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Topic 6 : Salutations to all living beings as so many images of Shri Rama
दोहा
Meaning : Whatever beings, animate or inanimate, there are in the universe, recognizing them, one and all, as consisting of Shri Rama, I ever adore the lotus feet of all with joined palms.7c
Meaning : I reverence gods, demons, human beings, Nagas, birds, evil spirits, manes (the souls of departed ancestors) and Gandharvas, Kinnaras and Rakhasas (giants). Pray, be gracious to
me all on this occasion.7e
चौपाई
Meaning : Eight million and four hundred thousand species of living beings, classified under four broad divisions, inhabit land, water and the air. Recognizing the entire creation as full of Sita and Rama, I make obeisance to them with joined palms.1
विषय ७ : तुलसीदास की दीनता और राम भक्तिमयी कविता कि महिमा
Topic 7 : Tulsidasa's humility and the glory of poetry describing Shri Rama's greatness
Meaning : Knowing me as your servant, you who are mine of mercy, please all of you together give up deceit and show mercy. I do not trust my own intelligence and strength, so I request everyone.2
Meaning : I long to describe the virtues of Lord Raghunath, but my intellect is limited, and Lord Rama's character is unfathomable. I cannot think of even a single solution, even the slightest one. My mind and intellect are poor, but my desire reigns supreme.3
Meaning : My intellect is extremely low, but my desires are lofty; I desire nectar, but even buttermilk doesn't mix in this world. The gentlemen will forgive my impudence and listen attentively to my childish words.4
Meaning : Just as when a child lisps, his parents listen with delight. But cruel, wicked, and evil-minded people who adorn themselves with the faults of others (i.e., those who cherish the faults of others) will laugh.5
Meaning : Whether it's succulent or utterly dull, who doesn't like their own poetry? But there aren't many noble men in the world who delight in listening to the work of others.6
Meaning : O brother, in this world, there are more human beings like ponds and rivers, who, on getting water, grow with their own flood (i.e., are happy with their own progress). There is only one rare gentleman like the ocean who swells up on seeing the full moon (seeing the progress of others).7
दोहा
Meaning : My fortune is small and my desire is great, but I am sure that after hearing this, the good people will be happy and the bad people will laugh at me.8
चौपाई
Meaning : But the laughter of the wicked will only benefit me. Crows often call the sweet-voiced cuckoo harsh. Just as herons laugh at swans and frogs at parrots, similarly, evil people with impure hearts laugh at pure words.1
Meaning : Even for those who are neither lovers of poetry nor have love for the feet of Lord Rama, this poem will serve as a pleasant source of humor. First, it is a work of art, and second, my intellect is naive; therefore, it is worthy of laughter, and there is no fault in laughing.2
Meaning : Even for those who are neither lovers of poetry nor have love for the feet of Lord Rama, this poem will serve as a pleasant source of humor. First, it is a work of art, and second, my intellect is naive; therefore, it is worthy of laughter, and there is no fault in laughing.3
Meaning : Gentlemen will listen to this story, knowing it to be filled with devotion to Lord Rama, while praising it with beautiful words. I am neither a poet nor skilled in sentence construction; I am devoid of all arts and all knowledge.4
Meaning : There are various types of letters, meanings and figures of speech, many types of meter constructions, immense variations in emotions and sentiments and various merits and demerits of poetry.5
Meaning : I do not know any of these things related to poetry, I write this on a blank paper [and swear] that it is true.6
दोहा
Meaning : My composition is devoid of all charm; it has only one merit, which is known throughout the world. Recognizing this merit, men of sound reason, who are gifted with unbiased judgment, will surely hear it. 9
चौपाई
Meaning : It contains the magnanimous name of Shri Raghunathji, which is extremely sacred, the essence of the Vedas and Puranas, the abode of welfare and the destroyer of evil, which is always chanted by Lord Shiva along with Parvati.1
Meaning : Even a truly unique poem composed by a renowned poet would be ineffective without the name of Rama. Just as a beautiful woman with a moon-like face, even when adorned with all the trappings of beauty, would be ineffective without her clothes.2
Meaning : On the contrary, even the poem composed by Kukvika, devoid of all virtues, is recited and listened to with respect by wise people, knowing it to be inscribed with the name and fame of Rama, because saints, like bees, absorb only virtues.3
Meaning : Although this work of mine lacks any poetic essence, it nevertheless reveals the might of Lord Rama. This is my only belief. Who hasn't gained greatness from good company?4
Meaning : Even smoke rising from burning aloe wood is impregnated with the latter’s fragrance and gives up its natural pungency. Although my composition is clumsy, it treats of a commendable theme, viz., the story of Shri Rama, which brings felicity to the world.5
छंद
Meaning : Tulsidas says that the story of Shri Raghunath is beneficial and destroys the sins of Kaliyuga. The flow of this crude poem of mine is as crooked as the flow of the sacred river (Ganga). With the beautiful fame of Lord Shri Raghunathji, this poem will become beautiful and pleasing to the hearts of noble people. Even the impure ashes of the cremation ground appear pleasant in the presence of Shri Mahadevji's body, and the mere remembrance of them purifies.1
