Bhavin Shukla

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Tulsidasji explains in Rāmcharitamānas, in the first Shlok/verse of Sundarkānd, which is part of Mangalācharan, that Śri Rāma is Brahm, the singularity (i.e. God).

The verse explains that Śri Rāma is ubiquitous, all pervasive, omnipresent, limitless, formless (nirākār), but can be seen as well in the human form (sākār) because of māyā (illusion). He has unbounded compassion and is both guni and nirguna, He is the king of kings i.e., He is the protector of the vulnerable ones.

Goswami Tulsidasji emphasises that He, Brahm, should be known through Vedānta (Upnishada).

This can be interpreted as an information and a statement of fact, implying that he can only be recognised through Vedānta. Tulsidasji describes Sri Rāma in Rāmcharitamānas, but states in this verse that He, Sri Hari, can be recognised through Vedānta.

I’m intrigued if this is how he referred to the source from which he established his own interpretation, i.e. Ramcharitamanas is based on Vedānta 🤔

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श्लोक / Shlok

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भावार्थ / Meaning in Hindi

शान्त, सनातन, अप्रमेय (प्रमाणों से परे), निष्पाप, मोक्षरूप परमशान्ति देने वाले, ब्रह्मा, शम्भु और शेषजी से निरंतर सेवित, वेदान्त के द्वारा जानने योग्य, सर्वव्यापक, देवताओं में सबसे बड़े, माया से मनुष्य रूप में दिखने वाले, समस्त पापों को हरने वाले, करुणा की खान, रघुकुल में श्रेष्ठ तथा राजाओं के शिरोमणि राम कहलाने वाले जगदीश्वर की मैं वंदना करता हूँ॥

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Meaning in English

I bow to the Lord of the universe, known as Rāma, the foremost of the Raghu dynasty and the crown jewel of kings. He is peaceful, eternal, beyond comprehension, sinless, the giver of ultimate liberation and supreme peace. He is constantly served by Brahmā, Shambhu (Shiva), and Shesha. He is to be known through the Vedanta, is all-pervading, the greatest among the gods, appears in human form due to Maya, removes all sins, and is the embodiment of compassion.

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Jai Siyā Rām!

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