Day 29 Chapter 7 Utter Kaand - RamCharitMaanas translated in English.

‘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 28.

Couplets : 62

1
…Garud, the embodiment of devotion and spiritual wisdom and the vehicle of Lord Vishnu – the Master of the three realms, was deluded by the Lord’s Maya. If even he could succumb to its power, what reason do ordinary humans have to boast of their immunity?…

Day 29 Starts here:

7.12 Garud jee’s delusion after witnessing Lord Raam ensnared by serpents. Kak Bhushundi jee narrates the story and glory of

 

Couplets : 62

2
…The formidable Maya of Lord Hari can sway even Lord Shiv and Lord Brahma; of what significance, then, is any ordinary being? Knowing this in heart, the realized saints worship the Lord of Maya…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…Garud then went to the abode of the fully enlightened Kak Bhushundi jee, whose devotion to Lord Hari was unwavering and uninterrupted. Upon seeing the Neelggiri mountain, Garud was filled with joy, and all his delusion, attachments, and distress vanished…

2
…After bathing in the lake and drinking its water, Garud, filled with joy in his heart, went under the banyan tree where Kak Bhushundi jee and all the birds were gathered. Aged birds of all kinds flocked there to hear the charming exploits of Lord Raam…

3
…Kak Bhushundi was about to commence Lord Raam’s story when the King of Birds, Garud arrived. Seeing the King of Birds approach, Kak Bhushundi and the entire flock of birds were filled with joy…

4
…Kak Bhushundi received the King of Birds with the utmost reverence, inquired after his well-being, and offered him a comfortable place to sit. Kak Bhushundi also worshipped him with great affection and then spoke sweet words:…

 

Couplets : 63

1
…”O’ Lord, I am blessed by the sight of you. O’ King of Birds, give me your command, and I shall act accordingly. My Lord, may I ask, what brings you here?”…

2
…The King of Birds, Garud spoke in an extremely gentle tone, “You are always an embodiment of blessings, and Lord Shiv Himself has praised you with His own divine mouth…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…Listen, dear, the purpose that brought me here was fulfilled the moment I arrived. Additionally, I have been blessed with the privilege of seeing you. Upon witnessing your extremely pious hermitage, all my delusions, doubts, and many misconceptions have been dispelled…

2
…Dear, now please recite to me, with due reverence, the most sacred story of Shree Raam, which is ever blissful and removes countless sufferings. I humbly beg you again and again for this, O’ Lord”…

3
…Hearing Garud’s humble plea, which was sincere, loving, pleasing, and deeply pious, Kak Bhushundi’s heart was filled with immense joy. He then began to recite the glorious virtues of Lord Raam…

4
…O’ Bhawani, Kak Bhushundi first lovingly described the essence of the sacred lake of Shree Raam’s deeds. He then spoke of Naarad’s deep infatuation and followed by explaining the reasons behind Raavan’s incarnation…

5
…Thereafter, he sang the story of Lord Raam’s divine descent and, with deep interest, recounted the playful exploits of Lord Raam’s childhood…

 

Couplets : 64

1
…After recounting the joyous pastimes of the Lord’s childhood, filled with heartfelt excitement, Kak Bhushundi narrated the arrival of Sage Vishwamitra, followed by the grand marriage of Shree Raghuveer to Sita jee…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…He then recounted the preparations for Shree Raam’s coronation, which were abruptly interrupted, leading to King Dashrath’s solemn oath to send Shree Raam into exile in the forest for fourteen years. Kak Bhushundi also described the citizens’ anguish over their separation from Lord Raam and the dialogue between Shree Raam and Lakshman…

2
…He further described Lord Raam’s journey to the forest, the deep affection shown by the boatman Kevat, the ferry crossing over the celestial river Ganga, and their halt at the sacred Prayag. He then spoke about Lord Raam’s meeting with Sage Valmiki and how, following their conversation, the Lord chose Chitrakoot as His abode…

3
…He then recounted Minister Sumantra’s return to the capital and the subsequent death of King Dashrath, followed by Bharat’s arrival in Ayodhya from his maternal grandparents’ home. He spoke of Bharat’s deep love for Shree Raam and described how the King’s last rites were performed. He then narrated how Bharat set out for Chitrakoot along with the citizens to bring back the source of all joy, Shree Raam…

4
…He then spoke about how Lord Raghupati consoled Bharat in various ways, and how Bharat, with a heavy heart, returned to Ayodhya carrying the Lord’s sandals. He continued by describing Bharat’s ascetic way of living in a hermitage on the outskirts of Ayodhya. Kak Bhushundi also narrated the incident involving the sinful act of Jayant, the son of the Demigod Indra. He then recounted the meeting between Lord Raam and Sage Atri…

 

Couplets : 65

1
…Kak Bhushundi then narrated how Lord Raam slew the demon Viradh, followed by the account of Sage Sharbhang’s renunciation of his body. He then went on to describe the devotion of Sage Sutikshan and Lord Raam’s religious discourse with Sage Agastya…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…He spoke of how Lord Raam sanctified the Dandakaran forest and sang about the friendship between Lord Raam and the Vulture King Jatayu. He then narrated how Lord Raam made His abode at Panchvati, and dispelled the fears of all the hermits…

2
…Kak Bhushundi then recounted Lord Raam’s special instruction on spiritual wisdom, dispassion, Maya and devotion to Lakshman, followed by the story of how Raavan’s demon sister, Shurpanakha, was disfigured when her ears and nose were cut off. He went on to narrate the episode of the slaying of the demons Khar and Dushan, and how the ten-headed Raavan came to learn of these events…

3
…He narrated the dialogue between Raavan and his demon uncle Maarich, detailing their plan to carry off Sita jee. This was followed by the account of the abduction of the illusory Sita jee, and Lord Raghuveer’s anguish over separation from His beloved…

4
…After this, he recounted the battle between Jatayu and Raavan, and how Lord Raam performed the last rites for Jatayu after he was killed by Raavan. He then described the slaying of the demon Kabandh by Shree Raam, and how Lord Raam granted liberation to the tribal woman Shabri, who was a steadfast devotee. He further narrated Lord Raam’s deep anguish over His separation from Sita jee, and His journey to the banks of Pampa Lake…

 

Couplets: 66

1
…Kak Bhushundi recounted the dialogue between Naarad jee and Shree Raam, as well as the episode of Shree Raam’s meeting with Maruti (Hanuman). He then narrated the Lord’s alliance with Sugreev, leading to the eventual slaying of Bali…

2
…Kak Bhushundi further narrated how Sugreev was crowned King of Kishkindha, while Shree Raam took temporary residence on the Pravarshan mountain, patiently waiting for the rainy season to end so that Sugreev and his monkey army could begin their search for Sita jee. He described the passing of the rainy season and the arrival of autumn, leading to Shree Raam’s wrath as Sugreev failed to fulfil his promise, leaving the monkey king in dismay and fear…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…He then recited how Sugreev, the king of monkeys, dispatched his forces in all directions to search for Sita jee. He explained how one of these groups ventured into a cave and ultimately encountered Sampati, the elder brother of Jatayu…

2
…He then described how, after receiving all the information from Sampati, Hanuman jee, the son of Wind God, leapt across the vast ocean to reach Lanka. He recited how Hanuman jee, after meeting Vibhishan, found Sita jee and consoled Her, assuring Her that Shree Raam would soon come to her rescue…

3
…He explained how Hanuman jee ransacked the royal Ashoka garden and confronted Raavan with advice. He narrated how, after setting Lanka on fire, Hanuman jee crossed the ocean once more and, along with the entire party of monkeys, joined Shree Raam to inform Him of Sita jee’s welfare…

4
…He then narrated how Shree Raghuveer, along with the entire monkey army, encamped on the banks of the ocean. He further explained the circumstances that led Vibhishan to seek refuge with Shree Raam and also recounted the story of the ocean’s subjugation…

 

Couplets : 67

1
…Kak Bhushundi recounted how the monkey army reached Lanka by constructing a remarkable bridge across the ocean. He also described how Angad, the valiant son of Bali, was sent as a messenger to Raavan’s court, carrying Lord Raam’s message…

2
…He recounted the battle between the demons and the monkey army, depicting each phase of the fierce conflict. He vividly described the might and valour of Kumbhkaran and Meghnad, narrating how both warriors eventually met their end…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…He recounted the extermination of the demon armies and the various battles between Shree Raghupati and Raavan. He described Raavan’s death and Mandodari’s lamentation, the enthronement of Vibhishan, and how the Demigods were ultimately freed from their misery…

2
…Kak Bhushundi narrated the reunion of Sita jee and Shree Raghupati. He described how all the Demigods praised Lord Raam with folded hands in reverence. He also recounted how the all-Merciful Lord, accompanied by the monkeys, boarded the Pushpak aeroplane and returned to Ayodhya…

3
…Kak Bhushundi narrated how Raam jee returned to His city and recounted all the pious acts of Shree Raam, including His coronation. He described the splendour of Ayodhya and its royal policies, highlighting its governance under Lord Raam’s reign…

4
…In this manner, Kak Bhushundi narrated the entire story of Shree Raam, which I have already shared with you. After hearing the complete tale of Lord Raam, the King of Birds, Garud, spoke with a heart overflowing with joy:…

 

Sorttha : 68

1
…”All my doubts have vanished after listening to the complete account of Lord Raghupati’s deeds. With your blessings, O’ Crown jewel among crows, dear Kak Bhushundi, I have gained deep devotion to Lord Raam’s feet…

2
…I was deeply bewildered after witnessing Lord Raam bound on the battlefield. I wondered, for what reason would the embodiment of consciousness, bliss, and knowledge be in such distress?…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…Seeing Shree Raam’s deeds, which appeared so much like those of an ordinary human, my heart was filled with doubt. But now I realize that this very bewilderment was a blessing, and I feel that the all-merciful has bestowed His favour upon me…

2
…Only someone who has endured the scorching heat can truly appreciate the comfort of a tree’s shade. O’ Sir, if I hadn’t fallen victim to such deep infatuation, how could it have been possible to meet you?…

3
…And how would I have had the opportunity to listen to the beautiful story of Lord Raam, which you have sung in such detail? The Vedas, Puranas, and enlightened saints have all affirmed without doubt…

4
…that one encounters a true saint only when Lord Raam bestows His merciful glance upon that person. By Lord Raam’s grace, I have been blessed with your sight. And through your blessing, all my doubts have vanished.”

