The Lord's Manifestation and the Joy of His Childhood
The Lord manifests as Rama in Ayodhya, filling the city with joy. His childhood pastimes delight His parents, family, and devotees.
Bal Kand · Episode 38 / 59
Episode Text
भए प्रगट कृपाला दीनदयाला कौसल्या हितकारी। हरषित महतारी मुनि मन हारी अद्भुत रूप बिचारी॥ लोचन अभिरामा तनु घनस्यामा निज आयुध भुज चारी। भूषन बनमाला नयन बिसाला सोभासिंधु खरारी॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhae pragaṭa kṛpālā dīnadayālā kausalyā hitakārī। haraṣita mahatārī muni mana hārī adbhuta rūpa bicārī॥ locana abhirāmā tanu ghanasyāmā nija āyudha bhuja cārī। bhūṣana banamālā nayana bisālā sobhāsiṃdhu kharārī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The compassionate Lord, the friend of the lowly, appeared for the good of Kaushalya. The mother was filled with joy as she beheld His wondrous form, which captivated the minds of sages. His eyes were enchanting, His body dark as a cloud; in His four arms He bore His own weapons; He wore divine ornaments and a forest garland, and had broad, beautiful eyes. Thus appeared the Ocean of Splendor and the slayer of the demon Khara.
कह दुइ कर जोरी अस्तुति तोरी केहि बिधि करौं अनंता। माया गुन ग्यानातीत अमाना बेद पुरान भनंता॥ करुना सुख सागर सब गुन आगर जेहि गावहिं श्रुति संता। सो मम हित लागी जन अनुरागी भयउ प्रगट श्रीकंता॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kaha dui kara jorī astuti torī kehi bidhi karaṃ anantā। māyā guna gyānātīta amānā beda purāna bhanantā॥ karunā sukha sāgara saba guna āgara jehi gāvahiṃ śruti santā। so mama hita lāgī jana anurāgī bhayau pragaṭa śrīkantā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
With both hands joined, the mother said, “O Infinite One, how can I praise You? The Vedas and Puranas describe You as beyond maya, qualities, and knowledge, and as immeasurable. The Shrutis and saints sing of You as an ocean of compassion and bliss, the repository of all virtues. That same Lord of Lakshmi, loving to His devotees, has appeared for my welfare.”
ब्रह्मांड निकाया निर्मित माया रोम रोम प्रति बेद कहै। मम उर सो बासी यह उपहासी सुनत धीर मति थिर न रहै॥ उपजा जब ग्याना प्रभु मुसुकाना चरित बहुत बिधि कीन्ह चहै। कहि कथा सुहाई मातु बुझाई जेहि प्रकार सुत प्रेम लहै॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
brahmāṃḍa nikāyā nirmit māyā roma roma prati beda kahai। mama ura so bāsī yaha upahāsī sunata dhīra mati thira na rahai॥ upajā jaba gyānā prabhu musukānā carita bahuta bidhi kīnh cahai। kahi kathā suhāī mātu bujhāī jehi prakāra suta prema lahai॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
The Vedas say that in every pore of Your body are countless universes created by maya. When one hears the jest that You have dwelt in my womb, even the steadfast mind of the wise becomes unsteady. When knowledge arose in the mother, the Lord smiled, for He wished to enact many divine deeds. So He explained matters to the mother with a beautiful story, so that she might attain motherly love for Him and feel Him as her son.
माता पुनि बोली सो मति डोली तजहु तात यह रूपा। कीजै सिसुलीला अति प्रियसीला यह सुख परम अनूपा॥ सुनि बचन सुजाना रोदन ठाना होइ बालक सुरभूपा। यह चरित जे गावहिं हरिपद पावहिं ते न परहिं भवकूपा॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
mātā puni bolī so mati ḍolī tajahu tāta yaha rūpā। kījai sisulīlā ati priyasīlā yaha sukha parama anūpā॥ suni bacana sujānā rodana ṭhānā hoi bālaka surabhūpā। yaha carita je gāvahiṃ haripada pāvahiṃ te na parahiṃ bhavakūpā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
The mother’s mind wavered, and she again said, “O dear child, leave this form and perform your sweet childhood play; for me, such bliss will be utterly unique.” Hearing these words, the wise Lord, king of the gods, took on a child’s form and began to cry. Those who sing this narrative attain the feet of Hari and never fall into the pit of worldly existence.
बिप्र धेनु सुर संत हित लीन्ह मनुज अवतार। निज इच्छा निर्मित तनु माया गुन गो पार॥ १९२ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bipra dhenu sura santa hita līnh manuja avatāra। nija icchā nirmita tanu māyā guna go pāra॥ 192 ॥
Meaning:
For the sake of Brahmins, cows, the gods, and the saints, the Lord took a human incarnation. He is beyond maya, its three qualities, and the senses; His divine body is formed by His own will, not under the compulsion of karma or material nature.
सुनि सिसु रुदन परम प्रिय बानी। संभ्रम चलि आईं सब रानी॥ हरषित जहँ तहँ धाईं दासी। आनँद मगन सकल पुरबासी॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
suni sisu rudana parama priya bānī। sambhrama cali āīṃ saba rānī॥ haraṣita jahaṃ tahaṃ dhāīṃ dāsī। ānanda magana sakala purabāsī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Hearing the sweet sound of the child’s crying, all the queens hurried there in excitement. The maidservants ran here and there in joy, and all the inhabitants of the city became immersed in bliss.
