Day 30 Chapter 7 Utter Kaand - RamCharitMaanas

‘RaamCharitManas’ authored by Tulsidas jee, Interpreted in English and Published by Gita Press, and made Screen Readable by Dr T K Bansal (JayShreeRaam) for Blind and Visually Impaired Individuals.

Last couplet from Day 29.

Couplets : 114

1
…And for this reason, this body of a crow is very dear to me, for it was in this very form that I attained devotion to Shree Raam’s feet. I was blessed with the divine sight of my Lord, and all my doubts were dispelled…

Day 30 starts here:

Couplets : 114

2
…The great sage cursed me for my stubbornness in devotion to the divine form of the Supreme Brahm. Yet, in the end, I was blessed with a unique boon, one that even sages find difficult to attain. Just look at the profound power of worshipping the divine!

7.18 Distinction between knowledge and devotion. The great glory of wisdom’s light and the supreme renown of devotion

Quadrupeds :

1
…Those who abandon such worship and strive only for spiritual knowledge are like fools who forsake the wish-fulfilling celestial cow in their own home in search of the Akā plant (milkweed) for its milk….

2
…Listen, O’ King of Birds, those who seek happiness through other means after renouncing devotion to Lord Hari, are like fools attempting to cross the vast ocean, without a vessel…

3
…Lord Shiv said to Goddess Parvati, “O Bhawani, after hearing Kak Bhushundi’s words, Garud was filled with joy and spoke in a gentle tone”: “Lord, by your grace, my heart is now free from all doubts, sorrows, attachments, and delusions…

4
…By your grace, I have heard the multitude of Lord Ram’s sacred virtues and attained peace of mind. O’ Ocean of mercy, I wish to ask you one more thing, please explain it to me…

5
…The saints, sages, Vedas, and Puranas have declared that nothing is as challenging to attain as spiritual knowledge. O’ Lord, even Sage Lomash advised you on this, yet you did not regard it as highly as devotion to the Divine…

6
…What distinguishes spiritual knowledge from devotion? O’ Gracious Lord, please explain this to me in detail.” Hearing the humble question of the enemy of serpents, the all-wise Kak Bhushundi was pleased and responded courteously,…

7
…”There is no distinction whatsoever between knowledge and devotion, as both dispel the sufferings of mundane existence. Yet, O’ Lord, the sages have highlighted some subtle differences between the two. Listen carefully to these distinctions, O’ King of the birds…

8
…O’ Mount of Lord Hari! spiritual knowledge, dispassion, yoga (union with the Divine), and enlightenment are conceived as masculine in conception. Traditionally, men have been considered strong and powerful in all ways, while women have been viewed as inherently weaker and less capable…

Couplets : 115

1
…However, only those men who are detached from worldly pleasures and resolute in mind can abandon a woman, not those who are enslaved by sensual desires, swayed by worldly attachments, and turned away from the feet of Lord Raghuveer…

Sorttha :

2
…Even enlightened sages, who are the abode of wisdom, can be swayed upon beholding the face of a beautiful woman, O’ Mount of Lord Hari. Indeed, it is none other than Lord Vishnu’s own Maya (Illusory energy) that manifests in the form of a woman!

Quadrupeds :

1
…I am not taking sides, but merely conveying the perspectives outlined in the Vedas, Puranas, and by the saints. A woman does not become enamoured by the appearance of another woman. O’ Foe of serpents, this is a remarkable phenomenon…

2
…Listen to this, everyone is aware that both Illusory energy (Maya) and Devotion (Bhakti) are personified as women. Yet, Lord Raghuveer cherishes Devotion, while poor Maya is regarded as nothing more than a mere dancing girl…

3
…Lord Raghunath especially favours Bhakti, which is why Maya is deeply fearful of Devotion. At the very sight of a person in whose heart unique, guileless, and uninterrupted devotion to Lord Ram always resides,…

4
…Maya shrinks away and becomes powerless to exert any authority over him. Knowing this fact, even the enlightened sages seek Bhakti, the fountain of all blessings…

Couplets : 116

1
…Lord Raghunath does not readily reveal this secret to anyone. However, those who learn it through Lord Raghupati’s grace remain free from delusion, even in their dreams…

2
…O’ Most wise Garud, listen further to the distinction between knowledge and devotion, through which one attains unwavering and eternal love in Lord Ram’s feet…

Quadrupeds :

1
…Listen, dear Garud, to this ineffable truth, grasped only by the mind yet beyond the reach of words. The eternal living entity is a part and parcel of the Lord, indestructible, conscious, pure, and inherently blissful by nature….