 

Couplets : 69

1
…Hearing the humble and affectionate words of Garud – the King of Birds, Kak Bhushundi’s heart filled with immense joy. His body thrilled with emotion, and his eyes brimmed with tears of love…

2
…O’ Ooma, when saintly people encounter an intelligent and amiable devotee of Lord Hari, who cherishes His divine tales, they reveal the deepest and most secretive topics that remain unknown to others…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…Kak Bhushundi, filled with deep affection for the King of Birds, spoke again, “O’ Master, you are most revered by me in every way and a recipient of Lord Raam’s grace…

2
…You have no doubt, no infatuation, nor delusion, yet you have shown your mercy upon me, my Lord. O’ King of Birds, under the pretext of your infatuation, Shree Raghupati has conferred an honour upon me…

3
…O’ Lord of the Birds, you spoke to me about your delusion, and I am not at all surprised to hear it, O’ Lord of the Senses. Sage Naarad, Lord Shiv, Lord Brahma, sages like Sanak and his brothers, and even the most enlightened saints who know the truth of the soul…

4
…who among them has not been blinded by delusion? Who in this world has not been made a puppet by desires? Who has not been driven mad by the craving for material things? Whose heart has not been inflamed by anger?…

 

Couplets : 70

1
…Is there any wise person, ascetic, powerful individual, poet, scholar, or virtuous man in this world whom greed has not betrayed?…

2
…Who has not been corrupted by false pride or deafened by power? Who has not been pierced by the arrows of a doe-eyed woman’s gaze?…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…Who has not had their mental balance disturbed by the three modes of nature? There is no one whom false pride and ego have spared. Who has not been driven mad by the fire of youth? Whose good reputation has not been spoiled by worldly attachments?…

2
…Who has not been tainted by jealousy? Who has not been shaken by the gust of sorrow? Who has not been consumed by the serpents of worry? Who in this world has not been swayed by Maya, the illusory energy of the Lord?…

3
…Desires are like worms, and the body is like wood. There is no resolute person who has not been consumed by the termites of desire. Who in this world has not been tainted by the threefold desires: having a son to continue one’s lineage, accumulating wealth, and seeking fame?…

4
…All these belong to the family of Maya, which is vast and formidable. Who can ever count them? Even Lord Shiv and Lord Brahma are ever fearful of these attributes of Maya, the Lord’s illusory energy. What, then, is the count of other creatures?

 

Couplets : 71

1
…The formidable army of Maya is spread across the entire Universe, with vices such as lust, anger, attachment, affection, jealousy, false pride, and envy serving as its generals, while ego, deceit, and hypocrisy act as its soldiers…

2
…However, that Maya is subservient to Lord Raghuveer. Though Maya is ultimately unreal when understood, no one can escape her grasp without the grace of Lord Raam. I declare this with utmost confidence, O’ Lord…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…The same Maya that makes the entire world dance to its tunes, whose true nature remains beyond comprehension, dances like a performer with her entire entourage at the mere movement of Lord Raam’s eyebrows, O’ King of Birds…

2
…Such is Shree Raam, the embodiment of absolute truth, pure consciousness, and supreme bliss. He is unborn, the personification of wisdom, and the abode of beauty and strength. He is omnipresent, encompassing the entire Universe in His cosmic form, complete, infinite, and absolute, with unfailing strength as the Supreme Lord…

3
…He is devoid of material qualities, vast and beyond the limits of words and speech, omniscient, free from blemish, invincible, without worldly affection, and without material form, yet possessing a divine form. He is free from attachments, eternal, untainted by Maya, and a source of boundless bliss…

4
…He transcends material nature and resides in the heart of every being. He is the Supreme Brahm, free from desires, flawless, and immortal. In Him, delusion finds no foothold, just as darkness can never approach the Sun…

 

Couplets : 72

1
…For the sake of His devotees, the divine Lord Shree Raam assumed the form of an earthly sovereign and carried out sacred deeds, in the manner of an ordinary human being…

2
…Just as an actor plays different characters by donning various costumes, he does not become those characters himself…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…O’ Enemy of Serpents, such are the exploits of Lord Raghupati, which bewilder the demons while delighting His devotees. O’ Master, those with impure minds, driven by sensual pleasures and lust, attribute delusion to the Lord in this manner…

2
…Just as a person afflicted with jaundice sees the Moon as yellow in colour until the illness lasts, or a man who has lost his sense of direction insists that the Sun has risen from the west, O’ King of Birds…

3
…A person sailing on a boat perceives the world as moving and mistakenly believes that he is standing still. When children spin around while playing, they perceive the surrounding buildings as moving. Yet, if anyone tries to point out their mistake, they call him a liar…

4
…O’ Garud jee, the concept of delusion regarding Lord Hari is similar; even in dreams, there is not a trace of illusion in Him. However, those under the influence of Maya- the dull-witted and the unfortunate, find their hearts shrouded by layers of veils…

5
…such fools stubbornly harbour doubt and attribute their ignorance to Shree Raam…

 

Couplets : 73

1
…Those absorbed in chasing material desires, consumed by anger, ego, greed, and deeply attached to their sorrow-filled homes, how can such misguided souls ever recognize Shree Raghupati? They remain fallen in the well of darkness, bound by ignorance…

2
…The formless aspect of the Lord is relatively easy to grasp, but His incarnation with a divine form is far more challenging to comprehend. Even realized saints are captivated when they hear of His divine exploits, which are both simple and profound…

7.13 Kak Bhushundi recounts the stories of his past lives to Garud jee

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…Hear, O’ King of Birds, about the greatness of Lord Raghupati. I shall tell a beautiful tale, to the best of my understanding. O’ Master, how I once came under the spell of enchantment, I will now share that story with you in full…

2
…O’ Master, you are blessed with Lord Raam’s grace and have a deep love for hearing about Lord Hari’s virtues. Thus, you bring great joy to me. I am, therefore, concealing nothing from you and will reveal a profound and enchanting secret…

3
…Listen to Lord Raam’s simple and humble nature, He never tolerates pride in His devotees. The root cause of the endless cycle of birth and death, along with every type of suffering and sorrow, is ego…

4
…The ocean of mercy, Shree Raam, removes this ego out of deep love for His devotees. Just as a mother, with a heavy heart, pierces the boil on her child’s body to help him heal, so does He, O’ Lord of Senses…

 

Couplets : 74

1
…Although the child initially experiences pain and cries helplessly, the mother remains unmoved by the child’s suffering, understanding that the wound will eventually heal and bring relief…

2
…Similarly, Lord Raghupati removes His devotees’ pride for their highest well-being. Tulsidas jee says, “Why would one not renounce all attachments, and start worshiping such a Lord?”…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…O’ King of Birds, I shall narrate to you the boundless mercy of Lord Raam and my own foolishness, listen with a focused mind. Whenever Lord Raam takes a human avatar and performs numerous divine deeds for the welfare of His devotees,…

2
…I go to the city of Ayodhya to witness the grand celebrations of His birth and His delightful pastimes as a child. Enchanted by His playful childish acts, I remain in Ayodhya for a period of full five years…

3
…Child Raam is my beloved deity, in whom resides the beauty of millions of Cupids. O’ Enemy of Serpents, I gaze upon the face of child Raam again and again allowing my eyes to relish the very purpose of their existence.

4
…I assume the form of a small crow and remain in the company of Lord Hari, witnessing the vibrant, playful acts of His childhood pastimes…

 

Couplets : 75

1
Wherever baby Raam wandered, I fluttered along with Him, eating the crumbs that fell from His mouth in the courtyard.

2
Once Lord Raghuveer performed His childhood exploits to the fullest extent. Thinking of those exploits made every hair on Kak Bhushundi’s body stand erect.

