RAMAYANA AND EASY ENGLISH -2 IN 1

25. INTRIGUE WASTED 

Now Bharata understood everything and realised the enormity of the harm wrought by his mother. 

Overwhelmed by grief and near, he could not control himself. 

At the thought of what she had done and the eternal infamy she had incurred, his grief grew wild and he hurled cruel words at her. "What have you done?" he cried. 

"Did you ever hope to make me accept the kingdom? 

Deprived of such a father and such a brother, am I likely to care for power? 

After causing the death of the King and the banishment of Rama, you ask me to take their place and rule the land. 

This is like pouring oil into the fire of my grief. 

How unfortunate was my father to have chosen you for a wife! Kausalya and Sumitra will also die of grief. 

Oh, how could you bring yourself to do this to Rama who was so devoted to you?

 Revered mother Kausalya treated you like her own blood-sister. How could you think of plotting against her beloved son?

 And did you not know how much I loved Rama? 

Greed destroyed your understanding.

 How else could you so foolishly plan for my happiness? 

Even the great King relied on Rama and Lakshmana.

 How could you believe that in their absence I could rule the kingdom? 

And, even if I could, would I agree?

 Never will your wish be fulfilled through my cooperation. 

I can no longer regard you as my mother. 

I cut myself off from all relation with you and decline to regard you as my mother. 

How could you ever think of setting aside rule and custom and getting a younger son crowned? 

Would not the world revile us for all time? 

The general law of kings and the tradition of our family cannot be violated. 

I will not carry out your wish.

 I shall go to the forest and bring Rama back. 

I shall set the crown on his head and rejoice in being his loyal servant."

 To understand Bharata's feelings, we should keep in mind his innate noble nature, his love for Rama, his grief for his father and the sense of guilt and shame that for his sake his mother had done this grievous wrong. 

We should not weigh his words in dry air and a chemical balance. In such contexts, poetry flashes fire.

 One sees it both in Valmiki and Kamban.

 Bharata raised his voice and spoke again: "Banish Rama indeed! It is you that ought to be banished, cruel woman, who have forsaken the path of dharma. 

So far as you are concerned you may take it that I am dead, for I would rather be dead than be son to a murderess!

 Murderess of your husband! 

You are not the daughter of the good King Asvapati. 

You are a Rakshasi.

 To what hell should you go, you, who banished the only child of mother Kausalya? 

What punishment would be too great for the grief you have caused her?

 Kamadhenu, the cow-mother, had hundreds of thousands of children, yet she shed tears at the sight of the suffering of two bulls yoked to a plough and her tears scalded Indra on his throne in high Heaven. 

And Kausalya's only child you sent to the forest, hoping thus that you and I could be made happy! 

I shall do the obsequies and go to the forest and fall at the feet of Rama and bring him to his kingdom.

 And then, to cleanse myself of the sin and the shame you have brought on me, I shall lead the life of an ascetic in the Dandaka forest. 

What a flood of sorrow have you let loose on the earth? 

By what penitence, by what self mortification, can you redeem yourself?

 I shall go myself at once to Rama and get rid of my guilt by restoring the kingdom to him."

 Finding no relief for his anguish by angry words, sighing like a young elephant newly captured, hot tears-falling from his eyes, he felt he could bear no longer the sight of his mother and rushed to Kausalya's apartment, there to find a better place to give vent to his sorrow. 

Thus did Kaikeyi's castle in the air go up in smoke. 

She lay down on the floor and wept.

 The most painful of all reflexions is that of a crime perpetrated in vain. 

Among the characters in the Ramayana, Bharata is the perfect embodiment of virtue.

 In the villages of the North, the people celebrate an annual festival for the episode of the meeting of Rama and Bharata at Chitrakuta, which they consider the most sanctifying part of the Ramayana epic. 

There have been through the ages great and noble souls whose virtue shines eternally in the midst of the sordid self-seeking of a sinful world, as a beacon light to seekers of the right path, and as a token of the god in man.

 Soon the news of Bharata's arrival spread throughout the palace. Kausalya, still laboring under her grief, heard this, and was glad and told Sumitra, "Come, let us go and meet Bharata."

