43rd & 44th Dohas of Uttar Kand

Chaupai:

eka båra raghunåtha bolåe, gura dvija purabåsi saba åe |

baithe gura muni aru dvija sajjana, bole bacana bhagata bhava bhamjana ||1||

sunahu sakala purajana mama båni, kahau°na kachu mamatå ura åni |

nahi aniti nahi kachu prabhutåi, sunahu karahu jo tumhahi sohåi ||2||

soi sevaka priyatama mama soi, mama anusåsana månai joi |

jau°aniti kachu bhåsau°bhåi, tau mohi barajahu bhaya bisaråi ||3||

baRe° bhåga månusa tanu påvå, sura durlabha saba gramthanhi gåvå |

sådhana dhåma moccha kara dvårå, påi na jehi paraloka sa°vårå ||4||

Lord Raghuvir Invites Vasistha & Leading Brahmans to the Royal Court

One fine day, invited by Lord Raghuvir, the spiritual preceptor Vasistha, leading Brahmans and other citizens gathered in the royal court. When the guru, sages, Brahamans and other gentlemen had taken their seats, the Lord who ends the cycle of birth-death of His devotees, spoke the following words to them: Oh all the denizens!Listen to what I have to say. I am not speaking these words because of any affection in My heart for you. Neither is it concerned with any wrong doing and nor am I exercising my sovereignty. Therefore,(discarding shyness and fear, and paying attention) listen to My talk and act accordingly if you please.

Parloka or Paradise

Only the one who obeys My command, is my servitor and dearest to Me. O brother! If I say anything which is wrong, do not be afraid (apprehensive) to correct Me. It is by great good fortune that you have been granted a human body. All the scriptures have declared that it is tough even for the gods to attain such a body. It is the abode of spiritual endeavours and a gateway to moksha or salvation. He who fails to make it parloka or paradise even on attaining the human body.

Doha:

so paratra dukha påvai sira dhuni dhuni pachitåi |

kålahi karmahi isvarahi mithyå dosa lagåi ||43||

Attributing the Blame to Time, Fate & God

He is tortured in the other world and beats his head in remorse. And (not regarding them as his wrong-doings)he falsely attributes the blame to Time, Fate and God.

Chaupai:

ehi tana kara phala bisaya na bhåi, svargau svalpa amta dukhadåi |

nara tanu påi bisaya° mana dehi, palati sudhå te satha bisa lehi° ||1||

tåhi kabahu° bhala kahai na koi, gumjå grahai parasa mani khoi |

åkara cåri laccha cauråsi, joni bhramata yaha jiva abinåsi ||2||

phirata sadå måyå kara prerå, kåla karma subhåva guna gherå |

kabahu° ka kari karunå nara dehi, deta isa binu hetu sanehi ||3||

nara tanu bhava båridhi kahu° bero, sanmukha maruta anugraha mero |

karanadhåra sadagura drRha nåvå, durlabha såja sulabha kari påvå ||4||

There are 84 lakh Yonis or Creatures in this Universe

O brother! Sensuous enjoyment is not the fruition of human existence.(What to talk of worldly enjoyments)even heavenly enjoyment is short-lived and invariably ends in sorrow. Therefore those foolish people whose minds are absorbed in sensual pleasures even after attaining human birth, exchange nectar for poison. No one ever calls that person righteous (sensible), who sqanders away the parasmani (a rare legendary stone which has the ability to turn base metals into gold) and takes a berry in return. This imperishable soul wanders through eighty-four lakh species of life, falling under four broad divisions (mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds.)

Maya, the Lord's Illusory Power

Driven by Maya (My illusory power) and controlled by time, destiny, nature and gunas, it forever wanders about aimlessly. Rarely does God, who loves the living being without any self-interest, bestow a human form.This form of a human being is a boat ( a vessel) which helps one cross the ocean of mundane existence. My grace is the favourable wind, and a worthy spiritual preceptor is the boatman who steers this strong ship.In this manner the means which are difficult to secure, have been made easily available to the human being(by the grace of God).

Doha:

jo na tarai bhava sågara nara samåja asa påi |

so krta nimdaka mamdamati åtmåhana gati jåi ||44||

Crossing the Ocean of this Temporal World

The man who, though well equipped with all these resources, fails to cross the ocean of this temporal world, is regarded as ungrateful and dull-witted. Invariably he attains the gati or ending of one who commits suicide.

