RamCharitManas BalKanda with English Meaning / Translation

श्रीगणेशायनमः | Shri Ganeshay Namah
श्रीजानकीवल्लभो विजयते | Shri JanakiVallabho Vijayte
श्रीरामचरितमानस | Shri RamCharitManas
प्रथम  सोपान | Descent First
श्री बालकाण्ड | Shri Bal-Kanda

श्लोक | śloka

वर्णानामर्थसंघानां रसानां छन्दसामपि।
मंगलानां च कर्त्तारौ वन्दे वाणीविनायकौ॥1॥

varnānāmarthasamghanam rasanam chandasāmapi,
mangalanam ca karttārau vande väņivinayakau.1.

I reverence Vani ( the goddess of speech) and Vinayaka (Lord Ganesa), tho originators of sounds represented by the alphabet, of the multitudes of objects denoted by those sounds,of poetic sentiments as well as of metres, and the begetters of all auspiciainess.

भवानीशंकरौ वन्दे श्रद्धाविश्वासरूपिणौ।
याभ्यां विना न पश्यन्ति सिद्धाः स्वान्तःस्थमीश्वरम्‌॥2॥

bhavanišankarau vande sraddhaviśvasarapiņau,
yabhyam vina na paśyanti siddhah sväntahsthamiśvaram.2.

I greet Goddess Parvati and Her consort, Bhagavan Sankara, embodiments of roverence and faith respectively, without which even the adept cannot perceive God enshrined in their very heart.

 वन्दे बोधमयं नित्यं गुरुं शंकररूपिणम्‌।
यमाश्रितो हि वक्रोऽपि चन्द्रः सर्वत्र वन्द्यते॥3॥

vandē bōdhamayaṃ nityaṃ guruṃ śaṅkararūpiṇam.
yamāśritō hi vakrō.pi candraḥ sarvatra vandyatē..3..

I make obeisance to the eternal preceptor in the form of Lord Sankara, who is all wisdom, and resting on whose brow the crescent moon, though crooked in shape, is universally adored.(3)

 सीतारामगुणग्रामपुण्यारण्यविहारिणौ।
वन्दे विशुद्धविज्ञानौ कवीश्वरकपीश्वरौ॥4॥

sītārāmaguṇagrāmapuṇyāraṇyavihāriṇau.
vandē viśuddhavijñānau kabīśvarakapīśvarau..4..

I pay homage to the king of bards (Valmiki) and the chief of monkeys (Hanuman),of pure intelligence, both of whom sport in the holy woods in the shape of glories of Sita and Rama.(4)

उद्भवस्थितिसंहारकारिणीं क्लेशहारिणीम्‌।
सर्वश्रेयस्करीं सीतां नतोऽहं रामवल्लभाम्‌॥5॥

udbhavasthitisaṃhārakāriṇīṃ klēśahāriṇīm.
sarvaśrēyaskarīṃ sītāṃ natō.haṃ rāmavallabhām..5..

I bow to Sita the beloved consort of Sri Rama, who is responsible for the creation, sustenance and dissolution (of the universe), removes afflictions and begets all blessings.(5)

 यन्मायावशवर्ति विश्वमखिलं ब्रह्मादिदेवासुरा
यत्सत्त्वादमृषैव भाति सकलं रज्जौ यथाहेर्भ्रमः।
यत्पादप्लवमेकमेव हि भवाम्भोधेस्तितीर्षावतां
वन्देऽहं तमशेषकारणपरं रामाख्यमीशं हरिम्‌॥6॥

yanmāyāvaśavartiṃ viśvamakhilaṃ brahmādidēvāsurā
yatsatvādamṛṣaiva bhāti sakalaṃ rajjau yathāhērbhramaḥ.
yatpādaplavamēkamēva hi bhavāmbhōdhēstitīrṣāvatāṃ
vandē.haṃ tamaśēṣakāraṇaparaṃ rāmākhyamīśaṃ harim..6..

I adore Lord Hari, known by the name of Sri Rama, who is superior to and lies beyond all causes, whose Maya (illusive power) holds sway over the entire universe including gods from Brahma (the Creator) downwards and demons, whose presence lends positive reality to the world of appearances-even as the false notion of a serpent is entertained with reference to a rope-and whose feet are the only bark for those who are eager to cross the ocean of mundane existence.(6)

 नानापुराणनिगमागमसम्मतं यद्
रामायणे निगदितं क्वचिदन्यतोऽपि।
स्वान्तःसुखाय तुलसी रघुनाथगाथा
भाषानिबन्धमतिमंजुलमातनोति॥7॥

nānāpurāṇanigamāgamasammataṃ yad
rāmāyaṇē nigaditaṃ kvacidanyatō.pi.
svāntaḥsukhāya tulasī raghunāthagāthā
bhāṣānibandhamatimañjulamātanōti..7..

For the gratification of his own self Tulasidasa brings forth this very elegant composition relating in common parlance the story of the Lord of Raghus, which is in accord with the various Puranas, Vedas and the agamas (Tantras), and incorporates what has been recorded in the Ramayana (of Valmiki) and culled from some other sources.(7)

सोरठा | Sortha
जो सुमिरत सिधि होइ गन नायक करिबर बदन।
करउ अनुग्रह सोइ बुद्धि रासि सुभ गुन सदन॥1॥

jō sumirata sidhi hōi gana nāyaka karibara badana.
karau anugraha sōi buddhi rāsi subha guna sadana..1..

May Lord Ganesa, the leader of Siva retinue, whose very thought, ensures success, who carries on his shoulders the head of a beautiful elephant, who is a repository of wisdom and an abode of blessed qualities, shower his grace.(1)

 मूक होइ बाचाल पंगु चढ़इ गिरिबर गहन।
जासु कृपाँ सो दयाल द्रवउ सकल कलिमल दहन॥2॥

mūka hōi bācāla paṃgu caḍhai giribara gahana.
jāsu kṛpāom sō dayāla dravau sakala kali mala dahana..2..

May that merciful Lord, whose grace enables the dumb to wax eloquent and a cripple to ascend an inaccessible mountain, and who burns all the impurities of the Kali age, be moved to pity.(2)

 नील सरोरुह स्याम तरुन अरुन बारिज नयन।
करउ सो मम उर धाम सदा छीरसागर सयन॥3॥

nīla sarōruha syāma taruna aruna bārija nayana.
karau sō mama ura dhāma sadā chīrasāgara sayana..3..

May the Lord who ever sleeps on the ocean of milk, and who is swarthy as a blue lotus and has eyes resembling a pair of full-blown red lotuses, take up His abode in my bosom.(3)

 कुंद इंदु सम देह उमा रमन करुना अयन।
जाहि दीन पर नेह करउ कृपा मर्दन मयन॥4॥

kuṃda iṃdu sama dēha umā ramana karunā ayana.
jāhi dīna para nēha karau kṛpā mardana mayana..4..

May the crusher of Cupid, Bhagavan Siva, whose form resembles in colour the jasmine flower and the moon, who is the consort of Goddess Parvati and an abode of compassion and who is fond of the afflicted, be gracious.(4)

 बंदउँ गुरु पद कंज कृपा सिंधु नररूप हरि।
महामोह तम पुंज जासु बचन रबि कर निकर॥5॥

baṃdau guru pada kaṃja kṛpā siṃdhu nararūpa hari.
mahāmōha tama puṃja jāsu bacana rabi kara nikara..5..

I bow to the lotus feet of my Guru, who is an ocean of mercy and is no other than Sri Hari Himself in human form, and whose words are sunbeams as it were for dispersing the mass of darkness in the form of gross ignorance.(5)

चौपाई | Chaupais :
बंदऊँ गुरु पद पदुम परागा। सुरुचि सुबास सरस अनुरागा॥
अमिअ मूरिमय चूरन चारू। समन सकल भव रुज परिवारू॥1॥

baṃdau guru pada paduma parāgā. suruci subāsa sarasa anurāgā..
amiya mūrimaya cūrana cārū. samana sakala bhava ruja parivārū..

I greet the pollen-like dust of the lotus feet of my preceptor, refulgent, fragrant and flavoured with love. It is a lovely powder of the life-giving herb, which allays the host of all the attendant ills of mundane existence.

 सुकृति संभु तन बिमल बिभूती। मंजुल मंगल मोद प्रसूती॥
जन मन मंजु मुकुर मल हरनी। किएँ तिलक गुन गन बस करनी॥2॥

sukṛti saṃbhu tana bimala bibhūtī. maṃjula maṃgala mōda prasūtī..
jana mana maṃju mukura mala haranī. kiēom tilaka guna gana basa karanī..

It adorns the body of a lucky person even as white ashes beautify the person of Lord Siva, and brings forth sweet blessings and joys. It rubs the dirt off the beautiful mirror in the shape of the devotee’s heart; when applied to the forehead in the form of a Tilaka (a religious mark), it attracts a host of virtues.

 श्री गुर पद नख मनि गन जोती। सुमिरत दिब्य दृष्टि हियँ होती॥
दलन मोह तम सो सप्रकासू। बड़े भाग उर आवइ जासू॥3॥

śrīgura pada nakha mani gana jōtī. sumirata dibya drṛṣṭi hiyaom hōtī..
dalana mōha tama sō saprakāsū. baḍaē bhāga ura āvai jāsū..

The splendor of gems in the form of nails on the feet of the blessed Guru unfolds divine vision in the heart by its very thought. The lustre disperses the shades of infatuation, highly blessed is he in whose heart it shines.
उघरहिं बिमल बिलोचन ही के। मिटहिं दोष दुख भव रजनी के॥
सूझहिं राम चरित मनि मानिक। गुपुत प्रगट जहँ जो जेहि खानिक॥4॥

ugharahiṃ bimala bilōcana hī kē. miṭahiṃ dōṣa dukha bhava rajanī kē..
sūjhahiṃ rāma carita mani mānika. guputa pragaṭa jahaom jō jēhi khānika..

With its very appearance the bright eyes of the mind get opened; the attendant evils and sufferings of the night of mundane existence disappear; and gems and rubies in the shape of stories of Sri Rama, both patent and hidden, wherever and in whatever mine they may be, come to light.

दोहा | Dohas :
जथा सुअंजन अंजि दृग साधक सिद्ध सुजान।
कौतुक देखत सैल बन भूतल भूरि निधान॥1॥

jathā suaṃjana aṃji dṛga sādhaka siddha sujāna.
kautuka dēkhata saila bana bhūtala bhūri nidhāna..1..

-as for instance, by applying to the eyes the miraculous salve known by the name of Siddhanjana (the eye-salve of perfection) strivers, adepts as well as men of wisdom easily discover a host of mines on hill-tops, in the midst of forests and in the bowels of the earth.(1)

चौपाई | Chaupais :
गुरु पद रज मृदु मंजुल अंजन। नयन अमिअ दृग दोष बिभंजन॥
तेहिं करि बिमल बिबेक बिलोचन। बरनउँ राम चरित भव मोचन॥1॥

guru pada raja mṛdu maṃjula aṃjana. nayana amia dṛga dōṣa bibhaṃjana..
tēhiṃ kari bimala bibēka bilōcana. baranauom rāma carita bhava mōcana..

The dust of the Guru’s feet is a soft and agreeable, salve, which is ambrosia as it were for the eyes and remedies the defects of vision. Having brightened my eyes of discernment thereby I proceed to relate the story of Sri Rama, which secures freedom from the bondage of mundane existence.

 बंदउँ प्रथम महीसुर चरना। मोह जनित संसय सब हरना॥
सुजन समाज सकल गुन खानी। करउँ प्रनाम सप्रेम सुबानी॥2॥

baṃdauom prathama mahīsura caranā. mōha janita saṃsaya saba haranā..
sujana samāja sakala guna khānī. karauom pranāma saprēma subānī..

First I reverence the feet of Brahmanas, the very gods on earth, who are able to dispel all doubts born of ignorance. Then I make loving obeisance, in a polite language, to the whole body of pious souls, the mines of all virtues.

 साधु चरित सुभ चरित कपासू। निरस बिसद गुनमय फल जासू॥
जो सहि दुख परछिद्र दुरावा। बंदनीय जेहिं जग जस पावा॥3॥

sādhu carita subha carita kapāsū. nirasa bisada gunamaya phala jāsū..
jō sahi dukha parachidra durāvā. baṃdanīya jēhiṃ jaga jasa pāvā..

The conduct of holy men is noble as the career of the cotton plant, the fruit whereof is tasteless, white and fibrous (even as the doings of saints yield results which are free from attachment, stainless and full of goodness). Even by suffering hardships ( in the form of ginning, spinning and weaving) the cotton plant covers others’ faults and has thereby earned in the world a renown which is worthy of adoration.

 मुद मंगलमय संत समाजू। जो जग जंगम तीरथराजू॥
राम भक्ति जहँ सुरसरि धारा। सरसइ ब्रह्म बिचार प्रचारा॥4॥

muda maṃgalamaya saṃta samājū. jō jaga jaṃgama tīratharājū..
rāma bhakti jahaom surasari dhārā. sarasai brahma bicāra pracārā..

The assemblage of saints, which is all joy and felicity, is a moving Prayaga (the king of all holy places) as it were. Devotion to Sri Rama represents, in this moving Prayaga, the stream of the holy Ganga, the river of the celestials; while the proceeding of an enquiry into the nature of Brahma (the Absolute) constitutes the Sarasvati (a subterranean stream which is traditionally believed to join the Ganga and the Yamuna at Prayaga, thus accounting for the name ‘Triveni’, which signifies a meeting-place of three rivers).

 बिधि निषेधमय कलिमल हरनी। करम कथा रबिनंदनि बरनी॥
हरि हर कथा बिराजति बेनी। सुनत सकल मुद मंगल देनी॥5॥
bidhi niṣēdhamaya kali mala haranī. karama kathā rabinaṃdani baranī..
hari hara kathā birājati bēnī. sunata sakala muda maṃgala dēnī..

Discourses on Karma or Action, consisting of injunctions and interdictions, have been spoken of as the sacred Yamuna-a daughter of the sun-god in her angelic form-washing the impurities of the Kali age; while the anecdotes of Visnu and Siva stand out as the triple stream known as Triveni, bringing joy and blessings to those who listen to them. Unwavering faith in their own creed constitutes the immortal banyan tree and noble actions represent the royal court of that king of holy places.

 बटु बिस्वास अचल निज धरमा। तीरथराज समाज सुकरमा॥
सबहि सुलभ सब दिन सब देसा। सेवत सादर समन कलेसा॥6॥

baṭu bisvāsa acala nija dharamā. tīratharāja samāja sukaramā..
sabahiṃ sulabha saba dina saba dēsā. sēvata sādara samana kalēsā..

Easy of access to all on anyday and at every place, this moving Prayaga assuages the afflictions of those who resort to it with reverence. This king of holy places is beyond all description and supra-mundane in character;

 अकथ अलौकिक तीरथराऊ। देह सद्य फल प्रगट प्रभाऊ॥7॥

akatha alaukika tīratharāū. dēi sadya phala pragaṭa prabhāū..

its glory is manifest and it bestows the reward immediately.

दोहा | Dohas :
सुनि समुझहिं जन मुदित मन मज्जहिं अति अनुराग।
लहहिं चारि फल अछत तनु साधु समाज प्रयाग॥2॥

suni samujhahiṃ jana mudita mana majjahiṃ ati anurāga.
lahahiṃ cāri phala achata tanu sādhu samāja prayāga..2..

Men who having heard the glory of this moving Prayaga in the form of the assemblage of holy men appreciate it with an enraptured mind and then take a plunge into it with extreme devotion obtain the four rewards of human existence during their very lifetime.(2)

चौपाई | Chaupais :
मज्जन फल पेखिअ ततकाला। काक होहिं पिक बकउ मराला॥
सुनि आचरज करै जनि कोई। सतसंगति महिमा नहिं गोई॥1॥

majjana phala pēkhia tatakālā. kāka hōhiṃ pika bakau marālā..
suni ācaraja karai jani kōī. satasaṃgati mahimā nahiṃ gōī..

The result of an immersion into the sacred waters of this king of holy places is instantly perceived: crows turn into cuckoos and herons into swans. Let no one marvel to hear this; the glory of contact with saints is no secret.

 बालमीक नारद घटजोनी। निज निज मुखनि कही निज होनी॥
जलचर थलचर नभचर नाना। जे जड़ चेतन जीव जहाना॥2॥

bālamīka nārada ghaṭajōnī. nija nija mukhani kahī nija hōnī..
jalacara thalacara nabhacara nānā. jē jaḍa cētana jīva jahānā..

Valmiki, Narada and Agastya, who was born of a pitcher, have related the story of their birth and transformation with their own lips. Of the various creatures, both animate and inanimate, living in this world, whether in water or on land or in the air,-

 मति कीरति गति भूति भलाई। जब जेहिं जतन जहाँ जेहिं पाई॥
सो जानब सतसंग प्रभाऊ। लोकहुँ बेद न आन उपाऊ॥3॥
mati kīrati gati bhūti bhalāī. jaba jēhiṃ jatana jahāom jēhiṃ pāī..
sō jānaba satasaṃga prabhāū. lōkahuom bēda na āna upāū..

whoever has ever attained wisdom, glory, salvation, material prosperity or welfare anywhere and by any means whatsoever, know it to be the result of association with holy men; there is no other means either in the world or in the Vedas.

 बिनु सतसंग बिबेक न होई। राम कृपा बिनु सुलभ न सोई॥
सतसंगत मुद मंगल मूला। सोई फल सिधि सब साधन फूला॥4॥

binu satasaṃga bibēka na hōī. rāma kṛpā binu sulabha na sōī..
satasaṃgata muda maṃgala mūlā. sōi phala sidhi saba sādhana phūlā..

Wisdom dawns not without association with saints and such association cannot be easily had without the grace of Sri Rama. Contact with noble souls is the root of joy and blessings; it constitutes the very fruit and fulfilment of all endeavours, whereas all other practices are blossoms as it were.

 सठ सुधरहिं सतसंगति पाई। पारस परस कुधात सुहाई॥
बिधि बस सुजन कुसंगत परहीं। फनि मनि सम निज गुन अनुसरहीं॥5॥

saṭha sudharahiṃ satasaṃgati pāī. pārasa parasa kudhāta suhāī..
bidhi basa sujana kusaṃgata parahīṃ. phani mani sama nija guna anusarahīṃ..

Through contact with the virtuous even the wicked get reformed, just as a base metal is transmuted by the touch of the philosopher’s stone. On the other hand, if by mischance good men fall into evil company, they maintain their noble character like the gem on the hood of a serpent.

 बिधि हरि हर कबि कोबिद बानी। कहत साधु महिमा सकुचानी॥
सो मो सन कहि जात न कैसें। साक बनिक मनि गुन गन जैसें॥6॥

bidhi hari hara kabi kōbida bānī. kahata sādhu mahimā sakucānī..
sō mō sana kahi jāta na kaisēṃ. sāka banika mani guna gana jaisēṃ..

Even the speech of deities like Brahma, Visnu and Siva, poets and men of wisdom falters in depicting the glory of pious souls. Much less can it be described by me, even as a dealer in vegetables finds himself incapable of expatiating on the qualities of gems.( 6)

दोहा | Dohas :
बंदउँ संत समान चित हित अनहित नहिं कोइ।
अंजलि गत सुभ सुमन जिमि सम सुगंध कर दोइ॥3 (क)॥

baṃdauom saṃta samāna cita hita anahita nahiṃ kōi.
aṃjali gata subha sumana jimi sama sugaṃdha kara dōi..3ka..

I bow to the saints, who are even-minded towards all and have no friend or foe, just as a flower of good quality placed in the palm of one’s hands communicates its fragrance alike to both the hands (the one which plucked it and that which held and preserved it).

 संत सरल चित जगत हित जानि सुभाउ सनेहु।
बालबिनय सुनि करि कृपा राम चरन रति देहु॥ 3 (ख)

saṃta sarala cita jagata hita jāni subhāu sanēhu.
bālabinaya suni kari kṛpā rāma carana rati dēhu..3kha..

Realizing thus the noble disposition and loving nature of saints, who are innocent at heart and catholic in spirit, I make this humble submission to them. Listening to my childlike prayer and taking compassion on me, O noble souls, bless me with devotion to the feet of Sri Rama.(3B)

चौपाई | Chaupais :
बहुरि बंदि खल गन सतिभाएँ। जे बिनु काज दाहिनेहु बाएँ॥
पर हित हानि लाभ जिन्ह केरें। उजरें हरष बिषाद बसेरें॥1॥

bahuri baṃdi khala gana satibhāēom. jē binu kāja dāhinēhu bāēom..
para hita hāni lābha jinha kērēṃ. ujarēṃ haraṣa biṣāda basērēṃ..

Again, I greet with a sincere heart the malevolent class, who are hostile without purpose even to the friendly, to whom others’ loss is their own gain, and who delight in others’ desolation and wail over their prosperity.

 हरि हर जस राकेस राहु से। पर अकाज भट सहसबाहु से॥
जे पर दोष लखहिं सहसाखी। पर हित घृत जिन्ह के मन माखी॥2॥

hari hara jasa rākēsa rāhu sē. para akāja bhaṭa sahasabāhu sē..
jē para dōṣa lakhahiṃ sahasākhī. para hita ghṛta jinha kē mana mākhī..

They try to eclipse the glory of Visnu and Siva even as the demon Rahu intercepts the light of the full moon (during what is known as the lunar eclipse); and they are valiant like the reputed king Sahasrabahu (so-called because of his possessing a thousand arms) in working others’ woe. They detect others’ faults as if with a thousand eyes and their (designing) mind mars others’ interests even as a fly spoils clarified butter.

तेज कृसानु रोष महिषेसा। अघ अवगुन धन धनी धनेसा॥
उदय केत सम हित सबही के। कुंभकरन सम सोवत नीके॥3॥

tēja kṛsānu rōṣa mahiṣēsā. agha avaguna dhana dhanī dhanēsā..
udaya kēta sama hita sabahī kē. kuṃbhakarana sama sōvata nīkē..

In splendour they emulate the god of fire and in anger they vie with the god of death, who rides a buffalo. They are rich in crime and vice as Kubera, the god of riches, is in gold. Like the rise of a comet their advancement augurs ill for others’ interests; like the slumber of Kumbhakarna their decline alone is propitious for the world.

 पर अकाजु लगि तनु परिहरहीं। जिमि हिम उपल कृषी दलि गरहीं॥
बंदउँ खल जस सेष सरोषा। सहस बदन बरनइ पर दोषा॥4॥

para akāju lagi tanu pariharahīṃ. jimi hima upala kṛṣī dali garahīṃ..
baṃdauom khala jasa sēṣa sarōṣā. sahasa badana baranai para dōṣā..

They lay down their very life in order to be able to harm others, even as hail-stones dissolve after destroying the crop. I reverence a wicked soul as the fiery (thousand-tongued) serpent-god Sesa, in so far as he eagerly expatiates on others’ faults with a thousand tongues as it were.

 पुनि प्रनवउँ पृथुराज समाना। पर अघ सुनइ सहस दस काना॥
बहुरि सक्र सम बिनवउँ तेही। संतत सुरानीक हित जेही॥5॥

puni pranavauom pṛthurāja samānā. para agha sunai sahasa dasa kānā..
bahuri sakra sama binavauom tēhī. saṃtata surānīka hita jēhī..

Again, I bow to him as the celebrated king Prthu (who prayed for ten thousand ears in order to be able to hear the glories of the Lord to his heart’s content) inasmuch as he hears of others’ faults with the thousand ears as it were. Once more do I supplicate to him as Indra (the lord of celestials) in so far as Sura (ritual drink) appears charming and beneficial to him (even as the army of gods is beneficent to Indra).

 बचन बज्र जेहि सदा पिआरा। सहस नयन पर दोष निहारा॥6॥

bacana bajra jēhi sadā piārā. sahasa nayana para dōṣa nihārā..

Harsh Ianguage is dear to him even as the thunderbolt is fondly cherished by Indra; and he detects others’ faults with a thousand eyes as it were.(6)

दोहा | Dohas :
उदासीन अरि मीत हित सुनत जरहिं खल रीति।
जानि पानि जुग जोरि जन बिनती करइ सप्रीति॥4॥

udāsīna ari mīta hita sunata jarahiṃ khala rīti.
jāni pāni juga jōri jana binatī karai saprīti..4..

The wicked burn with jealousy as they hear of others’ welfare, be they his friends, foes or neutrals: such is their wont. Knowing thus, this humble soul makes loving entreaties to them with joined palms.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
मैं अपनी दिसि कीन्ह निहोरा। तिन्ह निज ओर न लाउब भोरा॥
बायस पलिअहिं अति अनुरागा। होहिं निरामिष कबहुँ कि कागा॥1॥

maiṃ apanī disi kīnha nihōrā. tinha nija ōra na lāuba bhōrā..
bāyasa paliahiṃ ati anurāgā. hōhiṃ nirāmiṣa kabahuom ki kāgā..

I for my part have made entreaties to them; they too must not fail to do their part. However fondly you may nurture a brood of crows, can you ever expect ravens to turn vegetarians?

 बंदउँ संत असज्जन चरना। दुःखप्रद उभय बीच कछु बरना॥
बिछुरत एक प्रान हरि लेहीं। मिलत एक दुख दारुन देहीं॥2॥

baṃdauom saṃta asajjana caranā. dukhaprada ubhaya bīca kachu baranā..
bichurata ēka prāna hari lēhīṃ. milata ēka dukha dāruna dēhīṃ..

I adore the feet of a saint and a wicked soul, both of whom give pain, though some difference is said to exist between them. Whereas the former class cause mortal pain while parting, the latter give agonizing torment during their meeting.

 उपजहिं एक संग जग माहीं। जलज जोंक जिमि गुन बिलगाहीं॥
सुधा सुरा सम साधु असाधू। जनक एक जग जलधि अगाधू॥3॥

upajahiṃ ēka saṃga jaga māhīṃ. jalaja jōṃka jimi guna bilagāhīṃ..
sudhā surā sama sādhū asādhū. janaka ēka jaga jaladhi agādhū..

Though born together in the world, they differ in their traits even as the lotus and the leech (both of which spring from water). The good and the wicked resemble nectar and wine respectively; the unfathomable ocean in the form of this world is their common parent.

भल अनभल निज निज करतूती। लहत सुजस अपलोक बिभूती॥
सुधा सुधाकर सुरसरि साधू। गरल अनल कलिमल सरि ब्याधू॥4॥
गुन अवगुन जानत सब कोई। जो जेहि भाव नीक तेहि सोई॥5॥

bhala anabhala nija nija karatūtī. lahata sujasa apalōka bibhūtī..
sudhā sudhākara surasari sādhū. garala anala kalimala sari byādhū..
guna avaguna jānata saba kōī. jō jēhi bhāva nīka tēhi sōī..

The good and the wicked gather a rich harvest of good reputation and infamy by their respective doings. Although the merits of nectar, the moon-the seat of nectar- the Ganga-the river of the celestials-and a pious soul, on the one hand, and the demerits of venom, fire, the unholy river Karmanasa-which is said to be full of the impurities of the Kali age-and the hunter, on the other, are known to all, only that which is to a man’s taste appears good to him.(4-5)

दोहा | Dohas :
भलो भलाइहि पै लहइ लहइ निचाइहि नीचु।
सुधा सराहिअ अमरताँ गरल सराहिअ मीचु॥5॥

bhalō bhalāihi pai lahai lahai nicāihi nīcu.
sudhā sarāhia amaratāom garala sarāhia mīcu..5..

Of course, a good man has a bias for goodness alone, while a vile person is prone to vileness. While nectar is praised for its immortalizing virtue, poison is extolled for its deadly effects.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
खल अघ अगुन साधु गुन गाहा। उभय अपार उदधि अवगाहा॥
तेहि तें कछु गुन दोष बखाने। संग्रह त्याग न बिनु पहिचाने॥1॥

khala agha aguna sādhū guna gāhā. ubhaya apāra udadhi avagāhā..
tēhi tēṃ kachu guna dōṣa bakhānē. saṃgraha tyāga na binu pahicānē..

The tales of sins and vices of the wicked, on the one hand, and of the virtues of the virtuous, on the other, are like boundless and unfathomable oceans. That is why I have enumerated only a few virtues and vices; for they cannot be acquired or discarded without being duly distinguished.

 भलेउ पोच सब बिधि उपजाए। गनि गुन दोष बेद बिलगाए॥
कहहिं बेद इतिहास पुराना। बिधि प्रपंचु गुन अवगुन साना॥2॥

bhalēu pōca saba bidhi upajāē. gani guna dōṣa bēda bilagāē..
kahahiṃ bēda itihāsa purānā. bidhi prapaṃcu guna avaguna sānā..

The good as well as the vile, all have been brought into being by the Creator; it is the Vedas that have differentiated them by reckoning the merits of the former class and the demerits of the other. The Vedas, the Itihasas (such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata) and the Puranas unanimously declare that the creation of Brahma (the Creator) is an intermixture of good and evil.

 दुख सुख पाप पुन्य दिन राती। साधु असाधु सुजाति कुजाती॥
दानव देव ऊँच अरु नीचू। अमिअ सुजीवनु माहुरु मीचू॥3॥
माया ब्रह्म जीव जगदीसा। लच्छि अलच्छि रंक अवनीसा॥
कासी मग सुरसरि क्रमनासा। मरु मारव महिदेव गवासा॥4॥
सरग नरक अनुराग बिरागा। निगमागम गुन दोष बिभागा॥5॥

dukha sukha pāpa punya dina rātī. sādhu asādhu sujāti kujātī..
dānava dēva ūomca aru nīcū. amia sujīvanu māhuru mīcū..
māyā brahma jīva jagadīsā. lacchi alacchi raṃka avanīsā..
kāsī maga surasari kramanāsā. maru mārava mahidēva gavāsā..
saraga naraka anurāga birāgā. nigamāgama guna dōṣa bibhāgā..

It is characterized by pairs of opposites such as pain and pleasure, sin and merit, day and night, the good and the wicked, good birth and vile birth, demons and gods, the high and the low, nectar and poison, a happy life and death, Maya and Brahma, i.e., Matter and Spirit, the soul and God (the Lord of the universe), plenty and poverty, the pauper and the king, the sacred Kasi or Varanasi and Magadha, the holy Ganga the river of the celestials- and the unholy Karmanasa (in Bihar), the desert land of Maravara (Western Rajaputana and Sindha) and the rich soil of Malava, the Brahmana-who is a veritable god on earthó and the barbarian who feeds on the cow, heaven and hell, attachment and dispassion. The Vedas and other sacred books have sifted good from evil.

दोहा | Dohas :
जड़ चेतन गुन दोषमय बिस्व कीन्ह करतार।
संत हंस गुन गहहिं पय परिहरि बारि बिकार॥6॥

jaḍa cētana guna dōṣamaya bisva kīnha karatāra.
saṃta haṃsa guna gahahiṃ paya parihari bāri bikāra..6..

God has created the universe consisting of animate and inanimate beings as partaking of both good and evil; swans in the form of saints imbibe the milk of goodness rejecting water in the form of evil.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
अस बिबेक जब देइ बिधाता। तब तजि दोष गुनहिं मनु राता॥
काल सुभाउ करम बरिआईं। भलेउ प्रकृति बस चुकइ भलाईं॥1॥

asa bibēka jaba dēi bidhātā. taba taji dōṣa gunahiṃ manu rātā..
kāla subhāu karama bariāī. bhalēu prakṛti basa cukai bhalāī..

When Providence blesses one with such discrimination (as is possessed by the swan), then alone does the mind abandon evil and gets enamoured of goodness. By force of the spirit of the times, old habits and past Karma even the good deviate from goodness under the influence of Maya.

 सो सुधारि हरिजन जिमि लेहीं। दलि दुख दोष बिमल जसु देहीं॥
खलउ करहिं भल पाइ सुसंगू। मिटइ न मलिन सुभाउ अभंगू॥2॥

sō sudhāri harijana jimi lēhīṃ. dali dukha dōṣa bimala jasu dēhīṃ..
khalau karahiṃ bhala pāi susaṃgū. miṭai na malina subhāu abhaṃgū..

But just as servants of Sri Hari rectify that error and, eradicating sorrow and weakness, bring untarnished glory to them, even so the wicked occasionally perform a noble deed due to their good association, although their evil nature, which is unchangeable, cannot be obliterated.

 लखि सुबेष जग बंचक जेऊ। बेष प्रताप पूजिअहिं तेऊ॥
उघरहिं अंत न होइ निबाहू। कालनेमि जिमि रावन राहू॥3॥

lakhi subēṣa jaga baṃcaka jēū. bēṣa pratāpa pūjiahiṃ tēū..
udharahiṃ aṃta na hōi nibāhū. kālanēmi jimi rāvana rāhū..
Even those who are impostors are respected on account of their garb, as the world is taken in by their attractive appearance. But they are eventually exposed, and cannot keep up their false appearance till the end, as was the case with Kalanemi, Ravana and Rahu.

 किएहुँ कुबेषु साधु सनमानू। जिमि जग जामवंत हनुमानू॥
हानि कुसंग सुसंगति लाहू। लोकहुँ बेद बिदित सब काहू॥4॥

kiēhuom kubēṣa sādhu sanamānū. jimi jaga jāmavaṃta hanumānū..
hāni kusaṃga susaṃgati lāhū. lōkahuom bēda bidita saba kāhū..

The good are honoured notwithstanding their mean appearance, even as Jambavan (a general of Sugrriva’s army, who was endowed with the form of a bear and possessed miraculous strength) and Hanuman (the monkey-god) won honour in this world. Bad association is harmful, while good company is an asset in itself: this is true in the world as well as in the eyes of the Vedas, and is known to all.

 गगन चढ़इ रज पवन प्रसंगा। कीचहिं मिलइ नीच जल संगा॥
साधु असाधु सदन सुक सारीं। सुमिरहिं राम देहिं गनि गारीं॥5॥

gagana caḍhai raja pavana prasaṃgā. kīcahiṃ milai nīca jala saṃgā..
sādhu asādhu sadana suka sārīṃ. sumirahiṃ rāma dēhiṃ gani gārī..

Through contact with the wind dust ascends to the sky, while it is assimilated with mud when united with low-lying waters. Parrots and Mainas nurtured in the house of the virtuous and the wicked repeat the name of Rama and pour a volley of abuses respectively.

 धूम कुसंगति कारिख होई। लिखिअ पुरान मंजु मसि सोई॥
सोइ जल अनल अनिल संघाता। होइ जलद जग जीवन दाता॥6॥

dhūma kusaṃgati kārikha hōī. likhia purāna maṃju masi sōī..
sōi jala anala anila saṃghātā. hōi jalada jaga jīvana dātā..

Smoke coming in contact with an evil (earthy)§ substance turns into soot; the same is used as a material for copying the Puranas with when converted into beautiful ink. Again, in conjunction with water, fire and air it is transformed into a cloud and brings life to the world.

दोहा | Dohas :
ग्रह भेजष जल पवन पट पाइ कुजोग सुजोग।
होहिं कुबस्तु सुबस्तु जग लखहिं सुलच्छन लोग॥7 (क)॥

graha bhēṣaja jala pavana paṭa pāi kujōga sujōga.
hōhi kubastu subastu jaga lakhahiṃ sulacchana lōga..7ka..

The planets, medicines, water, air and cloth prove good or bad in the world according to their good or evil associations; only men endowed with a keen insight are able to know this.

 सम प्रकास तम पाख दुहुँ नाम भेद बिधि कीन्ह।
ससि सोषक पोषक समुझि जग जस अपजस दीन्ह॥7 (ख)॥
sama prakāsa tama pākha duhuom nāma bhēda bidhi kīnha.
sasi sōṣaka pōṣaka samujhi jaga jasa apajasa dīnha..7kha..

The proportion of moonlight and darkness is the same in the bright as well as in the dark fortnight; only the two have been named differently by the Creator. Knowing the one as the nourisher and the other as the emaciator of the moon, the world has given it a good name and a bad one.

 जड़ चेतन जग जीव जत सकल राममय जानि।
बंदउँ सब के पद कमल सदा जोरि जुग पानि॥7(ग)॥

jaḍa cētana jaga jīva jata sakala rāmamaya jāni.
baṃdauom saba kē pada kamala sadā jōri juga pāni..7ga..

Whatever beings, animate or inanimate, there are in the universe, recognizing them, one and all, as consisting of Sri Rama, I ever adore the lotus feet of all with joined palms.

 देव दनुज नर नाग खग प्रेत पितर गंधर्ब।
बंदउँ किंनर रजनिचर कृपा करहु अब सर्ब॥7 (घ)

dēva danuja nara nāga khaga prēta pitara gaṃdharba.
baṃdauom kiṃnara rajanicara kṛpā karahu aba sarba..7gha..

I reverence gods, demons, human beings, Nagas, birds, spirits, manes (the souls of departed ancestors) and Gandharvas, Kinnaras and Raksasas (giants). Pray be gracious to me all on this occasion.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
आकर चारि लाख चौरासी। जाति जीव जल थल नभ बासी॥
सीय राममय सब जग जानी। करउँ प्रनाम जोरि जुग पानी॥1॥

ākara cāri lākha caurāsī. jāti jīva jala thala nabha bāsī..
sīya rāmamaya saba jaga jānī. karauom pranāma jōri juga pānī..

Eight million and four hundred thousand species of living beings, classified under four broad divisions, inhabit land, water and the air. Recognizing the entire creation as full of Sita and Rama, I make obeisance to them with joined palms.

 जानि कृपाकर किंकर मोहू। सब मिलि करहु छाड़ि छल छोहू॥
निज बुधि बल भरोस मोहि नाहीं। तातें बिनय करउँ सब पाहीं॥2॥

jāni kṛpākara kiṃkara mōhū. saba mili karahu chāḍai chala chōhū..
nija budhi bala bharōsa mōhi nāhīṃ. tātēṃ binaya karauom saba pāhī..

Knowing me as your servant, be genuinely gracious to me all of you, O mines of compassion. I have no confidence in my intellectual power, hence I supplicate you all.

 करन चहउँ रघुपति गुन गाहा। लघु मति मोरि चरित अवगाहा॥
सूझ न एकउ अंग उपाऊ। मन मति रंक मनोरथ राउ॥3॥

karana cahauom raghupati guna gāhā. laghu mati mōri carita avagāhā..
sūjha na ēkau aṃga upāū. mana mati raṃka manōratha rāū..

I would recount the virtues of the Lord of Raghus, Sri Rama; but my wits are poor, whereas the exploits of Sri Rama are unfathomable. For this I find not the least resources, while I am bankrupt of mind and intellect, my ambition is right royal.

 मति अति नीच ऊँचि रुचि आछी। चहिअ अमिअ जग जुरइ न छाछी॥
छमिहहिं सज्जन मोरि ढिठाई। सुनिहहिं बालबचन मन लाई॥4॥

mati ati nīca ūomci ruci āchī. cahia amia jaga jurai na chāchī..
chamihahiṃ sajjana mōri ḍhiṭhāī. sunihahiṃ bālabacana mana lāī..

Even though my intellect is exceedingly mean, my aspiration is pitched too high; while I crave for nectar, I have no means in this world to procure even butter-milk. The virtuous will forgive my presumption and listen to my childish babbling with interest.

 जौं बालक कह तोतरि बाता। सुनहिं मुदित मन पितु अरु माता॥
हँसिहहिं कूर कुटिल कुबिचारी। जे पर दूषन भूषनधारी॥5॥

jau bālaka kaha tōtari bātā. sunahiṃ mudita mana pitu aru mātā..
haomsihahi kūra kuṭila kubicārī. jē para dūṣana bhūṣanadhārī..

When a child prattles in lisping accents, the parents hear it with a mind full of delight. Those, however, who are hard-hearted, mischievous and perverse and cherish others’ faults as an ornament, will feel amused.

 निज कबित्त केहि लाग न नीका। सरस होउ अथवा अति फीका॥
जे पर भनिति सुनत हरषाहीं। ते बर पुरुष बहुत जग नाहीं॥6॥

nija kavita kēhi lāga na nīkā. sarasa hōu athavā ati phīkā..
jē para bhaniti sunata haraṣāhī. tē bara puruṣa bahuta jaga nāhīṃ..

Who does not like one’s own poetry, be it delightful or exceedingly insipid? Such good people as delight to hear others’ composition are rare in this world.

 जग बहु नर सर सरि सम भाई। जे निज बाढ़ि बढ़हि जल पाई॥
सज्जन सकृत सिंधु सम कोई। देखि पूर बिधु बाढ़इ जोई॥7॥

jaga bahu nara sara sari sama bhāī. jē nija bāḍhai baḍhahiṃ jala pāī..
sajjana sakṛta siṃdhu sama kōī. dēkhi pūra bidhu bāḍhai jōī..

The world abounds in men who resemble lakes and rivers, that get swollen with their own rise when waters are added to them. There is some rare good soul like the ocean, which swells at the sight of the full moon.(7)

दोहा | Dohas :
भाग छोट अभिलाषु बड़ करउँ एक बिस्वास।
पैहहिं सुख सुनि सुजन सब खल करिहहिं उपहास॥8॥

bhāga chōṭa abhilāṣu baḍa karauom ēka bisvāsa.
paihahiṃ sukha suni sujana saba khala karahahiṃ upahāsa..8..

Humble is my lot and my ambition high; my only hope is that all good men will be gratified to hear what I say, while the evil-minded will laugh.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
खल परिहास होइ हित मोरा। काक कहहिं कलकंठ कठोरा॥
हंसहि बक दादुर चातकही। हँसहिं मलिन खल बिमल बतकही॥1॥

khala parihāsa hōi hita mōrā. kāka kahahiṃ kalakaṃṭha kaṭhōrā..
haṃsahi baka dādura cātakahī. haomsahiṃ malina khala bimala batakahī..

The laughter of the evil-minded will benefit me; crows call the cuckoo hoarse. Herons ridicule the swan, frogs make fun of the Cataka bird and malicious rogues deride refined speech.

 कबित रसिक न राम पद नेहू। तिन्ह कहँ सुखद हास रस एहू॥
भाषा भनिति भोरि मति मोरी। हँसिबे जो हँसें नहिं खोरी॥2॥

kabita rasika na rāma pada nēhū. tinha kahaom sukhada hāsa rasa ēhū..
bhāṣā bhaniti bhōri mati mōrī. haomsibē jōga haomsēṃ nahiṃ khōrī..

To those who have no taste for poetry nor devotion to the feet of Sri Rama, this undertaking of mine will serve as a subject for delightful mirth. My composition is couched in the popular dialect and my intellect is feeble; hence it is a fit subject for ridicule, and those who laugh shall not incur any blame.

 प्रभु पद प्रीति न सामुझि नीकी। तिन्हहि कथा सुनि लागिहि फीकी॥
हरि हर पद रति मति न कुतर की। तिन्ह कहँ मधुर कथा रघुबर की॥3॥

prabhu pada prīti na sāmujhi nīkī. tinhahi kathā suni lāgahi phīkī..
hari hara pada rati mati na kutarakī. tinha kahuom madhura kathā raghuvara kī..

To those who cherish no love for the feet of the Lord and have no sound reason either, this story will sound unattractive to the ears. To those, however, who possess devotion to the feet of God Visnu and Siva and whose mind is not perverse, the tale of the Chief of the Raghus will taste as sweet.

 राम भगति भूषित जियँ जानी। सुनिहहिं सुजन सराहि सुबानी॥
कबि न होउँ नहिं बचन प्रबीनू। सकल कला सब बिद्या हीनू॥4॥

rāma bhagati bhūṣita jiyaom jānī. sunihahiṃ sujana sarāhi subānī..
kabi na hōuom nahiṃ bacana prabīnū. sakala kalā saba bidyā hīnū..

Knowing it in their heart as adorned with devotion to Sri Rama, the virtuous will listen to it with bland words of praise. I am no poet nor an adept in the art of speech and am a cipher in all arts and sciences.

 आखर अरथ अलंकृति नाना। छंद प्रबंध अनेक बिधाना॥
भाव भेद रस भेद अपारा। कबित दोष गुन बिबिध प्रकारा॥5॥

ākhara aratha alaṃkṛti nānā. chaṃda prabaṃdha anēka bidhānā..
bhāva bhēda rasa bhēda apārā. kabita dōṣa guna bibidha prakārā..

There are elegant devices of letters, subtleties of meaning, various figures of speech, metrical compositions of different kinds, infinite varieties of emotions and sentiments and multifarious flaws and excellences of poetic composition.

 कबित बिबेक एक नहिं मोरें। सत्य कहउँ लिखि कागद कोरें॥6॥

kabita bibēka ēka nahiṃ mōrēṃ. satya kahauom likhi kāgada kōrē..

Of these details of poesy, I possess critical knowledge of none. I vouch for it in writing on a blank sheet.(6)

दोहा | Dohas :
भनिति मोरि सब गुन रहित बिस्व बिदित गुन एक।
सो बिचारि सुनिहहिं सुमति जिन्ह कें बिमल बिबेक॥9॥

bhaniti mōri saba guna rahita bisva bidita guna ēka.
sō bicāri sunihahiṃ sumati jinha kēṃ bimala bivēka..9..

My composition is devoid of all charm; it has only one merit, which is known throughout the world. Recognizing this merit, men of sound reason, who are gifted with unbiased judgment, will surely hear it.(9)

चौपाई | Chaupais :
एहि महँ रघुपति नाम उदारा। अति पावन पुरान श्रुति सारा॥
मंगल भवन अमंगल हारी। उमा सहित जेहि जपत पुरारी॥1॥

ēhi mahaom raghupati nāma udārā. ati pāvana purāna śruti sārā..
maṃgala bhavana amaṃgala hārī. umā sahita jēhi japata purārī..

It contains the gracious name of the Lord of Raghus, which is exceedingly holy and the very cream of the Puranas and the Vedas. It is the abode of blessings and the remover of evils, and is muttered by Lord Siva, the enemy of the demon Tripura, along- with his consort, Uma.

 भनिति बिचित्र सुकबि कृत जोऊ। राम नाम बिनु सोह न सोउ॥
बिधुबदनी सब भाँति सँवारी। सोह न बसन बिना बर नारी॥2॥
bhaniti bicitra sukabi kṛta jōū. rāma nāma binu sōha na sōū..
bidhubadanī saba bhāomti saomvārī. sōna na basana binā bara nārī..

Even a composition of marvellous beauty and written by a gifted poet does not commend itself without the name of Sri Rama. A pretty woman with a charming countenance and fully adorned does not look attractive when undressed.

सब गुन रहित कुकबि कृत बानी। राम नाम जस अंकित जानी॥
सादर कहहिं सुनहिं बुध ताही। मधुकर सरिस संत गुनग्राही॥3॥
saba guna rahita kukabi kṛta bānī. rāma nāma jasa aṃkita jānī..
sādara kahahiṃ sunahiṃ budha tāhī. madhukara sarisa saṃta gunagrāhī..

On the other hand, the wise recite and hear with admiration even the composition of a worthless poet, which is devoid of all merit, knowing it as adorned with the name and glory of Sri Rama; for, like the bee, saints have a bias for goodness.

जदपि कबित रस एकउ नाहीं। राम प्रताप प्रगट एहि माहीं॥
सोइ भरोस मोरें मन आवा। केहिं न सुसंग बड़प्पनु पावा॥4॥
jadapi kabita rasa ēkau nāhī. rāma pratāpa prakaṭa ēhi māhīṃ..
sōi bharōsa mōrēṃ mana āvā. kēhiṃ na susaṃga baḍappanu pāvā..

Although it has no poetic charm whatsoever, the glory of Sri Rama is manifest in it. This is the only hope which flashes on my mind; who has not been exalted by noble company?

धूमउ तजइ सहज करुआई। अगरु प्रसंग सुगंध बसाई॥
भनिति भदेस बस्तु भलि बरनी। राम कथा जग मंगल करनी॥5॥
dhūmau tajai sahaja karuāī. agaru prasaṃga sugaṃdha basāī..
bhaniti bhadēsa bastu bhali baranī. rāma kathā jaga maṃgala karanī..

Even smoke rising from burning aloe wood is impregnated with the latter’s fragrance and gives up its natural pungency. Although my composition is clumsy, it treats of a commendable theme, viz., the story of Sri Rama, which brings felicity to the world.(5)

छंद | Chhand
मंगल करनि कलिमल हरनि तुलसी कथा रघुनाथ की।
गति कूर कबिता सरित की ज्यों सरित पावन पाथ की॥
प्रभु सुजस संगति भनिति भलि होइहि सुजन मन भावनी
भव अंग भूति मसान की सुमिरत सुहावनि पावनी॥
maṃgala karani kali mala harani tulasī kathā raghunātha kī..
gati kūra kabitā sarita kī jyōṃ sarita pāvana pātha kī..
prabhu sujasa saṃgati bhaniti bhali hōihi sujana mana bhāvanī..
bhava aṃga bhūti masāna kī sumirata suhāvani pāvanī..

The tale of the Lord of Raghus, O Tulasidasa, brings forth blessings and wipes away the impurities of the Kali age. The course of this stream of my poetry is tortuous like that of the holy Ganga. By its association with the auspicious glory of the Lord my composition will be blessed and will captivate the mind of the virtuous. On the person of Lord Siva, even the ashes of the cremation-ground appear charming and purify by their very thought.

दोहा | Dohas:
प्रिय लागिहि अति सबहि मम भनिति राम जस संग।
दारु बिचारु कि करइ कोउ बंदिअ मलय प्रसंग॥10 क॥

priya lāgihi ati sabahi mama bhaniti rāma jasa saṃga.
dāru bicāru ki karai kōu baṃdia malaya prasaṃga..10ka..

My composition will appear extremely delightful to all by its association with the glory of Sri Rama, even as timber of every description is transformed into sandal and becomes worthy of adoration by contact with the Malaya mountain (in South India), and nobody takes into account the quality of wood in that region.

स्याम सुरभि पय बिसद अति गुनद करहिं सब पान।
गिरा ग्राम्य सिय राम जस गावहिं सुनहिं सुजान ॥10 ख॥

syāma surabhi paya bisada ati gunada karahiṃ saba pāna.
girā grāmya siya rāma jasa gāvahiṃ sunahiṃ sujāna..10kha..

The milk of even a dark cow is white and possesses a great medicinal value and is drunk by all. So do the wise chant and hear the glory of Sita and Rama even though couched in the vulgar tongue.(10B)

चौपाई | Chaupais :
मनि मानिक मुकुता छबि जैसी। अहि गिरि गज सिर सोह न तैसी॥
नृप किरीट तरुनी तनु पाई। लहहिं सकल सोभा अधिकाई॥1॥
mani mānika mukutā chabi jaisī. ahi giri gaja sira sōha na taisī..
nṛpa kirīṭa tarunī tanu pāī. lahahiṃ sakala sōbhā adhikāī..

The beauty of a gem, a ruby and a pearl does not catch the eye as it should so long as they are borne on the head of a serpent, the top of a mountain and the crown of an elephant respectively. The charm of them all is enhanced when they adorn the diadem of a king or the person of a young lady.

तैसेहिं सुकबि कबित बुध कहहीं। उपजहिं अनत अनत छबि लहहीं॥
भगति हेतु बिधि भवन बिहाई। सुमिरत सारद आवति धाई॥2॥
taisēhiṃ sukabi kabita budha kahahīṃ. upajahiṃ anata anata chabi lahahīṃ..
bhagati hētu bidhi bhavana bihāī. sumirata sārada āvati dhāī..

Even so, the wise say, the outpourings of a good poet originate at one place (in the poet’s own mind) and exercise their charm elsewhere (on the mind of the admirer). Attracted by his devotion, Sarasvati (the goddess of poetry) comes with all speed from the abode of Brahma (the topmost heaven) at his very invocation.

राम चरित सर बिनु अन्हवाएँ। सो श्रम जाइ न कोटि उपाएँ॥
कबि कोबिद अस हृदयँ बिचारी। गावहिं हरि जस कलि मल हारी॥3॥
rāma carita sara binu anhavāēom. sō śrama jāi na kōṭi upāēom..
kabi kōbida asa hṛdayaom bicārī. gāvahiṃ hari jasa kali mala hārī..

The fatigue occasioned by this long journey cannot be relieved by millions of devices unless she takes a dip in the lake of Sri Rama’s exploits. Realizing this in their heart, poets and wise men chant the glory of Sri Hari alone, which wipes away the impurities of the Kali age.

कीन्हें प्राकृत जन गुन गाना। सिर धुनि गिरा लगत पछिताना॥
हृदय सिंधु मति सीप समाना। स्वाति सारदा कहहिं सुजाना॥4॥
kīnhēṃ prākṛta jana guna gānā. sira dhuni girā lagata pachitānā..
hṛdaya siṃdhu mati sīpa samānā. svāti sāradā kahahiṃ sujānā..

Finding the bard singing the glories of worldly men the goddess of speech begins to beat her brow and repent. The wise liken the heart of a poet to the sea, his intellect to the shell containing pearls and goddess Sarasvati to the star called Svati (the modern Arcturus, the fifteenth lunar asterism considered as favourable to the formation of pearls).

जौं बरषइ बर बारि बिचारू। हो हिं कबित मुकुतामनि चारू॥5॥
jauṃ baraṣai bara bāri bicārū. hōhiṃ kabita mukutāmani cārū..

If there is a shower in the form of beautiful ideas, lovely pearls make their appearance in the form of poetic effusions.(5)

दोहा | Dohas :
जुगुति बेधि पुनि पोहिअहिं रामचरित बर ताग।
पहिरहिं सज्जन बिमल उर सोभा अति अनुराग॥11॥
juguti bēdhi puni pōhiahiṃ rāmacarita bara tāga.
pahirahiṃ sajjana bimala ura sōbhā ati anurāga..11..

If those pearls are pierced with skill and strung together on the beautiful thread of Sri Rama’s exploits, and if noble souls wear them in their innocent heart, grace in the form of excessive fondness is the result.(11)

चौपाई | Chaupais :
जे जनमे कलिकाल कराला। करतब बायस बेष मराला॥
चलत कुपंथ बेद मग छाँड़े। कपट कलेवर कलि मल भाँड़े॥1॥
jē janamē kalikāla karālā. karataba bāyasa bēṣa marālā..
calata kupaṃtha bēda maga chāomḍaē. kapaṭa kalēvara kali mala bhāomḍaēṃ..

Those who are born in this terrible age of Kali, who though akin to the crow in their doings have put on the garb of a swan, who tread the evil path, abandoning the track of the Vedas, who are embodiments of falsehood and repositories of sins of the Kali age,

बंचक भगत कहाइ राम के। किंकर कंचन कोह काम के॥
तिन्ह महँ प्रथम रेख जग मोरी। धींग धरम ध्वज धंधक धोरी॥2॥
baṃcaka bhagata kahāi rāma kē. kiṃkara kaṃcana kōha kāma kē..
tinha mahaom prathama rēkha jaga mōrī. dhīṃga dharamadhvaja dhaṃdhaka dhōrī..

who are impostors claiming to be devotees of Sri Rama, though slaves of mammon, anger and passion, and who are unscrupulous, hypocritical and foremost among intriguers-I occupy the first place among them.

जौं अपने अवगुन सब कहऊँ। बाढ़इ कथा पार नहिं लहऊँ ॥
ताते मैं अति अलप बखाने। थोरे महुँ जानिहहिं सयाने ॥3॥
jauṃ apanē avaguna saba kahaūom. bāḍhai kathā pāra nahiṃ lahaūom..
tātē maiṃ ati alapa bakhānē. thōrē mahuom jānihahiṃ sayānē..

Were I to recount all my vices, their tale will assume large dimensions, and yet I shall not be able to exhaust them. Hence I have mentioned very few. A word should suffice for the wise.

समुझि बिबिधि बिधि बिनती मोरी। कोउ न कथा सुनि देइहि खोरी॥
एतेहु पर करिहहिं जे असंका। मोहि ते अधिक ते जड़ मति रंका॥4॥
samujhi bibidhi bidhi binatī mōrī. kōu na kathā suni dēihi khōrī..
ētēhu para karihahiṃ jē asaṃkā. mōhi tē adhika tē jaḍa mati raṃkā..

Entering into the spirit of my manifold prayers, none should blame me on hearing this story. Those who will raise objections even then are more stupid and deficient in intellect than myself.

कबि न होउँ नहिं चतुर कहावउँ। मति अनुरूप राम गुन गावउँ॥
कहँ रघुपति के चरित अपारा। कहँ मति मोरि निरत संसारा॥5॥
kabi na hōuom nahiṃ catura kahāvauom. mati anurūpa rāma guna gāvauom..
kahaom raghupati kē carita apārā. kahaom mati mōri nirata saṃsārā..

I am no poet and have no pretensions to ingenuity; I sing the glories of Sri Rama according to my own lights, My intellect, which wallows in the world, is a poor match for the unlimited exploits of the Lord of Raghus.

जेहिं मारुत गिरि मेरु उड़ाहीं। कहहु तूल केहि लेखे माहीं॥
समुझत अमित राम प्रभुताई। करत कथा मन अति कदराई॥6॥
jēhiṃ māruta giri mēru uḍaāhīṃ. kahahu tūla kēhi lēkhē māhīṃ..
samujhata amita rāma prabhutāī. karata kathā mana ati kadarāī..

Tell me, of what account is cotton in the face of the strong wind before which even mountains like Meru are blown away? Realizing the infinite glory of Sri Rama, my mind feels very diffident in proceeding with this story.(6)

दोहा | Dohas :
सारद सेस महेस बिधि आगम निगम पुरान।
नेति नेति कहि जासु गुन करहिं निरंतर गान॥12॥
sārada sēsa mahēsa bidhi āgama nigama purāna.
nēti nēti kahi jāsu guna karahiṃ niraṃtara gāna..12..

Goddess Sarasvati Sesa (the thousand-headed serpent-god), the great Lord Siva, Brahma (the Creator), the agamas (Tantras), the Vedas and the Puranas unceasingly sing His virtues, saying ‘not that’, ‘not that’.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
सब जानत प्रभु प्रभुता सोई। तदपि कहें बिनु रहा न कोई॥
तहाँ बेद अस कारन राखा। भजन प्रभाउ भाँति बहु भाषा॥1॥
saba jānata prabhu prabhutā sōī. tadapi kahēṃ binu rahā na kōī..
tahāom bēda asa kārana rākhā. bhajana prabhāu bhāomti bahu bhāṣā..

Though all know the Lord’s greatness as such, yet none has refrained from describing it. The Vedas have justified it thus; they have variously sung the glory of remembering the Lord,

एक अनीह अरूप अनामा। अज सच्चिदानंद पर धामा॥
ब्यापक बिस्वरूप भगवाना। तेहिं धरि देह चरित कृत नाना॥2॥

ēka anīha arūpa anāmā. aja saccidānaṃda para dhāmā..
byāpaka bisvarūpa bhagavānā. tēhiṃ dhari dēha carita kṛta nānā..

God, who is one, desireless, formless, nameless and unborn, who is Truth, Consciousness and Bliss, who is supreme effulgence, all-pervading and all-formed-it is He who has performed many deeds assuming a suitable form.

सो केवल भगतन हित लागी। परम कृपाल प्रनत अनुरागी॥
जेहि जन पर ममता अति छोहू। जेहिं करुना करि कीन्ह न कोहू॥3॥
sō kēvala bhagatana hita lāgī. parama kṛpāla pranata anurāgī..
jēhi jana para mamatā ati chōhū. jēhiṃ karunā kari kīnha na kōhū..

That He has done only for the good of His devotees; for He is supremely gracious and loving to the suppliant. He is excessively fond of His devotees and treats them as His own; He has never frowned at him to whom He has once shown His favour.

गई बहोर गरीब नेवाजू। सरल सबल साहिब रघुराजू॥
बुध बरनहिं हरि जस अस जानी। करहिं पुनीत सुफल निज बानी॥4॥
gaī bahōra garība nēvājū. sarala sabala sāhiba raghurājū..
budha baranahiṃ hari jasa asa jānī. karahi punīta suphala nija bānī..

The restorer of what has been lost, the befriender of the poor, the Lord of Raghus is a straightforward and powerful master. Knowing thus, the wise sing the glory of Sri Hari and thereby hallow and bring supreme reward to their speech.

तेहिं बल मैं रघुपति गुन गाथा। कहिहउँ नाइ राम पद माथा॥
मुनिन्ह प्रथम हरि कीरति गाई। तेहिं मग चलत सुगम मोहि भाई॥5॥
tēhiṃ bala maiṃ raghupati guna gāthā. kahihauom nāi rāma pada māthā..
muninha prathama hari kīrati gāī. tēhiṃ maga calata sugama mōhi bhāī..

It is on this strength (the supreme efficacy of remembering the Lord and the potency of His grace) that I shall sing the virtues of the Lord of Raghus, bowing my head to the feet of Sri Rama. Sages have sung the glory of Sri Hari in the past; it will be easy for me to follow that very path.(5)

दोहा | Dohas :
अति अपार जे सरित बर जौं नृप सेतु कराहिं।
चढ़ि पिपीलिकउ परम लघु बिनु श्रम पारहि जाहिं॥13॥
ati apāra jē sarita bara jauṃ nṛpa sētu karāhiṃ.
caḍhi pipīlikau parama laghu binu śrama pārahi jāhiṃ..13..

If kings get bridges constructed over big rivers, which are too broad, even the tiniest ants cross them without exertion.(13)

चौपाई | Chaupais :
एहि प्रकार बल मनहि देखाई। करिहउँ रघुपति कथा सुहाई॥
ब्यास आदि कबि पुंगव नाना। जिन्ह सादर हरि सुजस बखाना॥1॥
ēhi prakāra bala manahi dēkhāī. karihauom raghupati kathā suhāī..
byāsa ādi kabi puṃgava nānā. jinha sādara hari sujasa bakhānā..

Reassuring the mind in this way, I shall narrate the charming story of the Lord of Raghus. Vyasa and various other top-ranking poets, who have reverently recounted the blessed glory of Sri Hari,

 चरन कमल बंदउँ तिन्ह केरे। पुरवहुँ सकल मनोरथ मेरे॥
कलि के कबिन्ह करउँ परनामा। जिन्ह बरने रघुपति गुन ग्रामा॥2॥
carana kamala baṃdauom tinha kērē. puravahuom sakala manōratha mērē..
kali kē kabinha karauom paranāmā. jinha baranē raghupati guna grāmā..

I bow to the lotus feet of them all; let them fulfil all my desires. I make obeisance to the bards of the Kali age, who have sung the multitudinous virtues of the Lord of Raghus.

