Prakarana 2

Verse 21 (चौपाई)

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 ||

Within this work abides the noble Name of Raghu’s Lord—most purifying, the very essence of Purāṇa and of Śruti. It is the abode of auspiciousness, the remover of ill; even Purāri (Śiva), with Umā beside him, ceaselessly repeats it. Says Bicitra: though a good poet compose, without the Name of Rāma nothing truly shines. As a moon-faced beauty, adorned in every way, yet without gold and garments is not deemed a splendid lady— So too, speech wrought by a poor poet, though devoid of merits, is known as graced when the fame of Rāma’s Name is inscribed within. The wise recite and hear it with reverence; saints, like bees, are takers of nectar—gatherers of virtue. Though there be not even a drop of poetic relish, still the majesty of Rāma stands revealed herein. This confidence has entered my heart: who has not attained greatness through noble company? Smoke abandons its native bitterness; in the company of aloe-wood it takes on fragrance. Thus speaks the rustic: the matter has been well set forth—Rāma’s tale is the world’s maker of auspiciousness.

Verse 22 (छंद)

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 ||

Blessed is this tale of Raghu’s Lord, sung by Tulsidas— a doer of auspicious good, a cleanser of the Kali-age’s grime. Though the current of the poet’s river may run crooked and hard, it is like a sacred stream whose waters yet are purifying. In the company of the Lord’s fair fame, even my humble utterance shall turn worthy, pleasing the minds of the good. And what of ash from the cremation-ground—an emblem of the world’s decay? Remembered, it too can seem fair, for it has power to cleanse.

Verse 23 (दोहा/सोरठा)

प्रिय लागिहि अति सबहि मम भनिति राम जस संग। दारु बिचारु कि करइ कोउ बंदिअ मलय प्रसंग।।10(क)।।

priya lāgihi ati sabahi mama bhaṇiti rāma jasa saṅga | dāru bicāru ki karai kou bandia malaya prasaṅga ||10(ka)||

मेरी वाणी सबको अति प्रिय होगी, क्योंकि वह श्रीराम-यश से जुड़ी है। मलयाचल के चंदन की संगति पाकर साधारण ‘काष्ठ’ में भी क्या कमी रह जाती है कि वह विशिष्ट न ठहरे?

Verse 24 (चौपाई)

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 ||

Gems—rubies and pearls—have a radiance of their own; yet such splendor does not befit the hooded serpent, nor the elephant’s head. But set upon a king’s crown, or upon a young maiden’s form, they are seen in their fullest beauty. So too, the wise declare, in the verse of a true poet: ever-new, ever-newer loveliness is born and apprehended. For the sake of devotion, leaving even Brahmā’s abode, Sarasvatī comes swiftly when remembered. Without bathing the mind in the lake of Rāma’s deeds, one’s toil is wasted—no matter what a million devices are tried. Therefore discerning poets, pondering thus within their hearts, sing Hari’s praise, the cleanser of Kali’s defilement. When common folk begin to sing the Lord’s virtues, even the merely eloquent shake their heads, their speech falling into regret. The heart is an ocean, the intellect a shell; the learned say Sarasvatī is the Svātī-rain: if that noble water falls with reflection, then poetry becomes a fair pearl-gem.

Verse 25 (दोहा/सोरठा)

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||

कौशल से उन्हें छेदकर फिर श्रीराम-चरित के उत्तम सूत्र में पिरो दिया जाता है; और सज्जन उन्हें निर्मल हृदय पर धारण करते हैं—अतुल सौंदर्य और प्रेम का अलंकार बनकर।

Verse 26 (चौपाई)

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 born in this grim age of Kali perform their deeds in a crow’s guise—crooked and harsh. They walk the wrong road, abandoning the Veda’s path; their very bodies are hypocrisy, vessels brimming with Kali’s filth. Deceivers call themselves Rama’s devotees, yet are servants of gold, of anger, and of lust. Among such, the foremost mark that the world shows me is the impudent bearer of religion’s banner—like a washerman’s cloth blackened with smoke. If I were to recount all their faults, the tale would only swell and never reach its far shore. Therefore I speak of them but little; even in a little, the wise will understand. Knowing this, I entreat in many ways: let none, on hearing the कथा, take to fault-finding. Even so, those who persist in suspicion are duller and meaner than I. I am no poet, nor do I claim cleverness; only as my understanding allows do I sing Rama’s virtues. Where are the boundless deeds of the Lord of Raghu, and where is my mind, entangled in the world? The wind that can lift Mount Meru—tell me, what weight is cotton beside it? When I grasp the immeasurable sovereignty of Rama, my heart shrinks in awe as I attempt this narration.

