Ramakatha Rasavahini, Chapter 17 (a) - The Brothers meet

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Chapter 17 (a)The Brothers meet

 

Bharatha and Satrughna went straight to the place where the Ministers, the Royal

Preceptor, and the leading citizens of the Capital had assembled. All of them

were awaiting their arrival, anxious to know what they had resolved upon, and

silently expectant to listen attentively to what they were about to tell them.

Meanwhile, Bharatha fell at the feet of the Preceptor and declared, "Divine

Master! I am telling you my honest intention; please believe my sincerity, for,

I am not hiding anything. I am opening my heart without any reservations. The

effect is harder than the cause; the metal that is extracted from the soil is

harder than the soil, you know. Born in the womb of the hard-hearted Kaikeyi, I

am indeed even more hard hearted. Or else, how can you explain that I am still

alive, despite the fact that Rama is far away from me? Kaikeyi has transferred

Sita and Lakshmana into the forest, she has sent her husband into heaven,

plunged the subjects of this vast Empire in sorrow and anxiety, and brought

eternal infamy on her son. And, you are now demanding that I should rule over

the Empire and cover myself with lasting disgrace. I am not in the least happy

over this; I do not deserve this at all. Will not people laugh at me in scorn

if I sit

on the Lion Throne as Lord Ruler when Rama is moving about in the jungle?

"My reign will bring only harm to the people; for, my accession itself will be

immoral and unrighteous. And, who will deign to honour an usurper and obey his

commands? I cannot punish the unrighteous and the immoral! With what face can I

correct wrong doers, when I myself have done mountains of wrong in ascending the

throne that is not rightfully mine? People would certainly point the accusing

finger at me, when opportunity arises, though they may keep quiet for some

time, for fear of the reprisals that I might inflict using my authority.

"The evil design of my mother has now become transformed into an agonizing

headache for me. I cannot wait even a single moment here, without seeing Sita

and Rama. I am only communicating to you my terrible anguish; only the sight of

Rama can cool my heart and cure my agony. No words of consolation or explanation

can bring me solace in my grievous plight. I have obtained permission from

Kausalya and Sumitra. I have decided to proceed at dawn tomorrow to the place

where Rama is at present. My sins, however plentiful they might be, will be

reduced to ashes the moment the eyes of Rama fall on me. Even if Rama does not

speak to me, I shall be happy taking his Darsan always, hiding behind some

tree, and following him at a distance, delighted at the chance. Elders who have

gathered here! Pray for me, bless me that I may progress as a

result of the darsan of Rama. Minister! Give me permission to go to the presence

of Rama. I am the slave of the Lord Rama. He is the Lord for all of us."

No one in that assembly, among the Ministers, the Feudatories, and the leaders

of the people could raise his voice in reply. They realized the depth of

Bharatha's remorse. They understood that Bharatha had an unsullied heart and

that he was refusing to be bound by the coils of the conspiracy his mother

wound round him.

The chief of the Elders of the City rose from his seat, and said, "Lord! We too

shall come with you. We too find separation from Rama an insufferable agony. We

do not care what happens to our lives after we get one chance to have his

Darsan." He asked for this permission on behalf of every one gathered there.

Others too responded to the suggestion wholeheartedly and came forward with

prayers that they too be taken to Rama. Within minutes, the news spread into

every nook and corner of the vast City and men, women, children, young and old,

got ready to start! Who can dissuade whom? There was no one that day among the

huge population of Ayodhya so cruel as to prevent others from proceeding to

Rama for his Darsan. The mothers, Kausalya and Sumitra, too set out on the

journey with their maids.

Meanwhile, Kaikeyi, overcome with repentance for her errors and her sins,

communicated with Kausalya and prayed that she too might be allowed to

accompany the queens. She pleaded that she might be permitted to pray for

pardon, and join the others In their attempts to persuade Rama to return to

Ayodhya. Kausalya who had a pure unblemished heart, did not entertain the least

doubt or deviation from right-consciousness; she sent word that Kaikeyi could

certainly join her.

Bharatha was informed that the entire City was on the move. He informed the

Ministers that at least a few had to stay behind, in order to guard the City,

without leaving it helpless. So, some were left behind. Vehicles were made

ready before every house during the night itself, so that the inmates might

join the trek, during the early hours. Practically everything on wheels was

commandeered for the purpose. Food and drink for the entire mass of people were

duly arranged. Like Chakravaka birds, the men and women of Ayodhya awaited the

heralding of the dawn, so that they might journey towards their dearly beloved

Lord. It was a night of ecstatic anticipation for the citizens; they spent it

in contemplating on the Darsan that awaited them.