 जे प्राकृत कबि परम सयाने। भाषाँ जिन्ह हरि चरित बखाने॥
भए जे अहहिं जे होइहहिं आगें। प्रनवउँ सबहि कपट सब त्यागें॥3॥
jē prākṛta kabi parama sayānē. bhāṣāom jinha hari carita bakhānē..
bhaē jē ahahiṃ jē hōihahiṃ āgēṃ. pranavauom sabahiṃ kapaṭa saba tyāgēṃ..

Even those poets of supreme wisdom who belong to the Prakrta or popular class (as opposed to the Samskrta or the cultured class), who have narrated the exploits of Sri Hari in the spoken language, including those who have flourished in the past, those who are still living and those who are yet to come, I reverence them, one and all, renouncing all false appearance.

 होहु प्रसन्न देहु बरदानू। साधु समाज भनिति सनमानू॥
जो प्रबंध बुध नहिं आदरहीं। सो श्रम बादि बाल कबि करहीं॥4॥
hōhu prasanna dēhu baradānū. sādhu samāja bhaniti sanamānū..
jō prabaṃdha budha nahiṃ ādarahīṃ. sō śrama bādi bāla kabi karahīṃ..

Be propitious and grant this boon that my song may be honoured in the assemblage of pious souls. A composition which the wise refuse to honour is fruitless labour which only silly poets undertake.

 कीरति भनिति भूति भलि सोई। सुरसरि सम सब कहँ हित होई॥
राम सुकीरति भनिति भदेसा। असमंजस अस मोहि अँदेसा॥5॥
kīrati bhaniti bhūti bhali sōī. surasari sama saba kahaom hita hōī..
rāma sukīrati bhaniti bhadēsā. asamaṃjasa asa mōhi aomdēsā..

Of glory, poetry and affluence that alone is blessed which, like the celestial river (Ganga), is conducive to the good of all. The glory of Sri Rama is charming indeed, while my speech is rough. This is something incongruous, I am afraid.

 तुम्हरी कृपाँ सुलभ सोउ मोरे। सिअनि सुहावनि टाट पटोरे॥6॥
tumharī kṛpā sulabha sōu mōrē. siani suhāvani ṭāṭa paṭōrē..

By your grace, even this incongruity will turn out well for me; embroidery of silk looks charming even on coarse cloth.(6)

दोहा | Dohas :
सरल कबित कीरति बिमल सोइ आदरहिं सुजान।
सहज बयर बिसराइ रिपु जो सुनि करहिं बखान॥14 क॥
sarala kabita kīrati bimala sōi ādarahiṃ sujāna.
sahaja bayara bisarāi ripu jō suni karahiṃ bakhāna..14ka..

The wise admire only that poetry which is lucid and portrays a spotless character and which even opponents hear with applause forgetting natural animosity.

सो न होई बिनु बिमल मति मोहि मति बल अति थोर।
करहु कृपा हरि जस कहउँ पुनि पुनि करउँ निहोर॥14 ख॥
sō na hōi binu bimala mati mōhi mati bala ati thōra.
karahu kṛpā hari jasa kahauom puni puni karauom nihōra..14kha..

Such poetry is not possible without a refined intellect, and of intellectual power I have very little. Be gracious, therefore so that I may depict the glory of Sri Hari; I solicit again and again.

 कबि कोबिद रघुबर चरित मानस मंजु मराल।
बालबिनय सुनि सुरुचि लखि मो पर होहु कृपाल॥14 ग॥
kabi kōbida raghubara carita mānasa maṃju marāla.
bāla binaya suni suruci lakhi mōpara hōhu kṛpāla..14ga.

Poets and wise men, lovely swans sporting in the Manasarovara lake of Sri Rama’s exploits! Hearing my childlike prayer and recognizing my refined taste, be kindly disposed towards me.

सोरठा | Sortha
बंदउँ मुनि पद कंजु रामायन जेहिं निरमयउ।
सखर सुकोमल मंजु दोष रहित दूषन सहित॥14 घ॥
baṃdauom muni pada kaṃju rāmāyana jēhiṃ niramayau.
sakhara sukōmala maṃju dōṣa rahita dūṣana sahita..14gha..

I bow to the lotus feet of the sage (Valmiki) who composed the Ramayana, which though containing an account of the demon Khara (a cousin of Ravana), is yet very soft and charming, and though faultless, is yet full of references to Dusana (another cousin of the demon-king Ravana).

 बंदउँ चारिउ बेद भव बारिधि बोहित सरिस।
जिन्हहि न सपनेहुँ खेद बरनत रघुबर बिसद जसु॥14 ङ॥

baṃdauom cāriu bēda bhava bāridhi bōhita sarisa.
jinhahi na sapanēhuom khēda baranata raghubara bisada jasu..14ṅa..

I reverence, all the four Vedas, barks as it were on the ocean of mundane existence, which never dream of weariness in singing the untarnished glory of Sri Rama, the Chief of Raghus.

 बंदउँ बिधि पद रेनु भव सागर जेहिं कीन्ह जहँ।
संत सुधा ससि धेनु प्रगटे खल बिष बारुनी॥14च॥
baṃdauom bidhi pada rēnu bhava sāgara jēhi kīnha jahaom.
saṃta sudhā sasi dhēnu pragaṭē khala biṣa bārunī..14ca..

I greet the dust on the feet of Brahma (the Creator), who has evolved the ocean of worldly existence, the birth-place of nectar, the moon and the cow of plenty in the form of saints, on the one hand, and of poison and wine in the form of the wicked, on the other.

दोहा | Dohas :
बिबुध बिप्र बुध ग्रह चरन बंदि कहउँ कर जोरि।
होइ प्रसन्न पुरवहु सकल मंजु मनोरथ मोरि॥14 छ॥
bibudha bipra budha graha carana baṃdi kahauom kara jōri.
hōi prasanna puravahu sakala maṃju manōratha mōri..14cha..

Making obeisance to the feet of gods, the Brahmanas, wise men and the deities presiding over the nine planets, I pray to them with joined palms! Be pleased to accomplish all my fair desires.(14G)

चौपाई | Chaupais :
पुनि बंदउँ सारद सुरसरिता। जुगल पुनीत मनोहर चरिता॥
मज्जन पान पाप हर एका। कहत सुनत एक हर अबिबेका॥1॥
puni baṃdauom sārada surasaritā. jugala punīta manōhara caritā..
majjana pāna pāpa hara ēkā. kahata sunata ēka hara abibēkā..

Again, I bow to goddess Sarasvati and the celestial river Ganga, both of whom are holy and perform agreeable roles. The one (Ganga) wipes away sin through immersion and draught; the other (Sarasvati) dispels ignorance through the recital and hearing of her glory.

 गुर पितु मातु महेस भवानी। प्रनवउँ दीनबंधु दिन दानी॥
सेवक स्वामि सखा सिय पी के। हित निरुपधि सब बिधि तुलसी के॥2॥
gura pitu mātu mahēsa bhavānī. pranavauom dīnabaṃdhu dina dānī..
sēvaka svāmi sakhā siya pī kē. hita nirupadhi saba bidhi tulasīkē..

I adore the great Lord Siva and His consort Goddess Bhavani (Parvati), my preceptors and parents, friends of the forlorn and ever given to charity, servants, masters and friends of Sita’s Lord, and true benefactors of Tulasidasa in everyway.

 कलि बिलोकि जग हित हर गिरिजा। साबर मंत्र जाल जिन्ह सिरिजा॥
अनमिल आखर अरथ न जापू। प्रगट प्रभाउ महेस प्रतापू॥3॥
kali bilōki jaga hita hara girijā. sābara maṃtra jāla jinha sirijā..
anamila ākhara aratha na jāpū. pragaṭa prabhāu mahēsa pratāpū..

Seeing the prevalence of the Kali age Hara and Girija (Siva and Parvati) evolved a string of spells in the tongue of savages, incoherent syllables which yield no interpretation and require no repetition, but whose efficacy is patent, revealing Siva glory.

 सो उमेस मोहि पर अनुकूला। करिहिं कथा मुद मंगल मूला॥
सुमिरि सिवा सिव पाइ पसाऊ। बस्नउँ रामचरित चित चाऊ॥4॥
sō umēsa mōhi para anukūlā. karihiṃ kathā muda maṃgala mūlā..
sumiri sivā siva pāi pasāū. baranauom rāmacarita cita cāū..

That Lord of Uma (Parvati), favourable as He is to me, shall make this story of mine a source of blessings and joy. Thus invoking Lord Siva and His Consort, Siva (Parvati), and obtaining Their favour, I relate the exploits of Sri Rama with a heart full of ardour.

 भनिति मोरि सिव कृपाँ बिभाती। ससि समाज मिलि मनहुँ सुराती॥
जे एहि कथहि सनेह समेता। कहिहहिं सुनिहहिं समुझि सचेता॥5॥
होइहहिं राम चरन अनुरागी। कलि मल रहित सुमंगल भागी॥6॥

bhaniti mōri siva kṛpāom bibhātī. sasi samāja mili manahuom surātī..
jē ēhi kathahi sanēha samētā. kahihahiṃ sunihahiṃ samujhi sacētā..
hōihahiṃ rāma carana anurāgī. kali mala rahita sumaṃgala bhāgī..

By Siva grace my composition will shed its lustre even as a night shines in conjunction with the moon and the stars. Those who will fondly and intelligently recite or hear this story with attention will develop devotion to the feet of Sri Rama and, purged of the impurities of Kali, will obtain choice blessings.(5-6)

दोहा | Dohas :
सपनेहुँ साचेहुँ मोहि पर जौं हर गौरि पसाउ।
तौ फुर होउ जो कहेउँ सब भाषा भनिति प्रभाउ॥15॥
sapanēhuom sācēhuom mōhi para jauṃ hara gauri pasāu.
tau phura hōu jō kahēuom saba bhāṣā bhaniti prabhāu..15..

If Hara and Gauri (Lord Siva and Parvati) are really propitious to me, even in dream, let all that I have said in glorification of this poetry of mine, written in a popular dialect, come out true.(15)

चौपाई | Chaupais :
बंदउँ अवध पुरी अति पावनि। सरजू सरि कलि कलुष नसावनि॥
प्रनवउँ पुर नर नारि बहोरी। ममता जिन्ह पर प्रभुहि न थोरी॥1॥
baṃdauom avadha purī ati pāvani. sarajū sari kali kaluṣa nasāvani..
pranavauom pura nara nāri bahōrī. mamatā jinha para prabhuhi na thōrī..

I reverence the exceedingly holy city of Ayodhya (Sri Rama’s birth-place) and the river Sarayu (flowing beside it), which wipes out the sins of the Kali age. Again, I bow to the men and women of the city, who enjoy the affection of the Lord in no small degree.

 सिय निंदक अघ ओघ नसाए। लोक बिसोक बनाइ बसाए॥
बंदउँ कौसल्या दिसि प्राची। कीरति जासु सकल जग माची॥2॥
siya niṃdaka agha ōgha nasāē. lōka bisōka banāi basāē..
baṃdauom kausalyā disi prācī. kīrati jāsu sakala jaga mācī..

Even though they were damned as a result of the heap of sins incurred by the calumniators of Sita (who were instrumental in bringing about Her lifelong exile), they were lodged in a heavenly abode, having been divested of sorrow. I greet Kausalya (the eldest queen of king Dasaratha) whose glory stands diffused throughout the world.

 प्रगटेउ जहँ रघुपति ससि चारू। बिस्व सुखद खल कमल तुसारू॥
दसरथ राउ सहित सब रानी। सुकृत सुमंगल मूरति मानी॥3॥

pragaṭēu jahaom raghupati sasi cārū. bisva sukhada khala kamala tusārū..
dasaratha rāu sahita saba rānī. sukṛta sumaṃgala mūrati mānī..

She is the eastern horizon whence arose the lovely moon in the shape of the Lord of Raghus, who affords delight to the entire universe and is blighting as frost to lotuses in the form of the wicked. Recognizing king Dasaratha together with all his consorts as incarnations of merit and fair blessings, (3)

करउँ प्रनाम करम मन बानी। करहु कृपा सुत सेवक जानी॥
जिन्हहि बिरचि बड़ भयउ बिधाता। महिमा अवधि राम पितु माता॥4॥

karauom pranāma karama mana bānī. karahu kṛpā suta sēvaka jānī..
jinhahi biraci baḍa bhayau bidhātā. mahimā avadhi rāma pitu mātā..

I make obeisance to them in thought, word and deed. Knowing me as a servant of your son, be gracious to me. The father and mothers of Sri Rama are the very perfection of glory, by creating whom even Brahma (the Creator) has exalted himself. (4)

सोरठा | Sortha
बंदउँ अवध भुआल सत्य प्रेम जेहि राम पद।
बिछुरत दीनदयाल प्रिय तनु तृन इव परिहरेउ॥16॥
baṃdauom avadha bhuāla satya prēma jēhi rāma pada.
bichurata dīnadayāla priya tanu tṛna iva pariharēu..16..

I adore the king of Ayodhya, who cherished such true love for the feet of Sri Rama that he gave up his dear life as a mere straw the moment the Lord, who is compassionate to the poor, parted from him.(16)

चौपाई | Chaupais :
प्रनवउँ परिजन सहित बिदेहू। जाहि राम पद गूढ़ सनेहू॥
जोग भोग महँ राखेउ गोई। राम बिलोकत प्रगटेउ सोई॥1॥
pranavauom parijana sahita bidēhū. jāhi rāma pada gūḍha sanēhū..
jōga bhōga mahaom rākhēu gōī. rāma bilōkata pragaṭēu sōī..

I make obeisance to king Janaka, alongwith his family, who bore hidden affection for the feet of Sri Rama. Even though he had veiled it under the cloak of asceticism and luxury, it broke out the moment he saw Sri Rama.

 प्रनवउँ प्रथम भरत के चरना। जासु नेम ब्रत जाइ न बरना॥
राम चरन पंकज मन जासू। लुबुध मधुप इव तजइ न पासू॥2॥
pranavauom prathama bharata kē caranā. jāsu nēma brata jāi na baranā..
rāma carana paṃkaja mana jāsū. lubudha madhupa iva tajai na pāsū..
Of Sri Rama’s brothers, I bow, first of all, to the feet of Bharata, whose self-discipline and religious austerity beggar description and whose mind thirsts for the lotus feet of Sri Rama like a bee and never leaves their side.

 बंदउँ लछिमन पद जल जाता। सीतल सुभग भगत सुख दाता॥
रघुपति कीरति बिमल पताका। दंड समान भयउ जस जाका॥3॥
baṃdauom lachimana pada jalajātā. sītala subhaga bhagata sukha dātā..
raghupati kīrati bimala patākā. daṃḍa samāna bhayau jasa jākā..

I reverence the lotus feet of Laksmana-cool and charming and a sourece of delight to the devotee-whose renown served as a staff for the spotless flag of Sri Rama’s glory.

 सेष सहस्रसीस जग कारन। जो अवतरेउ भूमि भय टारन॥
सदा सो सानुकूल रह मो पर। कृपासिन्धु सौमित्रि गुनाकर॥4॥
sēṣa sahastrasīsa jaga kārana. jō avatarēu bhūmi bhaya ṭārana..
sadā sō sānukūla raha mō para. kṛpāsiṃdhu saumitri gunākara..

He is no other than the thousand-headed serpent-god, Sesa, the cause (support) of the universe, who came down to dispel the fear of the earth. May that son of Sumitra, an ocean of benevolence and a mine of virtues, be ever propitious to me.

 रिपुसूदन पद कमल नमामी। सूर सुसील भरत अनुगामी॥
महाबीर बिनवउँ हनुमाना। राम जासु जस आप बखाना॥5॥
ripusūdana pada kamala namāmī. sūra susīla bharata anugāmī..
mahāvīra binavauom hanumānā. rāma jāsu jasa āpa bakhānā..

I adore the lotus feet of Satrughna (lit., the slayer of his foes), who is valiant yet amiable in disposition, and a constant companion of Bharata. I supplicate Hanuman, the great hero, whose glory has been extolled by Sri Rama Himself.(5)

सोरठा | Sortha
प्रनवउँ पवनकुमार खल बन पावक ग्यान घन।
जासु हृदय आगार बसहिं राम सर चाप धर॥17॥
pranavauom pavanakumāra khala bana pāvaka gyānadhana.
jāsu hṛdaya āgāra basahiṃ rāma sara cāpa dhara..17..

I greet Hanuman, the son of the wind-god, an embodiment of wisdom, who is fire as it were for the forest of the wicked, and in the abode of whose heart resides Sri Rama, equipped with a bow and arrows.(17)

चौपाई | Chaupais :
कपिपति रीछ निसाचर राजा। अंगदादि जे कीस समाजा॥
बंदउँ सब के चरन सुहाए। अधम सरीर राम जिन्ह पाए॥1॥

kapipati rīcha nisācara rājā. aṃgadādi jē kīsa samājā..
baṃdauom saba kē carana suhāē. adhama sarīra rāma jinha pāē..

The lord of monkeys (Sugriva), the chief of bears (Jambavan), the king of demons (Vibhisana) and the host of monkeys beginning with Angada, I reverence the charming feet of all, who attained Sri Rama even though born in the lowest species.

 रघुपति चरन उपासक जेते। खग मृग सुर नर असुर समेते॥
बंदउँ पद सरोज सब केरे। जे बिनु काम राम के चेरे॥2॥
raghupati carana upāsaka jētē. khaga mṛga sura nara asura samētē..
baṃdauom pada sarōja saba kērē. jē binu kāma rāma kē cērē..

As many worshippers there are of the feet of Raghupati (the Lord of Raghus), including birds, beasts, gods, human beings and demons, I adore the lotus feet of them all, who are disinterested servants of Sri Rama.

 सुक सनकादि भगत मुनि नारद। जे मुनिबर बिग्यान बिसारद॥
प्रनवउँ सबहि धरनि धरि सीसा। करहु कृपा जन जानि मुनीसा॥3॥
suka sanakādi bhagata muni nārada. jē munibara bigyāna bisārada..
pranavauom sabahiṃ dharani dhari sīsā. karahu kṛpā jana jāni munīsā..

Suka, Sanaka and others (viz., Sanandana, Sanatana and Sanatkumara), sage Narada and all other eminent sages who are devotees of God and proficient in the spiritual lore, I make obeisance to all, placing my head on the ground; be gracious to me, O Lords of ascetics knowing me as your servant.

 जनकसुता जग जननि जानकी। अतिसय प्रिय करुनानिधान की॥
ताके जुग पद कमल मनावउँ। जासु कृपाँ निरमल मति पावउँ॥4॥
janakasutā jaga janani jānakī. atisaya priya karunā nidhāna kī..
tākē juga pada kamala manāvauom. jāsu kṛpāom niramala mati pāvauom..

Janaki, daughter of Janaka and mother of the universe and the most beloved consort of Sri Rama, the Fountain of Mercy, I seek to propitiate the pair of Her lotus feet, so that by Her grace I may be blessed with a refined intellect.

 पुनि मन बचन कर्म रघुनायक। चरन कमल बंदउँ सब लायक॥
राजीवनयन धरें धनु सायक। भगत बिपति भंजन सुखदायक॥5॥

puni mana bacana karma raghunāyaka. carana kamala baṃdauom saba lāyaka..
rājivanayana dharēṃ dhanu sāyaka. bhagata bipati bhaṃjana sukha dāyaka.

Again, I adore, in thought, word and deed, the lotus feet of the all-worthy Lord of Raghus, who has lotus-like eyes and wields a bow and arrows, and who relieves the distress of His devotees and affords delight to them.(5)

दोहा | Dohas :
गिरा अरथ जल बीचि सम कहिअत भिन्न न भिन्न।
बंदउँ सीता राम पद जिन्हहि परम प्रिय खिन्न॥18॥
girā aratha jala bīci sama kahiata bhinna na bhinna.
badauom sītā rāma pada jinhahi parama priya khinna..18..

I reverence the feet of Sita and Rama, who though stated to be different are yet identical just like a word and its meaning or like water and the waves on its surface, and to whom the afflicted are most dear.(18)

चौपाई | Chaupais :
बंदउँ नाम राम रघुबर को। हेतु कृसानु भानु हिमकर को॥
बिधि हरि हरमय बेद प्रान सो। अगुन अनूपम गुन निधान सो॥1॥
baṃdauom nāma rāma raghuvara kō. hētu kṛsānu bhānu himakara kō..
bidhi hari haramaya bēda prāna sō. aguna anūpama guna nidhāna sō..

I greet the name ‘Rama’ of the chief of Raghus, which is composed of seed-letters representing the fire-god, the sun-god and the moon-god (viz., Ra, a and Ma respectively). It is the same as Brahma (the creative aspect of God), Visnu (His preservative aspect) and Siva (His disintegrating aspect), and the vital breath of the Vedas; It is attributeless, peerless and a mine of virtues.

महामंत्र जोइ जपत महेसू। कासीं मुकुति हेतु उपदेसू॥
महिमा जासु जान गनराऊ। प्रथम पूजिअत नाम प्रभाऊ॥2॥
mahāmaṃtra jōi japata mahēsū. kāsīṃ mukuti hētu upadēsū..
mahimā jāsu jāna ganarāu. prathama pūjiata nāma prabhāū..

It is the great spell which Lord Mahesha (Shiva) mutters and which, when imparted by Him at Kasi (the modern Varanasi) leads to emancipation. Its glory is known to Lord Ganesa, who is worshipped before all others as a concession to the Name‡.

 जान आदिकबि नाम प्रतापू। भयउ सुद्ध करि उलटा जापू॥
सहस नाम सम सुनि सिव बानी। जपि जेईं पिय संग भवानी॥3॥
jāna ādikabi nāma pratāpū. bhayau suddha kari ulaṭā jāpū..
sahasa nāma sama suni siva bānī. japi jēī piya saṃga bhavānī..

The oldest poet (Valmiki) is acquainted with the glory of the Name, in as much as he attained to purity by repeating It in the reverse order (Reverse of Rama is “Mara” which means “to die” in). Hearing the verdict of Lord Siva that the name is as good as a thousand other names of God, Goddess Bhavani (Parvati) dined with Her consort after uttering It only once.

 हरषे हेतु हेरि हर ही को। किय भूषन तिय भूषन ती को॥
नाम प्रभाउ जान सिव नीको। कालकूट फलु दीन्ह अमी को॥4॥
haraṣē hētu hēri hara hī kō. kiya bhūṣana tiya bhūṣana tī kō..
nāma prabhāu jāna siva nīkō. kālakūṭa phalu dīnha amī kō..

Noticing such partiality of Her heart for the Name, Hara (Lord Siva) made that lady, who was the ornament of Her sex, the ornament of His own person (i.e., made Her a part of His own being by assigning to Her the left half of His body). Siva knows full well the power of the Name, due to which deadly poison served the purpose of nectar to Him.(4)

दोहा | Dohas :
बरषा रितु रघुपति भगति तुलसी सालि सुदास।
राम नाम बर बरन जुग सावन भादव मास॥19॥
baraṣā ritu raghupati bhagati tulasī sāli sudāsa..
rāma nāma bara barana juga sāvana bhādava māsa..19..

Devotion to the Lord of Raghus is, as it were, the rainy season and the noble devotees, says Tulasidasa, represent the paddy crop; while the two charming syllables of the name ‘Ra & Ma’ stand for the two months of Sravana and Bhadrapada (corresponding roughly to July and August).(19)

चौपाई | Chaupais :
आखर मधुर मनोहर दोऊ। बरन बिलोचन जन जिय जोऊ॥
ससुमिरत सुलभ सुखद सब काहू। लोक लाहु परलोक निबाहू॥1॥
ākhara madhura manōhara dōū. barana bilōcana jana jiya jōū..
sumirata sulabha sukhada saba kāhū. lōka lāhu paralōka nibāhū..

Both the letter-sounds are sweet and attractive; they are the two eyes, as it were, of the Alphabet and the very life of the devotee. Easy to remember and delightful to one and all, they bring gain here and provide sustenance hereafter.

 कहत सुनत सुमिरत सुठि नीके। राम लखन सम प्रिय तुलसी के॥
बरनत बरन प्रीति बिलगाती। ब्रह्म जीव सम सहज सँघाती॥2॥
kahata sunata sumirata suṭhi nīkē. rāma lakhana sama priya tulasī kē..
baranata barana prīti bilagātī. brahma jīva sama sahaja saomghātī..

They are most delightful to utter, hear and remember and are dear as Rama and Laksmana to Tulasidasa. When treated separately, the two letters lose their harmony (i.e., are differently pronounced, bear diverse meaning in the form of seed-letters and as such yield different results); whereas they are naturally allied even as Brahma (the Cosmic Spirit) and Jiva (the individual soul)-

 नर नारायन सरिस सुभ्राता। जग पालक बिसेषि जन त्राता॥
भगति सुतिय कल करन बिभूषन। जग हित हेतु बिमल बिधु पूषन॥3॥
nara nārāyana sarisa subhrātā. jaga pālaka bisēṣi jana trātā..
bhagati sutiya kala karana bibhūṣana. jaga hita hētu bimala bidhu pūṣana ..

-Good brothers like the divine sages Nara and Narayana, they are sustainers of the universe and redeemers of the devotee in particular. They are beautiful ornaments for the ears of the fair damsel in the form of Bhakti (Devotion) and stand as the spotless sun and moon for the good of the world.

 स्वाद तोष सम सुगति सुधा के। कमठ सेष सम धर बसुधा के॥
जन मन मंजु कंज मधुकर से। जीह जसोमति हरि हलधर से॥4॥
svāda tōṣa sama sugati sudhā kē. kamaṭha sēṣa sama dhara basudhā kē..
jana mana maṃju kaṃja madhukara sē. jīha jasōmati hari haladhara sē..

They are like the taste and the gratifying quality of nectar in the form of emancipation, and are supporters of the globe like the divine Tortoise and the serpent-god Sesa. Again, they are like bees for the beautiful lotus in the shape of the devotee’s mind and are the very like of Hari (Sri Krsna) and Haladhara (Balarama, who wielded a plough as a weapon) for Yasoda (Their foster- mother, the wife of Nanda) in the shape of the tongue. (4)

दोहा | Dohas :
एकु छत्रु एकु मुकुटमनि सब बरननि पर जोउ।
तुलसी रघुबर नाम के बरन बिराजत दोउ॥20॥
ēku chatru ēku mukuṭamani saba baranani para jōu.
tulasī raghubara nāma kē barana birājata dōu..20..

Lo! the two letters ( र and म ) forming part of the name of the Chief of the Raghu (Rama) crown all the letters of the Alphabet, the one spreading like an umbrella and the other resting as a crest-jewel, O Tulasidasa. (20)

(Explanation to Understand: The letter “र” of the Samskrit alphabet, when immediately preceding another consonant or the vowel “ऋ” is placed above that letter in the shape of a curved line (e.g. in “र्क” and “र्य”); while the nasal consonant “म्” when preceded by any other letter, is changed into a dot (technically known by the name of ‘Anusvara’) when placed on the top of that letter (e.g., in “हं”). The curved line standing for the letter “र्” has been poetically compared in the above Doha to an umbrella and the dot substituted for “म्” likened to a crest-jewel, both of which enjoy an exalted position and are emblems of the royal state. In this way they are recognized as superior to all other letters of the Alphabet.)

चौपाई | Chaupais :
समुझत सरिस नाम अरु नामी। प्रीति परसपर प्रभु अनुगामी॥
नाम रूप दुइ ईस उपाधी। अकथ अनादि सुसामुझि साधी॥1॥
samujhata sarisa nāma aru nāmī. prīti parasapara prabhu anugāmī..
nāma rūpa dui īsa upādhī. akatha anādi susāmujhi sādhī..

The name and the object named, though similar in significance, are allied as master and servant one to the other. (That is to say, even though there is complete identity between God and His name, the former closely follows the latter even as a servant follows his master. The Lord appears in person at the very mention of His Name). Name and form are the two attributes of God; both of them are ineffable and beginningless and can be rightly understood only by means of good intelligence.

 को बड़ छोट कहत अपराधू। सुनि गुन भेदु समुझिहहिं साधू॥
देखिअहिं रूप नाम आधीना। रूप ग्यान नहिं नाम बिहीना॥2॥

kō baḍa chōṭa kahata aparādhū. suni guna bhēda samujhihahiṃ sādhū..
dēkhiahiṃ rūpa nāma ādhīnā. rūpa gyāna nahiṃ nāma bihīnā..

It is presumptuous on one’s part to declare as to which is superior or inferior. Hearing the distinctive merits of both, pious souls will judge for themselves. Forms are found to be subordinate to the name; without the name you cannot come to the knowledge of a form.

 रूप बिसेष नाम बिनु जानें। करतल गत न परहिं पहिचानें॥
सुमिरिअ नाम रूप बिनु देखें। आवत हृदयँ सनेह बिसेषें॥3॥
rūpa bisēṣa nāma binu jānēṃ. karatala gata na parahiṃ pahicānēṃ..
sumiria nāma rūpa binu dēkhēṃ. āvata hṛdayaom sanēha bisēṣēṃ..

Typical forms cannot be identified, even if they be in your hand, without knowing their name. And if the name is remembered even without seeing the form, the latter flashes on the mind with a special liking for it.

 नाम रूप गति अकथ कहानी। समुझत सुखद न परति बखानी॥
अगुन सगुन बिच नाम सुसाखी। उभय प्रबोधक चतुर दुभाषी॥4॥
nāma rūpa gati akatha kahānī. samujhata sukhada na parati bakhānī..
aguna saguna bica nāma susākhī. ubhaya prabōdhaka catura dubhāṣī..

The mystery of name and form is a tale which cannot be told; though delightful to comprehend, it cannot be described in words. Between the unqualified Absolute and qualified Divinity, the Name is a good intermediary; it is a clever interpreter revealing the truth of both.(4)

दोहा | Dohas :
राम नाम मनिदीप धरु जीह देहरीं द्वार।
तुलसी भीतर बाहेरहुँ जौं चाहसि उजिआर॥21॥

rāma nāma manidīpa dharu jīha dēharī dvāra.
tulasī bhītara bāhērahuom jauṃ cāhasi ujiāra..21.

Instal the luminous gem in the shape of the divine name ‘Rama’ on the threshold of the tongue at the doorway of your mouth, if you will have light both inside and outside,O Tulasidasa.(21)

चौपाई | Chaupais :
नाम जीहँ जपि जागहिं जोगी। बिरति बिरंचि प्रपंच बियोगी॥
ब्रह्मसुखहि अनुभवहिं अनूपा। अकथ अनामय नाम न रूपा॥1॥
nāma jīhaom japi jāgahiṃ jōgī. birati biraṃci prapaṃca biyōgī..
brahmasukhahi anubhavahiṃ anūpā. akatha anāmaya nāma na rūpā..

Yogis (mystics) who are full of dispassion and are wholly detached from God’s creation keep awake (in the daylight of wisdom) muttering the Name with their tongue, and enjoy the felicity of Brahma (the Absolute), which is incomparable, unspeakable, unmixed with sorrow and devoid of name and form.

 जाना चहहिं गूढ़ गति जेऊ। नाम जीहँ जपि जानहिं तेऊ॥
साधक नाम जपहिं लय लाएँ। होहिं सिद्ध अनिमादिक पाएँ॥2॥

jānā cahahiṃ gūḍha gati jēū. nāma jīhaom japi jānahiṃ tēū..
sādhaka nāma japahiṃ laya lāēom. hōhiṃ siddha animādika pāēom..

Even those (seekers of Truth) who aspire to know the mysterious ways of Providence are able to comprehend them by muttering the Name. Strivers (hankering after worldly achievements) repeat the Name, absorbed in contemplation, and become accomplished, acquiring superhuman powers such as that of becoming infinitely small in size.

 जपहिं नामु जन आरत भारी। मिटहिं कुसंकट होहिं सुखारी॥
राम भगत जग चारि प्रकारा। सुकृती चारिउ अनघ उदारा॥3॥
japahiṃ nāmu jana ārata bhārī. miṭahiṃ kusaṃkaṭa hōhiṃ sukhārī..
rāma bhagata jaga cāri prakārā. sukṛtī cāriu anagha udārā..

If devotees in distress mutter the Name, their worst calamities of the gravest type disappear and they become happy. In this world there are four kinds of devotees† of Sri Rama; all the four of them are virtuous, sinless and noble.

 चहू चतुर कहुँ नाम अधारा। ग्यानी प्रभुहि बिसेषि पिआरा॥
चहुँ जुग चहुँ श्रुति नाम प्रभाऊ। कलि बिसेषि नहिं आन उपाऊ॥4॥
cahū catura kahuom nāma adhārā. gyānī prabhuhi bisēṣi piārā..
cahuom juga cahuom śruti nā prabhāū. kali bisēṣi nahiṃ āna upāū..

All the four, clever as they are, rely upon the Name. Of these the enlightened devotee is specially dear to the Lord. The glory of the Name is supreme in all the four Yugas and all the four Vedas, particularly in the Kali age, in which there is no other means of salvation.(4)

दोहा | Dohas :
सकल कामना हीन जे राम भगति रस लीन।
नाम सुप्रेम पियूष ह्रद तिन्हहुँ किए मन मीन॥22॥
sakala kāmanā hīna jē rāma bhagati rasa līna.
nāma suprēma piyūṣa hada tinhahuom kiē mana mīna..22..

Even those who are free from all desires and absorbed in the joy of devotion to Sri Rama have thrown their heart as fish into the nectarine lake of supreme affection for the Name.(22)

चौपाई | Chaupais :
अगुन सगुन दुइ ब्रह्म सरूपा। अकथ अगाध अनादि अनूपा॥
मोरें मत बड़ नामु दुहू तें। किए जेहिं जुग निज बस निज बूतें॥1॥
aguna saguna dui brahma sarūpā. akatha agādha anādi anūpā..
mōrēṃ mata baḍa nāmu duhū tēṃ. kiē jēhiṃ juga nija basa nija būtēṃ..

There are two aspects of God-the one unqualified and the other qualified. Both these aspects are unspeakable, unfathomable, without beginning and without parallel. To my mind, greater than both is the Name, that has established Its rule over both by Its might.

 प्रौढ़ि सुजन जनि जानहिं जन की। कहउँ प्रतीति प्रीति रुचि मन की॥
एकु दारुगत देखिअ एकू। पावक सम जुग ब्रह्म बिबेकू॥2॥

prōḍhai sujana jani jānahiṃ jana kī. kahauom pratīti prīti ruci mana kī..
ēku dārugata dēkhia ēkū. pāvaka sama juga brahma bibēkū..

Gentlemen should not take this as a bold assertion on the part of this servant; I record my mind’s own conviction, partiality and liking. The two aspects of Brahma (God) should be recognized as akin to fire: –

उभय अगम जुग सुगम नाम तें। कहेउँ नामु बड़ ब्रह्म राम तें॥
ब्यापकु एकु ब्रह्म अबिनासी। सत चेतन घन आनँद रासी॥3॥

ubhaya agama juga sugama nāma tēṃ. kahēuom nāmu baḍa brahma rāma tēṃ..
byāpaku ēku brahma abināsī. sata cētana dhana ānaomda rāsī..3..

Though both are inaccessible by themselves, they are easily attainable through the Name; therefore I have called the Name greater than Brahma and Sri Rama both. Brahma (God) is one, all-pervading and imperishable; He is all truth, consciousness and a compact mass of joy.

 अस प्रभु हृदयँ अछत अबिकारी। सकल जीव जग दीन दुखारी॥
नाम निरूपन नाम जतन तें। सोउ प्रगटत जिमि मोल रतन तें॥4॥
asa prabhu hṛdayaom achata abikārī. sakala jīva jaga dīna dukhārī..
nāma nirūpana nāma jatana tēṃ. sōu pragaṭata jimi mōla ratana tēṃ.

Even though such immutable Lord is present in every heart, all beings in this world are nonetheless miserable and unhappy. Through the practice of the Name preceded by Its true appraisement, however, the same Brahma reveals Itself even as the value of a jewel is revealed by its correct knowledge.

दोहा | Dohas :
निरगुन तें एहि भाँति बड़ नाम प्रभाउ अपार।
कहउँ नामु बड़ राम तें निज बिचार अनुसार॥23॥
niraguna tēṃ ēhi bhāomti baḍa nāma prabhāu apāra.
kahauom nāmu baḍa rāma tēṃ nija bicāra anusāra..23..

The glory of the Name is thus infinitely greater than that of the Absolute; I shall show below how in my judgment the Name is superior even to Sri Rama.(23)

चौपाई | Chaupais :
राम भगत हित नर तनु धारी। सहि संकट किए साधु सुखारी॥
नामु सप्रेम जपत अनयासा। भगत होहिं मुद मंगल बासा॥1॥

rāma bhagata hita nara tanu dhārī. sahi saṃkaṭa kiē sādhu sukhārī..
nāmu saprēma japata anayāsā. bhagata hōhiṃ muda maṃgala bāsā..

For the sake of His devotees Sri Rama assumed the form of a human being and, suffering calamities Himself, brought relief to the pious. By fondly repeating His Name, on the other hand, devotees easily become abodes of joy and blessings.

राम एक तापस तिय तारी। नाम कोटि खल कुमति सुधारी॥
रिषि हित राम सुकेतुसुता की। सहित सेन सुत कीन्हि बिबाकी॥2॥
सहित दोष दुख दास दुरासा। दलइ नामु जिमि रबि निसि नासा॥
भंजेउ राम आपु भव चापू। भव भय भंजन नाम प्रतापू॥3॥

rāma ēka tāpasa tiya tārī. nāma kōṭi khala kumati sudhārī..
riṣi hita rāma sukētusutā kī. sahita sēna suta kīnha bibākī..

Sri Rama Himself redeemed a single woman (Ahalya), the wife of an ascetic; while His Name corrected the error of crores of wicked souls. For the sake of the sage (Visvamitra) Sri Rama wrought the destruction of Suketu’s daughter (Tadaka) with her army and son (Subahu);

sahita dōṣa dukha dāsa durāsā. dalai nāmu jimi rabi nisi nāsā..
bhaṃjēu rāma āpu bhava cāpū. bhava bhaya bhaṃjana nāma pratāpū..

while His Name puts an end to the devotee’s vain hopes alongwith his errors and sorrows even as the sun terminates night. In His own person Sri Rama broke the bow of Siva, while the very glory of His Name dispels the fear of rebirth.

दंडक बन प्रभु कीन्ह सुहावन। जन मन अमित नाम किए पावन॥
निसिचर निकर दले रघुनंदन। नामु सकल कलि कलुष निकंदन॥4॥
daṃḍaka banu prabhu kīnha suhāvana. jana mana amita nāma kiē pāvana…
nisicara nikara dalē raghunaṃdana. nāmu sakala kali kaluṣa nikaṃdana..

The Lord restored the charm of the Dandaka forest alone, while His Name purified the mind of countless devotees .The Delighter of Raghus (Sri Rama) crushed only a host of demons, while His Name uproots all the impurities of the Kali age.

दोहा | Dohas :
सबरी गीध सुसेवकनि सुगति दीन्हि रघुनाथ।
नाम उधारे अमित खल बेद बिदित गुन गाथ॥24॥

sabarī gīdha susēvakani sugati dīnhi raghunātha.
nāma udhārē amita khala bēda bidita guna gātha..24..

The Lord of Raghus conferred immortality only on faithful servants like Sabari (the celebrated Bhila woman) and the vulture (Jatayu), while His Name has delivered innumerable wretches; the tale of Its virtues is well-known in the Vedas.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
राम सुकंठ बिभीषन दोऊ। राखे सरन जान सबु कोऊ ॥
नाम गरीब अनेक नेवाजे। लोक बेद बर बिरिद बिराजे॥1॥
rāma sukaṃṭha bibhīṣana dōū. rākhē sarana jāna sabu kōū..
nāma garība anēka nēvājē. lōka bēda bara birida birājē..

As is well-known to all, Sri Rama extended His protection to two devotees only, viz., Sugriva and Vibhisana; His Name, on the other hand, has showered Its grace on numerous humble souls. This superb glory of the Name shines forth in the world as well as in the Vedas.

राम भालु कपि कटुक बटोरा। सेतु हेतु श्रमु कीन्ह न थोरा॥
नामु लेत भवसिन्धु सुखाहीं। करहु बिचारु सुजन मन माहीं॥2॥
rāma bhālu kapi kaṭaku baṭōrā. sētu hētu śramu kīnha na thōrā..
nāmu lēta bhavasiṃdhu sukhāhīṃ. karahu bicāru sujana mana māhīṃ..

Sri Rama collected an army of bears and monkeys and took no little pains over the construction of a bridge (to connect the mainland with the island of Lanka). Through the repetition of His Name, however, the ocean of mundane existence itself gets dried up: let the wise bear this in mind.

राम सकुल रन रावनु मारा। सीय सहित निज पुर पगु धारा॥
राजा रामु अवध रजधानी। गावत गुन सुर मुनि बर बानी॥3॥

rāma sakula rana rāvanu mārā. sīya sahita nija pura pagu dhārā..
rājā rāmu avadha rajadhānī. gāvata guna sura muni bara bānī..

Sri Rama killed in battle Ravana with all his family and returned to His own city with Sita. He was then crowned king in the capital of Ayodhya, while gods and sages sung His glories in choicest phrases.

सेवक सुमिरत नामु सप्रीती। बिनु श्रम प्रबल मोह दलु जीती॥
फिरत सनेहँ मगन सुख अपनें। नाम प्रसाद सोच नहिं सपनें॥4॥

sēvaka sumirata nāmu saprītī. binu śrama prabala mōha dalu jītī..
phirata sanēhaom magana sukha apanēṃ. nāma prasāda sōca nahiṃ sapanēṃ.

His servants are, however, able to conquer the formidable army of error by fondly remembering His Name and, absorbed in devotion, move about in joy which is peculiarly their own; by the grace of the Name they know not sorrow even in dream.

दोहा | Dohas :
ब्रह्म राम तें नामु बड़ बर दायक बर दानि।
रामचरित सत कोटि महँ लिय महेस जियँ जानि॥25॥
brahma rāma tēṃ nāmu baḍa bara dāyaka bara dāni.
rāmacarita sata kōṭi mahaom liya mahēsa jiyaom jāni..25..

The Name is thus greater than Brahma and Sri Rama both and confers blessings even on the bestowers of boons. Knowing this in His heart, the great Lord Siva chose this word (Rama) for Himself out of Sri Rama’s story comprising 100 crore verses.

मासपारायण, पहला विश्राम

चौपाई | Chaupais :
नाम प्रसाद संभु अबिनासी। साजु अमंगल मंगल रासी॥
सुक सनकादि सिद्ध मुनि जोगी। नाम प्रसाद ब्रह्मसुख भोगी॥1॥

nāma prasāda saṃbhu abināsī. sāju amaṃgala maṃgala rāsī..
suka sanakādi siddha muni jōgī. nāma prasāda brahmasukha bhōgī..

By the grace of the Name alone Lord Sambhu (Siva) is immortal and, though endowed with inauspicious paraphernalia (such as a wreath of skulls), is yet a storehouse of blessings. Again, it is by the grace of the Name alone that Siddhas (adepts), sages and Yogis like Suka, Sanaka and others enjoy divine raptures,

नारद जानेउ नाम प्रतापू। जग प्रिय हरि हरि हर प्रिय आपू॥
नामु जपत प्रभु कीन्ह प्रसादू। भगत सिरोमनि भे प्रहलादू॥2॥
nārada jānēu nāma pratāpū. jaga priya hari hari hara priya āpū..
nāmu japata prabhu kīnha prasādū. bhagata sirōmani bhē prahalādū..

Narada realized the glory of the Name; that is why, while Sri Hari is beloved of the world (and Hara is dear to Sri Hari), he (Narada) is dear to Hari and Hara (Visnu and Siva) both. It was because of his repeating the Name that the Lord showered His grace on Prahlada, who thereby became the crest-jewel of devotees.

ध्रुवँ सगलानि जपेउ हरि नाऊँ। पायउ अचल अनूपम ठाऊँ॥
सुमिरि पवनसुत पावन नामू। अपने बस करि राखे रामू॥3॥

dhruvaom sagalāni japēu hari nāūom. pāyau acala anūpama ṭhāūom..
sumiri pavanasuta pāvana nāmū. apanē basa kari rākhē rāmū..

Dhruva repeated the name of Sri Hari with a feeling of indignation (at the harsh treatment received from his step-mother) and thereby attained a fixed and incomparable station in the heavens. It is by remembering the holy Name that Hanuman (son of the wind-god) holds Sri Rama under His thumb.

अपतु अजामिलु गजु गनिकाऊ। भए मुकुत हरि नाम प्रभाऊ॥
कहौं कहाँ लगि नाम बड़ाई। रामु न सकहिं नाम गुन गाई॥4॥

apatu ajāmilu gaju ganikāū. bhaē mukuta hari nāma prabhāū..
kahauṃ kahāom lagi nāma baḍaāī. rāmu na sakahiṃ nāma guna gāī..

The vile Ajamila and even the celebrated elephant and the harlot of the legend were liberated by the power of Sri Hari’s name. I have no words to depict the glory of the Name: not even Rama can adequately glorify it.

दोहा | Dohas :
नामु राम को कलपतरु कलि कल्यान निवासु।
जो सुमिरत भयो भाँग तें तुलसी तुलसीदासु॥26॥

nāmu rāma kō kalapataru kali kalyāna nivāsu.
jō sumirata bhayō bhāomga tēṃ tulasī tulasīdāsu..26.

The name of Rama is a wish-yielding tree, the very home of beatitude in this age of Kali, by remembering which Tulasidasa (the poet himself) was transformed from an intoxicating drug like the hemp-plant into the holy basil.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
चहुँ जुग तीनि काल तिहुँ लोका। भए नाम जपि जीव बिसोका॥
बेद पुरान संत मत एहू। सकल सुकृत फल राम सनेहू॥1॥
cahuom juga tīni kāla tihuom lōkā. bhaē nāma japi jīva bisōkā..
bēda purāna saṃta mata ēhū. sakala sukṛta phala rāma sanēhū..

(Not only in this Kali age, but) in all the four ages, at all times (past, present and future) and in all the three spheres (viz., heaven, earth and the subterranean region) creatures have been rid of grief by repeating the Name. The verdict of the Vedas and the Puranas as well as of saints is just this; that love of Rama (or the name ‘Rama’) is the reward of all virtuous acts.

ध्यानु प्रथम जुग मख बिधि दूजें। द्वापर परितोषत प्रभु पूजें॥
कलि केवल मल मूल मलीना। पाप पयोनिधि जन मन मीना॥2॥

dhyānu prathama juga makhabidhi dūjēṃ. dvāpara paritōṣata prabhu pūjēṃ..
kali kēvala mala mūla malīnā. pāpa payōnidhi jana mana mīnā.

In the first age, contemplation; in the second age, sacrifice; in the Dvapara age the Lord is propitiated through worship. This age of Kali, however, is simply corrupt and the root of all impurities, where the mind of man wallows like a fish in the ocean of sin.

नाम कामतरु काल कराला। सुमिरत समन सकल जग जाला॥
राम नाम कलि अभिमत दाता। हित परलोक लोक पितु माता॥3॥

nāma kāmataru kāla karālā. sumirata samana sakala jaga jālā..
rāma nāma kali abhimata dātā. hita paralōka lōka pitu mātā..

In this terrible age the Name alone is the wish-yielding tree, the very thought of which puts an end to all the illusions of the world. The Name of Rama is the bestower of one’s desired object in this age of Kali; It is beneficent in the other world and one’s father and mother in this world.

नहिं कलि करम न भगति बिबेकू। राम नाम अवलंबन एकू॥
कालनेमि कलि कपट निधानू। नाम सुमति समरथ हनुमानू॥4॥

nahiṃ kali karama na bhagati bibēkū. rāma nāma avalaṃbana ēkū..
kālanēmi kali kapaṭa nidhānū. nāma sumati samaratha hanumānū..

In Kaliyuga neither Karma (action) nor Bhakti (devotion) nor again Jnana (knowledge) avails; the name of Rama is the only resort. The age of Kali is as it were the demon Kalanemi, the repository of all wiles; whereas the Name is the wise and mighty Hanuman.

दोहा | Dohas :
राम नाम नरकेसरी कनककसिपु कलिकाल।
जापक जन प्रहलाद जिमि पालिहि दलि सुरसाल॥27॥
rāma nāma narakēsarī kanakakasipu kalikāla.
jāpaka jana prahalāda jimi pālihi dali surasāla..27..

(To use another metaphor) the Name of Rama is, as it were, the Lord Narsimha and the age of Kali; the demon Hiranyakasipu. Crushing this enemy of gods, the Name will protect the devotees repeating It, even as the Lord Narsimha protected Prahlada.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
भायँ कुभायँ अनख आलस हूँ। नाम जपत मंगल दिसि दसहूँ॥
सुमिरि सो नाम राम गुन गाथा। करउँ नाइ रघुनाथहि माथा॥1॥॥
bhāyaom kubhāyaom anakha ālasahūom. nāma japata maṃgala disi dasahūom..
sumiri sō nāma rāma guna gāthā. karauom nāi raghunāthahi māthā..

The Name repeated either with good or evil intentions, in an angry mood or even while yawning, diffuses joy in all the ten directions. Remembering that Name and bowing my head to the Lord of Raghus, I proceed to recount the virtues of Sri Rama.

मोरि सुधारिहि सो सब भाँती। जासु कृपा नहिं कृपाँ अघाती॥
राम सुस्वामि कुसेवकु मोसो। निज दिसि देखि दयानिधि पोसो॥2॥

mōri sudhārihi sō saba bhāomtī. jāsu kṛpā nahiṃ kṛpāom aghātī..
rāma susvāmi kusēvaku mōsō. nija disi daikhi dayānidhi pōsō..

He whose grace is never tired of showing its good-will to others will mend my errors in everyway. Rama a noble Lord, and a poor servant like myself! Yet, true to His own disposition, that storehouse of compassion has fostered me.

लोकहुँ बेद सुसाहिब रीती। बिनय सुनत पहिचानत प्रीती॥
गनी गरीब ग्राम नर नागर। पंडित मूढ़ मलीन उजागर॥3॥
lōkahuom bēda susāhiba rītīṃ. binaya sunata pahicānata prītī..
ganī garība grāmanara nāgara. paṃḍita mūḍha malīna ujāgara..

In the world as well as in the Vedas we observe the following characteristic in a good master, viz., that he comes to recognize one’s devotion to him as soon as he hears one’s prayer. Rich or poor, rustic or urban, learned or unlettered, of good repute or bad,

सुकबि कुकबि निज मति अनुहारी। नृपहि सराहत सब नर नारी॥
साधु सुजान सुसील नृपाला। ईस अंस भव परम कृपाला॥4॥

sukabi kukabi nija mati anuhārī. nṛpahi sarāhata saba nara nārī..
sādhu sujāna susīla nṛpālā. īsa aṃsa bhava parama kṛpālā..

all men and women extol the king according to his or her light. And the pious, sensible, amiable and supremely compassionate ruler, who takes his descent from a ray of God,-

सुनि सनमानहिं सबहि सुबानी। भनिति भगति नति गति पहिचानी॥
यह प्राकृत महिपाल सुभाऊ। जान सिरोमनि कोसलराऊ॥5॥

suni sanamānahiṃ sabahi subānī. bhaniti bhagati nati gati pahicānī..
yaha prākṛta mahipāla subhāū. jāna sirōmani kōsalarāū.

greets all with sweet words hearing their compliments and appraising their composition, devotion, supplication and conduct. Such is the way of earthly monarchs, to say nothing of the Lord of Kosala (Sri Rama), who is the crest-jewel of wise men.

रीझत राम सनेह निसोतें। को जग मंद मलिनमति मोतें॥6॥
rījhata rāma sanēha nisōtēṃ. kō jaga maṃda malinamati mōtēṃ..

Sri Rama gets pleased with unalloyed love; but who is duller and more impure of mind in this world than I ?

दोहा | Dohas :
सठ सेवक की प्रीति रुचि रखिहहिं राम कृपालु।
उपल किए जलजान जेहिं सचिव सुमति कपि भालु॥28 क॥

saṭha sēvaka kī prīti ruci rakhihahiṃ rāma kṛpālu.
upala kiē jalajāna jēhiṃ saciva sumati kapi bhālu..28ka..

The benevolent Rama will nonetheless respect the devotion and pleasure of this wicked servant-Sri Rama, who made barks out of rocks and wise counsellors out of monkeys and bears.

हौंहु कहावत सबु कहत राम सहत उपहास।
साहिब सीतानाथ सो सेवक तुलसीदास॥28 ख॥

hauhu kahāvata sabu kahata rāma sahata upahāsa.
sāhiba sītānātha sō sēvaka tulasīdāsa..28kha..

Everybody calls me a servant of the Lord and I myself claim to be one; and Sri Rama puts up with the scoffing remark that a master like Sita’s Lord has a servant like Tulasidasa.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
अति बड़ि मोरि ढिठाई खोरी। सुनि अघ नरकहुँ नाक सकोरी॥
समुझि सहम मोहि अपडर अपनें। सो सुधि राम कीन्हि नहिं सपनें॥1॥
ati baḍai mōri ḍhiṭhāī khōrī. suni agha narakahuom nāka sakōrī..
samujhi sahama mōhi apaḍara apanēṃ. sō sudhi rāma kīnhi nahiṃ sapanēṃ..

My presumption and error are indeed very great and, hearing the tale of my sins, even hell has turned up its nose at them. I shudder to think of it due to my assumed fears; while Sri Rama took no notice of them even in a dream.

सुनि अवलोकि सुचित चख चाही। भगति मोरि मति स्वामि सराही॥
कहत नसाइ होइ हियँ नीकी। रीझत राम जानि जन जी की॥2॥
suni avalōki sucita cakha cāhī. bhagati mōri mati svāmi sarāhī..
kahata nasāi hōi hiyaom nīkī. rījhata rāma jāni jana jī kī

The Lord, on the other hand, applauded my devotion and spirit on hearing of, perceiving and scanning them with the mind’s eye. If there is anything good in one’s heart, it is marred by the telling; for Sri Rama is pleased to note what is there in the devotee’s mind.

रहति न प्रभु चित चूक किए की। करत सुरति सय बार हिए की॥
जेहिं अघ बधेउ ब्याध जिमि बाली। फिरि सुकंठ सोइ कीन्हि कुचाली॥3॥

rahati na prabhu cita cūka kiē kī. karata surati saya bāra hiē kī..
jēhiṃ agha badhēu byādha jimi bālī. phiri sukaṃṭha sōi kīnha kucālī..

The Lord never cherishes in His mind the lapse, if any, on part of a devotee; while He remembers the latter’s spirit a hundred times. For instance, the very crime of which He had killed Vali (the monkey- king of Kiskindha) even as a huntsman was repeated in the misdemeanour perpetrated by Sugriva-

सोइ करतूति बिभीषन केरी। सपनेहूँ सो न राम हियँ हेरी॥
ते भरतहि भेंटत सनमाने। राजसभाँ रघुबीर बखाने॥4॥
sōi karatūti bibhīṣana kērī. sapanēhuom sō na rāma hiyaom hērī..
tē bharatahi bhēṃṭata sanamānē. rājasabhāom raghubīra bakhānē..

Vibhisana too was guilty of the same offence; but Sri Rama took no cognizance of it even in a dream. The Hero of Raghu’s clan, on the other hand, honoured them both at His meeting with Bharata (on His return from Lanka) and commended them in open court.

दोहा | Dohas :
प्रभु तरु तर कपि डार पर ते किए आपु समान।
तुलसी कहूँ न राम से साहिब सील निधान॥29 क॥

prabhu taru tara kapi ḍāra para tē kiē āpu samāna..
tulasī kahūom na rāma sē sāhiba sīlanidhāna..29ka..

While the Lord sat at the foot of trees, the monkeys perched themselves high on the boughs; such insolent creatures He exalted to His own position! There is no lord so generous as Sri Rama, O Tulasidasa!

राम निकाईं रावरी है सबही को नीक।
जौं यह साँची है सदा तौ नीको तुलसीक॥29 ख॥

rāma nikāīṃ rāvarī hai sabahī kō nīka.
jōṃ yaha sāomcī hai sadā tau nīkō tulasīka..29kha..

Your goodness, O Rama, is beneficent to all; if this is a fact, Tulasidasa too will be blessed by the same.

एहि बिधि निज गुन दोष कहि सबहि बहुरि सिरु नाइ।
बरनउँ रघुबर बिसद जसु सुनि कलि कलुष नसाइ॥29 ग॥

ēhi bidhi nija guna dōṣa kahi sabahi bahuri siru nāi.
baranauom raghubara bisada jasu suni kali kaluṣa nasāi..29ga..

Thus revealing my merits and demerits and bowing my head once more to all, I proceed to sing the immaculate glory of the Chief of Raghus, by hearing which the impurities of the Kali age are wiped away.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
जागबलिक जो कथा सुहाई। भरद्वाज मुनिबरहि सुनाई॥
कहिहउँ सोइ संबाद बखानी। सुनहुँ सकल सज्जन सुखु मानी॥1॥
jāgabalika jō kathā suhāī. bharadvāja munibarahi sunāī..
kahihauom sōi saṃbāda bakhānī. sunahuom sakala sajjana sukhu mānī..

The charming story which Yajnavalkya related to the good sage Bharadvaja, I shall repeat the same dialogue at length; let all good souls hear it with a feeling of delight.

संभु कीन्ह यह चरित सुहावा। बहुरि कृपा करि उमहि सुनावा॥
सोइ सिव कागभुसुंडिहि दीन्हा। राम भगत अधिकारी चीन्हा॥2॥
saṃbhu kīnha yaha carita suhāvā. bahuri kṛpā kari umahi sunāvā..
sōi siva kāgabhusuṃḍihi dīnhā. rāma bhagata adhikārī cīnhā..

This ravishing tale was conceived by Sambhu (Lord Siva), who graciously communicated it to His Consort Uma (Parvati). Siva imparted it once more to Kakabhusundi (a sage in the form of crow), knowing him to be a devotee of Sri Rama and one qualified to hear it.

तेहि सन जागबलिक पुनि पावा। तिन्ह पुनि भरद्वाज प्रति गावा॥
ते श्रोता बकता समसीला। सवँदरसी जानहिं हरिलीला॥3॥
tēhi sana jāgabalika puni pāvā. tinha puni bharadvāja prati gāvā..
tē śrōtā bakatā samasīlā. savaomdarasī jānahiṃ harilīlā..

And it was Yajnavalkya who received it from the latter (Kakabhusundi) and narrated it to Bharadvaja. Both these, the listener (Bharadvaja) and the reciter (Yajnavalkya), are equally virtuous; they view all alike and are acquainted with the pastimes of Sri Hari.

जानहिं तीनि काल निज ग्याना। करतल गत आमलक समाना॥
औरउ जे हरिभगत सुजाना। कहहिं सुनहिं समुझहिं बिधि नाना॥4॥

jānahiṃ tīni kāla nija gyānā. karatala gata āmalaka samānā..
aurau jē haribhagata sujānā. kahahiṃ sunahiṃ samujhahiṃ bidhi nānā..

Like a emblic myrobalan fruit placed on one’s palm, they hold the past, present and future within their knowledge. Besides these, other enlightened devotees of Sri Hari too recite, hear and understand this story in diverse ways.

दोहा | Dohas :
मैं पुनि निज गुर सन सुनी कथा सो सूकरखेत।
समुझी नहिं तसि बालपन तब अति रहेउँ अचेत॥30 क॥
mai puni nija gura sana sunī kathā sō sūkarakhēta.
samujhī nahi tasi bālapana taba ati rahēuom acēta..30ka..

Then I heard the same story in the holy Sukaraksetra (the modern Soron in the Uttar Pradesh, India) from my preceptor; but as I had no sense in those days of my childhood, I could not follow it full well.

श्रोता बकता ग्याननिधि कथा राम कै गूढ़।
किमि समुझौं मैं जीव जड़ कलि मल ग्रसित बिमूढ़॥30ख॥
śrōtā bakatā gyānanidhi kathā rāma kai gūḍha.
kimi samujhauṃ mai jīva jaḍa kali mala grasita bimūḍha..30kha..

Both the listener and the reciter of the mysterious story of Sri Rama must be repositories of wisdom. How, then could I, a dull and stupid creature steeped in the impurities of the Kali age, expect to follow it ?

चौपाई | Chaupais :
तदपि कही गुर बारहिं बारा। समुझि परी कछु मति अनुसारा॥
भाषाबद्ध करबि मैं सोई। मोरें मन प्रबोध जेहिं होई॥1॥
tadapi kahī gura bārahiṃ bārā. samujhi parī kachu mati anusārā..
bhāṣābaddha karabi maiṃ sōī. mōrēṃ mana prabōdha jēhiṃ hōī..

Nevertheless, when the preceptor repeated the story time after time, I followed it to a certain extent according to my poor lights. I shall versify the same in the popular tongue, so that my mind may derive satisfaction from it.

जस कछु बुधि बिबेक बल मेरें। तस कहिहउँ हियँ हरि के प्रेरें॥
निज संदेह मोह भ्रम हरनी। करउँ कथा भव सरिता तरनी॥2॥
jasa kachu budhi bibēka bala mērēṃ. tasa kahihauom hiyaom hari kē prērēṃ..
nija saṃdēha mōha bhrama haranī. karauom kathā bhava saritā taranī..

Equipped with what little intellectual and critical power I possess I shall write with a heart inspired by Sri Hari. The story I am going to tell is such as will dispel my own doubts, errors and delusion and will serve as a boat for crossing the stream of mundane existence.

बुध बिश्राम सकल जन रंजनि। रामकथा कलि कलुष बिभंजनि॥
रामकथा कलि पंनग भरनी। पुनि बिबेक पावक कहुँ अरनी॥3॥
budha biśrāma sakala jana raṃjani. rāmakathā kali kaluṣa bibhaṃjani..
rāmakathā kali paṃnaga bharanī. puni bibēka pāvaka kahuom aranī..

The story of Rama is a solace to the learned and a source of delight to all men and wipes out the impurities of the Kali age. Sri Rama’s story is a pea-hen for the serpent in the form of the Kali age; again, it is a wooden stick for kindling the sacred fire of wisdom.

रामकथा कलि कामद गाई। सुजन सजीवनि मूरि सुहाई॥
सोइ बसुधातल सुधा तरंगिनि। भय भंजनि भ्रम भेक भुअंगिनि॥4॥
rāmakathā kali kāmada gāī. sujana sajīvani mūri suhāī..
sōi basudhātala sudhā taraṃgini. bhaya bhaṃjani bhrama bhēka bhuaṃgini..

The tale of Rama is the cow of plenty in this age of Kali; it is a beautiful life-giving herb for the virtuous. It is a veritable river of nectar on the surface of this globe; it shatters the fear of birth and death and is a virtual snake for the frog of delusion.

