RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI – PART – I [11]

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RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI – PART – I [11]

The Rama Story, Stream of Sacred Sweetness

As told by the Divine Lord Himself in the present Avatar as Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Chapter 16(b)Gloom over Ayodhya

Satrughna noticed the sense of alarm and anxiety that had overcome his brother;

he suggested a few times that a halt could be made for food and drink; but,

Bharatha did not heed; he stayed silent. Moreover, they observed a series of

bad omens encountering them as they drove along. Crows cawed raucously from

positions and directions foreboding evil. Dogs howled piteously, in an eerie

tone. These signs of calamity ruffled the calmness which Satrughna had

heroically maintained until then.

When they arrived at the main gate of the City of Ayodhya, and looked up, the

fear was confirmed; for, the festoons of mango leaves had not been renewed for

days. Only dried leaves were hanging across the moaning gate way. They were

beating against the wind, as if gnashing in anger and sorrow. Why were green

leaves not hung across? What had happened to the City? Why this neglect, this

sign of distress? The brothers guessed that some terrible bolt of sorrow had

fallen on the Capital.

They entered the City and drove on. The Royal Stables for horses and elephants

were at the very entrance; when Bharatha's eyes fell on them, his heart broke;

he lost control over himself. For, he found the animals standing without moving

a muscle, heads bent and eyes streaming tears. The mahouts and grooms stood with

a heavy load of grief, unable to lift their heads. When they drove further into

the City, they found the doors of all the mansions on both sides of the road

closed, as if the people inside declined to welcome any one in. The roads

themselves were dusty and unswept. The few citizens who were up and moving

suddenly turned their gaze away, when they saw the chariot that was coming in.

When they recognized Bharatha, they shed tears.

The diamond bazaar was closed; so were all shops, all over. Bharatha could not

find the tongue to inquire from anyone the reason for the pall of gloom that

hung over the City. He was petrified at the unforeseen signs of distress. The

chariot entered the Royal Palace. The guards received them silently, with no

acclamation of joy, the traditional shouts of Jai, Jai; they stood mute and

bent; they could not raise their eyes, for they were tears overflowing. The

brothers were now convinced that some unspeakable calamity had overtaken the

City; they alighted from the chariot and ran into the palace.

Kaikeyi had noted that her son had come; she went forward with great joy to

receive him. The bevy of maids who rose with her and walked behind her were

groaning in sorrow. Bharatha looked at their faces and stood stunned where he

stood, unable to speak even a single word. But, Kaikeyi started to speak. She

said, "Son! Is your uncle well?" Bharatha gave some indistinct reply to that

question and pressed forward with his own query, "How is father? How is my

eldest brother? How is my other brother? How are my aunts, the queens?"

At this, Kaikeyi was rendered mute. Tears gathered in the eyes of the maids who

stood around. He realized that some terrible news was being hidden from him; he

asked, "Mother! Where is father? At this, the maids burst into sobs and tears.

Seeing them, Kaikeyi too sensed that she should not delay any longer; she too

shed tears and acted the role of a grief-stricken woman. Bharatha could not

unravel the mystery unaided; he prayed to his mother to explain to him what had

happened to whom, and why every one was so overcome with sorrow.

At this, Kaikeyi replied, "Son! What shall I say? I was very happy that with the

help of Mandaara, I was able to achieve all that I desired; but, with the very

first step, my success has broken into bits; the Gods cast an unpropitious eye

on it. The Emperor, your dearly beloved father, has left for Heaven". Kaikeyi

started sobbing aloud. No sooner did these words fall on his ear, than Bharatha

rolled on the ground like a she-elephant at the roar of a lion. He cried out,

"Alas, "Father!" as he fell. Like a plantain tree cut asunder, Satrughna too

fell flat on the floor. Their agony was indescribable, immeasurable. Bharatha

sat up pressing his head with both hands, and wept aloud. He cried out,

"Father! We could not be present round your bed when you drew your last breath.

O! What great sinners are we? Of the four

sons, all the four could not reap the same merit. And this Bharatha and this

Satrughna are the worst, the most unfortunate. During the last moments, you

would have talked so lovingly to us. You would have given us invaluable

blessings and directions for life. Well, we must be grateful that Rama was

there with you. You would certainly have told him what you wished to convey to

us. Brother! Rise. Come with me. We shall go to Rama and find out what father

has left as message for us. Mother! Tell us where Rama is now". Bharatha stood

up, ready to go. He was waiting only for his mother's reply.

