Prakarana 2
सोपान-प्रवेश (Staircase-Threshold): नाम-कीर्ति-स्तुति के द्वारा चित्त-शुद्धि और श्रद्धा का जन्म। बालकाण्ड यहाँ ‘कथा आरंभ’ मात्र नहीं, बल्कि साधक के भीतर ‘राम-नाम’ को आधार (आलंबन) बनाकर कलि-मल-नाश और सत्संग-प्रवृत्ति की प्रथम सीढ़ी है—जहाँ प्राकृत/लोकभाषा भी वेद-सार बनकर उद्धार-मार्ग हो जाती है।
This passage is a concentrated “alchemical essence” of the auspicious invocation (maṅgalācaraṇa) in Bālakāṇḍa’s proem. The principal rasa is Śānta—yet not inert peace: it is bright vairāgya born of Nāma-remembrance and strengthened by humility. Tulsīdās declares that even the “rustic” speech of the common tongue becomes holy by contact with Rāma’s praise—just as, by association with sandalwood (malaya), even ordinary timber grows fragrant. By placing before us his own smallness (māti-thora) and his critique of hypocritical, Kali-yuga devotion, the poet turns the listener toward discernment and satsanga. Philosophically, this section makes the Name a bridge to Brahman: the same all-pervading Lord of the supreme abode—Nirguṇa (desireless, formless, nameless)—assumes a Saguṇa form for the welfare of devotees. Thus the first step of Bālakāṇḍa grants the seeker refuge in Nāma and confers inner eligibility (adhikāra) for the līlā-kathā ahead.
Verses
Chaupai 10.1-5
एहि महँ रघुपति नाम उदारा।अति पावन पुरान श्रुति सारा।।
मंगल भवन अमंगल हारी।उमा सहित जेहि जपत पुरारी।।
भनिति बिचित्र सुकबि कृत जोऊ।राम नाम बिनु सोह न सोऊ।।
बिधुबदनी सब भाँति सँवारी।सोन न बसन बिना बर नारी।।
सब गुन रहित कुकबि कृत बानी।राम नाम जस अंकित जानी।।
सादर कहहिं सुनहिं बुध ताही।मधुकर सरिस संत गुनग्राही।।
जदपि कबित रस एकउ नाही।राम प्रताप प्रकट एहि माहीं।।
सोइ भरोस मोरें मन आवा।केहिं न सुसंग बडप्पनु पावा।।
धूमउ तजइ सहज करुआई।अगरु प्रसंग सुगंध बसाई।।
भनिति भदेस बस्तु भलि बरनी।राम कथा जग मंगल करनी।।
ehi mahã̃ raghupati nāma udārā |ati pāvana purāna śruti sārā ||
maṅgala bhavana amaṅgala hārī |umā sahita jehi japata purārī ||
bhaniti bicitra sukabi kṛta joū |rāma nāma binu soha na soū ||
bidhu-badanī saba bhā̃ti saṁvārī |sona na basana binā bara nārī ||
saba guna rahita kukabi kṛta bānī |rāma nāma jasa aṅkita jānī ||
sādara kahahiṁ sunahiṁ budha tāhī |madhukara sarisa santa guna-grāhī ||
jadapi kabita rasa ekau nāhī |rāma pratāpa prakaṭa ehi māhī ||
soi bharosa moreṁ mana āvā |kehiṁ na susaṅga baḍappanu pāvā ||
dhūmau tajai sahaja karuāī |agaru prasaṅga sugandha basāī ||
bhaniti bhadesa bastu bhali baranī |rāma kathā jaga maṅgala karanī ||
In this work is the noble name of Rama, most purifying, the essence of the Puranas and the Vedas. It is the abode of all that is auspicious and the remover of all that is inauspicious, the name that Shiva, the destroyer of Tripura, repeats together with Uma. Even a wondrous composition made by a gifted poet does not shine without the name of Rama. A moon-faced woman, adorned in every way, still does not look beautiful without clothes. But speech composed by a poor poet, devoid of every merit, if it is known to be marked with the name and glory of Rama, the wise speak and hear with reverence, for the saints are like bees, gatherers of what is good. Though there is not a single poetic flavor in this poem, the majesty of Rama is made manifest in it. That very confidence has come into my mind: who has not gained greatness through good company? Even smoke gives up its natural pungency, and in association with aloeswood it becomes fragrant. My composition is crude, but its subject is excellent, for it tells the story of Rama, which brings blessing to the world.
Chhand 10
मंगल करनि कलि मल हरनि तुलसी कथा रघुनाथ की।गति कूर कबिता सरित की ज्यों सरित पावन पाथ की।।
प्रभु सुजस संगति भनिति भलि होइहि सुजन मन भावनी।भव अंग भूति मसान की सुमिरत सुहावनि पावनी।।
maṅgala karani kali mala harani tulasī kathā raghunātha kī |gati kūra kabitā sarita kī jyoṃ sarita pāvana pātha kī ||
prabhu sujasa saṅgati bhaniti bhali hoihi sujana mana bhāvanī |bhava aṅga bhūti masāna kī sumirata suhāvani pāvanī ||
The story of Raghunath, says Tulsidas, brings blessing and takes away the filth of the Kali age. The course of my poetry is crooked, like the course of a river, yet as the river's water is pure, so is this story. Through its association with the Lord's glorious fame, my verse, though poor, will become good and pleasing to the hearts of good men. Like the ash of the cremation ground on the body of Shiva, it is lovely and purifying when remembered.
