||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 38– Ayodhya Kandam

 

 Bharatha's arrival in Chitrakoot

The saints and ascetics in the woods felt jealous of the devotion of Bharatha to Rama,  all the way Bharatha  was calling out the names of Rama and Devi Sita, thus his love for Rama overflown all over the forest, even the Vajra and rocks were melted watching his love for Rama, the love of the people of Ayodhya to Rama was indescribable. They have arrived on the shores of Yamuna, they halted on the shores the Yamuna that day, Bharatha shed tears while watching her sacred waters reminded the dark cloud complexion of Rama. Once again, Bharatha and the people of Ayodhya sunk deep in the pain of separation from Rama; soon they have regained courage with the great words of wisdom. They have spent on the shores of Yamuna that night, and everyone settled in comfortable tents, a large number of ferries were kept ready on the shores of Yamuna, it was early in the morning, they all left in ferries and crossed the river Yamuna.

 

Bharatha and Shathrughna performed morning rites, prostrated before the Yamuna, and worshiped her. Thus, they continued their journey with Nishadharaja.  The preceptors took a seat in comfortable vehicles and the family of King Dasaratha on another vehicle and there were several vehicles followed them. Bharatha and Shathrughna joined in the procession ensuring the safety of all, they were attired in normal clothes and ornaments, was followed by sons of ministers, close companions, and attendants.  They contemplated upon Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana and continued to travel through the dense forest, on their way; they prostrated the places where Rama took shelter.

 

 

The villagers rushed to meet the princess of Ayodhya, in the wood leaving all their household chores and attained Janmasaphalya.  One of the ladies spoke “Oh! Sakhi, these two handsome youths have the appearance of Rama and Lakshmana, do not know who they are? Their appearance, complexion, age, attractive bodily features, virtues, etc. resembles Rama and Lakshmana, but their costumes are different, and Devi Sita is not with them. They have a huge army of men before them, Oh! Sakhi, their faces look so gloomy, they are grieving over something. I think they are not Rama and Lakshmana.” The other lady praised the assumptions of the lady who described the features of Bharatha and Shathrughna, another woman described the story of the impediments caused to the coronation ceremony of Rama. One of the ladies praised the simplicity, compassion, kindness, and virtues of Bharatha and his devotion to Rama and Lakshman and said “Oh! Sakhi, Bharatha is taking a journey to the forest by foot, and consuming fruits and fiber roots, he has abandoned the Kingdom his father has offered to him. Bharatha came to the forest to take back Raghuvara to the Kingdom of Ayodhya, it is impossible to find a virtuous brother like Bharatha, whoever listens or read the virtues, devotion, disciplines, and love for his brothers, would remove all the afflictions and sins. Oh! Sakhi, I have no words to describe their splendor and virtues, he is the younger brother of Rama, therefore it is no surprise in it, we are fortunate to witness the brothers. It is hard to believe that the virtuous Bharatha was born to wicked Kaikeyi.” Another woman spoke “Oh! Sakhi, Rani Kaikeyi is not the one to blame; God has done everything in favor of us. The Supreme Lord has showered an abundance of fortune on females like us who lives in the forest, ignorant, discarded by Veda and Dharmashasthra, born in the lowly clan, wicked, impure by birth and Karma, living in the impure places, but today we have gained an abundance of piousness watching Bharatha and Shathrughna.” In this way, the villagers in the forest attained immense pleasure watching Bharatha and Shathrughna, it was like the people of Simhaldhvipa attained the sacred river Prayagraj.

 

Bharatha contemplating upon Rama, visited several sacred shrines, had holy dip in the Theerthas, visited the hermitages of Rishis and Sages, and prayed for intense devotion at the lotus feet of Rama and Sita. They proceeded through the woods, on their way they have met Kiratha, Kolas, Vanaprastha, Bhramachari, Sanyasi, ascetics, Sages and Rishis, and enquired about the dwelling place of Rama. The sages who met Bharatha came to know about the news and attained their piousness in their lives.  All of them were treated Bharatha and Shathrughna affectionately and informed the well-being of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana in the forest. They took a halt in the middle of the forest, and on the next day early morning, they set out for the journey, prayed to that supreme Lord and every one of them were zealously waiting to meet Rama. They could witness various auspicious omens, their eyes and hands quivered as an auspicious omen, the people were enthusiastic and waiting to get rid of their grief of separation from Rama. All of them were in a state of ecstasy, Guha showed the Kamadhagiri Parvatha which is the jewel among the mountains; it was close to the river Payasvini where Rama and Sita along with Lakshman lived in a hermitage. Everyone prostrated before Kamadhagiri Parvatha, they cheered “Jai Janaki Jeevan Rama”. The supreme state of Bharatha cannot be described even for Adishesha, that day they have covered four miles, due to the abundance of love for Rama, Sita, and Lakshman. They halted in a place close to the river Payasvini, and spend that night. On the next day early morning, they have started journey through the woods.