 

Quadrupeds :

1
Kak Bhushundi said, “Listen, O’ King of Birds, the exploits of Shree Raam bring endless delight to His devotees. King Dashrath’s palace was magnificent in every way, crafted of gold and adorned with an array of precious stones…

2
…The delightful courtyard where the four brothers, Shree Raam, Shree Lakshman, Shree Bharat, and Shree Shatrughan, played was beyond description. The finest of the Raghoos engaged in playful acts as a child, roaming around the courtyard and filling His mother’s heart with boundless joy…

3
…Lord Raam’s tender form bore a bluish-green complexion, like a radiant emerald, and each limb embodied the beauty of countless Cupids. His soft feet resembled freshly bloomed red lotuses, with enchanting toes and nails that outshone the brilliance of the Moon…

4
…The soles of His feet bore four auspicious symbols—the thunderbolt, lotus, flag, and goad. He wore charming anklets that jingled sweetly with each step. Around His waist, a gold chain studded with jewels was adorned with tiny bells that produced a gentle, melodious tinkling…

 

Couplets : 76

1
…Baby Raam’s belly had three delightful creases with a charming, deep navel. His broad chest was adorned with various ornaments and clothing, perfectly suited for a child…

Quadrupeds :

1
…His palms had a soft reddish hue, with delicate fingers and lovely nails. His long arms were richly adorned with ornaments, His shoulders resembling those of a lion’s cub, and His neck shaped like a conch. His charming chin and radiant face embodied the very perfection of beauty…

2
…He spoke in a sweet, stuttering voice from his rosy lips. His two pairs of milky teeth, both above and below, added to his charm, along with his delightful cheeks and lovely nose. His pleasing smile was like the Moon’s bright rays bestowing all types of happiness…

3
…His blue, lotus-like eyes dispelled all fear of worldly existence, and His forehead bore a sacred yellow-pigment mark. He had gracefully arched eyebrows, a charming pair of symmetrical ears, and dark, curly hair that spread an aura of charm all around Him…

4
…Draped in a fine yellow garment over His bluish-hued body, He looked enchanting. His playful squeals and glances captivated my heart. Roaming in the courtyard of King Dashrath, baby Raam was the very epitome of beauty, joyfully dancing as He gazed at His own shadow…

5
…He played with me in so many ways, and I feel shy even recalling Shree Raam’s delightful antics. Shrieking with joy as He ran to catch hold of me, I would fly away; then, with a playful smile, He would tempt me back by holding out a piece of sweet cake…

 

Couplets : 77

1
…When I fluttered near the Lord, He laughed; and when I drifted away, He wept. Each time I drew close and grasped His feet, He would dash away, glancing back at me over and over…

2
…I was mesmerized by His playful, childlike antics, which were so much like that of any ordinary child. I wondered, what role is the Lord enacting, He who is meant to embody all spiritual knowledge, consciousness, and bliss?…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…O’ King of Birds, the moment this doubt entered my heart, the illusory power stirred by Lord Raghupati took hold of me. Yet, that Maya brought me no suffering, nor did it hurl me into the endless cycles of worldly existence as it does with others…

2
…O’ Lord, there is another reason for this; listen with full attention, O’ mount of Lord Hari. The Lord of Sita, the embodiment of supreme knowledge, has all beings, animate and inanimate, under the control of His Maya…

3
…If all living beings held the same perfect wisdom, what, then, would distinguish them from God? The egocentric soul remains bound by Maya and its modes of nature (Goodness, Passion and Ignorance), while Maya itself is subordinate to the Lord…

4
…The living being is subject to the control of Maya, while the Lord remains fully independent. There are countless beings, yet only One Supreme Lord, the beloved of Shree Lakshmi. Though this difference created by Maya is ultimately an illusion, it cannot be dispelled through countless remedies; only by the grace of Lord Hari can it fade away.

 

Couplets : 78

1
…A person who seeks liberation without devotion to Shree Ramchandra, no matter how wise, is like an animal without tail or horns…

2
…Even if the full Moon rises with all its sixteen phases, accompanied by a cluster of stars, and all the mountains are set ablaze, the night will not end until the Sun appears…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…O’ King of Birds, similarly, without worshipping Lord Hari, the hardships of life do not fade away. Yet, ignorance or Maya holds no sway over the devotees of the Lord and under His inspiration, knowledge prevails within them…

2
…O’ Finest amongst birds, in this way, a servant of the Lord does not fall prey to the clutches of Maya. Instead, his devotion to the Lord deepens, enriched by an ever more profound knowledge of the divine. When Shree Raam witnessed me in a state of bewilderment, He laughed heartily. Now, listen to this part of the story…

3
…Neither Shree Raam’s younger brothers nor His parents, though all present there, became aware of this secret. Baby Raam, with a bluish-hued complexion and rosy hands and feet, crawled on His hands and knees, trying to catch me…

4
…Then I flew away, O’ Enemy of Serpents. Shree Raam stretched out His arm to catch hold of me. No matter how far I flew into the sky, I saw Lord Hari’s arm reaching close to me.

 

Couplets : 79

1
…I flew as far as the abode of Lord Brahma, yet as I looked back in flight, there was only a two-finger gap between me and Lord Raam’s arm. O’ Master,..

2
…I penetrated the seven layers of the cosmos (water, air, fire, space, cosmic ego, cosmic intellect, and nature) and ascended to the highest point I could reach. Yet even there, I saw the Lord’s arm pursuing me, leaving me deeply distressed…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…In my fearful state, I closed my eyes; upon reopening them, I found myself in Ayodhya. There, I saw the infant Lord Raam smiling at me. As soon as he laughed loudly, I was instantly drawn into his mouth…

2
…O’ King of Birds, within Lord Raam’s belly, I beheld countless clusters of universes, each with distinct spheres, each more wonderful than the rest…

3
…I beheld countless Lord Brahmas and Lord Shivs, innumerable stars, Suns, and Moons. There were myriad guardians of realms, Demigods of Death and Time, innumerable mountains, and vast landmasses,…

4
…oceans, rivers, lakes, and endless forests. I observed a manifold variety of creation, including Demigods, Sages, realized Saints, Serpents, Human beings, and Kinnars. All four categories of animate and inanimate beings were present (those born from eggs, moisture, wombs, and the Earth)…

 

Couplets : 80

1
…I witnessed marvels I had never seen or heard of, beyond what even the mind could conceive—how, then, could I possibly describe them?…

2
…I dwelled in each Universe for a hundred years, witnessing and wandering through countless egg-shaped cosmos in this way…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…Each Universe had its own Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiv, Manu, and Guardians of the realms, along with unique beings – humans, Gandharvas, goblins, ghosts, Kinnars, spirits, animals, birds, serpents,…

2
…,Demigods, and demons of every class. Every creature possessed a form distinct to its own Universe. The Earth, with its countless rivers, oceans, mountains, and all of creation within each Universe, was different in every way…

3
…I saw myself in each Universe and witnessed countless unique wonders. Each Universe had its own Ayodhya, with its own Saryu River and its own men and women…

4
…Listen, O’ Master, even King Dashrath, Mother Kaushalya, the other Queens, Bharat jee, and Shree Raam’s other Brothers were different in each Universe. I witnessed Lord Raam’s incarnation and His countless, varied childhood pastimes in each of these Universes…

 

Couplets : 81

1
…”O’ Mount of Lord Hari, I have seen each Universe, each unique in its own way, and wandered through countless galaxies. Yet, I did not encounter a Lord Raam who appeared any different, O’ Master…

2
…I beheld the same childlike playfulness, the same beauty, and the same gracious Raghuveer as I wandered from one Universe to another, driven by the winds of Maya…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…After wandering through countless Universes, it felt as though hundreds of eras had passed. At last, I returned to my own hermitage and spent some time dwelling there…

2
…Then, upon hearing news of my Lord’s birth in Ayodhya, I ran with overwhelming ecstasy and love to witness the joyous celebration of Shree Raam’s arrival. I have already recounted this to you in detail…

3
…Thus, within Lord Raam’s belly, I beheld countless worlds, each distinct. But what I witnessed could only be truly grasped by sight, it was beyond all description. There, once again, I beheld the divine Lord Raam, the gracious and all-wise master of Maya…

4
…I pondered again and again, but my mind was mired in a thick sludge of delusion. In a span of forty-eight minutes, I saw everything, my heart utterly bewildered by infatuation…

 

Couplets : 82

1
…Upon seeing my distress, the merciful Shree Raghuveer laughed loudly, and with that very laughter, I was expelled from His mouth, O’ One with an ever-composed mind, Garud jee…

2
…Shree Raam once again began His playful pranks with me. I tried to reason with my heart in countless ways, but it found no peace…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…Witnessing His playful acts and recalling the divine glory, I had seen within His belly, I lost all awareness of my body. Crying out, “Save me, save me, O’ Protector of devotees in distress”, I collapsed to the ground, unable to utter another word…

2
…Seeing me overwhelmed with love, the Lord immediately withdrew the power of His Maya. Gracious upon the supplicant, He gently placed His lotus-like hand on my head, relieving me of all my distress…

3
…Shree Raam, the joy of His devotees and a boundless reservoir of mercy, freed me from all infatuation. Recalling again and again the Lord’s divine glory that I had first witnessed within His belly, I was filled with immense joy…

4
…Seeing the Lord’s boundless affection for His devotees, my heart overflowed with love for Him. My eyes filled with tears and every feather standing on end, I offered supplications to the Lord in many ways, my wings folded in reverence…

 

Couplets : 83

1
…Hearing my loving words and witnessing the humble plea of His servant, the Lord of Sita jee spoke with profound, gentle, and pleasing words,…

2
…”Kak Bhushundi, knowing that I am extremely pleased with you, ask a boon from me. I can grant you the eight types of divine powers, success and prosperity, and liberation, which is regarded as the source of all bliss…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…Or spiritual knowledge, wisdom, dispassion, enlightenment, and virtues that even realized saints find difficult to attain in this world, I will grant you all of these today, without a doubt. So ask for whatever your heart desires.”

2
…Hearing the Lord’s words, I was overwhelmed with love and began to ponder in my heart that, although the Lord had offered me all forms of happiness, He had not granted me the privilege of His worship…

3
…And without devotion to the Lord, all virtues and blessings are like a feast of dishes without salt. There is no true happiness without devotion.” With this thought in my heart, O’ King of Birds, I spoke these words:

4
…My Lord, if You are pleased to grant me a boon and if Your grace and affection are upon me, then I ask You to grant me my most cherished desire. O’ Master, for You are generous and know the secrets of all hearts…

 

Couplets : 84

1
…”O’ Lord, bless me with that same pure and steadfast devotion, praised in the Vedas and Puranas, which enlightened yogis and saints have sought, yet only a rare few attain through Your grace…

2
…You are the wish-fulfilling tree, the Kalpavriksh, for Your devotees and the compassionate well-wisher of those who surrender to You, O’ Ocean of mercy and abode of bliss. Please be merciful to me, my Lord, and bless me with that same deep devotion to You, O’ Shree Raam.”