Doha 10(क)-(ख)
प्रिय लागिहि अति सबहि मम भनिति राम जस संग।दारु बिचारु कि करइ कोउ बंदिअ मलय प्रसंग।।10(क)।।
स्याम सुरभि पय बिसद अति गुनद करहिं सब पान।गिरा ग्राम्य सिय राम जस गावहिं सुनहिं सुजान।।10(ख)।।
priya lāgihi ati sabahi mama bhaṇiti rāma jasa saṅga |dāru bicāru ki karai kou bandia malaya prasaṅga ||10(ka)||
syāma surabhi paya bisada ati gunada karahiṁ saba pāna |girā grāmya siya rāma jasa gāvahiṁ sunahiṁ sujāna ||10(kha)||
My verse, joined with the glory of Rama, will seem very dear to everyone. Does anyone stop to consider what kind of wood it is when it comes from the Malaya hills? It is revered by its association with the sandal-groves. The cow is dark, yet her milk is perfectly pure and full of goodness, and everyone drinks it. In the same way, though my speech is rustic, it sings the glory of Sita and Rama, and the wise will listen to it and sing it.
Chaupai 11.1-5
मनि मानिक मुकुता छबि जैसी।अहि गिरि गज सिर सोह न तैसी।।
नृप किरीट तरुनी तनु पाई।लहहिं सकल सोभा अधिकाई।।
तैसेहिं सुकबि कबित बुध कहहीं।उपजहिं अनत अनत छबि लहहीं।।
भगति हेतु बिधि भवन बिहाई।सुमिरत सारद आवति धाई।।
राम चरित सर बिनु अन्हवाएँ।सो श्रम जाइ न कोटि उपाएँ।।
कबि कोबिद अस हृदयँ बिचारी।गावहिं हरि जस कलि मल हारी।।
कीन्हें प्राकृत जन गुन गाना।सिर धुनि गिरा लगत पछिताना।।
हृदय सिंधु मति सीप समाना।स्वाति सारदा कहहिं सुजाना।।
जौं बरषइ बर बारि बिचारू।होहिं कबित मुकुतामनि चारू।।
mani mānika mukutā chabi jaisī |ahi giri gaja sira soha na taisī ||
nṛpa kirīṭa tarunī tanu pāī |lahahiṃ sakala sobhā adhikāī ||
taisehiṃ su-kabi kabita budha kahaḥīṃ |upajahiṃ anata-anata chabi lahahīṃ ||
bhagati hetu bidhi bhavana bihāī |sumirata sāradā āvati dhāī ||
rāma carita sara binu anhavāeṃ |so śrama jāi na koṭi upāeṃ ||
kabi kobida asa hṛdayã bicārī |gāvahiṃ hari jasa kali mala hārī ||
kīnhēṃ prākṛta jana guna gānā |sira dhuni girā lagata pachitānā ||
hṛdaya sindhu mati sīpa samānā |svāti sāradā kahahiṃ sujānā ||
jauṃ baraṣai bara bāri bicārū |hohiṃ kabita mukutāmani cārū ||
The beauty that a jewel, a ruby and a pearl have (when set in their proper places) they do not have in the serpent's head, on the mountain, or in the elephant's head. But when they find a place in a king's crown or on a young woman's body, they gain all splendor in fuller measure. In just the same way, the wise say, the poetry of good poets is born in one place and finds its beauty in another. Out of devotion, when she is remembered, Sarasvati leaves her abode in Brahma's world and comes running. Without bathing in the lake of Rama's deeds, that toil does not go away even by millions of efforts. Reflecting thus in their hearts, poets and scholars sing the glory of Hari, which removes the impurities of the Kali age. When the praises of ordinary men are composed, Sarasvati beats her head and begins to repent. The wise say that the heart is the ocean, the intellect is the oyster shell, and Sarasvati is the Svati rain. If excellent thought pours down as that rain, the poetry becomes lovely pearls.
Doha 11
जुगुति बेधि पुनि पोहिअहिं रामचरित बर ताग।पहिरहिं सज्जन बिमल उर सोभा अति अनुराग।।11।।
juguti bedhi puni pohiahiṁ rāmacarita bara tāga |pahirahiṁ sajjana bimala ura sobhā ati anurāga ||11||
Those pearls of verse, skillfully pierced, are then strung on the excellent thread of Rama's story; and good men wear them on their pure hearts, where they shine with great beauty and bring deep delight.