असुर सेन सम नरक निकंदिनि। साधु बिबुध कुल हित गिरिनंदिनि॥
संत समाज पयोधि रमा सी। बिस्व भार भर अचल छमा सी॥5॥
asura sēna sama naraka nikaṃdini. sādhu bibudha kula hita girinaṃdini..
saṃta samāja payōdhi ramā sī. bisva bhāra bhara acala chamā sī..

It is beneficent to pious souls-even as Goddess Parvati (the daughter of Himavan) is friendly to gods; again, it puts an end to hell even as Parvati exterminated the army of demons. It flows from the assemblage of saints, even as Laksmi (the goddess of wealth) sprang from the ocean; and like the immovable earth it bears the burden of the entire creation.

जम गन मुहँ मसि जग जमुना सी। जीवन मुकुति हेतु जनु कासी॥
रामहि प्रिय पावनि तुलसी सी। तुलसिदास हित हियँ हुलसी सी॥6॥
jama gana muhaom masi jaga jamunā sī. jīvana mukuti hētu janu kāsī..
rāmahi priya pāvani tulasī sī. tulasidāsa hita hiyaom hulasī sī..

Like the sacred river Yamuna in this world it scares away the messengers of Yama (the god of death). It is holy Kasi as it were for the liberation of souls. It is dear to Rama as the sacred basil plant and is truly beneficent to Tulasidasa as his own mother, Hulasi.

सिवप्रिय मेकल सैल सुता सी। सकल सिद्धि सुख संपति रासी॥
सदगुन सुरगन अंब अदिति सी। रघुबर भगति प्रेम परमिति सी॥7॥
sivapraya mēkala saila sutā sī. sakala siddhi sukha saṃpati rāsī..
sadaguna suragana aṃba aditi sī. raghubara bhagati prēma paramiti sī..

It is beloved of Lord Siva as the river Narmada (which has its source in Mount Mekala, a peak of the Amarakantaka hills); it is a mine of all attainments as well as of happiness and prosperity. It is to noble qualities what mother Aditi is to gods; it is the culmination as it were of devotion to and love for Sri Rama.

दोहा | Dohas :
रामकथा मंदाकिनी चित्रकूट चित चारु।
तुलसी सुभग सनेह बन सिय रघुबीर बिहारु॥31॥
rāma kathā maṃdākinī citrakūṭa cita cāru.
tulasī subhaga sanēha bana siya raghubīra bihāru..31..

The story of Sri Rama is the river Mandakini (which washes the foot of Citrakuta); a guileless heart is Mount Citrakuta (one of the happy resorts of Sri Rama during his wanderings in the forest); while pure love, says Tulasidasa, is the woodland in which Sita and Rama carry on Their divine pastimes.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
रामचरित चिंतामति चारू। संत सुमति तिय सुभग सिंगारू॥
जग मंगल गुनग्राम राम के। दानि मुकुति धन धरम धाम के॥1॥

rāma carita ciṃtāmani cārū. saṃta sumati tiya subhaga siṃgārū..
jaga maṃgala guna grāma rāma kē. dāni mukuti dhana dharama dhāma kē..

The narrative of Rama is a lovely wish-yielding gem, and a graceful adornment for saintly wisdom. The hosts of virtues possessed by Sri Rama are a blessing to the world and the bestowers of liberation, riches, religious merit and the divine abode.

 सदगुर ग्यान बिराग जोग के। बिबुध बैद भव भीम रोग के॥
जननि जनक सिय राम प्रेम के। बीज सकल ब्रत धरम नेम के॥2॥
sadagura gyāna birāga jōga kē. bibudha baida bhava bhīma rōga kē..
janani janaka siya rāma prēma kē. bīja sakala brata dharama nēma kē..

They are true teachers of wisdom, dispassion and Yoga (contemplative union with (God) and celestial physicians (Asvinikumaras) for the fell disease of metempsychosis; parents of devotion to Sita and Rama and the seed of all holy vows, practices and observances;

समन पाप संताप सोक के। प्रिय पालक परलोक लोक के॥
सचिव सुभट भूपति बिचार के। कुंभज लोभ उदधि अपार के॥3॥
samana pāpa saṃtāpa sōka kē. priya pālaka paralōka lōka kē..
saciva subhaṭa bhūpati bicāra kē. kuṃbhaja lōbha udadhi apāra kē..

antidotes for sins, agonies and griefs and beloved guardians in this as well as in the next world; valiant ministers to King Reason,and a veritable Agastya drinking up the illimitable ocean of greed;

काम कोह कलिमल करिगन के। केहरि सावक जन मन बन के॥
अतिथि पूज्य प्रियतम पुरारि के। कामद घन दारिद दवारि के॥4॥

kāma kōha kalimala karigana kē. kēhari sāvaka jana mana bana kē..
atithi pūjya priyatama purāri kē. kāmada ghana dārida davāri kē..

young lions residing in the forest of the devotee’s mind to kill the herd of elephants in the shape of lust, anger and impurities of the Kali age; dear to Lord Siva (the Slayer of the demon Tripura) as a highly respectable and most beloved guest, and wish-yielding clouds quenching the wild fire of indigence.

मंत्र महामनि बिषय ब्याल के। मेटत कठिन कुअंक भाल के॥
हरन मोह तम दिनकर कर से। सेवक सालि पाल जलधर से॥5॥
maṃtra mahāmani biṣaya byāla kē. mēṭata kaṭhina kuaṃka bhāla kē..
harana mōha tama dinakara kara sē. sēvaka sāli pāla jaladhara sē..

They are spells and valuable gems as it were for counteracting the venom of serpents in the form of sensuous enjoyments, and efface the deep marks of evil destiny contained on the forehead. They are sunbeams, as it were, dispelling the darkness of ignorance, and clouds nourishing the paddy crop in the form of devotees;

अभिमत दानि देवतरु बर से। सेवत सुलभ सुखद हरि हर से॥
सुकबि सरद नभ मन उडगन से। रामभगत जन जीवन धन से॥6॥

abhimata dāni dēvataru bara sē. sēvata sulabha sukhada hari hara sē..
sukabi sarada nabha mana uḍagana sē. rāmabhagata jana jīvana dhana sē..

trees of paradise, as it were, yielding the object of one’s desire; easily available for service and gratifying like Visnu and Siva; stars as it were adorning the autumnal sky in the shape of the poet’s mind, and the very life’s treasure for the devotees of Sri Rama;

सकल सुकृत फल भूरि भोग से। जग हित निरुपधि साधु लोग से॥
सेवक मन मानस मराल से। पावन गंग तरंग माल से॥7॥
sakala sukṛta phala bhūri bhōga sē. jaga hita nirupadhi sādhu lōga sē..
sēvaka mana mānasa marāla sē. pāvaka gaṃga taṃraga māla sē..

a rich harvest of enjoyments as it; were yielded by the totality of one’s meritorious deeds and sincerely devoted to the good of the world like holy men; sporting in the mind of the devotees as swans in the Manasarovara lake and purifying as the waves of the holy Ganga.

दोहा | Dohas :
कुपथ कुतरक कुचालि कलि कपट दंभ पाषंड।
दहन राम गुन ग्राम जिमि इंधन अनल प्रचंड॥32 क॥
kupatha kutaraka kucāli kali kapaṭa daṃbha pāṣaṃḍa.
dahana rāma guna grāma jimi iṃdhana anala pracaṃḍa..32ka..

The hosts of virtues possessed by Sri Rama are like a blazing fire to consume the dry wood of evil ways, fallacious reasoning, mischievous practices, deceit, hypocrisy and heresy prevailing in Kali.

रामचरित राकेस कर सरिस सुखद सब काहु।
सज्जन कुमुद चकोर चित हित बिसेषि बड़ लाहु॥32 ख॥
rāmacarita rākēsa kara sarisa sukhada saba kāhu.
sajjana kumuda cakōra cita hita bisēṣi baḍa lāhu..32kha..

The exploits of Sri Rama are delightful to one and all even as the rays of the full moon; they are particularly agreeable and highly beneficial to the mind of the virtuous, who can be compared to the white water-lily and the Cakora† bird.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
कीन्हि प्रस्न जेहि भाँति भवानी। जेहि बिधि संकर कहा बखानी॥
सो सब हेतु कहब मैं गाई। कथा प्रबंध बिचित्र बनाई॥1॥

kīnhi prasna jēhi bhāomti bhavānī. jēhi bidhi saṃkara kahā bakhānī..
sō saba hētu kahaba maiṃ gāī. kathāprabaṃdha bicitra banāī..

I shall now relate at some length the seed of the story-viz., how Goddess Bhavani (Parvati) questioned Lord Sankara and how the latter answered Her questions- weaving a strange narrative round this episode.

जेहिं यह कथा सुनी नहिं होई। जनि आचरजु करै सुनि सोई॥
कथा अलौकिक सुनहिं जे ग्यानी। नहिं आचरजु करहिं अस जानी॥2॥
रामकथा कै मिति जग नाहीं। असि प्रतीति तिन्ह के मन माहीं॥
नाना भाँति राम अवतारा। रामायन सत कोटि अपारा॥3॥
jēhi yaha kathā sunī nahiṃ hōī. jani ācaraju karaiṃ suni sōī..
kathā alaukika sunahiṃ jē gyānī. nahiṃ ācaraju karahiṃ asa jānī..
rāmakathā kai miti jaga nāhīṃ. asi pratīti tinha kē mana māhīṃ..
nānā bhāomti rāma avatārā. rāmāyana sata kōṭi apārā..

Let no one who should happen not to have heard this anecdote before be surprised to hear it. Wise men who hear this uncommon, legend marvel not; for they know-

there is no limit to the stories of Sri Rama in this world. They are convinced in their mind that Sri Rama has bodied Himself forth in diverse ways and that the Ramayana, though consisting of a thousand million verses, is yet infinite.

संसार में रामकथा की कोई सीमा नहीं है (रामकथा अनंत है)। उनके मन में ऐसा विश्वास रहता है। नाना प्रकार से श्री रामचन्द्रजी के अवतार हुए हैं और सौ करोड़ तथा अपार रामायण हैं॥2-3॥

कलपभेद हरिचरित सुहाए। भाँति अनेक मुनीसन्ह गाए॥
करिअ न संसय अस उर आनी। सुनिअ कथा सादर रति मानी॥4॥
kalapabhēda haricarita suhāē. bhāomti anēka munīsanha gāē..
karia na saṃsaya asa ura ānī. sunia kathā sārada rati mānī..

Great sages have diversely sung the charming stories of Sri Hari, relating as they do to different Kalpas or cycles. Bearing this in mind the reader should not entertain any doubt and should hear this narrative reverently and with devotion.

दोहा | Dohas :
राम अनंत अनंत गुन अमित कथा बिस्तार।
सुनि आचरजु न मानिहहिं जिन्ह कें बिमल बिचार॥33॥
rāma anaṃta anaṃta guna amita kathā bistāra.
suni ācaraju na mānihahiṃ jinha kēṃ bimala bicāra..33..

Rama is infinite, infinite are His virtues and the dimensions of His story are also immeasurable. Those whose thoughts are pure will, therefore, feel no surprise when they hear it.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
एहि बिधि सब संसय करि दूरी। सिर धरि गुर पद पंकज धूरी॥
पुनि सबही बिनवउँ कर जोरी। करत कथा जेहिं लाग न खोरी॥1॥
ēhi bidhi saba saṃsaya kari dūrī. sira dhari gura pada paṃkaja dhūrī..
puni sabahī binavauom kara jōrī. karata kathā jēhiṃ lāga na khōrī..

Putting away all doubts in this way and placing on my head the dust from the lotus feet of my preceptor, I supplicate all with joined palms once more, so that no blame may attach to the telling of the story.

सादर सिवहि नाइ अब माथा। बरनउँ बिसद राम गुन गाथा॥
संबत सोरह सै एकतीसा। करउँ कथा हरि पद धरि सीसा॥2॥
sādara sivahi nāi aba māthā. baranauom bisada rāma guna gāthā..
saṃbata sōraha sai ēkatīsā. karauom kathā hari pada dhari sīsā..

Reverently bowing my head to Lord Siva, I now proceed to recount the fair virtues of Sri Rama. placing my head on the feet of Sri Hari I commence this story in the Samvat year 1631 (1574 A. D.).

नौमी भौम बार मधुमासा। अवधपुरीं यह चरित प्रकासा॥
जेहि दिन राम जनम श्रुति गावहिं। तीरथ सकल जहाँ चलि आवहिं॥3॥

naumī bhauma bāra madhu māsā. avadhapurīṃ yaha carita prakāsā..
jēhi dina rāma janama śruti gāvahiṃ. tīratha sakala tahāom cali āvahiṃ..

On Tuesday, the ninth of the lunar month of Caitra, this story shed its lustre at Ayodhya. On this day of Sri Rama’s birth the presiding spirits of all holy places flock there and-

असुर नाग खग नर मुनि देवा। आइ करहिं रघुनायक सेवा॥
जन्म महोत्सव रचहिं सुजाना। करहिं राम कल कीरति गाना॥4॥
asura nāga khaga nara muni dēvā. āi karahiṃ raghunāyaka sēvā..
janma mahōtsava racahiṃ sujānā. karahiṃ rāma kala kīrati gānā..

Asura, Nagas, birds, human beings, sages and gods come and pay their homage to the Lord of Raghus. Wise men celebrate the great birthday festival and sing the sweet glory of Sri Rama.

दोहा | Dohas :
मज्जहिं सज्जन बृंद बहु पावन सरजू नीर।
जपहिं राम धरि ध्यान उर सुंदर स्याम सरीर॥34॥
majjahi sajjana bṛṃda bahu pāvana sarajū nīra.
japahiṃ rāma dhari dhyāna ura suṃdara syāma sarīra..34..

Numerous groups of pious men take dip in the holy water of the Sarayu river and, visualizing in their heart the beautiful swarthy form of Sri Rama, mutter His name.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
दरस परस मज्जन अरु पाना। हरइ पाप कह बेद पुराना॥
नदी पुनीत अमित महिमा अति। कहि न सकइ सारदा बिमल मति॥1॥
darasa parasa majjana aru pānā. harai pāpa kaha bēda purānā..
nadī punīta amita mahimā ati. kahi na sakai sārada bimalamati..

The very sight and touch (of the Sarayu), a dip into its waters or a draught from it cleanses one’s sins-so declare the Vedas and Puranas. Even Sarada, the goddess of learning, with Her pure intelligence cannot describe the infinite glory of this most sacred river.

राम धामदा पुरी सुहावनि। लोक समस्त बिदित अति पावनि॥
चारि खानि जग जीव अपारा। अवध तजें तनु नहिं संसारा॥2॥

rāma dhāmadā purī suhāvani. lōka samasta bidita ati pāvani..
cāri khāni jaga jīva apārā. avadha tajē tanu nahi saṃsārā..

The beautiful town of Ayodhya grants an abode in Sri Rama’s heaven; it is celebrated through all the worlds and is the holiest of the holy. There are countless living beings in this world belonging to the four species (viz., viviparous, oviparous, sweat-born and those shooting from the earth); whoever of these shed their mortal coil in Ayodhya are never born again.

सब बिधि पुरी मनोहर जानी। सकल सिद्धिप्रद मंगल खानी॥
बिमल कथा कर कीन्ह अरंभा। सुनत नसाहिं काम मद दंभा॥3॥
saba bidhi purī manōhara jānī. sakala siddhiprada maṃgala khānī..
bimala kathā kara kīnha araṃbhā. sunata nasāhiṃ kāma mada daṃbhā..

Knowing the town to be charming in every way, a bestower of all forms of success and a storehouse of blessings, I commenced writing this sacred story there. The impulses of lust, arrogance and hypocrisy positively disappear from the mind of those who hear it.

रामचरितमानस एहि नामा। सुनत श्रवन पाइअ बिश्रामा॥
मन करि बिषय अनल बन जरई। होई सुखी जौं एहिं सर परई॥4॥
rāmacaritamānasa ēhi nāmā. sunata śravana pāia biśrāmā..
mana kari viṣaya anala bana jaraī. hōi sukhī jau ēhiṃ sara paraī..

One derives solace by hearing its very name, Ramacaritamanasa (the Manasa lake of Sri Rama’s exploits). The elephant of our mind, which is being scorched by the wild fire of sensuous enjoyments, is sure to get relief should it drop into this lake.

रामचरितमानस मुनि भावन। बिरचेउ संभु सुहावन पावन॥
त्रिबिध दोष दुख दारिद दावन। कलि कुचालि कुलि कलुष नसावन॥5॥
rāmacaritamānasa muni bhāvana. biracēu saṃbhu suhāvana pāvana..
tribidha dōṣa dukha dārida dāvana. kali kucāli kuli kaluṣa nasāvana..

The holy and beautiful Ramacaritamanasa is the delight of sages; it was conceived by Sambhu (Lord Siva). It puts down the three kinds of error, sorrow and indigence and uproots all evil practices and impurities of the Kali age.

रचि महेस निज मानस राखा। पाइ सुसमउ सिवा सन भाषा॥
तातें रामचरितमानस बर। धरेउ नाम हियँ हेरि हरषि हर॥6॥
raci mahēsa nija mānasa rākhā. pāi susamau sivā sana bhāṣā..
tātēṃ rāmacaritamānasa bara. dharēu nāma hiyaom hēri haraṣi hara..

Having conceived it, the great Lord Siva treasured it in His mind till, when a favourable opportunity presented itself, He communicated it to His consort, Siva (Parvati). Therefore, after due consideration Lord Hara joyously gave it the excellent title of Ramacaritamanasa†.

कहउँ कथा सोइ सुखद सुहाई। सादर सुनहु सुजन मन लाई॥7॥
kahauom kathā sōi sukhada suhāī. sādara sunahu sujana mana lāī..

I repeat the same delightful and charming story; hear it reverently and attentively, O noble souls.

दोहा | Dohas :
जस मानस जेहि बिधि भयउ जग प्रचार जेहि हेतु।
अब सोइ कहउँ प्रसंग सब सुमिरि उमा बृषकेतु॥35॥
jasa mānasa jēhi bidhi bhayau jaga pracāra jēhi hētu.
aba sōi kahauom prasaṃga saba sumiri umā bṛṣakētu..35..

Invoking Uma (Goddess Parvati) and Lord Siva (who has a bull emblazoned on His standard), I now proceed to give a full account as to what this Ramacaritamanasa is like, how it came to be and what led to its popularity in the world.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
संभु प्रसाद सुमति हियँ हुलसी। रामचरितमानस कबि तुलसी॥
करइ मनोहर मति अनुहारी। सुजन सुचित सुनि लेहु सुधारी॥1॥
saṃbhu prasāda sumati hiyaom hulasī. rāmacaritamānasa kabi tulasī..
karai manōhara mati anuhārī. sujana sucita suni lēhu sudhārī..

By the grace of Sambhu (Lord Siva) a blessed idea inspired the mind of Tulasidasa, which made him the author of Ramacaritamanasa. The author has polished his composition to the best of his intellect; yet listen to it with a sympathetic mind, O noble souls, and correct it.

 सुमति भूमि थल हृदय अगाधू। बेद पुरान उदधि घन साधू॥
बरषहिं राम सुजस बर बारी। मधुर मनोहर मंगलकारी॥2॥
sumati bhūmi thala hṛdaya agādhū. bēda purāna udadhi ghana sādhū..
baraṣahiṃ rāma sujasa bara bārī. madhura manōhara maṃgalakārī..

A refined (Sattvika) intellect is the catchment area, heart is the fathomless depression, the Vedas and Puranas constitute the ocean; while holy men represent the clouds which rain down pure, sweet, agreeable and blessed water in the form of Sri Rama’s excellent glory.

लीला सगुन जो कहहिं बखानी। सोइ स्वच्छता करइ मल हानी॥
प्रेम भगति जो बरनि न जाई। सोइ मधुरता सुसीतलताई॥3॥
līlā saguna jō kahahiṃ bakhānī. sōi svacchatā karai mala hānī..
prēma bhagati jō barani na jāī. sōi madhuratā susītalatāī..

Pastimes of a personal God that such holy men narrate in extenso are the transparency of this water, which cleanses all impurity; while loving Devotion, which defies all description, represents its sweetness and coolness.

सो जल सुकृत सालि हित होई। राम भगत जन जीवन सोई॥
मेधा महि गत सो जल पावन। सकिलि श्रवन मग चलेउ सुहावन॥4॥
भरेउ सुमानस सुथल थिराना। सुखद सीत रुचि चारु चिराना॥5॥
sō jala sukṛta sāli hita hōī. rāma bhagata jana jīvana sōī..
mēdhā mahi gata sō jala pāvana. sakili śravana maga calēu suhāvana..
bharēu sumānasa suthala thirānā. sukhada sīta ruci cāru cirānā..

This water is beneficial for the paddy crop in the form of virtuous deeds, it is life itself to the devotees of Sri Rama. The same holy water, when it dropped on the soil of the intellect, flowed in a volume through the beautiful channel of the ears and, collecting in the lovely spot called the heart, came to be stationary. Having remained there for a long time, it became clear, agreeable, cool and refreshing.

दोहा | Dohas :
सुठि सुंदर संबाद बर बिरचे बुद्धि बिचारि।
तेइ एहि पावन सुभग सर घाट मनोहर चारि॥36॥
suṭhi suṃdara saṃbāda bara biracē buddhi bicāri.
tēi ēhi pāvana subhaga sara ghāṭa manōhara cāri..36..

The four most beautiful and excellent dialogues (viz., those between (i) Bhusundi and Garuda, (ii) Siva and Parvati (iii) Yajnavalkya and Bharadvaja and (iv) between Tulasidasa and other saints) that have been cleverly woven into this narrative are the four lovely Ghatas of this holy and charming lake.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
सप्त प्रबंध सुभग सोपाना। ग्यान नयन निरखत मन माना॥
रघुपति महिमा अगुन अबाधा। बरनब सोइ बर बारि अगाधा॥1॥
sapta prabandha subhaga sōpānā. gyāna nayana nirakhata mana mānā..
raghupati mahimā aguna abādhā. baranaba sōi bara bāri agādhā.

The seven Books are the seven beautiful flights of steps, which the soul delights to look upon with the eyes of wisdom; the unqualified and unbounded greatness of Sri Rama, which will be presently discussed, represents the unfathomable, depth of this holy water.

राम सीय जस सलिल सुधासम। उपमा बीचि बिलास मनोरम॥
पुरइनि सघन चारु चौपाई | Chaupais। जुगुति मंजु मनि सीप सुहाई॥2॥
rāma sīya jasa salila sudhāsama. upamā bīci bilāsa manōrama..
puraini saghana cāru caupāī. juguti maṃju mani sīpa suhāī..

The glory of Sri Rama and Sita constitutes the nectarean water; the similes represent the soul-ravishing sport of its wavelets. The beautiful Caupais represent the thick growth of lotus-plants; the various poetic devices constitute the lovely shells that yield beautiful pearls.

छंद सोरठा सुंदर दोहा । सोइ बहुरंग कमल कुल सोहा॥
अरथ अनूप सुभाव सुभासा। सोइ पराग मकरंद सुबासा॥3॥
chaṃda sōraṭhā suṃdara dōhā. sōi bahuraṃga kamala kula sōhā..
aratha anūpa sumāva subhāsā. sōi parāga makaraṃda subāsā..

The other metres, viz., Chandas, Sorathas and Dohas, are the cluster of charming many-coloured lotuses. The incomparable sense, the beautiful ideas and the elegant expression represent the pollen, honey and fragrance of those flowers respectively.

सुकृत पुंज मंजुल अलि माला। ग्यान बिराग बिचार मराला॥
धुनि अवरेब कबित गुन जाती। मीन मनोहर ते बहुभाँती॥4॥
sukṛta puṃja maṃjula ali mālā. gyāna birāga bicāra marālā..
dhuni avarēba kabita guna jātī. mīna manōhara tē bahubhāomtī..

The virtuous acts mentioned therein are the charming swarms of bees; the references to spiritual enlightenment, dispassion and reason represent the swan. The implications and involutions and the various excellences and styles of poetry are the lovely fishes of various kinds.

 अरथ धरम कामादिक चारी। कहब ग्यान बिग्यान बिचारी॥
नव रस जप तप जोग बिरागा। ते सब जलचर चारु तड़ागा॥5॥
aratha dharama kāmādika cārī. kahaba gyāna bigyāna bicārī..
nava rasa japa tapa jōga birāgā. tē saba jalacara cāru taḍaāgā..

The four ends of human existence, viz., worldly riches religious merit, enjoyment and liberation, the reasoned exposition of Jnana (Knowledge of God in His absolute formless aspect) and vijnana (Knowledge of qualified Divinity both with and without form), the nine sentiments of poetry, and the references to Japa (the muttering of mystic formulae), austerity, Yoga (contemplative union with God) and detachment from the world-all these represent the charming aquatic creatures of this lake.

 सुकृती साधु नाम गुन गाना। ते बिचित्र जलबिहग समाना॥
संतसभा चहुँ दिसि अवँराई। श्रद्धा रितु बसंत सम गाई॥6॥
sukṛtī sādhu nāma guna gānā. tē bicitra jala bihaga samānā..
saṃtasabhā cahuom disi avaomrāī. śraddhā ritu basaṃta sama gāī..

Eulogies on virtuous men, pious souls and the Name of God-these correspond to water-birds of various kinds. The assemblages of saints referred to herein are the mango groves hemming the lake on all sides and piety has been likened to the vernal season.

 भगति निरूपन बिबिध बिधाना। छमा दया दम लता बिताना॥
सम जम नियम फूल फल ग्याना। हरि पद रति रस बेद बखाना॥7॥
bhagati nirupana bibidha bidhānā. chamā dayā dama latā bitānā..
sama jama niyama phūla phala gyānā. hari pata rati rasa bēda bakhānā..

The exposition of the various types of Devotion and the references to forbearance, compassion and sense-control represent the canopies of creepers. Even so mind- control, the five Yamas or forms of self-restraint (viz., non-violence, truthfulness, non- thieving, continence and non-acquisition of property), the five Niyamas or religious vows (viz., those of external and internal purity, contentment, austerity, study of sacred books or repetition of the Divine Name and self-surrender to God) are the blossoms of these creepers; spiritual enlightenment is their fruit and loving devotion to the feet of Sri Hari constitutes the sap of this fruit of spiritual enlightenment: so declare the Vedas.

 औरउ कथा अनेक प्रसंगा। तेइ सुक पिक बहुबरन बिहंगा॥8॥
aurau kathā anēka prasaṃgā. tēi suka pika bahubarana bihaṃgā..

The various other episodes forming part of this narrative are the birds of different colours such as the parrot and the cuckoo.

दोहा | Dohas :
पुलक बाटिका बाग बन सुख सुबिहंग बिहारु।
माली सुमन सनेह जल सींचत लोचन चारु॥37॥
pulaka bāṭikā bāga bana sukha subihaṃga bihāru.
mālī sumana sanēha jala sīṃcata lōcana cāru..37..

The thrill of joy that one experiences while listening to this narrative represents the flower gardens, orchards and groves; and the delight one feels is the sporting of birds; while a noble mind is the gardener, who waters the garden etc., with the moisture of love through the charming jars of eyes.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
जे गावहिं यह चरित सँभारे। तेइ एहि ताल चतुर रखवारे॥
सदा सुनहिं सादर नर नारी। तेइ सुरबर मानस अधिकारी॥1॥
jē gāvahiṃ yaha carita saombhārē. tēi ēhi tāla catura rakhavārē..
sadā sunahiṃ sādara nara nārī. tēi surabara mānasa adhikārī..

Those who carefully recite this poem, they alone are the vigilant guardians of this lake. And those men and women who reverently hear it everyday are the great gods exercising jurisdiction over this Manasarovara lake.

 अति खल जे बिषई बग कागा। एहि सर निकट न जाहिं अभागा॥
संबुक भेक सेवार समाना। इहाँ न बिषय कथा रस नाना॥2॥
ati khala jē biṣaī baga kāgā. ēhiṃ sara nikaṭa na jāhiṃ abhāgā..
saṃbuka bhēka sēvāra samānā. ihāom na biṣaya kathā rasa nānā..

Sensual wretches are the accursed herons and crows who never approach the lake. For here there are no varied talks of the pleasures of sense, corresponding to snails, frogs and moss.

 तेहि कारन आवत हियँ हारे। कामी काक बलाक बिचारे॥
आवत ऐहिं सर अति कठिनाई। राम कृपा बिनु आइ न जाई॥3॥
tēhi kārana āvata hiyaom hārē. kāmī kāka balāka bicārē..
āvata ēhiṃ sara ati kaṭhināī. rāma kṛpā binu āi na jāī..

That is why poor crows and herons in the form of lustful men lack the heart to visit this place. For there is much difficulty in getting to this place and it is not possible to reach it without the grace of Sri Rama.

 कठिन कुसंग कुपंथ कराला। तिन्ह के बचन बाघ हरि ब्याला॥
गृह कारज नाना जंजाला। ते अति दुर्गम सैल बिसाला॥4॥
kaṭhina kusaṃga kupaṃtha karālā. tinha kē bacana bāgha hari byālā..
gṛha kāraja nānā jaṃjālā. tē ati durgama saila bisālā..

Bad company, which is so obdurate, constitutes a terribly rough road; and the words of such companions are so many tigers, lions and serpents. The various occupations and entanglements of domestic life are huge mountains which are so difficult to approach.

 बन बहु बिषम मोह मद माना। नदीं कुतर्क भयंकर नाना॥5॥
bana bahu biṣama mōha mada mānā. nadīṃ kutarka bhayaṃkara nānā..

Infatuation, arrogance and pride are so many inaccessible woods; and sophisms of various kinds are frightful streams.

दोहा | Dohas :
जे श्रद्धा संबल रहित नहिं संतन्ह कर साथ।
तिन्ह कहुँ मानस अगम अति जिन्हहि न प्रिय रघुनाथ॥38॥
jē śraddhā saṃbala rahita nahi saṃtanha kara sātha.
tinha kahuom mānasa agama ati jinhahi na priya raghunātha..38..

Those who lack provisions for the journey in the shape of piety, who do not enjoy the company of saints the Manasa is most inaccessible. And who have no love for the Lord of Raghus (Sri Rama).

चौपाई | Chaupais :
जौं करि कष्ट जाइ पुनि कोई। जातहिं नीद जुड़ाई होई॥
जड़ता जाड़ बिषम उर लागा। गएहुँ न मज्जन पाव अभागा॥1॥
jauṃ kari kaṣṭa jāi puni kōī. jātahiṃ nīṃda juḍaāī hōī..
jaḍatā jāḍa biṣama ura lāgā. gaēhuom na majjana pāva abhāgā..

Even if anyone makes his way to it undergoing so much hardship, he is forthwith attacked by ague in the shape of drowsiness. Benumbing cold in the shape of stupor overtakes his heart, so that the unhappy soul is deprived of a dip even after reaching there.

करि न जाइ सर मज्जन पाना। फिरि आवइ समेत अभिमाना।
जौं बहोरि कोउ पूछन आवा। सर निंदा करि ताहि बुझावा॥2॥
kari na jāi sara majjana pānā. phiri āvai samēta abhimānā..
jauṃ bahōri kōu pūchana āvā. sara niṃdā kari tāhi bujhāvā..

Finding himself unable to take a plunge into the lake or to drink from it, he returns with a feeling of pride. And if anyone comes to inquire about the lake, he tries to satisfy him by vilifying it.

सकल बिघ्न ब्यापहिं नहिं तेही। राम सुकृपाँ बिलोकहिं जेही॥
सोइ सादर सर मज्जनु करई। महा घोर त्रयताप न जरई॥3॥

sakala bighna byāpahi nahiṃ tēhī. rāma sukṛpāom bilōkahiṃ jēhī..
sōi sādara sara majjanu karaī. mahā ghōra trayatāpa na jaraī..

All these obstacles do not, however, deter him whom Sri Rama regards with overwhelming kindness. He alone reverently bathes in the lake and thus escapes the threefold agony of the fiercest kind.

ते नर यह सर तजहिं न काऊ। जिन्ह कें राम चरन भल भाऊ॥
जो नहाइ चह एहिं सर भाई। सो सतसंग करउ मन लाई॥4॥
tē nara yaha sara tajahiṃ na kāū. jinha kē rāma carana bhala bhāū..
jō nahāi caha ēhiṃ sara bhāī. sō satasaṃga karau mana lāī..

Those men who cherish ideal devotion to the feet of Sri Rama never quit this lake. Let him who would bathe in this lake, brother, diligently practise Satsarga (association with saints).

अस मानस मानस चख चाही। भइ कबि बुद्धि बिमल अवगाही॥
भयउ हृदयँ आनंद उछाहू। उमगेउ प्रेम प्रमोद प्रबाहू॥5॥
asa mānasa mānasa cakha cāhī. bhai kabi buddhi bimala avagāhī..
bhayau hṛdayaom ānaṃda uchāhū. umagēu prēma pramōda prabāhū..

Having seen the said MŒnasa lake with the mind’s eye and taken a dip into it, the poet’s intellect got purged of all its dross. The heart was flooded with joy and alacrity and a torrent of love and rapture welled from it.

चली सुभग कबिता सरिता सो। राम बिमल जस जल भरित सो।
सरजू नाम सुमंगल मूला। लोक बेद मत मंजुल कूला॥6॥
calī subhaga kabitā saritā sō. rāma bimala jasa jala bharitā sō..
sarajū nāma sumaṃgala mūlā. lōka bēda mata maṃjula kūlā..

Thence flowed a stream of beautiful poetry, carrying the water of Sri Rama’s fair renown. Sarayu is the name of this river, which is the very fountain of pure bliss. The secular view-point and the view-point of the Vedas—there represent its two charming banks.

नदी पुनीत सुमानस नंदिनि। कलिमल तृन तरु मूल निकंदिनि॥7॥
nadī punīta sumānasa naṃdini. kalimala tṛna taru mūla nikaṃdini..

This holy stream, issuing as it does from the beautiful MŒnasa lake, uproots in its course all the impurities of the Kali age, whether in the form of tiny blades of grass or of mighty trees.

दोहा | Dohas :
श्रोता त्रिबिध समाज पुर ग्राम नगर दुहुँ कूल।
संतसभा अनुपम अवध सकल सुमंगल मूल॥39॥
śrōtā tribidha samāja pura grāma nagara duhuom kūla.
saṃtasabhā anupama avadha sakala sumaṃgala mūla..39.

The three types of audience are the towns, villages and cities on both the banks; and the congregation of saints is the imcomparable Ayodhya, which is the fountain of all auspicious blessings.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
रामभगति सुरसरितहि जाई। मिली सुकीरति सरजु सुहाई॥
सानुज राम समर जसु पावन। मिलेउ महानदु सोन सुहावन॥1॥

rāmabhagati surasaritahi jāī. milī sukīrati saraju suhāī..
sānuja rāma samara jasu pāvana. milēu mahānadu sōna suhāvana..

The beautiful Sarayu in the form of Sri Rama’s fair renown joined the heavenly stream (Ganga) of devotion to Rama. The latter was joined again by the charming stream of the mighty Sona in the form of the martial glory of Rama with His younger brother Laksmana.

 जुग बिच भगति देवधुनि धारा। सोहति सहित सुबिरति बिचारा॥
त्रिबिध ताप त्रासक तिमुहानी। राम सरूप सिंधु समुहानी॥2॥

juga bica bhagati dēvadhuni dhārā. sōhati sahita subirati bicārā..
tribidha tāpa trāsaka timuhānī. rāma sarupa siṃdhu samuhānī..

Intervening the two streams of Sarayu and Sona shines the celestial stream of Devotion blended with noble dispassion and reason. This triple stream, which scares away the threefold agony referred to above, headed towards the ocean of Sri Rama’s divine personality.

मानस मूल मिली सुरसरिही। सुनत सुजन मन पावन करिही॥
बिच बिच कथा बिचित्र बिभागा। जनु सरि तीर तीर बन बागा॥3॥
mānasa mūla milī surasarihī. sunata sujana mana pāvana karihī..
bica bica kathā bicitra bibhāgā. janu sari tīra tīra bana bāgā..

With its source in the MŒanasa lake and united with the celestial river (GangaŒ), the Sarayu of Sri Rama’s fame will purify the mind of the pious souls who listen to it; while the strange episodes interspersed here and there are the groves and gardens as it were adjoining the river banks.

उमा महेस बिबाह बराती। ते जलचर अगनित बहुभाँती॥
रघुबर जनम अनंद बधाई। भवँर तरंग मनोहरताई॥4॥
umā mahēsa bibāha barātī. tē jalacara aganita bahubhāomtī..
raghubara janama anaṃda badhāī. bhavaomra taraṃga manōharatāī..

The bridegroom’s party in the wedding of Goddess UmŒa (Parvati) and the great Lord Siva are the numberless aquatic creatures of various kinds. The rejoicings and felicitations that attended the advent of Sri Rama, the Chief of Raghus represent the charm of the eddies and waves.

दोहा | Dohas:
बालचरित चहु बंधु के बनज बिपुल बहुरंग।
नृप रानी परिजन सुकृत मधुकर बारि बिहंग॥40॥
bālacarita cahu baṃdhu kē banaja bipula bahuraṃga.
nṛpa rānī parijana sukṛta madhukara bāribihaṃga..40..

The childlike sports of the four divine brothers are the, numerous lotus flowers of varied colours; while the stock of merits of king Dasaratha and his consorts and court represent the bees and water-birds.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
सीय स्वयंबर कथा सुहाई। सरित सुहावनि सो छबि छाई॥
नदी नाव पटु प्रस्न अनेका। केवट कुसल उतर सबिबेका॥1॥
sīya svayaṃbara kathā suhāī. sarita suhāvani sō chabi chāī..
nadī nāva paṭu prasna anēkā. kēvaṭa kusala utara sabibēkā..

The fascinating story of Sita Ji choice-marriage is the delightful charm surrounding the river. The numerous pertinent questions are the boats on the river, while the judicious replies to the same are the skilled boatmen.
सुनि अनुकथन परस्पर होई। पथिक समाज सोह सरि सोई॥
घोर धार भृगुनाथ रिसानी। घाट सुबद्ध राम बर बानी॥2॥
suni anukathana paraspara hōī. pathika samāja sōha sari sōī..
ghōra dhāra bhṛgunātha risānī. ghāṭa subaddha rāma bara bānī..

The conversation that follows the narration of the story is the crowd of travellers moving along the river banks. The wrath of Parasurama (the Lord of Bhrgus) represents the furious current of this river; while Sri Rama’s soft words are the strongly built Ghatas on the banks.

सानुज राम बिबाह उछाहू। सो सुभ उमग सुखद सब काहू॥
कहत सुनत हरषहिं पुलकाहीं। ते सुकृती मन मुदित नहाहीं॥3॥
sānuja rāma bibāha uchāhū. sō subha umaga sukhada saba kāhū..
kahata sunata haraṣahiṃ pulakāhīṃ. tē sukṛtī mana mudita nahāhīṃ..

The festivities connected with the wedding of Sri Rama and His younger brothers represent the graceful swell in the river, which is a source of delight to all. Those who rejoice and experience a thrill of joy in narrating or hearing the story are the lucky souls who take an exhilarating dip in the river.

राम तिलक हित मंगल साजा। परब जोग जनु जुरे समाजा।
काई कुमति केकई केरी। परी जासु फल बिपति घनेरी॥4॥
rāma tilaka hita maṃgala sājā. paraba jōga janu jurē samājā..
kāī kumati kēkaī kērī. parī jāsu phala bipati ghanērī..

The auspicious preparations that were gone through in connections with the installation of Sri Rama as the YuvarŒja (Prince-regent) represent as it were the crowds of bathers assembled at the river bank on a sacred occasion. Kaikeys’s evil counsel represents the moss on the bank, which brought a serious calamity in its wake.

दोहा | Dohas :
समन अमित उतपात सब भरत चरित जपजाग।
कलि अघ खल अवगुन कथन ते जलमल बग काग॥41॥
samana amita utapāta saba bharatacarita japajāga.
kali agha khala avaguna kathana tē jalamala baga kāga..41..

The story of Bharata, which wards off all calamities, is a congregational muttering of sacred formulae carried on at the river bank; while the references to the corruptions of the Kali age and to the evil propensities of wicked souls represent the scum on the water as well as the herons and crows living by the riverside.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
कीरति सरित छहूँ रितु रूरी। समय सुहावनि पावनि भूरी॥
हिम हिमसैलसुता सिव ब्याहू। सिसिर सुखद प्रभु जनम उछाहू॥1॥
kīrati sarita chahūom ritu rūrī. samaya suhāvani pāvani bhūrī..
hima himasailasutā siva byāhū. sisira sukhada prabhu janama uchāhū..

The river of Sri Rama’s glory is delightful during all the six seasons; it is exceedingly charming and holy at all times. The wedding of Goddess Parvati (the daughter of Himavan) with Lord Siva represents Hemanta or the cold season while the festival connected with the Lord’s advent represents the delightful Sisira or chilly season.

बरनब राम बिबाह समाजू। सो मुद मंगलमय रितुराजू॥
ग्रीषम दुसह राम बनगवनू। पंथकथा खर आतप पवनू॥2॥
baranaba rāma bibāha samājū. sō muda maṃgalamaya riturājū..
grīṣama dusaha rāma banagavanū. paṃthakathā khara ātapa pavanū..

The story of the preparations for Sri Rama’s wedding constitutes the vernal season (the king of all seasons), which abounds in joy and felicity; while Sri Rama’s departure for the forest constitutes the oppressive hot weather and the tale of His wanderings represents the blazing sun and hot winds.

 बरषा घोर निसाचर रारी। सुरकुल सालि सुमंगलकारी॥
राम राज सुख बिनय बड़ाई। बिसद सुखद सोइ सरद सुहाई॥3॥
baraṣā ghōra nisācara rārī. surakula sāli sumaṃgalakārī..
rāma rāja sukha binaya baḍaāī. bisada sukhada sōi sarada suhāī..

The terrible conflict with the demons represents the rainy season, which constituted a veritable blessing to the paddy crop in the form of gods; while the prosperity attending Sri Rama’s reign, His politeness and glory represent the cloudless, delightful and charming autumn.

 सती सिरोमनि सिय गुन गाथा। सोइ गुन अमल अनूपम पाथा॥
भरत सुभाउ सुसीतलताई। सदा एकरस बरनि न जाई॥4॥
satī sirōmani siya gunagāthā. sōi guna amala anūpama pāthā..
bharata subhāu susītalatāī. sadā ēkarasa barani na jāī..

The recital of the virtues of SstŒ, the crestjewel of faithful wives, constitutes the excellence of the transparent and incomparable water. And Bharata’s amiability represents its coolness, which is uniform at all times and beyond description.

दोहा | Dohas :
अवलोकनि बोलनि मिलनि प्रीति परसपर हास।
भायप भलि चहु बंधु की जल माधुरी सुबास॥42॥
avalōkani bōlani milani prīti parasapara hāsa.
bhāyapa bhali cahu baṃdhu kī jala mādhurī subāsa..42..

The way the four brothers look at one another, talk with one another meet and love one another, their mirth and their ideal brotherliness, these constitute the sweetness and fragrance of the water.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
आरति बिनय दीनता मोरी। लघुता ललित सुबारि न थोरी॥
अदभुत सलिल सुनत गुनकारी। आस पिआस मनोमल हारी॥1॥
ārati binaya dīnatā mōrī. laghutā lalita subāri na thōrī..
adabhuta salila sunata gunakārī. āsa piāsa manōmala hārī..

My intense longing, supplication and humility represent the not inconsiderable lightness of this pure and holy water. This marvellous water heals by the mere hearing, quenches the thirst of desire and washes the dirt of the mind.

 राम सुप्रेमहि पोषत पानी। हरत सकल कलि कलुष गलानी॥
भव श्रम सोषक तोषक तोषा। समन दुरित दुख दारिद दोषा॥2॥
rāma suprēmahi pōṣata pānī. harata sakala kali kaluṣa galānī..
bhava śrama sōṣaka tōṣaka tōṣā. samana durita dukha dārida dōṣā..

This water nourishes true love for Sri Rama and drives away all the sins of the Kali age as well as the feeling of self-depreciation resulting therefrom. It relieves the fatigue of transmigration, gratifies gratification itself and puts an end to sin, sorrow, indigence and error.

 काम कोह मद मोह नसावन। बिमल बिबेक बिराग बढ़ावन॥
सादर मज्जन पान किए तें। मिटहिं पाप परिताप हिए तें॥3॥
kāma kōha mada mōha nasāvana. bimala bibēka birāga baḍhaāvana..
sādara majjana pāna kiē tēṃ. miṭahiṃ pāpa paritāpa hiē tēṃ..

It wipes out lust, anger, pride and infatuation and enhances pure wisdom and dispassion. By reverently bathing in it and drinking from it all traces of sin and remorse are obliterated from the heart.

 जिन्ह एहिं बारि न मानस धोए। ते कायर कलिकाल बिगोए॥
तृषित निरखि रबि कर भव बारी। फिरिहहिं मृग जिमि जीव दुखारी॥4॥
jinha ēhi bāri na mānasa dhōē. tē kāyara kalikāla bigōē..
tṛṣita nirakhi rabi kara bhava bārī. phirihahi mṛga jimi jīva dukhārī..

Those who have not washed their heart with this water are wretches that have been duped by the age of Kali.These creatures, wandering in pursuit of sensuous pleasures, will come to grief even as a thirsty deer runs after a mirage mistaking it for real water and returns disappointed.

दोहा | Dohas :
मति अनुहारि सुबारि गुन गन गनि मन अन्हवाइ।
सुमिरि भवानी संकरहि कह कबि कथा सुहाइ॥43 क॥
mati anuhāri subāri guna gani mana anhavāi.
sumiri bhavānī saṃkarahi kaha kabi kathā suhāi..43ka..

Having enumerated the virtues of this excellent water to the best of his intellectual capacity and bathed his mind in it, and remembering Goddess Bhavani (Parvati) and Lord Sarkara, the poet (Tulsidas) narrates the beautiful story.

अब रघुपति पद पंकरुह हियँ धरि पाइ प्रसाद।
कहउँ जुगल मुनिबर्य कर मिलन सुभग संबाद ॥43 ख॥
aba raghupati pada paṃkaruha hiyaom dhari pāi prasāda .
kahauom jugala munibarja kara milana subhaga saṃbāda..43kha..

Installing in my heart the lotus feet of the Lord of Raghus and thus securing His grace, I now proceed to relate the charming story of the meeting of the two great sages (Yaajnavalkya and Bharadvaja). (43B)

चौपाई | Chaupais :
भरद्वाज मुनि बसहिं प्रयागा। तिन्हहि राम पद अति अनुरागा॥
तापस सम दम दया निधाना। परमारथ पथ परम सुजाना॥1॥
bharadvāja muni basahiṃ prayāgā. tinhahi rāma pada ati anurāgā..
tāpasa sama dama dayā nidhānā. paramāratha patha parama sujānā..

The sage BharadvŒja lives in PrayŒga; he is extremely devoted to the feet of Sri Rama. A great ascetic and an embodiment of self-restraint, composure of mind and compassion, he is highly advanced on the spiritual path.

माघ मकरगत रबि जब होई। तीरथपतिहिं आव सब कोई॥
देव दनुज किंनर नर श्रेनीं। सादर मज्जहिं सकल त्रिबेनीं॥2॥
māgha makaragata rabi jaba hōī. tīrathapatihiṃ āva saba kōī..
dēva danuja kiṃnara nara śrēnī. sādara majjahiṃ sakala tribēnīṃ..

In the month of Magha (January), when the sun enters the sign of Capricorn (14^th January), everyone visits the chief of holy places, Prayaga. Troops of gods and demons, Kinnaras (demigods) and men, all devoutly bathe in the triple stream of the Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati.

पूजहिं माधव पद जलजाता। परसि अखय बटु हरषहिं गाता॥
भरद्वाज आश्रम अति पावन। परम रम्य मुनिबर मन भावन॥3॥
pūjahi mādhava pada jalajātā. parasi akhaya baṭu haraṣahiṃ gātā..
bharadvāja āśrama ati pāvana. parama ramya munibara mana bhāvana..

They worship the lotus feet of God Venimadhava Ji (the presiding deity of Prayaga); and the touch of the immortal banyan tree sends a thrill into their limbs. The hermitage of Bharadvaja is a most sacred spot, exceedingly charming and attractive even to great hermits.

तहाँ होइ मुनि रिषय समाजा। जाहिं जे मज्जन तीरथराजा॥
मज्जहिं प्रात समेत उछाहा। कहहिं परसपर हरि गुन गाहा॥4॥
tahāom hōi muni riṣaya samājā. jāhiṃ jē majjana tīratharājā..
majjahiṃ prāta samēta uchāhā. kahahiṃ parasapara hari guna gāhā..

The haunt of sages and seers who go to bathe at that holiest of holy places. At daybreak they all perform their ablutions with religious fervour and then converse together on the virtues of Sri Hari.

दोहा | Dohas :
ब्रह्म निरूपन धरम बिधि बरनहिं तत्त्व बिभाग।
ककहिं भगति भगवंत कै संजुत ग्यान बिराग॥44॥
brahma nirūpama dharama bidhi baranahiṃ tattva bibhāga.
kahahiṃ bhagati bhagavaṃta kai saṃjuta gyāna birāga..44..

They discuss the nature of Brahma (the Supreme Eternal), the precepts of religion and the classification of fundamental entities and expatiate on Devotion to the Lord coupled with spiritual enlightenment and dispassion.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
एहि प्रकार भरि माघ नहाहीं। पुनि सब निज निज आश्रम जाहीं॥
प्रति संबत अति होइ अनंदा। मकर मज्जि गवनहिं मुनिबृंदा॥1॥
ēhi prakāra bhari māgha nahāhīṃ. puni saba nija nija āśrama jāhīṃ..
prati saṃbata ati hōi anaṃdā. makara majji gavanahiṃ munibṛṃdā..

In this way they bath for the whole month of Magha and then return each to his hermitage. There is a great rejoicing every year and having performed their ablutions while the sun stays in Capricorn the hosts of sages disperse.

एक बार भरि मकर नहाए। सब मुनीस आश्रमन्ह सिधाए॥
जागबलिक मुनि परम बिबेकी। भरद्वाज राखे पद टेकी॥2॥

ēka bāra bhari makara nahāē. saba munīsa āśramanha sidhāē..
jagabālika muni parama bibēkī. bharavdāja rākhē pada ṭēkī..

Having bathed on one occasion for the whole period of the sun’s stay in Capricorn when all the great sages had left for their hermitages, Bharadvaja clasped by the feet and detained the supremely wise saint Yajnavalkya. He reverently washed the latter’s lotus feet and installed him on a most sacred seat.

सादर चरन सरोज पखारे। अति पुनीत आसन बैठारे॥
करि पूजा मुनि सुजसु बखानी। बोले अति पुनीत मृदु बानी॥3॥
sādara carana sarōja pakhārē. ati punīta āsana baiṭhārē..
kari pūjā muni sujasa bakhānī. bōlē ati punīta mṛdu bānī..

He reverently washed the latter’s lotus feet and installed him on a most sacred seat. And extolling his fair renown with religious ceremony, Bharadvaja spoke in mild and reverential tones,-

 नाथ एक संसउ बड़ मोरें। करगत बेदतत्त्व सबु तोरें॥
कहत सो मोहि लागत भय लाजा। जौं न कहउँ बड़ होइ अकाजा॥4॥
nātha ēka saṃsau baḍa mōrēṃ. karagata bēdatatva sabu tōrēṃ..
kahata sō mōhi lāgata bhaya lājā. jau na kahauom baḍa hōi akājā..

-“A grave doubt haunts my mind, holy sir ! and the whole mystery of the Vedas stands revealed to you. I am afraid and ashamed to utter the doubt; and I lose a great opportunity if I keep it back.

दोहा | Dohas :
संत कहहिं असि नीति प्रभु श्रुति पुरान मुनि गाव।
होइ न बिमल बिबेक उर गुर सन किएँ दुराव॥45॥

saṃta kahahi asi nīti prabhu śruti purāna muni gāva.
hōi na bimala bibēka ura gura sana kiēom durāva..45..

The saints lay down the rule, and the Vedas as well as the Puranas and sages too loudly proclaim, that pure wisdom cannot dawn in the heart, should one keep anything concealed from one’s spiritual preceptor.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
अस बिचारि प्रगटउँ निज मोहू। हरहु नाथ करि जन पर छोहू॥
राम नाम कर अमित प्रभावा। संत पुरान उपनिषद गावा॥1॥
asa bicāri pragaṭauom nija mōhū. harahu nātha kari jana para chōhū..
rāsa nāma kara amita prabhāvā. saṃta purāna upaniṣada gāvā..

            Remembering this I disclose my folly; dispel it, taking pity on this servant, my lord! The saints as well as the Puranas and the Upanisadas too declare that the potency of the name ‘Rama’ is unlimited.

 संतत जपत संभु अबिनासी। सिव भगवान ग्यान गुन रासी॥
आकर चारि जीव जग अहहीं। कासीं मरत परम पद लहहीं॥2॥
saṃtata japata saṃbhu abināsī. siva bhagavāna gyāna guna rāsī..
ākara cāri jīva jaga ahahīṃ. kāsīṃ marata parama pada lahahīṃ..

The immortal Lord Siva, who is the fountain of joy and a storehouse of wisdom and goodness, incessantly repeats It.There are four broad divisions of living beings in the world; such of them as die in the holy city of Kasi (Varanasi) attain to the highest state.

सोपि राम महिमा मुनिराया। सिव उपदेसु करत करि दाया॥
रामु कवन प्रभु पूछउँ तोही। कहिअ बुझाइ कृपानिधि मोही॥3॥
sōpi rāma mahimā munirāyā. siva upadēsu karata kari dāyā..
rāmu kavana prabhu pūchauom tōhī. kahia bujhāi kṛpānidhi mōhī..

This too marks the glory of Sri Rama’s Name, O chief of sages; for it is this very Name that Lord Siva mercifully imparts to the dying soul in Kashi. I ask you, my lord, who that Rama is; pray explain to me, O storehouse of compassion.

 एक राम अवधेस कुमारा। तिन्ह कर चरित बिदित संसारा॥
नारि बिरहँ दुखु लहेउ अपारा। भयउ रोषु रन रावनु मारा॥4॥
ēka rāma avadhēsa kumārā. tinha kara carita bidita saṃsārā..
nāri birahaom dukhu lahēu apārā. bhayahu rōṣu rana rāvanu mārā..

One such Rama is the prince of Ayodhya whose exploits are known throughout the world. Infinite was his sorrow due to the loss of his wife; and flying into a rage he slew Ravana in battle.

दोहा | Dohas :
प्रभु सोइ राम कि अपर कोउ जाहि जपत त्रिपुरारि।
सत्यधाम सर्बग्य तुम्ह कहहु बिबेकु बिचारि॥46॥
prabhu sōi rāma ki apara kōu jāhi japata tripurāri.
satyadhāma sarbagya tumha kahahu bibēku bicāri..46..

Is it this very, Rama, my lord, or some one else whose name the Slayer of the demon Tripura, Siva, ever repeats? You are an embodiment of truth and omniscient; so ponder well and give me your considered reply.

 जैसें मिटै मोर भ्रम भारी। कहहु सो कथा नाथ बिस्तारी॥
जागबलिक बोले मुसुकाई। तुम्हहि बिदित रघुपति प्रभुताई॥1॥

jaisē miṭai mōra bhrama bhārī. kahahu sō kathā nātha bistārī..
jāgabalika bōlē musukāī. tumhahi bidita raghupati prabhutāī..

Tell me in detail, my master, the story whereby my overwhelming perplexity may be overcome.” Yajnavalkya smilingly said, “The glory of the Lord of Raghus is already known to you.

 रामभगत तुम्ह मन क्रम बानी। चतुराई तुम्हारि मैं जानी॥
चाहहु सुनै राम गुन गूढ़ा कीन्हिहु प्रस्न मनहुँ अति मूढ़ा॥2॥
rāmamagata tumha mana krama bānī. caturāī tumhārī maiṃ jānī..
cāhahu sunai rāma guna gūḍhaā. kīnhihu prasna manahuom ati mūḍhaā..

You are a devotee of RŒma in thought, word and deed; I have come to know your ingenuity. You wish to hear an account of the hidden virtues of RŒma; that is why you have questioned me as if you were quite ignorant.

 तात सुनहु सादर मनु लाई। कहउँ राम कै कथा सुहाई॥
महामोहु महिषेसु बिसाला। रामकथा कालिका कराला॥3॥
rāmamagata tumha mana krama bānī. caturāī tumhārī maiṃ jānī..
cāhahu sunai rāma guna gūḍhaā. kīnhihu prasna manahuom ati mūḍhaā..

Listen, then, with devout attention, my child, while I narrate the beautiful story of Rama. Appalling ignorance is the gigantic demon Mahisasura (so-called because he was endowed with the form of a buffalo); while the narrative of Rama is the dread Kalika (who killed Mahisasura demon).

 रामकथा ससि किरन समाना। संत चकोर करहिं जेहि पाना॥
ऐसेइ संसय कीन्ह भवानी। महादेव तब कहा बखानी॥4॥
rāmakathā sasi kirana samānā. saṃta cakōra karahiṃ jēhi pānā..
aisēi saṃsaya kīnha bhavānī. mahādēva taba kahā bakhānī..

The story of Rama is like the moonbeams that are drunk in by Cakora bird in the form of saints. A similar doubt was expressed by no less a personage than Bhavani (Goddess Parvati), and the great God Shiva then expounded the matter in detail.

दोहा | Dohas :
कहउँ सो मति अनुहारि अब उमा संभु संबाद।
भयउ समय जेहि हेतु जेहि सुनु मुनि मिटिहि बिषाद॥47॥

kahauom sō mati anuhāri aba umā saṃbhu saṃbāda.
bhayau samaya jēhi hētu jēhi sunu muni miṭihi biṣāda..47..

I shall repeat now to the best of my lights the dialogue between UmΠ(Goddess Parvati) and Sambhu (Lord Siva). Hear, O sage, the time and the occasion of this dialogue; your gloom will be lifted.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
एक बार त्रेता जुग माहीं। संभु गए कुंभज रिषि पाहीं॥
संग सती जगजननि भवानी। पूजे रिषि अखिलेस्वर जानी॥1॥
ēka bāra trētā juga māhīṃ. saṃbhu gaē kuṃbhaja riṣi pāhīṃ..
saṃga satī jagajanani bhavānī. pūjē riṣi akhilēsvara jānī..

Once upon a time, in the age of Tretayug, Lord Siva called on the jar-born sage Agastya. His consort, Goddess Sati, Mother of the universe, accompanied Him. The sage worshipped Him knowing Him to be the universal lord.

 रामकथा मुनिबर्ज बखानी। सुनी महेस परम सुखु मानी॥
रिषि पूछी हरिभगति सुहाई। कही संभु अधिकारी पाई॥2॥

rāmakathā munībarja bakhānī. sunī mahēsa parama sukhu mānī..
riṣi pūchī haribhagati suhāī. kahī saṃbhu adhikārī pāī..

The great sage narrated at length the story of Rama and Lord Mahesa listened to it with extreme delight. The sage then inquired about Devotion to Hari and Sambhu discoursed on it finding in the sage a fit recipient.

 कहत सुनत रघुपति गुन गाथा। कछु दिन तहाँ रहे गिरिनाथा॥
मुनि सन बिदा मागि त्रिपुरारी। चले भवन सँग दच्छकुमारी।।3।।

kahata sunata raghupati guna gāthā. kachu dina tahāom rahē girināthā..
muni sana bidā māgi tripurārī. calē bhavana saomga dacchakumārī..

Thus narrating and hearing the tale of Sri Rama’s virtues, the Lord of Kailash (Siva) spent some days there. Finally, asking leave of the sage, the Slayer of the demon Tripur (Sankara) proceeded to His home (Mount Kailash) with Daksa’s daughter (Sati).

 तेहि अवसर भंजन महिभारा। हरि रघुबंस लीन्ह अवतारा॥
पिता बचन तजि राजु उदासी। दंडक बन बिचरत अबिनासी॥4॥

tēhi avasara bhaṃjana mahibhārā. hari raghubaṃsa līnha avatārā..
pitā bacana taji rāju udāsī. daṃḍaka bana bicarata abināsī..

During those very days, with a view to relieving the burden of the earth, Sri Hari had descended in the line of king Raghu. Renouncing His right to the Throne at the word of His father (Dasaratha), the immortal Lord was wandering in the Dandaka forest in the garb of an ascetic.

दोहा | Dohas :
हृदयँ बिचारत जात हर केहि बिधि दरसनु होइ।
गुप्त रूप अवतरेउ प्रभु गएँ जान सबु कोइ॥48 क॥
hdayaom bicārata jāta hara kēhi bidhi darasanu hōi.
gupta rupa avatarēu prabhu gaēom jāna sabu kōi..48ka..

Lord Hara (Siva) kept pondering as He went, “How can I obtain a sight of Him? The Lord has bodied Himself forth secretly; and if I visit Him, everyone will know who He is.”

सोरठा | Sortha
संकर उर अति छोभु सती न जानहिं मरमु सोइ।
तुलसी दरसन लोभु मन डरु लोचन लालची॥48 ख॥

saṃkara ura ati chōbhu satī na jānahiṃ maramu sōi..
tulasī darasana lōbhu mana ḍaru lōcana lālacī..48kha..

In Sarkara’s heart there was a great tumult; Sati, however, had no inkling of this secret. His mind, says Tulasidasa, apprehended lest the secret might be disclosed while the temptation of obtaining a sight of the Lord made His eyes wistful.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
रावन मरन मनुज कर जाचा। प्रभु बिधि बचनु कीन्ह चह साचा॥
जौं नहिं जाउँ रहइ पछितावा। करत बिचारु न बनत बनावा॥1॥
rāvana marana manuja kara jācā. prabhu bidhi bacanu kīnha caha sācā..
jauṃ nahiṃ jāuom rahai pachitāvā. karata bicāru na banata banāvā..

Ravana (the demon king of Lanka) had sought from Brahma the boon of death at the hands of a human foe; and the Lord would have the words of Brahma come true. If I do not go to meet Him, I shall ever regret it.” Shiva pondered, but found no solution to the puzzle.

ऐहि बिधि भए सोचबस ईसा। तेही समय जाइ दससीसा॥
लीन्ह नीच मारीचहि संगा। भयउ तुरउ सोइ कपट कुरंगा॥2॥
ēhi bidhi bhaē sōcabasa īsā. tēhi samaya jāi dasasīsā..
līnha nīca mārīcahi saṃgā. bhayau turata sōi kapaṭa kuraṃgā..

