हिंदी में पढ़ें

A characteristic of Hinduism is that the followers of this religion are inherently allowed to have human-like relationships with their favorite deities.
Where Krishna-Kanhaiya is seen as their son or beloved, some people worship Mata Parvati and Bhagwan Shiv as their parents. It would not be wrong to say that love and worship have equal importance in Hinduism. From time to time, Gods incarnate Themselves as humans and remind us of this. Whether it is Lord Krishna’s raas-leela with Mata Rukmini or Bhagwan Shri Ram’s wandering from forest to forest in distraught like human beings for Mata Sita.
Although Mata Sita was an incarnation of Maa Lakshmi and Shri Ram was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, they were not unfamiliar of each other. Yet, when Shri Ram and Mata Sita meet each other for the first time in Janakpur’s Pushpa Vatika as human incarnation, we get to see a unique attraction towards each other. Goswami Tulsidas ji has described the pastimes of Bhagwan Shri Ram through his supremely-sweet composition Shri Ramcharitmanas, where he expresses Shri Ram’s human-like love and separation-pain for Mata Sita.

In this article I am presenting three such references mentioned in Shri Ramcharitmanas.

1. Balkand – Meeting of Shri Ram with Mata Sita for the first time in Janakpur’s Pushpa Vatika (Garden)

2. Aranyakand – Lamentation of Shri Ram after the abduction of Mata Sita

3. Kishkindhakand – Shri Ram’s anger on Sugriva for not initiating the expedition to search for Mata Sita

1. Balkand – Meeting of Shri Ram with Mata Sita for the first time in Janakpur’s Pushpa Vatika (Garden)

भूप बागु बर देखेउ जाई। जहँ बसंत रितु रही लोभाई॥
लागे बिटप मनोहर नाना। बरन बरन बर बेलि बिताना॥

Having gone out they saw the lovely royal garden, enamoured of whose beauty the vernal season had taken its permanent abode there. It was planted with charming trees of various kinds and overhung with beautiful creepers of different colours.

नव पल्लव फल सुमन सुहाए। निज संपति सुर रूख लजाए॥
चातक कोकिल कीर चकोरा। कूजत बिहग नटत कल मोरा॥

Rich in fresh leaf, fruit and flower they put to shame even kalpavriksha trees by their affluence. The feathered choir of the Chatakas, cuckoos, parrots and Chakoras warbled and peacocks beautifully danced.

मध्य बाग सरु सोह सुहावा। मनि सोपान बिचित्र बनावा॥
बिमल सलिलु सरसिज बहुरंगा। जलखग कूजत गुंजत भृंगा॥

In the centre of the garden a lovely lake shone bright with flights of steps made of many-coloured gems. Its limpid water contained lotuses of various colours and was vocal with the cooing of aquatic birds and the humming of bees.

बागु तड़ागु बिलोकि प्रभु हरषे बंधु समेत।
परम रम्य आरामु यहु जो रामहि सुख देत॥

Both the Lord and His brother were delighted to behold the garden with its lake. Most lovely must have been that garden which delighted even Shri Ram (lit., the delighter of all)!

चहुँ दिसि चितइ पूँछि मालीगन। लगे लेन दल फूल मुदित मन॥
तेहि अवसर सीता तहँ आई। गिरिजा पूजन जननि पठाई॥

After looking all about, and with the consent of the gardeners, the two brothers began in high glee to gather leaves and flowers. On that very occasion Sita too arrived there, having been sent by Her mother to worship Girija.

संग सखीं सब सुभग सयानीं। गावहिं गीत मनोहर बानीं॥
सर समीप गिरिजा गृह सोहा। बरनि न जाइ देखि मनु मोहा॥

She was accompanied by Her girl-companions, who were all lovely and intelligent. They sang melodies in an enchanting voice.

मज्जनु करि सर सखिन्ह समेता। गई मुदित मन गौरि निकेता॥
पूजा कीन्हि अधिक अनुरागा। निज अनुरूप सुभग बरु मागा॥

Close to the lake stood a temple, sacred to Girija, which was beautiful beyond description, and captivated the mind of those who looked at it. Having taken a dip into the lake with Her companions, Sita went with a glad heart to Girija’s temple.

