Ayodhya Kandam

93. Bharatha at Chithrakuta

[Bharatha travelling with his army reaches the Chithrakuta Mountain. His army men after search locate a hut from which smoke was rising. Bharatha stopping his army there proceeds towards the hut along with elders.]

Seeing that great army marching in the furious elephants who were leaders of herds who were living in the forest ran off along with herds. 93.1

Bears and herds of dotted deer as well as antelopes could be seen in the stretches of forests, mountains and rivers. 93.2

The Dharmic Bharatha the dear son of Dasaratha proceeded surrounded by four divisions of the army creating lots of sound. 93.3

The army of that great soul Bharatha which resembled waves of ocean covered the earth like clouds in rainy season. 93.4

At that moment with large number of horses moving at a great speed along with elephants covered the earth and earth was not visible for some time. 93.5

The great Bharatha after travelling a long distance, finding the people carrying his palanquin were very tired, addressing the best of advisors told. 93.6

"After observing the topography of the place and matching it with what I heard from Bharadwaja, it is clear that we have reached our destination." 93.7

"That is the Chithrakuta mountain and this is the Mandakini river and at a distance we can see a forest shining like blue cloud." 93.8

"Now the pretty ridges of the Chithrakuta mountains are being trampled by elephants which look like mountains to me." 93.9

"The trees are shedding flowers on the mountain ridges, like the dense blue black clouds showering water at the end of summer." 93.10

"Oh Shatrugna, see this mountain occupied by Kinnaras and frequented by giant crocodiles as they exist in the ocean." 93.11

"The sight herds of deer swiftly running which were incited by the clamour resembled clouds of autumnal clouds being scattered by the wind." 93.12

"Like the people of south, the trees were adorned on their heads crown like adornments made of scented flowers, which looked like brilliant clouds." 93.13

"It appears to me that this silent forest is horrible looking like the town of Ayodhya thronged with crowds of people." 93.14

"While the dust raised by the hooves of horses in covering the forest, the wind is carrying it away and gives me pleasure." 93.15

"Oh Shatrugna, please notice that commanded by expert charioteers and drawn by the horses, these chariots are flying through the forest." 93.16

"See the peacocks which are delightful to look at are frightened and speedily entering their see their residences." 93.17

"This region is greatly charming and appears like a road to heaven and surely it is the abode of sages." 93.18

The he and she deer with several spots are moving about in the forest and they appear as if their hides are painted with flowers." 93.19

"Let the soldiers go in to the forest and search for those two tigers among men, Rama and Lakshmana in a proper way." 93.20

Hearing the words men well armed entered that forest and those people noticed a smoke there. 93.21

Seeing that column of smoke, they returned to Bharatha "In a place without men, fire cannot exist and it is clear that Rama is there." 93.22

"If it is not the son of the king, who is the destroyer of enemies, then it must be other saints, who are like Rama residing in the forest." 93.23

Bharatha, who kills the army of his enemies, hearing these words agreeable to the good people, addressing the entire army told. 93.24

"All of you stay here with alertness. Please do not go forward from here. I myself along with Sumanthra and our Guru Vasishta would go there." 93.25

"Hearing this all those assistants halted there and Bharatha intently saw the place where from the smoke was coming." 93.26

Being halted by Bharatha, the army started gazing in the space in their front and became happy because not long before they will rejoin with their beloved Rama. 93.27

This is the end of Ninety Third Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

94. Rama Shows Scenes of Chithrakuta to Sita

[Rama takes Sita round the Chithrakuta mountains and shows her round. He says that he enjoys his stay there.]

After that Rama who resembled the devas and who loved the forests and mountains, having lived in that mountain for quite a long time, with a desire to make Sita happy as well as to please himself started showing the wonderful Chithrakuta mountains to her like Indra did to Sachi Devi. 94.1-94.2

"Oh Auspicious Sita, when I see these pretty mountains, being banished from the kingdom or separation from friends does not pain my mind." 94.3

"Oh dear, you may please see this mountain which has large flocks of birds of different kinds and its peaks with minerals standing as if they are piercing the sky." 94.4

"Decorated by minerals, this king of the mountains, has some parts shining like silver, some areas with blood red colour, some sparkle with luster of gems, some shine like the flower of Ketaka plant and some areas shining like Mercury." 94.5-94.6

"This mountain which is blessed with several type of birds, has also many type of animals like tigers, panthers and bears which have given up their cruel nature." 94.7

This mountain is covered with several kinds of flowering trees and fruit trees, shady and enchanting, mango, rose-apples, Asanas, Lodhras, Priyalas, Jackfruit trees, Dhavas, Ankolas, lovely Tinisas, Bilva trees, Tinduka and bamboo, Kashmaya, Arishta and Varana, Madhukas, Tilaka trees, Badari and Myrobalan trees, Nipa trees, cane, Danvas, and pomegranate trees and this the mountain looks splendid." 94.8-94.10

"Oh pleasant lady, see the very dear Kinnaras in pairs on these mountain plateaus who cause thrill to those who see them." 94.11

"Please see the sporting retreats of pretty Vidhyadhara women, whose swords and best garments are hanging on trees." 94.12

"This mountain has streams running here and there and water springs sprouting from the earth which emits ichors like elephants and are shining." 94.13

"The breeze from the caves is carrying the fragrance which is produced by many types of flowers which satisfy the smell. Who will not be pleased with that?" 94.14

"Oh flawless one, even if I am to live many autumns here with you and Lakshmana, I will not be sad." 94.15

"Oh lovely one, I am enchanted by these peaks on the mountain crowded with several flowers and fruits as well as flocked by different type of birds." 94.16

"By living in this forest there are two advantages, discharge of the debt of dharma of my father and giving happiness to Bharatha." 94.17

"Oh Vaidehi are you enjoying seeing of various objects, along with me in this mountain which gives happiness to the mind and body?" 94.18

"My great grand fathers of olden times who are no more and who were royal sages used to say that for a king living in the forest is as tasty as nectar." 94.19

"Hundreds of very huge rocks of these mountains are shining in blue, black, yellow, white and red colours." 94.20

"Thousands of herbs of this king of the mountains, shine in the night with their own luster and look like flames of fire." 94.21

"Oh pretty one, some parts of the mountain look like dwellings. Some parts look like pretty gardens and some parts like a single rock." 94.22

"This Chithrakuta mountain appears as if it has arisen up by splitting the earth and its shining peaks looks auspicious from all directions." 94.23

"See those couches for lovers made by accumulation of Kushta, Sthagara, BHurja and Pannaga leaves over which lotus petals are spread." 94.24

"Oh lady, see those lotus garlands worn, crushed and cast aside by lovers and many fruits eaten by them and lying there." 94.25

"With its abundance of roots, flowers and water this mountain resembles Vasaukasara the capital city of Khubera, Nalini, the garden of Khubera and the land of Utharakuru." 94.26

"Oh lady, this time when I am able to wander along with you and Lakshmana and following the path of virtuous men, increases the dharma towards my clan and I shall obtain great pleasure of entertainment." 94.27

This is the end of Ninety Fourth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

95. Mandakini River

[Rama then takes Sita, near the river Mandakini and shows her round the pretty scenes. He says that this place is better than Ayodhya.]

