Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Sumanthra details Rama's journey to the woods

 

Chapter – 149– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Sumanthra details the journey of Rama to the woods

 

Sumanthra spoke gently “Oh! Rajan, the first stop of their journey was taken place on the riverbank of Thamasa, they have stayed that night quenching thirst from the crystal-clear water of the river, and slept under the banyan tree without a meal. The second pause of the journey was made at the riverbank of celestial river Ganga. The Nishadharaja Guha showed great hospitality to Rama, Lakshman, and Devi Sita, and that night they have stayed with the Nishadharaja in Shringaberipura, at the daybreak Rama ordered for milk from the Banyan tree to get that beautiful curly hairlock tied on the pinnacle of the head, and the two-brother coiled up their hairs on the top resembled a crown. Guha arranged for a ferry to cross river Ganga, the compassionate Lord assisted Devi Sita to get on the board, and Lakshman and Guha followed the couple on the ferry. Lakshman was all prepared with the bow and arrow at the command of his elder brother. The Lord of Raghu saw me in a miserable state, and pacified me with sweet words “Oh! Mahatma kindly conveys our humble salutations at the lotus feet of my father, kindly ask him not to worry about our safety in the woods. We are quite confident that his piousness, virtues, and reward of his meritorious deeds would product us from all the perils, his blessings would keep us happy and safe in the woods.”

 

Prathama Basu Thamasa Bhayau Dhoosara  Surasari  Theera | Nhayayi Rahe Jalapanu Kari Siya Sametha  Dhoau Beera ||

Kevat Keenhi Bahuth Sevakayi| So  Jamini Singaraura Gavayi || Hotha Pratha Bata Beeru Magava | Jata Makuta Nija Seesa Banava || Rama Sakha Thab Nava Magayi | Priya Chadayi Chade Raghurayi || Lakhana Bana Dhanu Dhare Banayi | Aapu Chade Prabhu Aayasu Payi || Bikala Biloki Mohi Raghubeera | Bole  Madhurabachana Dhari  Dheera || Thatha Pranamu Thatha Sana Kahehu| Bar Bar Padhapankaja Gahehu || Karabi Paya Pari Binaya Bahori | Thatha Karia Jani  Chintha Mori || Bana Maga Mangala Kusala Hamare | Kripa Anugraha Punya  Thumhare ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – The nectar-like speeches of Sumanthra to King Dhasharatha

 

Chapter – 148– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– The nectar-like speeches of Sumanthra to King Dhasharatha

 

King Dhasharatha wept bitterly “Oh! Dear friend, kindly take me to Rama, Devi Janaki, and Lakshman in the woods, If not I promise you my Prana is going to leave this body anytime from now.” King repeatedly enquired about his beloved children, “Oh! Sumanthra, kindly detail me about the news of my dearest children, and arrange some means to bring my children Rama, Lakshman, and Devi Sita before my eyes.” Sumanthra replied gently “Oh! Rajan, you are learned and wise, a great ruler, brave and courageous, Oh! Rajan, you have been in the closest association of holy men and ascetics. Oh! Prabho, birth, and death are inevitable, pain and pleasure, good and evil, happiness and sorrow, grief and joy, loss and gain, union and separation from beloved people are unavoidable, the wise and ascetic neither rejoice nor grieve on the same, they are wise knows the truth that all those happenings have fleeting nature, like day and night. The Jeeva drenched in worldly matters, attached to family, children, wife, relatives, companion, wealth, richness, money, fame, possession, etc. rejoice in prosperity and mourn on adversities. Oh! Rajan, the most promising one, kindly stop grieving on the adversities, and regain your lost courage, the succession of day and night will take away your grief.”

