Preparations for Rama's Coronation and the Gods' Prayer to Saraswati
Preparations begin in Ayodhya for Rama's coronation, but the gods grow anxious about the divine mission of Ravana's destruction. They pray to Saraswati to turn events toward Rama's exile.
Ayodhya Kand · Episode 2 / 49
Episode Text
श्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज निज मनु मुकुरु सुधारि। बरनउँ रघुबर बिमल जसु जो दायकु फल चारि॥ ० ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
śrīguru carana saroja raja nija manu mukuru sudhāri। baranauṃ raghubara bimala jasu jo dāyaku phala cāri॥ 0 ॥
Meaning:
After cleansing the mirror of my mind with the dust of the holy Guru’s feet, I narrate the pure fame of Rama, the giver of the four aims of life—dharma, artha, kāma, and moksha.
जब तें रामु ब्याहि घर आए। नित नव मंगल मोद बधाए॥ भुवन चारिदस भूधर भारी। सुकृत मेघ बरषहिं सुख बारी॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jaba teṃ rāmu byāhi ghara āe। nita nava maṅgala moda badhāe॥ bhuvana cāridasa bhūdhara bhārī। sukṛta megha baraṣahiṃ sukha bārī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Since Rama came home after his wedding, new celebrations have been taking place every day, and songs of joy are being sung. Over the great mountains of the fourteen worlds, the clouds of virtue are showering the waters of happiness.
रिधि सिधि संपति नदीं सुहाई। उमगि अवध अंबुधि कहुँ आई॥ मनिगन पुर नर नारि सुजाती। सुचि अमोल सुंदर सब भाँती॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
ridhi sidhi saṃpati nadīṃ suhāī। umagi avadha aṃbudhi kahuṃ āī॥ manigana pura nara nāri sujātī। suci amola sundara saba bhāṃtī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
The delightful rivers of prosperity, success, and wealth, swelling forth, came and merged into the ocean of Ayodhya. The city’s men and women are like a gathering of fine gems—pure, priceless, and beautiful in every way.
कहि न जाइ कछु नगर बिभूती। जनु एतनिअ बिरंचि करतूती॥ सब बिधि सब पुर लोग सुखारी। रामचंद मुख चंदु निहारी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kahi na jāi kachu nagara bibhūtī। janu etania biraṃci karatūtī॥ saba bidhi saba pura loga sukhārī। rāmacanda mukha candu nihārī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
The splendor of the city cannot be described. It seems as if Brahma’s craftsmanship ends only here. In every way, all the people of the city are happy as they behold Rama’s moonlike face.
मुदित मातु सब सखीं सहेली। फलित बिलोकि मनोरथ बेली॥ राम रूपु गुन सीलु सुभाऊ। प्रमुदित होइ देखि सुनि राऊ॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
mudita mātu saba sakhīṃ sahelī। phalita biloki manoratha belī॥ rāma rūpu guna sīlu subhāū। pramudita hoi dekhi suni rāū॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
All the mothers and female companions are delighted to see their vine of desires bear fruit. Seeing and hearing Rama’s beauty, virtues, character, and nature, King Dasharatha is greatly rejoiced.
सब कें उर अभिलाषु अस कहहिं मनाइ महेसु। आप अछत जुबराज पद रामहि देउ नरेसु॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
saba keṃ ura abhilāṣu asa kahahiṃ manāi mahesu। āpa achata jubarāja pada rāmahi deu naresu॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Such is the desire in everyone’s heart, and all, after beseeching Mahesh, say: may the king, while still living, grant the crown prince’s throne to Rama.
एक समय सब सहित समाजा। राजसभाँ रघुराजु बिराजा॥ सकल सुकृत मूरति नरनाहू। राम सुजसु सुनि अतिहि उछाहू॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
eka samaya saba sahita samājā। rājasabhāṃ raghurāju birājā॥ sakala sukṛta mūrati naranāhū। rāma sujasu suni atihi uchāhū॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
At one time, King Dasharatha of the Raghu line sat in the royal assembly with all his retinue. The king, embodiment of all merits, was greatly delighted on hearing Rama’s splendid fame.
