leave your pride and arrogance, and take shelter at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Ramachandra who is kind and compassionate to his devotees, and protects the Jeeva whoever takes refuge in him. Otherwise, you and the entire race of demons would burn down like moths in the wrath of Lord Sri Ramachandra.” Ravana was shrunken in heart listening to the message of Lakshman, he pretended to be courageous and put a false smile on his face, spoke in the deafening voice “The younger brother of Rama, that hermit has possessed great eloquence, he is trying to reach out the doors of heaven from the Earth.” The spy Shuka spoke amiably “Oh! Prabho, kindly leave your pride and take every single word mentioned in the messages as true, kindly leave your anger and listen to my words, kindly leave animosity with Rama. He is the Lord of the Universe, he is extremely kind and compassionate, he has a gentle disposition, even though he is the Lord of the Universe. The Supreme Lord Sri Ramachandra will shower his auspicious grace on you the moment he sees you before him, he will forget all that had happened. Oh! Prabho kindly returns Devi Videha to Lord Ramachandra and takes shelter in him.” Soon, Ravana hurried from the throne and kicked minister Shuka out of the assembly in extreme anger. Shuka bowed before the feet of Ravana and proceeded to the all-merciful Lord Sri Ramachandra, he took shelter at the feet of Lord Sri Rama and introduced himself to the Lord, thus he has achieved the grace of Rama. Thus, Shuka who was an illustrious Sage born as a demon by the curse of Sage Agasthya, regained his original form of a hermit. Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Devi Uma, the grace of Lord Sri Ramachandra is capable to restore a demon into a pious soul.” Sage repeatedly prostrated before Rama and returned to his hermitage.

 

Bathanha Manahi Rijjayi Sada Jani  Dhalasi Kula Kheesa | Rama Birodha Na Ubarasi Sarana Bishnu Aja Esa || Ke Thaji Mana Anuja Iva Prabhu Padha Pankaja Bringa | Hohi Ki Rama Saranala Khala Kula Sahitha Pathanga ||

Sunatha Sabhaya Mana Mukha Musukayi | Kahatha Dhasanana Sabahi Sunayi || Bhoomi Para Kara Gahatha Akasa | Laghu Thapasa Kara Baga  Bilasa || Kaha Suka Natha Sathya Sab Bani | Samujjahu Cchadi Prakrithi Abhimani || Sunahu Bachana Mama Parihari Krodha | Natha Rama Sana Thajahu Birodha || Athi Komala Raghubeera Subhau | Jadhdhyapi Akhila Loka Kara Rau || Milatha Kripa Thumha Para Prabhu Karihi | Ura Aparadha Na Yekau Dharihi || Janakasutha Raghunathahi Dheeje | Yethana Kaha Mora Prabhu Keeje || Jab Thehi Kaha Dhena Baidhehi | Charana Prahara Keenha Sad Thehi || Nayi Charana Siru Chala So Thaha| Kripasindhu Raghunayaka Jaha || Kari Pranamu Nija Katha Sunayi | Ramakripa Aapani Gathi Payi || Rishi Agasthi Ki Sap Bhavani | Racchasa Bhayau Raha Muni Gyani || Bandhi Ramapadha Barahi Bara | Muni Nija Ashrama Kahau Pagu Dhara ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Sundara Kanda – The spies describe the valor and virtues of Rama

 

Chapter – 58– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sundara Kanda– The spies describe the valor and virtues of Rama

 

The spies spoke “Oh! Prabho, all the Vanaras, and bears have possessed immense valor by birth, and they have the grace of supreme Lord Ramachandra on their head to protect them. These Vanaras and bears are capable to conquer millions of Yamas on the battlefield. Oh! Prabho, the saints, ascetics, Mahatmas, and noble souls are incompetent to describe their valor, courage, might, and virtues of Lord Sri Ramachandra. Oh! Prabho, Rama could dry up several oceans with the single shot of his powerful arrow, although, he has possessed immense strength, before drying up the ocean he consulted with your brother Vibheeshana, and appealed to the King of the ocean to leave a way to approach the city of Lank.” Ravana laughed boisterously, and passed sarcastic comments “Oh! Spies, it is funny as well as strange to see that mighty Princes have made an ally with the Vanaras and bears, he sought after the advice of my younger brother Vibheeshana who is born as a coward and begging before the ocean to leave way. Oh! Fools, why do you praise my enemy whose might and virtues haven’t been heard before, and whoever seeks helps from Vibheeshana who is not a brave consular, cannot achieve success or glory.” The spies got annoyed listening to the arrogant remark of their King, who is dull-witted, soon they brought out the message of Lakshman “Oh! Prabho, this is the message of the younger brother of Rama, kindly read it and soothe your heart.” Ravana laughed contemptuously and pulled out the message carelessly with his left hand, and called out for his minister to read it out.