Sakha Ramu Siya Lakhanu Jaha Jaha MOhi Pahuchau | Nahi  Tha Chahath Chalana Ab Prana Kahau Sathibhau ||

Puni Puni Poochath Manthrihi Rau| Priyathama Suana  Sandhesa Sunau || Karahi Sakha Soyi Begi Upau | Ramu Lakhanu Siya Nayana Dhekhau || Sachiva Dheera  Dhari Kaha Mridhu Bani | Maharaja Thumha Panditha Gyani || Beera Sudheera  Dhurandhara Deva | Sadhu Samaju Sadha Thumha Seva || Janama Marana Sab Dhukha Sukha Bhoga | Hani Labhu Priya  Milana  Biyoga || Kala Karama Basa Hohi  Gosayi | Barabasa Rathi Dhivasa Ki Nayi || Sukha Harashi Jada Dhukha Bilakhahi| Dhoau Sama Dheera Dharahi Manamahi || Dheeraj Dharahu Bibeku Bichari | Cchadia Soch Sakala Hithakari ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – The grief of King Dhasharatha

Chapter – 147– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– The grief of King Dhasharatha

 

Sumanthra rushed to King who was laying on the floor and exclaimed “Hail King of Ayodhya! Hail King of Ayodhya!” and prostrated at the feet of King Dhasharatha, the moment he heard the voice of Sumanthra, the King rose on his feet in bewilderment and cried louder “Oh! Sumanthra, where is Rama?” He embraced Sumanthra tightly as if the drowning man found something to hold on to, he made Sumanthra sit close to him, and enquired affectionately, his eyes were flooded with tears, “Oh! Sumanthra, kindly detail me about the welfare of Rama, Oh! My dearest friend, kindly tell me where is Lord of Raghu, Rama, Lakshman, and Vidheha’s daughter Vaidhehi? Have you brought them back or left them to live in the woods?” his words pierced the heart of Sumanthra who was already heartbroken, the King continued “Dear Sumanthra, kindly detail me about Devi Sita, Rama, and Lakshman.” He repeatedly remembered the virtues, loveliness, truthfulness, steadfastness, kindness, and endurance of Rama and shed tears in utter grief “ Oh! Sumanthra, I have made an announcement to crown
Rama as the King of Ayodhya, and I have turned back from the promise and exiled him to wood, but he was neither happy nor sad. He was not grieved to leave the stately pleasures, unfortunately, my Prana/vital air did not leave me even after obtaining a virtuous son like Rama who was exiled from Ayodhya for no reason. Who can be a grave sinner like me?”

 

Dhekhi Sachiva  Jaya Jeeva  Kahi Keenheau Dhandapranamu | Sunatha  Udeau Byakula  Nripathi Kahu Sumanthra Kaha Ramu ||

Bhoopa Sumanthru Leenha Ura Layi | Boodatha Kacchu Adhara Janu Payi || Sahitha Saneha Nikata  Baitari | Poochatha Rau Nayana Bhari Bari || Rama Kusala Kahu Sakha Sanehi | Kaha Raghunathu Lakhanu Baidhehi || Aane Pheri Ki Banahi Sidhaye | Sunatha Sachiva  Lochana Jala Cchaye || Soka Bikala Puni Poocha Naresu | Kahu Siya Rama Lakhana Sandhesu || Ramaroopa  Gunaseela Subhau | Sumiri Sumiri Ura Sochatha Rau || Rau Sunayi Dheenha Banabasu | Suni Mana Bhayau Na  Harshu  Harasu || So Sutha Bicchuratha Gaye Na Prana | Ko Papi Bada Mohi  Samana ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Sumanthra meets the King in the chamber of Devi Kausalya

Chapter – 146– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Sumanthra meets the King in the chamber of Devi Kausalya

 

As soon as the people of the palace heard the news of the arrival of Sumanthra, the whole palace became lively, people became restless, the palace gave out a gloomy look as if the abode of spirits. The queen mothers assembled before Sumanthra and shot several questions, but Sumanthra was unable to speak a word, the voice was not coming out of the throat, his ears were deaf and eyes could not see, all that he was enquired “Kindly answer me where is the King?” watching the miserable state of Sumanthra, the attendants led him to the chamber of Devi Kausalya. Sumanthra saw the King who was pale and lusterless, like the moon without cool rays, found the King on the plain ground in a wretched state with no ornaments on his body, heaving sigh of grief like the King Yayati who was thrown from the abode of deities. The King was emaciated, shrunken in grief, like the Sampathi whose wings got cut down from the scorching sun, all that he was uttered “Oh! Rama, Oh! Rama” and Oh! Rama, Oh! Lakshman Oh! Sita”.

