||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

Chapter – 46– Ayodhya Kandam

The devotion of the people of Ayodhya to Rama/Arrival of King Janaka to the wood

The deities showered flowers listening to the most appropriate words of Bharatha, the people of Ayodhya became restless, the preceptors, sages, Rishis and Vanavasis, became happy, Rama who is reticent to speak, kept silence. The people of Ayodhya became anxious watching the silence of Raghunatha. At that moment the emissaries of King Janaka arrived, Sage Vashishta received them with great respect. They prostrated before the preceptors and Rama, they were extremely sad watching Rama in saffron robes, matted hair locks, and adorned in prayer beads. Sage Vashishta enquired “Is everything good with King of Vidheha?”, the emissaries prostrated before him and began to speak reluctantly “Oh! Swami, your affectionate enquires would definitely bring auspiciousness to all. Oh! Natha, our happiness has gone with the King of Kosala, his unexpected demise put the whole Universe into despair, and Kingdom of Ayodhya and Kingdom of Vidheha became an orphan in his absence. The people of Janakpuri are extremely distressed and grieving over the death of King Dhasharatha. Janakapathi is extremely grieving over the demise of the King and distraught like the serpent lost its precious gem. Devi Kaikeyi’s heartless verdict of Vanavasa of Rama and kingdom for Bharatha caused intense grief in the heart of Midhiladhipa.  He conducted a meeting of intellectuals, ministers, preceptors to discuss whether he should visit Ayodhya or not, but they could not make out a decision, therefore he sends four eminent emissaries to Ayodhya to find out the ultimate decision of Bharatha, by the time Bharatha had moved to Chitrakoot. The Mithilapathi, preceptor/Shathanandha, and queens are extremely.  They are pleased to listen to the sincerity, generosity, nobility, and devotion of Bharatha to Rama; they highly appreciated Bharatha for his noble deeds. Soon, Vidheharaja instructed his powerful army men to protect the palace, and city of Vidheha and started the journey with his people in an auspicious hour to the wood, there are several horses, elephants, and chariots arrived in the woods. They have arrived in Prayag in the morning, and they are crossing the sacred river Yamuna.  Oh! Swamis, King Janaka send us to inform the news of their arrival to you. ” They bow down before everyone assembled, Sage Vashishta advised few Kirathas to follow the emissaries of the King Janaka to bring them safely to the hermitage of Rama.

The people of Ayodhya became happy, and Raghunandhan was extremely anxious, and Devendra sunk in deep despair, Devi Kaikeyi was burning inside with extreme guilt, she could not express her grief, she did not find anyone to speak out her grief, the people of Ayodhya felt they could stay with Rama in the woods forever.  Thus, days have passed, people of Ayodhya went to take a dip in Devanadhi, and they conducted the worship of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Gauri, Lord Shiva, Lord Surya, and Lakshmipathi. They earnestly prayed with the tip of their clothes on their palms “Oh! Bhagavan, kindly make it possible to crown Rama as the King of Ayodhya and Devi Janaki as the Queen, and they happily live in Ayodhya, crown Bharatha as the prince of Ayodhya, Oh! Prabho, kindly make our prayers answered, let us take a dip in the nectar-like happiness and let us earn the fruitfulness in our lives. Oh! Bhagavan kindly blesses Rama to rule the Kingdom with his preceptors, ministers, and brothers. Kindly provide us the fortune to die witnessing Rama ruling the Kingdom of Ayodhya.”  The ascetics and saintly men were transported to a state of bliss listening to the sincere and affectionate prayers of the people of Ayodhya. The people of Ayodhya visited Rama and prostrated before him, Rama received them with great respect, they praised the virtues of Rama “ Rama who is the abode of beauty, virtues, wisdom, and generosity,  was too kind and most pleasing to the people of Ayodhya. We are fortunate to become part of the Ayodhya.” In this way, the people continued praising endless virtues of Rama, at that moment the news of arrival of Mithaladhipathi created an abrupt movement in the assembly, and in the crowd of the people, everyone rushed to receive King Janaka.

