Chapter
17(b)
The Brothers meet
The
monks who had gathered were delighted to hear these words
from the Prince. Bharadwaja told him, "Son! Do not grieve
any more. The moment your eyes fall on the Lotus Feet of
Rama the burden of grief which torments you now is
certain to disintegrate and disappear." The ascetics too
consoled and comforted him in various ways. Meanwhile,
the Great Sage Bharadwaja beckoned a pupil and directed
him to bring roots, tubers and fruits to be placed before
Bharatha and Satrughna. He also ordered his pupil to
arrange for the supply of food to the aides, the
ministers and courtiers, and the citizens of Ayodhya, all
of whom had borne uncomplainingly many a hardship on the
way in their eagerness to have the
Darsan of Rama,
and who were afflicted in mind by the agony of separation
from their beloved Lord.
Complying with that
order most reverentially, the pupil quickly offered
plentiful repast to every one who had come as guests. For
the Princes, Bharatha and Satrughna, their Families, the
Ministers and Courtiers, the Pundits and the Brahmins,
hospitality was arranged on an elaborate festive scale.
Everything was produced plentifully and perfectly,
through the ascetic's mysterious will-power itself.
Bharatha was filled with wonder.
But it must be said
that not only the two brothers, but the entire gathering
from Ayodhya looked upon the pomp and profusion as mere
trash! They were not charmed in the least. The scents,
the bouquets of fragrant flowers, the juicy fruits and
the attractive tasty dishes struck them with awe. The two
resplendent seats specially set up for Bharatha and
Satrughna defied all description.
When all was ready, the
Sage invited every one inside the specially erected Hall,
where they were to partake of the banquet. They entered
that marvel of beauty. The Royal Preceptor and his
consort were led to high seats reserved for them. The
queens too entered the place, covered and cordoned off
for their sake, and, bending under the weight of sorrow,
they too complied with the command of the
Sage.
At this time, the
bright-faced disciples of the Sage brought in the
brothers, Bharatha and Satrughna, with all due honour, in
accordance with the practice of that renowned Hermitage.
The young ascetics stood on both sides of the passage,
waving yak-tail whisks and reciting scriptural hymns.
They approached the magnificent seats set for them but,
as soon as they came near, they bowed their heads and
fell on the floor, in respectful obeisance. They took the
whisks from the hands of the pupils, and started waving
them reverentially, standing one on each side of the Lion
Thrones! They were adoring the thrones, instead of
sitting in them! All present were surprised at this
gesture, this homage offered to the empty
Thrones.
When the Sage invited
them to occupy the Thrones, Bharatha and Satrughna fell
at his feet and implored, "Master! These Thrones belong
to Sita and Rama, and not to us. We have no right for
them. In this holy hermitage, those two alone, Goddess
Lakshmi and Narayana,
have the title to sit on Lion Thrones. We are their
servants. Permit us to serve them thus". At this, the
ascetics and the entire assembly were thrilled with
joyous appreciation. They extolled among themselves the
immense depth of the devotion that the brothers had for
Rama. Tears of joy flowed from their eyes. The monks were
astounded at their faith and its
steadfastness.
The brothers offered
the elaborate fare that was brought as food to the
Thrones picturing in their minds the charming figures of
Sita and Rama, occupying them; a little while after, they
broke off small particles from the offered dishes and
placing them adoringly on their eyelids, they ate them as
sacramental food. The elders, ministers, aides and the
residents of Ayodhya craved pardon from the Sage
Bharadwaja for not partaking of the food, since, as they
said, they could not relish any food, overwhelmed as they
were by the agony of separation from Rama. They refused
to eat, for, they felt that the Darsan of Rama alone
could give them the sense of contentment. That was the
nectarine feast they yearned for. They were plunged in a
gloom as deep as the standard of the Sage's hospitality
was high. They said they were too engrossed in their
anxiety for the sight of Rama to entertain the idea of
food. The sage had finally to accede to their wish to be
left alone; he could not prevail upon them to sit down at
the feast.
