📖 Bala Kand Shree Ramcharitmanas by Goswami Tulsidas — Rama's Birth, Childhood, Sita Swayamvar & Divine Marriage

I bow to Mother Saraswati and Lord Ganesha, the creators of letters, meanings, poetic sentiments, metres, and all that is auspicious.

I salute Bhavani and Shankara, who are the embodiments of Faith and Belief. Without them, even the perfected sages cannot behold the Lord dwelling within their own hearts.

I bow to the Guru, who is eternally wisdom-incarnate and of the form of Shankara. Under His shelter, even the crooked moon becomes venerable throughout the universe.

I salute Kavishwar Valmiki and Kapishwar Hanuman, who possess pure transcendental knowledge and who sport in the sacred forest of Sita-Rama's divine qualities.

I bow to Sita, the beloved consort of Shree Rama, who governs creation, preservation, and dissolution, who removes all afflictions, and who bestows every form of supreme welfare.

I worship the lotus feet of my Guru, who is the ocean of mercy and Hari in human form. His words are like a cluster of sunbeams that dispel the dense darkness of great delusion.

I worship the pollen-dust of the Guru's lotus feet, which is full of good taste, sweet fragrance, and lively devotion. It is like a beautiful powder made from the root of ambrosia, which destroys the entire family of worldly ailments.

For the virtuous, it is the pure sacred ash of Lord Shambhu's body — the birthplace of beautiful auspiciousness and joy. It removes the impurities from the lovely mirror of the devotees' minds, and applying its tilak brings all virtues under one's sway.

The radiance of the jewel-like toenails of the blessed Guru bestows divine vision in the heart when remembered. That light, which destroys the darkness of delusion, enters the heart only by great good fortune.

By that light, the pure eyes of the heart open wide; the faults and sorrows of the night of worldly existence are destroyed; and the jewels and rubies of Shree Rama's divine narrative become visible — hidden and manifest, wherever each gem lies in its mine.

Once again I worship my Guru's lotus feet — He who is the ocean of mercy and Hari in human form, whose words are like clusters of sunbeams that dispel the dense darkness of great delusion.

With a body dark as the blue lotus, serpent-like matted locks adorning His head, and bearing the staff of self-discipline and righteousness — such is the sage (Guru) Tulsi enshrines in his heart.

I worship that same Shree Rama in His child-form, by chanting whose divine Name all supernatural powers become easily attainable.

Having cleansed the mirror of my mind with the dust of the blessed Guru's lotus feet, I describe the pure glory of the foremost of the Raghus — which bestows all four fruits of life: dharma, artha, kama, and moksha.

Knowing my body to be devoid of intelligence, I remember the Son of the Wind God (Shree Hanuman). O Pavan Kumar, grant me strength, wisdom, and knowledge, and remove my afflictions and impurities.

Glory to Hanuman, the ocean of wisdom and virtues! Glory to the Lord of the Monkeys, who illumines all three worlds!

He is the abode of all auspiciousness and the destroyer of all inauspiciousness — may that Lord who sported in the courtyard of King Dasharatha shower His grace upon me.

All people cherish mutual love and walk upon the path of their own dharma, steadfast in the righteous conduct prescribed by the Vedas.

Lord Shambhu (Shiva) composed this beautiful divine narrative and then, by His grace, narrated it to Uma (Parvati).

Considering this, the wise regard the story of Shree Rama as the supreme essence. Before Lord Shiva, Uma speaks of the noble deeds of Lord Raghupati.

Once, in the Treta Yuga, Lord Shambhu (Shiva) went to visit the sage born of a sacred vessel — Rishi Agastya.

Lord Shiva inquired about the ocean of Lord Raghunath's divine deeds, and the chief of sages, Agastya, narrated the complete story of Lord Rama.

While telling and hearing the virtues of Lord Raghunath, Lord Shiva went into deep meditation. In this manner, some time passed, and both experienced supreme bliss.

Lord Shiva dwells blissfully in Kashi. Meanwhile, the ten-headed Ravana had become arrogant once again, like the demon Tripurasura of old.

The beautiful story of Shree Rama is like clapping one's hands — it scatters away the birds of doubt and uncertainty.