 

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

Chapter – 37– Ayodhya Kandam

Bharatha's devotion to Rama /Indra's jealousy on Bharatha

Bharatha did not get surprised watching the splendor of the houses and the arrangements made for the guests by Sage Bharadhwaja, and did not take pleasure in it like Chakravaha pair spends the night together looking opposite to each other.  On the next day, Bharatha and the people accompanied took a bath in the Thriveni and prostrated Sage Bharadhwaja, and attained the blessings of the Sage. Bharatha with the excellent escort conducted their journey through the dense wood to Chitrakoot, Bharatha walked all the way holding hands of Guha, like intimate companions.   Bharatha was not having Cchathra or Padhuka, his austerities, sincerity, love, disciplines, and vows were marvelous. Bharatha insisted Guha to describe the journey of Rama, Sita, and Lakshman to the forest, Guha explained them affectionately. Guha showed the trees where Rama took shelter, and the places Rama walked on the forest, Bharatha could not control splash love for Rama. The deities praised the devotion of Bharatha and showered flowers, in this way they have walked several miles, there were rain clouds and cool breeze, even Rama could not enjoy the journey in the woods as Bharatha.

The living things and non-living things who met Rama were equally deserved to attain Paramapadham. The living and non-living things witnessing Bharatha crossed the sufferings of the worldly existence as well. The Siddhas and Sages felt immensely happy watching Bharatha and spoke “people who constantly contemplate Rama and recite his names would easily cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence, moreover they becomes capable to make others to cross the ocean of Samsara. Bharatha is beloved of Rama and younger brother to him; therefore it is nothing to get surprised to watch his devotion and capabilities to provide the auspiciousness to others.” Indra became anxious watching the splendor of Bharatha, the world is too good for the pious and too bad for the wicked people. Indra spoke to Bhrihaspathi “Swami, kindly do something that retreats the meeting of Rama with Bharatha. Rama is too shy, is the ocean of mercy and Bharatha is the ocean of love, therefore the meeting with these two may create obstacles to the welfare of the deities. Therefore find out a way to stop the meeting of these two brothers, so that all our plans to bring Rama to the woods won’t go futile.”

Sage Bhrihaspathi smiled at Indra, even though Indra has thousands of eyes, he is blind by heart. Sage Brihaspati spoke “Oh! Indra, Oh! Sureshwara, who dares to create illusion against that Mayapathi? It won’t work the way you want, it will create trouble for you. All those we have worked were at the will of the Supreme Lord, it has happened the way Rama desired, if we work anything at our own will it will definitely bring harm to us. Oh! Suresha listens to me, Rama never gets angry even to his enemies, he won’t do harm to anyone, it is his good nature. If anyone does harm to the devotees of Rama, he will not keep quiet, the enemy would burn in the fire of the anger of Rama. The legend of Sage Durvassa and Ambareesha is famous in the world and Veda. Thus, he understood the sanctity of Ramanama when the whole world recites the name of Rama; the supreme Lord recites the name of Bharatha. None has that supreme love like Bharatha to Rama. Oh! Lord of Amaravati, do not bring that thought of creating troubles to the devotee of Rama, it would bring endless hardships and ill fame and grief in Paraloka. Oh! Suresha, listen to my advice, Rama dearly loves Bharatha, who is a sincere servant to him. Bharatha takes pleasure in the service to Rama, and the Lord serves the Bhakta, whoever creates enmity towards them would bring disaster to themselves.  The supreme Lord is impartial; he is void of Ragadhvesha, Papa or Punya, Guna, or Dosha. The Jeeva earns happiness and sorrow according to their Karma, Jeeva earns piousness and wickedness according to the nature of its devotion to the supreme Lord who has taken the Sagunaroopa for the welfare of his devotees, he has no virtues or impurities, and he is eternal. Oh! Indra, The Veda, scriptures, and the sacred texts reveal that the supreme Lord is promising to his ardent devotees, therefore leave all your wickedness and cultivate devotion at the feet of Bharatha. The devotees of Rama always promising to others, they take part in the grief of others, they are kind and compassionate. Bharatha is Bhakthashiromani, Oh! Devaraja, do not get worried about the meeting of Bharatha and Rama.”