एक सखी सिय संगु बिहाई। गई रही देखन फुलवाई॥
तेहिं दोउ बंधु बिलोके जाई। प्रेम बिबस सीता पहिं आई॥

She offered worship with great devotion and begged of the Goddess a handsome match worthy of Her. One of Her companions had strayed away from Her in order to have a look at the garden. She chanced to behold the two brothers and returned to Sita overwhelmed with love.

तासु दसा देखी सखिन्ह पुलक गात जलु नैन।
कहु कारनु निज हरष कर पूछहिं सब मृदु बैन॥

When her companions saw her condition, her body thrilling all over and her eyes full of tears, they all asked her in gentle tones, “Tell us what gladdens your heart.”

देखन बागु कुअँर दुइ आए। बय किसोर सब भाँति सुहाए॥
स्याम गौर किमि कहौं बखानी। गिरा अनयन नयन बिनु बानी॥

“Two princes have come to see the garden, both of tender age and charming in everyway, one dark of hue and the other fair; how shall I describe them? For speech is sightless, while the eyes are mute.”

सुनि हरषीं सब सखीं सयानी। सिय हियँ अति उतकंठा जानी॥
एक कहइ नृपसुत तेइ आली। सुने जे मुनि सँग आए काली॥

All the clever maidens were delighted to hear this. Perceiving the intense longing in Sita’s bosom one of them said, “They must be the two princes, my dear, who, I was told, arrived yesterday with the sage (Vishwamitr),

जिन्ह निज रूप मोहनी डारी। कीन्हे स्वबस नगर नर नारी॥
बरनत छबि जहँ तहँ सब लोगू। अवसि देखिअहिं देखन जोगू॥

and who have captivated the heart of men and women of the city by casting the spell of their beauty. All are talking of their loveliness here, there and everywhere. We must see them, for they are worth seeing.”

तासु बचन अति सियहि सोहाने। दरस लागि लोचन अकुलाने॥
चली अग्र करि प्रिय सखि सोई। प्रीति पुरातन लखइ न कोई॥

The words of this damsel highly pleased Sita; Her eyes were restless for the sight of the princes. With that kind friend to lead the way She followed; no one knew that Hers was an old love.

सुमिरि सीय नारद बचन उपजी प्रीति पुनीत।
चकित बिलोकति सकल दिसि जनु सिसु मृगी सभीत॥

Recollecting Narad ji’s words She was filled with innocent love; and with anxious eyes She gazed all round like a startled fawn.

कंकन किंकिनि नूपुर धुनि सुनि। कहत लखन सन रामु हृदयँ गुनि॥
मानहुँ मदन दुंदुभी दीन्ही। मनसा बिस्व बिजय कहँ कीन्ही॥

Hearing the tinkling of bangles, the small bells tied round the waist and the anklets Shri Ram thought within Himself and then said to Lakshmana, “It seems as if Cupid has sounded his kettledrum with intent to conquer the universe.”

अस कहि फिरि चितए तेहि ओरा। सिय मुख ससि भए नयन चकोरा॥
भए बिलोचन चारु अचंचल। मनहुँ सकुचि निमि तजे दिगंचल॥

So saying, He looked once again in the same direction (whence the sound came); and lo! His eyes feasted themselves on Sita’s countenance even as the Chakora bird gazes on the moon. His charming eyes became motionless, as if Nimi (the god of winking) had left the eyelids out of shyness.

देखि सीय शोभा सुखु पावा। हृदयँ सराहत बचनु न आवा॥
जनु बिरंचि सब निज निपुनाई। बिरचि बिस्व कहँ प्रगटि देखाई॥

Shri Ram was filled with rapture to behold Sita’s beauty; He admired it in His heart, but utterance failed Him. He felt as if the Creator had put his whole creative skill in visible form and demonstrated it to the world at large.

सुंदरता कहुँ सुंदर करई। छबिगृहँ दीपसिखा जनु बरई॥
सब उपमा कबि रहे जुठारी। केहिं पटतरौं बिदेहकुमारी॥

“She lends charm to charm itself,” He said to Himself, “and looks as if a flame of light is burning in a house of beauty. The similes already employed by the poets are all stale and hackneyed; to whom shall I liken the daughter of Videha?”

