Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 9 Ayodhya Kandham

Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 9

Baharath’s Travel to the Forest

Thus, with Shatrughna by his side and the royal mothers, sages, ministers, and citizens following, Bharatha set out in a great procession, his army of elephants and horses marching to the beat of drums and chants of Rama’s name. As they neared the Ganga, Guha, the Nishadha chieftain, saw the approaching force. Fearing an attack on Rama, he prepared for battle but resolved first to meet Bharatha. But as soon as Guha saw Bharatha, clad in forest-dweller’s attire and weeping for his brother, his fears vanished. Bharatha’s only desire was to find Rama and surrender the kingdom to him.

Guha, moved by Bharatha’s devotion, narrated how he had ferried Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana across the river. Bharatha, listening with rapt attention, wept bitterly as he heard of Rama’s humble bed of leaves and his life in exile. Overwhelmed, he declared that there was no greater joy in life than to serve Rama. With Guha’s help, Bharatha and his retinue crossed the Ganga in hundreds of boats, Guha himself rowing the boat carrying Bharatha, Shatrughna, and Vasishta.

Journeying further, they arrived at the hermitage of Sage Bharadwaja. The sage, seeing Bharatha dressed as an ascetic, questioned him gently. Bharatha humbly explained his mission to restore Rama to his rightful throne and absolved himself of his mother’s deeds. Pleased with Bharatha’s sincerity, the sage hosted them lavishly, summoning divine beings to prepare a celestial feast. That night, the weary travelers rested, comforted by Bharadwaja’s blessings.

At dawn, they resumed their journey, guided by sages along the way. Soon, they reached the beautiful Chitrakoota hills, where nature itself seemed to celebrate Rama’s presence. Birds sang joyfully, animals lived in harmony, and the entire forest resonated with peace. As Bharatha caught sight of Rama’s hut, he fell to the ground, overcome with reverence. Smearing the dust of Rama’s footprints on his forehead, he approached the dwelling with deep emotion.

And there stood Rama, radiant like the morning sun, with Sita and Lakshmana by his side, his serene face framed by matted locks. Bharatha and Shatrughna fell at his feet. Rama, equally moved, embraced them warmly. Mother Kausalya, unable to contain her sorrow, embraced Rama, tears mingling with motherly affection.

But the moment of joy was clouded by Vasishta’s grave words: “Rama, your father has departed this world, calling your name with his last breath.” Rama was shattered. Grief engulfed him, Lakshmana, and Sita. Rama lamented his absence at his father’s deathbed but was comforted by the sage’s counsel. The brothers performed the final rites for their father using what little they had in the forest.

Dialogue between Rama and Bharatha

In the quiet of the next morning, Bharatha approached Rama. Falling at his feet, he pleaded, “Return, O noble one, and accept the crown. Rule over Ayodhya and guide us all.” But Rama, unwavering in his commitment, replied, “It was our father’s command that I dwell in the forest for fourteen years. How can I forsake his word? You must rule in my stead, for that was his wish.”

Bharatha struggled to accept this and even criticized Dasaratha’s judgment, but Rama defended their father’s honor. Torn between love for his brother and his own sense of duty, Bharatha finally relented. On Vasishta’s counsel, he accepted to rule as Rama’s representative, but only under protest. With profound reverence, he asked Rama for his wooden sandals—Rama’s padukas—as a symbol of authority. Rama gave them, and Bharatha held them to his heart, vowing to govern Ayodhya as Rama’s humble servant. “If you do not return in fourteen years, I will give up my life in fire,” Bharatha declared solemnly.

With heavy hearts, the party bid farewell and began the journey back to Ayodhya. Bharatha, refusing royal comforts, established his court in Nandigram, outside the city, placing Rama’s padukas on the throne. He lived the life of an ascetic, ruling Ayodhya justly, waiting for his brother’s return.

Meanwhile, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, mindful of the turmoil their presence at Chitrakoota might cause, journeyed deeper into the Dandaka forest. There they visited Sage Atri and his wife Anasuya. Sita received wise counsel and loving gifts from the saintly lady, who assured her of joy and prosperity after their trials. The trio rested there, refreshed by the company of the righteous.

Thus, the saga of Ayodhya’s sorrow and Bharatha’s unwavering devotion unfolded, the destiny of Rama inching closer to its divine fulfillment.