2
…O’ Lord of the senses, this living entity has fallen under the influence of Maya and become ensnared in its own trap, like a parrot or a monkey. The living entity and the material world are bound by a knot that, though illusory, is difficult to untangle…

3
…Since the moment the living entity became worldly, it has been unable to attain true happiness until this knot is untied. Although the Vedas and Puranas prescribe various methods to loosen it, the knot often becomes even more entangled…

4
…The darkness of ignorance deeply engulfs the heart of living beings, making the knot invisible. How, then, can it be untied? It is only when the Lord orchestrates a favourable circumstance that this knot has the possibility of being untangled…

5
…By the grace of God, imagine a charming cow symbolizing pure piety taking residence in one’s heart. This cow nourishes itself on green grass, represented by chanting, penance, fasting, and noble virtues such as truth, non-stealing, non-violence, purity, celibacy, as well as other sacred observances and countless pious practices prescribed by the Vedas…

6
…A newborn calf is born, and the cow lovingly and generously feeds it her milk. The rope used to tie the hind legs of cows during milking symbolizes detachment, while the pot to collect the cow’s milk represents faith. The pure heart, serving as its own master, takes on the role of a cowherd…

7
…Brother, this supremely righteous milk should be boiled over the fire of dispassion and then cooled with the breath of contentment and forgiveness. A portion of curd, symbolizing even-mindedness, should then be added to transform the milk into curd…

8
…Thereafter, the curd, prepared in this manner, should be churned in the earthen vase of cheerfulness using a churning-stick symbolizing control of the senses, fastened with a cord of truthfulness and sweet words. Through this process of churning, one should extract the pure, excellent, and holy butter of dispassion…

Couplets : 117

1
…After kindling the fire of Yoga (concentration of the mind), one should offer their past Karma, both good and evil, as fuel to the fire, along with the butter as an offering. When the scum of worldly attachments is burnt away, the remaining ghee (clarified butter) of infatuations should be cooled and purified through the wisdom of intellect…

2
…Then, the intellect, in the form of knowledge, should take that pure ghee (symbolizing wisdom), fill the lamp of the heart with it, craft a lampstand of equality, and place the lamp firmly upon it…

3
…Extracting cotton in the form of the transcendental state from the shell of the three states of consciousness (waking, dreaming, and dreamless sleep) and the three modes of nature (goodness, passion, and ignorance), it should then be carded and fashioned into a strong wick…

Sorttha :

4
…In this manner, one should light the glorious lamp of spiritual knowledge, which by its mere presence, consumes all moths in the form of vices such as ego, lust, anger, attachment, affection, jealousy, deceit, false pride, hypocrisy, and envy…

Quadrupeds :

1
…The constant state of mind that “I am the same (Brahma)” represents the most dazzling flame of the lamp. In this way, when the bliss of self-realization radiates its brilliant light, the illusion of duality, the root of worldly existence, is dispelled,…

2
…and the powerful forces of ignorance, delusions, material desires, anger, greed, attachments, pride & jealousy vanish completely. Then, the same intellect, after receiving the spiritual light, settles in the heart and unties the knots of spirit and matter…

3
…If the mind is able to untie the knot, the person attains complete gratification. However, the moment the knot is untied, O’ King of Birds, Maya swiftly creates numerous obstacles…

4
…O’ Brother, Maya sends forth many divine powers in the form of prosperity and success to lure the mind. With beauty, strength, and deceit, these powers approach and extinguish the light of enlightenment by fanning it with the ends of their garments…

5
…If the mind is extremely intelligent and recognizes the divine powers as harmful, it does not even glance at them. And when these divine powers fail to distract the mind, the Demigods then step in to create obstacles…

6
…Establishing their stations, the Demigods preside over each of the doors and windows of the fourteen senses – the ten outward senses (smell, taste, sight, touch, hearing, hands, feet, speech, reproduction, and excretion) and the four inward senses (mind, intellect, heart, and ego). Upon seeing the wind of sensuality approaching, the Demigods forcibly throw the shutters of the senses, wide open…