सिय शोभा हियँ बरनि प्रभु आपनि दसा बिचारि॥
बोले सुचि मन अनुज सन बचन समय अनुहारि॥

Thus describing to Himself Sita’s loveliness and reflecting on His own condition the Lord innocently spoke to His younger brother in terms appropriate to the occasion

तात जनकतनया यह सोई। धनुषजग्य जेहि कारन होई॥
पूजन गौरि सखीं लै आईं। करत प्रकासु फिरइ फुलवाईं॥

“Brother, she is no other than the daughter of King Janak, for whom the bow-sacrifice is being arranged. She has been escorted by her girl-companions to worship Goddess Gauri and is moving about in the garden diffusing light all about her.

जासु बिलोकि अलौकिक सोभा। सहज पुनीत मोर मनु छोभा॥
सो सबु कारन जान बिधाता। फरकहिं सुभद अंग सुनु भ्राता॥

My heart which is naturally pure, is agitated by the sight of Her transcendent beauty. The reason of all this is known to God alone; but I tell you, brother, my right limbs are throbbing, which is an index of coming good fortune.

रघुबंसिन्ह कर सहज सुभाऊ। मनु कुपंथ पगु धरइ न काऊ॥
मोहि अतिसय प्रतीति मन केरी। जेहिं सपनेहुँ परनारि न हेरी॥

It is a natural trait with the race of Raghu that they never set their heart on evil courses. As for myself I am fully confident of My mind, which has never sought another’s wife even in a dream.

जिन्ह कै लहहिं न रिपु रन पीठी। नहिं पावहिं परतिय मनु डीठी॥
मंगन लहहिं न जिन्ह कै नाहीं। ते नरबर थोरे जग माहीं॥

Rare in this world are those noble men who never turn their back on the foe in battle nor give their heart to or cast an amorous glance on another’s wife, and from whom no beggar meets with a rebuff.

करत बतकही अनुज सन मन सिय रूप लोभान।
मुख सरोज मकरंद छबि करइ मधुप इव पान॥

While Shri Ram was talking to His younger brother in this strain, His mind, which was enamoured of Sita’s beauty, was all the time drinking in the loveliness of Her countenance, like a bee sucking the nectar from a lotus.

चितवति चकित चहूँ दिसि सीता। कहँ गए नृप किसोर मनु चिंता॥
जहँ बिलोक मृग सावक नैनी। जनु तहँ बरिस कमल सित श्रेनी॥

Sita looked surprisingly all round; Her mind was at a loss as to where the princes had gone. Wherever the fawn-eyed princess cast Her glance, a continuous stream of white lotuses seemed to rain there.

लता ओट तब सखिन्ह लखाए। स्यामल गौर किसोर सुहाए॥
देखि रूप लोचन ललचाने। हरषे जनु निज निधि पहिचाने॥

Her companions then pointed out to Her the two lovely brothers, the one dark, the other fair of hue, standing behind a fence of creepers. Beholding the beauty of the two princes Her eyes were filled with greed; they rejoiced as if they had discovered their longlost treasure.

थके नयन रघुपति छबि देखें। पलकन्हिहूँ परिहरीं निमेषें॥
अधिक सनेहँ देह भै भोरी। सरद ससिहि जनु चितव चकोरी॥

The eyes became motionless at the sight of Shri Ram’s loveliness; the eyelids too forgot to fall. Due to excess of love Her body-consciousness began to fail; it looked as if a Chakora bird were gazing at the autumnal moon.

लोचन मग रामहि उर आनी। दीन्हे पलक कपाट सयानी॥
जब सिय सखिन्ह प्रेमबस जानी। कहि न सकहिं कछु मन सकुचानी॥

Receiving Shri Ram into the heart through the passage of the eyes, She cleverly shut Him up there by closing the doors of Her eyelids. When Her girl-companions found Sita overpowered with love, they were too much abashed to utter a word.

लताभवन तें प्रगट भे तेहि अवसर दोउ भाइ।
तकिसे जनु जुग बिमल बिधु जलद पटल बिलगाई॥

At that very moment the two brothers emerged from a bower. It looked as if a pair of spotless moons had shone forth tearing the veil of cloud.

सोभा सीवँ सुभग दोउ बीरा। नील पीत जलजाभ सरीरा॥
मोरपंख सिर सोहत नीके। गुच्छ बीच बिच कुसुम कली के॥

The two gallant heroes were the very perfection of beauty; their bodies resembled in hue a blue and a yellow lotus respectively. Charming peacock-feathers adorned their head, which had bunches of flower-buds stuck here and there.