Afterwards getting down from the mountain, Rama showed Sita the charming auspicious water of river Mandakini. 95.1

The lotus eyed Rama told the broad hipped daughter of king of Videha who had a pretty full moon like face. 95.2

"Look at this Mandakini with varied type of sand banks, lotus flowers and see the Geese and swans swimming in it." 95.3

"See this sparkling river with trees laden with fruits and flowers growing everywhere on its banks resembling the lake Nalini of the king of kings." 95.4

"Just now the water has been drunk by herds of deer, descending in to the river through landing places and making it turbid and this gives me great pleasure." 95.5

"Darling, the sages adorned with matted locks, wearing skin and bark as upper cloth are immersing in river Mandakini at the appointed time." 95.6

"Oh broad eyed one; some other sages with rigid austerities are worshipping the sun God lifting their arms." 95.7

"With all tree tops swaying in the wind and shedding their leaves and flowers, the entire mountain seems to be dancing." 95.8

"At some places the water of the river is clear as the crystal, at some other places it has shining sand dunes and at other places crowded with sages." 95.9

"See the heaps of flowers fallen from trees shaken by the wind and other large masses of flowers floating in the middle of the river." 95.10

"Oh Lady who does good, oh sweet voiced one, the Chakravaka birds are cooing in sweet voice and are alighting on the heaps of flowers." 95.11

"Oh lovely one, Viewing the Mandakini river and Chithrakuta mountain your presence, I consider, is more pleasant than living in Ayodhya." 95.12

"The Sidhas endowed with penance, self restraint and peace are completely washed of all their sins by taking bath in this agitated water. You may enter its waters with me." 95.13

"Oh pretty Sita, you may enter the river Mandakini with red lotuses and white lotuses submerged in it." 95.14

"Oh lady, imagine always that these wild animals are the citizens, Chithrakuta as Ayodhya and this Mandakini river as Sarayu river." 95.15

"Oh Vaidehi, the soul of Dharma Lakshmana obeys all my wishes and you also favour all my wishes, causing lot of pleasure to me." 95.16

"Bathing thrice at the time of ritual prayers, partaking honey, fruits as well as roots in your company, I do not wish for Ayodhya or the kingdom." 95.17

"This pretty river is blessed with lots of deer. Elephants, lion and monkeys come to drink water in it. It is decorated with plants in full bloom. There does not exist any other place which removes fatigue like this one." 95.18

Like this Rama the perpetuator of the clan of Raghu, talked of many aspects about this river in the company of his beloved and they both wandered in the Chithrakuta Mountains, resembling the hue of the collyrium. 95.19

This is the end of Ninety Fifth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

96. Lakshmana sees Bharatha's Army

[There was a great disturbance in the forest because of the sound created by marching army. Lakshmana finds out that it is due to Bharatha's army. He gets agitated thinking that Bharatha is coming to kill them.]

Having shown Sita, the princess of Mithila the river and the mountain and gratifying her with meat, Rama sat on the mountain slope. 96.1

The soul of Dharma, Rama told Sita who was seated with him, "This sacred meat has been roasted in fire and made in to savory." 96.2

When they were sitting like this, the sound and dust raised by the approaching army reached the sky. 96.3

When this was going on, greatly scared by the great sound and getting afflicted, the baffled leader of elephant herds started running along with their herds. 96.4

Rama heard the great sound generated by the army and saw the leaders of elephant herds fleeing away. 96.5

Seeing the beasts running away and hearing the sound, Rama addressed Lakshmana, the son of Sumithra who was bursting with energy. 96.6

"What a great surprise, Lakshmana who is the worthy son of Sumithra, I am hearing fearful and tumultuous rumbling sounds of clouds. Please see." 96.7

'"Herds of elephants in the forests, buffaloes in great woods and wild animals frightened by lion are running here and there." 96.8

"Has any king or prince come in this forest for hunting or has any other ferocious animal entered in to the forest. It is proper that you find out." 96.9

"Oh Lakshmana this mountain is difficult to enter even for the birds and it is only proper that you find out exactly the reason for this." 96.10

That Lakshmana hurried climbed a tall flowering Sala tree and glanced in every direction and first examined the east side. 96.11

And then seeing to the north, he saw a vast army consisting of chariots, horses and elephants, with well equipped foot soldiers. 96.12

After having told Rama about the army decorated with chariots with flags and teeming with horses and elephants, he said the following words. 96.13

"Oh gentle Rama, put off the fire, let Sita take refuge in a cave, put on the armour and get ready with your arrows and bows." 96.14

The tiger among men Rama replied to Lakshmana "Oh son of Sumithra, look carefully at the army. Whom do you think it belongs?" 96.15

When Rama told him like this Lakshmana who was raging like a fire and wanted to reduce that army in to ashes replied. 96.16

It is evident that the son of Kaikeyi after being consecrated and endowed with the prosperity, desiring the kingdom to be clearly his, is coming to slay both of us. 96.17

"On the top of the chariot there is a huge shining flag with the picture of a huge Kovidara tree with huge trunk." 96.18

"This great tree with a very large trunk and with many branches is the Kovidara and is on that flag of the chariots of that army." 96.19

"Those people who have mounted their horses are running swiftly and following their flags. And those people who are riding on the elephant look cheerful." 96.20

"Let us take hold of our bows and stand on this mountain or let us stay fully prepared for the battle here itself." 96.21

"Oh Rama, will the Kovidara flag come in to our possession in this war? Will I be able to see Bharatha who has been the reason for this bad state of me, you and Sita?" 96.22

"Oh valorous Rama, that valorous Bharatha on whose account you were perpetually banished from the kingdom has come here as a foe. And it appears to me that he should be slain." 96.23

"Oh Rama, I do not see any fault in killing Bharatha. Killing someone who has caused to harm to us earlier is not against Dharma." 96.24

"Oh Rama. Earlier Bharatha has not bothered about Dharma and caused you harm and when such a person is slain, you will rule this earth." 96.25

"Let Kaikeyi who desires to have the kingdom, see her son being slain by me in the battle, like a tree is being harmed by the elephant." 96.26

"I shall also kill Kaikeyi along with her attendants and relatives and let the earth get rid of this great blot today." 96.27

"Oh One with honour, let me get rid of my suppressed anger and dishonour today and offer this army of enemies, like thickets to the fire." 96.28

"Today I will wet the forests of Chithrakuta with the bloodshed by the enemies when I slay them with sharpened arrows." 96.29

"Let the wild animals of these forests drag the elephants and horses, whose hearts are pierced by my arrows." 96.30

"By killing the armies of Bharatha in this great forest, without any doubt I shall discharge the debts to my arrows." 96.31

This is the end of Ninety Sixth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

97. Bharatha's Intention

[Rama tells Lakshmana that Bharatha has come there to take them back to Ayodhya. Since the white flag of their father is not seen they conclude that their father has not come.]

