📖 Uttar Kand Shree Ramcharitmanas by Goswami Tulsidas — Rama Rajya, Kakbhushundi, Navadha Bhakti, Kaliyug & Glory of the Manas

Worship Shree Ramachandra, the Compassionate One, who destroys the terrible fear of worldly existence. His eyes are like fresh lotuses, His face like a lotus, His hands like lotuses, and His feet glow with the rosy hue of the lotus.

O wise Girija (Parvati), hear the Rama Katha. I narrate the very essence of the Uttar Kand. Shree Rama is seated upon His throne — the radiant embodiment of love, devotion, bliss, and all auspiciousness.

By merely remembering His name, all happiness and prosperity become easily attainable. O Tulsidas, always worship that Shree Rama who is the very treasure-house of the Divine Name.

I narrate the story of Shree Rama in the Uttar Kand — blissful, beautiful, and filled with supreme wisdom. It destroys the fear of worldly existence and bestows all auspiciousness — my very life-breath bows to Shree Rama.

I bow to the Lord who is devoted to His devotees, who is compassionate, virtuous, and supremely merciful. I worship the lotus feet of the Lord whose form is bliss-giving and supremely beautiful.

The Lord is the abode of all auspiciousness and the destroyer of all inauspiciousness — He who sports in the courtyard of Dasharatha, may He shower His grace. The words of the Lord of the Raghus bring joy to all — hear this auspicious Uttar Kand.

I bow at the lotus feet of the Guru, who is the ocean of mercy, God Himself in human form. His words are like the rays of the sun that dispel the dense darkness of the great delusion (Mahamoha).

Listen, O friend, I narrate to you in my own words the boundless story of Shree Rama's divine deeds. The tale of Uttar Kand is supremely blissful — by the grace of Rama, hear this beautiful narrative.

In the kingdom of Shree Rama, no one suffered from the three kinds of afflictions — physical, divine, or elemental. All people loved one another and walked the path of their own dharma, devoted to the ways prescribed by the Vedas.

No one harboured enmity towards another — by the glory of Shree Rama, all inequality was destroyed. People of all classes and stages of life were devoted to their respective duties, following the path of the Vedas in all their actions.

There was no untimely death, no disease of any kind. All were beautiful, all bodies were free from illness. No one was poor, no one was unhappy or destitute — no one was ignorant, and none lacked noble qualities.

All were appreciators of virtue, all were learned scholars, all were wise. All were grateful, and none was deceitfully clever. Men and women alike were devoted to the worship of Shree Rama — all were worthy of attaining the supreme destination.

Trees blossomed and bore fruit in all seasons, spreading their enchanting fragrance. Bees hummed, birds sang sweetly — every season that came was supremely delightful.

The earth remained ever prosperous and abundant — in the Treta Yuga, the virtues of the Satya Yuga (Golden Age) manifested. Many incomparable and wondrous voices arose — all filled with pure love befitting Shree Rama.

In Rama's kingdom, happiness and prosperity endured — everyone was happy at all times. There was no fear, no grief, no disease of any kind — such was the vast and glorious kingdom of Shree Rama.

He whose rule brings joy to the beloved subjects — such immense happiness did He create in every way. By the grace of Shree Rama, the people were filled with love — the entire world partook of the fruits of righteousness.

All happiness and prosperity were fulfilled, all endeavours accomplished — by Rama's grace, the people were content. Everyone was maintained with equal share and justice — there was no undue partiality towards anyone.

Rama's kingdom was the boundless abode of bliss — the people and the entire world were happy. Dharma, virtue, purity, and self-control were the very essence. There is no remedy comparable to the glory of Shree Rama.

Lord Shankara spoke wisely — 'O Parvati, hear the Rama Katha! The tale of Uttar Kand is blissful — encompassing Rama's divine character, His qualities, and supreme knowledge.'

O Girija, hear the glorification of Rama's virtues — pure, sanctifying, and the bestower of all auspiciousness. The Rama Katha is supremely beautiful — hearing it, both men and women find true happiness.

Lord Shiva declared — 'Hear, O Devi Sati (Parvati)! Rama is Brahman, the Lord of the universe. He is unborn, without beginning, the abode of all bliss — I narrate His story with bowed head.'

The dialogue between Hara (Shiva) and Girija (Parvati) is most delightful. The Rama Katha is sacred and auspicious for the world. Through knowledge, devotion, renunciation, and contemplation — Shiva narrates the boundless deeds of Shree Rama.