Chaupai 12.1-6
जे जनमे कलिकाल कराला।करतब बायस बेष मराला।।
चलत कुपंथ बेद मग छाँड़े।कपट कलेवर कलि मल भाँड़ें।।
बंचक भगत कहाइ राम के।किंकर कंचन कोह काम के।।
तिन्ह महँ प्रथम रेख जग मोरी।धींग धरमध्वज धंधक धोरी।।
जौं अपने अवगुन सब कहऊँ।बाढ़इ कथा पार नहिं लहऊँ।।
ताते मैं अति अलप बखाने।थोरे महुँ जानिहहिं सयाने।।
समुझि बिबिधि बिधि बिनती मोरी।कोउ न कथा सुनि देइहि खोरी।।
एतेहु पर करिहहिं जे असंका।मोहि ते अधिक ते जड़ मति रंका।।
कबि न होउँ नहिं चतुर कहावउँ।मति अनुरूप राम गुन गावउँ।।
कहँ रघुपति के चरित अपारा।कहँ मति मोरि निरत संसारा।।
जेहिं मारुत गिरि मेरु उड़ाहीं।कहहु तूल केहि लेखे माहीं।।
समुझत अमित राम प्रभुताई।करत कथा मन अति कदराई।।
je janame kalikāla karālā |karataba bāyasa beṣa marālā ||
calata kupantha beda maga chāṃṛe |kapaṭa kalevara kali mala bhāṃṛe ||
baṃcaka bhagata kahāi rāma ke |kiṃkara kaṃcana koha kāma ke ||
tinha maham̐ prathama rekha jaga morī |dhīṃga dharamadhvaja dhaṃdhaka dhorī ||
jauṃ apane avaguna saba kahauṃ |bāṛhai kathā pāra nahiṃ lahauṃ ||
tāte maiṃ ati alapa bakhāne |thore mahuṃ jānihahiṃ sayāne ||
samujhi bibidhi bidhi binatī morī |kou na kathā suni deihi khorī ||
etehu para karihahiṃ je asaṃkā |mohi te adhika te jaṛa mati raṃkā ||
kabi na houṃ nahiṃ catura kahāvaũ |mati anurūpa rāma guna gāvaũ ||
kaham̐ raghupati ke carita apārā |kaham̐ mati mori nirata saṃsārā ||
jehiṃ māruta giri meru uṛāhīṃ |kahahu tūla kehi lekhe māhīṃ ||
samujhata amita rāma prabhutāī |karata kathā mana ati kadarāī ||
Those who are born in this dreadful age of Kali are crows in their deeds, though they wear the guise of swans. They walk in evil paths, having forsaken the way of the Vedas; they are embodiments of deceit and vessels of the filth of Kali. Cheats who call themselves devotees of Rama, they are servants of gold, of anger and of lust. Among them the world gives the first place to me, a brazen, sanctimonious hypocrite, foremost in worldly entanglement. If I were to tell all my faults, the tale would grow so long that I would never reach its end. Therefore I have described only a very little; the wise will understand from a few words. Understanding my entreaties made in so many ways, no one who hears this story will find fault with me. Those who still raise doubts even after this are more dull-witted and poorer in understanding than I am. I am no poet, nor do I claim to be clever; I sing the virtues of Rama as far as my understanding allows. How boundless are the deeds of the Lord of the Raghus, and how small is my mind, wholly absorbed in the world! Tell me, before a wind that blows away mountains like Meru, of what account is a tuft of cotton? When I consider Rama's infinite majesty, my mind grows very timid as I begin to tell his story.
Doha 12
सारद सेस महेस बिधि आगम निगम पुरान।नेति नेति कहि जासु गुन करहिं निरंतर गान।।12।।
sārada sesa mahesa bidhi āgama nigama purāna |neti neti kahi jāsu guna karahiṁ nirantara gāna ||12||
Sarasvati, Shesha, Mahesha and Brahma, the Agamas, the Nigamas and the Puranas, all sing without ceasing the virtues of Him, saying of them, "Not this, not this."
Chaupai 13.1-5
सब जानत प्रभु प्रभुता सोई।तदपि कहें बिनु रहा न कोई।।
तहाँ बेद अस कारन राखा।भजन प्रभाउ भाँति बहु भाषा।।
एक अनीह अरूप अनामा।अज सच्चिदानंद पर धामा।।
ब्यापक बिस्वरूप भगवाना।तेहिं धरि देह चरित कृत नाना।।
सो केवल भगतन हित लागी।परम कृपाल प्रनत अनुरागी।।
जेहि जन पर ममता अति छोहू।जेहिं करुना करि कीन्ह न कोहू।।
गई बहोर गरीब नेवाजू।सरल सबल साहिब रघुराजू।।
बुध बरनहिं हरि जस अस जानी।करहि पुनीत सुफल निज बानी।।
तेहिं बल मैं रघुपति गुन गाथा।कहिहउँ नाइ राम पद माथा।।
मुनिन्ह प्रथम हरि कीरति गाई।तेहिं मग चलत सुगम मोहि भाई।।
sab jānat prabhu prabhutā soī |tadapi kahẽ binu rahā na koī ||
tahā̃ beda asa kārana rākhā |bhajana prabhāu bhā̃ti bahu bhāṣā ||
eka anīha arūpa anāmā |aja saccidānanda para dhāmā ||
byāpaka bisvarūpa bhagavānā |tehã dhari deha carita kṛta nānā ||
so kevala bhagatan hita lāgī |parama kṛpāla pranata anurāgī ||
jehi jana para mamatā ati choū |jehiṁ karunā kari kīnha na kohū ||
gaī bahora garība nevājū |sarala sabala sāhiba raghurājū ||
budha baranahiṁ hari jasa asa jānī |karahiṁ punīta suphala nija bānī ||
tehiṁ bala maiṁ raghupati guna gāthā |kahihauṁ nāi rāma pada māthā ||
muninha prathama hari kīrati gāī |tehiṁ maga calata sugama mohi bhāī ||
All know the glory of the Lord, and yet no one has been able to keep from speaking of it. In this matter the Vedas have set down such a reason: they have spoken in many ways of the power of devotion. There is One, free from desire, without form, without name, unborn, being, consciousness and bliss, the supreme abode. He is all-pervading, the Lord whose form is the universe; he took on a body and performed many deeds. He did so solely for the good of his devotees, for he is supremely compassionate and loves those who bow to him. He feels deep affection and tenderness toward the one he calls his own, and having shown mercy, he is never angry with him. He restores what is lost and is the friend of the poor; Rama, king of the Raghus, is a lord both gentle and mighty. Knowing this, the wise sing the glory of Hari, and so make their own speech holy and fruitful. Relying on that strength, I bow my head at the feet of Rama and will tell the tale of the virtues of the Lord of the Raghus. The sages first sang the fame of Hari; walking in that path seemed easy and pleasing to me.
