Ramcharitmanas Prashnavali is a method of divination based on the Hindu text Ramcharitmanas written by Goswami Tulsidas. It can help you find answers to problems in your life from the wisdom contained in Ramcharitmanas.
The prashnavali works by using a 15×15 chart with letters from verses of Ramcharitmanas. You meditate on your question and select a square in the chart. The 9th letter from that square onwards forms a verse (choupai) which gives the answer to your question.
The answers are taken from different parts (kands) of Ramcharitmanas corresponding to specific events in Lord Rama’s life. Along with the answer, the relevant choupai and kand are also provided.
Select a square in the 15×15 prashnavali chart with your eyes closed
The answer will be shown in green for positive and red for negative
Along with the answer, the relevant choupai and kand will also be displayed
Do not repeat the same question again and again
Treat the prashnavali as a spiritual practice, not just a game
The answers from Ramcharitmanas prashnavali can provide guidance, wisdom and solutions from the teachings contained in the epic poem. Performing it regularly can help increase your concentration and provide practical advice to lead a more peaceful and happy life.
The online prashnavali tools make the process simple and convenient. You can use them to perform Ramcharitmanas prashnavali and get answers to your questions from the wisdom of Tulsidas’ work.
The Prashnavali chart consists of 225 squares containing letters from various verses of the Ramcharitmanas. Every 9th letter forms a chaupai (verse) that provides the answer to your question.
The chaupai and sthan help you gain more context and wisdom from the Ramcharitmanas relevant to your situation.
Some key things to keep in mind:
Do not treat the Prashnavali as a game. Have true faith and devotion.
Ideally ask only one question per day after proper meditation and prayer.
Do not ask the same question again and again. Believe in the first answer you receive.
The Ramcharitmanas Prashnavali can provide valuable guidance and perspective to help you make the right decisions in life, if used with the right intentions and faith in Lord Ram.
Kands in Ramcharitmanas
Ramcharitmanas written by Goswami Tulsidas consists of 7 Kands or chapters:
Each Kand narrates a different part of the Ramayana story:
Bal Kand covers Rama’s birth and childhood up to his marriage with Sita.
Ayodhya Kand narrates the events that lead to Rama’s exile to the forest for 14 years.
Aranya Kand describes Rama, Sita and Lakshmana’s life in the forest and Sita’s abduction by Ravana.
Kishkindha Kand talks about Rama meeting Hanuman and Sugriva and their alliance.
Sundar Kand narrates Hanuman finding Sita in Lanka and burning parts of the city.
Lanka Kand focuses on the war between Rama’s army and Ravana’s army.
Uttar Kand covers the final events after Ravana’s death like Rama’s coronation and brief mentions of his later life.
Each Kand begins with an invocation to various deities and ends with a formal conclusion by Tulsidas. The narrative mainly uses the chaupai meter with interspersed dohas, sorathas and chhands.
The Kands gradually build up to the climactic War Kand and Lanka Kand, after which the story ends rather abruptly in Uttar Kand without details of Rama’s later life.
What does Bal Kand of Ramcharitmanas cover?
The Bal Kand or Balakaanda of Ramcharitmanas covers the childhood episodes of Lord Rama. It covers the following:
The birth of Rama and his three brothers – Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna. Rama’s birth took place on the ninth day of Chaitra month.
The meeting of Rama, Lakshmana and Sage Vishwamitra and their journey to kill the demons Tataka and Maricha.
The Swayamvara of Sita where Rama breaks Shiva’s bow to win her hand in marriage. Parashurama also attends the Swayamvara and clashes with Lakshmana before recognizing Rama’s true form.
The marriage of Rama and Sita in Mithila with grand Vedic and traditional ceremonies. The marriages of Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna also take place.
The return of Rama, Sita and his brothers to Ayodhya where there is much rejoicing.
The story of how Shiva narrated the Ramayana to Parvati which led to the incarnation of Rama. Five reasons for Rama’s incarnation are mentioned.