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 45– Ayodhya Kandam

Bharatha's marvelous speech before Rama

The people of Ayodhya shrunk in deep distress like the ice-covered lotus flowers. The illustrious Rishis and Sages described various legends from scriptures and elevated them from grief. Raghunandan who is a lustrous moon to the cluster of lotus flowers of Raghu clan spoke “Oh! Dear brother, you are unnecessarily putting yourself into grief, understand the destiny of the creatures are pre-written by the supreme Lord, you are the highly fortunate one, people who keep enmity to you will undergo afflictions on the Earth and in Paraloka as well. Whoever blames Devi Kaikeyi is dull-minded, never approached preceptor or saintly men in their lives. The recitation of your sacred names would remove all the fears of worldly existence, sins, and all inauspiciousness as well. The remembrance of your name would provide good fame while living on the Earth, and welfare in the afterlife. Oh! Bharatha, I promise on Lord Shiva, this Universe exists because of your righteousness and devotion, and it is the naked truth, Oh! Dear brother, do not put you into grief.  The sense of enmity and love cannot be forgotten, the birds and animals get closer to the saintly people, but when it approaches by a hunter it starts to flee away, therefore even the animals and birds clearly understand friends and enemies. It is nothing to talk about humans who are the storehouse of virtues and wisdom. Oh! Dear brother, I know you very well, but I am in dilemma, I have to follow the command of our father who left his mortal coil keeping his words to Mother Kaikeyi, I am liable to follow his command, I cannot disrespect his words, it would put me in deep distress. I am equally worried about you, moreover, my preceptor had given me the order, and I am willing to follow your instructions. Oh! Bharatha, tell me your wish with a pleasant face, I will follow your words.”

 

Lord Indra and deities got anxious, and worried about their welfare, and became restless. They heartily took shelter in Rama, they kept remembering Raghupathi who is Bhakthaparadheena, they remembered the legend of Ambareesha and Dhurvassa and put themselves into deep distress. They remembered supreme Lord took the form of Narahari to please the demon child Prahaladha, they felt discouraged and bet on their heads, and whispered to each other “Now, the deities welfare is in the hands of Bharatha. Rama always promising to his devotees, he never discourages them, therefore we can sincerely pray to Bharatha who is the sincere devotee of Rama.” Sage Bhrihaspathi said “It is appropriate, you all are highly fortunate, the devotion to the feet of Bharatha would bring all the auspiciousness and welfare. The worship of the devotee of Seethapathi is equivalent to the worship of hundreds of Kamadhenu. The worship of Bharatha would bring success to you, need not get grieve over things, and the supreme Lord will fulfill your desires. Oh! Devendra, Raghava is completely under the persuasion of Bharatha, see the splendor of Bharatha, therefore understand Bharatha is an image of Ramachandhra and worship him with intense devotion and faith.” The Supreme Lord who is Sarvantharyami listened to the conversation of Sage Bhrihaspathi and the deities became restless. Bharatha understood the graciousness of his elder brother and decided to follow his decisions; he remembered Seethapathi has showered an abundance of love and goodness to all, leaving his promises and austerities.

 

Bharatha stood with folded hands and spoke “Oh! Bhagavan, who is all-pervasive, resides as a soul in living beings, compassionate, ocean of mercy, my heart is completely relieved from grief, my preceptor and you are most promising to me. I have been haunted by my own redundant thoughts; I am responsible for all my grief. If anyone chooses the wrong path cannot put blame on Surya. It was my mother’s wickedness, my bad luck, destiny, and time had pushed me into deep distress. You have protected me with your usual pleasant nature because you are Ashrithavathsala. The Veda and scriptures eulogize your magnanimity, you are Kalpavrukhsa. Oh! Swami, your nature is independent, whoever takes shelter under the Kalpavruksha would get relieved from their sorrows, it never looks for the nature of the people, who ask for boon would attain the desired results, even if he is a King, or beggar, deceitful or virtuous.”

 

