“Ramkatha”

Mangal Karani KalimalHarani Tulsi Katha Raghunath ki I
मंगल करनि कलिमलहरनि तुलसी कथा रघुनाथ की ।

Goswamiji says that narrating as well as listening to the life story of Shri Raghunathji itself washes away our sins and puts us on the path of progress. Ancient scriptures endorse the fact that if the entire Shriramchartimanas is recited and heard for nine consecutive days in specific segments, it reaps immense benefits. It is therefore our humble effort to successfully conduct musical rendition of this great epic composed by Sant Shri Tulsidasji in nine consecutive days.

“नवाह्ना खलुश्रोतव्यं रामायणकथामृतम् ।”
A nine-day discourse of musical recital of Shriramcharitmanas.

In this distinctive discourse, various momentous episodes of Shri Ramji’s life such as Shivcharitra, the birth of Lord Shri Ram, his meeting with Kewat, the meeting of Shri Ramji and Bharat in the forest, the episode of Shabri, the meeting of the Lord and Shri Hanumanji, the conversation between Raavan - Angad, the dialogue between Kakbhushundiji-Garudji etc. are elaborated and explained with their reference in the epic as well as its application in real life.
The life story of Shri Ramji is exceptional. It is believed that when the good deeds of a person’s various births gets accumulated, only then they reap the benefits of getting this great chance to listen to this divine epic. Listening to these renditions make us come out of our worldly illusions and materialistic needs which in turn bring us closer to God.
We at Manas Satsang  hope and pray that through our approach and noble effort of rendering Shri Ramkatha, the devotees feel the divine and cosmic connect with the Lord and are always spiritually guided to choose the right path in life. May the divine dwell in their hearts and fulfill their lives with his blessings.
In the entire Ramcharitmanas, the word ‘RAMKATHA’ , appears 13 times. However there are 7 couplets and 2 stanzas/quatrains in the entire story wherein the word, ‘Ramkatha’ is used and its significance is also elaborated. These pearls of blessings are:

बुधबिश्राम सकल जन रंजनि ।
रामकथा कलिकलुष बिभंजनि ।।१-३१-५
BudhBishram Sakal Jan Ranjanee I
Ramkatha KaliKalush Bibhanjani II 1-31-7

It means Ramkatha provides peace to the pandits and saints, happiness to the people and washes away all the sins of Kalyug.

रामकथा कलिपंनग भरनी ।
पुनि बिबेकपावक कहुँ अरनी ।।  १-३१-६
Ramkatha KaliPannag Bharani I
Puni BibekPaavak Kahu Arani II 1-31-6

Just like the peacock has the power to conquer the snake, similarly Ramkatha has the power to control all the evils of this era. Similarly it also has the power to ignite and provoke the minds of people for their own well-being.

रामकथा कलिकामद गाई ।
सुजनसजीवनि मूरि सुहाई ।।१-३१-७
Ramkathaa KaliKaamad Gaai I
SujanSajivani Moori Suhai II 1-31-7

Personified as Kaamdhenu and Sanjivani, Shri Ramkatha in Kalyug indeed makes all the wishes come true and is a boon for the good souls.

रामकथा मंदाकिनी चित्रकूट चित चारु।
तुलसी सुभग सनेहबन सिय रघुबीरबिहारु ।।१-३१
Ramkatha Mandakini Chitrakoot Chit Chaaru I
Tulsi Subhag Sanehaban Sich Raghubir Bihaaru II 1-31

Ramkatha is like the river Mandakini. It’s like the beautiful Chitrakoot forest. Tulsidasji says that Shriramchandraji dwells in the dedicated and devoted minds of his devotees which is personifiedas the beautiful forest.

महामोहु महिषेसुबिसाला ।
रामकथा कालिकाकराला ।।१-४७-६
Mahamohu MahishesuBisala I
Ramkatha KalikaKaraala II 1-47-6

Shri Ramkatha is the best and most effective tool to conquer the demons of the mind. Like demon Bhasmasur was killed by Goddess Kali, similarly this epic kills the demons of our mind.

रामकथा ससिकिरन समाना ।
संत चकोरकरहिं जेहि पाना ।।१-४७-७
Ramkatha SasiKiran Samaana I
Sant ChakorKarahi Jehi Paana II 1-47-7

Ramkatha is like moonlight and a wise saintly soul will try to gain maximum benefit out of it.

रामकथासुरधेनु सम सेवत सब सुखदानि ।
सतसमाजसुरलोक सब को न सुनै अस जानि ।।१-११३
RamkathaSurdhenu Sam Sevat Sab Sukhdani I
SatsamaajSurlok Sab Ko N Sunai As Jaani II 1-113

The story of Shri Ramji makes all our wishes come true. Selfless service always reaps happiness. The presence of good people in the society is as good as the existence of the Gods. Who would not want to listen to Ramkatha after knowing this?

रामकथासुंदर कर तारी ।
संसय बिहगउडा़वनिहारी ।।१-११४-१
RamkathSundar Kar tari I
Sansay BihagUdavnihari II 1-114-1

Ramkatha is like the sound of clap with drives away the birds of doubt and disbelief dwelling in our minds

रामकथा कलिबिटप कुठारी ।
सादर सुनुगिरिराजकुमारी ।।१-११४-२
Ramkatha KaliBitap Kuthari I
Saadar SunooGirirajkumari II 1-114-2

If  the evils of Kalyug are personified as trees, then Ramkatha serves as an axe to chop them down.  O Girirajkumari! please listen to it with faith and respect.