Sage Bhrihaspathi continues “Oh! Devaraja, the supreme Lord Rama is absolute truth and close companion of the deities, Bharatha follows the instructions of the Rama, you are selfish that’s why you are worried about their meeting. It was not Bharatha causing grief to you; it is your ignorance causing grief to you.” Surapathi relieved from the grief with the advice of Sage Bhrihaspathi. Lord Indra showered flowers upon Bharatha and praised his devotion to Rama.

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 36– Ayodhya Kandam

Bharatha's meeting with Sage Bharadhwaja

 Sage Bhardhwaja spoke softly watching the humbleness and embarrassment of Bharatha “Oh! Vathsa, Oh! Bharatha, I have heard all that happened in the Kingdom of Ayodhya, we are powerless before destiny. You do not grieve over the wrong decisions of your mother. It was not the fault of Kaikeyi, it was Vagdevi persuaded her to talk like that, if I say so none will accept it, the intellectuals look into the worldly matters and Veda as well. Oh! Thatha, whoever sung in praise of your virtues, even the world and Veda supports them. The King has to decide who is going to be the future King. King Dhasharatha wanted to appoint you as the King of Ayodhya, it would provide fame and fortune to the King, but the Vanavasa of Rama twisted all the plans. The whole Universe sunk in deep sorrow.  Devi Kaikeyi committed sin due to her fate, and she is feeling guilty of her act. If anyone blames you for that, he/she would be ignorant, and wicked. If you accept the throne of Ayodhya, you will not attain any sin; even Rama would get highly pleased with the decision. Anyway, you have done an appropriate thing, and highly appreciable. The devotion at the lotus feet of Rama is the origin of all the auspiciousness in this world. It is your wealth and life as well, therefore you are the most fortunate one, you are the son of the illustrious King Dhasharatha, and beloved brother of Rama, there is no surprise in it. Oh! Bharatha, listen to me, there is no one dearer than you for Rama. On that night they have highly praised by Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana. I have heard that while they were taking the dip in Prayaga. He has an abundance of love and affection to you like an ordinary soul, like a dull-minded, yearn for the welfare of the family. Oh! Bharatha, he is the protector of his people who are surrendered to him, you have personified as the love and devotion to Rama. Do not blame yourself for any of these happened, this is the auspicious time to celebrate Ramabhakthi. ”

 

Sage Bharadhwaja continues “ Oh! Vathsa, you are unblemished like Chandra, the devotees of Rama are the lotus flowers that blossoms during the moonlight and Chakora. The moon and Chakora is beloved of all in the three worlds; the splendor of Rama like Sun, that will not take away the sheen of the moon, it gives pleasure in day and night as well, the wicked act of Kaikeyi won’t blemish like Rahu.  Your devotion like nectar to the lotus feet of Rama, and   the nearness to preceptor removes all the blemishes, they enhance the nectar-like devotion to the feet of Rama. You are born in the illustrious clan of Bhageeratha, who brought the Devanadhi Ganga down to Earth with his extreme penance and austerities; Devanadhi is capable to provide all the auspiciousness. The splendor of King Dhasharatha is beyond description, there is no one equal to him. Rama who is constantly contemplated and envisioned by Lord Shiva was born as a son to that Dhasharatha, and you are like Chandra whose fame is incomparable, you are the essence of Ramabhakthi, you need not grieve, like holding Parasmani, and getting worried of poverty. Oh! Bharatha, listen to me, I have no interest in worldly matters, Tapsvi living in the woods, I have attained the fruitfulness of my life witnessing Rama, Sita and Lakshmana, eventually that fortune brought your Dharshan as well, the entire Prayaga and myself are highly fortunate, you have won over the world and its people with your devotion at the lotus feet of Rama.” In this way, Sage Bharadhwaja concluded his affectionate speech and all those ascetics assembled were extremely happy, deities showered flowers on Bharatha and a divine voice heard “Dhanya Dhanya” echoed in Prayaga.