नृप सब रहहिं कृपा अभिलाषें। लोकप करहिं प्रीति रुख राखें॥ तिभुवन तीनि काल जग माहीं। भूरिभाग दसरथ सम नाहीं॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
nṛpa saba rahahiṃ kṛpā abhilāṣeṃ। lokapa karahiṃ prīti rukha rākhae॥ tibhavana tīni kāla jaga māhīṃ। bhūribhāga dasaratha sama nāhīṃ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
All kings seek his grace, and the guardians of the world show him affection and favor. In the three worlds and the three times, there is none as fortunate as Dasharatha.
मंगलमूल रामु सुत जासू। जो कछु कहिअ थोर सबु तासू॥ रायँ सुभायँ मुकुरु कर लीन्हा। बदनु बिलोकि मुकुटु सम कीन्हा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
maṅgalamūla rāmu suta jāsū। jo kachu kahi'a thora sabu tāsū॥ rāyaṃ subhāyaṃ mukuru kara līnhā। badanu biloki mukuṭu sama kīnhā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Rama, the root of all auspiciousness, is his son; whatever is said of him is only a little. The king naturally took up a mirror, and seeing his face in it, straightened his crown.
श्रवन समीप भए सित केसा। मनहुँ जरठपनु अस उपदेसा॥ नृप जुबराजु राम कहुँ देहू। जीवन जनम लाहु किन लेहू॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
śravana samīpa bhae sita kesā। manahuṃ jaraṭhapanu asa upadesā॥ nṛpa jubarāju rāma kahuṃ dehū। jīvana janama lāhu kina lehū॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
[He saw] that the hair near his ears had turned white, as though old age itself were advising him: “O king, why not give Rama the crown prince’s seat and gain the true fruit of your life and birth?”
यह बिचारु उर आनि नृप सुदिनु सुअवसरु पाइ। प्रेम पुलकि तन मुदित मन गुरहि सुनायउ जाइ॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
yaha bicāru ura āni nṛpa sudinu suavasaru pāi। prem pulaki tana mudita mana gurahi sunāyau jāi॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Having brought this thought to his heart and resolved to give the crown prince’s post, King Dasharatha, after finding an auspicious day and fitting time, went and told Guru Vashishtha in a state of loving delight.
कहइ भुआलु सुनिअ मुनिनायक। भए राम सब बिधि सब लायक॥ सेवक सचिव सकल पुरबासी। जे हमारे अरि मित्र उदासी॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kahai bhuālu suni'a munināyaka। bhae rāma saba bidhi saba lāyaka॥ sevaka saciva sakala purabāsī। je hamāre ari mitra udāsī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The king said, “Listen, O chief among sages. Rama has now become fit in every way. The servants, ministers, all the city’s people, and even those who are our enemies, friends, or neutral—”
सबहि रामु प्रिय जेहि बिधि मोही। प्रभु असीस जनु तनु धरि सोही॥ बिप्र सहित परिवार गोसाईं। करहिं छोहु सब रौरिहि नाईं॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sabahi rāmu priya jehi bidhi mohī। prabhu asīsa janu tanu dhari sohī॥ bipra sahita parivāra gosāīṃ। karahiṃ chohu saba raurihi nāīṃ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Rama is dear to everyone in the same way that he is dear to me. Your blessing seems as though it has taken form and shines forth in him. O Lord, all the Brahmins, together with their families, cherish him just as you do.
जे गुर चरन रेनु सिर धरहीं। ते जनु सकल बिभव बस करहीं॥ मोहि सम यहु अनुभयउ न दूजें। सबु पायउँ रज पावनि पूजें॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
je guracarana renu sira dharahīṃ। te janu sakala bibhava basa karahīṃ॥ mohi sama yahu anubhayau na dūjeṃ। sabu pāyauṃ raja pāvani pūjeṃ॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Those who place the dust of the Guru’s feet upon their heads seem to bring all prosperity under their control. No one else has experienced this as I have. By worshipping your holy foot-dust, I have obtained everything.