7
…As soon as the storm of sensual desires penetrate the chamber of the heart, the light of spiritual enlightenment is extinguished. In this way, the knot binding the spirit to matter remains untied, and the light of self-realization vanishes. The mind, overwhelmed by the wind of sensuality, becomes bewildered…

8
…The senses and their presiding Demigods do not favour spiritual knowledge; they are always inclined toward sensual pleasures. And when the intellect too is distracted by the storm of sensuality, who can rekindle the lamp of self-realization as before?…

Couplets : 118

1
…In this way, the living entity once again undergoes the manifold agonies of transmigration. O’ King of Birds, Lord Hari’s Maya is extremely potent and cannot be easily crossed over…

2
…The path of knowledge is difficult to express, understand, and achieve, even though diligent practice. Even if success is achieved by sheer coincidence, much like a wood-eating worm accidentally carving the name “Ram” on wood, which is a rare occurrence, made possible only by God’s grace; then there are many obstacles in retaining this wisdom…

Quadrupeds :

1
…The path of wisdom is as sharp as a double-edged sword, O’ King of Birds, and it doesn’t take long for one to falter upon it. Those who navigate this path without stumbling, attain the supreme state of liberation…

2
…The Sages, Puranas, Scriptures, and the Vedas have declared that attaining the supreme state of final beatitude is extremely difficult. However, O’ Lord of the senses, the same liberation is easily achieved through the worship of Lord Raam. In fact, it is graciously bestowed upon the devotee, even without their desire for it…

3
…Just as water cannot remain without the support of land despite numerous efforts, similarly the supreme bliss of liberation cannot be attained without devotion to Lord Hari, O’ King of Birds…

4
…Realizing this truth, wise devotees of Lord Hari remain captivated by devotion, disregarding liberation. Through devotion, all ignorance, the root of worldly existence, is effortlessly eradicated without any exertion…

5
…Just as one eats food for personal satisfaction, while the gastric fire digests it effortlessly, similarly, devotion to Lord Hari is both easy and immensely delightful. Who, then, would be foolish enough not to embrace it?…

Couplets : 119

1
…O’ Enemy of serpents, without embracing the sentiment that I am the servant, and the Lord is my master, one cannot cross the vast ocean of mundane existence. Realizing this ultimate truth, one should worship the lotus feet of Lord Raam…

2
…Lord Raghunayak can transform the animate into the inanimate and vice versa. Truly blessed are the souls who worship such an omnipotent Lord…

Quadrupeds :

1
…I have explained the principles of knowledge to you; now listen to the glory of devotion, which is akin to a jewel. Devotion to Lord Raam is like a beautiful gem capable of granting any wish. O’ Garud jee, the person in whose heart this jewel of devotion resides,…

2
…it radiates brilliance day and night, requiring neither a lamp, clarified butter, nor a wick. Neither poverty in the form of infatuation can approach it, nor can the wind of greed extinguish it, for the gem is self-illuminating…

7.19 The virtues of the path of devotion and the seven questions of Garud jee along with Kak Bhushundi jee’s replies to them.

3
…With its effulgence, the formidable darkness of ignorance is dispelled, and the entire swarm of moths in the form of arrogance is defeated. In the heart where devotion resides, vices such as ego, lust, anger, attachment, affection, jealousy, deceit, false pride, hypocrisy, and envy do not dare to approach…

4
…For him, even poison turns into nectar, and an enemy becomes a friend. True happiness cannot be attained without this jewel of devotion. Moreover, he is never afflicted by the terrible mental ailments that cause great suffering to all living beings…

5
…The one in whose heart the gem of devotion to Lord Raam resides, does not feel the slightest sorrow even in his dreams. Only those people who strive earnestly to secure this jewel of devotion can be considered to be the crown jewel among the wise…

6
…Although this gem of devotion is present in the world, it cannot be attained without the grace of Lord Raam. It is easily accessible, yet unfortunate individuals forsake it for other complicated paths…

7
…O’ Foe of serpents, the sacred mountains are comparable to the Vedas and Puranas, while the exploits of Lord Raam are like the precious mines within them. The saints are like skilled mineralogists, their sharp intellect serving as the spade, and their spiritual wisdom and dispassion acting as the two eyes surveying these mines…

8
…Anyone who seeks it with faith succeeds in discovering the gem of devotion, a treasure trove of all blessings. O’ Master, I hold a firm conviction in my heart that the devotees of Lord Raam are even greater than Lord Raam Himself…

