RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI – PART – I [12]

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RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI – PART – I [12]

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 17(b)The Brothers meet

The monks who had gathered were delighted to hear these words from the Prince.

Bharadwaj told him, "Son! Do not grieve any more. The moment your eyes fall on

the Lotus Feet of Rama the burden of grief which torments you now is certain to

disintegrate and disappear." The ascetics too consoled and comforted him in

various ways. Meanwhile, the Great Sage Bharadwaj beckoned a pupil and directed

him to bring roots, tubers and fruits to be placed before Bharatha and

Satrughna. He also ordered his pupil to arrange for the supply of food to the

aides, the ministers and courtiers, and the citizens of Ayodhya, all of whom

had borne uncomplainingly many a hardship on the way in their eagerness to have

the Darshan of Rama, and who were afflicted in mind by the agony of separation

from their beloved

Lord.

Complying with that order most reverentially, the pupil quickly offered

plentiful repast to every one who had come as guests. For the Princes, Bharatha

and Satrughna, their Families, the Ministers and Courtiers, the Pundits and the

Brahmins, hospitality was arranged on an elaborate festive scale. Everything

was produced plentifully and perfectly, through the ascetic's mysterious will

power itself. Bharatha was filled with wonder.

But it must be said that not only the two brothers, but also the entire

gathering from Ayodhya looked upon the pomp and profusion as mere trash! They

were not charmed in the least. The scents, the bouquets of fragrant flowers,

the juicy fruits and the attractive tasty dishes struck them with awe. The two

resplendent seats specially set up for Bharatha and Satrughna defied all

description.

When all was ready, the Sage invited every one inside the specially erected

Hall, where they were to partake of the banquet. They entered that marvel of

beauty. The Royal Preceptor and his consort were led to high seats reserved for

them. The queens too entered the place, covered and cordoned off for their sake,

and, bending under the weight of sorrow, they too complied with the command of

the Sage.

At this time, the bright-faced disciples of the Sage brought in the brothers,

Bharatha and Satrughna, with all due honour, in accordance with the practice of

that renowned Hermitage. The young ascetics stood on both sides of the passage,

waving yak-tail whisks and reciting scriptural hymns. They approached the

magnificent seats set for them but, as soon as they came near, they bowed their

heads and fell on the floor, in respectful obeisance. They took the whisks from

the hands of the pupils, and started waving them reverentially, standing one on

each side of the Lion Thrones! They were adoring the thrones, instead of sitting

in them! All present were surprised at this gesture, this homage offered to the

empty Thrones.

When the Sage invited them to occupy the Thrones, Bharatha and Satrughna fell at

his feet and implored, "Master! These Thrones belong to Sita and Rama, and not

to us. We have no right for them. In this holy hermitage, those two alone,

Goddess Lakshmi and Narayana, have the title to sit on Lion Thrones. We are

their servants. Permit us to serve them thus". At this, the ascetics and the

entire assembly were thrilled with joyous appreciation. They extolled among

themselves the immense depth of the devotion that the brothers had for Rama.

Tears of joy flowed from their eyes. The monks were astounded at their faith

and its steadfastness.

The brothers offered the elaborate fare that was brought as food to the Thrones

picturing in their minds the charming figures of Sita and Rama, occupying them;

a little while after, they broke off small particles from the offered dishes and

placing them adoringly on their eyelids, they ate them as sacramental food. The

elders, ministers, aides and the residents of Ayodhya craved pardon from the

Sage Bharadwaj for not partaking of the food, since, as they said, they could

not relish any food, overwhelmed as they were by the agony of separation from

Rama. They refused to eat, for, they felt that the Darshan of Rama alone could

give them the sense of contentment. That was the nectarine feast they yearned

for. They were plunged in a gloom as deep as the standard of the Sage's

hospitality was high. They said they

were too engrossed in their anxiety for the sight of Rama to entertain the idea

of food. The sage had finally to accede to their wish to be left alone; he

could not prevail upon them to sit down at the feast.

Every one got ready to start for the forest, even as early as the first

intimations of dawn. They prostrated before the Sage, secured his blessings and

his permission before they left the hermitage. While the servants walked in

advance showing them the way, the palanquins and chariots followed immediately

after. Bharatha walked behind, with his hand on the shoulder of the Chieftain

of the Nishadas, Guha. He appeared as the very Personification of Fraternal

Love and Devotion. He had no footwear to guard against thorns and pebbles; he

had no umbrella over his head to guard him against the scorching sun. He did

not allow any one to hold one above him. He did not permit any one to bring him

footwear. But, the earth took pity on him and transformed the path he trod, soft

and sweet. The wind comforted him, blowing

cool and gentle, all through the journey. The Sun drew a cloud between him and itself.

They reached the bank of the River Yamuna when evening fell. Throughout the

hours of night, boats were seen gathering near the bank in countless numbers.

Hence, at daybreak the entire mass of people could ferry over at the same time!

Then, they finished their bath, and proceeded forward, after prostrating before

the holy river in reverential gratitude.

Thenceforward, Bharatha and Satrughna moved on in the robes of recluses, into

which they had changed. With them walked the Ministers, the Companions of the

Princes, and their aides, carrying the pictures of Sita and Rama in their

hearts. While on the march, inhabitants of the villages on the way stood in awe

at the strange crowds that passed along; women who where walking towards the

river to bring water to their homes placed the pots on the ground and stood

stunned, looking on the brothers, without even winking their eyes for one

moment. They wondered who they were and concluded that they were the same two

brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, passing through that path again, this time,

without the Sita they had with them then, but accompanied by the armed forces,

the chariots, elephants, horses and foot soldiers. They

wondered where Sita could be at that time? They searched for her amidst the

moving mass, with eager curiosity; and they shared their disappointment with

their friends in sad whispers.