 Hardly had they taken a couple of steps when they saw Bharata himself rushing wildly towards them to plead for mercy. Kausalya's first thought when she heard of Bharata's arrival was that he had hastened back to assume the fortune which had come to him. 

Had not the elders and ministers, led by Vasishtha, decided to send for Bharata so that he might perform his father's obsequies and be crowned king?

 Hence, seeing Bharata, Kausalya, her heart desolate with her loss of husband and son, said in a low voice: "Bharata, the kingship is waiting secured for your sake by Kaikeyi. 

You need not fear any let or hindrance from us. 

Take it, and may all happiness be yours. 

Only one boon I crave of you to let me join your father on the funeral pyre."

 These words were like stinging poison in Bharata's ears.

 He fell at her feet and clung to them, unable to speak.

Kausalya said again: "Oh Bharata, at least take me where Rama is in the forest." 

Unable to bear all these piteous words of Kausalya and unable to speak, Bharata fell into a swoon.

 After a while he sat up and said: "Mother, why do you thus torture me who am innocent? 

You know I was far away and knew nothing of the wicked things going on here.

 Do you not know the love I bear for Rama? 

Would I ever do such a thing to him?

 May all the sins of the world descend on me if I had the least notion of the evil brewing here! 

I had nothing to do with it. 

I have no desire to reap its fruit."

 He raised his hands and recited all the horrible sins that one could commit and invoked on himself the punishments due to them if he had any part in the plot.
In those days as now it was hard for a son to prove that he knew nothing of a scheme carried out by his mother for his benefit. Bharata could only swear his innocence again and again. 

He cared nothing for kingdom or wealth or power
and it was a terrible torment to him that Kausalya should think him capable of greed for them at the expense of his brother.

 Indeed such a thought was hardly less cruel and unjust than Rama's exile! 

He could never accept the crown which was his beloved brother's birthright. 

His passionate sincerity convinced Kausalya of the injustice of her suspicions, and her heart went out to him. 

Tenderly she raised him from the ground and took his head on her lap and caressed him as though he were Rama himself. 

"My dear son, my grief is doubled by seeing the pain raging in your innocent heart.

 What shall we do child? 

We are the playthings of fate.

 May the reward of goodness come to you in this world and the next!" 

Kausalya had not believed Bharata privy to the plot, but she feared that he would condone it and yield to the temptation of its results.

 Now she was convinced that Bharata's heart was completely free from stain. 

Though her own son had gone to the forest, she was pleased that such another son had come to her in his place. 

Here, Kamban beautifully sings how Kausalya shed tears of joy over Bharata and embraced him imagining that Rama himself had returned from the forest. 

Kausalya said amidst her sobs: "Many were your ancestors who attained fame. 

You have surpassed them all in glory by renouncing the kingship that has come to you. 

You are indeed king among kings." 

The Kausalya and Bharata portrayed by Kamban embody a culture. 

May these heroic figures and that culture live forever in the land of Bharata! 

The obsequies of the dead King were duly performed. 

Vasishtha and other learned men and elders offered grave shastric consolation to Bharata and Satrughna. 

Fourteen days after the King's demise, the ministers called the Assembly and addressed Bharata thus: "The King has gone to the world above. 

Rama and Lakshmana are in the forest. 

The land is now without a king.

 It is right that you should assume the rule at our request. 

The preparations for the coronation are all complete. 

The citizens and ministers are awaiting your acceptance. 

This is your kingdom lawfully descended from your ancestors, It is for you to be anointed and rule righteously over us.

" Bharata went with folded hands round the materials gathered for the coronation and said in grave tones to the assembled elders: "I do not consider it proper that you should ask me thus to accept the kingdom. 

According to the custom of our house, the throne belongs to the eldest son. 

 With all respect to you, I have decided to go to the forest and bring Rama back to Ayodhya with Lakshmana and see that Rama is crowned.

 Please get ready the men and materials for this purpose.

 Prepare the road for the journey. 

Let laborers be mobilised for it.

 It is my final and irrevocable decision not to accept the crown." Listening to the prince's words, the whole assembly was beside itself with joy. 

They applauded Bharata's suggestion. 