Bharatha continues “Oh! Karunakara, I have understood my preceptors, and my Prabhu Rama is most promising and kind to me, therefore all my anxiousness has gone, I do not have any misconceptions. Oh! Prabho, kindly do whatever you please to make us happy. A servant who sincerely serve his Master, leaving his comforts and greed, would attain piousness, he should not persuade Master for his personal motive, won’t be considered as a good servant. Oh! Prabhu, if you return to the city of the Ayodhya, all the people will get benefited. If we follow your instructions we will attain crores of piousness, it would bring Bhauthika and as well as Athmika/spiritual benefits to us, moreover it would provide all the auspiciousness and fortune to us. Oh! Prabho, Kindly do whatever you feel after listening to my request. Oh! Prabho we have brought all those necessary things for the performance of your coronation ceremony, kindly do the needful. Kindly order me to live in the woods with Shathrughna, and keep everyone happy and protected once again, or send our brothers to Ayodhya and I will accompany you in the forest or three brothers chooses to live in the forest, and you kindly return to Ayodhya with Devi Sita. Oh! Karunasagara, Oh! Prabho, kindly do whatever pleases you. Oh! Prabho, you have put all the heaviness on my shoulder, I have no knowledge of Neetishashtra or Dharmashasthra, all I have to say about my selfish interest, a grieving person cannot speak sensibly, even the shyness get shy watching him. Oh! Prabhu, I do not deserve your praise, Oh! Kripalu, I shall follow your orders, oh! Prabho, I promise on your lotus feet, I am speaking from my heart, and this is the only way to achieve Lokakshema. Oh! Prabhu, we all are ready to follow your command with pleasant heart, in this way the justice can be served and unexpected unrest can be removed.”

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 45– Ayodhya Kandam

The crucial meeting of Preceptors, ministers, prominent members with Rama in the forest

Bharatha, ministers, twice-born, and Rishis and Sages assembled before Sage Vashishta and Vamadeva listened to their speech which was highly admiring, and appropriate to the current situation and promising as well. They listened to the speeches of preceptors respectfully but could not put forward their notions; hence Bharatha broke the silence, with folded hands “Oh! Swami, there have been several thousand of illustrious rulers in the Surya clan, your compassionate grace would provide all the auspiciousness, and remove our grief, Oh! Swami, you are capable to change the destiny of your disciple, and none could change that. I am unfortunate one; you have asked my opinion about it.” Sage Vashishta highly pleased to watch the love and humility of Bharatha.

 

Sage Vashishta speaks “Oh! Thatha, you are right, everything becomes possible with the grace of Rama if anyone who is not devoted to Rama could not make it possible not even in their dreams. Therefore, I shall suggest Bharatha and Shathrughna undertake penance, and let Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana return to Ayodhya.” Bharatha and Shathrughna felt extremely happy at the decision of the preceptor, they were transported to a state of ecstasy, and it was like King Dhasharatha returned to life and performed the coronation ceremony of Rama. There were brilliant rays spread all over Bharatha and Shathrughna. The people of Ayodhya felt their loss is smaller than the gain. The queens felt they have served with happiness and grief together.

 

Bharatha spoke “Oh! Swami, whoever follow the words of preceptor would attain the piousness of serving the entire world; I am most willing to spend all my life in the woods. I have no other happiness, Rama and Sita are the knowers of all, resides as the soul in living beings. Oh! Swami, kindly fulfills our desire, and performs the coronation for Rama, and takes Rama, Sita, and Lakshman to Ayodhya.” The people assembled were highly praised the sincerity, devotion, and love of Bharatha.  The splendor of Bharatha was like a vast ocean, the mind of the preceptor was a helpless woman who was searching for a boat to cross that vast ocean. Baratha’s nobility is incomparable; ocean water cannot be compared with waters in the pond. Thus, preceptors, twice-born, Rishis and Sages, Bharatha, and Shathrughna returned to the hermitage of Rama.

 

Rama prostrated before Sage Vashishta and Vamadeva and received them with all respect, provided seats for all. Sage Vashishta began to speak “Oh! Rama, you are Sarvajja, wise, righteous, virtuous, and treasure house of righteousness and wisdom. You reside in everyone’s heart and witnesses it, you are the knower of all, we are grateful to you. People who are besieged with grief cannot speak sensibly, a gambler always looks for his opportunity to win.” Raghava replied “Oh! Swami, you can only resolve the problems; every one of us is ready to follow your instructions, and fulfill your desires, in this way we can attain fruitfulness in our lives. I shall earnestly follow all your commands and all your advice. Oh! Prabho, I feel fortunate to follow your advice sincerely.” Sage Vashishta speaks “Oh! Rama, you are truthful, I am overwhelmed with the love of Bharatha, my heart and mind goes with the love and devotion of Bharatha if you follow the desire of Bharatha, Lord Shiva is the witnesses, and everything will be auspicious. Therefore, Rama, carefully listen to the desires of Bharatha, after that we will arrive in a conclusion, later  you can discuss with the saintly people, about the people’s comment on it, and also consider the Raja Dharma, Veda, and the religion, and decide whatever is good for all.”