"The other day, when we saw Rama and Lakshmana, the brothers were shining with

the splendor of physical charm, youth, virtue and intelligence. But, there is

some sadness clouding the faces of these two, and so, these might not be those

who passed this way that day," argued a woman in the group. Their conversation

was overheard by one of the spies of the royal entourage, who reported it to

Bharatha.

Meanwhile, the women came to know that they were the brothers of Rama, and that

they were proceeding to where Rama was, in order to have Darshan. At this, one

rough-natured woman burst into rage. She exclaimed, "Ruling over the Empire

that his father gave him, look at this person, going to have Darshan of his

brother Rama, accompanied by the armed forces! Has he no sense of shame?" she

asked.

Another woman interrupted her at this point. She said, "Sister, don't say so.

Our Emperor Dasaratha can never have, from his loins children with hearts so

hard. He must be going to Rama with the various units of the armed forces, in

order to pray to Rama, and persuade him to return to Ayodhya, and to take him

back with Imperial Honors."

A third woman declared her acceptance of this interpretation. She said, "Yes,

yes. Who knows which snake rests in which hole on the earth? No one can

pronounce on the nature of another. Who can judge the feelings and motives that

prompt others to action? They may be of very high order, for aught we know. But,

Rama is the firm adherent of Truth. He will not return to Ayodhya until the full

term of fourteen years is spent in exile, whoever might plead with him and pray

to him. This is my belief". She expressed her noble sentiments in this manner.

The spies duly reported the conversation of these village women to their Master,

Bharatha, and to Satrughna. They were delighted to know that those

unsophisticated women from the rural regions had grasped the greatness of Rama

to such an amazing extent. Thus, they walked along listening to the people's

admiration for the virtues of Rama and for their own humility and fraternal

devotion. They were every moment fixing their minds on Rama only.

Many Brahmins, ascetics, monks and other holy men were encountered by them as

they walked on; they found that all whom they met were engaged in the pleasant

task of extolling Rama and his virtues. On seeing them Bharatha prostrated

before them and inquired where they were coming from. When the holy men

struggled to master the surging waves of ecstasy and at last succeeded in

discovering their voices in order to reply, Bharatha watched them in eager

expectancy. When they said they were returning after having Darshan of Sita,

Rama and Lakshmana, he and his brother fell flat on the ground before them, and

rose with tears of joy streaming down their cheeks.

They said, "O, how fortunate you are! Tell us; tell us how far are they? Where

are they?" They inquired about the health and welfare of those holy men also,

and learning from them that they had to continue the journey for some distance

more, they decided to spend the night at the place where they were.

As soon as dawn broke, they discovered that they were quite near to the

Chitrakuta Peak; so, urged on by the yearning to meet Rama, Lakshmana and Sita,

the Mother, they continued the journey, with redoubled haste. By about noon,

they could hear the murmur of the Mandakini River; they could see clearly the

Chitrakuta Peak.

The moment their eyes discerned the Peak, the citizens of Ayodhya and the two

brothers prostrated on the ground, in reverence. Rising, they walked forward,

with renewed vigor. Those who were too exhausted and had despaired of further

exertion suddenly found that they had developed elephantine resources of

energy. They walked fast, without paying any attention to their physical

condition. Those who bore the palanquins and trudged along on bleeding soles

suddenly found reinforcements of strength by cheering Jai, Jai, and reciting

the name, Rama, Rama, while they hastened forward.

Even before the hour of dawn that day, Rama had risen from sleep; he

communicated to Sita that his brother was coming into his consciousness more

often than on other days. At this, Sita said, "Lord! You know that I do not get

any dreams, any a day. But this night I had a very wonderful dream! I can even

say it wasn't really a dream. I dreamt that Bharatha and Satrughna had become

frail and weak, as a result of separation from you; I dreamt that, finding it

impossible to be in Ayodhya without you for a single moment, they are coming to

us, with, not only the people of Ayodhya, but also the Queens Kausalya, Sumitra

and Kaikeyi." Tears gathered in her eyes while she was describing the

experience.

Rama called Lakshmana near and told him, "Brother, you heard, didn't you, the

account of Sita's dream? This does not indicate good tidings; for Sita saw all

the others and I saw in my dream only father, father alone, with no association

or relation with the rest of them. This strikes me as a bad omen. Come! It is

best we take a bath." Accordingly, the three of them went to the river for the

bath.

Just then, birds flew across the sky in flocks; a thick cloud of dust darkened

the northern region. Many animals and birds were scared into wild haste. Taking

note of this unusual occurrence, Lakshmana climbed a tree to find out the

reason.

He saw an army on the move, with infantry, cavalry, chariotry and elephantry

advancing to where they were. He inferred that a king was at their head. He

informed Rama accordingly. Rama told him that it was the dream of Sita coming

true! He advised that the best course would be to return quickly to the

'thatch' - the Parnasala.

