Prakarana 11
भक्ति-उद्गम की पहली सीढ़ी: ‘श्रद्धा’ से ‘श्रवण’ और ‘संशय-निवृत्ति’ तक। बालकाण्ड में रामकथा का प्रवेश-द्वार शिव–उमा संवाद है—जहाँ जिज्ञासा (उमा) गुरु-वाणी (शिव) से शुद्ध होकर ‘सगुण’ में ‘निर्गुण’ की पहचान सीखती है। यह सोपान साधक को बताता है कि मुक्ति का आरम्भ जन्म-कथा से नहीं, सही श्रोता-भाव और सही प्रश्न से होता है।
This passage stands at that threshold in the Bālakāṇḍa where the auspicious rasa of “Śiva’s wedding”—festival joy, showers of blossoms, music, gifts and dowry—slowly turns into the rasa of inquiry. In the first movement, the assembly of the gods, women’s songs, the splendor of the throne, and Umā’s incomparable dignity bind śṛṅgāra and maṅgala into dharma-saṁskāra: marriage here is not mere social custom, but a cosmic ordinance—through the union of Śiva and Śakti, the world is upheld and protected. Then, in Bharadvāja’s heart, the marks of love arise—thrilling hairs, tears, and a choked voice—signs of the fruit of true listening (śravaṇa-siddhi). Umā’s question—“Is Rāma a prince’s son, or Brahman?”—is the perennial doubt of the human mind. Tulsī’s dharma-teaching here is that the saguṇa līlā (the prince of Ayodhyā) and the nirguṇa Reality (unborn, attributeless, unseen) are not opposed, but two dimensions of one Truth—and entry into this oneness comes through dialogue with the Guru.
Verses
Chaupai 100.1-4
बोलि सकल सुर सादर लीन्हे।सबहि जथोचित आसन दीन्हे।।
बेदी बेद बिधान सँवारी।सुभग सुमंगल गावहिं नारी।।
सिंघासनु अति दिब्य सुहावा।जाइ न बरनि बिरंचि बनावा।।
बैठे सिव बिप्रन्ह सिरु नाई।हृदयँ सुमिरि निज प्रभु रघुराई।।
बहुरि मुनीसन्ह उमा बोलाई।करि सिंगारु सखीं लै आई।।
देखत रूपु सकल सुर मोहे।बरनै छबि अस जग कबि को है।।
जगदंबिका जानि भव भामा।सुरन्ह मनहिं मन कीन्ह प्रनामा।।
सुंदरता मरजाद भवानी।जाइ न कोटिहुँ बदन बखानी।।
boli sakala sura sādara līnhe |sabahi jathocita āsana dīnhe ||
bedī beda bidhāna saṁvārī |subhaga sumaṅgala gāvahiṁ nārī ||
siṅghāsanu ati dibya suhāvā |jāi na barani birañci banāvā ||
baiṭhe siva bipranha siru nāī |hṛdayaṁ sumiri nija prabhu raghurāī ||
bahuri munīsanha umā bolāī |kari siṅgāru sakhīṁ lai āī ||
dekhat rūpu sakala sura mohe |baranai chabi asa jaga kavi ko hai ||
jagadambikā jāni bhava bhāmā |suranha manahiṁ mana kīnha pranāmā ||
sundaratā marajāda bhavānī |jāi na koṭihuṁ badana bakhānī ||
Calling all the gods, Himalaya received them with respect, and gave each of them a seat befitting his rank. The altar was prepared according to the rules of the Vedas, and the women sang beautiful and auspicious songs. The throne was exceedingly divine and lovely; it was made by Brahma, and its beauty cannot be described. Shiva bowed his head to the Brahmins and took his seat, remembering in his heart his own Lord, Rama, the Raghu king. Then the lords of the sages called for Uma, and her companions adorned her and brought her in. At the sight of her form all the gods were enraptured. What poet in the world is there who could describe such beauty? Knowing Bhavani, the consort of Shiva, to be the Mother of the world, the gods bowed to her in their hearts. Bhavani was the very limit of loveliness; her beauty cannot be told even with a crore of mouths.