 

Rama became extremely happy watching the preceptor’s admiration on Bharatha who is righteous and felt proud to have Bharatha as a sincere attendant by word, mind, and deeds. Rama began to speak in a most pleasing manner “ Prabho, I swear on you and at the feet of my father, there is no brother like Bharatha in this Universe. A person who have sincere devotion at the feet of the preceptor is highly fortunate, is praised by Veda and society. It is impossible to describe the virtues of Bharatha, whatever he says would be good for all.” Rama kept silent for a while. Maharishi Vashishta instructed Bharatha to speak whatever he wants to convey to Rama who is Kripasindhu.  Bharatha became happy to know that his preceptor and elder brother is most promising to him, his eyes filled in tears; he felt that carrying a heavy burden on his shoulders was not letting him speak freely.

 

 

Bharatha spoke “Prabho, our preceptor has given permission to speak whatever I was intended, I have no words to utter, I am aware of your compassionate nature, and you will not get angry not even to your enemies. I am confident that you have special consideration and grace on me. I have not seen my brother getting angry while playing together; I have not left his company from childhood days. He never hurt us by words or deeds; he does not want to defeat me not even in the sports. I have not opened my mouth due to extreme love and respect for my brother, I always wanted to be with my brother and my eyes will never get satisfied with his Dharshan, my destiny is against my wish. God has put us on a test, in the form of my mother, actually, it is wrong to pronounce it in the assembly. It is wrong to reveal my innocence and prove my mother as the culprit; I am unfortunate like the unfathomable ocean. I am not trying to count my sins and blaming my mother and put her in grief. I have no other way to get out of the grief, you are my Master, and Devi Sita and Lakshman are my preceptors.  In this auspicious land, among the assembly of ministers, preceptors, twice-born, and my mother’s I pronounce that Rama knows everything in my heart, and he knows whether I am true or not. The whole world knows that King Dhasharatha died of his extreme love for Rama, and the wickedness of my mother Kaikeyi. It is difficult to watch the pathetic state of my mothers in the absence of my father. The people of Ayodhya emaciated in deep grief, and all of them believe that I was the cause for all the troubles, and the reason for abandoning the Kingdom of Ayodhya, with Devi Sita, and Lakshmana without even sandals to protect your feet. I have gone through intense grief, Lord Shiva knows it all. My heart did not break after watching the love and affection of Nishadharaja to you. I have seen all that painful things with these eyes, and as long as I am alive it would bring afflictions to me, even the toxic serpents, and scorpions forget their venom and anger while watching Rama, Sita, and Lakshman. It is fair that the supreme Lord heaved me to afflictions because I am the son of Kaikeyi who is considered Rama, Sita, and Lakshman as her enemies.” Everyone assembled was shed tears listening to the painful, sensible, affectionate, and humble words of Bharatha.

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

Chapter – 44– Ayodhya Kandam

The blissful life of people of Ayodhya in the woods

On the next day morning, Prabhu who removes the sins of Jeeva like Surya took a dip in Devanadhi Ganga, and sincerely followed the instructions of Sage Vashishta and Vamadeva, performed all the ancestral rites, according to the Veda, in this way the Prabu who burn the accumulated sins of the Jeeva and the sacred river Ganga purifies the Jeeva, he performed all the final rites of his father. The people of Ayodhya spend days and night around the hermitage of Prabhu, after two days, Rama pleasantly spoke to the preceptor “Oh! Swami,  I am watching the people of Ayodhya are having a difficult time living in the woods, consuming fruits and fiber roots and drinking water from the river. Whenever I see Bharatha, Shathrughna, mothers, and ministers I feel each second as Yuga, therefore kindly return to Ayodhya with everyone. It is not advisable to leave the Kingdom in our father’s absence, kindly forgive my words. Oh! Swami, you can do as you wish.”

Sage Vashishta speaks “Oh! Rama who symbolizes righteousness, it is nothing wrong the way you speak, let these people live with you for another two days and get themselves relieved from sorrows of separation from you, keep themselves blissful and serene in your presence.” The people of Ayodhya came to know about Rama’s decision to send them back to Ayodhya, they shattered, like passengers caught in a ferry in the middle of the ocean battered by the heavy downpour. The promising words of Sage Vashishta provided them coolness of the breeze. They took a dip in the Payasvini thrice a day, and prostrated before Rama and took his Dharshan at their heart’s content. In this way, they have got rid of grief and went to explore in the beautiful woods packed with the auspicious trees, there were several watercourses carrying crystal clear waters, there was a cool and highly fragrant breeze, removed the Thapathraya of the people. There were several trees, shrubs, creepers, grasses, varieties of flowers and fruits, the entire wood was marvelous and beyond words. The ponds were filled with the lotus flowers,  packed in several species of water birds, buzzing sounds of a pack of honey bees, several types of birds and animals, were lived in complete harmony.