अब अभिलाषु एकु मन मोरें। पूजिहि नाथ अनुग्रह तोरें॥ मुनि प्रसन्न लखि सहज सनेहू। कहेउ नरेस रजायसु देहू॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
aba abhilāṣu eku mana moreṃ। pūjihi nātha anugraha toreṃ॥ muni prasanna lakhi sahaja sanehū। kaheu naresa rajāyasu dehū॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Now there is only one desire in my heart. O Lord, that too will be fulfilled by your grace. Seeing the king’s natural affection, the sage was pleased and said, “O king, give your command.”
राजन राउर नामु जसु सब अभिमत दातार। फल अनुगामी महिप मनि मन अभिलाषु तुम्हार॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
rājana rāura nāmu jasu saba abhimata dātāra। phala anugāmī mahipa mani mana abhilāṣu tumhāra॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
O king, your very name and fame are the giver of all desired things. O jewel among kings, your heart’s desire follows the fruit—that is, the fruit appears even before you wish for it.
सब बिधि गुरु प्रसन्न जियँ जानी। बोलेउ राउ रहँसि मृदु बानी॥ नाथ रामु करिअहिं जुबराजू। कहिअ कृपा करि करिअ समाजू॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
saba bidhi guru prasanna jiyaṃ jānī। boleu rāu rahaṃsi mṛdu bānī॥ nātha rāmu kariyahiṃ jubarājū। kahiya kṛpā kari kariya samājū॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Knowing in every way that the Guru was pleased at heart, the king spoke joyfully in gentle words: “O Lord, let Rama be made crown prince. Kindly say the word, and preparations shall be made.”
मोहि अछत यहु होइ उछाहू। लहहिं लोग सब लोचन लाहू॥ प्रभु प्रसाद सिव सबइ निबाहीं। यह लालसा एक मन माहीं॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
mohi achata yahu hoi uchāhū। lahahiṃ loga saba locana lāhū॥ prabhu prasāda siva sabai nibāhīṃ। yaha lālasā eka mana māhīṃ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
May this joyful celebration take place while I am still alive, so that all may gain the blessing of seeing it. By the Lord’s grace, Shiva has seen everything through; only this one longing remains in my heart.
पुनि न सोच तनु रहउ कि जाऊ। जेहिं न होइ पाछें पछिताऊ॥ सुनि मुनि दसरथ बचन सुहाए। मंगल मोद मूल मन भाए॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
puni na soca tanu rahau ki jāū। jehiṃ na hoi pācheṃ pachitāū॥ suni muni dasaratha bacana suhāe। maṅgala moda mūla mana bhāe॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Once this desire is fulfilled, let there be no further worry—whether the body remains or departs—so that I may not regret it later. Hearing Dasharatha’s gracious words, which were the source of all auspiciousness and joy, the sage was delighted in his heart.
सुनु नृप जासु बिमुख पछिताहीं। जासु भजन बिनु जरनि न जाहीं॥ भयउ तुम्हार तनय सोइ स्वामी। रामु पुनीत प्रेम अनुगामी॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sunu nṛpa jāsu bimukha pachitāhīṃ। jāsu bhajana bina jarani na jāhīṃ॥ bhayau tumhāra tanaya soi svāmī। rāmu punīta prema anugāmī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Vashishtha said, “Listen, O king: those from whom one turns away and later repents, and without whose worship the inner burning does not go away—that very Lord, Sri Rama, has become your son. He follows pure love; indeed, it is by the power of love that he is your son.”
बेगि बिलंबु न करिअ नृप साजिअ सबुइ समाजु। सुदिन सुमंगलु तबहिं जब रामु होहिं जुबराजु॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
begi bilaṃbu na kariya nṛpa sāji'a sabui samāju। sudina sumaṅgala tabahiṃ jaba rāmu hohiṃ jubarāju॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
O king, delay no longer; quickly make all the arrangements. A truly auspicious and blessed day is only when Rama becomes crown prince—indeed, for his consecration every day is auspicious.
मुदित महीपति मंदिर आए। सेवक सचिव सुमंत्रु बोलाए॥ कहि जयजीव सीस तिन्ह नाए। भूप सुमंगल बचन सुनाए॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
mudita mahīpati maṃdira āe। sevaka saciva sumaṃtru bolāe॥ kahi jayajīva sīsa tinha nāe। bhūpa sumaṃgala bacana sunāe॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The king, delighted, came to the palace and called the servants and the minister Sumantra. They bowed their heads saying, “Jayajiva.” Then the king spoke auspicious words, proposing that Rama be installed as crown prince.
