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.

27th & 28th Dohas of Uttar Kand

Chaupai:

nåradådi sanakådi munIså, darasana lågi kosalådhIså |

dina prati sakala ajodhyå åvahi, dekhi nagaru birågu bisaråvahi ||1||

jåtarupa mani racita atårI°, nånå ramga rucira gaca dhåri° |

pura cahu°påsa kota ati sumdara, race ka°gurå ramga ramga bara ||2||

nava graha nikara anika banåi, janu gheri amaråvati åi |

mahi bahu ramga racita gaca kå°cå, jo biloki munibara mana nåcå ||3||

dhavala dhåma upara nabhacumbata, kalasa manahu° rabi sasi duti nimdata |

bahu mani racita jharokhå bhråjahi, grha grha prati mani dipa biråjahi ||4||

Sage Narada Frequently Visited Ayodhya

Great sages like Narada, Sanaka and others came to Ayodhya, every single day to catch a glimpse of Lord Ramchandra, the Ruler of Kosala, and forgot their asceticism on seeing the (divine) city. It had attics built of gold and gems, which had beautiful floors inlaid with precious stones of different colours. An extremely beautiful boundary wall enclosed the city on all sides, and had lovely multicoloured battlements erected on it.

Amravati, the Capital of Indra

It seemed as if the nine planets had gathered a large army and besieged Amravati (the capital of Indra). The ground (roads) was so beautifully plastered with crystals (gems inlaid for mosaic) of various colours that the mind of the greatest sages would dance joyously at the sight. White palaces soared up and appeared to kiss the skies. Their gleaming pinnacles seemed to put to shame, the brightness of the sun and the moon.

Latticed Windows of Houses in Ayodhya

Latticed windows made of various precious stones were embellished and lamps inlaid with jewels lit up every house.

Chaupai:

mani dipa råjahi bhavana bhråjahi dehari° bidruma raci |

mani khambha bhiti biramci biraci kanaka mani marakata khaci ||

sumdara manohara mamdiråyata ajira rucira phatika race |

prati dvåra dvåra kapåta purata banåi bahu bajranhi khace |

Pillars Inlaid with Precious Stones in Ayodhya

The houses were illumined by lamps studded with gems and thresholds made of coral, shone bright. There were pillars of precious stones and walls of gold inlaid with emeralds, were so majestic that they seemed to have been specially built by Brahma Himself. The palaces were beautiful, enchanting and huge, having courtyards made of rock crystal, and every gate had doors of gold embossed with polished diamonds.

Doha:

cåru citrasålå grha grha prati likhe banåi |

råma carita je nirakha muni te mana lehi coråi ||27||

Painting of Lord Rama & Sita Crossing the Sarayu River

Every house had amazing picture galleries adorned with lovely frescos depicting Lord Rama's exploits in such vibrant colours that they could even steal the soul of a sage who looked at them.

Chaupai:

sumana båtikå sabahi lagåi, bibidha bhå° ti kari jatana banåi° |

latå lalita bahu jåti suhåi,° phulahi sadå basamta ki nåi° ||1||

gumjata madhukara mukhara manohara, måruta tribidhi sadå baha sumdara |

nånå khaga bålakanhi jiåe, bolata madhura uRåta suhåe ||2||

mora hamsa sårasa påråvata, bhavanani para sobhå ati påvata |

jaha° taha° dekhahi nija parichåhi, °bahu bidhi kujahi nrtya karåhi° ||3||

sμuka sårikå paRhåvahi bålaka, kahahu råma raghupati janapålaka |

råja duåra sakala bidhi cåru, bithi°cauhata rucira bajåru ||4||

Flower Gardens Bloomed All Over Ayodhya

Everyone had flower gardens of different kinds, planted and trimmed with the greatest care, in which beautiful and lovely creepers of many varieties blossomed all round the year as if it was spring. Bees hummed pleasantly and the cool, gentle and fragrant breeze kept blowing. Children had pet birds of all kinds, who sang melodiously and looked graceful in flight. Peacocks, swans, cranes and pigeons perched on houses presented a most majestic sight; warbling and dancing in various ways wherever they saw their own shadow reflected (on studded walls and roofs).