Sachiva Agamanu Sunatha Sabu Bikala Bhayau Ranivasu | Bhavanu Bhayankaru Laga Thehi Manahu Pretha Nivasu ||

Athi Aarathi Sab Poochahi Rani | Utharu Na  Aava Bikala Bhayi Bani || Sunayi Na  Shravana Nayana Nahi Sooja | Kahahu Kaha Nripa Thehi Thehi Boojja || Dhasinha Dheekha Sachiva  Bikalayi | Kausalya Gruha Gayi Lavayi || Jayi Sumanthra Dheekha Kasa Raja | Aamia Rahitha Janu Chandhu Biraja || Aasana Sayana Bibooshana Heena | Pareau Boomithala Nipata Maleena || Leyi Usasu Soch Yehi Bhanthi | Surapura The Janu Khaseau Jajathi || Letha Socha Bhari Cchinu Cchinu Cchathi | Janu Jari  Pankha Pareau Sampathi || Rama Rama Kaha Rama Sanehi | Puni Kaha Rama Lakhana Baidhehi ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – Sumanthra arrives in the palace of King Dhasharatha

Chapter – 145– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– Sumanthra arrives in the palace of King Dhasharatha

 

Sumanthra wept bitterly “My heart like the wetland did not crack even after the moisture like the most beloved Lord Rama left to woods, hence it is understandable that this body is destined to undergo hellish tortures.” Finally, the chariot arrived on the riverbank of Thamasa, he courteously sends off the youths of Nishadha who had fallen at the feet of Sumanthra and shed tears, returned to Shringabheripura. Sumanthra taken the charge of horse, and drove with a heavy heart to Ayodhya, he was hesitant to enter the city as if he was killed his preceptor, Bhramana, and cow. Sumanthra took shelter under the shade of a tree, the whole day he spent under the tree waiting for the arrival of dusk. Finally, Sumanthra entered the city in the dark hours and silently left the chariot at the entrance of the palace gate. Soon, the people who have got the news flocked at the entrance of the palace and found the chariot is empty and horses were restless as if experiencing the heavy hail storm. The people gathered were distressed like the fish out of the water.

 

Hridhau Na  Bidhareau Panka Jimi Bicchurath Preethamu Neeru | Janath Hau Mohi Dheenha Bidhi Yahu Janatha  Sareeru ||

Yehi Bidhi  Karatha Pantha  Pacchithava | ThamasaTheera Thuratha Rathu Aava || Bidha Kiye  Kari  Binaya Nishadha | Phire Paya  Pari Bikala Bishadha || Paidatha Nagara Sachiva  Sakuchayi | Janu Maresi Guru Bamana Gayi || Baiti Bitapa Thara Dhivasu Gavava | Sanjja Samaya Thab Avasaru Pava || Avadha Prabesu Keenha  Aandhiare | Paita Bhavana Rathu Rakhi Dhuare || Jinha Jinha Samachara Suni Paye | Bhoopa  Dhvara Rathu Dhekhana Aaye || Rathu Pahichani  Bikala Lakhi Ghore | Garahi Gaatha Jimi Aathapa Aure || Nagara Nari  Nara Byakuala Kaise | Nighatatha Neera  Meenagana Jaise ||

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – The anguish of Sumanthra

 

Chapter – 144– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– The anguish of Sumanthra