Uma (Parvati) says — O Lord, this is a delightful narrative. Please narrate it to me once, explaining it in full detail.

O Lord, please tell me the clear and complete story of Shree Raghunath — He who, without any fault, relinquished the crown-jewel among women, Sita.

If there is true faith in your heart, then genuine love will find its abode at the feet of Shree Rama.

Then the Lord of the Raghus speaks again with great love — both the listener and the narrator should be wise; that is, both must possess the proper qualification for this sacred exchange.

The Lord's Name is desireless and endowed with infinite virtues that cannot be fully described. It is delightful to the ears and beneficial to all saints. Who but Lord Shiva can reveal the reason behind this mystery?

Victory, victory, victory to the Lord of the gods, the bestower of bliss upon His devotees, the protector of the surrendered, the Supreme Lord! Victory to the benefactor of cows and Brahmins, the destroyer of demons, the beloved husband of Goddess Lakshmi!

His father was Dasharatha and His mother Kausalya — their pure and glorious fame is known throughout the entire world.

That Supreme Lord is beautiful, of incomparable form, and the abode of all virtues. For what reason did He assume human form and incarnate as Shree Rama?

Whenever dharma declines and vile, arrogant demons increase — committing unspeakable injustice — Brahmins, cows, gods, and the Earth suffer grievously.

Then the Lord, the treasury of compassion, assumes various forms and removes the suffering of the righteous.

Many invincible demons arose in the world — for their destruction, the Lord descended in His divine incarnation.

There was a formidable demon named Ravana — with a radiant body and immense power born of his austerities.

The men and women dwelling in all three cities — their happiness and prosperity was beyond description. All were beautiful and endowed with knowledge and virtuous qualities, devoted to dharma as celebrated in the Vedas.

O Girija (Parvati), listen! The beautiful deeds of Shree Hari are manifold, pure, and sung by the Vedas and sacred texts. The precise cause of Shree Hari's incarnation cannot be stated as 'this alone is the reason.'

Shree Rama is infinite, and His virtues are infinite. His births and deeds are also infinite — this the entire world knows.

Once, Shree Rama beheld a woman devoted to austerity — and an extraordinary, special divine attraction arose.

Narada went to Lord Vishnu and began singing Shree Rama's beautiful glory with full faith and devotion.

The curses of the Brahmin and the Guru were revealed — then the Lord took His divine incarnation.

Victory, victory, victory — ever of beautiful renown, the ornament of the gods, the protector of the surrendered! Worship Raghu-Bhushana, the jewel of the Raghu dynasty!

In this way, the births and deeds of Shree Hari are beautiful, bliss-bestowing, and wonderfully varied beyond measure.

The Lord appeared — compassionate, merciful to the humble, the benefactor of Kausalya! His mother was overjoyed; the sages' minds were enchanted, beholding His wondrous divine form.

His eyes delight all who behold them; His body is dark as rain-clouds; in His four arms He holds His divine weapons. Adorned with ornaments and forest garlands, with large beautiful eyes — such is the ocean of beauty, the slayer of the demon Khara.

Mother Kausalya, joining her palms, offered hymns of praise with utmost humility — O Lord, sever my bonds and reveal that very form whose very remembrance grants bliss to the entire world.

The Lord, whose will is supreme, then assumed the guise of a human child and displayed His incomparable infant pastimes.

Then the Lord bade His mother ask a boon. She replied — I desire You as my son alone, O Lord Vishnu!

Hearing the glorious accounts of His parents and Guru, and offering salutations, the Lord began to wander about the city of Ayodhya.

The auspicious time for the naming ceremony arrived, accompanied by favorable planetary alignments. The great sage Vasishtha came to the royal gate.

The royal sage Vasishtha bestowed the names — Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna. The festivities in the royal palace grew immensely; the joy was beyond description.

Lord Hari enacted many kinds of childhood pastimes and bestowed the greatest bliss upon King Dasharatha.

For the welfare of Brahmins, cows, gods, and saints, the Lord took His incarnation in human form. His body, created by His own divine will, stands beyond Maya and the three gunas.

The city of Ayodhya glows beautifully on the banks of the Sarayu River — all the people come to behold the handsome and valiant child.