Chhand 100
कोटिहुँ बदन नहिं बनै बरनत जग जननि सोभा महा।सकुचहिं कहत श्रुति सेष सारद मंदमति तुलसी कहा।।
छबिखानि मातु भवानि गवनी मध्य मंडप सिव जहाँ।अवलोकि सकहिं न सकुच पति पद कमल मनु मधुकरु तहाँ।।
koṭihuṁ badana nahiṁ banai baranata jaga-janani sobhā mahā |sakucahiṁ kahata śruti seṣa sāradā manda-mati tulasī kahā ||
chabi-khāni mātu bhavānī gavanī madhya maṇḍapa siva jahāṁ |avaloki sakahiṁ na sakuca pati pada-kamala manu madhukaru tahāṁ ||
The great beauty of the Mother of the world cannot be told even with millions of mouths. The Vedas, Shesha and Sarada shrink from describing it; what then can Tulsi, dull of wit, say? Bhavani, the Mother, that mine of loveliness, walked into the middle of the pavilion where Shiva sat. Out of modesty she could not look up at her husband, but her mind, like a bee, was fixed there on the lotus of his feet.
Doha 100
मुनि अनुसासन गनपतिहि पूजेउ संभु भवानि।कोउ सुनि संसय करै जनि सुर अनादि जियँ जानि।।100।।
muni anusāsana gaṇapatihi pūjeu sambhu bhavāni |kou suni saṁsaya karai jani sur anādi jiyã jāni ||100||
At the bidding of the sages, Shambhu and Bhavani worshipped Ganapati. Let no one who hears this fall into doubt, but know in the heart that the gods are without beginning.
Chaupai 101.1-4
जसि बिबाह कै बिधि श्रुति गाई।महामुनिन्ह सो सब करवाई।।
गहि गिरीस कुस कन्या पानी।भवहि समरपीं जानि भवानी।।
पानिग्रहन जब कीन्ह महेसा।हियँ हरषे तब सकल सुरेसा।।
बेद मंत्र मुनिबर उच्चरहीं।जय जय जय संकर सुर करहीं।।
बाजहिं बाजन बिबिध बिधाना।सुमनबृष्टि नभ भै बिधि नाना।।
हर गिरिजा कर भयउ बिबाहू।सकल भुवन भरि रहा उछाहू।।
दासीं दास तुरग रथ नागा।धेनु बसन मनि बस्तु बिभागा।।
अन्न कनकभाजन भरि जाना।दाइज दीन्ह न जाइ बखाना।।
jasi bibāha kai bidhi śruti gāī |mahāmuninh so saba karavāī ||
gahi girīsa kusa kanyā pānī |bhavahi samarapīṁ jāni bhavānī ||
pāni-grahana jaba kīnha mahesā |hiyã harṣe taba sakala sureśā ||
beda maṁtra munibara uccarahīṁ |jaya jaya jaya śaṅkara sura karahīṁ ||
bājahim bājana bibidha bidhānā |sumana-bṛṣṭi nabha bhai bidhi nānā ||
hara girijā kara bhayau bibāhū |sakala bhuvana bhari rahā ucchāhū ||
dāsīṁ dāsa turaga ratha nāgā |dhenu basana mani bastu bibhāgā ||
anna kanaka-bhājana bhari jānā |dāija dīnha na jāi bakhānā ||
Whatever the rite of marriage that the Vedas have declared, the great sages had it all performed. Girisha (Himalaya) took kusha grass and water in his hand, and knowing her to be Bhavani, gave the maiden into the hands of Bhava (Shiva). When Mahesha took her hand in marriage, all the lords of the gods rejoiced in their hearts. The great sages chanted the Vedic hymns, and the gods raised the cry, "Victory, victory, victory to Shankara!" Music of many kinds was played, and flowers rained down from the sky in many ways. So the marriage of Hara and Girija was accomplished, and joy filled all the worlds. Maidservants and menservants, horses, chariots, elephants, cows, garments, jewels and goods of every kind, each apart, and carts filled with grain and golden vessels were given as the dowry; it cannot be described.
Chhand 101
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 diyo bahu bhā̃ti puni kara jori himabhūdhara kahyo |kā deū̃ pūranakāma saṅkara carana paṅkaja gahi rahyo ||
śivaṁ kṛpāsāgara sasura kara santoṣu saba bhā̃tihiṁ kiyo |puni gahe pada pāthoja mayanā̃ prema paripūrana hiyo ||
He gave a dowry of many kinds; then Himalaya, the mountain king, folded his hands and said, "What can I give you, Shankara, who are complete in every desire?" And he clung to the lotus feet of Shankara. Shiva, the ocean of compassion, satisfied his father-in-law in every way. Then Mayna, her heart brimming with love, took hold of his lotus feet.