मंत्री मुदित सुनत प्रिय बानी। अभिमत बिरवँ परेउ जनु पानी॥ बिनती सचिव करहिं कर जोरी। जिअहु जगतपति बरिस करोरी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
maṃtrī mudita sunata priya bānī। abhimata biravaṃ pareu janu pānī॥ binatī saciva karahiṃ kara jorī। jiyahu jagatapati barisa karorī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Hearing these pleasing words, the ministers were delighted, as though water had been poured on the plant of their cherished desire. With joined hands, they pray, “May you live for billions of years, O Lord of the universe.”
जग मंगल भल काजु बिचारा। बेगिअ नाथ न लाइअ बारा॥ नृपहि मोदु सुनि सचिव सुभाषा। बढ़त बौंड़ जनु लही सुसाखा॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jaga maṃgala bhala kāju bicārā। begia nātha na lāia bārā॥ nṛpahi modu suni saciva subhāṣā। baṛhata bauṃḍa janu lahī susākhā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
You have thought of a noble work that will bring welfare to the whole world. O Lord, be quick and do not delay. Hearing the ministers’ fine speech, the king was delighted, as though a growing vine had found support from a beautiful branch.
कहेउ भूप मुनिराज कर जोइ जोइ आयसु होइ। राम राज अभिषेक हित बेगि करहु सोइ सोइ॥ ५ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kaheu bhūpa munirāja kara joi joi āyasu hoi। rāma rāja abhiṣeka hita begi karahu soi soi॥ 5 ॥
Meaning:
The king said, “For Rama’s coronation, whatever commands the sage Vasishtha gives, do at once exactly as he निर्देशs.”
हरषि मुनीस कहेउ मृदु बानी। आनहु सकल सुतीरथ पानी॥ औषध मूल फूल फल पाना। कहे नाम गनि मंगल नाना॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
haraṣi munīsa kaheu mṛdu bānī। ānahu sakala sutīratha pānī॥ auṣadha mūla phūla phala pānā। kaha nāma gani maṃgala nānā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The sage, delighted, said in a gentle voice, “Bring water from all the holy places.” Then he named many auspicious things such as herbs, roots, flowers, fruits, and leaves.
चामर चरम बसन बहु भाँती। रोम पाट पट अगनित जाती॥ मनिगन मंगल बस्तु अनेका। जो जग जोगु भूप अभिषेका॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
cāmara carama basana bahu bhāṃtī। roma pāṭa paṭa aganita jātī॥ manigana maṃgala bastu anekā। jo jaga jogu bhūpa abhiṣekā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
He ordered that parasols, deer-skins, many kinds of garments, innumerable varieties of woolen and silk cloth, gems, and many other auspicious items suitable for a royal consecration be brought.
बेद बिदित कहि सकल बिधाना। कहेउ रचहु पुर बिबिध बिताना॥ सफल रसाल पूगफल केरा। रोपहु बीथिन्ह पुर चहुँ फेरा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
beda bidita kahi sakala bidhānā। kaheu racahu pura bibidha bitānā॥ saphala rasāla pūgaphala kerā। ropahu bīthinha pura cahuṃ pherā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
The sage explained all the Vedic procedures and said, “Set up many canopies throughout the city. Plant fruit-laden mango, betel-nut, and banana trees all around the city lanes.”
रचहु मंजु मनि चौकें चारू। कहहु बनावन बेगि बजारू॥ पूजहु गनपति गुर कुलदेवा। सब बिधि करहु भूमिसुर सेवा॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
racahu maṃju mani caukẽ cārū। kahahu banāvana begi bajārū॥ pūjahu ganapati gura kuladevā। saba bidhi karahu bhūmisura sevā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Have beautiful decorative squares laid with lovely jewels and tell them to prepare the bazaar at once. Worship Ganesha, the guru, and the family deities, and serve the Brahmins in every way.