The city of Ayodhya is adorned by the beautiful dark-complexioned child — men and women from the entire city come for His darshan.

Thus has the birth of Shree Rama been described — for the purpose of awakening bliss in the hearts of His devotees.

The beautiful and incomparable deeds of His childhood charmed sages, perfected beings, ascetics, common folk, and kings alike.

Playing the flute and frolicking with His companions in the lanes — all the townspeople, seeing this, are filled with joy and auspiciousness.

Once the Lord opened His mouth before His playmates — and within it revealed the entire cosmos. His mother was wonderstruck, yet her heart was filled with delight.

When mother calls Him for meals, the Lord comes running — such is His eternal, ever-new divine play.

All four brothers — in speech, virtue, and form — are each steadfast as a rock and each more incomparably glorious than the other.

Tired from playing, the child comes to His father's lap. Mother takes Him in her arms and kisses Him — a sight of indescribable tenderness.

Rising at dawn, the two brothers (Rama and Lakshmana) go to bow at the feet of their parents in reverence.

Hearing the deeds of Lord Raghupati, everyone rejoices again and again. The heart thrills with divine ecstasy and tears of bliss flow from the eyes.

Lord Raghuraja went to the Guru's house (gurukul) to study, and in a very short time mastered all knowledge.

He learned all four Vedas and all knowledge — attaining mastery over every art, science, and virtue.

The Lord studied all four Vedas — everyone felt blessed hearing accounts of His deeds.

Endowed with learning, humility, skill, virtue, and noble character — His youthful dark-lotus beauty and captivating divine play enchant every heart.

The great sage and royal seer Vishwamitra arrived at the gate of King Dasharatha's palace.

The sage desired two young princes to guard his ashram — he requested that Rama and Lakshmana be sent with him.

Hearing this, King Dasharatha was not pleased — the thought of separation from his sons filled his heart with fear.

Sage Vasishtha counseled — O king, set aside your fear! Shree Rama, the treasure of mercy, is the all-knowing Lord — He is fully capable of protection.

The king, accepting wise counsel, entrusted his sons to the sage. All the citizens were overjoyed, and Lord Raghuraja was gladdened in His heart.

Rama and Lakshmana were sent to the forest with the sage — the great Muni then bestowed upon them abundant knowledge and divine grace.

The sage bestowed upon them all divine weapons of immeasurable power — making both princes fully accomplished in the science of arms.

On the riverbank stands the sage's ashram, supremely sacred and beautiful. Shree Rama and Lakshmana shine there like lotuses in full bloom.

The noble sage bestowed the divine spells Bala and Atibala upon them. Rama and Lakshmana enshrined the sanctity of the yagna-hall within their hearts.

Further, the sage gave them all manner of weapons and missiles. Shree Rama and Lakshmana, with their mighty arms, brought joy and peace to all.

Then the Lord proceeded to Siddhashram and removed the disturbance and fear that troubled the sages.

Tadaka came and raised a fierce battle — Shree Rama graciously struck her with His arrow and slew her.

The great sage Vishwamitra was exceedingly delighted and began extolling the virtues and glory of Shree Rama.

Many great obstacles were destroyed — the yajna was completed successfully and blissfully.

The pride of the demons Maricha and Subahu was crushed — Raghunandana (Shree Rama) became the protector of the sages' sacred fire-rituals.

Maricha was struck with a blunted (non-lethal) arrow and was hurled a hundred yojanas away.

Subahu's arm was torn off and he was felled — Raghuveer displayed His immense valor.

All the sages then sang His many virtues en masse and bestowed upon Shree Rama their blessings in manifold ways.

The sage said — Listen, dear sons Rama and Lakshmana, O treasure of bliss! The city of Janakpur (Mithila) is grandly decorated; let us proceed there, as Providence ordains.

O dear ones, let me show you the sacred sacrificial ground — many sages and perfected beings are arriving there in great numbers.

The wife of Sage Gautama, cursed to become a stone, patiently awaited the dust of Shree Rama's lotus feet. O Raghuveer, bestow Your grace upon her!

The moment His holy feet touched her — the feet that destroy all sorrow — Ahalya, who was a mass of accumulated penance, was restored to her true form. Seeing Lord Raghunayak before her — the bestower of joy upon His devotees — she stood with palms joined in reverence.