9
…If Lord Raam is like an ocean, the wise saints are like rain-bearing clouds. If Lord Raam is a sandalwood tree, the saints are like the breeze that spreads its fragrance. The ultimate reward of all spiritual endeavours is the exquisite devotion to Lord Hari, and without a saint, no one can attain it…

10
…Realizing this truth, those who associate with saintly people will find devotion to Lord Raam easily attainable, O’ King of Birds…

Couplets : 120

1
…The Vedas are compared to the milky ocean, spiritual wisdom is symbolized by Mount Mandrachal, the sages are likened to the Demigods who churn out nectar in the form of sacred legends, and devotion embodies its sweetness…

2
…Using dispassion as a shield for self-defence and wielding knowledge as a sword to slay enemies like false pride, greed, and attachments, it is devotion to Lord Hari that ultimately triumphs. Reflect on this deeply, O’ King of Birds.”

Quadrupeds :

1
The King of Birds, Garud jee, spoke again, “O’ Compassionate one, if you are pleased with me, kindly accept me as your humble servant, and O’ Master, graciously answer my seven questions:…

2
…First, tell me, O’ Calm-minded Lord, which form of body is the most difficult to obtain. Then, reflect and briefly explain what constitutes the greatest misery and the highest pleasure…

3
…You know the essential characteristics of the saints and the evil-minded, please tell me about their natural disposition. What act of righteousness have the Vedas described as the greatest holy action and the most terrible sin?…

4
…Further, explain to me about the illness of the mind. You, who know everything, have been exceedingly gracious to me.” Kak Bhushundi jee replied, “O’ Dear one, I will share my views on these questions briefly. Listen to them with deep reverence and love…

5
…There is no other body like the human body. All living entities, whether animate or inanimate, aspire to be born as humans. The human body serves as a ladder, carrying the subtle body to hell, heaven, or liberation. It bestows spiritual knowledge, detachment, and pure devotion…

6
…Those men who fail to worship Lord Hari even after obtaining a human body and remain attached to the lowest worldly pleasures are like those who discard a stone that transforms iron into gold upon touch, choosing instead worthless pieces of glass…

7
…There is no greater misery in this world than poverty, and no joy surpasses communion with saints. The very nature of saints is to foster the welfare of others through their thoughts, words and deeds, O’ King of Birds…

8
…Saints endure pain for the welfare of others, while unfortunate impious men live only to torment others. Compassionate saints are like the white-oak tree, willingly subjecting themselves to immense suffering (even allowing their bark to be stripped) for the benefit of others…

9
…While the wretched, like hemp, have their skin peeled off and perish in agony, only to serve the purpose of binding others as cords. O’ Foe of serpents, the vile, without any benefit to themselves, inflict harm upon others, much like a snake or a rat…

10
…They destroy others’ wealth and possessions, and bring about their own ruin, much like hailstones that devastate crops and then melt away themselves. The birth of the vile is solely to bring harm to the world, much like the malefic planet Ketu, which is renowned for causing calamities in the world…

11
…The emergence of saints always brings joy, much like the Sun and the Moon, which consistently bestow happiness upon the world. The highest act of righteousness, as proclaimed by the Vedas, is non-violence (refraining from causing harm to any living being physically, mentally, or emotionally), and there is no sin as grievous as speaking ill of others…

12
…A person who insults Lord Shiv or his guru, is condemned to be reborn as a frog for one thousand years. Similarly, one who disrespects a Brahmin, endures suffering in various hells and is ultimately reborn in the world as a crow…

13
…Egoistic individuals who condemn the Demigods and Vedas, are destined to dwell in the most dreadful hell called Raurav. Those who take pleasure in insulting saints are reborn as owls, symbolizing beings trapped in the darkness of infatuation, for whom the Sun of wisdom has permanently set…

14
…A fool who habitually insults everyone is reborn as a bat. Now, O’ Dear, listen about the mental illnesses that bring pain and suffering to all…

15
…Attachment is the root cause of all ailments, giving rise to numerous other forms of suffering. Desire represents diseases caused by an imbalance of the wind element in the body, while greed corresponds to illnesses associated with the earth and water elements, such as excessive accumulation of mucus. Anger, on the other hand, results from imbalances in the fire and water elements, leading to excessive heartburn and acidity in the body…