Doha 13
अति अपार जे सरित बर जौं नृप सेतु कराहिं।चढि पिपीलिकउ परम लघु बिनु श्रम पारहि जाहिं।।13।।
ati apāra je sarita bara jaũ nr̥pa setu karāhĩ |caṛhi pipīlikaũ parama laghu binu śrama pārahi jāhĩ ||13||
If kings have a bridge built over the greatest and most boundless of rivers, even an ant, the tiniest of creatures, can climb upon it and cross over without any toil.
Chaupai 14.1-6
एहि प्रकार बल मनहि देखाई।करिहउँ रघुपति कथा सुहाई।।
ब्यास आदि कबि पुंगव नाना।जिन्ह सादर हरि सुजस बखाना।।
चरन कमल बंदउँ तिन्ह केरे।पुरवहुँ सकल मनोरथ मेरे।।
कलि के कबिन्ह करउँ परनामा।जिन्ह बरने रघुपति गुन ग्रामा।।
जे प्राकृत कबि परम सयाने।भाषाँ जिन्ह हरि चरित बखाने।।
भए जे अहहिं जे होइहहिं आगें।प्रनवउँ सबहिं कपट सब त्यागें।।
होहु प्रसन्न देहु बरदानू।साधु समाज भनिति सनमानू।।
जो प्रबंध बुध नहिं आदरहीं।सो श्रम बादि बाल कबि करहीं।।
कीरति भनिति भूति भलि सोई।सुरसरि सम सब कहँ हित होई।।
राम सुकीरति भनिति भदेसा।असमंजस अस मोहि अँदेसा।।
तुम्हरी कृपा सुलभ सोउ मोरे।सिअनि सुहावनि टाट पटोरे।।
ehi prakāra bala manahi dekhāī |karihaũ raghupati kathā suhāī ||
byāsa ādi kabi puṅgava nānā |jinha sādhara hari sujasa bakhānā ||
carana-kamala bandaũ tinh kere |puravahũ sakala manoratha mere ||
kali ke kabinha karaũ paranāmā |jinha barane raghupati guna-grāmā ||
je prākṛta kabi parama sayāne |bhāṣā̃ jinha hari carita bakhāne ||
bhae je ahahĩ je hoihahĩ āgẽ |pranavaũ sabahĩ kapaṭa saba tyāgẽ ||
hohu prasanna dehu baradānū |sādhu samāja bhaṇiti sanamānū ||
jo prabandha budha nahĩ ādarahī̃ |so śrama bādi bāla kabi karahī̃ ||
kīrati bhaṇiti bhūti bhali soī |surasari sama saba kahã hita hoī ||
rāma su-kīrati bhaṇiti bhadesā |asamañjasa asa mohi aṁdesā ||
tumharī kṛpā sulabha soũ more |sīa-ni suhāvani ṭāṭa paṭore ||
In this way, showing my mind its own strength, I will tell the beautiful story of the Lord of the Raghus. There have been many foremost poets, Vyasa and others, who told the glorious fame of Hari with reverence. I bow to their lotus feet; fulfil all my desires. I make obeisance to the poets of the Kali age, who have described the multitude of the virtues of the Lord of the Raghus. I bow also to those exceedingly wise poets of the Prakrit tongue, who have told the deeds of Hari in the vernacular. Those who have been, those who are now, and those who will be hereafter, I salute them all, putting aside all deceit. Be pleased and grant me this boon: that my verse may be honoured in the assembly of the good. A composition which the wise do not honour is a labour wasted in vain by a foolish poet. That fame, that poetry, and that wealth alone are good which, like the Ganges, bring benefit to all. The glorious fame of Rama is noble, but my verse is rustic; this mismatch is what troubles me with anxiety. Yet by your grace even that is easy for me, for fine silk embroidery makes a lovely thing even on coarse sackcloth.
