RamCharitManas Aranya Kand with English Meaning / Translation

श्रीगणेशायनमः | Shri Ganeshay Namah
श्रीजानकीवल्लभो विजयते | Shri JanakiVallabho Vijayte
श्रीरामचरितमानस | Shri RamCharitManas
तृतीय सोपान | Descent Three
श्री अरण्यकाण्ड | Shri Aranya-Kanda

 

श्लोक | Shloka:

* मूलं धर्मतरोर्विवेकजलधेः पूर्णेन्दुमानन्ददं
वैराग्याम्बुजभास्करं ह्यघघनध्वान्तापहं तापहम्‌।
मोहाम्भोधरपूगपाटनविधौ स्वःसम्भवं शंकरं
वंदे ब्रह्मकुलं कलंकशमनं श्री रामभूपप्रियम्‌॥1॥

mūlaṃ dharmatarōrvivēkajaladhēḥ pūrṇēndumānandadaṃ
vairāgyāmbujabhāskaraṃ hyaghaghanadhvāntāpahaṃ tāpaham.
mōhāmbhōdharapūgapāṭanavidhau svaḥsambhavaṃ śaṅkaraṃ
vandē brahmakulaṃ kalaṃkaśamanaṃ śrīrāmabhūpapriyam..1..

I reverence Bhagavan Sankara, the progeny of Brahma, the very root of the tree of piety, the beloved, devotee of King Sri Rama, the full moon that brings joy to the ocean of wisdom, the sun that opens the lotus of dispassion, the wind that disperses the clouds of ignorance, who dispels the thick darkness of sin and eradicates the threefold agony and who wipes off obloquy.(1)

 

* सान्द्रानन्दपयोदसौभगतनुं पीताम्बरं सुंदरं
पाणौ बाणशरासनं कटिलसत्तूणीरभारं वरम्‌।
राजीवायतलोचनं धृतजटाजूटेन संशोभितं
सीतालक्ष्मणसंयुतं पथिगतं रामाभिरामं भजे॥2॥

sāndrānandapayōdasaubhagatanuṃ pītāmbaraṃ sundaraṃ
pāṇau bāṇaśarāsanaṃ kaṭilasattūṇīrabhāraṃ varam
rājīvāyatalōcanaṃ dhṛtajaṭājūṭēna saṃśōbhitaṃ
sītālakṣmaṇasaṃyutaṃ pathigataṃ rāmābhirāmaṃ bhajē..2..

I worship Sri Rama, the delighter of all, whose graceful form is an embodiment of joy and is dark as a rainy cloud, who is clad in a charming yellow bark and carries in His hands a bow and an arrow who has a beautiful, shining and well-equipped quiver fastened to His waist and has a pair of large lotus eyes, who is adorned with a tuft of matted locks on His head and who is seen journeying with Sita and Laksmana. (2)

 

सोरठा | SORTAS :

* उमा राम गुन गूढ़ पंडित मुनि पावहिं बिरति।
पावहिं मोह बिमूढ़ जे हरि बिमुख न धर्म रति॥

umā rāma guna gūḍha paṃḍita muni pāvahiṃ birati.
pāvahiṃ mōha bimūḍha jē hari bimukha na dharma rati..

Sri Rama’s virtues, Uma (Parvati ), are mysterious. The sages as well as learned men develop dispassion (when they appreciate them ); while the deluded fools who are hostile to Sri Hari and have no love for piety get bewildered to hear of them.

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS : 

*पुर नर भरत प्रीति मैं गाई। मति अनुरूप अनूप सुहाई॥
अब प्रभु चरित सुनहु अति पावन। करत जे बन सुर नर मुनि भावन॥1॥

pura nara bharata prīti maiṃ gāī. mati anurūpa anūpa suhāī..
aba prabhu carita sunahu ati pāvana. karata jē bana sura nara muni bhāvana..

I have portrayed to the best of my ability the incomparable and charming affection ( for Sri Rama ) of the citizens (of Ayodhya ) as well as of Bharata. Now hear of the all-holy exploits of the Lord, that He wrought in the forest to the delight of gods, men and sages.

 

* एक बार चुनि कुसुम सुहाए। निज कर भूषन राम बनाए॥
सीतहि पहिराए प्रभु सादर। बैठे फटिक सिला पर सुंदर॥2॥

ēka bāra cuni kusuma suhāē. nija kara bhūṣana rāma banāē..
sītahi pahirāē prabhu sādara. baiṭhē phaṭika silā para suṃdara..

On one occasion Sri Rama culled lovely flowers and made with His own hands a number of ornaments, with which He fondly decked Sita and sat with Her on a beautiful rock of crystal.

* सुरपति सुत धरि बायस बेषा। सठ चाहत रघुपति बल देखा॥
जिमि पिपीलिका सागर थाहा। महा मंदमति पावन चाहा॥3॥

surapati suta dhari bāyasa bēṣā. saṭha cāhata raghupati bala dēkhā..
jimi pipīlikā sāgara thāhā. mahā maṃdamati pāvana cāhā..

The foolish son of Indra ( the lord of celestials ) took the form of a crow and wanted to test the might of Sri Rama ( the Lord of Raghus ) even as the most dull-witted ant would sound the depths of the ocean.

 

*सीता चरन चोंच हति भागा। मूढ़ मंदमति कारन कागा॥
चला रुधिर रघुनायक जाना। सींक धनुष सायक संधाना॥4॥

sītā carana cauṃca hati bhāgā. mūḍha maṃdamati kārana kāgā..
calā rudhira raghunāyaka jānā. sīṃka dhanuṣa sāyaka saṃdhānā..

The stupid fool, who had disguised himself as a crow with a sinister motive, bit Sita in the foot with his beak and flew away. The Lord of Raghus came to know it only when blood ran from Her foot, and fitted a shaft of reed to His bow.

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

* अति कृपाल रघुनायक सदा दीन पर नेह।
ता सन आइ कीन्ह छलु मूरख अवगुन गेह॥1॥

ati kṛpāla raghunāyaka sadā dīna para nēha.
tā sana āi kīnha chalu mūrakha avaguna gēha..1..

The Lord of Raghus is extremely compassionate and is always fond of the meek. But the mischievous fool came and played a trick even with Him.

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

*प्रेरित मंत्र ब्रह्मसर धावा। चला भाजि बायस भय पावा॥
धरि निज रूप गयउ पितु पाहीं। राम बिमुख राखा तेहि नाहीं॥1॥

prērita maṃtra brahmasara dhāvā. calā bhāji bāyasa bhaya pāvā..
dhari nija rupa gayau pitu pāhīṃ. rāma bimukha rākhā tēhi nāhīṃ..

Winged with a spell, the shaft presided over by Brahma* sped forth and the crow in terror took to flight. Indra’s son now assumed his own form and approached his father. But the latter refused to give him shelter knowing him to be an enemy of Sri Rama.

 

*भा निरास उपजी मन त्रासा। जथा चक्र भय रिषि दुर्बासा॥
ब्रह्मधाम सिवपुर सब लोका। फिरा श्रमित ब्याकुल भय सोका॥2॥

bhā nirāsa upajī mana trāsā. jathā cakra bhaya riṣi durbāsā..
brahmadhāma sivapura saba lōkā. phirā śramita byākula bhaya sōkā..

Having lost hope (of protection), he felt as alarmed at heart as the sage Durvasa was afraid of the Lord’s Discus. Weary and stricken with fear and grief, he traversed the abode of Brahma, the realm of Lord Siva and all other regions.

 

*काहूँ बैठन कहा न ओही। राखि को सकइ राम कर द्रोही ॥
मातु मृत्यु पितु समन समाना। सुधा होइ बिष सुनु हरिजाना॥3॥

kāhūom baiṭhana kahā na ōhī. rākhi kō sakai rāma kara drōhī..
mātu mṛtyu pitu samana samānā. sudhā hōi biṣa sunu harijānā..

 

But no one even asked him to sit down. Who can dare afford shelter to an enemy of Sri Rama ? Listen, Garuda (mount of Sri Hari ), a mother becomes as terrible as death and a father assumes the role of Yama ( the god of death), ambrosia turns into venom

 

*मित्र करइ सत रिपु कै करनी। ता कहँ बिबुधनदी बैतरनी॥
सब जगु ताहि अनलहु ते ताता। जो रघुबीर बिमुख सुनु भ्राता॥4॥

mitra karai sata ripu kai karanī. tā kahaom bibudhanadī baitaranī..
saba jagu tāhi analahu tē tātā. jō raghubīra bimukha sunu bhrātā..

and a friend becomes as hostile as a hundred enemies, the celestial river ( Ganga ) is converted into the Vaitarani*, the whole world becomes hotter than fire to him who is inimical to Sri Rama.

 

*नारद देखा बिकल जयंता। लगि दया कोमल चित संता॥
पठवा तुरत राम पहिं ताही। कहेसि पुकारि प्रनत हित पाही॥5॥

nārada dēkhā bikala jayaṃtā. lāgi dayā kōmala cita saṃtā..
paṭhavā turata rāma pahiṃ tāhī. kahēsi pukāri pranata hita pāhī..

The sage Narada saw Jayanta (Indra’s son ) in distress and was moved with pity; for saints are always tender of heart. The sage sent him immediately to Sri Rama and he cried out, “Save me, O friend of the suppliant!”

 

*आतुर सभय गहेसि पद जाई। त्राहि त्राहि दयाल रघुराई॥
अतुलित बल अतुलित प्रभुताई। मैं मतिमंद जानि नहीं पाई॥6॥

ātura sabhaya gahēsi pada jāī. trāhi trāhi dayāla raghurāī..
atulita bala atulita prabhutāī. maiṃ matimaṃda jāni nahiṃ pāī..

Bewildered and terrified he went and clasped His feet and said, “Mercy ! mercy ! O gracious Lord of Raghus. I could not perceive Your incomparable might and matchless glory, dull-witted as I am.

 

*निज कृत कर्म जनित फल पायउँ। अब प्रभु पाहि सरन तकि आयउँ॥
सुनि कृपाल अति आरत बानी। एकनयन करि तजा भवानी॥7॥

nija kṛta karma janita phala pāyauom. aba prabhu pāhi sarana taki āyauom..
suni kṛpāla ati ārata bānī. ēkanayana kari tajā bhavānī..

I have reaped the fruit born by my own actions and have now sought refuge in You. Protect me, my Lord!” When the all-merciful Lord heard his most piteous appeal, He let him go with the loss of one eye, O Parvati.

 

सोरठा | SORTAS :

*कीन्ह मोह बस द्रोह जद्यपि तेहि कर बध उचित।
प्रभु छाड़ेउ करि छोह को कृपाल रघुबीर सम॥2॥

kīnha mōha basa drōha jadyapi tēhi kara badha ucita.
prabhu chāḍaēu kari chōha kō kṛpāla raghubīra sama..2..

Even though in his infatuation Jayanta had antagonized the Lord and therefore deserved death, the latter took compassion on him and let him go. Who is there so merciful as the Hero of Raghu’s line ?

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

*रघुपति चित्रकूट बसि नाना। चरित किए श्रुति सुधा समाना॥
बहुरि राम अस मन अनुमाना। होइहि भीर सबहिं मोहि जाना॥1॥

raghupati citrakūṭa basi nānā. carita kiē śruti sudhā samānā..
bahuri rāma asa mana anumānā. hōihi bhīra sabahiṃ mōhi jānā..

Staying at Citrakuta the Lord of Raghus performed exploits of many kinds, which are sweet to the ear as nectar. Sri Rama then thought to Himself, “People will throng here now that (everyone has come to know me.”

 

* सकल मुनिन्ह सन बिदा कराई। सीता सहित चले द्वौ भाई॥
अत्रि के आश्रम जब प्रभु गयऊ। सुनत महामुनि हरषित भयऊ॥2॥

sakala muninha sana bidā karāī. sītā sahita calē dvau bhāī..
atri kē āśrama jaba prabhu gayaū. sunata mahāmuni haraṣita bhayaū..

Taking leave of all the hermits, therefore, the two brothers ( Sri Rama and Laksmana ) left the place with Sita. When the Lord repaired to Atri’s hermitage, the great sage was rejoiced at the news.

 

* पुलकित गात अत्रि उठि धाए। देखि रामु आतुर चलि आए॥
करत दंडवत मुनि उर लाए। प्रेम बारि द्वौ जन अन्हवाए॥3॥

pulakita gāta atri uṭhi dhāē. dēkhi rāmu ātura cali āē..
karata daṃḍavata muni ura lāē. prēma bāri dvau jana anhavāē..

Thrilling all over ( with joy) Atri sprang up and ran to meet Him; and seeing him come Sri Rama too advanced hurriedly towards him. Even as the two brothers prostrated themselves the sage lifted them, and clasping them to his bosom bathed them with tears of love.

 

*देखि राम छबि नयन जुड़ाने। सादर निज आश्रम तब आने॥
करि पूजा कहि बचन सुहाए। दिए मूल फल प्रभु मन भाए॥4॥

dēkhi rāma chabi nayana juḍaānē. sādara nija āśrama taba ānē..
kari pūjā kahi bacana suhāē. diē mūla phala prabhu mana bhāē..

His eyes were gladdened by the sight of Sri Rama’s beauty and then he reverently escorted them to his hermitage. Paying his homage to the Lord he spoke kind words to Him and offered Him roots and fruits, which He relished much.

 

सोरठा | SORTAS :

* प्रभु आसन आसीन भरि लोचन सोभा निरखि।
मुनिबर परम प्रबीन जोरि पानि अस्तुति करत॥3॥

prabhu āsana āsīna bhari lōcana sōbhā nirakhi.
munibara parama prabīna jōri pāni astuti karata..3..

As the Lord took His seat Atri (the chief of sages), supremely wise as he was, feasted his eyes on His loveliness, and joining his palms proceeded to extol Him-

 

छन्द | Chhand :

*नमामि भक्त वत्सलं। कृपालु शील कोमलं॥
भजामि ते पदांबुजं। अकामिनां स्वधामदं॥1॥

namāmi bhakta vatsalaṃ. kṛpālu śīla kōmalaṃ..
bhajāmi tē padāṃbujaṃ. akāmināṃ svadhāmadaṃ..

I reverence You, who are so fond of Your devotees, compassionate and gentle of disposition. I adore Your lotus feet, which vouchsafe to Your selfless lovers a quarter in Your own abode.

 

*निकाम श्याम सुंदरं। भवांबुनाथ मंदरं॥
प्रफुल्ल कंज लोचनं। मदादि दोष मोचनं॥2॥

nikāma śyāma suṃdaraṃ. bhavāmbunātha maṃdaraṃ..
praphulla kaṃja lōcanaṃ. madādi dōṣa mōcanaṃ..

You are possessed of an exquisitely beautiful swarthy form; You are Mount Mandara as it were to churn the ocean of mundane existence;You have eyes like the full-blown lotus and rid Your votaries of pride and other vices.

भावार्थ:-आप नितान्त सुंदर श्याम, संसार (आवागमन) रूपी समुद्र को मथने के लिए मंदराचल रूप, फूले हुए कमल के समान नेत्रों वाले और मद आदि दोषों से छुड़ाने वाले हैं॥2॥

 

*प्रलंब बाहु विक्रमं। प्रभोऽप्रमेय वैभवं॥
निषंग चाप सायकं। धरं त्रिलोक नायकं॥3॥

pralaṃba bāhu vikramaṃ. prabhō.pramēya vaibhavaṃ..
niṣaṃga cāpa sāyakaṃ. dharaṃ trilōka nāyakaṃ..

Immense is the might of Your long arms and immeasurable Your glory. You carry on Your person a quiver, a bow and an arrow, O Lord of the three worlds !

 

*दिनेश वंश मंडनं। महेश चाप खंडनं॥
मुनींद्र संत रंजनं। सुरारि वृंद भंजनं॥4॥

dinēśa vaṃśa maṃḍanaṃ. mahēśa cāpa khaṃḍanaṃ..
munīṃdra saṃta raṃjanaṃ. surāri vṛṃda bhaṃjanaṃ..

The ornament of the solar race, You broke the bow of the great Lord Siva. Delighting the greatest sages and saints, You crush the host of demons ( the enemies of gods ).

 

*मनोज वैरि वंदितं। अजादि देव सेवितं॥
विशुद्ध बोध विग्रहं। समस्त दूषणापहं॥5॥

manōja vairi vaṃditaṃ. ajādi dēva sēvitaṃ..
viśuddha bōdha vigrahaṃ. samasta dūṣaṇāpahaṃ..

You are an object of reverence to Lord Siva, and are adored by Brahma and other divinities. An embodiment of pure consciousness, You destroy all evils.

 

*नमामि इंदिरा पतिं। सुखाकरं सतां गतिं॥
भजे सशक्ति सानुजं। शची पति प्रियानुजं॥6॥

namāmi iṃdirā patiṃ. sukhākaraṃ satāṃ gatiṃ..
bhajē saśakti sānujaṃ. śacī patiṃ priyānujaṃ..

I bow to Laksmi’s lord, the fountain of joy and the salvation of saints. I adore You with Your Spouse (Sita) and younger brother (Laksmana), Yourself a beloved younger Brother* of Indra ( Sachi’s lord).

 

*त्वदंघ्रि मूल ये नराः। भजंति हीन मत्सराः॥
पतंति नो भवार्णवे। वितर्क वीचि संकुले॥7॥

tvadaṃghri mūla yē narāḥ. bhajaṃti hīna matsarā..
pataṃti nō bhavārṇavē. vitarka vīci saṃkulē..

Men who worship the sole of Your feet and are free from jealousy sink not into the ocean of metempsychosis, turbulent with the billows of wrangling.

 

*विविक्त वासिनः सदा। भजंति मुक्तये मुदा॥
निरस्य इंद्रियादिकं। प्रयांतिते गतिं स्वकं॥8॥

vivikta vāsinaḥ sadā. bhajaṃti muktayē mudā..
nirasya iṃdriyādikaṃ. prayāṃti tē gatiṃ svakaṃ..

They who, living in seclusion, constantly worship You with their senses and mind etc., fully subdued for the sake of attaining liberation are able to realize their own self.

 

*तमेकमद्भुतं प्रभुं। निरीहमीश्वरं विभुं॥
जगद्गुरुं च शाश्वतं। तुरीयमेव केवलं॥9॥

tamēkamabhdutaṃ prabhuṃ. nirīhamīśvaraṃ vibhuṃ..
jagadguruṃ ca śāśvataṃ. turīyamēva kēvalaṃ..

I adore Him, the mysterious Lord, who is one (without a second), desireless, all-powerful and omnipresent, the teacher of the world, eternal, transcending the three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas) and absolute (self-existent).

 

*भजामि भाव वल्लभं। कुयोगिनां सुदुर्लभं॥
स्वभक्त कल्प पादपं। समं सुसेव्यमन्वहं॥10॥

bhajāmi bhāva vallabhaṃ. kuyōgināṃ sudurlabhaṃ..
svabhakta kalpa pādapaṃ. samaṃ susēvyamanvahaṃ..

I adore Him who is fond of devotion, who is most difficult of access to sensually-minded strivers but who is a wish-yielding tree to His own devotees, nay, who is impartial and so easy to worship from day to day.

 

*अनूप रूप भूपतिं। नतोऽहमुर्विजा पतिं॥
प्रसीद मे नमामि ते। पदाब्ज भक्ति देहि मे॥11॥

anūpa rūpa bhūpatiṃ. natō.hamurvijā patiṃ..
prasīda mē namāmi tē. padābja bhakti dēhi mē..

I bow to Sita’s lord, King Rama of matchless beauty. I reverence You; be gracious to me and grant me devotion to Your lotus feet.

 

*पठंति ये स्तवं इदं। नरादरेण ते पदं॥
व्रजंति नात्र संशयं। त्वदीय भक्ति संयुताः॥12॥

paṭhaṃti yē stavaṃ idaṃ. narādarēṇa tē padaṃ..
vrajaṃti nātra saṃśayaṃ. tvadīya bhakti saṃyutā..

Men who recite this hymn with reverence undoubtedly attain Your abode, acquiring devotion to Your feet at the same time.”

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

*बिनती करि मुनि नाइ सिरु कह कर जोरि बहोरि।
चरन सरोरुह नाथ जनि कबहुँ तजै मति मोरि॥4॥

binatī kari muni nāi siru kaha kara jōri bahōri.
carana sarōruha nātha jani kabahuom tajai mati mōri..4..

Having prayed thus the sage bowed his head, and joining his palms spoke again: “My mind, O Lord, may never abandon Your lotus feet.”

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* अनुसुइया के पद गहि सीता। मिली बहोरि सुसील बिनीता॥
रिषिपतिनी मन सुख अधिकाई। आसिष देइ निकट बैठाई॥1॥

anusuiyā kē pada gahi sītā. milī bahōri susīla binītā..
riṣipatinī mana sukha adhikāī. āsiṣa dēi nikaṭa baiṭhāī..

Then Sita, who was so good natured and modest, met Anasuya ( Atri’s wife ) and clasped her feet. The sage’s wife felt extremely pleased at heart; she blessed her and seating her by her side.

* दिब्य बसन भूषन पहिराए। जे नित नूतन अमल सुहाए॥
कह रिषिबधू सरस मृदु बानी। नारिधर्म कछु ब्याज बखानी॥2॥

dibya basana bhūṣana pahirāē. jē nita nūtana amala suhāē..
kaha riṣibadhū sarasa mṛdu bānī. nāridharma kachu byāja bakhānī..

(Atri’s wife) arrayed Sita in heavenly robes and ornaments that remained ever new, clean and charming. In affectionate and mild tones the holy woman then proceeded to discourse on some wifely virtues, making Her an occasion for such discourse:

*मातु पिता भ्राता हितकारी। मितप्रद सब सुनु राजकुमारी॥
अमित दानि भर्ता बयदेही। अधम सो नारि जो सेव न तेही॥3॥

mātu pitā bhrātā hitakārī. mitaprada saba sunu rājakumārī..
amita dāni bhartā bayadēhī. adhama sō nāri jō sēva na tēhī..

“Listen, O Princess: a mother, father and brother are all kind to us; but they bestow only limited joy. A husband, however, bestows unlimited joy (in the shape of blessedness), O Videha’s daughter; vile is the woman who refuses to serve him.

* धीरज धर्म मित्र अरु नारी। आपद काल परिखिअहिं चारी॥
बृद्ध रोगबस जड़ धनहीना। अंध बधिर क्रोधी अति दीना॥4॥

dhīraja dharma mitra aru nārī. āpada kāla parikhiahiṃ cārī..
bṛddha rōgabasa jaḍa dhanahīnā. adhaṃ badhira krōdhī ati dīnā..

Fortitude, piety a friend and a wife-these four are put to the test only in times of adversity. An old, sick, dull-headed, indigent, blind, deaf, wrathful or most wretched-

*ऐसेहु पति कर किएँ अपमाना। नारि पाव जमपुर दुख नाना॥
एकइ धर्म एक ब्रत नेमा। कायँ बचन मन पति पद प्रेमा॥5॥

aisēhu pati kara kiēom apamānā. nāri pāva jamapura dukha nānā..
ēkai dharma ēka brata nēmā. kāyaom bacana mana pati pada prēmā..

-husband even if disrespected by wife, shall suffer various torments in hell (the abode of Yama).  Devotion of body, speech and mind to her lord’s feet is the only duty, sacred vow and penance of a woman.

*जग पतिब्रता चारि बिधि अहहीं। बेद पुरान संत सब कहहीं॥
उत्तम के अस बस मन माहीं। सपनेहुँ आन पुरुष जग नाहीं॥6॥

jaga pati bratā cāri bidhi ahahiṃ. bēda purāna saṃta saba kahahiṃ..
uttama kē asa basa mana māhīṃ. sapanēhuom āna puruṣa jaga nāhīṃ..

There are four types of faithful wives in this world: so declare the Vedas, the Puranas and all the saints. A woman of the best type is convinced in her heart of hearts that she cannot even dream in this world of a man other than her lord.

*मध्यम परपति देखइ कैसें। भ्राता पिता पुत्र निज जैसें॥
धर्म बिचारि समुझि कुल रहई। सो निकिष्ट त्रिय श्रुति अस कहई॥7॥

madhyama parapati dēkhai kaisēṃ. bhrātā pitā putra nija jaiṃsēṃ..
dharma bicāri samujhi kula rahaī. sō nikiṣṭa triya śruti asa kahaī..

The middling regards another’s husband as her own brother, father or son ( according to his age). She who is restrained by considerations of virtue or by the thought of her race is declared by the Vedas as a low woman. And know her to be the lowest woman in this world, who is restrained only by fear and want of opportunity.

*बिनु अवसर भय तें रह जोई। जानेहु अधम नारि जग सोई॥
पति बंचक परपति रति करई। रौरव नरक कल्प सत परई॥8॥

binu avasara bhaya tēṃ raha jōī. jānēhu adhama nāri jaga sōī..
pati baṃcaka parapati rati karaī. raurava naraka kalpa sata paraī..

The woman who deceives her husband and loves a paramour is cast for a hundred cycles into the worst form of hell known by the name of Raurava.

*छन सुख लागि जनम सत कोटी। दुख न समुझ तेहि सम को खोटी॥
बिनु श्रम नारि परम गति लहई। पतिब्रत धर्म छाड़ि छल गहई॥9॥

chana sukha lāgi janama sata kōṭi. dukha na samujha tēhi sama kō khōṭī..
binu śrama nāri parama gati lahaī. patibrata dharma chāḍai chala gahaī..

Who is so depraved as the woman who for the sake of a moment’s pleasure reckons not the torment that shall endure for a thousand million births! The woman who sincerely takes a vow of fidelity to her husband easily attains the highest state.

*पति प्रतिकूल जनम जहँ जाई। बिधवा होइ पाइ तरुनाई॥10॥

pati pratikula janama jahaom jāī. bidhavā hōī pāī tarunāī..

While she who is disloyal to her lord is widowed as soon as she attains her youth wherever she may be reborn.

सोरठा | SORTAS :

* सहज अपावनि नारि पति सेवत सुभ गति लहइ।
जसु गावत श्रुति चारि अजहुँ तुलसिका हरिहि प्रिय॥5 क॥

sahaja apāvani nāri pati sēvata subha gati lahai.
jasu gāvata śruti cāri ajahu tulasikā harihi priya..5ka..

