Friday, September 30, 2011

1st and 2nd Dohas of Uttar Kand

Chaupai:
raheu eka dina avadhi adhårå,samujhata mana dukha bhayau apårå |
kårana kavana nåtha nahi åyau,jåni kutila kidhau° mohi bisaråyau ||1||
ahaha dhanya lachimana baRabhågi,råma padårabimdu anurågi. |
kapati kutila mohi prabhu cinhå,tåte nåtha samga nahi linhå ||2||
jau° karani samujhai prabhu mori,nahi niståra kalapa sata kori. |
jana avaguna prabhu måna na kåu,dina bamdhu ati mrdula subhåu ||3||
more jiya°bharosa drRha soi,milihahi råma saguna subha hoi |
bite°avadhi rahahi jau°prånå, adhama kavana jaga mohi samånå ||4||

Lord Rama & Lakshmana Are Inseparable

Only a day of Lord Ram's exile, which was the sole support of Bharata's life was left. His mind weighed down with immense grief, the instant he thought of this fact. What was the reason that the Lord had not yet arrived? Considering me to be devious,I hope He has not forgotten me! Ah ! How very blessed and fortunate is Lakshman, who is a dedicated devotee of Lord Råm's lotus-feet.(he was never separated from them) The Lord has identified me to be deceitful and wicked therefore He refused to take me along. (It was a correct decision because) if the Lord were to consider my actions, I would not get salvation (release from rebirth) even after crores of kalpas. (But my only hope is) that the Lord never takes His devotees' drawbacks into account. He a friend of the downtrodden and extremely tender-hearted. Moreover I am thoroughly convinced at heart that Lord Ram will definitely meet me (because) the omens I am getting are so very auspicious. But, if I outlive the term (of Lord Rama's exile,)who would be as despicable as me in this world.
Doha:
råma biraha sågara maha°bharata magana mana hota |
bipra rupa dhari pavana suta åi gayau janu pota ||1(A)||
baithe dekhi kusåsana jatå mukuta krsa gåta |
råma råma raghupati japata sravata nayana jalajåta ||1(B)||

Hanuman, the Son of the Wind God

Precisely when Bharata's mind was sinking in the ocean of separation from Lord Råm, Hanuman, the son of the Wind God, arrived in the guise of a Brahmin  as if a boat had come to Bharat's rescue (to save him from drowning.) He found a haggard Bharat seated on a mat of Kusha grass. Wearing matted hair for a crown, he chanted 'Ram! Ram! Raghupati! While tears (of love) streamed down from his lotus eyes.
Chaupai:
dekhata hanumåna ati haraseu, pulaka gåta locana jala baraseu |
mana maha° bahuta bhåti sukha måni,boleu sravana sudhå sama båni ||1||
jåsu biraha°socahu dina råti,ratahu niramtara guna gana på°ti. |
raghukula tilaka sujana sukhadåtå,åyau kusala deva muni tråtå ||2||
ripu rana jiti sujasa sura gåvata,sitå sahita anuja prabhu åvata |
sunata bacana bisare saba dukhå,trsåvamta jimi påi piyuså ||3||
ko tumha tåta kahå° te åe,mohi parama priya bacana sunåe |
måruta suta mai kapi hanumånå,nåmu mora sunu krpånidhånå ||4||
dnabamdhu raghupati kara kimkara,sunata bharata bheteu uthi sådara |
milata prema nahi hrdaya°samåtå,nayana sravata jala pulakita gåtå ||5||
kapi tava darasa sakala dukha bite,mile åju mohi råma pirte |
båra båra bujhi kusalåtå,to kahu°deu°kåha sunu bhråtå ||6||
ehi samdesa sarisa jaga måhi,kari bicåra dekheu°kachu nåhi°|
nåhina tåta urina mai tohi, aba prabhu carita sunåvahu mohi ||7||
taba hanumamta nåi pada måthå, kahe sakala raghupati guna gåthå |
kahu kapi kabahu° krpåla gosåi, sumirahi mohi dåsa ki nåi°||8||
°
Lord Rama Triumphed over His Enemies