Doha 14(क)-(ग), Soratha 14(घ), Doha 14(ङ)-(छ)
सरल कबित कीरति बिमल सोइ आदरहिं सुजान।सहज बयर बिसराइ रिपु जो सुनि करहिं बखान।।14(क)।।
सो न होइ बिनु बिमल मति मोहि मति बल अति थोर।करहु कृपा हरि जस कहउँ पुनि पुनि करउँ निहोर।।14(ख)।।
कबि कोबिद रघुबर चरित मानस मंजु मराल।बाल बिनय सुनि सुरुचि लखि मोपर होहु कृपाल।।14(ग)।।
बंदउँ मुनि पद कंजु रामायन जेहिं निरमयउ।सखर सुकोमल मंजु दोष रहित दूषन सहित।।14(घ)।।
बंदउँ चारिउ बेद भव बारिधि बोहित सरिस।जिन्हहि न सपनेहुँ खेद बरनत रघुबर बिसद जसु।।14(ङ)।।
बंदउँ बिधि पद रेनु भव सागर जेहि कीन्ह जहँ।संत सुधा ससि धेनु प्रगटे खल बिष बारुनी।।14(च)।।
बिबुध बिप्र बुध ग्रह चरन बंदि कहउँ कर जोरि।होइ प्रसन्न पुरवहु सकल मंजु मनोरथ मोरि।।14(छ)।।
sarala kabita kīrati bimala soi ādarahiṁ sujāna |sahaja bayara bisarāi ripu jo suni karahiṁ bakhāna ||14(ka)||
so na hoi binu bimala mati mohi mati bala ati thora |karahu kṛpā hari jasa kahaũ puni puni karaũ nihora ||14(kha)||
kabi kobida raghubara carita mānasa mañju marāla |bāla binaya suni suruci lakhi mopara hohu kṛpāla ||14(ga)||
bandaũ muni pada kañju rāmāyana jehiṁ niramayau |sakhara sukomala mañju doṣa rahita dūṣana sahita ||14(gha)||
bandaũ cāriu beda bhava bāridhi bohita sarisa |jinhahi na sapanehũ kheda baranata raghubara bisada jasu ||14(ṅa)||
bandaũ bidhi pada renu bhava sāgara jehi kīnha jahã |santa sudhā sasi dhenu pragaṭe khala biṣa bārunī ||14(ca)||
bibudha bipra budha graha carana bandi kahaũ kara jori |hoi prasanna puravahu sakala mañju manoratha mori ||14(cha)||
The wise honor that poetry which is simple and a fame which is spotless, such that even an enemy, forgetting his natural hostility, hears it and recites it in praise. That cannot come about without a pure intellect, and my intellect and strength are very small. Therefore I entreat you again and again: be gracious to me, that I may tell the glory of Hari. You poets and learned men are the graceful swans in the Manasa lake of the deeds of Rama, the best of the Raghus. Hearing the humble plea of a child and seeing his good intent, be kind to me. I bow to the lotus feet of the sage who composed the Ramayana, which is harsh yet very gentle and graceful, free of faults though it tells of the faulty. I bow to all four Vedas, which are like a ship for crossing the ocean of worldly existence, and which feel no weariness even in dreams as they describe the spotless glory of Rama, the best of the Raghus. I bow to the dust of Brahma's feet, who made the ocean of the world, in which were born the saints, nectar, the moon and the cow of plenty, and also the wicked, poison and wine. Bowing at the feet of the gods, the Brahmans, the wise and the planets, I say with folded hands: be pleased and fulfill all my cherished desires.
Chaupai 15.1-6
पुनि बंदउँ सारद सुरसरिता।जुगल पुनीत मनोहर चरिता।।
मज्जन पान पाप हर एका।कहत सुनत एक हर अबिबेका।।
गुर पितु मातु महेस भवानी।प्रनवउँ दीनबंधु दिन दानी।।
सेवक स्वामि सखा सिय पी के।हित निरुपधि सब बिधि तुलसीके।।
कलि बिलोकि जग हित हर गिरिजा।साबर मंत्र जाल जिन्ह सिरिजा।।
अनमिल आखर अरथ न जापू।प्रगट प्रभाउ महेस प्रतापू।।
सो उमेस मोहि पर अनुकूला।करिहिं कथा मुद मंगल मूला।।
सुमिरि सिवा सिव पाइ पसाऊ।बरनउँ रामचरित चित चाऊ।।
भनिति मोरि सिव कृपाँ बिभाती।ससि समाज मिलि मनहुँ सुराती।।
जे एहि कथहि सनेह समेता।कहिहहिं सुनिहहिं समुझि सचेता।।
होइहहिं राम चरन अनुरागी।कलि मल रहित सुमंगल भागी।।
puni bandaũ sārada sura-saritā |jugala punīta manohara caritā ||
majjana pāna pāpa-hara ekā |kahata sunata eka-hara abibekā ||
gur pitu mātu mahesa bhavānī |pranavaũ dīna-bandhu dina-dānī ||
sevaka svāmi sakhā siya-pī ke |hita nirupadhi saba bidhi tulasīke ||
kali biloki jaga-hita-hara girijā |sābara mantra-jāla jinha sirijā ||
anamil ākhar aratha na jāpū |pragaṭa prabhāu mahesa pratāpū ||
so umesa mohi para anukūlā |karihiṃ kathā muda maṅgala-mūlā ||
sumiri sivā siva pāi pasāū |barnaũ rāmacarita cita-cāū ||
bhaniti mori siva-kripā̃ bibhātī |sasi samāja mili manahũ surātī ||
je ehi kathahi saneha sametā |kahihahiṃ sunihahiṃ samujhi sacetā ||