The army and a big retinue were got ready to accompany the prince to the forest. 

Quickly an army of workers with their tools went forward to prepare the road. 

Men who knew the forest, pioneers who could dig wells and canals, builders of rafts and boats, carpenters and engineers, worked enthusiastically, because they were engaged in getting beloved Rama back.

 Culverts were built, trees felled, a broad road for the prince and his retinue was soon laid.

 Ups and downs were levelled, marshes drained,
resting-places for the army and facilities for drinking water and all other conveniences were soon made ready. 

Though thus preparations were made for Bharata's journey to the forest, Vasishtha and the other ministers formally summoned the Assembly again.

 They did not give up their desire to get Bharata to agree to be crowned.

 They sent messengers to Bharata palace and invited him to the Hall. 

They approached him with music playing on many instruments. All this pained him. 

He stopped the musicians and sent the messengers back and told Satrughna: "Why should they still persist in tormenting me when I have refused the kingdom?

 This is the result of our mother's intrigue.

 My father has gone to Heaven leaving me to bear all this alone. The land needs a king; without one it drifts like a rudderless and derelict ship. 

We must soon get Rama back." 

The Assembly sat eagerly looking for the entrance of the blameless prince.

 He entered the Hall as the full moon rises in the sky He bowed to the elders and sat down.

 Vasishtha said: "This kingdom has been given to you by your father and your brother Rama. 

Accept it and protect us according to ancient custom."

 Bharata's heart was far away with Rama.

 Tears fell from his yes.

 The young prince wept aloud in the midst of the royal Assembly and in a voice struggling with tears, he addressed words of respectful reproach to the preceptors: "How can you ask one of my race and upbringing to usurp what belongs to another far nobler and more worthy than I? 

Can any son of Dasaratha possibly dream of such iniquity?

 This kingdom and I, and all else in it belong to Rama.

 He is the eldest son, the noblest among us, a lover of dharma, an equal to Dilipa and Nahusha of old. 

He is the rightful king. 

He is fit to be sovereign in the three worlds. 

Standing here I pay my homage to Rama there in the forest.

 He is the King, not I." 

The Assembly burst into tears of joy when they heard Bharata speak thus. 

And Bharata continued: "If I am unable to persuade King Rama to agree, I shall stay there performing penance. 

It is your duty, O Elders, to use every means to bring Rama back. I shall do all I can to make Rama come back to Ayodhya and make him King." 

He then ordered Sumantra who was standing near him to hasten the preparations for going to the forest. 

The city rejoiced in anticipation of Rama's return, for all felt sure that nothing could resist the force of Bharata's dutiful love. 
JAI SRI RAM/JAI SITA RAM/OM SRI RAM JAYA RAM JAYA JAYA RAM.

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26. BHARATA SUSPECTED

26. BHARATA SUSPECTED GAZING across the river Ganga, Guha, the hunter-king, noticed unusual commotion on the bank opposite. A great army had encamped there. He pointed it to his kinsmen standing by his side and said: "Who is this and why has he come here with a large army, apparently to cross the river? The flag suggests that it is Kaikeyi's son Bharata and his army. Yes, I see the flag flying on the top of the chariot and I can recognise the tree painted on it. That is the flag of the King of Ayodhya. Is not Rama's enemy, Bharata, the King of Ayodhya too? Having secured the kingdom unjustly through his mother Kaikeyi, it looks as though he has pursued Rama here to slay him. Get together our warriors and kinsmen and f

kinsmen and friends. Let them stand ready on this bank. Gather all the boats and fill them with armed men ready for battle. Let us wait and see. If the newcomers are well disposed towards Rama, we shall help them to cross the river and come over to this side. But, if