Every one got ready to
start for the forest, even as early as the first
intimations of dawn. They prostrated before the Sage,
secured his blessings and his permission before they left
the hermitage. While the servants walked in advance
showing them the way, the palanquins and chariots
followed immediately after. Bharatha walked behind, with
his hand on the shoulder of the Chieftain of the
Nishadas, Guha. He appeared as the very Personification
of Fraternal Love and Devotion. He had no footwear to
guard against thorns and pebbles; he had no umbrella over
his head to guard him against the scorching sun. He did
not allow any one to hold one above him. He did not
permit any one to bring him footwear. But, the earth took
pity on him and transformed the path he trod, soft and
sweet. The wind comforted him, blowing cool and gentle,
all through the journey. The Sun drew a cloud between him
and itself.
They reached the bank
of the River Yamuna when evening fell. Throughout the
hours of night, boats were seen gathering near the bank
in countless numbers. Hence, at daybreak the entire mass
of people could ferry over at the same time! Then, they
finished their bath, and proceeded forward, after
prostrating before the holy river in reverential
gratitude.
Thenceforward, Bharatha
and Satrughna moved on in the robes of recluses, into
which they had changed. With them walked the Ministers,
the Companions of the Princes, and their aides, carrying
the pictures of Sita and Rama in their hearts. While on
the march, inhabitants of the villages on the way stood
in awe at the strange crowds that passed along; women who
where walking towards the river to bring water to their
homes placed the pots on the ground and stood stunned,
looking on the brothers, without even winking their eyes
for one moment. They wondered who they were and concluded
that they were the same two brothers, Rama and Lakshmana,
passing through that path again, this time, without the
Sita they had with them then, but accompanied by the
armed forces, the chariots, elephants, horses and foot
soldiers. They wondered where Sita could be at that time?
They searched for her amidst the moving mass, with eager
curiosity; and they shared their disappointment with
their friends in sad whispers.
"The other day, when we
saw Rama and Lakshmana, the brothers were shining with
the splendour of physical charm, youth, virtue and
intelligence. But, there is some sadness clouding the
faces of these two, and so, these might not be those who
passed this way that day," argued a woman in the group.
Their conversation was overheard by one of the spies of
the royal entourage, who reported it to
Bharatha.
Meanwhile, the women
came to know that they were the brothers of Rama, and
that they were proceeding to where Rama was, in order to
have darsan.
At this, one rough-natured woman burst into rage. She
exclaimed, "Ruling over the Empire that his father gave
him, look at this person, going to have Darsan of his
brother Rama, accompanied by the armed forces! Has he no
sense of shame?" she asked.
Another woman
interrupted her at this point. She said, "Sister, don't
say so. Our Emperor Dasaratha can never have, from his
loins children with hearts so hard. He must be going to
Rama with the various units of the armed forces, in order
to pray to Rama, and persuade him to return to Ayodhya,
and to take him back with Imperial Honours."
A third woman declared
her acceptance of this interpretation. She said, "Yes,
yes. Who knows which snake rests in which hole on the
earth? No one can pronounce on the nature of another. Who
can judge the feelings and motives that prompt others to
action. They may be of very high order, for aught we
know. But, Rama is the firm adherent of Truth. He will
not return to Ayodhya until the full term of fourteen
years is spent in exile, whoever might plead with him and
pray to him. This is my belief". She expressed her noble
sentiments in this manner.
The spies duly reported
the conversation of these village women to their Master,
Bharatha, and to Satrughna. They were delighted to know
that those unsophisticated women from the rural regions
had grasped the greatness of Rama to such an amazing
extent. Thus, they walked along listening to the
people's admiration for the virtues of Rama and for their
own humility and fraternal devotion. They were every
moment fixing their minds on Rama only.