ध्वज पताक तोरन कलस सजहु तुरग रथ नाग। सिर धरि मुनिबर बचन सबु निज निज काजहिं लाग॥ ६ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
dhvaja patāka torana kalasa sajahu turaga ratha nāga। sira dhari munibara bacana sabu nija nija kājahiṃ lāga॥ 6 ॥
Meaning:
Decorate the banners, flags, festoons, ceremonial pots, horses, chariots, and elephants. Receiving the noble words of the sage on their heads, everyone went to their own tasks.
जो मुनीस जेहि आयसु दीन्हा। सो तेहिं काजु प्रथम जनु कीन्हा॥ बिप्र साधु सुर पूजत राजा। करत राम हित मंगल काजा॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jo munīsa jehi āyasu dīnhā। so tehiṃ kāju prathama janu kīnhā॥ bipra sādhu sura pūjata rājā। karata rāma hita maṃgala kājā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Whatever task the sage assigned to anyone, that person completed it so quickly that it seemed as though it had already been done. The king was worshipping Brahmins, saints, and gods, and arranging all auspicious works for Rama.
सुनत राम अभिषेक सुहावा। बाज गहागह अवध बधावा॥ राम सीय तन सगुन जनाए। फरकहिं मंगल अंग सुहाए॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sunata rāma abhiṣeka suhāvā। bāja gahāgaha avadha badhāvā॥ rāma sīya tana saguna janāe। pharakahiṃ maṃgala aṃga suhāe॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
As soon as the pleasing news of Rama’s consecration was heard, celebratory sounds burst forth throughout Ayodhya. Auspicious omens appeared on the bodies of Rama and Sita, and their lovely auspicious limbs began to tremble.
पुलकि सप्रेम परसपर कहहीं। भरत आगमनु सूचक अहहीं॥ भए बहुत दिन अति अवसेरी। सगुन प्रतीति भेंट प्रिय केरी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
pulaki saprema paraspara kahahīṃ। bharata āgamanu sūcaka ahahīṃ॥ bhae bahuta dina ati avaserī। saguna pratīti bheṃṭa priya kerī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
With रोमांचित joy, the two spoke to each other lovingly, saying that these omens were announcing Bharata’s arrival. It has been a long time since he went to his maternal home; the time is now very favorable, and the omens inspire confidence that dear Bharata will be met.
भरत सरिस प्रिय को जग माहीं। इहइ सगुन फलु दूसर नाहीं॥ रामहि बंधु सोच दिन राती। अंडन्हि कमठ हृदउ जेहि भाँती॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bharata sarisa priya ko jaga māhīṃ। ihai saguna phalu dūsara nāhīṃ॥ rāmahi baṃdhu soka dina rātī। aṃḍanhi kamaṭha hṛdau jehi bhāṃtī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
And who in the world is dearer than Bharata? This, indeed, is the fruit of the omen, and no other. Rama thinks of his brother Bharata day and night with the same constant concern that a tortoise has for its eggs.
एहि अवसर मंगलु परम सुनि रहँसेउ रनिवासु। सोभत लखि बिधु बढ़त जनु बारिधि बीचि बिलासु॥ ७ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
ehi avasara maṃgalu parama suni rahaṃseu ranivāsu। sobhata lakhi bidhu baṛhata janu bāridhi bīci bilāsu॥ 7 ॥
Meaning:
At this very moment, hearing this supremely auspicious news, the entire women’s quarters rejoiced. As the moon waxes, the play of waves in the sea becomes radiant.
प्रथम जाइ जिन्ह बचन सुनाए। भूषन बसन भूरि तिन्ह पाए॥ प्रेम पुलकि तन मन अनुरागीं। मंगल कलस सजन सब लागीं॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
prathama jāi jinha bacana sunāe। bhūṣana basana bhūri tinha pāe॥ prema pulaki tana mana anurāgīṃ। maṃgala kalasa sajana saba lāgīṃ॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Those who first went and delivered the news received many ornaments and garments. The queens were thrilled with love, their bodies shivering with joy, and their minds filled with devotion. They all began preparing the auspicious pots.