41st & 42nd Dohas of Uttar Kand

Chaupai:

para hita sarisa dharma nahi bhåi, para piRå sama nahi adhamåi |

nirnaya sakala puråna beda kara, kaheu° tåta jånahi kobida nara ||1||

nara sarira dhari je para pirå, karahi te sahahi mahå bhava bhirå |

karahi moha basa nara agha nånå, svåratha rata paraloka nasånå ||2||

kålarupa tinha kaha° mai bhråtå, subha aru asubha karma phala dåtå |

asa bicåri je parama sayåne, bhajahi mohi sasrta dukha jåne ||3||

tyågahi karma subhåsubha dåyaka, bhajahi mohi sura nara muni nåyaka |

samta asamtanha ke guna bhåse, te na parahi bhava jinha lakhi råkhe ||4||

Lord Rama Asks us to Work for the Well-Being of Mankind

O Brother! There is no virtue like working for the well-being of mankind, and no meanness (sin) like inflicting sorrow on others. O dear brother! I have narrated the verdict (reliable doctrine) of all the Vedas and Puranas; the pundits very well know of this fact. Those who inflict pain on others even after attaining the human body have to bear the dire consequences of birth and death. Overpowered by infatuation and engrossed in selfish interest, men commit various sins and thus ruin their prospects in the next world.

Lord Rama is Like Yama for The Wicked

O brother! I am like Yama (terrifying like the god of death) for them. And (accordingly) I grant fruition of their good and evil deeds. Aware of this fact, those who are supremely clever worship Me, knowing that (the course of life) is very painful. With this, they renounce actions which yield good or evil results and seek refuge in Me, the Hero of gods, men and sages. (In this manner) I have told you the traits of saints and wicked men. Those who have fully understood these virtues are not entrapped by the cycle of birth and death.

Doha:

sunahu tåta måyå krta guna aru dosa aneka |

guna yaha ubhaya na dekhiahi dekhia so abibeka ||41||

Maya, the Illusory Power of Lord Vishnu

O dear brother! Listen, various good and evil qualities are all products of maya (the illusory world as perceived by the senses, and have no real existence of their own.)The greatest merit(sensibility) is that both of them should not be seen, and discerning them is absolute ignorance.

Chaupai:

srimukha bacana sunata saba bhåi, harase prema na hrdaya° samåi |

karahi binaya ati bårahi bårå, hanumåna hiya°harasa apårå ||1||

puni raghupati nija mamdira gae, ehi bidhi carita karata nita nae |

båra båra nårada muni åvahi, carita punita råma ke gåvahi ||2||

nita nava carita dekhi muni jåhi°, brahmaloka saba kathå kahåhi° |

suni biramci atisaya sukha månahi, puni puni tåta karahu guna gånahi ||3||

sanakådika nåradahi saråhahi, jadyapi brahma nirata muni åhahi |

suni guna gåna samådhi bisåri, sådara sunahi parama adhikåri ||4||

Hanumana is Delighted by the Words of Lord Rama

All the brothers (Bharata, Laksmana and Shatrughna) were delighted to hear these words from the holy lips of the Lord. And love could not be contained in their hearts.They exhibited great reverence over and over again. While there was immene joy in the heart of Hanuman, in particular. Thereafter, the Lord of the Raghus retired to His own palace. In this way, He enacted some new lila or divine play everyday.

Narada Narrating the Exploits of Lord Rama to Brahma

Sage Narada frequently visited Ayodhya and sang the holy exploits of Lord Rama. The sage saw new deeds every day and returned to Brahma's abode for reciting the whole story. Brahma ji (the Creator) was overjoyed on hearing the tales( and said) O son! Sing hymns in His praise, over and over again. Sanaka and his three brothers admired Narada. Though they (Sanaka and his other brothers)are absorbed in Brahma (the Infinite), but on hearing hymns singing the glories of Lord Rama, even these sages discarded their samadhi (absorption) and listened to it with reverence.They have the prerogative ( tohear the tale of Lord Rama.)

Doha:

jivanamukta brahmapara carita sunahi taji dhyåna |

je hari kathå° na karahi rati tinha ke hiya påsåna ||42||

The Four Kumaras Love Hearing the Tales of Lord Hari

Even those sages (like Sanaka and his brothers) who are liberated embodiments absorbed in Brahma, leave their meditation to the hear narrative of Lord Råma. Despite knowing this fact, those who do not love the tales of Lord Hari, their hearts (are truly) like stone.

39th & 40th Dohas of Uttar Kand

Chaupai:

sunahu asamtanha kera subhåu, bhulehu° samgati karia na kåu |

tinha kara samga sadå dukhadåi, jimi kapilahi ghålai harahåi ||1||

khalanha hrdaya° ati tåpa bisesi, jarahi sadå para sampati dekhi |

jaha° kahu° nimdå sunahi paråi, harasahi manahu° pari nidhi påi ||2||

kåma krodha mada lobha paråyana, nirdaya kapati kutila malåyana |

bayaru akårana saba kåhu so°, jo kara hita anahita tåhu so° ||3||

jhuthai lenå jhuthai denå, jhuthai bhojana jhutha cabenå |

bolahi madhura bacana jimi morå, khåi mahå a hi hrdaya kathorå ||4||

Lord Rama Reveals the Traits of the Wicked

Now hear the traits of the wicked. On no account should one be associated with them; for their company always brings sorrow,