दोहा
Meaning : My poem will be liked by all when it is associated with the glory of Shri Ram, just as a mere piece of wood becomes worshipable [by becoming sandalwood] when it is associated with the Malaya mountain. Does anyone then think about the worthlessness of the wood?10a
Meaning : Even though the Shyama cow is black, its milk is bright and highly beneficial. This is why everyone drinks it. Similarly, despite its rustic language, intelligent people sing and listen with great interest to the glories of Sri Sita and Rama.10b
चौपाई
Meaning : Gems, rubies, and pearls, as beautiful as they are, do not look as beautiful on the head of a snake, a mountain, or an elephant. They are more beautiful when adorned with the crown of a king and the body of a young woman.1
Meaning : Similarly, wise people say that a poet's verse originates in one place but finds its true beauty elsewhere (that is, the poetry born from the poet's words finds its beauty where its ideas are contemplated, propagated, and where the ideals expressed in it are embraced and followed). At the mere thought of the poet, due to his devotion, Goddess Saraswati leaves Brahmaloka and rushes to him.2
Meaning : The fatigue that Saraswati experiences from rushing to the scene cannot be removed by millions of other means without bathing her in the lake of Ramcharit. Poets and scholars, reflecting on this in their hearts, sing only the glories of Lord Hari, who removes the sins of the Kali Yuga.3
Meaning : When worldly people are praised, Goddess Saraswati laments and regrets [that she came at their bidding]. Wise people describe the heart as the ocean, intelligence as the oyster, and Saraswati as the Swati constellation.4
Meaning : If water in the form of great thoughts rains in it, then a poem as beautiful as Muktamani is formed.5
दोहा
Meaning : Those free gems in the form of poetry are pierced by a yukti and then entwined in a beautiful thread in the form of Ram's character, the noble people keep them in their pure hearts, which gives them immense love (they attain ultimate love).11
चौपाई
Meaning : Those who are born in this terrible Kali Yuga, whose deeds are like those of a crow but whose appearance is like that of a swan, who abandon the path of the Vedas and follow the wrong path, who are embodiments of deceit and vessels of the sins of Kali Yuga.1
Meaning : Among those in this world who call themselves devotees of Lord Rama but deceive people, who are slaves to wealth (greed), anger, and lust, and who are quarrelsome, hypocritical (those who falsely flaunt the banner of religion), and burdened with the weight of deceitful practices, I am counted among the foremost.2
Meaning : If I were to describe all my flaws, the story would become very long, and I would never finish. Therefore, I have described only a few of my shortcomings. Intelligent people will understand from these few examples.3
Meaning : Understanding my numerous requests, no one will find fault after hearing this story. Even so, those who still have doubts are even more foolish and intellectually bankrupt than I am.4
4
Meaning : I am neither a poet nor am I considered clever; I sing the praises of Lord Rama according to my limited understanding. How can my intellect, engrossed in worldly affairs, comprehend the boundless character of Lord Rama?5
Meaning : When even mountains like Sumeru are blown away by that wind, tell me, what is cotton compared to it? Understanding Lord Rama's boundless power, my mind hesitates greatly to compose this story.6
दोहा
Meaning : Saraswati, Shesha, Shiva, Brahma, the scriptures, the Vedas, and the Puranas—all of them constantly glorify Him, yet they fail to fully comprehend Him, saying "not this, not this."12
चौपाई
Meaning : Although everyone knows the supreme power of Lord Rama to be indescribable, no one can refrain from speaking about it. The Vedas explain the reason for this, stating that the effect of devotion is described in many ways. (That is, no one can fully describe the glory of God; however, one should praise God's virtues to the best of one's ability. Because the effect of devotion in the form of praising God's virtues is very unique, and it is described in various ways in the scriptures. Even a little devotion to God easily liberates a person from the ocean of worldly existence.)1
Meaning : The one God, who has no desires, no form or name, who is unborn, eternal, blissful, and the supreme abode, and who is all-pervading and the universal form, that very Lord has manifested in a divine body and performed various divine pastimes.2
Meaning : That divine play is solely for the benefit of the devotees, for God is supremely compassionate and deeply devoted to those who surrender to Him. He has great affection and mercy for His devotees, and once He bestows His grace upon someone, He never becomes angry with them again.3
Meaning : That Lord Shri Raghunathji is the one who regains the lost things, is poor-loving (meek), simple-natured, almighty and the master of all. Understanding this, wise people make their speech pure and give good results (salvation and rare love for God) by describing the glory of that Sri Hari.4