The Lord was thus lost in a reverie. Meanwhile the vile Ravana (who had no less than ten heads) took with him the demon Mareech, who forthwith assumed the illusory form of a deer.
करि छलु मूढ़ हरी बैदेही। प्रभु प्रभाउ तस बिदित न तेही॥
मृग बधि बंधु सहित हरि आए। आश्रमु देखि नयन जल छाए॥3॥
kari chalu mūḍha harī baidēhī. prabhu prabhāu tasa bidita na tēhī..
mṛga badhi bandhu sahita hari āē. āśramu dēkhi nayana jala chāē..

The fool (Ravana) carried off king Videha’s daughter (Sita Ji) by fraud; the Lord’s real might was not known to him. Having killed the antelope Sri Hari returned with His brother (Laksmana) ; and His eyes were filled with tears when He saw the empty hermitage.

बिरह बिकल नर इव रघुराई। खोजत बिपिन फिरत दोउ भाई॥
कबहूँ जोग बियोग न जाकें। देखा प्रगट बिरह दुखु ताकें॥4॥

biraha bikala nara iva raghurāī. khōjata bipina phirata dōu bhāī..
kabahūom jōga biyōga na jākēṃ. dēkhā pragaṭa biraha dukha tākēṃ..

The Lord of Raghus felt distressed at the loss like a mortal man, and the two brothers roamed about in the woods in search of Her. He who knows neither union nor separation showed unmistakable signs of grief born of separation.

दोहा | Dohas :
अति बिचित्र रघुपति चरित जानहिं परम सुजान।
जे मतिमंद बिमोह बस हृदयँ धरहिं कछु आन॥49॥
ati vicitra raghupati carita jānahiṃ parama sujāna.
jē matimaṃda bimōha basa hṛdayaom dharahiṃ kachu āna..49..

Exceedingly mysterious are the ways of the Lord of Raghus; the supremely wise alone can comprehend them. The dull-witted in their height of folly imagine something quite different.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
संभु समय तेहि रामहि देखा। उपजा हियँ अति हरषु बिसेषा ॥
भरि लोचन छबिसिंधु निहारी। कुसमय जानि न कीन्हि चिन्हारी॥1॥
saṃbhu samaya tēhi rāmahi dēkhā. upajā hiyaom ati harapu bisēṣā..
bhari lōcana chabisiṃdhu nihārī. kusamaya jānina kīnhi cinhārī..

On that very occasion Sambhu saw Sri Rama and excessive joy of an extraordinary type welled up in His heart. He feasted His eyes on that Ocean of Beauty; but He did not disclose His identity as He knew it was no appropriate occasion for the same.

 जय सच्चिदानंद जग पावन। अस कहि चलेउ मनोज नसावन॥
चले जात सिव सती समेता। पुनि पुनि पुलकत कृपानिकेता॥2॥
jaya saccidānaṃda jaga pāvana. asa kahi calēu manōja nasāvana..
calē jāta siva satī samētā. puni puni pulakata kṛpānikētā..

The Destroyer of Cupid, Shiva, passed on exclaiming “Glory to the Redeemer of the universe, who is all Truth, Consciousness and Bliss!” As Shiva went on His way with Sati, the all-merciful Lord was repeatedly thrilled with joy.

 सतीं सो दसा संभु कै देखी। उर उपजा संदेहु बिसेषी॥
संकरु जगतबंद्य जगदीसा। सुर नर मुनि सब नावत सीसा॥3॥
satīṃ sō dasā saṃbhu kai dēkhī. ura upajā saṃdēhu bisēṣī..
saṃkaru jagatabaṃdya jagadīsā. sura nara muni saba nāvata sīsā..

When Sats beheld Sambhu in this state, a grave doubt arose in Her mind: “Sarkara is a Lord of the universe Himself, and deserves universal adoration; gods, men and sages all bow their head to Him.

 तिन्ह नृपसुतहि कीन्ह परनामा। कहि सच्चिदानंद परधामा॥
भए मगन छबि तासु बिलोकी। अजहुँ प्रीति उर रहति न रोकी॥4॥

tinha nṛpasutahi naha paranāmā. kahi saccidānaṃda paradhamā..
bhaē magana chabi tāsu bilōkī. ajahuom prīti ura rahati na rōkī..

Yet He made obeisance to this prince, referring to him as the Supreme Being who is all Truth, Consciousness and Bliss. He was enraptured to behold his beauty and felt an upsurge of emotion in His heart, which He is unable to control even to this moment!

दोहा | Dohas :
ब्रह्म जो ब्यापक बिरज अज अकल अनीह अभेद।
सो कि देह धरि होइ नर जाहि न जानत बेद॥50॥

brahma jō vyāpaka biraja aja akala anīha abhēda.
sō ki dēha dhari hōi nara jāhi na jānata vēda.. 50..

The Supreme Eternal, which is all-pervading, unbegotten, without parts, free from desire, beyond MŒyŒ and beyond all distinction and which not even the Vedas can comprehend—can It assume the shape of a man?

चौपाई | Chaupais :
बिष्नु जो सुर हित नरतनु धारी। सोउ सर्बग्य जथा त्रिपुरारी॥
खोजइ सो कि अग्य इव नारी। ग्यानधाम श्रीपति असुरारी॥1॥
biṣnu jō sura hita naratanu dhārī. sōu sarbagya jathā tripurārī..
khōjai sō ki agya iva nārī. gyānadhāma śrīpati asurārī..

Even Visnu Who takes a human form for the sake of gods, is omniscient like the Slayer of Tripura, Siva. Can He wander in search of His Consort like an ignorant man— He who is a repository of knowledge, the Lord of Sri (the goddess of prosperity) and the slayer of demons?

 संभुगिरा पुनि मृषा न होई। सिव सर्बग्य जान सबु कोई॥
अस संसय मन भयउ अपारा। होइ न हृदयँ प्रबोध प्रचारा॥2॥

saṃbhugirā puni mṛṣā na hōī. siva sarbagya jāna sabu kōī..
asa saṃsaya mana bhayau apārā. hōī na hṛdayaom prabōdha pracārā..

The words of Sambhu too cannot be false. Everyone knows that He is all-wise.” Thus Her mind was filled with an interminable series of doubts; Her heart could not be pacified by any means.

 जद्यपि प्रगट न कहेउ भवानी। हर अंतरजामी सब जानी॥
सुनहि सती तव नारि सुभाऊ। संसय अस न धरिअ उर काऊ॥3॥
jadyapi pragaṭa na kahēu bhavānī. hara aṃtarajāmī saba jānī..
sunahi satī tava nāri subhāū. saṃsaya asa na dharia ura kāū..

Although Bhavani (Goddess Parvati) did not open Her lips, Lord Hara (Shiva), Who is the inner controller of all, came to know everything. “Look here, Sati, the woman is foremost in you; you should never harbour such a doubt in your mind.

 जासु कथा कुंभज रिषि गाई। भगति जासु मैं मुनिहि सुनाई॥
सोइ मम इष्टदेव रघुबीरा। सेवत जाहि सदा मुनि धीरा॥4॥

jāsu kathā kubhaṃja riṣi gāī. bhagati jāsu maiṃ munihi sunāī..
sōu mama iṣṭadēva raghubīrā. sēvata jāhi sadā muni dhīrā..

He is no other than RŒma, the Hero of Raghu’s race, My beloved Deity, whose story was sung by the jar-born sage Agastya, faith in whom was the subject of the talk I gave to him and whom illumined sages ever wait upon.

छंद | Chhands :
मुनि धीर जोगी सिद्ध संतत बिमल मन जेहि ध्यावहीं।
कहि नेति निगम पुरान आगम जासु कीरति गावहीं॥
सोइ रामु ब्यापक ब्रह्म भुवन निकाय पति माया धनी।
अवतरेउ अपने भगत हित निजतंत्र नित रघुकुलमनी॥
muni dhīra jōgī siddha saṃtata bimala mana jēhi dhyāvahīṃ.
kahi nēti nigama purāna āgama jāsu kīrati gāvahīṃ..
sōi rāmu byāpaka brahma bhuvana nikāya pati māyā dhanī.
avatarēu apanē bhagata hita nijataṃtra nita raghukulamani..

He who has bodied Himself forth as the Jewel of Raghu’s race for the sake of His devotees is no other than the Supreme Eternal, who is all-pervading and ever free, who is the Ruler of all the worlds and the Lord of Maya, whom illumined sages, Yogis (mystics) and Siddhas (adepts) constantly meditate upon with their sinless mind and whose glory is sung by the Vedas as well as the Puranas and other scriptures in negative terms as ‘not this’.

सोरठा | Sortas :
लाग न उर उपदेसु जदपि कहेउ सिवँ बार बहु।
बोले बिहसि महेसु हरिमाया बलु जानि जियँ॥51॥

lāga na ura upadēsu jadapi kahēu sivaom bāra bahu.
bōlē bihasi mahēsu harimāyā balu jāni jiyaom..51..

Although Lord Siva repeated this time after time, His exhortation made no impression on the heart of Sati. Then the great Lord Siva smilingly said, realizing in His heart the potency of Sri Hari’’s Maya —

चौपाई | Chaupais :
जौं तुम्हरें मन अति संदेहू। तौ किन जाइ परीछा लेहू॥
तब लगि बैठ अहउँ बटछाहीं। जब लगि तुम्ह ऐहहु मोहि पाहीं॥1॥
jauṃ tumharēṃ mana ati saṃdēhū. tau kina jāi parīchā lēhū..
taba lagi baiṭha ahauom baṭachāhiṃ. jaba lagi tumha aihahu mōhi pāhī..

If you have a grave doubt in your mind, why not go and verify the thing? I shall be waiting in the shade of this banyan tree till you come back to Me.

 जैसें जाइ मोह भ्रम भारी। करेहु सो जतनु बिबेक बिचारी॥
चलीं सती सिव आयसु पाई। करहिं बेचारु करौं का भाई॥2॥
jaisēṃ jāi mōha bhrama bhārī. karēhu sō jatanu bibēka bicārī..
calīṃ satī siva āyasu pāī. karahiṃ bicāru karauṃ kā bhāī..

Using your critical judgment you should resort to some device whereby the stupendous error born of your ignorance may be rectified.” Thus obtaining leave of Siva, Sats proceeded on Her mission. She racked Her brains to find out what step She should take (in order to test the divinity of Rama).

 इहाँ संभु अस मन अनुमाना। दच्छसुता कहुँ नहिं कल्याना॥
मोरेहु कहें न संसय जाहीं। बिधि बिपरीत भलाई नाहीं॥3॥

ihāom saṃbhu asa mana anumānā. dacchasutā kahuom nahiṃ kalyānā..
mōrēhu kahēṃ na saṃsaya jāhīṃ. bidhī biparīta bhalāī nāhīṃ..

On this side Siva came to the conclusion that mischief was in store for Daksa’s daughter (Sats). “When her doubt did not yield even to My assurances,” He said to Himself, “it seems the stars are unpropitious to her and no good-will come out of it.

 होइहि सोइ जो राम रचि राखा। को करि तर्क बढ़ावै साखा॥
अस कहि लगे जपन हरिनामा। गईं सती जहँ प्रभु सुखधामा॥4॥
hōihi sōi jō rāma raci rākhā. kō kari tarka baḍhaāvai sākhā..
asa kahi lagē japana harināmā. gaī satī jahaom prabhu sukhadhāmā..

After all, whatever Sri Rama has willed must come to pass; why should one add to the complication by indulging in further speculation?” So saying, Lord Siva began to mutter the name of Sri Hari; while Sats proceeded to the spot where the all-blissful Lord (Sri Rama) was.

दोहा | Dohas :
पुनि पुनि हृदयँ बिचारु करि धरि सीता कर रूप।
आगें होइ चलि पंथ तेहिं जेहिं आवत नरभूप॥52॥

puni puni hṛdayaom vicāru kari dhari sītā kara rupa.
āgēṃ hōi cali paṃtha tēhi jēhiṃ āvata narabhūpa..52..

After many an anxious thought Sati assumed the form of Sita and moved ahead on the same route along which the Ruler of men (Sri Rama) was passing.

चौपाई | Chaupais:
लछिमन दीख उमाकृत बेषा। चकित भए भ्रम हृदयँ बिसेषा॥
कहि न सकत कछु अति गंभीरा। प्रभु प्रभाउ जानत मतिधीरा॥1॥
lachimana dīkha umākṛta bēṣā cakita bhaē bhrama hṛdayaom bisēṣā..
kahi na sakata kachu ati gaṃbhīrā. prabhu prabhāu jānata matidhīrā..

When Laksmana saw Uma (Sati) in Her disguise, he was astonished and much puzzled. He was tongue-tied and looked very grave; the sagacious brother was acquainted with the Lord’s glory.

सती कपटु जानेउ सुरस्वामी। सबदरसी सब अंतरजामी॥
सुमिरत जाहि मिटइ अग्याना। सोइ सरबग्य रामु भगवाना॥2॥
satī kapaṭu jānēu surasvāmī. sabadarasī saba aṃtarajāmī..
sumirata jāhi miṭai agyānā. sōi sarabagya rāmu bhagavānā..

All-perceiving and the inner controller of all, the lord of gods, Sri Rama, took no time in detecting the false appearance of Sats, Rama was the same omniscient Lord whose very thought wipes out ignorance.

सती कीन्ह चह तहँहुँ दुराऊ। देखहु नारि सुभाव प्रभाऊ॥
निज माया बलु हृदयँ बखानी। बोले बिहसि रामु मृदु बानी॥3॥

satī kīnha caha tahaomhuom durāū. dēkhahu nāri subhāva prabhāū..
nija māyā balu hṛdayaom bakhānī. bōlē bihasi rāmu mṛdu bānī..

Sats sought to practise deception even on Him: see how deep-rooted the nature of a woman is! Extolling in His heart the potency of His Maya (delusive power), Sri Rama smilingly accosted Her in a mild tone.

जोरि पानि प्रभु कीन्ह प्रनामू। पिता समेत लीन्ह निज नामू॥
कहेउ बहोरि कहाँ बृषकेतू। बिपिन अकेलि फिरहु केहि हेतू॥4॥

jōri pāni prabhu kīnha pranāmū. pitā samēta līnha nija nāmū..
kahēu bahōri kahāom bṛṣakētū. bipina akēli phirahu kēhi hētū..

Joining the palms of His hands, He first made obeisance to Her mentioning His name alongwith His father’s. He then asked Her the whereabouts of Lord Siva (who has a bull emblazoned on His standard) and wondered what made Her roam about all alone in the forest.

दोहा | Dohas :
राम बचन मृदु गूढ़ सुनि उपजा अति संकोचु।
सती सभीत महेस पहिं चलीं हृदयँ बड़ सोचु॥53॥

rāma bacana mṛdu gūḍha suni upajā ati saṃkōcu.
satī sabhīta mahēsa pahiṃ calīṃ hṛdayaom baḍa sōcu..53..

Sati felt very uncomfortable when She heard these soft yet significant words of Rama. She turned towards the great Lord Siva with a feeling of awe and much dejected at heart.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
मैं संकर कर कहा न माना। निज अग्यानु राम पर आना॥
जाइ उतरु अब देहउँ काहा। उर उपजा अति दारुन दाहा॥1॥
maiṃ saṃkara kara kahā na mānā. nija agyānu rāma para ānā..
jāi utaru aba dēhauom kāhā. ura upajā ati dāruna dāhā..

I heeded not the word of Sarkara and imposed My own ignorance on Rama. What reply shall I give to my lord now?” The agony of Her heart was most terrible.

 जाना राम सतीं दुखु पावा। निज प्रभाउ कछु प्रगटि जनावा॥
सतीं दीख कौतुकु मग जाता। आगें रामु सहित श्री भ्राता॥2॥

jānā rāma satīṃ dukhu pāvā. nija prabhāu kachu pragaṭi janāvā..
satīṃ dīkha kautuku maga jātā. āgēṃ rāmu sahita śrī bhrātā..

Sri Rama perceived that Sats had got vexed; He, therefore, revealed to Her a part of His glory. As She went on Her way Sats beheld a strange phenomenon. Rama was going ahead of Her alongwith His Consort, Sita, and His younger brother, Laksmana.

 फिरि चितवा पाछें प्रभु देखा। सहित बंधु सिय सुंदर बेषा॥
जहँ चितवहिं तहँ प्रभु आसीना। सेवहिं सिद्ध मुनीस प्रबीना॥3॥

phiri citavā pāchēṃ prabhu dēkhā. sahita baṃdhu siya suṃdara vēṣā..
jahaom citavahiṃ tahaom prabhu āsīnā. sēvahiṃ siddha munīsa prabīnā..

She looked back and there too She saw the Lord with His brother and Sita in an attractive garb. Whichever way She turned Her eyes, there was the Lord enthroned with the Siddhas (adepts) and illumined sages ministering to Him.

 देखे सिव बिधि बिष्नु अनेका। अमित प्रभाउ एक तें एका॥
बंदत चरन करत प्रभु सेवा। बिबिध बेष देखे सब देवा॥4॥

dēkhē siva bidhi biṣnu anēkā. amita prabhāu ēka tēṃ ēkā..
baṃdata carana karata prabhu sēvā. bibidha bēṣa dēkhē saba dēvā..

Sati saw more than one sets of Siva, Brahma and Vishnu, each set possessing a glory infinitely greater than that of the others. She also beheld a whole host of gods bowing at the Lord’s feet and waiting upon Him in their different garbs.

दोहा | Dohas :
सती बिधात्री इंदिरा देखीं अमित अनूप।
जेहिं जेहिं बेष अजादि सुर तेहि तेहि तन अनुरूप॥54॥

satī bidhātrī iṃdirā dēkhīṃ amita anūpa.
jēhiṃ jēhiṃ bēṣa ajādi sura tēhi tēhi tana anurūpa..54..

She further perceived innumerable Satss (consorts of Siva), consorts of Brahma and Lakshmi (consorts of Visnu), all peerless in beauty. They conformed in their appearance to the garb in which Brahma and the other gods appeared.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
देखे जहँ जहँ रघुपति जेते। सक्तिन्ह सहित सकल सुर तेते॥
जीव चराचर जो संसारा। देखे सकल अनेक प्रकारा॥1॥
dēkhē jahaom tahaom raghupati jētē. saktinha sahita sakala sura tētē..
jīva carācara jō saṃsārā. dēkhē sakala anēka prakārā..

Each separate vision of Rama was attended by a whole host of gods with their feminine counterparts, as well as by the whole animate and inanimate creation with its multitudinous species.

 पूजहिं प्रभुहि देव बहु बेषा। राम रूप दूसर नहिं देखा॥
अवलोके रघुपति बहुतेरे। सीता सहित न बेष घनेरे॥2॥
pūjahiṃ prabhuhi dēva bahu bēṣā. rāma rūpa dūsara nahiṃ dēkhā..
avalōkē raghupati bahutērē. sītā sahita na bēṣa ghanērē..

But while the gods who adored the Lord appeared in diverse garbs, the appearance of Sri Rama was the same in every case. Although She saw many Ramas with as many Sita, their garb did not vary.

 सोइ रघुबर सोइ लछिमनु सीता। देखि सती अति भईं सभीता॥
हृदय कंप तन सुधि कछु नाहीं। नयन मूदि बैठीं मग माहीं॥3॥

sōi raghubara sōi lachimanu sītā. dēkhi satī ati bhaī sabhītā..
hṛdaya kaṃpa tana sudhi kachu nāhīṃ. nayana mūdi baiṭhīṃ maga māhīṃ..

Seeing the same Rama, the same Laksmana and the same Sita, Sati was struck with great awe.Her heart quivered, and She lost all consciousness of Her body. Closing Her eyes she sat down on the wayside.

 बहुरि बिलोकेउ नयन उघारी। कछु न दीख तहँ दच्छकुमारी॥
पुनि पुनि नाइ राम पद सीसा। चलीं तहाँ जहँ रहे गिरीसा॥4॥
bahuri bilōkēu nayana ughārī. kachu na dīkha tahaom dacchakumārī..
puni puni nāi rāma pada sīsā. calīṃ tahāom jahaom rahē girīsā..

When She opened Her eyes and gazed once more, the daughter of Daksa saw nothing there. Repeatedly bowing Her head at the feet of Sri Rama, She proceeded to the spot where the Lord of Kailasa was.

दोहा | Dohas :
गईं समीप महेस तब हँसि पूछी कुसलात।
लीन्हि परीछा कवन बिधि कहहु सत्य सब बात॥55॥

gaī samīpa mahēsa taba haomsi pūchī kusalāta.
līnhī parīchā kavana bidhi kahahu satya saba bāta..55..

When She came near, Lord Siva smilingly inquired if all was well with Her and then said, Tell me now the whole truth, how did you test Sri Rama?

मास पारायण, दूसरा विश्राम
चौपाई | Chaupais :
सतीं समुझि रघुबीर प्रभाऊ। भय बस सिव सन कीन्ह दुराऊ॥
कछु न परीछा लीन्हि गोसाईं। कीन्ह प्रनामु तुम्हारिहि नाईं॥1॥

satīṃ samujhi raghubīra prabhāū. bhaya basa siva sana kīnha durāū..
kachu na parīchā līnhi gōsāī. kīnha pranāmu tumhārihi nāī..

Having realized the greatness of the Hero of Raghu’s race, Sati in Her awe concealed the truth from Siva. I made no test my Lord; I made obeisance just like You.

 जो तुम्ह कहा सो मृषा न होई। मोरें मन प्रतीति अति सोई॥
तब संकर देखेउ धरि ध्याना। सतीं जो कीन्ह चरित सबु जाना॥2॥

jō tumha kahā sō mṛṣā na hōī. mōrēṃ mana pratīti ati sōī..
taba saṃkara dēkhēu dhari dhyānā. satīṃ jō kīnha carita saba jānā..

What You said cannot be untrue; I am fully convinced in my heart.” Lord Sankara then looked within by contemplation and came to know all that Sati had done.

 बहुरि राममायहि सिरु नावा। प्रेरि सतिहि जेहिं झूँठ कहावा॥
हरि इच्छा भावी बलवाना। हृदयँ बिचारत संभु सुजाना॥3॥

bahuri rāmamāyahi siru nāvā. prēri satihi jēhiṃ jhūomṭha kahāvā..
hari icchā bhāvī balavānā. hṛdayaom bicārata saṃbhu sujānā..

Again, He bowed His head to the delusive power of Sri Rama, that had prompted Sats to tell a lie. What has been preordained by the will of Sri Hari must have its way, the all-wise Sambhu thought within Himself.

सतीं कीन्ह सीता कर बेषा। सिव उर भयउ बिषाद बिसेषा॥
जौं अब करउँ सती सन प्रीती। मिटइ भगति पथु होइ अनीती॥4॥

satīṃ kīnha sītā kara bēṣā. siva ura bhayau biṣāda bisēṣā..
jauṃ aba karauom satī sana prītī. miṭai bhagati pathu hōi anītī..

Sati had assumed the disguise of Sita: this made Siva much disconsolate at heart. “If I continue to love Sats as heretofore, the cult of Devotion will disappear and it will be indecorous on My part to do so.

दोहा | Dohas :
परम पुनीत न जाइ तजि किएँ प्रेम बड़ पापु।
प्रगटि न कहत महेसु कछु हृदयँ अधिक संतापु॥56॥

parama punīta na jāi taji kiēom prēma baḍa pāpu.
pragaṭi na kahata mahēsu kachu hṛdayaom adhika saṃtāpu..56..

Sats is too chaste to be abandoned, and it is a great sin to love her any more as a wife. The great Lord Siva uttered not a word aloud, although there was great agony in His heart.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
तब संकर प्रभु पद सिरु नावा। सुमिरत रामु हृदयँ अस आवा॥
एहिं तन सतिहि भेंट मोहि नाहीं। सिव संकल्पु कीन्ह मन माहीं॥1॥

taba saṃkara prabhu pada siru nāvā. sumirata rāmu hṛdayaom asa āvā..
ēhiṃ tana satihi bhēṭa mōhi nāhīṃ. siva saṃkalpu kīnha mana māhīṃ..

Then Sarkara bowed His head at the feet of the Lord; and as soon as He invoked Sri Rama the idea came to His mind that He should have no connection with Sats so long as she continued to remain in that body.

 अस बिचारि संकरु मतिधीरा। चले भवन सुमिरत रघुबीरा॥
चलत गगन भै गिरा सुहाई। जय महेस भलि भगति दृढ़ाई॥2॥

asa bicāri saṃkaru matidhīrā. calē bhavana sumirata raghubīrā..
calata gagana bhai girā suhāī. jaya mahēsa bhali bhagati dṛḍhaāī..

Siva resolved accordingly and having so resolved the stable-minded Lord Sarkara proceeded towards His home (Mount KailŒsa) with His mind fixed on the Hero of Raghu’s race. Even as He stepped forward a charming voice from heaven thundered forth. “Glory to the great Lord Siva, who has so staunchly upheld the cause of Devotion.

 अस पन तुम्ह बिनु करइ को आना। रामभगत समरथ भगवाना॥
सुनि नभगिरा सती उर सोचा। पूछा सिवहि समेत सकोचा॥3॥

asa pana tumha binu karai kō ānā. rāmabhagata samaratha bhagavānā..
suni nabhagirā satī ura sōcā. pūchā sivahi samēta sakōcā..

Who else than You can take such a vow? You are a devotee of Sri Rama and the all-powerful Lord at the same time.” Sati felt troubled at heart when She heard the heavenly voice. She addressed Siva in a faltering voice,-

कीन्ह कवन पन कहहु कृपाला। सत्यधाम प्रभु दीनदयाला॥
जदपि सतीं पूछा बहु भाँती। तदपि न कहेउ त्रिपुर आराती॥4॥

kīnha kavana pana kahahu kṛpālā. satyadhāma prabhu dīnadayālā..
jadapi satīṃ pūchā bahu bhāomtī. tadapi na kahēu tripura ārātī..

“Tell me, O merciful Lord! what vow You have taken. You are an embodiment of Truth and compassionate to the poor.” Even though Sats inquired in ways more than one, the Slayer of the demon Tripura, Sarkara spoke not a word.

दोहा | Dohas :
सतीं हृदयँ अनुमान किय सबु जानेउ सर्बग्य।
कीन्ह कपटु मैं संभु सन नारि सहज जड़ अग्य॥57 क॥

satīṃ hṛdaya anumāna kiya sabu jānēu sarbagya.
kīnha kapaṭu maiṃ saṃbhu sana nāri sahaja jaḍa agya..57ka..

Sati concluded that the omniscient Lord had come to know everything and felt sorry that She had tried to deceive Sambhu. The woman is silly and stupid by nature, She realized. (57A)

सोरठा | Sortha
जलु पय सरिस बिकाइ देखहु प्रीति कि रीति भलि।
बिलग होइ रसु जाइ कपट खटाई परत पुनि॥57 ख॥

jalu paya sarisa bikāi dēkhahu prīti ki rīti bhali.
bilaga hōi rasu jāi kapaṭa khaṭāī parata puni..57kha..

Even water (when mixed with milk) sells as milk; look at the unifying process of love. The water, however, is separated from the milk and the taste also disappears the moment a drop of acid is introduced into it in the form of a dees.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
हृदयँ सोचु समुझत निज करनी। चिंता अमित जाइ नहिं बरनी॥
कृपासिंधु सिव परम अगाधा। प्रगट न कहेउ मोर अपराधा॥1॥
hṛdayaom sōcu samujhata nija karanī. ciṃtā amita jāi nahi baranī..
kṛpāsiṃdhu siva parama agādhā. pragaṭa na kahēu mōra aparādhā..

Sats felt perturbed in Her heart at the thought of what She had done; and the extent of Her anxiety could neither be gauged nor described. She realized that Lord Siva is a supremely unfathomable ocean of mercy, hence He did not openly declare Her fault.

संकर रुख अवलोकि भवानी। प्रभु मोहि तजेउ हृदयँ अकुलानी॥
निज अघ समुझि न कछु कहि जाई। तपइ अवाँ इव उर अधिकाई॥2॥

saṃkara rukha avalōki bhavānī. prabhu mōhi tajēu hṛdayaom akulānī..
nija agha samujhi na kachu kahi jāī. tapai avāom iva ura adhikāī..

From the attitude of Sarkara, however, She judged that the Lord had abandoned Her, and felt disturbed in Her heart. Conscious of Her guilt She could not utter a word of protest; but all the while Her heart smouldered like a furnace

सतिहि ससोच जानि बृषकेतू। कहीं कथा सुंदर सुख हेतू॥
बरनत पंथ बिबिध इतिहासा। बिस्वनाथ पहुँचे कैलासा॥3॥
satihi sasōca jāni bṛṣakētū. kahīṃ kathā suṃdara sukha hētū..
baranata paṃtha bibidha itihāsā. bisvanātha pahuomcē kailāsā..

Perceiving the sad look of Sats, Siva (who has a bull emblazoned on His standard) narrated beautiful stories in order to divert Her mind. Relating various legends while on His way, the Lord of the universe, Siva, reached Kailasa.

तहँ पुनि संभु समुझि पन आपन। बैठे बट तर करि कमलासन॥
संकर सहज सरूपु सम्हारा। लागि समाधि अखंड अपारा॥4॥

tahaom puni saṃbhu samujhi pana āpana. baiṭhē baṭa tara kari kamalāsana..
saṃkara sahaja sarupa samhārā. lāgi samādhi akhaṃḍa apārā..

Then, recalling His vow, Sambhu sat down there under a banyan tree in the Yogic pose known as Padmasana (the pose of a lotus). Sarkara communed with His own Self and passed into an unbroken and indefinitely long Samadhi (trance).

दोहा | Dohas :
सती बसहिं कैलास तब अधिक सोचु मन माहिं।
मरमु न कोऊ जान कछु जुग सम दिवस सिराहिं॥58॥

satī basahi kailāsa taba adhika sōcu mana māhiṃ.
maramu na kōū jāna kachu juga sama divasa sirāhiṃ..58..

Then Sati dwelt in Kailasa, Her mind grievously sorrowing. Nobody knew anything about what was going on in Her mind; but the days hung heavy on Her like so many Yugas or ages.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
नित नव सोचु सती उर भारा। कब जैहउँ दुख सागर पारा॥
मैं जो कीन्ह रघुपति अपमाना। पुनि पतिबचनु मृषा करि जाना॥1॥
nita nava sōcu satīṃ ura bhārā. kaba jaihauom dukha sāgara pārā..
maiṃ jō kīnha raghupati apamānā. punipati bacanu mṛṣā kari jānā..

The grief that preyed on Sati’s mind was ever new; for She did not know when She would be able to cross the ocean of sorrow. “I slighted the Lord of Raghus and again took my husband’s words to be untrue;

 सो फलु मोहि बिधाताँ दीन्हा। जो कछु उचित रहा सोइ कीन्हा॥
अब बिधि अस बूझिअ नहिं तोही। संकर बिमुख जिआवसि मोही॥2॥

sō phalu mōhi bidhātāom dīnhā. jō kachu ucita rahā sōi kīnhā..
aba bidhi asa būjhia nahi tōhī. saṃkara bimukha jiāvasi mōhī..

Providence has repaid me for my sins and has done only that which I deserved. Now, O God, it does not behove you that you should make me survive even after alienating me from Sankara.

 कहि न जाइ कछु हृदय गलानी। मन महुँ रामहि सुमिर सयानी॥
जौं प्रभु दीनदयालु कहावा। आरति हरन बेद जसु गावा॥3॥

kahi na jāī kachu hṛdaya galānī. mana mahuom rāmāhi sumira sayānī..
jau prabhu dīnadayālu kahāvā. āratī harana bēda jasu gāvā..

The anguish of Her heart was beyond words. The sane lady invoked the presence of RŒma in Her heart and addressed Him thus; “If they refer to You as compassionate to the poor and if the Vedas have glorified You as the dispeller of sorrow,

 तौ मैं बिनय करउँ कर जोरी। छूटउ बेगि देह यह मोरी॥
जौं मोरें सिव चरन सनेहू। मन क्रम बचन सत्य ब्रतु एहू॥4॥
tau maiṃ binaya karauom kara jōrī. chūṭau bēgi dēha yaha mōrī..
jauṃ mōrē siva carana sanēhū. mana krama bacana satya bratu ēhū..

I beseech with joined palms. O Lord, that I may be speedily rid of this body of mine. If I have any devotion to the feet of Siva and if I am true to my vow in thought, word and deed.

दोहा | Dohas :
तौ सबदरसी सुनिअ प्रभु करउ सो बेगि उपाइ।
होइ मरनु जेहिं बिनहिं श्रम दुसह बिपत्ति बिहाइ॥59॥

tau sabadarasī sunia prabhu karau sō bēgi upāi.
hōi maranu jēhī binahiṃ śrama dusaha bipatti bihāi..59..

Then, O all-perceiving Lord, listen to me and speedily devise some plan whereby I may die and be thus rid of this unbearable calamity without much exertion.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
एहि बिधि दुखित प्रजेसकुमारी। अकथनीय दारुन दुखु भारी॥
बीतें संबत सहस सतासी। तजी समाधि संभु अबिनासी॥1॥
ēhi bidhi dukhita prajēsakumārī. akathanīya dāruna dukhu bhārī..
bītēṃ saṃbata sahasa satāsī. tajī samādhi saṃbhu abināsī..

The daughter of Daksha, Sati, thus felt very miserable. Her deep agony was terrible beyond words. When eighty-seven thousand years elapsed, the immortal Sambhu emerged from His trance.

राम नाम सिव सुमिरन लागे। जानेउ सतीं जगतपति जागे॥
जाइ संभु पद बंदनु कीन्हा। सनमुख संकर आसनु दीन्हा॥2॥

rāma nāma siva sumirana lāgē. jānēu satīṃ jagatapati jāgē..
jāi saṃbhu pada baṃdanu kīnhī. sanamukha saṃkara āsanu dīnhā..

Siva started repeating the name of RŒma; then Sats came to know that the Lord of the universe had come to the waking state. She went and bowed at the feet of Sambhu, Sarkara gave Her a seat opposite Himself.

लगे कहन हरि कथा रसाला। दच्छ प्रजेस भए तेहि काला॥
देखा बिधि बिचारि सब लायक। दच्छहि कीन्ह प्रजापति नायक॥3॥

lagē kahana harikathā rasālā. daccha prajēsa bhaē tēhi kālā..
dēkhā bidhi bicāri saba lāyaka. dacchahi kīnha prajāpati nāyaka..

He began to narrate the delightful stories of Sri Hari. Meanwhile Daksha (Sati’s father) had come to be the lord of created beings. On careful consideration the Creator (Brahma) found Daksha qualified in everyway and appointed him as the supreme lord of created beings.

बड़ अधिकार दच्छ जब पावा। अति अभिनामु हृदयँ तब आवा॥
नहिं कोउ अस जनमा जग माहीं। प्रभुता पाइ जाहि मद नाहीं॥4॥

baḍa adhikāra daccha jaba pāvā. ati abhimānu hṛdayaom taba āvā..
nahiṃ kōu asa janamā jaga māhīṃ. prabhutā pāi jāhi mada nāhīṃ..

When Daksha attained this high position, the pride of his heart knew no bounds. Never was a creature born in this world, whom power did not intoxicate.

दोहा | Dohas :
दच्छ लिए मुनि बोलि सब करन लगे बड़ जाग।
नेवते सादर सकल सुर जे पावत मख भाग॥60॥

daccha liē muni bōli saba karana lagē baḍa jāga.
nēvatē sādara sakala sura jē pāvata makha bhāga..60..

Daksha got together all the sages and they began to perform a big sacrifice. All the gods who obtain a share of the oblations offered at a sacrifice were cordially invited to attend.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
किंनर नाग सिद्ध गंधर्बा। बधुन्ह समेत चले सुर सर्बा॥
बिष्नु बिरंचि महेसु बिहाई। चले सकल सुर जान बनाई॥1॥

kiṃnara nāga siddha gaṃdharbā. badhunha samēta calē sura sarbā..
biṣnu biraṃci mahēsu bihāī. calē sakala sura jāna banāī..

Kinnaras (a species of demigods), Nagas, Siddhas (a class of celestial beings) and Gandharvas (celestial songsters) and the whole host of gods proceeded to the sacrifice alongwith their wives. All the gods with the exception of Vishnu, Viranci (the Creator) and the great Lord Siva, set out in their aerial cars.

सतीं बिलोके ब्योम बिमाना। जात चले सुंदर बिधि नाना॥
सुर सुंदरी करहिं कल गाना। सुनत श्रवन छूटहिं मुनि ध्याना॥2॥

satīṃ bilōkē byōma bimānā. jāta calē suṃdara bidhi nānā..
sura suṃdarī karahiṃ kala gānā. sunata śravana chūṭahiṃ muni dhyānā..

Sati beheld beautiful aerial cars of various patterns coursing through the air. Celestial damsels were singing melodious strains, which intruded upon the ears of ascetics and broke their meditation.

पूछेउ तब सिवँ कहेउ बखानी। पिता जग्य सुनि कछु हरषानी॥
जौं महेसु मोहि आयसु देहीं। कछु ‍िदन जाइ रहौं मिस एहीं॥3॥

pūchēu taba sivaom kahēu bakhānī. pitā jagya suni kachu haraṣānī..
jauṃ mahēsu mōhi āyasu dēhīṃ. kucha dina jāi rahauṃ misa ēhīṃ..

When Sati inquired about the stir in the air, Siva explained the whole thing. She was somewhat delighted to hear of the sacrifice commenced by Her father and thought of making it an excuse for staying a few days with Her father in case the great Lord Siva granted Her leave.

पति परित्याग हृदयँ दुखु भारी। कहइ न निज अपराध बिचारी॥
बोली सती मनोहर बानी। भय संकोच प्रेम रस सानी॥4॥

pati parityāga hṛdaya dukhu bhārī. kahai na nija aparādha bicārī..
bōlī satī manōhara bānī. bhaya saṃkōca prēma rasa sānī..

Repudiation by Her lord tormented Her heart not a little; but conscious of Her guilt She would not utter a word. At last Sats spoke in a charming voice tinged with awe, misgiving and affection

दोहा | Dohas :
पिता भवन उत्सव परम जौं प्रभु आयसु होइ।
तौ मैं जाउँ कृपायतन सादर देखन सोइ॥61॥
pitā bhavana utsava parama jauṃ prabhu āyasu hōi.
tau mai jāuom kṛpāyatana sādara dēkhana sōi..61..

There is great rejoicing at my father’s house, O Lord. If You grant me leave, I would fain go and see it, O storehouse of compassion.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
कहेहु नीक मोरेहूँ मन भावा। यह अनुचित नहिं नेवत पठावा॥
दच्छ सकल निज सुता बोलाईं। हमरें बयर तुम्हउ बिसराईं॥1॥

kahēhu nīka mōrēhuom mana bhāvā. yaha anucita nahiṃ nēvata paṭhāvā..
daccha sakala nija sutā bōlāī. hamarēṃ bayara tumhau bisarāī..

Lord Siva replied, Your suggestion is good and has commended itself to Me as well. But the anomaly is that Your father has sent no invitation to us. Daksha has invited all his other daughters; but because of the grudge he bears to us you too have been ignored.

ब्रह्मसभाँ हम सन दुखु माना। तेहि तें अजहुँ करहिं अपमाना॥
जौं बिनु बोलें जाहु भवानी। रहइ न सीलु सनेहु न कानी॥2॥
brahmasabhāom hama sana dukhu mānā. tēhi tēṃ ajahuom karahiṃ apamānā..
jauṃ binu bōlēṃ jāhu bhavānī. rahai na sīlu sanēhu na kānī..

In the court of Brahma he once took offence at our behaviour; that is why he insults us even now. If you go there uninvited, Bhavani, all decorum, affection and honour will be cast to the winds.

जदपि मित्र प्रभु पितु गुर गेहा। जाइअ बिनु बोलेहुँ न सँदेहा॥
तदपि बिरोध मान जहँ कोई। तहाँ गएँ कल्यानु न होई॥3॥
jadapi mitra prabhu pitu gura gēhā. jāia binu bōlēhuom na saomdēhā..
tadapi birōdha māna jahaom kōī. tahāom gaēom kalyānu na hōī..

It is no doubt true one should call on one’s friend, master, father or teacher without waiting for a formal invitation; yet where someone nurses a grudge against you, you reap no good by going there.

भाँति अनेक संभु समुझावा। भावी बस न ग्यानु उर आवा॥
कह प्रभु जाहु जो बिनहिं बोलाएँ। नहिं भलि बात हमारे भाएँ॥4॥
bhāomti anēka saṃbhu samujhāvā. bhāvī basa na gyānu ura āvā..
kaha prabhu jāhu jō binahiṃ bōlāēom. nahiṃ bhali bāta hamārē bhāēom..

Sambhu expostulated with Sati in so many ways; but as fate had willed it wisdom would not dawn on Her. The Lord repeated once more that if She went to Her father’s place uninvited. He anticipated no good results from it.

दोहा | Dohas :
कहि देखा हर जतन बहु रहइ न दच्छकुमारि।
दिए मुख्य गन संग तब बिदा कीन्ह त्रिपुरारि॥62॥
kahi dēkhā hara jatana bahu rahai na dacchakumāri.
diē mukhya gana saṃga taba bidā kīnha tripurāri..62..

Having reasoned with Her in ways more than one when Hara at last perceived that the daughter of Daksha was not going to stay, the Slayer of Tripura detailed a few of His principal attendants as Her escort and sent Her away.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
पिता भवन जब गईं भवानी। दच्छ त्रास काहुँ न सनमानी॥
सादर भलेहिं मिली एक माता। भगिनीं मिलीं बहुत मुसुकाता॥1॥

pitā bhavana jaba gaī bhavānī. daccha trāsa kāhuom na sanamānī..
sādara bhalēhiṃ milī ēka mātā. bhaginīṃ milīṃ bahuta musukātā..

When Bhavani (etymologically, the Consort of Bhava, an epithet of Siva) reached Her father’s house, no one greeted Her for fear of incurring Daksha displeasure. Her mother was the solitary figure who met Her kindly. Her sisters received Her with profuse smiles.

दच्छ न कछु पूछी कुसलाता। सतिहि बिलोकी जरे सब गाता॥
सतीं जाइ देखेउ तब जागा। कतहूँ न दीख संभु कर भागा॥2॥
daccha na kachu pūchī kusalātā. satihi bilōki jarē saba gātā..
satīṃ jāi dēkhēu taba jāgā. katahuom na dīkha saṃbhu kara bhāgā..

Daksa would not even inquire about Her health; he burnt all over with rage at the very sight of Sati. Sati then went to have a look at the sacrifice; but nowhere did She find any share of oblations set apart for Sambhu.

तब चित चढ़ेउ जो संकर कहेऊ। प्रभु अपमानु समुझि उर दहेऊ॥
पाछिल दुखु न हृदयँ अस ब्यापा। जस यह भयउ महा परितापा॥3॥

taba cita caḍhaēu jō saṃkara kahēū. prabhu apamānu samujhi ura dahēū..
pāchila dukhu na hṛdayaom asa byāpā. jasa yaha bhayau mahā paritāpā..

Then did She realize the force of Sarkara’s warning; Her heart burnt within Her at the thought of the insult offered to Her lord. The former grief (that of repudiation by Her lord) did not torment Her heart so much as the great agony She now felt (as a result of the insult offered to Her husband).

जद्यपि जग दारुन दुख नाना। सब तें कठिन जाति अवमाना॥
समुझि सो सतिहि भयउ अति क्रोधा। बहु बिधि जननीं कीन्ह प्रबोधा॥4॥

jadyapi jaga dāruna dukha nānā. saba tēṃ kaṭhina jāti avamānā..
samujhi sō satihi bhayau ati krōdhā. bahu bidhi jananīṃ kīnha prabōdhā..

Although there are terrible agonies of various kinds in this world, the insult offered to one’s own people is the most painful of them all. The thought of the same made Sats furious. Her mother tried to pacify Her in many ways.

दोहा | Dohas :
सिव अपमानु न जाइ सहि हृदयँ न होइ प्रबोध।
सकल सभहि हठि हटकि तब बोलीं बचन सक्रोध॥63॥
siva apamānu na jāi sahi hṛdayaom na hōi prabōdha.
sakala sabhahi haṭhi haṭaki taba bōlīṃ bacana sakrōdha..63..

The insult to Siva was something unbearable; Her heart could not, therefore, be pacified. Then, sharply reproaching the whole assembly, She spoke in angry accents:-

चौपाई | Chaupais :
सुनहु सभासद सकल मुनिंदा। कही सुनी जिन्ह संकर निंदा॥
सो फलु तुरत लहब सब काहूँ। भली भाँति पछिताब पिताहूँ॥1॥
sunahu sabhāsada sakala muniṃdā. kahī sunī jinha saṃkara niṃdā..
sō phalu turata lahaba saba kāhūom. bhalī bhāomti pachitāba pitāhūom..

Hear ye elders of the assembly and all great sages! All of you who have reviled Sarkara or heard Him reviled must forthwith reap the fruit of your sin and My father too shall fully repent.

संत संभु श्रीपति अपबादा। सुनिअ जहाँ तहँ असि मरजादा॥
काटिअ तासु जीभ जो बसाई। श्रवन मूदि न त चलिअ पराई॥2॥
saṃta saṃbhu śrīpati apabādā. sunia jahāom tahaom asi marajādā..
kāṭia tāsu jībha jō basāī. śravana mūdi na ta calia parāī..

Wherever you hear a saint, Sambhu or Visnu (the Lord of Laksmi) vilified, the rule is that if it lies within your power you should tear out the tongue of the reviler or you should run away closing your ears.

जगदातमा महेसु पुरारी। जगत जनक सब के हितकारी॥
पिता मंदमति निंदत तेही। दच्छ सुक्र संभव यह देही॥3॥
jagadātamā mahēsu purārī. jagata janaka saba kē hitakārī..
pitā maṃdamati niṃdata tēhī. daccha sukra saṃbhava yaha dēhī..

The Slayer of Tripura, the great Lord Siva, is the universal Spirit; He is the father of the universe and is beneficent to all. It is Him that my stupid father vilifies; and this body of Mine has sprung from the loins of Daksa.

तजिहउँ तुरत देह तेहि हेतू। उर धरि चंद्रमौलि बृषकेतू॥
अस कहि जोग अगिनि तनु जारा। भयउ सकल मख हाहाकारा॥4॥
tajihauom turata dēha tēhi hētū. ura dhari caṃdramauli bṛṣakētū..
asa kahi jōga agini tanu jārā. bhayau sakala makha hāhākārā..

Therefore, installing in My heart Lord Siva, who bears the moon on His forehead and a bull as His emblem, I shall immediately quit this body.” As She spoke thus She burnt Her body with the fire of Yoga.* A plaintive cry rose from the whole assembly.
दोहा | Dohas :
सती मरनु सुनि संभु गन लगे करन मख खीस।
जग्य बिधंस बिलोकि भृगु रच्छा कीन्हि मुनीस॥64॥ ॥

satī maranu suni saṃbhu gana lagē karana makha khīsa.
jagya bidhaṃsa bilōki bhṛgu racchā kīnhi munīsa..64..

Hearing of Sati’s death, the attendants of Sambhu began to destroy the sacrifice. Seeing the sacrifice being destroyed, the great sage Bhrgu protected it.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
समाचार सब संकर पाए। बीरभद्रु करि कोप पठाए॥
जग्य बिधंस जाइ तिन्ह कीन्हा। सकल सुरन्ह बिधिवत फलु दीन्हा॥1॥

samācāra saba saṃkara pāē. bīrabhadru kari kōpa paṭhāē..
jagya bidhaṃsa jāi tinha kīnhā. sakala suranha bidhivata phalu dīnhā..

Sarkara got all the news and in His wrath He sent Vsrabhadra. Going there the latter made havoc of the sacrifice and requited all the gods according to their deserts.

भै जगबिदित दच्छ गति सोई। जसि कछु संभु बिमुख कै होई॥
यह इतिहास सकल जग जानी। ताते मैं संछेप बखानी॥2॥
bhē jagabidita daccha gati sōī. jasi kachu saṃbhu bimukha kai hōī..
yaha itihāsa sakala jaga jānī. tātē maiṃ saṃchēpa bakhānī..

As is well-known to the world, Daksa met the same fate which an opponent of Sambhu generally meets. The story is known throughout the world; that is why I have told it in brief.

सतीं मरत हरि सन बरु मागा। जनम जनम सिव पद अनुरागा॥
तेहि कारन हिमगिरि गृह जाई। जनमीं पारबती तनु पाई॥3॥
satīṃ marata hari sana baru māgā. janama janama siva pada anurāgā..
tēhi kārana himagiri gṛha jāī. janamīṃ pārabatī tanu pāī..

While dying, Sati asked a boon of Sri Hari that She might remain devoted to the feet of Siva in all successive births.That is why She was reborn as Parvati (lit.,daughter of a mountain) in the house of Himachala (the deity presiding over the Himalaya mountain).

जब तें उमा सैल गृह जाईं। सकल सिद्धि संपति तहँ छाईं॥
जहँ तहँ मुनिन्ह सुआश्रम कीन्हे। उचित बास हिम भूधर दीन्हे॥4॥
jaba tēṃ umā saila gṛha jāīṃ. sakala siddhi saṃpati tahaom chāī..
jahaom tahaom muninha suāśrama kīnhē. ucita bāsa hima bhūdhara dīnhē..

Ever since Uma was born in the house of Himalaya the mountain became an abode of all blessings and prosperity. Sages built beautiful hermitages here and there and Himalaya assigned them suitable abodes (in the form of caves etc.).

दोहा | Dohas :
सदा सुमन फल सहित सब द्रुम नव नाना जाति।
प्रगटीं सुंदर सैल पर मनि आकर बहु भाँति॥65॥

sadā sumana phala sahita saba druma nava nānā jāti.
pragaṭīṃ suṃdara saila para mani ākara bahu bhāomti..65..

Young trees of different varieties were endowed with never failing blossoms and fruits, and mines of jewels of various kinds appeared on the beautiful mountain. (65)

चौपाई | Chaupais :
सरिता सब पुनीत जलु बहहीं। खग मृग मधुप सुखी सब रहहीं॥
सहज बयरु सब जीवन्ह त्यागा। गिरि पर सकल करहिं अनुरागा॥1॥

saritā saba punita jalu bahahīṃ. khaga mṛga madhupa sukhī saba rahahīṃ..
sahaja bayaru saba jīvanha tyāgā. giri para sakala karahiṃ anurāgā..

All the rivers bore holy waters; birds, beasts and bees, all rejoiced. All animals gave up their natural antipathies and all those who dwelt on the mountain loved one another.

सोह सैल गिरिजा गृह आएँ। जिमि जनु रामभगति के पाएँ॥
नित नूतन मंगल गृह तासू। ब्रह्मादिक गावहिं जसु जासू॥2॥
sōha saila girijā gṛha āēom. jimi janu rāmabhagati kē pāēom..
nita nūtana maṃgala gṛha tāsū. brahmādika gāvahiṃ jasu jāsū..

With the advent of Girija (a synonym of Parvati) the mountain (Himalaya) wore a cheerful look even as devotion to Sri Rama lights up the face of a devotee. Everyday brought a new delight to the house of Himachala, whose glory was sung even by great gods like Brahma (the Creator).

नारद समाचार सब पाए। कोतुकहीं गिरि गेह सिधाए॥
सैलराज बड़ आदर कीन्हा। पद पखारि बर आसनु दीन्हा॥3॥
nārada samācāra saba pāē. kautukahīṃ giri gēha sidhāē..
sailarāja baḍa ādara kīnhā. pada pakhāri bara āsanu dīnhā..

Receiving all the news Narada eagerly went to the house of Himachala. The king of mountains (the presiding deity of the Himalayas), received him with great honour; washing the sage’s feet he led him to a beautiful seat.

नारि सहित मुनि पद सिरु नावा। चरन सलिल सबु भवनु सिंचावा॥
निज सौभाग्य बहुत गिरि बरना। सुता बोलि मेली मुनि चरना॥4॥

nāri sahita muni pada siru nāvā. carana salila sabu bhavanu siṃcāvā..
nija saubhāgya bahuta giri baranā. sutā bōli mēlī muni caranā..

He bowed his head at the sage‘s feet alongwith his wife and had his whole mansion sprinkled with the water hallowed by his feet. Himachala extolled his own good luck and, summoning his daughter, placed her at the sage’s feet.

दोहा | Dohas :
त्रिकालग्य सर्बग्य तुम्ह गति सर्बत्र तुम्हारि।
कहहु सुता के दोष गुन मुनिबर हृदयँ बिचारि॥66॥

trikālagya sarbagya tumha gati sarbatra tumhāri..
kahahu sutā kē dōṣa guna munibara hṛdayaom bicāri..66..

You know everything, including the past, present and future, and have access everywhere. Therefore, O good sage, tell me what is good and what is bad about my daughter after a mature consideration.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
कह मुनि बिहसि गूढ़ मृदु बानी। सुता तुम्हारि सकल गुन खानी॥
सुंदर सहज सुसील सयानी। नाम उमा अंबिका भवानी॥1॥
kaha muni bihasi gūḍha mṛdu bānī. sutā tumhāri sakala guna khānī..
suṃdara sahaja susīla sayānī. nāma umā aṃbikā bhavānī..

The sage smilingly replied in the following soft yet significant words: Your daughter is a mine of all virtues & pretty, amiable and intelligent by nature. She will be called Uma, Ambika (lit., mother) and Bhavani.

सब लच्छन संपन्न कुमारी। होइहि संतत पियहि पिआरी॥
सदा अचल एहि कर अहिवाता। एहि तें जसु पैहहिं पितु माता॥2॥

saba lacchana saṃpanna kumārī. hōihi saṃtata piyahi piārī..
sadā acala ēhi kara ahivātā. ēhi tēṃ jasu paihahiṃ pitu mātā..

Adorned with all good traits, the girl shall win the unfailing love of her husband.She shall remain ever united with her lord and bring glory to her parents.

होइहि पूज्य सकल जग माहीं। एहि सेवत कछु दुर्लभ नाहीं॥
एहि कर नामु सुमिरि संसारा। त्रिय चढ़िहहिं पतिब्रत असिधारा॥3॥

hōihi pūjya sakala jaga māhīṃ. ēhi sēvata kachu durlabha nāhīṃ..
ēhi kara nāmu sumiri saṃsārā. triya caḍhahahiṃ patibrata asidhārā..

She shall command the respect of the whole universe; he who waits upon her shall lack nothing. By the mere thought of her name women in this world shall be enabled to tread the path of fidelity to their lord, which is sharp as the edge of a sword.

सैल सुलच्छन सुता तुम्हारी। सुनहु जे अब अवगुन दुइ चारी॥
अगुन अमान मातु पितु हीना। उदासीन सब संसय छीना॥4॥
saila sulacchana sutā tumhārī. sunahu jē aba avaguna dui cārī..
aguna amāna mātu pitu hīnā. udāsīna saba saṃsaya chīnā..

Your daughter, O Himalaya, is endowed with auspicious marks. Hear now the few drawbacks she possesses. Devoid of merits, free from pride, without father or mother, unconcerned and free from doubts.

दोहा | Dohas :
जोगी जटिल अकाम मन नगन अमंगल बेष।
अस स्वामी एहि कहँ मिलिहि परी हस्त असि रेख॥67॥
jōgī jaṭila akāma mana nagana amaṃgala bēṣa..
asa svāmī ēhi kahaom milihi parī hasta asi rēkha..67..

An ascetic with matted hair and a heart devoid of longing, stark naked and with hideous accoutrements, such a one shall be her lord, as I can read from the lines on her palm.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
सुनि मुनि गिरा सत्य जियँ जानी। दुख दंपतिहि उमा हरषानी॥
नारदहूँ यह भेदु न जाना। दसा एक समुझब बिलगाना॥1॥
suni muni girā satya jiyaom jānī. dukha daṃpatihi umā haraṣānī..
nāradahuom yaha bhēdu na jānā. dasā ēka samujhaba bilagānā..

Hearing the words of the sage and believing them to be true, Himalaya and his wife became disconsolate; while Uma felt delighted. Even Narada could not perceive this difference. Even though their outer expression was the same, their feeling was different,

सकल सखीं गिरिजा गिरि मैना। पुलक सरीर भरे जल नैना॥
होइ न मृषा देवरिषि भाषा। उमा सो बचनु हृदयँ धरि राखा॥2॥
sakala sakhīṃ girijā giri mainā. pulaka sarīra bharē jala nainā..
hōi na mṛṣā dēvariṣi bhāṣā. umā sō bacanu hṛdayaom dhari rākhā..

Girija and all her playmates, Himalaya and his wife, Mena, all had their hair standing on their end and their eyes were full of tears. The words of the celestial sage Narada could not be untrue: Uma cherished them in her heart.

उपजेउ सिव पद कमल सनेहू। मिलन कठिन मन भा संदेहू॥
जानि कुअवसरु प्रीति दुराई। सखी उछँग बैठी पुनि जाई॥3॥
upajēu siva pada kamala sanēhū. milana kaṭhina mana bhā saṃdēhū..
jāni kuavasaru prīti durāī. sakhī uchaomga baiṭhī puni jāī..

Love for the lotus feet of Siva sprouted in her heart. She however, felt diffident in her mind; union with Siva appeared so difficult to her. Finding the time inopportune for its disclosure, she concealed her emotion and then sat down in the lap of one of her playmates.

झूठि न होइ देवरिषि बानी। सोचहिं दंपति सखीं सयानी॥
उर धरि धीर कहइ गिरिराऊ। कहहु नाथ का करिअ उपाऊ॥4॥
jhūṭhi na hōi dēvariṣi bānī. sōcahi daṃpati sakhīṃ sayānī..
ura dhari dhīra kahai girirāū. kahahu nātha kā karia upāū..

The prediction of the sage could not be false: the thought made Himavan and his wife as well as the senior playmates anxious. Collecting himself, the lord of mountains said, “Tell me, holy sir, what remedy should now be employed?”

दोहा | Dohas :
कह मुनीस हिमवंत सुनु जो बिधि लिखा लिलार।
देव दनुज नर नाग मुनि कोउ न मेटनिहार॥68॥
kaha munīsa himavaṃta sunu jō bidhi likhā lilāra.
dēva danuja nara nāga muni kōu na mēṭanihāra..68..

The chief of sages, Narada, replied: Hear, O Himavan; whatever has been decreed by Fate no one can undo not even gods, demons, human beings, Nagas or sages.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
तदपि एक मैं कहउँ उपाई। होइ करै जौं दैउ सहाई॥
जस बरु मैं बरनेउँ तुम्ह पाहीं। मिलिहि उमहि तस संसय नाहीं॥1॥
tadapi ēka maiṃ kahauom upāī. hōi karai jauṃ daiu sahāī..
jasa baru maiṃ baranēuom tumha pāhīṃ. milahi umahi tasa saṃsaya nāhīṃ..

Nevertheless I tell you one remedy: this may avail if Heaven helps you. UmΠwill undoubtedly get such a husband as I have described to you.

जे जे बर के दोष बखाने। ते सब सिव पहिं मैं अनुमाने॥
जौं बिबाहु संकर सन होई। दोषउ गुन सम कह सबु कोई॥2॥
jē jē bara kē dōṣa bakhānē. tē saba siva pahi maiṃ anumānē..
jauṃ bibāhu saṃkara sana hōī. dōṣau guna sama kaha sabu kōī..

But whatever demerits I have shown in her bridegroom exist in Siva so far as I can guess. If her marriage takes place with Sarkara, everyone will call the demerits as good as virtues.

जौं अहि सेज सयन हरि करहीं। बुध कछु तिन्ह कर दोषु न धरहीं॥
भानु कृसानु सर्ब रस खाहीं। तिन्ह कहँ मंद कहत कोउ नाहीं॥3॥
jauṃ ahi sēja sayana hari karahīṃ. budha kachu tinha kara dōṣu na dharahīṃ..
bhānu kṛsānu sarba rasa khāhīṃ. tinha kahaom maṃda kahata kōu nāhīṃ..

Even though Sri Hari uses the serpent-god Sesha Nag as His couch and sleeps thereon, the wise do not blame Him for the same. Even so the sun and fire absorb moisture in all forms, but no one calls them names.

सुभ अरु असुभ सलिल सब बहई। सुरसरि कोउ अपुनीत न कहई॥
समरथ कहुँ नहिं दोषु गोसाईं। रबि पावक सुरसरि की नाईं॥4॥

subha aru asubha salila saba bahaī. surasari kōu apunīta na kahaī..
samaratha kahuom nahiṃ dōṣu gōsāī. rabi pāvaka surasari kī nāī..

Again, water of every description, pure as well as impure, flows into the Ganga; yet no one calls the heavenly stream impure. Even like the sun, fire and the Ganga, the mighty incur no blame.

दोहा | Dohas :
जौं अस हिसिषा करहिं नर जड़ बिबेक अभिमान।
परहिं कलप भरि नरक महुँ जीव कि ईस समान॥69॥

jauṃ asa hisiṣā karahiṃ nara jaḍai bibēka abhimāna.
parahiṃ kalapa bhari naraka mahuom jīva ki īsa samāna..69..

If in their pride of wisdom foolish men emulate the great, they are cast into hell for a whole Kalpa or life-time of the universe. Can an embodied soul vie with God?

चौपाई | Chaupais :
सुरसरि जल कृत बारुनि जाना। कबहुँ न संत करहिं तेहि पाना॥
सुरसरि मिलें सो पावन जैसें। ईस अनीसहि अंतरु तैसें॥1॥
surasari jala kṛta bāruni jānā. kabahuom na saṃta karahiṃ tēhi pānā..
surasari milēṃ sō pāvana jaisēṃ. īsa anīsahi aṃtaru taisēṃ..

Holy men would never drink wine even if they came to know that it had been made of water from the Ganga; but the same wine becomes pure when it is poured into the Ganga. The difference between an individual soul and God should be similarly explained.

संभु सहज समरथ भगवाना। एहि बिबाहँ सब बिधि कल्याना॥
दुराराध्य पै अहहिं महेसू। आसुतोष पुनि किएँ कलेसू॥2॥

saṃbhu sahaja samaratha bhagavānā. ēhi bibāhaom saba bidhi kalyānā..
durārādhya pai ahahiṃ mahēsū. āsutōṣa puni kiēom kalēsū..

Sambhu is all-powerful by nature; for He is no other than God Himself. Hence matrimony with Him will prove auspicious in everyway. The great Lord Siva is certainly difficult to propitiate; but He is quickly pleased when penance is undergone.

