Prakarana 11

Verse 214 (चौपाई)

जसि बिबाह कै बिधि श्रुति गाई। महामुनिन्ह सो सब करवाई।। गहि गिरीस कुस कन्या पानी। भवहि समरपीं जानि भवानी।। पानिग्रहन जब कीन्ह महेसा। हिंयँ 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 ||

Even as the Shruti has sung of the proper order of marriage, so did the great sages have every rite performed. Taking in hand the maiden’s hand with sacred kusa, Girish—knowing Bhavani’s heart—offered her wholly to Bhava. When Mahesha completed the rite of hand-taking, then in their hearts all the lords of heaven rejoiced. The best of sages recited the Vedic mantras, and the gods cried, “Victory, victory, victory to Shankara!” Instruments sounded in many measures, and from the sky there fell showers of blossoms in manifold ways. Thus was the wedding of Hara and Girija accomplished; the whole world was filled to overflowing with festal delight. Maidservants and servants, horses, chariots, elephants—cows, garments, gems, and goods in rich array— and grain and golden vessels piled full: the bridal gifts bestowed were beyond all telling.

Verse 215 (छंद)

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 ||

Having presented bridal gifts in many forms, the Mountain-Lord (Himālaya) again, with palms joined, spoke: “What can I offer? Shankara is Himself the All-fulfilled; I can only cling to His lotus-feet.” Shiva, the ocean of compassion, in every way satisfied His father-in-law; and once more Himālaya clasped those lotus-feet, his mind and heart brimful with love.

Verse 216 (दोहा/सोरठा)

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||

हे नाथ! उमा, जो मन-प्राण सम तुम्हें अति प्यारी। उसे मेरे गृह की दासी करहु कृपाधारी॥ मेरे सब अपराध क्षमा करि, अब दया दिखावहु। वर देहु प्रसन्न होइ, प्रभु! मम मनोरथ पावहु॥

Verse 217 (चौपाई)

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 a way Shambhu’s mother-in-law counselled him; then, bowing her head at his feet, she returned home. Calling Uma to her, the mother took her up, set her upon her lap, and gave her fair instruction: “Ever worship at Shankara’s feet; a woman’s dharma is this—that for her there is no god but her husband.” As she spoke, tears brimmed in her eyes; and once again she drew the maiden to her breast. “How, by what strange ordinance, was woman fashioned in this world? Dependent on another, she finds no happiness, not even in a dream.” The mother was overcome and shaken with love, yet she gathered patience, considering the harshness of the hour. Again and again she met her, and falling, clasped her feet—such supreme love cannot be described. Then all the women together went to greet Bhavani; and she, returning, clung once more to her mother’s heart.

Verse 218 (छंद)

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 ||

Meeting her mother once again, she set forth, having bestowed on all the fitting blessings. Again and again she gazed upon her mother’s person; then, escorted by her companions, she went to Shiva. Shankara, having satisfied every supplicant, departed for his abode with Uma; and all the immortals rejoiced—showering flowers—while auspicious kettle-drums rang out in the sky.

Verse 219 (दोहा/सोरठा)

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||

तब हिमवान् उन्हें विदा कराने, दर्शन-लालस से चला। वृषकेतु ने नाना भाँति सत्कार करि, उसे तृप्त किया भला॥ फिर आज्ञा दे दी प्रस्थान की, कहि मधुर वचन सुहावन। हिमवान् लौटे हर्षित-चित, धरि मन में मंगल भावन॥

Verse 220 (चौपाई)

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 ||

Straightway the Mountain-king returned to his own abode and summoned all the lords of the hills. With honour, gifts, humble courtesy, and abundant respect, Himavan took leave of every one. When Shambhu came again to Kailasa, all the gods departed each to his own celestial realm. Shiva and Bhavani are the father and mother of the world; their adornment I do not venture to describe. In many a fashion they enjoyed divine delights; with their Ganas they dwelt upon Kailasa. Ever new were the pastimes of Hara and Girija; thus a long expanse of time rolled by. Then was born the six-faced Prince, who in battle slew the demon Taraka. Tantras and Vedas, and the famed Puranas proclaim it; the whole world knows the birth of Shanmukha.

Verse 221 (छंद)

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..