भाल तिलक श्रम बिन्दु सुहाए। श्रवन सुभग भूषन छबि छाए॥
बिकट भृकुटि कच घूघरवारे। नव सरोज लोचन रतनारे॥

A sectarian mark and beads of perspiration glistened on their brow; while graceful pendants shed their lustre on their ears. With arched eyebrows and curly locks, eyes red as a lotus-bud

चारु चिबुक नासिका कपोला। हास बिलास लेत मनु मोला॥
मुखछबि कहि न जाइ मोहि पाहीं। जो बिलोकि बहु काम लजाहीं॥

and a lovely chin, nose and cheeks their gracious smile was soul-enthralling. The beauty of their countenance was more than I can describe; it would put to shame a myriad Cupids.

उर मनि माल कंबु कल गीवा। काम कलभ कर भुज बलसींवा॥
सुमन समेत बाम कर दोना। सावँर कुअँर सखी सुठि लोना॥

They had a string of jewels on their breast; their lovely neck resembled a conch-shell in its spiral shape; while their mighty arms vied with the trunk of a young elephant, who was the very incarnation of Cupid. With a cup of leaves full of flowers in His left hand the dark-hued prince, my dear, is most charming.

केहरि कटि पट पीत धर सुषमा सील निधान।
देखि भानुकुलभूषनहि बिसरा सखिन्ह अपान॥

Beholding the Ornament of the solar race, who had a slender waist like that of a lion and was clad in yellow, and who was the very embodiment of beauty and amiability, Sita’s companions forgot their very existence.

धरि धीरजु एक आलि सयानी। सीता सन बोली गहि पानी॥
बहुरि गौरि कर ध्यान करेहू। भूपकिसोर देखि किन लेहू॥

Recovering herself, one of Her clever companions grasped Sita by the hand and said to Her, “Meditate on Gauri afterwards; why not behold the princes just now?” Sita then bashfully opened Her eyes and saw the two lions of Raghu’s race opposite Herself.

सकुचि सीयँ तब नयन उघारे। सनमुख दोउ रघुसिंघ निहारे॥
नख सिख देखि राम कै सोभा। सुमिरि पिता पनु मनु अति छोभा॥

Surveying Shri Ram’s beauty from head to foot in the reverse order and remembering Her father’s vow she felt much perturbed.

परबस सखिन्ह लखी जब सीता। भयउ गहरु सब कहहिं सभीता॥
पुनि आउब एहि बेरिआँ काली। अस कहि मन बिहसी एक आली॥

When Sita’s companions saw Her thus overcome with love, they all cried in alarm: “We are already late.” “Let us come again at this very hour tomorrow!” So saying one of them smiled within herself.

गूढ़ गिरा सुनि सिय सकुचानी। भयउ बिलंबु मातु भय मानी॥
धरि बड़ि धीर रामु उर आने। फिरी अपनपउ पितुबस जाने॥

Sita blushed at this pregnant remark. She got afraid of Her mother; for she felt it was already late. Recovering Herself with considerable effort she received Shri Ram into Her heart and conscious of Her dependence on Her sire returned home.

देखन मिस मृग बिहग तरु फिरइ बहोरि बहोरि।
निरखि निरखि रघुबीर छबि बाढ़इ प्रीति न थोरि॥

Under pretence of looking at a deer, bird or tree She turned again and again; and each time She gazed on the beauteous Hero of Raghu’s race, Her love waxed not a little.

जानि कठिन सिवचाप बिसूरति। चली राखि उर स्यामल मूरति॥
प्रभु जब जात जानकी जानी। सुख सनेह सोभा गुन खानी॥

Drooping at the thought of the unyielding bow of Shiva, She proceeded with the image of the swarthy form in Her heart. When the Lord perceived that King Janak’s daughter, a fountain of bliss, affection, grace and goodness, was going,

परम प्रेममय मृदु मसि कीन्ही। चारु चित्त भीतीं लिखि लीन्ही॥
गई भवानी भवन बहोरी। बंदि चरन बोली कर जोरी॥

He sketched Her on the sheet of His heart with the soft ink of supreme love. Sita then sought Bhavani’s temple and, adoring Her feet, prayed to Her with joined palms:

जय जय गिरिबरराज किसोरी। जय महेस मुख चंद चकोरी॥
जय गजबदन षडानन माता। जगत जननि दामिनि दुति गाता॥

“Glory, all glory to You, O Daughter of the mountain-king! Glory to You, who gaze on the countenance of the great Lord Shiva as a Chakora bird on the moon. Glory to You, O Mother of the elephant-headed Ganesha and the six-faced Kartikeya and mother of the universe with limbs shining as lightning.