Parrots Chanted the Name of Lord Rama

Children taught parrots and mynas to chant, 'Råma, Raghupati, Janpalak (Protector of His devotees). The gates of the royal palace were magnificent in every way. All the streets, cross-roads and bazars, looked splendid.

Chhand:

båjåra rucira na banai baranata bastu binu gatha påie |

jaha°bhupa ramånivåsa taha° ki sampadå kimi gåie ||

baithe bajåja saråpha banika aneka manahu° kubera te |

saba sukhi saba saccarita sumdara nåri nara sisu jaratha je ||

Goddess Lakshmi Reigned Over Ayodhya

The bazars were dazzling beyond description; where things could be bought without any evaluation. How can anyone give an account of the city's wealth, where Lakshmi Herself reigns? Cloth- merchants, bankers and others dealers sat at their shops like business men who seemed like Kuberas (gods of riches). The men and women, children or old people whoever they may be, were all happy, well-behaved and good-looking.

Doha:

uttara disi saraju baha nirmala jala gambhira |

bå°dhe ghåta manohara svalpa pamka nahi tira ||28||

Ghats of the Sarayu River

The sacred Sarayu River flowed to the north of the city and its water was pure and deep. Captivating ghats enclosed the river and there was not the slightest trace of mud on its banks.

25th & 26th Dohas of Uttar Kand

Chaupai:

sevahi sånakula saba bhåi, råmacarana rati ati adhikåi |

prabhu mukha kamala bilokata rahahi,° kabahu° krpåla hamahi kachu kahahi° ||1||

råma karahi bhråtanha para priti,nånå bhå°ti sikhåvahi niti |

harasita rahahi nagara ke logå,karahii sakala sura durlabha bhogå ||2||

ahanisi bidhihi manåvata rahahi,° sriraghubira carana rati cahahi° | °

dui suta sumdara sitå jåe, lava kusa beda purånanha gåe ||3||

dou bijai binai guna mamdira, hari pratibimba manahu° ati sumdara |

dui dui suta saba bhråtanha kere, bhae rupa guna sila ghanere ||4||

Lakshman, Bharat & Shatrughna Serve Lord Rama

All the brothers were well-disposed in serving Lord Rama because they had intense loving devotion for Lord Rama's feet. They always kept gazing at His lotus face, hoping that the merciful Lord might ask them to attend to some need of His. Lord Råma too loved His younger brothers and taught them all kinds of political wisdom. The citizens led a happy life and enjoyed all kinds of pleasures which were tough to attain by even gods. Day and night they propitiated Lord Brahma and asked for the boon of devotion to Lord Raghunath's feet.

Ma Sita Gives Birth to Lava & Kusha

Sita gave birth to two lovely sons, Lava and Kusha who have been described by the Vedas and Purnas. Both these boys were triumphant (famed warriors),the abodes of tenderness and virtues, and extremely handsome. They seemed the very reflections of Lord Hari (Råma). All the other brothers Lord Råma had two sons each who were so very good looking, endowed with virtues and had a good disposition.

Doha:

gyåna girå gotita aja måyå mana guna påra |

soi saccidånamda ghana kara nara carita udåra ||25||

Lord Rama is a Manifestation of the Absolute Supreme Brahman

The same Brahma who is beyond (Vedic) knowledge, speech and perception of senses, and is unborn; surpasses maya (the illusory world as perceived by the senses), the mind and the gunas (sattva, rajas and tamas,the three constituents of nature, the very same God who is Sacchidanand ( Ultimate Being, thought and bliss), enacted the lila or divine play of an ideal human being.

Chaupai:

pråtakåla sarau kari majjana, baithahi sabhå° samga dvija sajjana |

beda puråna basista bakhånahi,sunahi råma jadyapi saba jånahi ||1||

anujanha samjuta bhojana karahi,° dekhi sakala janani° sukha bharahi° |

bharata satruhana donau bhåi,sahita pavanasuta upabana jåi ||2||

bujhahi baithi råma guna gåhå, kaha hanumåna sumati avagåhå |

sunata bimala guna ati sukha påvahi, bahuri bahuri kari binaya kahåvahi ||3||

saba ke°grha grha hohi purånå, råmacarita påvana bidhi nånå |

nara aru nåri råma guna gånahi, karahi divasa nisi jåta na jånahi ||4||

Sage Vasistha Narrating the Vedas & Puranas to Lord Rama

After bathing in the Sarayu River early in the morning, the Lord sat with Brahmanas and holy men in the assembly. Sage Vasistha narrated the tales of the Vedas and Puranas while Lord Rama listened intently, even though He knew everything. He took meals along with His younger brothers and all the mothers were over-joyed at the sight .