A woman is impure by her very birth; but she attains a happy state (hereafter) by serving her lord. (It is due to her loyalty to her husband that) Sri Hari loves Tulasi even to this day and all the four Vedas sing her glory.

*सुनु सीता तव नाम सुमिरि नारि पतिब्रत करहिं।
तोहि प्रानप्रिय राम कहिउँ कथा संसार हित॥5 ख॥

sanu sītā tava nāma sumira nāri patibrata karahi.
tōhi prānapriya rāma kahiuom kathā saṃsāra hita..5kha..

Listen, Sita: women will maintain their vow of fidelity to their husband by invoking your very name, Sri Rama being dear to you as your own life. It is for the good of the world that I have spoken to you on the subject.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* सुनि जानकीं परम सुखु पावा। सादर तासु चरन सिरु नावा॥
तब मुनि सन कह कृपानिधाना। आयसु होइ जाउँ बन आना॥1॥

suni jānakīṃ parama sukhu pāvā. sādara tāsu carana siru nāvā..
taba muni sana kaha kṛpānidhānā. āyasu hōi jāuom bana ānā..

Janaka’s Daughter (Sita) was overjoyed to hear this discourse and reverently bowed Her head at the feet of Anasuya. The All-merciful then said to the sage, “With your permission I would go to some other forest.

*संतत मो पर कृपा करेहू। सेवक जानि तजेहु जनि नेहू॥
धर्म धुरंधर प्रभु कै बानी। सुनि सप्रेम बोले मुनि ग्यानी॥2॥

saṃtata mō para kṛpā karēhū. sēvaka jāni tajēhu jani nēhū..
dharma dhuraṃdhara prabhu kai bānī. suni saprēma bōlē muni gyānī..

Continue to shower your grace on me; and knowing me to be your servant never cease loving me.” Hearing these words of the Lord, who was a champion of virtue the enlightened sage lovingly replied,-

*जासु कृपा अज सिव सनकादी। चहत सकल परमारथ बादी॥
ते तुम्ह राम अकाम पिआरे। दीन बंधु मृदु बचन उचारे॥3॥

jāsu kṛpā aja siva sanakādī. cahata sakala paramāratha bādī..
tē tumha rāma akāma piārē. dīna baṃdhu mṛdu bacana ucārē..

“You are the same Rama ( the supreme Deity), the beloved of the desireless and the friend of the meek, whose favour is sought by Brahma (the Unborn), Lord Siva, the sage Sanaka and all other preachers (knowers) of the highest Reality; and yet you are addressing such polite words to me.

*अब जानी मैं श्री चतुराई। भजी तुम्हहि सब देव बिहाई॥
जेहि समान अतिसय नहिं कोई। ता कर सील कस न अस होई॥4॥

aba jānī maiṃ śrī caturāī. bhajī tumhahi saba dēva bihāī..
jēhi samāna atisaya nahiṃ kōī. tā kara sīla kasa na asa hōī..

I now understand the wisdom of Sri (Goddess Laksmi), who chose You (as Her Lord) to the exclusion of all other gods. How can He who is unequalled and unsurpassed by anyone else be less amiable than He is!

*केहि बिधि कहौं जाहु अब स्वामी। कहहु नाथ तुम्ह अंतरजामी॥
अस कहि प्रभु बिलोकि मुनि धीरा। लोचन जल बह पुलक सरीरा॥5॥

kēhi bidhi kahauṃ jāhu aba svāmī. kahahu nātha tumha aṃtarajāmī..
asa kahi prabhu bilōki muni dhīrā. lōcana jala baha pulaka sarīrā..

How can I say,”You may go now, my lord? Tell me, my master, knowing as You do the hearts of all.” Having spoken thus the sage kept gazing on the Lord, thrilling all over with emotion and his eyes flowing with tears.

छन्द | Chhand :

* तन पुलक निर्भर प्रेम पूरन नयन मुख पंकज दिए।
मन ग्यान गुन गोतीत प्रभु मैं दीख जप तप का किए॥
जप जोग धर्म समूह तें नर भगति अनुपम पावई।
रघुबीर चरित पुनीत निसि दिन दास तुलसी गावई॥

tana pulaka nirbhara prēma purana nayana mukha paṃkaja diē.
mana gyāna guna gōtīta prabhu maiṃ dīkha japa tapa kā kiē..
japa jōga dharma samūha tēṃ nara bhagati anupama pāvaī.
radhubīra carita punīta nisi dina dāsa tulasī gāvaī..

Thrilling all over with excess love, the sage rivetted his eyes on the Lord’s lotus face. He thought to himself,”What prayers did I mutter and what austerity did I perform that I was enabled to behold with my own eyes the Lord who is beyond all knowledge and transcends the three Gunas as well as the senses and mind. It is through Japa (muttering of prayers). Yoga (concentration of mind) and a host of religious observances that man acquires devotion, which is incomparable ( as a means of God-Realization). So does Tulasidasa sing the all-holy exploits of Sri Rama (the Hero of Raghu’s line) day and night.

दोहा | DOHAS :

* कलिमल समन दमन मन राम सुजस सुखमूल।
सादर सुनहिं जे तिन्ह पर राम रहहिं अनुकूल॥6 क॥

kalimala samana damana mana rāma sujasa sukhamūla.
sādara sunahi jē tinha para rāma rahahiṃ anukūla..6ka..

The praises of Sri Rama destroy the impurities of the Kali age, subdue the mind and are a source of delight. Sri Rama remains ever propitious to those who listen to them with reverence.

सोरठा | SORTAS :

* कठिन काल मल कोस धर्म न ग्यान न जोग जप।
परिहरि सकल भरोस रामहि भजहिं ते चतुर नर॥6 ख॥

kaṭhina kāla mala kōsa dharma na gyāna na jōga japa.
parihari sakala bharōsa rāmahi bhajahiṃ tē catura nara..6kha..

This terrible age (of Kali) is a repertory of sins; piety, spiritual wisdom, Yoga or Japa are out of place in this age. They alone, are wise, who worship Sri Rama giving up all other hopes.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* मुनि पद कमल नाइ करि सीसा। चले बनहि सुर नर मुनि ईसा॥
आगें राम अनुज पुनि पाछें। मुनि बर बेष बने अति काछें॥1॥

muni pada kamala nāi kari sīsā. calē banahi sura nara muni īsā..
āgē rāma anuja puni pāchēṃ. muni bara bēṣa banē ati kāchēṃ..

Bowing His head at the lotus feet of the sage, Sri Rama, the Lord of celestials, human beings and sages, proceeded to the woods. Sri Rama walked foremost, while Laksmana followed Him in the rear, both appearing most lovely in the garb of hermits.

* उभय बीच श्री सोहइ कैसी। ब्रह्म जीव बिच माया जैसी॥
सरिता बन गिरि अवघट घाटा। पति पहिचानि देहिं बर बाटा॥2॥

ubhaya bīca śrī sōhai kaisī. brahma jīva bica māyā jaisī..
saritā bana giri avaghaṭa ghāṭā. pati pahicānī dēhiṃ bara bāṭā..

Between the two Sita ( who was the same as Sri, the Goddess of Prosperity) shone forth like Maya, which stands between Brahma (the Absolute) and the Jiva (the individual soul). Rivers and thickets, hills and rugged valleys recognized their Lord and gave Him a smooth passage.

* जहँ जहँ जाहिं देव रघुराया। करहिं मेघ तहँ तहँ नभ छाया॥
मिला असुर बिराध मग जाता। आवतहीं रघुबीर निपाता॥3॥

jahaom jahaom jāhi dēva raghurāyā. karahiṃ mēgh tahaom tahaom nabha chāyā..
milā asura birādha maga jātā. āvatahīṃ raghuvīra nipātā..

Wherever the divine Lord of Raghus passed the clouds made a canopy in the heavens, Even as the trio wended their way the demon Viradha met them; and the Hero of Raghu’s line overthrew him as soon as he made his appearance.

 

* तुरतहिं रुचिर रूप तेहिं पावा। देखि दुखी निज धाम पठावा॥
पुनि आए जहँ मुनि सरभंगा। सुंदर अनुज जानकी संगा॥4॥

turatahiṃ rucira rūpa tēhiṃ pāvā. dēkhi dukhī nija dhāma paṭhāvā..
puni āē jahaom muni sarabhaṃgā. suṃdara anuja jānakī saṃgā..

(Meeting his death at the hands of the Lord), he immediately attained a beauteous (divine) form; finding him lead a miserable existence the Lord sent him to His own abode, Accompanied by His lovely younger brother (Laksmana) and Janaka’s Daughter (Sita) the Lord then visited the sage Sarabhanga.

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

* देखि राम मुख पंकज मुनिबर लोचन भृंग।
सादर पान करत अति धन्य जन्म सरभंग॥7॥

dēkhī rāma mukha paṃkaja munibara lōcana bhṛṃga.
sādara pāna karata ati dhanya janma sarabhaṃga..7..

Gazing on Sri Rama’s lotus face the eyes of the great sage reverently drank in its beauty like bees. Blessed indeed was the birth of Sarabhanga!

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* कह मुनि सुनु रघुबीर कृपाला। संकर मानस राजमराला॥
जात रहेउँ बिरंचि के धामा। सुनेउँ श्रवन बन ऐहहिं रामा॥1॥

kaha muni sunu raghubīra kṛpālā. saṃkara mānasa rājamarālā..
jāta rahēuom biraṃci kē dhāmā. sunēuom śravana bana aihahiṃ rāmā..

Said the sage,”Listen, gracious Rama (the Hero of Raghu’s line), the swan disporting in the Manasa lake of Lord Siva heart; I was about to leave for Brahma’s abode when the report reached my ears that Sri Rama (Yourself) was coming to the forest.

 

* चितवत पंथ रहेउँ दिन राती। अब प्रभु देखि जुड़ानी छाती॥
नाथ सकल साधन मैं हीना। कीन्ही कृपा जानि जन दीना॥2॥

citavata paṃtha rahēuom dina rātī. aba prabhu dēkhi juḍaānī chātī..
nātha sakala sādhana maiṃ hīnā. kīnhī kṛpā jāni jana dīnā..

I have ever since watched the road day and night. My heart is now soothed at the sight of my lord. I have accomplished nothing (to deserve Your grace); yet You have shown Your grace to me knowing me to be Your humble servant.

 

* सो कछु देव न मोहि निहोरा। निज पन राखेउ जन मन चोरा॥
तब लगि रहहु दीन हित लागी। जब लगि मिलौं तुम्हहि तनु त्यागी॥3॥

sō kachu dēva na mōhi nihōrā. nija pana rākhēu jana mana cōrā..
taba lagi rahahu dīna hita lāgī. jaba lagi milauṃ tumhahi tanu tyāgī..

Really speaking, however, You have done me no favour, my lord; You have only redeemed Your vow, O Stealer of Your devotees’ hearts! For the sake of this humble servant remain here (before my eyes) till I have quitted this body and meet You ( in Your own abode).”

 

* जोग जग्य जप तप ब्रत कीन्हा। प्रभु कहँ देइ भगति बर लीन्हा॥
एहि बिधि सर रचि मुनि सरभंगा। बैठे हृदयँ छाड़ि सब संगा॥4॥

jōga jagya japa tapa brata kīnhā. prabhu kahaom dēi bhagati bara līnhā..
ēhi bidhi sara raci muni sarabhaṃgā. baiṭhē hṛdayaom chāḍai saba saṃgā..

So saying the sage offered to the Lord whatever practice of Yoga, sacrifices, Japa (muttering of prayers), penance and fasting he had done, and received in return the boon of Devotion. Having thus acquired the rare gift of Devotion the sage Sarabhanga prepared a funeral pile and discarding all attachment from his heart ascended it.

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

* सीता अनुज समेत प्रभु नील जलद तनु स्याम।
मम हियँ बसहु निरंतर सगुनरूप श्री राम॥8॥

sītā anuja samēta prabhu nīla jalada tanu syāma.
mama hiyaom basahu niraṃtara sagunarupa śrīrāma..8..

“Constantly abide in my heart, O Lord, with Sita and your younger brother (Laksmana) in Your qualified and embodied form swarthy as a dark cloud, O graceful Rama!”

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* अस कहि जोग अगिनि तनु जारा। राम कृपाँ बैकुंठ सिधारा॥
ताते मुनि हरि लीन न भयऊ। प्रथमहिं भेद भगति बर लयऊ॥1॥

asa kahi jōga agini tanu jārā. rāma kṛpāom baikuṃṭha sidhārā..
tātē muni hari līna na bhayaū. prathamahiṃ bhēda bhagati bara layaū..

Having said so he burnt his body with the fire of Yoga* and by the grace of Sri Rama rose to Vaikuntha. The sage was not absorbed into the person of Sri Hari for this simple reason that he had already received the boon of personal devotion.

 

* रिषि निकाय मुनिबर गति देखी। सुखी भए निज हृदयँ बिसेषी॥
अस्तुति करहिं सकल मुनि बृंदा। जयति प्रनत हित करुना कंदा॥2॥

riṣi nikāya munibara gati dēkhi. sukhī bhaē nija hṛdayaom bisēṣī..
astuti karahiṃ sakala muni bṛṃdā. jayati pranata hita karunā kaṃdā..

The multitude of sages (assembled on the occasion) who saw the high state to which the great sage had now been translated were greatly delighted at heart. All the hosts of sages now extolled the Lord, “Glory to the friend of the suppliant, the fountain of mercy.”

 

* पुनि रघुनाथ चले बन आगे। मुनिबर बृंद बिपुल सँग लागे॥
अस्थि समूह देखि रघुराया। पूछी मुनिन्ह लागि अति दाया॥3॥

puni raghunātha calē bana āgē. munibara bṛṃda bipula saomga lāgē..
asthi samūha dēkhi raghurāyā. pūchī muninha lāgi ati dāyā..

Then the Lord of Raghus went on further into the forest and many a host of great sage followed Him. Seeing a heap of bones the Lord of Raghus was moved with great compassion and enquired the hermits about the same.

 

* जानतहूँ पूछिअ कस स्वामी। सबदरसी तुम्ह अंतरजामी॥
निसिचर निकर सकल मुनि खाए। सुनि रघुबीर नयन जल छाए॥4॥

jānatahuom pūchia kasa svāmī. sabadarasī tumha aṃtarajāmī..
nisicara nikara sakala muni khāē. suni raghubīra nayana jala chāē..

“Though knowing everything how is it that you ask us, our master? We know you are all-seeing and can read the innermost feelings of all. Hosts of demons have devoured all the sages.” The eyes of Sri Rama (the Hero of Raghu’s race) filled with tears when He heard this

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

* निसिचर हीन करउँ महि भुज उठाइ पन कीन्ह।
सकल मुनिन्ह के आश्रमन्हि जाइ जाइ सुख दीन्ह॥9॥

nisicara hīna karauom mahi bhuja uṭhāi pana kīnha.
sakala muninha kē āśramanhi jāi jāi sukha dīnha..9..

With uplifted arms He took a vow to rid the earth of demons. Then He gladdened all the hermits by visiting their hermitages one by one

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* मुनि अगस्ति कर सिष्य सुजाना। नाम सुतीछन रति भगवाना॥
मन क्रम बचन राम पद सेवक। सपनेहुँ आन भरोस न देवक॥1॥

muni agasti kara siṣya sujānā. nāma sutīchana rati bhagavānā..
mana krama bacana rāma pada sēvaka. sapanēhuom āna bharōsa na dēvaka..

The sage Agastya had a learned disciple, Sutiksna by name, who was a great lover of the Lord. He was devoted to Sri Rama’s feet in thought, word and deed and had no faith in any other deity even in dream.

 

* प्रभु आगवनु श्रवन सुनि पावा। करत मनोरथ आतुर धावा॥
हे बिधि दीनबंधु रघुराया। मो से सठ पर करिहहिं दाया॥2॥

prabhu āgavanu śravana suni pāvā. karata manōratha ātura dhāvā..
hē bidhi dīnabaṃdhu raghurāyā. mō sē saṭha para karihahiṃ dāyā..

As soon as the news of the Lord’s approach reached his ears he rushed out hurriedly, indulging in his own fancy: “Will the Lord of Raghus, the befriender of the meek, O good heavens, ever show His grace to a wretch like me?

 

* सहित अनुज मोहि राम गोसाईं। मिलिहहिं निज सेवक की नाईं॥
मोरे जियँ भरोस दृढ़ नाहीं। भगति बिरति न ग्यान मन माहीं॥3॥

sahita anuja mōhi rāma gōsāī. milihahiṃ nija sēvaka kī nāī..
mōrē jiyaom bharōsa dṛḍha nāhīṃ. bhagati birati na gyāna mana māhīṃ..

Will Lord Sri Rama and His younger brother receive me as their own servant? I have no unswerving faith in my heart nor is my mind illumined by the light of devotion, dispassion or wisdom.

 

* नहिं सतसंग जोग जप जागा। नहिं दृढ़ चरन कमल अनुरागा॥
एक बानि करुनानिधान की। सो प्रिय जाकें गति न आन की॥4॥

nahiṃ satasaṃga jōga japa jāgā. nahiṃ dṛḍha carana kamala anurāgā..
ēka bāni karunānidhāna kī. sō priya jākēṃ gati na āna kī..

I have no association with saints and practise neither Yoga (concentration of mind) nor Japa ( muttering of prayers), nor the ritual. Nor do I claim any steadfast devotion to the Lord’s lotus feet. I bank on one characteristic of the all-merciful Lord; He holds the devotee dear who depends exclusively on Him.

 

* होइहैं सुफल आजु मम लोचन। देखि बदन पंकज भव मोचन॥
निर्भर प्रेम मगन मुनि ग्यानी। कहि न जाइ सो दसा भवानी॥5॥

hōihaiṃ suphala āju mama lōcana. dēkhi badana paṃkaja bhava mōcana..
nirbhara prēma magana muni gyānī. kahi na jāi sō dasā bhavānī..

This inspires me with the hope that my eyes will be rewarded today by the sight of the Lord’s lotus face, that delivers one from the bondage of worldly existence.” The wise was drowned in a flood of love; his condition. O Parvati, cannot be described in words.

 

* दिसि अरु बिदिसि पंथ नहिं सूझा। को मैं चलेउँ कहाँ नहिं बूझा॥
कबहुँक फिरि पाछें पुनि जाई। कबहुँक नृत्य करइ गुन गाई॥6॥

disi aru bidisi paṃtha nahiṃ sūjhā. kō maiṃ calēuom kahāom nahiṃ būjhā..
kabahuomka phiri pāchēṃ puni jāī. kabahuomka nṛtya karai guna gāī..

He had no idea of the four quarters, much less of the intermediate points of the compass; nor could he make out the track. He did not know who he was or whither bound. He would now turn back and then resume his journey in the same direction; and now he would dance and sing songs of praise.

 

* अबिरल प्रेम भगति मुनि पाई। प्रभु देखैं तरु ओट लुकाई॥
अतिसय प्रीति देखि रघुबीरा। प्रगटे हृदयँ हरन भव भीरा॥7॥

abirala prēma bhagati muni pāī. prabhu dēkhaiṃ taru ōṭa lukāī..
atisaya prīti dēkhi raghubīrā. pragaṭē hṛdayaom harana bhava bhīrā..

The sage had been gifted with devotion of the nature of intense love and the Lord watched him hiding behind a tree. When the Hero of Raghu’s line, who dispels the fear of transmigration, saw the sage’s excessive love, He revealed Himself in his heart.

 

* मुनि मग माझ अचल होइ बैसा। पुलक सरीर पनस फल जैसा॥
तब रघुनाथ निकट चलि आए। देखि दसा निज जन मन भाए॥8॥

muni maga mājha acala hōi baisā. pulaka sarīra panasa phala jaisā..
taba raghunātha nikaṭa cali āē. dēkhi dasā nija jana mana bhāē..

The sage sat motionless in the middle of the road, his body bristling like a jack-fruit with its hair standing on end. The Lord of Raghus thereupon drew near and was delighted at heart to see the state of His devotee.

 

* मुनिहि राम बहु भाँति जगावा। जाग न ध्यान जनित सुख पावा॥
भूप रूप तब राम दुरावा। हृदयँ चतुर्भुज रूप देखावा॥9॥

munihi rāma bahu bhāomti jagāvā. jāga na dhyānajanita sukha pāvā..
bhūpa rūpa taba rāma durāvā. hṛdayaom caturbhuja rūpa dēkhāvā..

Sri Rama tried many ways to rouse the sage; but he would not wake, lost as he was in the ecstasy of his vision. Sri Rama then withdrew His kingly guise and manifested His fourarmed form in the sage’s heart.

 

* मुनि अकुलाइ उठा तब कैसें। बिकल हीन मनि फनिबर जैसें॥
आगें देखि राम तन स्यामा। सीता अनुज सहित सुख धामा॥10॥

muni akulāi uṭhā taba kaisēṃ. bikala hīna mani phani bara jaisēṃ..
āgēṃ dēkhi rāma tana syāmā. sītā anuja sahita sukha dhāmā..

The sage thereupon started up in great agony, growing as restless as a noble serpent that has lost the gem on its head. But seeing before him the blissful Rama in His swarthy form with Sita and His younger brother (Laksmana)-

 

* परेउ लकुट इव चरनन्हि लागी। प्रेम मगन मुनिबर बड़भागी॥
भुज बिसाल गहि लिए उठाई। परम प्रीति राखे उर लाई॥11॥

parēu lakuṭa iva carananhi lāgī. prēma magana munibara baḍabhāgī..
bhuja bisāla gahi liē uṭhāī. parama prīti rākhē ura lāī..

-the great and blessed sage was overwhelmed with affection and dropped like a log at His feet. Taking him in His long arms the Lord lifted him and with utmost affection pressed him to His bosom.

 

* मुनिहि मिलत अस सोह कृपाला। कनक तरुहि जनु भेंट तमाला॥
राम बदनु बिलोक मुनि ठाढ़ा। मानहुँ चित्र माझ लिखि काढ़ा॥12॥

munihi milata asa sōha kṛpālā. kanaka taruhi janu bhēṃṭa tamālā..
rāma badanu bilōka muni ṭhāḍhaā. mānahuom citra mājha likhi kāḍhaā..

While embracing the sage the gracious Lord shone forth like a Tamala tree meeting a tree of gold. The sage gazed on Sri Rama’s face standing motionless like a figure drawn in a picture.

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

* तब मुनि हृदयँ धीर धरि गहि पद बारहिं बार।
निज आश्रम प्रभु आनि करि पूजा बिबिध प्रकार॥10॥

taba muni hṛdayaom dhīra dhīra gahi pada bārahiṃ bāra.
nija āśrama prabhu āni kari pūjā bibidha prakāra..10..

Summoning courage in his heart and clasping His feet again and again the sage then conducted the Lord to his hermitage and offered Him homage in many ways

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* कह मुनि प्रभु सुनु बिनती मोरी। अस्तुति करौं कवन बिधि तोरी॥
महिमा अमित मोरि मति थोरी। रबि सन्मुख खद्योत अँजोरी॥1॥

kaha muni prabhu sunu binatī mōrī. astuti karauṃ kavana bidhi tōrī..
mahimā amita mōri mati thōrī. rabi sanmukha khadyōta aomjōrī..

Said the sage, “Listen, O Lord, to my prayer: how am I to hymn Your praises? For immeasurable is Your glory and scant my wit, which is as insignificant as the flash of a fire-fly before the sun.

 

* श्याम तामरस दाम शरीरं। जटा मुकुट परिधन मुनिचीरं॥
पाणि चाप शर कटि तूणीरं। नौमि निरंतर श्रीरघुवीरं॥2॥

śyāma tāmarasa dāma śarīraṃ. jaṭā mukuṭa paridhana municīraṃ..
pāṇi cāpa śara kaṭi tūṇīraṃ. naumi niraṃtara śrīraghuvīraṃ..

I constantly glorify Sri Rama (the Chief of Raghus), with a body dark as a string of blue lotuses, wearing a crown of matted locks on His head and clad in a hermit’s robes, and carrying a bow and arrow in His hands with a quiver fastened to His waist.

 

* मोह विपिन घन दहन कृशानुः। संत सरोरुह कानन भानुः॥
निसिचर करि वरूथ मृगराजः। त्रास सदा नो भव खग बाजः॥3॥

mōha vipina ghana dahana kṛśānuḥ. saṃta sarōruha kānana bhānuḥ..
niśicara kari varūtha mṛgarājaḥ. trātu sadā nō bhava khaga bājaḥ..

The fire which consumes the thick forest of delusion, the sun that brings delight to the lotus-like saints, the lion who kills the herd of elephants in the form of demons, the hawk that kills the bird of metempsychosis, may He ever protect us.

 

* अरुण नयन राजीव सुवेशं। सीता नयन चकोर निशेशं॥
हर हृदि मानस बाल मरालं। नौमि राम उर बाहु विशालं॥4॥

aruṇa nayana rājīva suvēśaṃ. sītā nayana cakōra niśēśaṃ..
hara hradi mānasa bāla marālaṃ. naumi rāma ura bāhu viśālaṃ..

I extol Sri Rama, whose eyes resemble the red lotus, who is elegantly dressed, who is a full moon to Sita’s Cakora like eyes, who is a cygnet disporting in the Manasa lake of Lord Siva heart and who has a broad chest and long arms.

 

* संशय सर्प ग्रसन उरगादः। शमन सुकर्कश तर्क विषादः॥
भव भंजन रंजन सुर यूथः। त्रातु सदा नो कृपा वरूथः॥5॥

saṃśaya sarpa grasana uragādaḥ. śamana sukarkaśa tarka viṣādaḥ..
bhava bhaṃjana raṃjana sura yūthaḥ. trātu sadā nō kṛpā varūthaḥ..

A Garuda to devour the serpent of doubt, the queller of despair induced by heated controversy, the uprooter of transmigration, the delighter of gods, the embodiment of compassion, may He ever protect us

 

* निर्गुण सगुण विषम सम रूपं। ज्ञान गिरा गोतीतमनूपं॥
अमलमखिलमनवद्यमपारं। नौमि राम भंजन महि भारं॥6॥

nirguṇa saguṇa viṣama sama rūpaṃ. jñāna girā gōtītamanūpaṃ..
amalamakhilamanavadyamapāraṃ. naumi rāma bhaṃjana mahi bhāraṃ..

I sing the praises of Sri Rama, the reliever of earth’s burden, who is both with and without attributes, who is partial as well as impartial, who transcends knowledge, speech and the senses and has no compeer, nay, who is all-pure, all-comprehensive, faultless and unlimited.

