Citizens go with Rama
Despite the persons of Palace, Dasaratha and Minsters stopped following Rama, the citizens of Ayodhya , due to the affection they had for him they followed his Chariot going towards Forest. Do they have fear in the place where he was going as Rama was known for his PARAKRAM (Achievement, Might, Puissance,Exploits,Valor, Heroism, Gallantry,Prowess,Ability,Valour). Just like the unsatiable happiness people get, when they see a Fulll moon ,like wise the happiness of People of Ayodhya knows no bounds on seeing Rama who is Famous , and is embodiment of all Virtues.
They pleaded “ Rama please return, please return” often; but he went towards Forest with an urge to fulfill his Father’s Promise. Hence he cannot return to Ayodhya. But because of the affection he had for them, he was unable to contain himself from looking at them as though they were his children and said “The amount of Love you have for me, please shower the same on Bharatha hereafter, that only will make me happy”. If you think ‘Bharatha is son of Kayikeyie so her bad qualities will be there in him also eh? When they asked ‘Is it in our interest that you should direct us to him?‘then Rama said ‘ Bharatha is pious and pure in his conduct, Dharmathma, He will help you provide thus make you attain all good things in this world as well as attain Salvation in the future world as well. Even though he is young by age, he is Learned and matured. He is Peaceful by nature and soft by courage, but he is a Valorous person, he will protect you and no harm will come to you anytime. He has all the Qualities of a King. Hence he is worthy of being your Prince , hence Emperor has appointed him. My self ,Lakshmana & Shatrugnawhould obey the King. When I am in Forest you people should conduct yourself in such a way that he does not feel hurt. This is the path that only will make me Haappy“ said Rama.
If Rama has to fulfill the Father’s pledge, then he has to go according to Dharma (Righteous conduct, Duty, Pious, humble,Charity ,Ethical,being Noble, all this done beyond expectation and without anticipation)and thus Rama spoke in consanance with Dharma this made those accompanying Citizens’s resolve that Rama only shoule be their King and they said ‘Rama! You are the eldest son and Dasaratha 1stdecied to crown you as Prince? So your duty is to carryout that arrangement only., that is the Word your father gave. Acting as per that is Pithru VakhyaParipalanam(Implementing Father’s words). ‘ thus they beseeched him often. Like the Hunter takes the crying Animals in his net, similarly Rama & Lakshmana were taking the Citizens of Ayodhya whose eyes were welled up with pitiful tears bound in the rope of Uthamgunangal(Noble Virtues), where ever they went.
There were 3 categories of people who followed Rama. 1)Elderly, those 2)who were learned and 3)Spiritually elevated(Knew Rama is God) by their Penance.Those Elderly whose heads were shaking and were unable to catch up with the speeding Chariot , who were distanced cried out “Hey Noble Horses you are taking away Rama from us fast, Please turn back;you should not go towards the Forest. Our words are congenial to your Lord not other wise” thus they prayed. But they were moving forward speedily.Seeing that “ The animals have the hearing ability, Further your ears are big; after our Prayers have fallen on your ears you should not still proceed, Your Master is pristine pure, great Valorous person, he does not falter on his word. If you are following Dharma (Righteous conduct, Duty, Pious, humble,Charity ,Ethical,being Noble, all this done beyond expectation and without anticipation) You should be going to Ayodhya and your going to Forest is not justified.” Hearing these words Rama saw those Brahmins and felt “My being in the Chariot is not justified after hearing them” thus swiftly Rama, Sita & Lakshamana got down from the Chariot. He thought if I do not pacify the Brahmins there will be impediment to my Pledge, Rama started walking sowly till they can reach him. He had stopped Dasaratha ,Minsiters and the Palce personnel with folded hands. But he could not stop the Brahmins like that. Rama had excessive affection towards them. His true behavior was well recognized and specially known to Brahmins than others. Hence there devotion to him was boundless. Seeing their plight and the anguish they were expericing in their Heart , Rama could not bear that; thinking that by Standing in the Chariot and stoping them is a Great Disrespectful behaviour,due to his natural affection and respect for them , he alighted from the Chariot. But did not walk towards Ayodhya. He walkd towards Forest.