Kaikeyi said, "Son! If Rama were here, your father would not have breathed his

last, don't you realize that? Rama is not in the City, don't you know? This was

like pouring poison into a wound; Bharatha was shocked by the new blow. Bharatha

asked, "Mother! Rama is my very breath. Where has Rama gone?" Bharatha was on

the brink of collapse, Kaikeyi replied quick and fast: "Whereto? Do you ask

where he has gone? Well. To the forest". "May be", Bharatha intervened, but why

has Rama who has gone to the forest not returned yet

Kaikeyi's answer was delivered calmly and with deliberation. She said, "Son! We

have no time to relate and listen to that long story. First, busy yourself in

arranging for the last obsequies of your father!" From this, Bharatha learnt

that his mother was trying to hide some unpleasant secret from him. So, he

asked the whereabouts of Sita and Lakshmana, one after the other. The mother

replied, "They both have followed Rama into the forest. They will not be

returning to this City until after fourteen years. Thus did your father

command". Kaikeyi delivered this statement, with a firm, hard voice.

Kaikeyi saw that Bharatha was rendered increasingly desperate and distressed by

her statements; so, she drew her son near and, stroking his head, she started

consoling him saying, "Son! There is no need to lament over your father. He

was, while alive, engaging himself continuously in a series of meritorious

activities and so, his soul would have attained heaven. Your duty now is to

follow the ideal he has set before you, to earn similar fame by meritorious

deeds and rule over the Empire happily. Increase his fame and renown by your

own wise and merciful rule and maintain the great name of the dynasty." Kaikeyi

endeavored to heal the lacerated heart of her son by these and similar words.

But, they struck his heart like a dagger-thrust. Each word hit him like a

hammer-stroke. Satrughna developed a burning sensation all over his body, as he

listened to her. But, he kept quiet; he did not scream. Bharatha, however, rose

suddenly, deciding to discover the truth, for, he felt that his mother was

deceiving him by her words, keeping some facts away from him and talking in

riddles. He drew Satrughna along and rushed out of the room towards the

apartments of Kausalya, the eldest queen and the mother of Rama.

And what did he see there! Kausalya was rolling on the floor, in her dust-ridden

clothes, lamenting aloud, "O Lord! Lord. Rama, Rama!" Her maids themselves sunk

in sorrow were nursing her into some sort of courage. Bharatha could not

restrain himself. Crying out "Mother! Mother!" he collapsed on the floor at her

feet. Queen Sumitra too was there, with Kausalya. Both of them recognized

Bharatha and Satrughna, and, they suddenly fainted away. Recovering, they

clasped each other in a fit of agony and wept aloud; it was a scene that would

have melted the hardest stone. The brothers could not bear the weight of

sorrow; they fell on the floor.

"Mother! Take me to father; tell me the reason why he passed away. Why did my

dear brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, proceed to the forest, with Sita? It is all

a mystery to me; save me from this agony; tell me why". Bharatha pleaded

pitifully, clasping the feet of Kausalya. Kausalya embraced him tenderly and

replied, "With your return, my son, I am consoled a little. Seeing you, I can

forget the pang of separation from dear Rama. You are as much as Rama to me; I

make no distinction". Even while saying so, she interrupted her words, with

sobs and groans, and the cry, "Ah! Rama! Can I keep alive for fourteen long

years, while you spend them in the forest? Have you resolved that I should be

reduced to ashes by the sorrow of separation, just as your father was? Alas how

unfortunate am I?" Bharatha suffered even more at

these outbursts. His imagination pictured all kinds of tragedies and miseries,

for, he was not yet aware of the truth. He prayed: "Mother! Do not keep facts

away from me. Trust me. Tell me why Rama went away into the forest, and why

father breathed his last; tell me and save me from this tangle of confusion."

Kausalya was ever simple and straightforward and very compassionate by nature.

She took Bharatha to be Rama himself returned. She drew Bharatha near her, and

wiping her tears off, she said, "Son! Bharatha! Be bold. Do not grieve over the

past; such grief is useless. Strange things do happen when times are not

propitious and circumstances so conspire. Of what benefit is it to lay the

blame on some one? No one should be found fault with. It is my destiny to live

on with this load of sorrow. This cannot be avoided; I must endure it. But, you

are young. You are like the sun at the hour of early dawn. Remember that.