दसरथ पुत्रजन्म सुनि काना। मानहुँ ब्रह्मानंद समाना॥ परम प्रेम मन पुलक सरीरा। चाहत उठन करत मति धीरा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
dasaratha putrajanma suni kānā। mānahuṃ brahmānanda samānā॥ parama prema mana pulaka sarīrā। cāhata uṭhana karata mati dhīrā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Hearing with his own ears of the birth of a son, King Dasharatha was as if immersed in the bliss of Brahman. His heart overflowed with love, his body thrilled with goosebumps, and, steadying his mind and body, he wished to rise.
जाकर नाम सुनत सुभ होई। मोरें गृह आवा प्रभु सोई॥ परमानंद पूरि मन राजा। कहा बोलाइ बजावहु बाजा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jākara nāma sunata subha hoī। moreṃ gṛha āvā prabhu soī॥ paramānanda pūri mana rājā। kahā bolāi bajāvahu bājā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
The Lord, whose very name brings good fortune, has come to my house. Thinking thus, the king’s heart was filled with supreme joy. He called for the musicians and said, “Play the instruments.”
गुर बसिष्ठ कहँ गयउ हँकारा। आए द्विजन सहित नृपद्वारा॥ अनुपम बालक देखेन्हि जाई। रूप रासि गुन कहि न सिराई॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
guru basiṣṭha kahaṃ gayau haṃkārā। āe dvijana sahita nṛpadvārā॥ anupama bālaka dekhenhi jāī। rūpa rāsi guna kahi na sirāī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
A summons was sent to Guru Vasishtha. He came to the king’s gate together with the Brahmins. Going in, they saw the incomparable child, a treasure-house of beauty and virtues beyond description.
नंदीमुख सराध करि जातकरम सब कीन्ह। हाटक धेनु बसन मनि नृप बिप्रन्ह कहँ दीन्ह॥ १९३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
naṃdīmukha sarādha kari jātakarma saba kīnh। hāṭaka dhenu basana mani nṛpa bipranha kahaṃ dīnh॥ 193 ॥
Meaning:
Then the king performed the Nandimukh shraddha and all the rites of birth, and gave gold, cows, garments, and jewels to the Brahmins.
ध्वज पताक तोरन पुर छावा। कहि न जाइ जेहि भाँति बनावा॥ सुमनबृष्टि अकास तें होई। ब्रह्मानंद मगन सब लोई॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
dhvaja patāka torana pura chāvā। kahi na jāi jehi bhāṃti banāvā॥ sumanabṛṣṭi akāsa teṃ hoī। brahmānanda magana saba loī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The city was covered with banners, pennants, and festoons. The way it was decorated cannot be described. A rain of flowers is falling from the sky, and everyone is absorbed in blissful divine joy.
बृंद बृंद मिलि चलीं लोगाईं। सहज सिंगार किएँ उठि धाईं॥ कनक कलस मंगल भरि थारा। गावत पैठहिं भूप दुआरा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bṛnda bṛnda mili calīṃ logāīṃ। sahaja sigāra kieṃ uṭhi dhāīṃ॥ kanaka kalasa maṅgala bhari thārā। gāvata paiṭhahiṃ bhūpa duārā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Women came together in groups and set out. Even in their natural adornment they rose and hurried on. Carrying golden pots and trays filled with auspicious offerings, they enter the king’s gate singing.
करि आरति नेवछावरि करहीं। बार बार सिसु चरनन्हि परहीं॥ मागध सूत बंदिगन गायक। पावन गुन गावहिं रघुनायक॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kari ārati nevachāvari karahīṃ। bāra bāra sisu carananh i parahīṃ॥ māgadha sūta bandigana gāyaka। pāvana guna gāvahiṃ raghunāyaka॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
They perform the ārati and make offerings, and again and again fall at the child’s feet. Magadhas, Sutas, bards, and singers sing the pure virtues of the Lord of the Raghu line.
सर्बस दान दीन्ह सब काहू। जेहिं पावा राखा नहिं ताहू॥ मृगमद चंदन कुंकुम कीचा। मची सकल बीथिन्ह बिच बीचा॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sarbasa dāna dīhna saba kāhū। jehiṃ pāvā rākhā nahiṃ tāhū॥ mṛgamada candana kuṃkuma kīcā। macī sakala bīthinh bica bīcā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
The king gave abundant gifts to everyone. Whoever received them did not keep them. In all the lanes of the city, the paste of musk, sandalwood, and saffron was spread everywhere.
गृह गृह बाज बधाव सुभ प्रगटे सुषमा कंद। हरषवंत सब जहँ तहँ नगर नारि नर बृंद॥ १९४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
gṛha gṛha bāja badhāva subha pragaṭe suṣamā kanda। haraṣavanta saba jahaṃ tahaṃ nagara nāri nara bṛnda॥ 194 ॥
Meaning:
In every house auspicious songs of celebration resounded, for the root of all beauty had manifested. Everywhere in the city, groups of women and men were full of joy.
कैकयसुता सुमित्रा दोऊ। सुंदर सुत जनमत भैं ओऊ॥ वह सुख संपति समय समाजा। कहि न सकइ सारद अहिराजा॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kaikayasutā sumitrā doū। suṃdara suta janamata bhaiṃ ōū॥ vaha sukha saṃpati samaya samājā। kahi na sakai sārada ahirājā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Kaikeyi and Sumitra too gave birth to beautiful sons. Even Saraswati and Shesha, king of serpents, cannot describe that happiness, splendor, time, and assembly.