 

Quadrupeds :

1
The King of Raghu’s clan spoke in the most pleasing words, “So be it. Listen, O’ Kak Bhushundi, you are wise by nature; it is no surprise, then, that you ask for this boon…

2
…You have asked for the gift of devotion, which is the root of all blessings. There is no one in the world as blessed as you. Even sages who subject their bodies to intense penance, chanting, and yoga are unable to attain what you have sought…

3
…I am impressed by your wisdom in seeking my devotion, which is so dear to my heart. Listen, O’ Bird, by my grace, all noble virtues will now dwell within your heart…

4
…Devotion, spiritual wisdom, true knowledge, dispassion, yoga, and insight into my deeds, their mysteries, and classifications, all of these shall be granted to you by my grace. You shall not need to endure the hardships of penance to attain them…

 

Couplets : 85

1
…For now, all delusions caused by Maya will have no power over you. Know me as the Supreme Lord, without beginning or end, unborn, beyond material qualities, and the source of all virtues…

2
…Listen, Kak Bhushundi, my devotees are always dear to me. Bearing this in mind, nurture unwavering devotion for my lotus feet in thought, word, and deed…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…Now listen to my most sacred teaching, which is true, straightforward, and extolled in the Vedas and the Puranas. I will share with you my own steadfast view on this matter. Listen carefully, fix your heart upon my words, and worship me, renouncing all else…

2
…This world with all its varieties of life, both animate and inanimate, is a creation of my Maya. All are dear to me, for I have created them all. Yet human beings are dearest to me…

3
…Among human beings, the Brahmins are dear to me; among Brahmins, those well-versed in the Vedas; among them, those who follow the path prescribed by the Vedas; and of these, those detached from material pleasures are dearer still. More than these, I cherish the wise, and above all, the enlightened souls hold the closest place in my heart…

4
…Even more beloved to me than these is my own devotee, who depends solely on me and holds no other hope. I tell you this truth again and again: no one is dearer to me than my devotee…

5
…If even Lord Brahma had no devotion toward me, he would be as dear to me as any other creature. But if there were a most wretched person with deep and unwavering devotion to me, that person would be as dear to me as life itself. This is my declaration…

 

Couplets : 86

1
…Who does not appreciate a faithful, amiable, and wise servant? The Vedas and the Puranas have declared this sound principle. Listen to it with a focused mind, O’ Kak Bhushundi…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…A father has several sons, each possessing unique qualities, amiability, and temperament. One is learned, another ascetic, the third spiritually enlightened, the fourth wealthy, the fifth a brave warrior, the sixth charitable…

2
…, the seventh wise in all matters, and the eighth follows the path of righteousness. The father loves them all equally. However, the ninth son is devoted to serving his father wholeheartedly in word, thought, and deed and never even dreams of any other duty…

3
…This son, though lacking in intellect, is as dear to the father as his own life. Similarly, all beings—whether animate or inanimate, including birds, insects, worms, animals, humans, Demigods, demons,…

4
…and the entire universe – have been created by me. I am equally compassionate toward all. Yet, those who renounce false pride and worldly attachments and worship me with sincerity in thought, word, and deed,…

 

Couplets : 87

1
…whether they are man, woman, transgender (or any other gender by present day definitions), or any being in the animate or inanimate world, are supremely dear to me who adore me with pure guileless devotion.

 

Sorttha :

2
…O’ Kak Bhushundi, I tell you in all sincerity, a servant who is free from deceit is as dear to me as life itself. Knowing this, worship me, casting aside all other hopes and beliefs…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…Age will never affect you. Always meditate upon me and offer your worship.” Hearing the Lord’s nectar-like words, I felt overwhelming delight in my heart; my feathers stood on end, and my heart was filled with boundless joy…

2
…The joy I felt in that moment was known only to my heart and ears; my tongue lacked the power to express it. Only my eyes could savour the bliss of beholding Lord Raam’s beauty, but how could they describe it, being without speech?…

3
…After reassuring me in countless ways and filling me with joy, He once again began performing His childlike acts as before. With His eyes brimming with tears and a slightly gloomy expression, baby Raam looked at His mother and conveyed that He was very hungry…

4
…Seeing Him, Mother Kaushalya rose up quickly and ran to Him. Speaking gentle words, she embraced Him, then took Him onto her lap, feeding Him from her bosom while singing His (Shree Raghupati’s) glorious exploits…

 

Sorttha : 88

1
…The people of Ayodhya, both men and women, remained constantly immersed in that same divine bliss (beholding the countless exploits of Lord Raam), for which the benevolent Lord Tripurari (Shiv jee) once assumed an inauspicious form.

2
…Those wise and virtuous souls who have tasted the bliss of Lord Raam’s childlike antics, even once and only in a dream, consider the joy of merging into the Supreme Lord (Liberation or Moksh) insignificant, not to mention any other earthly or heavenly pleasure…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…Thereafter, I stayed in Ayodhya for some time, savouring the nectar of Lord Raam’s playful childhood acts. By Lord Raam’s grace, I received the blessing of devotion to Him, and after bowing my head at His feet, I returned to my hermitage…

2
…Since the day Lord Raghunayak accepted me as His own, I have never fallen prey to delusion. I have recited to you this hidden tale of how Lord Hari’s Maya made me dance to its tunes…

3
…I will now share my experience with you, O’ King of Birds. Without worshipping Lord Hari, one’s troubles do not vanish. And, O’ King of Birds, without Lord Raam’s mercy, one cannot understand His greatness…

4
… Without knowledge of the Supreme Lord, faith cannot arise, and without faith, love cannot flourish. Just as the natural greasiness of water keeps it flowing, so too is love essential for steadfast devotion, O’ King of Birds…

 

Sorttha : 89

1
…Is it possible to attain spiritual knowledge without a Guru? Can one acquire wisdom without dispassion? The Vedas and Puranas declare that without devotion to Lord Hari, one cannot experience true happiness…

2
…Can one find peace without natural contentment? Can a boat float without water, no matter how many times one rows or tries various methods?…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…Without contentment, desires do not fade. And as long as desires persist, one cannot even dream of happiness. Can desires be eliminated without worship of Lord Raam? Can a tree ever take root without soil?…

2
…Can even-mindedness be attained without spiritual enlightenment? Can one perceive outer space without the vast expanse of the sky? Can one perform righteous acts without reverence? Can fragrance arise without the earth?…

3
…Can one’s glory spread without austere penance? Can there be any taste in this world without water? Can one develop modesty without serving a wise man? Just as beauty cannot arise without the essence of fire, O’ Master…

4
…Can a person be calm at heart without inner peace? Can there be any sensation of touch without air? Can there be any success without faith? In the same way, without devotion to Lord Hari, one cannot break free from the cycle of mundane existence…

 

Couplets : 90

1
…Without faith, there is no devotion, and without devotion, Lord Raam’s heart will never melt. Without His mercy, one cannot find peace, even in a dream…

 

Sorttha :

2
…Realizing this in your heart, O’ calm-minded one, renounce all misleading arguments and worship Shree Raam, for Shree Raghuveer is an abode of mercy, full of charm, and a delight to all…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…O’ Master, I have sung to you the greatness of the Lord’s glory, O King of Birds. I have added nothing special of my own; all this I have witnessed with my own eyes…

2
…Lord Raghunath’s glory, name, virtues, and tales are all boundless and endless, for the Lord Himself is infinite. The sages have sung of Lord Raam’s virtues according to their understanding. Even the Vedas, Shesh jee, the Lord of serpent, and Lord Shiv cannot reach the end of describing His virtues. (and Lord Shiv cannot fully capture the extent of His virtues.)…

3
…You and all other birds, down to the smallest mosquitoes, may soar across the sky, but none can reach its end. In the same way, Lord Raghupati’s glory is unfathomable. O’ dear one, no one has ever been able to measure its vastness…

4
…Lord Raam’s form holds the charm of millions of Cupids and the power to crush enemies like countless millions of Durgas. His grandeur equals that of millions of demigod Indras, and His vastness is as boundless as myriad universes…

 

Couplets : 91

1
…He possesses the strength of countless winds and the radiance of billions of Suns. He brings the calm of billions of Moons and dispels the fear of endless cycles of birth and death…

2
…Lord Raam is as formidable, unfathomable, and profoundly incomprehensible as billions of Gods of Death. The Lord is mighty and as unconquerable as billions of blazing comets…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…The Lord is as fathomless as billions of Pataalas (the deepest of the seven realms beneath the Earth). He is fearful like billions of Gods of Death. He is as sacred as billions of holy pilgrimages, and His name destroys the entire multitude of sins…

2
…Lord Raghuveer is as immovable as millions of Himalayas and as profoundly deep as billions of seas. Like billions of Kaamdhenu celestial cows, He fulfils all desires…

3
…The Lord is as intelligent as countless millions of Goddess Saraswaties and as skilled in creation as billions of Lord Brahmas. He nurtures like billions of Lord Vishnoos and annihilates it like billions of Lord Shivs…

4
…He is as wealthy as millions of Kubers, the Demigod of wealth, and as capable of creating material Universes as millions of Mayas (illusory energies). He bears the weight of countless Universes like billions of Lord Shehsas. The Lord is limitless, incomparable, and the Master of the entire Universe…

 

Verses :

1
…The Vedas proclaim that Lord Raam is beyond comparison, unparalleled, and without equal. The only one like Lord Raam is Lord Raam Himself. Just as comparing millions of fireflies to the mighty Sun would be inappropriate, so too is any attempt to fully capture His greatness. Even the wisest sages, using the fullest extent of their intellect, strive to describe the glory of Lord Hari in the same way. Lord Raam, in His infinite compassion, lovingly accepts the heartfelt devotion of His devotees, delighting in their sincere praises…

 

Couplets : 92

1
…Lord Raam is an ocean of countless virtues—who can fathom its depth? Whatever I have heard from the sages about Shree Raam, I have shared with you, O’ Garud…

 

Sorttha :

2
…The Lord who is an ocean of bliss and an abode of compassion, is won over by sincere devotion. One should renounce all worldly attachments, false pride, and ego, and wholeheartedly worship the Lord of Sita jee.”