 

* भक्त कल्पपादप आरामः। तर्जन क्रोध लोभ मद कामः॥
अति नागर भव सागर सेतुः। त्रातु सदा दिनकर कुल केतुः॥7॥

bhakta kalpapādapa ārāmaḥ. tarjana krōdha lōbha mada kāmaḥ..
ati nāgara bhava sāgara sētuḥ. trātu sadā dinakara kula kētuḥ..

A veritable garden of wish-yielding trees to His devotees, who keeps away wrath, greed, pride and lust, who is most urbane in manners and the bridge to cross the ocean of mundane existence, may that champion of the solar race ever protect me.

 

* अतुलित भुज प्रताप बल धामः। कलि मल विपुल विभंजन नामः॥
धर्म वर्म नर्मद गुण ग्रामः। संतत शं तनोतु मम रामः॥8॥

atulita bhuja pratāpa bala dhāmaḥ. kali mala vipula vibhaṃjana nāmaḥ..
dharma varma narmada guṇa grāmaḥ. saṃtata śaṃ tanōtu mama rāmaḥ..

Matchless in power of arm, the home of strength, the armour for the protection of righteousness, endowed with a host of delightful virtues, may that Rama whose very Name wipes out the greatest sins of the Kali age, be ever propitious to me.

 

* जदपि बिरज ब्यापक अबिनासी। सब के हृदयँ निरंतर बासी॥
तदपि अनुज श्री सहित खरारी। बसतु मनसि मम काननचारी॥9॥

jadapi biraja byāpaka abināsī. saba kē hṛdayaom niraṃtara bāsī..
tadapi anuja śrī sahita kharārī. basatu manasi mama kānanacārī..

Even though He is passionless, all-pervading, imperishable and ever dwelling in the heart of all, let Him abide in my thoughts as the Slayer of Khara roaming about in the woods with His younger brother (Laksmana) and Sita.

 

* जे जानहिं ते जानहुँ स्वामी। सगुन अगुन उर अंतरजामी॥
जो कोसलपति राजिव नयना। करउ सो राम हृदय मम अयना॥10॥

jē jānahiṃ tē jānahuom svāmī. saguna aguna ura aṃtarajāmī..
jō kōsala pati rājiva nayanā. karau sō rāma hṛdaya mama ayanā.

Let alone, my lord, those who know You to be both with and without attributes and the witness of all hearts. As for myself may Sri Rama, the lotus-eyed Lord of Kosala, take up His abode in my heart.

 

* अस अभिमान जाइ जनि भोरे। मैं सेवक रघुपति पति मोरे॥
सुनि मुनि बचन राम मन भाए। बहुरि हरषि मुनिबर उर लाए॥11॥

asa abhimāna jāi jani bhōrē. maiṃ sēvaka raghupati pati mōrē..
suni muni bacana rāma mana bhāē. bahuri haraṣi munibara ura lāē..

Let not this exalted feeling disappear from my mind even in an unguarded moment that I am His servant and the Lord of Raghus my master.” Sri Rama was delighted at heart to hear the sage’s words, and in His delight He pressed the great sage to His bosom again.

 

* परम प्रसन्न जानु मुनि मोही। जो बर मागहु देउँ सो तोही॥
मुनि कह मैं बर कबहुँ न जाचा। समुझि न परइ झूठ का साचा॥12॥

parama prasanna jānu muni mōhī. jō bara māgahu dēu sō tōhī..
muni kaha mai bara kabahuom na jācā. samujhi na parai jhūṭha kā sācā..

“Know Me to be supremely pleased, O sage; I am prepared to grant you any boon you may choose to ask.” The sage replied, “I have never asked any boon and know not what is real and what unreal (what to choose and what to reject).

 

* तुम्हहि नीक लागै रघुराई। सो मोहि देहु दास सुखदाई॥
अबिरल भगति बिरति बिग्याना। होहु सकल गुन ग्यान निधाना॥13॥

tumhahi nīka lāgai raghurāī. sō mōhi dēhu dāsa sukhadāī..
abirala bhagati birati bigyānā. hōhu sakala guna gyāna nidhānā..

Therefore, O Delighter of Your devotees, grant me that which pleases You, O Lord of Raghus.” “May you become a repository of worldly wisdom and goodness as well as of intense devotion, dispassion and spiritual wisdom.”

 

* प्रभु जो दीन्ह सो बरु मैं पावा। अब सो देहु मोहि जो भावा॥14॥

prabhu jō dīnha sō baru maiṃ pāvā. aba sō dēhu mōhi jō bhāvā..

“I have received the boon that my Lord has been pleased to grant. Now vouchsafe to me that which is cherished by me.”

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

* अनुज जानकी सहित प्रभु चाप बान धर राम।
मन हिय गगन इंदु इव बसहु सदा निहकाम॥11॥

anuja jānakī sahita prabhu cāpa bāna dhara rāma.
mama hiya gagana iṃdu iva basahu sadā nihakāma..11..

“Armed with a bow and arrow and accompanied by Your younger brother and Janaka’s Daughter (Sita), O Lord Sri Rama, pray dwell forever like a moon in the firmament of my heart, though free from every desire.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* एवमस्तु करि रमानिवासा। हरषि चले कुंभज रिषि पासा॥
बहुत दिवस गुर दरसनु पाएँ। भए मोहि एहिं आश्रम आएँ॥1॥

ēvamastu kari ramānivāsā. haraṣi calē kubhaṃja riṣi pāsā..
bahuta divasa gura darasana pāēom. bhaē mōhi ēhiṃ āśrama āēom..

So be it,” said Sri Rama ( the Abode of Laksmi) as He joyously started on His visit to the jar-born sage, Agastya. ” It is a long time since I last saw my Guru and came to live in this hermitage.

* अब प्रभु संग जाउँ गुर पाहीं। तुम्ह कहँ नाथ निहोरा नाहीं॥
देखि कृपानिधि मुनि चतुराई। लिए संग बिहसे द्वौ भाई॥2॥

aba prabhu saṃga jāuom gura pāhīṃ. tumha kahaom nātha nihōrā nāhīṃ..
dēkhi kṛpānidhi muni caturāī. liē saṃga bihasai dvau bhāī..

Now, my lord, I will go with You to see my Guru; thus I am not putting You under any obligation.” The Fountain of Mercy saw through the sage’s cleverness and both the brothers smiled as they took him with them.

* पंथ कहत निज भगति अनूपा। मुनि आश्रम पहुँचे सुरभूपा॥
तुरत सुतीछन गुर पहिं गयऊ। करि दंडवत कहत अस भयऊ॥3॥

paṃtha kahata nija bhagati anūpā. muni āśrama pahuomcē surabhūpā..
turata sutīchana gura pahiṃ gayaū. kari daṃḍavata kahata asa bhayaū..

Discoursing on the way on the incomparable cult of devotion to His own feet Sri Rama (the King of the gods) arrived at the hermitage of the sage ( Agastya). Sutiksna immediately saw his Guru and after prostrating himself before the latter thus addressed him,

* नाथ कोसलाधीस कुमारा। आए मिलन जगत आधारा॥
राम अनुज समेत बैदेही। निसि दिनु देव जपत हहु जेही॥4॥

nātha kausalādhīsa kumārā. āē milana jagata ādhārā..
rāma anuja samēta baidēhī. nisi dinu dēva japata hahu jēhī..

“My lord, the two sons of King Dasaratha (Kosala’s lord), the support of the world, have come to see you-Sri Rama, accompanied by His younger brother (Laksmana) and Videha’s Daughter (Sita), whose Name you repeat night and day, venerable sir.”

* सुनत अगस्ति तुरत उठि धाए। हरि बिलोकि लोचन जल छाए॥
मुनि पद कमल परे द्वौ भाई। रिषि अति प्रीति लिए उर लाई॥5॥

sunata agasti turata uṭhi dhāē. hari bilōki lōcana jala chāē..
muni pada kamala parē dvau bhāī. riṣi ati prīti liē ura lāī..

Agastya started up as soon as he heard this and ran; at the sight of Sri Hari his eyes filled with tears. The two brothers fell at the sage’s lotus feet; but the sage took and clasped them to his bosom with the utmost affection.

* सादर कुसल पूछि मुनि ग्यानी। आसन बर बैठारे आनी॥
पुनि करि बहु प्रकार प्रभु पूजा। मोहि सम भाग्यवंत नहिं दूजा॥6॥

sādara kusala pūchi muni gyānī. āsana bara baiṭhārē ānī..
puni kari bahu prakāra prabhu pūjā. mōhi sama bhāgyavaṃta nahiṃ dūjā..

Courteously enquiring after their welfare the enlightened sage conducted them to an exalted seat and then offered worship in various ways to the Lord, saying “There is no other man so blessed as I am.”

* जहँ लगि रहे अपर मुनि बृंदा। हरषे सब बिलोकि सुखकंदा॥7॥

jahaom lagi rahē apara muni bṛṃdā. haraṣē saba bilōki sukhakaṃdā..

Whatever other sages had assembled there, were all delighted to behold the Fountain of Joy.

दोहा | DOHAS :

* मुनि समूह महँ बैठे सन्मुख सब की ओर।
सरद इंदु तन चितवन मानहुँ निकर चकोर॥12॥

muni samūha mahaom baiṭhē sanmukha saba kī ōra.
sarada iṃdu tana citavata mānahuom nikara cakōra..12..

As He sat in the midst of the assembly of sages with His face turned towards all (and their eyes fixed on His moon-like face), they seemed like a bevy of Cakora birds gazing on the autumnal moon.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* तब रघुबीर कहा मुनि पाहीं। तुम्ह सन प्रभु दुराव कछु नाहीं॥
तुम्ह जानहु जेहि कारन आयउँ। ताते तात न कहि समुझायउँ॥1॥

taba raghubīra kahā muni pāhīṃ. tumha sana prabhu durāva kachu nāhī..
tumha jānahu jēhi kārana āyauom. tātē tāta na kahi samujhāyauom..

Then said Sri Rama (the Hero of Raghu’s line) to the sage, “I have nothing to hide from you, my lord. You know what for I have come; that is why, Holy Father, I have not dwelt at length on this point.

* अब सो मंत्र देहु प्रभु मोही। जेहि प्रकार मारौं मुनिद्रोही॥
मुनि मुसुकाने सुनि प्रभु बानी। पूछेहु नाथ मोहि का जानी॥2॥

aba sō maṃtra dēhu prabhu mōhī. jēhi prakāra mārauṃ munidrōhī..
muni musakānē suni prabhu bānī. pūchēhu nātha mōhi kā jānī..

Now, my good sir, give me some advice, by following which I may be able to kill the enemies of the hermits.” The sage smiled when he heard the Lord’s remarks. “With what intention have You asked me this question?

* तुम्हरेइँ भजन प्रभाव अघारी। जानउँ महिमा कछुक तुम्हारी॥
ऊमरि तरु बिसाल तव माया। फल ब्रह्मांड अनेक निकाया॥3॥

tumharēiom bhajana prabhāva aghārī. jānauom mahimā kachuka tumhārī..
ūmari taru bisāla tava māyā. phala brahmāṃḍa anēka nikāyā..

It is by virtue of my devotion to You, O Destroyer of sins, that I know a bit of Your glory. Your Maya (Creative Energy) is like a huge tree of the species known by the name of Udumbara, with the countless multitudes of universes for its clustering fruits.

* जीव चराचर जंतु समाना। भीतर बसहिं न जानहिं आना॥
ते फल भच्छक कठिन कराला। तव भयँ डरत सदा सोउ काला॥4॥

jīva carācara jaṃtu samānā. bhītara basahi na jānahiṃ ānā..
tē phala bhacchaka kaṭhina karālā. tava bhayaom ḍarata sadā sōu kālā..

The animate and inanimate beings (inhabiting the various universes) are like the insects that dwell inside the fruits and know of no other fruit (besides the one they inhabit). The relentless and dreadful Time-spirit devours these fruits; but even that (all-devouring) Time ever trembles in fear of You.

* ते तुम्ह सकल लोकपति साईं। पूँछेहु मोहि मनुज की नाईं॥
यह बर मागउँ कृपानिकेता। बसहु हृदयँ श्री अनुज समेता॥5॥

tē tumha sakala lōkapati sāīṃ. pūomchēhu mōhi manuja kī nāīṃ..
yaha bara māgauom kṛpānikētā. basahu hṛdayaom śrī anuja samētā..

You, who are the suzerain lord of all the regional lords, have asked my advice as though You were an ordinary human being. I ask this boon of You, O Home of mercy: pray dwell in my heart with Your Spouse (Sita) and younger brother (Laksmana) and

* अबिरल भगति बिरति सतसंगा। चरन सरोरुह प्रीति अभंगा॥
जद्यपि ब्रह्म अखंड अनंता। अनुभव गम्य भजहिं जेहि संता।6॥

abirala bhagati birati satasaṃgā. carana sarōruha prīti abhaṃgā..
jadyapi brahma akhaṃḍa anaṃtā. anubhava gamya bhajahiṃ jēhi saṃtā..

Let me have intense devotion, dispassion, fellowship with the saints and unbroken love for Your lotus feet. Even though I know You to be the same as the indivisible and infinite Brahma (the Absolute), who can only be realized ( and cannot be known by any other means) and is adored by the saints, and

* अस तव रूप बखानउँ जानउँ। फिरि फिरि सगुन ब्रह्म रति मानउँ॥
संतत दासन्ह देहु बड़ाई। तातें मोहि पूँछेहु रघुराई॥7॥

asa tava rūpa bakhānauom jānauom. phiri phiri saguna brahma rati mānauom..
saṃtata dāsanha dēhu baḍaāī. tātēṃ mōhi pūomchēhu raghurāī..

Even though I depict you as such, I feel enamoured of your qualified form repeatedly. You have always exalted your servants; that is why you have thought fit to consult me, O Lord of Raghus.

* है प्रभु परम मनोहर ठाऊँ। पावन पंचबटी तेहि नाऊँ॥
दंडक बन पुनीत प्रभु करहू। उग्र साप मुनिबर कर हरहू॥8॥

hai prabhu parama manōhara ṭhāūom. pāvana paṃcabaṭī tēhi nāūom..
daṃḍaka bana punīta prabhu karahū. ugra sāpa munibara kara harahū..

There is, my lord, a most charming and holy spot; it is called Pancavati. Sanctify the Dandaka forest (where it is situated) and redeem it from the terrible curse of the great sage (Sukracarya).

* बास करहु तहँ रघुकुल राया। कीजे सकल मुनिन्ह पर दाया॥
चले राम मुनि आयसु पाई। तुरतहिं पंचबटी निअराई॥9॥

bāsa karahu tahaom raghukula rāyā. kījē sakala muninha para dāyā..
calē rāma muni āyasu pāī. turatahiṃ paṃcabaṭī niarāī..

Take up Your abode there, O Lord of Raghu’s line, and show Your grace to all the sages.” On receiving the sage’s permission Sri Rama departed and drew near to Pancavati in no time.

दोहा | DOHAS :

* गीधराज सै भेंट भइ बहु बिधि प्रीति बढ़ाइ।
गोदावरी निकट प्रभु रहे परन गृह छाइ॥13॥

gīdharāja saiṃ bhaiṃṭa bhai bahu bidhi prīti baḍhaāi..
gōdāvarī nikaṭa prabhu rahē parana gṛha chāi..13..

He met Jatayu (the king of vultures); and developing friendship with him in many ways the Lord stayed near the Godavari, where He made Himself a thatched hut of leaves.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* जब ते राम कीन्ह तहँ बासा। सुखी भए मुनि बीती त्रासा॥
गिरि बन नदीं ताल छबि छाए। दिन दिन प्रति अति होहिं सुहाए॥1॥

jaba tē rāma kīnha tahaom bāsā. sukhī bhaē muni bītī trāsā..
giri bana nadīṃ tāla chabi chāē. dina dina prati ati hauhiṃ suhāē..

From the time Sri Rama took up His abode there the sages lived happily and were rid of all fear. The hills, woods, streams and lakes were suffused with beauty and grew yet lovelier day by day.

 

* खग मृग बृंद अनंदित रहहीं। मधुप मधुर गुंजत छबि लहहीं॥
सो बन बरनि न सक अहिराजा। जहाँ प्रगट रघुबीर बिराजा॥2॥

khaga mṛga bṛṃda anaṃdita rahahīṃ. madhupa madhura gaṃjata chabi lahahīṃ..
sō bana barani na saka ahirājā. jahāom pragaṭa raghubīra birājā..

The birds and deer were full of joy, and the bees with their sweet humming looked very charming. Not even Sesa (the king of serpents) would be able to describe the forest which was adorned by Sri Rama (the Chief of Raghus ) in His manifest form.

* एक बार प्रभु सुख आसीना। लछिमन बचन कहे छलहीना॥
सुर नर मुनि सचराचर साईं। मैं पूछउँ निज प्रभु की नाईं॥3॥

ēka bāra prabhu sukha āsīnā. lachimana bacana kahē chalahīnā..
sura nara muni sacarācara sāīṃ. maiṃ pūchauom nija prabhu kī nāī..

Once upon a time, as the Lord was sitting at ease, Laksmana addressed Him in guileless words: ” O Lord of gods, human beings, sages and all animate and inanimate creation! I ask of You as of my own master.

* मोहि समुझाइ कहहु सोइ देवा। सब तजि करौं चरन रज सेवा॥
कहहु ग्यान बिराग अरु माया। कहहु सो भगति करहु जेहिं दाया॥4॥

mōhi samujhāi kahahu sōi dēvā. saba taji karauṃ carana raja sēvā..
kahahu gyāna birāga aru māyā. kahahu sō bhagati karahu jēhiṃ dāyā..

Instruct me, my lord, how I may be able to adore the dust of Your feet to the exclusion of everything else. Discourse to me on spiritual wisdom and dispassion as well as on Maya (Illusion); and also speak to me about Bhakti (devotion), which You make an occasion for showering Your grace.”

दोहा | DOHAS :

* ईस्वर जीव भेद प्रभु सकल कहौ समुझाइ।
जातें होइ चरन रति सोक मोह भ्रम जाइ॥14॥

īsvara jīva bhēda prabhu sakala kahau samujhāi..
jātēṃ hōi carana rati sōka mōha bhrama jāi..14..

Also explain to me all the difference between God and the individual soul, so that I may be devoted to Your feet and my sorrow, infatuation and delusion may disappear.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* थोरेहि महँ सब कहउँ बुझाई। सुनहु तात मति मन चित लाई॥
मैं अरु मोर तोर तैं माया। जेहिं बस कीन्हे जीव निकाया॥1॥

thōrēhi mahaom saba kahauom bujhāī. sunahu tāta mati mana cita lāī..
maiṃ aru mōra tōra taiṃ māyā. jēhiṃ basa kīnhē jīva nikāyā..

“I will explain everything in a nutshell; listen, dear brother, with your mind, intellect and reason fully absorbed. The feeling of ‘I’ and ‘mine’ and ‘you’ and ‘yours’ is Maya (Illusion), which holds sway over all created beings.

* गो गोचर जहँ लगि मन जाई। सो सब माया जानेहु भाई॥
तेहि कर भेद सुनहु तुम्ह सोऊ। बिद्या अपर अबिद्या दोऊ॥2॥

gō gōcara jahaom lagi mana jāī. sō saba māyā jānēhu bhāī..
tēhi kara bhēda sunahu tumha sōū. bidyā apara abidyā dōū..

Whatever is perceived by the senses and that which lies within the reach of the mind, know it all to be Maya. And hear of its divisions too: they are two, viz., knowledge and ignorance.

* एक दुष्ट अतिसय दुखरूपा। जा बस जीव परा भवकूपा॥
एक रचइ जग गुन बस जाकें। प्रभु प्रेरित नहिं निज बल ताकें॥3॥

ēka duṣṭa atisaya dukharūpā. jā basa jīva parā bhavakūpā..
ēka racai jaga guna basa jākēṃ. prabhu prērita nahiṃ nija bala tākēṃ..

The one (ignorance) is vile and extremely painful, and has cast the ego into the sink of worldly existence. The other (knowledge), which brings forth the creation and which holds sway over the three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas) is directed by the Lord and has no strength of its own.

* ग्यान मान जहँ एकउ नाहीं। देख ब्रह्म समान सब माहीं॥
कहिअ तात सो परम बिरागी। तृन सम सिद्धि तीनि गुन त्यागी॥4॥

gyāna māna jahaom ēkau nāhīṃ. dēkha brahma samāna saba māhī..
kahia tāta sō parama birāgī. tṛna sama siddhi tīni guna tyāgī..

Spiritual wisdom is that which is free from all blemishes in the shape of pride* etc., and which sees the Supreme Spirit equally in all. He alone, dear brother, should be called a man of supreme dispassion, who has spurned all supernatural powers as well as the three Gunas (of which the universe is composed) as if of no more account than a blade of grass.”

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

* माया ईस न आपु कहुँ जान कहिअ सो जीव।
बंध मोच्छ प्रद सर्बपर माया प्रेरक सीव॥15॥

māyā īsa na āpu kahuom jāna kahia sō jīva.
baṃdha mōccha prada sarbapara māyā prēraka sīva..15..

That alone deserves to be called a Jiva (individual soul), which knows not Maya nor God nor one’s own self. And Siva (God) is He who awards bondage and liberation (according to one’s deserts), transcends all and is the controller of Maya.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS

* धर्म तें बिरति जोग तें ग्याना। ग्यान मोच्छप्रद बेद बखाना॥
जातें बेगि द्रवउँ मैं भाई। सो मम भगति भगत सुखदाई॥1॥

dharma tēṃ birati jōga tēṃ gyānā. gyāna mōcchaprada bēda bakhānā..
jātēṃ bēgi dravauom maiṃ bhāī. sō mama bhagati bhagata sukhadāī..

“Dispassion results from the practice of virtue, while spiritual wisdom comes of the practice of Yoga (concentration of mind); and wisdom is the bestower of liberation: so declare the Vedas. And that which melts My heart quickly, dear brother, is Devotion, which is the delight of My devotees.

* सो सुतंत्र अवलंब न आना। तेहि आधीन ग्यान बिग्याना॥
भगति तात अनुपम सुखमूला। मिलइ जो संत होइँ अनुकूला॥2॥

sō sutaṃtra avalaṃba na ānā. tēhi ādhīna gyāna bigyānā..
bhagati tāta anupama sukhamūlā. milai jō saṃta hōiom anukūlā..

It stands by itself and requires no other prop; whereas Jnana (knowledge of God in His absolute formless aspect) and Vijnana (knowledge of the qualified aspect of God, both with and without form) depend on it. Devotion, dear brother, is incomparable and the very root of bliss; it can be acquired only by the favour of saint.

* भगति कि साधन कहउँ बखानी। सुगम पंथ मोहि पावहिं प्रानी॥
प्रथमहिं बिप्र चरन अति प्रीती। निज निज कर्म निरत श्रुति रीती॥3॥

bhagati ki sādhana kahauom bakhānī. sugama paṃtha mōhi pāvahiṃ prānī..
prathamahiṃ bipra carana ati prītī. nija nija karma nirata śruti rītī..

I now proceed to tell you at some length the means of acquiring Devotion, an easy path by which men find me. In the first place, a man should cultivate excessive devotion to the feet of the Brahmanas and secondly he should remain engaged in his own duty according to the lines laid down by the Vedas.

* एहि कर फल पुनि बिषय बिरागा। तब मम धर्म उपज अनुरागा॥
श्रवनादिक नव भक्ति दृढ़ाहीं। मम लीला रति अति मन माहीं॥4॥

ēhi kara phala puni biṣaya birāgā. taba mama dharma upaja anurāgā..
śravanādika nava bhakti dṛḍhaāhīṃ. mama līlā rati ati mana māhīṃ..

This induces an aversion to the pleasures of sense and dispassion in its turn engenders a love for My Cult (the Cult of Devotion). This will bring steadfastness in the nine forms of Devotion* such as Sravana (hearing of the Lord’s praises etc.,) and the mind will develop an excessive fondness for My sports.

* संत चरन पंकज अति प्रेमा। मन क्रम बचन भजन दृढ़ नेमा॥
गुरु पितु मातु बंधु पति देवा। सब मोहि कहँ जानै दृढ़ सेवा॥5॥

saṃta carana paṃkaja ati prēmā. mana krama bacana bhajana dṛḍha nēmā..
guru pitu mātu baṃdhu pati dēvā. saba mōhi kahaom jānē dṛḍha sēvā..

Again, one should be extremely devoted to the lotus feet of saints and should be persistent in the practice of adoration through mind, speech and action. He should recognize Me as his preceptor, father, mother, kinsman, lord, deity and all and should be steadfast in My service.

* मम गुन गावत पुलक सरीरा। गदगद गिरा नयन बह नीरा॥
काम आदि मद दंभ न जाकें। तात निरंतर बस मैं ताकें॥6॥

mama guna gāvata pulaka sarīrā. gadagada girā nayana baha nīrā..
kāma ādi mada daṃbha na jākēṃ. tāta niraṃtara basa maiṃ tākēṃ..

A thrill runs through his body as he sings My praises; his voice gets choked and his eyes flow with tears; he is free from lust and other vices, pride and hypocrisy. I am ever at the beck and call of such a devotee.

दोहा | DOHAS :

* बचन कर्म मन मोरि गति भजनु करहिं निःकाम।
तिन्ह के हृदय कमल महुँ करउँ सदा बिश्राम॥16॥

bacana karma mana mōri gati bhajanu karahiṃ niḥkāma..
tinha kē hṛdaya kamala mahuom karauom sadā biśrāma..16..

Nay, I ever repose in the lotus heart of those who depend on Me in thought, word and deed and who worship Me in a disinterested way.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* भगति जोग सुनि अति सुख पावा। लछिमन प्रभु चरनन्हि सिरु नावा॥
एहि बिधि कछुक दिन बीती। कहत बिराग ग्यान गुन नीती॥1॥

bhagati jōga suni ati sukha pāvā. lachimana prabhu carananhi siru nāvā..
ēhi bidhi gaē kachuka dina bītī. kahata birāga gyāna guna nītī..

Laksmana was greatly delighted to hear the above discourse on the discipline of Bhakti (Devotion) and bowed his head at the feet of the Lord. In this way some days were spent in discoursing on dispassion, spiritual wisdom, goodness and morality.