Doha 101
नाथ उमा मन प्रान सम गृहकिंकरी करेहु।छमेहु सकल अपराध अब होइ प्रसन्न बरु देहु।।101।।
nātha! umā mana prāna sama gṛha-kiṅkarī karehu |chamehu sakala aparādha aba hoi prasanna baru dehu ||101||
O Lord, Uma is dear to me as my own heart and life; make her the servant of your household. Forgive all her faults, and now, being pleased, grant me this boon.
Chaupai 102.1-4
बहु बिधि संभु सास समुझाई।गवनी भवन चरन सिरु नाई।।
जननीं उमा बोलि तब लीन्ही।लै उछंग सुंदर सिख दीन्ही।।
करेहु सदा संकर पद पूजा।नारिधरमु पति देउ न दूजा।।
बचन कहत भरे लोचन बारी।बहुरि लाइ उर लीन्हि कुमारी।।
कत बिधि सृजीं नारि जग माहीं।पराधीन सपनेहुँ सुखु नाहीं।।
भै अति प्रेम बिकल महतारी।धीरजु कीन्ह कुसमय बिचारी।।
पुनि पुनि मिलति परति गहि चरना।परम प्रेम कछु जाइ न बरना।।
सब नारिन्ह मिलि भेटि भवानी।जाइ जननि उर पुनि लपटानी।।
bahu bidhi sambhu sās samujhāī |gavanī bhavana carana siru nāī ||
jananīṁ umā boli taba līnhī |lai uchaṅga sundara sikha dīnhī ||
karehu sadā saṅkara pada pūjā |nāri dharamu pati deu na dūjā ||
bacana kahata bhare locana bārī |bahuri lāi ura līnhi kumārī ||
kata bidhi sṛjīṁ nāri jaga māhīṁ |parādhīna sapanehuṁ sukhu nāhīṁ ||
bhai ati prema bikala mahatārī |dhīraju kīnha kusamaya bicārī ||
puni puni milati parati gahi caranā |parama prema kachu jāi na baranā ||
saba nārinha mili bheṭi bhavānī |jāi janani ura puni lapaṭānī ||
In many ways Shambhu comforted his mother-in-law, and she bowed her head at his feet and went back to her house. Then the mother called Uma to her, took her on her lap, and gave her this fair counsel. "Always worship the feet of Shankara. A wife's duty is this: her husband is her god, and there is no other." As she spoke these words her eyes filled with tears, and she pressed her daughter to her heart once more. "Why did the Creator make woman in this world? She is dependent on others, and even in a dream she has no happiness." The mother was overcome with love, but she considered that it was an unfit time for weeping and held her patience. Again and again Uma embraced her mother and fell grasping her feet. Her supreme love cannot be described at all. Bhavani embraced and took leave of all the women, then went and clung once more to her mother's breast.
Chhand 102
जननिहि बहुरि मिलि चली उचित असीस सब काहूँ दईं।फिरि फिरि बिलोकति मातु तन तब सखीं लै सिव पहिं गई।।
जाचक सकल संतोषि संकरु उमा सहित भवन चले।सब अमर हरषे सुमन बरषि निसान नभ बाजे भले।।
jananihi bahuri mili calī ucita asīsa saba kāhū̃ daī̃ |phiri-phiri bilokati mātu tana taba sakhī̃ lai siva paĩ gaī ||
jācaka sakala santoṣi saṅkaru umā sahita bhavana cale |saba amara haraṣe sumana baraṣi nisāna nabha bāje bhale ||
Having embraced her mother once more, Parvati set out, giving fitting blessings to everyone. Again and again she looked back at her mother, and then her companions took her to Shiva. Having satisfied all the beggars, Shankara set out for his home with Uma. All the immortals rejoiced and rained down flowers, and fine drums resounded in the sky.
Doha 102
चले संग हिमवंतु तब पहुँचावन अति हेतु।बिबिध भाँति परितोषु करि बिदा कीन्ह बृषकेतु।।102।।
cale saṅga himavantu taba pahũcāvana ati hetu |bibidha bhā̃ti paritoṣu kari bidā kīnha bṛṣaketu ||102||
Then Himalaya went along with them, out of deep affection, to see them on their way. After comforting him in many ways, the Lord whose banner bears the bull sent him back.