Meanwhile, the Bhils, the Kirathas and other tribesmen of the jungle ran into

the presence of Rama and gasped out the news that a regular military force was

advancing towards the spot and that the chariot of the royal leader of the army

had a flag with the sign of the banyan tree upon it. Sita, Rama and Lakshmana

were confirmed in their inference that it was no other than Bharatha who was

coming towards them. They had no more doubt on that point. By this time,

Lakshmana started quaking with anger. When coming to have a Darshan of Rama,

why bring troops in full strength, he argued. That vile woman, his mother, must

have advised him and he seems to have accepted her wicked stratagem, to attack

the lonely and unarmed Rama in his jungle retreat and ensure that he does not

return and reign, he surmised. Lakshmana was

well-nigh consumed by the flames of anger that rose in him. His eyes were

reduced to red-hot coals. His words became sharp as sword-thrusts. Rama

realized the change that had come over him; he said, "Lakshmana! Forbear! Don't

be agitated. Be calm. Bharatha is strong in virtue. His love is immeasurable. He

adds luster to the royal line of Ikshwaku, like the lotus to the lake. It is not

proper to cast aspersions on one so pure, so immaculate and holy". Thus,

describing the exact nature of the motives and mind of Bharatha, Rama succeeded

in quietening Lakshmana's upsurge of anger. Very soon, Bharatha himself sent

word through some forest-dwellers that he was seeking the Darshan of Rama,

along with his brother Satrughna and their attendants and followers. Rama felt

glad when this happy news was brought to him. Like lakes in late autumn, his

lotus eyes were filled with water.

All this happened while Rama, Lakshmana and Sita were returning in haste to the

'thatch' after their hurried bath. Bharatha saw them when they reached the

cottage of grass. He was torn by agony. He fell flat on the feet of Rama and

sobbed aloud on the ground. Lakshmana saw the anguish Bharatha experienced at

the separation from them; he realized that his estimate of intentions was very

wrong! He suffered terrible contrition within himself; his head was bent by the

weight of sorrow; he shed profuse tears along with Bharatha and Satrughna.

Rama raised his brothers from the ground and sought to calm their feelings and

quieten their grief. Even while he was so engaged, the Queens, Kausalya,

Sumitra and Kaikeyi, and the ministers, the Royal Preceptor Vasishtha, the

Pundits, the Citizens, the members of the armed forces came near, and were

overcome by both grief and joy when they saw Rama. Their sorrow when they

looked on Rama in hermits' robes by the side of the lowly hut could not be

wiped out by the joy at setting their eyes on their dearly beloved Prince. They

wailed and wept, shedding tears of grief and gratitude. The cry, 'Rama! Rama!'

that rose from their torn hearts sped over the vast expanse of earth and sky.

Rama spoke to them soft and sweet and persuaded them to control their emotions;

then, he walked towards the mothers, but could not bear to look on that picture

of misfortune and misery. He became aware of the calamity that had befallen, but

he soon consoled and comforted himself; he drew Lakshmana near him and told him

the fact. Feeling that it would be better that Lakshmana be informed more

fully, he requested Sumanthra, the loyal Minister of the Line, to relate to him

the details and also the facts regarding administration of Ayodhya. At this,

Sumanthra fell down unable to bear the burden of grief. Struggling to rise he

said amidst sobs, "Lakshmana! Where can we have Dasaratha hereafter? He was

reduced to ashes by the flames of sorrow at being separated from Rama, Sita and

you. Ayodhya has become a jungle.

Wherever you look, you see only sorrow; whatever you hear, you hear only

wailing. Not merely men, even birds and animals cast off their lives when you

left. Those who survive are keeping alive in the hope of your return." Hearing

this, Lakshmana shed streams of tears. He stood like a stump, unable to reply.

Without a word, Lakshmana approached Rama, and told him in a faltering voice, "I

could not imagine, even in my dreams, that such a terrible calamity would

happen. We could not see our father in his last moments." Rama consoled him,

saying that there was no profit in grieving over what has already come to pass.

"Physical bodies are as transient as bubbles in water; they are bound to burst

and disappear, if not today, at least the day after," he said. He gave

expression to many a moral maxim, until both the brothers went to the river, to

finish the bath ritually laid down when one hears of the death of those who are

near of kin.

Meanwhile, Sita went towards her mothers-in-law, and touched their feet in great

reverence. She also prostrated before the feet of the wife of the Royal

Preceptor. She met the women who had come from Ayodhya and with due

consideration put them at ease, by her sweet welcome. When their eyes fell upon

Sita, the Queens wept aloud. The womenfolk who had come from Ayodhya saw the

plight of their charming young Princess and they were so overcome with sorrow

that they too could not desist from wailing. Coming to know that Emperor

Dasaratha had left the body, Sita prostrated before the Queens again and again,

saying: "Alas! What great misfortune is ours! The Emperor gave up his life

because he could not bear separation from us!" Sita felt that the news of

Dasaratha's departure was as a thunderbolt on her heart. She and

the Queens wept for long at the turn that events had taken. Every one that day

could not take either food or drink; they had no mind for either. The entire

day and night were spent in sorrow.

When the sun rose Vasishtha directed Rama to perform the obsequies for the

departed father. They were carried out in strict conformity with Sastraic

injunctions. Since Sri Rama Himself uttered the mantra sanctifying the waters,

"May the holy waters of Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswathi, Narmada, Sindhu

and Cauvery come into this vessel and sanctify the water therein", the ritual

was rendered sacred and eminently fruitful.

Thereafter, the Preceptor, the Ministers of the Court, the Queens and the

citizens of Ayodhya spent two full days with Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. At the

end of the two days, Rama approached the Preceptor, and said, "Master! Those

citizens and residents of Ayodhya are suffering very much here, drinking naught

else but water and eating naught else but roots and tubers. Looking at Bharatha

and Satrughna and also on the Mothers, I feel every moment is as long as an

age. It is best you return to the City. You are spending your time here; the

Emperor has ascended to heaven. It is not proper that I emphasize the urgency

more. Please act, as seems most beneficial." With these words, Rama fell at the

feet of Vasishtha.