16
…When all three (desire, greed, and anger) combine, they give rise to a condition known as “diarrhoea of the mouth,” a tendency in egocentric individuals to speak incessantly or thoughtlessly, causing great annoyance. The insatiable cravings for manifold sensory pleasures, often unattainable, lead to various mental and emotional troubles, too numerous to name…

17
…The feeling of possessiveness manifests as skin diseases such as shingles, ringworm, or herpes, whereas jealousy is akin to itchiness. Joy and grief correspond to a throat disease marked by the excessive enlargement of its glands. The jealousy felt upon witnessing others’ happiness is likened to tuberculosis, while wickedness and a deceitful heart are associated with leprosy…

18
…Egotism is comparable to the most painful form of gout, while hypocrisy, deceit, arrogance, and pride correspond to vein diseases associated with the guinea worm. The craving for enjoyment represents the most extreme form of edema, a condition marked by tissue swelling due to fluid buildup, whereas the threefold desires (offspring, wealth, and fame) are likened to a fever caused by an imbalance of wind, bile, and phlegm within the body….

19
…Envy and foolishness are akin to two distinct types of fevers. There are countless other ailments, far too numerous to name…

Couplets : 121

1
…A person can succumb to just one disease, yet I have described many incurable ailments that continuously torment the soul. How, then, can it attain peace or meditative trance?…

2
…There are sacred vows, religious observances, austere penance, spiritual wisdom, sacrifices, chanting, charity, and countless other remedies; yet the diseases do not subside through these, O’ Mount of Lord Hari…

7.20 The glory of Devotion

Quadrupeds :

1
…In this way, all people in the world suffer from mental ailments such as grief, joy, fear, love, and separation. I have described some of these illnesses to you. Although these afflictions exist in everyone, only a few are able to recognize them…

2
…Upon being detected, these sinful ailments that bring pain to the world may lessen in impact but are not entirely eradicated. Nourished by the unhealthy diet of material desires, they can sprout even in the hearts of sages—what hope, then, does an ordinary person have?…

3
…All these ailments can undoubtedly be eradicated if, by Lord Raam’s grace, the following factors align unwavering faith in the words of a true guru as the physician, control over the mind, and abstinence or detachment from all material desires…

4
…Lord Raghupati’s devotion is like the root of a life-giving herb, while a devout mind serves as the medium that aids in the administration, absorption, and effectiveness of the medicine of devotion. Through this process, the ailments can certainly be eradicated; without it, even countless efforts will fail to eliminate them…

5
…O’ Lord of the senses, a heart can be considered cured when it is filled with immense strength in the form of dispassion. The appetite for noble intellect continuously grows, while the weakness in the form of an appetite for material desires fades away…

6
…(Being thus rid of all diseases,) when a person bathes in the pure waters of wisdom, devotion to Lord Raam fills their heart. Lord Shiv, Lord Brahma, Sage Sukhdev, the four sage brothers Sanak, Sanandan, Sanatan, and Sanatkumar, Sage Naarad, and all those well-versed in the knowledge of the Supreme Lord…

7
…are of the unanimous opinion that one should cultivate devotion to the lotus feet of Lord Raam, O’ King of Birds. The Vedas, Puranas, and all the Scriptures declare that without devotion to Lord Raghupati, true happiness cannot be attained…

8
…A tortoise may grow hair on its back, an infertile woman’s son may commit murder, and the sky may bloom with various kinds of flowers, but a person can never find happiness by being hostile to Lord Hari…

9
…One’s thirst may be quenched by drinking water from a mirage, horns may grow on a rabbit’s head, and darkness may overcome the Sun, but a person can never attain happiness by turning away from Shree Raam…

10
…Fire may emerge from ice, but one cannot attain peace by opposing Shree Raam…

Couplets : 122

1
…Clarified butter may be churned from water, or oil may be extracted by grinding sand, but without worshipping Lord Hari, one cannot cross the ocean of mundane existence. This ultimate conclusion is unchanging and absolute…

2
…The Lord can elevate a mosquito to the position of Lord Brahma or degrade Brahma jee to a position lower than a mosquito. Understanding this truth, the wise abandon all doubts and devote themselves to the worship of Lord Raam…

Shlock :

1
…I share with you my firm conviction, and my words are not false in any condition: those who worship Shree Raam can effortlessly cross even the most turbulent ocean of mundane existence…

7.21 Greatness of Ramayan. Tulsidas jee’s prayer and reward of reciting this poem.

Quadrupeds :