The White Milch Cow

just as a naughty cow (of evil breed) ruins a pure white cow (a simple cow giving milk) by her company. Extreme anguish resides in the hearts of the wicked; for they are forever burning at the sight of others success. Wherever they hear others being blamed, they are delighted as if they have stumbled upon a treasure lying on the road. Engrossed in sensuality, anger, arrogance and greed) they are the abodes of ruthlessness, deceit, crookedness and sins. They harbour enmity towards everyone for no reason; and even damage those who are kind to them. They lie in their dealings; falsehood is their dinner and breakfast (which means they rely on lies in business & trade and fraudulently grab the right of others. And they falsely brag of giving crores of rupees in charity after taking lakhs. In the same fashion they eat gram rotis and boast of relishing a feast while haughtily talking of having renounced grand meals. Which means they are lying in whatever they speak of).

The Peacock Devours Snakes

Just as a peacock (speaks such sweet words but is) so stone-heated that it devours the most poisonous of snakes. In the same manner they appear to speak honeyed words(but are ruthless at heart. )

Doha:

para drohi para dåra rata para dhana para apabåda |

te nara på°vara påpamaya deha dhare° manujåda ||39||

Demons in the Guise of Humans

Hostile towards others, they are engrossed in enjoying others' wives, other people's wealth and slandering others. Such vile and sinful men are virtually demons disguised as humans. (39)

Chaupai:

lobhai oRhana lobhai dåsana, sisnodara para jamapura tråsa na |

kåhu ki jau°sunahi baRåi, svåsa lehi janu juRi åi ||1||

jaba kåhu kai dekhahiÚ bipati, sukhi bhae månahu° jaga nrpati |

svåratha rata parivåra birodhi, lampata kåma lobha ati krodhi ||2||

måtu pitå gura bipra na månahi, åpu gae aru ghålahi ånahi |

karahi moha basa droha paråvå, samta samga hari kathå na bhåvå ||3||

avaguna simdhu mamdamati kåmi, beda bidusaka paradhana svåmi |

bipra droha para droha biseså, dambha kapata jiya° dhare° subeså ||4||

Yama, the God of Death

Greed is their covering sheet and greed their bedding (which means they are always surrounded by greed.) They are forever immersed in sexual enjoyment and are gluttions just like beasts. And have no fear of being punished in Yamapuri [the abode of Yama,the god of death]. If they ever hear the praise of anyone, these wicked people heave a deep sigh as if they been attacked by ague. When they find anyone in distress, they rejoice as though they have become emperors of the whole world. Devoted to their self interests, opposing their family members, licentious due to being absorbed in sensuality and greed, such people are very short-tempered.

The Brahmanas & Lord Hari

They do not revere their, mother, father, spiritual preceptor or Bråhmanas. Alongside they ruin others(because of their evil company). Overpowered by infatuation they are malicious towards others. Neither do they like the company of saints nor the tales centred on Lord Hari. They are the oceans of vice, stupid, lustful, scorn the Vedas and are forcible masters (loot) of others' wealth. In any case, they are malicious towards others, but are enemies of Bråhmanas, in particular. Their hearts abound with hypocrisy and deceit, but they assume a saintly form (outwardly.)

Doha:

aise adhama manuja khala krtajuga tretå° nåhi |

dvåpara kachuka brmda bahu hoihahi kalijuga måhi ||40||

The Kali Yuga

Such base and wicked men are not present in the Satya and Tretå Yugas. There will be a few of them in the Dwapar Yuga and hordes of them will swarm the Kali Yuga. (40)

37th & 38th Dohas of Uttar Kand

Chaupai:

karau°krpånidhi eka dhithåi, mai sevaka tumha jana sukhadåi |

samtanha kai mahimå raghuråi, bahu bidhi beda purånanha gåi ||1||

srimukha tumha puni kinhi baRåi, tinha para prabhuhi priti adhikåi |

sunå cahau°prabhu tinha karalacchana, krpåsimdhu guna gyåna bicacchana ||2||

samta asamta bheda bilagåi, pranatapåla mohi kahahu bujhåi |

samtanha ke lacchana sunu bhråtå, aganita sruti puråna bikhyåtå ||3||

samta asamtanhi kai asi karani, jimi kuthåra camdana åcarani |

kåtai parasu malaya sunu bhåi, nija guna dei sugamdha basåi ||4||

Lord Rama, Sings the Glories of Saints

Nevertheless, O treasury of compassion! I dare to ask You one question. I am Your servitor and You grant delight to Your devotees.(Therefore pardon my daring and give joy by answering my query.) O Lord of the Raghus! The Vedas and Puranas have sung the glories of the saints in various ways. You too have praised them with Your own fair mouth and my Lord (You) have great affection for them, as well. O Lord I want to hear about their distinctive traits.You are the Ocean of mercy, and extremely accomplished in virtues and wisdom. O Protector of those who seek refuge in You! Separating the distinguishing characteristics of those who are good and the wicked, explain them to me.

