“Mahatari” Embodies the Purest Expression of Maternal Affection: Rambhadracharya

Fourth Day of Shri Ram Katha: Lord Ram Assumed the Form of an Infant After Mother Kaushalya’s Plea

Lucknow, June 2026 : Padma Vibhushan and Tulsi Peethadheeshwar Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya, while narrating the childhood episodes of Lord Ram on the fourth day of the nine-day musical Shri Ram Katha, said that the divine childhood pastimes of Lord Ram reveal both His character and nature. Every divine act of the Lord is intended for the welfare of humanity, and even during His childhood, glimpses of His divine personality and adherence to righteousness were clearly visible.

Addressing devotees at the Shri Ram Katha being held at the Brij Ki Rasoi premises on Sitapur Road under the aegis of Utsav Sanstha, the internationally renowned saint said that in the Awadh region, a mother is lovingly referred to as “Mahatari.” He remarked that words such as “Mommy” or “Mother” do not fully convey the depth of emotion contained in the term “Mahatari.” According to him, a Mahatari pours her love, affection, and selfless care entirely upon her children. He described the word as a powerful symbol of the dignity and reverence accorded to motherhood in the folk culture of Awadh.

While recounting the birth of Lord Ram, Swami Rambhadracharya offered a detailed interpretation of the devotional verse “Bhaye Pragat Kripala.” He pointed out that the commonly recited phrase is often rendered as “Nij Ayudh Bhuj Chari,” whereas the correct version is “Nij Ayudh Bhuj Dhari.” He explained that Lord Ram incarnated along with His various divine manifestations. According to him, the Vishnu of Kshirsagar appeared as Lakshman, the Vishnu of Vaikuntha manifested as Bharat, and the Vishnu of Shvetadweep incarnated as Shatrughna.

He further stated that when Lord Ram first appeared, He manifested in the form of a fifteen-year-old adolescent. It was only after Mother Kaushalya lovingly requested, “Tajahu Taat Yah Roopa” (O child, abandon this form), that He assumed the form of an infant.

During the discourse, Swami Rambhadracharya also shared a personal childhood memory. He recalled that when he was around three years old, a street performer arrived in his village with a monkey show. While running with other children to watch the performance, he accidentally fell into a dry well. Earlier that day, he had memorised the verse “Bhaye Pragat Kripala” from his grandfather. After falling into the well, he continuously recited the line, “Yah Charit Je Gaavahin, Hari Pad Paavahin, Te Na Parahin Bhav Koopa” (Those who sing this divine story attain the feet of the Lord and never fall into the well of worldly existence).

He said that by the grace of Lord Ram, he was rescued safely from the well. Reflecting on the incident, he observed that the Ram Katha not only provides spiritual guidance but also offers strength and support during life’s most difficult moments.

Swami Rambhadracharya emphasized that even in Lord Ram’s childhood pastimes, His supreme divine nature never remained hidden. The Lord remained fully conscious of His divinity while performing human-like actions to bless devotees with joy, affection, and spiritual fulfillment.

Several distinguished guests sought blessings from the saint during the event, including International Vaishya Federation National President Ashok Agrawal, Executive President Surendra Gupta, Ravindra Goyal, Gopal Khandelwal, PCU Vice-Chairman Brajkishore Gupta, and Sudhir Halwasiya.

Following the discourse, devotees including Rakesh Pandey, Shyamji Agrawal, Ravi Tiwari, Dr. Ajay Gupta, and many others participated in the evening aarti. Volunteers from Utsav Sanstha, Marwari Yuva Manch, Shyam Premi Seva Sangh Trust, Bora Foundation, International Vaishya Federation, and other organisations managed the arrangements.

Media Coordinator Dr. S.K. Gopal informed that on the fifth day of the Shri Ram Katha on Friday, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with ministers from the Uttar Pradesh government and other public representatives, is expected to attend the event.