 

Bharatha elevated in a state of ecstasy, the heart full of love for Rama and Sita, his lotus-like eyes shed tears, he prostrated before the ascetics assembled and spoke with folded hands “Oh! saintly men and ascetics of Prayagraj, you all are highly intelligent, knower of all, Raghuram is all-pervasive, I would like to share the truth with you all, 1) I have no grief on my mother’s wicked act, 2 )I have no fear or grief about what others think of me, 3) I have no fear of afterlife.4) I have no grief on the death of my father who is eminent, and fortunate, has virtuous children Rama and Lakshmana, left his mortal coil which is Kshanabangura/destructible, at the grief of separation of Raghuram. Oh! Thapasvin, I am extremely grieving over the life of Rama, Lakshmana, and Devi Sita in the woods, attired in saffron robes and wandering in the woods without even sandals to protect their feet. They are attired in the skin of animals, consuming fruits and fiber roots, sleeping on Dharbha grass, taking shelter under the shades of the trees, they are living in extreme heat, cold, showers and wind, it rips my heart apart, hence I have no hunger in the day or sleep in the night, there is no cure for this illness of mine. My mother’s deceitful act destroyed the peace and serenity in the family, by sending Rama to the woods for fourteen years as if she is working for the welfare of her own son. It has brought the destruction of the clan, it could be restored only once Rama returns to Ayodhya, and otherwise, there is no chance for the prosperity of Ayodhya.” Sage Bharadhwaja and the ascetic highly appreciated Bharatha for his sincerity and affection; they consoled him “Oh! Vathsa, Oh! Bharatha, all your grief will get relieved the moment you get closer to the lotus feet of Rama. Oh! Bharatha, be my guest for today, and kindly accept the fruits.” Bharatha became thoughtful after listening to Sage Bharadhwaja, he prostrated before the sage and spoke with folded hands “Oh! Guru, your order is invaluable, and following them is my responsibility.” Munivara became happy listening to Bharatha.  Soon, Sage called his attendants and ordered them to arrange fruits and fiber roots for Bharatha and the people who arrived from Ayodhya. The attendants enthusiastically rushed out to collect the fruits and meal for the guests, Munivara sincerely prayed he could serve the guests at his heart’s content because Bharatha is the most special guest for him, a guest should be worshiped as a deity, immediately Ridhdhi and Sidhdhi appeared before him and revealed their wish to serve his guests, Munivara advised them to serve Bharatha and his people abundantly and relieve their grief from the separation of Rama. Ridhdhi and Siddhi were immensely happy to serve Bharatha who is an incomparable guest of Munivara and decided to please the people of Ayodhya with their service. Ridhdhi and Sidhdhi constructed several thousands of magnificent houses to stay for the guests that excelled the beauty of Devavimana and served the guests with all the Bhogavibhava even the deities’ gets jealous of them. The attendants dressed in fine clothes and received their guests, thus Sidhdhis created extraordinary arrangements and facilities that cannot be seen in heaven. The attendants took the guests and allotted the place to stay according to their interests, they offered excellent houses for Bharatha and his family, and the Munivara prepared an extravagant meal for the guests, with his divine power of austerities, which put Bhrama in great surprise.

 

Bharatha witnessed the magnificent arrangements made for the guests and surprised which were beyond words, the beauty excelled the abode of the deities and the luxuries overloaded were enthused the intellectuals to forget their austerities. The exquisite beddings, bedspread, lights, bedcovers, cushions, furniture, clothes, decorations, pleasure gardens, mangroves, various species of birds and animals, varieties of  fresh alluring flowers, nectar-like fruits, there were beautiful ponds, streams, fountains, there was a sumptuous meal, varieties of snacks, sweets, and savories, in every house there was one Kamadhenu and Kalpavriksha, watching this Devendra and Sacchi became jealous. It was the season of Vasantha Rithu, there was a cool breeze carrying rich fragrances of flowers. The people of Ayodhya took great pleasure in the richness and the comforts in the houses; they had a mixed feeling and had become anxious at the thought of leaving it very soon.

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 35– Ayodhya Kandam

 Bharatha arrives in Theertharaj Prayag

Bharatha continues “Oh! Sakha, I have not heard of Rama speaking about sorrows in his life. King took great care of him like his Prana, mothers took care of him like their eyeballs, and they have protected him like the serpent that keeps the gem on its forehead. I cannot believe that Rama living on fruits and fiber roots as the meals, walking all around the forest without sandals on his feet. My mother Kaikeyi has become the cause for all the inauspiciousness, she has become the enemy of her own beloved husband, and she is a cursed one.  I am the unfortunate one, ocean of sins, and cause for all those troubles. I am the cursed one, has become the blemished one in the clan and enemy of my own mother.” Nishadha Raja comforted Bharatha “Oh! Prabho, do not worry about anything; the truth is Rama is most promising to you and vice versa.  The fate is too cruel some times, that is the reason Mother Kaikeyi has turned against Rama. Lord Rama constantly praised you that night; I have no words to praise his love for you. Tulsidas promise you, there is no one on the Earth dearer than you for him, therefore everything will end auspiciously, and stay in peace. Rama is the knower of the hearts of all, he is the essence of kindness and compassion, hence be optimistic and take rest for a while.” Bharatha was calmed by Guha and he returned to his place of stay, contemplating Lord Rama.