After that Rama pacified the son of Sumithra who was outrageously angry and greatly agitated and told him the following. 97.1

"When the very intelligent Bharatha holding a great bow has come here, where is the need for a bow, shield or sword?" 97.2

"After giving a promise to my father, if I kill Bharatha who has come here, what will I do with the kingdom along with imputations of bad conduct?" 97.3

"I shall not accept the declining wealth got by destroying my friends and relatives, since it is like eating the food mixed with poison." 97.4

"Oh Lakshmana, I seek Dharma, legitimate wealth and pleasure and this kingdom only for your sake and I am swearing this by my sword." 97.5

"Oh Lakshmana I am seeking this kingdom for drawing together my brothers as well as for their pleasure. I swear this by the weapons that I am holding." 97.6

"Of soft natured one, this earth dressed by oceans is not at all difficult for me to get, but I do not want even the position of Indra by means which is against Dharma." 97.7

"Oh one with respect, Without Bharatha, yourself and Shatrugna, if there is even a little happiness for me, let it be reduced to ash by fire." 97.8

"Oh valorous one, Oh best among men, Bharatha who loves his brothers and is dearer than life to me, after returning to Ayodhya must have learnt that me, you and Sita wearing antelope skin and matted locks have been banished, remembering the duties of his race, with love and mind filled with distress and agitated senses has arrived here to see me and I do not think he has come for any other reason." 97.9-97.11

"After getting angry and talking harsh unpalatable words to his mother Kaikeyi and after pleasing our father, has come here to give the kingdom to me." 97.12

"That Bharatha has come here to see us thinking that it is an appropriate time and never ever thought of bringing harm to us." 97.13

"Why are you not liking Bharatha? Has he done any harm to you? Has he threatened you any time in the past?" 97.14

"You should not talk harsh words or words of hatred against Bharatha. If you talk any unpalatable words against him, I would think that they are directed against me." 97.15

"Oh son of Sumithra, whatever may be the calamity would a son kill his father and how can a brother kill his own brother, whom he loves like life?" 97.16

"Suppose you are speaking these words for the sake of the kingdom, on seeing Bharatha, I would ask him to give the kingdom to you." 97.17

"Oh Lakshmana, if I tell Bharatha, "Give this kingdom to Lakshmana", he would on hearing it would see "So be it." 97.18

Hearing the words of his brother steeped in Dharma, for the sake of welfare of his brother, entered in to his own body with sense of shame. 97.19

Having heard the words of Rama, Lakshmana felt ashamed and said, "I think that it is our father who has come to see us." 97.20

Seeing that Lakshmana was ashamed, Rama said to him, "I also think that the mighty armed Dasaratha has come here to see us." 97.21

"Or else thinking that we are accustomed to life which is pleasant, he must have come to take us back to our home." 97.22

"Our good father of the Raghu clan, this lady Vaidehi who has been brought up in luxurious surroundings from the forest." 97.23

"Oh valorous one, those are the great horses which are thoroughbred, pretty and having the speed of wind, which are shining." 97.24

"There is that aged elephant Satrunjaya which is moving in front of the army, which belongs to our sagacious father." 97.25

"Oh mighty one, But I do not see the white flag of our father, which is respected by the people of the world, which makes doubt arise in my mind." 97.26

"Oh Lakshmana, please do as I say and climb down from the tree." Thus told, the soul of Dharma, Rama to the son of Sumithra. 97.27

The conqueror of the enemy got down from the Sala tree and having got down stood with folded hands near Rama. 97.28

When Bharatha instructed the army not to crowd the hermitage, the army encamped around the mountain. 97.29

The army of Ikshuvaku clan thronged with horses, elephants and chariots moved away half a yojana [one mile] and encamped by the side of the mountain. 97.30

That army which was brought by Bharatha, following Dharma and leaving aside pride, with a view to please Rama, the descendent of Raghu clan, shined. 97.31

This is the end of Ninety Seventh Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

98. Bharatha Identifies Rama's Hut

[Methodically Bharatha searches for the residence of Rama and after great search spots a hut from which smoke is coming out. He concludes that it is Rama's residence and goes towards it with Guha.]

That Bharatha, the best among those who walk with two feet, after encamping his army, as per what he has been told by his father approached Rama on foot. 98.1

After encamping the army and assuring that the army would not transgress its limits, Bharatha told Shatrugna. 98.2

"Oh soft one, it is only proper for us to examine this forest carefully and quickly in company of the hunters and other people." 98.3

"Let Guha along with thousand people of our clan all armed with bow and arrow explore the forest for the presence of Rama." 98.4

"I myself surrounded with ministers, citizens, teachers and Brahmins shall move about in the forest on foot." 98.5

"I shall not get peace till I am able to find the very powerful Rama, the strong Lakshmana as well as Sita." 98.6

"Till such time as I see Rama with a moon like face, lotus like eyes and an auspicious looks, I will not be able to find peace." 98.7

"Till I catch hold of the feet of Rama bearing the signs of royalty on his head and saluting him with my head, I will not be able to attain peace." 98.8

"Till he gets the kingdom, which was inherited from my father and grandfather and for which he deserves and he I is anointed with water as its king, I will not get peace." 98.9

"The son of Sumithra is indeed blessed, because he is seeing highly shining Rama who has a face as pure as the moon, who has eyes resembling red lotus flowers." 98.10

"Vaidehi the daughter of Janaka who has greatly luck and who has accomplished her task for she has been following her husband who is the lord of earth bounded by ocean." 98.11

"Rama is living on Chithrakuta mountain which is like the Himalaya Mountains, like Khubera in Nandana garden and how fortunate is that mountain." 98.12

"The lustrous Rama, who is foremost among the people who wield weapons is living in this forest frequented by wild animals and so this forest sacred." 98.13

Saying this, the greatly lustrous, best among men and very strong Bharatha entered the great forest on foot alone. 98.14

That great expert in speech Bharatha went through the mountain slopes with large number of trees with their crowns in full bloom. 98.15

Going near the sala tree at the top of Chithrakuta Mountains, he saw the banner of smoke arising from the fire place of Rama's hermitage. 98.16

That great Bharatha along with his relatives after seeing that smoke concluded that Rama was living there and became as happy as a man who reached the other shore of the river. 98.17

That great Bharatha having heard that Chithrakuta Mountain houses many sages, ordered his army to stay at a distance and went towards Rama's hermitage along with Guha. 98.18

This is the end of Ninety Eighth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

99. Bharatha Meets Rama

[Bharatha first identifies the hut by several symbols and then sees Rama with a matted hair and wearing bark cloths sitting. He crying salutes him. Rama hugs him and Shatrugna with love.]