Many Brahmins,
ascetics, monks and other holy men were encountered by
them as they walked on; they found that all whom they met
were engaged in the pleasant task of extolling Rama and
his virtues. On seeing them Bharatha prostrated before
them and inquired where they were coming from. When the
holy men struggled to master the surging waves of ecstasy
and at last succeeded in discovering their voices in
order to reply, Bharatha watched them in eager
expectancy. When they said they were returning after
having
Darsan of Sita,
Rama and Lakshmana, he and his brother fell flat on the
ground before them, and rose with tears of joy streaming
down their cheeks.
They said, "O, how
fortunate you are! Tell us, tell us how far are they?
Where are they?" They inquired about the health and
welfare of those holy men also, and learning from them
that they had to continue the journey for some distance
more, they decided to spend the night at the place where
they were.
As soon as dawn broke,
they discovered that they were quite near to the
Chitrakuta Peak; so, urged on by the yearning to meet
Rama, Lakshmana and Sita, the Mother, they continued the
journey, with redoubled haste. By about noon, they could
hear the murmur of the Mandakini River; they could see
clearly the Chitrakuta Peak.
The moment their eyes
discerned the Peak, the citizens of Ayodhya and the two
brothers prostrated on the ground, in reverence. Rising,
they walked forward, with renewed vigour. Those who were
too exhausted and had despaired of further exertion,
suddenly found that they had developed elephantine
resources of energy. They walked fast, without paying any
attention to their physical condition. Those who bore the
palanquins and trudged along on bleeding soles suddenly
found reinforcements of strength by cheering Jai, Jai,
and reciting the name, Rama, Rama, while they hastened
forward.
Even before the hour of
dawn that day, Rama had risen from sleep; he communicated
to Sita that his brother was coming into his
consciousness more often than on other days. At this,
Sita said, "Lord! You know that I do not get any dreams,
any a day. But this night I had a very wonderful dream! I
can even say it wasn't really a dream. I dreamt that
Bharatha and Satrughna had become frail and weak, as a
result of separation from you; I dreamt that, finding it
impossible to be in Ayodhya without you for a single
moment, they are coming to us, with, not only the people
of Ayodhya, but also the Queens Kausalya, Sumitra and
Kaikeyi." Tears gathered in her eyes while she was
describing the experience.
Rama called Lakshmana
near and told him, "Brother, you heard, didn't you, the
account of Sita's dream? This does not indicate good
tidings; for Sita saw all the others and I saw in my
dream only father, father alone, with no association or
relation with the rest of them. This strikes me as a bad
omen. Come! It is best we take a bath." Accordingly, the
three of them went to the river for the bath.
Just then, birds flew
across the sky in flocks; the northern region was
darkened by a thick cloud of dust. Many animals and birds
were scared into wild haste. Taking note of this unusual
occurrence, Lakshmana climbed a tree to find out the
reason.
He saw an army on the
move, with infantry, cavalry, chariotry and elephantry
advancing to where they were. He inferred that a king was
at their head. He informed Rama accordingly. Rama told
him that it was the dream of Sita coming true! He advised
that the best course would be to return quickly to the
'thatch' - the Parnasala.
Meanwhile, the Bhils,
the Kirathas and other tribesmen of the jungle ran into
the presence of Rama and gasped out the news that a
regular military force was advancing towards the spot and
that the chariot of the royal leader of the army had a
flag with the sign of the banyan tree upon it. Sita, Rama
and Lakshmana were confirmed in their inference that it
was no other than Bharatha who was coming towards them.
They had no more doubt on that point. By this time,
Lakshmana started quaking with anger. When coming to have
a darsan of Rama, why bring troops in full strength, he
argued. That vile woman, his mother, must have advised
him and he seems to have accepted her wicked stratagem,
to attack the lonely and unarmed Rama in his jungle
retreat and ensure that he does not return and reign, he
surmised. Lakshmana was well-nigh consumed by the flames
of anger that rose in him. His eyes were reduced to
red-hot coals. His words became sharp as sword-thrusts.