Chaupai 103.1-4
तुरत भवन आए गिरिराई।सकल सैल सर लिए बोलाई।।
आदर दान बिनय बहुमाना।सब कर बिदा कीन्ह हिमवाना।।
जबहिं संभु कैलासहिं आए।सुर सब निज निज लोक सिधाए।।
जगत मातु पितु संभु भवानी।तेही सिंगारु न कहउँ बखानी।।
करहिं बिबिध बिधि भोग बिलासा।गनन्ह समेत बसहिं कैलासा।।
हर गिरिजा बिहार नित नयऊ।एहि बिधि बिपुल काल चलि गयऊ।।
तब जनमेउ षटबदन कुमारा।तारकु असुर समर जेहिं मारा।।
आगम निगम प्रसिद्ध पुराना।षन्मुख जन्मु सकल जग जाना।।
turata bhavana āe girirāī |sakala saila sara liē bolāī ||
ādara dāna binaya bahu-mānā |saba kara bidā kīnha himavānā ||
jabahiṁ sambhu kailāsahiṁ āe |sura saba nija nija loka sidhāe ||
jagata mātu pitu sambhu bhavānī |tēhī siṅgāru na kahuṁ bakhānī ||
karahiṁ bibidha bidhi bhoga bilāsā |ganaṅha samēta basahiṁ kailāsā ||
hara girijā bihāra nita nayū |ēhi bidhi bipula kāla cali gayū ||
taba janameu ṣaṭ-badana kumārā |tāraku asura samara jēhiṁ mārā ||
āgama nigama prasiddha purānā |ṣan-mukha janmu sakala jaga jānā ||
The King of the Mountains, Himalaya, returned at once to his palace and summoned all the mountains and lakes. With honor, gifts, courtesy and great respect, Himalaya took leave of them all and sent them on their way. As soon as Shambhu had come to Kailasa, all the gods departed, each to his own realm. Shambhu and Bhavani are the father and mother of the world, so I will not describe their adornment in words. They enjoyed pleasures and sport of many kinds, and dwelt on Kailasa together with their attendants. The play of Hara and Girija was ever new, and in this way a great length of time passed. Then the six-faced prince, Kumara, was born, by whom the demon Taraka was slain in battle. The Agamas, the Vedas and the Puranas proclaim it, and the whole world knows the birth of the six-faced one.
Chhand 103
जगु जान षन्मुख जन्मु कर्मु प्रतापु पुरुषारथु महा।तेहि हेतु मैं बृषकेतु सुत कर चरित संछेपहिं कहा।।
यह उमा संगु बिबाहु जे नर नारि कहहिं जे गावहीं।कल्यान काज बिबाह मंगल सर्बदा सुखु पावहीं।।
jagu jāna ṣaṇmukha janmu karmu pratāpu puruṣārathu mahā.tēhi hētu maiṁ bṛṣakētu suta kara carita saṁchēpahiṁ kahā..
yaha umā saṅgu bibāhu jē nara nāri kahahiṁ jē gāvahīṁ.kalyāna kāja bibāha maṅgala sarbadā sukhu pāvahīṁ..
The world knows the birth of the six-faced Kartikeya, his deeds, his glory and his great valor. For that reason I have told briefly the story of the son of the Bull-bannered Lord. Those men and women who tell or sing this tale of the union and marriage of Shiva and Uma will always find happiness, for in every undertaking for their welfare and in every wedding they will have blessing.
Doha 103
चरित सिंधु गिरिजा रमन बेद न पावहिं पारु।बरनै तुलसीदासु किमि अति मतिमंद गवाँरु।।103।।
carita sindhu girijā ramana beda na pāvahiṃ pāru |baranai tulasīdāsu kimi ati mati-manda gavā̃ru ||103||
The deeds of Girija's beloved are an ocean whose farther shore even the Vedas cannot reach. How then can Tulsidas, so dull of mind and so rustic, describe them?