After encamping the army, Bharatha showed the way to Shatrugna and eagerly went to see his brother. 99.1

Bharatha who respects elders requested sage Vasishta to bring his mothers and proceeded very quickly. 99.2

Sumanthra who was also impatient to see Rama like Bharatha, followed Shatrugna not far behind. 99.3

After the majestic Bharatha while walking towards the leafy hut of his brother in the solitude of ascetics saw the thatched cottage. 99.4

In front of the hut Bharatha saw chopped logs of wood as well as flowers which have been plucked. 99.5

He who was proceeding to the hermitage to see Rama and Lakshmana, here and there saw stripped pieces of Kusa grass and strips of wood tied on the tree to indicate the path. 99.6

He also saw in the forest large quantities of heaps of dried dung of deer and bison, which can be used to heat themselves in cold. 99.7

That mighty lustrous one, seeing all these signs of residence was greatly rejoiced and spoke to Shatrugna and other ministers who were surrounding him. 99.8

"We must have reached the place described by sage Bharadwaja and river Mandakini is flowing not far from here." 99.9

"Here long lengths of bark garments have been tied high up so that, at times people can identify the path." 99.10

"This is the place where large tusked mighty elephants are trumpeting and charging at each other." 99.11

"This black trail of smoke is seen from the hermitage of those ascetics living in the forest who alone wish to maintain the perpetual fire." 99.12

"Here I will see Rama, the tiger among men, who wishes to honour elders, who is a gentleman, who is joyful and who looks likes sages." 99.13

In a short time that Bharatha reached the Chithrakuta Mountains as well as the river Mandakini and he then told his ministers. 99.14

"That tiger among men, having reached this secluded forest, is sitting on a yogic posture on the bare ground. Oh fie upon life." 99.15

"That lord of men Rama, with very great luster has reached this state because of me and is living in the forest after giving up all desires." 99.16

"Like this being hated by the world, I would fall at the feet of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana seeking their grace." 99.17

Bharatha lamenting in this way noticed in that forest an excellent, sacred and enchanting hermitage covered with abundance of leaves of Sala, palmyra and Aswakarna trees with a sacrificial altar spread with soft kusa grass. Bows, plaited on the back with gold and resembling Indra's thunderbolt which was powerful, capable of achieving great exploits and oppressing the enemies, adorned the hut. Arrows glittering like the rays of the sun, which looked terrible, with burning heads and stored in quivers adorned it like the hooded serpents illumining the city of Bhogavati [in nether world]. A pair of swords in scabbards made of excellent silver, two shields of different colours with golden spots, finger-guards made of skin of iguana decorated with gold were hanging there. It was impregnable to enemy hordes like a cave of lion to the deer. 99.18-99.23

Bharatha saw in Rama's residence a broad divine altar of fire sloping towards north east. 99.24

When he examined the hut, he noticed his elder brother Rama, who was sitting there with matted hair. 99.25

Rama who was the lord of earth bounded by the sea, was like a blazing fire, seated dressed in antelope skin and bark of wood, with shoulders like lion and he was mighty armed, with eyes resembling white lotus. He looked like the perennial protector of Dharma like the creator Brahma and Sita and Lakshmana were seated by his side on grass strewn on the earth. 99.26-99.28

Having seen that gentle Bharatha, who was the son of Kaikeyi and the soul of Dharma, who was drowned in sorrow and grief rushed towards Rama. 99.29

Seeing him wailing and voice choked with tears and though he was not able to speak, with courage, he said these words. 99.30

"He, my elder brother who should sit in the royal assembly attended by ministers and his subjects is being surrounded by the animals in the forest." 99.31

"That great Rama who is the follower of Dharma who is accustomed to wear thousands of cloths now wears only two pieces of deer skin." 99.32

"How does Rama, who used to wear many coloured flowers, able to bear the weight of the matted hairs?" 99.33

"That Rama who used to accumulate Dharma by performance of various Yagnas, is now accumulating it by getting his body tired." 99.34

"How, can he who used to coat his body with very precious sandal paste, is able to bear it being coated with mud?" 99.35

"Rama has fallen in to this great misfortune because of me and bad behaviour with him I am condemned by the world, fie on me." 99.36

Crying like this with his face becoming like a faded lotus flower and with sweat gushing out of him, he further wailed and without reaching the feet of Rama fell down. 99.37

The very strong prince Bharatha becoming jaded with sorrow could only say, "My great brother " and he was not able to talk anything further. 99.38

On seeing the glorious Rama with a sob choked throat he cried Oh gentle one, and he was not able to talk further. 99.39

Shatrugna also cried and fell at Rama's feet and Rama embraced both of them and shed tears. 99.40

The two princes [Rama and Lakshmana] met with Sumanthra and Guha, and it liked the sun and the moon met Guru [Jupiter] and Shukra [Venus]. 99.41

Seeing the princes resembling the power of herds of elephants in the forest, the inhabitants of the forest shed tears in great distress. 99.42

This is the end of Ninety Ninth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

100. Rama Enquires about Ayodhya

[Rama enquires about various aspects of the kingdom. These also teach how to rule the kingdom.]

Seeing Rama with matted locks and dressed in cloths of bark, Bharatha fell on the ground in salutation and like the Sun at the time deluge, it was impossible to see him. 100.1

Rama with great difficulty recognized, his emaciated brother Bharatha with pale looks and having recognized him caught hold his arm and lifted him up. 100.2

Having kissed him on the head Rama also hugged him and made him sit on his lap and with composed mind enquired. 100.3

"Oh child, you have come to forest and where does our father live? It is not proper for you to come to the forest while he is still living. 100.4

"I have come to a very long distance in to this forest and after a long time, I am seeing you. Oh Bharatha, why have you come with emaciated limbs in to this forest?" 100.5

"Oh child, when you came here, was Dasaratha our father, alive and in good health? Did he depart from this world due to great dejection?" 100.6

"Oh soft natured one, being sad I hope you have not lost the stability of the kingdom? I hope you have not lost the trust of the people? Dear Child, I am hoping that you are doing service to our father who is valorous in truth?" 100.7

"I hope the king Dasaratha is true to his promise and he is performing Yagas like Aswamedha and Rajasooya and has determined to observe Dharma. " 100.8

"Oh lad, I hope that you are honouring Brahmins, learned people, people who daily observe Dharma, people of great luster and the teachers of Ikshuvaku clan." 100.9

"Oh lad I hope that Kausalya and Sumithra are happy being honoured by citizens and the honoured Lady Kaikeyi is happy." 100.10

"I hope you are honoring the priest [Suyagna son of Vasishta] who is famous, of a noble family, not envious and person with great humility." 100.11

"I hope that a intelligent Brahmin learned in rituals and just, who is employed to protect the sacred fires informs you in time about it and feeds the fire with oblations in time." 100.12

"Oh lad, I hope that you honour the gods, your ancestors, your teachers, your aged father, doctors as well as Brahmins." 100.13

"Oh lad, I hope you treat with respect Sudhanva, your teacher in archery, who is well versed in upkeep of arrows and bows as well as in political economy." 100.14

"I hope the ministers who are equal in valour to you and who are learned and are able to control their senses and are born in noble families and skilled in interpretation of signs are assigned to you." 100.15
"Oh Bharatha, proper advise is the main source of victory of kings, which are given in secret by great ministers who are well versed in Sasthras." 100.16

"I hope you do not become a slave to sleep and are able to wake up at the proper time. I hope you think about appropriateness of an action late at night." 100.17

"I hope you do not analyze a problem alone nor do it with large number of people. I hope these analysis or consultations with ministers does not reach the people before decision is taken." 100.18

"Oh Bharatha, I hope, you execute your actions speedily, after determining its cost [need] and benefit for large number of people." 100.19

"I hope the other kings know about you plans after they are implemented and those which are properly completed but not those you have planned." 100.20

"Oh lad, I hope others do not know about your discussions and strategies or enquiries with your ministers which you have not made known." 100.21