Sumanthra shed tears in extreme grief “Oh! Prabho, what would I say when the distressed people of Ayodhya enquire about Lord Rama? I have to answer their queries with a heavy heart. Oh! Prabho, what would I say to the queen mothers who approach me with great expectations? What would I say to comfort the mothers who are already besieged by sorrow and agony? What would I say to Devi Sumithra who is already grieving for her sons and daughter-in-law? What would I say to Devi Kausalya who resembles the mother cow/Nandhini whose mind is always in the search for its calf? I have no answer to the queries of the people of Ayodhya or queen mothers, other than ‘Rama, Lakshman and Baidhehi left to woods.” I am responsible to answer all their queries, alas! I have nothing to speak of, this is what waiting for me in Ayodhya. How did I answer to the King Dhasharatha whose life is vested in Rama? How did I tell him that I have safely deposited her beloved children in the woods? How did I say that even though I have escorted them to the woods, I haven’t brought them back to Ayodhya? It is definite that the moment King listen to my words he would give up his Prana/vital air like a straw.”

Dhayi Poochihahi Mohi  Jab Bikala Nagara Nara Nari | Utharu Dheba Mei Sabahi Thab Hridhaya Bajru Baitari ||

Poochihahi Dheena Dhukhitha Sab Matha | Kahab Kaha Mei Theenhahi Bidhatha || Poochihi Jabahi Lakhana Mahathari | Kahihau Kavana Sandhesa Sukhari || Rama Janani Jab Aayihi Dhayi | Sumiri Bacchu Jimi Dhenu Lavayi || Poochatha Utharu Deba Mei Thehi | Go Banu Rama Lakhanu Baidhehi || Joyi Poochihi Thehi Utharu Deba | Jayi Avadha Ab Yahu Sukhu Leba || Poochihi Jabahi Rau Dhukha Dheena | Jivanu Jasu  Raghunatha Adheena || Dhehau Utharu Kaunu Muhu Layi | Aayau Kusala Kuara Pahuchayi || Sunatha Lakhana Siyarama Sandhesu | Thrina Jimi Thanu Pariharihi  Naresu||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Ayodhya Kanda – The miserable state of Sumanthra while returning to Ayodhya

 

Chapter – 143– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Ayodhya Kanda– The miserable state of Sumanthra while returning to Ayodhya

 

Sage Yajjavalkya speaks “Oh! Mune, it was difficult to explain the miserable state of Sumanthra, the charioteer of the King, he was besieged with extreme agony from the separation of Rama, Lakshman, and Baidhehi, like a virtuous Bhramin well versed in Veda and scriptures adopted consumption of the spirituous drink. Sumanthra was heartbroken like a chaste woman devoted to her husband by word, mind, and the deed was forced to live apart from him. Sumanthra shed tears of extreme grief that blocked his vision, ears were deaf and his mind was completely confused, his lips were dry, and his tongue became motionless, yet his breath did not depart his body like the soul was shut inside the body as a term of exile. Sumanthra was in a wretched state, mourning like a sinner on his way to the abode of death, he looked pale and his body was emaciated like he has killed his own parents. Sumanthra failed to speak, lamented within himself “What shall I do in Ayodhya? Whom shall I meet? Whoever sees the chariot without Rama, Lakshman, and Sita in it would blame me.”

Bipra Bibeki Bedhabidha Sammatha Sadhu Sujathi| Jimi Dhekho Madhapana Kara Sachiva Soch Thehi Bhanthi ||

Jimi Kuleena Thiya Sadhu Sayani | Pathidhevatha KaramaMana Bani || Rahai Karama Basa Parihari Nahu | Sachiva Hridhaya Thimi Dharuna Dhahu || Lochana Sajala Didi Bhayi Thori | Sunayi Na Shravana Bikala Mathi Bhori || Sukhahi Adhara  Lagi Muha Lati | Jiau Na  Jayi Ura  Avadhi Kapati || Bibarana Bhayau Na  Jayi Nihari | Maresi Manahu Pitha Mahathari || Hani  Galani Bipula  Mana Byapai | Jamapura Pantha Soch Jimi Papi || Bachanu Na Aava Hridhaya Pacchithayi | Avadha Kaha Mei Dhkhab Jayi || Rama Rahitha Ratha Dhekhihi Joyi | Sakuchihi Mohi Bilokatha Soyi ||