Hanumana Narrated Lord Rama's Exploits

The two brothers, Bharata and Shatrughna, would accompany Hanumana, the son of the wind-god, to some grove, and sitting there ask Hanuman to tell the stories based on Lord Rama's virtues. Hanumana would dive with his sensible intellect into the ocean of His virtues and then give a detailed account of them. The two brothers obtained much joy from the sermon on His immaculate virtues and begging humbly, had it repeated over and over again. At everyone's place and in every house, people recited the Puranas and narrated the various holy exploits of Lord Rama. Everyone, both men and women sang the glories of Lord Rama and steeped in this delight, were unaware of the days and nights passing by.

Doha:

avadhapuri båsinha kara sukha sampadå samåja |

sahasa sesa nahi kahi sakahi jaha° nrpa råma biråja ||26||

Lord Vishnu Resting on Sheshnaag

Not even a thousand Sesas could give an account of the multifaceted happiness and prosperity of the people of Ayodhya, where Lord Rama is resplendent Himself as the King.

23rd & 24th Dohas of Uttar Kand

Chaupai:

phulahi pharahi sadå taru kånana, rahahi eka sa°ga gaja pamcånana |

khaga mrga sahaja bayaru bisaråi, sabanhi paraspara priti baRhåi ||1||

kujahi khaga mrga nånå brmdå, abhaya carahi bana karahi anamdå |

sitala surabhi pavana baha mamdå, gumjata ali lai cali makaramdå ||2||

latå bitapa måge° madhu cavahi,° manabhåvato dhenu paya sravahi° |

sasi sampanna sadå raha dharani, tretå°bhai krtajuga kai karani ||3||

pragati° girinha bibidhi mani khåni, jagadåtamå bhupa jaga jåni |

saritå sakala bahahi bara båri, sitala amala svåda sukhakåri ||4||

sågara nija marajådå°rahahi, dårahi ratna tatanhi nara lahahi° |

sarasija samkula sakala taRågå, ati prasanna dasa diså bibhågå ||5||

Birds & Beasts Lived in Perfect Harmony

Trees in the forests bloomed and were laden with fruit throughout the year. The elephant and lion lived together as friends. All sorts of birds and beasts forgot their natural enmity and increased loving relations with one another. Birds chirped (sang sweet songs) and various kinds of beasts fearlessly wandered in the woods in distinct herds, with joyous abandon.

Bees Sipped Nectar from Flowers

A cool, soft and fragrant breeze blew all the time. Bees sipped the nectar from flowers and flitted about, humming all the while. Creepers and trees dripped honey to those who merely asked for it; cows gave plentiful milk to one's heart's content. The earth was always full of fields laden with crops. Satyayuga's scene prevailed even in the Treta Age.Very aware of the fact that the Ruler of the earth was none other than the Ultimate Being( the all-pervading spirit of the universe) mountains revealed mines containing precious stones of all kinds. Every river carried excellent water which was cool, clear and pleasant to taste. The oceans kept within their conventional bounds and strew jewels through waves on their shores, for men to gather.

Lotuses Bloomed in Ponds

All the ponds were full of lotus clusters.The quarters of all the ten directions (the states) were extremely happy.

Doha:

bidhu mahi pura mayukhanhi rabi tapa jetanehi kåja |

måge° bårida dehi jala råmacamdra ke° råja ||23||

The Sun Shone Bright During the Treta Yuga

In the kingdom of Lord Ramchandra, the moon flooded the earth with her (nectarean) beams, while the sun shone bright just as much was needed. And on asking, the clouds poured down water (as much was necessary and wherever it was a necessity) as long as Lord Rama ruled.

