Baal Kaanda
10 - Salutations to the abode and companions of Sita and Rama
Chaupais
Description
I reverence the exceedingly holy city of Ayodhya (Sri Rama's birth-place) and the river Sarayu (flowing beside it), which wipes out the sins of the Kali age. Again, I bow to the men and women of the city, who enjoy the affection of the Lord in no small degree. Even though they were damned as a result of the heap of sins incurred by the calumniators of Sita (who were instrumental in bringing about Her lifelong exile), they were lodged in a heavenly abode, having been divested of sorrow. I greet Kausalya (the eldest queen of king Dasaratha) whose glory stands diffused throughout the world. She is the eastern horizon whence arose the lovely moon in the shape of the Lord of Raghus, who affords delight to the entire universe and is blighting as frost to lotuses in the form of the wicked. Recognizing king Dasaratha together with all his consorts as incarnations of merit and fair blessings, I make obeisance to them in thought, word and deed. Knowing me as a servant of your son, be gracious to me. The father and mothers of Sri Rama are the very perfection of glory, by creating whom even Brahma (the Creator) has exalted himself.(1-4)