Saints are Likened to The Sandalwood Tree

(Lord Rama said) Listen brother! The qualities of saints, which are renowned in the Vedas and Puranas, are countless. The conduct of saints and the wicked is just like the customary behaviour of sandalwood and the axe. Mark this fact, brother! The axe cuts down a sandal-tree (because its distinctive nature is to fell trees), but sandalwood (due to its particular nature) perfumes it (the felling axe)by imparting its fragrance.

Doha:

tåte sura sisanha caRhata jaga ballabha srikhamda |

anala dåhi pitata ghanahi parasu badana yaha damda ||37||

Sandalwood Paste Marks Baby Rama's Forehead

Because of this particular trait, sandalwood paste is applied to the heads of gods(idols) and is dearly loved by the world; while the steel face of the axe is heated in the fire and beaten with a hammer as punishment.

Chaupai:

bisaya alampata sila gunåkara, para dukha dukha sukha sukha dekhe para |

sama abhutaripu bimada birågi, lobhåmarasa harasa bhaya tyågi ||1||

komalacita dinanha para dåyå, mana baca krama mama bhagati amåyå |

sabahi månaprada åpu amåni, bharata pråna sama mama te pråni ||2||

bigata kåma mama nåma paråyana, såmti birati binati muditåyana |

sitalatå saralatå mayatri, dvija pada priti dharma janayatri ||3||

e saba lacchana basahi jåsu ura, jånehu tåta samta samtata phura |

sama dama niyama niti nahi dolahi, parusa bacana kabahu° nahi bolahi ||4||

Saints of Chitrakoot Adulate Lord Rama

Saints are not engrossed in sensual pleasures and are the very mines of goodness and other virtues. They are pained to see others in sorrow and rejoice at the sight of others' joy. They treat everyone equally(everywhere and at all times) and consider no one as their enemy. Free from passion and arrogance, they are inclined towards asceticism. Above all, the saints have renounced greed, anger, joy and fear.They are very soft-hearted and have mercy on the distressed. Sincerely, they are religiously devoted to Me in thought, word and action. Giving honour to all, they are so very modest themselves.

Saints are Very Dear to Lord Rama

O Bharata! Such souls (saints) are dear to Me as life. Having no personal desire of their own, they are devoted to My Name. They are abodes of peace, asceticism, humility and contentment. O dear brother! Regard that person as a genuine saint in whose heart such traits dwell; those who are endowed with tranquility, simplicity, are friendly towards everyone, and have loving devotion for the feet of the Brahmanas, from which spiritual merits are born.They never swerve from restraining their mind, controlling their senses, religious observances and ethics, and never utter a harsh word from their mouths.

Doha:

nimdå astuti ubhaya sama mamatå mama pada kamja |

te sajjana mama prånapriya guna mamdira sukhapumja ||38||

Loving Devotion for the Lotus Feet of Lord Rama

Both defamation and praise are the same for them. And those who have loving affection for My lotus feet, are the abodes of good qualities and heaps of bliss, such saints are dear to Me as My Own Life.

35th & 36th Dohas of Uttar Kand

Chaupai:

dehu bhagati raghupati ati påvani, tribidhi tåpa bhava dåpa nasåvani |

pranata kåma suradhenu kalapataru, hoi prasanna dijai prabhu yaha baru ||1||

bhava båridhi kumbhaja raghunåyaka, sevata sulabha sakala sukha dåyaka |

mana sambhava dåruna dukha dåraya, dinabamdhu samatå biståraya ||2||

åsa tråsa irisådi nivåraka, binaya bibeka birati biståraka |

bhupa mauli mani mamdana dharani, dehi bhagati samsrti sari tarani ||3||

muni mana månasa hamsa niramtara, carana kamala bamdita aja samkara |

raghukula ketu setu sruti racchaka, kåla karama subhåu guna bhacchaka ||4||

tårana tarana harana saba dusana, tulasidåsa prabhu tribhuvana bhusana ||5||

Lord Rama is Likened to Kamdhenu, the Cow of Plenty

O Lord of the Raghus! Grant us the religious devotion which destroys the threefold agony and the suffering of life and death. O Lord You are the Kamdhenu and Kalpavriksha in fulfilling the wishes of those who seek refuge in You! Be pleased and grant us this very boon. O Raghunath ji! You are just like sage Agastya in sucking up the ocean of this mundane world. O Chief of the Raghus, You are easily attainable to those who serve You and bestow all sort of joys on them. O Friend of the needy poor! Put an end to terrible sufferings arising from the mind and spread an impartial view in us. O Remover of hope (of sensual enjoyment), fear, jealousy etc., and propagator of humility, discernment and asceticism. O Shri Ram ji, shiromani (crest-jewel) of kings, and ornament of the earth!