When Rama alighted from the Chariot , the Brahmins ‘Our prayers have been answered. By bestowing Mercy on us Rama has stopped from going to Forest and is returning to Ayodhya’ thus they were jubilant. Then seeing Rama was still walking towards the Forest , their hearts palpitated thought ‘ Our Sorrow and bemoaning has not been able to stop Rama ; if we burden him that we also will accompany him to Forest, then he cannot proceed’. And said “ Rama ! All the Tanthras, Manthras which are for Brahmins, Knowledge , Yogam –Deep meditation and all the Dharmas , has come in the form of this Brahmin crowd, and is following You who is worthy of worship. We and the Homam(Sacrifice,Sacrificial Fire ) are absorbed in the Arani wood which helps ignite Fire, are following you on our shoulders, . The white umblrellas which we got by performing Vajpayye Yagnyas are also following you like the White Summer Clouds. This hot summer with scorching heat is making your body wince without the Umbrella. With our white umbrellas , we will give you shadow. So far we have been using our intellect, intelligence in learning Vedas and their inner secret meanings. , now they are thinking about your journey to Forest and not towards learning Vedas.’ If you ask ‘ The main wealth for Brahmins is learning of Vedas , by forsaking them and by leaving your Wife and Children who are relying on you only,How can you come to Forest?’ the Vedas are residing in our heart always,by not reciting them no harm will be done. The Pathivratha( pure pristine and Noblest, Chaste, Loving, Humble dotting Wife not falling prey to Fame, Money or Power) Dharma will protect our wife.Your deciding to go to Forset is not in your interest; returning back is good for you.it is your opinion that Pithruvaakya Paripaalanaam (Implementing Fatehr’s wish/pledge) Dharma should be adehered. How can we observe our Dharma if you are not there? How can you by spoiling Karma anushatanam(Duty/Rites to be performed having taken Birth)? You cannot earn your Dharma, which is an error judgement. We are Brahmins, we are elder in age, Knowledge, Penance .Still we do not have the heart to be separated from you.
“ Despite our telling you so much you are continiuing your journey to Forest. You are thinking that your steadfast in observing Dharma? Look at us, we who have white Fleece of Hair like the Swan birds are falling at your feet and requesting you to return to the City. Many of us here have commenced performing yagnya(Sacrificial spiritual rites) believing your presence, if you are no there how will it happen? the sin of spoiling them also will accrue to you only.
“ Forget our prayers;the animals, birds and the Lifeless are also requesting you to return. Seeing their affection and devotion and acceding to their request atleast, you can return to Ayodhya eh? Look ‘ the people of Ayodhya are blessed to go with Rama. Why are not we fortunate enough to go with Rama is the silent cry of these Trees.’ These Trees also tried coming with us; since there roots are grounded into the soil They wee unable to walk and had to stay there itself.Their Leaves/branches are conveying message through the Air blowing across ‘ Oh My! we are not able to go with Rama like the citizens’ look they are crying hoarsely like this.’Rama! you are omni present in all the Creatures. You have immense Mercy for all the Living beings, so when the Atma(Life force) which is staying in this Body suffering,Is it a surprise that the Body suffers ? See the Birds in the Trees; they have not gone in search of their food, nor have they gone out to Fly; have not come down from the tree, they are staying out where they are’ said the Brahmins.
The Brahmins who were thus Lamneting and following behind Rama, “ Rama ! do not brush aside the words of Brahmins.Go back to Ayodhya” the Thamasaa river as though blocked Rama’s onward journey. Then Sumanthara released the Horses which were extremely tired from the Chariot, and allowed them to roll on the ground for them to relax, bathed them in the River , allowed them to Drink water and fed them fodder and allowed it to graze in the nearby fields on the banks of the River.(Slokas 33).
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