"My dearly loved darling, Rama, in obedience to father's order, wore apparels of

fiber, tied his matted hair into a topknot, and is now moving about in the

jungle. Sita, who cannot live away from him even for a moment, is with him,

clothed in a bark-garment. Lakshmana attempted to prevent Rama from going into

the forest, but his efforts were of no avail. He declared that Ayodhya without

Rama was a jungle for him; he followed Rama. All this happened before my very

eyes. O! What a sinful soul should I be that I still live!

"I could not go with them, nor would my life depart, when they left; how shall I

describe my miserable plight? My heart is really carved out of adamantine stone.

O tenderhearted Rama! You suffer so much now, since you were born of me. Or

else, why should you? Alas! Rama! How much suffering you have to endure, living

on fruits and roots, and wandering about in the terror-striking recesses of the

jungles!" She groaned aloud once and fell in a faint on the floor.

Bharatha saw all this and listened to what was told him; but the puzzle still

remained unsolved. He was struggling in fear and anxiety, unable to delve into

the mystery. Meanwhile, a message was brought by Minister Sumanthra that the

royal preceptor, Sage Vasishtha, had asked that Bharatha should go to him.

Sumanthra too burst into tears when his eyes fell on the brothers. He clasped

Bharatha to his breast; the brothers too could not control their grief.

Bharatha hoped that Sumanthra at least would throw light on the mystery hanging

over the tragic events in the Capital; he tried various means to draw Sumanthra

to giving him an account of the happenings; but, Sumanthra did not like to

speak on them; he thought Bharatha and Satrughna had already been told what had

happened by those whom they had met before his

arrival.

They went to the Preceptor together. Bharatha and Satrughna fell at the feet of

Vasishtha and wept aloud. He raised them up, with affection and sympathy, and

taught them many a moral and philosophical lesson, in the process of consoling

them. "Already, there has been much delay; it is not advisable to delay any

further", he said, and directed Bharatha to prepare himself for performing the

funeral rites of his father. Bharatha was lost in thought for a long while;

then, he pleaded with the Preceptor Vasishtha. "Master! This is a duty that has

to be carried out by the eldest son, and Rama is the eldest of us four. Now you

are proposing that I should carry it out. Is this just? Is this right? You have

preserved the body all these days; keep it so for two or three days more. We

shall proceed to where Rama is,

Satrughna and I, and bring him back with us. Please give us permission to do so."

Vasishta replied, "Son! You are a simpleton! Rama would not like to return

earlier than the period, which has been fixed. He honors the word, when once

given. However much you might plead, Rama will not enter Ayodhya until the

fourteen years are over. Therefore, give up that plan of yours; perform the

obsequies of your father and later, you can do whatever you desire." Vasishtha

spoke in this strain again and again to convince Bharatha of the futility of

his idea.

Bharatha found that he could not avoid obeying the preceptor. He agreed; the

father's body was bathed, and the rites laid down in the Vedas preliminary to

cremation were duly gone through. Meanwhile urged by an irrepressible yearning,

Bharatha went straight into the apartments of Kausalya and Sumitra, and falling

at their feet, he prayed, "Mothers! No. You must desist from immolating

yourselves in the funeral pyre of father. If you try to do so, I will not

perform the last rites for him."

He secured from them the promise that they would not. Both of them were much

impressed by his love and affection. They could not but comply with this

request. They said, "Son! We shall act in accordance with your desire."

Then the body was taken and placed on the pyre of sandalwood piled on the bank

of the Sarayu River. Bharatha performed the last rites with scrupulous

correctitude, evincing a faith in the Vedas, which was a thousand times more

than what Vasishtha expected and foresaw. He gave away in charity, in the name

of his father, the sixteen prescribed articles, in plenty. He gave cows, lands,

gold, houses, clothes, food, horses, elephants, coins, and other valuables. The

recipients extolled throughout his generosity and filial piety.

But the feudatory kings, the scholars and priests, and the common people could

not reconcile themselves to the absence of Rama. That sorrow gnawed their

hearts. That agony of separation caused pangs of pain every moment. They knew

they were helpless; there was no way out. Rama would never give up the plighted

word. He would not return, whatever the inducement; he would not come back to

Ayodhya until the fourteen-year period was over. They had to accept that fact.