"I hope you desire to consult one wise man rather than one thousand fools, for a wise man would be able to take decision on difficult matters to your advantage." 100.22

"If a king employs one thousand fools or even ten thousand of them, he will not get any real help from them." 100.23

"Even a single bold, intelligent, skilful and discerning minister can bring great prosperity to a king or one rules a kingdom." 100.24

"I hope you have employed most efficient people to do most important jobs, mediocre people for jobs of medium importance, people of inferior intellect to do unimportant jobs." 100.25

"I hope you are choosing ministers who do not give way to temptations, who have high integrity, whose father and forefathers were ministers and who are eminent for attending to superior tasks." 100.26

"Oh son of Kaikeyi, I hope that your ministers would not permit citizens to be terrorized with excessive punishment." 100.27

"I hope the priests in charge of performing sacrifice, do not hold you in contempt for receiving unmerited [terrible] gifts like a women holding contempt men with great lust." 100.28

"All educated expert tricksters, warriors who are greatly passionate for wealth and those who corrupt the mind of servants to rebel against the master, would destroy the king and so should be killed." 100.29

"I hope you have appointed a man as commander in chief, who is contended, brave, intelligent m steadfast, honest, thoroughbred devoted and efficient." 100.30

"I hope you honour those great soldiers who are strong, skilled in warfare, who were responsible for heroic deeds and courageous." 100.31

"I hope you properly feed your army and give them suitable wages when they are due without any delay whatsoever." 100.32

"It has been told in the scriptures that if the wages and compensation for the servants are unduly delayed, they would turn against the master and calamity would result." 100.33

"I hope all men of good birth are loyal to you and I hope that those men of steady mind would be prepared to sacrifice their life for your cause." 100.34

"Oh Bharatha, I hope you have chosen an efficient and intelligent man who belongs to our folk, who is an intellectual, a realist and an expert, as your representative [ambassador / messenger]." 100.35

"I hope you gather intelligence using three spies each who cannot be recognized, about, eighteen important officers of the enemy and fifteen of your side." 100.36

"Oh killer of enemies, I hope you are alert about all enemies who were defeated by you and gone back, especially the weak ones." 100.37

"Oh lad, I hope you do not serve those Brahmins, who are this worldly, think that they are the only great ones and bother only about themselves since they are sure to bring disaster." 100.38

"These bad brained ones having acquired futile knowledge relating to science and logic, unnecessarily enter in to arguments, even though the Dharma Sasthras are existing." 100.39

"Oh lad, I am hoping that you are protecting Ayodhya, formerly inhabited by our ancestors, and true to its name [that which cannot be conquered] with sturdy gates, crowded by elephants, horses and chariots, inhabited by thousands of Brahmins who are busy with their rituals, who have full control over their sense organs who are highly energetic and venerable, by Kshatriyas and Vaisyas engaged in their own professions, surrounded by palaces of every kind, thronged by very learned people with availability of anything that is needed." 100.40-100.42

"Oh Bharatha, I hope the villages are adorned with hundreds of altars, filled with abundantly peaceful people, shining with temples, free water storages for distribution, filled with happy men and women, with many community festivals, well tilled land, with lots of cattle, totally free of cruelties, pretty lands exclusively dependent on rain which is kept free of pests, which land is also free of the fear uncertainties, studded with mines of various mineral ores, which villages are free of destitute and sinful people, well protected by our forefathers, and full of abodes filled with prosperity and happiness." 100.43-100.46

"Oh lad, I trust that all those depending on agriculture and Animal husbandry are favourable to you, for the happiness of the world depends on their efforts." 100.47

"I hope you are helping to maintain and protect their efforts and prevent adversities for them. The king protects according his Dharma all people living in his kingdom." 100.48

"I hope you pacify women as well give them good protection. I hope you do not trust them completely or share any secrets with them." 100.49

"I hope you protect the elephants in the forest and I hope there are she elephants there. I hope you have large number of mares and you are not contented with their number." 100.50
"I hope you rise up very early and also see daily and present yourself well adorned to the people of the great avenue." 100.51

"I hope that the servants do not present themselves directly to you. I hope that they do not stay far away due to fear of you. It is better that you follow a middle course." 100.52

"I hope that all forts are provided with wealth, grains and water. I hope that they are provided with complete machines of war and craftsmen to repair it and also have men armed with bow." 100.53

"Oh Bharatha, I hope that your revenue is abundant and expenditure is much less. I hope that your treasury is not put under control of undeserving persons." 100.54

"I hope you are spending only on Gods, ancestors, Brahmins, guests, warriors and your hoard of friends." 100.55

"I hope a pure hearted man who is venerable and honest who is accused of unworthy act is not slain out of avarice without consulting scholars well versed in scriptures." 100.56

"Oh best among men, a thief who is caught at time of the stealing, accused and interrogated is not set free due to avarice of money, if there is sufficient evidence." 100.57

"Oh Bharatha, I hope that your ministers are well informed and behave without partiality towards a rich man or a poor man who is suffering." 100.58

"Oh Bharatha, the tears of those who are falsely accused and commanded by the king for the sake of getting pleasure, would destroy his sons as well as cattle." 100.59

"Oh Bharatha I hope you handle children, old people and learned people with gift, affection and kind words, so that those groups would thrive." 100.60

"I am hoping that you treat with respect your gurus, old people, sages, gods, guests, temples, great people and Brahmins." 100.61

"I am hoping that you are not destroying Dharma for the sake of property, not destroying prosperity for words of flattery and not destroying both for the sake of sensual enjoyment." 100.62

"Oh Bharatha, you are a victor, chosen one, expert in allocation of time and granter of wishes and I hope you are attending to Dharma, Artha and Kama by allocating sufficient time for each." 100.63

"Oh Very intelligent one who has understood the meaning of all Sasthras, I hope the Brahmins and other citizens of our kingdom are seeking your welfare." 100.64

"I hope you are avoiding the fourteen draw backs of a king viz. atheism, propensity to tell lies, anger, listless attention, laziness, avoiding wise people, lethargy, gratification of the five senses, planning the matters regarding state alone, consultation in people who are experts in worthless acts, failure to carry out acts which has been already decided, inability to keep advice received as secret, not doing auspicious acts, and making preparations for an unpractical war. 100.65-100.67

"O, wise Bharatha, I hope you understand the following and deal them properly the ten evils; the five kinds of fortifications; the four expedients; the seven limbs of state; the eight evils [born of anger] the three objects of human pursuit; the three branches of learning subjugation of the senses, the six strategic expedients; adversity brought about by divine agencies; and by human agencies; the twenty types of monarchies; and the entire population of the kingdom, setting about an expedition, drawing up an army in a battle-array and the two bases viz, peace and war." 100.68-100.70
[I have reproduced this sloka from another translation as this is not clear to me - Translator.]