जौं तपु करै कुमारि तुम्हारी। भाविउ मेटि सकहिं त्रिपुरारी॥
जद्यपि बर अनेक जग माहीं। एहि कहँ सिव तजि दूसर नाहीं॥3॥
jauṃ tapu karai kumāri tumhārī. bhāviu mēṭi sakahiṃ tripurārī..
jadyapi bara anēka jaga māhīṃ. ēhi kahaom siva taji dūsara nāhīṃ..

If your daughter practises austerity, the Slayer of the demon Tripura, Siva, can even erase the lines of Fate. Even though there may be many a suitor in the world, there is no match for her except Siva.

बर दायक प्रनतारति भंजन। कृपासिंधु सेवक मन रंजन॥
इच्छित फल बिनु सिव अवराधें। लहिअ न कोटि जोग जप साधें॥4॥

bara dāyaka pranatārati bhaṃjana. kṛpāsiṃdhu sēvaka mana raṃjana..
icchita phala binu siva avarādhē. lahia na kōṭi jōga japa sādhēṃ..

He is the bestower of boons, the dispeller of the agony of the suppliant, an ocean of benevolence and the delight of His devotee. Without propitiating Siva the object of one’s desire cannot be attained through millions of Yogic practices and Japa (repetitions of a mystic formula).

दोहा | Dohas :
अस कहि नारद सुमिरि हरि गिरिजहि दीन्हि असीस।
होइहि यह कल्यान अब संसय तजहु गिरीस॥70॥

asa kahi nārada sumiri hari girijahi dīnhi asīsa.
hōihi yaha kalyāna aba saṃsaya tajahu girīsa..70..

So saying and with his thoughts fixed on Sri Hari, Narada gave his blessings to Girija and said, Shed all fear, O lord of mountains; all will now turn out well.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
कहि अस ब्रह्मभवन मुनि गयऊ। आगिल चरित सुनहु जस भयऊ॥
पतिहि एकांत पाइ कह मैना। नाथ न मैं समुझे मुनि बैना॥1॥
kahi asa brahmabhavana muni gayaū. āgila carita sunahu jasa bhayaū..
patihi ēkāṃta pāi kaha mainā. nātha na maiṃ samujhē muni bainā..

Having spoken thus, the sage returned to the abode of Brahma (the Creator). Now hear the end of the story how it came about. Finding her husband alone, Mena (Himalaya’s wife) said to him, “My lord, I could not follow the words of the sage.

जौं घरु बरु कुलु होइ अनूपा। करिअ बिबाहु सुता अनुरूपा॥
न त कन्या बरु रहउ कुआरी। कंत उमा मम प्रानपिआरी॥2॥

jauṃ gharu baru kulu hōi anūpā. karia bibāhu sutā anurupā..
na ta kanyā baru rahau kuārī. kaṃta umā mama prānapiārī..

If the match, his house and his pedigree are without parallel and worthy of our daughter, the marriage may be concluded. If not, the girl had better remain unmarried; for, my lord, Uma is dear to me as my own life.

जौं न मिलिहि बरु गिरिजहि जोगू। गिरि जड़ सहज कहिहि सबु लोगू॥
सोइ बिचारि पति करेहु बिबाहू। जेहिं न बहोरि होइ उर दाहू॥3॥
jauṃ na milahi baru girijahi jōgū. giri jaḍa sahaja kahihi sabu lōgū..
sōi bicāri pati karēhu bibāhū. jēhiṃ na bahōri hōi ura dāhū..

If we fail to secure a match worthy of Girija, everyone will say Himalaya is dull by nature. Keep this in mind, my lord, while concluding an alliance, so that there may be no cause for repentance.

अस कहि परी चरन धरि सीसा। बोले सहित सनेह गिरीसा॥
बरु पावक प्रगटै ससि माहीं। नारद बचनु अन्यथा नाहीं॥4॥
asa kahi pari carana dhari sīsā. bōlē sahita sanēha girīsā..
baru pāvaka pragaṭai sasi māhīṃ. nārada bacanu anyathā nāhīṃ..

Having spoken these words Mena laid herself prostrate with her head at the feet of her lord. The lord of mountains, Himalaya, replied in endearing terms, “Sooner shall the moon emit flames of fire than the prophecy of Narada should prove untrue.

दोहा | Dohas :
प्रिया सोचु परिहरहु सबु सुमिरहु श्रीभगवान।
पारबतिहि निरमयउ जेहिं सोइ करिहि कल्यान॥71॥
priyā sōcu pariharahu sabu sumirahu śrībhagavāna.
pārabatihi niramayau jēhiṃ sōi karihi kalyāna..71..

Put away all anxiety, my dear, and fix your thoughts on the Lord. He alone who has created Parvati will bring her happiness.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
अब जौं तुम्हहि सुता पर नेहू। तौ अस जाइ सिखावनु देहू॥
करै सो तपु जेहिं मिलहिं महेसू। आन उपायँ न मिटिहि कलेसू॥1॥
aba jau tumhahi sutā para nēhū. tau asa jāi sikhāvana dēhū..
karai sō tapu jēhiṃ milahiṃ mahēsū. āna upāyaom na miṭahi kalēsū..

Now if you cherish any love for your child, then go and admonish her that she should practise austerity which may bring about her union with Siva: there is no other way of overcoming sorrow.

नारद बचन सगर्भ सहेतू। सुंदर सब गुन निधि बृषकेतू॥
अस बिचारि तुम्ह तजहु असंका। सबहि भाँति संकरु अकलंका॥2॥
nārada bacana sagarbha sahētū. suṃdara saba guna nidhi bṛṣakētū..
asa bicāri tumha tajahu asaṃkā. sabahi bhāomti saṃkaru akalaṃkā..

The words of Narada are pregnant and full of reason. Siva (who bears a bull for His emblem) is handsome and a mine of all virtues: recognizing this truth do not entertain any misgiving. Sarkara is irreproachable in everyway.”

सुनि पति बचन हरषि मन माहीं। गई तुरत उठि गिरिजा पाहीं॥
उमहि बिलोकि नयन भरे बारी। सहित सनेह गोद बैठारी॥3॥
suni pati bacana haraṣi mana māhīṃ. gaī turata uṭhi girijā pāhīṃ..
umahi bilōki nayana bharē bārī. sahita sanēha gōda baiṭhārī..

Hearing the above words of her husband Mena felt delighted at heart; she at once rose and went where Girija was. At the sight of Uma tears rushed to her eyes and she affectionately took the girl in her lap.

दोहा | Dohas :
बारहिं बार लेति उर लाई। गदगद कंठ न कछु कहि जाई॥
जगत मातु सर्बग्य भवानी। मातु सुखद बोलीं मृदु बानी॥4॥
bārahiṃ bāra lēti ura lāī. gadagada kaṃṭha na kachu kahi jāī..
jagata mātu sarbagya bhavānī. mātu sukhada bōlīṃ mṛdu bānī..

Again and again she hugged the child; her voice was choked with emotion and she found herself tongue-tied. The Mother of the universe, the all-knowing BhavŒns, then spoke the following soft words, which brought delight to her mother:-

दोहा | Dohas :
सुनहि मातु मैं दीख अस सपन सुनावउँ तोहि।
सुंदर गौर सुबिप्रबर अस उपदेसेउ मोहि॥72॥
sunahi mātu maiṃ dīkha asa sapana sunāvauom tōhi.
suṃdara gaura subiprabara asa upadēsēu mōhi..72..

Listen, mother: I relate to you a vision which I saw. A handsome and faircomplexioned noble Brahmana gave me the following exhortation.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
करहि जाइ तपु सैलकुमारी। नारद कहा सो सत्य बिचारी॥
मातु पितहि पुनि यह मत भावा। तपु सुखप्रद दुख दोष नसावा॥1॥
karahi jāi tapu sailakumārī. nārada kahā sō satya bicārī..
mātu pitahi puni yaha mata bhāvā. tapu sukhaprada dukha dōṣa nasāvā..

Recognizing the truth of Narada’s words go and practise austerity, O mountainmaid; the idea has commended itself to your father and mother as well. Austerity is conducive to joy and puts an end to sorrow and evils.

तपबल रचइ प्रपंचु बिधाता। तपबल बिष्नु सकल जग त्राता॥
तपबल संभु करहिं संघारा। तपबल सेषु धरइ महिभारा॥2॥
tapabala racai prapaṃca bidhātā. tapabala biṣnu sakala jaga trātā..
tapabala saṃbhu karahiṃ saṃghārā. tapabala sēṣu dharai mahibhārā..

By virtue of penance the Creator creats the universe. By virtue of penance Visnu protects the whole world. By virtue of penance Sambhu brings about dissolution. By virtue of penance, again, Sesa (the serpent-god) bears the burden of the earth on his head.

तप अधार सब सृष्टि भवानी। करहि जाइ तपु अस जियँ जानी॥
सुनत बचन बिसमित महतारी। सपन सुनायउ गिरिहि हँकारी॥3॥
tapa adhāra saba sṛṣṭi bhavānī. karahi jāi tapu asa jiyaom jānī..
sunata bacana bisamita mahatārī. sapana sunāyau girihi haomkārī..

In fact, the entire creation rests on penance, Bhavani. Bearing this in mind, go and practise austerity.” Hearing these words the mother was filled with wonder. She sent for HimŒlaya and communicated the vision to him.

दोहा | Dohas :
मातु पितहि बहुबिधि समुझाई। चलीं उमा तप हित हरषाई॥
प्रिय परिवार पिता अरु माता। भए बिकल मुख आव न बाता॥4॥
mātu pituhi bahubidhi samujhāī. calīṃ umā tapa hita haraṣāī..
priya parivāra pitā aru mātā. bhaē bikala mukha āva na bātā..

Consoling her parents in many ways Uma set out for penance in a joyous mood. Her loving household and parents felt miserable and none could speak a word.

दोहा | Dohas :
बेदसिरा मुनि आइ तब सबहि कहा समुझाइ।
पारबती महिमा सुनत रहे प्रबोधहि पाइ॥73॥
bēdasirā muni āi taba sabahi kahā samujhāi..
pārabatī mahimā sunata rahē prabōdhahi pāi..73..

The sage Vedasira then came and consoled them all. They were comforted when they heard of the glory of Parvati.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
उर धरि उमा प्रानपति चरना। जाइ बिपिन लागीं तपु करना॥
अति सुकुमार न तनु तप जोगू। पति पद सुमिरि तजेउ सबु भोगू॥1॥
ura dhari umā prānapati caranā. jāi bipina lāgīṃ tapu karanā..
ati sukumāra na tanu tapa jōgū. pati pada sumiri tajēu sabu bhōgū..

Cherishing in her heart the feet of her dear lord, Uma went to the forest and began her penance. Her delicate frame was little fit for austerities; yet she renounced all luxuries fixing her mind on the feet of her lord.

नित नव चरन उपज अनुरागा। बिसरी देह तपहिं मनु लागा॥
संबत सहस मूल फल खाए। सागु खाइ सत बरष गवाँए॥2॥
nita nava carana upaja anurāgā. bisarī dēha tapahiṃ manu lāgā..
saṃbata sahasa mūla phala khāē. sāgu khāi sata baraṣa gavāomē..

Her devotion to the feet of her lord presented a new phase everyday; and she got so absorbed in penance that she lost all consciousness of her body. For a thousand years she lived on roots and fruits alone; while for another hundred years she subsisted on vegetables.

कछु दिन भोजनु बारि बतासा। किए कठिन कछु दिन उपबासा॥
बेल पाती महि परइ सुखाई। तीनि सहस संबत सोइ खाई॥3॥
kachu dina bhōjanu bāri batāsā. kiē kaṭhina kachu dina upabāsā..
bēla pātī mahi parai sukhāī. tīni sahasa saṃbata sōī khāī..

For some days her only sustenance was water and air; while for a few days she observed a rigorous fast. For three thousand years she maintained herself on the withered leaves of the Bela* tree that dropped on the ground.

पुनि परिहरे सुखानेउ परना। उमहि नामु तब भयउ अपरना॥
देखि उमहि तप खीन सरीरा। ब्रह्मगिरा भै गगन गभीरा॥4॥
puni pariharē sukhānēu paranā. umahi nāma taba bhayau aparanā..
dēkhi umahi tapa khīna sarīrā. brahmagirā bhai gagana gabhīrā..

Finally she gave up even dry leaves; Uma then came to be known by the name of Aparna (living without leaves). Seeing her body emaciated through self-mortification the deep voice of Brahma (the Creator) resounded through the heavens:—

दोहा | Dohas :
भयउ मनोरथ सुफल तव सुनु गिरिराजकुमारि।
परिहरु दुसह कलेस सब अब मिलिहहिं त्रिपुरारि॥74॥

bhayau manōratha suphala tava sunu girijākumāri.
pariharu dusaha kalēsa saba aba milihahiṃ tripurāri..74..

Listen, O daughter of the mountain-king; your desire is accomplished. Cease all your rigorous penance; the Slayer of Tripura will soon be your’s.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
अस तपु काहुँ न कीन्ह भवानी। भए अनेक धीर मुनि ग्यानी॥
अब उर धरहु ब्रह्म बर बानी। सत्य सदा संतत सुचि जानी॥1॥
asa tapu kāhuom na kīnha bhavānī. bhau anēka dhīra muni gyānī..
aba ura dharahu brahma bara bānī. satya sadā saṃtata suci jānī..

There have been many self-possessed and illumined sages; but not one of them, BhavŒns, performed such penance as this. Now cherish in your heart this supreme utterance from heaven, knowing it to be invariably true and ever sacred.

आवै पिता बोलावन जबहीं। हठ परिहरि घर जाएहु तबहीं॥
मिलहिं तुम्हहि जब सप्त रिषीसा। जानेहु तब प्रमान बागीसा॥2॥

āvai pitā bōlāvana jabahīṃ. haṭha parihari ghara jāēhu tabahīṃ..
milahiṃ tumhahi jaba sapta riṣīsā. jānēhu taba pramāna bāgīsā..

When your father comes to call you, give up all resistance and return home at once. Again, when the seven sages meet you, be assured of the veracity of this oracle.

सुनत गिरा बिधि गगन बखानी। पुलक गात गिरिजा हरषानी॥
उमा चरित सुंदर मैं गावा। सुनहु संभु कर चरित सुहावा॥3॥

sunata girā bidhi gagana bakhānī. pulaka gāta girijā haraṣānī..
umā carita suṃdara maiṃ gāvā. sunahu saṃbhu kara carita suhāvā..

Girija (the daughter of Himavan) rejoiced to hear this utterance of Brahma echoed by heaven and a thrill ran through her limbs. [Yaajnavalkya says to Bharadvaja] I have thus sung the beautiful story of Uma; now hear the charming account of Sambhu.

जब तें सतीं जाइ तनु त्यागा। तब तें सिव मन भयउ बिरागा॥
जपहिं सदा रघुनायक नामा। जहँ तहँ सुनहिं राम गुन ग्रामा॥4॥
jaba tēṃ satī jāi tanu tyāgā. taba sēṃ siva mana bhayau birāgā..
japahiṃ sadā raghunāyaka nāmā. jahaom tahaom sunahiṃ rāma guna grāmā..

Ever since Sats went and quitted her body, Siva’s mind recoiled from everything. He ever repeated the name of the Lord of Raghus and heard the recitation of Sri Rama’s glories here and there.

दोहा | Dohas :
चिदानंद सुखधाम सिव बिगत मोह मद काम।
बिचरहिं महि धरि हृदयँ हरि सकल लोक अभिराम॥75॥
cidānanda sukhadhāma siva bigata mōha mada kāma.
bicarahiṃ mahi dhari hṛdayaom hari sakala lōka abhirāma..75..

The embodiment of intelligence and bliss, the abode of happiness, Siva, who is ever free from error, arrogance and desire, roamed about on earth with His heart fixed on Sri Hari, the delight of the whole world.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
कतहुँ मुनिन्ह उपदेसहिं ग्याना। कतहुँ राम गुन करहिं बखाना॥
जदपि अकाम तदपि भगवाना। भगत बिरह दुख दुखित सुजाना॥1॥
katahuom muninha upadēsahiṃ gyānā. katahuom rāma guna karahiṃ bakhānā..
jadapi akāma tadapi bhagavānā. bhagata biraha dukha dukhita sujānā..

Here He instructed the sages in wisdom and there He extolled the virtues of Sri Rama. Though passionless and all-wise, the Lord was smitten with the pangs of separation from His devotee (Sati).

एहि बिधि गयउ कालु बहु बीती। नित नै होइ राम पद प्रीती॥
नेमु प्रेमु संकर कर देखा। अबिचल हृदयँ भगति कै रेखा॥2॥
ēhi bidhi gayau kālu bahu bītī. nita nai hōi rāma pada prītī..
naimu prēmu saṃkara kara dēkhā. abicala hṛdayaom bhagati kai rēkhā..

In this way a considerable time elapsed. Devotion to the feet of Sri Rama was ever budding in His heart. When Sri Rama saw the selfdiscipline and affection of Sarkara and the indelible stamp of devotion on His heart,

प्रगटे रामु कृतग्य कृपाला। रूप सील निधि तेज बिसाला॥
बहु प्रकार संकरहि सराहा। तुम्ह बिनु अस ब्रतु को निरबाहा॥3॥
pragaṭai rāmu kṛtagya kṛpālā. rūpa sīla nidhi tēja bisālā..
bahu prakāra saṃkarahi sarāhā. tumha binu asa bratu kō nirabāhā..

the merciful Lord, who fully recognizes services rendered to Him, and is a mine of beauty and amiability and an embodiment of great splendour, appeared before Sarkara. and extolled Him in ways more than one. “Who else than You can accomplish such a vow?”

बहुबिधि राम सिवहि समुझावा। पारबती कर जन्मु सुनावा॥
अति पुनीत गिरिजा कै करनी। बिस्तर सहित कृपानिधि बरनी॥4॥

bahubidhi rāma sivahi samujhāvā. pārabatī kara janmu sunāvā..
ati punīta girijā kai karanī. bistara sahita kṛpānidhi baranī..

He said, Sri Rama admonished Him in many ways and told Him of the birth of Parvati. The Lord in His infinite compassion narrated at full length the most pious doings of Girija.

दोहा | Dohas :
अब बिनती मम सुनहु सिव जौं मो पर निज नेहु।
जाइ बिबाहहु सैलजहि यह मोहि मागें देहु॥76॥
aba binatī mama sunēhu siva jauṃ mō para nija nēhu.
jāi bibāhahu sailajahi yaha mōhi māgēṃ dēhu..76..

Now, Siva, if You have any affection for Me, listen to My appeal. Go and marry Sailaja (the daughter of Himalaya): grant this boon to Me.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
कह सिव जदपि उचित अस नाहीं। नाथ बचन पुनि मेटि न जाहीं॥
सिर धरि आयसु करिअ तुम्हारा। परम धरमु यह नाथ हमारा॥1॥
kaha siva jadapi ucita asa nāhīṃ. nātha bacana puni mēṭi na jāhīṃ..
sira dhari āyasu karia tumhārā. parama dharamu yaha nātha hamārā..

Siva replied, Although this is hardly justifiable, the words of a master cannot be set aside at the same time. My lord, your command must be respectfully carried out: this is my paramount duty.

मातु पिता गुर प्रभु कै बानी। बिनहिं बिचार करिअ सुभ जानी॥
तुम्ह सब भाँति परम हितकारी। अग्या सिर पर नाथ तुम्हारी॥2॥
mātu pitā gura prabhu kai bānī. binahiṃ bicāra karia subha jānī..
tumha saba bhāomti parama hitakārī. agyā sira para nātha tumhārī..

The words of one’s parents, teacher and master must be unquestionably obeyed as conducive to bliss. You are my supreme benefactor in everyway; therefore, my lord, I bow to Your commands.”

 प्रभु तोषेउ सुनि संकर बचना। भक्ति बिबेक धर्म जुत रचना॥
कह प्रभु हर तुम्हार पन रहेऊ। अब उर राखेहु जो हम कहेऊ॥3॥
prabhu tōṣēu suni saṃkara bacanā. bhakti bibēka dharma juta racanā..
kaha prabhu hara tumhāra pana rahēū. aba ura rākhēhu jō hama kahēū..

The Lord, was pleased to hear the well-chosen words of Sarkara; which were inspired with devotion, wisdom and piety. The Lord said, “Your vow has been kept; now bear in mind what I have told You.”

अंतरधान भए अस भाषी। संकर सोइ मूरति उर राखी॥
तबहिं सप्तरिषि सिव पहिं आए। बोले प्रभु अति बचन सुहाए॥4॥
aṃtaradhāna bhaē asa bhāṣī. saṃkara sōi mūrati ura rākhī..
tabahiṃ saptariṣi siva pahiṃ āē. bōlē prabhu ati bacana suhāē..

Saying so He went out of sight. Sarkara cherished the impression of the vision in His heart. That very moment the seven sages called on Siva. The Lord spoke to them in most charming accents:—

दोहा | Dohas :
पारबती पहिं जाइ तुम्ह प्रेम परिच्छा लेहु।
गिरिहि प्रेरि पठएहु भवन दूरि करेहु संदेहु॥77॥

pārabatī pahiṃ jāi tumha prēma paricchā lēhu.
girihi prēri paṭhaēhu bhavana dūri karēhu saṃdēhu..77..

Going to Parvati, you put her love to the test. Then directing her father, Himalaya, to her, send her back to her home and dispel her doubts.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
रिषिन्ह गौरि देखी तहँ कैसी। मूरतिमंत तपस्या जैसी॥
बोले मुनि सुनु सैलकुमारी। करहु कवन कारन तपु भारी॥1॥

riṣinha gauri dēkhī tahaom kaisī. mūratimaṃta tapasyā jaisī..
bōlē muni sunu sailakumārī. karahu kavana kārana tapu bhārī..

There the seers saw Gaurs (a name of Parvati; lit., fair-complexioned) as if she were penance itself personified.The sages said, Hear, O daughter of Himachala: why are you practising such rigorous penance?

केहि अवराधहु का तुम्ह चहहू। हम सन सत्य मरमु किन कहहू॥
कहत बचन मनु अति सकुचाई। हँसिहहु सुनि हमारि जड़ताई॥2॥
kēhi avarādhahu kā tumha cahahū. hama sana satya maramu kina kahahū..
kahata bacata manu ati sakucāī. haomsihahu suni hamāri jaḍatāī..

Whom do you worship and what do you seek? Why not confide to us the real secret?” “I feel very shy in making my submission. You will be amused to hear of my folly.

 मनु हठ परा न सुनइ सिखावा। चहत बारि पर भीति उठावा॥
नारद कहा सत्य सोइ जाना। बिनु पंखन्ह हम चहहिं उड़ाना॥3॥
manu haṭha parā na sunai sikhāvā. cahata bāri para bhīti uṭhāvā..
nārada kahā satya sōi jānā. binu paṃkhanha hama cahahiṃ uḍaānā..

Yet my mind has taken a rigid attitude and heeds no advice; it would raise a wall on water. Relying on the truth of Narada’s prophecy, I long to fly even without wings.

 देखहु मुनि अबिबेकु हमारा। चाहिअ सदा सिवहि भरतारा॥4॥

dēkhahu muni abibēku hamārā. cāhia sadā sivahi bharatārā..

Look at my madness; I always covet Siva as my husband.

दोहा | Dohas :
सुनत बचन बिहसे रिषय गिरिसंभव तव देह।
नारद कर उपदेसु सुनि कहहु बसेउ किसु गेह॥78॥
sunata bacana bihasē riṣaya girisaṃbhava taba dēha.
nārada kara upadēsu suni kahahu basēu kisu gēha..78..

Hearing the above reply the sages laughed and said, “After all your body owes its existence to a mountain (Himalaya); tell us who has ever listened to Narada’s advice and lived in his home.”

चौपाई | Chaupais :
दच्छसुतन्ह उपदेसेन्हि जाई। तिन्ह फिरि भवनु न देखा आई॥
चित्रकेतु कर घरु उन घाला। कनककसिपु कर पुनि अस हाला॥1॥
dacchasutanha upadēsēnhi jāī. tinha phiri bhavanu na dēkhā āī..
citrakētu kara gharu una ghālā. kanakakasipu kara puni asa hālā..

He called on and admonished the sons of Daksa and they never saw their home again. It was he who ruined the home of Chitraketu; and again Hiranyakasipu (the father of Prahlada) met a similar fate.

 नारद सिख जे सुनहिं नर नारी। अवसि होहिं तजि भवनु भिखारी॥
मन कपटी तन सज्जन चीन्हा। आपु सरिस सबही चह कीन्हा॥2॥
nārada sikha jē sunahiṃ nara nārī. avasi hōhiṃ taji bhavanu bhikhārī..
mana kapaṭī tana sajjana cīnhā. āpu sarisa sabahī caha kīnhā..

Men and women who listen to Narada’s advice are sure to leave their home and become mendicants. Guileful at heart, he bears on his person the marks of a pious man; he would make everyone just like himself.

 तेहि कें बचन मानि बिस्वासा। तुम्ह चाहहु पति सहज उदासा॥
निर्गुन निलज कुबेष कपाली। अकुल अगेह दिगंबर ब्याली॥3॥
tēhi kēṃ bacana māni bisvāsā. tumha cāhahu pati sahaja udāsā..
nirguna nilaja kubēṣa kapālī. akula agēha digaṃbara byālī..

Relying on his words you crave for a husband who is apathetic by nature, devoid of attributes, shameless, homeless and naked, who has an inauspicious look about him, wears a string of skulls around his neck, is without a family and has serpents for his ornaments.

 कहहु कवन सुखु अस बरु पाएँ। भल भूलिहु ठग के बौराएँ॥
पंच कहें सिवँ सती बिबाही। पुनि अवडेरि मराएन्हि ताही॥4॥
kahahu kavana sukhu asa baru pāēom. bhala bhūlihu ṭhaga kē baurāēom..
paṃca kahēṃ sivaom satī bibāhī. puni avaḍēri marāēnhi tāhī..

Tell us, what happiness do you expect by obtaining such a husband? You have fallen an easy prey to the machinations of that imposter! Siva married Sats at the intercession of some friends; but later on he abandoned her and left her to die.

दोहा | Dohas :
अब सुख सोवत सोचु नहिं भीख मागि भव खाहिं।
सहज एकाकिन्ह के भवन कबहुँ कि नारि खटाहिं॥79॥
aba sukha sōvata sōcu nahi bhīkha māgi bhava khāhiṃ.
sahaja ēkākinha kē bhavana kabahuom ki nāri khaṭāhiṃ..79..

Siva is care-free now; he lives on alms and enjoys a sound sleep.Can women ever stay in the house of habitual recluses?

चौपाई | Chaupais :
अजहूँ मानहु कहा हमारा। हम तुम्ह कहुँ बरु नीक बिचारा॥
अति सुंदर सुचि सुखद सुसीला। गावहिं बेद जासु जस लीला॥1॥
ajahūom mānahu kahā hamārā. hama tumha kahuom baru nīka bicārā..
ati suṃdara suci sukhada susīlā. gāvahiṃ bēda jāsu jasa līlā..

Even now accept our advice; we have thought of an excellent match for you— exceptionally good-looking, pious, agreeable and amiable, whose glory and exploits are sung by the Vedas.

 दूषन रहित सकल गुन रासी। श्रीपति पुर बैकुंठ निवासी॥
अस बरु तुम्हहि मिलाउब आनी। सुनत बिहसि कह बचन भवानी॥2॥
dūṣana rahita sakala guna rāsī. śrīpati pura baikuṃṭha nivāsī..
asa baru tumhahi milāuba ānī. sunata bihasi kaha bacana bhavānī..

He is free from blemish, is a mine of all virtues and the lord of Laksmi (the goddess of prosperity) and has His abode in Vaikuntha. Such a suitor we shall unite with you”.” Hearing this, Bhavani laughed and said,-

 सत्य कहेहु गिरिभव तनु एहा। हठ न छूट छूटै बरु देहा॥
कनकउ पुनि पषान तें होई। जारेहुँ सहजु न परिहर सोई॥3॥

satya kahēhu giribhava tanu ēhā. haṭha na chūṭa chūṭai baru dēhā..
kanakau puni paṣāna tēṃ hōī. jārēhuom sahaju na parihara sōī..

-“You have rightly observed that this body of mine is begotten of a rock: I would sooner die than give up my tenacity. Gold is another product of rock which does not abandon its character even on being consigned to fire.

 नारद बचन न मैं परिहरऊँ। बसउ भवनु उजरउ नहिं डरउँ॥
गुर कें बचन प्रतीति न जेही। सपनेहुँ सुगम न सुख सिधि तेही॥4॥
nārada bacana na maiṃ pariharaūom. basau bhavanu ujarau nahiṃ ḍaraūom..
gura kēṃ bacana pratīti na jēhī. sapanēhuom sugama na sukha sidhi tēhī..

I may not ignore Narada’s advice; whether my house is full or desolate, I fear not. He who has no faith in the words of his preceptor cannot easily attain either happiness or success even in a dream”.

दोहा | Dohas :
महादेव अवगुन भवन बिष्नु सकल गुन धाम।
जेहि कर मनु रम जाहि सन तेहि तेही सन काम॥80॥
mahādēva avaguna bhavana biṣnu sakala guna dhāma.
jēhi kara manu rama jāhi sana tēhi tēhī sana kāma..80..

The great God Siva may be full of faults and Visnu may be a repository of all virtues. One is, however, concerned with him alone who gladdens one’s heart.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
जौं तुम्ह मिलतेहु प्रथम मुनीसा। सुनतिउँ सिख तुम्हारि धरि सीसा॥
अब मैं जन्मु संभु हित हारा। को गुन दूषन करै बिचारा॥1॥

jauṃ tumha milatēhu prathama munīsā. sunatiuom sikha tumhāri dhari sīsā..
aba maiṃ janmu saṃbhu hita hārā. kō guna dūṣana karai bicārā..

Had you met me earlier, O great sages! I would have listened to your advice with reverence. But now that I have staked my life for Sambhu, who will weigh His merits and demerits?

 जौं तुम्हरे हठ हृदयँ बिसेषी। रहि न जाइ बिनु किएँ बरेषी॥
तौ कौतुकिअन्ह आलसु नाहीं। बर कन्या अनेक जग माहीं॥2॥
jauṃ tumharē haṭha hṛdayaom bisēṣī. rahi na jāi binu kiēom barēṣī..
tau kautukianha ālasu nāhīṃ. bara kanyā anēka jaga māhīṃ..

If you are specially bent upon uniting a pair and cannot help negotiating a match, there is no dearth of suitors and maidens; and those who take delight in such games know no weariness.

 जन्म कोटि लगि रगर हमारी। बरउँ संभु न त रहउँ कुआरी॥
तजउँ न नारद कर उपदेसू। आपु कहहिं सत बार महेसू॥3॥
janma kōṭi lagi ragara hamārī. barauom saṃbhu na ta rahauom kuārī..
tajauom na nārada kara upadēsū. āpu kahahi sata bāra mahēsū..

As for myself I must wed Sambhu or remain a virgin, no matter if I have to continue the struggle for ten million lives. I will not disregard Narada’s admonition even if Sambhu Himself tells me a hundred times to do so.”

 मैं पा परउँ कहइ जगदंबा। तुम्ह गृह गवनहु भयउ बिलंबा॥
देखि प्रेमु बोले मुनि ग्यानी। जय जय जगदंबिके भवानी॥4॥
maiṃ pā parauom kahai jagadaṃbā. tumha gṛha gavanahu bhayau bilaṃbā..
dēkhi prēmu bōlē muni gyānī. jaya jaya jagadaṃbikē bhavānī..

“I fall at your feet,” continued Parvati, the Mother of the universe, “Please return to your home. It is already late.” Seeing Parvati’s devotion the enlightened sages exclaimed, “Glory, all glory to You, O Bhavani, Mother of the universe!

दोहा | Dohas :
तुम्ह माया भगवान सिव सकल गजत पितु मातु।
नाइ चरन सिर मुनि चले पुनि पुनि हरषत गातु॥81॥

tumha māyā bhagavāna siva sakala jagata pitu mātu.
nāi carana sira muni calē puni puni haraṣata gātu..81..

You are Maya, while Siva is God Himself; You are the parents of the whole universe. Bowing their head at the feet of Parvati, they departed. A thrill ran through their frame again and again.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
जाइ मुनिन्ह हिमवंतु पठाए। करि बिनती गिरजहिं गृह ल्याए॥
बहुरि सप्तरिषि सिव पहिं जाई। कथा उमा कै सकल सुनाई॥1॥
jāi muninha himavaṃtu paṭhāē. kari binatī girajahiṃ gṛha lyāē..
bahuri saptariṣi siva pahiṃ jāī. kathā umā kai sakala sunāī..

The sages went and despatched Himavan to Girija and he with many entreaties brought her home. The seven seers then called on Siva and told Him the whole history of Uma.

 भए मगन सिव सुनत सनेहा। हरषि सप्तरिषि गवने गेहा॥
मनु थिर करि तब संभु सुजाना। लगे करन रघुनायक ध्याना॥2॥
bhaē magana siva sunata sanēhā. haraṣi saptariṣi gavanē gēhā..
manu thira kari taba saṃbhu sujānā. lagē karana raghunāyaka dhyānā..

Siva was enraptured to hear of her love; and the Saptar¦is gladly went home. The all-wise Sambhu then concentrated His mind and began to meditate on the Lord of Raghus.

 तारकु असुर भयउ तेहि काला। भुज प्रताप बल तेज बिसाला॥
तेहिं सब लोक लोकपति जीते। भए देव सुख संपति रीते॥3॥
tāraku asura bhayau tēhi kālā. bhuja pratāpa bala tēja bisālā..
tēṃhi saba lōka lōkapati jītē. bhaē dēva sukha saṃpati rītē..

A demon, Taraka by name, flourished in those days; his strength of arm, glory and majesty were great indeed. He conquered all the spheres as well as the guardians of those spheres; all the gods were robbed of their happiness and prosperity.

अजर अमर सो जीति न जाई। हारे सुर करि बिबिध लराई॥
तब बिरंचि सन जाइ पुकारे। देखे बिधि सब देव दुखारे॥4॥
ajara amara sō jīti na jāī. hārē sura kari bibidha larāī..
taba biraṃci sana jāi pukārē. dēkhē bidhi saba dēva dukhārē..

Knowing neither age nor death, he was invincible. The gods fought many a battle with him and lost them. They then went to Viranci (Brahma) and told him their grievances. The Creator found all the gods miserable.

दोहा | Dohas :
सब सन कहा बुझाइ बिधि दनुज निधन तब होइ।
संभु सुक्र संभूत सुत एहि जीतइ रन सोइ॥82॥
saba sana kahā bujhāi bidhi danuja nidhana taba hōi.
saṃbhu sukra saṃbhūta suta ēhi jītai rana sōi..82..

Brahma reassured them all saying, The demon shall die only when there is a son sprung from the loins of Sambhu; for he alone can subdue the demon in battle.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
मोर कहा सुनि करहु उपाई। होइहि ईस्वर करिहि सहाई॥
सतीं जो तजी दच्छ मख देहा। जनमी जाइ हिमाचल गेहा॥1॥
mōra kahā suni karahu upāī. hōihi īsvara karihi sahāī..
satīṃ jō tajī daccha makha dēhā. janamī jāi himācala gēhā..

Hearing what I say, act accordingly; God will help you and the plan will succeed. Sati, who left her body at the sacrifice performed by Daksha, has been born again in the house of Himacala.

 तेहिं तपु कीन्ह संभु पति लागी। सिव समाधि बैठे सबु त्यागी॥
जदपि अहइ असमंजस भारी। तदपि बात एक सुनहु हमारी॥2॥

tēhiṃ tapu kīnha saṃbhu pati lāgī. siva samādhi baiṭhē sabu tyāgī..
jadapi ahai asamaṃjasa bhārī. tadapi bāta ēka sunahu hamārī..

She has undergone penance for winning the hand of Sambhu; while Siva has renounced everything and sits absorbed in contemplation. Although it is most unseemly, yet hear one proposal of mine.

 पठवहु कामु जाइ सिव पाहीं। करै छोभु संकर मन माहीं॥
तब हम जाइ सिवहि सिर नाई। करवाउब बिबाहु बरिआई॥3॥
paṭhavahu kāmu jāi siva pāhīṃ. karai chōbhu saṃkara mana māhīṃ..
taba hama jāi sivahi sira nāī. karavāuba bibāhu bariāī..

Approaching Cupid (the god of love), send him to Siva; and let him disturb the serenity of Sarkara’s mind. Then we shall go and bow our head at Siva’s feet and prevail on Him to marry even against His will.

 एहि बिधि भलेहिं देवहित होई। मत अति नीक कहइ सबु कोई॥
अस्तुति सुरन्ह कीन्हि अति हेतू। प्रगटेउ बिषमबान झषकेतू॥4॥
ēhi bidhi bhalēhi dēvahita hōī. mara ati nīka kahai sabu kōī..
astuti suranha kīnhi ati hētū. pragaṭēu biṣamabāna jhaṣakētū..

In this way alone may the interests of the gods be served.” “The idea is excellent,” everyone said. The gods then prayed with great devotion and the god of love, armed with five arrows and having a fish emblazoned on his standard, appeared on the scene.

दोहा | Dohas :
सुरन्ह कही निज बिपति सब सुनि मन कीन्ह बिचार।
संभु बिरोध न कुसल मोहि बिहसि कहेउ अस मार॥83॥
suranha kahīṃ nija bipati saba suni mana kīnha bicāra.
saṃbhu birōdha na kusala mōhi bihasi kahēu asa māra..83..

The gods told him all their distress; hearing their tale, the god of love pondered and spoke thus with a smile, I expect no good results for myself from hostility to Sambhu.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
तदपि करब मैं काजु तुम्हारा। श्रुति कह परम धरम उपकारा॥
पर हित लागि तजइ जो देही। संतत संत प्रसंसहिं तेही॥1॥

tadapi karaba maiṃ kāju tumhārā. śruti kaha parama dharama upakārā..
para hita lāgi tajai jō dēhī. saṃtata saṃta prasaṃsahiṃ tēhī..

However, I shall do your work; for the Vedas say benevolence is the highest virtue. The saints ever praise him who lays down his life in the service of others.

 अस कहि चलेउ सबहि सिरु नाई। सुमन धनुष कर सहित सहाई॥
चलत मार अस हृदयँ बिचारा। सिव बिरोध ध्रुब मरनु हमारा॥2॥

asa kahi calēu sabahi siru nāī. sumana dhanuṣa kara sahita sahāī..
calata māra asa hṛdayaom bicārā. siva birōdha dhruva maranu hamārā..

So saying, the god of love bowed his head to all and departed with his associates, the bow of flowers in hand. While leaving, Love thought within himself that hostility to Siva would mean sure death to him.

 तब आपन प्रभाउ बिस्तारा। निज बस कीन्ह सकल संसारा॥
कोपेउ जबहिं बारिचरकेतू। छन महुँ मिटे सकल श्रुति सेतू॥3॥

taba āpana prabhāu bistārā. nija basa kīnha sakala saṃsārā..
kōpēu jabahi bāricarakētū. chana mahuom miṭē sakala śruti sētū..

He then exhibited his power and brought the whole world under his sway. When the god of love (who bears a fish for his emblem) betrayed his anger, all the barriers imposed by the Vedas were swept away in a moment.

 ब्रह्मचर्ज ब्रत संजम नाना। धीरज धरम ग्यान बिग्याना॥
सदाचार जप जोग बिरागा। सभय बिबेक कटकु सबु भागा॥4॥

brahmacarja brata saṃjama nānā. dhīraja dharama gyāna bigyānā..
sadācāra japa jōga birāgā. sabhaya bibēka kaṭaku saba bhāgā..

The whole army of Viveka (discriminating knowledge)—continence, religious vows, self-restraint of many kinds, fortitude, piety, spiritual wisdom and the knowledge of qualified divinity both with form and without form, morality, muttering of prayers, Yoga (contemplative union with God), dispassion and so on, fled in panic.

छंद | Chhand
भागेउ बिबेकु सहाय सहित सो सुभट संजुग महि मुरे।
सदग्रंथ पर्बत कंदरन्हि महुँ जाइ तेहि अवसर दुरे॥
होनिहार का करतार को रखवार जग खरभरु परा।
दुइ माथ केहि रतिनाथ जेहि कहुँ कोपि कर धनु सरु धरा॥
bhāgēu bibēka sahāya sahita sō subhaṭa saṃjuga mahi murē.
sadagraṃtha parbata kaṃdaranhi mahuom jāi tēhi avasara durē..
hōnihāra kā karatāra kō rakhavāra jaga kharabharu parā.
dui mātha kēhi ratinātha jēhi kahuom kōpi kara dhanu saru dharā..

Viveka took to flight with his associates; his great warriors turned their back on the field of battle. They all went and hid themselves in mountain-caves in the form of sacred books at that time. There was commotion in the world and everybody said, “My goodness, what is going to happen? What power will save us? Who is that superhuman being with two heads to conquer whom the lord of Rati,* Love, has lifted his bow and arrows in rage?”

दोहा | Dohas :
जे सजीव जग अचर चर नारि पुरुष अस नाम।
ते निज निज मरजाद तजि भए सकल बस काम॥84॥

jē sajīva jaga acara cara nāri puruṣa asa nāma.
tē nija nija marajāda taji bhaē sakala basa kāma..84..

Whatever creatures existed in the world, whether animate or inanimate and bearing masculine or feminine appellations transgressed their natural bounds and were completely possessed by lust.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
सब के हृदयँ मदन अभिलाषा। लता निहारि नवहिं तरु साखा॥
नदीं उमगि अंबुधि कहुँ धाईं। संगम करहिं तलाव तलाईं॥1॥

saba kē hṛdayaom madana abhilāṣā. latā nihāri navahiṃ taru sākhā..
nadīṃ umagi aṃbudhi kahuom dhāī. saṃgama karahiṃ talāva talāī..

The minds of all were seized with lust; the boughs of trees bent low at the sight of creepers. Rivers in spate rushed to meet the ocean; lakes and ponds united in love with one another.

 जहँ असि दसा जड़न्ह कै बरनी। को कहि सकइ सचेतन करनी॥
पसु पच्छी नभ जल थल चारी। भए काम बस समय बिसारी॥2॥

jahaom asi dasā jaḍanha kai baranī. kō kahi sakai sacētana karanī..
pasu pacchī nabha jala thalacārī. bhaē kāmabasa samaya bisārī..

Where such was reported to be the case with the inanimate creation, who can relate the doings of sentient beings? Beasts that walk on land and birds traversing the air, and water lost all sense of time and became victims of lust.

मदन अंध ब्याकुल सब लोका। निसि दिनु नहिं अवलोकहिं कोका॥
देव दनुज नर किंनर ब्याला। प्रेत पिसाच भूत बेताला॥3॥
madana aṃdha byākula saba lōkā. nisi dinu nahiṃ avalōkahiṃ kōkā..
dēva danuja nara kiṃnara byālā. prēta pisāca bhūta bētālā..

The whole world was blinded with passion and agitated. The Cakravaka birds (ruddy geese)* regarded neither day nor night. Gods, demons, human beings, Kinnaras (a class of demigods), serpents, evil spirits, fiends, ghosts and vampires—

इन्ह कै दसा न कहेउँ बखानी। सदा काम के चेरे जानी॥
सिद्ध बिरक्त महामुनि जोगी। तेपि कामबस भए बियोगी॥4॥

inha kai dasā na kahēuom bakhānī. sadā kāma kē cērē jānī..
siddha birakta mahāmuni jōgī. tēpi kāmabasa bhaē biyōgī..

I have refrained from dwelling on the condition of these, knowing them to be eternal slaves of passion. Even Siddhas (spiritual adepts), great sages who had no attraction for the world and Yogss (mystics) gave up their Yoga (contemplative union with God) under the influence of lust.

छंद | Chhand
भए कामबस जोगीस तापस पावँरन्हि की को कहै।
देखहिं चराचर नारिमय जे ब्रह्ममय देखत रहे॥
अबला बिलोकहिं पुरुषमय जगु पुरुष सब अबलामयं।
दुइ दंड भरि ब्रह्मांड भीतर कामकृत कौतुक अयं॥

bhaē kāmabasa jōgīsa tāpasa pāvaomranhi kī kō kahai.
dēkhahiṃ carācara nārimaya jē brahmamaya dēkhata rahē..
abalā bilōkahiṃ puruṣamaya jagu puruṣa saba abalāmayaṃ.
dui daṃḍa bhari brahmāṃḍa bhītara kāmakṛta kautuka ayaṃ..

Even great Yogis and ascetics were completely possessed by lust, to say nothing of low-minded people? Those who till lately looked upon the animate and inanimate creation as full of Brahma (God) now saw it as full of the fair sex. Women perceived the whole world as full of men; while the latter beheld it as full of women . For nearly an hour this wonderful game of Love lasted in the universe.

सोरठा | Sortha
धरी न काहूँ धीर सब के मन मनसिज हरे।
जे राखे रघुबीर ते उबरे तेहि काल महुँ॥85॥
dharī na kāhūom dhira sabakē mana manasija harē.
jē rākhē raghubīra tē ubarē tēhi kāla mahuom..85..

Nobody could remain self-possessed; the hearts of all were stolen by the god of love. They alone could hold their own against him, to whom the Hero of Raghu’s race extended His protection.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
उभय घरी अस कौतुक भयऊ। जौ लगि कामु संभु पहिं गयऊ॥
सिवहि बिलोकि ससंकेउ मारू। भयउ जथाथिति सबु संसारू॥1॥

ubhaya gharī asa kautuka bhayaū. jau lagi kāmu saṃbhu pahiṃ gayaū..
sivahi bilōki sasaṃkēu mārū. bhayau jathāthiti sabu saṃsārū..

The wonder, lasted for an hour or so till the god of love reached Sambhu. Cupid trembled at the sight of Siva; the whole world returned to itself.

भए तुरत सब जीव सुखारे। जिमि मद उतरि गएँ मतवारे॥
रुद्रहि देखि मदन भय माना। दुराधरष दुर्गम भगवाना॥2॥
bhaē turata saba jīva sukhārē. jimi mada utari gaēom matavārē..
rudrahi dēkhi madana bhaya mānā. durādharaṣa durgama bhagavānā..

All living beings regained their peace of mind at once, even as the intoxicated feel relieved when their spell of drunkenness is over. The god of love was struck with terror at the sight of BhagavŒn Rudra (Siva), who is so difficult to conquer and so hard to comprehend.

फिरत लाज कछु करि नहिं जाई। मरनु ठानि मन रचेसि उपाई॥
प्रगटेसि तुरत रुचिर रितुराजा। कुसुमित नव तरु राजि बिराजा॥3॥

phirata lāja kachu kari nahiṃ jāī. maranu ṭhāni mana racēsi upāī..
pragaṭēsi turata rucira riturājā. kusumita nava taru rāji birājā..

ultimately he resolved upon death and devised a plan. He forthwith manifested the lovely spring, the king of all seasons; rows of young trees laden with flowers appeared so charming.

 बन उपबन बापिका तड़ागा। परम सुभग सब दिसा बिभागा॥
जहँ तहँ जनु उमगत अनुरागा। देखि मुएहुँ मन मनसिज जागा॥4॥
bana upabana bāpikā taḍaāgā. parama subhaga saba disā bibhāgā..
jahaom tahaom janu umagata anurāgā. dēkhi muēhuom mana manasija jāgā..

Woods and groves, wells and ponds and all the quarters of heaven assumed a most delightful aspect. Everywhere nature overflowed with love as it were; the sight aroused passion even in dead souls.

छंद | Chhand
जागइ मनोभव मुएहुँ मन बन सुभगता न परै कही।
सीतल सुगंध सुमंद मारुत मदन अनल सखा सही॥
बिकसे सरन्हि बहु कंज गुंजत पुंज मंजुल मधुकरा।
कलहंस पिक सुक सरस रव करि गान नाचहिं अपछरा
jāgai manōbhava muēhuom mana bana subhagatā na parai kahī.
sītala sugaṃdha sumaṃda māruta madana anala sakhā sahī..
bikasē saranhi bahu kaṃja guṃjata puṃja maṃjula madhukarā.
kalahaṃsa pika suka sarasa rava kari gāna nācahiṃ apacharā..

Passion was aroused even in dead souls and the beauty of the forest beggared description. A cool, gentle and fragrant breeze fanned the fire of passion as a faithful companion. Rows of lotuses blossomed in lakes and swarms of charming bees hummed on them. Swans, cuckoos and parrots uttered their sweet notes; while celestial damsels sang and danced.

दोहा | Dohas :
सकल कला करि कोटि बिधि हारेउ सेन समेत।
चली न अचल समाधि सिव कोपेउ हृदयनिकेत॥86॥

sakala kalā kari kōṭi bidhi hārēu sēna samēta.
calī na acala samādhi siva kōpēu hṛdayanikēta..86..

The god of love with his army of followers exhausted all his numberless stratagems; Siva’s unbroken trance, however, could not be disturbed. This made Cupid angry.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
देखि रसाल बिटप बर साखा। तेहि पर चढ़ेउ मदनु मन माखा॥
सुमन चाप निज सर संधाने। अति रिस ताकि श्रवन लगि ताने॥1॥

dēkhi rasāla biṭapa bara sākhā. tēhi para caḍhaēu madanu mana mākhā..
sumana cāpa nija sara saṃdhānē. ati risa tāki śravana lagi tānē..

Seeing a beautiful bough of a mango tree, the god of love climbed up to it in a mood of frustration. He joined his five arrows to his bow of flowers, and casting an angry look drew the string home to his very ears.

 छाड़े बिषम बिसिख उर लागे। छूटि समाधि संभु तब जागे॥
भयउ ईस मन छोभु बिसेषी। नयन उघारि सकल दिसि देखी॥2॥
chāḍaē biṣama bisikha ura lāgē. chuṭi samādhi saṃbhu taba jāgē..
bhayau īsa mana chōbhu bisēṣī. nayana ughāri sakala disi dēkhī..

He discharged the five sharp arrows, which smote the breast of Siva. The trance was now broken and Sambhu awoke. The Lord’s mind was much agitated. Opening His eyes He looked all round.

 सौरभ पल्लव मदनु बिलोका। भयउ कोपु कंपेउ त्रैलोका॥
तब सिवँ तीसर नयन उघारा। चितवन कामु भयउ जरि छारा॥3॥
saurabha pallava madanu bilōkā. bhayau kōpu kaṃpēu trailōkā..
taba sivaom tīsara nayana ughārā. citavata kāmu bhayau jari chārā..

When He saw Cupid hiding behind mango leaves, He flew into a rage, which made all the three spheres tremble. Siva then uncovered His third eye; the moment He looked at the god of love the latter was reduced to ashes.

हाहाकार भयउ जग भारी। डरपे सुर भए असुर सुखारी॥
समुझि कामसुख सोचहिं भोगी। भए अकंटक साधक जोगी॥4॥
hāhākāra bhayau jaga bhārī. ḍarapē sura bhaē asura sukhārī..
samujhi kāmasukhu sōcahiṃ bhōgī. bhaē akaṃṭaka sādhaka jōgī..

A loud wail went up through the universe. The gods were alarmed, while the domons were gratified. The thought of (loss of) sense-delights made the voluptuary sad; while the striving Yogss were relieved of a thorn as it were.

छंद | Chhand
जोगी अकंटक भए पति गति सुनत रति मुरुछित भई।
रोदति बदति बहु भाँति करुना करति संकर पहिं गई॥
अति प्रेम करि बिनती बिबिध बिधि जोरि कर सन्मुख रही।
प्रभु आसुतोष कृपाल सिव अबला निरखि बोले सही॥

jōgi akaṃṭaka bhaē pati gati sunata rati muruchita bhaī.
rōdati badati bahu bhāomti karunā karati saṃkara pahiṃ gaī.
ati prēma kari binatī bibidha bidhi jōri kara sanmukha rahī.
prabhu āsutōṣa kṛpāla siva abalā nirakhi bōlē sahī..

The Yogis were freed from torment; while Rati (wife of the god of love) fainted as soon as she heard of the fate of her lord. Weeping and wailing and mourning in various ways she approached Sankara; and making loving entreaties in divergent forms she stood before the Lord with clasped hands. Seeing the helpless woman, the benevolent Lord Siva, who is so easy to placate, prophesied as follows:-

दोहा | Dohas :
अब तें रति तव नाथ कर होइहि नामु अनंगु।
बिनु बपु ब्यापिहि सबहि पुनि सुनु निज मिलन प्रसंगु॥87॥

aba tēṃ rati tava nātha kara hōihi nāmu anaṃgu.
binu bapu byāpihi sabahi puni sunu nija milana prasaṃgu..87..

Henceforth, O Rati, your husband shall be called by the name of Anarga (bodiless); he shall dominate all even without a body. Now hear how you will meet him again.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
जब जदुबंस कृष्न अवतारा। होइहि हरन महा महिभारा॥
कृष्न तनय होइहि पति तोरा। बचनु अन्यथा होइ न मोरा॥1॥
jaba jadubaṃsa kṛṣna avatārā. hōihi harana mahā mahibhārā..
kṛṣna tanaya hōihi pati tōrā. bacanu anyathā hōi na mōrā.

When Sri Krisna will descend in the line of Yadu to relieve the earth of its heavy burden, your lord will be born again as His son (Pradyumna); this prediction of Mine can never be untrue.

 रति गवनी सुनि संकर बानी। कथा अपर अब कहउँ बखानी॥
देवन्ह समाचार सब पाए। ब्रह्मादिक बैकुंठ सिधाए॥2॥

rati gavanī suni saṃkara bānī. kathā apara aba kahauom bakhānī..
dēvanha samācāra saba pāē. brahmādika baikuṃṭha sidhāē..

Hearing the words of Sarkara, Rati went away. I now proceed to relate the subsequent part of the story. When BrahmΠ(the Creator) and the other gods received all the tidings, they repaired to Vaikuntha (the abode of God Visnu).

 सब सुर बिष्नु बिरंचि समेता। गए जहाँ सिव कृपानिकेता॥
पृथक-पृथक तिन्ह कीन्हि प्रसंसा। भए प्रसन्न चंद्र अवतंसा॥3॥
saba sura biṣnu biraṃci samētā. gaē jahāom siva kṛpānikētā..
pṛthaka pṛthaka tinha kīnhi prasaṃsā. bhaē prasanna caṃdra avataṃsā..

Thence all the gods, including Visnu and Virancs (Brahma), went where the all-merciful Siva was. They severally extolled and won the pleasure of the Lord whose crest is adorned by the crescent.

 बोले कृपासिंधु बृषकेतू। कहहु अमर आए केहि हेतू॥
कह बिधि तुम्ह प्रभु अंतरजामी। तदपि भगति बस बिनवउँ स्वामी॥4॥
bōlē kṛpāsiṃdhu bṛṣakētū. kahahu amara āē kēhi hētū..
kaha bidhi tumha prabhu aṃtarajāmī. tadapi bhagati basa binavauom svāmī..

Siva, who is an ocean of compassion and has a bull emblazoned on His standard, said, “Tell me, immortals, what has brought you here?” To this BrahmŒ replied, “Lord, You are the inner controller of all; even then, my master, my devotion to You urges me to make the following submission—

दोहा | Dohas :
सकल सुरन्ह के हृदयँ अस संकर परम उछाहु।
निज नयनन्हि देखा चहहिं नाथ तुम्हार बिबाहु॥88॥
sakala suranha kē hṛdayaom asa saṃkara parama uchāhu.
nija nayananhi dēkhā cahahiṃ nātha tumhāra bibāhu..88..

The heart of all the immortals is seized with a dominating impulse. They long to witness Your wedding with their own eyes, my lord.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
यह उत्सव देखिअ भरि लोचन। सोइ कछु करहु मदन मद मोचन॥
कामु जारि रति कहुँ बरु दीन्हा। कृपासिन्धु यह अति भल कीन्हा॥1॥

yaha utsava dēkhia bhari lōcana. sōi kachu karahu madana mada mōcana.
kāmu jāri rati kahuom baru dīnhā. kṛpāsiṃdhu yaha ati bhala kīnhā..

O humbler of the pride of Love! Devise some means whereby we may be enabled to feast our eyes on this glad event. Having burnt the god of love You have done well in granting a boon to Rati, O ocean of compassion.

सासति करि पुनि करहिं पसाऊ। नाथ प्रभुन्ह कर सहज सुभाऊ॥
पारबतीं तपु कीन्ह अपारा। करहु तासु अब अंगीकारा॥2॥

sāsati kari puni karahiṃ pasāū. nātha prabhunha kara sahaja subhāū..
pārabatīṃ tapu kīnha apārā. karahu tāsu aba aṃgīkārā..

Having meted out punishment, good masters shower their grace as a matter of course: such is their natural habit. Parvati has practised penance the magnitude of which cannot be estimated; kindly accept her now.

 सुनि बिधि बिनय समुझि प्रभु बानी। ऐसेइ होउ कहा सुखु मानी॥
तब देवन्ह दुंदुभीं बजाईं। बरषि सुमन जय जय सुर साईं॥3॥

suni bidhi binaya samujhi prabhu bānī. aisēi hōu kahā sukhu mānī..
taba dēvanha duṃdubhīṃ bajāīṃ. baraṣi sumana jaya jaya sura sāī..

Hearing the entreaty of Brahma and remembering the words of the Lord (Sri Rama), Shiva gladly said, “Amen!” The gods thereupon sounded their kettledrums; and raining down flowers they exclaimed, “Victory, victory to the Lord of celestials!”

अवसरु जानि सप्तरिषि आए। तुरतहिं बिधि गिरिभवन पठाए॥
प्रथम गए जहँ रहीं भवानी। बोले मधुर बचन छल सानी॥4॥

avasaru jāni saptariṣi āē. turatahiṃ bidhi giribhavana paṭhāē..
prathama gaē jahaom rahī bhavānī. bōlē madhura bacana chala sānī..

Considering it to be an opportune moment, the seven seers arrived on the scene. Brahma immediately sent them to the abode of Himavan. They approached Bhavani in the first instance and addressed the following sweet yet deceptive words to her:—

दोहा | Dohas :
कहा हमार न सुनेहु तब नारद कें उपदेस॥
अब भा झूठ तुम्हार पन जारेउ कामु महेस॥89॥

kahā hamāra na sunēhu taba nārada kēṃ upadēsa.
aba bhā jhūṭha tumhāra pana jārēu kāmu mahēsa..89..

Relying on the advice of Narada you would not heed our remonstrances then. Your vow has failed now; for the great Lord Shiva has burnt the god of love!

मासपारायण, तीसरा विश्राम
चौपाई | Chaupais :
सुनि बोलीं मुसुकाइ भवानी। उचित कहेहु मुनिबर बिग्यानी॥
तुम्हरें जान कामु अब जारा। अब लगि संभु रहे सबिकारा॥1॥
suni bōlīṃ musakāi bhavānī. ucita kahēhu munibara bigyānī..
tumharēṃ jāna kāmu aba jārā. aba lagi saṃbhu rahē sabikārā..

Hearing this, Bhavani smiled and said, O great and illumined sages, you have spoken aright. According to your belief it is only now that Sambhu has burnt the god of love and that till now He was smitten with love.

हमरें जान सदासिव जोगी। अज अनवद्य अकाम अभोगी॥
जौं मैं सिव सेये अस जानी। प्रीति समेत कर्म मन बानी॥2॥

hamarēṃ jāna sadā siva jōgī. aja anavadya akāma abhōgī..
jauṃ maiṃ siva sēyē asa jānī. prīti samēta karma mana bānī..

To my mind, however, Siva is eternally in rapport with the Infinite, unbegotten, irreproachable, passionless and without enjoyment. Knowing Him as such, if I have served Him lovingly in thought, word and deed,

 तौ हमार पन सुनहु मुनीसा। करिहहिं सत्य कृपानिधि ईसा॥
तुम्ह जो कहा हर जारेउ मारा। सोइ अति बड़ अबिबेकु तुम्हारा॥3॥
tau hamāra pana sunahu munīsā. karihahiṃ satya kṛpānidhi īsā..
tumha jō kahā hara jārēu mārā. sōi ati baḍa abibēku tumhārā..

then hear, O great sages: the gracious Lord will accomplish my vow. Your statement that Hara has burnt the god of love betrays woeful lack of thought in you.

 तात अनल कर सहज सुभाऊ। हिम तेहि निकट जाइ नहिं काऊ॥
गएँ समीप सो अवसि नसाई। असि मन्मथ महेस की नाई॥4॥
tāta anala kara sahaja subhāū. hima tēhi nikaṭa jāi nahiṃ kāū..
gaēom samīpa sō avasi nasāī. asi manmatha mahēsa kī nāī.

Fire, my friends, possesses this inherent property that frost can never approach it: in case it does it must inevitably perish. Similar is the case with the god of love and the great Lord Siva.

दोहा | Dohas :
हियँ हरषे मुनि बचन सुनि देखि प्रीति बिस्वास।
चले भवानिहि नाइ सिर गए हिमाचल पास॥90॥
hiyaom haraṣē muni bacana suni dēkhi prīti bisvāsa..
calē bhavānihi nāi sira gaē himācala pāsa..90..

Hearing the words of Bhavani and perceiving her devotion and faith, the sages were gladdened at heart. Bowing their head to Her, they went to Himavan.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
सबु प्रसंगु गिरिपतिहि सुनावा। मदन दहन सुनि अति दुखु पावा॥
बहुरि कहेउ रति कर बरदाना। सुनि हिमवंत बहुत सुखु माना॥1॥

sabu prasaṃgu giripatihi sunāvā. madana dahana suni ati dukhu pāvā..
bahuri kahēu rati kara baradānā. suni himavaṃta bahuta sukhu mānā..

They related the whole episode to him and he was much grieved to hear how Siva had burnt Love. The sages then told him of the boon granted to Rati and Himavan was much relieved to learn this.

 हृदयँ बिचारि संभु प्रभुताई। सादर मुनिबर लिए बोलाई।
सुदिनु सुनखतु सुघरी सोचाई। बेगि बेदबिधि लगन धराई॥2॥

hṛdayaom bicāri saṃbhu prabhutāī. sādara munibara liē bōlāī..
sudinu sunakhatu sugharī sōcāī. bēgi bēdabidhi lagana dharāī..

Recalling to his mind the glory of Sambhu Himachala respectfully summoned great sages. He had an auspicious date, asterism and hour ascertained and speedily got the exact time of wedding fixed and noted down according to the Vedic precepts.

