Bharatha starts for the Forest
All people had dressed up well as Bharata is going to be coronated and were seated in the King’s assembly hall in their respective seats,.’Like the the clear sky in summner with full moon shines , the Hall was Dazzling’ Sage Vasishta saw the hall and after seeing the Government officals and other people he said “ Child Bharatha ! Dasaratha ruled the Kingdom with Dharma and attained Heaven. This vast country filled with Wealth and Granary he has given to you before his demise. Like the Beauty of Moon does not leave it, Rama who does not stray even a single day the Pitruvaakya Paripaalanaam (Implementing Father’s wish/pledge) as a Truthful person abiding by the conduct of Pious has given this Kingdom to you and left for the Forest. Thus ths country which has been given by your Father and your Brother whole heartedly without any reservations please accept this Kingdom to appease the People and coronate yourself immediately. From all the 4 directions and Islands the Kings may bring Billions and Billions of Gems as an offering at your feet.
Hearing this Bharatha , when eldest son is there the younger one taking over the Kingdom Is against Dharma (Ethic of Kingdom) and he was well aware of the same , and with the sole intention of observing that Dharma; thought of Rama . On remembering Rama the tears flowed and his heart choked,. Rama is a Mahathama who had all the worthiness of enjoying all the comforts and Luxureis of this kingdom yet Rama refused this Kingdom . What a surprise ! if some body has to go against the Dharma it is told in secrecy. Sage Vasishta knower of all Dharmas himself has thought me to be so cheap? When all the people of this country are present here, he is counselling me to do this heinous Adharma (against Dharma); without thinking of paying respects to him as per Etiquet, he also thought of ridiculing sage Vasishta in their presence. “ thought Bharatha. He said “ With no refuge in this world or outer world, I am surrendering to Rama. When that be the case ,without accepting my view, all of you have joined to spoilt it with so much pains is this not a Good Effort! This is not Forest. Even in the city with so much crowd, why have you all ganged up to snatch away from me, my wealth of Rama bhakthi (Devotion of Rama ) which is my Praanan (Life force)and also Fulcrum of my Life,
Sage Vasishta has been appointed the Priest of IkshwakuDyansty for their well being . He is the knower of all 3 Times (Past,Present & Future) hence he wants our Lineage to get special blessings so he is counseling me this, can you see this? Having this sort of Guru and and if this sort of counseeling is observed very soon my Lineage will attain all the well beings easily, do you have any doubts on that ?
“ Rama has done Grukulavasam(Schooling with boarding in Teacher’s place) as per procedure learnt the Sashtras.; he knows their meaning well; he observes them without default; the kingdom of such a great person , if I who also is adhereing to the same ideals, is my usurping same is it acceptable to you? Dasaratha died no sooner Rama left him; having born to him as son how will I dare to usurp his kingdom?
“ if you anlayse me, you will know clearly that I am not worthy of ruling this country. This is Kingdom is Rama’s property;I am also Rama’s property. Can one part of that preperty rule over other parts of the property? If that be the case why can’t this Kingdom rule over me? In the worlds there are people who over power their father’s wish and rule. You should not think I am like that even for few seconds. ‘In the world if a person has a Gem kept in a box,; in that case is not the boox protecting the Gem?’ If you ask . That box with key has been ordered by that person to protect the Gem. ** {Later Rama (the owner) is going to ask Bharatha (the box) to guard the Gem (the Country)}. Bharatha said “ I have not been ordered by Rama to rule the country on his behalf” TheOranmaents when not worn by us is kept in the box. Rama should rule this country, we have to our extent pray to him and if he does not approve and says “ now I have another job on hand, until such period I have the time to take charge till then you look after “ thus if he entrust it to me , being his slave, like the Box till he returns I will safe guard this Kingdom. Hence we should strive in all possible ways to get him back. First we should go and see him and erase the thought that this Kingdom is mine because of the Boons given to Kaikyei. The eldest 1st son is by any standards is more worthy, capable and Dharmathma and 1st amongst the Surya vamsa(Lineage) Rama is the person who should Rule this country after Dasaratha. If I do this Great Sin of becoming King, like the Lowly people and their actions which will not confer heaven ; the consequence will be that from the start of Vaiwasvatha Manu till now, without any blemish ,and with great Fame this kingdom which has been ruled by the Sun Lineage of all Rulers. I will be the main cause to smear ALL their Names with Eternal Infamy . I have no connection to the Sin committed by Kayikeyei;i do not like it a wee bit. As a repentence I am with folded hands seeking pardon of Rama who is in the Forest. Wherever he is I am going to bring him here. Who else is worthy of being the Ruler of all the 3 worlds other than Rama?” said Bahratha.
Hearing those words which were in consonance with the Dahrma ,the people in the Assembly became devoted to Rama shed tears of Joy.Then Bharatha said “ if in case I am not able to bring Rama from the forest, I will also stay in forest along with Lakshmana who is the greatest in serving Rama. All of you who are present here should come with me to the Forest.In your presence by any means or even by force I will bring him back. Those who do Labour work have been sent in advance to clear the Path to the Forest. I have also decided to go to Forest. “ having spoken thus asked Sumanthara “ keep the 4 divsions of Army to be ready“commanded Bharatha.
Then People and the Generals were elated on the decision of travelling to the Forest and bring back Rama.The wifes of the Soldiers expedited their husbands; in Chariots, Horses, Elephants, Soldiers and Generals were ready for the journey. Seeing the Army ready Bharatha took permission from SageVasishta and told Sumanthara nearby” please bring my Chariot “. He brought the Chariot led with pure breed Horses (Thus Horses got another chance to see Rama as they sincerely felt bad leaving Rama on the banks of Ganga).
Bharatha who is great valouros and famous said “ I will pray to my brother ,somehow I will bring him back . Sumanthara ! I would like to bring Rama who is in forest as he is the benefactor of the entire world”for that Generals and soldiers have to come with me and convey this to them soon. “ said Bharatha.
Sumanthara with immense happiness conveyed Bharatha’s order to all the government officials, Generals, friends who were to accompany him.The people of the city of all caste, creed with enthusiasm, got ready the Camels, Mules, Elephants, Horses and Chariots for the journey. (Slokas 32).
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