Sumanthara Returns to Ayodhya
Rama crossed Ganga and after reaching other side of the river, then Guha was feeling sad and was discussing with Sumanthara the Virtues of Rama till he was not visible across the river.Then he took him to his house. From his spies, he got the message of Rama visiting Sage Bharadwajha hermitage and staying with him in Pryaag and there after their proceeding towards Chitrakoot.This information was conveyed to Sumanthara by Guha. Then after taking leave from Guha with sadness written all over Sumanthara left for Ayodhya.
Seeing Blooming Fragrant Forests,rivers, ponds, villages,cities, travelled fast on the 3rd day evening he reached the ‘down and out’ Ayodhya. The city looked desolate, life less without any sound “so far the city which was bristling with Elephants, Horses, People , Kings of neighbouring nations; looked as though it has been burnt down by Fire caused by the pangs of separation from Rama and turned into ashes” thinking thus he walked the Horses fast to reach the steps of the Fort.
Seeing Sumanthara coming the crowds in hordes were asking ‘Where is Rama? Where is Rama?’ and started asking him from all 4 directions.” Sumanthara replied them “Dear People , that Mahathma stopped me in Ganga river bank and ordered me ‘Go back to Ayodhya’ “ . When the crowds came to know that Rama and Lakshmana have crossed Ganga they shedding tears and beathing heavily ‘ what a surprise ! such a tragedy has come to us , what sin have we done? what birth have we taken? Haa Rama how did you have the heart to leave us like this? “ they wailed. In sapsm of crowds ‘We saw in this very Chariot Rama , Lakshmana and Sita; now the very same Chariot is bereft of them and we are forced to see this empty Chariot, our birth should be extinguished. If one was to do Charity, Rama will be there to verify the same is done in a proper manner by the right people and right manner and at the right time.SimiarlyYagnya if performed Rama goes there, without fail, verify whether if it is being performed by Money or materials earned in a justifiable manner. If there arises any dobt in the rituals he will calirfy/rectify; if anything is forgotten he will remind same. If any Marriage takes place he goes there without fail, just the 2 sides match in caste, clan, wealth etc are the Marriage couple compatible check same; if due to paucity of funds it the marriage is not taking place, he will give same and ensure the marriage takes place, He will verify if the religious rituals are being performed correctly. Similarly the long drawn out Yagas also he will personally ensure same is performed correctly. Will we able to see that Dharmathma once more? In this city for each individual he will check what is that will ensure him happiness? or what is that he/she likes? What is that it will give comfort /Luxury for that person? This he will enquire in detail, will fulfill their aspirations;like the father protects the son he was protecting us all, has the time come for him to Leave us ? ” the ladies were Lamneting all this standing on the streets, on terraces of buildings, and Sumanthara heard all this while driving to the Palace.
Unable to see those affectionate citizens of Ayodhaya in sorrow, he hid his face and went to Dasaratha’s house and crossed the 7 security layer People were thronging the palace and were all the more keen as Dasaratha was not seen.The Ladies who were eagerly waiting in the hope that Rama will return seeing the Chariot empty wailed ‘ haahaa ‘.
Unable to think properly,each was staring at the other with a blank face devoid of any feelings.Having come to know of Sumanthara’s return the Queens rushed to Dasaratha’s chambers and were awaiting the latest on Rama,Lakshmana&Sita, “ Raam left his town, he has come without Rama;what will he say to Kaushalya who has been in unspeakable Sorrow.Let us see. Having allowed her Son Rama to go to forest, her being alive will be a miracle. No one else except her can do that. “ they spoke like this in hushed tones as Dasaratha was near by. But Sumanthara could hear them. Hearing those genuine words, his grief only increased. Then he entered the 8th level of security, saw Dasaratha was unconscious due to Puthra shokam(Grief of separation from son) and the king’s chamber was lusture less. He went near and with folded hands greeted the king,Dasaratha saw him, due to Puthra shokam(Grief of separation from son)his mind did not react and again he fainted . The persons there all cried ‘ Haahaa ‘. Sumithra and Kaushalya came running and lifted him and laid the king on the bed.
Then Kaushalya after sheer anguish said “ Hey Great person ! My child who had done which no other person will dare has sent the messenger from the Forest. Why are you not speaking to him? When giving boon to Kayikeyei very easily and happily you gave them , because of that Rama went to Forest, now you’re feeling shy and remoresing is indeed a surprise ! Was all this not known to you then? getup. Let by gone be by gone, how does it matter to you who suffers? By not faltering on your word , you have earned lot of Punyam (Good deeds for future).is that not enough? Can any one be of help in undergoing suffering? My grief has to be borne by myself only Just to please me if you show that you also grieving, will my anguish be reduced? So do not act. If you do not show sorrow people, will scorn you, afraid of the public rebuke , are you lamenting like this ? Even it is is not that, Afraid Kayikeyei is there so you are not enquiring about Rama’s matters. Hence are you not asking? Even that fear is not necessary as Kayikyei is not here. Please speak boldly. Thus moaning unable to speak, with tears blanking her eyes she fell on the floor.
Kaushalya lamaneting like this and falling on the floor and Dasaratha being sensless and sitting on the bed , the Ladies in the room cried hoarsely. Hearing this others also joined in their wailing, because of this, the crying was not only heard from Palace but from other parts of the city as well. It was similar to how it was when Rama left for Forest.(Slokas 34).
****************