Verse 27 (दोहा/सोरठा)

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||

सरस्वती, शेष, महेश और ब्रह्मा—आगम, निगम (वेद) और पुराणों सहित—निरंतर उनके गुण गाते हैं; फिर भी ‘नेति, नेति’ कहकर यही मानते हैं कि वे पूर्ण वाणी के परे, अवर्णनीय हैं।

Verse 28 (चौपाई)

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 Lord’s lordship; yet none can remain without speaking of Him. Therefore the Veda was set forth for this very cause: that the power of devotion be sung in many modes and tongues. He is One—desireless, formless, beyond name; unborn, the supreme abode of Existence-Consciousness-Bliss. All-pervading, of the universe as His form—yet He assumed a body and performed manifold deeds. That was solely for the welfare of His devotees: supremely compassionate, loving to those who bow in surrender. Upon whom He sets His tender affection—none has shown such mercy as He. Again and again He is the patron of the poor: simple yet mighty, the sovereign Lord, Raghu’s king. The wise, knowing this, describe Hari’s glory, and thus make their speech holy and fruitful. By that strength I too shall sing the virtues of Raghupati, bowing my head at Rama’s feet. The sages first sang Hari’s renown; to walk upon that path is easy and dear to me.

Verse 29 (दोहा/सोरठा)

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||

नदियाँ चाहे कितनी ही विशाल और उत्तम हों, पर जब राजा सेतु बँधवा दे—तो उस पर चढ़कर नन्ही-सी चींटी भी बिना परिश्रम के पार उतर जाती है। (13)

Verse 30 (चौपाई)

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 ||

Thus strengthening my heart, I shall set forth the fair tale of Raghupati. I bow to Vyasa and to the many chiefs of poets who, with reverence, have sung Hari’s noble renown. I adore their lotus-feet: may they accomplish all my cherished aims. I salute the poets of this Kali age who have described the clustered virtues of Raghupati. And those supremely wise vernacular poets who have told the Lord’s deeds in the common tongue— those who have been, who are, and who shall be hereafter—to all I bow, casting away every trace of guile. Be gracious; grant me your boon; and honor this utterance in the company of saints. If the learned do not esteem this composition, then it is but a child-poet’s toil, wasted. Yet good fame and holy speech—this alone is true gain; like the Ganga it benefits all alike. Still, to speak Rama’s pure glory in rustic idiom—such is my misgiving and doubt. But by your grace it becomes easy for me: even coarse patched cloth may appear fair when moistened and softened.

Verse 31 (चौपाई)

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 Śāradā and to the divine river, the Gaṅgā—two holy and enchanting streams of sacred story. Bathing in her and drinking her waters each wipe away sin; and even to speak or hear of her alone dispels the darkness of unwisdom. I bow to my guru, to father and mother, and to Maheśa with Bhavānī—helpers of the helpless, givers to the poor. In every way, to Tulsī they are servant, lord, and friend; and above all, the beloved of Sītā is his unconditioned well-wisher. Seeing the age of Kali, Śiva and Girijā—who fashioned the web of Śābar mantras for the world’s good— made their power manifest: though the syllables be mismatched and the meaning not understood, the effect appears by Maheśa’s might. May that Umā’s Lord be gracious to me, and make this narration the root of joy and auspiciousness. Remembering Śivā, and receiving Śiva’s grace, I sing Rāma’s deeds with a heart that overflows. By Śiva’s compassion my dawn breaks—like a night made lovely by the moon amidst its host of stars. Whoever, with love, will tell and hear this tale, understanding it with wakeful mind, shall become a lover of Rāma’s feet—freed from Kali’s stain and heir to blessed good fortune.