पत्री सप्तरिषिन्ह सोइ दीन्ही। गहि पद बिनय हिमाचल कीन्ही॥
जाइ बिधिहि तिन्ह दीन्हि सो पाती। बाचत प्रीति न हृदयँ समाती॥3॥
patrī saptariṣinha sōi dīnhī. gahi pada binaya himācala kīnhī..
jāi bidhihi dīnhi sō pātī. bācata prīti na hṛdayaom samātī..

Himachala handed over the note recording the exact time of wedding to the seven seers, and clasping their feet made entreaties to them. Calling on Brahma they delivered the note to him; and as he went through it his heart overflowed with joy.

लगन बाचि अज सबहि सुनाई। हरषे मुनि सब सुर समुदाई॥
सुमन बृष्टि नभ बाजन बाजे। मंगल कलस दसहुँ दिसि साजे॥4॥

lagana bāci aja sabahi sunāī. haraṣē muni saba sura samudāī..
sumana bṛṣṭi nabha bājana bājē. maṃgala kalasa dasahuom disi sājē..

Brahma read the note aloud to all; the sages as well as the whole concourse of gods was delighted to hear it. Flowers were showered from the air, music flowed from various instruments and auspicious jars were placed in all directions.

दोहा | Dohas :
लगे सँवारन सकल सुर बाहन बिबिध बिमान।
होहिं सगुन मंगल सुभद करहिं अपछरा गान॥91॥

lagē saomvārana sakala sura bāhana bibidha bimāna.
hōhi saguna maṃgala subhada karahiṃ apacharā gāna..91..

All the gods began to adorn their vehicles and aerial cars of various kinds; happy and auspicious omens were visible and celestial damsels sang for joy.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
सिवहि संभु गन करहिं सिंगारा। जटा मुकुट अहि मौरु सँवारा॥
कुंडल कंकन पहिरे ब्याला। तन बिभूति पट केहरि छाला॥1॥

sivahi saṃbhu gana karahiṃ siṃgārā. jaṭā mukuṭa ahi mauru saomvārā..
kuṃḍala kaṃkana pahirē byālā. tana bibhūti paṭa kēhari chālā..

The attendants of Shambhu began to adorn their lord. His matted locks were formed into a crown and decked with a crest of serpents. He had serpents for His earrings and bracelets, smeared His person with ashes and wrapped a lion’s skin round His loins.

 ससि ललाट सुंदर सिर गंगा। नयन तीनि उपबीत भुजंगा॥
गरल कंठ उर नर सिर माला। असिव बेष सिवधाम कृपाला॥2॥
sasi lalāṭa suṃdara sira gaṃgā. nayana tīni upabīta bhujaṃgā..
garala kaṃṭha ura nara sira mālā. asiva bēṣa sivadhāma kṛpālā..

He bore the crescent on His charming aest and the river Ganga on the crown of His head and had three eyes and a serpent for the sacred thread. His throat was black with the poison swallowed by him (at the beginning of creation) and had a wreath of human skulls about His neck. Thus clad in a ghastly attire, He was nonetheless an embodiment of blessings and merciful to the core.

 कर त्रिसूल अरु डमरु बिराजा। चले बसहँ चढ़ि बाजहिं बाजा॥
देखि सिवहि सुरत्रिय मुसुकाहीं। बर लायक दुलहिनि जग नाहीं॥3॥
kara trisūla aru ḍamaru birājā. calē basahaom caḍhai bājahiṃ bājā..
dēkhi sivahi suratriya musukāhīṃ. bara lāyaka dulahini jaga nāhīṃ..

A trident and a Damaru (a shall drum shaped like an hour-glass) adorned His hands. Shiva rode on a bull while musical instruments played. Female divinities smiled to see Him. “The world has no bride worthy of the bridegroom,” They said to one another.

 बिष्नु बिरंचि आदि सुरब्राता। चढ़ि चढ़ि बाहन चले बराता॥
सुर समाज सब भाँति अनूपा। नहिं बरात दूलह अनुरूपा॥4॥

biṣnu biraṃci ādi surabrātā. caḍhai caḍhai bāhana calē barātā..
sura samāja saba bhāomti anūpā. nahiṃ barāta dūlaha anurūpā..

Vishnu, Brahma and hosts of other gods joined the bridegroom’s procession and rode on their respective vehicles. The gathering of the immortals was incomparable in every respect; the procession, however, was hardly worthy of the bridegroom.

दोहा | Dohas :
बिष्नु कहा अस बिहसि तब बोलि सकल दिसिराज।
बिलग बिलग होइ चलहु सब निज निज सहित समाज॥92॥
biṣnu kahā asa bihasi taba bōli sakala disirāja.
bilaga bilaga hōi calahu saba nija nija sahita samāja..92..

God Visnu then called all the guardians of the different quarters and smilingly said, Everyone of you should march separately, each with his own retinue.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
बर अनुहारि बरात न भाई। हँसी करैहहु पर पुर जाई॥
बिष्नु बचन सुनि सुर मुसुकाने। निज निज सेन सहित बिलगाने॥1॥
bara anuhāri barāta na bhāī. haomsī karaihahu para pura jāī..
biṣnu bacana suni sura musakānē. nija nija sēna sahita bilagānē..

The procession, brothers, is no way worthy of the bridegroom; you will make yourself a butt of ridicule in a strange city!” Hearing the words of Visnu, the gods smiled and parted, each with his own group.

 मनहीं मन महेसु मुसुकाहीं। हरि के बिंग्य बचन नहिं जाहीं॥
अति प्रिय बचन सुनत प्रिय केरे। भृंगिहि प्रेरि सकल गन टेरे॥2॥

manahīṃ mana mahēsu musukāhīṃ. hari kē biṃgya bacana nahiṃ jāhīṃ..
ati priya bacana sunata priya kērē. bhṛṃgihi prēri sakala gana ṭērē..

The great Lord Siva laughed in His sleeves and noticed that Sri Hari’s humour never failed. As soon as He heard these most pleasing remarks of His beloved friend, He sent Bhrngi to call all His attendants.

 सिव अनुसासन सुनि सब आए। प्रभु पद जलज सीस तिन्ह नाए॥
नाना बाहन नाना बेषा। बिहसे सिव समाज निज देखा॥3॥

siva anusāsana suni saba āē. prabhu pada jalaja sīsa tinha nāē..
nānā bāhana nānā bēṣā. bihasē siva samāja nija dēkhā..

And they all came when they heard Siva’s command and bowed their head at the lotus feet of their lord. Siva laughed to see His host in their motley attire riding every kind of vehicle.

 कोउ मुख हीन बिपुल मुख काहू। बिनु पद कर कोउ बहु पद बाहू॥
बिपुल नयन कोउ नयन बिहीना। रिष्टपुष्ट कोउ अति तनखीना॥4॥

kōu mukhahīna bipula mukha kāhū. binu pada kara kōu bahu pada bāhū..
bipula nayana kōu nayana bihīnā. riṣṭapuṣṭa kōu ati tanakhīnā..

Some were headless, while others were hydra-headed monsters; some were without hands and feet, while others had numerous hands and feet. Some had numerous eyes, while others had no eyes at all; some were stout and well-built, while others had very slim bodies.

छंद | Chhand
तन कीन कोउ अति पीन पावन कोउ अपावन गति धरें।
भूषन कराल कपाल कर सब सद्य सोनित तन भरें॥
खर स्वान सुअर सृकाल मुख गन बेष अगनित को गनै।
बहु जिनस प्रेत पिसाच जोगि जमात बरनत नहिं बनै॥
tana khīna kōu ati pīna pāvana kōu apāvana gati dharēṃ.
bhūṣana karāla kapāla kara saba sadya sōnita tana bharēṃ..
khara svāna suara sṛkāla mukha gana bēṣa aganita kō ganai.
bahu jinasa prēta pisāca jōgi jamāta baranata nahiṃ banai..

Some had lean and thin bodies, while others were very stout; some were tidy, while others had dirty habits. They had frightful ornaments, carried skulls in their hands and were all smeared with fresh blood. They bore heads of donkeys, dogs, swine and jackals and the varieties of their clothes could not be counted. The troops of spirits, goblins and fairies of various kinds beggared description.

सोरठा | Sortha
नाचहिं गावहिं गीत परम तरंगी भूत सब।
देखत अति बिपरीत बोलहिं बचन बिचित्र बिधि॥93॥
nācahiṃ gāvahiṃ gīta parama taraṃgī bhūta saba.
dēkhata ati biparīta bōlahiṃ bacana bicitra bidhi..93..

The ghosts danced and sang; they were all extremely fantastic. They looked most absurd and spoke words in a peculiar style.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
जस दूलहु तसि बनी बराता। कौतुक बिबिध होहिं मग जाता॥
इहाँ हिमाचल रचेउ बिताना। अति बिचित्र नहिं जाइ बखाना॥1॥

jasa dūlahu tasi banī barātā. kautuka bibidha hōhiṃ maga jātā..
ihāom himācala racēu bitānā. ati bicitra nahiṃ jāi bakhānā..

The procession was now quite worthy of the bridegroom; the processionists indulged in gaieties of various kinds as they went along. On the other side Himachala erected a most wonderful pavilion which beggared description.

 सैल सकल जहँ लगि जग माहीं। लघु बिसाल नहिं बरनि सिराहीं॥
बन सागर सब नदी तलावा। हिमगिरि सब कहुँ नेवत पठावा॥2॥

saila sakala jahaom lagi jaga māhīṃ. laghu bisāla nahiṃ barani sirāhīṃ..
bana sāgara saba nadīṃ talāvā. himagiri saba kahuom nēvata paṭhāvā..

As many mountains as existed in the world, small or big, more than man can count, and the whole host of woods, seas, rivers and ponds were all invited by Himachala.

कामरूप सुंदर तन धारी। सहित समाज सहित बर नारी॥
गए सकल तुहिमाचल गेहा। गावहिं मंगल सहित सनेहा॥3॥
kāmarūpa suṃdara tana dhārī. sahita samāja sahita bara nārī..
gaē sakala tuhinācala gēhā. gāvahiṃ maṃgala sahita sanēhā..

Capable of taking any form they liked, they assumed handsome figures and repaired to the house of Himalaya alongwith their retinues and fair consorts. They all sang festive songs out of affection.

प्रथमहिं गिरि बहु गृह सँवराए। जथाजोगु तहँ तहँ सब छाए॥
पुर सोभा अवलोकि सुहाई। लागइ लघु बिरंचि निपुनाई॥4॥
prathamahiṃ giri bahu gṛha saomvarāē. jathājōgu tahaom tahaom saba chāē..
pura sōbhā avalōki suhāī. lāgai laghu biraṃci nipunāī..

The mountain-king had already caused a number of houses to be tastefully decorated; all the guests were lodged therein, each occupying a house befitting one’s status. The splendour of the city was so captivating that after a glance at it the creative skill of BrahmŒ himself looked very small.

छन्द :
लघु लाग बिधि की निपुनता अवलोकि पुर सोभा सही।
बन बाग कूप तड़ाग सरिता सुभग सब सक को कही॥
मंगल बिपुल तोरन पताका केतु गृह गृह सोहहीं।
बनिता पुरुष सुंदर चतुर छबि देखि मुनि मन मोहहीं॥
laghu lāga bidhi kī nipunatā avalōki pura sōbhā sahī.
bana bāga kūpa taḍaāga saritā subhaga saba saka kō kahī..
maṃgala bipula tōrana patākā kētu gṛha gṛha sōhahīṃ..
banitā puruṣa suṃdara catura chabi dēkhi muni mana mōhahīṃ..

A glance at the beautiful city made the creative art of Brahma himself pale into insignificance. Groves and gardens, wells and ponds and rivers, all looked charming beyond words. Every house was decorated with a number of triumphal arches, flags and buntings. Men and women of the city were so lovely and ingenious that they enraptured the hearts even of sages.

दोहा | Dohas :
जगदंबा जहँ अवतरी सो पुरु बरनि कि जाइ।
रिद्धि सिद्धि संपत्ति सुख नित नूतन अधिकाइ॥94॥
jagadaṃbā jahaom avatarī sō puru barani ki jāi.
riddhi siddhi saṃpatti sukha nita nūtana adhikāi..94..

The city in which the Mother of the universe had bodied Herself forth baffled all description. Prosperity and success, wealth and happiness were always on the increase there and presented a new aspect.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
नगर निकट बरात सुनि आई। पुर खरभरु सोभा अधिकाई॥
करि बनाव सजि बाहन नाना। चले लेन सादर अगवाना॥1॥
nagara nikaṭa barāta suni āī. pura kharabharu sōbhā adhikāī..
kari banāva saji bāhana nānā. calē lēna sādara agavānā..

When it was heard that the bridegroom’s procession was close at hand, there was commotion in the city, which added to its charm. Adorning themselves and decorating their vehicles of various kinds, a party proceeded in advance to receive the procession with due honour.

हियँ हरषे सुर सेन निहारी। हरिहि देखि अति भए सुखारी॥
सिव समाज जब देखन लागे। बिडरि चले बाहन सब भागे॥2॥

hiyaom haraṣē sura sēna nihārī. harihi dēkhi ati bhaē sukhārī..
siva samāja jaba dēkhana lāgē. biḍari calē bāhana saba bhāgē..

. They were gladdened at heart to see the gathering of the immortals. And they were all the more happy to behold Sri Hari (Visnu). But when they started looking at Siva’s retinue, every animal they rode started back and fled in panic.

धरि धीरजु तहँ रहे सयाने। बालक सब लै जीव पराने॥
गएँ भवन पूछहिं पितु माता। कहहिं बचन भय कंपित गाता॥3॥
dhari dhīraju tahaom rahē sayānē. bālaka saba lai jīva parānē..
gaēom bhavana pūchahiṃ pitu mātā. kahahiṃ bacana bhaya kaṃpita gātā..

The adults recovered themselves and remained where they were, while every child that came ran for its life. On their reaching home when their parents questioned them, they spoke as follows, their limbs still shaking with fear,

कहिअ काह कहि जाइ न बाता। जम कर धार किधौं बरिआता॥
बरु बौराह बसहँ असवारा। ब्याल कपाल बिभूषन छारा॥4॥
kahia kāha kahi jāi na bātā. jama kara dhāra kidhauṃ bariātā..
baru baurāha basahaom asavārā. byāla kapāla bibhūṣana chārā..

“What shall we say? The sight was such as could not be described. We wonder whether it was a bridegroom’s procession or the army of Death. The bridegroom is a maniac, riding on a bull; serpents, skulls and ashes are his ornaments.

छन्द :
तन छार ब्याल कपाल भूषन नगन जटिल भयंकरा।
सँग भूत प्रेत पिसाच जोगिनि बिकट मुख रजनीचरा॥
जो जिअत रहिहि बरात देखत पुन्य बड़ तेहि कर सही।
देखिहि सो उमा बिबाहु घर घर बात असि लरिकन्ह कही॥

tana chāra byāla kapāla bhūṣana nagana jaṭila bhayaṃkarā.
saomga bhūta prēta pisāca jōgini bikaṭa mukha rajanīcarā..
jō jiata rahihi barāta dēkhata punya baḍa tēhi kara sahī.
dēkhihi sō umā bibāhu ghara ghara bāta asi larikanha kahī..

His body is smeared with ashes and adorned with serpents and skulls. He is naked, has matted hair on his head and is dreadful to look at. He is accompanied by ghosts and evil spirits, goblins and fairies and demons with a frightful countenance. He who survives on seeing the bridegroom’s procession is a man of great luck indeed and he alone will witness the wedding of Uma.” These were the words uttered by the children from house to house.

दोहा | Dohas :
समुझि महेस समाज सब जननि जनक मुसुकाहिं।
बाल बुझाए बिबिध बिधि निडर होहु डरु नाहिं॥95॥

samujhi mahēsa samāja saba janani janaka musukāhiṃ.
bāla bujhāē bibidha bidhi niḍara hōhu ḍaru nāhiṃ..95..

The parents smiled; for they knew that the children were talking of Siva’s retinue. They reassured the children in many ways and said, “Be not afraid, there is no cause for fear.”

चौपाई | Chaupais :
लै अगवान बरातहि आए। दिए सबहि जनवास सुहाए॥
मैनाँ सुभ आरती सँवारी। संग सुमंगल गावहिं नारी॥1॥
lai agavāna barātahi āē. diē sabahi janavāsa suhāē..
maināom subha āratī saomvārī. saṃga sumaṃgala gāvahiṃ nārī..

The party which had gone ahead to receive the bridegroom’s procession returned with the procession and assigned beautiful lodgings to all the guests. Mena (Parvati’s mother) kindled auspicious lights for waving round the bridegroom and the women accompanying her sang melodious songs of rejoicing.

कंचन थार सोह बर पानी। परिछन चली हरहि हरषानी॥
बिकट बेष रुद्रहि जब देखा। अबलन्ह उर भय भयउ बिसेषा॥2॥
kaṃcana thāra sōha bara pānī. parichana calī harahi haraṣānī..
bikaṭa bēṣa rudrahi jaba dēkhā. abalanha ura bhaya bhayau bisēṣā..

A salver of gold adorned Mena’s fair hands and she proceeded to welcome Lord Hara with great delight. The women were seized with excessive fear when they saw Rudra (Siva) in frightful accoutrements.

भागि भवन पैठीं अति त्रासा। गए महेसु जहाँ जनवासा॥
मैना हृदयँ भयउ दुखु भारी। लीन्ही बोली गिरीसकुमारी॥3॥

bhāgi bhavana paiṭhīṃ ati trāsā. gaē mahēsu jahāom janavāsā..
mainā hṛdayaom bhayau dukhu bhārī. līnhī bōli girīsakumārī..

They fled in great panic and entered the house; while the great Lord Siva repaired to the lodgings of the bridegroom’s party. Mena was sore distressed at heart and sent for Parvati.

अधिक सनेहँ गोद बैठारी। स्याम सरोज नयन भरे बारी॥
जेहिं बिधि तुम्हहि रूपु अस दीन्हा। तेहिं जड़ बरु बाउर कस कीन्हा॥4॥
adhika sanēhaom gōda baiṭhārī. syāma sarōja nayana bharē bārī..
jēhiṃ bidhi tumhahi rūpu asa dīnhā. tēhiṃ jaḍa baru bāura kasa kīnhā..

With great affection she seated her in her lap; and tears rushed to her eyes; which resembled a pair of blue lotuses. “To think that the Creator, who has made you so beautiful, should have been stupid enough to give you such a raving madman for a bridegroom!”

छन्द :
कस कीन्ह बरु बौराह बिधि जेहिं तुम्हहि सुंदरता दई।
जो फलु चहिअ सुरतरुहिं सो बरबस बबूरहिं लागई॥
तुम्ह सहित गिरि तें गिरौं पावक जरौं जलनिधि महुँ परौं।
घरु जाउ अपजसु होउ जग जीवत बिबाहु न हौं करौं॥
kasa kīnha baru baurāha bidhi jēhiṃ tumhahi suṃdaratā daī.
jō phalu cahia surataruhiṃ sō barabasa babūrahiṃ lāgaī..
tumha sahita giri tēṃ girauṃ pāvaka jarauṃ jalanidhi mahuom parauṃ..
gharu jāu apajasu hōu jaga jīvata bibāhu na hauṃ karauṃ..

How strange that the Creator, who has made you so lovely, should have given you a crazy fellow for a bridegroom ! A fruit which should have adorned the wish-yielding tree is helplessly appearing on a thorny Babula. Taking you in my arms I would sooner fall from a mountain-top, cast myself into the flames or drown myself into the sea. Let my home be ruined and let me earn a bad reputation throughout the world; but in no case would I marry you with this maniac so long as there is life in me.

दोहा | Dohas :
भईं बिकल अबला सकल दुखित देखि गिरिनारि।
करि बिलापु रोदति बदति सुता सनेहु सँभारि॥96॥।
bhaī bikala abalā sakala dukhita dēkhi girināri.
kari bilāpu rōdati badati sutā sanēhu saombhāri..96..

All the ladies assembled there were distressed when they saw the consort of Himachala sad. Recalling the affection of her daughter she wailed, wept and exclaimed as below:-

चौपाई | Chaupais :
नारद कर मैं काह बिगारा। भवनु मोर जिन्ह बसत उजारा॥
अस उपदेसु उमहि जिन्ह दीन्हा। बौरे बरहि लागि तपु कीन्हा॥1॥
nārada kara maiṃ kāha bigārā. bhavanu mōra jinha basata ujārā..
asa upadēsu umahi jinha dīnhā. baurē barahi lagi tapu kīnhā..

What harm have I done to Narada that he should have ruined my happy home and tendered such advice to Uma as made her undergo penance for securing a crazy husband?

साचेहुँ उन्ह कें मोह न माया। उदासीन धनु धामु न जाया॥
पर घर घालक लाज न भीरा। बाँझ कि जान प्रसव कै पीरा॥2॥
sācēhuom unha kē mōha na māyā. udāsīna dhanu dhāmu na jāyā..
para ghara ghālaka lāja na bhīrā. bājhaom ki jāna prasava kaiṃ pīrā..

In good sooth the sage is passionless and without affection; he has no wealth, no dwelling and no wife and is indifferent to all. That is why he destroys others’ homes. He has neither shame nor fear. What does a barren woman know of the pains of childbirth?”

जननिहि बिकल बिलोकि भवानी। बोली जुत बिबेक मृदु बानी॥
अस बिचारि सोचहि मति माता। सो न टरइ जो रचइ बिधाता॥3॥

jananihi bikala bilōki bhavānī. bōlī juta bibēka mṛdu bānī..
asa bicāri sōcahi mati mātā. sō na ṭarai jō racai bidhātā..

Seeing Her mother distressed, Bhavani addressed the following soft yet prudent words to her. “Whatever is ordained by Providence cannot be altered. Realizing this be not worried, mother.

करम लिखा जौं बाउर नाहू। तौ कत दोसु लगाइअ काहू॥
तुम्ह सन मिटहिं कि बिधि के अंका। मातु ब्यर्थ जनि लेहु कलंका॥4॥
karama likhā jau bāura nāhū. tau kata dōsu lagāia kāhū..
tumha sana miṭahiṃ ki bidhi kē aṃkā. mātu byartha jani lēhu kalaṃkā..

If I am destined to have a crazy husband, why should anyone be blamed for it? Can you alter the decree of Providence? Therefore, take no reproach on you unnecessarily.

छन्द :
जनि लेहु मातु कलंकु करुना परिहरहु अवसर नहीं।
दुखु सुखु जो लिखा लिलार हमरें जाब जहँ पाउब तहीं॥
सुनि उमा बचन बिनीत कोमल सकल अबला सोचहीं।
बहु भाँति बिधिहि लगाइ दूषन नयन बारि बिमोचहीं॥
jani lēhu mātu kalaṃku karunā pariharahu avasara nahīṃ.
dukhu sukhu jō likhā lilāra hamarēṃ jāba jahaom pāuba tahīṃ..
suni umā bacana binīta kōmala sakala abalā sōcahīṃ..
bahu bhāomti bidhihi lagāi dūṣana nayana bāri bimōcahīṃ..

Take no reproach on you; cease lamenting; this is no occasion for it. The amount of joy and sorrow that has fallen to my lot I must reap wherever I go. Hearing the soft and polite words of Uma all the ladies became sad. They blamed the Creator in many ways and tears flowed from their eyes.

दोहा | Dohas :
तेहि अवसर नारद सहित अरु रिषि सप्त समेत।
समाचार सुनि तुहिनगिरि गवने तुरत निकेत॥97॥

tēhi avasara nārada sahita aru riṣi sapta samēta.
samācāra suni tuhinagiri gavanē turata nikēta..97..

On hearing the news that very moment Himachala came to his house alongwith NŒrada and the seven seers.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
तब नारद सबही समुझावा। पूरुब कथा प्रसंगु सुनावा॥
मयना सत्य सुनहु मम बानी। जगदंबा तव सुता भवानी॥1॥

taba nārada sabahi samujhāvā. pūruba kathāprasaṃgu sunāvā..
mayanā satya sunahu mama bānī. jagadaṃbā tava sutā bhavānī..

Then Narada reassured them all, narrating to them the past history of Uma. He said, “Mena, hear my true words: your daughter is none else than Bhavani (the eternal Consort of Siva), Mother of the universe.

अजा अनादि सक्ति अबिनासिनि। सदा संभु अरधंग निवासिनि॥
जग संभव पालन लय कारिनि। निज इच्छा लीला बपु धारिनि॥2॥
ajā anādi sakti abināsini. sadā saṃbhu aradhaṃga nivāsini..
jaga saṃbhava pālana laya kārini. nija icchā līlā bapu dhārini.

She is the unborn and imperishable divine energy, which has no beginning; She is Sambhu’s inseparable half. She creates, maintains and then dissolves the universe and assumes the semblance of a material form of Her own will.

जनमीं प्रथम दच्छ गृह जाई। नामु सती सुंदर तनु पाई॥
तहँहुँ सती संकरहि बिबाहीं। कथा प्रसिद्ध सकल जग माहीं॥3॥
janamīṃ prathama daccha gṛha jāī. nāmu satī suṃdara tanu pāī..
tahaomhuom satī saṃkarahi bibāhīṃ. kathā prasiddha sakala jaga māhīṃ..

First she was born in the house of Daksa. Sati was Her name and charming was Her form. Even in that incarnation Sati was married with Sankara. The story is well-known throughout the world.

एक बार आवत सिव संगा। देखेउ रघुकुल कमल पतंगा॥
भयउ मोहु सिव कहा न कीन्हा। भ्रम बस बेषु सीय कर लीन्हा॥4॥
ēka bāra āvata siva saṃgā. dēkhēu raghukula kamala pataṃgā..
bhayau mōhu siva kahā na kīnhā. bhrama basa bēṣu sīya kara līnhā..

One day, while She was returning home with Siva, She beheld Sri Rama, who is a sun as it were to the lotus-like race of Raghu. Bewildered by His sight, She did not listen to Siva advice and was beguiled into assuming the disguise of Sita.

छन्द :
सिय बेषु सतीं जो कीन्ह तेहिं अपराध संकर परिहरीं।
हर बिरहँ जाइ बहोरि पितु कें जग्य जोगानल जरीं॥
अब जनमि तुम्हरे भवन निज पति लागि दारुन तपु किया।
अस जानि संसय तजहु गिरिजा सर्बदा संकरप्रिया॥
siya bēṣu satī jō kīnha tēhi aparādha saṃkara pariharīṃ.
hara birahaom jāi bahōri pitu kēṃ jagya jōgānala jarīṃ..
aba janami tumharē bhavana nija pati lāgi dāruna tapu kiyā.
asa jāni saṃsaya tajahu girijā sarbadā saṃkara priyā..

Sankara repudiated Her because She had offended Him by assuming the disguise of Sita. Separated from Hara, She then visited the sacrifice undertaken by Her father and burnt Herself in the fire of Yoga (meditation) there. Now, reborn in your house, She has undergone terrible penance for the sake of Her lord. Knowing this, give up all doubt; Girija (your daughter) is ever beloved of Sankara.

दोहा | Dohas :
सुनि नारद के बचन तब सब कर मिटा बिषाद।
छन महुँ ब्यापेउ सकल पुर घर घर यह संबाद॥98॥

suni nārada kē bacana taba saba kara miṭā biṣāda.
chana mahuom byāpēu sakala pura ghara ghara yaha saṃbāda..98..

When they heard Narada’s explanation, the sadness of all was dispersed. In a trice the news spread from house to house throughout the city.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
तब मयना हिमवंतु अनंदे। पुनि पुनि पारबती पद बंदे॥
नारि पुरुष सिसु जुबा सयाने। नगर लोग सब अति हरषाने॥1॥

Then Mena and her consort Himavan rejoiced and bowed at Parvati’s feet again and again. All the citizens, including men, women and children, youngmen as well as elderly people, were immensely delighted.

taba mayanā himavaṃtu anaṃdē. puni puni pārabatī pada baṃdē..
nāri puruṣa sisu jubā sayānē. nagara lōga saba ati haraṣānē..

लगे होन पुर मंगल गाना। सजे सबहिं हाटक घट नाना॥
भाँति अनेक भई जेवनारा। सूपसास्त्र जस कछु ब्यवहारा॥2॥
lagē hōna pura maṃgalagānā. sajē sabahi hāṭaka ghaṭa nānā..
bhāomti anēka bhaī jēvarānā. sūpasāstra jasa kachu byavahārā..

Festive songs began to be sung in the city; vases of gold of every pattern were displayed by all. Dishes of various kinds were prepared in accordance with the processes given in gastrological works.

सो जेवनार कि जाइ बखानी। बसहिं भवन जेहिं मातु भवानी॥
सादर बोले सकल बराती। बिष्नु बिरंचि देव सब जाती॥3॥
sō jēvanāra ki jāi bakhānī. basahiṃ bhavana jēhiṃ mātu bhavānī..
sādara bōlē sakala barātī. biṣnu biraṃci dēva saba jātī..

Is it ever possible to describe the varieties of dishes prepared in the house where lived Mother Bhavani? Himachala respectfully summoned all the members of the bridegroom’s party, including Vishnu, Brahma and other gods of all classes.

बिबिधि पाँति बैठी जेवनारा। लागे परुसन निपुन सुआरा॥
नारिबृंद सुर जेवँत जानी। लगीं देन गारीं मृदु बानी॥4॥
bibidhi pāomti baiṭhī jēvanārā. lāgē parusana nipuna suārā..
nāribṛṃda sura jēvaomta jānī. lagīṃ dēna gārīṃ mṛdu bānī..

The dinner guests sat in many rows; and expert cooks began to serve. Finding the gods dining, batches of women began to banter and rail at them in pleasant strains.

छन्द :
गारीं मधुर स्वर देहिं सुंदरि बिंग्य बचन सुनावहीं।
भोजनु करहिं सुर अति बिलंबु बिनोदु सुनि सचु पावहीं॥
जेवँत जो बढ्यो अनंदु सो मुख कोटिहूँ न परै कह्यो।
अचवाँइ दीन्हें पान गवने बास जहँ जाको रह्यो॥
gārīṃ madhura svara dēhiṃ suṃdari biṃgya bacana sunāvahīṃ.
bhōjanu karahiṃ sura ati bilaṃbu binōdu suni sacu pāvahīṃ..
jēvaomta jō baḍhyō anaṃdu sō mukha kōṭihūom na parai kahyō.
acavāomi dīnhē pāna gavanē bāsa jahaom jākō rahyō..

Charming women railed in sweet strains and poured innuendoes. The gods felt much amused to hear them and dined for an unusually long time. The joy that swelled at the dinner cannot be described even with millions of tongues. Having been served with water for rinsing their mouths at the end of the dinner, they were given betel-leaves; and then they returned to their respective lodgings.

दोहा | Dohas :
बहुरि मुनिन्ह हिमवंत कहुँ लगन सुनाई आइ।
समय बिलोकि बिबाह कर पठए देव बोलाइ॥99॥
bahuri muninha himavaṃta kahuom lagana sunāī āi.
samaya bilōki bibāha kara paṭhaē dēva bōlāi..99..

The seven sages called once more and read out to Himavan the note recording the time fixed for the wedding; and perceiving that the hour had arrived, the latter sent for the gods.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
बोलि सकल सुर सादर लीन्हे। सबहि जथोचित आसन दीन्हे॥
बेदी बेद बिधान सँवारी। सुभग सुमंगल गावहिं नारी॥1॥
bōli sakala sura sādara līnhē. sabahi jathōcita āsana dīnhē..
bēdī bēda bidhāna saomvārī. subhaga sumaṃgala gāvahiṃ nārī..

Himavan politely sent for all the gods and assigned an appropriate seat to each of them. An altar was prepared in accordance with the Vedic ritual and women chanted charming festal strains.

सिंघासनु अति दिब्य सुहावा। जाइ न बरनि बिरंचि बनावा॥
बैठे सिव बिप्रन्ह सिरु नाई। हृदयँ सुमिरि निज प्रभु रघुराई॥2॥
siṃghāsanu ati dibya suhāvā. jāi na barani biraṃci banāvā..
baiṭhē siva bipranha siru nāī. hṛdayaom sumiri nija prabhu raghurāī..

A divinely beautiful throne with the images of a pair of lions for its arms was placed on the altar; being a handiwork of the Creator himself, it beggared description. Bowing His head to the Brahmanas and calling to His mind His own Master, the Lord of Raghus, Siva took His seat on the throne.

बहुरि मुनीसन्ह उमा बोलाईं। करि सिंगारु सखीं लै आईं॥
देखत रूपु सकल सुर मोहे। बरनै छबि अस जग कबि को है॥3॥
bahuri munīsanha umā bōlāī. kari siṃgāru sakhīṃ lai āī..
dēkhata rūpu sakala sura mōhē. baranai chabi asa jaga kabi kō hai..

The great sages then sent for Uma, who was brought in by Her girl companions richly adorned. All the gods were enraptured at Her beauty. What poet in the world could describe such loveliness?

जगदंबिका जानि भव भामा। सुरन्ह मनहिं मन कीन्ह प्रनामा॥
सुंदरता मरजाद भवानी। जाइ न कोटिहुँ बदन बखानी॥4॥
jagadaṃbikā jāni bhava bhāmā. suranha manahiṃ mana kīnha pranāmā..
suṃdaratā marajāda bhavānī. jāi na kōṭihuom badana bakhānī..

Recognizing in Her the Mother of the universe and Spouse of Siva, the divinities mentally bowed to Her. The perfection of beauty that Bhavani was could not be adequately praised even with millions of tongues.

छन्द :
कोटिहुँ बदन नहिं बनै बरनत जग जननि सोभा महा।
सकुचहिं कहत श्रुति सेष सारद मंदमति तुलसीकहा॥
छबिखानि मातु भवानि गवनीं मध्य मंडप सिव जहाँ।
अवलोकि सकहिं न सकुच पति पद कमल मनु मधुकरु तहाँ॥

kōṭihuom badana nahiṃ banai baranata jaga janani sōbhā mahā.
sakucahiṃ kahata śruti sēṣa sārada maṃdamati tulasī kahā..
chabikhāni mātu bhavāni gavanī madhya maṃḍapa siva jahāom..
avalōki sakahiṃ na sakuca pati pada kamala manu madhukaru tahāom..

The superb beauty of the Mother of the universe could not be described even with millions of tongues. When even the Vedas, Sesha (the serpent-god) and Sharada (the goddess of learning) shrink abashed, of what account is the dull-witted Tulasidasa? Mother Bhavani, the mind of beauty, walked to the middle of the pavilion, where Siva was. Out of shyness She could not gaze on Her lord’s lotus feet, although Her heart was fixed thereon like a bee.

दोहा | Dohas :
मुनि अनुसासन गनपतिहि पूजेउ संभु भवानि।
कोउ सुनि संसय करै जनि सुर अनादि जियँ जानि॥100॥
muni anusāsana ganapatihi pūjēu saṃbhu bhavāni.
kōu suni saṃsaya karai jani sura anādi jiyaom jāni..100..

At the direction of the sages Sambhu and Bhavani paid divine honours to Lord Ganapati. Let no one be puzzled to hear this; for one should bear in mind that gods have existed from time without beginning.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
जसि बिबाह कै बिधि श्रुति गाई। महामुनिन्ह सो सब करवाई॥
गहि गिरीस कुस कन्या पानी। भवहि समरपीं जानि भवानी॥1॥
jasi bibāha kai bidhi śruti gāī. mahāmuninha sō saba karavāī..
gahi girīsa kusa kanyā pānī. bhavahi samarapīṃ jāni bhavānī..

The great sages had the nuptial ceremony performed in all its details as laid down in the Vedas. Taking sacred Kusa grass in his hand and holding the bride by Her hand, the mountain-king Himalaya made Her over to Bhava (Siva) knowing Her to be His eternal consort.

पानिग्रहन जब कीन्ह महेसा। हियँ हरषे तब सकल सुरेसा॥
बेदमन्त्र मुनिबर उच्चरहीं। जय जय जय संकर सुर करहीं॥2॥
pānigrahana jaba kīnha mahēsā. hiṃyaom haraṣē taba sakala surēsā..
bēda maṃtra munibara uccarahīṃ. jaya jaya jaya saṃkara sura karahīṃ..

When the great Lord Siva took the hand of the bride, all the great gods were glad at heart. The principal sages chanted the Vedic formulas, while the gods exclaimed, “Victory, victory, all victory to Sarkara !”

बाजहिं बाजन बिबिध बिधाना। सुमनबृष्टि नभ भै बिधि नाना॥
हर गिरिजा कर भयउ बिबाहू। सकल भुवन भरि रहा उछाहू॥3॥
bājahiṃ bājana bibidha bidhānā. sumanabṛṣṭi nabha bhai bidhi nānā..
hara girijā kara bhayau bibāhū. sakala bhuvana bhari rahā uchāhū..

Musical instruments of various kinds were sounded and flowers of different varieties were rained down from the heavens. The wedding of Hara and GirijΠwas thus concluded. A spirit of rejoicing pervaded the whole universe.

दासीं दास तुरग रथ नागा। धेनु बसन मनि बस्तु बिभागा॥
अन्न कनकभाजन भरि जाना। दाइज दीन्ह न जाइ बखाना॥4॥

dāsīṃ dāsa turaga ratha nāgā. dhēnu basana mani bastu bibhāgā..
anna kanakabhājana bhari jānā. dāija dīnha na jāi bakhānā..

Men-servants and maid-servants, horses and chariots, elephants and cows, raiment, jewels and various other articles and even so cart-loads of foodgrains and gold utensils were given as dowry, which was more than one could describe.

छन्द :
दाइज दियो बहु भाँति पुनि कर जोरि हिमभूधर कह्यो।
का देउँ पूरनकाम संकर चरन पंकज गहि रह्यो॥
सिवँ कृपासागर ससुर कर संतोषु सब भाँतिहिं कियो।
पुनि गहे पद पाथोज मयनाँ प्रेम परिपूरन हियो॥
dāija diyō bahu bhāomti puni kara jōri himabhūdhara kahyō.
kā dēuom pūranakāma saṃkara carana paṃkaja gahi rahyō..
sivaom kṛpāsāgara sasura kara saṃtōṣu saba bhāomtihiṃ kiyō.
puni gahē pada pāthōja mayanāom prēma paripūrana hiyō..

Himåcala gave presents of various kinds as dowry; then, joining his palms, he said, “I have nothing to give you, Sankara; You have all Yours desires sated!” He could say no more and remained clasping the latterís feet. The ocean of mercy that Siva is reassured His father-in-law in every possible way. Then Mena, with her heart overflowing with love, clasped His lotus-feet and said:-

दोहा | Dohas :
नाथ उमा मम प्रान सम गृहकिंकरी करेहु।
छमेहु सकल अपराध अब होइ प्रसन्न बरु देहु॥101॥
nātha umā mana prāna sama gṛhakiṃkarī karēhu.
chamēhu sakala aparādha aba hōi prasanna baru dēhu..101.

Lord, Uma is dear to me as life; take her as a maid-servant of Your house and forgive all her faults. Be pleased to grant this boon to me.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
बहु बिधि संभु सासु समुझाई। गवनी भवन चरन सिरु नाई॥
जननीं उमा बोलि तब लीन्ही। लै उछंग सुंदर सिख दीन्ही॥1॥

bahu bidhi saṃbhu sāsa samujhāī. gavanī bhavana carana siru nāī..
jananīṃ umā bōli taba līnhī. lai uchaṃga suṃdara sikha dīnhī..

Sambhu comforted His mother-in-law in ways more than one; and she returned home bowing her head at his feet. The mother then sent for Uma, and taking Her into her lap gave Her the following excellent advice.

करेहु सदा संकर पद पूजा। नारिधरमु पति देउ न दूजा॥
बचन कहत भरे लोचन बारी। बहुरि लाइ उर लीन्हि कुमारी॥2॥

karēhu sadā saṃkara pada pūjā. nāridharamu pati dēu na dūjā..
bacana kahata bharē lōcana bārī. bahuri lāi ura līnhi kumārī..

“Ever adore the feet of Sankara this sums up the duty of a wife. Her husband is her deity; there is no other god for her.” As she spoke these words, her eyes filled with tears and she pressed the girl to her bosom.

कत बिधि सृजीं नारि जग माहीं। पराधीन सपनेहूँ सुखु नाहीं॥
भै अति प्रेम बिकल महतारी। धीरजु कीन्ह कुसमय बिचारी॥3॥
kata bidhi sṛjīṃ nāri jaga māhīṃ. parādhīna sapanēhuom sukhu nāhīṃ..
bhai ati prēma bikala mahatārī. dhīraju kīnha kusamaya bicārī..

“Why has god created woman in this world? One who is dependent on others can never dream of happiness.” The mother was overwhelmed with emotion; but knowing as she did that it was not an opportune moment for betraying one’s weakness, she recovered herself.

 पुनि पुनि मिलति परति गहि चरना। परम प्रेमु कछु जाइ न बरना॥
सब नारिन्ह मिलि भेंटि भवानी। जाइ जननि उर पुनि लपटानी॥4॥
puni puni milati parati gahi caranā. parama prēma kachu jāi na baranā..
saba nārinha mili bhēṭi bhavānī. jāi janani ura puni lapaṭānī.

Mena met Parvati again and again and fell down clasping the girl’s feet; her supreme love was beyond all words. Bidding adieu to all the ladies Bhavani ran and clung to her mother’s breast once more.

छन्द :
जननिहि बहुरि मिलि चली उचित असीस सब काहूँ दईं।
फिरि फिरि बिलोकति मातु तन तब सखीं लै सिव पहिं गईं॥
जाचक सकल संतोषि संकरु उमा सहित भवन चले।
सब अमर हरषे सुमन बरषि निसान नभ बाजे भले॥
jananihi bahuri mili calī ucita asīsa saba kāhūom daīṃ.
phiri phiri bilōkati mātu tana taba sakhīṃ lai siva pahiṃ gaī..
jācaka sakala saṃtōṣi saṃkaru umā sahita bhavana calē.
saba amara haraṣē sumana baraṣi nisāna nabha bājē bhalē..

Taking leave of Her mother once more, Bhavani departed; everyone uttered appropriate blessings to Her. She often turned back to have a look at Her mother; Her girl companions then took Her to Siva. Having gratified all beggars. Sankara proceeded to His home (Mount Kailasa) with Uma. All the divinities delightfully rained down flowers and kettledrums produced a charming sound in the heavens.

दोहा | Dohas :
चले संग हिमवंतु तब पहुँचावन अति हेतु।
बिबिध भाँति परितोषु करि बिदा कीन्ह बृषकेतु॥102॥
calē saṃga himavaṃtu taba pahuomcāvana ati hētu.
bibidha bhāomti paritōṣu kari bidā kīnha bṛṣakētu..102..

Himavan then accompanied Siva in order to escort Him with great affection. Siva, however, sent him back, consoling him in various ways.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
तुरत भवन आए गिरिराई। सकल सैल सर लिए बोलाई॥
आदर दान बिनय बहुमाना। सब कर बिदा कीन्ह हिमवाना॥1॥
turata bhavana āē girirāī. sakala saila sara liē bōlāī..
ādara dāna binaya bahumānā. saba kara bidā kīnha himavānā..

The mountain-king returned home at once and summoned all other mountains and lakes. Himavan greeted them with due attention, gifts, polite words and great honour and allowed them all to depart.

 जबहिं संभु कैलासहिं आए। सुर सब निज निज लोक सिधाए॥
जगत मातु पितु संभु भवानी। तेहिं सिंगारु न कहउँ बखानी॥2॥

jabahiṃ saṃbhu kailāsahiṃ āē. sura saba nija nija lōka sidhāē..
jagata mātu pitu saṃbhu bhavānī. tēhī siṃgāru na kahauom bakhānī..

No sooner had Sambhu reached Mount Kailasa than all the gods returned to their respective realms. Sambhu and Bhavani are the parents of the universe; hence I refrain from portraying their amorous sports.

 करहिं बिबिध बिधि भोग बिलासा। गनन्ह समेत बसहिं कैलासा॥
हर गिरिजा बिहार नित नयऊ। एहि बिधि बिपुल काल चलि गयऊ॥3॥

karahiṃ bibidha bidhi bhōga bilāsā. gananha samēta basahiṃ kailāsā..
hara girijā bihāra nita nayaū. ēhi bidhi bipula kāla cali gayaū.

Indulging in luxuries and enjoyments of various kinds the divine pair lived on Mount Kailasa alongwith Their attendants. Hara and Girija enjoyed some new delight everyday. In this way a considerable time elapsed.

 जब जनमेउ षटबदन कुमारा। तारकु असुरु समर जेहिं मारा॥
आगम निगम प्रसिद्ध पुराना। षन्मुख जन्मु सकल जग जाना॥4॥
taba janamēu ṣaṭabadana kumārā. tāraku asura samara jēhiṃ mārā..
āgama nigama prasiddha purānā. ṣanmukha janmu sakala jaga jānā..

Thereafter was born to them a boy with six heads, who (later on) killed the demon Taraka in battle. The story of Kshadmukha (the six-headed deity) is well-known in the Vedas, Tantras and Puranas, and the entire world knows it.

छन्द :
जगु जान षन्मुख जन्मु कर्मु प्रतापु पुरुषारथु महा।
तेहि हेतु मैं बृषकेतु सुत कर चरित संछेपहिं कहा॥
यह उमा संभु बिबाहु जे नर नारि कहहिं जे गावहीं।
कल्यान काज बिबाह मंगल सर्बदा सुखु पावहीं॥

jagu jāna ṣanmukha janmu karmu pratāpu puruṣārathu mahā.
tēhi hētu maiṃ bṛṣakētu suta kara carita saṃchēpahiṃ kahā..
yaha umā saṃgu bibāhu jē nara nāri kahahiṃ jē gāvahīṃ.
kalyāna kāja bibāha maṃgala sarbadā sukhu pāvahīṃ..

The tale of the birth, exploits, glory and surpassing strength of ®anmukha is known to the whole world. That is why I have briefly touched the narrative of Siva son. Men and women who narrate or sing this story of the wedding of Uma and Sambhu shall ever rejoice in their auspicious undertaking as well as during festive occassions such as wedding etc.

दोहा | Dohas :
चरित सिंधु गिरिजा रमन बेद न पावहिं पारु।
बरनै तुलसीदासु किमि अति मतिमंद गवाँरु॥103॥
carita siṃdhu girijā ramana bēda na pāvahiṃ pāru.
baranai tulasīdāsu kimi ati matimaṃda gavāomru..103..

The exploits of Girija’s lord are illimitable like the ocean; even the Vedas cannot reach their end. How, then, can Tulasidasa, a most dull-witted clown, succeed in describing them?

चौपाई | Chaupais :
संभु चरित सुनि सरस सुहावा। भरद्वाज मुनि अति सुखु पावा॥
बहु लालसा कथा पर बाढ़ी। नयनन्हि नीरु रोमावलि ठाढ़ी॥1॥
saṃbhu carita suni sarasa suhāvā. bharadvāja muni ati sukha pāvā..
bahu lālasā kathā para bāḍhaī. nayananhi nīru rōmāvali ṭhāḍhaī..

Bharadvaja was much delighted to hear the sweet and charming story of Sambhu’s deeds. His passion for hearing the story grew to be inordinate; tears rushed to his eyes and the hair on his body bristled with joy.

प्रेम बिबस मुख आव न बानी। दसा देखि हरषे मुनि ग्यानी॥
अहो धन्य तब जन्मु मुनीसा। तुम्हहि प्रान सम प्रिय गौरीसा॥2॥

prēma bibasa mukha āva na bānī. dasā dēkhi haraṣē muni gyānī..
ahō dhanya tava janmu munīsā. tumhahi prāna sama priya gaurīsā..

Overpowered with emotion he could not utter a word. The enlightened sage Yajnavalkya was delighted to see his condition. “Blessed indeed is your birth. O great sage,” he said, “to you the Lord of Gauri is dear as life.

सिव पद कमल जिन्हहि रति नाहीं। रामहि ते सपनेहुँ न सोहाहीं॥
बिनु छल बिस्वनाथ पद नेहू। राम भगत कर लच्छन एहू॥3॥
siva pada kamala jinhahi rati nāhīṃ. rāmahi tē sapanēhuom na sōhāhīṃ..
binu chala bisvanātha pada nēhū. rāma bhagata kara lacchana ēhū.

Those who love not Siva lotus feet cannot even dream of pleasing Rama. A guileless love for Siva feet is the surest sign of a devotee of Rama.

 सिव सम को रघुपति ब्रतधारी। बिनु अघ तजी सती असि नारी॥
पनु करि रघुपति भगति देखाई। को सिव सम रामहि प्रिय भाई॥4॥
siva sama kō raghupati bratadhārī. binu agha tajī satī asi nārī..
panu kari raghupati bhagati dēkhāī. kō siva sama rāmahi priya bhāī..

Who is so faithful to the Lord of Raghus as Siva, who renounced a sinless wife like Sati, and demonstrated ideal devotion to Rama by His pledge of unswerving fidelity? Brother, whom does Rama hold so dear as Siva?

दोहा | Dohas :
प्रथमहिं मैं कहि सिव चरित बूझा मरमु तुम्हार।
सुचि सेवक तुम्ह राम के रहित समस्त बिकार॥104॥
prathamahiṃ mai kahi siva carita būjhā maramu tumhāra.
suci sēvaka tumha rāma kē rahita samasta bikāra..104..

Having begun by recounting the deeds of Siva I have come to know your secret. You are indeed a faithful servant of Rama, free from all impurities.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
मैं जाना तुम्हार गुन सीला। कहउँ सुनहु अब रघुपति लीला॥
सुनु मुनि आजु समागम तोरें। कहि न जाइ जस सुखु मन मोरें॥1॥

maiṃ jānā tumhāra guna sīlā. kahauom sunahu aba raghupati līlā..
sunu muni āju samāgama tōrēṃ. kahi na jāi jasa sukhu mana mōrēṃ..

I have come to know your virtues and disposition. Listen, therefore, while I narrate the story of the Lord of Raghus. O sage, I cannot say how glad I am at this meeting with you today.

राम चरित अति अमित मुनीसा। कहि न सकहिं सत कोटि अहीसा॥
तदपि जथाश्रुत कहउँ बखानी। सुमिरि गिरापति प्रभु धनुपानी॥2॥

rāma carita ati amita munisā. kahi na sakahiṃ sata kōṭi ahīsā..
tadapi jathāśruta kahauom bakhānī. sumiri girāpati prabhu dhanupānī..

O lord of sages, the exploits of Sri Rama are much beyond measure; even a thousand million Sesas (serpent-kings) cannot recount them. Nevertheless, fixing my thoughts on the Lord who wields a bow in His hand and is the lord of speech, I repeat the tale as I have heard it.

सारद दारुनारि सम स्वामी। रामु सूत्रधर अंतरजामी॥
जेहि पर कृपा करहिं जनु जानी। कबि उर अजिर नचावहिं बानी॥3॥
sārada dārunāri sama svāmī. rāmu sūtradhara aṃtarajāmī..
jēhi para kṛpā karahiṃ janu jānī. kabi ura ajira nacāvahiṃ bānī..

Sarada (the goddess of speech) is like a puppet; while Sri Rama, the inner controller of all, is the master of the puppet show, who holds the strings in his hands. When He blesses a poet knowing him to be a devotee, He causes the goddess to dance in the courtyard of his heart.

 प्रनवउँ सोइ कृपाल रघुनाथा। बरनउँ बिसद तासु गुन गाथा॥
परम रम्य गिरिबरु कैलासू। सदा जहाँ सिव उमा निवासू॥4॥

pranavauom sōi kṛpāla raghunāthā. baranauom bisada tāsu guna gāthā..
parama ramya giribaru kailāsū. sadā jahāom siva umā nivāsū

To Him, the benevolent Lord of Raghus, I bow and commence the recital of His fair virtues. Of all mountains the most charming and the best is Kailasa, where Siva and Uma eternally dwell.

दोहा | Dohas :
सिद्ध तपोधन जोगिजन सुर किंनर मुनिबृंद।
बसहिं तहाँ सुकृती सकल सेवहिं सिव सुखकंद॥105॥
siddha tapōdhana jōgijana sūra kiṃnara munibṛṃda.
basahiṃ tahāom sukṛtī sakala sēvahiṃ siba sukhakaṃda..105.

Hosts of Siddhas (adepts) ascetics and Yogis (mystics), as well as gods, Kinnaras and sages, all lucky souls, reside there and adore Siva, the root of all joy.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
हरि हर बिमुख धर्म रति नाहीं। ते नर तहँ सपनेहुँ नहिं जाहीं॥
तेहि गिरि पर बट बिटप बिसाला। नित नूतन सुंदर सब काला॥1॥
hari hara bimukha dharma rati nāhīṃ. tē nara tahaom sapanēhuom nahiṃ jāhīṃ..
tēhi giri para baṭa biṭapa bisālā. nita nūtana suṃdara saba kālā..

Those who have their faces turned away from Hari and Hara and have no love for righteousness cannot even dream of going there. On the summit of that mountain exists a huge banyan tree, which is ever young and is charming during all seasons.

 त्रिबिध समीर सुसीतलि छाया। सिव बिश्राम बिटप श्रुति गाया॥
एक बार तेहि तर प्रभु गयऊ। तरु बिलोकि उर अति सुखु भयऊ॥2॥

tribidha samīra susītali chāyā. siva biśrāma biṭapa śruti gāyā..
ēka bāra tēhi tara prabhu gayaū. taru bilōki ura ati sukhu bhayaū..

Fanned by cool, soft and fragrant breezes, its shade is very refreshing. It is the favourite resort of Siva, extolled by the Vedas. Once upon a time the Lord betook Himself beneath the tree and was much gladdened at heart to see it.

निज कर डासि नागरिपु छाला। बैठे सहजहिं संभु कृपाला॥
कुंद इंदु दर गौर सरीरा। भुज प्रलंब परिधन मुनिचीरा॥3॥
nija kara ḍāsi nāgaripu chālā. baiṭhai sahajahiṃ saṃbhu kṛpālā..
kuṃda iṃdu dara gaura sarīrā. bhuja pralaṃba paridhana municīrā..

Spreading His tigerskin on the ground with His own hands, the all-merciful Siva sat down casually. His body fair in hue as the jasmine, the moon and the conch-shell; arms of inordinate length; a hermit’s covering, consisting of the bark of trees, wrapped round His loins;

 तरुन अरुन अंबुज सम चरना। नख दुति भगत हृदय तम हरना॥
भुजग भूति भूषन त्रिपुरारी। आननु सरद चंद छबि हारी॥4॥

taruna aruna aṃbuja sama caranā. nakha duti bhagata hṛdaya tama haranā..
bhujaga bhūti bhūṣana tripurārī. ānanu sarada caṃda chabi hārī..

His feet resembling a pair of full-blown red lotuses and their toe-nails shedding a lustre which dispelled the darkness of the devotee’s heart; serpents and the ashes serving as ornaments of the Slayer of Tripura and His countenance eclipsing the splendour even of the autumnal full moon.

दोहा | Dohas :
जटा मुकुट सुरसरित सिर लोचन नलिन बिसाल।
नीलकंठ लावन्यनिधि सोह बालबिधु भाल॥106॥
jaṭā mukuṭa surasarita sira lōcana nalina bisāla.
nīlakaṃṭha lāvanyanidhi sōha bālabidhu bhāla..106..

With His twisted coils of hair for a crown and the celestial stream (the Ganga) adorning His head, eyes as big as a pair of lotuses, throat dark with poison and with the crescent shining on His brow, the Lord looked like a veritable mine of beauty

चौपाई | Chaupais :
बैठे सोह कामरिपु कैसें। धरें सरीरु सांतरसु जैसें॥
पारबती भल अवसरु जानी। गईं संभु पहिं मातु भवानी॥1॥

baiṭhē sōha kāmaripu kaisēṃ. dharēṃ sarīru sāṃtarasu jaisēṃ..
pārabatī bhala avasaru jānī. gaī saṃbhu pahiṃ mātu bhavānī..

Seated there, the Destroyer of Cupid looked like an incarnation of the sentiment of Quietism. Finding it a good opportunity, Mother Bhavani called on Sambhu.

 जानि प्रिया आदरु अति कीन्हा। बाम भाग आसनु हर दीन्हा॥
बैठीं सिव समीप हरषाई। पूरुब जन्म कथा चित आई॥2॥
jāni priyā ādaru ati kīnhā. bāma bhāga āsanu hara dīnhā..
baiṭhīṃ siva samīpa haraṣāī. pūruba janma kathā cita āī..

In recognition of Her wifely love Lord Hara showed Her great courtesy and assigned Her a seat on His left side. Parvati gladly sat down beside Siva and recalled the history of Her past life.

पति हियँ हेतु अधिक अनुमानी। बिहसि उमा बोलीं प्रिय बानी॥
कथा जो सकल लोक हितकारी। सोइ पूछन चह सैल कुमारी॥3॥
pati hiyaom hētu adhika anumānī. bihasi umā bōlīṃ priya bānī..
kathā jō sakala lōka hitakārī. sōi pūchana caha sailakumārī..

Presuming that Her lord cherished in His heart greater love for Her than before, Uma smilingly spoke the following sweet words to Him: the Daughter of Himalaya sought to elicit from Her lord the story which is profitable to the whole world.

बिस्वनाथ मम नाथ पुरारी। त्रिभुवन महिमा बिदित तुम्हारी॥
चर अरु अचर नाग नर देवा। सकल करहिं पद पंकज सेवा॥4॥

bisvanātha mama nātha purārī. tribhuvana mahimā bidita tumhārī..
cara aru acara nāga nara dēvā. sakala karahiṃ pada paṃkaja sēvā..

“O Lord of the universe, O my Master, O slayer of the demon Tripura! Your glory is known to all the three spheres. Animate as well inanimate beings, Nagas, men and gods, all do homage to Your lotus-feet.

दोहा | Dohas :
प्रभु समरथ सर्बग्य सिव सकल कला गुन धाम।
जोग ग्यान बैराग्य निधि प्रनत कलपतरु नाम॥107॥

prabhu samaratha sarbagya siva sakala kalā guna dhāma..
jōga gyāna bairāgya nidhi pranata kalapataru nāma..107..

My Lord, You are all-powerful, all-wise and all-blissful; You are a repository of all arts and virtues and a storehouse of Yoga (askesis), wisdom and dispassion. Your Name is a wish-yielding tree as it were to the suppliant.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
जौं मो पर प्रसन्न सुखरासी। जानिअ सत्य मोहि निज दासी॥
तौ प्रभु हरहु मोर अग्याना। कहि रघुनाथ कथा बिधि नाना॥1॥
jauṃ mō para prasanna sukharāsī. jānia satya mōhi nija dāsī..
tauṃ prabhu harahu mōra agyānā. kahi raghunātha kathā bidhi nānā..

“O blissful Lord, if You are pleased with me and know me to be Your faithful servant, then, my Master, disperse my ignorance by repeating to me the various stories of the Lord of Raghus.

 जासु भवनु सुरतरु तर होई। सहि कि दरिद्र जनित दुखु सोई॥
ससिभूषन अस हृदयँ बिचारी। हरहु नाथ मम मति भ्रम भारी॥2॥

jāsu bhavanu surataru tara hōī. sahi ki daridra janita dukhu sōī..
sasibhūṣana asa hṛdayaom bicārī. harahu nātha mama mati bhrama bhārī..

Why should he who has his abode beneath a wish-yielding tree undergo the suffering born of want? Bearing this in mind, O Lord with the crescent on the forehead, dispel the great confusion of my mind.

 प्रभु जे मुनि परमारथबादी। कहहिं राम कहुँ ब्रह्म अनादी॥
सेस सारदा बेद पुराना। सकल करहिं रघुपति गुन गाना॥3॥
prabhu jē muni paramārathabādī. kahahiṃ rāma kahuom brahma anādī..
sēsa sāradā bēda purānā. sakala karahiṃ raghupati guna gānā..

O Lord, the sages who discourse on the supreme Reality speak of Rama as the Brahma who has no beginning; Sesa and Sarada, as well as the Vedas and the Puranas, all sing praises of the Lord of Raghus.

 तुम्ह पुनि राम राम दिन राती। सादर जपहु अनँग आराती॥
रामु सो अवध नृपति सुत सोई। की अज अगुन अलखगति कोई॥4॥

tumha puni rāma rāma dina rātī. sādara japahu anaomga ārātī..
rāmu sō avadha nṛpati suta sōī. kī aja aguna alakhagati kōī..

You too, O Subduer of Love, reverently repeat the word ‘Rama’ night and day. Is this Rama the same as the son of the King of Ayodhya or some other unborn, unqualified and imperceptible Being?”

दोहा | Dohas :
जौं नृप तनय त ब्रह्म किमि नारि बिरहँ मति भोरि।
देखि चरित महिमा सुनत भ्रमति बुद्धि अति मोरि॥108॥
jauṃ nṛpa tanaya ta brahma kimi nāri birahaom mati bhōri.
dēkha carita mahimā sunata bhramati buddhi ati mōri..108..

If a king’s son, how could he be Brahma (the Infinite)? And if he were Brahma, how could his mind get unhinged by the loss of his wife? When I see his acts on the one hand, and hear of his glory on the other, my mind gets utterly confused.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
जौं अनीह ब्यापक बिभु कोऊ। कहहु बुझाइ नाथ मोहि सोऊ॥
अग्य जानि रिस उर जनि धरहू। जेहि बिधि मोह मिटै सोइ करहू॥1॥

jauṃ anīha byāpaka bibhu kōū. kabahu bujhāi nātha mōhi sōū..
agya jāni risa ura jani dharahū. jēhi bidhi mōha miṭai sōi karahū.

If, my lord, there is any other desireless, all-pervading and all-powerful Brahma, instruct me about the same. Be not angry at my folly, but take steps to wipe out my ignorance.

 मैं बन दीखि राम प्रभुताई। अति भय बिकल न तुम्हहि सुनाई॥
तदपि मलिन मन बोधु न आवा। सो फलु भली भाँति हम पावा॥2॥

mai bana dīkhi rāma prabhutāī. ati bhaya bikala na tumhahi sunāī..
tadapi malina mana bōdhu na āvā. sō phalu bhalī bhāomti hama pāvā..

In the wood (in my previous birth) I witnessed Sri Rama’s glory, although I was too awestricken to tell You. Yet, my mind was so impure that I did not understand, and I reaped a good return for my folly.

 अजहूँ कछु संसउ मन मोरें। करहु कृपा बिनवउँ कर जोरें॥
प्रभु तब मोहि बहु भाँति प्रबोधा। नाथ सो समुझि करहु जनि क्रोधा॥3॥

ajahūom kachu saṃsau mana mōrē. karahu kṛpā binavauom kara jōrēṃ..
prabhu taba mōhi bahu bhāomti prabōdhā. nātha sō samujhi karahu jani krōdhā..