Chaupai:

kotinha båjimedha prabhu kinhe, dåna aneka dvijanha kaha°dinhe |

sruti patha pålaka dharma dhuramdhara, gunåtita aru bhoga puramdara ||1||

pati anukula sadå raha sitå, sobhå khåni susila binitå |

jånati krpåsimdhu prabhutåi, sevati carana kamala mana låi ||2||

jadyapi grha°sevaka sevakini, bipula sadå sevå bidhi guni |

nija kara grha paricarajå karai, råmacamdra åyasu anusarai ||3||

jehi bidhi krpåsimdhu sukha månai, soi kara sri sevå bidhi jånai |

kausalyådi såsu grha måhi,°sevai sabanhi måna mada nåhi° ||4||

umå ramå brahmådi bamditå, jagadambå samtatamanimditå ||5||

The Ashvamedha Yagna

Lord Rama did crores of Ashvamedha Yagas or horse-sacrifices and gave several gifts to Brahmanas. Lord Ramachandra upheld the path of the Vedas, was a champion of righteousness, was beyond the three gunas of nature (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas) and was like Indra (the lord of paradise) as far as enjoyment (bhoga) was concerned.

Ma Sita Attended to Lord Rama's Needs

A treasure-trove of beauty, the virtuous and meek Sitå was forever devoted to Her husband. She very well knew the grandeur (supremacy) of the so very compassionate Lord Rama and served His lotus-feet with devoted dedication. Even though there were many male-servants and maid-servants in the palace, and they were all experts in the art of serving,(knew the importance of attending to His needs) nevertheless, Sita did all the house work with Her own hands and acted in accordance to Lord Ramachandra's orders.

Shri ji Delighted Shri Ram

Invariably Shri ji did what would bring delight to the Ocean of Mercy (Rama) because She was well-versed in the art of serving. Stripped of pride and conceit, Sita attended to the needs of Kausalya and other mothers-in-law in the palace.

Goddess Rama, the Mother of the Universe & Lord Vishnu

O Uma! (says Lord Shiva) Goddess Rama, the Mother of the Universe (Sita), is worshipped by even Brahma and the other gods and is forever blissful. (endowed with all the virtues)

Doha:

Jåsu krpå katåcchu sura cåhata citava na soi |

råma padårabimda rati karati subhåvahi khoi ||24||

Lord Rama' Lotus Feet

Whose merciful look the gods yearn for, but who never casts a glance at them, the very same Lakshmi ji (Janaki ji) forgot about her innate majesty and constantly loved Lord Råma's lotus feet.

21st & 22nd Dohas of Uttar Kand

Chaupai:

daihika daivika bhautika tåpå, råma råja nahi kåhuhi byåpå |

saba nara karahi paraspara priti, calahi svadharma nirata sruti niti ||1||

cåriu carana dharma jaga måhi°,puri rahå sapanehu°agha nåhi° |

råma bhagati rata nara aru nåri, sakala parama gati ke adhikåri ||2||

alpamrtyu nahi kavaniu pirå, saba sumdara saba biruja sarirå |

nahi daridra kou dukhi na dinå,nahi kou abudha na lacchana hinå ||3||

saba nirdambha dharmarata puni,nara aru nåri catura saba guni |

saba gunagya pamdita saba gyåni, saba krtagya nahi kapata sayåni ||4||

No One Had to Bear the Threefold Suffering of Mankind During Lord Rama's Reign

During Rama's rule no one suffered from pain of any kind whether (daihik) caused by one's body or mind; (daivik) divinely caused like floods and drought or (bhautik) caused by other living beings like flies, wild animals and so on. All humans constantly loved one another and intently followed their ethical duties as upheld in the Vedas. Dharma or virtuousness with its four pillars(truth, purity, compassion and charity) reigned throughout the world; no one even dreamt of sinning.

Men & Women Worshipped Lord Rama

Men and women alike were dedicatedly devoted to the worship of Lord Råma and all were qualified for deliverance (moksha or released from rebirth in this world). There was neither death at a young age nor did anyone suffer pain of any kind. Everyone's bodies were beautiful and in good health. No one was poverty stricken, sad or miserable. No one was stupid or lacking auspicious traits. All were stripped of pretence, were devoutly religious and virtuous souls. Both men and women were clever and endowed with positive qualities. Everyone respected the merits of others and was learned and wise. All were grateful (acknowledged kind favours done by others) and there was no deceitful cleverness in anyone.