hoihahiṃ rāma carana anurāgī |kali-mala rahita sumaṅgala-bhāgī ||
Again I bow to Sarada, the goddess of speech, and to the Ganges, the river of the gods: the two are alike holy, and their deeds are lovely. One takes away sin by bathing and drinking, the other takes away ignorance by being told and heard. I bow to Mahesha and Bhavani, my teacher, father and mother, the friends of the poor, who give daily. They are the servant, the master and the friend of Sita's husband, and, without any guile, in every way the well-wishers of Tulsidas. Seeing the Kali age, Hara and Girija, for the good of the world, wove the web of Shabara spells. Its syllables do not fit together and its words have no meaning, nor is there any chanting of it, yet its power is plain, through the might of Mahesha. That Lord of Uma is kindly disposed toward me, and he will make this tale a root of joy and blessing. Remembering Shiva and Parvati, and gaining Shiva's favor, I tell the story of Rama with eagerness of heart. By Shiva's grace my verse will shine, like a night joined by the moon and the company of stars. Those who tell or hear this story with love, understanding it with attentive minds, will become devoted to the feet of Rama, free from the stain of the Kali age, and sharers in the highest blessing.
Doha 15
सपनेहुँ साचेहुँ मोहि पर जौं हर गौरि पसाउ।तौ फुर होउ जो कहेउँ सब भाषा भनिति प्रभाउ।।15।।
sapanehũ sacehũ mohi para jaũ hara gauri pasāu |tau phura hou jo kaheũ saba bhāṣā bhaṇiti prabhāu ||15||
If, whether in dream or in waking truth, Shiva and Gauri show their favor to me, then let everything I have said come true, and let my verse in the common tongue have its power.
Chaupai 16.1-4
बंदउँ अवध पुरी अति पावनि।सरजू सरि कलि कलुष नसावनि।।
प्रनवउँ पुर नर नारि बहोरी।ममता जिन्ह पर प्रभुहि न थोरी।।
सिय निंदक अघ ओघ नसाए।लोक बिसोक बनाइ बसाए।।
बंदउँ कौसल्या दिसि प्राची।कीरति जासु सकल जग माची।।
प्रगटेउ जहँ रघुपति ससि चारू।बिस्व सुखद खल कमल तुसारू।।
दसरथ राउ सहित सब रानी।सुकृत सुमंगल मूरति मानी।।
करउँ प्रनाम करम मन बानी।करहु कृपा सुत सेवक जानी।।
जिन्हहि बिरचि बड़ भयउ बिधाता।महिमा अवधि राम पितु माता।।
bandaũ avadha purī ati pāvani |sarajū sari kali kaluṣa nasāvani ||
pranavaũ pura nara nāri bahorī |mamatā jinha para prabhuhi na thorī ||
siya nindaka agha ogha nasāe |loka bisoka banāi basāe ||
bandaũ kausalayā disi prācī |kīrati jāsu sakala jaga mācī ||
pragaṭeu jahã raghupati sasi cārū |bisva sukhada khala kamala tusārū ||
dasaratha rāu sahita saba rānī |sukṛta sumaṅgala mūrati mānī ||
karaũ pranāma karama mana bānī |karahu kṛpā suta sevaka jānī ||
jinhahi biraci baṛa bhayau bidhātā |mahimā avadhi rāma pitu mātā ||
I bow to the city of Ayodhya, exceedingly holy, and to the river Sarayu, which destroys the stains of the Kali age. Then I pay homage to the men and women of the city, for whom the Lord had no small affection. The slanderers of Sita he freed from their heaps of sin, and he made them free from sorrow and settled them in his own realm. I bow to Kausalya, the eastern quarter, whose fame has spread over the whole world. There the lovely moon, the Lord of the Raghus, arose, giving joy to the universe and a frost to the lotus of the wicked. I bow to King Dasharatha together with all his queens, whom I regard as embodiments of good deeds and perfect auspiciousness. I make obeisance in deed, mind and speech; be gracious to me, knowing me to be a servant of your son. In fashioning them, Brahma the Creator became great; they are the very limit of glory, the father and mother of Rama.
Soratha 16
बंदउँ अवध भुआल सत्य प्रेम जेहि राम पद।बिछुरत दीनदयाल प्रिय तनु तृन इव परिहरेउ।।16।।
bandauṁ avadha bhuāla satya prema jehi rāma pada |bichurata dīnadayāla priya tanu tṛna iva parihareu ||16||
I bow to the king of Awadh, whose love for the feet of Rama was true; when parted from Rama, the friend of the lowly, he cast off his own dear body as if it were a blade of straw.