1
…O’ Lord, I have narrated to you the incomparable exploits of Lord Hari, both in detail and in brief where appropriate, according to my intellect. O’ Foe of serpents, the ultimate truth according to the Vedas is this: one should worship Lord Raam, abandoning all other tasks…

2
…Tell me, who else could one serve, forsaking Lord Raghupati, who has shown affection to a fool like me? O’ Garud jee, you are the embodiment of knowledge and free from infatuation. Moreover, you have done me a great favour…

3
…by asking about the sacred story of Lord Raam, which delights the hearts of sages like Sukhdev, Sanak, Sanandan, Sanatan, and Sanatkumar, as well as Lord Shambhu and Goddess Bhawani. The communion of sages is extremely difficult to attain in this world for twenty-four minutes at a time, or even for a fraction of a second…

4
…O’ Garud jee, just reflect within your heart and see, am I truly worthy of worshipping Lord Raghuveer? I am the lowest among the bird species and impious in every way. Yet, the Lord has granted me the renown for purifying the world…

Couplets : 123

1
…Although I am vile in every way, I am blessed, most blessed today, for Lord Raam, recognizing me as His devotee, has graciously granted me the company of saints like you…

2
…Lord, I have recited Shree Ramcharitmanas to the best of my intellect, withholding nothing from you. However, the exploits of Lord Raghunayak are like a boundless ocean, can anyone ever fathom its depths?”

Quadrupeds :

1
The wise Kak Bhushundi jee, once again meditating on the countless virtues of Lord Raam, felt immense delight and remarked, “The One whose glory is extolled by the Vedas as infinite, who embodies unmatched strength, valour, and splendour,…

2
…the sovereign of the Raghu dynasty, whose feet are revered by Lord Shiv and Lord Brahma, has bestowed immense grace upon me. His heart is tender and filled with compassion. Such a nature is neither heard of, nor seen. O’ Garud jee, who can ever compare to Lord Raghupati?…

3
…Even seekers, realized saints, liberated beings, ascetics, poets, scholars, knowers of the laws of karma, hermits, yogis, valiant men, great sages, wise men, followers of the path of righteousness, pundits, and enlightened beings…

4
…cannot cross the vast ocean of mundane existence without serving my Lord, Shree Raam. To Him, I bow again, and again, and yet again. A repository of sins like myself, upon surrendering at the feet of Lord Raam, became purified. I bow once again to the immortal Supreme Lord…

Couplets : 124

1
…whose name acts like a medicine, curing the disease of repeated births and deaths and alleviating the three kinds of terrible pain (Adhyatmik, arising from within oneself; Adhidaivik, stemming from fate or God’s will; and Adhibhoutik, resulting from external factors caused by one’s own karma). May the same compassionate Lord Raam, always remain propitious to you and me.”

2
Hearing Kak Bhushundi jee’s blessed discourse and witnessing his unwavering devotion to Lord Raam’s feet, Garud jee, now free from all doubts, affectionately said:

Quadrupeds :

1
…”I am completely gratified after listening to your discourse, steeped in the nectar of Lord Raam’s devotion. I have found intense new love for the feet of Lord Raam, and the troubles caused by Maya (Lord’s illusory energy), have vanished…

2
…You became a vessel for me to cross the vast ocean of delusion. O’ Lord, you have blessed me with happiness in every way. However, I am incapable of repaying the favour you have bestowed upon me and can only bow at your feet again and again…

3
…You are blessedly content as all your desires have been fulfilled, and you are a devotee of Lord Raam. O’ Dear Kak Bhushundi jee, no one is as highly fortunate as you. The sages, trees, mountains, and the earth all exist solely for the benefit of others…

4
…Poets proclaim that the hearts of sages are like butter, but they fail to express the truth accurately. While butter melts only when heated by fire, the hearts of holy saints melt at the mere sight of others’ suffering…

5
…My life and birth in this world both have been rewarded, and by your grace, all my doubts have vanished. Always regard me as your humble servant.” Lord Shiv then said to Parvati jee, “O’ Ooma, the Chief of Birds repeatedly expressed these words…

Couplets : 125

1
…After affectionately bowing his head at the feet of Kak Bhushundi, the serene-minded Garud flew towards Vaikunth, having enshrined Lord Raghuveer in his heart…

2
…O’ Ggirija, there is no treasure more precious than the communion of saints. Such divine association is attainable only through the mercy of Lord Hari, as proclaimed by the Vedas and Puranas…