* सूपनखा रावन कै बहिनी। दुष्ट हृदय दारुन जस अहिनी॥
पंचबटी सो गइ एक बारा। देखि बिकल भइ जुगल कुमारा॥2॥

sūpanakhā rāvana kai bahinī. duṣṭa hṛdaya dāruna jasa ahinī..
paṃcabaṭī sō gai ēka bārā. dēkhi bikala bhai jugala kumārā..

Now Ravana (the notorious demon king of Lanka) had a sister, Surpanakha (lit., a woman having nails as big as a winnowing fan) by name, who was foul-hearted and cruel as a serpent. She once went to Pancavati and was smitten with pangs of love at the sight of the two princes.

* भ्राता पिता पुत्र उरगारी। पुरुष मनोहर निरखत नारी॥
होइ बिकल सक मनहि न रोकी। जिमि रबिमनि द्रव रबिहि बिलोकी॥3॥

bhrātā pitā putra uragārī. puruṣa manōhara nirakhata nārī..
hōi bikala saka manahi na rōkī. jimi rabimani drava rabihi bilōkī..

At the very sight of a handsome man, be he her own brother, father or son, O Garuda, a (wanton) woman gets excited and cannot restrain her passion, even as the sun-stone emits fire when it is brought in front of the sun.

* रुचिर रूप धरि प्रभु पहिं जाई। बोली बचन बहुत मुसुकाई॥
तुम्ह सम पुरुष न मो सम नारी। यह सँजोग बिधि रचा बिचारी॥4॥

rucira rupa dhari prabhu pahiṃ jāī. bōlī bacana bahuta musukāī..
tumha sama puruṣa na mō sama nārī. yaha saomjōga bidhi racā bicārī..

Having assumed a charming form, she approached the Lord and with many a smile addressed the following words to Him: “There is no man like you and no woman like me. It is with great deliberation that God has made this pair.

* मम अनुरूप पुरुष जग माहीं। देखेउँ खोजि लोक तिहु नाहीं॥
तातें अब लगि रहिउँ कुमारी। मनु माना कछु तुम्हहि निहारी॥5॥

mama anurūpa puruṣa jaga māhīṃ. dēkhēuom khōji lōka tihu nāhīṃ..
tātē aba lagi rahiuom kumārī. manu mānā kachu tumhahi nihārī..

I have ransacked the three spheres but have found no suitable match for me in the whole universe. It is for this reason that I have till now remained a virgin; my mind has been set at rest a bit only after seeing you.”

* सीतहि चितइ कही प्रभु बाता। अहइ कुआर मोर लघु भ्राता॥
गइ लछिमन रिपु भगिनी जानी। प्रभु बिलोकि बोले मृदु बानी॥6॥

sītahi citai kahī prabhu bātā. ahai kuāra mōra laghu bhrātā..
gai lachimana ripu bhaginī jānī. prabhu bilōki bōlē mṛdu bānī..

The Lord cast a glance at Sita and said only this much: “My younger brother is a bachelor.” She went to Laksmana, who, knowing that she was their enemy’s sister, looked at his lord and spoke in gentle tones:

* सुंदरि सुनु मैं उन्ह कर दासा। पराधीन नहिं तोर सुपासा॥
प्रभु समर्थ कोसलपुर राजा। जो कछु करहिं उनहि सब छाजा॥7॥

suṃdari sunu maiṃ unha kara dāsā. parādhīna nahiṃ tōra supāsā..
prabhu samartha kōsalapura rājā. jō kachu karahiṃ unahi saba chājā..

” Listen, fair lady: I am His servant and a dependant; thus you will have no comforts with me. My lord is all-powerful and the sovereign king of Kosalapura (Ayodhya); whatever He does will be worthy of Him.

* सेवक सुख चह मान भिखारी। ब्यसनी धन सुभ गति बिभिचारी॥
लोभी जसु चह चार गुमानी। नभ दुहि दूध चहत ए प्रानी॥8॥

sēvaka sukha caha māna bhikhārī. byasanī dhana subha gati bibhicārī..
lōbhī jasu caha cāra gumānī. nabha duhi dūdha cahata ē prānī..

A servant who aspires for happiness, a beggar who expects honour, a person addicted to some vice who hopes for riches, a profligate who seeks a blessed state after death, an avaricious man who covets fame and a proud man who expects the four prizes of life-all these men expect to get milk by milking the heavens.”

* पुनि फिरि राम निकट सो आई। प्रभु लछिमन पहिं बहुरि पठाई॥
लछिमन कहा तोहि सो बरई। जो तृन तोरि लाज परिहरई॥9॥

puni phiri rāma nikaṭa sō āī. prabhu lachimana pahiṃ bahuri paṭhāī..
lachimana kahā tōhi sō baraī. jō tṛna tōri lāja pariharaī..

“Again she turned and came to Sri Rama; but the Lord sent her back to Laksmana. Said Laksmana, “He alone will wed you, who deliberately casts all shame to the winds.”

* तब खिसिआनि राम पहिं गई। रूप भयंकर प्रगटत भई॥
सीतहि सभय देखि रघुराई। कहा अनुज सन सयन बुझाई॥10॥

taba khisiāni rāma pahiṃ gaī. rūpa bhayaṃkara pragaṭata bhaī..
sītahi sabhaya dēkhi raghurāī. kahā anuja sana sayana bujhāī..

Thereupon she went fretting and foaming to Sri Rama and revealed her frightful demoniac form. The Lord of Raghus saw that Sita was terrified and made a sign to His younger brother (Laksmana)

दोहा | DOHAS :

* लछिमन अति लाघवँ सो नाक कान बिनु कीन्हि।
ताके कर रावन कहँ मनौ चुनौती दीन्हि॥17॥

lachimana ati lāghavaom sō nāka kāna binu kīnhi.
tākē kara rāvana kahaom manau cunautī dīnhi..17..

With great agility Laksmana struck off her nose and ears, thereby inviting Ravana through her to a contest as it were

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* नाक कान बिनु भइ बिकरारा। जनु स्रव सैल गेरु कै धारा॥
खर दूषन पहिं गइ बिलपाता। धिग धिग तव पौरुष बल भ्राता॥1॥

nāka kāna binu bhai bikarārā. janu strava saila gairu kai dhārā..
khara dūṣana pahiṃ gai bilapātā. dhiga dhiga tava pauruṣa bala bhrātā..

Without nose and ears she wore a hideous aspect and looked like a mountain flowing with torrents of red ochre. She went sobbing to Khara and Dusana: “Fie, fie upon your manhood and strength, brothers!”

* तेहिं पूछा सब कहेसि बुझाई। जातुधान सुनि सेन बनाई॥
धाए निसिचर निकर बरूथा। जनु सपच्छ कज्जल गिरि जूथा॥2॥

tēhi pūchā saba kahēsi bujhāī. jātudhāna suni sēna banāī..
dhāē nisicara nikara barūthā. janu sapaccha kajjala giri jūthā..

Questioned by them she told them everything in detail; hearing her report the demon chiefs gathered an army. Swarming multitudes of demons of diverse shapes rushed forth like hosts of winged mountains of collyrium on vehicles of various kinds.

* नाना बाहन नानाकारा। नानायुध धर घोर अपारा॥
सूपनखा आगें करि लीनी। असुभ रूप श्रुति नासा हीनी॥3॥

nānā bāhana nānākārā. nānāyudha dhara ghōra apārā..
supanakhā āgēṃ kari līnī. asubha rūpa śruti nāsā hīnī..

They were infinite in number and were armed with terrible weapons of various kinds. They placed at their head Surpanakha shorn of her ears and nose and thus presenting an inauspicious sight.

* असगुन अमित होहिं भयकारी। गनहिं न मृत्यु बिबस सब झारी॥
गर्जहिं तर्जहिं गगन उड़ाहीं। देखि कटकु भट अति हरषाहीं॥4॥

asaguna amita hōhiṃ bhayakārī. ganahiṃ na mṛtyu bibasa saba jhārī..
garjahi tarjahiṃ gagana uḍaāhīṃ. dēkhi kaṭaku bhaṭa ati haraṣāhīṃ..

Numberless ill-omens of a fearful nature occured to them; but the host heeded them not, doomed as they all were to death. They roared and bullied and sprang in the air; and the champions were filled with excessive joy to see the army.

* कोउ कह जिअत धरहु द्वौ भाई। धरि मारहु तिय लेहु छड़ाई॥
धूरि पूरि नभ मंडल रहा। राम बोलाइ अनुज सन कहा॥5॥

kōu kaha jiata dharahu dvau bhāī. dhari mārahu tiya lēhu chaḍaāī..
dhūri pūri nabha maṃḍala rahā. rāma bōlāi anuja sana kahā..

Said one, “Capture the two brothers alive and having captured them kill them and carry off the woman.” The vault of heaven was overhung with the dust raised by them. (Seeing this) Sri Rama called His younger brother (Laksmana) and said,”

* लै जानकिहि जाहु गिरि कंदर। आवा निसिचर कटकु भयंकर॥
रहेहु सजग सुनि प्रभु कै बानी। चले सहित श्री सर धनु पानी॥6॥

lai jānakihi jāhu giri kaṃdara. āvā nisicara kaṭaku bhayaṃkara..
rahēhu sajaga suni prabhu kai bānī. calē sahita śrī sara dhanu pānī..

“Take Janaka’s Daughter to some mountain-cave; a terrible array of demons has come. Therefore, remain on your guard.” Obedient to his lord’s command he withdrew (to a safe retreat) with Sita, bow and arrow in hand.

* देखि राम रिपुदल चलि आवा। बिहसि कठिन कोदंड चढ़ावा॥7॥

dēkhi rāma ripudala cali āvā. bihasi kaṭhina kōdaṃḍa caḍhaāvā..

When Sri Rama saw that the hostile force had advanced, He smiled as He strung His formidable bow

भावार्थ:-शत्रुओं की सेना (समीप) चली आई है, यह देखकर श्री रामजी ने हँसकर कठिन धनुष को चढ़ाया॥7॥

 

छंद | Chhand :

* कोदंड कठिन चढ़ाइ सिर जट जूट बाँधत सोह क्यों।
मरकत सयल पर लरत दामिनि कोटि सों जुग भुजग ज्यों॥
कटि कसि निषंग बिसाल भुज गहि चाप बिसिख सुधारि कै।
चितवत मनहुँ मृगराज प्रभु गजराज घटा निहारि कै॥

kōdaṃḍa kaṭhina caḍhaāi sira jaṭa jūṭa bāomdhata sōha kyōṃ.
marakata sayala para larata dāmini kōṭi sōṃ juga bhujaga jyōṃ..
kaṭi kasi niṣaṃga bisāla bhuja gahi cāpa bisikha sudhāri kai..
citavata manahuom mṛgarāja prabhu gajarāja ghaṭā nihāri kai..

As He coiled His matted locks into a tuft on His head after stringing His formidable bow, it seemed as if a pair of snakes were engaged in a conflict with countless streaks of lightning on a mountain of emerald. Having girded up His quiver at His waist, and clasping the bow with His long arms and putting His arrows in order, He looked at the enemy even as a lion (the king of the beasts) would glare at a herd of large elephants.

 

सोरठा | SORTAS :

* आइ गए बगमेल धरहु धरहु धावत सुभट।
जथा बिलोकि अकेल बाल रबिहि घेरत दनुज॥18॥

āi gaē bagamēla dharahu dharahu dhāvata subhaṭa.
jathā bilōki akēla bāla rabihi ghērata danuja..18..

Valiant champions came rushing with all speed shouting “Seize him, seize him!” even as the demons* close round upon the rising sun finding it all alone

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* प्रभु बिलोकि सर सकहिं न डारी। थकित भई रजनीचर धारी॥
सचिव बोलि बोले खर दूषन। यह कोउ नृपबालक नर भूषन॥1॥

prabhu bilōki sara sakahiṃ na ḍārī. thakita bhaī rajanīcara dhārī..
saciva bōli bōlē khara dūṣana. yaha kōu nṛpabālaka nara bhūṣana..

Even as they beheld the Lord the invading warriors could not discharge their arrows; the whole demon host became powerless. Khara and Dusana summoned their ministers and said, “This prince, whoever he may be, is an ornament of the human race.

* नाग असुर सुर नर मुनि जेते। देखे जिते हते हम केते॥
हम भरि जन्म सुनहु सब भाई। देखी नहिं असि सुंदरताई॥2॥

nāga asura sura nara muni jētē. dēkhē jitē hatē hama kētē..
hama bhari janma sunahu saba bhāī. dēkhī nahiṃ asi suṃdaratāī..

Of all the Nagas, demons, gods, human beings and sages that exist (in this universe) we have seen, vanquished or slain many. But during our whole life, listen to us, our brethren all, we have never beheld such beauty.

* जद्यपि भगिनी कीन्हि कुरूपा। बध लायक नहिं पुरुष अनूपा॥
देहु तुरत निज नारि दुराई। जीअत भवन जाहु द्वौ भाई॥3॥

jadyapi bhaginī kīnha kurūpā. badha lāyaka nahiṃ puruṣa anūpā..
dēhu turata nija nāri durāī. jīata bhavana jāhu dvau bhāī..

Even though he has disfigured our sister, he does not deserve death, peerless as he is among men. ‘Surrender to us at once the woman you have put in hiding somewhere and return home with your life, both you and your brother.’

* मोर कहा तुम्ह ताहि सुनावहु। तासु बचन सुनि आतुर आवहु॥
दूतन्ह कहा राम सन जाई। सुनत राम बोले मुसुकाई॥4॥

mōra kahā tumha tāhi sunāvahu. tāsu bacana suni ātura āvahu..
dūtanha kahā rāma sana jāī. sunata rāma bōlē musakāī..

Deliver this message of mine to him and return immediately with his reply.” The heralds went to Sri Rama and delivered the message to Him, in reply to which Sri Rama smilingly said,-

* हम छत्री मृगया बन करहीं। तुम्ह से खल मृग खोजत फिरहीं॥
रिपु बलवंत देखि नहिं डरहीं। एक बार कालहु सन लरहीं॥5॥

hama chatrī mṛgayā bana karahīṃ. tumha sē khala mṛga khaujata phirahīṃ..
ripu balavaṃta dēkhi nahiṃ ḍarahīṃ. ēka bāra kālahu sana larahīṃ..

“We are Ksatriyas by birth and are given to hunting in the woods; wretches like you are the game that we are tracking. We are never dismayed at the sight of a mighty foe and would give battle to Death himself if he ever appeared before us.

* जद्यपि मनुज दनुज कुल घालक। मुनि पालक खल सालक बालक॥
जौं न होइ बल घर फिरि जाहू। समर बिमुख मैं हतउँ न काहू॥6॥

jadyapi manuja danuja kula ghālaka. muni pālaka khala sālaka bālaka..
jauṃ na hōi bala ghara phiri jāhū. samara bimukha maiṃ hatauom na kāhū..

Though human beings, we are the exterminators of the race of demons and, though youthful in appearance, we are the protectors of the hermits and the torment of the wicked. If you have no strength to fight, you had better return home; I will never kill an enemy who has turned his back upon the field of battle.

* रन चढ़ि करिअ कपट चतुराई। रिपु पर कृपा परम कदराई॥
दूतन्ह जाइ तुरत सब कहेऊ। सुनि खर दूषन उर अति दहेऊ॥7॥

rana caḍhai karia kapaṭa caturāī. ripu para kṛpā parama kadarāī..
dūtanha jāi turata saba kahēū. suni khara dūṣana ura ati dahēū..

When you have come up to fight, it would be the height of weakness to play wily pranks or to show compassion to your enemy.” The heralds returned forthwith and repeated all that they had been told. The heart of Khara and Dusana was on fire when they heard it.

 

छंद | Chhand :

* उर दहेउ कहेउ कि धरहु धाए बिकट भट रजनीचरा।
सर चाप तोमर सक्ति सूल कृपान परिघ परसु धरा॥
प्रभु कीन्हि धनुष टकोर प्रथम कठोर घोर भयावहा।
भए बधिर ब्याकुल जातुधान न ग्यान तेहि अवसर रहा॥

ura dahēu kahēu ki dharahu dhāē bikaṭa bhaṭa rajanīcarā.
sara cāpa tōmara sakti sūla kṛpāna parigha parasu dharā..
prabhu kīnha dhanuṣa ṭakōra prathama kaṭhōra ghōra bhayāvahā.
bhaē badhira byākula jātudhāna na gyāna tēhi avasara rahā..

Their heart was on fire and they exclaimed, “Capture him,” hearing which fierce demon champions rushed forth, all armed with bows and arrows, steel clubs, pikes, spears, scimitars, maces and axes. First of all the Lord gave His bow a twang-shrill, terrific and fearful-which deafened the ears of and dismayed the demons, who had no sense left in them

दोहा | DOHAS :

* सावधान होइ धाए जानि सबल आराति।
लागे बरषन राम पर अस्त्र सस्त्र बहुभाँति॥19 क॥

sāvadhāna hōi dhāē jāni sabala ārāti.
lāgē baraṣana rāma para astra sastra bahu bhāomti..19ka..

Having learnt that they were confronting a powerful enemy, the demon warriors now rushed with caution and began to hurl missiles and weapons of various kinds on Sri Rama.

 

* तिन्ह के आयुध तिल सम करि काटे रघुबीर।
तानि सरासन श्रवन लगि पुनि छाँड़े निज तीर॥19 ख॥

tinha kē āyudha tila sama kari kāṭē raghubīra.
tāni sarāsana śravana lagi puni chāomḍaē nija tīra..19kha..

The Hero of Raghu’s line, however, tore them into pieces as small as sesamum seeds and then drawing the bow-string to His ear let fly His own arrows.

छन्द | Chhand :

* तब चले बान कराल। फुंकरत जनु बहु ब्याल॥
कोपेउ समर श्रीराम। चले बिसिख निसित निकाम॥1॥

taba calē jāna babāna karāla. phuṃkarata janu bahu byāla..
kōpēu samara śrīrāma. calē bisikha nisita nikāma..

Then the terrible arrows sped forth, hissing like so many serpents. Sri Rama got infuriated in battle and arrows, exceedingly sharp, flew from His bow.

* अवलोकि खरतर तीर। मुरि चले निसिचर बीर॥
भए क्रुद्ध तीनिउ भाइ। जो भागि रन ते जाइ॥2॥

avalōki kharatara tīra. muri calē nisicara bīra..
bhaē kruddha tīniu bhāi. jō bhāgi rana tē jāi..

The demon warriors turned and fled when they found the arrows so very keen . The three brothers (Khara, Dusana and Trisira) now flew into rage: “Whoever flees from the battle-

* तेहि बधब हम निज पानि। फिरे मरन मन महुँ ठानि॥
आयुध अनेक प्रकार। सनमुख ते करहिं प्रहार॥3॥

tēhi badhaba hama nija pāni. phirē marana mana mahuom ṭhāni..
āyudha anēka prakāra. sanamukha tē karahiṃ prahāra..

field will be killed by us with our own hands.” At this the warriors turned back, fully resolved to die, and made a frontal attack with weapons of every description.

 

* रिपु परम कोपे जानि। प्रभु धनुष सर संधानि॥
छाँड़े बिपुल नाराच। लगे कटन बिकट पिसाच॥4॥

ripu parama kōpē jāni. prabhu dhanuṣa sara saṃdhāni..
chāomḍaē bipula nārāca. lagē kaṭana bikaṭa pisāca..

Perceiving that the enemy was exceedingly furious, the Lord fitted arrows to His bow and discharged many a shaft of the ‘Naraca’ type with the result that frightful fields began to be mowed down.

* उर सीस भुज कर चरन। जहँ तहँ लगे महि परन॥
चिक्करत लागत बान। धर परत कुधर समान॥5॥

ura sīsa bhuja kara carana. jahaom tahaom lagē mahi parana..
cikkarata lāgata bāna. dhara parata kudhara samāna..

Trunks, heads, arms, hands and feet began to drop to the ground here, there and everywhere. Pierced by shafts, they yelled and their trunks fell like mountains.

* भट कटत तन सत खंड। पुनि उठत करि पाषंड॥
नभ उड़त बहु भुज मुंड। बिनु मौलि धावत रुंड॥6॥

bhaṭa kaṭata tana sata khaṃḍa. puni uṭhata kari pāṣaṃḍa..
nabha uḍata bahu bhuja muṃḍa. binu mauli dhāvata ruṃḍa..

The bodies of the warriors were torn into a hundred pieces and resorting to deceptive methods they stood up again. A number of arms and heads flew through the air and headless trunks ran to and fro.

* खग कंक काक सृगाल। कटकटहिं कठिन कराल॥7॥

khaga kaṃka kāka sṛgāla. kaṭakaṭahiṃ kaṭhina karāla..

Birds like kites and crows and jackals wrangled in a cruel and awful way.

 

छन्द | Chhand :

* कटकटहिं जंबुक भूत प्रेत पिसाच खर्पर संचहीं।
बेताल बीर कपाल ताल बजाइ जोगिनि नंचहीं॥
रघुबीर बान प्रचंड खंडहिं भटन्ह के उर भुज सिरा।
जहँ तहँ परहिं उठि लरहिं धर धरु धरु करहिं भयंकर गिरा॥1॥

kaṭakaṭahiṃ jaṃbuka bhūta prēta pisāca kharpara saṃcahīṃ.
bētāla bīra kapāla tāla bajāi jōgini naṃcahīṃ..
raghubīra bāna pracaṃḍa khaṃḍahiṃ bhaṭanha kē ura bhuja sirā.
jahaom tahaom parahiṃ uṭhi larahiṃ dhara dharu dharu karahiṃ bhayakara girā..

Jackals wrangled; ghosts, spirits and fiends filled the bowls of skulls with blood: devils clashed the heads of slain warriors like cymbals and the Yoginis* danced. Sri Rama’s fierce arrows tore to pieces the leader’s breast, arms and heads; their bodies fell on every side but stood up again to fight with terrible cries of “Seize, capture!”

* अंतावरीं गहि उड़त गीध पिसाच कर गहि धावहीं।
संग्राम पुर बासी मनहुँ बहु बाल गुड़ी उड़ावहीं॥
मारे पछारे उर बिदारे बिपुल भट कहँरत परे।
अवलोकि निज दल बिकल भट तिसिरादि खर दूषन फिरे॥2॥

aṃtāvarīṃ gahi uḍata gīdha pisāca kara gahi dhāvahīṃ..
saṃgrāma pura bāsī manahuom bahu bāla guḍaī uḍaāvahīṃ..
mārē pachārē ura bidārē bipula bhaṭa kahaomrata parē.
avalōki nija dala bikala bhaṭa tisirādi khara dūṣana phirē..

Vultures flew away with the end of entrails in their claws, while goblins scampered with the other end held in their hands; one might fancy numberless children of the town of the battlefield were flying kites. A large number of champions that had been smitten or knocked down or whose breast had been torn, lay moaning. Finding their army in distress leaders like Trisira, Khara and Dusana turned toward Sir Rama.

* सरसक्ति तोमर परसु सूल कृपान एकहि बारहीं।
करि कोप श्री रघुबीर पर अगनित निसाचर डारहीं॥
प्रभु निमिष महुँ रिपु सर निवारि पचारि डारे सायका।
दस दस बिसिख उर माझ मारे सकल निसिचर नायका॥3॥

sara sakti tōmara parasu sūla kṛpāna ēkahi bārahīṃ.
kari kōpa śrīraghubīra para aganita nisācara ḍārahīṃ..
prabhu nimiṣa mahuom ripu sara nivāri pacāri ḍārē sāyakā.
dasa dasa bisikha ura mājha mārē sakala nisicara nāyakā..

Countless demons hurled furiously against the Hero of Raghuís line, arrows, spears, iron clubs, axes, javelins and daggers all at once. In the twinkling of an eye the Lord warded off the enemyís shafts and sent forth His own arrows, planting ten shafts in the breast of each champion of the demon host.

* महि परत उठि भट भिरत मरत न करत माया अति घनी।
सुर डरत चौदह सहस प्रेत बिलोकि एक अवध धनी॥
सुर मुनि सभय प्रभु देखि मायानाथ अति कौतुक कर्‌यो।
देखहिं परसपर राम करि संग्राम रिपु दल लरि मर्‌यो॥4॥

mahi parata uṭhi bhaṭa bhirata marata na karata māyā ati ghanī.
sura ḍarata caudaha sahasa prēta bilōki ēka avadha dhanī..
sura muni sabhaya prabhu dēkhi māyānātha ati kautuka kar yō.
dēkhahi parasapara rāma kari saṃgrāma ripudala lari mar yō..

The leaders fell to the ground but rose again and joined in the fray. Yet they would not die and played very many tricks. The gods trembled with fear when they saw that the demons numbered fourteen thousand, while the Lord of Ayodhya was all alone. Finding the gods and sages alarmed, the Lord, who is the Controller of Maya (Cosmic Illusion), wrought a great miracle. The demons saw one another in the form of Sri Rama, so that the enemy’s warriors fought among themselves and perished.

दोहा | DOHAS :

* राम राम कहि तनु तजहिं पावहिं पद निर्बान।
करि उपाय रिपु मारे छन महुँ कृपानिधान॥20 क॥

rāma rāma kahi tanu tajahiṃ pāvahiṃ pada nirbāna.
kari upāya ripu mārē chana mahuom kṛpānidhāna..20ka..

They quitted their body crying “Rama! Rama!!” and thereby attained the state of eternal bliss. Falling back upon this device the Ocean of Mercy killed the enemy in an instant.

* हरषित बरषहिं सुमन सुर बाजहिं गगन निसान।
अस्तुति करि करि सब चले सोभित बिबिध बिमान॥20 ख॥

haraṣita baraṣahiṃ sumana sura bājahiṃ gagana nisāna.
astuti kari kari saba calē sōbhita bibidha bimāna..20kha..

The gods in their exultation rained down flowers and kettle-drums sounded in the heavens. And hymning their praises one after another they all left, shining in their cars of various patterns.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* जब रघुनाथ समर रिपु जीते। सुर नर मुनि सब के भय बीते॥
तब लछिमन सीतहि लै आए। प्रभु पद परत हरषि उर लाए॥1॥

jaba raghunātha samara ripu jītē. sura nara muni saba kē bhaya bītē..
taba lachimana sītahi lai āē. prabhu pada parata haraṣi ura lāē.

When the Lord of Raghus had vanquished the foe in battle, the gods, human beings and sages were all rid of fear. Then Laksmana brought Sita back; and as he fell at His feet the Lord joyously clasped him to His bosom.

