Original text
ठुमक चलत रामचंद्र, बाजत पैंजनियां ॥ किलकि-किलकि उठत धाय, गिरत भूमि लटपटाय । धाय मात गोद लेत, दशरथ की रनियां ॥ अंचल रज अंग झारि, विविध भांति सो दुलारि । तन मन धन वारि-वारि, कहत मृदु बचनियां ॥ विद्रुम से अरुण अधर, बोलत मुख मधुर-मधुर । सुभग नासिका में चारु, लटकत लटकनियां ॥ तुलसीदास अति आनंद, देख के मुखारविंद । रघुवर छबि के समान, रघुवर छबि बनियां ॥
Transliteration
Thumak Chalat Ramachandra, Bajat Painjaniyan. Kilaki-kilaki Uthat Dhay, Girat Bhumi Latapatay Dhay Mat God Let, Dasharath Ki Raniyan. Anchal Raj Ang Jhari, Vividh Bhanti So Dulari Tan Man Dhan Vari-vari, Kahat Mridu Bachaniyan. Vidrum Se Arun Adhar, Bolat Mukh Madhur-madhur Subhag Nasika Mein Charu, Latakat Latakaniyan. Tulasidas Ati Anand, Dekh Ke Mukharavind Raghuvar Chhabi Ke Saman, Raghuvar Chhabi Baniyan.
Rama learning to walk
"Thumak chalat Ramchandra, baajat painjaniyan" — "Ramchandra toddles along, his anklets jingling." Thumak is the bouncing, uneven step of a baby just learning to walk, and painjaniyan are the little bells on his ankles. In one line Tulsidas turns the Lord of the universe into a toddler in the palace courtyard of Ayodhya.
The pad belongs to Tulsidas's devotional poetry on Rama's childhood (it is usually associated with his Gitavali), and it is sung in the vatsalya mood — the love of a parent for a child — that is more often associated with Krishna.
What each verse shows
- The fall: laughing and gurgling (kilaki-kilaki), he sets off running, stumbles and falls to the ground — and Dasharatha's queens rush to lift him into their laps.
- The fussing: they brush the dust from his limbs with the ends of their saris, pet him in every way, and pour out body, mind and wealth for him (vaari-vaari, the gesture of warding off the evil eye), speaking soft, loving words.
- His face: lips red as coral, speaking sweetly; on his lovely nose swings a little ornament (latkan).
- The poet: "Tulsidas is overjoyed to see that lotus face — the beauty of Raghuvar is like nothing but itself."
Our text gives each line once. As sung, singers repeat the first line as a refrain and double many half-lines, which is why sung versions look much longer.
How it is sung
- A favourite of classical and devotional singers — D. V. Paluskar's rendition in Raga Bhairavi is famous.
- On Ram Navami, during Ramayana path, at a child's first steps, birthdays and naming ceremonies.
- As a lullaby — its gentle rhythm suits it well.
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote Thumak Chalat Ramchandra?
Goswami Tulsidas, the 16th-century poet of the Ramcharitmanas; the bhajan carries his signature in the last verse.
What does "thumak chalat" mean?
Walking with the bouncing, unsteady steps of a small child.
What are "painjaniyan"?
Small anklets with bells that jingle as the child walks.
When is this bhajan sung?
On Ram Navami, during Ramayana recitations, and on occasions celebrating a child — first steps, birthdays, naming ceremonies.
Why are sung versions longer than this text?
Singers repeat the refrain and double many lines; the underlying pad is the short text given here.
Spotted a mistake?
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