||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 48– Ayodhya Kandam

 

 Devi Sunayana's meeting with the Queens of Ayodhya

In this way, four days have passed, the people assembled were took great pleasure in the company of Rama and the preceptors. They all had one thought in mind “It is impossible to return to the Kingdom without Rama and Sita.  Hence, living in the wood with Rama and Sita only could provide the happiness that excels the crores of happiness in Amaravathi. Whoever prefers to live without Rama, Sita and Lakshman would never have a good fate. It is the grace of the Lord we have got the fortune to be with Rama.”  They all took bath in Mandhakini thrice a day, they have visited Rama who is the source of happiness and auspiciousness, they have visited the Kamadhagiri Parvath and surrounding woods, and the hermitage of Maharishis, consuming the fruits that have the taste of nectar. They have already made up their mind living in the woods for fourteen years in the presence of Rama would provide them an abundance of happiness. They all were highly devoted at the feet of Raghuvara and thought “it is impossible to get that happiness in our lives permanently, we are not fortunate enough to have that blissful life forever.”

 

Devi Sunayana sends her female attendants to find the three queens are having leisure hours and found that it was the right time to make a visit and converse with them. Devi Sunayana and the elderly women of the palace of Vidheha were received with great respect by the mothers-in-law of Sita.  They were received appropriate seats and shared extreme love and compassion with each other; it would melt the hardest of Vajra. They resembled the kindness took the form of the females and stood like statues of love for Rama and Sita. Devi Sunayana spoke “ Oh! Devi, destiny is indescribable and unique. We could seek crow, pelican, owl, everywhere but it is difficult to find Swans, which could be seen in Manasaras only.” Devi Sumithra spoke in extreme grief “It is not the fault of anyone, our happiness and sorrows are predestined according to our Karma. God only knows the sharp destiny; he is the one providing the fruits of Karma of Jeeva. He is responsible to all, he is the one giving life and taking it back, he is the one responsible for Shrishti – Sthithi and Laya. Oh! Devi, it is meaningless to grieve over things. The deeds of destiny are indescribable and endless, we are grieving over the death of the King because of our personal interest on him.” Devi Sunayana replied “ Oh! Devi, your intelligent words are true, you are the queen of the Ayodhyapathi who is Punyathma. Even if Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita are live in woods, there won’t be any harm.” Devi Kausalya spoke “I am worried about Bharatha only. It is the blessings of the deities, and you, my sons, and daughters-in-law are pure like the Devanadhi Ganga. Oh! Sakhi, I shall tell you the truth, it is Bharatha’s love, compassion, kindness, sincerity, nobleness, virtues, simplicity, love for brothers, devotion, trust, and goodness cannot be praised even by Devi Sharadha. I always consider Bharatha as the earthen lamp in the clan of Surya, I have heard it several times from King Dhasharatha, like the quality of the precious metal can be understood by rubbing it on the stone, a gem trader knows the qualities of it, the nature of a person can be well understood during the hours of crisis, a person who is drenched in sorrows and love cannot speak sensibly.” The queens assembled were shed tears listening to the words of Devi Kausalya, which are pure and sacred as waters of Ganga.

 

Devi Kausalya began to speak “Oh! Devi, Midhileshi, you have King Janaka who is the ocean of wisdom with you, therefore whenever you speak to the King, kindly ask him to advice Lakshmana to return to Ayodhya, and send Bharatha with Rama and Sita to the forest, if you and the King find it's advisable kindly do the needful. I am extremely anxious about Bharatha, it is difficult to understand the heart of Bharatha, I am scared of him, if he stays back without Rama, and he may commit something unpleasant.” All the queens felt stunned watching the brimming love of Devi Kausalya for Bharatha, they did not utter a word due to the sudden rush of emotions, and deities showered flowers praising the nobility of Devi Kausalya. The Siddhas, Yogis, and Sages sunk in a deep state of bliss, all those women in the hermitage became speechless, Devi Sumithra spoke: “Devi, the one Yama/period or portion, in the night is already over.” Devi Kausalya stood before the women assembled and with folded hands began to speak pleasantly “Kindly return back to your residing place; we are taking refugee at the feet of Supreme Lord and most promising Midhilapathi.” Devi Sunayana listening to the most pleasing words of Kausalya, prostrated before her and touched her feet, and spoke “Oh! Devi, you are the wife of valorous King Dhasharatha and virtuous son Rama, your simplicity is beyond words. It is the nature of noble souls, they show great respect to their servant too, like the flame carries fumes on its head, the mountain gives space for the grass to grow on its peak. Kin Janaka is your sincere servant by heart, words, and deeds. Lord Maheshwara and Goddess Bhavani are your favorite deities, therefore who is qualified to help you in this world? A simple earthen lamp cannot help Lord Surya. Oh! Devi, Ram will finish fourteen years of Vanavasa, and fulfill all the desires of the deities, and return to Ayodhya and rule his kingdom. Rama will rule the Kindom of Ayodhya, and the Naga, Deva, and Humans will live a protected and happy life under his regime. These are already prophesied by Maharishi Yajjavalkhya, Oh! Devi, the prediction of a Sage won’t go waste.”