The army with the entire force of chariotry, elephantry, cavalry and infantry

got ready to march. Vedic scholars were directed by the Minister that they had

to keep on reciting the auspicious hymns; they had also to take with them the

ceremonial requisites for the ritual worship of Fire. Right on time, according

to the calculations of the astrologers, the leading chariot for Bharatha and

Satrughna, and the palanquin next in order for Queen Kausalya were brought

before the palace. Bharatha ordered that every one must occupy the chariot or

vehicle allotted. And allowing his chariot to move on with no one in, Bharatha

and Satrughna walked on, by its side, barefooted.

People thought that they might walk in that manner only for some little time,

for some short distance. But, they found that Bharatha was in no mood to get

into the chariot; however long the distance to be covered. Kausalya could not

tolerate this; she said, "Son! I cannot suffer the sight of your walking. Sit

in the chariot at least for some time." At this, Bharatha replied, "Mother!

This is only to make amends for the sins I am burdened with. Do I suffer now

while walking on the road at least a fraction of what Rama and Sita are

suffering in the forest, while they walk barefoot? When they are walking

barefoot, it is highly wrong for me, their servant to ride in a chariot. Pardon

me for disobeying your command; permit me to walk as I am doing now."

Meanwhile, the Royal Preceptor, Vasishta, and his consort Arundathi, who were

seated in the preceding chariot, stopped their vehicle and witnessing the

determination of Bharatha, they prayed to Bharatha at least to sit in their

chariot and act as their charioteer. But, Bharatha was adamant. He said, "I am

the servant of Rama and I am bound only to his chariot. Until I get the

precious chance to act as his charioteer, I shall not ride in any chariot nor

hold the reins of any other steed. This is my vow." Vasishta desisted from any

further persuasion; he was genuinely delighted at the love and reverence that

Bharatha bore towards Rama.

They reached the bank of the River Thamasa at nightfall on the first day. The

next day, they reached the bank of the Gomathi. The Thamasa is a tributary of

the Gogra River, while the Gomathi is a tributary of the Ganga. As soon as it

was dark, the vehicles were stopped, shelters were provided for women, children

and the aged; the Minister ordered the soldiers to distribute food to the

people, systematically and with due respect. Really, throughout the journey,

everyone carried out the work assigned to each with care and enthusiasm. They

took good care that no one suffered any hardship.

Resuming their journey with the dawn of the third day, they reached

Sringiverapuram when darkness fell on the land. The king of the Nishadas saw

the huge concourse and the army on the march; he was perturbed, for, he

wondered why Bharatha was proceeding to the forest and why he was taking with

him the army with all its components. What was the significance of it all? He

tried to solve the mystery. He discussed within himself the pros and cons of

this unusual procedure. He argued within himself: "When the tree is poisonous,

its fruit too is bound to be poisonous." He tried his best to foil the plans of

Bharatha; he directed his men to keep every boat sunk in the depths of the

Ganga, and to deprive the prince of all means of crossing the river. He ordered

that they should prevent the concourse from crossing over to the other bank,

even at the cost of their lives.

And, the King of the Nishadas stood ready with his bow and arrow, set to attack,

willing to sacrifice his life in the cause of his beloved Rama, in spite of the

fact that the forces which Bharatha was leading were far superior in strength

to his own.

Guha alerted his community and all its members to be prepared for the imminent

battle. Then, he got ready to meet Bharatha in order to discover whether he had

come as foe, or as friend, or whether he was neutral, only a passing visitor who

need not be worried about. Knowing that Bharatha was a Prince of Imperial

Lineage, he secured as offering to be presented to him large quantities of

flowers, fish, flesh and fruits.

He planned to discover the innate intent of Bharatha by noting his reactions to

the various articles that were offered to him. Roots and tubers and fruits are

Sathwic food; if he preferred them, he must be reckoned a friend. The flesh of

slain animals is Rajasic food; preference for that type of food would mark out

the "middle of the road" neutral, who is neither ally nor adversary. Fish, if

accepted eagerly, would Indicate a foe, for they are Thamasic Items of food.