The tribes of Kiratha, and Kola, served the people of Ayodhya with honey, fruits, fiber roots, sprouted grains in vessels made of leaves, they were explaining the nature of the fruits and its goodness, etc. In this way, they have received their guests with great respect. The money offered to them was refused with respect, and all they wanted devotion to Rama, “You all are highly fortunate to be with Rama, we are lowly clan, and it was the grace of Rama we could serve you. Rama showered an abundance of grace upon Nishadharaja, we want to be a part of the blessings of Rama, kindly consider us as devotees of Rama and shower your grace upon us, kindly accept those fruits, and fiber roots and shower your blessings on us. You all are our lovely guests in the forest, but we are unfortunate to serve you all, we have born in the untouchable clan. Oh! Swami, what would we offer to you? We have wooden pieces and leaves with us. We will not steal your clothes or vessels. We were cruel people take pleasure in killing animals; we have born in the lowly clan, wicked, cruel, and deceitful.  We were engaged in sins day and night; still, we did not get clothes to cover our body or food to retreat our hunger. We have attained righteousness in the presence of Raghunandhana.  We have got relieved from all those deceitful deeds from the day we have worshiped the lotus feet of Rama.” The people of Ayodhya became emotional and praised them abundantly.

The people of Ayodhya praised the Beela and Kola tribes and felt extremely happy watching their devotion and love on Rama and Devi Sita. Tulsidas speaks it was the grace of Rama that made the iron ferry like the tribal people who constantly engaged in wicked deeds crossed the ocean of Samsara like the wooden ferry, with their devotion. The people of Ayodhya took great pleasure wandering all over the forest with the tribal people and enjoyed the stunning beauty of the wood, like the peacock and frogs, gets highly pleased with the first downpour. They have passed days like minutes, Devi Sita sincerely served her mothers-in-law, assuming her divine forms, she engaged in the service of them relentlessly, it was known to Rama, none of them realized it. Devi Sita is Maya of the supreme Lord.  The mothers-in-law were highly pleased with her service, blessed, and advised her. Devi Kaikeyi deeply regretted watching the love and affection of the Rama, Sita, and Lakshman. Devi Kaikeyi requested help from Mother Earth and Yama, but both of them could not give death to her.  Whoever disrespects Rama won’t attain even the hell, it is famous in scriptures, and Veda, even the intellectuals affirm it. There was only one apprehension lingered in them, it was will Ram return to Ayodhya or not?

Bharatha did not sleep in the night or hunger in the day, he was extremely anxious like the fish in the muddy pond worried about the scarcity of water. He thought “My mother has destroyed the peace in the family like the insects destroyed the fully grown crops when it was almost ready to cut off. How did the coronation ceremony of Rama take place? I am not seeing any way out of this problem, I hope he will follow the instructions of the preceptor and return to Ayodhya. But the preceptor will not compel Rama, he always looks for the wellness of Rama.  Definitely, Raghurama will return If Devi Kausalya compels him, but it is doubtful whether she would do that or not? I am a sincere servant; therefore he won’t take notice of my words. Moreover, I am an unfortunate one, and God is not in favor of me. If I compel Rama that would be considered as a grave sin, a servant has no right to do that.” Thus Bharatha kept thinking of various things, but none of them could give peace, in this way he spends the whole night without sleeping. It was early morning, Bharatha took dip in the Devanadhi, and prostrated before Rama, and took a seat with him.  Soon, the preceptor called for Bharatha, he rushed to meet the preceptor, prostrated before him and took a seat with his permission. Immediately the twice-born, Rishis and Sages and ministers took their seats around them.