The story of Sati’s self immolation, her rebirth as Parvati and her eventual marriage to Shiva.
The deliverance of Ahalya from her curse by the touch of Rama’s foot.
The Bal Kand focuses on establishing the characters, setting the scene in Ayodhya and narrating the childhood events leading up to Rama and Sita’s marriage. It forms more than half the length of the entire Ramcharitmanas.
What is the significance of wearing fresh clothes before using the Prashnavali?
Significance of Wearing Fresh Clothes for Ramcharitmanas Prashnavali
Wearing fresh clothes before performing Ramcharitmanas Prashnavali is considered important for several reasons:
It signifies purity and cleanliness of mind. Prashnavali requires a calm and peaceful state of mind to get accurate answers. Wearing fresh clothes helps create this mental state.
It shows respect to Lord Rama and the sacred text Ramcharitmanas. One should be in the proper spiritual frame of mind before seeking guidance from such divine sources.
Fresh clothes are associated with positivity and optimism. This helps strengthen one’s faith while performing Prashnavali. Negative thoughts and doubts can interfere with the process.
It is a tradition followed by saints and sages who used Prashnavali as a spiritual practice. Following this tradition helps one attain the right mental focus.
Taking a bath and wearing fresh clothes also washes away the impressions of the previous day. This allows one to approach Prashnavali with an uncluttered mind.
So in summary, wearing fresh clothes before Ramcharitmanas Prashnavali symbolizes purity of body and mind. It helps one achieve the requisite devotion, faith and mental calmness needed to get meaningful answers.
While performing Prashnavali, one should meditate on Lord Rama with the question in mind. Pray to Rama to provide the right answer. Click anywhere on the Prashnavali chart with closed eyes. The answer will contain a relevant verse (chaupai) and location (sthan) from Ramcharitmanas.
One should ideally ask only one question per day after proper meditation and prayer. Do not repeat the same question. Believe in the first answer you receive.
The Ramcharitmanas Prashnavali can provide valuable guidance and perspective, if used with the right intentions and faith in Lord Rama.
Are there any spiritual benefits from wearing fresh clothes before using the Prashnavali?
# Spiritual Benefits of Wearing Fresh Clothes Before Using Prashnavali
Wearing fresh clothes before using the Ramcharitmanas prashnavali has several spiritual benefits:
It signifies purity of body and mind. Prashnavali requires a calm and peaceful state of mind to get accurate answers. Fresh clothes help create this mental state.
It shows respect to Lord Rama and the sacred text Ramcharitmanas. One should be in the proper spiritual frame of mind before seeking guidance from divine sources.
Fresh clothes are associated with positivity and optimism. This strengthens one’s faith while performing prashnavali. Negative thoughts and doubts can interfere with the process.
It follows the tradition of saints and sages who used prashnavali as a spiritual practice. Following this tradition helps attain the right mental focus.
Taking a bath and wearing fresh clothes washes away impressions from the previous day, allowing one to approach prashnavali with an uncluttered mind.
Clothes prescribed in Hinduism
Certain types of clothes prescribed in Hinduism have spiritual benefits:
Sovale (washed cotton dhoti):
It is tucked in at 5 places representing the 5 elements, activating the 5 vital energies located at the navel.
The knot at the waist connects to the ‘Panchak mandal’ energy center.
Nine-yard sari:
The layers and folds enable it to absorb, transmit and hold prana better than other clothes.
The knot at the waist activates the Manipur chakra and spreads prana throughout the body.
Uparna (shawl) and topi (cap):
They form a protective sheath that absorbs divine energy waves while performing rituals.
Colored clothes:
During rituals, colored clothes more easily absorb God’s frequencies due to color particles that attract prana.
How should one interpret a red colored answer from the Prashnavali?
