Bharatha reaches Ayodhya
After that Bharatha carefully kept the Padhuka(Foot wear of Rama) on his head happily climbed the Chariot along with Sahtrugna. Sages like Vasishtaa, Vamdeva and Jhabaali Ministers went in front.Then they prayed to Mandhakini river where Rama and Sita take bath and did Pradhakshinam(Going around in clockwise direction) of the Chithrakkoot hill where Rama lives and moved Eastwards. Seeing the sylvan surroundings and enjoying same they coasted along the foot hill and saw Sage Bharadhwajha’s hermitage.
On reaching Bhratha got own from the Chariot , bowed to the Rishis’s feet. He blessed him and asked“ Child ! Did you see Rama? Could you accomplish what you intented for? “ the sageBharatha replied “ Myself and Lord Vasishtaa prayed him in many ways for which he replied Vasishta saint “ I will,not fail on my pledge made to my Father. As per that I will spend 14 years in the forest” thus Rama happily replied. Then the great Sage Vasishtaa told “ hey Rama ! These Wooden Foot wear please bless and give to Bharatha.These will without any shortcoming will bless the Country and confer Kshema(well being ,Prosperity,innate happiness reflected in their Living)on all.Sage is a great orator like Rama and hence consented, stood looking eastward blessed the Padhuka with his feet and blessed me with the capability to rule the kingdomand ordered me to go to Ayodhya. The Padhuka which are then embodiment of all Mangalam( Auspiciouswell being , accrue happier moments, shower inbrighter times ahead ) I am going with them”saidBharatha. Hearing that happy news Sage Bharadwajha said “hey greatest amongst Men ! You are the best in culture and Conduct ! is it a surprise for water to stay where there is a pit? Seeing Elders and making your self in consonance with them as per Dharma is it such a surprise? It is not justified to say that Dasaratha is no more, when he has son who understands the secrets of Dharma and abides by it.Through the Noblest of children the Father is alive is the Veda Vakya and so he is eternal so we should say. “ thus appreciated the sage, Then Bharatha bowed to his feet often and did pradhakshina and took leave and left for Ayodhya.
The Elephants, Horses,Vehicles, Chariots Army, Government officials, citizens crossed Yamuna and came to Ganga and crossed that holy river and reached Sringhiperapura . Starting from there they neared Ayodhya. Seeing his father and elder brother being not there, Bharatha was overcome with emotion and chokingly said “ Sumnathara ! Look The City having lower Kaanthi ( Lusture-Aura-Radiance- Dazzle- effervesence) with no joy, and not having Vibrant speech appears like it is Doomed city.” Thus Bharatha said in anguish.(Slokas25).
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