RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI PART 12

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Om Sri Sai Ram

 

RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI PART 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

 

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