Rama realized the change that had come over him; he said,
"Lakshmana! Forbear! Don't be agitated. Be calm. Bharatha
is strong in virtue. His love is immeasurable. He adds
luster to the royal line of Ikshvaku, like the lotus to
the lake. It is not proper to cast aspersions on one so
pure, so immaculate and holy". Thus, describing the exact
nature of the motives and mind of Bharatha, Rama
succeeded in quietening Lakshmana's upsurge of anger.
Very soon, Bharatha himself sent word through some
forest-dwellers that he was seeking the
Darsan of Rama,
along with his brother Satrughna and their attendants and
followers. Rama felt glad when this happy news was
brought to him. Like lakes in late autumn, his lotus eyes
were filled with water.
All this happened while
Rama, Lakshmana and Sita were returning in haste to the
'thatch' after their hurried bath. Bharatha saw them when
they reached the cottage of grass. He was torn by agony.
He fell flat on the feet of Rama and sobbed aloud on the
ground. Lakshmana saw the anguish Bharatha experienced at
the separation from them; he realized that his estimate
of intentions was very wrong! He suffered terrible
contrition within himself; his head was bent by the
weight of sorrow; he shed profuse tears along with
Bharatha and Satrughna.
Rama raised his
brothers from the ground and sought to calm their
feelings and quieten their grief. Even while he was so
engaged, the Queens, Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi, and
the ministers, the Royal Preceptor Vasistha, the Pundits,
the Citizens, the members of the armed forces came near,
and were overcome by both grief and joy when they saw
Rama. Their sorrow when they looked on Rama in hermits'
robes by the side of the lowly hut could not be wiped out
by the joy at setting their eyes on their dearly beloved
Prince. They wailed and wept, shedding tears of grief and
gratitude. The cry, 'Rama! Rama!' that rose from their
torn hearts sped over the vast expanse of earth and
sky.
Rama spoke to them soft
and sweet and persuaded them to control their emotions;
then, he walked towards the mothers, but could not bear
to look on that picture of misfortune and misery. He
became aware of the calamity that had befallen, but he
soon consoled and comforted himself; he drew Lakshmana
near him and told him the fact. Feeling that it would be
better that Lakshmana be informed more fully, he
requested Sumanthra, the loyal Minister of the Line, to
relate to him the details and also the facts regarding
administration of Ayodhya. At this, Sumanthra fell down
unable to bear the burden of grief. Struggling to rise he
said amidst sobs, "Lakshmana! Where can we have Dasaratha
hereafter? He was reduced to ashes by the flames of
sorrow at being separated from Rama, Sita and you.
Ayodhya has become a jungle. Wherever you look, you see
only sorrow; whatever you hear, you hear only wailing.
Not merely men, even birds and animals cast off their
lives when you left. Those who survive are keeping alive
in the hope of your return." Hearing this, Lakshmana shed
streams of tears. He stood like a stump, unable to
reply.
The four brothers
meet
Without a word,
Lakshmana approached Rama, and told him in a faltering
voice, "I could not imagine, even in my dreams, that such
a terrible calamity would happen. We could not see our
father in his last moments." Rama consoled him, saying
that there was no profit in grieving over what has
already come to pass. "Physical bodies are as transient
as bubbles in water; they are bound to burst and
disappear, if not today, at least the day after," he
said. He gave expression to many a moral maxim, until
both the brothers went to the river, to finish the bath
ritually laid down when one hears of the death of those
who are near of kin.
Meanwhile, Sita went
towards her mothers-in-law, and touched their feet in
great reverence. She also prostrated before the feet of
the wife of the Royal Preceptor. She met the women who
had come from Ayodhya and with due consideration put them
at ease, by her sweet welcome. When their eyes fell upon
Sita, the Queens wept aloud. The womenfolk who had come
from Ayodhya saw the plight of their charming young
Princess and they were so overcome with sorrow that they
too could not desist from wailing. Coming to know that
Emperor Dasaratha had left the body, Sita prostrated
before the Queens again and again, saying: "Alas! What
great misfortune is ours! The Emperor gave up his life
because he could not bear separation from us!" Sita felt
that the news of Dasaratha's departure was as a
thunderbolt on her heart. She and the Queens wept for
long at the turn that events had taken. Every one that
day could not take either food or drink; they had no mind
for either. The entire day and night were spent in
sorrow.