Chaupai 104.1-4
संभु चरित सुनि सरस सुहावा।भरद्वाज मुनि अति सुख पावा।।
बहु लालसा कथा पर बाढ़ी।नयनन्हि नीरु रोमावलि ठाढ़ी।।
प्रेम बिबस मुख आव न बानी।दसा देखि हरषे मुनि ग्यानी।।
अहो धन्य तव जन्मु मुनीसा।तुम्हहि प्रान सम प्रिय गौरीसा।।
सिव पद कमल जिन्हहि रति नाहीं।रामहि ते सपनेहुँ न सोहाहीं।।
बिनु छल बिस्वनाथ पद नेहू।राम भगत कर लच्छन एहू।।
सिव सम को रघुपति ब्रतधारी।बिनु अघ तजी सती असि नारी।।
पनु करि रघुपति भगति देखाई।को सिव सम रामहि प्रिय भाई।।
śambhu carita suni sarasa suhāvā |bharadvāja muni ati sukha pāvā ||
bahu lālasā kathā para bāṛhī |nayananhi nīru romāvali ṭhāṛhī ||
prema bibasa mukha āva na bānī |dasā dekhi haraṣe muni gyānī ||
aho dhanya tava janmu munīsā |tumhahi prāna-sama priya gaurīsā ||
śiva pada-kamala jinhahi rati nāhīṃ |rāmahi te sapanehuṃ na sohāhīṃ ||
binu chala bisvanātha pada nehū |rāma bhagata kara lacchana ehū ||
śiva-sama ko raghupati brata-dhārī |binu agha tajī satī asi nārī ||
panu kari raghupati bhagati dekhāī |ko śiva-sama rāmahi priya bhāī ||
Hearing the delightful and delicious story of Shambhu's deeds, the sage Bharadvaja was filled with great joy. His longing for the tale grew greatly; his eyes filled with tears and the hairs of his body stood on end. Overcome by love, he could not utter a word. Seeing his state, the wise sage Yajnavalkya was delighted. "Oh, blessed is your birth, lord of sages, for the Lord of Gauri is as dear to you as your own life." Those who have no love for the lotus feet of Shiva do not please Rama even in a dream. Love for the feet of the Lord of the universe, without any guile, is the mark of a devotee of Rama. Who is there like Shiva, a keeper of vows to the Lord of the Raghus? Without any fault in her, he abandoned such a wife as Sati. By taking a vow he showed his devotion to Rama. Who is as dear to Rama as Shiva, brother?
Doha 104
प्रथमहिं मै कहि सिव चरित बूझा मरमु तुम्हार।सुचि सेवक तुम्ह राम के रहित समस्त बिकार।।104।।
prathamahĩ mai kahi siva carita būjhā maramu tumhārā |suci sevaka tumha rāma ke rahita samasta bikārā ||104||
At the very outset I told you the story of Shiva's deeds, and so I understood your inmost heart. You are a pure servant of Rama, free from every fault.
Chaupai 105.1-4
मैं जाना तुम्हार गुन सीला।कहउँ सुनहु अब रघुपति लीला।।
सुनु मुनि आजु समागम तोरें।कहि न जाइ जस सुखु मन मोरें।।
राम चरित अति अमित मुनिसा।कहि न सकहिं सत कोटि अहीसा।।
तदपि जथाश्रुत कहउँ बखानी।सुमिरि गिरापति प्रभु धनुपानी।।
सारद दारुनारि सम स्वामी।रामु सूत्रधर अंतरजामी।।
जेहि पर कृपा करहिं जनु जानी।कबि उर अजिर नचावहिं बानी।।
प्रनवउँ सोइ कृपाल रघुनाथा।बरनउँ बिसद तासु गुन गाथा।।
परम रम्य गिरिबरु कैलासू।सदा जहाँ सिव उमा निवासू।।
maiṁ jānā tumhār guna sīlā |kahuṁ sunahu aba raghupati līlā ||
sunu muni āju samāgama toreṁ |kahi na jāi jasa sukhu mana moreṁ ||
rāma carita ati amita munisā |kahi na sakahiṁ sata koṭi ahīsā ||
tadapi jathā-śruta kahuṁ bakhānī |sumiri girāpati prabhu dhanupānī ||
sārada dāru-nāri sama svāmī |rāmu sūtradhara antarajāmī ||
jehi para kṛpā karahiṁ janu jānī |kabi ura ajira nacāvahiṁ bānī ||
pranavuṁ soi kṛpāla raghunāthā |baranauṁ bisada tāsu guna gāthā ||
parama ramya giribaru kailāsū |sadā jahāṁ siva umā nivāsū ||
I have understood your virtue and good character. Now listen, and I will tell the sport of the Lord of the Raghus. Listen, sage: the joy I feel in my heart at meeting you today cannot be told. The deeds of Rama are utterly immeasurable, O lord of sages; a hundred crore serpent kings could not tell them. Even so, I will recount them as I have heard them, remembering the Lord of speech, the Master who bears a bow in his hand. Sarada is like a puppet of wood, and the Master Rama, the knower of every heart, is the puppeteer who holds the strings. Upon whomever he looks with grace, regarding him as his own servant, he makes Speech dance in the courtyard of that poet's heart. I bow to that same compassionate Lord of the Raghus, and I will describe the pure story of his virtues. There is a most beautiful and excellent mountain, Kailasa, where Shiva and Uma dwell forever.