Interpreting a Red Answer from Ramcharitmanas Prashnavali
A red answer from the Ramcharitmanas Prashnavali indicates a negative or unfavorable response to your question. However, it should be interpreted within the context of the accompanying verse (chaupai) and location (sthan) from the Ramcharitmanas text.
Along with the red answer, you will see:
The relevant chaupai (verse) taken from the 225 squares of the Prashnavali chart. Every 9th letter forms a chaupai that provides the answer.
The sthan (location) indicating a particular time or place in one of the 7 chapters of Ramcharitmanas.
The chaupai and sthan help gain deeper insight and wisdom from the Ramcharitmanas relevant to your situation, beyond just a simple “no” or “negative” answer.
For example, the chaupai may advise patience, perseverance, or renunciation of desires. It may suggest focusing on your duties rather than results. This provides perspective and a way forward, despite the unfavorable outcome indicated by the red color.
Key things to remember when interpreting a red answer:
Do not lose hope. There may be lessons to learn from the current situation.
The chaupai often points to a higher truth or dharma beyond the superficial “no”.
Even Lord Rama faced difficulties but overcame them through wisdom, strength of character and devotion to dharma. The sthan can inspire you.
Pray to Lord Rama for strength, wisdom and courage to face the situation in the right spirit.
What role does meditation play before using the Prashnavali?
The Role of Meditation Before Using Prashnavali
Meditation plays an important role before using the Ramcharitmanas prashnavali to get meaningful and accurate answers. Some of the ways meditation helps are:
It calms the mind and removes distracting thoughts. Prashnavali requires a peaceful state of mind to get answers with clarity.
It helps one achieve single-pointed concentration on the question and Lord Rama. This focus is needed for prashnavali to work properly.
Meditation induces a devotional and spiritual mood. One meditates on Lord Rama before asking the prashnavali question. This strengthens one’s faith and receptivity.
It washes away impressions from the previous day, allowing one to approach prashnavali with a fresh mind. This helps get unbiased answers.
Meditation connects one to the higher Self beyond the body and mind. From this vantage point, prashnavali answers received have more depth and wisdom.
Meditating on verses from Ramcharitmanas further aligns one’s consciousness with the vibration of the sacred text. This harmony aids the prashnavali process.
It helps create the requisite purity of body and mind for prashnavali to work. Meditation cleanses the subtle energies that influence the answers received.
Types of meditation before prashnavali
Dhyana or visual meditation: Focusing the mind’s eye on an image or form of Lord Rama.
Mantra meditation: Chanting the name or mantra of Lord Rama to still the mind.
Listening to verses from Ramcharitmanas: This aligns one’s consciousness with the vibration of the sacred text.
Breath meditation: Focusing awareness on the breath to calm the mind.
Whichever type of meditation one uses before prashnavali, the key is to still the mind, create focus and devotion, and connect with the higher Self. This prepares one to receive meaningful guidance from the prashnavali process.
What are some examples of questions that can be asked using the Prashnavali?
# Examples of Questions to Ask Prashnavali
There are many types of questions one can ask prashnavali for guidance and clarity. Here are some examples:
Career or profession related questions:
- Should I change my job/profession?
- Will I get a promotion/new opportunity this year?
- What steps should I take to be successful in my career?
Education related questions:
- Which subject should I focus on for higher studies?
- Will I pass my upcoming exams?
- Should I pursue further education or start working?
Relationship questions:
- Will my love/marriage proposal be accepted?
- Will my relationship last or is separation imminent?
- How can I improve my relationship with my spouse/partner?
Finance or business related questions:
- Should I invest in this business opportunity?
- Will I get a loan/funding for my business idea?
- What changes do I need to make to be financially successful?
Health related questions:
- Will my health/medical issues be resolved soon?
- What precautions should I take for good health?
- Will my treatment/surgery be successful?
Spiritual growth related questions:
- How can I increase my spiritual awareness and progress on the path?
- What spiritual practice will be most beneficial for me now?