Taking with him these offerings, Guha, the Chieftain of the Nishadas, proceeded

to the presence of Bharatha. Good omens greeted him at the very first step. His

eyes fell on the Sage Vasishta. He ran forward and fell at his feet, announcing

himself by name. The Preceptor recognized him as the companion of Rama; he

blessed the Chieftain, and calling Bharatha to his side, he spoke to him of

Guha as the 'friend' of Rama.

As soon as those words fell on his ears, Bharatha embraced Guha warmly, and

showered questions on him about his health and welfare. Bharatha prompted Guha

to relate to him how he met Rama. When Guha mentioned how Rama spent one whole

night with him on the banks of the self-same river, Bharatha showed great

earnestness to listen to his description of that night; his eyes and ears were

panting with thirst for the nectar of that narrative.

The chieftain of the Nishadas was all praise and adoration for Rama; he showed

him the thatched hut he had prepared so that Rama, Sita and Lakshmana could

rest for a while; he told him of the conversation he had with Lakshmana during

the night. On hearing all this, Bharatha and Satrughna could not stop the

stream of tears flowing down their cheeks; they could not suppress the surging

waves of sorrow. Watching them, Guha was convinced that they had genuine

brotherly feelings towards Rama and that there was no trace of hostility in

them. He was struck by their devotion and the sincerity of their dedication.

Bharatha had a close look at the huts constructed for the use of Sita, Rama and

Lakshmana; he desired that they be tended with due care so that they suffer no

damage. Following the orders of the Preceptor, Bharatha performed the

ceremonial bath in the holy river Ganga, along with his mothers. Bharatha asked

Guha to take them to the place where Rama spent the night; pointing his finger

to a heap of darbha grass that had been scattered by the wind, Guha said, "Sita

and Rama rested here, on this bed of dry grass that night". Bharatha and

Satrughna prostrated before that holy spot. Bharatha lamented, "Alas! My Lord

accustomed to sleep on a thick soft silken bed, how could he sleep on such hard

stuff? Alas! How did that holy mother Sita bear all this hardship?" Overcome

with grief, Bharatha could not move from the place for a long while.

Rising, Bharatha requested that he be shown the places which Rama, Sita and

Lakshmana had rendered holy by treading on them. Guha took them to an Asoka

tree, under whose shade they sat for some time to eat a frugal meal of fruits.

There too the brothers fell on the ground reverentially, knowing it to be holy

ground.

While they were moving round the places sanctified by Rama, Sita and Lakshmana,

the two brothers suffered indescribable agony. The humility, reverence, and

devotion they manifested touched the heart of the Nishada chieftain. Bharatha

could not contain his anguish when he contemplated the discomforts that Sita -

Goddess Mahalakshmi Herself - the dearly beloved daughter of Emperor Janaka,

the daughter-in-law of Emperor Dasaratha, and the Consort of Rama the Mighty,

was enduring. Bharatha disclosed to Guha that the inhabitants of Ayodhya City

could not survive in that City any longer, for the holy couple Rama and Sita,

had left it; they felt that Ayodhya had been transformed into a jungle, for it

had no Rama in it; he said that he too could not bear their grief, and he too

realized that Ayodhya was wherever Rama

was; so, he explained, he had come with his following and with the inhabitants,

to the sacred Presence of Rama.

Guha grasped the situation clearly now and gave up all the suspicions he had

entertained, when he saw Bharatha advancing with his army, with its four

components of infantry, cavalry, elephantry and chariotry, towards the jungle

where Rama was. He opened his heart to Bharatha and begged to be pardoned for

the doubts he had framed in his mind about his intentions. Bharatha said that

his fears were natural and that he had committed no wrong. For, the truth was,

he was indeed a wicked barbarian! "I am the reason for the exile that Rama is

going through", he said. "For that one crime, I deserve to be killed; he who

kills me commits no sin", he groaned. When Bharatha was condemning himself so

harshly, Guha poured out his prayers for pardon.

News spread in Sringiverapura, the Nishada Capital, that Bharatha had come to

the bank of the Ganga. At this, the subjects of Guha hurried groups to honour

the brother of Rama. They fed their eyes on the beauty and majesty of the

brothers; they praised them to their hearts' content; they prostrated

reverentially before them. They also roundly reprimanded Queen Kaikeyi. They

blamed the God of Destiny, Brahma, for being so cruel. They shed profuse tears;

they extolled Rama through manifold forms of praise. They prayed to Bharatha and

Satrughna (every one of them, men, women, children, all) to bring Rama, Sita and

Lakshmana back with them.