Verse 32 (दोहा/सोरठा)

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||

स्वप्न होइ वा जागत सत्य, हे हर! हे गौरी! जौं तुम्हारी कृपा मुझ पर होइ, तौ तुरतै जो कछु मैंने कहा है, सो सब सुफल होइ; मेरी समूची वाणी और दीन-उक्ति प्रभावशालिनी सिद्ध होइ। ॥15॥

Verse 33 (चौपाई)

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 supremely holy city of Ayodhya, and to the river Sarayu, who washes away the foulness of the age of Kali. Again I make obeisance to the men and women of that city, on whom the Lord’s least trace of possessive attachment is not found. They have destroyed the amassed sin of those who revile Sita, and have founded and settled a world made free from grief. I bow to Queen Kaushalya, the eastern quarter itself, from whom glory has spread through all the world. There, where Raghu’s Lord appeared—lovely as the moon—giver of joy to the universe, and frost to the lotus-bed of the wicked. With King Dasharatha and all his queens, revered as embodiments of merit and auspiciousness, I offer salutations by deed, by mind, and by speech; show compassion, knowing me as a servant dear as a son. Those whom even the Creator grew great by fashioning—such is the majesty of Ayodhya and of Rama’s parents.

Verse 34 (दोहा/सोरठा)

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||

मैं अवध-नरेस श्रीराम को नमस्कार करता हूँ, जिनके चरण सत्य और प्रेम के परम आसन हैं। प्रिय-वियोग में पड़े करुणानिधान ने देह को तृण-तुल्य जानो त्याग दिया।

Verse 35 (चौपाई)

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 सहस्त्रसीस 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 sahastra-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 (King Janaka) with all his house, in whose heart lies a deep, hidden love for Rama’s feet. In the midst of yoga and of royal enjoyment he kept it veiled; but at the mere sight of Rama it shone forth revealed. First I salute the feet of Bharata, whose steadfast rule and vowed discipline cannot be fully told; whose mind clings to Rama’s lotus-feet like a greedy bee that will not leave the lotus’ side. I adore Lakshmana’s lotus-feet—cool, auspicious, bestowing the devotee’s joy— whose fame stands as Raghu’s stainless banner, straight as a staff. He is Shesha of a thousand heads, for the world’s cause, who descended to remove the earth’s dread. May that ocean of mercy—Saumitri, the mine of virtues—ever remain graciously inclined toward me. I bow to the lotus-feet of the foe-destroyer, brave and gentle, Bharata’s faithful follower. And I make my supplication to Hanuman, the mighty hero, whose glory Rama Himself has proclaimed.

Verse 36 (दोहा/सोरठा)

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||

मैं पवनसुत हनुमान को प्रणाम करता हूँ—जो दुष्ट-वन के दावानल हैं, और सच्चे ज्ञान के निधि-धाम; जिनके हृदय-मंदिर में धनुष-बाण-धारी श्रीराम विराजमान हैं।

Verse 37 (चौपाई)

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 ||

I bow to the lords of the monkeys, the bears, and the kings among the night-rangers; to Angada and all the gathered hosts of the Vanaras. I adore the lovely feet of all—those in whose lowly bodies the Lord Rāma has made His dwelling. All who worship the feet of Raghu’s Lord—birds and beasts, gods and men, and even the hosts of demons—I salute them all. I bow to the lotus-feet of every one of those who, free from selfish desire, are but servants of Rāma. Śuka, Sanaka and the rest, the devotees, and the sage Nārada—those eminent seers, skilled in true knowledge— to all I make obeisance, laying my head upon the earth: ‘Have mercy, O sages, knowing me for your own.’ And Jānakī, daughter of Janaka, Mother of the world—exceeding dear to Him who is a treasury of compassion— her pair of lotus-feet I propitiate; by whose grace a stainless understanding is attained. Then with mind, speech, and deed I bow to the lotus-feet of Raghu’s Master, worthy of every reverence— the lotus-eyed, who bears the bow and arrows, the breaker of His devotees’ distress, the giver of bliss.