* सीता चितव स्याम मृदु गाता। परम प्रेम लोचन न अघाता॥
पंचबटीं बसि श्री रघुनायक। करत चरित सुर मुनि सुखदायक॥2॥

sītā citava syāma mṛdu gātā. parama prēma lōcana na aghātā..
paṃcavaṭīṃ basi śrīraghunāyaka. karata carita sura muni sukhadāyaka..

Sita fixed Her gaze on His swarthy and delicate form with utmost affection; but Her eyes knew no satiety. Thus dwelling at Pancavati the blessed Lord of Raghus performed deeds that delighted gods and sages alike.

* धुआँ देखि खरदूषन केरा। जाइ सुपनखाँ रावन प्रेरा॥
बोली बचन क्रोध करि भारी। देस कोस कै सुरति बिसारी॥3॥

dhuāom dēkhi kharadūṣana kērā. jāi supanakhāom rāvana prērā..
bōli bacana krōdha kari bhārī. dēsa kōsa kai surati bisārī..

Perceiving the destruction of Khara and Dusana, Surpanakha approached Ravana and instigated him (against Sri Rama). In great fury she rated him in the following words: “Discarding all thought of your realm and exchequer-

* करसि पान सोवसि दिनु राती। सुधि नहिं तव सिर पर आराती॥
राज नीति बिनु धन बिनु धर्मा। हरिहि समर्पे बिनु सतकर्मा॥4॥
बिद्या बिनु बिबेक उपजाएँ। श्रम फल पढ़ें किएँ अरु पाएँ॥
संग तें जती कुमंत्र ते राजा। मान ते ग्यान पान तें लाजा॥5॥

karasi pāna sōvasi dinu rātī. sudhi nahiṃ tava sira para ārātī..
rāja nīti binu dhana binu dharmā. harihi samarpē binu satakarmā..
bidyā binu bibēka upajāēom. śrama phala paḍhaē kiēom aru pāēom..
saṃga tē jatī kumaṃtra tē rājā. māna tē gyāna pāna tēṃ lājā..

-you drink and sleep day and night and take no heed of the enemy, who is now at your very door. Sovereignty without political insight, wealth divorced from virtue, noble deeds that have not been offered to Sri Hari (God) and learning which does not beget wisdom is nothing but fruitless labour to the man who has gained such kingdom or wealth, to the doer of the noble acts and to the student respectively. A recluse is quickly undone by attachment, a king by evil counsel, wisdom by conceit, modesty by drinking,-

* प्रीति प्रनय बिनु मद ते गुनी। नासहिं बेगि नीति अस सुनी॥6॥

prīti pranaya binu mada tē gunī. nāsahi bēgi nīti asa sunī..

-friendship by want of love, and man of merit by vanity: such is the maxim I have heard.

 

सोरठा | SORTAS :

* रिपु रुज पावक पाप प्रभु अहि गनिअ न छोट करि।
अस कहि बिबिध बिलाप करि लागी रोदन करन॥21 क॥

ripu ruja pāvaka pāpa prabhu ahi gania na chōṭa kari.
asa kahi bibidha bilāpa kari lāgī rōdana karana..21ka..

“An enemy, a malady, fire, sin, a master, and a serpent are never to be accounted trifles.” So saying and with profuse laments she set to weeping.

दोहा | DOHAS :

* सभा माझ परि ब्याकुल बहु प्रकार कह रोइ।
तोहि जिअत दसकंधर मोरि कि असि गति होइ॥21 ख॥

sabhā mājha pari byākula bahu prakāra kaha rōi.
tōhi jiata dasakaṃdhara mōri ki asi gati hōi..21kha..

In her distress she threw herself down in Ravana’s court and with many a tear said, ” Do you think, my ten-headed brother, that I should be reduced to this state even though you are alive?”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* सुनत सभासद उठे अकुलाई। समुझाई गहि बाँह उठाई॥
कह लंकेस कहसि निज बाता। केइँ तव नासा कान निपाता॥1॥

sunata sabhāsada uṭhē akulāī. samujhāī gahi bāhaom uṭhāī..
kaha laṃkēsa kahasi nija bātā. kēṃiom tava nāsā kāna nipātā..

On hearing this the courtiers rose in great bewilderment; taking her by the arm they lifted her up and comforted her. Said the king of Lanka, “Tell me what has happened to you. Who has struck off your nose and ears?”

* अवध नृपति दसरथ के जाए। पुरुष सिंघ बन खेलन आए॥
समुझि परी मोहि उन्ह कै करनी। रहित निसाचर करिहहिं धरनी॥2॥

avadha nṛpati dasaratha kē jāē. puruṣa siṃgha bana khēlana āē..
samujhi parī mōhi unha kai karanī. rahita nisācara karihahiṃ dharanī..

“Two sons of Dasaratha, the lord of Ayodhya, who are lions among men, are out for hunting in the woods. The estimate that I have formed of their doing is that they will rid the earth of demons.

* जिन्ह कर भुजबल पाइ दसानन। अभय भए बिचरत मुनि कानन॥
देखत बालक काल समाना। परम धीर धन्वी गुन नाना॥3॥

jinha kara bhujabala pāi dasānana. abhaya bhaē bicarata muni kānana..
dēkhata bālaka kāla samānā. parama dhīra dhanvī guna nānā..

Relying on the might of their arm, O ten-headed Ravana, the hermits roam about the woods without fear. Though quite young to look at, they are terrible as Death, the staunchest of archers and accomplished in many ways.

* अतुलित बल प्रताप द्वौ भ्राता। खल बध रत सुर मुनि सुखदाता॥
सोभा धाम राम अस नामा। तिन्ह के संग नारि एक स्यामा॥4॥

atulita bala pratāpa dvau bhrātā. khala badha rata sura muni sukhadātā..
sōbhādhāma rāma asa nāmā. tinha kē saṃga nāri ēka syāmā..

Both brothers are unequalled in might and glory; devoted to the extermination of the wicked, they are a source of delight to gods and sages. The elder of the two who is an abode of beauty, is known by the name of Rama; he has with him a young belle.

* रूप रासि बिधि नारि सँवारी। रति सत कोटि तासु बलिहारी॥
तासु अनुज काटे श्रुति नासा। सुनि तव भगिनि करहिं परिहासा॥5॥

rupa rāsi bidhi nāri saomvārī. rati sata kōṭi tāsu balihārī..
tāsu anuja kāṭē śruti nāsā. suni tava bhagini karahiṃ parihāsā..

The Creator made that woman the very embodiment of loveliness; a hundred million Ratis (consorts of the god of love) are trifles before her. It was his younger brother (Laksmana) who chopped off my ears and nose and made a mock of me when he heard that I was your sister.

* खर दूषन सुनि लगे पुकारा। छन महुँ सकल कटक उन्ह मारा॥
खर दूषन तिसिरा कर घाता। सुनि दससीस जरे सब गाता॥6॥

khara dūṣana suni lagē pukārā. chana mahuom sakala kaṭaka unha mārā..
khara dūṣana tisirā kara ghātā. suni dasasīsa jarē saba gātā..

When Khara and Dusana heard of it, they went to avenge the wrong done to me; but Rama slew the whole army in a trice!” The tenheaded demon (Ravana) burned all over (with rage) when he heard of the destruction of Khara, Dusana and Trisira.

दोहा | DOHAS :

* सूपनखहि समुझाइ करि बल बोलेसि बहु भाँति।
गयउ भवन अति सोचबस नीद परइ नहिं राति॥22॥

supanakhahi samujhāi kari bala bōlēsi bahu bhāomti.
gayau bhavana ati sōcabasa nīda parai nahiṃ rāti..22..

Having consoled Surpanakha he boasted of his strength in many ways; but he retired to his palace full of great anxiety and could not sleep the whole night.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* सुर नर असुर नाग खग माहीं। मोरे अनुचर कहँ कोउ नाहीं॥
खर दूषन मोहि सम बलवंता। तिन्हहि को मारइ बिनु भगवंता॥1॥

sura nara asura nāga khaga māhīṃ. mōrē anucara kahaom kōu nāhīṃ..
khara dūṣana mōhi sama balavaṃtā. tinhahi kō mārai binu bhagavaṃtā..

Among gods, human beings, demons, Nagas and birds,” he thought, “there is none who can withstand my servants. As for Khara and Dusana, they were as powerful as myself; who else could have killed them, had it not been the Lord Himself?

* सुर रंजन भंजन महि भारा। जौं भगवंत लीन्ह अवतारा॥
तौ मैं जाइ बैरु हठि करऊँ। प्रभु सर प्रान तजें भव तरऊँ॥2॥

sura raṃjana bhaṃjana mahi bhārā. jauṃ bhagavaṃta līnha avatārā..
tau mai jāi bairu haṭhi karaūom. prabhu sara prāna tajēṃ bhava taraūom..

If therefore the Lord Himself, the Delighter of the gods and the Reliever of Earth’s burden, has appeared on earth, I will go and resolutely fight with him and cross the ocean of mundane existence by falling to His arrows.

* होइहि भजनु न तामस देहा। मन क्रम बचन मंत्र दृढ़ एहा॥
जौं नररूप भूपसुत कोऊ। हरिहउँ नारि जीति रन दोऊ॥3॥

hōihi bhajanu na tāmasa dēhā. mana krama bacana maṃtra dṛḍha ēhā..
jauṃ nararupa bhūpasuta kōū. harihauom nāri jīti rana dōū..

Adoration is out of question in this (demoniac) body, which is made up of the principle of ignorance, Tamasa. Therefore, such is my firm resolve in thought, word and deed. And if they happen to be some mortal princes I shall conquer them both in battle and carry off the bride.”

* चला अकेल जान चढ़ि तहवाँ। बस मारीच सिंधु तट जहवाँ॥
इहाँ राम जसि जुगुति बनाई। सुनहु उमा सो कथा सुहाई॥4॥

calā akēla jāna caḍhi tahavāom. basa mārīca siṃdhu taṭa jahavāom..
ihāom rāma jasi juguti banāī. sunahu umā sō kathā suhāī..

Having thus made up his mind, he mounted his chariot and drove off alone to the spot where Marica was living by the sea-shore. Now, hear, Uma, the delectable account of the device that Sri Rama employed

दोहा | DOHAS :

* लछिमन गए बनहिं जब लेन मूल फल कंद।
जनकसुता सन बोले बिहसि कृपा सुख बृंद॥23॥

lachimana gaē banahiṃ jaba lēna mūla phala kaṃda.
janakasutā sana bōlē bihasi kṛpā sukha bṛṃda.. 23..

When Laksmana had gone to the woods to gather roots, fruits and bulbs, Sri Rama, the very encarnation of compassion and joy, spoke with a smile to Janaka’s Daughter:-

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* सुनहु प्रिया ब्रत रुचिर सुसीला। मैं कछु करबि ललित नरलीला॥
तुम्ह पावक महुँ करहु निवासा। जौ लगि करौं निसाचर नासा॥1॥

sunahu priyā brata rucira susīlā. maiṃ kachu karabi lalita naralīlā..
tumha pāvaka mahuom karahu nivāsā. jau lagi karauṃ nisācara nāsā..

“Listen, my darling, who have been staunch in the holy vow of fidelity to me and are so virtuous in conduct: I am going to act a lovely human part. Abide in fire until I have completed the destruction of the demons.”

* जबहिं राम सब कहा बखानी। प्रभु पद धरि हियँ अनल समानी॥
निज प्रतिबिंब राखि तहँ सीता। तैसइ सील रूप सुबिनीता॥2॥

jabahiṃ rāma saba kahā bakhānī. prabhu pada dhari hiyaom anala samānī..
nija pratibiṃba rākhi tahaom sītā. taisai sīla rupa subinītā..

No sooner had Sri Rama told Her everything in detail than She impressed the image of the Lord’s feet on Her heart and entered into the fire, leaving with Him only of a shadow of Hers, though precisely of the same appearance and the same amiable and gentle disposition.

* लछिमनहूँ यह मरमु न जाना। जो कछु चरित रचा भगवाना॥
दसमुख गयउ जहाँ मारीचा। नाइ माथ स्वारथ रत नीचा॥3॥

lachimanahūom yaha maramu na jānā. jō kachu carita racā bhagavānā..
dasamukha gayau jahāom mārīcā. nāi mātha svāratha rata nīcā..

Laksmana too did not know the secret of what the Lord had done behind the curtain. The ten-headed Ravana approached Marica and bowed his head to him, selfish and vile as he was.

* नवनि नीच कै अति दुखदाई। जिमि अंकुस धनु उरग बिलाई॥
भयदायक खल कै प्रिय बानी। जिमि अकाल के कुसुम भवानी॥4॥

navani nīca kai ati dukhadāī. jimi aṃkusa dhanu uraga bilāī..
bhayadāyaka khala kai priya bānī. jimi akāla kē kusuma bhavānī..

The meekness of a mean creature is a source of great trouble like the bending of a goad, bow, snake or cat. The friendly speech of a villain is as dangerous, Bhavani (Parvati), as the flowers that blossom out of season.

दोहा | DOHAS :

* करि पूजा मारीच तब सादर पूछी बात।
कवन हेतु मन ब्यग्र अति अकसर आयहु तात॥24॥

kari pūjā mārīca taba sādara pūchī bāta.
kavana hētu mana byagra ati akasara āyahu tāta..24..

After doing him homage Marica respectfully enquired of him his errand: “Wherefore, my son, are you so much disturbed in mind that you have come all the way alone?

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* दसमुख सकल कथा तेहि आगें। कही सहित अभिमान अभागें॥
होहु कपट मृग तुम्ह छलकारी। जेहि बिधि हरि आनौं नृपनारी॥1॥

dasamukha sakala kathā tēhi āgēṃ. kahī sahita abhimāna abhāgēṃ..
hōhu kapaṭa mṛga tumha chalakārī. jēhi bidhi hari ānau nṛpanārī..

The wretched Ravana proudly repeated the whole story to him and added,” “Assume the false appearance of a wily deer, so that I may be able to abduct the princess.”

* तेहिं पुनि कहा सुनहु दससीसा। ते नररूप चराचर ईसा॥
तासों तात बयरु नहिं कीजै। मारें मरिअ जिआएँ जीजै॥2॥

tēhiṃ puni kahā sunahu dasasīsā. tē nararupa carācara īsā..
tāsōṃ tāta bayaru nahiṃ kījē. mārēṃ maria jiāēom jījai..

Marica, however, remonstrated, “Listen, Ravana: though disguised as a man, He is the lord of the whole animate and inanimate creation. There can be no quarrel with Him, dear son; we die when He would have us die and live only by His sufferance.

* मुनि मख राखन गयउ कुमारा। बिनु फर सर रघुपति मोहि मारा॥
सत जोजन आयउँ छन माहीं। तिन्ह सन बयरु किएँ भल नाहीं॥3॥

muni makha rākhana gayau kumārā. binu phara sara raghupati mōhi mārā..
sata jōjana āyauom chana māhīṃ. tinha sana bayaru kiēom bhala nāhīṃ..

Those very princes had gone to guard the sacrifice of the sage Visvamitra, when Sri Rama (the Lord of Raghus) smote me with a pointless arrow, that threw me at a distance of 800 miles in an instant. It will not be good to antagonize them.

* भइ मम कीट भृंग की नाई। जहँ तहँ मैं देखउँ दोउ भाई॥
जौं नर तात तदपि अति सूरा। तिन्हहि बिरोधि न आइहि पूरा॥4॥

bhai mama kīṭa bhṛṃga kī nāī. jahaom tahaom maiṃ dēkhauom dōu bhāī..
jauṃ nara tāta tadapi ati sūrā. tinhahi birōdhi na āihi pūrā..

I find myself reduced to the position of an insect* caught in the nest of a Bhrnga (a wasp-like winged creature) inasmuch as I behold the two brothers wherever I look. Even if they are human beings, dear son, they are remarkable heroes nonetheless; and opposition to them will not avail.

दोहा | DOHAS :

* जेहिं ताड़का सुबाहु हति खंडेउ हर कोदंड।
खर दूषन तिसिरा बधेउ मनुज कि अस बरिबंड॥25॥

jēhiṃ tāḍakā subāhu hati khaṃḍēu hara kōdaṃḍa..
khara dūṣana tisirā badhēu manuja ki asa baribaṃḍa..25..

But can he possibly be a man, who recklessly killed Tadaka and Subahu, broke Siva bow and slew Khara, Dusana and Trisira?”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* जाहु भवन कुल कुसल बिचारी। सुनत जरा दीन्हिसि बहु गारी॥
गुरु जिमि मूढ़ करसि मम बोधा। कहु जग मोहि समान को जोधा॥1॥

jāhu bhavana kula kusala bicārī. sunata jarā dīnhisi bahu gārī..
guru jimi mūḍha karasi mama bōdhā. kahu jaga mōhi samāna kō jōdhā..

“Therefore, considering the welfare of your race you had better return home.” When he heard this he flared up and showered many abuses on Marica. “You fool, you presume to teach me as if you were my preceptor. Tell me which warrior in this world is a match for me.”

* तब मारीच हृदयँ अनुमाना। नवहि बिरोधें नहिं कल्याना॥
सस्त्री मर्मी प्रभु सठ धनी। बैद बंदि कबि भानस गुनी॥2॥

taba mārīca hṛdayaom anumānā. navahi birōdhēṃ nahiṃ kalyānā..
sastrī marmī prabhu saṭha dhanī. baida baṃdi kabi bhānasa gunī..

Then Marica thought to himself, “It does not do one good to make enemies of the following nine, viz., one skilled in the use of a weapon, he who knows one’s secret, a powerful master, a dunce, a wealthy man, a physician, a panegyrist, a poet, an expert cook.”

* उभय भाँति देखा निज मरना। तब ताकिसि रघुनायक सरना॥
उतरु देत मोहि बधब अभागें। कस न मरौं रघुपति सर लागें॥3॥

ubhaya bhāomti dēkhā nija maranā. taba tākisi raghunāyaka saranā..
utaru dēta mōhi badhaba abhāgēṃ. kasa na marauṃ raghupati sara lāgēṃ..

Either way he saw he must die: hence he sought refuge in the Lord of Raghus. “If I argue further, the wretch would kill me; why, then, should I not be killed by Sri Rama’s arrows?”

* अस जियँ जानि दसानन संगा। चला राम पद प्रेम अभंगा॥
मन अति हरष जनाव न तेही। आजु देखिहउँ परम सनेही॥4॥

asa jiyaom jāni dasānana saṃgā. calā rāma pada prēma abhaṃgā..
mana ati haraṣa janāva na tēhī. āju dēkhihauom parama sanēhī..

Pondering thus in his mind he accompanied Ravana, unremitting in his devotion to Sri Rama’s feet. He felt extremely delighted at the thought that he would be able to behold his greatest friend (Sri Rama), even though he would not reveal his joy to Ravana.

छन्द :

* निज परम प्रीतम देखि लोचन सुफल करि सुख पाइहौं।
श्रीसहित अनुज समेत कृपानिकेत पद मन लाइहौं॥
निर्बान दायक क्रोध जा कर भगति अबसहि बसकरी।
निज पानि सर संधानि सो मोहि बधिहि सुखसागर हरी॥

nija parama prītama dēkhi lōcana suphala kari sukha pāihauṃ.
śrī sahita anuja samēta kṛpānikēta pada mana lāihauṃ..
nirbāna dāyaka krōdha jā kara bhagati abasahi basakarī.
nija pāni sara saṃdhāni sō mōhi badhihi sukhasāgara harī..

“My eyes will be rewarded when I behold my most beloved lord to my great exultation and I shall fix my thoughts on the feet of the All-merciful accompanied by Sita and His younger brother. To think that Sri Hari, the Ocean of Bliss, whose very wrath confers final beatitude and who, though subject to none gives Himself up entirely to the will of His devotees, will fit an arrow with His own hands to His bow and slay me!”

दोहा | DOHAS :

* मम पाछें धर धावत धरें सरासन बान।
फिरि फिरि प्रभुहि बिलोकिहउँ धन्य न मो सम आन॥26॥

mama pāchēṃ dhara dhāvata dharēṃ sarāsana bāna.
phiri phiri prabhuhi bilōkihauom dhanya na mō sama āna..26..

“As He runs after me on foot, carrying His bow and arrow, I shall again and again turn in order to get a sight of my lord! No one else is so blessed as I am.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* तेहि बन निकट दसानन गयऊ। तब मारीच कपटमृग भयऊ॥
अति बिचित्र कछु बरनि न जाई। कनक देह मनि रचित बनाई॥1॥

tēhi bana nikaṭa dasānana gayaū. taba mārīca kapaṭamṛga bhayaū..
ati bicitra kachu barani na jāī. kanaka dēha mani racita banāī..

When the ten-headed Ravana drew near to the forest ( in which Sri Rama had taken up His abode), Marica assumed the false appearance of a deer, so very wonderful as to defy description, with a body of gold artistically inlaid with jewels.

* सीता परम रुचिर मृग देखा। अंग अंग सुमनोहर बेषा॥
सुनहु देव रघुबीर कृपाला। एहि मृग कर अति सुंदर छाला॥2॥

sītā parama rucira mṛga dēkhā. aṃga aṃga sumanōhara bēṣā..
sunahu dēva raghubīra kṛpālā. ēhi mṛga kara ati suṃdara chālā..

When Sita saw the exquisitely beautiful creature, most lovely in every limb, She said, ” Listen, my gracious Lord Sri Rama (Hero of Raghu’s line), this deer has a most charming skin.

* सत्यसंध प्रभु बधि करि एही। आनहु चर्म कहति बैदेही॥
तब रघुपति जानत सब कारन। उठे हरषि सुर काजु सँवारन॥3॥

satyasaṃdha prabhu badhi kari ēhī. ānahu carma kahati baidēhī..
taba raghupati jānata saba kārana. uṭhē haraṣi sura kāju saomvārana..

Pray kill this animal, my lord, and get me the hide, true as you are to your word.” Thereupon the Lord of Raghus, even though He knew all the circumstances (that had led Marica to assume the semblance of a deer) arose with joy to accomplish the object of the gods.

* मृग बिलोकि कटि परिकर बाँधा। करतल चाप रुचिर सर साँधा॥
प्रभु लछिमनहि कहा समुझाई। फिरत बिपिन निसिचर बहु भाई॥4॥

mṛga bilōki kaṭi parikara bāomdhā. karatala cāpa rucira sara sāomdhā..
prabhu lachimanihi kahā samujhāī. phirata bipina nisicara bahu bhāī..

Casting a look at the deer He girded up His loins with a piece of cloth and taking the bow in His hand fitted a shining arrow to the same. The Lord cautioned Laksmana: “A host of demons, brother, roam about in the woods.

* सीता केरि करेहु रखवारी। बुधि बिबेक बल समय बिचारी॥
प्रभुहि बिलोकि चला मृग भाजी। धाए रामु सरासन साजी॥5॥

sītā kēri karēhu rakhavārī. budhi bibēka bala samaya bicārī..
prabhuhi bilōki calā mṛga bhājī. dhāē rāmu sarāsana sājī..

Take care of Sita with due regard to your strength and circumstances and making use of your intellect and discretion.” The deer took to flight at the sight of the Lord and Sri Rama ran after it pulling His bow-string.

* निगम नेति सिव ध्यान न पावा। मायामृग पाछें सो धावा॥
कबहुँ निकट पुनि दूरि पराई। कबहुँक प्रगटइ कबहुँ छपाई॥6॥

nigama nēti siva dhyāna na pāvā. māyāmṛga pāchēṃ sō dhāvā..
kabahuom nikaṭa puni dūri parāī. kabahuomka pragaṭai kabahuom chapāī..

How strange that He whom the Vedas describe in negative terms such a ‘not that’ and whom Siva is unable to catch hold of even in meditation, ran in pursuit of a false deer! Now close at hand. The very next moment it ran away to some distance; at one time it came into view, at another it went out of sight.

 

* प्रगटत दुरत करत छल भूरी। एहि बिधि प्रभुहि गयउ लै दूरी॥
तब तकि राम कठिन सर मारा। धरनि परेउ करि घोर पुकारा॥7॥

pragaṭata durata karata chala bhūrī. ēhi bidhi prabhuhi gayau lai dūrī..
taba taki rāma kaṭhina sara mārā. dharani parēu kari ghōra pukārā..

Thus alternately revealing and concealing itself and practising every kind of wile, it took the Lord far away. Now Sri Rama took a steady aim and let fly the fatal shaft, when the animal fell to the ground with a fearful cry,

 

* लछिमन कर प्रथमहिं लै नामा। पाछें सुमिरेसि मन महुँ रामा॥
प्रान तजत प्रगटेसि निज देहा। सुमिरेसि रामु समेत सनेहा॥8॥

lachimana kara prathamahiṃ lai nāmā. pāchēṃ sumirēsi mana mahuom rāmā..
prāna tajata pragaṭēsi nija dēhā. sumirēsi rāmu samēta sanēhā..

first calling aloud to Laksmana but afterwards mentally invoking Sri Rama. While giving up the ghost it manifested its real form and lovingly remembered Sri Rama.

* अंतर प्रेम तासु पहिचाना। मुनि दुर्लभ गति दीन्हि सुजाना॥9॥

aṃtara prēma tāsu pahicānā. muni durlabha gati dīnhi sujānā..

The omniscient Lord, who could see the love of his heart, conferred on him the state which cannot be easily attained to even by the sages.

दोहा | DOHAS :

* बिपुल सुमर सुर बरषहिं गावहिं प्रभु गुन गाथ।
निज पद दीन्ह असुर कहुँ दीनबंधु रघुनाथ॥27॥

bipula sumana sura baraṣahiṃ gāvahiṃ prabhu guna gātha.
nija pada dīnha asura kahuom dīnabaṃdhu raghunātha..27..

The gods rained down flowers in abundance and sang praises of the Lord: “The Lord of Raghus is such a friend of the humble that He conferred His own state (divinity) on a demon.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* खल बधि तुरत फिरे रघुबीरा। सोह चाप कर कटि तूनीरा॥
आरत गिरा सुनी जब सीता। कह लछिमन सन परम सभीता॥1॥

khala badhi turata phirē raghubīrā. sōha cāpa kara kaṭi tūnīrā..
ārata girā sunī jaba sītā. kaha lachimana sana parama sabhītā..