 

Quadrupeds :

1
Hearing the charming words of Kak Bhushundi, the King of Birds fluffed up his wings, tears of love welling up in his eyes. Filled with immense joy, he invoked the glory of Lord Raam in his heart.

2
Recalling his past infatuation, he felt deep remorse for once considering the Supreme Lord an ordinary human being. He repeatedly bowed at the feet of Kak Bhushundi, cherishing him even more, recognizing him as being as dear as Shree Raam Himself.

3
Without a spiritual guru, no one can cross the ocean of mundane existence, not even one as exalted as Lord Brahma or Lord Shiv. Garud jee said, “O’ Lord, the serpent of doubt had devoured me, and countless waves of sorrow, in the form of fallacious arguments, were rising within me…

4
…”But Shree Raam, the delight of His devotees, has saved me by sending me to a remover of snake venom. By your grace, my infatuation has vanished, and I have come to understand the incomparable mystery of Lord Raam.”

 

Couplets : 93

1
…After extolling Kak Bhushundi jee in numerous ways, Garud jee bowed his head, folded his wings in reverence, and spoke with utmost humility in sweet and gentle words:…

2
…”Lord, I ask this out of my ignorance, O’ Master, O’ Ocean of mercy, please enlighten me, considering me to be your humble servant…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…You are all-knowing, detached, and beyond the influence of ignorance. Wise, amiable, and simple in temperament, you are a reservoir of wisdom, detachment, and spiritual knowledge. Above all, you are the cherished servant of Lord Raghunath…

2
…For what reason did you assume the form of a crow? Dear Master, please explain this to me in detail. Also, tell me where you heard about the divine and beautiful exploits of Lord Raam. Share everything with me, O’ One who soars through the skies…

3
…O’ Master, I have heard from Lord Shiv himself that you do not perish even during the great universal dissolution. Since Lord Shiv’s words can never be untrue, my heart is, therefore, filled with apprehension…

4
…Lord, the entire Universe, with all its animate and inanimate beings, including serpents, humans, and Demigods, is subject to the grasp of death. The countless egg-shaped Universes are perishable, while the time-spirit remains ever-powerful and invincible…

 

Sorttha : 94

1
…How is it that even the most formidable Death holds no power over you? Tell me, O’ Merciful one, is this because of the might of your spiritual knowledge or the strength of your yogic penance?…

 

Couplets :

2 …Lord, the moment I entered your hermitage, all my delusions disappeared. What is the reason for this? O’ Master, please explain it to me lovingly.”

 

Quadrupeds :

1
Lord Shiv said to Parvati jee, “O’ Ooma, upon hearing Garud’s humble plea, Kak Bhushundi was filled with joy.” Kak Bhushundi said, “Blessed, indeed, is your intellect. Your questions bring me great delight…

2
…Hearing your beautiful and lovingly posed questions has revived my memories of many past births. I will now narrate all those stories to you, O’ Dear one, listen to them attentively and with utmost reverence…

3
…The ultimate fruit of all chanting, penance, sacrifice, self-control, fasting, charity, dispassion, discernment, yoga, and spiritual knowledge is to attain devotion to the feet of Lord Raghupati. Without this no one can attain lasting peace and well-being…

4
…It was in this body of a crow that I was blessed with devotion to Lord Raam, which is why it is so dear to me. It is natural that the one thing in which we have a selfish interest becomes the most dear to us…

 

Sorttha : 95

1
…O’ Devourer of Serpents, the doctrine approved by the Vedas and endorsed by all saintly beings declares that one should extend affection even to the lowliest of creatures if we recognize it as our greatest well-wisher…

2
…From the silkworm comes exquisite silk clothing. Though the silkworm is considered extremely impure, people still nurture it with utmost care, as if it were their very life…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…The true self-interest of every being lies in cultivating unwavering love for Lord Raam’s feet through words, thoughts, and deeds. Only that body is truly sacred and beautiful in which one can worship Lord Raghuveer…

2
…Poets and scholars do not praise one who is hostile to Lord Raam, even if he possesses a body as divine as that of Lord Brahma Himself. In this very form, devotion to Lord Raam took root in my heart. That is why this form of a crow is extremely dear to me, O’ Master…

3
…I can choose to die at will, yet I do not abandon my body, as the Vedas proclaim that without a body, worship is impossible. Initially, my infatuation brought me immense suffering. For as long as I remained hostile to Lord Raam, I was never able to find peaceful sleep…

4
…In my countless births, I practiced yoga, chanting, austere penance, performed sacrifices, gave charity, and engaged in various other acts. There is no species in the Universe in which I have not been born while wandering repeatedly from one body to another, O’ King of Birds…

5
…I have experienced all kinds of pursuits, yet I have never been as happy as I am now. O’ Master, I remember all my past births because, by Lord Shiv’s grace, Maya can never cloud my intellect…

 

Couplets : 96

1
…I will now recount my very first birth, O’ King of Birds, listening to which cultivates love for the Lord’s feet in one’s heart and eradicates all suffering…

2
…O’ Lord, in a bygone era, the world was engulfed in Kaliyug, the root of all sins, where men and women were immersed in sinful deeds, and everyone acted in defiance of the Vedas…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…In that Kali era, I was born in the city of Ayodhya in the body of a working-class person. I was devoted to serving Lord Shiv through word, thought, and deed. However, I insulted other Gods and was consumed by immense pride.

2
…I was proud of my wealth and was excessively talkative, with a fiery temperament and a sharp, aggressive nature. My heart was filled with false pride. Although I lived in Shree Raghupati’s capital, I remained completely unaware of even an iota of its glory…

3
…Now I have come to realize the glory of Ayodhya. The Vedas, Puranas, and other Scriptures proclaim that anyone born in Ayodhya in any of ones lifetimes is destined to become devoted to Lord Raam’s feet…

4
…A person realizes the glory of Ayodhya only when Lord Raam, who holds a bow in His hand, comes to dwell in their heart. O’ Enemy of Serpents, that particular Kaliyug was exceedingly dreadful, as all men and women were wholly given over to sin.

7.14 Kak Bhushundi jee describes the sins of Kaliyug and its unique significance

 

Couplets : 97

1
…The sins of Kaliyug engulfed all acts of righteousness, and the holy Scriptures vanished. Imposters, using their intellect and imagination, gave rise to numerous sects…

2
…All the people had fallen prey to delusion, and greed had consumed all pious acts. Listen, O’ Mount of Lord Hari, O’ Mine of wisdom, now hear about some characteristics of Kaliyug:…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…In Kaliyug, neither the social stratification based on the four primary Varnas—Brahmins (priests, teachers, and intellectuals), Kshatriyas (warriors, kings, and administrators), Vaishyas (agriculturalists, traders, and farmers), and Shudras (workers, labourers, and artisans)—nor adherence to the four stages of life (student life, married life, asceticism, and renunciation) was observed. All the men and women took delight in criticizing the Vedas and the Scriptures. The Brahmins sold the sacred knowledge of the Vedas, and the kings exploited their kingdoms, bringing suffering to society. No one respected the injunctions of the Vedas…

2
…People followed whatever way of life appealed to them. Those who indulged in grandiose talk were regarded as scholars. Liars, show-offs, and hypocrites were revered by everyone as saintly…

3
…One who robbed others of their wealth was considered clever. A person filled with false pride was regarded as virtuous. In Kaliyug, someone adept at lying and mocking others was seen as possessing great qualities…

4
…In Kaliyug, one who lacked good character and had abandoned the path of the Vedas was regarded as a wise and detached individual. A person with long nails and matted locks of hair was considered a renowned ascetic hermit…

 

Couplets : 98

1
…Those clad in inauspicious attire and ornaments, consuming all kinds of food; good or bad, were regarded as Yogis and enlightened saints, and such individuals were revered in Kaliyug…

 

Sorttha :

2
…Those who acted with hostility towards others were highly respected and praised in society, while those who lied in thought, word, and deed were considered great orators in Kaliyug…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…O’ Master, men were entirely dominated by women, dancing like monkeys to the tunes of their trainers. The working-class men preached spiritual wisdom to the Brahmins (priests, teachers, and intellectuals) and, wearing the sacred Janeyu thread, accepted even the worst kinds of gifts…

2
…All men were consumed by lust, greed, and anger, showing hostility toward the Gods, Brahmins, Vedas, and saints. Unfortunate wives abandoned their accomplished, virtuous, and handsome husbands to seek the company of other men…

3
…Married women went without ornaments, while widows adorned themselves with the latest fashion and makeup. The relationship between a teacher and a student resembled that of a deaf man and a blind man—one would not listen, and the other could not see or perceive wisdom…

4
…A teacher would seize his disciple’s wealth but, failing to relieve him of his sorrow, would be doomed to terrible hell. Parents would advise their children to pursue professions solely to fill their bellies, considering this the ultimate act of righteousness…

 

Couplets : 99

1
…In Kaliyug, men and women spoke of about the spiritual knowledge of the Divine, yet, driven by greed, they would not hesitate to kill their priests or teachers for the sake of a small amount of money…

2
…The working class challenged the Brahmins (priests, scholars, and intellectuals), declaring, “In what way are we inferior to you? The one who knows God is the true Brahmin.” With these words, they glared at the Brahmins and chastised them….