their intention is hostile, we shall prevent them from crossing the Ganga." And so having made all preparations, Guha, in accordance with rules of courtesy, took some presents, got into a boat and went to meet Bharata. On the other bank at the same time Sumantra, was telling Bharata: "Look! Guha, the hunter-king, devoted friend of Rama, has come with his people to welcome us. He is the ruler of this region. He and his kinsmen are well acquainted with every nook and corner of this forest. They could tell us where Rama is to found and lead us safely and swiftly to the place." Meanwhile Guha crossed the stream and, approaching Bharata, bowed and said: "Though we have been taken by surprise by your unexpected visit, still all that is mine here you may consider as your own and command me. I consider it an honor to be able to welcome and entertain you and your army." Bharata answered: "It is very kind of you, O friend of my brother, to offer hospitality to such a large army. I wish to proceed to the hermitage of Bharadwaja. We do not know the way, and, we also need to cross this great river." Guha bowed before him with clasped hands and said politely: "My lord, my servants and myself are ready to go with you and act as guides. But you must excuse me for expressing a doubt which occurs to me on seeing this large army you have brought. Surely you have no intentions hostile to Rama?" Pained by these words and from a heart clear and pure as the summer sky, Bharata said: "Alas, what greater shame can come to me than this, that men who love Rama should fear and suspect me? Have no misgivings, Guha. Rama is my father now, for he has taken the place of my lost father. I have come here to beg of him to return to Ayodhya. I swear, I have no other purpose in my mind." Guha rejoiced to see in Bharata's face his intense love for Rama and his grief at what had happened. He said: "My Lord, who in the world can equal you in sacrifice? Who but you would renounce such wealth and power coming to him unsought? Your glory will shine forever." The hunter-king supplied Bharata's army with all it needed. The hosts and the guests retired for the night. The meeting with Guha only increased Bharata's sorrow. Bharata was endowed with a heart of utter innocence. He sighed and said: "AIas, that it should come to this," and rolled sleepless on the ground. His whole body burned with thoughts of the infamy that had come as a cloud over him, his father's death and the parting from Rama. Guha spoke words of comfort and tried to console him. This meeting of

Guha spoke words of comfort and tried to console him. This meeting of Bharata and Guha and the way they shared their sorrow is an episode dear to the Vaishnava Alvars and other true Bhaktas. Bharat questioned: "What food did Rama take when he was here? Where did he sit? Where did he sleep? What did he say? And what did he do?" Guha answered every question lovingly and pointed the spot where Rama had slept. And when he was asked, "Where did Lakshmana sleep?" He replied: "Lakshmana said, 'When Rama and Sita lie stretched on the bare earth, how can I sleep?' and he shed tears and, like me, stood on guard the whole night, bow in hand." As Bharata pictured this scene, his

As Bharata pictured this scene, his grief became unendurable. He saw the spot where Rama and Sita had slept that night and showed it to the weeping queens. Asked what Rama ate, Guha answered: "My Lord, they fasted that night.

Lakshmana brought some water and Rama drank of it and handed it back to Lakshmana to drink. The food brought was returned untasted. The following morning, they matted their locks and walked into the forest." Bharata had found some relief from sorrow in his resolve to seek out Rama and persuade him to return, but his talk with Guha and the sights he saw brought it back in full flood. "For my sake, Rama, you slept on the grass. I have seen the spot and still live. And they want me to wear a crown, on top of all this!" Thus he lamented inconsolably. Then he told himself: "I shall somehow take Rama back and seat him on the throne. If he wants his vow fulfilled, I shall replace him in the forest for fourteen years. He will agree to this arrangement as it is only right and proper." Thus he calmed himself. Early next morning, Bharata woke up Satrughna: "What are you still sleeping? The day has already dawned. The army has to cross the river. We should send quickly for Guha and arrange for the journey." Satrughna answered: "I am not asleep, brother. Like you I spent the whole night thinking of Rama." While they were speaking, Guha arrived and after courteous greetings announced that he had a fleet of many boats ready. All the baggage and the whole army were put on boats. The loaded vessels crossed the great river. The transport across raised a joyous clamor like some great festival. The people did not see the sorrow in Bharata's heart for they had concluded, even when Bharata set out, that Rama would surely return. They went forward rejoicing that soon Rama would be in their midst as crowned king and all their recent sorrows would pass like a bad dream. Valmiki describes the scene on the bank of the Ganga in a way that recalls to one a crowded railway station during a popular festival. When the whole army had crossed the river, Bharata followed it in a boat specially fitted up for him. They reached the ashrama of Bharadwaja. The story of Bharata in the Ramayana portraying a character of unrivalled purity and sublime selflessness is something, more than an episode, and stands out by itself even in that noble epic, as holy shrines do on the banks of the Ganga. It uplifts the heart, and gives one a glimpse of the heights to which human nature can rise when cleansed by love and 

