To sages in forest Tataka was a pain,

Therefore they rejoiced when she was slain.

With her illusory powers, she came and went,

But finally killed by arrows from Rama’s bow sent.

The attacks on sages innocent to cease,

Because of Rama, they could now live in peace.

Eyes and mind to taste existence’s fruit,

By seeing Rama, whole creation’s root.

Dasharatha’s son, to all people He is all things,

Meaning to life His divine vision brings.

At pleasing the Supreme Lord guru is the best,

For their benefit, gives the disciple a test.

Son of Gadhi wanted Rama Tataka to kill,

Hearts of forest’s sages with terror she did fill.

At initial request Rama was hesitant,

To kill woman and break rules reluctant.

Nevertheless, showed that He can kill by sound,

Using nothing else, female demon’s location found.

Dropped to the ground after pierced in the chest,

With His arrows, Rama passed beloved guru’s test.

Childish play of innocent children adults like,

Youthful exuberance so much a pleasing sight.

More endearing when adult’s authority children know,

And the attention to rules at last minute they show.

To the forest went Vishvamitra the ascetic devout,

With Rama and Lakshmana, watched them run about.

Clouds hovered above wherever they went,

Shower of flowers too by demigods were sent.

Thus the sage’s heart with love became full,

Seeing Rama’s kind attention so pleasurable.

After chasing the birds and stopping the deer,

Brothers come to muni out of fear.

Flowers, fruits and leaves along the way they take,

So that beautiful garlands for pleasure they make.

Vishvamitra, son of Gadhi, all of this he sees,

Supreme Lord acts so that His devotees are pleased.

Spiritual master has information worthy to know,

Boat towards supreme destination he rows.

Eat prasadam, Lord’s glories do you hear,

To Rama’s vision your eyes do you steer.

The birds in the wilderness He did chase,

Giving them chance to see His beautiful face.

As part of His childish play,

Rama tries to stop deer in their way.

As the brothers with Vishvamitra move along,

The rivers, mountains and ponds they gaze upon.

Thinking of this scene for mind pleasurable,

Rama’s play with His brother for sage delightful.

Creatures of this world deserve God’s association,

They are souls too, devotees by constitution.

With Vishvamitra, Rama and Lakshmana move forth,

Like spring season going with sun travelling north.

Makes the spring season come and winter go away,

The sun is responsible, is the lord of the day.

That renewed life to sages in forest to bring,

Glories of Rama and Lakshmana they would then sing.

Image of trio leaving Ayodhya etched in poet’s heart,

Bringing to mind that sweet vision gives day the best start.

Take note of the comparison, keep image by your side,

So that in felicity of divine vision to reside.

In elders transcendental love swells so much,

When their feet the two young boys touch.

Bow and arrows carry in their hands so soft,

As to the woods with muni they are off.

Love for their parents the scene does reflect,

And Lord’s dedication to the brahmanas protect.

Brothers not leaving home to have days of fun,

Went to put pain in sage’s side on the run.

Wherever Rama goes Lakshmana by His side,

For attacking demons, from arrows nowhere to hide.

Beauties like Rama and Lakshmana never seen,

Anywhere in the planetary systems fourteen.

Leaving with Vishvamitra such a pleasurable sight,

The two boys who bring to Raghu’s clan delight.

Tulsidas in attempt to keep vision in mind,

Wrote many poems, allows for time to rewind.

Brahma must have used materials the best,

All beauty used up, none left for creatures the rest.

Of course no creation, God’s body and soul the same,

Comparison attempt for unexplainable to explain.

Lord Brahma, all elements does he take,

To carry out his duty to create.

From the observer’s point of view,

All beauty Brahma must have used.

To craft bodies of Rama and Lakshmana the brother,

Their beauty out of this world, like no other.

Rama of skin dark and Lakshmana was fair,

Combination caused pleased eyes to stare.

To the forest with Vishvamitra were they sent,

Taking beauty with them, away the brothers went.

When sadness upon the residents of Ayodhya fell,

Their worries for Rama’s welfare God they did tell.

Typically, future guessed from outside omens’ sight,

But residents decided auspiciousness to invite.

For proper time and circumstance why wait?

Insisted that brothers live in pleasurable state.

Let them successful in protecting sage return,

Then their eyes fruit of existence to earn.

Chant holy names at any time,

For auspiciousness to find.