Quadrupeds :

1
…I have recited this supremely sacred account of Lord Raam’s divine exploits. By listening to it, a person gets free from the shackles of worldly existence and develops unwavering devotion to the lotus feet of Shree Raam, the wish-fulfilling tree and the embodiment of boundless mercy…

2
…Those who listen to this story with sincere attention are absolved of all sins committed through thought, word or deed. Pilgrimages to sacred places and other means of self-purification like the practice of yoga, detachment, mastery of spiritual knowledge,…

3
…various righteous deeds and religious practices, fasting, charity, abstinence, self-control, chanting, penance, performing manifold sacrifices (yagya), compassion for all beings, service to the Guru and Brahmins, learning, humility, fame,…

4
…and all other virtuous acts extolled in the Vedas, all of these lead to the ultimate fruit, which is devotion to Lord Hari, O’ Bhawani. Such devotion to Shree Raam, as glorified in the Vedas, is attained by only a rare soul and solely through the grace of the Lord Himself…

Couplets : 126

1
…And those men who constantly listen to the story of Lord Raam with faith, easily attain Lord Hari’s devotion, a gift so rare that even realized saints struggle hard to achieve…

Quadrupeds :

1
…He alone is wise, righteous, enlightened. the knower of all, an ornament of the earth, a learned scholar, a great donor, and a protector of his clan, whose heart remains devoted to the feet of Lord Raam…

2
…He alone is proficient in the rules of conduct, exceptionally intelligent, a knower of the ultimate truth of the Vedas, a poet, a scholar, and staunch in battle, who worships Lord Raghuveer after renouncing all deceit…

3
…Blessed is the land where the celestial river Ganga flows. Blessed is the woman who remains faithful and loyal to her husband, observing the vow of fidelity. Blessed is the king who upholds justice. Blessed is the Brahmin who remains steadfast in performing his duties of dharma and righteousness…

4
…Blessed is the wealth that serves the purpose of charity. Blessed is the mind, mature and refined, dedicated to righteous deeds. Blessed is the time spent in the holy company of saints. Blessed is the birth in which one practises unwavering devotion to the Brahmins…

Couplets : 127

1
…Listen, O’ Ooma, blessed is that family, worthy of the world’s adoration and supremely pious, in which modest men are born, devoted to worshipping Shree Raghuveer…

Quadrupeds :

1
…I have narrated Shree Ramcharitmanas to you to the best of my intellect. Although I initially kept it a secret, seeing your heart overwhelmed with love for Lord Raam’s devotion inspired me to share the sacred story of Shree Raghupati with you…

2
…One should never insist on reciting this story to a vile and stubborn person who lacks the willingness to attentively listen to the exploits of Lord Hari. Nor should it be recited to a greedy, resentful, or lustful man who does not worship Shree Raam, the Lord of all animate and inanimate beings…

3
…One should never recite it to a person who is hostile to Brahmins, even if he is a king like Indra, the Lord of the Demigods. Only those people are truly entitled to listen to Shree Raam’s story who are deeply fond of the company of saints…

4
…One who is devoted to his Guru’s feet, follows the path of righteousness, and serves Brahmins is truly qualified to hear this story. Shree Ramcharitmanas will bring special delight to those for whom Goddess Sita and Lord Raghunath are as dear as life itself…

Couplets : 128

1
…Anyone seeking devotion for the feet of Lord Raam or liberation should reverently listen to the story of Shree Raam, drinking it through the cup of their ears…

Quadrupeds :

1
… O’ Ggirija, I have thus recited Shree Ramcharitmanas, which destroys the sins of Kaliyug and purifies the heart of its impurities. It is like the Sanjeevani herb, a life-giving remedy that cures the disease of birth and death, as proclaimed by the Vedas and affirmed by learned scholars…

2
…Shree Ramcharitmanas consists of seven beautiful steps in the form of chapters (Baal Kaand, Ayodhya Kaand, Aranya Kaand, Kishkindha Kaand, Sunder Kaand, Lanka Kaand, and Uttar Kaand). These chapters serve as pathways leading to the ultimate devotion to Shree Raghupati. Only one who is blessed with the boundless grace of Lord Hari can embark on this path of devotion…

3
…Those who recite this story with a heart free of deceit find all their desires fulfilled. Whether one recites it, listens to it, or even appreciates it, they can effortlessly cross the vast ocean of worldly existence, as easily as stepping over the footprint of a cow’s hoof.”