nature can rise when cleansed by love and devotion. Whether Rama and Bharata were incarnations of the Deity or merely supreme creations of a nation's imagination this episode is among the masterpieces of the world's literature. Jnana and bhakti will automatically grow by a contemplation of the personality of Bharata. In order to recreate the scene and the person in his own mind the reader must bring into play his reverent imagination. We bring with us into this world as our inborn gift some wisdom and reverence. This gift is always in us and though sometimes obscured by prejudice or passion it keeps alive the divine in man which prevents him from reeling back into the beast. Bharata and his retinue went on towards Bhar

rejudice or passion it keeps alive the divine in man which prevents him from reeling back into the beast. Bharata and his retinue went on towards Bharadawaja's ashrama. When they reached the Prayaga wood, they saw at a distance a beautiful grove with a cottage in its midst. Learning that this was Bharadwaja's ashrama, Bharata left his retinue behind and, accompanied only by Vasishtha and a few other elders, walked towards it with due humility.

Divesting himself of his silk garments and his weapons and accompanied only by the ministers he went on foot behind Vasishtha. A little further on, he left behind even the ministers, and he and Vasishtha alone went forward. When Bharadwaja saw Vasishtha, he rose from his seat and went to meet the illustrious visitor and bade his disciples to bring the customary water for the feet of the guests. Bharata offered humble salutations to Bharadwaja. Learning who he was, the rishi received him with the respect due to a king and made inquiries concerning his welfare. He thoughtfully refrained from making any mention of the sad fate of Dasaratha. The narration that follows is as told in Valmiki's epic. A few words by way of explanation may be useful. Bharadwaja suspected and questioned Bharata, just as Guha had done earlier. This is, however, not so put in the Tulasidas Ramayana which is a poem of pure bhakti. There is nothing that was not within the knowledge of rishis. How then could Bharadwaja (in the Tulasidas Ramayana) entertain any doubt about Bharata? Kamban, the Tamil poet of the Ramayana, follows Valmiki closely not only here but in many other places where Tulasidas differs. Although Kamban carefully follows Valmiki, he adds many beautiful passages out of his own imagination. With a touch here and a touch there, Kamban manages skilfully to disentangle many knots. The changes he makes are very few, while Tulasidas deals freely with the story, taking such liberties as he likes with the story as a great bhakta may who has made his god his own by self-forgetting surrender. Following Valmiki, Kamban reports the conversation between Bharadwaja and Bharata and very beautifully expresses Bharata's indignation. We may not, reading it all today, appreciate Bharadwaja's doubts about innocent Bharata. Such suspicion was perfectly natural to Guha, but not so in a wise rishi. Valmiki makes the rishi justify himself saying: "Don't I know you, young prince? I put you these questions only the more clearly to reveal your innocence." Valmiki pictures rishis not as omniscient sages, but as very human wise men and seekers after truth, liable to love and fear somewhat like the rest of us. Just as Valmiki delineates Rama as a hero rather than as an avatar, so he makes Bharadwaja doubt Bharata because of his tender affection for Rama. Bound by his attachment to Rama, he hurts Bharata. Seeing the latter suffer, he at once consoles him with an explanation. All Valmiki's characters are

All Valmiki's characters are human beings with heightened human qualities. It is only under great stress or in exceptional circumstances that divinity shines faintly through the human nature. In the time of Tulasidas, bhakti had reached its noonday height. It shone dispelling every shade. Though bhakti predominates in Kamban's picture also, he contrives to retain the humanity of Valmiki's characters and in places makes them even more beautiful. Bharadwaja, after making the usual personal inquiries, asked Bharata: "Why did you leave your kingly duties and go over here? Should you not stay in Ayodhya? Listening to his young wife, Dasaratha ordered Rama to live for fourteen years in the forest and the prince accordingly left the city with his brother and Sita. Do you feel that even now the way is not clear for your rule and have you come to complete what Dasarath

