The Oracle of Rama's Command

Year 2066 Vikram Samvat calendar, corresponding to approximately 2009 CE Twenty-sixth Reprint 4,000
Total Print Run 2,54,500

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ISBN 81-293-0501-1

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It is said that Goswami Tulsidas composed this Ramagya-PrashnaLiterally 'Inquiry into the Command of Rama'; a poetic work used for divination or seeking omens for his acquaintance, Gangaram the Astrologer. Gangaram the Astrologer lived at Prahlad Ghat in Kashi Modern-day Varanasi. Every day in the evening, he used to go to the banks of the Ganges with Goswamiji to perform his evening prayers. One day, when Goswamiji arrived at his door at the time of the evening prayer, Gangaram said—"Please proceed; I will not be able to go to the riverbank today."

Goswamiji asked—"You look very sad, what is the reason?"

* His descendants are now the Kings of Manda.

The Astrologer explained—"The King of the Gadhwar dynasty * who resides at Rajghat—his prince had gone out for a hunt but has not returned. News has arrived that of the people who went on the hunt, one has been killed by a tiger. The King summoned me today. I was asked whether his son is safe or not, but this is a matter concerning kings; it has been said that if the answer turns out to be correct, a great reward will be given, otherwise, the death penalty will be imposed. I have come home after asking for one day's time, but my knowledge of JyotishVedic astrology and astronomy is not sufficient to give a definitive answer. I do not know what will happen tomorrow."

Goswamiji felt compassion for the distressed Brahmin. He said—"Do not worry. Lord Raghunath A title for Lord Rama, meaning 'Lord of the Raghu dynasty' will make everything auspicious."

Upon receiving this assurance, Gangaram went with Goswamiji to perform the evening prayers. After returning from the prayers, Goswamiji [composed] this book...