Vasishtha replied, "Rama! Lord of the Raghu dynasty! Why do you speak thus? You

have not realized how happy and contented these people are, since they are

fortunate enough to be looking at your charm."

When the people heard that Rama had requested them to return, each one of them

felt tossed into fear and despair, as a boat caught in a hurricane in midsea.

But, when they heard the Sage Vasishtha pleading on their behalf, they sailed

smooth, as the boat does, when a friendly breeze blows into its sails. Their

minds rejected the thought of returning to Ayodhya, and giving up the fortunate

chance of the bath, three times a day, in the Mandakini River, living on the

sweet simple meal of fruits, roots and tubers gathered by their own efforts

from the forest and more than all, filling their eyes with the pictures of

Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana and their ears with the edifying and exquisite words

of Rama.

Sita was engaged in serving the mothers-in-law, anticipating their needs and

over-eager to serve. She consoled and comforted them; she told them how she was

spending her days happily in the forest, lacking nothing, and she made them

wonder at her fortitude and skill. They were rendered happy at the thought that

she was able to derive so much joy under such adverse conditions. They bore

their own sorrow with greater ease, when they saw how Sita was braving her own.

Bharatha had not a wink of sleep during the night, nor a pang of hunger during

the day. While the people were happy, looking on at the face of Rama, Bharatha

and Satrughna were filled with misery, while they looked on at that face. They

could not bear it any longer; they approached Vasishtha and fell at his feet;

they prayed to him to persuade Rama to return to Ayodhya, with Sita. They

pleaded with him most earnestly expressing their agony in manifold ways. The

Preceptor knew only too well the strength of Rama's faith in his ideals, the

tenacity with which he stuck to his sense of Truth, and his determination to

carry out his father's wishes. But, he was so moved by the sorrow of Bharatha

that nothing was left undone to persuade Rama to return.

He called Rama to where he was and said, "Rama! Listen to the prayers of

Bharatha. Conduct yourself in accordance with the wishes of good men, the

interests of the people, the principles of politics and the directives of the

Vedas". Rama recognized the affection that the Preceptor had towards Bharatha

that found expression in these words; he knew that Bharatha would never deviate

from the path of righteousness, that he would carry out his directions with full

heart and in word, deed and thought and that he would always follow his steps

and strive for his welfare and prosperity. He felt happy at this. So, he spoke

softly and sweetly a few auspicious sentences, in response to the proposal made

by the sage: "Master! You are my witness; my father's feet are my witness. Let

me assert this: No one is so dear to me as

my brother, Lakshmana. No one has a brother in the world as dear as Bharatha is

to me. Those who are attached to the feet of their preceptor are indeed really

fortunate; you have such affection and compassion on him; that is his great

treasure. He is younger than me, and so, I hesitate to praise him in his

presence. My opinion now is that Bharatha should speak out his mind". Saying

so, Rama prostrated before Vasishtha and took his seat.

Vasishtha turned towards Bharatha; for he could not reply direct to Rama. He

knew that Bharatha was to be 'Ruler'. He said, "Give up all hesitations and

doubts. Rama is your elder brother; he has immeasurable compassion. Open your

heart to him; tell him all that you have in mind". Hearing these words of the

sage, he felt that Vasishtha had probed the mind of Rama and that both of them

were inclined to favour him and grant his desire. So, he was glad at the turn

of events.

Bharatha stood motionless before them. Tears flowed from his eye, red and bright

like lotus petals. "The revered sage has told Rama all that has to be said. What

remains for me to add specially to the appeal he has made on my behalf! I know

full well the nature of my Rama. He has no anger against even wrongdoers. He

has unbounded affection for me; I cannot deny it. A sense of shame has made me

silent while I stand before him. But my affection makes me delighted to look

upon him; my eyes do not feel content, however long they fix their gaze on him.

God could not tolerate my affection towards Rama; He could not bear to see so

much love between brother and brother. So, He designed this distress, devising

my mother herself as the instrument to bring it about. I know that it does me

no credit or bring me any respect,

if I say this. How can I establish my superiority by placing the blame in my own

mother? When one proclaims himself innocent, can that statement make him truly

so? I am myself hesitating to declare, because of my doubts that my mother is

feebleminded or that I am good and intelligent. I am diffident to state so. Can

pearls grow in the shells of snails that infest tanks? Why should I blame others

for my sorrows? My misfortune is as vast as the Ocean. I know that all this

tragedy has happened as a consequence of sins. I have been seeking a way of

escaping from my grief, through some means, along any of the four quarters. I

see now that there is one way out and only one. My Preceptor is the great sage

Vasishtha; Sita and Rama are my sovereign Rulers. Hence I am certain all will

be well with me. Lord! I do not wish for anything else: Rama! Grant but this

one wish of your servant. Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Satrughna are all four

the physical progeny of Emperor Dasaratha. So all four

are equally bound to obey the commands of their father. The father has equal

affection for all the sons. And, there is no limitation or regulation that this

one son or that other son must obey the commands of the father. You have borne

the responsibility of obeying his commands, thus far. Now, it is our turn to

bear the burden of exile; Sita, Rama and Lakshmana must return to Ayodhya and

we two shall be in the forest as exiles until the sentence lapses. Confer on us

this boon and bless us." Thus saying, Bharatha fell at the Feet of Rama.

Listening to this prayer of Bharatha, Vasishtha shed tears of joy. Rama was not

taken in by this argument. He said, "Bharatha! I feel that your line of thought

is not as valid as you seem to think. It is not correct so to act. Ask me for

anything except this." Bharatha replied, "In that case, brother, allow me and

my brother to be with you here and serve you, as Lakshmana has been doing. This

will then be a wholly satisfying holy life for us." Rama did not accept even

this prayer.