you come to complete what Dasaratha began and make assurance doubly sure?" Hearing these words, Bharata wept. The tears gushed and he could hardly

speak. "Death," he said, "would be better than such a life as this." "Do you doubt me, master?" he asked. "Do not blame me for what was done by my mother in my absence without my knowledge or consent. I have come now to do my utmost and persuade Rama to go back with me to Ayodhya, and there to be crowned King. And it is my purpose to be his humble slave all my life. I have come here to ask you where Rama dwells, to go and beg of him to return home. And me, you suspect!" Bharadwaja said: "Bharata, I know your real nature. You are a scion of the race of Raghu. I questioned you because I wished to draw out a revelation of your affection and loyalty and thereby establish and spread your glory. Do not grieve. The Prince is dwelling on Chitrakuta hill. Stay here today. Tomorrow, you and your ministers shall go there. You will please me by accepting hospitality for a day in the ashrama." Bharata said: "My Lord, your wishes and words of affection are a feast. What more is required?" Bharadwaja smilled because he could see that Bharata was unwilling to cast the burden of feeding an army on a poor ascetic. He said: "I am bound to entertain you in a manner worthy of your status and goodness. Why have you left behind your army and retinue?" Bharata answered: "I followed the rule that one should not approach a rishi's dwelling with a retinue. There is a big crowd following me. It would be a great disturbance to you if they all come here." The rishi said: "Nothing of the sort. Order them all to come up." And so Bharata ordered. Bharadwaja went to the sacrificial fire and, uttering mantras, sipped water thrice and called on Viswakarma, Maya, Yama, Varuna, Kubera, Agni and other celestial beings and ordered them to produce a great feast for Bharata and his followers. Then a miracle happened. The feast that was ready in Bharadwaja's ashrama was like that which Vasishtha gave of old to Viswamitra. The only difference was that here, there was no quarrel or commotion. Everyone had ample accommodation. Sandal paste, flowers, food and drink, music and dance by divine performers were all provided. Bharadwaja's feast was more sumptuous than that given by emulous kings to one another. Dwellings, vehicles, servants rose suddenly into being. The guests forgot themselves in the feast. The soldiers in Bharata's army in the ecstasy of present enjoyment exclaimed to one another: "We shall not go to the Dandaka forest. We shall not return to Ay

We shall not return to Ayodhya. We shall stay here forever." How were they to know that the good things they enjoyed were for a day, and would disappear at dawn, like the stage and the crowd after a village play is over? The guests ate fully and soon fell fast asleep. The following morning Bharadwaja said to Bharata: "At a distance of two-anda-half yojanas from here runs the river Mandakini. On its banks is an unpeopled forest with Chitrakuta hill to its south. On the slope of the hill, in a hut your brothers and Sita are dwelling." And he explained in detail the way they should follow. The three queens were presented to receive the sage's blessings. "This is Queen Kausalya," said Bharata, "the mother of Rama and here, to her right and supporting her, stands the mother of Lakshmana and Satrughna, sorrowstricken and limp like a creeper stricken

Lakshmana and Satrughna, sorrowstricken and limp like a creeper stricken by summer winds." "And here is my mother, the cause of all our sorrow," said Bharata, pointing to Kaikeyi who along