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…I witnessed this scene in Kaliyug, where men involved with another man’s wife, lecherous, deceitful, cunning, engrossed in material pleasures, hostile towards others, and clouded by infatuation, were revered as enlightened individuals, claiming to possess spiritual knowledge. They proclaimed the Supreme Lord and individual living beings as one…

2
…Doomed themselves, such people bring ruin even to the rare souls who tread the path of virtues. Those who condemn the Vedas using their own logic are fated to endure countless hells, suffering in each hell for an entire era…

3
…Men from the lowest strata of society, such as oil merchants, potters, dog-meat eaters, hunters, tribal men, and distillers of alcohol, would shave their heads and enter the order of renunciation when their wives passed away or they lost all their household possessions…

4
…They allowed themselves to be worshipped by the priests, thereby ruining both their present life and afterlife with their own actions. As for the Brahmins, they were illiterate, greedy, lecherous, and foolish, marrying women who were characterless and immoral…

5
…The working-class men engaged in all types of chanting, austere penance, and fasting. They recited the Puranas and Scriptures from exalted seats. Both men and women followed codes of conduct born from their own imagination. The endless variety of their wrongdoings is difficult to describe…

 

Couplets : 100

1
…In Kaliyug, mixed heritage arose from intermarriage between different Varnas, and all the people deviated from Vedic principles. They engaged in sinful acts, resulting in suffering, fear, disease, sorrow, and desolation…

2
…Overcome by delusion, men did not follow the path of righteousness as prescribed in the Vedas, nor did they worship Lord Hari accompanied by dispassion and wisdom. Instead, they devised diverse paths and ideologies born of their own imagination…

 

Verses :

1
… Ascetics built houses for themselves and decorated them at considerable expense. They were deprived of detachment, having succumbed to material pleasures. The ascetics became wealthy, and the householders were reduced to poverty. O’ Master, the ways of Kaliyug are beyond description…

2
…Men abandoned their virtuous and chaste wives, replacing them with maidservants forsaking righteous conduct. Sons would respect their parents only until they laid eyes on their wives…

3
…From the moment they grew fond of their in-laws, they began to view their own family members as enemies. The kings indulged in sinful acts and lacked righteousness. They inflicted harsh punishments on their citizens, causing them daily suffering…

4
…Even men of low character were considered noble if they possessed wealth. Brahmins were Brahmins in name only, identified merely by their sacred thread (Janeyu), while ascetics were recognized solely by their naked appearance. Those who rejected the teachings of the Vedas and Puranas were regarded as devotees of Lord Hari and true saints, in Kaliyug…

5
…Poets are found in great numbers, but the generous patrons who reward them are rarely heard of in the world. Many were quick to find faults in the virtues of others, yet none possessed virtues themselves. In Kaliyug, famines became a frequent occurrence, and people perished in sorrow due to the lack of food grains…

 

Couplets : 101

1
… Listen, O’ King of Birds, in Kaliyug, the entire cosmos is filled with deceit, perversity, false pride, malice, hypocrisy, arrogance, infatuation, desire, anger, and greed…

2
…Men engaged in chanting, performed austere penance, undertook fasting, sacrifices, and charity, all driven by unholy motives. The Demigods ceased to shower rain upon the Earth, and the seeds sown in the soil failed to germinate any grain…

 

Verses :

1
…The women wore no ornaments except their own hair and had an insatiable appetite. They were miserable due to lack of wealth, and various attachments. They yearned for happiness but, in their foolishness, failed to follow the path of righteousness. Lacking intellect, they were harsh and lacked compassion…

2
…Men were afflicted with diseases and found no enjoyment anywhere. They were consumed by false pride and harboured hostility without any cause. Their lifespan was short, rarely exceeding fifteen years, yet in their pride, they believed they would survive even the end of time…

3
…Kaliyug brought distress to all men, and no one respected the sanctity even of their own sister or daughter. People lacked contentment, discernment, and modesty. Individuals from all classes, whether high or low, had resorted to begging…

4
…Envy, harsh words, and greed were widespread, while evenness of mind was entirely absent. People were tormented by the sorrow of separation from their loved ones. The duties and codes of conduct prescribed for the four varnas (social classes) and stages of life were completely ignored…

5
…Self-control, charity, compassion, and wisdom vanished, while stubbornness and deceit grew significantly. Men and women indulged excessively in pampering their bodies, and slanderers were scattered across the world…

 

Couplets : 102

1
…Listen, O’ Enemy of serpents, Kaliyug is a repository of sins and vices. Yet, it holds many virtues as well. In Kaliyug, one can effortlessly break free from the cycle of mundane existence…

2
…Moreover, the same goal that is achieved in Satya Yug through the worship of God, in Treta Yug through the performance of sacrifices, and in Dwapar Yug through the practice of yoga, can be attained in Kaliyug simply by chanting the name of Lord Hari…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…In Satya Yug, everyone is a yogi and an enlightened being. By meditating on Lord Hari, they transcend the ocean of mundane existence. In Treta Yug, people perform various types of sacrifices, and by dedicating all the fruits of their actions to the Lord, they cross the ocean of repeated births and deaths…

2
…In Dwapar Yug, men cross the ocean of mundane existence solely by worshipping the feet of Lord Raghupati; there is no other way to achieve this. In Kaliyug, simply singing the virtues of Lord Hari, enables one to transcend the ocean of mundane existence…

3
…In Kaliyug, neither yoga, nor sacrifices, nor spiritual knowledge proves effective. The only solution is reciting the virtues of Lord Raam. Those who abandon all other hopes and lovingly chant His countless virtues while worshipping Him…

4
…will undoubtedly cross the ocean of mundane existence. There is no doubt about it. Thus, the power of the Name truly prevails in the age of Kali. Another sacred glory of Kaliyug is that good deeds borne out of the heart yield positive results, while sins harboured within the heart do not bring negative consequences to a person.

 

Couplets : 103

1
…If one truly believes, there is no era like Kaliyug, for simply reciting the sacred virtues of Shree Raam, enables a person to effortlessly cross the ocean of worldly existence…

2
…Righteousness stands on four pillars: Truth, Compassion, Penance, and Charity; with Charity being the foremost in Kaliyug. Practising Charity in any form leads to spiritual upliftment…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…Inspired by the divine Maya of Lord Raam, the acts of righteousness reside in every heart across all eras. The presence of sacred virtues, equanimity, spiritual wisdom, and a blissful heart are the hallmarks of Satya Yug…

2
…An abundance of the mode of goodness, a touch of passion, an attachment to action, and various forms of happiness are the characteristics of Treta Yug. A predominance of the mode of passion, with a touch of mode of goodness and some degree of mode of ignorance, accompanied by mixed feelings of joy and fear in the heart, defines the hallmarks of Dwapar Yug…

3
…In Kaliyug, the mode of ignorance predominates, with a lesser presence of mode of passion. The influence of Kaliyug creates an atmosphere of hostility everywhere. The wise, understanding the qualities of each era, renounce wrongful deeds and embrace acts of righteousness…

4
…Those devoted to the feet of Lord Raghupati, remain unaffected by the three modes of nature and time – goodness, passion, and ignorance. Just as a juggler may perform countless tricks of deception, and mesmerize the audience, but O’ King of Birds, these illusions cannot deceive his servant…

 

Couplets : 104

1
…Good and evil, both creations of Lord Maya, cannot be transcended without worshipping Lord Hari. Understanding this truth, one should renounce all material desires and devote themselves to the worship of Lord Raam…

2
…Listen, O’ Master of Birds, during that Kaliyug, I lived in Ayodhya for many years. Once a severe famine struck there, and under duress I went abroad…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…Listen, O’ Enemy of serpents. I went to Ujjain, burdened with misery, sorrow, poverty, and affliction. Over the course of time I was able to acquire some wealth. And there once again I started to worship Lord Shiv…

2
…There was a Brahmin there who devoted himself entirely to the worship of Lord Shiv according to Vedic rituals, with no other occupation. He was an exceptionally pious sage, enlightened, a knower of the ultimate truth, and a devoted worshipper of Lord Shiv who never disrespected Lord Hari…

3
…I served him with a deceitful heart. The Brahmin, kind-hearted and an embodiment of piety, mistook my outward humility, my Lord, and taught me as if I were his own son…

4
…That noble Brahmin imparted to me a mantra to invoke Lord Shiv and offered me all kinds of wise counsel. I would visit the temple and chant Lord Shiv’s mantra regularly, but my heart remained full of false pride and ego…

 

Couplets : 105

1
…I was a wretch, impure in mind, sinful, of low character, and consumed by infatuation. Whenever I saw a devotee of Lord Hari or a Brahmin, I burned with jealousy and harboured hatred toward Lord Vishnu…

7.15 Kak Bhushundi insulted his guru in a previous birth and the subsequent curse pronounced upon him by Lord Shiv

 

Couplets : 105

1
… I was a wretch, impure in mind, sinful, of low character, and consumed by infatuation. Whenever I saw a devotee of Lord Hari or a Brahmin, I burned with jealousy and harboured hatred toward Lord Vishnu…

 

Sorttha :

2
… My Guru imparted valuable wisdom to me daily and felt sorrowful seeing my attitude. However, hearing his words, I was consumed by anger instead. Someone who is overly proud, can he truly appreciate wisdom?…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…Once my Guru called me and imparted wisdom in every possible way. He said, ‘Son, the ultimate fruit of worshipping Lord Shiv is to attain steadfast devotion to the feet of Lord Raam…

2
…Son, even Lord Shiv and Lord Brahma worship Lord Raam. What, then, is the worth of a mere human being? Whose feet are revered by both Lord Brahma and Lord Shiv, yet, O’ Unfortunate one, you seek happiness while harbouring animosity towards that very Lord Raam?”…

3
…”When I heard my Guru refer to Lord Shiv as a servant of Lord Hari, my heart burned with agony, O’ King of Birds. I was a lowly being, and the little spiritual knowledge I had acquired only inflated my ego, much like a serpent that grows even more venomous when fed milk…