When the sun rose
Vasishta directed Rama to perform the obsequies for the
departed father. They were carried out in strict
conformity with
Sastraic
injunctions. Since Sri Rama Himself uttered the mantra
sanctifying the waters, "May the holy waters of Ganga,
Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswathi, Narmada, Sindhu and Cauvery
come into this vessel and sanctify the water therein",
the ritual was rendered sacred and eminently
fruitful.
Thereafter, the
Preceptor, the Ministers of the Court, the Queens and the
citizens of Ayodhya spent two full days with Rama,
Lakshmana and Sita. At the end of the two days, Rama
approached the Preceptor, and said, "Master! Those
citizens and residents of Ayodhya are suffering very much
here, drinking nought else but water and eating nought
else but roots and tubers. Looking at Bharatha and
Satrughna and also on the Mothers, I feel every moment is
as long as an age. It is best you return to the City. You
are spending your time here; the Emperor has ascended to
heaven. It is not proper that I emphasize the urgency
more. Please act, as seems most beneficial." With these
words, Rama fell at the feet of Vasishta.
Vasishta replied,
"Rama! Lord of the Raghu dynasty! Why do you speak thus?
You have not realized how happy and contented these
people are, since they are fortunate enough to be looking
at your charm."
When the people heard
that Rama had requested them to return, each one of them
felt tossed into fear and despair, as a boat caught in a
hurricane in midsea. But, when they heard the Sage
Vasishta pleading on their behalf, they sailed smooth, as
the boat does, when a friendly breeze blows into its
sails. Their minds rejected the thought of returning to
Ayodhya, and giving up the fortunate chance of the bath,
three times a day, in the Mandakini River, living on the
sweet simple meal of fruits, roots and tubers gathered by
their own efforts from the forest and more than all,
filling their eyes with the pictures of Rama, Sita, and
Lakshmana and their ears with the edifying and exquisite
words of Rama.
Sita was engaged in
serving the mothers-in-law, anticipating their needs and
over-eager to serve. She consoled and comforted them; she
told them how she was spending her days happily in the
forest, lacking nothing, and she made them wonder at her
fortitude and skill. They were rendered happy at the
thought that she was able to derive so much joy under
such adverse conditions. They bore their own sorrow with
greater ease, when they saw how Sita was braving her
own.
Bharatha had not a wink
of sleep during the night, nor a pang of hunger during
the day. While the people were happy, looking on at the
face of Rama, Bharatha and Satrughna were filled with
misery, while they looked on at that face. They could not
bear it any longer; they approached Vasishta and fell at
his feet; they prayed to him to persuade Rama to return
to Ayodhya, with Sita. They pleaded with him most
earnestly expressing their agony in manifold ways. The
Preceptor knew only too well the strength of Rama's faith
in his ideals, the tenacity with which he stuck to his
sense of Truth, and his determination to carry out his
father's wishes. But, he was so moved by the sorrow of
Bharatha that nothing was left undone to persuade Rama to
return.
He called Rama to where
he was and said, "Rama! Listen to the prayers of
Bharatha. Conduct yourself in accordance with the wishes
of good men, the interests of the people, the principles
of politics and the directives of the
Vedas". Rama
recognized the affection that the Preceptor had towards
Bharatha that found expression in these words; he knew
that Bharatha would never deviate from the path of
righteousness, that he would carry out his directions
with full heart and in word, deed and thought and that he
would always follow his steps and strive for his welfare
and prosperity. He felt happy at this. So, he spoke
softly and sweetly a few auspicious sentences, in
response to the proposal made by the sage: "Master! You
are my witness, my father's feet are my witness. Let me
assert this: No one is so dear to me as my brother,
Lakshmana. No one has a brother in the world as dear as
Bharatha is to me. Those who are attached to the feet of
their preceptor are indeed really fortunate; you have
such affection and compassion on him; that is his great
treasure. He is younger than me, and so, I hesitate to
praise him in his presence. My opinion now is that
Bharatha should speak out his mind". Saying so, Rama
prostrated before Vasishta and took his seat.