with the other Queens prostrated before the sage. "Do not judge your mother harshly," said Bharadwaja casting his gentle eyes on the sorrowing lady. "All that has happened has happened for the good of the world." This episode of introducing the mothers is placed by Kamban in the earlier scene with Guha. Guha reverently inquires about the queens and Bharata explains. What Valmiki describes as having taken place in Bharadwaja's ashrama is, with more poetical effect, transferred by Kamban to its proper place. Introducing Kausalya to Guha, Bharata says, in the Ramayana of Kamban: "This is the mother of Rama. Her treasure was Rama and she lost it because of me." Of Sumitra he said: "This is the mother of Lakshmana, truer brother to Rama, who has a happiness beyond the reach of poor me." Kaikeyi in Kamban, as in Valmiki, is introduced by Bharata in harsh terms. Bharata and his great retinue took the forest path as directed by Bharadwaja. They saw from afar the Chitrakuta hill and as they proceeded eagerly a column of smoke indicated the spot where the prince's dwelling was and shouts of joy arose from the crowd. Leaving his following behind, Bharata went forward accompanied only by Sumantra and Vasishtha. 27. THE BROTHERS MEET WHILE Bharata was thus engaged in trying to undo the mischief wrought by others, in the forest hut at Chitrakuta, life went on fairly cheerfully. With Lakshmana and Sita by his side, Rama lacked nothing. The grandeur of the mountain scenery and the forest and the sweet songs and play of the birds pleased his heart. He forgot the sorrow of his exile from kinsfolk and city. "Look, Sita, at those birds playing," he would say. "Look at that rock on the hill with the blue, yellow and red veins shining on it. Look at these plants and creepers with their flowers. We feared life in the forest, not knowing how pleasant it would be. I am so happy here. And I have in addition to this pleasure the feeling that I carry out my father's promise. We have the joy of duty done besides leading a happy life here. Over and above all this, I am happy that my brother Bharata is ruling the kingdom." Thus Rama, free from sorrow himself, made Sita happy. Descending from the hill they would sometimes go to the river Mandakini and spend time there. "Look at those sand hillocks," Rama would say. "Look at the swans playing among the lotuses. The stream is as lovely

"Look at those sand hillocks," Rama would say. "Look at the swans playing among the lotuses. The stream is as lovely as yourself, beloved. The fords where animals come to drink are beautifully red with new earth. Even the river in Kubera's kingdom cannot be as beautiful as this. Sea the rishis bathing there and standing in supplication and offering hymns to the sun. Look at the flowers falling from the boughs on the water. Look at that pearls cattering cascade. We are indeed lucky to 

e. We are indeed lucky to be far away from the crowded city here in the forest. There, we cannot see rishis and pure souls such as we see here bathing everyday. This hill is our Ayodhya. The birds and beasts are our subjects. The Mandakini is our Sarayu. With you and Lakshmana by me, I am so happy and content. How pleasant it is to see the animals drinking water in the stream without any fear! Plunging in the water here, eating fruits and roots, walking about in the forest and climbing the hills, why should I think of kingdom or power?" Thus, in the company of Sita and Lakshmana, Rama was sp

Thus, in the company of Sita and Lakshmana, Rama was spending happy days.

One day as they were sitting as usual on the slope of the hill in utter peace, suddenly at a distance, they saw a cloud of dust rise in the sky which seemed moving towards them. And soon they heard a great noise as of a big crowd. Rama saw the forest animals stampeding hither and thither in fear. It looked as if an army entered the forest. "Do you hear that noise?" Rama said to Lakshmana, "'The elephants, bisons and deer are running helter skelter. What could it be? Could it be some king come here hunting? Or is it that some tiger or other fierce wild beast has come rummaging? Just see and tell me." Lakshmana climbed up a tall tree and looked all around. He saw a large army approaching from the north, a complete force of all limbs, chariots, elephants, horses and foot soldiers. He shouted to Rama in warning: "Listen, brother. A great army is approaching with flags flying and in complete formation. Let us be careful. Put out the fire. Take Sita into the cave for safety. Let us don our armor and get ready for battle." Rama said: "Do not be in such hurry. Look again at the flag on the chariot and tell me which king is leading his army here." Lakshmana looked and was filled with anger. "O my brother, it is Bharata. Not satisfied with getting the kingdom, he is t Nandigrama near Ayodhya.

Rama said: "Do not be in such hurry. Look again at the flag on the chariot and tell me which king is leading his army here." Lakshmana looked and was filled with anger. "O my brother, it is Bharata. Not satisfied with getting the kingdom, he is pursuing us here. I can see the tree on our flag flying in the breeze. He has come to slay us. But the son of Kaikeyi shall not escape with life from me today. What sin is there in killing this destroyer of dharma? The only question now is, shall we wait for them here, or sh

But the son of Kaikeyi shall not escape with life from me today. What sin is there in killing this destroyer of dharma? The only question now is, shall we wait for them here, or shall we give them battle on the top of the hill? We will make him pay for all the harm be has done us. It is surely no sin to kill one who comes to slay us. With him will be