चौकें चारु सुमित्राँ पूरी। मनिमय बिबिध भाँति अति रूरी॥ आनँद मगन राम महतारी। दिए दान बहु बिप्र हँकारी॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
caukẽ cāru sumitrāṃ pūrī। manimaya bibidha bhāṃti ati rūrī॥ ānaṃda magana rāma mahatārī। die dāna bahu bipra haṃkārī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Sumitra beautifully prepared many lovely squares of jewels in various forms. Rama’s mother, absorbed in joy, called the Brahmins and gave them many gifts.
पूजीं ग्रामदेबि सुर नागा। कहेउ बहोरि देन बलिभागा॥ जेहि बिधि होइ राम कल्यानू। देहु दया करि सो बरदानू॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
pūjīṃ grāmadebi sura nāgā। khaeu bahori dena balibhāgā॥ jehi bidhi hoi rāma kalyānū। dehu dayā kari so baradānū॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
They worshipped the village goddesses, the gods, and the serpents, and then spoke of offering bali again (that is, they vowed to worship once more when the work was accomplished). They prayed, “By whatever means Rama’s welfare may come about, grant that blessing with compassion.”
राम राज अभिषेकु सुनि हियँ हरषे नर नारि। लगे सुमंगल सजन सब बिधि अनुकूल बिचारि॥ ८ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
rāma rāja abhiṣeku suni hiyaṃ haraṣe nara nāri। lage sumaṃgala sajana saba bidhi anukūla bicāri॥ 8 ॥
Meaning:
Hearing of Rama’s coronation, all men and women rejoiced in their hearts, and thinking destiny favorable, they began preparing all the beautiful auspicious arrangements.
तब नरनाहँ बसिष्ठु बोलाए। रामधाम सिख देन पठाए॥ गुर आगमनु सुनत रघुनाथा। द्वार आइ पद नायउ माथा॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
taba naranāhaṃ basiṣṭhu bolāe। rāmadhāma sikha dena paṭhāe॥ gura āgamanu sunata raghunāthā। dvāra āi pada nāya u māthā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Then the king summoned Vasishtha and sent him to Rama’s residence to give counsel. Hearing of the guru’s arrival, Raghunath came to the door and bowed his head at his feet.
सादर अरघ देइ घर आने। सोरह भाँति पूजि सनमाने॥ गहे चरन सिय सहित बहोरी। बोले रामु कमल कर जोरी॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sādara aragha dei ghara āne। soraha bhāṃti pūji sanamāne॥ ghe carana siya sahita bahorī। bole rāmu kamala kara jorī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
They welcomed him home with respectful offerings and honored him with sixteen forms of worship. Then, together with Sita, Rama touched his feet and spoke with lotus-like hands joined.
सेवक सदन स्वामि आगमनू। मंगल मूल अमंगल दमनू॥ तदपि उचित जनु बोलि सप्रीती। पठइअ काज नाथ असि नीती॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sevaka sadana swāmi āgamanu। maṃgala mūla amaṃgala damanu॥ tadapi ucita janu boli saprītī। paṭhaia kāja nātha asi nītī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Although the coming of the master to the servant’s house is the source of blessings and the destroyer of inauspiciousness, still, O Lord, it would have been proper to call the servant to do the work, with affection. That is the right policy.
प्रभुता तजि प्रभु कीन्ह सनेहू। भयउ पुनीत आजु यहु गेहू॥ आयसु होइ सो करौं गोसाईं। सेवकु लहइ स्वामि सेवकाईं॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
prabhutā taji prabhu kīnhā sanehū। bhayau punīta āju ihu gehū॥ āyasu hoi so karauṃ gosāīṃ। sevaku lahaï swāmi sevakāīṃ॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
But by laying aside your lordly dignity and showing this affection by coming here yourself, you have made this house pure today. O Gosain, whatever command you give now, I shall do. The servant’s gain lies in serving the master.
सुनि सनेह साने बचन मुनि रघुबरहि प्रसंस। राम कस न तुम्ह कहहु अस हंस बंस अवतंस॥ ९ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
suni saneha sāne bacana muni raghubarahi prasaṃsa। rāma kasa na tumha kahahu asa haṃsa baṃsa avataṃsa॥ 9 ॥
Meaning:
Hearing Rama’s words steeped in affection, the sage Vasishtha praised Shri Raghunath and said, “O Rama, why should you not speak thus? You are the ornament of the swan lineage.”