Chaupai 17.1-5
प्रनवउँ परिजन सहित बिदेहू।जाहि राम पद गूढ़ सनेहू।।
जोग भोग महँ राखेउ गोई।राम बिलोकत प्रगटेउ सोई।।
प्रनवउँ प्रथम भरत के चरना।जासु नेम ब्रत जाइ न बरना।।
राम चरन पंकज मन जासू।लुबुध मधुप इव तजइ न पासू।।
बंदउँ लछिमन पद जलजाता।सीतल सुभग भगत सुख दाता।।
रघुपति कीरति बिमल पताका।दंड समान भयउ जस जाका।।
सेष सहस्रसीस जग कारन।जो अवतरेउ भूमि भय टारन।।
सदा सो सानुकूल रह मो पर।कृपासिंधु सौमित्रि गुनाकर।।
रिपुसूदन पद कमल नमामी।सूर सुसील भरत अनुगामी।।
महावीर बिनवउँ हनुमाना।राम जासु जस आप बखाना।।
pranavaũ parijana sahita bidehū |jāhi rāma pada gūṛha sanehū ||
yoga bhoga maṁ rākhēu goī |rāma bilokata pragaṭēu soī ||
pranavaũ prathama bharata kē caranā |jāsu nema vrata jāi na baranā ||
rāma carana paṅkaja mana jāsū |lubudha madhupa iva tajai na pāsū ||
bandauṁ lachimana pada jalajātā |sītala subhaga bhagata sukha dātā ||
raghupati kīrati bimala patākā |daṇḍa samāna bhayau jasa jākā ||
sēṣa sahasra-sīsa jaga kārana |jō avatarēu bhūmi bhaya ṭārana ||
sadā sō sānukūla raha mō para |kṛpāsiṁdhu saumitri guṇākara ||
ripu-sūdana pada kamala namāmī |sūra susīla bharata anugāmī ||
mahāvīra binavaũ hanumānā |rāma jāsu jasa āpa bakhānā ||
I bow to Videha (Janaka) together with his household, who had a deep, hidden love for the feet of Rama. He kept it concealed amid the practice of yoga and the enjoyments of royal life, but it burst into view the moment he beheld Rama. First I bow to the feet of Bharata, whose vows and disciplines cannot be described. His mind is like a greedy bee at the lotus feet of Rama, and never leaves their side. I worship the lotus feet of Lakshmana, cool and beautiful, the giver of happiness to his devotees. The spotless glory of the Lord of the Raghus is a banner, and the fame of him whose renown is like its staff has spread. He is Shesha, the thousand-headed, the support of the world, who took birth to remove the burden of fear from the earth. May he, the son of Sumitra, ocean of compassion and mine of virtues, always remain favorable to me. I bow to the lotus feet of Shatrughna, the brave and gentle, who followed Bharata. I make my petition to the great hero Hanuman, whose glory Rama himself proclaimed.
Soratha 17
प्रनवउँ पवनकुमार खल बन पावक ग्यानधन।जासु हृदय आगार बसहिं राम सर चाप धर।।17।।
pranavauṁ pavanakumāra khala bana pāvaka gyānadhana |jāsu hṛdaya āgāra basahiṁ rāma sara cāpa dhara ||17||
I bow to the son of the Wind, a fire to the forest of the wicked, a treasure of wisdom, in whose heart as his dwelling Rama abides, bearing his bow and arrow.
Chaupai 18.1-5
कपिपति रीछ निसाचर राजा।अंगदादि जे कीस समाजा।।
बंदउँ सब के चरन सुहाए।अधम सरीर राम जिन्ह पाए।।
रघुपति चरन उपासक जेते।खग मृग सुर नर असुर समेते।।
बंदउँ पद सरोज सब केरे।जे बिनु काम राम के चेरे।।
सुक सनकादि भगत मुनि नारद।जे मुनिबर बिग्यान बिसारद।।
प्रनवउँ सबहिं धरनि धरि सीसा।करहु कृपा जन जानि मुनीसा।।
जनकसुता जग जननि जानकी।अतिसय प्रिय करुना निधान की।।
ताके जुग पद कमल मनावउँ।जासु कृपाँ निरमल मति पावउँ।।
पुनि मन बचन कर्म रघुनायक।चरन कमल बंदउँ सब लायक।।
राजिवनयन धरें धनु सायक।भगत बिपति भंजन सुख दायक।।
kapipati rīcha nisācara rājā |aṅgadādi je kīsa samājā ||
bandauṁ saba ke carana suhāe |adhama sarīra rāma jinha pāe ||
raghupati carana upāsaka jete |khaga mṛga sura nara asura samete ||
bandauṁ pada saroja saba kere |je binu kāma rāma ke cere ||
suka sanakādi bhagata muni nārada |je munibara bigyāna bisārada ||
pranavauṁ sabahiṁ dharani dhari sīsā |karahu kṛpā jana jāni munīsā ||
janakasutā jaga janani jānakī |atisaya priya karunā nidhāna kī ||
tāke juga pada kamala manāvauṁ |jāsu kṛpā̃ niramala mati pāvauṁ ||
puni mana bacana karma raghunāyaka |carana kamala bandauṁ saba lāyaka ||
rājivanayana dhareṁ dhanu sāyaka |bhagata bipati bhañjana sukha dāyaka ||
The lord of the monkeys, the king of the bears, the king of the demons, and Angada and all the other hosts of monkeys: I bow to the lovely feet of them all, who, though in lowly bodies, found Rama. All those who are worshippers at the feet of the Lord of the Raghus, birds and beasts, gods, men and demons together, I bow to the lotus feet of them all, who are servants of Rama without any desire for reward. Shuka, Sanaka and the other devotees, the sage Narada, and all the foremost sages who are expert in spiritual wisdom: I bow to them all, placing my head on the ground: O lords of sages, knowing me to be your servant, show me your grace. Janaki, the daughter of Janaka and mother of the world, is exceedingly dear to Rama, the abode of compassion. I entreat her two lotus feet, by whose grace I may obtain a pure understanding. Again, in mind, word and deed, I bow to the lotus feet of Rama, the Lord of the Raghus, who is worthy of all devotion. He is lotus-eyed, bearing bow and arrow, the destroyer of his devotees' misfortunes and the giver of happiness.