He said, "Bharatha! For me as well as you, the commands of the father are

unbreakable; we have to bow our heads in reverence before them, and carry them

out without the least murmur. The most appropriate action for us all is that I

should follow the orders issued to me and that you should follow the orders

issued to you. Let us not spend precious days in such purposeless talk and

cause distress to the people who have come such long distances hoping against

hope. Return to Ayodhya that has been allotted to you with them and rule them

righteously. I shall carry out the task allotted to me and act righteously

guarding and fostering the forest realm assigned to me." Neither Bharatha nor

any one else could meet this decisive statement of Rama with any counter

proposal or argument. They had to accept it as the right

path to take.

Chapter 17©The Brothers meet

Bharatha was overcome with grief. He lamented, "On whom else can God heap such

unbearable agony than on me, who happens to be the son of a mother who felt

that Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are her enemies? Yes, Brother! I heard that you

walked into the forest on bare feet with nothing to protect you from thorns and

pebbles. The news wounded my mind like sharp spears; but, yet, I lived on! I am

the cause of all this calamity; but as a sinner, I am alive; or else, I would

have cast off my body long ago. My breath persisted in this body even when Guha

suspected me of treachery against my brother and got ready to confront me in

battle at the head of his forces! Alas! My heart is harder than diamond; that

is the reason why it has not broken, in spite of those blows.

"I am looking on calmly at the very tragedy of which I am the cause; yet my life

is so unfortunate that I am able to stand the thrust of so much sorrow. My

mother has such dreadful poison in her that scorpions and serpents discard

their proud possessions in sheer shame; being the son of such a mother how can

God allow me to escape the consequences of my destiny?" Bharatha was indulging

in such self-torture that the citizens, the queens, the sages and others who

watched his grief, his penitence, his humility, his reverence and his fraternal

affection were all stricken like lotus blooms fallen on ice. They reminded

Bharatha of many incidents from the Puranas so that he might recover from his

depression.

Then Rama addressed Bharatha. He said, "Brother! Why do you give yourself up to

despair? Your sorrow is in vain. Destiny cannot be countermanded. At all times,

everywhere, good and virtuous people will honour you; those who ascribe

crookedness to you will be miserable here and hereafter. And, condemning one's

mother? This crime will be committed only by those unfortunates who have not

been trained either in the society of the virtuous or at the feet of

preceptors. Bharatha! Your name will be remembered long and those who bring it

to their memory will be able by its unseen influence to discard their vices.

You will be earning renown in this world and bliss in the next. The world will

be sustained by your ideals and your rule. Bharatha! Both hatred and love

cannot be suppressed and hidden in the heart. Their needs

must find expression despite all attempts to keep them imprisoned in the heart.

I know your nature very well. In order to uphold Truth, the Emperor let me go

and, unable to bear the separation from me whom he loved so much, he lost his

very life. It is not right for a son like me or like you to dishonor the word

of such a loving father. Therefore, do not hesitate further. Tell me what you

have to say, ask about things that you desire to know and decide to shoulder

the responsibilities imposed on you. That is the best course for you." Rama

spoke these words with great emphasis.

Bharatha had no chance to speak any more about his fond desires. But, he

resolved to press one demand of his, the final one. "Rama! The Kingdom that you

have given up, that has brought on this disgrace of being the cause for your

exile, I do not like to rule over; I have no love towards it either. I can

never go against your will, command. I will not do so at any time. If you but

cast your loving eye on me with no trace of anger, I shall consider myself

blessed. Lakshmana has served you now so long; send him back with Satrughna to

Ayodhya and allow me to take his place at your Feet.

"This will bring both fair renown. Lakshmana is an expert in administration; he

can rule over the Empire wisely and well in all fields of administration and

bring solace to the soul of the departed father. Grant this prayer of mine;

keep me with you; do not refuse my request; do not kick me from the presence".

Imploring piteously in this way, Bharatha clasped the feet of Rama.

"Or else", continued Bharatha, "kindly return to Ayodhya with Sita and stay

there. We three brothers will stay on in the forest. We shall carry on our

lives here in any manner that you prescribe. If on the other hand, you pile

upon me this royal burden, I cannot bear the weight and live. Keep me at your

feet and pile on me a weight thousand times heavier than the Empire; I shall

bear it gladly and with enthusiastic delight. I have no knowledge of the

science of government, or the texts on morality; you are aware that one who is

sunk in grief can have no wisdom in him. Even shame will be ashamed when one's

servant answers back and points to one's want of knowledge. Do not put me in

that position. Rama! I am opening my heart to your gaze and revealing my inmost

feelings. I desire only to promote the welfare of the

world. Kindly decide on the best cause for each of us; do not doubt our

intentions; shower your Grace on us and confer on us your commands. We shall

bow our heads in loyal reverence and carry them out without hesitation".

These words of Bharatha gave the vast gathering who listened to them, great joy.

Their hearts melted with compassion and gratitude. They extolled in manifold

ways the affection and faith that Bharatha had placed in his brother Rama. They

were affected by the expression of his deep devotion. All of them with one voice

prayed, "Rama! Lord! Accept the prayer of Bharatha. With the passing away of

Emperor Dasaratha, the long-established glory and happiness of the people too

have passed away! The world has been pitiably orphaned. Ayodhya is wailing like

a despairing waif. Like a chaste woman who has been deserted by her lord, she is

lamenting her lot".