बरनि राम गुन सीलु सुभाऊ। बोले प्रेम पुलकि मुनिराऊ॥ भूप सजेउ अभिषेक समाजू। चाहत देन तुम्हहि जुबराजू॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
barani rāma guna sīlu subhāū। bole prema pulaki munirāū॥ bhūpa sajeu abhiṣeka samājū। cāhata dena tumhahi jubarājū॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
After praising Rama’s virtues, character, and gentle nature, the king of sages spoke with love, his body thrilled with emotion: “O Rama! The king has arranged for your coronation. He wishes to make you the heir apparent.”
राम करहु सब संजम आजू। जौं बिधि कुसल निबाहै काजू॥ गुरु सिख देइ राय पहिं गयऊ। राम हृदयँ अस बिसमउ भयऊ॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
rāma karahu saba saṃjama ājū। jauṃ bidhi kusala nibāhai kājū॥ guru sikha dei rāya pahiṃ gayau। rāma hṛdayaṃ asa bisamau bhayau॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
“Therefore, O Rama, observe all restraint today so that, if Providence is favorable, this matter may be brought to a successful end.” After giving this instruction, the guru went to King Dasharatha. Hearing this, Rama’s heart became troubled and sorrowful.
जनमे एक संग सब भाई। भोजन सयन केलि लरिकाई॥ करनबेध उपबीत बिआहा। संग संग सब भए उछाहा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
janame eka saṃga saba bhāī। bhojana sayana keli larikāī॥ karanabedha upabīta biāhā। saṃga saṃga saba bhae uchāhā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
We brothers were all born together; eating, sleeping, childhood play, the tonsure ceremony, the sacred thread ceremony, and marriage festivities—all happened together.
बिमल बंस यहु अनुचित एकू। बंधु बिहाइ बड़ेहि अभिषेकू॥ प्रभु सप्रेम पछितानि सुहाई। हरउ भगत मन कै कुटिलाई॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bimala baṃsa yahu anucita ekū। bandhu bihāi baṛehiṃ abhiṣekū॥ prabhu saprema pachitāni suhāī। harau bhagata mana kai kuṭilāī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
But in this spotless lineage, one thing seems improper: leaving aside all the brothers, the coronation goes only to the elder one (to me). May this beautiful, loving regret of Lord Rama remove the crookedness from the hearts of devotees.
तेहि अवसर आए लखन मगन प्रेम आनंद। सनमाने प्रिय बचन कहि रघुकुल कैरव चंद॥ १० ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tehi avasara āe lakhana magana prema ānanda। sanamāne priya bacana kahi raghukula kairava canda॥ 10 ॥
Meaning:
At that very moment Lakshmana came, immersed in love and joy. Rama, the moon of the Raghu clan, honored him with affectionate words.
बाजहिं बाजने बिबिध बिधाना। पुर प्रमोदु नहिं जाइ बखाना॥ भरत आगमनु सकल मनावहिं। आवहुँ बेगि नयन फलु पावहिं॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bājahiṃ bājane bibidha bidhānā। pura pramodu nahiṃ jāi bakhānā॥ bharata āgamanu sakala manāvahiṃ। āvahuṃ begi nayana phalu pāvahiṃ॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Various kinds of musical instruments are sounding. The city’s great joy cannot be described. Everyone is celebrating Bharata’s arrival and saying, “Come quickly too, and let your eyes attain their fruit (the blessed sight of the ceremony).”
हाट बाट घर गलीं अथाईं। कहहिं परसपर लोग लोगाईं॥ कालि लगन भलि केतिक बारा। पूजिहि बिधि अभिलाषु हमारा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
hāṭa bāṭa ghara galīṃ athāīṃ। kahahiṃ paraspara loga logāīṃ॥ kāli lagana bhali ketika bārā। pūjihi bidhi abhilāṣu hamārā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
In markets, roads, houses, lanes, and on platforms, men and women everywhere are saying to one another, “How soon will tomorrow’s auspicious moment arrive, when Providence will fulfill our wish?”
