‘Lord Shri Rama Is Arriving — Are We Ready to Welcome Him?’
Every Deepawali, we eagerly look forward to welcoming Lord Shri Rama. We devote ourselves wholeheartedly to cleaning and decorating our homes. But how do we know whether we are equally prepared to welcome Him in our thoughts and feelings (‘bhaav’)?
Many years ago, most revered ‘Nanaji’, Shri Dharmendra Mohan Sinha, lovingly recorded 89 audio tapes with discourses on the entire Shri Ramacharitmanas. Presented here are a few reflections from his commentary on the first six dohas of the Uttarkand. (To listen to Pujya Nanaji’s discourse, please click here). These passages describe a conversation between Bharatji, the embodiment of a devotee with complete surrender, and Shri Hanumanji, the revered Guru-element, just before Shri Rama’s arrival in Ayodhya.
1) कपटी कुटिल मोहि प्रभु चीन्हा [Excerpt from chaupaai 2 before doha 1(ka)]
दीन बंधु अति मृदुल सुभाऊ [Excerpt from chaupaai 3 before doha 1(ka)]
Bharat ji acknowledges, ‘The Lord has recognised my deceitful and crooked nature, yet He is compassionate towards the helpless.’ The deeper meaning is that the Lord knows how the individualized soul, caught in his web of desires and worldly attachments, often turns away from the Lord. Yet, the moment he looks towards the Lord with a humble and helpless heart, the Lord accepts this humility as his greatest virtue. Such sincere humility naturally attracts Divine Grace and Mercy. Therefore, the first step is to cultivate humility and a heartfelt sense of dependence on the Lord within our hearts.
2) मोरे जियँ भरोस दृढ़ सोई । मिलिहहिं राम सगुन सुभ होई ॥ [Excerpt from chaupaai 4 before doha 1(ka)]
Bharatji says, ‘I have unwavering faith that I shall surely meet Shri Rama Ji, for all the signs around me are most auspicious.’ In other words, for every situation in life — whether favourable or unfavourable — when we recognise it as ultimately being for our highest good, we may understand that the day of the Lord’s arrival is undoubtedly drawing near.
3) राम बिरह सागर महँ भरत मगन मन होत। बिप्र रूप धरि पवनसुत आइ गयउ जनु पोत ॥ [Doha 1(ka)]
Just when Bharatji’s heart was drowning in the ocean of separation from Shri Rama Ji, Shri Hanumanji arrived. This teaches us that when despair begins to arise in a devotee’s heart, the Guru Himself appears and rescues him.
मिले आजु मोहि राम पिरीते [Excerpt of Chaupai 6 before Doha 2]
To the devotee, the Guru’s presence feels as though the beloved Lord Himself has arrived.
काहे न होइ बिनीत परम पुनीत सदगुन सिंधु सो [Excerpt of Chhand before Doha 2]
All virtues reside naturally in the humility and simplicity of a true devotee, just as the waters of countless rivers come together in the ocean.
राम प्रान प्रिय नाथ तुम्ह [Excerpt of Doha 2(ka)]
For such a devotee, the Guru gives the beautiful assurance that “You are as dear to Shri Rama Ji as His own life.”
4) गावत चलिं सिंधुरगामिनी [Excerpt of Chaupai 3 before Doha 3]
When Bharatji informed the people of Ayodhya about Shri Rama Ji’s impending arrival, the pious womenfolk led the procession, singing in welcome. The reference to these graceful, elephant-gaited women (gaja-gaamini) carries a deeper spiritual significance. As we prepare to welcome the divine presence into our lives, the tendencies of the mind gradually become steady and peaceful. Restlessness begins to dissolve, and the mind becomes calm from within.
5) गइ बिषम बिपति बियोगभव तिन्ह हरष सुख अगनित लहे [Excerpt of Chhand before Doha 6]
When the mothers met Lord Rama, the terrible suffering caused by their separation came to an end, and everyone experienced immeasurable happiness and joy. This is the sign of a true connection with the Lord – boundless joy begins to fill the heart, and all misfortunes are removed.
कह हनुमंत बिपति प्रभु सोई। जब तव सुमिरन भजन न होई ॥ [Excerpt of Chhand before Doha 6]
Shri Hanumanji explains that our greatest misfortune is the absence of remembrance and devotion to the Lord. When we lose touch with His remembrance, the troubles of the world surround us. The first sign of welcoming the Lord’s presence into our hearts is a deep sense of joy, cheerfulness and eager anticipation.
This Deepawali, let us humbly seek the blessings of most revered ‘Babuji’ (Shri Hanuman Prasad Poddar ‘Bhaiji’), most revered Shri Radha Baba, all revered saints, and Poojya Nanaji. May their grace help us cultivate humility, unwavering faith in the Lord, inner peace and joyful anticipation, so that we can make the inner sanctum of our heart truly ready to welcome our beloved Lord Shri Rama.
॥ Jai Shri Rama ॥
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