Hanumån was over-joyed, the instant he saw him. His body was ecstatic (every fibre of his being stood erect) and tears (of joy) rained profusely from his eyes. Feeling gratified in so many ways at heart, Hanuman spoke in a voice which sounded like nectar to Bharat's ears. In whose absence you are grieved day in and day out, and constantly chant the lines of His many glorious virtues, the One who is a tilak (pride) of the Raghu Dynasty, a granter of joy to the virtuous and a protector of the gods as well as sages, has  arrived safely. Having triumphed over His enemies in battle, the Lord is on His way to Ayodhya along with Sita and Lakshman. The gods are singing hymns in praise of Him.The instant Bharat heard these words, he forgot about all his sorrows, just like a thirsty man forgets the pain of his parched throat on finding nectar. (Bharat asked) O dear friend! Who are you ? And from where have you come? (That) you could tell me the most pleasant news (imparting extreme joy). (Hanuman said)

Shri Bharat Hugs Hanuman

O treasury of mercy! Listen; I am the son of the Wind God and a monkey by race. My name is Hanuman. I am a servitor of Lord Ram and a friend of the needy. Hearing this, Bharat got up and respectfully hugged him. The affection with which he wrapped his arms around him, was too great to be contained within. Tears (of joy and love) streamed down his eyes and his body was thrilled (every fibre of his being stood erect with delight). (Bharat said) O Hanuman! Seeing you, all my sorrows have come to an end. I have found my lovable Ram Himself (in your form), today. Bharat asked about the well being of Lord Ram, over and over again (and said) O Brother! Listen what should I give you (in return for this happy news)? I have reflected and come to the conclusion that there is nothing in this world which is worth giving in exchange for the news brought by you. (Therefore) O Brother! I am unable to repay your debt, in any possible way. Now, kindly recount the acts (condition) of my Lord.Then Hanuman bowed his head at Bharat's feet and narrated the entire tale of Lord Ram's virtuous deeds. (Bharat asked) O Hanuman! Please tell me if the merciful Lord Lord Ramchandra ever remembers me as one of His servitors.
Chhand:
nija dåsa jyo°raghubamsabhusana kabahu° mama sumirana karyo |
suni bharata bacana binita ati kapi pulaki tana carananhi paryo ||
raghubira nija mukha jåsu guna gana kahata aga jaga nåtha jo |
kåhe na hoi binita parama punita sadaguna simdhu so ||

Lord Raghubeer is Forever Raving about Bharat's Virtues

Has Lord Ram, a jewel of the Raghu Dynasty ever been thinking of me as His servant? Hanumån was thrilled at this lovingly tender question of Bharaa, and he fell at his feet. (Hanuman thought to himself)Why shouldn't that Bharat be so lovingly tender, extremely pure and an ocean of virtues when Lord Raghuveer, the Master of living and inanimate beings, raves about Bharat's many qualities with His own mouth.
Doha:
råma pråna priya nåtha tumha satya bacana mama tåta, |
puni puni milata bharata suni harasa na hrdaya° samåta ||2(A)||
Sortha:
bharata carana siru nåi turita gayau kapi råma pahi |
kah kusala saba jåi harasi caleu prabhu jåna caRhi ||2(B)||

Hanuman Reveals to Lord Ram that All is Well at Ayodhya

(Hanuman said) O brother! You are as dear to Ram as His own life. Take my words to be true. Hearing this fact, Bharat embraced Hanuman over and over again, with a joy which knew no bounds. Thereafter bowing his head at Bharat's feet, Hanauman quickly went back to Lord Ram and on reaching there said that all was well. That is when the Lord was joyous. He mounted the vimana (aerial car) and headed towards His destination.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

A,B,C & D Dohas of Uttar Kand

Doha: A
rahå eka dina avadhi kara ati årata pura loga |
jaha° taha° socahi nåri nara krsa tana råma biyoga || A ||


The Residents of Ayodhya Wait Impatiently for Lord Rama

Only one day of the period (of Rama's return) was left and therefore the people of Ayodhya city were very impatient. Men and women who had weakened due to separation from Lord Rama, were deep in thought all over the place (as to why Lord Rama had not arrived yet and what could be the matter.)