4
…I was egoistic, cunning, unfortunate, and lowly, harbouring hostility towards my Guru day and night. Yet my Guru, being extremely benevolent, never lost his temper and imparted wisdom to me again and again…

5
…A wretched person will first destroy and kill the very person responsible for his rise to glory. Listen, brother, smoke is born from fire. Yet, as it rises to the sky and forms clouds, it returns as rain, extinguishing the very fire that gave it life…

6
…Dust lies on the ground, enduring the disgrace of being trampled underfoot every day. Yet, when the wind lifts it, the same dust fills the air, finds its way into the king’s eyes, and even settles on his crown…

7
…Listen, O’ King of Birds, learn from these examples that the wise should never associate with vile men. Poets and scholars have long established this principle: neither friendship nor enmity with a wretched person leads to any good…

8
…O’ Master, one should always keep their distance from a wicked person, just as one would renounce and let go of a vile being like a stray dog. I was a wretched man, with a heart filled with deceit and cunning, and for that reason, the wise advice of my Guru did not appeal to me…

 

Couplets : 106

1
…Once, while sitting in the temple and chanting Lord Shiv’s name, my Guru arrived. Out of pride, I did not stand up to greet him…

2
…But my Guru was extremely kind; he neither said anything nor felt the slightest anger in his heart. However, Lord Shiv could not tolerate my hugely grievous sin…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…A divine voice (Lord Shiv’s) echoed within the temple, saying, “O’ Unfortunate wretch, dull-witted and egoistic! Though your Guru did not get angry at your disrespect, he is exceedingly compassionate and a fully enlightened saint…

2
…Yet, O’ Fool, I shall pronounce a curse upon you. I do not tolerate anyone defying the rules of proper conduct. Wretch, if I do not punish you, the sanctity of my Vedic laws will be compromised…

3
…Those fools who harbour jealousy towards their gurus are condemned to suffer in terrible hells for millions of years. Thereafter, they are born into lower forms of life, such as birds, insects, worms, and animals, enduring torment for ten thousand successive years in each existence…

4
…Since you remained seated like a python, O’ Sinful one, you are cursed to become a snake. O’ Wretch, with a mind tainted by sin, you shall now reside in the hollow of a massive tree, enduring a wretched and impious existence in the most degraded state of life…

7.16 A hymn of eight verses dedicated to Lord Shiv. The Guru’s appeal for forgiving

 

Couplets : 107

1
…Hearing Lord Shiv’s terrible curse, my Guru burst into a loud lamentation. Seeing me shivering with fear, his heart was filled with distress…

2
…Realizing the dreadful fate I had been cursed with, the Brahmin affectionately prostrated before the Shivling (Lord Shiv) and, with joined palms, pleaded in a voice choked with emotion:

 

Verses :

1
…I bow to you, Lord Shiv, the sovereign of all directions. You are the bestower of liberation (moksha), omnipresent, all-pervading, and all-powerful, embodying the very essence of the Vedas. You are untouched by material nature, dwelling in Your own self. Transcending the three modes of nature (goodness, passion, and ignorance), You are devoid of material attributes yet endowed with divine qualities. Free from dualities and desires, You are the all-conscious Supreme Lord, manifesting as the infinite expanse of the sky. I worship You, Lord Shiv…

2
…I bow to You, Lord Shiv, for You are formless in essence, devoid of any material form, and the very root of the mystic syllable “Om.” Transcending the three modes of material nature, You are the Supreme Lord, beyond the grasp of senses, speech, and understanding. O’ Lord of Mount Kailash, You are the devourer even of the great Time-Spirit, the all-Merciful, the abode of virtues, and You transcend the bounds of this world…

3
…You possess a majestic form as pristine as the snow-clad Himalayas, radiant with a beauty that surpasses millions of Cupids (Kaamdev). From Your head flows the divine and enchanting streams of the sacred River Ganga. A young crescent Moon adorns Your forehead, while serpents coil gracefully around Your neck…

4
…Your earrings sway gracefully from Your earlobes, and You have lovely eyebrows, large eyes, and a radiant, smiling face. With a blue-coloured throat and an all-merciful nature, You are adorned with a lion’s skin as a garment and a garland of skulls. Beloved by all, You are the Supreme Lord. I worship You, Lord Shankar…

5
…You are fearsome, supreme, meritorious, beyond all comprehension, indivisible, unborn, and radiant like millions of Suns. You eradicate the three types of sorrows from their very root, wield a trident in Your hands, and are accessible through inner feelings and love. O’ Lord of Goddess Bhawani, I worship You…

6
…You are beyond all attributes and arts, ever auspicious, and the One who ends cycles of time. You bring eternal happiness to the pious, destroyer of the three cities (Tripur) of the demon brothers. A repository of pure consciousness and supreme bliss, You eradicate attachments and infatuations. Be propitious to me, O’ Enemy of Kaamdev (Cupid), who stirs the heart…

7
…Until men worship the lotus feet of the Lord of Goddess Ooma, they cannot attain peace, happiness, or freedom from their miseries, either in this world or the next. Please be gracious to me, O’ Lord who dwells in all creatures…

8
…I neither know yoga (the path to harmonize with the Supreme Lord), nor chanting, nor the ways of worship. Yet, I bow to You always and forever, O’ Lord Shambhu. Protect me from the burning pain of sorrows brought by old age and the cycle of birth. I bow to You, Lord Shambhu…

 

Shlock :

9
…This Rudrashtakam, an eight-verse hymn, was composed in praise of Lord Shiv by the Brahmin to invoke the happiness of Lord Har (Shiv jee). Anyone who recites it with devotion will undoubtedly please Lord Shambhu…

 

Couplets : 108

1
…Hearing the humble plea and witnessing the Brahmin’s devotion, the all-pervading Lord Shiv once again spoke. His divine voice resonated through the temple, saying, “O’ Noble Brahmin, ask for a boon that your heart desires.”…

2
…The Brahmin replied, “O’ Lord, if you are truly pleased with me, O’ Most gracious and benevolent One to the afflicted, then first grant me unwavering devotion to your lotus feet. After that, bestow upon me another boon…

3
…Under the sway of Your Maya, the ignorant living being endlessly wanders, lost in the cycle of mundane existence. Therefore, O’ Merciful Lord, please do not be angry with him…

4
…Now, be gracious upon this pitiable being, O’ Lord Shankar, O’ Compassionate One to the afflicted, bless him my Lord, so that the effect of Your curse may end soon…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…Now, O’ Mine of mercy, do only that which brings him supreme blessedness.” Hearing the Brahmin’s words, filled with compassion and benevolence for others, the heavenly voice of Lord Shiv replied, “So be it!”…

2
…Though he has committed a grievous sin, for which, in my wrath, I pronounced a curse upon him, yet, out of regard for your goodness, I will bestow a special grace upon him…

3
…A Brahmin with a forgiving nature and benevolence towards others is as dear to me as Shree Raam, the slayer of the demon Khar. O’ Brahmin, my curse will not be in vain; this man shall indeed have a thousand births…

4
…However, the terrible agony of successive births and deaths shall not affect him in the slightest. His knowledge will remain intact in every birth. Listen, to my truthful words O’ Shudra (Lord Shiv speaks to the disciple)…

5
… First, you were born in Lord Raghupati’s Kingdom, where you served me with devotion in that life. Through the miraculous power of that sacred city and by my grace, devotion to Lord Raam shall awaken in your heart…

6
…(Lord Shiv continued speaking to the disciple) O’ Brother, listen to my solemn declaration: Serving a Brahmin brings immense joy to Lord Hari’s heart. From this moment onward, never insult a Brahmin; regard them as equal to the infinite Lord…

7
…Even a person who does not succumb to the strike of Lord Indra’s thunderbolt, my mighty trident, the rod of the God of Death, or the dreadful discus of Lord Hari, will inevitably be consumed by fire in the form of hostility toward the Brahmins…

8
…Keep this wisdom in your heart, and nothing in this world will be too difficult for you to attain. I grant you one more blessing: you shall have unhindered access everywhere.”…

 

Couplets : 109

1
…Hearing Lord Shiv’s words, the Guru was overjoyed and exclaimed, “Indeed it shall be so!” Then, after admonishing me, he returned home, invoking Lord Shambhu’s feet in his heart.

2
… Driven by destiny, I found myself at the Vindhya mountains, where I took birth as a serpent. After the lapse of some time, I effortlessly shed that form as well…

3
…O’ Mount of Lord Hari, regardless of the form I took, I was able to shed it with the utmost ease, much like a person discards old clothes and adorns new ones…

4
… Lord Shiv upheld the Vedic law, while sparing me from the affliction tied to the cycles of birth and death. Thus, I assumed countless forms, yet my knowledge remained undiminished, O’ King of Birds…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…Whatever form I took, be it a bird, insect, worm, animal, Demigod, or human, I remained steadfast on the path of devotion to Shree Raghupati in each of those forms. Yet, there was a thorn that kept piercing me – I could not forget the kind and amiable disposition of my guru (whom I had disrespected)…

2
…Eventually, I was born as a Brahmin, a form even the Demigods find hard to attain, as proclaimed by the Vedas. As a Brahmin boy, I would play with other children, joyfully re-enacting the playful exploits of Lord Raghunayak…

3
…As I grew older, my father began teaching me various subjects. I tried to comprehend them, listened attentively, and reflected upon the lessons; yet they failed to captivate my mind. All worldly cravings had departed from my heart, leaving me drawn solely to the devotion of Lord Raam’s feet…

4
…Tell me, O’ King of Birds, who could be so unfortunate as to serve a donkey after renouncing Kamdhenu (the celestial cow that fulfils all desires)? Overwhelmed with love for Lord Raam, nothing pleased me, and my father grew tired of teaching me repeatedly…

5
…After my father and mother passed away, I left for the forest to devote myself to the worship of Shree Raam, the Protector of His servants. Whenever I met a great sage, I visited his hermitage and humbly bowed before him…

6
…O’ King of Birds, I would ask the sages about the countless virtues of Shree Raam, and when they shared them with me, my heart would overflow with joy. In this manner, I wandered freely, listening to the glorious tales of Lord Hari’s praises. By the grace of Lord Shambhu, my movements were unrestricted everywhere.