नहिं तव आदि मध्य अवसाना। अमित प्रभाउ बेदु नहिं जाना॥
भव भव बिभव पराभव कारिनि। बिस्व बिमोहनि स्वबस बिहारिनि॥

You have no beginning, middle or end; Your infinite glory is a mystery even to the Vedas. You are responsible for the birth, maintenance and destruction of the universe; You enchant the whole universe and carry on Your sports independently of others.

पतिदेवता सुतीय महुँ मातु प्रथम तव रेख।
महिमा अमित न सकहिं कहि सहस सारदा सेष॥

“Of all good women who adore their husband as a god, Mother, You rank foremost. Your immeasurable greatness is more than a thousand Sharadas and Sheshas could tell.”

सेवत तोहि सुलभ फल चारी। बरदायनी पुरारि पिआरी॥
देबि पूजि पद कमल तुम्हारे। सुर नर मुनि सब होहिं सुखारे॥

“The fourfold rewards of life (viz., religious merit, worldly riches, sensuous enjoyment and Liberation) are easily attainable through Your service, O bestower of boons, beloved of Shiva (the Slayer of Tripura)! All who adore Your lotus feet, O Shining One, attain happiness, be they gods, men or sages.

मोर मनोरथु जानहु नीकें। बसहु सदा उर पुर सबही कें॥
कीन्हेउँ प्रगट न कारन तेहीं। अस कहि चरन गहे बैदेहीं॥

You know well my heart’s longing since You ever dwell in the town of every heart. That is why I have refrained from openly declaring it.” With these words Videha’s Daughter clasped the feet of the image.

बिनय प्रेम बस भई भवानी। खसी माल मूरति मुसुकानी॥
सादर सियँ प्रसादु सिर धरेऊ। बोली गौरि हरषु हियँ भरेऊ॥

Bhavani was overcome by Her meekness and devotion; the wreath on the image dropped and the idol smiled. Sita reverently placed the divine gift on Her head. Gauri’s heart was filled with delight while She spoke,

सुनु सिय सत्य असीस हमारी। पूजिहि मन कामना तुम्हारी॥
नारद बचन सदा सुचि साचा। सो बरु मिलिहि जाहिं मनु राचा॥

“Hear, Sita, my infallible blessing: Your heart’s desire shall be accomplished. Narad ji’s words are ever faultless and true; the suitor on whom Your heart is set shall, indeed, be Yours.

मनु जाहिं राचेउ मिलिहि सो बरु सहज सुंदर साँवरो।
करुना निधान सुजान सीलु सनेहु जानत रावरो॥
एहि भाँति गौरि असीस सुनि सिय सहित हियँ हरषीं अली।
तुलसी भवानिहि पूजि पुनि पुनि मुदित मन मंदिर चली॥

“The dark-complexioned and naturally handsome suitor of whom You are enamoured shall, indeed, be Yours. The gracious and omniscient Lord is aware of your fidelity and love.” Sita and all Her companions were delighted at heart to hear this blessing from Gauri’s lips. Worshipping Goddess Bhavani again and again Sita, says Tulasidas, returned to Her abode, rejoicing in Her heart.

जानि गौरि अनुकूल सिय हिय हरषु न जाइ कहि।
मंजुल मंगल मूल बाम अंग फरकन लगे॥

Finding Gauri favourably disposed towards Her, Sita was more glad of heart than words can tell. Her left limbs began to throb, indicating Her source of good fortune.

हृदयँ सराहत सीय लोनाई। गुर समीप गवने दोउ भाई॥
राम कहा सबु कौसिक पाहीं। सरल सुभाउ छुअत छल नाहीं॥

Inwardly praising Sita’s beauty, the two brothers returned to their Guru (Vishwamitra). Shri Ram related everything to Kaushik; for He was innocent of heart and free from all guile.