Maharishi Vashishta spoke “Oh! Members of the assembly, Oh! Highly intelligent Bharatha, listen to me, King Rama the sun of the Surya clan is righteous, he is supreme Lord who is independent and eternal truth and he is the protector of Dharma and Veda. Rama’s birth is the cause of the auspiciousness in the Universe. He sincerely follows the commands of his preceptor, and parents, he is most promising to deities and destroyer of wickedness. None would know thoroughly about Neethi, Preethi, Paramarththa, and Swarththam like Rama.  The supreme Lord is all-pervasive, he has an influence on Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahseshwara, Dikpalaka, Sun, moon, Maya, Jeevathma, Karma, Kala, Yoga, Siddhi, Adhishesha, Kings, etc. he is eulogized by Veda, Vedanta, Shastra and Puranas. If we follow the instructions of Rama and respect his wishes, it would be highly auspicious for all of us. Oh! Intelligent ones, therefore take a joint decision, everyone has immense pleasure in performing the coronation ceremony of Rama. It is the source of happiness and auspiciousness as well. Therefore all of you think about how to persuade Rama to come back to the Kingdom of Ayodhya and let me know. We will do that accordingly.”

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 43– Ayodhya Kandam

 Devi Sita's meeting with her mothers-in-law

Guha prostrated before them and with folded hands spoke “ Oh! Swami, all the people of Ayodhya, your mothers, warriors, attendants are besieged with the sorrow of separation from you, they all are staying with Munishwara, Sage Vashishta.” Rama ordered Shathrughnato be seated with Devi Sita and rushed to invite preceptor Sage Vashishta. Rama, Lakshmana, and Bharatha prostrated before Sage Vashishta, who embraced them and asked them to be seated next to him. As usual, Guha stood away from preceptor Vashishta and offered his humble obeisance, Rishis Vashishta embraced Guha knowing his that he is one of the dearest companions of Rama in the woods. The deities showered flowers watching the luck of Guha who attained the highest status with his devotion to Rama, they spoke highly about Guha who was born in lowly clan achieved the compassionate embrace of illustrious Sage Vashishta.

 

The Supreme Lord who is the ocean of mercy saw the people of Ayodhya, his beloved mothers, attendants, and the army of warriors are emaciated in deep grief, Rama and Lakshman went closer to them, embraced and removed their grief with the pleasant words, like the reflection of sun seen in the water, it was not a difficult task for that Prabhu to console the people assembled before him. All those people praised Nishadharaja and his fortune to be within the association of Rama, Lakshman, Bharatha, Shathrughna. Rama saw his mothers were shrunken in deep grief like the creepers covered in the ice. Rama went to meet Devi Kaikeyi, instantly he elevated her soul with his pleasant talks, and made her calm and serene. He prostrated before her and pacified her it was Kala/time, Karma/deeds, and Vidhi/destiny that caused all that happened in Ayodhya. Raghuvara went to meet Devi Kausalya and Devi Sumithra and spoke “Oh! My beloved Mothers, the Universe is under the command of the Supreme Lord, therefore do not blame anyone.”, as usual with his pleasant speech Rama removed their grief as well. Rama and Lakshmana went to meet the wives of Guru, and wives of twice-born, prostrated before them, and venerated them as Ganga and Gauri and attained their blessings.

 

Rama and Lakshmana prostrated before Devi Sumithra like a beggar achieved the treasure. They immersed in a state of ecstasy, they embraced Mother Kausalya and prostrated before her, she embraced them and kissed on their forehead, a poet cannot describe the love and bliss they have shared, and it was like a dumb cannot explain the taste of a sumptuous meal. Rama and Lakshmana reverentially requested preceptors to visit their hermitage. Thus, Rama and Lakshman along with the twice-born, ministers, queens, and preceptors, proceeded to the hermitage.

 

Devi Sita prostrated before Sage Vashishta and Vamadeva, and received blessings from them. She reverentially greeted the wife of Sage Vashishta, and Vamadeva and Viprapathnis, she prostrated before them, when Sita saw her mothers-in-law, Alas! She lost all her courage to face them, she closed her eyes tightly, and her beautiful eyes shed tears in extreme agony and embraced them. She prostrated before them, and affectionately led them inside the hermitage; everyone assembled blessed Devi Sita ‘Long live Rama and Sita! Lead a happy and married life”. Sage Vashishta watching Devi Sita and her mothers-in-law in a miserable state, given marvelous lectures from scriptures to pacify them, taught the Paramarththa to regain their courage. He explained the Swargaprapthi of King Dhasharatha. Raghunatha who is most valorous, could not bear the grief, the thought of King’s death at the separation from him made him even worse. Lakshmana, Devi Sita and the queens wept bitterly, Sage Vashishta pacified Rama. They all had a dip in Devanadhi, Rama did not consume the meal or not even water that day, and everyone undertook strict fasting on that day.