 

The villagers have enthusiastically arrived in the place where Rama stayed in Shrugabheripura, they circumambulated the Vatavruksha and the grass bed, shed tears of extreme grief, cursed Kaikeyi and the fate, some of them highly appreciated Bharatha for his decision to visit Rama, others highly praised that Bharatha proved his love for his elder brother, and praised Nishadharaja as well. It is difficult to describe the plight of the people of Ayodhya. In this way, all those people spend their night without sleep; they began to cross the river Ganga in the early hours of dawn. Sage Vashishta and Vamadeva took a seat in a well-decorated ferry, queens settled in a newly constructed ferry, and in an hour and a half, all of them reached on the other side of the river Ganga. Bharatha went to make sure everyone has crossed the river safely; he began the performance of morning ablutions and sun worship.   He prostrated before mothers and preceptors. The people of Nishadha and the King guided them to deep in the forest; Bharatha has arranged palanquin for mothers, preceptors, twice-born, and elderly people. The two brothers Bharatha and Shathrughna prostrated before Suranadhi and started journey contemplating upon Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshman. They walked through the dense forest and harsh pathways, along the side of their horses. The attendants of Nishadharaja requested them to mount on horse and travel, but his heart did not allow climbing on horse and travel, Bharatha’s heart was not willing to do it, where his brother Rama walked all the way without sandals or any protection. He refused to climb on horses, he felt that in fact he should walk with the head for the sin committed, listening to the remorseful words of Bharatha the attendants became extremely miserable.

 

It was in the afternoon, the procession arrived on the sacred land of Prayaga, all the way Bharatha kept calling for ‘Rama, Sita’ out of love, his footsteps resembled the droplets in the lotus flower, the villagers were becoming sad listening that Bharatha covered several miles of the day by foot. Everyone took a bath in the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswathi, he went to have a dip and performed charities to the twice-born according to the prescribed rites. He watched the beauty of fair and dark colors of the water of Ganga and Yamuna, and its powerful water currents. Bharatha prayed with folded hands “Oh! Theertharaj, you fulfill all the desires of the worshiper, your splendor is widely spoken in Veda, and the whole world knows your grandeur. I am leaving the Kshathriyadharma/Swadharma, and begging you, the intellectuals, and the generous contributor/ philanthropist fulfills the desires of the beggar. Oh! Theertharaj, I have no desires in wealth, Dharma, or the Kama, or Nirvana, kindly shower the boon to have sincere devotion at the lotus feet of Rama in every birth. I do not want any boons other intense devotion at the feet of Rama.  Oh! Theertharaj, let Rama consider me as wicked, let the people of Ayodhya think of me deceitful against preceptor, or deity, I want a boon from you to have intense devotion at the lotus feet of Sita Rama, like the Chathaka bird, yearn to have a downpour, leaving waters in the streams. It won’t stop calling for the rainclouds until it achieves the raindrops. A devotee achieves auspiciousness with the sincere devotion at the lotus feet of Lord like the precious yellow metal undergoes transformation under the blazing fire to become exquisite ornaments.”

 

A divine voice raised form the waters of Thriveni “ Oh! Beloved Bharatha, you are an ascetic, your devotion to the lotus feet of Rama is incomparable, you are unnecessarily holding grief in your heart, you are most beloved of Rama and there is no one dearer than Rama to you.” Bharatha could not control his happiness; the deities showered flowers on Bharatha and praised his fortune to have intense devotion at the lotus feet of Rama. The ascetics, twice-born and people of Prayaga, Brahmachari, Grihastha, Sanyasis, and Vanaprastha became happy to meet Bharatha, and they found the shortage of words to praise the devotion and love of Bharatha to his elder brother Rama. They described the virtues of Rama on the way to the hermitage of Sage Bharadhwaja.  Thus, the large procession arrived in the hermitage of Sage Bharadhwaja, Bharatha prostrated before the Sage was embraced affectionately and blessed him. Sage offered seats to Bharatha and the people accompanied, he took a seat before the Sage and sat head hung down, was expecting queries from him.