Meanwhile, Kaikeyi (the forlorn queen) - what shall we say about her! She was

standing there, her heart gnawed by grief. She was anxious to discover how she

could explain her wrongs; she tried her best to seek out Rama while he was

alone, so that she could beg his pardon, but, could not succeed. She was

ashamed even to show her face to Rama. She wondered how she could ever subject

Rama, whom she loved so dearly, to all the privations and travails she now

witnessed. Rama was her very breath. Therefore, she felt sure that by herself

she was never capable of inflicting harm on him; she guessed that it must be

the influence of some Evil Power that had possessed her which brought about

this sad series of events. But, she said to herself that the world would never

pardon her, however strongly she asserted that it was

none of her doing. Torn by these doubts and misgivings, Kaikeyi was not

powerless to move forward towards Rama to speak to him, nor could she walk away

from him for she anxious to have the burden lifted from her heart. She stood

there, weak and frail, fearful and faltering.

Rama noted her agitation and using an opportune moment, he moved towards her in

order to fall at her feet and pay her his homage.

Kaikeyi was waiting for just this chance. She clasped Rama's feet, saying.

'Child! You are much younger to me; you are my son. But yet, you are the Master

of the Whole World because of your virtue and your wisdom. I do not commit any

wrong when I hold your feet in my hands. Come. Rule over Ayodhya. Pardon my

sin. That alone can redeem me from the disgrace, which I have brought on

myself. If that cannot be, keep Bharatha in thy presence at thy feet; bestow on

me that boon. That will give me peace of mind as long as I live; I have no wish

to live after the consummation of this wish of mine. I am myself shocked that I

craved for the fulfillment of those two desires, which not even the most vicious

ogress would have entertained. Did I ask for them while I was the daughter of

the Ruler of the Kekaya Kingdom? Or did I

speak those words when I was possessed by some evil genius? Or, was I under the

poisonous influence of some evil star? I do not know; I cannot tell." She wept

aloud in anguish, holding the hands of Rama fast in her clasp.

Rama shed tears at her plight. He assuaged her by his soft and sweet words. He

said, "Mother! You have done no wrong, not even the least bit. The human crowd

is a pack of crows; they caw loud and hoarse, without any rule or reason. Men

do not try to know the truth; in their ignorance, they blabber as the whim

dictates. Those boons were not asked by you of your own free will with full

knowledge of the implications. All this happened thus, for I willed it to

happen so. You have rendered much help for the fulfillment of the purpose for

which I have incarnated and the task I have set before myself. You have

committed no disservice. Mother! I am repenting very much for having made you

plead with me so long instead of expressing at the very outset my gratitude for

the help you have done for my plan of action. Do not

grieve over what has happened; if you do so, it will cast a shadow on my task;

it will make my days inauspicious. Bless me, Mother! Shower your affection on

me. Mother! Bless me." Rama prayed and fell at the feet of Kaikeyi.

When Rama spoke thus, Kaikeyi recovered her mental peace a little. The other

Queens, Kausalya and Sumitra, heard the conversation and when they realized

that Kaikeyi was but the innocent instrument of the Divine Will, they too

consoled and comforted their sister Kaikeyi. Nevertheless, Kaikeyi stuck to her

wish and held on to her prayer that Rama must accept the throne and be installed

as Emperor with Sita as the Empress of Ayodhya and that Lakshmana, Bharatha and

Satrughna must serve them and be their loyal companions in court. She said that

she would spend her life until death put an end to it, witnessing this Glory and

sharing in this ecstasy. She repeated these words often and pressed for the

grant of her wish.

They thus spent Four days and nights in the forest, praying, pleading,

consoling, explaining, assuaging, weeping and imparting solace. They had all

only one wish ruling their hearts; to persuade Rama to return to the Capital.

At last, Rama directed Vasishtha, the Royal Preceptor, and Bharatha to return

to Ayodhya along with the Queens and the Citizens. News of this order spread

despair among them; they said that the place where Rama was for them as

delightful as a million heavens put together, and so, they refused to move.

They said that only those whom the Gods discarded would turn their backs on the

forest where Rama was. They said, "O, what great fortune is this that awaits us

here! A bath in the holy Mandakini River, delicious fruits for appeasing

hunger, the Darshan of Sita and Rama, so charming to the eye,

so exhilarating to the heart! Where else is heaven? What else is happiness?"

They talked in this strain among themselves and resolved that they should

persuade Rama by every means to return with them, if they have to go at all.

Each one of them expressed his inmost wishes in words soaked in sweet love.

Finally, one wise old Brahmin said, "Well, if we possess the good fortune and

the merit to deserve the auspicious and happy company of Rama in this forest,

He would certainly agree to keep us here. If that is not our destiny, our evil

fate itself will harden the heart of Rama, and He would drive us back to

Ayodhya. If Rama does not bestow Grace who else can? What does it matter where

we spend our days, when we cannot spend them in the presence of Rama? Away from

Rama, we are but living corpses." When he finished, all of them responded with

the exclamation, "True! True! These words are

absolutely true."

When Emperor Dasaratha passed away, the Family Preceptor Vasishtha had sent a

message to Janaka, and as soon as he received it, he and his queen, Sunayana,

had come to Ayodhya for condoling the bereaved. They learnt there about all

developments. When Bharatha arrived, and decided to proceed to Chitrakuta along

with the Mothers, the Royal Preceptor, and the leaders of the people, Janaka and

his queen also accompanied them. They were waiting long for a favourable chance

to meet Sita and Rama.

Meanwhile, Sita's mother directed a maid to find out whether Kausalya and other

Queens were available for audience, and she hurried towards their residences.