Doha 105
सिद्ध तपोधन जोगिजन सूर किंनर मुनिबृंद।बसहिं तहाँ सुकृती सकल सेवहिं सिब सुखकंद।।105।।
siddha tapodhana jogijana sūra kiṁnara munibṛnda |basahiṁ tahāṁ sukṛtī sakala sevahiṁ siba sukhakanda ||105||
Siddhas, ascetics rich in austerity, yogis, gods, kinnaras and hosts of sages dwell there, all of them men of merit, and they serve Shiva, the root of all bliss.
Chaupai 106.1-4
हरि हर बिमुख धर्म रति नाहीं।ते नर तहँ सपनेहुँ नहिं जाहीं।।
तेहि गिरि पर बट बिटप बिसाला।नित नूतन सुंदर सब काला।।
त्रिबिध समीर सुसीतलि छाया।सिव बिश्राम बिटप श्रुति गाया।।
एक बार तेहि तर प्रभु गयऊ।तरु बिलोकि उर अति सुखु भयऊ।।
निज कर डासि नागरिपु छाला।बैठै सहजहिं संभु कृपाला।।
कुंद इंदु दर गौर सरीरा।भुज प्रलंब परिधन मुनिचीरा।।
तरुन अरुन अंबुज सम चरना।नख दुति भगत हृदय तम हरना।।
भुजग भूति भूषन त्रिपुरारी।आननु सरद चंद छबि हारी।।
hari-hara bimukha dharma rati nāhīṁ |te nara tahã sapanehũ nahĩ jāhīṁ ||
tēhi giri para baṭa biṭapa bisālā |nita nūtana sundara saba kālā ||
tribidha samīra susītali chāyā |siva bisrāma biṭapa śruti gāyā ||
ekabāra tēhi tara prabhu gayau |taru biloki ura ati sukhu bhayau ||
nija kara ḍāsi nāgari-pu chālā |baiṭhai sahajahĩ sambhu kṛpālā ||
kunda indu dara gaura sarīrā |bhuja pralaṁba paridhana municīrā ||
taruna aruna aṁbuja sama caranā |nakha duti bhagata hṛdaya tama haranā ||
bhujaga bhūti bhūṣana tripurārī |ānanu sarada canda chabi hārī ||
Those who are hostile to Hari and Hara and have no love for righteousness never go there, even in a dream. On that mountain stood a vast banyan tree, ever fresh and beautiful in every season. Gentle, cool and fragrant breezes blew there, and its shade was deeply refreshing. The Vedas sing of that tree as Shiva's place of rest. Once the Lord went beneath that tree, and his heart was filled with great joy at the sight of it. Spreading the tiger's skin with his own hands, the merciful Shambhu sat down there at ease. His body was fair as the jasmine, the moon and the conch; his arms were long, and he wore the bark garment of an ascetic. His feet were like fresh red lotuses, and the lustre of his nails took away the darkness from the hearts of his devotees. The slayer of Tripura was adorned with serpents and ashes, and his face surpassed the beauty of the autumn moon.
Doha 106
जटा मुकुट सुरसरित सिर लोचन नलिन बिसाल।नीलकंठ लावन्यनिधि सोह बालबिधु भाल।।106।।
jaṭā mukuṭa surasarita sira locana nalina bisāla |nīlakaṇṭha lāvaṇyanidhi soha bālabidhu bhāla ||106||
His matted hair was his crown, and the heavenly river Ganga flowed on his head; his eyes were large like lotuses. The blue-throated Shiva, a treasure of loveliness, shone with the young crescent moon upon his brow.