Lord Rama is the Boat Plus Boatman who Help us Cross the Ocean of this Mundane World

Grant us the boat of religious devotion to Your feet, which takes us across the river of this mundane world.O Swan constantly dwelling in the lake of the sages' mind! Your lotus feet are adored even by Brahma and Lord Shankara. Glory of the Raghus, protector of the Vedic laws and devourer of time, karma, prakriti and the three gunas, You are taran-taran or the granter of deliverance (both the boatman and the boat to take Your devotees across the ocean of birth and death) and the remover of all vices. The Lord of Tulsidåsa, You are the jewel of the three spheres.

Doha:

båra båra astuti kari prema sahita siru nåi |

brahma bhavana sanakådi ge ati abhista bara påi ||35||

The Four Kumaras Return to Brahma Lok

Thus having lovingly sung the praises of the Lord over and over again, and after bowing their heads and obtaining their most desired boon, Sanaka and his three brothers returned to Brahma's abode.

Chaupai:

sanakådika bidhi loka sidhåe, bhråtanha råma carana siru nåe |

puchata prabhuhi sakala sakucåhi,° citavahi saba mårutasuta påhi° ||1||

sun cahahi prabhu mukha kai båni, jo suni hoi sakala bhrama håni |

amtarajåmi prabhu sabha jånå, bujhata kahahu kåha hanumånå ||2||

jori påni kaha taba hanumamtå, sunahu dinadayåla bhagavamtå |

nåtha bharata kachu pu°chana cahahi,° prasna karata mana sakucata ahahi° ||3||

tumha jånahu kapi mora subhåu, bharatahi mohi kachu amtara kåu |

suni prabhu bacana bharata gahe caranå, sunahu nåtha pranatårati haranå ||4||

Bharata, Lakshmana & Shatrughana Beg Hanuman to Talk to Lord Rama

When Sanaka and his brothers left for Brahma's abode, the three brothers (Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna) bowed their head at Lord Råma's feet. Being too hesitant to ask the Lord, they all looked at Hanumana.They wished to hear the words from the Lord's own mouth, which would get rid of all their misunderstandings. The All-Knowing Lord came to know everything and asked: Tell me, Hanuman! What is the matter? With folded hands, Hanuman replied,' Listen, O Lord! Forever compassionate to the meek. Bharata wishes to ask something; but he is too shy to ask the question.

There is No Difference Between Bharata & Lord Rama

(The Lord said) Hanuman! You very well know my disposition. Has there ever been any difference (secret) between Bharata and myself? On hearing the Lord's words, Bharata caught His feet (and said) O Nath ! Listen O Reliever of the agony of those who seek refuge in You.

Doha:

nåtha na mohi samdeha kachu sapanehu° soka na moha |

kevala krpå tumhårihi krpånamda samdoha ||36||

Lord Rama is the Abode of Mercy

I have no doubts whatsoever, my Lord, nor do I have any dejection or infatuation even in my dreams. This is solely due to the fruition of Your grace, O Heap of mercy and bliss!

33rd & 34th Dohas of Uttar Kand

Chaupai:

kinha damdavata tiniu°bhåi, sahita pavanasuta sukha adhikåi |

muni raghupati chabi atula biloki, bhae magana mana sake na roki ||1||

syåmala gåta saroruha locana, sumdaratå mamdira bhava mocana |

ekataka rahe nimesa nalåvahi, prabhu kara jore° sisa navåvahi ||2|| Ú

tinha kai daså dekhi raghubirå, sravata nayana jala pulaka sarirå |

kara gahi prabhu munibara baithåre, parama manohara bacana ucåre ||3||

åju dhanya mai sunahu muniså, tumhare° darasa jåhi agha khiså |

baRe bhåga påiba satasamgå, binahi prayåsa hohi bhavabhamgå ||4||

The Lotus-Eyed & Dark-Hued Lord Rama

Thereafter,the three brothers(Bharata, Laksmana and Shatrughna) prostrated themselves along with Hanumana and everyone was delighted. On beholding the unequalled beauty of Lord Raghuvir, the * four sages reached the heights of elation and ecstasy. They could not stop their hearts, and kept staring fixedly at the Lord who releases us from the cycle (of birth and death), has a dark body, is lotus-eyed and is the abode of beauty. Whereas The Lord bowed His head with folded hands. Seeing their (love struck) state, the eyes of Lord Raghuvir also streamed with tears of love(just like them) and every fiber on His body stood erect due to the thrill of rapture.

