Narada Asks That Rama Nama Stand Supreme among Every Divine Name
Aranya Kanda, Chaupai 40
Doha 43क · Movement 1 of 2
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Narada addresses Raghunayaka as naturally generous, beautiful, beyond reach yet easy to approach, and giver of excellent boons. Though Rama already knows the heart, the sage asks permission to name one gift. Rama answers that Narada knows his nature. He hides nothing from his servants, and no treasure is so dear that the best of sages may not ask for it.
Nothing is withheld from Rama's devotee. He tells Narada never to lose this trust, even in confusion. Joyfully and with sacred boldness, the sage makes his request. Scripture praises the Lord's countless names, each greater than the other, yet Narada asks that one name should hold a special supremacy.
May Rama be highest among all names. May it become the hunter and slayer of sins gathered like flocks of birds. The boon concerns no kingdom, vision, or private liberation. Narada asks for the sound of Rama itself to carry this sovereign power against the multitude of faults.
Narada asks for no possession, only that the name Rama should fly against every flock of sin.
Read the passage from the Manas
सुनहु उदार सहज रघुनायक। सुंदर अगम सुगम बर दायक।। देहु एक बर मागउँ स्वामी। जद्यपि जानत अंतरजामी।। जानहु मुनि तुम्ह मोर सुभाऊ। जन सन कबहुँ कि करउँ दुराऊ।। कवन बस्तु असि प्रिय मोहि लागी। जो मुनिबर न सकहु तुम्ह मागी।। जन कहुँ कछु अदेय नहिं मोरें। अस बिस्वास तजहु जनि भोरें।। तब नारद बोले हरषाई । अस बर मागउँ करउँ ढिठाई।। जद्यपि प्रभु के नाम अनेका। श्रुति कह अधिक एक तें एका।। राम सकल नामन्ह ते अधिका। होउ नाथ अघ खग गन बधिका।।
Listen, O noble and naturally gracious Raghunayaka, beautiful One who grants boons both rare and easily accessible. Grant me one boon that I ask, O Swami, though You already know all as the Antarjami. O Muni, you know My nature well. Would I ever hide anything from My devotees? What thing is so dear to Me that you, O best of sages, could not ask for it? Nothing is beyond giving by Me to My devotees. Do not abandon this firm faith, even in error. Then Narada spoke with joy: I make bold to ask for such a boon. Though the Prabhu has countless names, and the Shruti says each one surpasses the other, May 'Rama' be supreme among all names, O Lord, and be the slayer of sins like a hawk among flocks of birds.