It was the eleventh day of the bright half of the Jyeshta month. The Queens met

that day, in the forest - the four of them. Queen Kausalya paid honors to Queen

Sunayana, and treating her with great respect, offered her a seat. It was the

first time the Queens met Janaka's consort.

As soon as Queen Sunayana saw the Queens of Ayodhya, Kausalya, Sumitra and

Kaikeyi, she felt that even the hardest diamond would melt before their loving

conversation, their tender manners and their compassionate comradeship. She

found that their bodies had become emaciated, and that their heads were bowed

by sorrow. Their eyes were fixed on the ground below their feet. They were

shedding streams of tears. The three Queens extolled the virtues and

excellences of Sita and Rama, but could not stop the outflow of grief.

Queen Sunayana could find no words to speak. At last, she said, "Mother! Of what

avail is sorrow at this stage? Providence directed things along this crooked

way. A diamond-edged cutter was used to sunder the cream on the milk! We have

heard of the life-giving Amrit, the heavenly nectar; but, we have not seen it.

But, we are privileged to see now the equally potent poison. We have the visual

experience only of crows, storks, vultures and owls; but the visual experience

of the Celestial Hamsa, which has Lake Manasa-Sarovar as its habitat is beyond

us. Queens! The sport of destiny is full of contradictions and absurdities;

they are as unpredictable as the wayward sport of children". While trying thus

to console the Queens, Sunayana herself could not restrain her tears.

At this, Kausalya said, "Sunayana! This has happened not through the fault of

one particular person. Happiness and misery, profit and loss, are all the

consequences of Karma, the deeds, words and thoughts of the persons themselves.

Has it not been declared, "Avasyam anubhokthavyam, krtham Karma subhaasubham?"

Good or bad, whatever karma has been done, its consequences have to be

willy-nilly suffered or enjoyed. God knows the hardship-filled process of

Karma; He confers the appropriate consequence according to the deed. Each one

carries on the head this Divine Command. O, Queen! We are entangled in

delusion, and we yield in vain to grief. Why should the merit earned and stored

by us in previous lives desert us when we grieve? Can this rule of cause and

effect holding sway over the world from before the beginning

of the world be set aside for our sake? It is a mad hope". Kausalya ended her

attempt at consoling, with many a sigh.

When she finished, Queen Sunayana spoke thus: "Mothers! You are indeed highly

fortunate, for, Emperor Dasaratha has renown for holy merit that few rulers

have. You are the Consorts of such a noble person. You are the mothers of the

very embodiment of Dharma, the very personification of Love, Rama, whose heart

embraces all beings in compassion. You have earned everlasting fame all over

the world. What you said now is the ultimate truth. Happiness and misery are

the two pots balanced on back and front by the rod to which they are tied and

placed on the shoulder. Every one has to carry both in equal measure. In case

one has no misery, one cannot identify happiness, can he? Na sukhaallabhyathe

sukham. From happiness, no happiness can ensue, isn't it?" Kausalya said amidst

her sobs, in a grief-stricken voice, "If

Sita, Rama and Lakshmana reside in the forest, many calamities will happen. I

know that Bharatha cannot survive separation from Rama. My agony is heightened

when I see Bharatha, more than when I see Sita, Rama and Lakshmana. Fear

overpowers me when I think of Bharatha". Sumitra and Kaikeyi agreed it was very

true. They too were saddened at the condition of Bharatha.

Sumitra spoke next. She said, "Mother! Through your blessings and good wishes,

our sons and daughter-in-law are as pure as the Ganga itself. Bharatha had

never so far asserted that he was the brother of Rama and claimed something

from him. But now, he is demanding that he should fulfill his wishes, in a

Satwic, highly righteous manner. Even the Goddess of Speech, Saraswathi, will

hesitate to accept the assignment of describing the virtues, the humility, the

large-heartedness, the fraternal attachment, the steadfastness of that faith,

the courage and inflexibility of that courage, that mark out Bharatha as a

great person. Can the ocean be measured by means of a snail shell? Bharatha is

at all times, under all conditions, the effulgent Lamp of the Royal Line; only,

people did not realize this until now. A gem has

to be examined before its value can be determined; gold has to be tested on the

touchstone, before its genuineness and fineness can be known. Let us not talk

despairingly about him at this time. Our reason is now affected by sorrow and

deluded by filial attachment." Sumitra wiped her tears, as she concluded her

wise words of consolation.

Hearing her words, the Queen of Mithila, Sunayana, thought within herself, "The

queens of Ayodhya are really very great, one greater than the other, in

nobility. They do not praise their own children, as mothers are prone to do;

they extol the virtues of the sons of co-wives. This is quite against the

nature of women, as usually found in the world. How they are describing and

appreciating sons born to the other wives of their husband! These queens who do

not distinguish between their sons and the sons of the other queen, are ideal

housewives for the whole world. Ah! What large heartedness! What purity and

perfection in the feeling of Love?"

Kausalya mustered some little courage, and addressed Sunayana thus: "Queen of

Mithila! You are the consort of the Ocean of Wisdom, Emperor Janaka. Who dare

convey counsel to you! We prattle away in our ignorance. Yet, I pray you might

tell the Emperor Janaka at the earliest, when he is in a mood to listen, these

words of mine, namely, 'Persuade Rama and make him agree to have Bharatha for

some time with him. Since Lakshmana has already spent some time in his

presence, let Lakshmana be sent to Ayodhya to oversee the activities and

administration there, and Satrughna be directed to assist Lakshmana in his

duties at Ayodhya.' If only Rama agrees, the rest of the problems would set

themselves right quickly. It is only the condition of Bharatha that gives me

anxiety. His attachment and love for Rama are deep-rooted

and delicate. The Emperor has passed away; Rama will not return from the forest.