The Four Kumaras Help us Get Rid of the Cycle of Birth & Death

Immediately, the Lord held their hands and seated the great sages. He spoke to them with the most charming of words,'O great sages! Listen, I am definitely blessed today. One's sins are destroyed just by sighting you. Only by great good fortune is one able to get the company of saints, because of which one effortlessly gets rid of the cycle of birth and death.'

Doha:

samta samga apabarga kara kåmi bhava kara pamtha |

kahahi samta kabi kobida sruti puråna sadagramtha ||33||

Moksha, Flight to Vaikunth

The company of saints is the path which leads us to moksha (release from the bondage of this mundane world) while association with a sensual person binds us in the cylce of birth and death.The saints, poets and pundits plus Vedas, Purananas and other religious scriptures endorse this doctrine.

Chaupai:

suni prabhu bacana harasi muni cåri, pulakita tana astuti anusåri |

jaya bhagavamta anamta anåmaya, anagha aneka eka karunåmaya ||1||

jaya nirguna jaya jaya guna sågara, sukha mamdira sumdara ati någara |

jaya imdirå ramana jaya bhudhara, anupama aja anådi sobhåkara ||2||

gyåna nidhåna amåna månaprada, påvana sujasa puråna beda bada |

tagya krtagya agyatå bhamjana, nåma aneka anåma niramjana ||3||

sarba sarbagata sarba urålaya, basasi sadå hama kahu° paripålaya |

dvamda bipati bhava phamda bibhamjaya, hrdi basi råma kåma mada gamjaya ||4||

Sages Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana & Sanatkumara

Delighted to hear the Lord's words, with every fiber on their body standing erect due to rapture, the four sages began to sing hymns praising the Lord, 'O Lord! Hail to you! You are infinite, unchangeable and sinless, are manifest in one as well as many forms, and so very compassionate. O Lord glory be to you, who is beyond the gunas( sattva, rajas and tamas, the three constituents of nature)! I respectfully salute You, the Ocean of goodness, the Abode of bliss, who is extremely handsome and so very skilful.

Singing the Glories of Lakshmipati or Lord Vishnu

O Lakshmipati (wife of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth)! Salutations to You! O Preserver of the earth! You are beyond comparison, unborn, eternal, and a mine of elegance. You are a storehouse of wisdom and free from pride, but grant honour to others. The Vedas and Puranas sing of Your beautiful purifying glory.

Lord Rama Dwells in the Hearts of His Devotees

Knower of the essential Truth, You acknowledge the service of Your devotees and get rid, of their ignorance. Untainted by maya (the illusory world as perceived by the senses), You have several( numberless) names and yet do not have any name( or are beyond all.) You are manifest as all forms, pervade all beings and dwell in the hearts of all Your Devotees. Therefore, You must guard us every moment. Cut through the ensnaring net of pair of complementary conditions (such as heat and cold, joy and sorrow,) adversity and the cycle of birth and death. O Rama! Dwelling in our hearts, wipe out sensual desire and intoxication.

Doha:

paramånamda krpåyatana mana paripurana kåma |

prema bhagati anapåyani dehu hamahi sriråma ||34||

Loving Devotion for Lord Rama's Feet

You are the personification of supreme bliss, the abode of mercy and fulfil the desires of our heart. O Lord Rama! Kindly grant us the boon of dedicated loving devotion for Your feet.'

*Sages:The Bhagavata Purana says that the four Kumaras who although being eternally liberated souls from birth, still became attracted to the devotional service of Vishnu. Despite being very senior in age the Four Kumaras are said to wander the universe in the forms of small children. Sage Sanaka and his three brothers are the first progeny of Brahma and the eldest of all creation. They are perpetual celibates living in the abode of Brahma and their present age is about 1,95,00,00,000 years.

31st & 32nd Dohas of Uttar Kand

Chaupai:

jaba te råma pratåpa khageså, udita bhayau ati prabala dineså |

puri prakåsa raheu tihu° lokå, bahutenha sukha bahutana mana sokå ||1||

jinhahi soka te kahau° bakhåni, prathama abidyå niså nasåni |

agha uluka jaha°tahå° lukåne, kåma krodha kairava sakucåne ||2||

bibidha karma guna kåla subhåu, e cakora sukha lahahi na kåu |

matsara måna moha mada corå, inha kara hunara na kavanihu° orå ||3||

dharama taRåga gyåna bigyånå,e pamkaja bikase bidhi nånå |

sukha samtosa biråga bibekå, bigata soka e koka anekå ||4||

The Sun of Lord Rama's Glory Shone Bright

(Kakabhusundi continues)O Garuda, king of the birds! Ever since the most dazzling sun of Lord Råma's glory had risen, the three lokas (worlds) were flooded with light. This has brought joy to many and sorrow to so many others. First I am going to expound those to whom it has caused sorrow ( because of radiance spreading all around).Right in the beginning, the night of ignorance was ruined; owl-like sins hid wherever they could; the white lilies of lust and anger closed.