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 42– Ayodhya Kandam

 Bharatha's meeting with Rama

Bharatha saw the hill Chitrakoot where his beloved brother settled in the forest and felt the Mountain stood like a Tapasvi who undergoes strict austerities and penances, his eyes welled up in tears watching the hill. Immediately Nishadharaja rushed towards the mountain, climbed to the hilltop and in a loud voice he informed Bharatha “Oh! Prabho, look at those auspicious trees of Peepal, Jambu, Mango, Thamala etc. There is a huge Vatavruksha in the middle of those auspicious trees, it is full of red fruits, and fresh leaves, and spreading perfect shade is stunningly beautiful to watch. Those trees are on the riverbank of Payasvini, where Raghuvara’s hermitage is situated. In front of that beautiful hermitage, you could see shrubs of Tulsi, and various auspicious plants in the little garden of Devi Sita.  She has constructed a dais with her own hands, under the huge Vataruksha situated in front of the hermitage, where they sit and listen to the stories from Purana and scriptures, and discuss the lectures of Sages and Rishis in the woods on a regular basis.”

 

Bharatha shed tears of joy, looked around the trees, Bharatha and Guha prostrated before the trees and moved forward, Devi Sharada find a lack of words describes the devotion of them. They looked for the footprints of Rama closely and felt happy like they have achieved the precious Parasmani. They adorned the dust from the footprints of Rama, on their chest, eyes, and forehead, and felt happy as if they have met Rama personally. The birds and animals in the woods showered love and compassion watching the state of Bharatha who was drenched in intense devotion at the lotus feet of Rama. Guha forgot the ways to approach the hermitage of Rama, drenched in extreme happiness and love for the brothers. The deities guided them to the hermitage and showered flower upon them. The ascetics and Siddhas praised the love of Bharatha to Rama, and highly praised them. The Supreme Lord, who is the ocean of mercy, churned the unfathomable milky ocean of nectar of love like Bharatha for the deities, ascetics, Rishis, and Sages.  Lakshmana could not see Bharatha, Shatrughna, and Guha in the wilderness of the forest, but Bharatha could see the auspicious and beautiful hermitage of Rama. The moment they reached the vicinity of the hermitage, Bharatha forgot his pain and afflictions; it was like a Yogi attained the Paramarththa. Bharatha saw Lakshmana stood in front of Rama and affectionately answering his queries. He was attired in saffron robes and has matted hair locks; he was wielded in bow and arrow. Rama was seated on the raised platform under the Vatavruksha along with the Rishis and Sages, his dark cloud complexioned body was attired in saffron robes and has matted hair locks, and Devi Sita was seated next to him shone like Kamadeva and Devi Rathi in the saffron robes. Rama was wielded in bow and arrow, has a pleasant smile on his face that would take away all the troubles of the saints assembled. Rama and Sita were seated in the middle of the ascetics, Lakshman and Sages.  The pair Rama and Devi Sita have the appearance of Sachidhananda and Bhakti in the assembly of wisdom.

 

Bharatha could not control his happiness watching Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, he forgot all the troubles and pain of separation, fallen like a block of wood at the feet of Rama and cried out loudly “Oh! Swami, Oh! Natha, kindly protect me.” Lakshmana understood the rush of the love of Bharatha, he has that love for brother on one side and the duty and responsibility to his master Rama and Devi Sita. He did not welcome or unwelcome Bharatha, he stood firm without any movement, the state of mind of Lakshmana is describable only for intelligent poets. Lakshmana who was duty-bound touched the feet of Rama and said “ Raghunatha, Bharatha prostrating before you.” Srirama could not control the rush of emotions, abruptly raised form the seat leaving his upper clothing, and the bow and arrows, he affectionately carried Bharatha from the ground and embraced him tightly. The people who assembled were transported to a state of supreme ecstasy, watching the love of Rama and Bharatha. How did I describe that most beautiful moment? The deities alarmed watching the love of the two brothers; Sage Bhrihaspathi pacified them not to get worried about the meeting of Bharatha and Rama. The deities showered flowers upon Rama and Bharatha and praised their overwhelming love for each other. Rama embraced Shathrughna and met Guha, Bharatha embraced Lakshmana, in this way, and the four of them remained in the embrace of each other, the union of those four brothers spread intense happiness in the atmosphere.