कनक सिंघासन सीय समेता। बैठहिं रामु होइ चित चेता॥ सकल कहहिं कब होइहि काली। बिघन मनावहिं देव कुचाली॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kanaka siṃghāsana sīya sametā। baiṭhahiṃ rāmū hoi cita cetā॥ sakala kahahiṃ kaba hoihi kālī। bighana manāvahiṃ deva kuchālī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
When Rama, together with Sita, sits upon the golden throne and our hearts’ desire is fulfilled. While everyone here asks, “When will tomorrow come?”, the scheming gods elsewhere are plotting obstacles.
तिन्हहि सोहाइ न अवध बधावा। चोरहि चंदिनि राति न भावा॥ सारद बोलि बिनय सुर करहीं। बारहिं बार पाय लै परहीं॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tinhahi sohāi na avadha badhāvā। corahi candini rāti na bhāvā॥ sārada boli binaya sura karahīṃ। bārahiṃ bāra pāya lai parahīṃ॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
The celebrations of Ayodhya do not please them, just as moonlit nights do not please a thief. Calling on Saraswati, the gods plead humbly and again and again fall at her feet.
बिपति हमारि बिलोकि बड़ि मातु करिअ सोइ आजु। रामु जाहिं बन राजु तजि होइ सकल सुरकाजु॥ ११ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bipati hamāri biloki baṛi mātu kari a soi āju। rāmū jāhiṃ bana rāju taji hoi sakala surakāju॥ 11 ॥
Meaning:
“O Mother, seeing our great distress, do today what must be done, so that Rama may renounce the throne and go to the forest, and all the gods’ work may be accomplished.”
सुनि सुर बिनय ठाढ़ि पछिताती। भइउँ सरोज बिपिन हिमराती॥ देखि देव पुनि कहहिं निहोरी। मातु तोहि नहिं थोरिउ खोरी॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
suni sura binaya ṭhāṛhi pachitātī। bhaiuṃ saroja bipina himarātī॥ dekhi deva puni kahahiṃ nihorī। mātu tohi nahiṃ thoriu khorī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Hearing the gods’ request, Saraswati stood there repenting: “Alas! I have become the frost-night for the lotus garden.” Seeing her repent thus, the gods again pleaded, “Mother, this will not bring you the least blame.”
बिसमय हरष रहित रघुराऊ। तुम्ह जानहु सब राम प्रभाऊ॥ जीव करम बस सुख दुख भागी। जाइअ अवध देवहित लागी॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bisamaya haraṣa rahita raghurāū। tumha jānahu saba rāma prabhāū॥ jīva karama basa sukha dukha bhāgī। jāia avadha devahita lāgī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Lord Raghunatha is beyond both sorrow and joy. You know Rama’s power well. A living being receives happiness and sorrow according to his own deeds. Therefore, for the sake of the gods, go to Ayodhya.
बार बार गहि चरन सँकोची। चली बिचारि बिबुध मति पोची॥ ऊँच निवासु नीचि करतूती। देखि न सकहिं पराइ बिभूती॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bāra bāra gahi carana saṃkochī। calī bicāri bibudha mati pocī॥ ūṃca nivāsu nīci kartūtī। dekhi na sakahiṃ parāi bibhūtī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Again and again, as the gods grasped her feet, Saraswati became embarrassed. Then she went away, thinking that the gods’ intelligence was base: their abode is high, but their conduct is low. They cannot bear to see another’s splendor.
आगिल काजु बिचारि बहोरी। करिहहिं चाह कुसल कबि मोरी॥ हरषि हृदयँ दसरथ पुर आई। जनु ग्रह दसा दुसह दुखदाई॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
āgila kāju bicāri bahorī। karihahiṃ cāha kusala kabi morī॥ haraṣi hṛdayaṃ dasaratha pura āī। janu graha dasā dusaha dukhadāī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
But thinking of what lies ahead, the clever poets will wish to tell my story. So, rejoicing in her heart, Saraswati came to Dasharatha’s city, Ayodhya, as though a dreadful and unbearable planetary affliction had arrived.