The Chakora, a Legendary Bird

Various kinds of *Chakora birds of karmas, gunas, kaal and nature ( which are binding) never rejoiced (in the sunlight of Lord Rama's glory); thieves like jealousy, pride, infatuation and arrogance could not exhibit their expertise in any direction. Several varieties of lotuses of knowledge (understanding of the identity of the self with the ultimate brahman ) and worldly knowledge(acquired knowledge of the world as distinct from knowledge of brahman acquired by meditation and study) bloomed opened in the pond of dharma (fulfilment of religious obligations).

The Chakravaka was Stripped of Sorrow

Happiness, contentment, asceticism and discernment, were stripped of sorrow ,like so many Chakravaka birds.

Doha:

yaha pratåpa rabi jåke° ura jaba karai prakåsa |

pachile båRhahiÚ prathama je kahe te påvahiÚ nåsa ||31||

Lord Rama Lights up One's Heart

When the sun of Lord Rama's glory lights up the heart of an individual, the qualities listed in the end(dharma, spiritual knowledge, worldly knowledge, happiness, contentment, renunciation and discernment) increase while those mentioned in the beginning ( ignorance, sins, lust, anger,karmas, kaal, gunas and nature) are destroyed.

Chaupai:

bhråtanha sahita råmu eka bårå, samga parama priya pavanakumårå ||

sumdara upabana dekhana gae, saba taru kusumita pallava nae ||1||

jåni samaya sanakådika åe, teja pumja guna sila suhåe |

brahmånamda sadå layalinå, dekhata bålaka bahukålinå ||2||

rupa dhare°janu cåriu bedå, samadarasi muni bigata bibhedå |

åså basana byasana yaha tinhahi, raghupati carita hoi taha° sunahi ||3|| °

tahå rahe sanakådi bhavåni, jaha° ghatasambhava munibara gyåni |

råma kathå munibara bahu barani, gyåna joni påvaka jimi arani ||4||

Lord Rama & Hanumana in a Grove

One day, Lord Rama and his brothers, taking Hanumana who was most dear to Him, went to see a beautiful grove. All the trees were blossoming there and loaded with fresh leaves.

Sages Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana & Sanatkumara

Knowing that it was a fitting time, sage Sanaka* and his three brothers (Sanandana,Sanåtana and Sanatkumåra) arrived at that spot. They were all icons of spiritual lustre and noble qualities. Endowed with virtuousness, they were constantly absorbed in their ecstatic union with Brahma.Seeming to be infants in appearance, they were aeons old. It looked as if the four Vedas had assumed bodies. Those sages looked at everyone with the same eye and were above discrimination. The four quarters were their clothing. Their only passion was to hear the tale of Lord Rama's exploits wherever it was narrated.

Lord Shiva & Goddess Bhavani

(Lord Shiva continues) O Bhavani! Sanaka and his brothers had gone where Agastya, most supreme of the sages lived (and were coming back).The noble sage had narrated many a stories related to Lord Råma, which are capable of producing wisdom in the same way as the friction of two pieces of Arni wood produce fire.

Doha:

dekhi råma muni åvata harasi damdavata kinha |

svågata pu° chi pita pata prabhu baithana kaha° dinha ||32||

Sages Sanaka, Sanatkumara,Sanatana and Sanadana, the Four Sons of Brahma

Lord Ramchandra was delighted to see the sages approaching and prostrated before them.And after inquiring about their well being, the Lord spread out His pitambar (yellow sash) for them to sit on.

Chakora: a type of partridge supposed to live on moonbeams

Chakravaka: a ruddy goose always seen to fly in pairs during the day but are supposed to remain separate during the night. The `Chakravaka` in the poetry of the Hindus is heir turtle-dove for constancy and conjugal affection with the singular circumstance of the pair being doomed for ever to nocturnal separation for offending one of the Hindu Munis or sages.

Sage Sanaka: Lord Brahma had four sons, Sanaka, Sanat Kumara,Sanatana and Sanadana

29th & 30th Dohas of Uttar Kand

Chaupai:

duri pharåka rucira so ghåtå, jaha° jala piahi båji gaja thåtå |

panighata parama manohara nånå, tahå° na purusa karahi asnånå ||1||

råjaghåta saba bidhi sumdara bara, majjahi tahå° barana cåriu nara |

tira tira devanha ke mamdira, cahu° disi tinha ke upabana sumdara ||2||

kahu° kahu° saritå tira udåsi, basahi gyåna rata muni samnyåsi ||

tira tura tulasikå suhåi, brmda brmda bahu muninha lagåi ||3||

pura sobhå kachu barani na jåi, båhera nagara parama ruciråi |

dekhata puri akhila agha bhågå, bana upabana båpikå taRågå ||4||

The Many Ghats of Ayodhya

Set apart and situated at some distance was the lovely ghat where hordes of horses and elephants went to drink water. There were numerous most enchanting of ghats for women to fill water from, where men did not bathe. Charming in every way and the best, was the royal ghat, where men of all the four castes could bathe.