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

Chapter – 34– Ayodhya Kandam

Bharatha's close association with Nishadharaja Guha

The people of Ayodhya became happy watching the meeting of Bharatha and Guha, they engaged in pleasant conversation for some time.  Bharatha enquired about his clan and the welfare of the people in the forest, Nishadharaja forgot himself listening to the compassionate words of Bharatha, he admired Bharatha and looked at him without blinking eyes. He fell at the feet of Bharatha and stood with folded hands, “Oh! Prabho, we are fortunate to worship your lotus feet which is the source of our auspiciousness, Oh! Prabho, me, and our clan attained the highest of the piousness today. I have understood the huge differences in us, and the splendor of Rama, people who do not take pleasure in the worship at the lotus feet of Rama, cannot achieve any fortune in their lives.  I have born in the lowly caste of people who are wicked, fearful, ignorant, cruel in nature, discarded by the society and Veda, the moment I have cultivated devotion at the feet of Rama, my life has changed I have become an ornament to my clan.” Bharatha and Shathrughna embraced Guha.  Guha introduced himself to the queens, they considered him as equal to Lakshman and blessed him affectionately, the people of Ayodhya felt extremely happy watching the compassionate Nishadharaja, they felt him as equal to Lakshmana, and spoke: “Guha remained in the embrace of Ramabhadhra, therefore he is highly fortunate, and attained the fruitfulness in his life.” Nishadharaja became extremely happy and took the people of Ayodhya to his village.

The attendants of Guha busily engaged working on building tents, some of them were constructed in the village, some are under the shades of trees, near ponds, streams, pleasure gardens, inside the forest and mangroves, so that huge number of people from Ayodhya can accommodate comfortably. Bharatha was in a state of bliss watching the beauty of Shrungabheripura, he leaned on Guha, and they both looked like the love and humility together. They visited the sacred Ganga and prostrated on the footsteps of Ganga where Rama took bath, his heart was filled with happiness as if he has seen Rama personally. The male and females of the village prostrated, before the Devanadhi. They all took bath in the Jagathpavani and prayed for the sincere devotion at the lotus feet of Rama. Bharatha prayed “Oh! Jagathpavani, Jagadamba,  Paramba, Bhagavathi, Oh! Mother, your sands provides happiness to all; you are divine Kamadhenu for your devotees, Oh! Devi, I shall sincerely pray before you with folded hands, kindly give me sincere devotion at the lotus feet of Rama and Devi Sita.”

All the villagers took a dip in Ganga, once the queens finished the holy dip, removed the curtains at the instruction of Sage Vashishta. The people of Ayodhya resided in different places in the Shrungabheripura where the tents constructed, and Bharatha enquired about their welfare from time to time. They conducted the worship of deities, and Bharatha and Shathrughna went to meet Devi Kausalya, he spoke to them affectionately, massaged three mother’s feet, Shathrughna stayed with the mothers. Bharatha called for Guha and they walked all over the places holding hands,  with tears overflowing he asked Guha to show the place where Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana slept on that night in Shrungabheripura, in this way he could get relieved from the grief. Nishadharaja became uneasy watching him in tears, immediately he led Bharatha to the place where Rama took rest under the huge Ashoka tree, Bharatha prostrated before the tree with folded hands.

Bharatha saw a mattress made of Dharbha, he reverentially circumambulated that bed and adorned the dust from the feet of Rama on his eyes. His eyes were welled up in tears; with extreme grief, Bharatha began to speak “Oh! Sakha, the small creatures around the trees are grieving over the separation from Rama and Sita, the same as the people of Ayodhya. I have no words to describe the splendor of the father of Devi Janaki who is the King of Bhoga and Yoga. Her father-in-law is an eminent King of Surya clan; even the Devendra gets jealous of him. Her husband is the supreme Lord Raghunatha, who is the source of all the auspicious and eminence, why my heart is not ripping apart watching the mattress of Devi Sita who is chaste, devoted wife of Ramachandra? My heart is harder than the Vajra. My younger brother Lakshman who is charming, tender, amiable and courageous, there is no brother like him in this Universe and will not be there in the future, he is beloved of the people of Ayodhya, and dearest darling to Ramachandra and Devi Sita, they protect him like their eyeballs. He is dear as life to Rama, he has never been in the scorching heat, does not know how much struggles he is going through in the forest. Oh! Sakha, my heart is harder than the crores of Vajrayudha. Rama is the ocean of beauty, virtues, and bliss. His pleasing personality is most attractive and it is the source of bliss to the people of Ayodhya, preceptors, parents, families, and relatives. His amiable nature, lovely personality, compassionate, and impartial nature impress everyone even the enemies too.  It is impossible to describe the splendor and virtues of Rama to the crores of Sharadha and hundred crores of Adhishesha. Raghuvamsharathna is Anandaswaroopa/supreme bliss, he is the storehouse of auspiciousness and welfare, and he slept on this grass mattress, Alas! Destiny is too powerful.”

