Bharatha Meets Sage Bharadhwajha
Bharatha seeing the Sage Bharadhwajha Hermittage at a distance of 3 Km (1 Krosha) he stopped his Army,removed his aromur, ornaments changed dress to meet a Sage, crown etc, along with Sage Vasishta with Ministers following him went walking . After some distance he stopped his ministers accompanying him, since he knew the treditions of Raghu Vansa went along with Sage Vasishta in front. The Great Sage Bharadhwajha on seeing Sage Vasishta got up and asked his disciples ‘ Please bring Argyam’ . Vasishta and Bharadwajha were of same age;hence they did not do Namaskaram(Porstrate), instead enquired each other’s welfare,Since he came with Sage Vasishta he could guess that he was a Ikshwaku dynasty Pirnce and King Dasaratah’s son. As per the cusotms prevailing then he extended civilities, offred Fruits, Beverages etc Sage enquired whether the People of Ayodhya, Treasury, Ministers, Army, Friends, are they all Safe? He enquired. Since he was aware of King’s Dasaratha’s demise , he did not talk about him, then Bharatha and Sage Vasishta enquired ‘are you keeping good health? Are the Agnis ,Desciples, Birds, Animals of Hermittaage are all safe?. Bhardhwajah acknowledged and due to the affection he has for Rama spoke to Bharatha“ You are supposed to be ruling Ayodhya, instead your coming here makes me doubt; Kuashalya gave birth to a son who brings Bliss for the entire world, and who himself is Great Valorous person. Dasaratha hearing the words of a lady ordained Rama to live in the forest for 14 years. Accordingly he went with his wife and brother to the forest.The kingdom which Rama was entitled, you have got it and you want to enjoy it without any hindrance opining that have you come with the intention of ruining Rama?” thus he asked.
Immediately Bharatha was choked with emotion,tears rolling down with Voice stuttering “ Oh my I am ruined ! You knower of all 3 Times (Past, Present, Future) if you start speaking about me like this what will be my destiny? Due to me no one will get harmed. I request you not to speak about me in this fashion. if u think ‘whether you do or your mother does?’, when I was not present the words my mother uttered, may not be taken as my thinking/wish. I have no pleasure in hearing those words.Nor have I accepted them. The Greatest among Men Rama I want to cajole him with pleasant words and make him accept my request for returning to Ayodhya and serve his Lotus feet forever. I now plead to kindly tell me where is Rama Living now?
Then Sages like Vasishta also said ‘Please have mercy on Bharatha’ and they prayed to him in many ways.SageBharadhwajha was statisfied and told Bharatha “ Following your forefathers culture, Controlling senses and not having attachemnet to Royal Living, and acting as per advicse of Pious is the Ragukula (your Dynasty) hall mark and your character is appropriate. I am fully aware of your Nature and thinking with my Yogic Power,still wanted to ensure Your Devotion to Rama and the Loyalty for Rama has to be highlighted to the world there by your Fame will grow manifold, I asked this question. Rama with Sita and Lakshmana are living in the near by Chithrakoot Mountain.You can go tomorrow. Today you and your Ministers stay here. Hey Bharatha who has the habit of never saying No to those who seek, please fulfill my desire of you being my guest. (Slokas 24)..
****************