If Bharatha finds separation from Rama unbearable, it might lead to his death.

Then, the empire would be reduced to a living corpse! My heart is torn by fear

and anxiety when I picture the future, and the calamities that are in store."

Kausalya held fast in her hands the two hands of Queen Sunayana, and appealed

to her to fulfill this mission, achieve this end, and confer Ananda on them

all.

Sunayana was touched by the affection that filled the heart of the Queen and her

adherence to the path of righteousness. She said, "Mother! Humility and virtue

are innate in you. They are natural expression of your goodness and nobility,

as smoke on fire and beds of grass on mountain peaks. Of course, the Emperor

Janaka is ever ready to serve you by word, deed, and thought. He is ever eager

to help. But, can a lamp illumine the Sun? Rama has come into the forest to

accomplish the task of the Gods. After finishing that assignment, he will

surely return to Ayodhya and reign over the Empire. The might of his arms will

ensure the attainment by subman, man and superman, of all their dearest wishes.

The Sage Yagyavalakya long ago revealed these tidings. His words can never be

falsified."

With these words, Sunayana fell at the feet of Queen Kausalya. Taking leave of

her, and preparing to leave the place, she proceeded towards the cottage where

Sita was. When she entered and saw Sita, she was overwhelmed with grief. She

could not control her tears; she ran towards Sita and caught her arms. Sita

consoled her mother by various means; she counseled courage and faith; she

prostrated at the feet of the mother.

She stood before her mother in her anchorite robes, appearing like Parvathi, the

Consort of Siva, during the days when she did Thapas. The mother could not

contain within herself the question: "Child! Are you really my Sita, or, are

you Parvathi?" She looked at her long and leisurely from head to foot, and was

filled with wonder and joy.

At last, she said, "Sita! Through you, two families have been consecrated, the

family of your parents and the family of your parents-in-law. Your fame will

reach the farthest horizons. The flood of your renown will flow as a river in

full flow between its two banks, the two royal lines of Mithila and Ayodhya.

The Ganga has but three sacred spots on it - Haridwar, Prayag and the

Sagarasangama, where it joins the Sea. May the stream of your pure fame enter

and sanctify each one into a holy temple."

Hearing these words of truth that flowed from the affection of her mother, Sita

blushed and bent her head, as if she was overcome with a sense of shame. She

said, "Mother! What words are these? What is the relevance? What comparison can

be found between me and the holy Ganga?" Saying this, she went through the

gesture of prostration directed towards the Ganga, with a prayer for pardon.

Sunayana embraced her daughter, and stroked her head in tender affection. "Sita!

Your virtues are examples for all women who are mistresses of families to follow

and emulate." Sita intercepted her, and said, "Mother! If I spend much time with

you, the service of Rama might be delayed. Therefore, please permit me to go

into his presence." The mother too realized that her desire lay in that

direction and so, she felt that she should not be an obstacle in her way. She

fondled and caressed Sita profusely and said at last, "Child! Go and serve Rama

as you wish." Sita fell at her feet and left the place, for serving Rama.

Sunayana pondered long over the reverential devotion that Sita had towards her

husband, and her other virtues. She never took off her eyes from Sita until she

disappeared from view. She stood at the same spot, watching her and admiring

her. Her maid who came near her and said, “Mother, awakened her from the

reverie! Sita has gone in; it is best we now return to our residence."

Suddenly, Sunayana turned back, wiping the stream of tears from her eyes; her

unwilling steps took her to the cottage allotted to her.

The Sun set just at this time; so, Rama and Lakshmana, Bharatha and Satrughna

proceeded to the river for evening sacraments like bath and ritual worship of

the Gods at dusk. The pundits, the members of the Brahmin caste, the ministers

and others also accompanied them. After finishing these, they partook of fruits

and tubers, and laid themselves to bed under trees allotted to each group. When

dawn broke, after the morning sacraments were gone through, all of them

gathered around the cottage of thatch where Rama was. Rama came out with a

bewitching smile, and passed through that thick crowd inquiring of each

lovingly about health and welfare.

Bharatha fell at the feet of Rama when He came near him. He said, "Lord! A

desire has arisen in my heart; I am unable to express it before you on account

of fear and shame." Rama stroked the head of his dear brother, saying as he did

so, "Why do you hesitate to tell me? Come, tell me what it is." At this,

Bharatha said, "Brother! I have a great desire to see the hermitages, the

sanctifying bathing ghats on the banks of the river, the glens of these thick

forests, the wild animals that roam therein, the lakes and streams, the

waterfalls around this Chitrakuta peak. They have all been rendered holy by the

imprint of your Lotus Feet. The residents of Ayodhya are over-powered by the

urge to see those meritorious spots".

Rama replied, "Bharatha! Your desire is highly commendable. You can gladly

explore this region, with the permission of the Sage Atri". Hearing this,

Bharatha was very happy. He fell at the feet of the sage as well as of Rama,

and then proceeded to the interior of the forest, visiting on the way, with

Satrughna and the people from Ayodhya, many hermitages and other holy spots.

On the way, he saw a well by the side of the mountain. It had in it holy waters

from all the sacred rivers and lakes. Bharatha sprinkled its waters

reverentially on his head; he prostrated before that seat of sacredness. He

cleaned the water by removing with his own hand some dry leaves and dirt that

had fallen on the water. It is this well that is honoured even today as

Bharathakupa or Bharatha's Well, all over the world.

TO BE CONTINUED

With Sai love from Sai brothers –

‘’Do You

?