Let the world know the great birth, deeds, glory, and lofty ends of the Six-faced One. For this very reason I have briefly recounted the story of the son of the Bull-bannered Lord. Whoever—man or woman—recites or sings of this marriage with Uma, obtains, for every auspicious undertaking, the ever-blessed joy of marital felicity.

Verse 222 (दोहा/सोरठा)

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||

प्रभु के चरित अथाह सागर हैं; वेद भी उसका पार नहीं पा सकते। फिर तुलसीदास—अति मंदबुद्धि, एक ग्राम्य जन—उसका वर्णन कैसे कर सके?

Verse 223 (चौपाई)

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 sweet and winsome tale of Shambhu, the sage Bharadvaja found exceeding joy. His longing for the story swelled the more; tears filled his eyes and his hair stood on end. Overmastered by love, speech would not come to his lips; seeing his condition, the wise seer rejoiced. “Blessed indeed is thy birth, O best of sages; to thee the Lord of Gauri is dear as life itself. They who bear no love for Shiva’s lotus-feet—unto them even in a dream the Lord Rama is not becoming. Guileless affection for the feet of Vishvanatha—this is the very mark of a servant of Rama. Who is a vow-keeper like Raghupati? and who a chaste wife like Sati, who left her body without sin? Having thus shown devotion to Raghupati, who is dear to Rama like Shiva, his beloved brother?”

Verse 224 (दोहा/सोरठा)

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||

आरंभ में जब मैंने शिवजी के चरित कहे, तब तुम्हारे हृदय का भीतरी भेद मैं समझ गया: तुम राम के निर्मल दास हो, समस्त पाप-मल से सर्वथा रहित।

Verse 225 (चौपाई)

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 known Thy virtues and Thy gracious character; hear now as I recount the divine play of Raghu’s Lord. Listen, O sage: by thy meeting today, such joy has arisen in my heart as cannot be told. Rama’s story is exceedingly boundless, O great ascetic; even Shesha with a hundred million tongues cannot utter it all. Yet, as I have heard it, so will I relate it, remembering the Lord of speech and the Bow-bearing Master. Saraswati is like a hard-to-govern woman, yet Rama is her true Lord—the inner Stage-manager, the Knower within. On whomsoever He shows grace—as if making him His own—within that poet’s heart-courtyard He sets speech to dance. To that compassionate Raghunatha I bow; I shall describe, in clear words, the tale of His excellences. Most lovely is the best of mountains, Kailasa, where Shiva and Uma ever dwell.

Verse 226 (दोहा/सोरठा)

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||

वहाँ सिद्ध निवास करते हैं, तप-धन से संपन्न तपस्वी, योगियों के समुदाय, देवगण, किन्नर और ऋषियों के दल। जो सचमुच पुण्यवान हैं, वे सब वहीं रहकर आनंद-निधान शिव की सेवा करते हैं।

Verse 227 (चौपाई)

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 turn their faces from Hari and Hara have no love for dharma; such men do not reach that holy spot—not even in a dream. Upon that mountain stood a vast banyan tree, ever new, ever lovely, all dark with deep shade. A threefold breeze moved there and the shadow was cool; the Veda itself proclaims it as Shiva’s resting-tree. Once the Lord came beneath it; beholding the tree, His heart was filled with exceeding joy. Spreading with His own hand the tiger-skin, compassionate Shambhu sat down there in simple ease. His body was fairer than jasmine and the moon; His arms were long, and about His waist was the ascetic’s cloth. His feet were like the tender red lotus; the lustre of His nails dispelled the darkness in devotees’ hearts. Serpents and sacred ash were His ornaments, O Slayer of Tripura; His face outshone the beauty of the autumn moon.

Verse 228 (दोहा/सोरठा)

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||

उनकी जटाएँ राज-मुकुट-सी ऊँची उठी हैं; दिव्य गंगा उनके मस्तक पर विराजती है; नेत्र कमल-से विशाल हैं। नीलकंठ प्रभु, रूप-निधि, ललाट पर बालचंद्र धारण किए शोभायमान हैं। (106)

Verse 229 (चौपाई)

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 ||

There sat the foe of Love, fair to behold, as though He had assumed a body made of tranquil peace. Pārvatī, finding the moment auspicious, went to Śambhu—Bhavānī, the Divine Mother. Knowing His beloved, the Lord showed her great honor and granted her a seat on His left. She sat near Shiva, rejoicing; the tale of a former birth rose within her mind. Perceiving her husband’s deeper intent, Umā smiled and spoke words dear and gentle. She desired to ask that narrative which is wholly for the welfare of all the world. ‘O Viśvanātha, my Lord, Destroyer of Tripurā—your glory is known throughout the three worlds. All beings, moving and unmoving—serpents, men, and gods—serve your lotus-feet.’