Bharatha was struck dumb at this demonstration of extreme agony at separation

from Rama! Tears rolled down his face. "Prayer is my task; what happens to the

prayer is dependent on the Grace of Rama. I am but a slave; who am I to exert

pressure on Rama? Join with me in my prayer; pray from the depths of your

hearts that Rama should return to Ayodhya. His heart will certainly melt at our

agony. This is our duty. Let your prayers help my prayers to succeed. Rama has

come to save the world, and he will not refuse the prayers of the people."

Bharatha consoled and comforted the Nishadas and others in ways best suited to

their needs and capacities. Meanwhile, darkness fell on the earth, and Bharatha

asked the Chieftain of the Nishadas, to direct his people to go home. They ate

the fruits brought by Guha and spent the whole night talking about Rama and His

glory.

When the eastern sky brightened to usher in the new day, Bharatha instructed the

Minister to awaken the populace; he bathed in the sacred Ganga, with his

brother; the Mothers too finished their bath. Every one got ready to continue

the journey. Guha the Chieftain of the Nishada tribe, collected enough craft to

row over the large mass of people, the chariots, the horses, and other sections

of the armed forces that had accompanied Bharatha. The task of ferrying them

across the Ganga was quickly and successfully accomplished. After ascertaining

whether all had been transported across, Guha moved forward into the jungle,

showing Bharatha the way. The Brahmins, and the Preceptor Vasishta walked on as

one group; the people of Ayodhya followed in one vast mass; units of the army

followed behind; journeying thus, Bharatha reached the confluence of the rivers

Ganga and Yamuna, the sacred Prayag, in the afternoon.

Bharatha had never walked so much on foot, and so, his soles became sore and

they hurt with a burning sensation. Yet, he plodded on, for, he felt his pain

as recompense for the pain inflicted on Rama. He ignored it, for he was

conscious only of the pain Rama was undergoing at that very moment.

Prayag is known as Triveni, for the river Saraswathi too enters the twin rivers

at that holy place. Its sacredness is tripled thereby. They bathed at the

famous confluence with due rites. The anchorites, hermits, celibates, sages,

and monks of Prayag were delighted at the chance to fill their eyes with the

sight of Bharatha. They told among themselves, "O! he casts around him the same

halo as Rama; in fact, the appearance is just the same." Every one who looked at

him could scarce indulge in a wink, lest the delight would be interrupted

thereby!

The inmates of the Bharadwaj Ashram in Prayag learnt of the coming of the

brothers with contingents of his armed forces, accompanied by their mothers,

and ministers. Sage Bharadwaja sent his disciples to Bharatha and invited the

party to visit the Ashram. Interpreting the invitation as a command, Bharatha

and his entourage entered the Ashram. The brothers prostrated before that

Monarch of the Monastic Orders. Bharadwaja raised them by the shoulder and drew

them near with great affection. He gave them refreshingly cool drinks. He

noticed that Bharatha was sitting with his head bent in shame and fear, lest

his share in the exile of Rama be revealed through questions that might be

asked. Bharadwaja discovered the reason for his silence and nervousness. He

said, "Bharatha! You need have no apprehensions; I am aware of all that

happened. No one can control or direct the path of Destiny. Why pine over the

boons that your

mother demanded? No trace of wrong can be attributed to her for this. The Will

of God induced her to ask such boons. Kaikeyi, I know, loves Rama as her very

breath; so, the reason for the turn her mind took is to be sought, not in any

human field of thought and reason, but, only in the Divine plan. As the world

judges events, Kaikeyi has done wrong; as the Vedas lay down, the Goddess

Saraswathi who presides over the tongue has done wrong; know that what has

happened is in conformity with the will of the Almighty.

"Bharatha! The world will enthuse over your spotless renown, and sing your

praise. Vedas will be valued more on account of such as you, exemplifying their

teachings and demonstrating their efficacy. Do not hesitate! The son to whom the

father entrusts the kingdom is thereby deemed deserving of the right to govern

it. That relentless adherent of Truth, that High-Souled ruler Emperor Dasaratha

gave the Empire to you, and ordered that you should act according to the Dharma

of Monarchs.

