Uttar Kaanda
218 - Greatness of the Ramayana; Tulasidasa's prayer and reward of reciting this poem
Chaupais
Description
The wise Kakabhusundi rejoiced again and again as he pondered Sri Rama's manifold virtues. That I should enjoy the grace of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus), whose glory is sung by the Vedas only in negative terms as "not that," whose might, majesty and glory are unequalled and whose feet are worthy of adoration even to Lord Siva and Brahma (the Unborn, Creator)-betrays His supreme tenderness of heart. Nowhere have I heard of, much less seen, such a kind disposition: to whom shall I compare the Lord of the Raghus, O chief of the birds? Strivers and perfect souls, the liberated and the unworldly-minded, the seers and learned men, those knowing the secrets of Karma (duty) and those who have renounced all action, Yogis (mystics), and valiant heroes, great ascetics and wise men, pious souls and men of erudition and even men who have realized the Self-none of these can cross the ocean of mundane existence without adoring my lord, Sri Rama, to whom I bow again and again and yet again. I bow once more to that imperishable Lord by approaching whom for shelter even sinful souls like me get purified.