 

Sahaja Sura Kapi Bhalu Sab Puni Sira Para Prabhu Ram | Ravana Kala Koti Kahu Jeethi Sakahi Sangram ||

Rama Theja Bala Budhi Bipulayi | Sesha Sahasa Sath Sakahi Na Gayi || Saka Sara Yek Soshi Sath Sagara | Thava  Bhrathahi Poocheau Naya  Nagara || Thasu Bachana Suni Sagara Pahi | Magatha Pantha Kripa Manamahi || Sunatha Bachana Bihasa Dhasaseesa | Jau Asi Mathi Sahaya Kritha Keesa || Sahaja Bheeru Kara Bachana  Dhridayi | Sagara San Dani Machalayi || Mooda Mrisha Ka  Karasi Badayi | Ripu Bala Budhdhi  Thaha Mei Payi || Sachiva Sabeetha Bibheeshana Jake | Bijaya Biboothi Kaha Jaga Thake || Suni Khala Bachana Dhootha Risa Badi | Samaya Bichari Pathrika Kadi || Ramanuja  Dheenhi Yaha Pathi | Natha Bachayi Judavahu Cchathi || Bihasi Bama Kara Leenhi Ravana | Sachiva  Boli Sad Laga  Bachavan ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Sundara Kanda – The spies describe the mighty army of Lord Rama

 

Chapter – 57– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sundara Kanda– The spies describe the mighty army of Lord Rama

 

The spies of Ravana continued “Oh! Prabho, we can name a few of them are Dhvidha, Maindha, Nala, Nila, Angadha, Gadha, Vikatasya, Dhadhimukha, Kesari, Nishatha, Satha, and the mighty Jambavan are among them. Oh! Prabho, each Vanaras has the might of the chief Sugrivah, and there are tens and millions of like him. They have possessed immense valor at the grace of Rama, and are well capable and they are countless. Oh! Prabho, there is not a single Vanara is possible to defeat by you in the battle. They have fierce some appearance, crushing their teeth and banging their fist in anger, ready to attack their enemies, and they are just waiting for the order of Lord Raghu to march towards Lanka. Oh! Prabho, the Vanaras are all prepared to construct a mighty bridge with the mountains and rocks across the vast ocean, once the Lord of Raghu dries up the ocean with his might, and they are waiting to crush their enemies in Lanka. These Vanaras are fearless in nature, they are vicious capable to devour the city of Lanka.”

 

Dhvibidha Mayamdha Neela NalaAngadha  Gadha  Bikatasi | Dhadhimukha Kehari Nisada  Sad Jamabhantha Balarasi ||

Ye Kapi Sab Sugreevah Samana | Inha Sama Kotinha Ganayi Ko Nana || Rama Kripa Athulitha Bala Theehahi | Thrina  Samana Thrailokahi Ganahi || Asa Mei Suna Shravana Dhasakandhara | Padhuma Adaraha Joothapa Bandhara || Natha Kataka Maha So Kapi Nahi | Jo Na  Thumhahi Jeethai Rana Mahi || Parama Krodha Meejahi Sab Hatha | Aayasu Pai Na  Dhehi Raghunatha || Soshahi Sindhu Sahitha Jjasha Byala | Purahi Na Tha Bhari Kudhara Bisala || Mardhi Gardha Milavahi Dhasaseesa | Yeseyi Bachana Kahahi Sab Keesa || Garjahi Tharjahi Sahaja  Asamka | Manahu Grasana Chahath Hahi Lanka ||