"I believe that you are consulting with three or four ministers separately as well as combined in complete secrecy, as laid in Sasthras." 100.71

"I think reading of Vedas is good for you. I hope your actions teach you to do better. I hope your wife serves you fruitfully. I hope you learn good things from what you hear." 100.72

"Oh Bharatha, I hope that whatever I have told you is agreeing with your own thought process and would lead to fame, Dharma, Artha and Kama." 100.73

"I hope you are following the principles followed by our father and our ancestors, because those auspicious principles will lead you in the path of Dharma." 100.74

"Oh Bharatha, I hope you do not eat food that is deliciously prepared all alone, but you share it with those friends who desire for that food." 100.75

"That king of great intelligence, who acquires the entire earth and rules the earth with Dharma, punishes the people according to tradition, after his death will reach the heaven after death." 100.76

This is the end of One Hundredth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

101. Bharatha tells about Dasaratha's Death

[Bharatha tells Rama that according to Dharma, he is not fit to rule and asks him to return. He also tells him about the death of Dasaratha, their father.]

After hearing the words of Rama, Bharatha replied, "When I am bereft of Dharma, how am I concerned with royal Dharma?" 101.1

"Oh best of men, there exists a permanent Dharma in our clan that when the elder son is alive the younger son never becomes the king." 101.2

"So oh Rama, return with me to the prosperous Ayodhya, and consecrate yourself as king for the good of our clan." 101.3

"People consider king as another man but I consider him as God, because such a king along with Dharma and Artha is beyond the definition of humanness." 101.4

"When I was in Kekaya and when you had come to the forest, the revered, virtuous, esteemed king who was fit to do fire sacrifices went to the heaven." 101.5

"As soon as you left along with Sita and Lakshmana, the king who was affected by sorrow and grief, went to heaven." 101.6

"Oh tiger among men, arise and offer the ritualistic libations with water to father. Shatrugna and I have already offered such libations." 101.7

"Oh Rama, whatever has been offered with love becomes eternal in the world of manes and so as you are most loved by father, please offer such libations." 101.8

"Sorrowing about and not being able to see you and keeping his mind fixed only on you and nothing else and remembering you, our father went to heaven." 101.9

This is the end of One Hundred and One Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

102. Rama offers Oblation

[Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana went to Mandakini river and offered water oblations. Then he offered Pinda to his father using a fruit cake and juice. When all of them were crying, many of the people in army rushed there and consoled Rama.]

Hearing these words of anguish, uttered by Bharatha relating to the death of his father, Rama lost his consciousness. 102.1

The destroyer of enemies Rama, hearing the thunderbolt like words of Bharatha, felt as if the Indra has hurled his thunderbolt and hit his mind, and fell down raising his hands, like a tree laden with flowers cut by an axe in the forest. 102.2-102.3

On that Rama, the lord of the word, the mighty archer who was afflicted with great grief from all sides and who had fallen on the earth, down tired like an elephant hitting the banks of the river again and again, the weeping Vaidehi and others sprinkled water to wake him up. 102.4-102.5

Rama, the son of Kakustha clan regained consciousness and shedding copious tears from his eyes, started talking with great sorrow. 102.6

Rama, the soul of Dharma, hearing that the king has gone to heaven told Bharatha these words which conform to Dharma. 102.7

"Since my father has gone in the path ordained by the gods, what will I do in Ayodhya? Who would now rule Ayodhya which has lost the best of kings?" 102.8

"What is the use of me who is born in evil to that great soul, for whom I could not even perform the last rites?" 102.9

"Oh blemish less Bharatha, since you and Shatrugna have done the last rites including the ritual of the corpse, you have achieved your goal and are fortunate." 102.10

"Even after completion of my living in the forest, I do not desire to return to Ayodhya, which has lost its lord and is without any direction." 102.11

"Oh destroyer of enemies, after completing my life in the forest, who will guide me in Ayodhya, when our father has gone to the other world?" 102.12

"Formerly, our father observing my good conduct, use to tell me comforting words which were pleasant to my ears. From whom else can I hear such words?" 102.13

After saying these to Bharatha, Rama went near his wife Sita who had a face like a full moon and said to her with great grief. 102.14

"Oh Sita, your father in law is dead. Oh Lakshmana you have lost your father. Bharatha was relating to me the sad news of the lord of the world going to heaven." 102.15

When Rama was telling all this, copious tears were shed from the eyes of the sons of Dasaratha, the son of the Kakustha clan. 102.16

Then all the brothers together greatly consoled Rama and told him, "Please offer libations to our father who was the king of the world." 102.17

That Sita hearing that her father in law had gone to heaven, had her eyes filled with tears and could not properly see her husband. 102.18

Rama after consoling the daughter of Janaka who was crying, spoke to Lakshmana who was overcome with grief in a distressed way. 102.19

"I am going to offer water libations to our great father. So please bring the Inguli oil cake as also my upper garment made of bark." 102.20

"Let Sita walk in front of us and you go ahead of her and I would follow you both. This procession of mourning is indeed sorrowful." 102.21

Then Sumanthra, who was intelligent, soft natured, self restrained, peaceful, staunchly devoted to Rama and who used to always follow them, consoled them and followed them and taking hold of them and helped them to descend in to the river. 102.22-102.23

Then those illustrious ones conveniently got down in to the enchanting, swiftly flowing Mandakini river surrounded by forests in bloom and approached a place that was not slushy and using the sacred waters of the river, offered libations of water saying "Oh father, let this be yours." 102.24-102.25

The king Rama took one hand full of water, faced the Southern Direction [Direction of Yama] and crying said these words. 102.26

"Oh tiger among kings, now you have attained the world of our manes. Let this pure water which is offered to you be inexhaustible." 102.27

Then Rama reached the shores of Mandakini river and coming out from there, along with his brothers offered Pinda for his father." 102.28

That Rama mixed fruits of Badari tree with pulp of Ingudi tree and made balls kept them on Durba grass, overcome with distress started weeping and told. 102.29

"Oh great king, we are offering you the food that we normally take. I request you to please take it, because a man can offer only whatever he partakes to his manes." 102.30

Thereafter the tiger among men ascended the river by the same path that they descended and climbed the charming slopes of the mountain. 102.31

That king after reaching entered through the door of the leafy hut and took hold oh Bharatha and Lakshmana in his arms. 102.32

The wailing of the brothers mingled with that of Vaidehi echoed in the forest like the roar of a lion. 102.33

Hearing the very great sound created by those mighty brothers while offering water libations to their father as well the wailing of the brothers, the army was scared. 102.34

"It is certain that Bharatha has met with Rama and this loud sound is their wailing over the death of their father." 102.35

All of them, then left their camps and ran towards that sound with only a single thought in their mind. 102.36

Some went on horses, some went on elephants and some on well decorated chariots and other men went on foot. 102.37

All the people went towards the hermitage to see Rama, as if he has gone long back, though he had only gone recently. 102.38

With a wish to see the meeting of brothers, all those people went on every sort of vehicle creating sounds of hooves and wheels. 102.39

That earth crushed by many vehicles and great many hooves; it emitted tumultuous sounds like the sky makes a sound when storm clouds are gathered. 102.40

Terrified by that sound the male elephants followed by she elephants ran from there to another forest emitting the smell of ichors. 102.41

Hosts of boars and wolves, buffaloes, serpents, monkeys, tigers antelopes with ears like cow, tigers and other animals were also frightened. 102.42

Brahminy ducks, water cranes, geese, karandava birds, cranes, male cuckoos and Krouncha birds, losing their senses reached different places. 102.43

Frightened by the sound, birds filled up the sky and people covered the earth and both of them shined. 102.44

All those people then saw Rama, who was famous, the tiger among men, the destroyer of enemies sitting on the bare earth. 102.45

Those people who reached to that place, became completely tear faced and berated Kaikeyi along with Mandhara. 102.46

Thereafter Rama who was a follower of Dharma seeing those people deeply sorrowing and with eyes full of tears hugged them all treating them as his father or mother. 102.47

Rama embraced some men, while some others saluted him and afterwards the king's son Rama honoured the relations and friends who have reached there, according to their status. 102.48

The weeping sound made by those great persons filled the heaven and earth and mountains and caves and all directions reverberated. 102.49

This is the end of One Hundred and Second Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

103. Kausalya and others Meet Rama

[Kausalya and other mothers of Rama along with Vasishta went to meet Rama. On the way they see the pinda made of Ingudi cake. Kausalya is upset and then all of them go and meet Rama. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana salute them.]