 

Devi Sunaya fallen at the feet of Devi Kausalya and asked her permission to take Devi Sita with her, thus, Devi Sunayana took her daughter to the place of her stay. King Janaka received permission from Sage Vashishta and left the hermitage of Rama. Devi Sita met all her people, watching her in saffron robes, all of them became gloomy. King Janaka embraced her daughter who is the abode of love, happiness, and peace. Devi Sita could not control her emotions watching the brimming love of her parents; soon Bhoomiputhri regained her courage and remembered her Dharma, duties, and responsibilities. King Janaka spoke affectionately “Oh! Putri, you have purified the two clans, your fame excelled the Devanadhi Ganga, which spread Koti Bhramanda. Devi Ganga attained fame in three places on the Earth, in Haridwar, Prayaga, and Gangasagar, but your fame has spread all over the hearts of saintly men and ascetics.” King Janaka who was soaked in extreme love for his daughter highly praised her; she became too shy listening to him. They embraced her, blessed her, and advised her. Devi Sita felt it is not advisable to stay that night with her parents, Devi Sunayana conveyed her message to King Janaka. They praised Devi Sita, embraced her, and bade farewell to her. Devi Sunayana took this opportunity to explain about Bharatha’s pitiable state and Devi Kausalya’s anxiousness about him.

||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 47– Ayodhya Kandam

 

The meeting of Rama with King Janaka in the woods

Raghunatha followed by his brothers, ministers, preceptors and the people of Ayodhya went to receive King Janaka, preceptor Shathanandha, and the queens. King Janaka got out of the chariot and hurried to Rama and bow down before him, he had no exhaustion of long hours of journey, and he was highly enthusiastic to meet Rama and Vaidhehi. King Janaka with his family moved towards the crowd, Janaka prostrated before the preceptors Vamadeva and Vashishta, and saintly men, twice-born and ascetics, and reverentially greeted people of Ayodhya. Raghunandan prostrated before the twice-born, Rishis and Sages, preceptors of Vidheha. Rama with his brothers courteously received King Janaka and his family to the hermitage.

 

The hermitage of Rama resembled the ocean of Rishis, sages, ascetics, King Janaka and his people were the resembled the compassionate watercourses that rush to merges in the ocean, the watercourses brimming with the Gnana and Vairagya merged in the ocean of Saintly men. There was grief, the sigh of despair, cries, fear, and trepidations, like swivel was clearly visible in the watercourses, there was highly intellectuals and preceptors like ferries were waited to save them from the trepidations of the people.   The Kolas and Kirathas were distressed watching the gloominess in the atmosphere, thus the water-courses merged in the ocean.  The hermitage of Rama filled with the grief, everyone lost their courage, and they all praised the valor and splendor of King Dhasharatha and grieved at his loss. Janaka was inconsolable, the Siddhas and ascetics watched the miserable state of King Janaka who was brokenhearted over the death of King Dhasharatha. There were ascetics pacifying the people who wept bitterly, and Sage Vashishta approached King Janaka and consoled him.

 

King Janaka who is highly scholarly like the brilliance of Surya removes the darkness of ignorance, and the lustrous sun causes the blossoming knowledge was besieged with sorrow due to his overflowing love for Rama and Sita. There are two kinds of people as described in the Veda 1) people who are soaked in worldly matters and bondage 2) people who have the knowledge of Paramarththa/Sadhaka 3) Intellectuals who are free from worldly matters and bondages. The person who has intense love and devotion at the feet of Rama is considered as highly respectable among the Sadhus. The knowledge without the devotion at the feet of Rama is like a ferry without the man to drive in it. Sage Vashishta advised Vidheharaja and elevated him from the sorrow.   They have taken a dip in Devanadhi where Rama took bath, all the male and females were drenched in grief, and they spend the day not even drinking water, surprisingly the animals were fasting, therefore nothing to talk about the people of Ayodhya.

 

The people who are arrived from Mithila and Ayodhya, for the achievement of Laukika and Paramarththa, reverentially seated before the twice-born, preceptors of both the clans, who conducted lectures on Dharma, Neethi, Virakthi, and Viveka, etc. Sage Vishwamithra explained various legends from scriptures appropriate for the situation and elevated their souls. Raghunatha spoke to Kaushika “Oh! Swami, all are fasting from yesterday, not even consumed a drop of water.” Kaushika said “It was true, Raghava is right it is already mid-noon,” King Janaka spoke “It is advisable not to eat any grains during this period of time.” They all went to have a bath in Devanadhi after receiving permission from preceptors. The Vanavasis brought loads of fruits and fiber roots for the people of Ayodhya and Mithila. The wood was providing an abundance of fiber roots and fruits for them, and the very sight of its stunning appearance removed the grief of the people. The streams, watercourses, and ponds were brimming with water, trees and creepers were overburdened with fruits and flowers, the birds were producing chirping sounds, and the honey bees were buzzing all over the woods, the whole of wood was filled in the happiness. The cool breezing carrying rich fragrance removed their exhaustion; the beauty of the wood was beyond description. It was like Mother Earth was serving King Janaka and her guests enthusiastically. They all had a bath in Devanadhi and set out for searching shelter places under huge trees. Sage Vashishta instructed the tribes to offer various beautiful fruits that have the taste of nectar to their guests in huge baskets. They worshiped Pithrus, deities, Guru, and guests, and consumed the fruits.

||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.