7.17 Continuation of Kak Bhushundi’s narrative. He approaches Sage Lomash, who initially curses h

7
…My deepest threefold desires (offspring, wealth, and fame) had faded away, yet my heart remained overwhelmed with an intense, ever-growing longing to behold the lotus feet of Lord Raam. Only then would I deem the true purpose of my life fulfilled…

8
…Every sage I consulted would say, “The Lord is omnipresent and dwells within every creature.” Yet, I did not favour the belief that God was without form; my heart was more drawn to the aspect of the Supreme Lord with a form…

 

Couplets : 110

1
…Recalling the words of my Guru, my heart became filled with devotion to the feet of Lord Raam. With each passing moment, I found newer and ever deeper love for Shree Raghunath, and I wandered about, singing the ever new virtues of Lord Raam…

2
…On the summit of Mount Meru, Sage Lomash was seated under a banyan tree. I approached him, bowed my head at his feet, and addressed him with utmost humility…

3
…O’ King of Birds, upon hearing my gentle and humble words, the gracious sage kindly asked, “O’ Brahmin, what is the purpose of your visit?”…

4
…Thereupon, I replied, “O’ Ocean of Mercy, you are omniscient and all-wise. Lord, please enlighten me about the method of worshipping the Supreme Lord in his embodied form.”…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…O’ King of Birds, the great sage reverently recited tales of Shree Raghupati. Being himself immersed in the knowledge of Supreme Brahm, the enlightened sage, considered me to be a highly worthy candidate for initiation,…

2
…and began delivering discourses on the Absolute Supreme, the unborn, the One without a second, free from material qualities, the Lord of everyone’s heart, incomprehensible and without desires, nameless and formless, attainable only through realization, the Supreme who is indivisible, incomparable,…

3
…beyond the grasp of mind and senses, pure, indestructible, immutable, limitless, and the embodiment of eternal bliss. The sage said, “All that I have described is none other than you, for there is no difference between you and the Lord, just as there is no distinction between water and its wave, as proclaimed by the Vedas.”…

4
…The sage instructed me in many ways, but the idea that the individual living entity is identical to the Absolute Brahm (devoid of material form) did not resonate with my heart. I bowed at his feet and humbly requested again, “O’ Great sage, please teach me how to worship the embodied form of the Lord…

5
…My heart is like a fish in the waters of Lord Raam’s devotion, how can it be separated from it, O’ Wise chief of sages? Please be gracious, therefore, and instruct me in the method by which I may behold the Chief of Raghoos, Shree Raam, with my own eyes…

6
…Having feasted my eyes on the Lord of Ayodhya, only then will I listen to your discourse on the attribute-less Supreme Brahm. The sage once again recited the incomparable exploits of Lord Hari. However, ignoring the idea of the Lord having a physical form, the sage focused on the formless nature of the Supreme Being…

7
…Thereupon, I forcefully shifted the discussion from God’s attributeless form to the embodied form. I countered each of the sage’s arguments with responses of my own. At that moment, signs of anger became evident on the sage’s body…

8
…Listen, Lord, excessive disobedience can stir anger even in the heart of an enlightened being. Too much friction can ignite a fire, even from sandalwood…

 

Couplets : 111

1
… The sage, again and again, delivered spiritual teachings angrily, while I sat silently, pondering over various questions in my heart…

2
…Can anger exist without duality in the mind? Can duality arise without ignorance? The deluded independent living entity, bound by the spell of Maya, can it ever be equal to the Lord?…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…Can there be any suffering in wishing for the well-being of all? Can someone remain poor while possessing a stone that turns iron into gold upon a mere touch? Can a person hostile to others ever remain free from fear? And can a lecherous individual truly remain unblemished?…

2
…Can a clan survive after causing harm to Brahmins? Can one continue performing actions with attachment even after attaining self-realization? Has anyone ever developed a good intellect by associating with the vile? Can a person indulging in adultery attain a noble destiny?…

3
…Can someone who has realized the Supreme Lord fall back into the ocean of mundane existence? Can a person who insults Lord Hari ever find happiness? Can a kingdom endure without the wisdom of statecraft? Can sins remain after recounting the glorious exploits of Lord Hari?…

4
…Can anyone attain pious fame without performing good deeds? Can someone earn a bad reputation without committing sin? Is there any gain as precious as devotion to Lord Hari, the One who is glorified by the Vedas, sages, and the Puranas?…

5
… O’ Brother, is there any greater loss in this world than failing to worship Lord Raam even after attaining a human birth? Can there be a greater sin than backbiting, or a virtue far greater than compassion, O’ Mount of Lord Hari?…

6
…In this way, I pondered countless arguments in my heart, without listening to the sage’s teachings with due reverence. Time and again, I defended the embodied form of the Supreme Lord until, at last, the sage spoke these words in anger:…

7
…”O’ Fool, even after bestowing upon you the supreme knowledge, you have failed to accept it. Instead, you engage in endless arguments and counterarguments. Lacking faith in the truth, you, like a crow, view everything with suspicion!…

8
…Fool, you are excessively and stubbornly self-opinionated; therefore, you shall immediately turn into a meat-eating bird (crow).” I accepted the sage’s curse with humility, feeling neither fear nor regret about my condition…

 

Couplets : 112

1
…Immediately, I was transformed into a crow. Bowing once again at the sage’s feet, I fixed my thoughts on Shree Raam, the crown jewel of Raghu’s clan and, filled with joy, I took flight…

2
Lord Shiv says to Parvati jee, “O’ Ooma, those who are devoted to the feet of Lord Raam and free from material desires, false pride, and anger, perceive their Lord’s presence in all of creation, how then can they bear hostility against anyone?”

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…”Listen, O’ King of Birds, the sage was not at fault. It is the crown jewel of the Raghu dynasty, Lord Raam, who governs all hearts. The Lord deluded the sage’s mind to test my devotion to Him (Lord Raam)…

2
…When the Lord found me to be His devoted servant in thought, word, and deed, He removed the delusion from the sage’s mind once again. The sage recognized my exceptional modest nature and unwavering faith in Lord Raam’s feet…

3
…He was deeply saddened and repeatedly regretted his curse. The sage then called me back, consoled me in various ways, and joyfully bestowed upon me a mantra to invoke and worship Lord Raam…

4
…The all-gracious sage taught me how to meditate upon the child form of Lord Raam, which is beautiful, blissful, and extremely dear to me. I have already shared this with you…

5
…The sage kept me in his hermitage for some time and then recited Shree Raamcharitmanas (the Mansarovar Lake of Lord Raam’s divine exploits). After reverently narrating the sacred story, the sage addressed me with the following gracious words:…

6
…”O’ Son, I discovered this secret and enchanting lake of Shree Raam’s divine exploits through the grace of Lord Shambhu. Recognizing you as a beloved devotee of Shree Raam, I have narrated it to you in its entirety…

7
…”Son, do not recite it in front of those who lack devotion to Lord Raam in their hearts.” The sage offered me his advice in various ways. After that, I affectionately bowed my head at his feet…

8
…The great sage gently caressed my head with his lotus-like hands and joyfully blessed me, saying, ‘Henceforth, by my grace, uninterrupted devotion to Lord Raam shall forever dwell in your heart…

 

Couplets : 113

1
…You will forever remain dear to Shree Raam, a treasure trove of auspicious virtues, free from false pride. You will possess the ability to assume any form at will and depart from this world at a time of your choice. You shall also be a fountain of spiritual wisdom and profound detachment…

2
…Wherever you reside with your mind steadfastly focused on Lord Shree Raam, ignorance will be unable to approach within a radius of twelve kilometers of that hermitage…

 

Quadrupeds :

1
…You will never experience any suffering arising from time, destiny, temperament, merit, or demerit. There are numerous profound and beautiful secrets about Shree Raam (His character, qualities, and divine exploits), hidden and revealed within the ancient historical Scriptures and Puranas,…

2
…which you will come to know without any effort or difficulty. Your love for the feet of Shree Raam will forever remain fresh and grow brighter. Whatever you desire in your heart will be effortlessly attained by the grace of Lord Hari.”…

3
…O’ Calm-minded Garud jee, upon hearing the sage’s words, a deep divine voice of the Lord echoed from the sky: “May your prophecy ring true, O’ Enlightened sage. He is indeed my devotee in action, thought and word.”…

4
…Hearing the heavenly voice, I was filled with joy, overwhelmed by love, and freed from all my doubts. After offering humble supplications and seeking the sage’s permission, I repeatedly bowed my head at his feet…

5
…Filled with great joy, I arrived at this hermitage. By the grace of the Lord, I received this unique boon. Listen, O’ King of Birds, I have been residing here for twenty-seven cycles of creation…

6
…I constantly sing the praises of Shree Raghupati, and the enlightened birds listen to them with reverence. Each time Lord Raghuveer incarnates in the city of Ayodhya for the sake of His devotees,…

7
…I go to reside in Shree Raam’s Kingdom and delight in witnessing the playful acts of the child Lord Raam. O’ King of Birds, thereafter, enshrining the image of Lord Raam in my heart, I return to my hermitage…

8
…I have now shared the story of how I came to receive this form of a crow. O’ Brother, I have also answered all your questions. Truly, the glory of devotion to Lord Raam is unparalleled…

 

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…

Pause 29 of 30 Day Recitation