Doha:

råma råja nabhagesa sunu sacaråcara jaga måhi |

kåla karma subhåva guna krta dukha kåhuhi nåhi ||21||

Lord Rama Ruled Ayodhya

(Kakbhushundi says)Listen, O Garuda, king of the birds! During Lord Råma's rule there was not a creature in this world, animate or inanimate, that bore any sufferings arising from time, past deeds, personal disposition or gunas (constituents of nature) (21)

Chaupai:

bhumi sapta sågara mekhalå, eka bhupa raghupati kosalå |

bhuana aneka roma prati jåsu, yaha prabhutå kachu bahuta na tåsu ||1||

so mahimå samujhata prabhu keri, yaha baranata hinatå ghaneri |

sou mahimå khagesa jinha jåni, phiri ehi carita tinhahu° rati måni ||2||

sou jåne kara phala yaha lilå, kahahi mahå munibara damasilå |

råma råja kara sukha sampadå, barani na sakai phanisa såradå ||3||

saba udåra saba para upakåri, bipra carana sevaka nara nåri |

ekanåri brata rata saba jhåri, te mana baca krama pati hitakåri ||4||

Lord Raghunath Reigned Over the Entire World

Lord Raghunath who reigned in Ayodhya, was the sole sovereign of the entire globe girdled by the seven oceans. Being the Lord of these seven continents was nothing great fo Him because every pore of His body contained several cosmoses (universes). Rather for one who has understood this majestic greatness of the Lord, saying (that he was the sole emperor of the earth with seven continents which were encircled by the seven oceans) would be highly belittling.

Garuda, Adulating Lord Hari Sitting on Sesa

But even those, O Garuda, (says Kakbhusundi) who have grasped this grandeur of the Lord, develop great fondness for this lila or divine play of the Lord. Because the perception of such exploits of the Lord, is the fruition of knowing His infinite greatness; so say the greatest of sages who have subdued their senses. The joys and prosperity of Lord Rama's reign can not be described by even Sesa (the thousand-headed snake) and Sarada (the goddess of learning). All the men and women were generous and benevolent, and everyone served the feet of the Brahmanas. Every husband had taken a vow of monogamy. In exactly the same fashion, wives too were dedicated and devoted to their husbands in thoughts, words and deeds.

Doha:

damda jatinha kara bheda jaha° nartaka nrtya samåja |

jitahu manahi sunia asa råmacamdra ke° råja ||22||

The Reign of Lord Ramachandra

Throughout the reign of Lord Ramachandra, danda was only seen in the hands of a sanyasi (recluse) and bheda existed amongst the dancers in a dancing community. And the word conquer was heard only in reference to triumphing over the mind.

(Our scriptures identify four common methods of persuasion; (1) Sama (argument ), (2) Dana (inducement in the form of gifts.), (3) Danda (use of force) and (4) Bheda (planting seeds of dissension). The last two of the four methods mentioned above are referred to in this context. There is a pun intended on these words. The word danda when used while referring to a recluse denotes the staff which he needs to carry as a symbol of self-restraint; and bheda usually means variety (of notes and cadence illustrated in music and dancing.) The poet conveys through this verse that such harmony and moral righteousness prevailed throughout the world during Lord Rama's rule that the last two methods of persuasion had become totally obsolete. Similarly, since there was no enemy to conquer, the only object to be triumphed over was the mind.)

19th & 20th Dohas of Uttar Kand

Chaupai:

