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Sant Tulsidass

Rmcharitmnas

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Ayodhy Kand

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RAMCHARITMANAS : AN INTRODUCTION

Ramayana, considered part of Hindu Smriti, was written originally in Sanskrit by Sage Valmiki (3000 BC). Contained in 24,000 verses, this epic narrates Lord Ram of Ayodhya and his ayan (journey of life). Over a passage of time, Ramayana did not remain confined to just being a grand epic, it became a powerful symbol of India's social and cultural fabric. For centuries, its characters represented ideal role models - Ram as an ideal man, ideal husband, ideal son and a responsible ruler; Sita as an ideal wife, ideal daughter and Laxman as an ideal brother. Even today, the characters of Ramayana including Ravana (the enemy of the story) are fundamental to the grandeur cultural consciousness of India.

Long after Valmiki wrote Ramayana, Goswami Tulsidas (born 16th century) wrote Ramcharitamanas in his native language. With the passage of time, Tulsi's Ramcharitmanas, also known as Tulsi-krita Ramayana, became better known among Hindus in upper India than perhaps the Bible among the rustic population in England. As with the Bible and Shakespeare, Tulsi Ramayanas phrases have passed into the common speech. Not only are his sayings proverbial: his doctrine actually forms the most powerful religious influence in present-day Hinduism; and, though he founded no school and was never known as a Guru or master, he is everywhere accepted as an authoritative guide in religion and conduct of life.

Tulsis Ramayana is a novel presentation of the great theme of Valmiki, but is in no sense a mere translation of the Sanskrit epic. It consists of seven books or chapters namely Bal Kand, Ayodhya Kand, Aranya Kand, Kiskindha Kand, Sundar Kand, Lanka Kand and Uttar Kand containing tales of King Dasaratha's court, the birth and boyhood of Rama and his brethren, his marriage with Sita - daughter of Janaka, his voluntary exile, the result of Kaikeyi's guile and Dasaratha's rash vow, the dwelling together of Rama and Sita in the great central Indian forest, her abduction by Ravana, the expedition to Lanka and the overthrow of the ravisher, and the life at Ayodhya after the return of the reunited pair. Ramcharitmanas is written in pure Avadhi or Eastern Hindi, in stanzas called chaupais, broken by 'dohas' or couplets, with an occasional sortha and chhand.

Here, you will find the text of Ayodhya Kand, 2nd chapter of Ramcharitmanas. For those who do not quite understand Hindi, we have tried to outline a brief storyline of the same in English in the following page.

NOTE

This e-book is a manifestation of our humble effort to present Indian scriptures in

digital format. We have taken every care in preparing this e-book so that it is free from any discrepancy. However, if you find any error or omissions, do not feel offended and please let us know. We welcome your comments.

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AYODHYA KAND : IN BRIEF

Once King Dasharatha noticed a white hair while adjusting his crown. Thoughtful as he was, he decided that it was a good time to relegate all his stately duties and appoint Ram, the son of his first queen Kaushalya, as the crown prince of Kosala. He presented this idea before the head priest, Vashishtha. Since Ram was capable on all count and had proved his mettle, Vashistha approved it without a second thought. A formal announcement was made in this regard. It was music for ears of the people of Ayodhya.

When everyone was rejoicing, Manthara, maid of third queen Kaikeyi, was upset. She thought that Bharat, son of Kaikeyi, was left out. She also felt that after Rams coronation, stature of Queen was in danger. She, counseled Kaikeyi to oppose the decision and ask for Bharat's coronation as the prince of Ayodhya. She also forewarned that if Ram would become Prince, She would end up serving Kaushalya as her maid! Kaikeyi fell in her trap and believed her words worthy of consideration. Manthara was quick to seize the opportunity and reminded Kaikeyi to seek two boons from King Dasharatha.

When Dasharatha came to her palatial suite, Kaikeyi asked her two promises: Bharat to be crowned as Prince of Ayodhya and Ram be sent to forest for 14 years in exile as a hermit. In the past, Kaikeyi had saved Kings life and therefore King promised her two boons. Now it was Dasharathas turn to honor his promise. What followed was inevitable. Ram agreed to exile to fulfill his fathers promise, and along with his wife Sita, who in spite of forewarned about hardship of forest life decided to join him. Ram's younger brother Laxman, who refused to part with Ram, also set out to the forest for 14 years in exile.

For the people of Ayodhya, it was unbearable. The palace took deserted look. Instead of pomp of coronation, doom persisted everywhere. Ram, Sita and Laxman left Ayodhya in hermit's guise accompanied by charioteer Sumant. People of Ayodhya followed them. In the evening, when everybody was resting, Ram ordered Sumant to sneak out of sight of people of Ayodhya. They reached to the banks of Ganges, where Nishadraj greeted them. Ram forcibly sent reluctant Sumant back to Ayodhya.

Ram let Boatman Kevat wash his feet and take them across Ganga. Their journey in the central Indian forest continued until they reached Prayag, confluence of holy Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati. There, they met Sage Bhardwaj and Sage Valmiki. Valmiki advised Ram to stay in Chitrakoot for his remaining period of exile.

Sumant returned to Ayodhya empty-handed. Dasharatha's last hope of Ram coming back became futile. He became unconscious and in that state, recalled the curse given by blind parents of Shravan. When Dasharatha was hunting in the forest, he mistakenly shot an arrow and killed Shravan, assuming him as a deer. Dasharatha realized his folly and beg an apology to his thirsty parents but they were exasperated as Shravan was their only support in old age. They cursed that Dasharatha would also meet with similar fate. Dasharatha left for heavenly abode in a similar state longing for his son Ram.

Bharat was summoned from his maternal place for enthroning as King of Ayodhya. Bharat rejected the offer at once and decided to meet and convince Ram. Besides Queens, people of Ayodhya joined to see Ram, Sita and Laxman. Sage Vashishtha informed Ram about Dasharathas death. Ram performed final rituals for Dasharatha. Bharat repented on Kaikeyis misdeed and proposed that he and Shatrughna would face exile while Ram is crowned as King of Ayodhya. Ram remained adamant on his decision. King Janak, ruler of Mithila and Sita's father tried to convince Ram but of no avail.

Ram gave his sandals to Bharat and ordered him to serve the people of Ayodhya until he finishes his exile. With heavy heart, Bharat returned back to Ayodhya, where he took over as the King but kept the sandals (paduka) of Ram on the thorn.

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