Some doubt still lingers in my mind. Be gracious to me, I implore You with joined palms. Lord, You instructed me then in ways more than one; yet I did not understand. Do not allow this thought to anger You.

तब कर अस बिमोह अब नाहीं। रामकथा पर रुचि मन माहीं॥
कहहु पुनीत राम गुन गाथा। भुजगराज भूषन सुरनाथा॥4॥

taba kara asa bimōha aba nāhīṃ. rāmakathā para ruci mana māhīṃ..
kahahu punīta rāma guna gāthā. bhujagarāja bhūṣana suranāthā..

I have no such delusion now; I find developed in me a taste for hearing the story of Rama. Recount the sacred virtues of Sri Rama, O Lord of immortals, having the serpent-king (Sesa) for an ornament.

दोहा | Dohas :
बंदउँ पद धरि धरनि सिरु बिनय करउँ कर जोरि।
बरनहु रघुबर बिसद जसु श्रुति सिद्धांत निचोरि॥109॥
baṃdau pada dhari dharani siru binaya karauom kara jōri.
baranahu raghubara bisada jasu śruti siddhāṃta nicōri..109..

Placing my head on the ground, I adore Your feet and entreat You with joined palms to recount the unsullied glory of the Chief of Raghus, giving in substance the conclusion of the revealed texts (the Vedas) on the subject.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
जदपि जोषिता नहिं अधिकारी। दासी मन क्रम बचन तुम्हारी॥
गूढ़उ तत्त्व न साधु दुरावहिं। आरत अधिकारी जहँ पावहिं॥1॥
jadapi jōṣitā nahiṃ adhikārī. dāsī mana krama bacana tumhārī..
gūḍhau tatva na sādhu durāvahiṃ. ārata adhikārī jahaom pāvahiṃ..

Though as a woman I am not qualified to hear it, I am Your servant in thought, word and deed. Saints do not withhold even an esoteric truth wherever they find a man smitten with agony, and therefore qualified to receive it.

अति आरति पूछउँ सुरराया। रघुपति कथा कहहु करि दाया॥
प्रथम सो कारन कहहु बिचारी। निर्गुन ब्रह्म सगुन बपु धारी॥2॥

ati ārati pūchauom surarāyā. raghupati kathā kahahu kari dāyā..
prathama sō kārana kahahu bicārī. nirguna brahma saguna bapu dhārī..

I ask You with a heart sore distressed; be gracious enough to narrate the story of the Lord of Raghus. First tell me after a mature thought what makes the unqualified Brahma assume a qualified form.

पुनि प्रभु कहहु राम अवतारा। बालचरित पुनि कहहु उदारा॥
कहहु जथा जानकी बिबाहीं। राज तजा सो दूषन काहीं॥3॥

puni prabhu kahahu rāma avatārā. bālacarita puni kahahu udārā..
kahahu jathā jānakī bibāhīṃ. rāja tajā sō dūṣana kāhīṃ..

Then, my lord, relate the story of Sri Rama’s descent, and tell me next the charming exploits of His childhood. Then let me know how He wedded Janaka’s daughter, Sita, and the fault for which He had to renounce His father’s kingdom later on.

बन बसि कीन्हे चरित अपारा। कहहु नाथ जिमि रावन मारा॥
राज बैठि कीन्हीं बहु लीला। सकल कहहु संकर सुखसीला॥4॥
bana basi kīnhē carita apārā. kahahu nātha jimi rāvana mārā..
rāja baiṭhi kīnhīṃ bahu līlā. sakala kahahu saṃkara sukhalīlā..

Then describe the innumerable deeds performed by Him while He lived in the forest; and further tell me, my lord, how He killed Ravana. Then relate, O blissful Sankara, all the numerous sports that were enacted by Him after his coronation.

दोहा | Dohas :
बहुरि कहहु करुनायतन कीन्ह जो अचरज राम।
प्रजा सहित रघुबंसमनि किमि गवने निज धाम॥110॥

bahuri kahahu karunāyatana kīnha jō acaraja rāma.
prajā sahita raghubaṃsamani kimi gavanē nija dhāma..110..

Thereafter relate, O gracious Lord, the miracle wrought by Rama, viz., how that Jewel of Raghu’s line proceeded to His divine Abode alongwith all His subjects.”

चौपाई | Chaupais :
पुनि प्रभु कहहु सो तत्त्व बखानी। जेहिं बिग्यान मगन मुनि ग्यानी॥
भगति ग्यान बिग्यान बिरागा। पुनि सब बरनहु सहित बिभागा॥1॥
puni prabhu kahahu sō tatva bakhānī. jēhiṃ bigyāna magana muni gyānī..
bhagati gyāna bigyāna birāgā. puni saba baranahu sahita bibhāgā..

Then expound, my lord, the truth in the realization of which enlightened sages remain absorbed. And thereafter discuss in detail the conceptions of Devotion, Jnana or Knowledge of the formless Absolute, Vijnana or the Knowledge of qualified Divinity with and without form, and Dispassion.

औरउ राम रहस्य अनेका। कहहु नाथ अति बिमल बिबेका॥
जो प्रभु मैं पूछा नहिं होई। सोउ दयाल राखहु जनि गोई॥2॥
aurau rāma rahasya anēkā. kahahu nātha ati bimala bibēkā..
jō prabhu maiṃ pūchā nahi hōī. sōu dayāla rākhahu jani gōī..

Over and above this, O Lord of purest understanding, reveal to me the many other mysteries connected with Rama. And if there be anything which I have omitted to ask, do not keep it back, my gracious lord.

 तुम्ह त्रिभुवन गुर बेद बखाना। आन जीव पाँवर का जाना॥
प्रस्न उमा कै सहज सुहाई। छल बिहीन सुनि सिव मन भाई॥3॥

tumha tribhuvana gura bēda bakhānā. āna jīva pāomvara kā jānā..
prasna umā kai sahaja suhāī. chala bihīna suni siva mana bhāī..

You are the preceptor of all the three spheres, so declare the Vedas; what can other poor creatures know?” Siva was glad at heart to hear these questions of Uma, naturally pleasing and guileless as they were.

 हर हियँ रामचरित सब आए। प्रेम पुलक लोचन जल छाए॥
श्रीरघुनाथ रूप उर आवा। परमानंद अमित सुख पावा॥4॥
hara hiyaom rāmacarita saba āē. prēma pulaka lōcana jala chāē..
śrīraghunātha rūpa ura āvā. paramānaṃda amita sukha pāvā..

All the exploits of Rama flashed on His mind; the hair on His body bristled with rapture and His eyes filled with tears. The figure of Sri Rama was reflected on the mirror of His heart. This brought immense joy to Siva, who is an embodiment of supreme bliss Himself.

दोहा | Dohas :
मगन ध्यान रस दंड जुग पुनि मन बाहेर कीन्ह।
रघुपति चरित महेस तब हरषित बरनै लीन्ह॥111।

magana dhyānarasa daṃḍa juga puni mana bāhēra kīnha.
raghupati carita mahēsa taba haraṣita baranai līnha..111..

For an hour or so Siva was lost in the ecstasy of meditation. He then recovered Himself and thereafter began joyfully to tell the story of Rama.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
झूठेउ सत्य जाहि बिनु जानें। जिमि भुजंग बिनु रजु पहिचानें॥
जेहि जानें जग जाइ हेराई। जागें जथा सपन भ्रम जाई॥1॥

jhūṭhēu satya jāhi binu jānēṃ. jimi bhujaṃga binu raju pahicānēṃ..
jēhi jānēṃ jaga jāi hērāī. jāgēṃ jathā sapana bhrama jāī..

Due to lack of knowledge about Sri Rama even the unreal passes for real, just as ignorance about a rope leads us to mistake it for a snake. Even so the moment we know Him the world of matter vanishes, just as the delusion of a dream disappears as soon as we wake up.

बंदउँ बालरूप सोइ रामू। सब सिधि सुलभ जपत जिसु नामू॥
मंगल भवन अमंगल हारी। द्रवउ सो दसरथ अजिर बिहारी॥2॥

baṃdauom bālarūpa sōī rāmū. saba sidhi sulabha japata jisu nāmū..
maṃgala bhavana amaṃgala hārī. dravau sō dasaratha ajira bihārī..

Him do I reverence in the form of a Child, the repetition of whose Name brings all kinds of success within our easy reach. May that Home of bliss and Bane of woe take compassion on me-He who sports in the courtyard of king Dasaratha.

 करि प्रनाम रामहि त्रिपुरारी। हरषि सुधा सम गिरा उचारी॥
धन्य धन्य गिरिराजकुमारी। तुम्ह समान नहिं कोउ उपकारी॥3॥

kari pranāma rāmahi tripurārī. haraṣi sudhā sama girā ucārī..
dhanya dhanya girirājakumārī. tumha samāna nahiṃ kōu upakārī..

After thus paying homage to Rama, the Slayer of the demon Tripura joyfully spoke in mellifluous accents as follows: “You are indeed blessed and worthy of applause, O daughter of the mountain-king; there is no such benefactor as you.

 पूँछेहु रघुपति कथा प्रसंगा। सकल लोक जग पावनि गंगा॥
तुम्ह रघुबीर चरन अनुरागी। कीन्हिहु प्रस्न जगत हित लागी॥4॥

pūomchēhu raghupati kathā prasaṃgā. sakala lōka jaga pāvani gaṃgā..
tumha raghubīra carana anurāgī. kīnhahu prasna jagata hita lāgī..

You have asked Me to repeat the history of the Lord of Raghus, which is potent enough to sanctify all the spheres even as the Ganga purifies the whole world. You are full of love for the feet of the Hero of Raghu’s race; You have put questions to Me only with an eye to the good of the world.”

दोहा | Dohas :
राम कृपा तें पारबति सपनेहुँ तव मन माहिं।
सोक मोह संदेह भ्रम मम बिचार कछु नाहिं॥112॥
rāmakṛpā tēṃ pārabati sapanēhuom tava mana māhiṃ.
sōka mōha saṃdēha bhrama mama bicāra kachu nāhiṃ..112..

By the blessing of Rama, O Parvati, not even in dream can grief, infatuation, doubt or error enter your mind, so far as I can judge.”

चौपाई | Chaupais :
तदपि असंका कीन्हिहु सोई। कहत सुनत सब कर हित होई॥
जिन्ह हरिकथा सुनी नहिं काना। श्रवन रंध्र अहिभवन समाना॥1॥

tadapi asaṃkā kīnhihu sōī. kahata sunata saba kara hita hōī..
jinha hari kathā sunī nahiṃ kānā. śravana raṃdhra ahibhavana samānā..

Yet you have expressed the same old doubts again, so that all those who repeat or hear this account may be benefited thereby. The ears of those who have never heard the stories of Sri Hari are no better than snake-holes.

 नयनन्हि संत दरस नहिं देखा। लोचन मोरपंख कर लेखा॥
तेसिर कटु तुंबरि समतूला। जे न नमत हरि गुर पद मूला॥2॥
nayananhi saṃta darasa nahiṃ dēkhā. lōcana mōrapaṃkha kara lēkhā..
tē sira kaṭu tuṃbari samatūlā. jē na namata hari gura pada mūlā..

The eyes of those who have not blessed them with the sight of saints are as good as the sham eyes in a peacock’s tail. The heads that bow not at the soles of Sri Hari or of one’s preceptor are just like bitter pumpkins.

 जिन्ह हरिभगति हृदयँ नहिं आनी। जीवत सव समान तेइ प्रानी॥
जो नहिं करइ राम गुन गाना। जीह सो दादुर जीह समाना॥3॥
jinha haribhagati hṛdayaom nahiṃ ānī. jīvata sava samāna tēi prānī..
jō nahiṃ karai rāma guna gānā. jīha sō dādura jīha samānā..

Those who have cherished not in their heart the spirit of devotion to Sri Hari are as good as dead, though living. The tongue that does not sing the praises of Rama is just like the tongue of a frog.

 कुलिस कठोर निठुर सोइ छाती। सुनि हरिचरित न जो हरषाती॥
गिरिजा सुनहु राम कै लीला। सुर हित दनुज बिमोहनसीला॥4॥
kulisa kaṭhōra niṭhura sōi chātī. suni haricarita na jō haraṣātī..
girijā sunahu rāma kai līlā. sura hita danuja bimōhanasīlā..

The heart which does not rejoice to hear the tales of Sri Hari is hard as adamant and cruel indeed. Hear, O Girija, the exploits of Sri Rama, which prove beneficial to the gods and mystify the demons.

दोहा | Dohas :
रामकथा सुरधेनु सम सेवत सब सुख दानि।
सतसमाज सुरलोक सब को न सुनै अस जानि॥113॥
rāmakathā suradhēnu sama sēvata saba sukha dāni.
satasamāja suralōka saba kō na sunai asa jāni..113..

Like the cow of plenty, the story of Rama bestows all blessings on those who devote themselves to it; and the assemblages of saints are the various abodes of gods. Knowing this, who would not listen to it?

चौपाई | Chaupais :
रामकथा सुंदर कर तारी। संसय बिहग उड़ावनिहारी॥
रामकथा कलि बिटप कुठारी। सादर सुनु गिरिराजकुमारी॥1॥
rāmakathā suṃdara kara tārī. saṃsaya bihaga uḍāvanihārī..
rāmakathā kali biṭapa kuṭhārī. sādara sunu girirājakumārī..

The story of Rama is the lovely clap of hand-palms which scares away the birds of doubt. Even so the story of Rama is an axe to the tree of Kaliyuga (the impurities of the Kali age); listen to it with reverence, O daughter of the mountain-king.

 राम नाम गुन चरित सुहाए। जनम करम अगनित श्रुति गाए॥
जथा अनंत राम भगवाना। तथा कथा कीरति गुन नाना॥2॥

rāma nāma guna carita suhāē. janama karama aganita śruti gāē..
jathā anaṃta rāma bhagavānā. tathā kathā kīrati guna nānā..

The charming names of Sri Rama, as well as His virtues, stories, births and deeds have all been declared by the Vedas to be beyond number. As there is no end to the divine Rama, even so His stories, glory and virtues are also endless.

 तदपि जथा श्रुत जसि मति मोरी। कहिहउँ देखि प्रीति अति तोरी॥
उमा प्रस्न तव सहज सुहाई। सुखद संतसंमत मोहि भाई॥3॥
tadapi jathā śruta jasi mati mōrī. kahihauom dēkhi prīti ati tōrī..
umā prasna tava sahaja suhāī. sukhada saṃtasaṃmata mōhi bhāī..

Yet, seeing your great love, I will tell them even as I have heard of them to the best of my intellectual capacity. Uma, your inquiries are naturally winning and delightful and such as are approved of by the saints; as for myself I am particularly pleased to hear them.

 एक बात नहिं मोहि सोहानी। जदपि मोह बस कहेहु भवानी॥
तुम्ह जो कहा राम कोउ आना। जेहि श्रुति गाव धरहिं मुनि ध्याना॥4॥
ēka bāta nahi mōhi sōhānī. jadapi mōha basa kahēhu bhavānī..
tuma jō kahā rāma kōu ānā. jēhi śruti gāva dharahiṃ muni dhyānā..

But there was one thing, Bhavani, which I did not like, although you uttered it under a spell of delusion: you suggested that the Rama whom the Vedas extol and on whom the sages contemplate is someone else!

दोहा | Dohas :
कहहिं सुनहिं अस अधम नर ग्रसे जे मोह पिसाच।
पाषंडी हरि पद बिमुख जानहिं झूठ न साच॥114॥
kahahi sunahi asa adhama nara grasē jē mōha pisāca.
pāṣaṃḍī hari pada bimukha jānahiṃ jhūṭha na sāca..114..

Such words are spoken and heard by those vile men alone who are possessed by the devil of infatuation, are impious and averse to the feet of Sri Hari and know no difference between truth and falsehood.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
अग्य अकोबिद अंध अभागी। काई बिषय मुकुर मन लागी॥
लंपट कपटी कुटिल बिसेषी। सपनेहुँ संतसभा नहिं देखी॥1॥

agya akōbida aṃdha abhāgī. kāī biṣaya mukara mana lāgī..
laṃpaṭa kapaṭī kuṭila bisēṣī. sapanēhuom saṃtasabhā nahiṃ dēkhī..

Foolish, ignorant and blind wretches, the mirror of whose heart is clouded by the film of sensuality, lecherous, deceitful and grossly perverse, who have never seen an assemblage of holy men even in a dream and

 कहहिं ते बेद असंमत बानी। जिन्ह कें सूझ लाभु नहिं हानी॥
मुकुर मलिन अरु नयन बिहीना। राम रूप देखहिं किमि दीना॥2॥
kahahiṃ tē bēda asaṃmata bānī. jinha kēṃ sūjha lābhu nahiṃ hānī..
mukara malina aru nayana bihīnā. rāma rūpa dēkhahiṃ kimi dīnā..

who have no sense of gain and loss, they alone make statements which are repugnant to the Vedas. The mirror of their heart is soiled and they have no eyes to see; how-then, can those wretched souls behold the beauty of Sri Rama?

 जिन्ह कें अगुन न सगुन बिबेका। जल्पहिं कल्पित बचन अनेका॥
हरिमाया बस जगत भ्रमाहीं। तिन्हहि कहत कछु अघटित नाहीं॥3॥
jinha kēṃ aguna na saguna bibēkā. jalpahiṃ kalpita bacana anēkā..
harimāyā basa jagata bhramāhīṃ. tinhahi kahata kachu aghaṭita nāhīṃ..

For those who have no knowledge either of the unqualified Brahma or of qualified Divinity, who indulge in fantastic utterances of various kinds and who spin round in this world under the influence of Sri Hari’s deluding potency, no assertion is too absurd to make.

बातुल भूत बिबस मतवारे। ते नहिं बोलहिं बचन बिचारे॥
जिन्ह कृत महामोह मद पाना। तिन्ह कर कहा करिअ नहिं काना॥4॥

bātula bhūta bibasa matavārē. tē nahiṃ bōlahiṃ bacana bicārē..
jinha kṛta mahāmōha mada pānā. tin kara kahā karia nahiṃ kānā..

Those who are delirious or mad, those who are possessed and those who are inebriated do not talk sense. None should give ear to the ravings of those who have drunk the wine of infatuation.

सोरठा | Sortha
अस निज हृदयँ बिचारि तजु संसय भजु राम पद।
सुनु गिरिराज कुमारि भ्रम तम रबि कर बचन मम॥115॥
asa nija hṛdayaom bicāri taju saṃsaya bhaju rāma pada.
sunu girirāja kumāri bhrama tama rabi kara bacana mama..115..

Thus assured in your heart, discard all doubt and adore Sri Rama’s feet. O daughter of the mountain-king, hear my words, which are sun-beams as it were for the darkness of error.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
सगुनहि अगुनहि नहिं कछु भेदा। गावहिं मुनि पुरान बुध बेदा॥
अगुन अरूप अलख अज जोई। भगत प्रेम बस सगुन सो होई॥1॥

sagunahi agunahi nahiṃ kachu bhēdā. gāvahiṃ muni purāna budha bēdā..
aguna arupa alakha aja jōī. bhagata prēma basa saguna sō hōī..

There is no difference between qualified Divinity and the unqualified Brahma: so declare the sages and men of wisdom, the Vedas and the Puranas. That which is attributeless and formless, imperceptible and unborn, becomes qualified under the influence of the devotee’s love.

जो गुन रहित सगुन सोइ कैसें। जलु हिम उपल बिलग नहिं जैसें॥
जासु नाम भ्रम तिमिर पतंगा। तेहि किमि कहिअ बिमोह प्रसंगा॥2॥

jō guna rahita saguna sōi kaisēṃ. jalu hima upala bilaga nahiṃ jaisēṃ..
jāsu nāma bhrama timira pataṃgā. tēhi kimi kahia bimōha prasaṃgā..

How can the Absolute become qualified? In the same way as water and the hail-stone are non-different in substance. Infatuation is out of the question for Him whose very Name is like the sun to the darkness of error.

राम सच्चिदानंद दिनेसा। नहिं तहँ मोह निसा लवलेसा॥
सहज प्रकासरूप भगवाना। नहिं तहँ पुनि बिग्यान बिहाना॥3॥

rāma saccidānaṃda dinēsā. nahiṃ tahaom mōha nisā lavalēsā..
sahaja prakāsarupa bhagavānā. nahiṃ tahaom puni bigyāna bihānā..

Sri Rama, who is Truth, Consciousness and Bliss combined, is like the sun; the night of ignorance cannot subsist in Him even to the smallest degree. He is the Lord whose very being is light; there is no dawn of understanding in His case (for the dawn presupposes night and night there is none in the sunlight of Sri Rama).

हरष बिषाद ग्यान अग्याना। जीव धर्म अहमिति अभिमाना॥
राम ब्रह्म ब्यापक जग जाना। परमानंद परेस पुराना॥4॥
haraṣa biṣāda gyāna agyānā. jīva dharma ahamiti abhimānā..
rāma brahma byāpaka jaga jānā. paramānanda parēsa purānā..

Joy and grief, knowledge and ignorance, egoism and pride-these are the characteristics of a Jiva (finite being). Sri Rama is the all-pervading Brahma; He is supreme bliss personified, the highest Lord and the most ancient Being. The whole world knows it.

दोहा | Dohas :
पुरुष प्रसिद्ध प्रकाश निधि प्रगट परावर नाथ।
रघुकुलमनि मम स्वामि सोइ कहि सिवँ नायउ माथ॥116॥
puruṣa prasiddha prakāsa nidhi pragaṭa parāvara nātha..
raghukulamani mama svāmi sōi kahi sivaom nāyau mātha..116..

He who is universally known as the Spirit, the fount of light, manifest in all forms and is the lord of life as well as of matter, that Jewel of Raghu’s line is my Master.” So saying Siva bowed His head to Him.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
निज भ्रम नहिं समुझहिं अग्यानी। प्रभु पर मोह धरहिं जड़ प्रानी॥
जथा गगन घन पटल निहारी। झाँपेउ भानु कहहिं कुबिचारी॥1॥
nija bhrama nahiṃ samujhahiṃ agyānī. prabhu para mōha dharahiṃ jaḍa prānī..
jathā gagana ghana paṭala nihārī. jhāompēu mānu kahahiṃ kubicārī..

Fools do not perceive their own error; on the other hand, those stupid creatures attribute infatuation to the Lord, just as on seeing the sky covered with clouds, men of unsound judgment declare that the sun has been screened by the clouds.

चितव जो लोचन अंगुलि लाएँ। प्रगट जुगल ससि तेहि के भाएँ॥
उमा राम बिषइक अस मोहा। नभ तम धूम धूरि जिमि सोहा॥2॥

citava jō lōcana aṃguli lāēom. pragaṭa jugala sasi tēhi kē bhāēom..
umā rāma biṣaika asa mōhā. nabha tama dhūma dhūri jimi sōhā..

To him who sees with a finger stuck into his eyes the moon appears as doubled. Uma, infatuation is attributed to Rama in the same way as darkness, smoke or dust appears in the sky.

बिषय करन सुर जीव समेता। सकल एक तें एक सचेता॥
सब कर परम प्रकासक जोई। राम अनादि अवधपति सोई॥3॥

biṣaya karana sura jīva samētā. sakala ēka tēṃ ēka sacētā..
saba kara parama prakāsaka jōī. rāma anādi avadhapati sōī..

The objects of the senses, the senses and their presiding deities as well as the Jiva (embodied soul)-all these derive their illumination one from the other. (That is to say, the objects are illumined by the senses, the senses are illumined by their presiding deities and the deities presiding over the senses are illumined by the conscious Self). The supreme illuminator of them all is the eternal Rama, king of Ayodhya.

जगत प्रकास्य प्रकासक रामू। मायाधीस ग्यान गुन धामू॥
जासु सत्यता तें जड़ माया। भास सत्य इव मोह सहाया॥4॥

jagata prakāsya prakāsaka rāmū. māyādhīsa gyāna guna dhāmū..
jāsu satyatā tēṃ jaḍa māyā. bhāsa satya iva mōha sahāyā..

The world of matter is the object of illumination, while Rama is its illuminator. He is the lord of Maya and the abode of wisdom and virtues. It is due to His reality that even unconscious Matter appears as real through ignorance.

दोहा | Dohas :
रजत सीप महुँ भास जिमि जथा भानु कर बारि।
जदपि मृषा तिहुँ काल सोइ भ्रम न सकइ कोउ टारि॥117॥
rajata sīpa mahuom māsa jimi jathā bhānu kara bāri.
jadapi mṛṣā tihuom kāla sōi bhrama na sakai kōu ṭāri..117..

Just as a shell is mistaken for silver and a mirage for water even though the appearance is false at all times (in the past, present and future), nobody can dispel this delusion.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
एहि बिधि जग हरि आश्रित रहई। जदपि असत्य देत दुख अहई॥
जौं सपनें सिर काटै कोई। बिनु जागें न दूरि दुख होई॥1॥

ēhi bidhi jaga hari āśrita rahaī. jadapi asatya dēta dukha ahaī..
jauṃ sapanēṃ sira kāṭai kōī. binu jāgēṃ na dūri dukha hōī..

In a like manner is this world of matter superimposed on Hari. Though unreal, it gives us pain nonetheless, just as if a man’s head is cut off in a dream, he is not rid of pain till he wakes.

जासु कृपाँ अस भ्रम मिटि जाई। गिरिजा सोइ कृपाल रघुराई॥
आदि अंत कोउ जासु न पावा। मति अनुमानि निगम अस गावा॥2॥
jāsu kṛpāom asa bhrama miṭi jāī. girijā sōi kṛpāla raghurāī..
ādi aṃta kōu jāsu na pāvā. mati anumāni nigama asa gāvā..

Girija, He whose grace wipes out such delusion is none else than the benevolent Lord of Raghus. Nobody has been able to discover His beginning or end. Basing their conclusions on speculation the Vedas have described Him in the following words.

बिनु पद चलइ सुनइ बिनु काना। कर बिनु करम करइ बिधि नाना॥
आनन रहित सकल रस भोगी। बिनु बानी बकता बड़ जोगी॥3॥
binu pada calai sunai binu kānā. kara binu karama karai bidhi nānā..
ānana rahita sakala rasa bhōgī. binu bānī bakatā baḍa jōgī..

He walks without feet, hears without ears and performs actions of various kinds even without hands. He enjoys all tastes without a mouth (palate) and is a most clever speaker even though devoid of speech.

तन बिनु परस नयन बिनु देखा। ग्रहइ घ्रान बिनु बास असेषा॥
असि सब भाँति अलौकिक करनी। महिमा जासु जाइ नहिं बरनी॥4॥

tanu binu parasa nayana binu dēkhā. grahai ghrāna binu bāsa asēṣā..
asi saba bhāomti alaukika karanī. mahimā jāsu jāi nahiṃ baranī..

He touches without a body (the tactile sense), sees without eyes and catches all odours even without a nose (the olfactory sense). His ways are thus supernatural in every respect and His glory is beyond description.

दोहा | Dohas :
जेहि इमि गावहिं बेद बुध जाहि धरहिं मुनि ध्यान।
सोइ दसरथ सुत भगत हित कोसलपति भगवान॥118॥
jēhi imi gāvahi bēda budha jāhi dharahiṃ muni dhyāna..
sōi dasaratha suta bhagata hita kōsalapati bhagavāna..118..

He who is thus extolled by the Vedas and men of wisdom and whom the sages love to contemplate is no other than the divine Rama, son of Dasaratha, lord of Ayodhya, the friend of His devotees.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
कासीं मरत जंतु अवलोकी। जासु नाम बल करउँ बिसोकी॥
सोइ प्रभु मोर चराचर स्वामी। रघुबर सब उर अंतरजामी॥1॥

kāsīṃ marata jaṃtu avalōkī. jāsu nāma bala karauom bisōkī..
sōi prabhu mōra carācara svāmī. raghubara saba ura aṃtarajāmī..

When I behold any creature dying in the holy Kasi (the modern Varanasi), it is by the power of His Name that I rid it of all sorrow (liberate it). He is my Lord, the Chief of Raghus, the sovereign of all creation, animate as well as inanimate, the witness of all hearts.

बिबसहुँ जासु नाम नर कहहीं। जनम अनेक रचित अघ दहहीं॥
सादर सुमिरन जे नर करहीं। भव बारिधि गोपद इव तरहीं॥2॥
bibasahuom jāsu nāma nara kahahīṃ. janama anēka racita agha dahahīṃ..
sādara sumirana jē nara karahīṃ. bhava bāridhi gōpada iva tarahīṃ..

If men repeat His Name even in a helpless state, sins committed by them in a series of previous existences are burnt away; while those who devoutly remember Him are able to cross the ocean of mundane existence as if it were a mere hollow made by the hoof of a cow.

राम सो परमातमा भवानी। तहँ भ्रम अति अबिहित तव बानी॥
अस संसय आनत उर माहीं। ग्यान बिराग सकल गुन जाहीं॥3॥
rāma sō paramātamā bhavānī. tahaom bhrama ati abihita tava bānī..
asa saṃsaya ānata ura māhīṃ. gyāna birāga sakala guna jāhīṃ..

Rama is no other than that supreme Spirit. Bhavani; your assertion that He is subject to delusion is wholly unwarranted. The moment a man harbours such a doubt in his mind, his wisdom, dispassion and all other virtues bid adieu to him.

सुनि सिव के भ्रम भंजन बचना। मिटि गै सब कुतरक कै रचना॥
भइ रघुपति पद प्रीति प्रतीती। दारुन असंभावना बीती॥4॥

suni siva kē bhrama bhaṃjana bacanā. miṭi gai saba kutaraka kai racanā..
bhai raghupati pada prīti pratītī. dāruna asaṃbhāvanā bītī..

When Parvati heard Siva illuminating words, the whole structure of her sophistry collapsed. Attachment and devotion to the feet of the Lord of Raghus sprang in her heart and her shocking incredulity disappeared.

दोहा | Dohas :
पुनि पुनि प्रभु पद कमल गहि जोरि पंकरुह पानि।
बोलीं गिरिजा बचन बर मनहुँ प्रेम रस सानि॥119॥
puni puni prabhu pada kamala gahi jōri paṃkaruha pāni.
bōlī girijā bacana bara manahuom prēma rasa sāni..119.

Clasping the lotus-feet of her lord again and again, and joining her lotus-like palms, Parvati spoke the following fine words, steeping them as it were in the nectar of love:-

चौपाई | Chaupais :
ससि कर सम सुनि गिरा तुम्हारी। मिटा मोह सरदातप भारी॥
तुम्ह कृपाल सबु संसउ हरेऊ। राम स्वरूप जानि मोहि परेऊ॥1॥

sasi kara sama suni girā tumhārī. miṭā mōha saradātapa bhārī..
tumha kṛpāla sabu saṃsau harēū. rāma svarupa jāni mōhi parēū..

Now that I have listened to Your words, which were refreshing as moonbeams, my ignorance, like the feverish heat of the autumnal sunshine, has faded away. You have removed all my doubt, O gracious Lord, and the reality of Rama has been revealed to me.

नाथ कृपाँ अब गयउ बिषादा। सुखी भयउँ प्रभु चरन प्रसादा॥
अब मोहि आपनि किंकरि जानी। जदपि सहज जड़ नारि अयानी॥2॥

nātha kṛpāom aba gayau biṣādā. sukhī bhayauom prabhu carana prasādā..
aba mōhi āpani kiṃkari jānī. jadapi sahaja jaḍa nāri ayānī..

By Your grace, my lord, my gloom has been lifted and I feel happy now by the blessing of my lord’s feet. Now, regarding me as Your slave, even though I am a woman, ignorant and stupid by nature,

प्रथम जो मैं पूछा सोइ कहहू। जौं मो पर प्रसन्न प्रभु अहहू॥
राम ब्रह्म चिनमय अबिनासी। सर्ब रहित सब उर पुर बासी॥3॥

prathama jō maiṃ pūchā sōi kahahū. jauṃ mō para prasanna prabhu ahahū..
rāma brahma cinamaya abināsī. sarba rahita saba ura pura bāsī..

answer my former question, if You are pleased with me, my lord. Rama, I now understand, is no other than the indestructible Brahma (God), who is consciousness itself and who, though bereft of all, yet dwells in the heart of all.

नाथ धरेउ नरतनु केहि हेतू। मोहि समुझाइ कहहु बृषकेतू॥
उमा बचन सुनि परम बिनीता। रामकथा पर प्रीति पुनीता॥4॥

nātha dharēu naratanu kēhi hētū. mōhi samujhāi kahahu bṛṣakētū..
umā bacana suni parama binītā. rāmakathā para prīti punītā..

Why did He take the form of a human being? Explain this to me, O Sankara.” Hearing Uma’s most polite words and seeing Her unadulterated love for the story of Sri Rama.

दोहा | Dohas :
हियँ हरषे कामारि तब संकर सहज सुजान।
बहु बिधि उमहि प्रसंसि पुनि बोले कृपानिधान॥120 क॥

hiṃyaom haraṣē kāmāri taba saṃkara sahaja sujāna
bahu bidhi umahi prasaṃsi puni bōlē kṛpānidhāna..120ka.

The all-merciful and all-wise Sankara, the Destroyer of Cupid, was glad at heart and, extolling Uma in so many ways, said;

नवाह्न पारायण, पहला विश्राम
मासपारायण, चौथा विश्राम
सोरठा | Sortha
सुनु सुभ कथा भवानि रामचरितमानस बिमल।
कहा भुसुंडि बखानि सुना बिहग नायक गरुड़॥120 ख॥

sunu subha kathā bhavāni rāmacaritamānasa bimala.
kahā bhusuṃḍi bakhāni sunā bihaga nāyaka garuḍa..120kha..

O Parvati! hear the blessed story of the holy Ramacaritamanasa, which was narrated at length by the sage Bhusundi and heard by the king of birds, Garuda, I shall tell you later on how that great dialogue took place.

सो संबाद उदार जेहि बिधि भा आगें कहब।
सुनहु राम अवतार चरति परम सुंदर अनघ॥120 ग॥

sō saṃbāda udāra jēhi bidhi bhā āgēṃ kahaba.
sunahu rāma avatāra carita parama suṃdara anagha..120ga..

First, listen to the most charming and sanctifying story of His descent. The virtues, names, stories and forms of Sri Hari are all unlimited, innumerable and immeasurable.

हरि गुन नाम अपार कथा रूप अगनित अमित।
मैं निज मति अनुसार कहउँ उमा सादर सुनहु॥120 घ॥

hari guna nāma apāra kathā rūpa aganita amita.
maiṃ nija mati anusāra kahauom umā sādara sunahu..120gha..

Yet I proceed to tell them according to the best of my intellectual capacity; listen, Uma, with reverence.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
सुनु गिरिजा हरिचरित सुहाए। बिपुल बिसद निगमागम गाए॥
हरि अवतार हेतु जेहि होई। इदमित्थं कहि जाइ न सोई॥1॥
sunu girijā haricarita suhāē. bipula bisada nigamāgama gāē..
hari avatāra hētu jēhi hōī. idamitthaṃ kahi jāi na sōī..

O Girija: the Vedas and the Tantras have sung numerous charming and sinless exploits of Sri Hari. The cause of Sri Hari’s descent cannot be precisely stated. Listen, O sensible lady:

राम अतर्क्य बुद्धि मन बानी। मत हमार अस सुनहि सयानी॥
तदपि संत मुनि बेद पुराना। जस कछु कहहिं स्वमति अनुमाना॥2॥

rāma artakya buddhi mana bānī. mata hamāra asa sunahi sayānī..
tadapi saṃta muni bēda purānā. jasa kachu kahahiṃ svamati anumānā..

Sri Rama is beyond the grasp of intellect, mind or speech: such is my conviction. Yet, O charming lady, I tell you the reason as I understand it and even as the saints and sages, the Vedas and the Puranas have stated according to their intellectual level.

तस मैं सुमुखि सुनावउँ तोही। समुझि परइ जस कारन मोही॥
जब जब होई धरम कै हानी। बाढ़हिं असुर अधम अभिमानी॥3॥
tasa maiṃ sumukhi sunāvauom tōhī. samujhi parai jasa kārana mōhī..
jaba jaba hōi dharama kai hānī. bāḍhahiṃ asura adhama abhimānī..

And as the reason I understand, O beautiful faced (Parvati)! That I tells you; whenever virtue declines and vile and haughty demons multiply and work uniquity-

चौपाई | Chaupais :
करहिं अनीति जाइ नहिं बरनी। सीदहिं बिप्र धेनु सुर धरनी॥
तब तब प्रभु धरि बिबिध सरीरा। हरहिं कृपानिधि सज्जन पीरा॥4॥

karahiṃ anīti jāi nahiṃ baranī. sīdahiṃ bipra dhēnu sura dharanī..
taba taba prabhu dhari bibidha sarīrā. harahi kṛpānidhi sajjana pīrā..

And work uniquity that cannot be told, and whenever Brahmanas, cows, gods and earth itself are in trouble, the gracious Lord assumes various (transcendent) forms and relieves the distress of the virtuous.

दोहा | Dohas :
असुर मारि थापहिं सुरन्ह राखहिं निज श्रुति सेतु।
जग बिस्तारहिं बिसद जस राम जन्म कर हेतु॥121॥

asura māri thāpahiṃ suranha rākhahiṃ nija śruti sētu.
jaga bistārahiṃ bisada jasa rāma janma kara hētu..121..

Killing the demons He reinstates the gods, preserves the bounds of propriety fixed by the Vedas, which represent His own breath, and diffuses His immaculate glory throughout the world. This is the motive of Sri Rama’s descent.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
सोइ जस गाइ भगत भव तरहीं। कृपासिंधु जन हित तनु धरहीं॥
राम जनम के हेतु अनेका। परम बिचित्र एक तें एका॥1॥

sōi jasa gāi bhagata bhava tarahīṃ. kṛpāsiṃdhu jana hita tanu dharahīṃ..
rāma janama kē hētu anēkā. parama bicitra ēka tēṃ ēkā..

Singing this glory the devotees cross the ocean of mundane existence; it is for the sake of His devotees that the compassionate Lord bodies Himself forth. The motives of Sri Rama’s birth are many, each more wonderful than the other.

जनम एक दुइ कहउँ बखानी। सावधान सुनु सुमति भवानी॥
द्वारपाल हरि के प्रिय दोऊ। जय अरु बिजय जान सब कोऊ॥2॥

janama ēka dui kahauom bakhānī. sāvadhāna sunu sumati bhavānī..
dvārapāla hari kē priya dōū. jaya aru bijaya jāna saba kōū..

I will refer to one or two such births at some length; please listen attentively, O wise Bhavani. Sri Hari has two favourite gate-keepers Jaya and Vijaya, who are known to everybody.

बिप्र श्राप तें दूनउ भाई। तामस असुर देह तिन्ह पाई॥
कनककसिपु अरु हाटकलोचन। जगत बिदित सुरपति मद मोचन॥3॥

bipra śrāpa tēṃ dūnau bhāī. tāmasa asura dēha tinha pāī..
kanakakasipu aru hāṭaka lōcana. jagata bidita surapati mada mōcana..

Due to the curse of certain Brahmanas (Sanaka and his three brothers) both these brothers were born in the accursed species of demons. One of them was known as Hiranyakasipu and the other as Hiranyaksa. They became known throughout the universe as the tamers of the pride of Indra (the chief of gods).

बिजई समर बीर बिख्याता। धरि बराह बपु एक निपाता॥
होइ नरहरि दूसर पुनि मारा। जन प्रहलाद सुजस बिस्तारा॥4॥

bijaī samara bīra bikhyātā. dhari barāha bapu ēka nipātā..
hōi narahari dūsara puni mārā. jana prahalāda sujasa bistārā..

Both of them were celebrated heroes who came out victorious in battle. The Lord assumed the form of a Boar in order to kill one of the two brothers (viz., Hiranyaksa); while bodying Himself forth as a ManLion, He killed the other (Hiranyakasipu) and spread the fair renown of His devotee, Prahlada (Hiranyakasipu’s son).

दोहा | Dohas :
भए निसाचर जाइ तेइ महाबीर बलवान।
कुंभकरन रावन सुभट सुर बिजई जग जान॥122॥

bhaē nisācara jāi tēi mahābīra balavāna.
kuṃbhakarana rāvaṇa subhaṭa sura bijaī jaga jāna..122

It is these two brothers that were born again as the powerful and most valiant Raksasas. Ravana and Kumbhakarna, who were great warriors and, as all the world knows, conquered even gods.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
मुकुत न भए हते भगवाना। तीनि जनम द्विज बचन प्रवाना॥
एक बार तिन्ह के हित लागी। धरेउ सरीर भगत अनुरागी॥1॥

mukuta na bhaē hatē bhagavānā. tīni janama dvija bacana pravānā..
ēka bāra tinha kē hita lāgī. dharēu sarīra bhagata anurāgī..

Even though slain by the Lord, the two brothers (Hiranyaksa and Hiranyakasipu) did not attain liberation; for the Brahmanas had doomed them to three births. It was on their account that the Lover of the devotees bodied Himself forth on one occasion.

कस्यप अदिति तहाँ पितु माता। दसरथ कौसल्या बिख्याता॥
एक कलप एहि बिधि अवतारा। चरित पवित्र किए संसारा॥2॥

kasyapa aditi tahāom pitu mātā. dasaratha kausalyā bikhyātā..
ēka kalapa ēhi bidhi avatārā. caritra pavitra kiē saṃsārā..

In that birth Kasyapa and Aditi were His parents, who were known by the names of Dasaratha and Kausalya respectively. This was how in one Kalpa (round of creation) the Lord descended from heaven and performed purifying deeds on earth.

एक कलप सुर देखि दुखारे। समर जलंधर सन सब हारे॥
संभु कीन्ह संग्राम अपारा। दनुज महाबल मरइ न मारा॥3॥

ēka kalapa sura dēkhi dukhārē. samara jalaṃdhara sana saba hārē..
saṃbhu kīnha saṃgrāma apārā. danuja mahābala marai na mārā..

In another Kalpa all the gods were worsted in their conflict with the demon Jalandhara. Seeing their distress Sambhu waged war against him, which knew no end; but the demon, who possessed a great might, could not be killed in spite of His best efforts.

परम सती असुराधिप नारी। तेहिं बल ताहि न जितहिं पुरारी॥4॥
parama satī asurādhipa nārī. tēhi bala tāhi na jitahiṃ purārī..

The wife of the demon chief was a most virtuous lady. Armed by her strength of character the demon could not be conquered even by the Vanquisher of Tripura.

दोहा | Dohas :
छल करि टारेउ तासु ब्रत प्रभु सुर कारज कीन्ह।
जब तेहिं जानेउ मरम तब श्राप कोप करि दीन्ह॥123॥
chala kari ṭārēu tāsu brata prabhu sura kāraja kīnha..
jaba tēhi jānēu marama taba śrāpa kōpa kari dīnha..123..

By a stratagem, the Lord broke her vow of chastity and accomplished the purpose of the gods. When the lady discovered the trick, she cursed Him in her wrath.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
तासु श्राप हरि दीन्ह प्रमाना। कौतुकनिधि कृपाल भगवाना॥
तहाँ जलंधर रावन भयऊ। रन हति राम परम पद दयऊ॥1॥

tāsu śrāpa hari dīnha pramānā. kautukanidhi kṛpāla bhagavānā..
tahāom jalaṃdhara rāvana bhayaū. rana hati rāma parama pada dayaū..

The sportive and gracious Lord accepted her curse. It was this Jalandhara who was reborn as Ravana in this latter Kalpa. Killing him in battle Sri Rama conferred on him the supreme state (final beatitude).

एक जनम कर कारन एहा। जेहि लगि राम धरी नरदेहा॥
प्रति अवतार कथा प्रभु केरी। सुनु मुनि बरनी कबिन्ह घनेरी॥2॥

ēka janama kara kārana ēhā. jēhi lāgi rāma dharī naradēhā..
prati avatāra kathā prabhu kērī. sunu muni baranī kabinha ghanērī..

This was the reason why Sri Rama assumed a human form in one particular birth. Hark, O Bharadvaja; the story of each birth of the Lord has been sung by poets in diverse ways.

नारद श्राप दीन्ह एक बारा। कलप एक तेहि लगि अवतारा॥
गिरिजा चकित भईं सुनि बानी। नारद बिष्नुभगत पुनि ग्यानी॥3॥
nārada śrāpa dīnha ēka bārā. kalapa ēka tēhi lagi avatārā..
girijā cakita bhaī suni bānī. nārada biṣnubhagata puni gyāni..

On one occasion Narada cursed the Lord; this served as an excuse of His birth in one particular Kalpa.” Girija was taken aback to hear these words and said, “Narada is a votary of God Visnu and enlightened soul too.

कारन कवन श्राप मुनि दीन्हा। का अपराध रमापति कीन्हा॥
यह प्रसंग मोहि कहहु पुरारी। मुनि मन मोह आचरज भारी॥4॥
kārana kavana śrāpa muni dīnhā. kā aparādha ramāpati kīnhā..
yaha prasaṃga mōhi kahahu purārī. muni mana mōha ācaraja bhārī..

Wherefore did the sage pronounce a curse? What offence had Laksmi’s lord committed against him? Tell me the whole story, O Slayer of the demon Tripura. It is very strange that the sage should have fallen a prey to delusion.

दोहा | Dohas :
बोले बिहसि महेस तब ग्यानी मूढ़ न कोइ।
जेहि जस रघुपति करहिं जब सो तस तेहि छन होइ॥124 क॥

bōlē bihasi mahēsa taba gyānī mūḍha na kōi.
jēhi jasa raghupati karahiṃ jaba sō tasa tēhi chana hōi..124ka..

The great Lord Siva then replied with a smile, “There is no one enlightened or deluded. Man instantly becomes what the Lord of Raghus wills him to be at a particular moment.

सोरठा | Sortha
कहउँ राम गुन गाथ भरद्वाज सादर सुनहु।
भव भंजन रघुनाथ भजु तुलसी तजि मान मद॥124 ख॥
kahauom rāma guna gātha bharadvāja sādara sunahu.
bhava bhaṃjana raghunātha bhaju tulasī taji māna mada..124kha..

Said Yajnavalkya, “I am going to recount the virtues of Rama, O Bharadvaja; listen with a devout mind.” Renouncing pride and intoxication, O Tulasidasa, adore the Lord of Raghus, who puts an end to metempsychosis.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
हिमगिरि गुहा एक अति पावनि। बह समीप सुरसरी सुहावनि॥
आश्रम परम पुनीत सुहावा। देखि देवरिषि मन अति भावा॥1॥
himagiri guhā ēka ati pāvani. baha samīpa surasarī suhāvani..
āśrama parama punīta suhāvā. dēkhi dēvariṣi mana ati bhāvā..

In the Himalaya mountains there was a most sacred cave; the beautiful heavenly stream (Ganga) flowed near by. The sight of this most holy and charming hermitage highly attracted the mind of the celestial sage Narada.

निरखि सैल सरि बिपिन बिभागा। भयउ रमापति पद अनुरागा॥
सुमिरत हरिहि श्राप गति बाधी। सहज बिमल मन लागि समाधी॥2॥

nirakhi saila sari bipina bibhāgā. bhayau ramāpati pada anurāgā..
sumirata harihi śrāpa gati bādhī. sahaja bimala mana lāgi samādhī..

Seeing the mountain, the river and the forest glades, his heart developed love for the feet of Laksmi’s lord. The thought of Sri Hari broke the spell of the curse* (pronounced by Daksa, which did not allow him to stay at one place); and his mind, which was naturally sinless, fell into a trance.

मुनि गति देखि सुरेस डेराना। कामहि बोलि कीन्ह सनमाना॥
सहित सहाय जाहु मम हेतू। चलेउ हरषि हियँ जलचरकेतू॥3॥

muni gati dēkhi surēsa ḍērānā. kāmahi bōli kīnha sanamānā..
sahita sahāya jāhu mama hētū. cakēu haraṣi hiyaom jalacarakētū..

Seeing the sage’s condition, Indra (the chief of gods) became apprehensive. Summoning the god of love, he received him with great honour and said, “For my sake go with your associates!” The god of love (who has a fish emblazoned on his standard) set out gladdened at heart.

सुनासीर मन महुँ असि त्रासा। चहत देवरिषि मम पुर बासा॥
जे कामी लोलुप जग माहीं। कुटिल काक इव सबहि डेराहीं॥4॥
sunāsīra mana mahuom asi trāsā. cahata dēvariṣi mama pura bāsā..
jē kāmī lōlupa jaga māhīṃ. kuṭila kāka iva sabahi ḍērāhīṃ..

Indra apprehended that the celestial sage sought to occupy his abode. Those who are lustful and grasping are afraid of everyone like the evil-minded crow.

दोहा | Dohas :
सूख हाड़ लै भाग सठ स्वान निरखि मृगराज।
छीनि लेइ जनि जान जड़ तिमि सुरपतिहि न लाज॥125॥

sukha hāḍa lai bhāga saṭha svāna nirakhi mṛgarāja.
chīni lēi jani jāna jaḍa timi surapatihi na lāja..125..

Just as a foolish dog, on seeing a king of beasts, should run away with a dry bone, fearing in his crass ignorance lest the lion should rob him of it, Indra too in his shamelessness thought as above.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
तेहि आश्रमहिं मदन जब गयऊ। निज मायाँ बसंत निरमयऊ॥
कुसुमित बिबिध बिटप बहुरंगा। कूजहिं कोकिल गुंजहिं भृंगा॥1॥

tēhi āśramahiṃ madana jaba gayaū. nija māyāom basaṃta niramayaū..
kusumita bibidha biṭapa bahuraṃgā. kūjahiṃ kōkila guṃjahi bhṛṃgā..

When the god of love reached that hermitage, he created a semblance of the vernal season by his illusory power. Many-coloured blossoms appeared on the trees of different kinds; cuckoos sang and bees hummed.

चली सुहावनि त्रिबिध बयारी। काम कृसानु बढ़ावनिहारी॥
रंभादिक सुर नारि नबीना। सकल असमसर कला प्रबीना॥2॥

calī suhāvani tribidha bayārī. kāma kṛsānu baḍhaāvanihārī..
raṃbhādika suranāri nabīnā . sakala asamasara kalā prabīnā..

Delightful breezes, cool, soft and fragrant, blew, fanning the flame of passion. Rambha and other heavenly damsels, who looked ever young and were all past masters in amorous sports,

करहिं गान बहु तान तरंगा। बहुबिधि क्रीड़हिं पानि पतंगा॥
देखि सहाय मदन हरषाना। कीन्हेसि पुनि प्रपंच बिधि नाना॥3॥

karahiṃ gāna bahu tāna taraṃgā. bahubidhi krīḍahi pāni pataṃgā..
dēkhi sahāya madana haraṣānā. kīnhēsi puni prapaṃca bidhi nānā..

sang in undulating tones of various kinds and sported in many ways, ball in hand. The god of love was delighted to see his associates there and employed a variety of deceptive tricks.

काम कला कछु मुनिहि न ब्यापी। निज भयँ डरेउ मनोभव पापी॥
सीम कि चाँपि सकइ कोउ तासू। बड़ रखवार रमापति जासू॥4॥

kāma kalā kachu munihi na byāpī. nija bhayaom ḍarēu manōbhava pāpī..
sīma ki cāompi sakai kōu tāsu. baḍa rakhavāra ramāpati jāsū.

But his amorous devices had no effect on the sage. Guilty Cupid was now apprehensive of his own destruction. Can anyone dare to trespass the bounds of him who has the Lord of Laksmi as his great protector.

दोहा | Dohas :
सहित सहाय सभीत अति मानि हारि मन मैन।
गहेसि जाइ मुनि चरन तब कहि सुठि आरत बैन॥126॥

sahita sahāya sabhīta ati māni hāri mana maina.
gahēsi jāi muni carana taba kahi suṭhi ārata baina..126..

In dire dismay the god of love with his accomplices acknowledged his defeat and clasped the sage’s feet, addressing him in accents of deep humility.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
भयउ न नारद मन कछु रोषा। कहि प्रिय बचन काम परितोषा॥
नाइ चरन सिरु आयसु पाई। गयउ मदन तब सहित सहाई॥1॥

bhayau na nārada mana kachu rōṣā. kahi priya bacana kāma paritōṣā..
nāi carana siru āyasu pāī. gayau madana taba sahita sahāī..

There was no anger in Narada’s mind; he reassured the god of love by addressing him in friendly terms. Then, bowing his head at the sage’s feet and obtaining his leave, Love retired with his accomplices.

मुनि सुसीलता आपनि करनी। सुरपति सभाँ जाइ सब बरनी॥
सुनि सब कें मन अचरजु आवा। मुनिहि प्रसंसि हरिहि सिरु नावा॥2॥
muni susīlatā āpani karanī. surapati sabhāom jāi saba baranī..

suni saba ke māna acaraju ava, munihi prasamsi harihi siru nāva..

Reaching the court of Indra (the chief of gods) he related his own doings, on the one hand, and the sage’s clemency, on the other. Hearing the tale all were astonished; they extolled the sage and bowed their head to Hari.

तब नारद गवने सिव पाहीं। जिता काम अहमिति मन माहीं॥
मार चरति संकरहि सुनाए। अतिप्रिय जानि महेस सिखाए॥3॥

taba nārada gavanē siva pāhīṃ. jitā kāma ahamiti mana māhīṃ..
māra carita saṃkarahiṃ sunāē. atipriya jāni mahēsa sikhāē..

Then Narada called on Siva; he was proud of his victory over Love and told Him all Love’s doings. Knowing him to be His most beloved friend, the great Lord Siva admonished him as follows:-

बार बार बिनवउँ मुनि तोही। जिमि यह कथा सुनायहु मोही॥
तिमि जनि हरिहि सुनावहु कबहूँ। चलेहुँ प्रसंग दुराएहु तबहूँ॥4॥

bāra bāra binavauom muni tōhīṃ. jimi yaha kathā sunāyahu mōhīṃ..
timi jani harihi sunāvahu kabahūom. calēhuom prasaṃga durāēḍu tabahūom.

“O sage, I pray you again and again: never repeat this story to Hari as you have repeated it to me. Even if the topic ever comes up before Him, please hush it up.”

दोहा | Dohas :
संभु दीन्ह उपदेस हित नहिं नारदहि सोहान।
भरद्वाज कौतुक सुनहु हरि इच्छा बलवान॥127॥
saṃbhu dīnha upadēsa hita nahiṃ nāradahi sōhāna.
bhāradvāja kautuka sunahu hari icchā balavāna..127..

Wholesome was the advice given by Sambhu; but it did not please Narada. Bharadvaja, now hear what interesting thing happened. The will of Hari is predominant.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
राम कीन्ह चाहहिं सोइ होई। करै अन्यथा अस नहिं कोई॥
संभु बचन मुनि मन नहिं भाए। तब बिरंचि के लोक सिधाए॥1॥
rāma kīnha cāhahiṃ sōi hōī. karai anyathā asa nahiṃ kōī..
saṃbhu bacana muni mana nahiṃ bhāē. taba biraṃci kē lōka sidhāē..

The will of Sri Rama alone prevails; there is no one who can alter it. Sambhu’s advice fell flat on the sage. Then he went to the abode of Brahma (the Creator).

एक बार करतल बर बीना। गावत हरि गुन गान प्रबीना॥
छीरसिंधु गवने मुनिनाथा। जहँ बस श्रीनिवास श्रुतिमाथा॥2॥

ēka bāra karatala bara bīnā. gāvata hari guna gāna prabīnā..
chīrasiṃdhu gavanē munināthā. jahaom basa śrīnivāsa śrutimāthā..

Singing the glories of Sri Hari, to the accompaniment of the excellent lute he had in his hand, the lord of sages, Narada, who was skilled in music, once repaired to the ocean of milk. Where dwells the abode of Laksmi, Bhagavan Narayana, who is Vedanta (the crown of all Vedas) personified.

हरषि मिले उठि रमानिकेता। बैठे आसन रिषिहि समेता॥
बोले बिहसि चराचर राया। बहुते दिनन कीन्हि मुनि दाया॥3॥

haraṣi milē uṭhi ramānikētā. baiṭhē āsana riṣihi samētā..
bōlē bihasi carācara rāyā. bahutē dinana kīnhi muni dāyā..

The abode of Rama (Laksmi) rose to meet him in great joy and shared His seat with the sage. The Lord of the entire creation, animate as well as inanimate, said with a smile, “It is after a long time that you have showed Me this favour, reverend sir.”

काम चरित नारद सब भाषे। जद्यपि प्रथम बरजि सिवँ राखे॥
अति प्रचंड रघुपति कै माया। जेहि न मोह अस को जग जाया॥4॥

kāma carita nārada saba bhāṣē. jadyapi prathama baraji sivaom rākhē..

ati pracamda raghupati kai māyā, jehi na moha asa ko jaga jāyā..

दोहा | Dohas :
रूख बदन करि बचन मृदु बोले श्रीभगवान।
तुम्हरे सुमिरन तें मिटहिं मोह मार मद मान॥128॥

rūkha badana kari bacana mṛdu bōlē śrībhagavāna .
tumharē sumirana tēṃ miṭahiṃ mōha māra mada māna..128..

Narada told Him all the doings of Love, even though Siva had already forbidden him to do so. Most formidable is the Maya (deluding potency) of the Lord of Raghus. No one was ever born in this world, who is beyond its charm.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
सुनु मुनि मोह होइ मन ताकें। ग्यान बिराग हृदय नहिं जाकें॥
ब्रह्मचरज ब्रत रत मतिधीरा। तुम्हहि कि करइ मनोभव पीरा॥1॥
sunu muni mōha hōi mana tākēṃ. gyāna birāga hṛdaya nahiṃ jākē..
brahmacaraja brata rata matidhīrā. tumhahi ki karai manōbhava pīrā..

Hark, O sage! the mind of him alone is susceptible to delusion, whose heart is devoid of wisdom and dispassion. You are steadfast in your vow of celibacy and resolute of mind; you can never be smitten with pangs of Love.

नारद कहेउ सहित अभिमाना। कृपा तुम्हारि सकल भगवाना॥
करुनानिधि मन दीख बिचारी। उर अंकुरेउ गरब तरु भारी॥2॥

nārada kahēu sahita abhimānā. kṛpā tumhāri sakala bhagavānā..
karunānidhi mana dīkha bicārī. ura aṃkurēu garaba taru bhārī..

Narada replied with a feeling of pride, “Lord it is all due to Your grace.” The compassionate Lord pondered and saw that a huge tree of pride had sprouted in his heart.

बेगि सो मैं डारिहउँ उखारी। पन हमार सेवक हितकारी॥
मुनि कर हित मम कौतुक होई। अवसि उपाय करबि मैं सोई॥3॥

bēgi sō mai ḍārihauom ukhārī. pana hamāra sēvaka hitakārī..
muni kara hita mama kautuka hōī. avasi upāya karabi mai sōī..

I shall soon tear it up by roots; for it is My vow to serve the best interest of My servants. I must contrive some plan which may do good to the sage and serve as a diversion for Me.

तब नारद हरि पद सिर नाई। चले हृदयँ अहमिति अधिकाई॥
श्रीपति निज माया तब प्रेरी। सुनहु कठिन करनी तेहि केरी॥4॥
taba nārada hari pada sira nāī. calē hṛdayaom ahamiti adhikāī..
śrīpati nija māyā taba prērī. sunahu kaṭhina karanī tēhi kērī..

Then, bowing his head at the feet of Sri Hari, Narada departed. The pride in his heart had swelled. The Lord of Laksmi (the goddess of prosperity) then set His Maya into operation. Now hear of her relentless doings.

दोहा | Dohas :
बिरचेउ मग महुँ नगर तेहिं सत जोजन बिस्तार।
श्रीनिवासपुर तें अधिक रचना बिबिध प्रकार॥129॥

biracēu maga mahuom nagara tēhiṃ sata jōjana bistāra.
śrīnivāsapura tēṃ adhika racanā bibidha prakāra..129..

The Lord’s Maya (deluding potency) created on the way a city with an area of eight hundred square miles. The manifold architectural beauties of that city excelled even those of Visnu’s own capital (Vaikuntha).

चौपाई | Chaupais :
बसहिं नगर सुंदर नर नारी। जनु बहु मनसिज रति तनुधारी॥
तेहिं पुर बसइ सीलनिधि राजा। अगनित हय गय सेन समाजा॥1॥

basahiṃ nagara suṃdara nara nārī. janu bahu manasija rati tanudhārī..
tēhiṃ pura basai sīlanidhi rājā. aganita haya gaya sēna samājā..

It was inhabited by graceful men and women, whom you would take to be so many incarnations of the god of love and his wife Rati. A king, Silanidhi by name, ruled over that city; he owned numberless horses, elephants and troops.

सत सुरेस सम बिभव बिलासा। रूप तेज बल नीति निवासा॥
बिस्वमोहनी तासु कुमारी। श्री बिमोह जिसु रूपु निहारी॥2॥

sata surēsa sama bibhava bilāsā. rūpa tēja bala nīti nivāsā..
bisvamōhanī tāsu kumārī. śrī bimōha jisu rūpu nihārī..

He possessed the grandeur and luxury of a hundred Indras, and was a repository of grace, splendour, might and wisdom. He had a daughter, Visvamohini by name, whose beauty enraptured even Laksmi.

सोइ हरिमाया सब गुन खानी। सोभा तासु कि जाइ बखानी॥
करइ स्वयंबर सो नृपबाला। आए तहँ अगनित महिपाला॥3॥
sōi harimāyā saba guna khānī. sōbhā tāsu ki jāi bakhānī..
karai svayaṃbara sō nṛpabālā. āē tahaom aganita mahipālā..

She was no other than Sri Hari’s own Maya (enrapturing potency), the fountainhead of all virtues; who can describe her charm? The princess was going to marry by self-choice; hence kings beyond number arrived there as suitors.

मुनि कौतुकी नगर तेहि गयऊ। पुरबासिन्ह सब पूछत भयऊ॥
सुनि सब चरित भूपगृहँ आए। करि पूजा नृप मुनि बैठाए॥4॥

muni kautukī nagara tēhiṃ gayaū. purabāsinha saba pūchata bhayaū..
suni saba carita bhūpagṛhaom āē. kari pūjā nṛpa muni baiṭhāē..

The sportive sage (Narada) entered the city and inquired everything from the people. Hearing all that had been going on there, he wended his way to the king’s palace. The king paid him homage and gave him a seat.

दोहा | Dohas :
आनि देखाई नारदहि भूपति राजकुमारि।
कहहु नाथ गुन दोष सब एहि के हृदयँ बिचारि॥130॥

āni dēkhāī nāradahi bhūpati rājakumāri.
kahahu nātha guna dōṣa saba ēhi kē hṛdayaom bicāri..130..