"The exile of Rama into the forest has resulted in a series of calamities. The

entire world is sunk in sorrow on account of this event. Now your mother is

repenting pitiably over the wrong; you are innocent and blameless. No blemish

can attach itself to you now if you rule over the Empire. In fact, Rama will be

happy to know that you have taken up the reins of imperium.

"I must also say that the mission on which you are now set is very laudable

indeed. Your purpose is highly commendable. For, devotion to the Lotus Feet of

Rama is the spring and source of all prosperity and progress. Bharatha! I can

boldly declare that there is none so virtuous, so fortunate as you. You have

proved yourself worthy of being the dearly beloved younger brother of Rama,

Rama sanctified this, our Ashram, while on his way to the forest. That night,

till the hour of midnight, Rama was talking to me mostly of you and your

virtues. They proceeded with me to Prayag for the holy bath; they remembered

you even while engaged in bathing! He felt very sad that he could not see you

and Satrughna the day he left Ayodhya. I can not measure the love that Rama has

towards you.

"Besides, Rama is ever intent on assuaging the grief of those who take refuge in

him. The entire world is his family; all are his kith and kin. I believe you are

the 'affection' of Rama, in human form, no less. What you feel as a blemish on

your name is, to me a lesson, an example, and an inspiration. Bharatha! You

should not be weighed down by sadness. You are in possession of the

Wish-fulfilling Gem! Why then should you lament that you are poor? It isn't

proper that you should do so. The Darsan of Sita, Rama and Lakshmana is verily

the treasure all spiritual aspirants seek. I secured that fortune; for, I

feasted my eyes on that Darsan.

I could speak with them; I was in their Presence and I could touch them too. I

had the privilege and pleasure of being their host. Perhaps, there was some

balance of fortune still awaiting me; for, I have now this pleasure of getting

your Darsan too. Ecstasy has now filled my heart. I am truly blessed. Rama has

exiled himself into the forest for our sake, ascetics living therein, so that

our yearnings might be fulfilled and our holiness heightened. We are blessed

indeed."

In this manner, Bharadwaja, the great Sage, praised Bharatha for his manifold

virtues and excellences. While speaking in this strain, tears of joy rolled

down the cheeks of the revered ascetic. Bharatha and Satrughna had their minds

set on Rama and his limitless Prema; they felt that they were indeed fortunate

to be his brothers, but the joy was immediately extinguished at the thought

that they had been themselves exiled from the presence of that Embodiment of

love. So, they were plunged in gloom, in unbearable agony and inexpressible

grief. In a voice choked by anguish, Bharatha said, rising up from the

prostration he offered to the Sage, "Master! You are aware of the Past, Present

and the Future. You have spoken the very Truth. You are master of the Highest

Truth. Rama is unbeatable in skill and power. I have resolved to utter

in your Presence only the Truth. Rama knows the workings of the people's mind

and what is now agitating them. I have at present no grief over the wrong

committed by my mother. I have no fear that the people would blame me for the

tragedy that has befallen them. I have no despair even when it is announced

that I am ineligible for heaven.

"My father has earned high renown; though dead, his fame has spread over the

entire world. When his beloved son, Rama departed from his presence with

Lakshmana, he gave up the bubble breath that very instant. He could not survive

the bolt of that tragedy. There is no need, therefore, to be anxious any more

about him. But, Sita, Rama and Lakshmana are moving about bare-footed. Donning

the robes of ascetics, they sit on mats of kusa grass; they reside in

leaf-thatched huts; they are fried by the sun, soaked by rain; they shiver in

the cold and bear its pangs; they are undergoing untold hardships in the

forest, aren't they? Now, tell me, am I not the sole cause for all these hard

ships? It is this sad fact that is eating me throughout all the hours of the

day and night. Food refuses to enter my stomach; sleep refuses to close the

lids of my eyes. This crookedness of my mother's mind has become a dagger

sticking in my heart. The

stratagem she devised for my installation on the throne has turned into a trap to ruin me.

The agony that is gnawing me from within cannot be appeased, whatever is done.

Nothing can cure it. It will end only on the day when Rama returns to Ayodhya.

No other remedy exists to destroy this agony."

Bhajan: Punya Nam Pavitra Nam Rama Nam Sai Ram

Ramakatha RasavahiniThe Sweet Story of Rama's GloryOriginal in Telegu written by

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai BabaRendered into English by Professor N. Kasturi

Source: http://www.vahini.org/ramakatha/chapter17a.htmlVahini.org: 'Vahini'

Books written by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

 

 

 

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