Verse 230 (दोहा/सोरठा)

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||

प्रभु सर्वसमर्थ, सर्वज्ञ, कल्याणमय—समस्त कला और समस्त गुणों के धाम हैं। उनका नाम योग, ज्ञान और वैराग्य का निधि है; जो झुककर शरणागत होता है, उसके लिए वह कल्पवृक्ष के समान मनोवांछित फल देने वाला है।

Verse 231 (चौपाई)

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 paramāratha-bādī | kahahiṃ rāma kahuँ 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 ||

If, O treasury of bliss, Thou art gracious unto me, then know me truly as Thine own handmaid. Then, Lord, remove my ignorance, and relate the tale of Raghunath in manifold wise. How can that one endure the grief that springs from poverty, whose dwelling has the wish-fulfilling tree at its threshold? Thus the Moon-crested Lord pondered in his heart: “O Master, dispel the heavy delusion of my understanding.” For those sages who speak the highest truth declare Rama to be the beginningless Brahman. Shesha, Sarasvati, the Vedas and the Puranas—all sing the virtues of the Lord of Raghu. And thou too repeatest ‘Rama, Rama’ day and night, chanting with reverence in the still hours. Is Rama that very prince of Ayodhya, the king’s son—or is He the Unborn, attributeless, of unknowable estate?”

Verse 232 (दोहा/सोरठा)

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||

यदि वे केवल राजा के पुत्र हैं, तो फिर ब्रह्म कैसे हैं? और विरह की वेदना से नारी-हृदय कैसे व्याकुल हो उठता है? उनके चरित देख-सुनकर, उनके कर्मों की कीर्ति सुनकर, मेरी बुद्धि चकरा जाती है और सर्वथा मोहित-भ्रमित हो जाती है।

Verse 233 (चौपाई)

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 be any Lord—actionless, all-pervading, sovereign—O Master, make that truth understood to me. Knowing me to be ignorant, do not harbor anger in Thy heart; do whatever will remove my delusion. In the forest I beheld Lord Rama’s majesty; in great fear and agitation I told it not to thee in full. Yet my mind, being sullied, did not awaken; thus I have received the fruit in fitting measure. Even now some doubt remains within my mind; have mercy—I beseech with joined hands. Then the Lord instructed me in many ways; O Master, understanding this, do not be wroth. Now that former bewilderment is no more; within my heart is relish for the tale of Rama. Speak, then, the holy hymn of Rama’s virtues—O ornament of the gods, O mighty one who masters the serpent-host.

Verse 234 (दोहा/सोरठा)

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||

मैं मस्तक धरती पर रखकर चरणों में प्रणाम करता हूँ और हाथ जोड़कर विनयपूर्वक निवेदन करता हूँ। अब मैं रघुवर की निर्मल महिमा का वर्णन करूँगा—जो वेद के सिद्धान्त का निचोड़, सार-रस है।

Verse 235 (चौपाई)

जदपि जोषिता नहिं अधिकारी। दासी मन क्रम बचन तुम्हारी।। गूढ़उ तत्व न साधु दुरावहिं। आरत अधिकारी जहँ पावहिं।। अति आरति पूछउँ सुरराया। रघुपति कथा कहहु करि दाया।। प्रथम सो कारन कहहु बिचारी। निर्गुन ब्रह्म सगुन बपु धारी।। पुनि प्रभु कहहु राम अवतारा। बालचरित पुनि कहहु उदारा।। कहहु जथा जानकी बिबाहीं। राज तजा सो दूषन काहीं।। बन बसि कीन्हे चरित अपारा। कहहु नाथ जिमि रावन मारा।। राज बैठि कीन्हीं बहु लीला। सकल कहहु संकर सुखलीला।।