Overwhelmed by the intensity of divine love, her body thrilled with ecstasy and words would not come to her lips. She is most supremely fortunate — she who remembers those lotus feet day and night without ceasing.

Blessed, blessed, I am blessed — having become a follower of the dust of the Lord's sacred feet! With pure eyes and a pure heart, know that Shree Rama is the Redeemer of the fallen (Patit-Pavana).

Joining her palms, Ahalya offered praises to the Lord — and then the household of Sage Gautama was filled with divine joy.

Sage Gautama then returned to his ashram — and beholding Shree Rama, he attained supreme bliss.

The pure and noble Brahmin sage met the Lord, offered praises and hymns, deeply moved by the spirit of bliss.

Those same sacred feet whose dust Ahalya longed for and finally received — to those holy feet Gautama bowed his head again and again in reverence.

In all the world, there is no one as compassionate as Shree Rama. The divine narrative of Ahalya's liberation by the Lord remains unfathomable to all.

Thus Shree Rama, the ornament of the Raghu dynasty, liberated Ahalya from her curse — the Lord thereby proved true His divine name of 'Patit-Pavana' (Redeemer of the Fallen).

Proceeding further, they reached the city of Janakpur. The atmosphere of divine bliss (Brahmananda) delighted the hearts of the sages.

Beholding the beautiful forests along the way, they entered the woodlands — Mithila was deeply dear to Shree Rama's heart.

The city of Mithila was magnificently adorned — the sight of the city was resplendent as if wrought in gold.

Everyone went to behold the two princes — the men, women, and children of the city crowded one another for a glimpse.

Beholding the beauty of Lord Raghupati — all the men and women of the entire city stopped in their tracks and gazed in wonder.

The two brothers shone in Janaka's city as though the most exquisite creation of Lord Brahma had spread its radiance everywhere.

The women of the city behold Rama and Lakshmana — Their lotus-like faces radiate like the luminous glow of the moon.

The people exclaim — Who are these two handsome young princes? Who are these companions of the noble sage?

Today there is no gain equal to the feast of the eyes — the darshan of Rama and Lakshmana is the very king of all joys.

O friend, all adornments are complete — come, let us all engage in worship! The purpose of beholding Rama and Lakshmana is momentous — they are the ornaments of the Raghu dynasty.

Then, recognizing Janaki (Sita), they went for her darshan — beholding the jewel of the Raghu lineage, every heart was filled with gladness.

Sita and Rama beheld each other — tenderness poured from their eyes like rainfall of love.

Hearing the auspicious story of Sita-Rama's forthcoming union in Janaka's assembly, all the people were filled with a joy that their hearts could not contain, longing to hear ever more.

The love in Sita's heart grew ever deeper — beholding Shree Rama, the Vedas themselves began to sing the glory of the Raghu dynasty.

Seeing Sita accompanied by her companions and Shree Rama in Janakpur, all the people forgot every worry and gave themselves over to the ever-growing tide of love and devotion.

The bow of Lord Shiva was placed in Janaka's court — immensely heavy and renowned throughout the entire world.

The maiden (Sita) would garland whichever prince could string that bow — and thus would Janaki accept her bridegroom.

All the assembled kings deliberated in their minds — there was no one among them capable of breaking this bow.

Many kings had come from all countries — each making a vow in his heart, hoping earnestly to win.

The strongest kings rose first — but Shiva's divine bow appeared impossibly formidable.

The heavy bow would not budge, and the kings were left in despair. The entire assembly fell into anxious silence — then Vishwamitra signaled to Shree Rama with joyous confidence.

Receiving the Guru's command, the wise Shree Rama rose — and the entire assembly became still with breathless attention.

Shree Rama surveyed all the people, who appeared as motionless as figures painted in a picture. The Lord, the treasure of compassion, glanced at Sita and perceived her heart to be especially anxious.

He bowed to His Guru and then proceeded without delay. The wise Brahmin sages bade farewell to the entire assembly.

Shree Rama, with effortless divine play, lifted the bow of Lord Shiva and broke it in the midst of the assembly.

Shree Rama snapped the bow with perfect ease — and the entire assembly was struck with astonishment.