अवधपुरी सोहइ एहि भाँती। प्रभुहि मिलन आई जनु राती॥ देखि भानु जनु मन सकुचानी। तदपि बनी संध्या अनुमानी॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
avadhapurī sohai ehi bhāṃtī। prabhuhi milana āī janu rātī॥ dekhi bhānu janu mana sakucānī। tadapi banī saṃdhyā anumānī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Ayodhya is shining in such a way, as if night had come to meet the Lord and, seeing the sun, had become shy; yet in contemplation it seemed to have turned into dusk.
अगर धूप बहु जनु अँधिआरी। उड़इ अबीर मनहुँ अरुनारी॥ मंदिर मनि समूह जनु तारा। नृप गृह कलस सो इंदु उदारा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
agara dhūpa bahu janu aṃdhiārī। uḍai abīra manahuṃ arunārī॥ mandira mani samūha janu tārā। nṛpa gṛha kalasa so indu udārā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
The thick smoke of incense seems like darkness, and the flying red powder seems like a rosy glow. The clusters of jewels in the palaces seem like stars. The pitcher atop the royal house seems like a splendid moon.
भवन बेदधुनि अति मृदु बानी। जनु खग मुखर समयँ जनु सानी॥ कौतुक देखि पतंग भुलाना। एक मास तेइँ जात न जाना॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhavana bedadhuni ati mṛdu bānī। janu khaga mukhara samayaṃ janu sānī॥ kautuka dekhi pataṃga bhulānā। eka māsa teiṃ jāta na jānā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
In the royal palace, the Vedic chanting in a very soft voice sounds as if it were the chirping of birds blended with the passage of time. Seeing this marvel, even the sun forgot its course. He did not realize that one whole month had passed.
मास दिवस कर दिवस भा मरम न जानइ कोइ। रथ समेत रबि थाकेउ निसा कवन बिधि होइ॥ १९५ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
māsa divasa kara divasa bhā marama na jānai koi। ratha sameta rabi thākeu nisā kavana bidhi hoi॥ 195 ॥
Meaning:
A month’s days passed, but no one knew the secret. The sun, with his chariot, grew weary; then how could night come at all?
यह रहस्य काहूँ नहिं जाना। दिनमनि चले करत गुनगाना॥ देखि महोत्सव सुर मुनि नागा। चले भवन बरनत निज भागा॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
yaha rahasya kāhūṃ nahiṃ jānā। dinamani cale karata gunagānā॥ dekhi mahotsava sura muni nāgā। cale bhavana baranata nija bhāgā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
No one understood this mystery. The sun-god moved along singing praises. Seeing the great celebration, the gods, sages, and नागas returned to their homes praising their own good fortune.
औरउ एक कहउँ निज चोरी। सुनु गिरिजा अति दृढ़ मति तोरी॥ काकभुसुंडि संग हम दोऊ। मनुजरूप जानइ नहिं कोऊ॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
aorau eka kahauṃ nija corī। sunu girijā ati dṛḍha mati torī॥ kākabhuṣuṃḍi saṃga hama doū। manujarūpa jānai nahiṃ koū॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
O Parvati, your mind is very firm, so I shall tell you one more secret—listen. Kākabhusuṇḍi and I were both there together, yet in human form no one could पहचान us.
परमानंद प्रेम सुख फूले। बीथिन्ह फिरहिं मगन मन भूले॥ यह सुभ चरित जान पै सोई। कृपा राम कै जापर होई॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
paramānanda prema sukha phūle। bīthinhaṃ phirahiṃ magana mana bhūle॥ yaha subha carita jāna pai soī। kṛpā rāma kai jāp ara hoī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Blossoming in supreme bliss and the joy of love, we wandered through the lanes, our minds absorbed and forgetting ourselves. Only one upon whom Rama’s grace has fallen can know this sacred story.
तेहि अवसर जो जेहि बिधि आवा। दीन्ह भूप जो जेहि मन भावा॥ गज रथ तुरग हेम गो हीरा। दीन्हे नृप नानाबिधि चीरा॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tehi avasara jo jehi bidhi āvā। dīhna bhūpa jo jehi mana bhāvā॥ gaja ratha turaga hema go hīrā। dīhne nṛpa nānābidhi cīrā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
On that occasion, whatever each person desired and however each one came, the king gave them what pleased their heart. Elephants, chariots, horses, gold, cows, diamonds, and many kinds of garments were bestowed by the king.
मन संतोषे सबन्हि के जहँ तहँ देहिं असीस। सकल तनय चिर जीवहुँ तुलसिदास के ईस॥ १९६ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
mana saṃtoṣe sabanhi ke jahaṃ tahaṃ dehiṃ asīsa। sakala tanaya cira jīvahuṃ tulasīdāsa ke īsa॥ 196 ॥
Meaning:
The king satisfied everyone’s heart. Because of this, people everywhere were giving blessings that the Lord of Tulsidas may grant long life to all the sons.
कछुक दिवस बीते एहि भाँती। जात न जानिअ दिन अरु राती॥ नामकरन कर अवसरु जानी। भूप बोलि पठए मुनि ग्यानी॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kachuka divasa bīte ehi bhāṃtī। jāta na jāni'a dina aru rātī॥ nāmakarana kara avasaru jānī। bhūpa boli paṭhaye muni gyānī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
In this way, some days passed. The passing of day and night was not even noticed. Then, knowing that the time for the naming ceremony had come, the king sent for the wise sage Vasishtha.
करि पूजा भूपति अस भाषा। धरिअ नाम जो मुनि गुनि राखा॥ इन्ह के नाम अनेक अनूपा। मैं नृप कहब स्वमति अनुरूपा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kari pūjā bhūpati asa bhāṣā। dharia nāma jo muni guni rākhā॥ inha ke nāma aneka anūpā। maiṃ nṛpa kahaba svamati anurūpā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
After honoring the sage, the king said, “O sage, give them whatever names you have chosen and considered fitting.” [The sage replied:] “O king, these have many incomparable names, yet I shall speak according to my own judgment.”