Lord Shankara said — 'Hear, O Devi! The Rama Katha is supremely meritorious. Abandon delusion, pride, arrogance, and greed — and worship the multitude of Rama's divine virtues.'

By chanting Rama's name, the soul is purified. Through Shiva's devotion, the Lord bestowed His grace. That bliss is known only to the exclusive devotees of Rama — all happiness and prosperity are blessed by Hari's virtues.

Uma listens as Shiva narrates Rama's glories — Girija's heart is filled with joy. Shambhu holds the Rama Katha most dear — its wisdom is incomparable and wondrous.

Devotion, knowledge, spiritual science, and renunciation — the root of all happiness is the love of the Lord. Parvati heard and was deeply pleased — she bowed in reverence and spoke sweet words.

Kakbhushundi narrates the story to Garuda — the divine deeds of Shree Rama. Filled with wondrous knowledge and the nectar of devotion — sacred, auspicious, and friendly.

Kakbhushundi said — 'Listen, O king of birds (Garuda)! The Rama Katha is supremely sacred and beyond Maya. Hear attentively and wisely the many stories of my births and deeds.'

'Hear the tale of my previous births — Kakbhushundi narrates everything. After wandering heavily through countless lives — by the grace of Shree Rama, I found complete happiness.'

'In one birth, I was born as a shudra — heedless, a slanderer of the Guru, wicked-minded, and sinful. By the grace of Shree Rama, I obtained true knowledge — and then I found my place of eternal rest.'

By obtaining the Guru's grace, Kakbhushundi received the supreme blessing of Rama-bhakti. In the body of a crow, he became ageless and immortal — and relished the bliss of beholding the Lord.

Hearing and narrating the Rama Katha daily, Kakbhushundi's mind finds supreme happiness. Garuda, upon hearing, became deeply devoted — by Rama's grace, all are truly blessed.

The body of the crow is supremely sacred. Kakbhushundi's narrative brings great joy. The immeasurable power of Rama-bhakti — Garuda was delighted in his heart upon hearing it.

Thus the story was told in many ways — the wise Kakbhushundi, steeped in Rama's bliss. Garuda listened with great delight, singing — 'Glory! Glory to the Rama Katha and its divine virtues!'

Garuda fell into deep delusion — seeing Rama's human Leela, he mistook Him for a mortal being. He asked Kakbhushundi for spiritual knowledge — 'How is Rama the Supreme Brahman, the Lord of all?'

Kakbhushundi replied — 'Listen, O Lord of the birds! Rama is the Supreme Brahman — unborn and imperishable. Out of compassion, He assumed a human body to perform His divine play. Do not be deluded — listen with full attention.'

Upon hearing the spiritual truth, Garuda's delusion vanished completely and all his doubts were resolved. He became devoted to the feet of Shree Rama — saved by the grace of Kakbhushundi.

The science of Rama as the Supreme Brahman was expounded — hearing it, all of Garuda's delusion was destroyed. The Lord created the world through His Maya — through knowledge and devotion, He dispels all illusion.

Garuda joyfully prostrated at Kakbhushundi's feet and offered his homage. All delusion was cast far away — and he began chanting the holy name of Shree Rama.

Thus the delusion was dispelled — Garuda received the blessing of Bhushundi's grace. By hearing the Rama Katha, delusion is destroyed — through Satsang (holy company), all knowledge is illumined.

Having abandoned delusion, pride, arrogance, and greed, Garuda became an abode of bliss. By hearing the Rama Katha in the company of the holy, all worldly desires and bondages come to an end.

By the grace of Shree Rama, Garuda's delusion was destroyed — he became a permanent resident at the Lord's feet. Listening to the Katha, he found immense happiness — thus the remedy for dispelling delusion was accomplished.

Place the jewel-lamp of Shree Rama's holy name upon the threshold of your tongue. Tulsidas says — if you desire illumination both within and without your being, this is the one and only way.

Without the support of Rama's name, the hope for spiritual truth is like putting on saffron-coloured clothes in the rainy season — there is only inner desolation and no real transformation.

One trust, one strength, one hope, one faith — Rama is like the cloud of the Swati constellation, and Tulsidas is the Chataka bird (who drinks only the raindrops of that star).

Without the grace of Shree Rama, true knowledge is not easily attained. Without the worship of Hari, pride and arrogance cannot be vanquished. The name of Rama is a stream of immortal nectar — O Tulsidas, always engage in this essential chanting.

The ways of Shree Rama are unfathomable and transcendent — only the supremely wise can understand them. Tulsidas, knowing this truth, remembers and meditates upon Lord Hari, the Supreme God.