Vasishta
turned towards Bharatha; for he could not reply direct to
Rama. He knew that Bharatha was to be 'Ruler'. He said,
"Give up all hesitations and doubts. Rama is your elder
brother; he has immeasurable compassion. Open your heart
to him; tell him all that you have in mind". Hearing
these words of the sage, he felt that Vasishta had probed
the mind of Rama and that both of them were inclined to
favour him and grant his desire. So, he was glad at the
turn of events.
Bharatha stood
motionless before them. Tears flowed from his eye, red
and bright like lotus petals. "The revered sage has told
Rama all that has to be said. What remains for me to add
specially to the appeal he has made on my behalf! I know
full well the nature of my Rama. He has no anger against
even wrong-doers. He has unbounded affection for me; I
cannot deny it. A sense of shame has made me silent while
I stand before him. But my affection makes me delighted
to look upon him; my eyes do not feel content, however
long they fix their gaze on him. God could not tolerate
my affection towards Rama; He could not bear to see so
much love between brother and brother. So, He designed
this distress, devising my mother herself as the
instrument to bring it about. I know that it does me no
credit or bring me any respect, if I say this. How can I
establish my superiority by placing the blame in my own
mother? When one proclaims himself innocent, can that
statement make him truly so? I am myself hesitating to
declare, because of my doubts that my mother is
feebleminded or that I am good and intelligent. I am
diffident to state so. Can pearls grow in the shells of
snails that infest tanks? Why should I blame others for
my sorrows? My misfortune is as vast as the Ocean. I know
that all this tragedy has happened as a consequence of
sins. I have been seeking a way of escaping from my
grief, through some means, along any of the four
quarters. I see now that there is one way out and only
one. My Preceptor is the great sage Vasishta; Sita and
Rama are my sovereign Rulers. Hence I am certain all will
be well with me. Lord! I do not wish for anything else:
Rama! Grant but this one wish of your servant. Rama,
Lakshmana, Bharatha and Satrughna are all four the
physical progeny of Emperor Dasaratha. So all four are
equally bound to obey the commands of their father. The
father has equal affection for all the sons. And, there
is no limitation or regulation that the commands of the
father must be obeyed by this one son or that other son.
You have borne the responsibility of obeying his
commands, thus far. Now, it is our turn to bear the
burden of exile; Sita, Rama and Lakshmana must return to
Ayodhya and we two shall be in the forest as exiles until
the sentence lapses. Confer on us this boon and bless
us." Thus saying, Bharatha fell at the Feet of
Rama.
Listening to this
prayer of Bharatha, Vasishta shed tears of joy. Rama was
not taken in by this argument. He said, "Bharatha! I feel
that your line of thought is not as valid as you seem to
think. It is not correct so to act. Ask me for anything
except this." Bharatha replied, "In that case, brother,
allow me and my brother to be with you here and serve
you, as Lakshmana has been doing. This will then be a
wholly satisfying holy life for us." Rama did not accept
even this prayer.
He said, "Bharatha! For
me as well as you, the commands of the father are
unbreakable; we have to bow our heads in reverence before
them, and carry them out without the least murmur. The
most appropriate action for us all is that I should
follow the orders issued to me and that you should follow
the orders issued to you. let us not spend precious days
in such purposeless talk and cause distress to the people
who have come such long distances hoping against hope.
Return to Ayodhya that has been allotted to you with them
and rule them righteously. I shall carry out the task
allotted to me and act righteously guarding and fostering
the forest realm assigned to me." Neither Bharatha nor
any one else could meet this decisive statement of Rama
with any counter proposal or argument. They had to accept
it as the right path to take.
contents
of this Vahini
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