So they steeled their hearts to bear with the agony and decided to keep alive,

awaiting his return, hoping to rejoice when the term of exile ends.

Meanwhile, Vasishtha the Royal Preceptor, gathered the feudatory rulers, the

vassal kings, the ministers, sages and monks, the wise men of the Empire, and

leaders among the people, and held a Conference. First he administered words of

advice according to the Dharmasastra, the canons of moral law, on the duties and

obligations of rulers. He narrated, in the beginning, the entire series of

events from the plot woven by Kaikeyi to the day when Rama left for the forest.

Then Vasishtha dilated upon the high qualities of the deceased Emperor - his

adherence to Truth, his elevated standards of conduct, his high spiritual

attainments, his regal splendor, and his loyalty to Vedic injunctions, which

made him a generous patron of countless Yajnas, Yagas and other ceremonial

rites. Vasishtha then went on with the narration

of the attempt made by the Emperor to celebrate the Coronation of Rama and the

obstacles that came in his way, which resulted in the exile of Rama and the

death of the Emperor himself through grief at the separation from his dearly

beloved son.

Bharatha and Satrughna, who were unaware of these tragic developments at the

Capital now being described by their Preceptor, were overwhelmed with anger, as

well as sorrow and a sense of shame. They bent their heads; their hearts were

filled with contrition. Streams of tears flowed down their cheeks. The persons

assembled before them could scarce lift their eyes towards them. Even Vasishtha

wiped his eyes, which were fast filling with tears. The hall was saturated with

gloom; a silence fell over the assembly; all men sat like stone images.

Bharatha and Satrughna could not any more listen to what Vasishtha was

narrating; they were too full of anger at Kaikeyi for her nefarious conduct.

Bharatha cursed himself that he was born of such a mother; he was so ashamed at

this consequence of his own evil deeds in past lives that he could not lift his

head or look any one in the face. They were anxious to leave the hall and get

away.

Vasishtha knew what their feelings were; he went near them with comforting

counsel. "Son", he said "there is no use lamenting over the past. What has

happened has happened. Now, we must think and resolve upon what has to be done.

Your father, I must say, was fortunate in all respects. Why grieve over him?

Listen to me; bow your head to his command. He has granted you the authority to

rule over this Empire. It is right that you accept his grant and honour his

order. Your father agreed to be separated from Rama, since he could not bring

him self to breaking his own plighted word. He gave up his life, since he had

immense love and affection towards Rama. He died in order to redeem his

promise; there is no doubt about that. He knew that honoring a promise once

made is more valuable than life itself. That is why he

was ready to face death itself rather than go back on his word. And, consider,

Rama too went into exile in the forest with his wife in order to honour his

word!

"It is the glory of the Ikshwaku royal line that every one belonging to it would

sacrifice anything for the sake of keeping the word once given. That is the

splendor, which you share. You too must now act according to your father’s word

and accept the responsibility of administering the kingdom. May you attain all

auspiciousness in the task. May success and prosperity attend on all your

undertakings? I have ventured to advise you thus, only because of the affection

and compassion I have towards you; or else, I would not have laid on your

shoulder this heavy responsibility. I know you can maintain the fair name of

your father; you have the administrative ability, the skill, and the courage

needed for taking up this burden. Do not hesitate or doubt. Accept the charge."

Vasishtha patted Bharatha on his back and blessed him. Bharatha took his loving

advice and when the Preceptor finished, he rose quickly from his seat, and fell

prostrate at his feet. He struggled to speak, for he was in inconsolable grief;

his lips were quivering; his throat was unclear. Words could hardly shape

themselves on his tongue. He said, "Master! Are these words of yours really an

indication of your love and compassion? No, in fact, you have no love, no

compassion towards me. For, if you had, you would have never agreed to place

this entire burden on me. You are sentencing me to this punishment without the

least compassion. This Empire that drove the holiest and purest person into the

jungles, this Empire that plunged the entire population into years of incessant

tears, this Empire that has lost its

most righteous ruler, this Empire that has brought eternal infamy to its ruling

dynasty, the Ikshwaku Line, this Empire that has brought about the pathetic

state of widowhood on mothers Kausalya, Sumitra and the rest, this Empire that

has degraded itself in so many ways - you are now entrusting to me!