Shree Rama is the abode of all virtues, He is the Lord — His glory is unfathomable and boundless. In whatever manner the wise devotees worship Him, contemplate Him in that same manner.

Trust in Rama, strength from Rama, faith in Rama's name — in action, speech, and mind, Rama alone is the destination. Tulsidas declares — abandon all other hopes.

The name of Rama fulfills all desires — Tulsidas found abundant happiness in this world. He whose very remembrance destroys all sorrows — how can any fault exist in such a person?

All beings are consumed by the impurities of the Kali Age — there is neither dharma, nor knowledge, nor contemplation. Tulsidas says — the name of Rama alone is the essence and the means of crossing the ocean of worldly existence.

In Kaliyuga, the name alone is the support. By remembering it again and again, one crosses to the other shore. In this age of Kali, the name of Rama is pure and immaculate — it destroys sins and bestows spotless prosperity.

Deceit and strife are glorified in the Kali Age — hypocrisy and sin masquerade as dharma. Tulsidas urges — sing only the hymn of Rama's glories, worship Him, and cast off all other burdens.

In Kaliyuga, there is no penance, no prayer, no contemplation — such is the natural disposition of this age. The name of Rama alone is the refuge — the deliverer from all worldly bondage.

In the terrible Kali Age, without devotion to Hari, no amount of other efforts can save a soul. Chant the name of Rama with love — all doubts shall vanish, and true discernment shall arise.

In Kali Yuga, sing the glories of Rama again and again — sins are cut away, sorrows and faults are destroyed. Tulsidas says — without Rama's name, even the learned wander astray in all four directions.

The faults of Kaliyuga are many and great — the root of all impurity is ignorance. The name of Rama is the sole refuge — bringing happiness and welfare to the hearts of His devotees.

The name of Rama is the deliverer in Kali Yuga — its remembrance removes all sins. Tulsidas says — the beautiful name of the Lord burns away the impurities of Kali and is the means to attain all happiness.

I speak to you of the nine forms of devotion — listen attentively and hold them in your heart. The first form is the company of saints; the second is love for hearing My stories and divine narrative.

The third form of devotion is humble service at the Guru's lotus feet, without pride. The fourth is singing the praises of My divine qualities, abandoning all deceit and pretence.

The fifth is the chanting of My sacred mantra with firm and unwavering faith, as illumined by the Vedas. The sixth is mastery of the senses, noble conduct, renunciation, and the performance of many virtuous deeds — ever devoted to the dharma of the righteous.

The seventh form is seeing the entire world as pervaded by Me and regarding the saints as even greater than Myself. The eighth is contentment with whatever one receives and never perceiving the faults of others, not even in dreams.

The ninth form is simplicity, guilelessness towards all, firm trust in Me, and equanimity — neither elated nor dejected. Whoever possesses even one of these nine — whether woman or man, animate or inanimate.

Such a soul is supremely dear to Me. Establish all forms of devotion firmly within yourself. The thread of devotion is the path to human liberation — this is proclaimed by gods, sages, and all the scriptures.

The ninefold devotion to Rama is a source of supreme bliss — simple, sweet, and the fulfillment of one's entire life. Tulsidas says — practice devotion in this manner, and by Rama's grace, all faults shall be removed.

Devotion, knowledge, and spiritual science are beautiful — the lotus feet of Lord Rama are beautiful. Upon hearing the nine forms of devotion, the mind becomes delighted — the Lord aids in all happiness and peace.

Its name is Ramcharitmanas — hearing it, the ears find perfect rest and peace. The mind, like a swan, delights in the song of Rama's virtues — Tulsidas says, here supreme bliss is woven together.

The Manas is supremely meritorious and sacred — the Rama Katha is the bestower of happiness and auspiciousness. Those who listen to it with faith and reverence — all their heart's desires are fulfilled.

In this scripture are endless stories of the saints — the supreme gift of Rama-bhakti. By hearing and reading it, all sins are destroyed — one attains the highest welfare.

This beautiful, blissful, and enchanting story purifies the entire world. The Ramayan (Manas) is immaculate — Tulsidas reflected and composed it. Upon hearing it, sins, sorrows, and faults are removed — one crosses the ocean of worldly existence.

All the impurities and sins of the Kali Age are burnt away by the multitude of Rama's virtues. Tulsidas says — those who worship them with devotion attain supreme rest and peace.

The greatness of the Manas is profoundly deep — upon hearing it, devotion and happiness find their abode. Tulsidas says — without the Rama Katha, the living being wanders aimlessly and finds no welfare.