Doha: B
saguna hohi sumdara sakala mana prasanna saba kera |
prabhu ågavana janåva janu nagara ramya cahu° phera || B||

Ayodhya Looked Ethereal From All Angles
Auspicious omens began to take place in the meantime and everyone was delighted at heart. The city  looked lovely from all angles. It seemed as if the auspicious signs were pointing towards the Lord's arrival.

Doha:C
kausalyådi måtu saba mana anamda asa hoi |
åyau prabhu sri anuja juta kahana cahata aba koi || C ||


Kausalya, Overjoyed at her Son's Return

Kausalya and the other mothers were so overjoyed within as if someone wanted to tell them right now that Lord Ramchandra had come with Sita and Laksman.

Doha: D
bharata nayana bhuja dacchina pharakata bårahi båra |
jåni saguna mana harasa ati låge karana bicåra || D ||


Bharata is Ecstatic at Lord Ramchandra's Arrival

Bharat's right eye and right arm throbbed over and over again. Identifying this to be a lucky omen, he was ecstatic and began contemplating.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

1,2 & 3 Shlokas of Uttar Kand

Shloka 1
kekikanthåbhanilam suravaravilasadviprapådåbjacihnam
sobhadhyam ptavastram sarasijanayanam sarvadå suprasannam |
pånau nåråcacåpam kapinikarayuta, bandhunå sevyamånam
naumiyam jånakisam raghuvaramanisam puspakårudharåmam ||1||

Lord Ram on the Puspak Viman

I respectfully salute Lord Råma without cease. The husband of Shri Janaki and chief of the Raghu Dynasty is mounted on the Puspak, an aerial car. He has a greenish blue hue very much like the gleam of a peacock's neck. The fact that He is adorned with the impression of the Brahman's (Bhrigu) lotus foot endorses that He is supreme amongst the gods. Richly radiant, He is clad in yellow robes, is lotus-eyed and always blissful. Holding a bow and arrow in His hands, Ram is accompanied by a herd of monkeys and served by Lakshman, His brother. (1)

Shloka 2

kosalendrapadakanjamanjulau komalåvajamahesavanditau |
jånakikarasarojalålitau cintakasya manabhrngasanginau ||2||

Brahma & Shiva Honour the Lotus Feet of Lord Ram

The charming and delicate lotus-feet of Lord Råma, the master of Kosalapuri, are adored by both Brahma and Shiva. Caressed by the lotus hands of Janak's daughter, they are constantly allied to the bee-like mind of the worshipper. In other words, the capricious black bee of such a devotee's mind  forever dwells in these lotus feet. (2)

Shloka 3
kundaindudaragaurasundaram ambikåpatimabhistasiddhidam |
kårunikakalakanjalocanam naumi sankaramanangamocanam ||3||

Lord Shankar & Goddess Parvati

I bow before the propitious Lord Shankar, white-hued as the jasmine flower, the moon and the conch. May the spouse of Mother Goddess Parvati, a bestower of the fruit we desire, always merciful towards those who are suffering, with eyes resembling a lovely lotus, deliver us from Kamdev (god of love) or the grip of lust. (3)

Monday, September 26, 2011

Shri Ramcharitmanas, Uttar Kand: Introduction


Lord Ram, Sita & Lakshman Return to Ayodhya

The first few pages of the Uttar Kand showcase Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya along with Sita and Lakshman after a 14 year exile, and a war in which He killed Ravana, the demon king.

Diwali


Ayodhya Welcomes Lord Ram by Lighting Diyas

Their return and the grand event of Ram's coronation is celebrated as Diwali, famed as the Festival of Lights. It is said that the denizens of Ayodhya lit ghee lamps to light their paths in darkness. Lord Ram journeyed from South India to His kingdom in the North.
Goswami Tulsidas


Goswami Tulsidas Composing the Ramcharitmanas

Shri Ramcharitmanas is an epic poem in Awadhi, composed by the 16th-century Indian poet, Goswami Tulsidas . Literally Ramcharitmanas means the 'lake of the deeds of Ram' which instantly purifies the body and soul.The composition is a poetic rendering, centred on Ram, the crown prince of Ayodhya. The work consists of seven books, of which Uttarkand is the last one.

