Uttar Kaanda
218 - Greatness of the Ramayana; Tulasidasa's prayer and reward of reciting this poem
Chaupais
Description
He alone is omniscient and accomplished, he alone is wise, he alone is an ornament of the globe, learned and munificent, he alone is pious and he the saviour of his race, whose mind is devoted to the feet of Sri Rama. He alone is perfect in correct behaviour and most sagacious, he alone has thoroughly grasped the conclusion of the Vedas, and he alone is a seer, a man of erudition, and staunch in battle, who adores the Hero of Raghu's line in a guileless spirit. Blessed is the land where flows the celestial stream (the Ganga); blessed the wife who observes a vow of fidelity to her husband. Blessed is the monarch who administers justice; blessed the Brahmana who swerves not from his duty. Blessed is the wealth which is used to the best advantage;* blessed is the intellect and ripe too, which is devoted to pious acts. Blessed is the hour which is spent in communion with saints; blessed the birth in which one practises unceasing devotion to the twice-born (the Brahmanas).