- Am I on the right spiritual path or should I make changes?
You can ask prashnavali any specific question related to these broad categories for guidance. The key is to be truthful, have faith in the process, and interpret the answer within context of the accompanying chaupai (verse) and sthan (location) in Ramcharitmanas.
What is the ideal number of questions one should ask using Prashnavali?
# The Ideal Number of Questions to Ask in Prashnavali
There is no fixed ideal number of questions that one should ask in prashnavali. The key is to ask questions mindfully and with proper intent. Some factors to consider are:
Frequency of questions: It is better to ask fewer questions with proper concentration and devotion, rather than ask many questions frequently. Too many questions can dilute the effectiveness of prashnavali.
State of mind: One should ideally ask prashnavali questions when the mind is calm, focused and devotional. This ensures more insightful and meaningful answers.
Single question per session: It is recommended to ask only one question per prashnavali session. This allows for proper concentration on that single question and prevents the mind from wandering.
Relevance of question: The questions asked should be important and relevant to one’s current situation. Trivial or unnecessary questions should be avoided.
Interpreting the answer: One should meditate on the answer received and try to gain wisdom from the accompanying chaupai (verse) and sthan (location) in Ramcharitmanas. This allows for a deeper understanding beyond a simple “yes” or “no”.
Clarity of intention: The intention behind asking the question should be one of seeking wisdom, guidance and spiritual growth, rather than mere curiosity. This strengthens the prashnavali process.
In summary, the ideal number of prashnavali questions depends more on the proper state of mind, clarity of intention and ability to interpret the answers meaningfully, rather than a fixed numerical limit.
As a general guideline, asking 1-2 relevant and important questions per week in a calm and focused state of mind is ideal for prashnavali to be most effective. The key is to ask mindfully and interpret the answers wisely.
How important is faith while performing Prashnavali?
Faith is Essential for Accurate Prashnavali Results
Prashnavali, the system of seeking answers from Ramcharitmanas, requires utmost faith to yield accurate and insightful results. Here are some reasons why:
1. Prashnavali works on the grace of Lord Rama
Prashnavali answers are derived from the verses of Ramcharitmanas written by Tulsidas. It is believed that these verses contain the wisdom and grace of Lord Rama himself. Without faith in Lord Rama’s divine guidance, prashnavali loses its spiritual foundation.
2. Lack of faith creates doubt in the answers
Even if a prashnavali answer seems unfavorable, one must have faith that Lord Rama has a higher plan and purpose. Lacking this faith can make one doubt and second-guess the answers, interfering with their accuracy.
3. Faith creates the right state of mind
For prashnavali to work properly, the seeker’s mind must be calm, focused and devoted. Faith in the process helps create this conducive state of mind to receive meaningful answers.
4. It helps in interpreting the answers wisely
Along with the chopai (verse) that provides the answer, the accompanying sthan (location) in Ramcharitmanas also provides important context. Faith allows one to interpret the answers wisely and gain deeper spiritual wisdom from them.
5. Faith reduces the ego involvement
When faith is present, the ego’s desire for a “favorable” answer reduces. This detachment and objectivity further strengthens the accuracy of prashnavali answers.
What are some examples of finance or business related questions for Prashnavali?
Examples of Business Prashnavali Questions
Business owners and entrepreneurs can use prashnavali to gain clarity and guidance for important decisions related to their business. Here are some examples of business prashnavali questions:
Should I expand my business to a new location?
Would outsourcing some tasks be beneficial for my company?
Should I hire more employees or continue with the current team size?
Which new product or service should I introduce to gain more customers?
Will investing in this technology/equipment increase my profits?
Is now a good time to raise capital through loans or equity funding?
Should I increase or decrease prices for my products/services?
Which marketing strategy would work best to attract new customers?
Will my competitors launch any new initiatives I should be aware of?
How can I improve customer service and satisfaction levels?