जो आनंद सिंधु सुखरासी। सीकर तें त्रैलोक सुपासी॥ सो सुखधाम राम अस नामा। अखिल लोक दायक बिश्रामा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jo ānanda sindhu sukharāsī। sīkara teṃ trailoka supāsī॥ so sukha dhāma rāma asa nāmā। akhila loka dāyaka bishrāmā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
The one who is the ocean of bliss and the treasury of joy—whose smallest particle gives comfort to the three worlds—is named Rama, the abode of happiness and the giver of peace to all the worlds.
बिस्व भरन पोषन कर जोई। ताकर नाम भरत अस होई॥ जाके सुमिरन तें रिपु नासा। नाम सत्रुहन बेद प्रकासा॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bisva bharana poṣana kara joī। tākara nāma bharata asa hoī॥ jāke sumirana teṃ ripu nāsā। nāma satruhna beda prakāsā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
The one who sustains and nourishes the world will bear the name Bharata. The one whose mere remembrance destroys enemies is known in the Vedas by the celebrated name Shatrughna.
लच्छन धाम राम प्रिय सकल जगत आधार। गुरु बसिष्ट तेहि राखा लछिमन नाम उदार॥ १९७ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
lacchana dhāma rāma priya sakala jagata ādhāra। guru basiṣṭa tehi rākhā lachimana nāma udāra॥ 197 ॥
Meaning:
The one who is the abode of auspicious marks, dear to Rama, and the support of the whole world—Guru Vasishtha gave him the noble name Lakshmana.
धरे नाम गुर हृदयँ बिचारी। बेद तत्व नृप तव सुत चारी॥ मुनि धन जन सरबस सिव प्राना। बाल केलि रस तेहिं सुख माना॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
dhare nāma gura hṛdayaṃ bicārī। beda tattva nṛpa tava suta cārī॥ muni dhana jana sarabasa siva prānā। bāla keli rasa tehiṃ sukha mānā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The Guru, reflecting in his heart, gave these names and said: “O king, your four sons are the essence of the Vedas. They are the wealth of sages, the all-in-all of devotees, and the life-breath of Shiva; now, out of affection for you all, they have taken delight in the joy of divine childhood play.”
बारेहि ते निज हित पति जानी। लछिमन राम चरन रति मानी॥ भरत सत्रुहन दूनउ भाई। प्रभु सेवक जसि प्रीति बड़ाई॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bārehi te nija hita pati jānī। lachimana rāma carana rati mānī॥ bharata satruhna dūnau bhāī। prabhu sevaka jasi prīti baṛāī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
From childhood, Lakshmana regarded Shri Ramachandra as his greatest benefactor and Lord, and thus attached his love to Rama’s feet. In Bharata and Shatrughna, the bond praised as that of master and servant became deeply established.
स्याम गौर सुंदर दोउ जोरी। निरखहिं छबि जननीं तृन तोरी॥ चारिउ सील रूप गुन धामा। तदपि अधिक सुखसागर रामा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
syāma gaura sundara doū jorī। nirkhahiṃ chabi jananīṃ tṛna torī॥ cāriu sīla rūpa guna dhāmā। tadapi adhika sukhasāgara rāmā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Seeing the beauty of the lovely pair—one dark-complexioned and one fair—the mothers pluck blades of grass [to ward off the evil eye]. Indeed, all four sons are abodes of virtue, beauty, and good qualities; yet Rama is the greatest ocean of bliss.
हृदयँ अनुग्रह इंदु प्रकासा। सूचत किरन मनोहर हासा॥ कबहुँ उछंग कबहुँ बर पलना। मातु दुलारइ कहि प्रिय ललना॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
hṛdayaṃ anugraha indu prakāsā। sūcata kirana manohara hāsā॥ kabahuṃ uchaṃga kabahuṃ bara palanā। mātu dularai kahi priya lalanā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
In his heart shines the moon of grace. His enchanting smile reveals the rays of that moon of compassion. Sometimes, holding him in her lap and sometimes laying him in a fine cradle, the mother lovingly says, “My dear child!”
ब्यापक ब्रह्म निरंजन निर्गुन बिगत बिनोद। सो अज प्रेम भगति बस कौसल्या कें गोद॥ १९८ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
byāpaka brahma niraṃjana nirguna bigata binoda। so aja prema bhagati basa kausalyā keṃ goda॥ 198 ॥
Meaning:
The all-pervading Brahman, spotless, attributeless, beyond worldly खेल, and unborn—He is the very One who, under the sway of love and devotion, rests in Kaushalya’s lap.
काम कोटि छबि स्याम सरीरा। नील कंज बारिद गंभीरा॥ अरुन चरन पंकज नख जोती। कमल दलन्हि बैठे जनु मोती॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kāma koṭi chabi syāma sarīrā। nīla kanja bārida gaṃbhīrā॥ aruna carana paṃkaja nakha jotī। kamala dalanhi baiṭhe janu motī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
His dark body is as beautiful as millions of Kamadevas, like a deep blue cloud and a blue lotus. The radiance of the nails on his red lotus-feet appears as though pearls had been set upon lotus petals.