jadapi joṣitā nahiṁ adhikārī | dāsī mana krama bacana tumhārī || gūṛhaü tatva na sādhu durāvahiṁ | ārata adhikārī jahaṁ pāvahiṁ || ati ārati pūchüṁ surarāyā | raghupati kathā kahahu kari dāyā || prathama so kārana kahahu bicārī | nirguṇa brahma saguṇa bapu dhārī || puni prabhu kahahu rāma avatārā | bālacarita puni kahahu udārā || kahahu jathā jānakī bibāhīṁ | rāja tajā so dūṣana kāhīṁ || bana basi kīnhē carita apārā | kahahu nātha jimi rāvana mārā || rāja baiṭhi kīnhīṁ bahu līlā | sakala kahahu saṅkara sukhalīlā ||

Though a woman is not (ordinarily) deemed qualified, I am your handmaid in mind, deed, and speech. The saints do not conceal the hidden principle; wherever they find one in distress, they grant him the right to ask. In great anguish I inquire, O lord of the gods: out of compassion, tell the story of Raghupati. First, reflect and tell the reason—how the attributeless Brahman assumed a form with attributes. Then, O Lord, speak of Rama’s descent; and then recount his noble childhood deeds. Tell how Janaki was wedded; for what ‘fault’ did he renounce the kingdom? Dwelling in the forest he performed boundless acts—tell, O master, how he slew Ravana. Seated upon the throne he enacted many a līlā; tell all, O Shankara, this bliss-bestowing play.

Verse 236 (दोहा/सोरठा)

बहुरि कहहु करुनायतन कीन्ह जो अचरज राम। प्रजा सहित रघुबंसमनि किमि गवने निज धाम।।110।।

bahuri kahahu karuṇāyatana kīnha jo acaraja rāma | prajā sahita raghubaṁsamani kimi gavane nija dhāma ||110||

हे करुणाधाम श्रीराम! अपने उस अद्भुत चरित का फिर से वर्णन कीजिए—रघुकुल-रत्न प्रभु अपने समस्त जनों सहित अपने नित्य धाम को कैसे पधारे?

Verse 237 (चौपाई)

पुनि प्रभु कहहु सो तत्व बखानी। जेहिं बिग्यान मगन मुनि ग्यानी।। भगति ग्यान बिग्यान बिरागा। पुनि सब बरनहु सहित बिभागा।। औरउ राम रहस्य अनेका। कहहु नाथ अति बिमल बिबेका।। जो प्रभु मैं पूछा नहि होई। सोउ दयाल राखहु जनि गोई।। तुम्ह त्रिभुवन गुर बेद बखाना। आन जीव पाँवर का जाना।। प्रस्न उमा कै सहज सुहाई। छल बिहीन सुनि सिव मन भाई।। हर हियँ रामचरित सब आए। प्रेम पुलक लोचन जल छाए।। श्रीरघुनाथ रूप उर आवा। परमानंद अमित सुख पावा।।

puni prabhu kahahu so tatva bakhānī | jehiṁ bigyāna magana muni gyānī || bhagati gyāna bigyāna birāgā | puni saba baranahu sahita bibhāgā || auru rāma rahasya anekā | kahahu nātha ati bimala bibekā || jo prabhu maiṁ pūchā nahi hoī | sou dayāla rākhahu jani goī || tumha tribhuvana gur beda bakhānā | āna jīva pā̃vara kā jānā || prasn umā kai sahaja suhāī | chala bihīna suni siva mana bhāī || hara hiyaṁ rāmacarita saba āe | prema pulaka locana jala chāe || śrīraghunātha rūpa ura āvā | paramānanda amita sukha pāvā ||

“Once more, O Lord, expound that essential truth—by which sages and the wise are plunged in realized insight. Describe devotion, knowledge, realized wisdom, and dispassion; and set them forth again, together with their proper distinctions. Many are the mysteries of Rama; tell them, O Master, with utterly pure discernment. And whatever, O Lord, I have not even asked—do not, in Thy compassion, keep it concealed. Thou art the Guru of the three worlds, proclaimed by the Vedas; what can other feeble creatures know? Uma’s question was naturally fair and pleasing; hearing it—free of guile—Shiva’s heart was glad. All the story of Rama rose within Hara’s heart; with love a thrill ran through him, and his eyes were veiled with tears. The form of Sri Raghunath entered his inmost breast; he attained supreme bliss, immeasurable delight.”