Coronation of Padhuka
After leaving the Queens in Ayodhya; Bharatha not wanting to fail on his promise, with great sorrow looked at his Teachers/ Gurus and said “ Today I am going to Nandi Grama. I am seeking permission. If I stay here my anguish only increases. So I will go there and somehow tolerate it. Emperor has gone to Heaven. My Elder brother who is worthy of worship has left for forest. The Great Famed Rama is only worthy of ruling this country. Until he arrives to take charge of this country, I am going to remain there.”saidBharatha.
Hearing this Sage Vasishta and other Ministers said “ What you are saying is highly adorable. It behoves of the Love you have for him and your Magnanimity. You always take care of Relations; you have immense Love for those born with you; you follow the Dharma of the Pious; who will not accept your words?” said they.
Bharatha seeing they consented with him said “ Sumanthara ! please bring my Chariot.” With pleasant face bowed to the Queens boarded the Chariot with Sahtrugna.SageVasishtaa , other Saints, Great Brahmins, Priests went ahead. Ministers Governement officals came alongwith them. Since the 4 Divisions of Army, Citizens also followed him even though were not invited. All walked towards Nandigrama facing Eastwards. Elephants, Horses, Chariots, Citizens though were not invited, accompanied Bharatha to Nandi grama. Carrying the Padhuka(Foot wear of Rama) on his head reached Nandigrama in his Chariot, alighted looked at Sage Vasishta and said “ In the guise of asking the boons, Kaykyei earned the Kingdom for Bharatha; Dasaratha also consented; Bharatha also has agreed to rule the Kingdom” thisAbavadham(Ignonimy or Public Disgrace) I do not want. This country my brother has entrusted to me . This I should Govern blemishlessly and retrun back to him. I do not possess the Power or Liberty to protect this country. These 2 Padhukas(Foot wear of Rama) were adorned by him. They only have the Power and Sagacity to protect this kingdom and ensure it’s growth and none else possess same.” Thus Bharatha bowed to the Padhukas, bestowed the Authority and responsibility of running the country to them, and placed them on the Throne in place of Rama. Then he said “ Ministers ! Subjects ! Lord of the world and one who is worthy of worship, Sri Rama’s Padhuka (Wooden Foot wear) are these. He is personally present here through them. The Royal paraphenelia of Umbrella, Royal inisignia of Fan made of quill etc are to be shown as is the Protocol to the King. My Guru Rama’s fame this Kingdom Dharma will Prosper. Due to the affinity he has for me he has given this Kingdom for safe custody and in Lieu of him has given these Padhukas. Hence till he comes back I will protect these Padhukas as my own dear Life. He will return quickly, At that time I will merge them unto his feet and witness the festive event. Then I will resubmit the heavy burden to him., hand over this Kingdom back to him; I will stay close by him and serve him with Happiness. Then I would have been released from all the Sins accrued to me. The Coronation ceremony for Rama will be performed , and when the people are mesmerized by it , I will enjoy the Bliss more than if I were to rule this kingdom myself and thereby achive Boundless Fame and immense Bliss.” Thus Bharatha went on lamenting with pain in his heart was looking after the governing of the Kingdom with his Mimisters.
Wearing the Deer skin, dress made of wooden barks/leaves ,with Matted Hair, in the garb of Saint he did Coronation of Rama’s Padhukas and was awaiting the arrival of Rama. He had tremendous affinity for Rama; he did not falter on his vow. He gave daily account of the happenings of the Government activities to the Padhukas. Whatever he undertakes to do he does not do without informing them. Whatever materials he gets they are submitted to them. Thus that great Mahathma(Greatest Soul) Bharatha made himself the salve of Rama through the Padukas he ran the Kingdom. Slokas27).
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