The wives of Dasaratha followed by sage Vasishta on foot with an intense desire to see Rama. 103.1

The wives of the king, when they were slowly proceeding towards river Mandakini, saw the bathing place of Rama and Lakshmana. 103.2

Kausalya who was an emaciated face with eyes full of tears addressing Sumithra and other wives told. 103.3

"This is a sacred place of the river which is east of the forest where those orphans who are expelled from the country are doing tireless deeds in spite of difficulties." 103.4

"Oh Sumithra from here your son Lakshmana carries water for the sake of my son without any laziness." 103.5

"Though your son is engaged in such manual tasks like bringing water, it should not be looked down because all the tasks he does his brother are with Dharma." 103.6

"Your son who is not accustomed to hardship, if he stops this service, it would be greatly distressing." 103.7

Then Kausalya with very broad eyes saw the Ingudhi pindas kept on Dharbha spread on earth pointing towards the south. 103.8

After seeing those pindas kept on earth by the distressed Rama, Kausalya addressing the wives of king Dasaratha told. 103.9

"Please see these Pindas kept by Rama for the sake of his father great Dasaratha, the lord of Ikshuvaku race." 103.10

"I do not think that this is a proper food for the great king, who was like God and one who enjoyed good food." 103.11

"How can he eat the cake made of pulp of Ingudi, as he was a great king resembling Indra, who has enjoyed food of all the four corners of the earth?" 103.12

"There is nothing more sad in the world than, the once rich Rama had to offer his father the cake make of Ingudi pulp." 103.13

"Seeing that Rama has offered his father the cake made of Ingudi pulp, I wonder why my heart is not breaking in sorrow?" 103.14

"There is a well known saying in the world that man offers what he eats only to the God and it appears to me truthful in this case." 103.15

The distressed co-wives after having consoled Kausalya were distressed went in to the hermitage and saw Rama who looked like a God fallen from heaven. 103.16

Those mothers who were emaciated with grief, seeing Rama who has given up all luxuries were overcome with sorrow and loudly cried. 103.17

Rama, the tiger among men, true to his valour in war, after standing up touched the feet of all his mothers. 103.18

Those broad eyed queens with soft hands and fingers, with their auspicious hands wiped away the dust from the back of Rama. 103.19

After seeing those mothers, the son of Sumithra also became sad following Rama bowed in reverence to them. 103.20

Those ladies of Dasaratha loved Lakshmana, who was the son of Dasaratha who was blessed with auspicious qualities, just like Rama. 103.21

Sita also with great sorrow caught the feet of those mothers and stood before them with tear filled eyes. 103.22

Like a mother embracing her daughter, Kausalya embraced the grief stricken Sita who was looking haggard due to living in the forest. 103.23

"How is it that the daughter of the king of Videha and the daughter in law of king Dasaratha and also wife of Rama, has fallen in to this sorrow in this uninhabited forest?" 103.24

"Oh Vaidehi, seeing your face which is like a lotus flower withered in heat, a faded water lily, dust defiled gold, moon hidden by clouds, the fire of sorrow produced by the firewood of calamities is greatly burning my mind." 103.25-103.26

While his mother was talking these words of anguish, the elder brother of Bharatha, Rama clasped the feet of sage Vasishta." 103.27

Then Rama clasped the feet of his family priest who was exceedingly lustrous like a burning fire, like the king of devas clasping the feet of Bruhaspathi, and sat down with him. 103.28

When they sat down along with the ministers, important citizens and along with soldiers, Bharatha an expert in Dharma also sat along with his elder brother. 103.29

The valorous Bharatha looked at the greatly lustrous and majestic Rama, dressed like a sage and sat down near him, like Indra after purification sits near Lord Brahma. 103.30

Among the gentlemen assembled there great curiosity arose as to what greatly persuasive words Bharatha is going to speak after saluting and honouring Rama. 103.31

Rama was shining in truth, the great Lakshmana and Bharatha the expert in Dharma surrounded by his friends were looking like three sacrificial fires surrounded by the priests. 103.32

This is the end of One Hundred and Third Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

104. Rama Advises Bharatha

[Rama asks Bharatha, the reason why he has come to the forest wearing matted locks. Bharatha replies that his mother is a bad woman. Rama chastises Bharatha for saying that and refuses to come back from the forest.]

After Rama consoled Bharatha who is liked by elders, he along with Lakshmana began to ask Bharatha. 104.1

"For what reason have you come to this region, dressed in deer skin and wearing matted locks? I would like to hear it from you?" 104.2

"For what reason have you left the kingdom and come to this place wearing deer skin and with matted locks? It is proper for you to tell me about it." 104.3

When the great son of Kakustha clan asked like this to Bharatha, the son of Kaikeyi, saluted him and held Rama tightly and told. 104.4

"Oh Rama, our very strong father having done an undesirable act of banishing you went to heaven due to the sorrow of parting with his son." 104.5

"Oh trouble giver to enemies, he did this great sin which destroyed his reputation because of the instigation of a women, who is Kaikeyi, my mother." 104.6

"She who has become a widow, having not able to get the kingdom, she is under the grip of sorrow and she who is my mother would fall in the most terrible hell." 104.7

"It is only proper for you to do a favour to me who is your slave, by getting yourself crowned as king like Indra." 104.8

"Your subjects as well as all your mothers have reached very near to you and so it is proper that you do this favour to me." 104.9

"Oh giver of honour, I feel that it is only proper for succession and request you take the kingdom as per the wish of your friends and elders." 104.10

"Let this entire earth adopt you as its lord and stop being a widow, like the night of autumn becoming bright by getting a full moon." 104.11

"I am begging you along with my ministers with heads bowed and it is only proper for you to favour me, who is your brother, disciple as well as slave." 104.12

"Oh tiger among men, it is not proper for you not to agree with all your subjects and please adopt the rules of our heritage which is permanent." 104.13

That son of Kaikeyi after telling this with tears in his eyes, again according to tradition held the feet of Rama. 104.14

Rama hugged his brother who was taking deep breaths again and again like an elephant in rut and told him. 104.15

"How can you who belongs to a noble family and who is energetic, powerful and adherent to his own vows, commit a sin for the sake of kingdom?" 104.16