As soon as He had slain the wretch the Hero of Raghu’s line turned back, the charming bow in his hand and the quiver at His waist. When Sita heard the cry of distress, She was seized with excessive fear and said to Laksmana,

* जाहु बेगि संकट अति भ्राता। लछिमन बिहसि कहा सुनु माता॥
भृकुटि बिलास सृष्टि लय होई। सपनेहुँ संकट परइ कि सोई॥2॥

jāhu bēgi saṃkaṭa ati bhrātā. lachimana bihasi kahā sunu mātā..
bhṛkuṭi bilāsa sṛṣṭi laya hōī. sapanēhuom saṃkaṭa parai ki sōī..

“Go quickly, your brother is in great peril.” Laksmana answered with a smile, ” Listen, mother ! By the very play of Sri Rama’s eyebrows the entire creation is annihilated; could He then ever dream of being in danger?”

* मरम बचन जब सीता बोला। हरि प्रेरित लछिमन मन डोला॥
बन दिसि देव सौंपि सब काहू। चले जहाँ रावन ससि राहू॥3॥

marama bacana jaba sītā bōlā. hari prērita lachimana mana ḍōlā..
bana disi dēva sauṃpi saba kāhū. calē jahāom rāvana sasi rāhū..

But when Sita urged him with words that cut him to the quick, Laksmana’s resolution-for such was Sri Hari’s will-was shaken, He entrusted Her to the care of all the sylvan gods and the deities presiding over the quarters and proceeded to the place where Sri Rama, a veritable Rahu to the moonlike Ravana, was.

* सून बीच दसकंधर देखा। आवा निकट जती कें बेषा॥
जाकें डर सुर असुर डेराहीं। निसि न नीद दिन अन्न न खाहीं॥4॥

sūna bīca dasakaṃdhara dēkhā. āvā nikaṭa jatī kēṃ bēṣā..
jākēṃ ḍara sura asura ḍērāhīṃ. nisi na nīda dina anna na khāhīṃ..

Availing himself of this opportunity, when there was none by the side of Sita, the ten-headed Ravana drew near to Her cottage in the guise of a recluse. He, in fear of whom the gods and demons equally trembled, so much so that they could neither sleep by night nor eat their food by day-

* सो दससीस स्वान की नाईं। इत उत चितइ चला भड़िहाईं॥
इमि कुपंथ पग देत खगेसा। रह न तेज तन बुधि बल लेसा॥5॥

sō dasasīsa svāna kī nāī. ita uta citai calā bhaḍaihāī..
imi kupaṃtha paga dēta khagēsā. raha na tēja budhi bala lēsā..

-that very Ravana proceeded on his mission of thieving looking this side and that like a cur. Even so the moment a man sets his foot on the path of vice, O Garuda (king of birds), his bodily glow, reason and strength completely disappear.

* नाना बिधि करि कथा सुहाई। राजनीति भय प्रीति देखाई॥
कह सीता सुनु जती गोसाईं। बोलेहु बचन दुष्ट की नाईं॥6॥

nānā bidhi kari kathā suhāī. rājanīti bhaya prīti dēkhāī..
kaha sītā sunu jatī gōsāīṃ. bōlēhu bacana duṣṭa kī nāīṃ..

Having invented alluring stories of various kinds he not only showed Her the course which was dictated by political wisdom but also used threats and made love to Her. Said Sita, “Listen, O holy father: you have spoken like a villain.”

* तब रावन निज रूप देखावा। भई सभय जब नाम सुनावा॥
कह सीता धरि धीरजु गाढ़ा। आइ गयउ प्रभु रहु खल ठाढ़ा॥7॥

taba rāvana nija rūpa dēkhāvā. bhaī sabhaya jaba nāma sunāvā..
kaha sītā dhari dhīraju gāḍhaā. āi gayau prabhu rahu khala ṭhāḍhaā..

Then Ravana revealed his real form; and She was terrified when he mentioned his name. Sita plucked all Her courage and said, ” Stay awhile, O wretch; my lord has come.

* जिमि हरिबधुहि छुद्र सस चाहा। भएसि कालबस निसिचर नाहा॥
सुनत बचन दससीस रिसाना। मन महुँ चरन बंदि सुख माना॥8॥

jimi haribadhuhi chudra sasa cāhā. bhaēsi kālabasa nisicara nāhā..
sunata bacana dasasīsa risānā. mana mahuom carana baṃdi sukha mānā..

Even as a tiny hare would wed a lioness, so have you wooed your own destruction (by setting your heart on me), O king of demons.” On hearing these words the ten-headed Ravana flew into a rage, though in his heart he rejoiced to adore Her feet.

दोहा | DOHAS :

* क्रोधवंत तब रावन लीन्हिसि रथ बैठाइ।
चला गगनपथ आतुर भयँ रथ हाँकि न जाइ॥28॥

krōdhavaṃta taba rāvana līnhisi ratha baiṭhāi.
calā gaganapatha ātura bhayaom ratha hāomki na jāi..28..

Full of rage, Ravana now seated Her in his chariot and drove through the air in great flurry: he was so much afraid that he was scarcely able to drive.

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* हा जग एक बीर रघुराया। केहिं अपराध बिसारेहु दाया॥
आरति हरन सरन सुखदायक। हा रघुकुल सरोज दिननायक॥1॥

hā jaga ēka bīra raghurāyā. kēhiṃ aparādha bisārēhu dāyā..
ārati harana sarana sukhadāyaka. hā raghukula sarōja dinanāyaka..

Ah! Lord of Raghus, peerless champion of the world, reliever of distress and delighter of the suppliant, ah! the sun that gladdens the lotus-like race of Raghu, for what fault of mine have you become so hard-hearted against your nature?

 

* हा लछिमन तुम्हार नहिं दोसा। सो फलु पायउँ कीन्हेउँ रोसा॥
बिबिध बिलाप करति बैदेही। भूरि कृपा प्रभु दूरि सनेही॥2॥

hā lachimana tumhāra nahiṃ dōsā. sō phalu pāyauom kīnhēuom rōsā..
bibidha bilāpa karati baidēhī. bhūri kṛpā prabhu dūri sanēhī..

Ah! Laksmana, the fault is none of yours; I have reaped the fruit of the temper I showed.” Manifold were the lamentations that Videha’s Daughter uttered. “Though boundless his mercy, my loving lord is far away.

 

* बिपति मोरि को प्रभुहि सुनावा। पुरोडास चह रासभ खावा॥
सीता कै बिलाप सुनि भारी। भए चराचर जीव दुखारी॥3॥

bipati mōri kō prabhuhi sunāvā. purōḍāsa caha rāsabha khāvā..
sītā kai bilāpa suni bhārī. bhaē carācara jīva dukhārī..

Who will apprize the lord of my calamity? An ass would eat the sacrificial oblation!” At the sound of Sita’s loud wailing all created beings, whether animate or inanimate, felt distressed.

 

* गीधराज सुनि आरत बानी। रघुकुलतिलक नारि पहिचानी॥
अधम निसाचर लीन्हें जाई। जिमि मलेछ बस कपिला गाई॥4॥

gīdharāja suni ārata bānī. raghukulatilaka nāri pahicānī..
adhama nisācara līnhē jāī. jimi malēcha basa kapilā gāī..

Jatayu (the king of vultures) heard the piteous cry and recognized (from Her voice) that it was the spouse of Sri Rama, the Glory of Raghu’s race, who was being carried away by the vile demon (Ravana) like a dun cow that had fallen into the hands of some barbarian.

 

* सीते पुत्रि करसि जनि त्रासा। करिहउँ जातुधान कर नासा॥
धावा क्रोधवंत खग कैसें। छूटइ पबि परबत कहुँ जैसें॥5॥

sītē putri karasi jani trāsā. karihauom jātudhāna kara nāsā..
dhāvā krōdhavaṃta khaga kaisēṃ. chūṭai pabi parabata kahuom jaisē..

“Sita, my daughter, fear not; I will kill this demon.” The bird darted off in its fury like a thunderbolt hurled against a mountain.

 

* रे रे दुष्ट ठाढ़ किन हो ही। निर्भय चलेसि न जानेहि मोही॥
आवत देखि कृतांत समाना। फिरि दसकंधर कर अनुमाना॥6॥

rē rē duṣṭa ṭhāḍha kina hōhī. nirbhaya calēsi na jānēhi mōhī..
āvata dēkhi kṛtāṃta samānā. phiri dasakaṃdhara kara anumānā..

“Why do you not stop, O villain? You are proceeding fearlessly as if you have not yet known me!” When he saw the vulture bearing down upon him like Death, the ten-headed monster turned towards him and reflected,

 

* की मैनाक कि खगपति होई। मम बल जान सहित पति सोई॥
जाना जरठ जटायू एहा। मम कर तीरथ छाँड़िहि देहा॥7॥

kī maināka ki khagapati hōī. mama bala jāna sahita pati sōī..
jānā jaraṭha jaṭāyū ēhā. mama kara tīratha chāomḍaihi dēhā..

“Is it Mount Mainaka or can it be Garuda (the king of birds) ? The latter, however, knows my strength as also his lord (Bhagavan Visnu)!” When the bird drew near, he recognized it and said, ” It is no other than the aged Jatayu; he has come to drop his body at the sanctuary of my hands.”

 

* सुनत गीध क्रोधातुर धावा। कह सुनु रावन मोर सिखावा॥
तजि जानकिहि कुसल गृह जाहू। नाहिं त अस होइहि बहुबाहू॥8॥

sunata gīdha krōdhātura dhāvā. kaha sunu rāvana mōra sikhāvā..
taji jānakihi kusala gṛha jāhū. nāhiṃ ta asa hōihi bahubāhū..

At this the vulture rushed in the excitement of his fury, exclaiming: ” Listen, Ravana, to my advice and return home safely, letting Janaka’s Daughter alone. Otherwise despite your many arms what will happen is this:-

 

* राम रोष पावक अति घोरा। होइहि सकल सलभ कुल तोरा॥
उतरु न देत दसानन जोधा। तबहिं गीध धावा करि क्रोधा॥9॥

rāma rōṣa pāvaka ati ghōrā. hōihi sakala salabha kula tōrā..
utaru na dēta dasānana jōdhā. tabahiṃ gīdha dhāvā kari krōdhā..

in the most terrible flame of Sri Rama’s wrath your whole house will be consumed like a moth.” Bellicose Ravana, however gave no answer. The vulture (Jatayu) thereupon rushed wildly on and-

 

* धरि कच बिरथ कीन्ह महि गिरा। सीतहि राखि गीध पुनि फिरा॥
चोचन्ह मारि बिदारेसि देही। दंड एक भइ मुरुछा तेही॥10॥

dhari kaca biratha kīnha mahi girā. sītahi rākhi gīdha puni phirā..
caucanha māri bidārēsi dēhī. daṃḍa ēka bhai muruchā tēhī..

clutching the demon by his hair pulled him from the chariot so that he fell to the ground. Having placed Sita in a safe retreat, the vulture turned once more towards Ravana and striking him with his beak tore his body. For nearly half an hour Ravana lay unconscious.

 

* तब सक्रोध निसिचर खिसिआना। काढ़ेसि परम कराल कृपाना॥
काटेसि पंख परा खग धरनी। सुमिरि राम करि अदभुत करनी॥11॥

taba sakrōdha nisicara khisiānā. kāḍhaēsi parama karāla kṛpānā..
kāṭēsi paṃkha parā khaga dharanī. sumiri rāma kari adabhuta karanī..

Much annoyed at this the demon now angrily drew his most dreadful sword and cut off Jatayu’s wings. Invoking Sri Rama and having accomplished marvellous feats, the bird fell to the ground.

 

* सीतहि जान चढ़ाइ बहोरी। चला उताइल त्रास न थोरी॥
करति बिलाप जाति नभ सीता। ब्याध बिबस जनु मृगी सभीता॥12॥

sītahi jāni caḍhaāi bahōrī. calā utāila trāsa na thōrī..
karati bilāpa jāti nabha sītā. byādha bibasa janu mṛgī sabhītā..

Ravana took Sita once more into his car and drove off in haste, greatly alarmed. Sita was borne through the air lamenting like a frightened doe caught in the trap of a hunter.

 

* गिरि पर बैठे कपिन्ह निहारी। कहि हरि नाम दीन्ह पट डारी॥
एहि बिधि सीतहि सो लै गयऊ। बन असोक महँ राखत भयऊ॥13॥

giri para baiṭhē kapinha nihārī. kahi hari nāma dīnha paṭa ḍārī..
ēhi bidhi sītahi sō lai gayaū. bana asōka mahaom rākhata bhayaū..

Perceiving some monkeys perched on a hill She dropped some cloth uttering Sri Hari’s name. In this manner Ravana took Sita away and kept Her in the Asoka garden.

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

* हारि परा खल बहु बिधि भय अरु प्रीति देखाइ।
तब असोक पादप तर राखिसि जतन कराइ॥29 क॥

hāri parā khala bahu bidhi bhaya aru prīti dēkhāi.
taba asōka pādapa tara rākhisi jatana karāi..29ka..

The wretch tried every kind of threat and endearment but failed miserably. At last he kept Her under an Asoka tree strongly guarded.

 

* जेहि बिधि कपट कुरंग सँग धाइ चले श्रीराम।
सो छबि सीता राखि उर रटति रहति हरिनाम॥29 ख॥

jēhi bidhi kapaṭa kuraṃga saomga dhāi calē śrīrāma.
sō chabi sītā rākhi ura raṭati rahati harināma..29kha..

Having impressed on Her heart the beautiful image of Sri Rama as He appeared while running in pursuit of the false deer, Sita incessantly repeated Sri Hari’s Name.

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* रघुपति अनुजहि आवत देखी। बाहिज चिंता कीन्हि बिसेषी॥
जनकसुता परिहरिहु अकेली। आयहु तात बचन मम पेली॥1॥

raghupati anujahi āvata dēkhī. bāhija ciṃtā kīnhi bisēṣī..
janakasutā pariharihu akēlī. āyahu tāta bacana mama pēlī..

When the Lord of Raghus saw His younger brother coming, He outwardly expressed much concern. “Alas! You have left Janaka’s daughter alone and come here against my instructions.

 

* निसिचर निकर फिरहिं बन माहीं। मम मन सीता आश्रम नाहीं॥
गहि पद कमल अनुज कर जोरी। कहेउ नाथ कछु मोहि न खोरी॥2॥

nisicara nikara phirahiṃ bana māhīṃ. mama mana sītā āśrama nāhīṃ..
gahi pada kamala anuja kara jōrī. kahēu nātha kachu mōhi na khōrī..

Hosts of demons are roaming about in the forest; I, therefore, suspect Sita is not at the hermitage.” Laksmana clasped Sri Rama’s lotus feet and replied with joined palms, “Lord, it is no fault of mine.”

 

* अनुज समेत गए प्रभु तहवाँ। गोदावरि तट आश्रम जहवाँ॥
आश्रम देखि जानकी हीना। भए बिकल जस प्राकृत दीना॥3॥

anuja samēta gaē prabhu tahavāom. gōdāvari taṭa āśrama jahavāom..
āśrama dēkhi jānakī hīnā. bhaē bikala jasa prākṛta dīnā..

Accompanied by His younger brother, the Lord went back to His hermitage on the bank of the Godavari. When He saw the hermitage bereft of Janaka’s Daughter, He felt as perturbed and afflicted as any common man.

 

* हा गुन खानि जानकी सीता। रूप सील ब्रत नेम पुनीता॥
लछिमन समुझाए बहु भाँति। पूछत चले लता तरु पाँती॥4॥

hā guna khāni jānakī sītā. rūpa sīla brata nēma punītā..
lachimana samujhāē bahu bhāomtī. pūchata calē latā taru pāomtī..

” Alas! Sita, Janaka’s daughter, the very mine of virtues, of such flawless beauty, character, austerity and devotion!” Laksmana consoled Him in many ways. He questioned all the creepers and trees (that stood on the way ) as He went along (in search of Her):-

 

* हे खग मृग हे मधुकर श्रेनी। तुम्ह देखी सीता मृगनैनी॥
खंजन सुक कपोत मृग मीना। मधुप निकर कोकिला प्रबीना॥5॥

hē khaga mṛga hē madhukara śrēnī. tumha dēkhī sītā mṛganainī..
khaṃjana suka kapōta mṛga mīnā. madhupa nikara kōkilā prabīnā..

-“O birds and deer, O string of bees, have you seen the fawn-eyed Sita? The wagtail, the parrot, the pigeon, the deer, the fish, the swarms of bees, the clever cuckoo,-

 

* कुंद कली दाड़िम दामिनी। कमल सरद ससि अहिभामिनी॥
बरुन पास मनोज धनु हंसा। गज केहरि निज सुनत प्रसंसा॥6॥

kuṃda kalī dāḍaima dāminī. kamala sarada sasi ahibhāminī..
baruna pāsa manōja dhanu haṃsā. gaja kēhari nija sunata prasaṃsā..

the jasmine buds, the pomegranate, the lightning, the lotus, the autumnal moon, the gliding serpent, the noose of Varuna (the god of water), the bow of Cupid, the swan, the elephant and the lion now hear themselves praised.

 

* श्री फल कनक कदलि हरषाहीं। नेकु न संक सकुच मन माहीं॥
सुनु जानकी तोहि बिनु आजू। हरषे सकल पाइ जनु राजू॥7॥

śrīphala kanaka kadali haraṣāhīṃ. nēku na saṃka sakuca mana māhīṃ..
sunu jānakī tōhi binu ājū. haraṣē sakala pāi janu rājū..

The Bilva fruit and the gold banana rejoice and do not feel the least misgiving or bashfulness* Listen, Janaka’s daughter: in your absence today, they are all glad as if they have got a Kingdom. (means, all these were despised, humiliated and ashamed in front of your organs. Today, looking at you, they are blossoming in their pride)

 

* किमि सहि जात अनख तोहि पाहीं। प्रिया बेगि प्रगटसि कस नाहीं॥
एहि बिधि खोजत बिलपत स्वामी। मनहुँ महा बिरही अति कामी॥8॥

kimi sahi jāta anakha tōhi pāhīṃ . priyā bēgi pragaṭasi kasa nāhīṃ..
ēhi bidhi khaujata bilapata svāmī. manahuom mahā birahī ati kāmī..

How can you bear such rivalry? Why do you not reveal yourself quickly, my darling?” In this way the Lord searched and lamented like an uxorious husband sore smitten with pangs of separation.

 

* पूरकनाम राम सुख रासी। मनुजचरित कर अज अबिनासी॥
आगें परा गीधपति देखा। सुमिरत राम चरन जिन्ह रेखा॥9॥

pūranakāma rāma sukha rāsī. manuja carita kara aja abināsī..
āgē parā gīdhapati dēkhā. sumirata rāma carana jinha rēkhā..

Sri Rama, who is Bliss personified and has all His wishes accomplished, and who is both unborn and immortal, behaved like a mortal. Further on they saw the king of vultures lying, with his thoughts fixed on Sri Rama’s feet which bear characteristic marks on their soles.

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

* कर सरोज सिर परसेउ कृपासिंधु रघुबीर।
निरखि राम छबि धाम मुख बिगत भई सब पीर॥30॥

kara sarōja sira parasēu kṛpāsiṃdhu radhubīra..
nirakhi rāma chabi dhāma mukha bigata bhaī saba pīra..30..

The Hero of Raghu’s line, the ocean of mercy, stroked Jatayu’s head with His lotus hands. As the bird gazed on Sri Rama’s countenance, the home of loveliness, all his pain disappeared.

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* तब कह गीध बचन धरि धीरा। सुनहु राम भंजन भव भीरा॥
नाथ दसानन यह गति कीन्ही। तेहिं खल जनकसुता हरि लीन्ही॥1॥

taba kaha gīdha bacana dhari dhīrā . sunahu rāma bhaṃjana bhava bhīrā..
nātha dasānana yaha gati kīnhī. tēhi khala janakasutā hari līnhī..

The vulture now recovered himself and spoke as follows: “Listen, Rama, the allayer of the fear of transmigration: it was the ten-headed Ravana, my lord, who reduced me to this plight; it was the same wretch who carried off Janaka’s daughter.

 

* लै दच्छिन दिसि गयउ गोसाईं। बिलपति अति कुररी की नाईं॥
दरस लाग प्रभु राखेउँ प्राना। चलन चहत अब कृपानिधाना॥2॥

lai dacchina disi gayau gōsāī. bilapati ati kurarī kī nāī..
darasa lāgī prabhu rākhēṃuom prānā. calana cahata aba kṛpānidhānā..

He took her away, holy sir, to the south while she kept screaming loudly as an osprey. I have survived, my lord, only to behold you, my life now is about to depart, O fountain of mercy.”

 

* राम कहा तनु राखहु ताता। मुख मुसुकाइ कही तेहिं बाता॥
जाकर नाम मरत मुख आवा। अधमउ मुकुत होइ श्रुति गावा॥3॥

rāma kahā tanu rākhahu tātā. mukha musakāi kahī tēhiṃ bātā..
jā kara nāma marata mukha āvā. adhamau mukuta hōī śruti gāvā..

He, however, replied with a smile on his countenance, “He whose very name, so declare the Vedas, redeems the most depraved soul even if it appears on his lips at the moment of his death.

 

* सो मम लोचन गोचर आगें। राखौं देह नाथ केहि खाँगें॥
जल भरि नयन कहहिं रघुराई। तात कर्म निज तें गति पाई॥4॥

sō mama lōcana gōcara āgēṃ. rākhauṃ dēha nātha kēhi khāomgēṃ..
jala bhari nayana kahahiṃ raghurāī. tāta karma nija tē gatiṃ pāī..

He is present before me in a visible form! What more wants now, for which I should retain my body any longer?” With His eyes full of tears the Lord of Raghus replied, “Dear father, you have attained to an enviable state by virtue of your own noble deeds.

* परहित बस जिन्ह के मन माहीं। तिन्ह कहुँ जग दुर्लभ कछु नाहीं॥
तनु तजि तात जाहु मम धामा। देउँ काह तुम्ह पूरनकामा॥5॥

parahita basa jinha kē mana māhīṃ. tinha kahuom jaga durlabha kachu nāhīṃ..
tanu taji tāta jāhu mama dhāmā. dēuom kāha tumha pūranakāmā..

Nothing is difficult of attainment in this world to those who have others’ interests at heart. Casting off your body, dear father, proceed now to my divine abode. What shall I give you, when you have all your desires already accomplished?

दोहा | DOHAS :

* सीता हरन तात जनि कहहु पिता सन जाइ।
जौं मैं राम त कुल सहित कहिहि दसानन आइ॥31॥

sītā harana tāta jani kahahu pitā sana jāi..
jauṃ maiṃ rāma ta kula sahita kahihi dasānana āi..31..

“But on reaching there, sire, tell not my father about Sita’s abduction. If I am no other than Rama ( if I am what I am), the ten-headed Ravana and his whole house will go and say everything to him.”

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* गीध देह तजि धरि हरि रूपा। भूषन बहु पट पीत अनूपा॥
स्याम गात बिसाल भुज चारी। अस्तुति करत नयन भरि बारी॥1॥

gīdha dēha taji dhari hari rupā. bhūṣana bahu paṭa pīta anūpā..
syāma gāta bisāla bhuja cārī. astuti karata nayana bhari bārī..

The vulture now dropped his body and assumed Sri Hari’s own form, bedecked with many jewels and clad in a yellow attire of matchless splendour, and possessed of a dark hue and four long arms; and with his eyes full of tears, he burst into praises of his lord.

 

छंद | Chhand :

* जय राम रूप अनूप निर्गुन सगुन गुन प्रेरक सही।
दससीस बाहु प्रचंड खंडन चंड सर मंडन मही॥
पाथोद गात सरोज मुख राजीव आयत लोचनं।
नित नौमि रामु कृपाल बाहु बिसाल भव भय मोचनं॥1॥

jaya rāma rūpa anūpa nirguna saguna guna prēraka sahī.
dasasīsa bāhu pracaṃḍa khaṃḍana caṃḍa sara maṃḍana mahī..
pāthōda gāta sarōja mukha rājīva āyata lōcanaṃ.
nita naumi rāmu kṛpāla bāhu bisāla bhava bhaya mōcanaṃ..1..

Glory to Sri Rama of incomparable beauty, who is absolute as well as qualified and the true impeller of Gunas (Maya) too. His fierce arrows are potent enough to cut off the terrible arms of the ten-headed Ravana. I incessantly adore the all-merciful Sri Rama, the ornament of the earth, who is endowed with a form dark as the rain-cloud, a face resembling the blue lotus and large eyes resembling the red lotus. Possessed of long arms, He rids His devotees of the fear of transmigration.

 

* बलमप्रमेयमनादिमजमब्यक्तमेकमगोचरं।
गोबिंद गोपर द्वंद्वहर बिग्यानघन धरनीधरं॥
जे राम मंत्र जपंत संत अनंत जन मन रंजनं।
नित नौमि राम अकाम प्रिय कामादि खल दल गंजनं॥2॥

balamapramēyamanādimajamabyaktamēkamagōcaraṃ.
gōbiṃda gōpara dvaṃdvahara bigyānaghana dharanīdharaṃ..
jē rāma maṃtra japaṃta saṃta anaṃta jana mana raṃjanaṃ.
nita naumi rāma akāma priya kāmādi khala dala gaṃjanaṃ..2.

His strength is immeasurable; He is without beginning and unborn, the one (without a second), unmanifest and imperceptible, beyond the reach of the senses, though attainable with the help of the Vedic hymns, the dispeller of pairs of opposites (such as joy and sorrow, birth and death, pleasure and pain etc.,) consciousness personified, the supporter of the earth, death and the delighter of the soul of countless saints and devotees who repeat the sacred Name of Rama. I ever extol Sri Rama, who loves and is loved by those who are free from desire and curbs the host of vicious propensities such as lust and so on.

 

* जेहि श्रुति निरंजन ब्रह्म ब्यापक बिरज अज कहि गावहीं।
करि ध्यान ग्यान बिराग जोग अनेक मुनि जेहि पावहीं॥
सो प्रगट करुना कंद सोभा बृंद अग जग मोहई।
मम हृदय पंकज भृंग अंग अनंग बहु छबि सोहई॥3॥

jēhi śruti niraṃjana brahma byāpaka biraja aja kahi gāvahīṃ..
kari dhyāna gyāna birāga jōga anēka muni jēhi pāvahīṃ..
sō pragaṭa karunā kaṃda sōbhā bṛṃda aga jaga mōhaī.
mama hṛdaya paṃkaja bhṛṃga aṃga anaṃga bahu chabi sōhaī..3..