Invocations at the Start of each Kand (Episode) and formal Endings


Poet Tulsidas Invokes Lord Ram

Tuslidas begins every chapter with an invocation.Uttarkand's first shloka reads: 'I unceasingly extol Shri Ram, the praiseworthy of Sita, the chief of Raghu's line, possessed of a form greenish blue as the neck of a peacock and adorned with a print of the Brahman's lotus-foot, which testifies to His being the greatest of all gods-rich in splendour, clad in yellow robes, lotus-eyed,ever-propitious, holding a bow and arrow in His hands, mounted on the aerial car named Pushpak, accompanied by a host of monkeys and waited upon by His own brother Lakshman.'

Goswami Tulsidas formally ends every kand ; 'Thus ends the seventh descent into the Manas lake of Sri Ram's exploits, that eradicates all the impurities of the kali age.'

Conversations



Lord Shiva & Parvati

Basically The Ramcharitma is three distinct dialogues between Shiv & Parvati, Bharadvaj Muni & Sage Yajnavalkya, and finally Kakbhushundiji & Garuda. It is believed that there is an underlying interaction between Goswami Tulsidas and Shri Ram, as well.

Uttar Kand, The Epilogue

It is now the day before Ram is to return to Ayodhya after serving His exile. Bharat is anxious as his brother  hasn't yet arrived. He has passed his days shedding tears for fourteen years in Nandigram. Hanumanji meets Bharat telling him of the arrival of Ram, Sita and Laksman. Bharat rushes to Ayodhya to reveal the great news to its citizens.



Lord Ram, Sita & Lakshman Reach Ayodhya on the Pushpak Viman

The end of the war coincides with the end of Ram's tenure of exile. Flying home on the Pushpaka Vimana, Ram returns to a delighted Ayodhya. His mothers, brothers and the people welcome Him with joyous abandon. Kaikeyi is repentant of her deeds, and Ram forgives her.


Lord Ram' s Coronation as King of Ayodhya

The next day,is Ram's coronation as the King of Ayodhya, and Emperor of the World. Shiva arrives to further glorify the festivities and asks Ram the boon of firm and undeviating devotion for Ram's feet.


Luv & Kush, the Sons of Ram

Ram performs the holy Ashwamedha sacrifice, purifying and establishing religion across earth. In conclusion, Ram has twin sons named Luva and Kusha and His other brothers have two sons each. It is mentioned that great sages like Narada and Sanaka visit Ayodhya to meet Ram and see his great city.


Kak Bhushundi

In the succeeding passages of Uttar Kand we have the biography of Saint Kakbhushundii followed by what is to be expected to occur in Kaliyuga, the age of spiritual darkness. Shiva ends His narration of the Ram Katha to Parvati as does Kakbhushundi to Garuda. It is not mentioned whether Yagnavalka finishes his recitation to Bharadwaj. Finally Goswami Tulsidas concludes his narration of Shri Ramcharitmanas.The Rudrastakam in Sanskrit is a part of this kand.

The Purpose of Ram's Incarnation


Lord Vishnu Incarnates as Ram

Shiva explains to Parvati that whenever virtue declines and demons multiply, when Brahmans, cows, demigods and the earth is distressed, Vishnu incarnates.

Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita

“For the protection of the good, for destruction of evil, and for the establishment of righteousness, I come into being from age to age,” states Lord Krishna,an avatara of Vishnu in the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 4, verse 8.


Worshipping Lord Ram in Kaliyuga Leads to Redemption

In the last chaupai of the Uttar Kand, Goswami Tulsidas affirms that this divine dialogue between Lord Shambu and Goddess Uma grants joy and dispels depression. By the grace of Ram, the Lord of the Raghus, I have sung this sacred story to the best of my ability. In this age of Kali neither yoga, nor sacrifices, nor japa, nor austere penance nor vows, nor rituals are of any use. Ram alone should be remembered and glorified. Forsaking perversity, adore Him who promises to sanctify the fallen as declared by the seers, saints, Vedas & Puranas. Who has not been redeemed by worshipping Lord Ram, exclaims Tulsidas.