"I do not find even the slightest fault in you, oh destroyer of enemies but is in not proper for you out of childishness to find fault with your mother." 104.17

"Oh very intelligent one, Oh matchless one, it is laid down that, elders can act as per their will in relation to their wives and children." 104.18

"Oh gentle natured one, in this world good people have treated their wives, sons and disciples as virtuous people and so it is only proper that you feel that Dasaratha also did like that." 104.19

"Oh gentle natured one, only Dasaratha is competent to decide whether I should live in the forest wearing a deer skin or become a king and rule over the kingdom." 104.20

"Oh follower of Dharma, our father has been revered in this world by those who know Dharma and similar reverence also should be shown to our mothers." 104.21

"Oh Bharatha I have been asked to go to the forest by our mother and father who both have the character of Dharma and except obeying them, what else should I do?" 104.22

"You should go and rule the kingdom of Ayodhya being respected by this world and I should live in the Dandaka forest wearing cloths of bark." 104.23

"The great king only after apportioning it like this in front of the people and commanding us, have gone to the heaven." 104.24

"The portion that has been given to us by that king who followed Dharma and who is much respected by the world, is final and so you shall enjoy your share." 104.25

"Oh gentle natured one, as told by our great father I would live in the Dandaka forest for fourteen years and enjoy it." 104.26

"Whatever has been told by my father who was a great soul, who was honoured by all the world, who is equal to the wise king of devas is regarded by me as the ultimate and the desire of the king of the world should not be disregarded." 104.27

This is the end of One Hundred and Fourth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

105. Bharatha Argues

[Bharatha says, he has right to give back what he got. He tells that he is not efficient and cannot rule the country well. Rama talks of inevitability of life and rejects Bharatha's request.]

When those lion among men were lamenting among their friends, the night passed off painfully. 105.1

When the night gave way to dawn, those brothers along with their friends performed morning rituals in the Mandakini river and returned to Rama. 105.2

All of them sat silently for some time and did not speak with each other and then Bharatha started speaking to Rama. 105.3

"For honouring the words of my mother, you have given the kingdom to me and I am now giving it to you and you please enjoy it without any obstacles." 105.4

"Like a dam getting burst due to surge of water, due to great rains cannot be repaired easily, this great kingdom cannot be supported by anyone else except you." 105.5

"The speed of horse or a common bird cannot be compared to that of the Divine Garuda and I do not have the same capacity as you, Oh king." 105.6

"The life of a man on whom others depend for their life is happy, but the life of those who depend on others for their life is miserable." 105.7

"Oh strong one, oh Excellent lord, If a man plants a tree and it grows in to a very large tree with a large trunk, with very many branches, a dwarf man would not be able to climb it. Having put forth lot of flowers suppose it does not bear fruits, the purpose for which it was planted is not fulfilled and the man who planted does not get joy out of it. This simile fits your case. [Dasaratha planted tree of Rama but is not able to see the fruits.]" 105.8-105.10

"Oh king, oh destroyer of enemies, may all the guilds, traders and other citizens see you, when you are installed the king for all the kingdom like a greatly lustrous sun." 105.11

"Oh son of Kakustha clan, let elephants intoxicated with ichors trumpet and let the ladies of your private apartment rejoice." 105.12

Hearing the words of Bharatha requesting him to return, the different classes of people who live in the city said, "great, well said." 105.13

Seeing him who is famous, sad and wailing, the man of great determination Rama consoled him, who is self possessed. 105.14

"Any man is not independent and cannot do whatever he wants, for he is pulled by fate to a different path from his chosen one." 105.15

"All wealth depletes and people fall from elevated positions. Unions end in separations and life ends in death." 105.16

"Like all the fruits that ripe are afraid of falling down, when a man is born his only fear is death." 105.17
"Any house built on sturdy pillars gets dilapidated and over time decays and in the same way, men are destroyed by getting in the grip of old age and death." 105.18

"Every night passes away, never to return and like that the water filled Yamuna continuously merges its waters with ocean." 105.19

"The life of all beings gets diminished with passing of day and night, like the rays of sun drying water by its heat." 105.20

"Whether you are standing or moving, life keeps on diminishing and so you start worrying about yourself only and not for others." 105.21

"Death follows a man, wherever he goes and if one sits at a place, death also sits with him. If a man travels for a long distance and returns, death also returns with him." 105.22

"With old age wrinkles form on the body and the hair turns gray and so what can a man do to make himself powerful again." 105.23

"People rejoice when the sun rises and also when it sets and he faces the decline of his life without being aware of it." 105.24

"With change of every season man gets overjoyed to see new flowers or fruits but he does not realize that his life span also is getting diminished." 105.25

'A floating wooden piece meets with another such piece in the great ocean and after remaining for some time they are separated after a small passage of time and like that wives, sons, relatives and money after coming to us are definitely going to be separated." 105.26-105.27

"In this world no two beings can be together as much as they like and so one is competent to be sad in the matter of death." 105.28

"Like a man standing on the way side telling to a moving caravan on the road, that "I am following behind you,", one may say that they would follow the path taken by his grand and great grandfather, anybody who is not able to follow that same path should not grieve." 105.29-105.30

"Like the flowing water, never returns to the source, age passes away. And so keep the mind happy and follow the established Dharma and it is said you would be happy by doing that." 105.31

"Our father Dasaratha, the king, the soul of Dharma and performer of auspicious deeds, offered many charities and performed many sacrifices and went to heaven." 105.32

"He ruled over his servants splendidly, ruled over his subjects and accepted wealth as per Dharma and he went to heaven." 105.33

"Our father, the king Dasaratha reached heaven by performance of many auspicious acts, by giving abundant charities and great offerings in sacrifices." 105.34

"That king after performing very many sacrifices and obtaining long life, enjoyed abundant pleasures on this earth and attained heaven." 105.35

"Oh lad, having enjoyed pleasures of life, our father has been honoured in heaven and so he should not be grieved about." 105.36

"Our father after abandoning his worn out mortal body, has obtained a divine treasure and is wandering pleasantly in the world of Brahma." 105.37

"It is not proper for people like me or you to mourn about the very intelligent and learned king Dasaratha who was an expert in scriptures." 105.38

"This many types of sorrow and different type of wailings should be completely avoided at all times by a courageous intelligent human being." 105.39

"Oh foremost among eloquent people, do not be sad and compose yourself. Return to Ayodhya and reside there as per the order of father, who had great control over his senses." 105.40

"I have been commanded by a man of blessed deeds and I shall carry out the order of my father accordingly." 105.41

"Oh killer of enemies, disobeying the orders of my father to me is not proper, and you also obey it as he was our father and one who loved us." 105.42

"There, to me the order of father who was a great follower of Dharma is agreeable and I would obey it by my action and live in the forest." 105.43

"Oh tiger among men, anyone who wants to conquer the other world should follow dharma, be compassionate and obedient to elders and then only it will happen." 105.44

"Oh best among men, Please observe within yourself the excellent conduct of king Dasaratha and having realized it, you observe your duty." 105.45

That great Lord Rama after having addressed, his younger brother this way in words full of innate significance "Obey the commands of our father and then stopped. 105.46

This is the end of One Hundred and Fifth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.