Verse 38 (दोहा/सोरठा)

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||

वाणी और अर्थ को जल और तरंग के समान कहा गया है—दिखने में भिन्न, पर तत्त्वतः अभिन्न। मैं सीता-राम के चरणों में प्रणाम करता हूँ, जो जगत्-दुःख से पीड़ित और श्रांत जनों के परम प्रिय हैं।

Verse 39 (चौपाई)

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 Raghu’s line— that cause which is fire, sun, and moon alike. It is the very breath of the Vedas, pervaded by Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva; formless beyond qualities, yet an incomparable treasury of virtues. It is the great mantra which Mahesha repeats, and which he teaches in Kashi as the means to liberation. Knowing its majesty, Ganaraja (Ganesha) is worshipped first, for the Name’s power makes him foremost. Knowing the Name’s might, the primal poet (Valmiki) was purified by the ‘reverse’ japa (from “mara” to “rama”). Hearing from Shiva’s own lips that the Name equals a thousand names, Bhavani too repeats it with her beloved. In delight, beholding Shiva’s very cause, it became his ornament—and the ornament of his consort as well. Shiva knows well the Name’s potency: it turned the fruit of deadly kalakuta into nectar.

Verse 40 (दोहा/सोरठा)

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..

रघुनाथ की भक्ति ही वर्षा-ऋतु है—तुलसीदास कहत, सुसेवक के लिए वही धान की खेती है। श्रीराम-नाम की उत्तम वाणी ही सब युगों में सावन-भादों के मास हैं, जो कृपा की घनघोर वर्षा बरसाते हैं।

Verse 41 (चौपाई)

आखर मधुर मनोहर दोऊ। बरन बिलोचन जन जिय जोऊ।। सुमिरत सुलभ सुखद सब काहू। लोक लाहु परलोक निबाहू।। कहत सुनत सुमिरत सुठि नीके। राम लखन सम प्रिय तुलसी के।। बरनत बरन प्रीति बिलगाती। ब्रह्म जीव सम सहज सँघाती।। नर नारायन सरिस सुभ्राता। जग पालक बिसेषि जन त्राता।। भगति सुतिय कल करन बिभूषन। जग हित हेतु बिमल बिधु पूषन । स्वाद तोष सम सुगति सुधा के। कमठ सेष सम धर बसुधा के।। जन मन मंजु कंज मधुकर से। जीह जसोमति हरि हलधर से।।

ākhar madhura manohara doū | barana bilocana jana jiya joū || sumirata sulabha sukhada saba kāhū | loka lāhu paraloka nibāhū || kahata sunata sumirata suṭhi nīke | rāma lakhana sama priya tulasī ke || baranata barana prīti bilagātī | brahma jīva sama sahaja saṁghātī || nara nārāyana sarisa subhrātā | jaga pālaka biseṣi jana trātā || bhagati sutiya kala karana bibhūṣana | jaga hita hetu bimala bidhu pūṣana || svāda toṣa sama sugati sudhā ke | kamaṭha seṣa sama dhara basudhā ke || jana mana mañju kañja madhukara se | jīha jasomati hari haladhara se ||

Sweet and winsome are those two syllables; they are as eyes to the letters—dear to the devotee’s heart. Remembered, they are easily gained and bring happiness to all; they profit this world and sustain one in the next. To speak them, to hear them, to keep them in mind—these are supremely good; to Tulsidas they are as beloved as Rama and Lakshman. When one describes them, they seem as two, yet in love they are not parted—like Brahman and the living soul, naturally conjoined. Like Nar and Narayan, the noble brothers: guardians of the world, and in a special way saviours of their own. Bhakti is their daughter, auspicious deeds their adornment; for the welfare of the world they are the spotless moon that nourishes. They are taste and contentment, like the nectar of blessed deliverance; they uphold the earth like Kurma and Shesha. To the devotee’s mind they are as the bee to a lovely lotus; to the tongue, like Yashoda—ever fond of Hari—and like Haladhar (Balaram), ever bearing Him forth in utterance.