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

Chapter – 33– Ayodhya Kandam

 Bharatha's meeting with Nishadharaja Guha

On the first day of the journey to Thrikoot, they halted on the riverbank of Thamasa, and the next halt was on the river banks of Godavari. Some of them consumed milk and some of them had fruits, and some of them had a meal in the night, they had abandoned the ornaments, and comfortable items, followed strict austerities for the welfare of Rama. On the next day, they all reached the village Srunghabheripura.   Nishadha Raja Guha who was watching the huge procession of Bharatha and the people of Ayodhya was immersed in various thoughts “Why Bharatha did take a visit to the forest at this time? He must have some evil intentions, if he has no wicked idea, why did he bring a huge army of people? He must have decided to kill Rama and Lakshmana and take possession of the Kingdom, he did not understand the Rajaneethi properly, and previously he had brought the blame upon him, now he is meeting his death. Even if he brings the army of deities and demons, he could not win over the battle against Sri Rama. It is nothing to get surprised; a toxic plant like Kaikeyi cannot produce nectar-like fruits.” Guha warned his people “All of you keep alert and keep ready all the ferries in the water, and block the way to the ferries. Be ready with your weapons, do not let anyone enter the waterways, be ready to fight courageously, and meet your deaths. I have decided to attack Bharatha and his army men. I will not let him or his men cross the river Ganga, fight for the welfare of Rama, die on the river banks of Ganga, fight fearlessly against Bharatha who is the brother of Rama, king of Ayodhya and sacrifice your life for Rama, in this way we can offer our destructible body at the feet of Rama. Bharatha is a King and I am from the lowly clan, it is a high fortune to achieve death fighting for the welfare of our Master, I will sacrifice my life for Raghunatha. If I win over Bharatha, I could add welfare to Rama, If not I could attain the abode of Rama.  People whose life without the devotion to Rama, or keeps away from the association of saintly men and ascetics are meaningless and futile on the Earth, they are a burden to the Mother Earth, and they are axe to the youthfulness of their mother.

Nidhasharaja, enthused his people and wielded in bow and arrow, contemplated upon Rama, he instructed villagers to be ready with all the weapons to fight against Bharatha, motivated them and everyone enthusiastically followed Guha. All of them were highly valorous and skilled on the battlefield. All of them were wielded in bow and arrow, mace, spear, axe, etc.. They were highly experienced in the sword fight, performed their magic acts.  All those warriors wielded in the weapons they are experienced stood in groups and bow down before their chief Guha. He called their names and congratulated their skills, and praised them. The warriors spoke “Oh! Prabho, we will not leave the enemies, or their horses to enter waterways with the grace of Lord Rama. We will not step back till our lives lingering on us; we will spread the corpse of the enemies on the Earth.” The announcement for the war was about to begin, instantly a warrior on his left sneezed, an elderly one advised, it is a good omen, therefore, it is not advisable to battle against Bharatha without knowing his intention or his nature, it is foolish to fight against him and bring afflictions to their own clan, immediately they have put down their weapons. Guha instructed them to close the waterways, decided to have a peace talk and understand the intention of Bharatha’s visit to the forest. Guha collected an abundance of fruits and fiber roots in several cane baskets, and moved to Bharatha for a peace talk, on his way Guha could experience various auspicious omens.

Guha stood far from preceptor Vashishta and prostrated before him and introduced him as the chief of tribes. Sage Vashishta informed Bharatha about Guha who is the sincere companion of Rama in the forest, soon Bharatha got out of the chariot and rushed towards Guha who introduced his clan, caste, and name to Bharatha and prostrated before him was raised and embraced affectionately. Bharatha felt it was Lakshman before him, could not control his love for his brother. Bharatha received Guha with intense love; the villagers praised Bharatha watching his humility, compassion, and kindness.  The deities showered flower upon Bharatha and praised “ Guha from tribal clan whose shadow itself is impure, according to Veda and Shastra, but Bharatha did not take notice of his clan, embraced him affectionately. People who relentlessly recite the name of Rama would get rid of all the sins, Guha was embraced by Rama, in this way he and his family and his people have achieved the highest of the piousness. The river Karmanasha is a cursed one, confluence with Ganga at a certain point, who’s not willing to adore that water on their head? The entire world knows that Sage Valmiki who recited the sacred name of Rama as Ma Ra and became respectable like Bhrama. The people who were born in the lowly caste of Chandala,  Beela, Gasi, Yavana, Kola, Kiratha recites the names of Rama and achieves purity and eminence, and it is happening in several Yugas now, therefore nothing to get surprised. Who is not achieved the highest of the piousness with their devotion to Raghuveera?” In this way, the deities praised the significance of the sacred names of Rama.

