Rama meets Sage Bharadwaja
That night they stayed there and started early morning, entered the Forest, went towards where Ganga and Yamuna join together at Paryag,on the way they saw many a country, and different types of Soils, and uniqure rare things as well; and were given hospitality by the people there and walked till sunset.Then Rama said “ Lakshamana ! see there is smoke in the sky for a long distance.That must be smoke from Homam (coming from sacrificial pits of Prayers). You are able to hear the clashing of the two rivers currents.I think we have come o the place where Ganga and Yamuna are joining(Sangam). Forest men have cut the trees for selling them. Look at the Trees of Bhradwaja hermitage visible at a distance.” Thus walked some more distance and when it was Sunset came to Sage Bharadwajha’s hermitage near the Sangam.The animals and Birds seeing outsiders ran. As they wanted to pay respects to the sage and it was time for his Agnihothram,hence they waited at a little distance from the Hermittage till the prayer was completed. Unexpectedly one of the Sage’s disciple came out and saw them, immediately he informed the sage and were ushered in to the Hermitage where Saint Bharadwajha was discussing with his deisciples after completion of the Agnihothram.
Sage Bharadhwajha was a Mendicant who knew the Past, Present and Future which clairvoyance he had acquired due to the powers of his penance attained through severe austerities, sacrifices and Constant prayers to God over the years and which he is continuing to this day. Rama ,Sita, Lakshmana saw him with folded hands and did Namsakrams said “Lord ! we are the sons of Emperor Dasaratha; I am Rama;he is Lakshamana; She is daughter of King Janaka. My wife is Pathivaratha and her name is Sita;She also wanted to Live in the Forest and after lot of prayers she has come here; Lakshamana since he has enormous love for me , when my father ordained me to go to Forest he wanted to be with me,hence he has also come; he does not fail on his Prathignya(Swear/Promise/Vow/Keep one’s word even at the cost of his own Life). As per Father’s order we have to live in the Forest , eating Fruits, Roots, Stem of the Plants, have to observe Dharma of Pithruvaakya Paripaalanaam (Implementing Father’s wish/pledge)’said Rama.
Sage Bharadwajha after he heard them, did Argyam, Padhyam etc extended civilities as per customs prelevant then. Gave food and place where to sleep. Due to his Power of penance the Animals and birds there were very friendly to Humans. There were Disciples who were surrounding him. The Sage enquired ‘ so you reached Safely?’. they sat in the seats offered by him ‘yes sire! With your blessings’ .then sage asked “ Rama ! I was thinking of you in my mind all the while **{Being a 3 Kala Gyani who is aware of the Past, Present & Future he was aware ( Rama in none other than God Maha Vishnu) and it is rare privilege to meet him }. After all this time , I am able to have your audience in this hermittage.What will I tell of my Bhagyam ( frutis of good deeds of past Births)? I heard that Dasaratha sent you to forest for no reason, This place where rivers Ganga & Yamuna join is Holy, not much of people are here.It is nice to look at. You can Live here itself.” Rama ‘Lord! If we stay here, the people of Ayodhya may like to see me , since it is closeby they may come often in their eagerness to see me. Hence I am not keen on staying here.Sita who has been reared in comforts, plese suggest a Hermittage where she can be at peace happily . There human should not be visiting. ’said thus.
Bharadwajha said ‘ 32 Km (20 Miles or 10 Krosha ) from here there is a Hill known as Chithrakoot;It is like Gandhamadhana Mountain; Saints and Sages Live there;where ever you see it is sylvan surroundings; the Monkeys,Bears are more there. All the Animals Living in this terrain, their Punyam(Good frotunes ) grows on increasing as long as they are in the visible range of the Hill Top.They have no inclination towards Sins.There many Saints have done penance for Long and have gone to heaven with thier mortal bodies.I think it is secluded and worthy of Living. If you have then inclination you can stay here.** ( Saint Bharadhwaja is yearning to have Rama the God with him nay!!!).” thus Saint Bharadwajha in many ways made them happy . He who is aware of Dharma and had extensive Devotion towards Rama.
Speaking of the Holy Punya Stories they spent their night comfortably and next day morning Rama went to the saint and said “ Lord ! Last night we stayed comfortably in your Ashramam(Hermittge). Please give us permission to go to the place you had advised us.”. Sage replied “ Please go to the Chitrakkot which is filled with Honey, Fruits, roots. The place is worth living for you. There are beautiful trees and groves.The Peacocks, Elephants, Deers gives you bliss. There are Waterfalls, Valley, wild Rivers,Cuckoos which coos in different notes, small sparrows can be seen and live in the foot hills blissfuly.(Slokas44).
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