Doha 18
गिरा अरथ जल बीचि सम कहिअत भिन्न न भिन्न।बदउँ सीता राम पद जिन्हहि परम प्रिय खिन्न।।18।।
girā aratha jala bīci sama kahiyata bhinna na bhinna |badauṁ sītā rāma pada jinhahi parama priya khinna ||18||
Speech and its meaning, water and its wave, are spoken of as different, yet they are not different. I bow to the feet of Sita and Rama, to whom the afflicted are supremely dear.
Chaupai 19.1-4
बंदउँ नाम राम रघुवर को।हेतु कृसानु भानु हिमकर को।।
बिधि हरि हरमय बेद प्रान सो।अगुन अनूपम गुन निधान सो।।
महामंत्र जोइ जपत महेसू।कासीं मुकुति हेतु उपदेसू।।
महिमा जासु जान गनराउ।प्रथम पूजिअत नाम प्रभाऊ।।
जान आदिकबि नाम प्रतापू।भयउ सुद्ध करि उलटा जापू।।
सहस नाम सम सुनि सिव बानी।जपि जेई पिय संग भवानी।।
हरषे हेतु हेरि हर ही को।किय भूषन तिय भूषन ती को।।
नाम प्रभाउ जान सिव नीको।कालकूट फलु दीन्ह अमी को।।
bandaū̃ nāma rāma raghuvara ko |hetu kṛsānu bhānu himakara ko ||
bidhi hari haramaya beda prāna so |aguna anūpama guna nidhāna so ||
mahāmantra joi japata mahesū |kāsī̃ mukuti hetu upadesū ||
mahimā jāsu jāna gaṇarāu |prathama pūjiata nāma prabhāū ||
jāna ādikabi nāma pratāpū |bhayau suddha kari ulaṭā jāpū ||
sahasa nāma sama suni siva bānī |japi jeī piya saṅga bhavānī ||
haraṣe hetu heri hara hī ko |kiya bhūṣana tiya bhūṣana tī ko ||
nāma prabhāu jāna siva nīko |kālakūṭa phalu dīnha amī ko ||
I bow to the name of Rama, the best of the Raghus, which is the source of fire, of the sun and of the moon. It is the very being of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, the life-breath of the Vedas; it is without attributes and without equal, a treasury of all virtues. It is the great mantra which Mahesha himself repeats, and the teaching he gives at Kashi as the means of liberation. Ganesha, lord of the hosts, knows its glory, and by the power of the name he is worshipped first among the gods. The first poet knew the power of the name: though he repeated it backwards, he became pure. Hearing from Shiva that this name equals a thousand names, Bhavani repeated it and was united with her beloved. Seeing the reason, that she was devoted to Hara alone, Hara rejoiced, and he made that jewel among women an ornament of his own body. Shiva knew well the power of the name: the fruit of the Kalakuta poison that he drank became nectar.
Doha 19
बरषा रितु रघुपति भगति तुलसी सालि सुदास॥
राम नाम बर बरन जुग सावन भादव मास॥19॥
baraṣā ritu raghupati bhagati tulasī sāli sudāsa.rāma nāma bara barana juga sāvana bhādava māsa..19..
Devotion to the Lord of the Raghus is the rainy season, and the good servants of the Lord, says Tulsidas, are the rice crop that grows in it. The two excellent syllables of the name of Rama are the two months of Shravana and Bhadon.
Frequently Asked Questions
परंपरागत मान्यता अनुसार यह मंगलाचरण-प्रस्तावना ‘कलि-मल-हरण’ और ‘बिमल मति’ की प्राप्ति में सहायक है: राम-नाम/राम-जस के श्रवण-कीर्तन से पाप-क्षय, सत्संग-रुचि, और कथा-श्रवण की अधिकारिता (श्रद्धा, विनय) बढ़ती है—‘कहत सुनत एक हर अबिबेका’ के भाव से।
सामान्यतः मंगलाचरण में ‘श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम’ या ‘राम राम’ नाम-जप को संपुट-रूप में जोड़ा जाता है; कुछ परंपराओं में ‘मंगल भवन अमंगल हारी’ पंक्ति को भी आवृत्ति/संपुट की तरह लिया जाता है, विशेषकर पाठ-आरंभ और आरती/कीर्तन संदर्भ में।
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