 

Bharatha and Shathrughna prostrated before the Sages and Rishis assembled and received their blessings, they prostrated before Devi Sita, and dust from her feet adorned on their forehead, they repeatedly prostrated before that Jagathjanani, Jaganmatha, Paramba, Bhagavathi Devi Sita. She blessed them heartily, she was in a state of ecstasy, Bharatha and Shathrughna understood Jagathjanani is most promising, it removed their trepidations instantly, none of them spoke about the past unpleasant events took place in Ayodhya.

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

Chapter – 41– Ayodhya Kandam

Bharatha's journey to the hermitage of Rama in Chitrakoot

The deities highly praised Rama’s love and compassion towards Bharatha, and eulogized “Rama is an ocean of mercy, and incomparable, If Bharatha was not born who will protect the righteousness on the Earth? Oh! Raghunatha, you are the knower of all, you are thoroughly aware of the virtues of Bharatha, even the poets cannot sing in praise of the love between these brothers.” Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana felt immensely happy listening to the deities.

Bharatha took a dip in the river Mandakini and obtained the permission of preceptors, twice-born, sages and Rishis, and mothers to the hermitage of Rama. Thus Bharatha, Shathrughna, ministers, and Guha left to the place where the hermitage of Rama was situated.  All his way, Bharatha felt so embarrassed remembering his mother’s deeds, and sincerely prayed to Lord “Rama, Lakshmana and Sita should not leave the hermitage after hearing my arrival in Chitrakoot, Rama should not mistake me as I was a part of the wicked deed of my mother, I am definite that Rama will not abandon me, he will forgive my mistakes and sins. If he abandons me or accepts me, one thing is sure; his lotus feet are my safest asylum.  Rama is magnanimous, I have all the impurities, and definitely, he will forgive me.” Bharatha continued the journey through the woods, he was feeling weak due to anxiousness and embarrassment, his mother’s sin put pressure on his shoulders, did not let him walk forward, his intense devotion to Raghunatha, and courage made to walk further, the remembrance of Raghunatha increased the speed of his walk, he felt easy like the fly moving along with the flowing water. Nishadharaja closely watched the movements of Bharatha, felt happy to watch his intense love and respect for Rama; he forgot his exhaustion, and walked along with Bharatha. They have witnessed various auspicious omens; Nishadharaja spoke “Oh! Sakha, we will get rid of our grief very soon, but our happiness will be short-lived.” Bharatha understood the truth of Nishadharaja’s speech.   They entered into the dense wood and mountain hills, it was like serving a hungry with meals to Bharatha, instantly he got rid of the Thapathray/Adhibhauthika, Adhidheivika, and Adhyathmika, he felt relieved from the evil effects caused by the changes in the planetary positions, it was like the world recovered from an epidemic, it was like the people who lived well-protected under the regime of a righteous ruler.

As soon as Rama settled in the wood, the beauty and the richness of the woodlands multiplied, the stunning wood resembled the Kingdom, wisdom as the King and Vairagya as the minister, Yama, and Niyama as chief warriors ruled that Kingdom.   The Mount Chitrakoot resembled the palace, serenity, intellect, virtues become the queens in the palace, and in this way, the entire woodlands took shelter under the lotus feet of Rama and lived a blissful life. It conquered the lust and desires, and the King ruled wisely, therefore there was absolute bliss, happiness and welfare prevailed in the wood. There were several ascetics, Sages and Rishis lived in the woods, their hermitage resembled the village in the Kingdom.   The different species of birds and animals were the Praja of the woods.  The various animals, rabbits, deer, lion, tiger, elephants, buck, goat, bear, boar, ox, etc. enthusiastically wandered all over the woods in complete harmony, resembled Chathurangasena of the King. The streams and watercourses running down from the hills with melodious sounds, the untamed elephants produced the sounds of trumpets resembled Dhundhubi. The chirping sound of Cuckoo, Chathaka, Chakora, Parrots, was like pleasant music to ears enhances the happiness of the listeners. The honey bees were buzzing all around the fresh alluring flowers; the peacocks were performing marvelous dances, like the prosperity and festivities in the Kingdom. The trees and creepers were filled with rich fragrant flowers and fruits, the complete atmosphere in the woods have become highly auspicious and blissful.