Meaning : With that strength (not the exact description of the glory, but considering it as a hymn that gives great results, only on the strength of God's grace) I will bow my head at the feet of Shri Ramchandra ji and tell the story of the qualities of Shri Raghunath ji. It is with this idea that the sages [Valmiki, Vyas etc.] have earlier sung the praises of Hariki, brother! It will be easier for me to follow that path.5
दोहा
Meaning : Just as even the tiniest ants can cross the mightiest rivers effortlessly if the king builds bridges over them, similarly, with the help of the descriptions provided by the sages, I too will be able to easily describe the life of Lord Rama.13
चौपाई
Meaning : Thus, by demonstrating mental strength, I will compose the beautiful story of Lord Raghunath. I will follow in the footsteps of the many great poets, such as Vyasa, who have respectfully described the glorious deeds of Lord Hari.1
विषय ८ : कवि वंदना
Topic 8 : Salutations to the immortal bards
Meaning :I bow at the lotus feet of all those (great poets); may they fulfill all my desires. I also bow to those poets of the Kali Yuga who have described the glorious attributes of Lord Raghunath.2
Meaning : I offer my salutations, without any pretense, to all the great and wise poets who have composed verses in the vernacular language describing the deeds of Lord Hari—those who have lived in the past, those who are present now, and those who will come in the future.3
Meaning : Please all of you, happily grant me this boon: that my poetry be respected in the community of learned men; for only foolish poets waste their efforts composing poetry that wise men do not appreciate.4
Meaning : Fame, poetry and wealth are only good if they benefit everyone like Gangaji. Shri Ramchandraji's fame is very beautiful (it brings eternal welfare to everyone), but my poetry is ugly. It's the disharmony (that is, these two don't match) that's what I'm worried about.5
Meaning : But O poets! With your grace, even this may become possible for me. Silk stitching looks beautiful even on burlap.6
दोहा
Meaning : Wise men appreciate only that poetry which is simple, which describes a pure character, and which, upon hearing, even enemies forget their natural animosity and begin to praise it.14a
Meaning : Such poetry is impossible without a pure intellect, and the power of my intellect is very limited. Therefore, I repeatedly implore you, O poets, to show me your grace, so that I may be able to describe the glories of Hari (God).14b
Meaning : O poets and scholars! You who are like beautiful swans in the sacred lake of Ramcharitmanas, please show me, this humble child, your grace by listening to my plea and appreciating my sincere devotion.14c
विषय ९ : वाल्मीकि , वेद , ब्रह्मा , देवता , शिव , पार्वती आदि की वंदना
Topic 9 : Salutations to the sage Valmiki, the Vedas, Brahma, Shiva, Parvati and other gods and goddesses
सोरठा
Meaning: I bow down to the lotus feet of Sage Valmiki, who composed the Ramayana, which, despite containing the demon Khara, is the opposite of harsh and is instead very gentle and beautiful, and which, despite containing the demon Dushana, is free from any fault or blemish.14 (d)
Meaning: I pay homage to the four Vedas, which are like a ship for crossing the ocean of the world, and which never tire, even in dreams, of describing the pure glory of Lord Raghunath. || 14 (e) ||
Meaning: I pay homage to the dust of the feet of Lord Brahma, who created the ocean of worldly existence, from which, on one side, emerged the nectar of saintliness, the moon, and the wish-fulfilling cow, and on the other side, arose the poison and intoxicating liquor in the form of wicked men. || 14 (f) ||
Meaning : I bow down to the feet of the deities, Brahmins, scholars, and planets, and with folded hands, I pray that you be pleased and fulfill all my beautiful desires. || 14 (f) ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Then I offer my salutations to Goddess Saraswati and the divine river Ganga. Both are pure and possess charming qualities. One (Ganga) removes sins by bathing in and drinking its water, and the other (Saraswati) destroys ignorance through the recitation and hearing of her virtues and glory. ||1||
Meaning: I bow down to Shri Mahesh and Parvati, who are my guru and parents, who are compassionate towards the poor and ever-generous, who are the servants, masters, and friends of Shri Ramchandra, the husband of Sita, and who are the true and selfless benefactors of me, Tulsidas, in every way. || 2 ||
Meaning: Those Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, seeing the conditions of Kali Yuga, composed the collection of Shabar mantras for the welfare of the world. The letters of these mantras are incongruous, they have no proper meaning, and they cannot be chanted in the traditional way; nevertheless, their effect is clearly visible due to the power of Lord Shiva. ||3||
Meaning: That Umapati Shivji will be pleased with me and will make this story of Shri Ramji the source of joy and auspiciousness. In this way, remembering both Parvatiji and Shivji and receiving their prasad, I describe the character of Shri Ram with a full heart. 4॥
Meaning: By the grace of Lord Shiva, my poem will be adorned in such a way that it will be as beautiful as the night adorned with the moon and the stars. Those who recite and listen to this story with love and attention will be freed from the sins of Kali Yuga, attain auspicious welfare, and become devoted to the feet of Lord Rama. || 5-6 ||
दोहा
Meaning: If I am truly happy even in the dreams of Lord Shiva and Parvati, then all the effects of this language and poetry that I have said should be true. 15.