सुमन पाइ मुनि पूजा कीन्ही। पुनि असीस दुहु भाइन्ह दीन्ही॥
सुफल मनोरथ होहुँ तुम्हारे। रामु लखनु सुनि भय सुखारे॥

Having got the flowers the sage performed his devotions and then blessed the two brothers, saying, “May your heart’s desire be accomplished. “Ram and Lakshmana were glad to hear the benediction.

करि भोजनु मुनिबर बिग्यानी। लगे कहन कछु कथा पुरानी॥
बिगत दिवसु गुरु आयसु पाई। संध्या करन चले दोउ भाई॥

After finishing his meals the great and illumined hermit, Vishwamitr, began to recite old legends. The day was thus spent; and obtaining the Guru’s permission the two brothers proceeded to say their evening prayers.

प्राची दिसि ससि उयउ सुहावा। सिय मुख सरिस देखि सुखु पावा॥
बहुरि बिचारु कीन्ह मन माहीं। सीय बदन सम हिमकर नाहीं॥

In the meantime the charming moon rose in the eastern horizon; perceiving that her orb resembled Sita’s face Shri Ram felt happy. The Lord then reasoned within Himself. The queen of night bears no resemblance to Sita.

जनमु सिंधु पुनि बंधु बिषु दिन मलीन सकलंक।
सिय मुख समता पाव किमि चंदु बापुरो रंक॥

“Born of the ocean (with its salt water), with poison for her brother, dim and obscure by the day and with a dark spot in her orb, how can the poor and wretched moon be matched with Sita’s countenance ?”

घटइ बढ़इ बिरहिनि दुखदाई। ग्रसइ राहु निज संधिहिं पाई॥
कोक सोकप्रद पंकज द्रोही। अवगुन बहुत चंद्रमा तोही॥

“Again, the moon waxes and wanes; she is the curse of lovesick damsels and is devoured by Rahu when she crosses the latter’s orbit. She causes anguish to the Chakravaka (the ruddy goose) and withers the lotus. O moon, there are numerous faults in you.

बैदेही मुख पटतर दीन्हे। होइ दोषु बड़ अनुचित कीन्हे॥
सिय मुख छबि बिधु ब्याज बखानी। गुर पहिं चले निसा बड़ि जानी॥

One would incur the blame of having done a highly improper act by comparing you with the countenance of Videha’s daughter.” Thus finding in the moon a pretext for extolling the beauty of Sita’s countenance and perceiving that the night had far advanced, Shri Ram returned to His Guru;

2. Aranyakand – Lamentation of Shri Ram after the abduction of Mata Sita

जेहि बिधि कपट कुरंग सँग धाइ चले श्रीराम।
सो छबि सीता राखि उर रटति रहति हरिनाम॥

Having impressed on Her heart the beautiful image of Shri Ram as He appeared while running in pursuit of the false deer, Sita incessantly repeated Shri Hari’s Name.

रघुपति अनुजहि आवत देखी। बाहिज चिंता कीन्हि बिसेषी॥
जनकसुता परिहरिहु अकेली। आयहु तात बचन मम पेली॥

When the Lord of Raghus saw His younger brother coming, He outwardly expressed much concern. “Alas! You have left Janak’s daughter alone and come here against my instructions.

निसिचर निकर फिरहिं बन माहीं। मम मन सीता आश्रम नाहीं॥
गहि पद कमल अनुज कर जोरी। कहेउ नाथ कछु मोहि न खोरी॥

Hosts of demons are roaming about in the forest; I, therefore, suspect Sita is not at the hermitage.” Lakshmana clasped Shri Ram’s lotus feet and replied with joined palms, “Lord, it is no fault of mine.”

अनुज समेत गए प्रभु तहवाँ। गोदावरि तट आश्रम जहवाँ॥
आश्रम देखि जानकी हीना। भए बिकल जस प्राकृत दीना॥

Accompanied by His younger brother, the Lord went back to His hermitage on the bank of the Godavari. When He saw the hermitage bereft of Janak’s Daughter, He felt as perturbed and afflicted as any common man.