4
After listening to the story of Lord Raam, which greatly delighted Her heart, Goddess Ggirija joyfully said, “O’ Lord, by your mercy all my doubts have vanished, and I have developed an ever-renewing devotional love for the feet of Lord Raam…

Couplets : 129

1
…By your grace, O’ Omnipresent Lord, I am experiencing inner contentment, have developed unwavering devotion to Lord Raam, and all my affliction has come to an end.”

Quadrupeds :

1
Tulsidas jee says, “The sacred dialogue between Lord Shambhu and Goddess Ooma bestows happiness, dispels all distress, ends the cycle of transmigration, and removes all doubts. It brings joy to devotees and is cherished by saints…

2
…There is nothing more endearing to the devotees of Shree Raam in this world than Shree Ramcharitmanas. By the grace of Lord Raghupati, I have narrated this sacred and enchanting tale to the best of my ability…

3
…In this age of Kaliyug, no other discipline is effective, neither yoga (mind-control), nor sacrifices, nor chanting, nor austere penance, nor sacred vows, nor rituals. One should simply meditate upon Lord Raam, glorify Him alone, and constantly listen to the countless virtues of Lord Raam…

4
…The one whose grand vow is to sanctify the sinful, should always be worshipped with a heart free from deceit as proclaimed by poets, Vedas, sages, and Puranas. Who has ever failed to attain liberation by worshipping Shree Raam?…

Verses :

1
…O’ Foolish heart, pay attention, who has not attained liberation by worshipping the virtuous Lord Raam, the redeemer of the fallen? The courtesan Pingala, the sinful Ajamil, the hunter Valmiki, the vulture Jatayu, the elephant, and countless other grievous sinners have been saved by Him. Even tribals, unrighteous people, hunters, the lowly, dog-meat eaters, and others burdened with extreme sins are purified and liberated by merely uttering His name just once. I bow in reverence to that Shree Raam…

2
…Those who recite, hear, or sing the glorious exploits of the crown jewel of the Raghu clan will wash away all the sins and impurities of Kaliyug, effortlessly reaching Lord Raam’s divine abode after leaving their mortal body. Even if someone treasures five or seven quadrupeds of Shree Ramcharitmanas in his heart, finding them delightful, Shree Raghuveer will remove that person’s five types of sufferings caused by the formidable Maya (which include mistaking the unreal for real, seeing the temporary as eternal, perceiving pain as pleasure, considering the impure as pure, and valuing what should be discarded)…

3
…If there is anyone who is supremely charming, wise, a treasure of mercy, and compassionate towards the helpless, it is Shree Raam and Shree Raam alone. Who else can compare to Him? Shree Raam is a selfless well-wisher and the giver of eternal bliss. Nowhere can one find a lord like Shree Raam, by whose slightest grace even the dull-witted Tulsidas has attained supreme peace…

Couplets : 130

1
…There is no one as miserable as me, nor a well-wisher of the pitiable like You, Shree Raghuveer. Knowing this truth, O’ Crown jewel of Raghu’s clan, please remove all my fears of the terrible suffering of this mundane existence…

2
…Just as a lecherous person finds a woman dear, or a greedy person loves wealth, in the same way, O’ Raghunath, may You, Shree Raam, always remain most dear to me.”

Shlock :

1
The eminent poet, Lord Shankar, first composed the profound Shree Ramcharitmanas in the lake of His heart to attain eternal and unwavering devotion at the lotus feet of Shree Raam. Inspired by that sacred composition, imbued with the essence of Shree Raghunath’s name, Tulsidas jee rendered Shree Ramcharitmanas in simple language to dispel the darkness within his own heart.

2
This Shree Ramcharitmanas is a sacred composition that removes sins, is ever auspicious, bestows wisdom and devotion, dispels illusion, attachment, and impurities, and is filled with the pristine waters of divine love, radiating auspiciousness. Those who immerse themselves in this holy lake of Shree Raam’s divine deeds with devotion are not scorched by the intense rays of the worldly Sun, like moths drawn to a flame.

Pause 30 of 30-Day Recitation

So concludes the seventh chapter (Uttar Kaand) of Shree Ramcharitmanas, which eradicates all the sins of Kaliyug.

*** End of Chapter 7 Utter Kaand ***