A tremendous sound thundered through the earth — the great elephants of the eight directions trembled and staggered. The celestial victory-drums of the gods resounded in every quarter.

Sita's heart overflowed with happiness beyond measure. All the women sang auspicious songs of celebration — the entire city of Janakpur was immersed in divine joy.

Sita and Rama exchanged the victory garland (jayamala) — all the sages, perfected beings, and the animate and inanimate creation looked on with delight.

Victory, victory, victory to the Lord who broke the bow — Shree Sita and Shree Rama, the bestowers of bliss! The joy cannot be described — the entire world is radiant with happiness.

The fury of Bhrigupati (Parashurama) blazed with tremendous force — he learned that someone had broken Shiva's sacred bow.

Who has broken Shiva's bow? Where is my battle-axe! Thus proclaimed Parashurama, advancing like a raging fire of wrath.

Lakshmana heard the words of the axe-wielder and, looking at his formidable form, replied with bold composure.

In our childhood we have broken many little bows — never has such fury been roused, O reverend lord!

Why such attachment to this particular bow? Hearing this, the banner of the Bhrigu dynasty grew even more incensed.

O prince, you speak in the grip of Death's own power — you have no sense of propriety! This is no toy bow — this is the bow of Tripurari (Lord Shiva), famous throughout the entire world!

Lakshmana laughed and said — In our understanding, O reverend one, all bows are the same.

If you have come after due deliberation, dear sir — well and good; otherwise your words shall prove fruitless.

Lakshmana speaks in many ways and laughs — while the anger in Parashurama's mind keeps rising.

Vishwamitra intervened and explained everything to all parties — Parashurama's mind then accepted peace.

Gazing upon Shree Rama, Parashurama felt immense inner joy — the Lord entered the heart of the foremost son of Bhrigu.

Beholding the great majesty of Shree Rama, Bhrigupati (Parashurama) became blissful. With deepest devotion, he bowed at the Lord's feet and departed for his abode of penance.

All bowed at Parashurama's feet and received his blessings upon their heads. Then, bowing once more at Shree Rama's feet, they departed — filled with complete happiness.

Bhrigupati departed to perform his austerities — recognizing Shree Rama's victory as the liberator of the world's bonds.

Thus Parashurama was bid farewell — all the people remained joyous and contented for evermore.

The marriage of Sita and Raghuveer took place — upon hearing the news, all the worlds offered their felicitations. Enchanting songs were sung and festive music played throughout.

The wedding party shone magnificently in their festive attire — the bride and groom looked beautiful and auspicious in their glorious homeland.

All four couples were united in sacred matrimony — Bharata, Shatrughna, and Lakshmana were all enveloped in happiness.

The four beautiful weddings were solemnized — the auspicious ceremony, performed according to Vedic rites, was blessed for all eternity.

King Dasharatha was overjoyed hearing the felicitations — all kinsmen and people were filled with happiness.

All the brothers enjoyed various festive games and celebrations — King Janaka then bade farewell to the wedding party in many affectionate ways.

Sita bowed at her parents' feet — her farewell took place amidst joyous celebrations.

Janaka summoned everyone and gave his farewells — he counseled Sita with tender advice in many affectionate ways.

The pain of farewell that pierced King Janaka's heart cannot be expressed in words. After giving Janaki every manner of loving counsel, the city itself seemed to be gripped by the spirit of renunciation for Sita's sake.

Shree Rama departed gracefully with all His companions — and the joy in Ayodhya grew beyond measure upon their arrival.

The wedding procession entered Ayodhya — the men and women of the city performed the arati at the break of dawn.

Sita is the beautiful bride, and the Lord is the most handsome groom — the entire world knows this, and their union is manifestly bliss-bestowing.

Time passed in many kinds of celebrations and festivities — happiness and prosperity pervaded every corner of Ayodhya.

Living in their homes amidst such bliss and abundance, some time passed by. The tender story of Shree Rama is pleasing and beloved to all.

Thus the Bala Kand has been considered and the essence of Sita-Rama's bliss has been sung. In this manner, the Bala Kand is now complete — it is the bestower of all auspiciousness and the remover of all inauspiciousness.