विषय १० : श्री सीताराम धाम परिकर वंदना
Topic 10 : Salutations to the abode and
companions of Sita and Rama
चौपाई
Meaning: I pay homage to the supremely sacred city of Ayodhya and the holy Sarayu River, which destroys the sins of the Kali Yuga. Then I bow down to the men and women of Ayodhya upon whom Lord Rama bestows immense affection. ||1||
Meaning: He destroyed the sins of those (the washerman and the men and women of the city who supported him) who had slandered Sita [who lived in his city], freed them from sorrow, and settled them in his own abode (divine realm). I bow to Kausalya, who is like the eastern direction, whose fame is spread throughout the entire world. || 2 ||
Meaning: From where (the eastern direction in the form of Kausalya) the beautiful moon, Lord Rama, who brings happiness to the world and is like frost to the lotus-like wicked, appeared. I bow down with mind, speech, and action to King Dasharatha and all his queens, considering them as embodiments of virtue and auspicious welfare. May they show kindness to me, knowing me as their son's servant, they who were created by Brahma and thus brought him glory, and who, as the parents of Lord Rama, are the epitome of greatness. || 3-4 ||
सोरठा
Meaning: I pay homage to King Dasharatha of Avadh, who had true devotion to the feet of Shri Rama, and who, upon being separated from the compassionate Lord, cast aside his beloved body like a mere straw. || 16 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: I bow down to King Janaka along with his family, who had profound love for Lord Rama's feet, which he had kept hidden in both his spiritual practices and worldly life, but it became evident the moment he saw Lord Rama. ||1||
Meaning: First, I bow down to the feet of Shri Bharat, whose discipline and vows are beyond description, and whose mind is captivated like a bee by the lotus feet of Shri Rama, never leaving their side. || 2 ||
Meaning: I bow down to the lotus feet of Shri Lakshmana, which are cool, beautiful, and bring joy to devotees. His (Lakshmana's) glory is like the staff that holds aloft and unfurls the pure banner of Shri Raghunath's fame. ||3||
Meaning: Sheshji, who has a thousand heads and is the cause of the world (holds the world on a thousand heads), who incarnated to remove the fear of the earth, may that mine of virtues, blessed with grace, Sumitranandan Shri Lakshman ji, be always pleased with me. 4॥
Meaning: I bow down to the lotus feet of Shri Shatrughna, who is very brave, virtuous, and a devoted follower of Shri Bharat. I offer my prayers to the mighty Hanuman, whose glory was described by Shri Ramachandra himself (with his own divine words). || 5 ||
सोरठा
Meaning: I bow down to Shri Hanuman, the son of the wind god, who is like fire to burn down the forest of evil, who is the embodiment of knowledge, and in whose heart, like a sacred abode, Lord Rama resides, holding his bow and arrow. || 17 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: I bow down to the beautiful feet of Sugriva, the king of the monkeys, Jambavan, the king of the bears, Vibhishana, the king of the demons, and Angada, and all the other members of the monkey community, who, even in their lowly (animal and demon) forms, attained Lord Rama. ||1||
Meaning: I bow down to the lotus feet of all those who worship the feet of Lord Rama, including animals, birds, gods, humans, and demons, and who are selfless servants of Lord Rama. ||2||
Meaning: I bow down to all the devotees and supremely wise sages, such as Shukadeva, Sanaka and others, by touching my head to the ground; O great sages! Please be kind to me, considering me your humble servant. ||3||
Meaning: I celebrate both the lotus feet of Shri Janaki ji, daughter of King Janak, mother of the world and beloved of Shri Ramchandra ji, by whose grace I may attain a pure mind. 4॥
Meaning: Then, through my mind, words and deeds, I worship the all-powerful lotus feet of Lord Shri Raghunathji, who has the lotus eyes, who has the bow and arrow, who destroys the troubles of the devotees and gives them happiness. 5॥
दोहा
Meaning: I bow down to the feet of Shri Sita and Rama, who are distinct in speech and meaning, like water and its waves, but are in reality inseparable (one), and who are very dear to the poor and distressed. || 18 ||