हा गुन खानि जानकी सीता। रूप सील ब्रत नेम पुनीता॥
लछिमन समुझाए बहु भाँति। पूछत चले लता तरु पाँती॥

“Alas! Sita, Janak’s daughter, the very mine of virtues, of such flawless beauty, character, austerity and devotion!” Lakshmana consoled Him in many ways. He questioned all the creepers and trees (that stood on the way ) as He went along (in search of Her):

हे खग मृग हे मधुकर श्रेनी। तुम्ह देखी सीता मृगनैनी॥
खंजन सुक कपोत मृग मीना। मधुप निकर कोकिला प्रबीना॥

“O birds and deer, O string of bees, have you seen the fawn-eyed Sita? The wagtail, the parrot, the pigeon, the deer, the fish, the swarms of bees, the clever cuckoo,

कुंद कली दाड़िम दामिनी। कमल सरद ससि अहिभामिनी॥
बरुन पास मनोज धनु हंसा। गज केहरि निज सुनत प्रसंसा॥

the jasmine buds, the pomegranate, the lightning, the lotus, the autumnal moon, the gliding serpent, the noose of Varun (the god of water), the bow of Cupid, the swan, the elephant and the lion now hear themselves praised.

श्री फल कनक कदलि हरषाहीं। नेकु न संक सकुच मन माहीं॥
सुनु जानकी तोहि बिनु आजू। हरषे सकल पाइ जनु राजू॥

The Bilva fruit and the gold banana rejoice and do not feel the least misgiving or bashfulness* Listen, Janak’s daughter: in your absence today they are all glad as if they have got a Kingdom.

किमि सहि जात अनख तोहि पाहीं। प्रिया बेगि प्रगटसि कस नाहीं॥
एहि बिधि खोजत बिलपत स्वामी। मनहुँ महा बिरही अति कामी॥

How can you bear such rivalry? Why do you not reveal yourself quickly, my darling?” In this way the Lord searched and lamented like an uxorious husband sore smitten with pangs of separation.

पूरकनाम राम सुख रासी। मनुजचरित कर अज अबिनासी॥
आगें परा गीधपति देखा। सुमिरत राम चरन जिन्ह रेखा॥

Shri Ram, who is Bliss personified and has all His wishes accomplished, and who is both unborn and immortal, behaved like a mortal. Further on they saw the king of vultures lying, with his thoughts fixed on Shri Ram’s feet which bear characteristic marks on their soles.

3. Kishkindhakand – Shri Ram’s anger on Sugriva for not initiating the expedition to search for Mata Sita

बरषा गत निर्मल रितु आई। सुधि न तात सीता कै पाई॥
एक बार कैसेहुँ सुधि जानौं। कालुह जीति निमिष महुँ आनौं॥

“The rains are over and the autumn, which is marked by a cloudless sky and limpid waters, has arrived; yet, dear brother, we have received no news about Sita. If only once I could anyhow come to know of her whereabouts I would recover her out of the hands of even Death himself.

कतहुँ रहउ जौं जीवति होई। तात जतन करि आनउँ सोई॥
सुग्रीवहुँ सुधि मोरि बिसारी। पावा राज कोस पुर नारी॥

Wherever she may be, if only she is still alive I would make an effort to rescue her, dear brother. Sugriva too has forgotten me now that he has got a kingdom, a treasury, the amenities of city life and his own spouse.

जेहिं सायक मारा मैं बाली। तेहिं सर हतौं मूढ़ कहँ काली॥
जासु कृपाँ छूटहिं मद मोहा। ता कहुँ उमा कि सपनेहुँ कोहा॥

I will shoot the fool tomorrow with the same arrow which I used in killing Baali.” (Says Bhagwan Shankar) He whose very grace rids one of pride and infatuation, could He ever dream of being angry, Uma?

जानहिं यह चरित्र मुनि ग्यानी। जिन्ह रघुबीर चरन रति मानी॥
लछिमन क्रोधवंत प्रभु जाना। धनुष चढ़ाई गहे कर बाना॥

Those enlightened sages alone who have conceived a love for the feet of Shri Ram (the Hero of Raghu’s race) can know the inwardness of this conduct of His. When Lakshman found the Lord angry, he strung his bow and took arrows in his hands.

These shloks show how much love was in the heart of Bhagwan Shri Ram and Mata Sita for each other.

But why did Shri Ram ask Mata Sita, who was the incarnation of Mother Lakshmi, to go through the Agni Pariksha?

Read here

I have many more blogs planned that will potentially help everyone understand the good learnings from Shri Ram’s life in simple language. I am hoping to publish them soon. Until then, if it interests you, you may read Ramcharitmanas in Hindi and English on the Mere Vishnu app. You may download the Android app from this link – https://t.ly/mvsn or scan the QR code in the following picture.