Temples Mushroomed on the Banks of River Sarayu

Along the banks of the Sarayu River were temples of gods surrounded by lush groves on all sides.At some spots on the river banks, dwelt hermits and sages who were detached from the world and devoted to spiritual wisdom. The hermits had planted clusters of tulasi plants all along the banks of the Sarayu.The majestic splendour of the city defied description and its outskirts too were supremely picturesque. Groves, flower gardens, wells and ponds were resplendent there.

Chhand:

båpi° taRåga anupa kupa manoharåyata sohahi° |

sopåna sumdara nira nirmala dekhi sura muni mohahi° ||

bahu ramga kamja aneka khaga kujahi madhupa gumjårahi° |

åråma ramya pikådi khaga rava janu pathika hamkårahi° ||

The Cooing of Cuckoos Attracted Passers By

Incomparable tanks, ponds, charming and huge wells looked so beautiful.The sight of their elegant steps (studded with gems) and pure water fascinated even gods and sages.Multi-hued lotuses bloomed in lakes, several birds could be heard cooing, and bees hummed. Supremely charming gardens seemed to invite passers-by via the (melodious) notes of cuckoos and other birds.

Doha:

ramånåtha jaha° råjå so pura barani ki jåi |

animådika sukha sampadå rahi° avadha saba chåi ||29||

The Grand City of Ayodhya

Is it possible anywhere to describe the city of which Lakshmipati,(Lord Rama,the husband of Lakshmi) was King ? Animå (the power of assuming an atomic size), the other eight siddhis( superhuman powers) and joys and riches of all kinds resided in Ayodhya, forever.

Chaupai:

jaha° taha° nara raghupati gunagåvahi, baithi parasapara ihai sikhåvahi |

bhajahu pranata pratipålakaråmahi, sobhå sila rupa guna dhåmahi ||1||

jalaja bilocana syåmala gåtahi, palaka nayana iva sevaka tråtahi |

dhrta sara rucira cåpa tunirahi, samta kamja bana rabi ranadhirahi ||2||

kåla karåla byåla khagaråjahi, namata råma akåma mamatå jahi |

lobha moha mrgajutha kiråtahi, manasija kari hari jana sukhadåtahi ||3||

samsaya soka nibiRa tama bhånuhi, danuja gahana ghana dahana krsånuhi |

janakasutå sameta raghubirahi, kasa na bhajahu bhamjana bhava bhirahi ||4||

bahu båsanå masaka hima råsihi, sadå ekarasa aja abinåsihi |

muni ramjana bhamjana mahi bhårahi, tulasidåsa ke prabhuhi udårahi ||5||

Lord Rama is Likened to Garuda, the King of Birds

Everywhere men sang the glories of Lord Raghunath, and advised each other when they sat, to worship Lord Rama, who protects those who seek refuge in Him, the repository of beauty, tolerance, form and goodness. The One who is lotus-eyed and dark hued. Just as the eyelashes guard our eyes in the same manner Rama guards His servitors. Worship Him who is armed with a splendid bow, arrows and quiver, who delights the saints just as the sun makes a bed of lotuses bloom, who is Garuda ( king of the birds) in devouring the dreadful serpent of kaal (time of death), who destroys the feeling of attachment to oneself, the instant a person bows to Him without any self-interest.

Lord Rama Hunts Greed & Infatuation

Worship the Hunter who kills herds of deer of greed and infatuation, the One who is like a lion for the the elephant of Kamdev(god of sensual love), and who delights His sevakas. He is the sun who dispels the dense darkness of doubt and sorrow, a fire which burns the thick forest of the demon race.

Lord Raghuvir & Ma Janaki

Why should one not worship the Hero of the Raghus along with Ma Janaki, who gets rid of the fear of birth and death.Worship the One who is the frost in destroying mosquitoes of many passionate desires. The One who is forever unchangeable, unborn and indestructible, delights the sages, is a reliever of the earth's burdens and is the compassionate svami of Tulsidas.

Doha:

ehi bidhi nagara nåri nara karahi råma guna gåna |

sånukula saba para rahahi samtata krpånidhåna ||30||

Lord Rama, the Repository of Compassion

In this way men and women of the city, sang Lord Rama's glories praises while Lord Rama, the repository of compassion, was always pleased with everyone.