Chaupai 107.1-4
बैठे सोह कामरिपु कैसें।धरें सरीरु सांतरसु जैसें।।
पारबती भल अवसरु जानी।गई संभु पहिं मातु भवानी।।
जानि प्रिया आदरु अति कीन्हा।बाम भाग आसनु हर दीन्हा।।
बैठीं सिव समीप हरषाई।पूरुब जन्म कथा चित आई।।
पति हियँ हेतु अधिक अनुमानी।बिहसि उमा बोलीं प्रिय बानी।।
कथा जो सकल लोक हितकारी।सोइ पूछन चह सैलकुमारी।।
बिस्वनाथ मम नाथ पुरारी।त्रिभुवन महिमा बिदित तुम्हारी।।
चर अरु अचर नाग नर देवा।सकल करहिं पद पंकज सेवा।।
baiṭhe soh kāmaripu kaisẽ |dharẽ sarīru sāṁtarasu jaisẽ ||
pārabatī bhal avasaru jānī |gaī saṁbhu pahiṁ mātu bhavānī ||
jāni priyā ādaru ati kīnhā |bām bhāg āsanu har dīnhā ||
baiṭhīṁ siva samīpa haraṣāī |pūrub janma kathā cita āī ||
pati hiyaṁ hetu adhik anumānī |bihasi umā bolīṁ priya bānī ||
kathā jo sakal loka hitakārī |soi pūchan cah sailakumārī ||
bisvanātha mama nātha purārī |tribhuvan mahimā bidit tumhārī ||
cara aru acara nāga nara devā |sakal karahiṁ pad paṁkaja sevā ||
How beautiful the enemy of Kama looked as he sat there, as though Tranquillity itself, the sentiment of peace, had taken bodily form. Parvati, the mother Bhavani, judged it a fitting time and went to where Shambhu sat. Knowing her to be his beloved, Hara received her with great honor and gave her a seat on his left side. She sat beside Shiva, glad at heart, and the story of her former birth came to her mind. Reckoning that her husband's heart held an even greater love for her, Uma smiled and spoke in loving words. The daughter of the mountain wished to ask about that story which brings good to all the worlds. "O Lord of the universe, my lord, destroyer of Tripura, your greatness is known throughout the three worlds." "All beings, moving and unmoving, the nagas, men and gods, serve your lotus feet."
Doha 107
प्रभु समरथ सर्बग्य सिव सकल कला गुन धाम।जोग ग्यान बैराग्य निधि प्रनत कलपतरु नाम।।107।।
prabhu samartha sarbagya siva sakala kalā guna dhāma |joga gyāna bairāgya nidhi pranata kalpa-taru nāma ||107||
O Lord Shiva, you are all-powerful and all-knowing, an abode of every art and every virtue; you are a treasury of yoga, knowledge and dispassion, and your name is a wish-fulfilling tree to those who bow before you.
Chaupai 108.1-4
जौं मो पर प्रसन्न सुखरासी।जानिअ सत्य मोहि निज दासी।।
तौं प्रभु हरहु मोर अग्याना।कहि रघुनाथ कथा बिधि नाना।।
जासु भवनु सुरतरु तर होई।सहि कि दरिद्र जनित दुखु सोई।।
ससिभूषन अस हृदयँ बिचारी।हरहु नाथ मम मति भ्रम भारी।।
प्रभु जे मुनि परमारथबादी।कहहिं राम कहुँ ब्रह्म अनादी।।
सेस सारदा बेद पुराना।सकल करहिं रघुपति गुन गाना।।
तुम्ह पुनि राम राम दिन राती।सादर जपहु अनँग आराती।।
रामु सो अवध नृपति सुत सोई।की अज अगुन अलखगति कोई।।
jauṃ mo para prasanna sukharāsī |jāni-a satya mohi nija dāsī ||
tauṃ prabhu harahu mora agyānā |kahi raghunātha kathā bidhi nānā ||
jāsu bhavanu surataru tara hoī |sahi ki daridra-janita dukhu soī ||
sasibhūṣana asa hṛdayaṁ bicārī |harahu nātha mama mati-bhrama bhārī ||
prabhu je muni paramārathabādī |kahahiṃ rāma kahuṁ brahma anādī ||
sesa sārada beda purānā |sakala karahiṃ raghupati guna gānā ||
tumha puni rāma rāma dina rātī |sādara japahu anaṅga ārātī ||
rāmu so avadha nṛpati-suta soī |kī aja aguna alakhagati koī ||
O abode of bliss, if you are pleased with me, and truly know me to be your own handmaid, then, my lord, remove my ignorance by telling the story of Rama in its many ways. He whose house stands beneath the tree of paradise, can he ever suffer the sorrow that is born of poverty? O you who wear the moon as your ornament, considering this in your heart, remove, my lord, the great confusion of my mind. Lord, those sages who speak of the highest truth declare Rama to be the eternal Brahman, without beginning. Shesha, Sarasvati, the Vedas and the Puranas, all sing the praises of the Lord of the Raghus. And you too, O foe of Kamadeva, repeat the name of Rama, Rama, day and night with reverence. Is this Rama the son of the king of Ayodhya, or is he some other, the unborn, the without attributes, whose ways are beyond perception?