He, whom the Vedas glorify under the name of Brahma, pure (free from the taint of Maya), all-pervading, passionless and unborn, whom the sages attain to through manifold practices such as meditation, discretion, dispassion and Yoga (self-discipline), that fountain of mercy has become manifest as the very incarnation of beauty and enraptures the whole animate and inanimate creation. He is the bee that resides in the lotus of my heart and through every limb of His shines the splendour of many a god of love.

 

* जो अगम सुगम सुभाव निर्मल असम सम सीतल सदा।
पस्यंति जं जोगी जतन करि करत मन गो बस सदा॥
सो राम रमा निवास संतत दास बस त्रिभुवन धनी।
मम उर बसउ सो समन संसृति जासु कीरति पावनी॥4॥

jō agama sugama subhāva nirmala asama sama sītala sadā.
pasyaṃti jaṃ jōgī jatana kari karata mana gō basa sadā..
sō rāma ramā nivāsa saṃtata dāsa basa tribhuvana dhanī.
mama ura basau sō samana saṃsṛti jāsu kīrati pāvanī..4..

He, who is at once inaccessible and easily accessible, who has a guileless disposition and is both partial and impartial and ever placid, whom the Yogis perceive with great effort subduing their senses and mind, that Rama, the abode of Rama (Goddess Laksmi) and the Lord of the three spheres (the entire creation) is ever at the beck and call of His devotees. May He abide in my heart, whose holy praises put a stop to transmigration?”

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

* अबिरल भगति मागि बर गीध गयउ हरिधाम।
तेहि की क्रिया जथोचित निज कर कीन्ही राम॥32॥

abirala bhagati māgi bara gīdha gayau haridhāma.
tēhi kī kriyā jathōcita nija kara kīnhī rāma..32..

Asking the boon of uninterrupted devotion the vulture (Jatayu) ascended to Sri Hari’s Abode. Sri Rama performed his funeral rites with due ceremony and with His own hands.

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* कोमल चित अति दीनदयाला। कारन बिनु रघुनाथ कृपाला॥
गीध अधम खग आमिष भोगी। गति दीन्ही जो जाचत जोगी॥1॥

kōmala cita ati dīnadayālā. kārana binu raghunātha kṛpālā..
gīdha adhama khaga āmiṣa bhōgī. gati dīnhi jō jācata jōgī..

The Lord of Raghus is most tender-hearted and compassionate to the humble and shows His mercy even where there is no occasion for it. On a vulture, who is a most unclean and carnivorous bird, He conferred a state which is solicited even by Yogis.

 

* सुनहू उमा ते लोग अभागी। हरि तजि होहिं बिषय अनुरागी।
पुनि सीतहि खोजत द्वौ भाई। चले बिलोकत बन बहुताई॥2॥

sunahu umā tē lōga abhāgī. hari taji hōhiṃ biṣaya anurāgī..
puni sītahi khōjata dvau bhāī. calē bilōkata bana bahutāī..

Listen, Uma: those people are unfortunate indeed, who abandon Sri Hari and become attached to the object of sense. The two brothers proceeded further in quest of Sita and marked the thickening of the forest even as they went.

 

* संकुल लता बिटप घन कानन। बहु खग मृग तहँ गज पंचानन॥
आवत पंथ कबंध निपाता। तेहिं सब कही साप कै बाता॥3॥

saṃkula latā biṭapa ghana kānana. bahu khaga mṛga tahaom gaja paṃcānana..
āvata paṃtha kabaṃdha nipātā. tēhiṃ saba kahī sāpa kai bātā..

The thicket was full of creepers and trees and inhabited by many birds and deer, elephants and lions, Sri Rama overthrew the demon Kabandha even as the latter met Him on the way; he told Him the whole story about the curse pronounced on him:

 

* दुरबासा मोहि दीन्ही सापा। प्रभु पद पेखि मिटा सो पापा॥
सुनु गंधर्ब कहउँ मैं तोही। मोहि न सोहाइ ब्रह्मकुल द्रोही॥4॥

durabāsā mōhi dīnhī sāpā. prabhu pada pēkhi miṭā sō pāpā..
sunu gaṃdharba kahauom mai tōhī. mōhi na sōhāi brahmakula drōhī..

“The sage Durvasa had imprecated me; the sin has now been wiped out by the sight of the Lord’s feet.” “Listen, O Gandharva, to what I tell you: I cannot tolerate an enemy of the Brahmanas.”

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

* मन क्रम बचन कपट तजि जो कर भूसुर सेव।
मोहि समेत बिरंचि सिव बस ताकें सब देव॥33॥

mana krama bacana kapaṭa taji jō kara bhūsura sēva.
mōhi samēta biraṃci siva basa tākēṃ saba dēva..33..

He who without guile in thought, word and deed does service to the Brahmanas (the very gods on earth), wins over Brahma, Siva, Myself and all other divinities.

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* सापत ताड़त परुष कहंता। बिप्र पूज्य अस गावहिं संता॥
पूजिअ बिप्र सील गुन हीना। सूद्र न गुन गन ग्यान प्रबीना॥1॥

sāpata tāḍata paruṣa kahaṃtā. bipra pūjya asa gāvahiṃ saṃtā..
pūjia bipra sīla guna hīnā. sūdra na guna gana gyāna prabīnā..

A Brahmana, even though he curse you, beat you or speak harsh words to you, is still worthy of adoration: so declare the saints. A Brahmana must be respected, though lacking in amiability and virtue; not so a Sudra, though possessing a host of virtues and rich in knowledge.”

 

* कहि निज धर्म ताहि समुझावा। निज पद प्रीति देखि मन भावा॥
रघुपति चरन कमल सिरु नाई। गयउ गगन आपनि गति पाई॥2॥

kahi nija dharma tāhi samujhāvā. nija pada prīti dēkhi mana bhāvā..
raghupati carana kamala siru nāī. gayau gagana āpani gati pāī..

The Lord instructed Kabandha in His own cult (the cult of Devotion) and was delighted at heart to see his devotion to His feet. Having regained his original form (that of a Gandharva) he bowed his head to the lotus feet of Sri Rama (the Lord of Raghus) and ascended to the heaven.

 

* ताहि देइ गति राम उदारा। सबरी कें आश्रम पगु धारा॥
सबरी देखि राम गृहँ आए। मुनि के बचन समुझि जियँ भाए॥3॥

tāhi dēi gati rāma udārā. sabarī kēṃ āśrama pagu dhārā..
sabarī dēkhi rāma gṛhaom āē. muni kē bacana samujhi jiyaom bhāē..

Having conferred on him his own (Gandharva) state the beneficent Rama repaired to the hermitage of Sabari. When Sabari saw that Sri Rama had called at her abode, she recalled the words of the sage (Matanga) and was glad of heart.

 

* सरसिज लोचन बाहु बिसाला। जटा मुकुट सिर उर बनमाला॥
स्याम गौर सुंदर दोउ भाई। सबरी परी चरन लपटाई॥4॥

sarasija lōcana bāhu bisālā. jaṭā mukuṭa sira ura banamālā..
syāma gaura suṃdara dōu bhāī. sabarī parī carana lapaṭāī..

With lotus-like eyes, long arms, a tuft of matted hair adorning their head like a crown and a garland of wild flowers hanging upon their breast, the two brothers looked most charming-the one dark of hue and the other fair; Sabari fell prostrate and embraced their feet.

 

* प्रेम मगन मुख बचन न आवा। पुनि पुनि पद सरोज सिर नावा॥
सादर जल लै चरन पखारे। पुनि सुंदर आसन बैठारे॥5॥

prēma magana mukha bacana na āvā. puni puni pada sarōja sira nāvā..
sādara jala lai carana pakhārē. puni suṃdara āsana baiṭhārē..

She was so owerwhelmed with love that no words came to her lips. Repeatedly she bowed her head at their lotus feet. Presently she look some water, reverently laved their feet, and then conducted them to a seat of honour.

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

* कंद मूल फल सुरस अति दिए राम कहुँ आनि।
प्रेम सहित प्रभु खाए बारंबार बखानि॥34॥

kaṃda mūla phala surasa ati diē rāma kahuom āni.
prēma sahita prabhu khāē bāraṃbāra bakhāni..34..

She brought and offered to Sri Rama the most delicious bulbs, roots and fruits. The Lord partook of them repeatedly

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* पानि जोरि आगें भइ ठाढ़ी। प्रभुहि बिलोकि प्रीति अति बाढ़ी॥
केहि बिधि अस्तुति करौं तुम्हारी। अधम जाति मैं जड़मति भारी॥1॥

pāni jōri āgēṃ bhai ṭhāḍhaī. prabhuhi bilōki prīti ati bāḍhaī..
kēhi bidhi astuti karau tumhārī. adhama jāti maiṃ jaḍamati bhārī..

Joining her palms she stood before Him; as she gazed upon the Lord her love waxed yet more ardent. “How can I extol you, lowest in descent and the dullest of wit as I am?

 

* अधम ते अधम अधम अति नारी। तिन्ह महँ मैं मतिमंद अघारी॥
कह रघुपति सुनु भामिनि बाता। मानउँ एक भगति कर नाता॥2॥

adhama tē adhama adhama ati nārī. tinha mahaom maiṃ matimaṃda aghārī..
kaha raghupati sunu bhāmini bātā. mānauom ēka bhagati kara nātā..

A woman is the lowest of those who rank as the lowest of the low. Of women again I am the most dull-headed, O Destroyer of sins.” Answered the Lord of Raghus: “Listen, O good lady, to my words I recognize no other kinship except that of Devotion.

 

* जाति पाँति कुल धर्म बड़ाई। धन बल परिजन गुन चतुराई॥
भगति हीन नर सोहइ कैसा। बिनु जल बारिद देखिअ जैसा॥3॥

jāti pāomti kula dharma baḍaāī. dhana bala parijana guna caturāī..
bhagati hīna nara sōhai kaisā. binu jala bārida dēkhia jaisā..

Despite caste, kinship, lineage, piety, reputation, wealth, physical strength, numerical strength of his family, accomplishments and ability, a man lacking in Devotion is of no more worth than a cloud without water.

 

* नवधा भगति कहउँ तोहि पाहीं। सावधान सुनु धरु मन माहीं॥
प्रथम भगति संतन्ह कर संगा। दूसरि रति मम कथा प्रसंगा॥4॥

navadhā bhagati kahauom tōhi pāhīṃ. sāvadhāna sunu dharu mana māhīṃ..
prathama bhagati saṃtanha kara saṃgā. dūsari rati mama kathā prasaṃgā..

Now I tell you the nine forms of Devotion; please listen attentively and cherish them in your mind. The first in order is fellowship with the saints and the second is marked by a fondness for my stories.

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

* गुर पद पंकज सेवा तीसरि भगति अमान।
चौथि भगति मम गुन गन करइ कपट तजि गान॥35॥

gura pada paṃkaja sēvā tīsari bhagati amāna.
cauthi bhagati mama guna gana karai kapaṭa taji gāna..35..

“Humble service of the lotus feet of one’s preceptor is the third form of Devotion, while the fourth type of Devotion consists in singing my praises with a guileless purpose.”

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* मंत्र जाप मम दृढ़ बिस्वासा। पंचम भजन सो बेद प्रकासा॥
छठ दम सील बिरति बहु करमा। निरत निरंतर सज्जन धरमा॥1॥

maṃtra jāpa mama dṛḍha bisvāsā. paṃcama bhajana sō bēda prakāsā..
chaṭha dama sīla birati bahu karamā. nirata niraṃtara sajjana dharamā..

“Muttering My Name with unwavering faith constitutes the fifth form of adoration revealed in the Vedas. The sixth variety consists in the practice of self-control and virtue, desisting from manifold activities and ever pursuing the course of conduct prescribed for saints.

 

* सातवँ सम मोहि मय जग देखा। मोतें संत अधिक करि लेखा॥
आठवँ जथालाभ संतोषा। सपनेहुँ नहिं देखइ परदोषा॥2॥

sātavaom sama mōhi maya jaga dēkhā. mōtēṃ saṃta adhika kari lēkhā..
āṭhavaom jathālābha saṃtōṣā. sapanēhuom nahiṃ dēkhai paradōṣā..

He who practises the seventh type sees the world full of Me without distinction and reckons the saints as even greater than Myself. He who cultivates the eighth type of Devotion remains contented with whatever he gets and never thinks of detecting others’ faults.

 

* नवम सरल सब सन छलहीना। मम भरोस हियँ हरष न दीना॥
नव महुँ एकउ जिन्ह कें होई। नारि पुरुष सचराचर कोई॥3॥

navama sarala saba sana chalahīnā. mama bharōsa hiyaom haraṣa na dīnā..
nava mahuom ēkau jinha kē hōī. nāri puruṣa sacarācara kōī..

The ninth form of Devotion demands that one should be guileless and straight in one’s dealings with everybody, and should in his heart cherish implicit faith in Me without either exultation or depression. Whoever possesses any one of these nine forms of Devotion, be he man or woman or any other creature-

 

* सोइ अतिसय प्रिय भामिनि मोरें। सकल प्रकार भगति दृढ़ तोरें॥
जोगि बृंद दुरलभ गति जोई। तो कहुँ आजु सुलभ भइ सोई॥4॥

sōi atisaya priya bhāmini mōrē. sakala prakāra bhagati dṛḍha tōrēṃ..
jōgi bṛṃda duralabha gati jōī. tō kahuom āju sulabha bhai sōī..

sentient or insentient- is most dear to Me, O good lady. As for yourself, you are blessed with unflinching devotion of all these types. The prize that is rarely won by the Yogis is within your easy reach today.

 

* मम दरसन फल परम अनूपा। जीव पाव निज सहज सरूपा॥
जनकसुता कइ सुधि भामिनी। जानहि कहु करिबरगामिनी॥5॥

mama darasana phala parama anūpā. jīva pāva nija sahaja sarūpā..
janakasutā kai sudhi bhāminī. jānahi kahu karibaragāminī..

The most incomparable fruit of seeing Me is that the soul attains its natural state. If you know anything about Janaka’s daughter, My good lady, tell Me her news,

 

* पंपा सरहि जाहु रघुराई। तहँ होइहि सुग्रीव मिताई॥
सो सब कहिहि देव रघुबीरा। जानतहूँ पूछहु मतिधीरा॥6॥

paṃpā sarahi jāhu raghurāī. tahaom hōihi sugrīva mitāī..
sō saba kahihi dēva raghubīrā. jānatahūom pūchahu matidhīrā..

O fair dame.” “Go to the Pampa lake, O Lord of Raghus; there You will make friends with Sugriva. He will tell you everything, my Lord Rama, Hero of Raghu’s line; You are of steady resolve and know everything; nevertheless You ask me!”

 

* बार बार प्रभु पद सिरु नाई। प्रेम सहित सब कथा सुनाई॥7॥

bāra bāra prabhu pada siru nāī. prēma sahita saba kathā sunāī..

Bowing her head at the Lord’s feet again and again she lovingly related the whole story (of what the sage Matanga had told her and how eagerly she had watched His approach all the time).

 

छंद | Chhand :

* कहि कथा सकल बिलोकि हरि मुख हृदय पद पंकज धरे।
तजि जोग पावक देह परि पद लीन भइ जहँ नहिं फिरे॥
नर बिबिध कर्म अधर्म बहु मत सोकप्रद सब त्यागहू।
बिस्वास करि कह दास तुलसी राम पद अनुरागहू॥

kahi kathā sakala bilōki hari mukha hṛdayaom pada paṃkaja dharē.
taji jōga pāvaka dēha hari pada līna bhai jahaom nahiṃ phirē..
nara bibidha karma adharma bahu mata sōkaprada saba tyāgahū.
bisvāsa kari kaha dāsa tulasī rāma pada anurāgahū..

After telling the whole story, she gazed on the Lord’s countenance and imprinted the image of His lotus feet on her heart; and casting her body in the fire of Yoga she entered Sri Hari’s state wherefrom there is no return. “O men, abandon your varied activities, sins and diverse creeds, which all give birth to sorrow, and with genuine faith,” says Tulasidasa,” be devoted to the feet of Sri Rama.”

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

* जाति हीन अघ जन्म महि मुक्त कीन्हि असि नारि।
महामंद मन सुख चहसि ऐसे प्रभुहि बिसारि॥36॥

jāti hīna agha janma mahi mukta kīnhi asi nāri.
mahāmaṃda mana sukha cahasi aisē prabhuhi bisāri..36..

The Lord conferred final beatitude even on a woman who was not only an outcaste but a very mine of sin; you seek happiness, my most foolish mind, by forgetting such a master!

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* चले राम त्यागा बन सोऊ। अतुलित बल नर केहरि दोऊ॥
बिरही इव प्रभु करत बिषादा। कहत कथा अनेक संबादा॥1॥

calē rāma tyāgā bana sōū. atulita bala nara kēhari dōū..
birahī iva prabhu karata biṣādā. kahata kathā anēka saṃbādā..

Sri Rama left even that forest and proceeded further. The two brothers were lions among men and possessed immeasurable strength. The Lord lamented like one smitten with pangs of separation; He narrated stories and had many a dialogue (with Laksmana).

 

* लछिमन देखु बिपिन कइ सोभा। देखत केहि कर मन नहिं छोभा॥
नारि सहित सब खग मृग बृंदा। मानहुँ मोरि करत हहिं निंदा॥2॥

lachimana dēkhu bipina kai sōbhā. dēkhata kēhi kara mana nahiṃ chōbhā..
nāri sahita saba khaga mṛga bṛṃdā. mānahuom mōri karata hahiṃ niṃdā..

“Laksmana, mark the beauty of the forest; whose heart will not be stirred at its sight? United with their mates all the swarms of birds and herds of deer are reproaching me as it were.

 

* हमहि देखि मृग निकर पराहीं। मृगीं कहहिं तुम्ह कहँ भय नाहीं॥
तुम्ह आनंद करहु मृग जाए। कंचन मृग खोजन ए आए॥2॥

hamahi dēkhi mṛga nikara parāhīṃ. mṛgīṃ kahahiṃ tumha kahaom bhaya nāhīṃ..
tumha ānaṃda karahu mṛga jāē. kaṃcana mṛga khōjana ē āē..

When the bucks see me and scamper away (in fear), their mates would stop them saying, ‘You have nothing to fear; you may enjoy yourselves at will, O progeny of deer. He has come in search of a gold deer.’

 

* संग लाइ करिनीं करि लेहीं। मानहुँ मोहि सिखावनु देहीं॥
सास्त्र सुचिंतित पुनि पुनि देखिअ। भूप सुसेवित बस नहिं लेखिअ॥4॥

saṃga lāi karinīṃ kari lēhīṃ. mānahuom mōhi sikhāvanu dēhīṃ..
sāstra suciṃtita puni puni dēkhia. bhūpa susēvita basa nahiṃ lēkhia..

The elephants would take their mates alongwith them as if to teach me a lesson (that a man should never leave his wife alone). The sacred lore, however thoroughly studied, must be gone through repeatedly; a king, however well served, should never be depended upon.

 

* राखिअ नारि जदपि उर माहीं। जुबती सास्त्र नृपति बस नाहीं॥
देखहु तात बसंत सुहावा। प्रिया हीन मोहि भय उपजावा॥5॥

rākhia nāri jadapi ura māhīṃ. jubatī sāstra nṛpati basa nāhīṃ..
dēkhahu tāta basaṃta suhāvā. priyā hīna mōhi bhaya upajāvā..

In addition, a woman like the scriptures and the king, even though you may cherish her in your bosom, is never thoroughly mastered. See, brother, how pleasant the spring is; yet to me, bereft of my beloved, it is frightful.

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

* बिरह बिकल बलहीन मोहि जानेसि निपट अकेल।
सहित बिपिन मधुकर खग मदन कीन्ह बगमेल॥37 क॥

biraha bikala balahīna mōhi jānēsi nipaṭa akēla.
sahita bipina madhukara khaga madana kīnha bagamēla..37ka..

When the god of love found me tortured by separation, languishing and all alone, he rushed against me with the verdant forest, bees and birds for his army.

 

* देखि गयउ भ्राता सहित तासु दूत सुनि बात।
डेरा कीन्हेउ मनहुँ तब कटकु हटकि मनजात॥37 ख॥

dēkhi gayau bhrātā sahita tāsu dūta suni bāta.
ḍērā kīnhēu manahuom taba kaṭaku haṭaki manajāta..37kha..

His spy (the wind), however, has seen me with my brother and on his report the mind-born Cupid has held up his advancing army and besieged me as it were.”

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* बिटप बिसाल लता अरुझानी। बिबिध बितान दिए जनु तानी॥
कदलि ताल बर धुजा पताका। देखि न मोह धीर मन जाका॥1॥

biṭapa bisāla latā arujhānī. bibidha bitāna diē janu tānī..
kadali tāla bara dhujā patākā. daikhi na mōha dhīra mana jākā..

Creepers have entwined themselves round gigantic trees, spreading as it were a variety of canopies in the sky. The plantains and stately palms are standing like beautiful pennons and standards; he alone who is stout of heart could help being fascinated by their sight.

 

* बिबिध भाँति फूले तरु नाना। जनु बानैत बने बहु बाना॥
कहुँ कहुँ सुंदर बिटप सुहाए। जनु भट बिलग बिलग होइ छाए॥2॥

bibidha bhāomti phūlē taru nānā. janu bānaita banē bahu bānā..
kahuom kahuom sundara biṭapa suhāē. janu bhaṭa bilaga bilaga hōi chāē..

Trees of every description are adorned with flowers of various kinds, like warriors arrayed in all their different kinds of panoply. Other beautiful trees standing here and there look charming like champions separately encamped.

 

* कूजत पिक मानहुँ गज माते। ढेक महोख ऊँट बिसराते॥
मोर चकोर कीर बर बाजी। पारावत मराल सब ताजी॥3॥

kūjata pika mānahuom gaja mātē. ḍhēka mahōkha ūomṭa bisarātē..
mōra cakōra kīra bara bājī. pārāvata marāla saba tājī..

The murmuring cuckoos are his excited elephants; herons and rooks, his camels and mules; peacocks, Cakoras and parrots, his noble war-horses; the pigeons and swans, his Arab steeds;

 

* तीतिर लावक पदचर जूथा। बरनि न जाइ मनोज बरूथा॥
रथ गिरि सिला दुंदुभीं झरना। चातक बंदी गुन गन बरना॥4॥

tītira lāvaka padacara jūthā. barani na jāi manōja baruthā..
ratha giri silā duṃdubhī jharanā. cātaka baṃdī guna gana baranā..

the partridges and quails, his foot soldiers. But there is no describing the whole host of Cupid. Mountain rocks are his chariots; the rills, his kettledrums; the Catakas, the bards that utter his praises;-

 

* मधुकर मुखर भेरि सहनाई। त्रिबिध बयारि बसीठीं आई॥
चतुरंगिनी सेन सँग लीन्हें। बिचरत सबहि चुनौती दीन्हें॥5॥

madhukara mukhara bhēri sahanāī. tribidha bayāri basīṭhīṃ āī..
caturaṃginī sēna saomga līnhēṃ. bicarata sabahi cunautī dīnhēṃ..

the garrulous bees are his trumpets and clarionets and the soft, cool and fragrant breezes have come in the capacity of his ambassadors. Accompanied by an army complete in all its four limbs (viz., the horse, the foot, the chariots and the elephants), he goes about challenging all to a combat.

 

* लछिमन देखत काम अनीका। रहहिं धीर तिन्ह कै जग लीका॥
ऐहि कें एक परम बल नारी। तेहि तें उबर सुभट सोइ भारी॥6॥

lachimana dēkhata kāma anīkā. rahahiṃ dhīra tinha kai jaga līkā..
ēhi kēṃ ēka parama bala nārī. tēhi tēṃ ubara subhaṭa sōi bhārī..

Laksmana, they who remain firm even at the sight of Cupid’s battle-array are men that count in this world. His greatest strength lies in woman; he alone who can escape her is a mighty champion.

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

* तात तीनि अति प्रबल खल काम क्रोध अरु लोभ।
मुनि बिग्यान धाम मन करहिं निमिष महुँ छोभ॥38 क॥

tāta tīni ati prabala khala kāma krōdha aru lōbha.
muni bigyāna dhāma mana karahiṃ nimiṣa mahuom chōbha..38ka..

“Brother, there are three evils most formidable of all-lust, anger and greed. In an instant they distract the mind of hermits who are the very repositories of wisdom.

 

* लोभ कें इच्छा दंभ बल काम कें केवल नारि।
क्रोध कें परुष बचन बल मुनिबर कहहिं बिचारि॥38 ख॥

lōbha kēṃ icchā daṃbha bala kāma kēṃ kēvala nāri.
krōdha kē paruṣa bacana bala munibara kahahiṃ bicāri..38kha..

The weapons of greed are desire and hypocrisy, of lust naught but woman; while anger’s weapon is harsh speech: so declare the great sages after deep thought.”

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* गुनातीत सचराचर स्वामी। राम उमा सब अंतरजामी॥
कामिन्ह कै दीनता देखाई। धीरन्ह कें मन बिरति दृढ़ाई॥1॥

gunātīta sacarācara svāmī. rāma umā saba aṃtarajāmī..
kāminha kai dīnatā dēkhāī. dhīranha kēṃ mana birati dṛḍhaāī..

Sri Rama, dear Uma, (says Bhagavan Siva) is beyond the three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas), though the lord of the animate and inanimate creation, and the inner controller of all. (By speaking as above) He demonstrated the miserable plight of earthly lovers and strengthened dispassion in the mind of the wise.

 

* क्रोध मनोज लोभ मद माया। छूटहिं सकल राम कीं दाया॥
सो नर इंद्रजाल नहिं भूला। जा पर होइ सो नट अनुकूला॥2॥

krōdha manōja lōbha mada māyā. chūṭahiṃ sakala rāma kīṃ dāyā..
sō nara iṃdrajāla nahiṃ bhūlā. jā para hōi sō naṭa anukūlā..

Anger, lust, greed, pride and delusion, all these get eliminated through Sri Rama’s grace. He who wins the favour of that divine player is never deluded by His jugglery.