रेख कुलिस ध्वज अंकुस सोहे। नूपुर धुनि सुनि मुनि मन मोहे॥ कटि किंकिनी उदर त्रय रेखा। नाभि गभीर जान जेहिं देखा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
rekha kulisa dhvaja aṃkusa sohe। nūpura dhuni suni muni mana mohe॥ kaṭi kiṃkinī udara traya rekhā। nābhi gabhīra jāna jehiṃ dekhā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
On his feet shine the marks of the thunderbolt, banner, and goad. Hearing the sound of the anklets, even sages are charmed. Around the waist is a jeweled girdle, and three lines mark the abdomen. Only one who has seen it knows the depth of the navel.
भुज बिसाल भूषन जुत भूरी। हियँ हरि नख अति सोभा रूरी॥ उर मनिहार पदिक की सोभा। बिप्र चरन देखत मन लोभा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhuja bisāla bhūṣana juta bhūrī। hiyaṃ hari nakha ati sobhā rūrī॥ ura manihāra padika kī sobhā। bipra carana dekhata mana lobhā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
His broad arms are adorned with many ornaments. On the chest is a most beautiful mark of Hari's claw. The beauty of the necklace ornament and the Brahmin's feet enchants the mind at the sight.
कंबु कंठ अति चिबुक सुहाई। आनन अमित मदन छबि छाई॥ दुइ दुइ दसन अधर अरुनारे। नासा तिलक को बरनै पारे॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kaṃbu kaṇṭha ati cibuka suhāī। ānana amita madana chabi chāī॥ dui dui dasana adhara arunāre। nāsā tilaka ko baranae pāre॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
His neck is like a conch, and his chin is exceedingly lovely. On his face abides the beauty of countless Kamadevas. He has two little teeth and red lips. Who can possibly describe the beauty of his nose and tilak?
सुंदर श्रवन सुचारु कपोला। अति प्रिय मधुर तोतरे बोला॥ चिक्कन कच कुंचित गभुआरे। बहु प्रकार रचि मातु सँवारे॥ ५ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sundara śravana sucāru kapolā। ati priya madhura totare bolā॥ cikkana kaca kuṃcita gabhūāre। bahu prakāra rachi mātu saṃvāre॥ 5 ॥
Meaning:
He has lovely ears and graceful cheeks; his sweet baby talk is very dear. His hair is smooth and curled, and his mother has arranged and adorned it in many ways.
पीत झगुलिआ तनु पहिराई। जानु पानि बिचरनि मोहि भाई॥ रूप सकहिं नहिं कहि श्रुति सेषा। सो जानइ सपनेहुँ जेहिं देखा॥ ६ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
pīta jhaguliā tanu pahirāī। jānu pāni bicarani mohi bhāī॥ rūpa sakahiṃ nahiṃ kahi śruti seṣā। so jānai sapanehuṃ jehiṃ dekhā॥ 6 ॥
Meaning:
He is dressed in a yellow little frock. Crawling on hands and knees is very dear to me. Even the Vedas and Shesha cannot describe his form. Only one who has seen it even in a dream truly knows it.
सुख संदोह मोहपर ग्यान गिरा गोतीत। दंपति परम प्रेम बस कर सिसुचरित पुनीत॥ १९९ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sukha saṃdoha mohapara gyāna girā gotīta। daṃpati parama prema basa kara sisucarita punīta॥ 199 ॥
Meaning:
They are the very treasure of bliss, beyond delusion, knowledge, and speech; yet, under the spell of their supreme love, the divine couple performs pure childhood pastimes.
एहि बिधि राम जगत पितु माता। कोसलपुर बासिन्ह सुखदाता॥ जिन्ह रघुनाथ चरन रति मानी। तिन्ह की यह गति प्रगट भवानी॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
ehi bidhi rāma jagata pitu mātā। kosalapura bāsinha sukhadātā॥ jinha raghunātha carana rati mānī। tinha kī yaha gati pragaṭa bhavānī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
In this way, Rama, the father and mother of the world, gives joy to the people of Kosala. O Bhavani, this is the visible fate of those who have placed their love at the feet of Raghunatha.
रघुपति बिमुख जतन कर कोरी। कवन सकइ भव बंधन छोरी॥ जीव चराचर बस कै राखे। सो माया प्रभु सों भय भाखे॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
raghupati bimukha jatana kara korī। kavana sakai bhava baṃdhana chorī॥ jīva carācara basa kai rākhē। so māyā prabhu soṃ bhaya bhākhe॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
If one turns away from Raghunatha, even millions of efforts cannot free one from the bondage of the world. Maya, which keeps all moving and unmoving beings under its control, itself fears the Lord.
भृकुटि बिलास नचावइ ताही। अस प्रभु छाड़ि भजिअ कहु काही॥ मन क्रम बचन छाड़ि चतुराई। भजत कृपा करिहहिं रघुराई॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhṛkuṭi bilāsa nacāvai tāhī। asa prabhu chāḍi bhajia kahu kāhī॥ mana krama bacana chāḍi caturāī। bhajata kṛpā karihahiṃ raghurāī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
The Lord makes Maya dance with a mere movement of his brows. Abandoning such a Lord, tell me, whom else should one worship? Give up cleverness in mind, word, and deed, and Raghunath will surely bestow grace.
एहि बिधि सिसुबिनोद प्रभु कीन्हा। सकल नगरबासिन्ह सुख दीन्हा॥ लै उछंग कबहुँक हलरावै। कबहुँ पालने घालि झुलावै॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
ehi bidhi sisubinoda prabhu kīnhā। sakala nagarabāsinha sukha dīnhā॥ lai uchaṃga kabahuṃka halarāvai। kabahuṃ pālane ghāli jhulāvai॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
In this way Lord Rama enacted childlike sports and gave joy to all the people of the city. Sometimes Kaushalya would take him in her lap and rock him, and sometimes lay him in the cradle and swing him.