bharata anuja saumitri sametå, pathavana cale bhagata krta cetå |

amgada hrdaya° prema nahi thorå, phiri phiri citava råma ki° orå ||1||

båra båra kara damda pranåmå, mana asa rahana kahahi mohi råmå |

råma bilokani bolani calani, sumiri sumiri socata ha°si milani ||2||

prabhu rukha dekhi binaya bahubhåsi, caleu hrdaya° pada pamkaja råkhi |

ati ådara saba kapi pahu°cåe, bhåinha sahita bharata puni åe ||3||

taba sugriva carana gahi nånå, bhå°ti binaya kinhe hanumånå |

dina dasa kari raghupati pada sevå, puni tava carana dekhihau° devå ||4||

punya pumja tumha pavanakumårå, sevahu jåi krpå ågårå |

asa kahi kapi saba cale turamtå, amgada kahai sunahu hanumamtå ||5||

Angad Wishes to Stay On in Ayodhya

Remembering the devotees' services, Bharat along with Shatrughan, his younger brother and Laksman went to see them off. Angad's heart was full of love and he would turn over and over again to have another look at Lord Råm. He would repeatedly salute Him by prostrating on the ground and expect that Lord Råm might ask him to stay on. He was saddened on recalling the manner in which Lord Råm looked, talked, walked and smilingly welcomed His friends. But when he perceived the Lord's bent of mind, he left after uttering many courteous words and stashing the Lord's lotus feet in his heart. Having seen off all the monkeys with great respect, Bharat and his younger brothers returned.

Hanuman Begs Sugriv to Let Him Continue Serving Lord Ram

Then Hanumån held the feet of Sugriv, and entreated him in several ways: O Dev! After spending a few more days in serving Lord Raghuvir's feet,I will come again and have darshan of your feet. (Sugriv said) O Son of the Wind God! You are a storehouse of merit (that the Lord has kept you in His service.) Go and serve Lord Rama, the abode of mercy. Saying so, all the monkeys departed. However, Angad said:O Hanuman! Listen!

Doha:

kahehu damdavata prabhu sai tumhahi kahau° kara jori |

båra båra raghunåyakahi surati karåehu mori ||19A||

asa kahi caleu bålisuta phiri åyau hanumamta |

tåsu priti prabhu sana kahi magana bhae bhagavamta ||19B||

kulisahu cåhi kathora ati komala kusumahu cåhi |

citta khagesa råma kara samujhi parai kahu kåhi ||19C||

Lord Raghunath

With folded hands,I request you to convey my prostrations to the Lord and remind Lord Raghunath (the Lord of the Raghus) of me, from time to time. Saying so, Angad,the son of Bali began his journey.That is when Hanumån came back and gave an account of Angad's love to the Lord.Listening to which the Lord was immersed in the ecstasy of love. (Kakbhusundi said) O Garuda! The heart of Ram is much harder than adamantine and more tender than a flower. Tell me therefore, He can be understood by whom.

Chaupai:

puni krpåla liyo boli nisådå, dinhe bhusana basana prasådå |

jåhu bhavana mama sumirana karehu, mana krama bacana dharma anusarehu ||1||

tumha mama sakhå bharata sama bhråtå, sadå rahehu pura åvata jåtå |

bacana sunata upajå sukha bhåri, pareu carana bhari locana båri ||2||

carana nalina ura dhari grha åvå, prabhu subhåu parijananhi sunåvå |

raghupati carita dekhi purabåsi, puni puni kahahi dhanya sukharåsi ||3||

råma råja baithe° trailokå, harasita bhae gae saba sokå |

bayaru na kara kåhu sana koi, råma pratåpa bisamatå khoi ||4||

Guha Adores Lord Ram

Thereafter the compassionate Lord Rama called for the chief of the Nishadas (Guha) and presented him with jewels and clothes as a token of His gratitude. He then said: Now you ought to also return home. You must remember Me there and follow the sanctions of religion in thought, word and deed. You are My friend and a brother to Me just like Bharat.You must continue to visit Ayodhya, always. Instantly on hearing these words, Guha was immensely gratified. His eyes brimming (with tears of joy and love), he fell at the Lord's feet. Then enshrining the lotus feet of the Lord in his heart, he returned home and raved about the lovable nature of the Lord to his kinsmen.

Lord Ramchandra

Seeing these virtuous actions of Lord Råm, the citizens repeatedly proclaimed, that blessed is Lord Ramchandra, the storehouse of joy. The enthronement of Lord Ram brought joy to the three lokas (worlds) and put an end to all their sorrows. No one was hostile to another. By the vigour of Lord Ram's 

glory, discord (inner discrimination) was wiped out. 

 

Doha:

baranåsrama nija nija dharama nirata beda patha loga |

calahi sadå påvahi sukhahi nahi bhaya soka na roga ||20||

People of Ayodhya Were Religious & Happy During the Rule of Lord Ram

According to one's own caste and stage of life, everyone became eternally intent on religion. People walked on the path of the Vedas and attained happiness. They had no fear of anything, nor sorrow and neither any disease tormented them.