Gitavali is of special significance to a devotee of Lord Rama. The Lord declared both in Ramacharitmanasa (VII.46) and in Srimad Bhagavadgita (IX.14) that by chanting His Glories one attains His Divine Bliss. Tulsi sings of the glory of the Saguna Form of Rama in highest ecstasy. He depicts the entire Creation: birds, beasts, blossoms, trees, skies, clouds, fragrant breezes, day, night, Sun, Moon and stars paying obeisance to Rama, the Incarnated Lord of the Universe. Tulsi's love for Ayodhya is apparent in Gitavali. He sings of many events from the Deeds of Rama pertaining to Ayodhya. His songs of Holi, Diwali and jhoola (swing) festivals are unique.

About the Author:

Shri S.P. Bhadur was born on 19th July 1926. He studied at the La Martinere College Lucknow, Universities of Lucknow and Roorkee. He visited Australia under Columbo Plan and retired as Chief Engineer, Irrigation Department, Uttar Pradesh in 1984. born in a family devoted to the Rama Tradition he received blessings and guidance in studies of Rama theology from his maternal uncle Mahatma Anjaninandan Sharan of Ayodhya, himself the author of exhaustive commentaries in Hindi on all literary works of Tulsidas published by Gita Press.

Contents of Songs
Preface
Introduction
Outlines of Gitavali

Part I

BALA KANDA

Birth of Rama and His Childhood
Rama goes to guard Vishwamitra's yajna
Redemption of Ahalya
Stringing Shiva's Bow and the Divine Wedding
Rama returns to Ayodhya

Part II

AYODHYA KANDA

Banishment of Rama
Journey in the Woods
Rama dwells in Chitrakoot
Death of King Dashratha
Bharat's Lament
Meetings in the Woods
Ayodhya during Rama's Exile
Rama proceeds to Panchavati

Part III

ARANYA KANDA

Rama dwells in Panchavati
The Golden Deer
Sita is kidnapped
Rama meets Jatayu
Songs of Shabri

Part IV

KISHKINDHA KANDA

Rama meets Sugriva

Part V

SUNDER KANDA

Hanuman meets Sita
Hanuman reports to Rama
Vibhishana joins Rama
Sita's Anguish

Part VI

LANKA KANDA

Mandodari beseeches Ravana
Rama's Envoy meets Ravana
Lakshmana wounded in Battle
Victory for Rama
Ayodhya waits for Rama
Return and Crowning of Rama

Part VII

UTTARA KANDA

The Reign of Rama
Sita is banished
The Epilogue

Explanatory Notes
Glossary
Index