प्रेम मगन कौसल्या निसि दिन जात न जान। सुत सनेह बस माता बालचरित कर गान॥ २०० ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
prema magana kausalyā nisi dina jāta na jāna। suta snehā basa mātā bālacarita kara gāna॥ 200 ॥
Meaning:
Absorbed in love, Kaushalya did not know when night and day passed. Under the spell of motherly affection, she would sing of the child's deeds.
एक बार जननीं अन्हवाए। करि सिंगार पलनाँ पौढ़ाए॥ निज कुल इष्टदेव भगवाना। पूजा हेतु कीन्ह अस्नाना॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
eka bāra jananīṃ anhavāe। kari siṃgāra palanāṃ pauṛhāe॥ nija kula iṣṭadeva bhagavānā। pūjā hetu kīna asnānā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Once the mother bathed Shri Ramchandra, adorned him, and laid him in the cradle. Then she bathed herself for the worship of her family's chosen deity, the Lord.
करि पूजा नैबेद्य चढ़ावा। आपु गई जहँ पाक बनावा॥ बहुरि मातु तहवाँ चलि आई। भोजन करत देख सुत जाई॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kari pūjā naibedya caṛhāvā। āpu gaī jahaṃ pāka banāvā॥ bahuri mātu tahavāṃ cali āī। bhojana karata dekha suta jāī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
She performed the worship and offered the naivedya, then went herself to the place where the food was being prepared. Afterward the mother came back there and saw her son eating the offered food.
गै जननी सिसु पहिं भयभीता। देखा बाल तहाँ पुनि सूता॥ बहुरि आइ देखा सुत सोई। हृदयँ कंप मन धीर न होई॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
gai jananī sisu pahiṃ bhayabhītā। dekhā bāla tahāṃ puni sūtā॥ bahuri āi dekhā suta soī। hṛdayaṃ kaṃpa mana dhīra na hoī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
The mother went in fear to the child, thinking, 'He was asleep in the cradle—who has brought him here?' There she saw the boy lying asleep. Then, returning again, she saw the same son there. Her heart trembled and her mind could not remain steady.
इहाँ उहाँ दुइ बालक देखा। मतिभ्रम मोर कि आन बिसेषा॥ देखि राम जननी अकुलानी। प्रभु हँसि दीन्ह मधुर मुसुकानी॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
ihāṃ uhāṃ dui bālaka dekhā। matibhrama mora ki āna biseṣā॥ dekhi rāma jananī akulānī। prabhu haṃsi dīna madhura musukānī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
I saw two boys, here and there. Is this a confusion of my mind, or is there some other mystery? Seeing his mother distressed, Lord Rama smiled sweetly and laughed.
देखरावा मातहि निज अद्भुत रूप अखंड। रोम रोम प्रति लागे कोटि कोटि ब्रह्मंड॥ २०१ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
dekarāvā mātahi nija adbhuta rūpa akhaṃḍa। roma roma prati lāge koṭi koṭi brahmāṃḍa॥ 201 ॥
Meaning:
Then he revealed to his mother his own undivided, wondrous form, in whose every hair countless millions of universes were contained.
अगनित रबि ससि सिव चतुरानन। बहु गिरि सरित सिंधु महि कानन॥ काल कर्म गुन ग्यान सुभाऊ। सोउ देखा जो सुना न काऊ॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
aganita rabi sasi siva caturānana। bahu giri sarita siṃdhu mahi kānana॥ kāla karma guna gyāna subhāū। sou dekhā jo sunā na kāū॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
He saw countless suns and moons, Shiva and Brahma, many mountains, rivers, oceans, the earth, forests, time, action, qualities, knowledge, and nature. He also saw things never even heard of by anyone.
देखी माया सब बिधि गाढ़ी। अति सभीत जोरें कर ठाढ़ी॥ देखा जीव नचावइ जाही। देखी भगति जो छोरइ ताही॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
dekhī māyā saba bidhi gāṛhī। ati sabhīta joreṃ kara ṭhāṛhī॥ dekhā jīva nacāvai jāhī। dekhī bhagati jo choṛai tāhī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
He saw Maya, strong in every way, standing there in great fear with folded hands. He saw the living being, whom she makes dance, and he saw devotion, which frees that being from her.
तन पुलकित मुख बचन न आवा। नयन मूदि चरननि सिरु नावा॥ बिसमयवंत देखि महतारी। भए बहुरि सिसुरूप खरारी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tana pulakita mukha bacana na āvā। nayana mūdi caranani siru nāvā॥ bisamayavaṃta dekhi mahatārī। bhae bahuri sisurūpa kharārī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Her body was thrilled with joy; no words came from her mouth. Then, closing her eyes, she bowed her head at Shri Ramchandra's feet. Seeing his mother amazed, Rama, the enemy of Khara, became a child again.
अस्तुति करि न जाइ भय माना। जगत पिता मैं सुत करि जाना॥ हरि जननी बहुबिधि समुझाई। यह जनि कतहुँ कहसि सुनु माई॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
astuti kari na jāi bhaya mānā। jagata pitā maiṃ suta kari jānā॥ hari jananī bahubidhi samujhāī। yaha jani katahuṃ kahasi sunu māī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Praise could not even be offered; she became afraid, thinking, 'I have taken the Father of the world as my son.' Hari explained to the mother in many ways and said, 'Listen, Mother, do not ever tell this anywhere.'
बार बार कौसल्या बिनय करइ कर जोरि। अब जनि कबहूँ ब्यापै प्रभु मोहि माया तोरि॥ २०२ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bāra bāra kausalyā binaya karai kara jori। aba jani kabahūṃ byāpai prabhu mohi māyā tori॥ 202 ॥
Meaning:
Again and again Kaushalya folds her hands and humbly prays: 'O Lord, may your Maya never again overtake me.'