"Alas, this is the consequence of the sins I have committed, the consequence of

this unfortunate fellow being born from the womb of that embodiment of cruelty

and hatred, Kaikeyi. Instead of inflicting this punishment on me, please earn

some spiritual merit by sending me to where Rama is. I can make my life

worthwhile and save myself, by engaging in the task of sweeping the paths ahead

of them, to make them soft for his feet. I cannot remain in this place a moment

longer."

Bharatha fell at Vasishta's feet and prayed for permission to leave for the

forest. At this, the Ministers of the State rose with folded hands and said,

"Lord! It is not proper to continue this state of affairs long; we are having

no ruler now. You cannot escape the responsibility, which the Preceptor is

imposing, on you. After Rama returns, you can act in the way you prefer, but

now, please accept our prayers. Protect the realm and promote the prosperity of

the people. Take up the reins."

Bharatha did not reply to their importunities. He wanted instead leave to go to

mother Kausalya and see her for a while. Vasishtha readily agreed. Bharatha and

Satrughna moved out of the Assembly, and made their way straight to the palace

of Kausalya. They fell at her feet and Bharatha told her, "Mother! Pray pardon

this unlucky Bharatha who has been the cause of this entire calamity, having

been born from the womb of that wicked woman, Kaikeyi. This cursed fellow is

the source of miseries of the realm. Give me permission to leave for the

forest. I cannot walk or move about even a moment in this city of Ayodhya with

head erect, after my master and lord, Rama has left it on account of me. This

Empire belongs as of right to the eldest son; this insignificant fellow has no

right over it. I do not need this burden,

I shall not bear it. Bless me, so that I can leave immediately". Bharatha stood

waiting, filled with grief.

Kausalya mustered courage and started to comfort Bharatha. She said, "Bharatha!

Consider the circumstances and give up your grief. This is no time for

wavering. Rama is out there in the midst of the forest region. Your father is

in Heaven. Your mothers, kith and kin, your friends and well wishers and the

subjects are sunk in deep sorrow. All are now looking forward to you as their

sole refuge and resort. Realize that all this has happened because the times

were not propitious and so deeds of men became crooked and shocking; take

courage and decide. Obey the directions of your father. Bow your head to the

command of the Guru, Vasishtha. Honour the petitions of the people. Act as the

ministers are praying you should."

Kausalya was holding his hands fondly in hers, while she was trying to persuade

him to accept the authority of the monarch of the realm. Her words touched him

with a strange softness, as if they were cool sandal paste over a burning

heart. They were sweet to the ear, and very appealing to hear. For, Kausalya

had no word of condemnation for his mother who had caused this string of

disasters; she entertained not even the least doubt regarding his loyalty;

Bharatha felt immensely happy and relieved when he listened to her words. He

was delighted beyond measure when he noted how broad her heart was and how

sincere her affection towards him. He had not calculated even in his wildest

dream that Kausalya would treat him like this, when her own son was an exile

for fourteen years in the forest, and also pour out

such plentiful affection on him, who was the son of another wife of her husband!

What a difference, he wondered, between his own mother, Kaikeyi, and Kausalya.

He could not gauge it by any unit of measurement. He found in Kausalya the

completion and fulfillment of the love that should fill the heart.

He folded his palms and importuned, "Mother! Your words filled with tenderness

and love is like a shower of cool rosewater on my lacerated heart. Perhaps, you

mistook me for Rama! But, alas, I am not that pure-hearted Rama. Bharatha, born

of Kaikeyi; I have a crooked nature, inherited from her. I am mean, with no

sense of shame. I am the enemy of Rama. You have taken me to be Rama and spoken

so kindly, so affectionately. Your heart is so set upon Rama that you address

every one as you address Rama himself. I am speaking the truth, mother! Listen

to me, and pay heed to my prayer."

"Mother! Only those who are established in righteousness deserve to rule. When

persons of devious intelligence and shady skills like me rule the realm, the

earth will degenerate into an image of the nether regions. Selfish pushers,

narrow-minded adventurers, greedy vultures, pomp-loving personalities,

self-centered individuals, persons suffering from chronic envy, these do not

deserve the right to rule. They harm the interests of the people whom they rule

over; they undermine the foundations of righteousness. They will ruin the

kingdom. Only those who tread the path of virtue and righteous conduct deserve

to rule over others. I can discover only one such, and he is Rama. I do not

know of any other. Therefore, I shall leave this very instant, and clasping the

feet of Rama, pray to him. I shall bring him back with

me to Ayodhya. Grant me the permission; bless me without further delay".