 

* उमा कहउँ मैं अनुभव अपना। सत हरि भजनु जगत सब सपना॥
पुनि प्रभु गए सरोबर तीरा। पंपा नाम सुभग गंभीरा॥3॥

umā kahauom maiṃ anubhava apanā. sata hari bhajanu jagata saba sapanā..
puni prabhu gaē sarōbara tīrā. paṃpā nāma subhaga gaṃbhīrā..

Uma, I tell you my own realization; the only thing real is worship of Sri Rama, and the whole world is a dream. The Lord then repaired to the shore of the deep and beautiful lake known by the name of Pampa.

 

* संत हृदय जस निर्मल बारी। बाँधे घाट मनोहर चारी॥
जहँ तहँ पिअहिं बिबिध मृग नीरा। जनु उदार गृह जाचक भीरा॥4॥

saṃta hṛdaya jasa nirmala bārī. bāomdhē ghāṭa manōhara cārī..
jahaom tahaom piahiṃ bibidha mṛga nīrā. janu udāra gṛha jācaka bhīrā..

Its water was as limpid as the heart of saints and it had charming flights of steps on all its four sides. Beasts of various kinds drank of its water wherever they listed, as if there was a crowd of beggars ever present at the house of a generous man.

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

* पुरइनि सघन ओट जल बेगि न पाइअ मर्म।
मायाछन्न न देखिऐ जैसें निर्गुन ब्रह्म॥39 क॥

puraini sabana ōṭa jala bēgi na pāia marma.
māyāchanna na dēkhiai jaisē nirguna brahma..39ka..

Covered by dense lotus leaves the water could not be easily discerned, even as the attributeless Brahma is not perceived when veiled by Maya (Ignorance).

 

* सुखी मीन सब एकरस अति अगाध जल माहिं।
जथा धर्मसीलन्ह के दिन सुख संजुत जाहिं॥39 ख॥

sukhi mīna saba ēkarasa ati agādha jala māhiṃ.
jathā dharmasīlanha kē dina sukha saṃjuta jāhiṃ..39kha..

All the fish that had their abode in the fathomless water of the lake were uniformly happy, even as the virtuous ever pass their days peacefully.

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* बिकसे सरसिज नाना रंगा। मधुर मुखर गुंजत बहु भृंगा॥
बोलत जलकुक्कुट कलहंसा। प्रभु बिलोकि जनु करत प्रसंसा॥1॥

bikasē sarasija nānā raṃgā. madhura mukhara guṃjata bahu bhṛṃgā..
bōlata jalakukkuṭa kalahaṃsā. prabhu bilōki janu karata prasaṃsā..

Lotuses of different colours had opened their petals and swarms of bees sweetly hummed. Swans and waterfowls made such a noise as though they had burst into the Lord’s praises the moment they saw Him.

 

* चक्रबाक बक खग समुदाई। देखत बनइ बरनि नहिं जाई॥
सुंदर खग गन गिरा सुहाई। जात पथिक जनु लेत बोलाई॥2॥

cakravāka baka khaga samudāī. dēkhata banai barani nahiṃ jāī..
sundara khaga gana girā suhāī. jāta pathika janu lēta bōlāī..

Birds like the Cakrawaka and the heron were lovely beyond words; one could form an idea of their beauty only after seeing them. The voice of the beautiful birds was so captivating that it seemed they invited the wayfarers who passed by them.

 

* ताल समीप मुनिन्ह गृह छाए। चहु दिसि कानन बिटप सुहाए॥
चंपक बकुल कदंब तमाला। पाटल पनस परास रसाला॥3॥

tāla samīpa muninha gṛha chāē. cahu disi kānana biṭapa suhāē..
caṃpaka bakula kadaṃba tamālā. pāṭala panasa parāsa rasālā..

By the side of the lake hermits had erected their thatched cottages; there were charming forest trees all around. The Campaka, the Bakula, the Kadamba, the Tamala, the Patala, the Panasa, the Palasa, the mango and –

 

* नव पल्लव कुसुमित तरु नाना। चंचरीक पटली कर गाना॥
सीतल मंद सुगंध सुभाऊ। संतत बहइ मनोहर बाऊ॥4॥

nava pallava kusumita taru nānā. caṃcarīka paṭalī kara gānā..
sītala maṃda sugaṃdha subhāū. saṃtata bahai manōhara bāū..

-many other varieties of trees had put forth new leaves and blosoms and swarms of bees hummed on them. A delightful breeze which was naturally cool, gentle and fragrant, ever breathed there.

 

* कुहू कुहू कोकिल धुनि करहीं। सुनि रव सरस ध्यान मुनि टरहीं॥5॥

kuhū kuhū kōkila dhuni karahīṃ. suni rava sarasa dhyāna muni ṭarahīṃ..

The cuckoos cooed so sweetly that their melody disturbed the hermits in their meditation.

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

* फल भारन नमि बिटप सब रहे भूमि निअराइ।
पर उपकारी पुरुष जिमि नवहिं सुसंपति पाइ॥40॥

phala bhārana nami biṭapa saba rahē bhūmi niarāi.
para upakārī puruṣa jimi navahiṃ susaṃpati pāi..40..

Weighed down with the load of their fruits all the fruit trees well-nigh touched the ground, even as benevolent souls grow all the more humble on getting a large fortune.

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* देखि राम अति रुचिर तलावा। मज्जनु कीन्ह परम सुख पावा॥
देखी सुंदर तरुबर छाया। बैठे अनुज सहित रघुराया॥1॥

dēkhi rāma ati rucira talāvā. majjanu kīnha parama sukha pāvā..
dēkhī suṃdara tarubara chāyā. baiṭhē anuja sahita raghurāyā..

When Sri Rama saw this most beautiful lake, He took a dip into it and felt supremely delighted. Seeing the pleasant shade of a stately tree, the Lord of Raghus sat in it with His younger brother.

* तहँ पुनि सकल देव मुनि आए। अस्तुति करि निज धाम सिधाए॥
बैठे परम प्रसन्न कृपाला। कहत अनुज सन कथा रसाला॥2॥

tahaom puni sakala dēva muni āē. astuti kari nija dhāma sidhāē..
baiṭhē parama prasanna kṛpālā. kahata anuja sana kathā rasālā..

There all the gods and sages came once more and having hymned His praises returned to their several homes. The All-merciful sat in a most cheerful mood and discoursed with His younger brother on delightful topics.

* बिरहवंत भगवंतहि देखी। नारद मन भा सोच बिसेषी॥
मोर साप करि अंगीकारा। सहत राम नाना दुख भारा॥3॥

birahavaṃta bhagavaṃtahi dēkhī. nārada mana bhā sōca bisēṣī..
mōra sāpa kari aṃgīkārā. sahata rāma nānā dukha bhārā..

When the sage Narada saw the Lord suffering the pangs of separation, he felt much perturbed at heart. ” It is in submission to my curse* that the Lord is undergoing many hardships of an oppressive nature.

* ऐसे प्रभुहि बिलोकउँ जाई। पुनि न बनिहि अस अवसरु आई॥
यह बिचारि नारद कर बीना। गए जहाँ प्रभु सुख आसीना॥4॥

aisē prabhuhi bilōkauom jāī. puni na banihi asa avasaru āī..
yaha bicāri nārada kara bīnā. gaē jahāom prabhu sukha āsīnā..

Let me, therefore, go and see such a noble Lord; for such an opportunity may not present itself again,” Reflecting thus Narada went, lute in hand, to the spot where the Lord was sitting at ease.

*गावत राम चरित मृदु बानी। प्रेम सहित बहु भाँति बखानी॥
करत दंडवत लिए उठाई। राखे बहुत बार उर लाई॥5॥

gāvata rāma carita mṛdu bānī. prēma sahita bahu bhāomti bakhānī..
karata daṃḍavata liē uṭhāī. rākhē bahuta bāra ura lāī..

He fondly sang in a soft voice the exploits of Sri Rama dwelling upon them in all detail. As he prostrated himself the Lord lifted him up and held him in His embrace for a long time.

* स्वागत पूँछि निकट बैठारे। लछिमन सादर चरन पखारे॥6॥

svāgata pūomchi nikaṭa baiṭhārē. lachimana sādara carana pakhārē..

After enquiring of his welfare, He seated him by His side, while Laksmana reverently laved His feet.

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

* नाना बिधि बिनती करि प्रभु प्रसन्न जियँ जानि।
नारद बोले बचन तब जोरि सरोरुह पानि॥41॥

nānā bidhi binatī kari prabhu prasanna jiyaom jāni.
nārada bōlē bacana taba jōri sarōruha pāni..41..

After much supplication and realizing that the Lord was pleased at heart, Narada joined his lotus palms and spoke as follows:-

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* सुनहु उदार सहज रघुनायक। सुंदर अगम सुगम बर दायक॥
देहु एक बर मागउँ स्वामी। जद्यपि जानत अंतरजामी॥1॥

sunahu udāra sahaja raghunāyaka. suṃdara agama sugama bara dāyaka..
dēhu ēka bara māgauom svāmī. jadyapi jānata aṃtarajāmī..

Listen, O Lord of Raghus, generous by nature as You are: You confer delightful boons that are unattainable as well as those that are attainable. Grant me, my master, only one boon that I ask of You, even though You already know it (even without my asking), indwelling as You do the hearts of all.”

* जानहु मुनि तुम्ह मोर सुभाऊ। जन सन कबहुँ कि करऊँ दुराऊ॥
कवन बस्तु असि प्रिय मोहि लागी। जो मुनिबर न सकहुँ तुम्ह मागी॥2॥

jānahu muni tumha mōra subhāū. jana sana kabahuom ki karauom durāū..
kavana bastu asi priya mōhi lāgī. jō munibara na sakahu tumha māgī..

” You know my disposition, dear sage: do I ever hide anything from my devotees ? What object do I hold so dear, O chief of sages, that you may not ask it of Me?

* जन कहुँ कछु अदेय नहिं मोरें। अस बिस्वास तजहु जनि भोरें॥
तब नारद बोले हरषाई। अस बर मागउँ करउँ ढिठाई॥3॥

jana kahuom kachu adēya nahiṃ mōrēṃ. asa bisvāsa tajahu jani bhōrēṃ..
taba nārada bōlē haraṣāī . asa bara māgauom karauom ḍhiṭhāī..

There is nothing which I may withhold from my votary: never give up this belief even by mistake.” Then Narada gladly said, “This is the boon I presume to ask:

* जद्यपि प्रभु के नाम अनेका। श्रुति कह अधिक एक तें एका॥
राम सकल नामन्ह ते अधिका। होउ नाथ अघ खग गन बधिका॥4॥

jadyapi prabhu kē nāma anēkā. śruti kaha adhika ēka tēṃ ēkā..
rāma sakala nāmanha tē adhikā. hōu nātha agha khaga gana badhikā..

even though my lord has many names, each greater than the rest, as the Vedas declare, let the name RaMA, my lord, surpass all other names in exterminating the whole brood of sins even as a fowler kills an entire flock of birds.

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

* राका रजनी भगति तव राम नाम सोइ सोम।
अपर नाम उडगन बिमल बसहुँ भगत उर ब्योम॥42 क॥

rākā rajanī bhagati tava rāma nāma sōi sōma.
apara nāma uḍagana bimala basuhuom bhagata ura byōma..42ka..

May the name RaMA shine as the moon and the other names as so many stars in the cloudless sky of Your devotee’s heart during the full-moon night of devotion to You.”

* एवमस्तु मुनि सन कहेउ कृपासिंधु रघुनाथ।
तब नारद मन हरष अति प्रभु पद नायउ माथ॥42 ख॥

ēvamastu muni sana kahēu kṛpāsiṃdhu raghunātha.
taba nārada mana haraṣa ati prabhu pada nāyau mātha..42kha..

“The all-merciful Lord of Raghus replied to the sage, “So be it ” Thereupon Narada felt much delighted at heart and bowed at the Lord’s feet.

 

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* अति प्रसन्न रघुनाथहि जानी। पुनि नारद बोले मृदु बानी॥
राम जबहिं प्रेरेउ निज माया मोहेहु मोहि सुनहु रघुराया॥1॥

ati prasanna raghunāthahi jānī. puni nārada bōlē mṛdu bānī..
rāma jabahiṃ prērēu nija māyā. mōhēhu mōhi sunahu raghurāyā..

Seeing the Lord of Raghus so highly pleased, Narada spoke again in gentle tones- ” Listen, O Rama: when You impelled Your Maya (deluding potency) and infatuated me, O Lord of Raghus,-

* तब बिबाह मैं चाहउँ कीन्हा। प्रभु केहि कारन करै न दीन्हा॥
सुनु मुनि तोहि कहउँ सहरोसा। भजहिं जे मोहि तजि सकल भरोसा॥2॥

taba bibāha maiṃ cāhauom kīnhā. prabhu kēhi kārana karai na dīnhā..
sunu muni tōhi kahauom saharōsā. bhajahiṃ jē mōhi taji sakala bharōsā..

I wanted to marry. Why, then, did You not let me accomplish my desire?”

 “Listen, O sage: I tell you with all the emphasis at My command that who worship Me with undivided faith,

* करउँ सदा तिन्ह कै रखवारी। जिमि बालक राखइ महतारी॥
गह सिसु बच्छ अनल अहि धाई। तहँ राखइ जननी अरगाई॥3॥

karauom sadā tinha kai rakhavārī. jimi bālaka rākhai mahatārī..
gaha sisu baccha anala ahi dhāī. tahaom rākhai jananī aragāī..

I always take care of those, even as a mother tends her child. If an infant child runs to catch hold of fire or a snake, the mother rescues it by drawing it aside.

* प्रौढ़ भएँ तेहि सुत पर माता। प्रीति करइ नहिं पाछिलि बाता॥
मोरें प्रौढ़ तनय सम ग्यानी। बालक सुत सम दास अमानी॥4॥

prauḍha bhaēom tēhi suta para mātā. prīti karai nahiṃ pāchili bātā..
mōrē prauḍha tanaya sama gyānī. bālaka suta sama dāsa amānī..

When, however, her son has grown up she loves him no doubt, but not as before. The wise are like My grown up sons, while humble devotees (like you) are like My infant children.

* जनहि मोर बल निज बल ताही। दुहु कहँ काम क्रोध रिपु आही॥
यह बिचारि पंडित मोहि भजहीं। पाएहुँ ग्यान भगति नहिं तजहीं॥5॥

janahi mōra bala nija bala tāhī. duhu kahaom kāma krōdha ripu āhī..
yaha bicāri paṃḍita mōhi bhajahīṃ. pāēhuom gyāna bhagati nahiṃ tajahīṃ..

A devotee depends on Me, while the former (a wise man) depends on his own strength; and both have to face enemies like lust and anger. Pondering thus, the prudent adore Me and never take leave of devotion even after attaining wisdom

 

दोहा | DOHAS :

* काम क्रोध लोभादि मद प्रबल मोह कै धारि।
तिन्ह महँ अति दारुन दुखद मायारूपी नारि॥43॥

kāma krōdha lōbhādi mada prabala mōha kai dhāri.
tinha mahaom ati dāruna dukhada māyārūpī nāri..43..

“Lust, anger, greed, pride etc., constitute the most powerful army of Ignorance. But among them all the fiercest and the most troublesome is that incarnation of Maya (the Lord’s deluding potency) called woman.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* सुनु मुनि कह पुरान श्रुति संता। मोह बिपिन कहुँ नारि बसंता॥
जप तप नेम जलाश्रय झारी। होइ ग्रीषम सोषइ सब नारी॥1

suni muni kaha purāna śruti saṃtā. mōha bipina kahuom nāri basaṃtā..
japa tapa nēma jalāśraya jhārī. hōi grīṣama sōṣai saba nārī..

Listen, O sage: the Puranas, the Vedas and the saints declare that woman is like the vernal season to the forest of ignorance. Nay, like the hot season she dries up all the ponds and lakes of Japa (the muttering of prayers), austerity and religious observances.

काम क्रोध मद मत्सर भेका। इन्हहि हरषप्रद बरषा एका॥
दुर्बासना कुमुद समुदाई। तिन्ह कहँ सरद सदा सुखदाई॥2॥

kāma krōdha mada matsara bhēkā. inhahi haraṣaprada baraṣā ēkā..
durbāsanā kumuda samudāī. tinha kahaom sarada sadā sukhadāī..

Again, lust, anger, pride and jealousy are so many frogs as it were; like the rainy season woman is the only agency that gladdens them all. Even so latent desires of a vicious type are like a bed of lilies, to which, like the autumn, she is ever agreeable.

* धर्म सकल सरसीरुह बृंदा। होइ हिम तिन्हहि दहइ सुख मंदा॥
पुनि ममता जवास बहुताई। पलुहइ नारि सिसिर रितु पाई॥3॥

dharma sakala sarasīruha bṛṃdā. hōi hima tinhahi dahai sukha maṃdā..
puni mamatā javāsa bahutāī. paluhai nāri sisira ritu pāī..

All the different virtues are like a bed of lotuses; like the middle of winter, woman, who is a source of base (sensuous) pleasure, blights them all. Again, the overgrowth of the Yavasa plant in the shape of mineness flourishes when the close of winter in the shape of woman appears.

* पाप उलूक निकर सुखकारी। नारि निबिड़ रजनी अँधियारी॥
बुधि बल सील सत्य सब मीना। बनसी सम त्रिय कहहिं प्रबीना॥4॥

pāpa ulūka nikara sukhakārī. nāri nibiḍa rajanī aomdhiārī..
budhi bala sīla satya saba mīnā. banasī sama triya kahahiṃ prabīnā..

For owls in the shape of sins woman is a delightful night thick with darkness. Even so reason, strength, virtue and truth are all so many fishes as it were; and woman, so declare the wise, is like a hook to catch them.”

दोहा | DOHAS :

* अवगुन मूल सूलप्रद प्रमदा सब दुख खानि।
ताते कीन्ह निवारन मुनि मैं यह जियँ जानि॥44॥

avaguna mūla sūlaprada pramadā saba dukha khāni.
tātē kīnha nivārana muni maiṃ yaha jiyaom jāni..44..

A young woman is the root of all evil, a source of torment and a mine of all woes. Therefore, bearing this in mind, O sage, I prevented your marriage.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* सुनि रघुपति के बचन सुहाए। मुनि तन पुलक नयन भरि आए॥
कहहु कवन प्रभु कै असि रीती। सेवक पर ममता अरु प्रीती॥1॥

suni raghupati kē bacana suhāē. muni tana pulaka nayana bhari āē..
kahahu kavana prabhu kai asi rītī. sēvaka para mamatā aru prītī..

As the sage listened to the delightful of Sri Rama (the Lord of Raghus), a thrill ran through his body and his eyes filled with tears. He said to himself, “Tell me, is there any other master whose wont it is to show such attachment and fondness for his servants?

* जे न भजहिं अस प्रभु भ्रम त्यागी। ग्यान रंक नर मंद अभागी॥
पुनि सादर बोले मुनि नारद। सुनहु राम बिग्यान बिसारद॥2॥

jē na bhajahiṃ asa prabhu bhrama tyāgī. gyāna raṃka nara maṃda abhāgī..
puni sādara bōlē muni nārada. sunahu rāma bigyāna bisārada..

Men who refuse to worship such a lord shaking off all delusion are bankrupt of wisdom, dull-writted and wretched.” The sage Narada again reverentially spoke to the Lord, ” Listen, O Rama, who are well-versed in sacred lore:

* संतन्ह के लच्छन रघुबीरा। कहहु नाथ भव भंजन भीरा॥
सुनु मुनि संतन्ह के गुन कहऊँ। जिन्ह ते मैं उन्ह कें बस रहऊँ॥3॥

saṃtanha kē lacchana raghubīrā. kahahu nātha bhava bhaṃjana bhīrā..
sunu muni saṃtanha kē guna kahaūom. jinha tē maiṃ unha kēṃ basa rahaūom..

tell me, my lord Raghuvira (Hero of Raghu’s line), the distinguishing marks of saints, O dispeller of the fear of transmigration.” “I tell you, dear sage, the qualities of saints, by virtue of which they hold Me in subjection.

* षट बिकार जित अनघ अकामा। अचल अकिंचन सुचि सुखधामा॥
अमित बोध अनीह मितभोगी। सत्यसार कबि कोबिद जोगी॥4॥

ṣaṭa bikāra jita anagha akāmā. acala akiṃcana suci sukhadhāmā..
amitabōdha anīha mitabhōgī. satyasāra kabi kōbida jōgī..

They are masters of the six passions (lust, anger, greed, infatuation, pride and jealousy), sinless, disinterested, firm, possessing nothing, pure (both within and without), full of bliss, of boundless wisdom, desireless, moderate in diet, truthful, inspired, learned and united with God,-

* सावधान मानद मदहीना। धीर धर्म गति परम प्रबीना॥5॥

sāvadhāna mānada madahīnā. dhīra dharma gati parama prabīnā..

circumspect, bestowing honour on others, free from pride, strong-minded and highly conversant with the course of Dharma (righteousness).

दोहा | DOHAS :

* गुनागार संसार दुख रहित बिगत संदेह।
तजि मम चरन सरोज प्रिय तिन्ह कहुँ देह न गेह॥45॥

gunāgāra saṃsāra dukha rahita bigata saṃdēha..
taji mama carana sarōja priya tinha kahuom dēha na gēha..45..

They are abodes of virtue, above the sorrows of the world and free from doubt. Nothing besides My lotus feet is dear to them, not even their body nor their home.”

चौपाई | CHAUPAIS :

* निज गुन श्रवन सुनत सकुचाहीं। पर गुन सुनत अधिक हरषाहीं॥
सम सीतल नहिं त्यागहिं नीती। सरल सुभाउ सबहि सन प्रीति॥1॥

nija guna śravana sunata sakucāhīṃ. para guna sunata adhika haraṣāhīṃ..
sama sītala nahiṃ tyāgahiṃ nītī. sarala subhāu sabahiṃ sana prītī..

They blush to hear themselves praised but feel much delighted to hear others’ praises. Even-minded and placid, they never abandon the right course. Guileless by nature and loving,-

* जप तप ब्रत दम संजम नेमा। गुरु गोबिंद बिप्र पद प्रेमा॥
श्रद्धा छमा मयत्री दाया। मुदिता मम पद प्रीति अमाया॥2॥

japa tapa brata dama saṃjama nēmā. guru gōbiṃda bipra pada prēmā..
śraddhā chamā mayatrī dāyā. muditā mama pada prīti amāyā..

-they are given over to prayer, austerity, control of the senses, selfdenial and religious observances and undertake sacred vows. They are devoted to the feet of their Guru, Lord Govinda (Visnu) and the Brahmanas. They are full of piety, forgiving, friendly to all, compassionate, cheerful under all circumstances and sincerely devoted to My feet.

* बिरति बिबेक बिनय बिग्याना। बोध जथारथ बेद पुराना॥
दंभ मान मद करहिं न काऊ। भूलि न देहिं कुमारग पाऊ॥3॥

birati bibēka binaya bigyānā. bōdha jathāratha bēda purānā..
daṃbha māna mada karahiṃ na kāū. bhūli na dēhiṃ kumāraga pāū..

They are further characterized by dispassion, discretion, modesty, knowledge of the truth relating to God as well as by a correct knowledge of the Vedas and Puranas. They never take recourse to hypocrisy, pride or arrogance nor set their foot on the evil path even by mistake.

* गावहिं सुनहिं सदा मम लीला। हेतु रहित परहित रत सीला॥
मुनि सुनु साधुन्ह के गुन जेते। कहि न सकहिं सादर श्रुति तेते॥4॥

gāvahiṃ sunahiṃ sadā mama līlā. hētu rahita parahita rata sīlā..
muni sunu sādhunha kē guna jētē. kahi na sakahiṃ sārada śruti tētē..

They are ever engaged in singing or hearing My stories and are intent on doing good to others without any consideration. In short, O good sage, the qualities of the saints are so numerous that they cannot be exhausted even by Sarada (the goddess of speech) nor by the Vedas.”

छंद :

* कहि सक न सारद सेष नारद सुनत पद पंकज गहे।
अस दीनबंधु कृपाल अपने भगत गुन निज मुख कहे॥
सिरु नाइ बारहिं बार चरनन्हि ब्रह्मपुर नारद गए।
ते धन्य तुलसीदास आस बिहाइ जे हरि रँग रँए॥

kahi saka na sārada sēṣa nārada sunata pada paṃkaja gahē.
asa dīnabaṃdhu kṛpāla apanē bhagata guna nija mukha kahē..
siru nāha bārahiṃ bāra carananhi brahmapura nārada gaē..
tē dhanya tulasīdāsa āsa bihāi jē hari raomga raomē..

Neither Sarada nor Sesa could tell them!” Even as he heard this the sage Narada clasped the Lord’s lotus feet. In this way the all-merciful Lord, the befriender of the meek, recounted with His own lips the virtues of His devotees. Narada bowed his head at the Lord’s feet again and again and left for the abode of Brahma (the Creator). Blessed are they, says Tulasidasa, who, giving up all hopes, are steeped in love for Sri Hari.

दोहा | DOHAS :

* रावनारि जसु पावन गावहिं सुनहिं जे लोग।
राम भगति दृढ़ पावहिं बिनु बिराग जप जोग॥46 क॥

rāvanāri jasu pāvana gāvahiṃ sunahiṃ jē lōga.
rāma bhagati dṛḍha pāvahiṃ binu birāga japa jōga..46ka..

People who sing or hear the sanctifying praises of Ravana’s Foe shall be rewarded with steadfast devotion to Sri Rama even without dispassion, prayer or concentration of mind.

* दीप सिखा सम जुबति तन मन जनि होसि पतंग।
भजहि राम तजि काम मद करहि सदा सतसंग॥46 ख॥

dīpa sikhā sama jubati tana mana jani hōsi pataṃga.
bhajahi rāma taji kāma mada karahi sadā satasaṃga..46kha..

The body of a young woman is like fhe flame of a candle; be not a moth to it, O my mind. Abandoning lust and pride worship Sri Rama and enjoy the company of saints.

मासपारायण, बाईसवाँ विश्राम
इति श्रीमद्रामचरितमानसे सकलकलिकलुषविध्वंसने तृतीयः सोपानः समाप्तः।
कलियुग के संपूर्ण पापों को विध्वंस करने वाले श्री रामचरितमानस का यह तीसरा सोपान समाप्त हुआ।

तृतीय सोपान समाप्त | Descent Three End
श्री अरण्यकाण्ड समाप्त | Shri Aranya-Kanda End