बालचरित हरि बहुबिधि कीन्हा। अति अनंद दासन्ह कहँ दीन्हा॥ कछुक काल बीतें सब भाई। बड़े भए परिजन सुखदाई॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bālacarita hari bahubidhi kīnhā। ati ananda dāsanha kahaṃ dīnhā॥ kachuka kāla bīteṃ saba bhāī। baṛe bhae parijana sukhadāī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The Lord performed many kinds of childhood pastimes and gave great joy to His devotees. After some time had passed, all the brothers grew up and became a source of happiness to the family.
चूड़ाकरन कीन्ह गुरु जाई। बिप्रन्ह पुनि दछिना बहु पाई॥ परम मनोहर चरित अपारा। करत फिरत चारिउ सुकुमारा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
cūṛākaraṇa kīnhā guru jāī। bipranha puni dachinā bahu pāī॥ parama manohara carita apārā। karata phirata cāriu sukumārā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Then the guru went and performed the tonsure rite. The Brahmins then received much in gifts. The four beautiful princes move about constantly in wonderfully charming and boundless ways.
मन क्रम बचन अगोचर जोई। दसरथ अजिर बिचर प्रभु सोई॥ भोजन करत बोल जब राजा। नहिं आवत तजि बाल समाजा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
mana krama bacana agochara joī। dasaratha ajira bichara prabhu soī॥ bhojana karata bola jaba rājā। nahiṃ āvata taji bāla samājā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
He who is beyond mind, speech, and action—the Lord Himself wanders in Dasharatha's courtyard. When the king calls Him for भोजन, He does not leave the company of His child companions.
कौसल्या जब बोलन जाई। ठुमुकु ठुमुकु प्रभु चलहिं पराई॥ निगम नेति सिव अंत न पावा। ताहि धरै जननी हठि धावा॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kausalyā jaba bolana jāī। ṭhumuku ṭhumuku prabhu calahiṃ parāī॥ nigama neti siva anta na pāvā। tāhi dharai jananī haṭhi dhāvā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
When Kaushalya comes to call Him, the Lord runs away with tiny, toddling steps. He whom the Vedas describe as 'neti' ('not this') and whose end even Shiva could not find, the mother rushes after Him in stubborn pursuit.
भोजन करत चपल चित इत उत अवसरु पाइ। भाजि चले किलकत मुख दधि ओदन लपटाइ॥ २०३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhojana karata capala cita ita uta avasaru pāi। bhāji cale kilakata mukha dadhi odana lapaṭāi॥ 203 ॥
Meaning:
While eating, their minds are restless. Seizing the chance, they dash away here and there, laughing with curd and rice still in their mouths.
बालचरित अति सरल सुहाए। सारद सेष संभु श्रुति गाए॥ जिन्ह कर मन इन्ह सन नहिं राता। ते जन बंचित किए बिधाता॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bālacarita ati sarala suhāe। sārada seṣa sambhu śruti gāe॥ jinha kara mana inha sana nahiṃ rātā। te jana baṃcita kie bidhātā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The very simple and lovely childhood pastimes of Rama have been sung by Saraswati, Shesha, Shiva, and the Vedas. Those whose minds have not become devoted to them, the Creator has left bereft.
भए कुमार जबहिं सब भ्राता। दीन्ह जनेऊ गुरु पितु माता॥ गुरगृहँ गए पढ़न रघुराई। अलप काल बिद्या सब आई॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhae kumāra jabahiṃ saba bhrātā। dīnh janēū guru pitu mātā॥ guragṛhaṃ gae paṛhana raghurāī। alapa kāla bidyā saba āī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
As soon as all the brothers reached boyhood, their guru, father, and mother had their sacred thread ceremony performed. Raghunatha, along with His brothers, went to the guru's house to study, and in a short time all knowledge came to them.
जाकी सहज स्वास श्रुति चारी। सो हरि पढ़ यह कौतुक भारी॥ बिद्या बिनय निपुन गुन सीला। खेलहिं खेल सकल नृप लीला॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jākī sahaja svāsa śruti cārī। so hari paṛha yaha kautuka bhārī॥ bidyā binaya nipuna guna sīlā। khelahiṃ khela sakala nṛpa līlā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
It is a great wonder that the Lord should study, for the four Vedas are His natural breath. The four brothers are skilled in learning, humility, virtue, and conduct, and they play only royal-like games.
करतल बान धनुष अति सोहा। देखत रूप चराचर मोहा॥ जिन्ह बीथिन्ह बिहरहिं सब भाई। थकित होहिं सब लोग लुगाई॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
karatala bāna dhanuṣa ati sohā। dekhata rūpa carācara mohā॥ jinha bīthinha biharahiṃ saba bhāī। thakita hohiṃ saba loga lugāī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
The arrows and bow in their hands look exceedingly beautiful. At the sight of their form, all living and non-living beings are enchanted. Wherever all the brothers wander and खेल in the streets, everyone there—men and women alike—becomes spellbound and stands still.
कोसलपुर बासी नर नारि बृद्ध अरु बाल। प्रानहु ते प्रिय लागत सब कहुँ राम कृपाल॥ २०४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kosalapura bāsī nara nāri bṛddha aru bāla। prānahu te priya lāgata saba kahuṃ rāma kṛpāla॥ 204 ॥
Meaning:
To all the inhabitants of Kosala—men, women, the old, and the young—compassionate Rama is dearer than life itself.