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

Chapter – 32– Ayodhya Kandam

Bharatha's journey to the forest

The ministers, preceptors and the prominent people of Ayodhya highly appreciated Bharatha for his pure love for Rama, his nectar-like words impressed everyone, listening to the marvelous speech of Bharatha worked like an herb, capable to remove the toxic poison, and it was like sacred Manthra/Beejakshara for the people of Ayodhya who were already besieged with the pain of separation from Rama.  All the people assembled in the hall were become too emotional, watching the pure love and affection of Bharatha to his elder brother; they repeatedly praised Bharatha and spoke “Oh! Bharatha, you are the essence of love for Rama, Oh! Dear Bharatha, it is not surprising to watch you like this, because you are dear than life for Rama. Whoever mistake you or abandon you for the wickedness of your mother, they will live with their ancestors in the hell for crores of  Kalpa. The gem of a serpent won’t get blemished for the sin committed by the serpent; instead, it would cure all the miseries, poison, poverty, and the sufferings. Oh! Bharatha, you have brought a brilliant idea before the assembly, we all will go to the forest where Rama lives, you have given an idea which would help us to get relieved from the ocean of grief.”

Everyone in the assembly felt extremely happy like the Chathaka bird and peacock, and decided to leave on the next morning, they collectively replied “Bharatha is extremely fortune’, the members of the assembly bow down before the preceptor, and bade farewell to Bharatha. Thus they have begun the preparation to leave to the forest, their love and respect for Bharatha multiplied, all the villagers made arrangements for their journey, and the people who were appointed to look after the homes and palace felt disappointed, none has the opinion to stay back in the village, everyone wants to attain the fruitfulness of their life to meet Rama. They do not want to stay back and take care of their wealth, properties or possessions, families, friends, parents, or children.  They are collectively replied “We do not bother about our wealth or family; it has no use without the grace of Rama.”

All the homes in the city of Ayodhya had their own vehicle ready to leave to the forest; they were impatiently waiting for the dawn. Bharatha returned to his fortress and immersed in thoughts “The kingdom, cities, wealth, horses, elephants, palace, etc. are belongs to Raghupathi, I cannot leave them like that, I should keep them protected, otherwise, it would be an irresponsible act against Rama, that would be equal to grave sin, I should be a sincere servant to Rama and always look for the welfare of him.” Bharatha immediately called out for his sincere servants who do not change their minds not even in their dreams. They were righteous and honest, Bharatha taught them Dharma and given thorough instruction to keep the Kingdom safe in his absence advised taking care of the treasures of the palace, in this way he made arrangements for the safety of the wealth, kingdom, and possessions of Rama.  Bharatha returned to his mother’s fortress, found them in grief, further he went to make arrangements for the palanquin for the members of the family to travel to the forest. The people of the city of Ayodhya were like Chakravaha, waited for the crack of light, they did not sleep the whole night.

Bharatha called for highly intelligent ministers and informed: “Kindly make all the arrangements for the coronation ceremony, Sage Vashishta would perform the rite in the wood and get you ready for the journey.” The ministers arranged several thousand chariots, palanquins, horses, elephants, etc. Sage Vashishta with his chaste wife Devi Arundhathi, with all those Mangaladhravya for the coronation ceremony, seated in the first palanquin, the ascetics, illustrious Rishis, Sages, and several twice-born settled in the different palanquin, Queens took a seat in the magnificent palanquin, the people of Ayodhya got into their own vehicles and set to Chitrakoot. The kingdom and the treasures were left under the safe custodian of the righteous attendants, Bharatha and Lakshmana contemplating upon the lotus feet of Rama and Devi Sita got in the procession. The huge procession of the people of Ayodhya traveled through the dense forest has the resemblance that the male and female elephants chasing to quench their thirst. Bharatha and Shathrughna remembered Rama and Sita’s life in the forest without even sandals to protect their feet; they immediately got out of the chariot and walked through the rough pathways, watching their love and respect for Rama, the people abandoned their vehicles and followed Bharatha and Shathrughna. Devi Kausalya’s palanquin moved closer to Bharatha, and Devi called out Bharatha affectionately “Oh! Dear child, kindly get into the chariot, you are dear as my life, and otherwise, all those people following you were find it difficult to move forward. If you walk, all of them would follow you, they are already emaciated with the grief, and therefore they are not fit to walk on the rough pathways to the forest.” Bharatha sincerely prostrated at the feet of mother Kausalya and got into the chariot.