Lord Ram Grants Salvation to Jatayu

The granter of moksha which relieves us from the cycle of birth and death, Lord Ram is Maryada Putushottam, the epitome of righteousness, inspiring generations for several years to come.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Shri Venu Geet: Twentieth Shloka

Lord Krishna Roams in the Forest of Vrindavan

evam-vidha bhagavato ya vrndavana-carinah
varnayanto mitho gopyah kridas tan-mayatam yayuh ||
(SB. 10.21.20)

Gopis Narrating Krishna's Pastimes

Meaning: Parikshit! There is not one but several such lilas (divine plays) of Shri Krishna who wanders in the forest of Vrindavan. The gopis are constantly engaged in discussing these playful dalliances amongst themselves, and get totally absorbed in them.The Lord's pastimes gush forth in their hearts.

Gopis Frolicking with Krishna

Commentary: Essence and Knowledge: The divine play of Krishna's majestic sports which enchants the entire world and is loaded with His infinite madhurya, manifests. The gopis of Vraja are steeped in those pastimes when they describe the spirited antics of Shri Krishna, roaming in the earthly forest of Vrindavan. In other words they enter a state of spiritual trance by meditating upon the dark god, and are engrossed in frolicking with Him.

Shri Venu Geet: Nineteenth Shloka

Shri Krishna-Balaram Venture from One Forest to Another

ga gopakair anu-vanam nayator udara-venu-svanaih
kala-padais tanu-bhrtsu sakhyah |
aspandanam gati-matam pulakas tarunam,
niryoga-pasa-krta-laksanayor vicitram ||
(SB.10.21.19)

Dark-hued Krishna & Fair-hued Balaram with Flutes

Meaning: O Sakhi! The movements of these two youths, one dark and the other fair-hued is unique, for certain. When they carry a certain type of rolled up rope(used for tying the legs of a cow while milking it) on their heads , fling another kind of rope used for binding cows on their shoulders, and venture from one forest to another with the cowherd boys, they strike melodious notes of the sweet flute.

Living Beings are Spellbound on Beholding Krishna

What to speak of mortal human beings-even animate animals and birds who come under the category of moving living entities, and inanimate rivers are spellbound at that time. Furthermore, the immovable trees are thrilled with ecstasy. Which other miracle of the magical flute can I possibly narrate?

Living & Inanimate Beings of the Forest are Entranced by Krishna

Commentary by Shri Manohar Baba: Sripada Shreedhar Swami says-O Sakhi! On hearing the melodious sound of Shri Krishna's flute play as He ventures with Shri Balram, the young cowherds and cows, the wealth of His tiny village- animate animals-birds and living beings of the forest, stand still entranced. Those who are immovable become fluid as they attain spiritual awareness.

Shri Krishna and Balaram Milking Cows

Both the brothers have wrapped that rope which is used for tying the cows' feet while milking them around their heads and flung it around their shoulders-because of this act their attire looks extraordinary and they appear so very beautiful.

Krishna & Balaram Playing their Flutes

While analysing this bhava, Sripada Sanatan Goswami and Sripada Jeev Goswami say-Sakhi what can one say about this Govardhana whose living entities are truly blessed.

Shri Krishna & Balaram Wander from One Forest to Another

The tinkling anklets of Shri Krishna's feet which wander from one forest to another along with Shri Balram, and the extremely fortunate cowherds and cows, as well as due to with the sound of His flute play, the stationary and movable entities attain a bhava which is contrary to their disposition; they reach the heights of ecstasy and religious rapture.

Focusing on the Beautiful Krishna

Niryogah: They have not only beheld Krishna but attained the entirety of *yoga. Above all, the traits of love and its nuances have arisen in such animate and inanimate beings, when they have darshan of Shri Krishna dressed in that unique attire.

Sakhis Long to Catch a Glimpse of Krishna

Sakhi! Even on being capable in every possible way, we are not blessed with such good fortune.
yoga: a practice of abstract meditation undertaken to bring the soul into union with the Supreme Spirit