Prashnavali helps provide clarity and guidance for such business decisions by interpreting the answers in context of the accompanying chaupai (verse) and sthan (location) in Ramcharitmanas. The wisdom derived from the chaupai can offer valuable insights for your business situation.
While prashnavali does not provide a definitive “yes” or “no” answer, it helps bring awareness to factors you may need to consider for your decision. The key is to meditate on the chaupai and apply its wisdom practically for your business needs.
What health related aspects can one seek guidance on using Prashnavali?
Health Aspects of Prashnavali
Prashnavali, the system of seeking answers from Ramcharitmanas, can provide guidance related to health and medical issues. Here are some key points:
Physical Health
Prashnavali can provide clarity and guidance regarding:
Current health issues and ailments
Diagnosis of health problems
Effectiveness of treatments and medications
Alternative remedies and therapies
The chaupai (verse) that accompanies the prashnavali answer often contains wisdom that can help interpret the health situation in a practical way.
Mental Wellbeing
The grace of Lord Rama through prashnavali can also uplift one’s mental state and reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
The devotional practice of prashnavali itself helps calm the mind and connect with Lord Rama’s divine presence, bringing peace and positivity.
Spiritual Healing
On a deeper level, prashnavali can indicate remedies and practices that align one with the higher self and universal life force.
This spiritual healing can complement and enhance physical treatments, by addressing the root cause of health issues on an energetic level.
Sample Health Questions
Some examples of health-related prashnavali questions are:
Will this disease/condition improve on its own?
Which treatment will be most effective for my illness?
Should I get a second medical opinion?
Will this medicine/therapy work for me?
What lifestyle changes will benefit my health?
The key is to meditate deeply on the chaupai and sthan that accompany the prashnavali answer, to gain wisdom relevant to your specific health situation.
How should one interpret the chaupai and sthan that accompany a Prashnavali answer related to health?
# Interpreting Prashnavali Answers Related to Health
When asking a Prashnavali related to health concerns, the chaupai (verse) and sthan (place) that accompany the answer can provide additional context and guidance.
The chaupai is a verse from the Ramcharitmanas that is randomly selected based on the Prashnavali chart. The chaupai can offer words of wisdom or consolation relevant to your health situation.
The sthan indicates the chapter and section of the Ramcharitmanas where the chaupai originates. Even though the chaupai is randomly selected, the sthan can point you to relevant teachings or incidents from the story that relate to health and wellbeing.
For example, if the sthan points to the Sundar Kand, which deals with Rama’s reunion with Sita, it may indicate that with patience and faith, you will overcome your health difficulties and be reunited with good health.
However, it is important not to interpret the Prashnavali answer in an overly literal sense. The chaupai and sthan should be seen as providing spiritual guidance and perspective, rather than a definitive prognosis. They can help lift your mood and spirit, and point you to teachings that may be of comfort during your health struggle.
The key is to reflect on the chaupai and sthan with an open heart and mind, and see how the wisdom they contain can be applied to your situation. But one should not obsess over the exact meaning of the Prashnavali or expect it to predict the future.
In summary, when interpreting Prashnavali answers related to health:
Focus on the spiritual guidance and perspective offered by the chaupai and sthan
Reflect on how the wisdom contained in the chaupai and teachings from the sthan can be applied to help lift your spirit during your health struggle
Maintain an open heart and mind, without overly analyzing the “exact” meaning of the Prashnavali result
With this balanced approach, the chaupai and sthan can complement and enhance the Prashnavali’s answer, providing additional spiritual nourishment during times of health difficulties.
What spiritual growth insights can one gain from Prashnavali?
What types of lifestyle changes can improve one’s health according to Prashnavali?
How can Prashnavali help reduce stress and anxiety?
Dr. Aradhya Sharma is a renowned Vedic Scholar and researcher with a Ph.D. in Sanskrit Literature from BHU. She has dedicated over 15 years to studying ancient Indian scriptures and Puranas.