Doha 108
जौं नृप तनय त ब्रह्म किमि नारि बिरहँ मति भोरि।देख चरित महिमा सुनत भ्रमति बुद्धि अति मोरि।।108।।
jaũ nṛpa-tanaya ta brahma kimi nāri birahaṁ mati bhori |dekha carita mahimā sunata bhramati buddhi ati mori ||108||
If he is a king's son, how can he be Brahma, the Supreme? And if he is Brahma, how could his mind be bewildered by separation from his wife? When I see his deeds and hear of his greatness, my understanding wanders in utter confusion.
Chaupai 109.1-4
जौं अनीह ब्यापक बिभु कोऊ।कबहु बुझाइ नाथ मोहि सोऊ।।
अग्य जानि रिस उर जनि धरहू।जेहि बिधि मोह मिटै सोइ करहू।।
मै बन दीखि राम प्रभुताई।अति भय बिकल न तुम्हहि सुनाई।।
तदपि मलिन मन बोधु न आवा।सो फलु भली भाँति हम पावा।।
अजहूँ कछु संसउ मन मोरे।करहु कृपा बिनवउँ कर जोरें।।
प्रभु तब मोहि बहु भाँति प्रबोधा।नाथ सो समुझि करहु जनि क्रोधा।।
तब कर अस बिमोह अब नाहीं।रामकथा पर रुचि मन माहीं।।
कहहु पुनीत राम गुन गाथा।भुजगराज भूषन सुरनाथा।।
jaũ anīha byāpaka bibhu koū |kabahũ bujhāi nātha mohi soū ||
agya jāni risa ura jani dharahū |jehi bidhi moha miṭai soi karahū ||
maĩ bana dīkhi rāma prabhutāī |ati bhaya bikala na tumhahi sunāī ||
tadapi malina mana bodhu na āvā |so phalu bhalī bhā̃ti hama pāvā ||
ajahū̃ kachu sãsau mana more |karahu kṛpā binavaũ kara jorẽ ||
prabhu taba mohi bahu bhā̃ti prabodhā |nātha so samujhi karahu jani krodhā ||
taba kara asa bimoha aba nāhī̃ |rāmakathā para ruci mana māhī̃ ||
kahahu punīta rāma guna gāthā |bhujagarāja bhūṣana suranāthā ||
If there is someone who is without desire, all-pervading and almighty, then, my Lord, explain to me about him as well. Knowing me to be ignorant, do not hold anger in your heart; do whatever will remove my delusion. In the forest I saw the majesty of Rama, but I was so distraught with great fear that I did not tell you. Even so, my mind was clouded and no understanding came to it, and I received the fruit of that fully. Even now some doubt remains in my mind; be gracious to me, I beg you with folded hands. Lord, you then instructed me in many ways; my Lord, bearing that in mind, do not be angry with me. The delusion I had then is gone now; there is a longing in my heart for the story of Rama. Tell the sacred tale of Rama's virtues, you who wear the king of serpents as your ornament, O Lord of the gods.
Doha 109
बंदउ पद धरि धरनि सिरु बिनय करउँ कर जोरि।बरनहु रघुबर बिसद जसु श्रुति सिद्धांत निचोरि।।109।।
bandau pada dhari dharani siru binaya karauṁ kara jori |baranahu raghubara bisada jasu śruti siddhānta nicori ||109||
Placing my head on the ground, I bow at your feet and make my plea with folded hands: describe the spotless glory of Rama, the best of the Raghus, drawing out the essence of the Vedas and their conclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
छंद में स्पष्ट फलश्रुति दी है: ‘यह उमा संगु बिबाहु जे नर नारि कहहिं जे गावहीं। कल्यान काज बिबाह मंगल सर्बदा सुखु पावहीं॥’—अर्थात शिव–उमा विवाह का गान/पाठ मंगल-कार्यों में कल्याण और गृहस्थ-सुख का हेतु माना गया है; साथ ही उमा के प्रश्न-खंड का श्रवण ‘संशय-नाश’ और रामकथा-रुचि की वृद्धि का साधन कहा जाता है।
परंपरागत मानस-पाठ में यहाँ ‘श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम’ (राम-नाम समपुट) या ‘जय जय रघुवीर समर्थ’ जैसे नाम-समपुट प्रचलित हैं; विशेषतः उमा के ‘राम-तत्त्व’ प्रश्न के समय ‘राम नाम’ जप-समपुट को ‘भ्रम-निवृत्ति’ हेतु उपयुक्त माना जाता है।
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