Salutations to the holy Sita and Ramachandra

Special Instructions

One should not ask more than three questions in a single day, and a specific question should be asked only once. If the DohaA specific form of rhyming couplet in Hindi poetry that is selected matches the nature of the question, one should consider the endeavor successful. If the Doha indicates something inauspicious, it should be understood that the task will not succeed or will cause distress. However, if the Doha selected is entirely unrelated to the subject of your question, the result should be considered doubtful. For example, if your question is whether you will be victorious in a war or a lawsuit, and the Doha selected is:

All the sons were married under one canopy, appearing as beautiful forms of auspiciousness.
Tulsidas says, the society is happy and both Kings are oceans of merit.

In such a case, even though the Doha is highly auspicious, because it is unrelated to the specific question, it indicates that the outcome of the query remains uncertain.

Note—To learn which type of question should be asked on which day, see the first and second groups of seven in the Seventh Canto of this book.

Ramagya-Prashna

Literally "The Rama-Command-Inquiry," a method of seeking divine guidance through poetry.

First Canto

Group of Seven — 1

Remembering the Goddess of Speech Saraswati, the Remover of Obstacles Ganesha, the Mother Parvati, the Sun, the Guru, Shiva, Lakshmi, and the Lord of Lakshmi Vishnu; perform all your tasks. There will be auspiciousness and well-being at home and abroad. || 1 ||

By remembering Goddess Saraswati, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati, Lord Sun, the Spiritual Teacher, Lord Shiva, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Narayana, perform all auspicious deeds; there will be welfare everywhere, in one's own country and in foreign lands. || 1 || (If the question concerns an auspicious undertaking, success will be achieved.)

Remembering the Guru, Saraswati, the Elephant-faced one Ganesha, the Moon, the Ganges, and the Wish-fulfilling Cow; walk the path with a joyful heart, and your merits will be your aid. || 2 ||

By remembering the Spiritual Teacher, Goddess Saraswati, Ganesha, the Moon, the River Ganges, and the KamadhenuThe divine cow that grants all wishes, walk upon your path with a happy mind; your past good deeds will assist you. || 2 || (If the question concerns a journey, the journey will be successful.)

Speech Saraswati, Gauri Parvati, the Guru, the Leader of Ganas Ganesha, and Shiva are the very root of all blessings. By remembering them, all perfections Siddhis come into the palm of one's hand, and the Lord becomes favorable. || 3 ||