Where is the Manas-Ganga? All holy pilgrimages are contained within it. It flows with the sacred waters of Rama-bhakti. Tulsidas says — take a deep plunge into it and complete your worship of the entire world.

The seven beautiful staircases (Sopaans) of the Manas! By hearing the Rama Katha, everyone found happiness. Thus the glory of the Manas is sung — hearing it, the ears are filled with bliss, peace, and delight.

Victory to Shree Rama of incomparable beauty! O Ocean of Mercy, O Benefactor of devotees! With joined hands, I pray at Your feet — salutations to Siya-Rama.

Just as a lustful man loves a woman, and just as a greedy man loves wealth — in the same way, O Lord of the Raghus, may Rama always remain dear to me without ceasing.

He who is worthy of worship by the entire world — worship Shree Rama, the crown-jewel of all creation. Tulsidas always offers his humble prayer — bowing at His feet again and again.

Shree Rama is the abode of all happiness, He is the Lord — victory to the Treasure-house of Compassion! Tulsidas offers his eternal homage at His sacred feet.

I sing the glories of Siya-Rama — with joined hands, again and again. Tulsidas makes this humble prayer — Rama alone is the foundation of my life.

Knowing Rama to be the destination of mind, speech, and action — Tulsidas has resolved to pray with his whole heart. As long as there is breath, worship Rama — Tulsidas says, such faith alone is true rest.

Tulsidas remains ever satisfied, constantly chanting 'Rama, Rama.' That person finds true bliss who beholds Rama's divine ways with loving, natural eyes.

Victory to Siya-Rama, victory to brother Lakshmana! Hanuman devotedly goes to all and offers his prayers. All the gods together raise the cry — 'Victory to Shree Rama, the remedy of devotion!'

Hear about Rama-worship — both men and women attain the supreme state through it. Tulsidas says — the secret of Rama is devotion itself, the bestower of liberation.

Devotion is the beautiful gateway to liberation — the name of Rama destroys all faults. Through knowledge and renunciation, natural bliss is attained — the Rama Katha brings joy and delight to the mind.

Attain the state of peace and liberation — Rama-worship is the abode of happiness. Tulsidas remembers Lord Rama through mind, speech, and hands.

Those who receive supreme peace attain the supreme state — Rama's grace delights the hearts of His devotees. The path of liberation is easy and beautiful — devotion, knowledge, and spiritual science are graceful.

Without the grace of Rama, there is no liberation — this the saints and the wise know well. Tulsidas says — place all trust in Lord Rama, the Treasure-house of Compassion.

Devotion, knowledge, and renunciation are boundless — the entire contemplation of the path to liberation. The Rama Katha conveys this truth to all — upon hearing it, the mind finds the path to liberation.

Devoted to Rama in action, speech, and mind — Tulsidas is ever an abode of bliss. Only the one who is immersed in Hari's name attains the path to liberation.

Peace and liberation are all based on Rama — the name of the Lord pervades the entire universe. Thus the path to liberation is beautiful — Tulsidas sings of the grace of Shree Rama.

In no birth ever give me the company of the wicked — O Rama, grant me this by Your grace. Tulsidas, the servant, begs for the dust of Your feet — the name of Rama is the knower of supreme bliss.

The Rama Katha is like a beautiful clapping of hands — blissful, sanctifying, and auspicious. The seven Kands are beautiful and delightful — the virtues of the Ramcharitmanas have been sung.

The Shree Ramcharit Manas is sacred — a beautiful scripture composed by Tulsidas. Seven Kands of pure spiritual wisdom — Rama-bhakti is the treasure-house of all essence.

Thus the entire story has been told — Tulsidas worships Rama in the assembly. The tale of Uttar Kand is supremely sacred — Tulsidas sang it with auspicious devotion.

Knowing the entire world to be pervaded by Siya-Rama, I bow with both hands joined together. Tulsidas ever sings the glories of Rama — the name of Rama is the support for crossing the river of worldly existence (Vaitarni).

The abode of auspiciousness, the destroyer of inauspiciousness — victory to the mighty Shankara with Uma! Now the story of all the Kands is complete — by the grace of Rama, the devotees' happiness is complete.

Abandoning lust, anger, arrogance, and pride — worship Lord Rama, the Supreme God. Tulsidas declares again and again — the feet of Hari are the treasure-house of all happiness.

Thus ends the blessed Shree Ramcharitmanas — the destroyer of all the sins and impurities of the Kali Age — the seventh staircase (Sopaan), the Uttar Kand — the bestower of happiness and prosperity.