बंधु सखा सँग लेहिं बोलाई। बन मृगया नित खेलहिं जाई॥ पावन मृग मारहिं जियँ जानी। दिन प्रति नृपहि देखावहिं आनी॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bandhu sakhā saṅga lehīṃ bolāī। bana mṛgayā nita khelahiṃ jāī॥ pāvana mṛga mārahiṃ jiyaṃ jānī। dina prati nṛpahi dekhāvahiṃ ānī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Gathering His brothers and friends, Rama takes them along and goes into the forest each day for hunting. Thinking the deer to be pure, He kills them and brings them daily to show the king.
जे मृग राम बान के मारे। ते तनु तजि सुरलोक सिधारे॥ अनुज सखा सँग भोजन करहीं। मातु पिता अग्या अनुसरहीं॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
je mṛga rāma bāna ke māre। te tanu taji suraloka sidhāre॥ anuja sakhā saṅga bhojana karahīṃ। mātu pitā agyā anusarahīṃ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
The deer struck by Rama's arrows would leave their bodies and go on to the world of the gods. Rama ate together with His younger brothers and companions, and He followed the commands of His mother and father.
जेहि बिधि सुखी होहिं पुर लोगा। करहिं कृपानिधि सोइ संजोगा॥ बेद पुरान सुनहिं मन लाई। आपु कहहिं अनुजन्ह समुझाई॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jehi bidhi sukhī hohiṃ pura logā। karahiṃ kṛpānidhi soi saṃjogā॥ beda purāna sunahiṃ mana lāī। āpu kahahiṃ anujanha samujhāī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Whatever makes the people of the city happy, the treasure of compassion arranges that very circumstance. He listens attentively to the Vedas and Puranas, and then Himself explains them to His younger brothers.
प्रातकाल उठि कै रघुनाथा। मातु पिता गुरु नावहिं माथा॥ आयसु मागि करहिं पुर काजा। देखि चरित हरषइ मन राजा॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
prātakāla uṭhi kai raghunāthā। mātu pitā guru nāvahiṃ māthā॥ āyasu māgi karahiṃ pura kājā। dekhi carita harṣai mana rājā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Raghunatha rises at dawn, bows His head to His mother, father, and guru, and asks permission to attend to the affairs of the city. Seeing His conduct again and again, the king becomes greatly delighted in his heart.
ब्यापक अकल अनीह अज निर्गुन नाम न रूप। भगत हेतु नाना बिधि करत चरित्र अनूप॥ २०५ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
byāpaka akala anīha aja nirguna nāma na rūpa। bhagata hetu nānā bidhi karata caritra anūpa॥ 205 ॥
Meaning:
He who is all-pervading, without parts, desireless, unborn, and without गुण; He who has neither name nor form—He performs countless incomparable deeds for the sake of His devotees.
यह सब चरित कहा मैं गाई। आगिलि कथा सुनहु मन लाई॥ बिस्वामित्र महामुनि ग्यानी। बसहिं बिपिन सुभ आश्रम जानी॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
yaha saba carita kahā maiṃ gāī। āgili kathā sunahu mana lāī॥ bisvāmitra mahāmuni gyānī। basahiṃ bipina subha āśrama jānī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
I have sung and recounted all these deeds. Now listen attentively to the story that follows. The learned great sage Vishvamitra dwelt in a beautiful hermitage, having chosen the forest as a holy abode.
जहँ जप जग्य जोग मुनि करहीं। अति मारीच सुबाहुहि डरहीं॥ देखत जग्य निसाचर धावहिं। करहिं उपद्रव मुनि दुख पावहिं॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jahaṃ japa jagya joga muni karahīṃ। ati mārīca subāhuhi ḍarahīṃ॥ dekhata jagya nisācara dhāvahiṃ। karahiṃ upadrava muni dukha pāvahiṃ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
There the sages performed japa, sacrifice, and yoga, but they were greatly troubled by Maricha and Subahu. As soon as the sacrifice began, the demons would rush in and cause disturbances, bringing pain to the sages.
गाधितनय मन चिंता ब्यापी। हरि बिनु मरहिं न निसिचर पापी॥ तब मुनिबर मन कीन्ह बिचारा। प्रभु अवतरेउ हरन महि भारा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
gādhitanaya mana cintā byāpī। hari binu marahiṃ na nisichara pāpī॥ taba munibara mana kīnh bicārā। prabhu avatareu harana mahi bhārā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
A worry arose in the mind of the son of Gadhi: these sinful demons will not die unless the Lord Himself destroys them. Then the noble sage reflected that the Lord has descended to remove the burden of the earth.
एहूँ मिस देखौं पद जाई। करि बिनती आनौं दोउ भाई॥ ग्यान बिराग सकल गुन अयना। सो प्रभु मैं देखब भरि नयना॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
ehūṃ misa dekhauṃ pada jāī। kari binatī ānauṃ dou bhāī॥ gyāna birāga sakala guna ayanā। so prabhu maiṃ dekhaba bhari nayanā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Using this pretext, I will go and behold His feet and, after making my request, bring both brothers with me. Ah! The Lord who is the abode of knowledge, dispassion, and all virtues—I shall behold Him with eyes full of longing.
बहुबिधि करत मनोरथ जात लागि नहिं बार। करि मज्जन सरऊ जल गए भूप दरबार॥ २०६ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bahubidhi karata manoratha jāta lāgi nahiṃ bāra। kari majjana saraū jala gae bhūpa darbāra॥ 206 ॥
Meaning:
While making many plans and wishes, no time was lost. After bathing in the waters of the Sarayu, he went to the king's court.