RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI – PART – 11

[Guest guest]

Om Sri Sai Ram

 

RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI – PART – 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

 

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