Bharatha prostrated before Kausalya and waited for the answer.

Bharatha's words soothed the heart of Kausalya to a large extent. She said,

"Son! In you I find surging forth the self-same feelings my Rama has. Looking

upon you, I can bear a little the agony of separation from him. So, if you too

proceed to the forest, what is to happen to us? If you declare that your going

is inevitable, then, take me too. For whom have I to spend my days within this

Ayodhya? Having lost the husband, and having become distant from the son, the

wife has not yet dissolved herself in the agony of the loss. Go, secure the

permission of the Guru, Vasishtha; we shall enter the forest, and spend at

least some time with Sita, Rama and Lakshmana. I can then end this life of

mine." When she spoke thus Bharatha derived some consolation and peace of mind.

Thereupon, Bharatha fell at the feet of Kausalya and Sumitra, and rose to

proceed towards the palace of Kaikeyi.

Bharatha walked first and Satrughna followed him. They were heavy with grief and

resentment that Kaikeyi, putting her trust in Mandaara, had brought about such

havoc. They tried hard to suppress the anger that rose within them. At last,

they entered the palace. They saw at the entrance Mandaara herself, elaborately

bejeweled, waiting to receive them. Satrughna could not tolerate that sight; he

dragged her down by the hair and rained blows on her. She bawled out, 'Ayyo'

'Ayyo' and when the sound reached the ears of Kaikeyi, she ran to the spot, and

started rating Satrughna for his action.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Bharatha let himself go, with uncontrolled

indignation. He shouted at her, "Fie upon you, blackest sinner! You placed

faith in this wicked woman's words and committed despicable sin. How was it

that your heart did not break in twain when this woman's disastrous counsel

entered it? How could your tongue pronounce those baneful boons? Did it not

turn into ashes, when it uttered those abominable desires? With what face can

you dare reside in this palace? Aren't you ashamed to move within its

precincts? Alas! How did the Emperor place his faith in the words of a person

so evil as you are? Blinded by lust, he agreed to barter away the son, in order

to win the wife; the conspiracy you hatched was mean and fraught with misery.

You polluted the pure heart of the Emperor; you set the

Kingdom on fire; you have destroyed the dynasty and its glory; you have brought

eternal disgrace on the Royal Line of Raghu; your crooked, poisonous heart has

achieved all this ruin. To declare you as my mother is a dire sin. How could

you decide that, when you harm another, your son will attain good fortune? Are

not the children of others as dear to them as yours are to you? Women who plan

ill for other's children are only out the water from the tank. I am unable to

decide whether I have to laugh or weep at your banal stupidity."

"Instead of fouling these minutes conversing with you, I would rather proceed to

the presence of Rama, and pray to him to come back to Ayodhya so that I can

return with him. In case, he declines to return, I am determined to stay with

him as Lakshmana has done, and be happy serving him. I shall not look on your

face again."

Saying this, Bharatha turned his back on her, and started with his brother.

Kaikeyi ruminated on her erroneous action; she lamented at the turn her plot

had taken; she felt that wicked plans by whosoever entertained might grant only

temporary happiness. But they are certain to pave the way to ultimate downfall;

she found no means of escape; she could not find words to express her remorse

and sorrow; so, she stood petrified and dumb.

Kaikeyi got disgusted with Mandaara. She realized the truth. She felt delighted

at the righteous stand taken by Rama. And she hung her head in shame at the

recognition of her own sin.

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 Sumithra. 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 Darshan 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 Darshan 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

Darshan." 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 Darshan. 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 Darshan that awaited them.

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

got ready to march. The Minister directed Vedic scholars 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, Vasishtha, and his consort Arundhati, 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 Gomati. The Thamasa is a tributary of

the Gogra River, while the Gomati 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

Satwic 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 Tamasic 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 Vasishtha. 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 Vasishtha 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 Bharadwaj 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. Bharadwaj 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. Bharadwaj 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 cannot 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 Darshan of Sita, Rama and Lakshmana is verily

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

feasted my eyes on that Darshan. 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 Darshan 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, Bharadwaj, 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."

TO BE CONTINUED

With Sai love from Sai brothers –

‘’Do You

?