The king brought and showed the princess to Narada and said, “Tell me after mature thought all that is good or bad about her.”

चौपाई | Chaupais :
देखि रूप मुनि बिरति बिसारी। बड़ी बार लगि रहे निहारी॥
लच्छन तासु बिलोकि भुलाने। हृदयँ हरष नहिं प्रगट बखाने॥1॥
dēkhi rūpa muni birati bisārī. baḍaī bāra lagi rahē nihārī..
lacchana tāsu bilōki bhulānē. hṛdayaom haraṣa nahiṃ pragaṭa bakhānē..

Seeing her beauty the sage forgot all about his dispassion and remained gazing on her for a long time. When he read the auspicious marks on her body, he was lost in reverie. He was gladdened at heart, but he would not openly mention the happy characteristics.

जो एहि बरइ अमर सोइ होई। समरभूमि तेहि जीत न कोई॥
सेवहिं सकल चराचर ताही। बरइ सीलनिधि कन्या जाही॥2॥
jō ēhi barai amara sōi hōī. samarabhūmi tēhi jīta na kōī..
sēvahiṃ sakala carācara tāhī. barai sīlanidhi kanyā jāhī..

“He who weds this girl,” he said to himself, “Shall become immortal; and no one shall be able to conquer him in battle. He whom Silanidhi’s daughter selects for her lord shall be adored by the entire creation, both animate and inanimate.”

लच्छन सब बिचारि उर राखे। कछुक बनाइ भूप सन भाषे॥
सुता सुलच्छन कहि नृप पाहीं। नारद चले सोच मन माहीं॥3॥

lacchana saba bicāri ura rākhē. kachuka banāi bhūpa sana bhāṣē..
sutā sulacchana kahi nṛpa pāhīṃ. nārada calē sōca mana māhīṃ..

Having read these characteristics the sage kept them to himself, and mentioned a few fabricated ones to the king. Telling the king that his daughter was of good promise, Narada left. He thought within himself,-

करौं जाइ सोइ जतन बिचारी। जेहि प्रकार मोहि बरै कुमारी॥
जप तप कछु न होइ तेहि काला। हे बिधि मिलइ कवन बिधि बाला॥4॥
karauṃ jāi sōi jatana bicārī. jēhi prakāra mōhi barai kumārī..
japa tapa kachu na hōi tēhi kālā. hē bidhi milai kavana bidhi bālā.

“Let me devise and try some means whereby the princess may choose me for her husband.” He had no more zeal to practise Japa (muttering of sacred formulas) or austerity. “Good God, how am I to get the girl?” he said to himself.

दोहा | Dohas :
एहि अवसर चाहिअ परम सोभा रूप बिसाल।
जो बिलोकि रीझै कुअँरि तब मेलै जयमाल॥131॥
ēhi avasara cāhia parama sōbhā rūpa bisāla.
jō bilōki rījhai kuaomri taba mēlai jayamāla..131..

“What is needed on this occasion is great personal charm and surpassing beauty, whereby the princess may be enamoured of me and place the wreath of victory round my neck,” he continued.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
हरि सन मागौं सुंदरताई। होइहि जात गहरु अति भाई॥
मोरें हित हरि सम नहिं कोऊ। एहि अवसर सहाय सोइ होऊ॥1॥
hari sana māgauṃ suṃdaratāī. hōihi jāta gaharu ati bhāī..
mōrēṃ hita hari sama nahiṃ kōū. ēhi avasara sahāya sōi hōū..

“Let me ask Hari for a gift of beauty. But, alas! much time will be lost in going to Him. Yet I have no such friend as Hari; let Him, therefore, come to my rescue at this juncture.”

बहुबिधि बिनय कीन्हि तेहि काला। प्रगटेउ प्रभु कौतुकी कृपाला॥
प्रभु बिलोकि मुनि नयन जुड़ाने। होइहि काजु हिएँ हरषाने॥2॥
bahubidhi binaya kīnhi tēhi kālā. pragaṭēu prabhu kautukī kṛpālā..
prabhu bilōki muni nayana juḍaānē. hōihi kāju hiēom haraṣānē..

Then Narada prayed in manifold ways and lo! The sportive and merciful Lord appeared before him. The sight was soothing to the sage’s eyes. He was glad at heart and felt assured that his object would be accomplished.

अति आरति कहि कथा सुनाई। करहु कृपा करि होहु सहाई॥
आपन रूप देहु प्रभु मोहीं। आन भाँति नहिं पावौं ओही॥3॥

ati ārati kahi kathā sunāī. karahu kṛpā kari hōhu sahāī..
āpana rūpa dēhu prabhu mōhī. āna bhāomti nahiṃ pāvauṃ ōhī..

In great humility he told the Lord all that had happened, and said, “Be gracious to me and be good enough to help me. Lord, bestow on me Your own beauty; in no other way can I get possession of her.

जेहि बिधि नाथ होइ हित मोरा। करहु सो बेगि दास मैं तोरा॥
निज माया बल देखि बिसाला। हियँ हँसि बोले दीनदयाला॥4॥
jēhi bidhi nātha hōi hita mōrā. karahu sō bēgi dāsa maiṃ tōrā..
nija māyā bala dēkhi bisālā. hiyaom haomsi bōlē dīnadayālā..

Speedily do that which may serve my best interests; I am Your own servant, my lord.” Seeing the mighty power of His Maya, the Lord, who is compassionate to the poor, smiled to himself and said;

दोहा | Dohas :
जेहि बिधि होइहि परम हित नारद सुनहु तुम्हार।
सोइ हम करब न आन कछु बचन न मृषा हमार॥132॥

jēhi bidhi hōihi parama hita nārada sunahu tumhāra.
sōi hama karaba na āna kachu bacana na mṛṣā hamāra..132..

Narada, listen to me; I shall do that alone which is good to you, and nothing else My words can never be untrue.”

चौपाई | Chaupais :
कुपथ माग रुज ब्याकुल रोगी। बैद न देइ सुनहु मुनि जोगी॥
एहि बिधि हित तुम्हार मैं ठयऊ। कहि अस अंतरहित प्रभु भयऊ॥1॥

jēhi bidhi hōihi parama hita nārada sunahu tumhāra.
sōi hama karaba na āna kachu bacana na mṛṣā hamāra..132..

“Hark, O contemplative ascetic! if a patient distracted by his malady asks for something which is harmful to him, the physician would not give it. In a like manner I have resolved on doing what is good to you.” So saying, the Lord disappeared.

माया बिबस भए मुनि मूढ़ा। समुझी नहिं हरि गिरा निगूढ़ा॥
गवने तुरत तहाँ रिषिराई। जहाँ स्वयंबर भूमि बनाई॥2॥
māyā bibasa bhaē muni mūḍhaā. samujhī nahiṃ hari girā nigūḍhaā..
gavanē turata tahāom riṣirāī. jahāom svayaṃbara bhūmi banāī..

Under the spell of His Maya the sage was so mystified that he could not understand even such unambiguous words of Sri Hari. The chief of seers hastened to the spot where the arena for the choice-marriage had been prepared.

निज निज आसन बैठे राजा। बहु बनाव करि सहित समाजा॥
मुनि मन हरष रूप अति मोरें। मोहि तजि आनहि बरिहि न भोरें॥3॥
nija nija āsana baiṭhē rājā. bahu banāva kari sahita samājā..
muni mana haraṣa rūpa ati mōrēṃ. mōhi taji ānahi bārihi na bhōrēṃ..

Richly adorned, the royal suitors had occupied their respective seats, each with his retinue. The sage was glad at heart; for he thought within himself, “My beauty is so surpassing that the princess will never commit the error of choosing for her husband anyone else than me.”

मुनि हित कारन कृपानिधाना। दीन्ह कुरूप न जाइ बखाना॥
सो चरित्र लखि काहुँ न पावा। नारद जानि सबहिं सिर नावा॥4॥

muni hita kārana kṛpānidhānā. dīnha kurūpa na jāi bakhānā..
sō caritra lakhi kāhuom na pāvā. nārada jāni sabahiṃ sira nāvā..

In the sage’s own interest the gracious Lord had made him hideous beyond description. But no one could mark the change that had taken place in him; everyone knew him to be Narada and greeted him as such.

दोहा | Dohas :
रहे तहाँ दुइ रुद्र गन ते जानहिं सब भेउ।
बिप्रबेष देखत फिरहिं परम कौतुकी तेउ॥133॥
rahē tahāom dui rudra gana tē jānahiṃ saba bhēu.
biprabēṣa dēkhata phirahiṃ parama kautukī tēu..133..

Two of Siva attendants too happened to be there. They knew the whole secret and, disguised as Brahmanas, went about seeing the fun.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
जेहिं समाज बैठे मुनि जाई। हृदयँ रूप अहमिति अधिकाई॥
तहँ बैठे महेस गन दोऊ। बिप्रबेष गति लखइ न कोऊ॥1॥

jēṃhi samāja baiṃṭhē muni jāī. hṛdayaom rūpa ahamiti adhikāī..
tahaom baiṭha mahēsa gana dōū. biprabēṣa gati lakhai na kōū..

In the row where sat Narada, exceedingly proud of his beauty, the two attendants of Mahesa too seated themselves. Being disguised as Brahmanas they could not be detected.

करहिं कूटि नारदहि सुनाई। नीकि दीन्हि हरि सुंदरताई॥
रीझिहि राजकुअँरि छबि देखी। इन्हहि बरिहि हरि जानि बिसेषी॥2॥

karahiṃ kūṭi nāradahi sunāī. nīki dīnhi hari suṃdaratāī..
rījhahi rājakuaomri chabi dēkhī. inhahi barihi hari jāni bisēṣī..

They flung sarcastic remarks at Narada, saying, “Hari has given this man such excellent beauty that the princess will be enamoured to look at it and shall certainly choose him, taking him for Hari* Himself.”

मुनिहि मोह मन हाथ पराएँ। हँसहिं संभु गन अति सचु पाएँ॥
जदपि सुनहिं मुनि अटपटि बानी। समुझि न परइ बुद्धि भ्रम सानी॥3॥

munihi mōha mana hātha parāēom. haomsahiṃ saṃbhu gana ati sacu pāēom..
jadapi sunahiṃ muni aṭapaṭi bānī. samujhi na parai buddhi bhrama sānī..

The sage was under a spell of delusion; for his heart had been stolen by love. The attendants of Siva felt amused at this and greatly enjoyed the fun. Even though the sage heard their ironical talk, he could not follow it, his reason being clouded by infatuation.

काहुँ न लखा सो चरित बिसेषा। सो सरूप नृपकन्याँ देखा॥
मर्कट बदन भयंकर देही। देखत हृदयँ क्रोध भा तेही॥4॥
kāhuom na lakhā sō carita bisēṣā. sō sarūpa nṛpakanyāom dēkhā..
markaṭa badana bhayaṃkara dēhī. dēkhata hṛdayaom krōdha bhā tēhī..

No one perceived this extra-ordinary phenomenon; the princess alone saw his ugly form. The moment she beheld his monkey-like face and frightful form she was filled with rage.

दोहा | Dohas :
सखीं संग लै कुअँरि तब चलि जनु राजमराल।
देखत फिरइ महीप सब कर सरोज जयमाल॥134॥
sakhīṃ saṃga lai kuaomri taba cali janu rājamarāla.
dēkhata phirai mahīpa saba kara sarōja jayamāla..134..

Accompained by her girl companions the princess then glided as a swan. With a wreath of victory in her lotus hands she moved about surveying each of her royal suitors.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
जेहि दिसि बैठे नारद फूली। सो दिसि तेहिं न बिलोकी भूली॥
पुनि-पुनि मुनि उकसहिं अकुलाहीं। देखि दसा हर गन मुसुकाहीं॥1॥

jēhi disi baiṭhē nārada phūlī. sō disi dēhi na bilōkī bhūlī..
puni puni muni ukasahiṃ akulāhīṃ. dēkhi dasā hara gana musakāhīṃ..

She did not care to look even casually at the quarter in which Narada sat elated with pride. Again and again the sage would raise himself and fidget about; the attendants of Hara smiled to see him in that state.

धरि नृपतनु तहँ गयउ कृपाला। कुअँरि हरषि मेलेउ जयमाला॥
दुलहिनि लै गे लच्छिनिवासा। नृपसमाज सब भयउ निरासा॥2॥
dhari nṛpatanu tahaom gayau kṛpālā. kuaomri haraṣi mēlēu jayamālā..
dulahini lai gē lacchinivāsā. nṛpasamāja saba bhayau nirāsā..

The gracious Lord too went there in the form of a king; the princess joyfully placed the wreath of victory round His neck. The Lord of Laksmi carried off the bride to the despair of all assembled kings.

मुनि अति बिकल मोहँ मति नाठी। मनि गिरि गई छूटि जनु गाँठी॥
तब हर गन बोले मुसुकाई। निज मुख मुकुर बिलोकहु जाई॥3॥
muni ati bikala mōṃhaom mati nāṭhī. mani giri gaī chūṭi janu gāomṭhī..
taba hara gana bōlē musukāī. nija mukha mukura bilōkahu jāī..

The sage felt much perturbed; for infatuation had robbed the sage of his reason. He felt as if a gem had dropped from a loosened knot in the end of his garment. The attendants of Hara then smilingly said, “Just look at your face in a mirror.”

अस कहि दोउ भागे भयँ भारी। बदन दीख मुनि बारि निहारी॥
बेषु बिलोकि क्रोध अति बाढ़ा। तिन्हहि सराप दीन्ह अति गाढ़ा॥4॥
asa kahi dōu bhāgē bhayaom bhārī. badana dīkha muni bāri nihārī..
bēṣu bilōki krōdha ati bāḍhaā. tinhahi sarāpa dīnha ati gāḍhaā..

Uttering these words both ran away in great alarm and the sage looked at his reflection in water. His fury knew no bounds when he beheld his form; and he pronounced a terrible curse on the attendants of Siva.

दोहा | Dohas :
होहु निसाचर जाइ तुम्ह कपटी पापी दोउ।
हँसेहु हमहि सो लेहु फल बहुरि हँसेहु मुनि कोउ॥।135॥

hōhu nisācara jāi tumha kapaṭī pāpī dōu.
haomsēhu hamahi sō lēhu phala bahuri haomsēhu muni kōu..135..

“O you sinful impostors, go and be reborn as demons. You mocked me; therefore, reap its reward. Mock again a sage, if you dare

चौपाई | Chaupais :
पुनि जल दीख रूप निज पावा। तदपि हृदयँ संतोष न आवा॥
फरकत अधर कोप मन माहीं। सपदि चले कमलापति पाहीं॥1॥

puni jala dīkha rūpa nija pāvā. tadapi hṛdayaom saṃtōṣa na āvā..
pharakata adhara kōpa mana māhīṃ. sapadī calē kamalāpati pāhīṃ..

Looking again in water, he saw that he had regained his real form; yet his heart found no solace. His lips quivered and there was indignation in his heart. At once he proceeded to where the Lord of Laksmi was.

देहउँ श्राप कि मरिहउँ जाई। जगत मोरि उपहास कराई॥
बीचहिं पंथ मिले दनुजारी। संग रमा सोइ राजकुमारी॥2॥

dēhauom śrāpa ki marihauom jāī. jagata mōra upahāsa karāī..
bīcahiṃ paṃtha milē danujārī. saṃga ramā sōi rājakumārī..

“I shall either curse Him or die at His door,” he said to himself, “seeing that He has made me a butt of ridicule throughout the world.” The terror of the demons, Sri Hari, met him right on the way. He was accompanied by Goddess Rama and the princess referred to above.
बोले मधुर बचन सुरसाईं। मुनि कहँ चले बिकल की नाईं॥
सुनत बचन उपजा अति क्रोधा। माया बस न रहा मन बोधा॥3॥
bōlē madhura bacana surasāīṃ. muni kahaom calē bikala kī nāīṃ..
sunata bacana upajā ati krōdhā. māyā basa na rahā mana bōdhā..

The lord of immortals spoke in gentle tones, “To what destination, holy sir, are you betaking yourself like one distracted?” As soon as he heard these words Narada was filled with rage. Dominated as he was by Maya, there was no reason left in him.

पर संपदा सकहु नहिं देखी। तुम्हरें इरिषा कपट बिसेषी॥
मथत सिंधु रुद्रहि बौरायहु। सुरन्ह प्रेरि बिष पान करायहु॥4॥

para saṃpadā sakahu nahiṃ dēkhī. tumharēṃ iriṣā kapaṭa bisēṣī..
mathata siṃdhu rudrahi baurāyahu. suranha prērī biṣa pāna karāyahu..

He said, “You cannot bear to look upon the good fortune of others. You are richly endowed with jealousy and fraud. While churning the ocean You drove Rudra mad and inciting Him through the gods You made Him quaff the poison.

दोहा | Dohas :
असुर सुरा बिष संकरहि आपु रमा मनि चारु।
स्वारथ साधक कुटिल तुम्ह सदा कपट ब्यवहारु॥136॥
asura surā biṣa saṃkarahi āpu ramā mani cāru.
svāratha sādhaka kuṭila tumha sadā kapaṭa byavahāru..136..

Apportioning intoxicating liquor to the demons and poison to Sankara, You appropriated Rama and the lovely gem (Kaustubha) to Yourself. You have ever been selfish and perverse, and treacherous in Your dealings.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
परम स्वतंत्र न सिर पर कोई। भावइ मनहि करहु तुम्ह सोई॥
भलेहि मंद मंदेहि भल करहू। बिसमय हरष न हियँ कछु धरहू॥1॥

parama svataṃtra na sira para kōī. bhāvai manahi karahu tumha sōī..
bhalēhi maṃda maṃdēhi bhala karahū. bisamaya haraṣa na hiyaom kachu dharahū..

You are absolutely independent and subordinate to none; therefore You do whatever pleases Your mind. You debase a good soul and redeem a vile person and neither rejoice nor grieve over it.

डहकि डहकि परिचेहु सब काहू। अति असंक मन सदा उछाहू॥
करम सुभासुभ तुम्हहि न बाधा। अब लगि तुम्हहि न काहूँ साधा॥2॥
ḍahaki ḍahaki paricēhu saba kāhū. ati asaṃka mana sadā uchāhū..
karama subhāsubha tumhahi na bādhā. aba lagi tumhahi na kāhūom sādhā..

Deceiving everyone You have become habituated to such tricks.You entertain no fear and are always zealous in pursuing Your object. Good and evil deeds do not come in Your way; no one has so far been able to correct You.

 भले भवन अब बायन दीन्हा। पावहुगे फल आपन कीन्हा॥
बंचेहु मोहि जवनि धरि देहा। सोइ तनु धरहु श्राप मम एहा॥3॥
bhalē bhavana aba bāyana dīnhā. pāvahugē phala āpana kīnhā..
baṃcēhu mōhi javani dhari dēhā. sōi tanu dharahu śrāpa mama ēhā..

You have this time played with fire and shall reap what You have sown. Take that very form in which You have imposed upon me: this is my curse.

 कपि आकृति तुम्ह कीन्हि हमारी। करिहहिं कीस सहाय तुम्हारी॥
मम अपकार कीन्ह तुम्ह भारी। नारि बिरहँ तुम्ह होब दुखारी॥4॥
kapi ākṛti tumha kīnhi hamārī. karihahiṃ kīsa sahāya tumhārī..
mama apakāra kīnhī tumha bhārī. nārī birahaom tumha hōba dukhārī..

You made me look like a monkey; therefore You shall have monkeys for Your helpmates. And as You have grievously wronged me, so shall You suffer the pangs of separation from Your wife.

दोहा | Dohas :
श्राप सीस धरि हरषि हियँ प्रभु बहु बिनती कीन्हि॥
निज माया कै प्रबलता करषि कृपानिधि लीन्हि॥137॥
śrāpa sīsa dharī haraṣi hiyaom prabhu bahu binatī kīnhi.
nija māyā kai prabalatā karaṣi kṛpānidhi līnhi..137..

Gladly accepting the curse, the compassionate Lord made many entreaties to the sage, and withdrew the irresistible charm of His Maya.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
जब हरि माया दूरि निवारी। नहिं तहँ रमा न राजकुमारी॥
तब मुनि अति सभीत हरि चरना। गहे पाहि प्रनतारति हरना॥1॥
jaba hari māyā dūri nivārī. nahiṃ tahaom ramā na rājakumārī..
taba muni ati sabhīta hari caranā. gahē pāhi pranatārati haranā..

When Sri Hari lifted the spell of His Maya, there was neither Rama nor the princess to be seen by His side. In dire dismay the sage then clasped the feet of Hari and said, “O Reliever of the distress of the suppliant, save me!

 मृषा होउ मम श्राप कृपाला। मम इच्छा कह दीनदयाला॥
मैं दुर्बचन कहे बहुतेरे। कह मुनि पाप मिटिहिं किमि मेरे॥2॥

mṛṣā hōu mama śrāpa kṛpālā. mama icchā kaha dīnadayālā..
maiṃ durbacana kahē bahutērē. kaha muni pāpa miṭihiṃ kimi mērē..

O gracious lord! let my curse prove ineffectual.” It was My will,” replied the Lord, who is so merciful to the humble. “I poured many abuses at You,” the sage repeated, “how shall my sins be expiated?

 जपहु जाइ संकर सत नामा। होइहि हृदयँ तुरत बिश्रामा॥
कोउ नहिं सिव समान प्रिय मोरें। असि परतीति तजहु जनि भोरें॥3॥

japahu jāi saṃkara sata nāmā. hōihi hṛdayaom turaṃta biśrāmā..
kōu nahiṃ siva samāna priya mōrēṃ. asi paratīti tajahu jani bhōrēṃ..

“Go and repeat the names of Sankara a hundred times; your heart will be disburdened at once. No one is so dear to Me as Siva: never give up this belief even by mistake.

जेहि पर कृपा न करहिं पुरारी। सो न पाव मुनि भगति हमारी॥
अस उर धरि महि बिचरहु जाई। अब न तुम्हहि माया निअराई॥4॥
jēhi para kṛpā na karahiṃ purārī. sō na pāva muni bhagati hamārī..
asa ura dhari mahi bicarahu jāī. aba na tumhahi māyā niarāī..

O sage, he who does not earn the good-will of Siva shall never attain true devotion to Me. Bearing this in mind, go and perambulate the globe. My Maya shall haunt you no more.”

दोहा | Dohas :
बहुबिधि मुनिहि प्रबोधि प्रभु तब भए अंतरधान।
सत्यलोक नारद चले करत राम गुन गान॥138॥
bahubidhi munihi prabōdhi prabhu taba bhaē aṃtaradhāna..
satyalōka nārada calē karata rāma guna gāna..138..

Having thus reassured the sage, the Lord then disappeared; while Narada proceeded to Satyaloka (the seventh paradise, the abode of Brahma) chanting Sri Rama’s praises as he went

चौपाई | Chaupais :
हर गन मुनिहि जात पथ देखी। बिगत मोह मन हरष बिसेषी॥
अति सभीत नारद पहिं आए। गहि पद आरत बचन सुहाए॥1॥

hara gana munihi jāta patha dēkhī. bigatamōha mana haraṣa bisēṣī..
ati sabhīta nārada pahiṃ āē. gahi pada ārata bacana sunāē..

When the attendants of Siva saw the sage moving along the road free from delusion and greatly delighted at heart, they approached him in great alarm and, clasping his feet, spoke to him in great humility,

हर गन हम न बिप्र मुनिराया। बड़ अपराध कीन्ह फल पाया॥
श्राप अनुग्रह करहु कृपाला। बोले नारद दीनदयाला॥2॥

hara gana hama na bipra munirāyā. baḍa aparādha kīnha phala pāyā..
śrāpa anugraha karahu kṛpālā. bōlē nārada dīnadayālā..

“We are servants of Siva and no Brahmanas, O great sage; we committed a great sin and have reaped its fruit. Now rid us of the curse, O benevolent sage.” Narada,

 निसिचर जाइ होहु तुम्ह दोऊ। बैभव बिपुल तेज बल होऊ॥
भुज बल बिस्व जितब तुम्ह जहिआ। धरिहहिं बिष्नु मनुज तनु तहिआ॥3॥

nisicara jāi hōhu tumha dōū. baibhava bipula tēja bala hōū..
bhujabala bisva jitaba tumha jahiā. dharihahiṃ biṣnu manuja tanu tahiā.

of demons. You shall possess an enormous fortune, grandeur and strength. When you have subdued the universe by the might of your arm, God Visnu shall take a human form.

 समर मरन हरि हाथ तुम्हारा। होइहहु मुकुत न पुनि संसारा॥
चले जुगल मुनि पद सिर नाई। भए निसाचर कालहि पाई॥4॥

samara marana hari hātha tumhārā. hōihahu mukuta na puni saṃsārā..
calē jugala muni pada sira nāī. bhaē nisācara kālahi pāī..

Dying at His hands in battle, you shall be liberated and shall never be reborn.” Bowing their head at the sage’s feet, both departed and were reborn as demons in due course.

दोहा | Dohas :
एक कलप एहि हेतु प्रभु लीन्ह मनुज अवतार।
सुर रंजन सज्जन सुखद हरि भंजन भुमि भार॥139॥

ēka kalapa ēhi hētu prabhu līnha manuja avatāra.
sura raṃjana sajjana sukhada hari bhaṃjana bhubi bhāra..139..

In one Kalpa (round of creation) it was for this reason that Lord Sri Hari assumed a human form. It is His vow to gladden the gods, to delight the virtuous and to ease the earth of its burden.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
एहि बिधि जनम करम हरि केरे। सुंदर सुखद बिचित्र घनेरे॥
कलप कलप प्रति प्रभु अवतरहीं। चारु चरित नानाबिधि करहीं॥1॥

ēhi bidhi janama karama hari kērē. suṃdara sukhada bicitra ghanērē..
kalapa kalapa prati prabhu avatarahīṃ. cāru carita nānābidhi karahīṃ..

Thus Sri Hari’s births and exploits are many; they are all charming, delightful and marvellous. In every cycle of creation the Lord manifests Himself and enacts lovely sports of various kinds;

 तब-तब कथा मुनीसन्ह गाई। परम पुनीत प्रबंध बनाई॥
बिबिध प्रसंग अनूप बखाने। करहिं न सुनि आचरजु सयाने॥2॥
taba taba kathā munīsanha gāī. parama punīta prabaṃdha banāī..
bibidha prasaṃga anūpa bakhānē. karahiṃ na suni ācaraju sayānē..

and the great sages have on each such occasion sung His story in most sacred strains, relating wonderful anecdotes of diverse kinds, hearing which the wise marvel not.

 हरि अनंत हरि कथा अनंता। कहहिं सुनहिं बहुबिधि सब संता॥
रामचंद्र के चरित सुहाए। कलप कोटि लगि जाहिं न गाए॥3॥
hari anaṃta harikathā anaṃtā. kahahiṃ sunahiṃ bahubidhi saba saṃtā..
rāmacaṃdra kē carita suhāē. kalapa kōṭi lagi jāhiṃ na gāē..

Infinite is Sri Hari and infinite are His stories; each saint sings and hears them in divergent ways. The lovely sports of Ramacandra cannot be sung even in crores of Kalpas.

 यह प्रसंग मैं कहा भवानी। हरिमायाँ मोहहिं मुनि ग्यानी॥
प्रभु कौतुकी प्रनत हितकारी। सेवत सुलभ सकल दुखहारी॥4॥

yaha prasaṃga maiṃ kahā bhavānī. harimāyāom mōhahiṃ muni gyānī..
prabhu kautukī pranata hitakārī..sēvata sulabha sakala dukha hārī.

This episode, O Bhavani, has been narrated by me in order to show that even enlightened sages are deluded by Sri Hari’s Maya. The Lord is sportive and a friend of the suppliant; He is easy to serve and rids one of all sorrows.

सोरठा | Sortha
सुर नर मुनि कोउ नाहिं जेहि न मोह माया प्रबल।
अस बिचारि मन माहिं भजिअ महामाया पतिहि॥140॥
sura nara muni kōu nāhiṃ jēhi na mōha māyā prabala..
asa bicāri mana māhiṃ bhajia mahāmāyā patihi..140..

There is no god, man or sage whom Sri Hari’s powerful Maya cannot infatuate. Bearing this in mind, one should adore the Lord of this great Maya.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
अपर हेतु सुनु सैलकुमारी। कहउँ बिचित्र कथा बिस्तारी॥
जेहि कारन अज अगुन अरूपा। ब्रह्म भयउ कोसलपुर भूपा॥1॥

apara hētu sunu sailakumārī. kahauom bicitra kathā bistārī..
jēhi kārana aja aguna arūpā. brahma bhayau kōsalapura bhūpā..

Hear, O daughter of the mountain-king, another reason why the unbegotten, unqualified and formless Brahma became king of Ayodhya. I shall relate at length the marvellous story connected with it.

 जो प्रभु बिपिन फिरत तुम्ह देखा। बंधु समेत धरें मुनिबेषा॥
जासु चरित अवलोकि भवानी। सती सरीर रहिहु बौरानी॥2॥

jō prabhu bipina phirata tumha dēkhā. baṃdhu samēta dharēṃ munibēṣā..
jāsu carita avalōki bhavānī. satī sarīra rahihu baurānī..

The Lord whom you saw roaming in the forest with His brother (Laksmana) in the garb of hermits, and whose doings drove you mad in the form of Sati to such an extent that-

 अजहुँ न छाया मिटति तुम्हारी। तासु चरित सुनु भ्रम रुज हारी॥
लीला कीन्हि जो तेहिं अवतारा। सो सब कहिहउँ मति अनुसारा॥3॥
ajahuom na chāyā miṭati tumhārī. tāsu carita sunu bhrama ruja hārī..
līlā kīnhi jō tēhiṃ avatārā. sō saba kahihauom mati anusārā..

-the shadow of that madness haunts you even to this day-hear His exploits, which serve as a cure for the disease of delusion. The sportive deeds that were performed by the Lord in that birth, I shall relate them all to the best of My talents.

 भरद्वाज सुनि संकर बानी। सकुचि सप्रेम उमा मुसुकानी॥
लगे बहुरि बरनै बृषकेतू। सो अवतार भयउ जेहि हेतू॥4॥

bharadvāja suni saṃkara bānī. sakuci saprēma umā musakānī..
lagē bahuri baranē bṛṣakētū. sō avatāra bhayau jēhi hētū..

Hearing Sankara’s words, O Bharadvaja, Uma blushed and smiled with love. Siva (who has a bull emblazoned on His standard) then began to relate the cause of the Lord’s descent on that particular occasion.

दोहा | Dohas :
सो मैं तुम्ह सन कहउँ सबु सुनु मुनीस मन लाइ।
रामकथा कलि मल हरनि मंगल करनि सुहाइ॥141॥
sō maiṃ tumha sana kahauom sabu sunu munīsa mana lāī..
rāma kathā kali mala harani maṃgala karani suhāi..141..

I proceed to tell you all about it, O Bharadvaja; listen attentively. The story of Sri Rama wipes out all the impurities of the Kali age, brings forth all blessings and is most charming.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
स्वायंभू मनु अरु सतरूपा। जिन्ह तें भै नरसृष्टि अनूपा॥
दंपति धरम आचरन नीका। अजहुँ गाव श्रुति जिन्ह कै लीका॥1॥
svāyaṃbhū manu aru satarūpā. jinha tēṃ bhai narasṛṣṭi anūpā..
daṃpati dharama ācarana nīkā. ajahuom gāva śruti jinha kai līkā..

Swayambhuva* Manu had Satarupa as wife; of them was born this human race, peerless in God’s creation. The piety and conduct of the pair were excellent; the standard of morality set up by them is sung by the Vedas even to this day.

नृप उत्तानपाद सुत तासू। ध्रुव हरिभगत भयउ सुत जासू॥
लघु सुत नाम प्रियब्रत ताही। बेद पुरान प्रसंसहिं जाही॥2॥
nṛpa uttānapāda suta tāsū. dhruva hari bhagata bhayau suta jāsū..
laghu suta nāma priyrabrata tāhī. bēda purāna prasaṃsahi jāhī..

Their son was king Uttanapada, who begot the celebrated devotee of Sri Hari, Dhruva. Manu’s younger son was known as Priyavrata, who is mentioned with praise by the Vedas and the Puranas.

 देवहूति पुनि तासु कुमारी। जो मुनि कर्दम कै प्रिय नारी॥
आदि देव प्रभु दीनदयाला। जठर धरेउ जेहिं कपिल कृपाला॥3॥
dēvahūti puni tāsu kumārī. jō muni kardama kai priya nārī..
ādidēva prabhu dīnadayālā. jaṭhara dharēu jēhiṃ kapila kṛpālā..

They had a daughter too, Devahuti by name, who was the favourite consort of the sage Kardama, and who bore in her womb the all-powerful and benevolent Lord Kapila the primal divinity,

सांख्य सास्त्र जिन्ह प्रगट बखाना। तत्व बिचार निपुन भगवाना॥
तेहिं मनु राज कीन्ह बहु काला। प्रभु आयसु सब बिधि प्रतिपाला॥4॥
sāṃkhya sāstra jinha pragaṭa bakhānā. tatva bicāra nipuna bhagavānā..
tēhiṃ manu rāja kīnha bahu kālā. prabhu āyasu saba bidhi pratipālā..

who is compassionate to the humble and who openly expounded the philosophy of Sankhya, an adept as He was in the enquiry after the ultimate principles. The said Manu ruled for a long period and followed the Lord’s commandments (in the form of the scriptural ordinance) in everyway.

सोरठा | Sortha
होइ न बिषय बिराग भवन बसत भा चौथपन॥
हृदयँ बहुत दुख लाग जनम गयउ हरिभगति बिनु॥142॥
hōi na biṣaya birāga bhavana basata bhā cauthapana.
hṛdayaom bahuta dukha lāga janama gayau haribhagati binu..142..

I have reached the fourth stage of my life (old age) while I am still living under the roof of my house (as a householder); but I have not yet lost my relish for the pleasures of sense,” he said to himself. He felt sore distressed at heart that his life had been wasted without devotion to Sri Hari.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
बरबस राज सुतहि तब दीन्हा। नारि समेत गवन बन कीन्हा॥
तीरथ बर नैमिष बिख्याता। अति पुनीत साधक सिधि दाता॥1॥
barabasa rāja sutahi taba dīnhā. nāri samēta gavana bana kīnhā..
tīratha bara naimiṣa bikhyātā. ati punīta sādhaka sidhi dātā..

Manu then perforce resigned the throne to his son and departed for the forest with his wife. Pre-eminent of all holy places is the celebrated Naimisaranya (the modern Nimsar in Oudh), which is most sacred and bestows success on those striving for realization.

बसहिं तहाँ मुनि सिद्ध समाजा। तहँ हियँ हरषि चलेउ मनु राजा॥
पंथ जात सोहहिं मतिधीरा। ग्यान भगति जनु धरें सरीरा॥2॥
basahiṃ tahāom muni siddha samājā. tahaom hiyaom haraṣi calēu manu rājā..
paṃtha jāta sōhahiṃ matidhīrā. gyāna bhagati janu dharēṃ sarīrā..

Multitudes of sages and adepts lived there. Glad of heart, king Manu proceeded to that place. Passing along the road, the king and queen of resolute mind looked like incarnations of spiritual wisdom and devotion respectively.

पहुँचे जाइ धेनुमति तीरा। हरषि नहाने निरमल नीरा॥
आए मिलन सिद्ध मुनि ग्यानी। धरम धुरंधर नृपरिषि जानी॥3॥
pahuomcē jāi dhēnumati tīrā. haraṣi nahānē niramala nīrā..
āē milana siddha muni gyānī. dharama dhuraṃdhara nṛpariṣi jānī..

On reaching the bank of the Gomati they bathed with delight in the limpid stream. Adepts and enlightened sages came to see him, recognizing in the royal sage a champion of virtue.

जहँ जहँ तीरथ रहे सुहाए। मुनिन्ह सकल सादर करवाए॥
कृस सरीर मुनिपट परिधाना। सत समाज नित सुनहिं पुराना॥4॥

jahaom jaomha tīratha rahē suhāē. muninha sakala sādara karavāē..
kṛsa sarīra munipaṭa paridhānā. sata samāja nita sunahiṃ purānā .

The sages reverently took them to all holy and lovely spots that were scattered here and there. With emaciated bodies and clad in hermits’ robes they daily listened to the Puranas in the assembly of saints.

दोहा | Dohas :
द्वादस अच्छर मंत्र पुनि जपहिं सहित अनुराग।
बासुदेव पद पंकरुह दंपति मन अति लाग॥143॥

dvādasa acchara maṃtra puni japahiṃ sahita anurāga.
bāsudēva pada paṃkaruha daṃpati mana ati lāga..143..

They further devoutly repeated the twelve-lettered formula (ॐ Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya). Their mind was fondly devoted to the lotus feet of Lord Vasudeva (the all-pervading Visnu).

चौपाई | Chaupais :
करहिं अहार साक फल कंदा। सुमिरहिं ब्रह्म सच्चिदानंदा॥
पुनि हरि हेतु करन तप लागे। बारि अधार मूल फल त्यागे॥1॥
karahiṃ ahāra sāka phala kaṃdā. sumirahiṃ brahma saccidānaṃdā..
puni hari hētu karana tapa lāgē. bāri adhāra mūla phala tyāgē..

They lived on vegetables, fruits and roots and meditated on Brahma (the Absolute), who is truth, consciousness and bliss combined. Again, they started undergoing penance for the sake of Sri Hari, giving up roots and fruits for water alone,

उर अभिलाष निरंतर होई। देखिअ नयन परम प्रभु सोई॥
अगुन अखंड अनंत अनादी। जेहि चिंतहिं परमारथबादी॥2॥

ura abhilāṣa niṃraṃtara hōī. dēkhaa nayana parama prabhu sōī..
aguna akhaṃḍa anaṃta anādī. jēhi ciṃtahiṃ paramārathabādī..

Their heart ever clamoured, “Let us see with our eyes that supreme Lord who is without attributes, without parts and without beginning or end, who is contemplated upon by the exponents of the highest reality,

नेति नेति जेहि बेद निरूपा। निजानंद निरुपाधि अनूपा॥
संभु बिरंचि बिष्नु भगवाना। उपजहिं जासु अंस तें नाना॥3॥

nēti nēti jēhi bēda nirūpā. nijānaṃda nirupādhi anūpā..
saṃbhu biraṃci biṣnu bhagavānā. upajahiṃ jāsu aṃsa tēṃ nānā..

whom the Vedas describe in negative terms such as ‘Not this, not this’, who is bliss itself, unconditioned and without comparison, and from a particle of whose being emanate a number of Sambhus, Virancis and Visnus.

ऐसेउ प्रभु सेवक बस अहई। भगत हेतु लीलातनु गहई॥
जौं यह बचन सत्य श्रुति भाषा। तौ हमार पूजिहि अभिलाषा॥4॥
aisēu prabhu sēvaka basa ahaī. bhagata hētu līlātanu gahaī..
jauṃ yaha bacana satya śruti bhāṣā. tau hamāra pūjahi abhilāṣā..

Even such a Lord is subordinate to the will of His devotees and assumes for their sake a form suitable for sport. If the above utterance of the Vedas is true, our desire will be surely accomplished.

दोहा | Dohas :
एहि विधि बीते बरष षट सहस बारि आहार।
संबत सप्त सहस्र पुनि रहे समीर अधार॥144॥
ēhi bidhi bītēṃ baraṣa ṣaṭa sahasa bāri āhāra.
saṃbata sapta sahastra puni rahē samīra adhāra..144..

In this way six thousand years elapsed even while they lived on water. Then for another seven millennia they lived on air alone.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
बरष सहस दस त्यागेउ सोऊ। ठाढ़े रहे एक पद दोऊ ॥
बिधि हरि हर तप देखि अपारा। मनु समीप आए बहु बारा॥1॥
baraṣa sahasa dasa tyāgēu sōū. ṭhāḍhaē rahē ēka pada dōū..
bidhi hari tapa dēkhi apārā. manu samīpa āē bahu bārā..

For ten thousand years they refused to inhale even air (i.e., held their breath) and remained standing on one leg. Beholding their great penance Brahma, Hari and Hara repeatedly called on Manu

मागहु बर बहु भाँति लोभाए। परम धीर नहिं चलहिं चलाए॥
अस्थिमात्र होइ रहे सरीरा। तदपि मनाग मनहिं नहिं पीरा॥2॥
māgahu bara bahu bhāomti lōbhāē. parama dhīra nahiṃ calahiṃ calāē..
asthimātra hōi rahē sarīrā. tadapi manāga manahiṃ nahiṃ pīrā..

and tempted him in many ways, saying “Ask for a boon.” But the king and queen were most resolute and did not swerve in spite of the deities’ efforts to deflect them from their course. Although their frame had been reduced to a mere skeleton there was not the least anguish in their heart.

प्रभु सर्बग्य दास निज जानी। गति अनन्य तापस नृप रानी॥
मागु मागु बरु भै नभ बानी। परम गभीर कृपामृत सानी॥3॥
prabhu sarbagya dāsa nija jānī. gati ananya tāpasa nṛpa rānī..
māgu māgu baru bhai nabha bānī. parama gabhīra kṛpāmṛta sānī..

The omniscient Lord now recognized the king and queen as His own servants. The ascetic couple solely depended on Him. In the meantime a most deep voice thundered from heaven, “Ask, ask for a boon.”

मृतक जिआवनि गिरा सुहाई। श्रवन रंध्र होइ उर जब आई॥
हृष्ट पुष्ट तन भए सुहाए। मानहुँ अबहिं भवन ते आए॥4॥
mṛtaka jiāvani girā suhāī. śrabana raṃdhra hōi ura jaba āī..
hraṣṭapuṣṭa tana bhaē suhāē. mānahuom abahiṃ bhavana tē āē..

The voice was steeped in the nectar of compassion and was so charming that it infused life into the dead. Entering through the cavity of the ears when it reached their very heart, they found their body attractive, animated and robust as before, as if they had just returned from home.

दोहा | Dohas :
श्रवन सुधा सम बचन सुनि पुलक प्रफुल्लित गात।
बोले मनु करि दंडवत प्रेम न हृदयँ समात॥145॥

śravana sudhā sama bacana suni pulaka praphullita gāta.
bōlē manu kari daṃḍavata prēma na hṛdayaom samāta..145..

As the royal couple heard these words, which were delightful to the ear as nectar itself, the hair on their body bristled and a thrill ran through their limbs. Then, falling prostrate on the ground and with his heart overflowing with love Manu spoke:-

चौपाई | Chaupais :
सुनु सेवक सुरतरु सुरधेनू। बिधि हरि हर बंदित पद रेनू॥
सेवत सुलभ सकल सुखदायक। प्रनतपाल सचराचर नायक॥1॥
sunu sēvaka surataru suradhēnu. bidhi hari hara baṃdita pada rēnū..
sēvata sulabha sakala sukha dāyaka. pranatapāla sacarācara nāyaka..

Listen, O Lord! You are a wish-yielding tree and a cow of plenty to Your servants. The dust below Your feet is adored by Brahma, Hari and Hara. You are easy to serve and a fountain of all blessings. You are the protector of the suppliant and the lord of all creation, both animate and inanimate.

जौं अनाथ हित हम पर नेहू। तौ प्रसन्न होई यह बर देहू॥
जोसरूप बस सिव मन माहीं। जेहिं कारन मुनि जतन कराहीं॥2॥
jauṃ anātha hita hama para nēhū. tau prasanna hōi yaha bara dēhū..
jō sarūpa basa siva mana māhīṃ. jēhi kārana muni jatana karāhīṃ..

O friend of the forlorn, if You have any affection for us, be pleased to grant this boon to us. The form which dwells in Siva heart and is sought by sages,

जो भुसुंडि मन मानस हंसा। सगुन अगुन जेहि निगम प्रसंसा॥
देखहिं हम सो रूप भरि लोचन। कृपा करहु प्रनतारति मोचन॥3॥

jō bhusuṃḍi mana mānasa haṃsā. saguna aguna jēhi nigama prasaṃsā..
dēkhahiṃ hama sō rūpa bhari lōcana. kṛpā karahu pranatārati mōcana..

which sports like a swan in the lake of Bhusundi’s mind and is glorified by the Vedas as both with and without attributes-be gracious to us and let us feast our eyes on that form; O Reliever of the distress of the suppliant.

दंपति बचन परम प्रिय लागे। मृदुल बिनीत प्रेम रस पागे॥
भगत बछल प्रभु कृपानिधाना। बिस्वबास प्रगटे भगवाना॥4॥
daṃpati bacana parama priya lāgē. mudula binīta prēma rasa pāgē..
bhagata bachala prabhu kṛpānidhānā. bisvabāsa pragaṭē bhagavānā..

The soft and humble words of the royal couple, steeped as they were in the nectar of love, were liked by the Lord very much. Full of affection for His devotees and a storehouse of compassion, the all-powerful Lord, who pervades the whole universe, manifested Himself.

दोहा | Dohas :
नील सरोरुह नील मनि नील नीरधर स्याम।
लाजहिं तन सोभा निरखि कोटि कोटि सत काम॥146॥
nīla sarōruha nīla mani nīla nīradhara syāma.
lājahiṃ tana sōbhā nirakhi kōṭi kōṭi sata kāma..146..

Billions and millions of Loves blushed to behold the elegance of His swarthy form, which resembled a blue lotus (in the softness of its touch), a sapphire (in its gloss) and a dark cloud (in its freshness).

चौपाई | Chaupais :
सरद मयंक बदन छबि सींवा। चारु कपोल चिबुक दर ग्रीवा॥
अधर अरुन रद सुंदर नासा। बिधु कर निकर बिनिंदक हासा॥1॥
sarada mayaṃka badana chabi sīṃvā. cāru kapōla cibuka dara grīvā..
adhara aruna rada suṃdara nāsā. bidhu kara nikara biniṃdaka hāsā..

His countenance, which resembled the autumnal full moon, was the very perfection of beauty. Lovely were His cheeks and chin and His neck resembled the conch-shell in its spiral shape. His ruddy lips, teeth and nose were charming. His smile put to shame the rays of the moon.

नव अंबुज अंबक छबि नीकी। चितवनि ललित भावँतीजी की॥
भृकुटि मनोज चाप छबि हारी। तिलक ललाट पटल दुतिकारी॥2॥
nava abuṃja aṃbaka chabi nīkī. citavani lalita bhāvaomtī jī kī..
bhukuṭi manōja cāpa chabi hārī. tilaka lalāṭa paṭala dutikārī..

His eyes possessed the exquisite beauty of fresh-blown lotuses and His lovely glance captivated the heart. His eyebrows stole the beauty of Love’s bow and a sectarian mark shone on His forehead.

कुंडल मकर मुकुट सिर भ्राजा। कुटिल केस जनु मधुप समाजा॥
उर श्रीबत्स रुचिर बनमाला। पदिक हार भूषन मनिजाला॥3॥
kuṃḍala makara mukuṭa sira bhrājā. kuṭila kēsa janu madhupa samājā..
ura śrībatsa rucira banamālā. padika hāra bhūṣana manijālā..

Fish-shaped ear-rings hung from his earlobes and a crown adorned His head. His curly locks looked like a swarm of bees. His breast was marked by a curl of hair and adorned with a beautiful wreath of sylvan flowers, a string of precious stones and other jewelled ornaments.

केहरि कंधर चारु जनेऊ। बाहु बिभूषन सुंदर तेऊ॥
मकरि कर सरिस सुभग भुजदंडा। कटि निषंग कर सर कोदंडा॥4॥

kēhari kaṃdhara cāru janēu. bāhu bibhūṣana suṃdara tēū..
mkari kara sari subhaga bhujadaṃḍā. kaṭi niṣaṃga kara sara kōdaṃḍā..

His strong and wellbuilt neck resembled that of a lion and the lovely sacred thread was suspended from it. His long beautiful arms resembled the trunk of an elephant. The ornaments adorning them were also charming. A quiver was tied to His waist and His hands bore an arrow and a bow.

दोहा | Dohas :
तड़ित बिनिंदक पीत पट उदर रेख बर तीनि।
नाभि मनोहर लेति जनु जमुन भँवर छबि छीनि॥147॥
taḍita biniṃdaka pīta paṭa udara rēkha bara tīni..
nābhi manōhara lēti janu jamuna bhavaomra chabi chīni..147..

His yellow robes put to shame streaks of lightning and His belly had three-folds; while His attractive navel robbed, as it were, the eddies on the Yamuna of their beauty.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
पद राजीव बरनि नहिं जाहीं। मुनि मन मधुप बसहिं जेन्ह माहीं॥
बाम भाग सोभति अनुकूला। आदिसक्ति छबिनिधि जगमूला॥1॥
pada rājīva barani nahi jāhīṃ. muni mana madhupa basahiṃ jēnha māhīṃ..
bāma bhāga sōbhati anukūlā. ādisakti chabinidhi jagamūlā..

His lotus feet, which attract the minds of sages like so many bees, were beyond description. On His left side shone His primordial energy, Sita, who is ever devoted to Him, and who is a storehouse of beauty and the source of the universe. Sita,

जासु अंस उपजहिं गुनखानी। अगनित लच्छि उमा ब्रह्मानी॥
भृकुटि बिलास जासु जग होई। राम बाम दिसि सीता सोई॥2॥

jāsu aṃsa upajahiṃ gunakhānī. aganita lacchi umā brahmānī..
bhṛkuṭi bilāsa jāsu jaga hōī. rāma bāma disi sītā sōī..

who stood to the left of Sri Rama, was the same from a fragment of whose being emanate countless Laksmi, Umas and Brahmanis (Sarasvatis), all mines of virtues, and the mere play of whose eyebrows brings the cosmos into existence.

छबिसमुद्र हरि रूप बिलोकी। एकटक रहे नयन पट रोकी॥
चितवहिं सादर रूप अनूपा। तृप्ति न मानहिं मनु सतरूपा॥3॥
chabisamudra hari rūpa bilōkī. ēkaṭaka rahē nayana paṭa rōkī..
citavahiṃ sādara rūpa anūpā. tṛpti na mānahiṃ manu satarūpā..

On the form of Sri Hari, the ocean of beauty, Manu and Satarupa gazed intently with unblinking eyes. That incomparable beauty they looked on with reverence and would not feel sated with it.

हरष बिबस तन दसा भुलानी। परे दंड इव गहि पद पानी॥
सिर परसे प्रभु निज कर कंजा। तुरत उठाए करुनापुंजा॥4॥

haraṣa bibasa tana dasā bhulānī. parē daṃḍa iva gahi pada pānī..
sira parasē prabhu nija kara kaṃjā. turata uṭhāē karunāpuṃjā..

Overcome with joy they lost consciousness of their body and fell flat on the ground, clasping His feet with their hands. The gracious Lord touched their heads with His own lotus hands and lifted them up at once.

दोहा | Dohas :
बोले कृपानिधान पुनि अति प्रसन्न मोहि जानि।
मागहु बर जोइ भाव मन महादानि अनुमानि॥148॥

bōlē kṛpānidhāna puni ati prasanna mōhi jāni.
māgahu bara jōi bhāva mana mahādāni anumāni..148..

The compassionate Lord then said, “Knowing that I am highly pleased with you and recognizing Me as a great donor, ask whatever boon you will.”

चौपाई | Chaupais :
सुनि प्रभु बचन जोरि जुग पानी। धरि धीरजु बोली मृदु बानी॥
नाथ देखि पद कमल तुम्हारे। अब पूरे सब काम हमारे॥1॥
suni prabhu bacana jōri juga pānī. dhari dhīraju bōlī mṛdu bānī..
nātha dēkhi pada kamala tumhārē. aba pūrē saba kāma hamārē..

On hearing the words of the Lord, Manu joined his palms and summoning courage spoke in soft accents, “Now that we have seen Your lotus feet, all our desires have been fulfilled.

एक लालसा बड़ि उर माहीं। सुगम अगम कहि जाति सो नाहीं॥
तुम्हहि देत अति सुगम गोसाईं। अगम लाग मोहि निज कृपनाईं॥2॥
ēka lālasā baḍai ura māhī. sugama agama kahi jāta sō nāhīṃ..
tumhahi dēta ati sugama gōsāīṃ. agama lāga mōhi nija kṛpanāīṃ..

Yet one ardent longing still lingers in my heart. It is easy of accomplishment and at the same time hard to attain; hence it cannot be expressed. O Lord, it is easy for You to grant it; but due to my wretched condition it appears to me so hard to attain.

जथा दरिद्र बिबुधतरु पाई। बहु संपति मागत सकुचाई॥
तासु प्रभाउ जान नहिं सोई। तथा हृदयँ मम संसय होई॥3॥
jathā daridra bibudhataru pāī. bahu saṃpati māgata sakucāī..
tāsu prabhā jāna nahiṃ sōī. tathā hṛdayaom mama saṃsaya hōī..

Just as a pauper who has found a wish-yielding tree feels shy in asking for abundant wealth, little realizing its glory, even so my heart is possessed by doubt.

सो तुम्ह जानहु अंतरजामी। पुरवहु मोर मनोरथ स्वामी॥
सकुच बिहाइ मागु नृप मोही। मोरें नहिं अदेय कछु तोही॥4॥
sō tumha jānahu aṃtarajāmī. puravahu mōra manōratha svāmī..
sakuca bihāi māgu nṛpa mōhi. mōrēṃ nahiṃ adēya kachu tōhī..

Being the witness of all hearts, You know my mind; therefore, O my master, grant my desire.” “O king, ask of Me unreservedly; there is nothing which I would not give you.”

दोहा | Dohas :
दानि सिरोमनि कृपानिधि नाथ कहउँ सतिभाउ।
चाहउँ तुम्हहि समान सुत प्रभु सन कवन दुराउ॥149॥

dāni sirōmani kṛpānidhi nātha kahauom satibhāu..
cāhauom tumhahi samāna suta prabhu sana kavana durāu..149..

O crest-jewel of donors, O gracious lord, I tell You my sincere wish: I would have a son like You. I can have nothing to conceal from You.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
देखि प्रीति सुनि बचन अमोले। एवमस्तु करुनानिधि बोले॥
आपु सरिस खोजौं कहँ जाई। नृप तव तनय होब मैं आई॥1॥
dēkhi prīti suni bacana amōlē. ēvamastu karunānidhi bōlē..
āpu sarisa khōjauṃ kahaom jāī. nṛpa tava tanaya hōba maiṃ āī..

On seeing his love and hearing his invaluable words, the compassionate Lord said, “Amen. But where shall I go to find My equal? I Myself, O king, shall be a son to you.”

सतरूपहिं बिलोकि कर जोरें। देबि मागु बरु जो रुचि तोरें॥
जो बरु नाथ चतुर नृप मागा। सोइ कृपाल मोहि अति प्रिय लागा॥2॥
satarūpahi bilōki kara jōrēṃ. dēbi māgu baru jō ruci tōrē..
jō baru nātha catura nṛpa māgā. sōi kṛpāla mōhi ati priya lāgā..

Then, seeing Satarupa with her hands still folded, He said, “O good lady, ask whatever boon you please.” “O gracious Lord, the boon which the clever king has just asked has appealed to me much.

प्रभु परंतु सुठि होति ढिठाई। जदपि भगत हित तुम्हहि सोहाई॥
तुम्ह ब्रह्मादि जनक जग स्वामी। ब्रह्म सकल उर अंतरजामी॥3॥
prabhu paraṃtu suṭhi hōti ḍhiṭhāī. jadapi bhagata hita tumhahi sōhāī..
tumha brahmādi janaka jaga svāmī. brahma sakala ura aṃtarajāmī..

But it is great presumption, my Lord, even though such presumption is liked by You, O friend of the devotees. You are the progenitor even of Brahma and other gods, the lord of the universe and the Supreme Being who dwells within the heart of all.

अस समुझत मन संसय होई। कहा जो प्रभु प्रवान पुनि सोई॥
जे निज भगत नाथ तव अहहीं। जो सुख पावहिं जो गति लहहीं॥4॥

asa samujhata mana saṃsaya hōī. kahā jō prabhu pravāna puni sōī..
jē nija bhagata nātha tava ahahīṃ. jō sukha pāvahiṃ jō gati lahahīṃ..

Realizing this, my mind is filled with doubt; but what You have said is infallible. O my master, the bliss that is enjoyed and the goal that is reached by your own devotees-

दोहा | Dohas :
सोइ सुख सोइ गति सोइ भगति सोइ निज चरन सनेहु।
सोइ बिबेक सोइ रहनि प्रभु हमहि कृपा करि देहु॥150॥
sōi sukha sōi gati sōi bhagati sōi nija carana sanēhu..
sōi bibēka sōi rahani prabhu hamahi kṛpā kari dēhu..150..

Grant me in Your mercy, O Lord, that very bliss the same destiny, the same devotion, the same attachment to Your feet, the same insight and the same mode of living.

चौपाई | Chaupais :
सुनि मृदु गूढ़ रुचिर बर रचना। कृपासिंधु बोले मृदु बचना॥
जो कछु रुचि तुम्हरे मन माहीं। मैं सो दीन्ह सब संसय नाहीं॥1॥
sunu mṛdu gūḍha rucira bara racanā. kṛpāsiṃdhu bōlē mṛdu bacanā..
jō kachu ruci tumhēra mana māhīṃ. maiṃ sō dīnha saba saṃsaya nāhīṃ.

Hearing the soft, pregnant, charming and excellent speech of Satarupa, the gracious Lord gently replied, “Whatever desire you cherish in your mind I have granted; you should have no doubt about it.

मातु बिबेक अलौकिक तोरें। कबहुँ न मिटिहि अनुग्रह मोरें॥
बंदि चरन मनु कहेउ बहोरी। अवर एक बिनती प्रभु मोरी॥2॥
mātu bibēka alōkika tōrēṃ. kabahuom na miṭihi anugraha mōrēṃ .
baṃdi carana manu kahēu bahōrī. avara ēka binati prabhu mōrī..

Mother, by My grace your uncommon wisdom shall never fail.” Bowing at His feet, Manu again said, “Lord, I have once more request to make.

सुत बिषइक तव पद रति होऊ। मोहि बड़ मूढ़ कहे किन कोऊ॥
मनि बिनु फनि जिमि जल बिनु मीना। मम जीवन तिमि तुम्हहि अधीना॥3॥

suta biṣaika tava pada rati hōū. mōhi baḍa mūḍha kahai kina kōū..
mani binu phani jimi jala binu mīnā. mama jīvana timi tumhahi adhīnā..

Let me have attachment to Your feet, of the same type as one has for a son, no matter if anyone calls me a big fool. Just as a snake cannot live without the gem on its hood and a fish without water, even so let my life be dependent on You (let me not survive without You).”

अस बरु मागि चरन गहि रहेऊ। एवमस्तु करुनानिधि कहेऊ॥
अब तुम्ह मम अनुसासन मानी। बसहु जाइ सुरपति रजधानी॥4॥

asa baru māgi carana gahi rahēū. ēvamastu karunānidhi kahēū..
aba tumha mama anusāsana mānī. basahu jāi surapati rajadhānī..

Asking this boon, the king remained clasping the Lord’s feet till the All-merciful said, “Let it be so. Now, obeying My command go and dwell in the capital of Indra (the chief of gods).

सोरठा | Sortha
तहँ करि भोग बिसाल तात गएँ कछु काल पुनि।
होइहहु अवध भुआल तब मैं होब तुम्हार सुत॥151॥

tahaom kari bhōga bisāla tāta gauom kachu kāla puni.
hōihahu avadha bhuāla taba maiṃ hōba tumhāra suta..151..

“Having enjoyed extensive enjoyments there you shall, after some time, be born as king of Ayodhya; then, dear father, I will be your son.”

चौपाई | Chaupais :
इच्छामय नरबेष सँवारें। होइहउँ प्रगट निकेत तुम्हारें॥
अंसन्ह सहित देह धरि ताता। करिहउँ चरित भगत सुखदाता॥1॥

icchāmaya narabēṣa saomvārēṃ. hōihauom pragaṭa nikēta tumhārē..
aṃsanha sahita dēha dhari tātā. karihauom carita bhagata sukhadātā..

Voluntarily assuming human guise I will manifest Myself in your house. Bodying Myself forth with My rays I will perform sportive acts which will be a source of delight to My devotees.

जे सुनि सादर नर बड़भागी। भव तरिहहिं ममता मद त्यागी॥
आदिसक्ति जेहिं जग उपजाया। सोउ अवतरिहि मोरि यह माया॥2॥
jē suni sādara nara baḍabhāgī. bhava tarihahiṃ mamatā mada tyāgī..
ādisakti jēhiṃ jaga upajāyā. sōu avatarihi mōri yaha māyā..

Hearing of such exploits with reverence blessed men shall cross the ocean of worldly existence, renouncing the feeling of meum and arrogance. This Maya, who is no other than My primordial energy that has brought forth the universe, She too will manifest Herself.

पुरउब मैं अभिलाष तुम्हारा। सत्य सत्य पन सत्य हमारा॥
पुनि पुनि अस कहि कृपानिधाना। अंतरधान भए भगवाना॥3॥

purauba maiṃ abhilāṣa tumhārā. satya satya pana satya hamārā..
puni puni asa kahi kṛpānidhānā. aṃtaradhāna bhaē bhagavānā..

In this way I will accomplish your desire and this pledge of Mine shall never, never, never fail.” Repeating this again and again, the gracious Lord vanished out of sight.

दंपति उर धरि भगत कृपाला। तेहिं आश्रम निवसे कछु काला॥
समय पाइ तनु तजि अनयासा। जाइ कीन्ह अमरावति बासा॥4॥

daṃpati ura dhari bhagata kṛpālā. tēhiṃ āśrama nivasē kachu kālā..
samaya pāi tanu taji anayāsā. jāi kīnha amarāvati bāsā..

Cherishing in their mind the image of the Lord who is so compassionate to His devotees, the wedded couple stayed in that hermitage for some time more. And dropping their body, when the time came, without the least pain they went and took their abode in Amaravati, the city of immortals.

दोहा | Dohas :
यह इतिहास पुनीत अति उमहि कही बृषकेतु।
भरद्वाज सुनु अपर पुनि राम जनम कर हेतु॥152॥
yaha itihāsa punīta ati umahi kahī bṛṣakētu.
bharadvāja sunu apara puni rāma janama kara hētu..152..

This most sacred legend was related by Siva (who has a bull emblazoned on His standard) to Uma. Bharadvaja, now hear yet another cause of Sri Rama’s birth.

मासपारायण, पाँचवाँ विश्राम

Please click here to read remaning part of Balkanda:  Part 2