Your Sandals, My Crown!

Lord Rama lifted up His beloved brother and hugged him tight

Caressed his head, cheeks and back and made him feel light

Lord Rama wiped of Bharatha’s tears with his loving hand

And kissed him on the forehead taking a fatherly stand

Bharatha composed himself and smiled but with tears

And then he hugged Lord Rama after so many years

He wiped his tears and smiled at Lord Rama for a moment

Then looked down pensively and talked about the exile event

“Is this how, I should see you brother?

Is this why you worshipped my mother?

For day after day falling at her feet

She has repaid well, with this courteous treat!”

Rama was not surprised as He knew Bharatha well

About a person, after spending minutes, Rama could tell

This was His brother who was with Him right from His birth

He knew, His brother’s loyalty to him was firm like the earth

“In what Mother Kaikeyi did, there is nothing wrong

She had earned her boons and she used them strong

I don’t think, she would consider a kingdom to be main

Somebody with some ideas must have washed her brain

Anyway what has happened, for some reason, has happened

By such unexpected changes, we must not be weakened

Let us take courage and do what is right as our father’s sons

It is a must, for in our bodies, The Great Ikshvaku’s blood runs”

To question Lord Rama’s points, Bharatha did hate

But he could not accept the damage wreaked by fate

Especially he could not tolerate His mother’s act

There fore he asked some questions. With humility in fact!

“Brother! Is it not wrong to create dissension amongst brothers?

Is it fair, granting one person’s wish, while a nation’s wish withers?

Instead of going by ‘us’ and ‘ours’, is it fair to go by ‘me’ and ‘mine’?

Is projecting a person who loves to be a slave as a usurper, fine?

Has it not been our family’s standard procedure for ages

That the first born gets crowned with the blessing of the sages?

When You sit on the throne, near You, won’t I get an equal chair?

Instead of thinking about all this, are my mother’s greedy acts fair?

Exiling some one is a punishment only criminals meet

Such harsh punishment on you, how could anyone mete?

In things that have been done and happened, I see no sense

Injustice to you and infamy to me is unforgivable offense!”

Lord Rama looked at his brother with a smile amused

Bharatha was looking at the ground totally bemused

Lord Rama knew well that His brother was completely right

He also knew there are situations one must avoid fight

Shatrughna stood all the while nearby with tears that brim

Lord Rama called Shatrughna by name and fondly hugged him

Lord Rama on Bharatha’s cheeks gently patted

And talked, wanting Bharatha’s moodiness duly abated

“Bharatha! With Sita and Lakshman, won’t you talk?

From what had happened to what should happen won’t you walk?

I hope you both have not fought with our dad

While I left him, he was already bitter and sad”

When Lord Rama said this His eyes were filled

With the sorrow of separation, His heart was drilled

Bharatha knew it was time to break the news

He knew in this he cannot adopt any ruse

“After you left the country, our lonely father

Liked not, to continue with life any further

The wound Kaikeyi caused was very deep

He left his body peacefully while in sleep”

To Lord Rama this was unbearable shock

His mental equipoise was no more a rock

He lost consciousness and fell straight like a cut off tree

He was held before hitting the ground, by His brothers, three

Lakshman splashed water to make Lord Rama awake

Lord Rama became conscious with an unbearable ache

He cried out loud as if to throw away his grief

He felt He was orphaned like a fallen leaf

Lord Rama cried out loud sitting on the ground

The people waiting heard the wailing sound

They realised Bharatha and Rama have met

In the direction of the sound, they hastily set

Lord Rama’s sorrow was inconsolable and endless

To anyone nearby consoling Him, He was mindless

Mother Sita and the three brothers were also crying bitter

Yet, they tried to soothe Lord Rama to make Him feel better

Lord Rama composed Himself and relaxed after long

Though devastated, for other’s sake, He tried to look strong

Yet, He could not control Himself from lamenting loud

By the death of His father, He was completely cowed

“Won’t I ever see my Father’s, loving face again?

Without him to bless, what is there for me to gain?

Won’t he ever call me by my name anymore?

Won’t he ever tell me to do a little chore?

Whenever he sees me his face would blossom

He would hug me like a mother, to his bosom

He would search my limbs by caressing them for wounds if any

As I used to practice warfare, the chances of wounds were many

In listening to my words, he used to take delight

On hearing my viewpoints, his face would alight

He used to sit by my side to see if I eat well

Only on me, his eyes would always dwell

Why did he love me like his life, this useless Son?

Towards an impotent tree, he made water run!

Walking away from him, I had to cause him pain

All the hope he had on me, has now gone in vain

Wicked fate cunningly pushed me to a point

I had to act in a way that I had to disappoint

The one who gave me all his love and blessing

But it gave me no time to do the needed redressing”

While Lord Rama was dolefully lamenting thus

People around gathered and there was a buzz

On seeing Lord Rama cry helplessly they too wept

Feelings of responsibility into Lord Rama’s heart crept

Lord Rama composed Himself and wiped His tears

But He could not wipe off His sorrow that sears

Lord Rama decided to make offerings to His father’s soul

As a son, Lord Rama always with perfection played His role

He went down to the Mandakini River and performed the rite

Bereft of ornaments and in sorrow, He was, to His people, a pitiable sight

He came back to the ashram and sat amidst His country men and kin

On seeing Rama’s love for His father, people were cleansed off their sin

Lord Rama hiding His sorrow smiled at all

At His mothers’ feet including Kaikeyi’s He did fall

Words of consolation and love were exchanged amongst all

Lord Rama was talking with a composure that anymore did not fall

Mother Sita hugged her sisters and her in-laws

She too fell at Kaikeyi’s feet, forgoing her flaws

Kaikeyi was now in shame and total regret

She wished she could go back and reset

She approached Rama with hesitation and shame

And gently uttered, the most sanctifying name

“Rama! Forgive me please! This wicked fool

My eyes were blinded and I fell into the sinful pool

All on a sudden I hated you for no fault

I have wrecked a family after eating its sugar and salt

I have lost my husband who had renounced me

And my beloved son will no more speak to me “

She said thus, with folded palms and tear shedding eyes

In her face, Lord Rama, saw no guise

He caught her hand and hugged her with affection

At Lord Rama’s feet, even for the worst, there is no rejection

Behind her stood Manthara with a face that was torn

All her arrogance and deceit to the dust bin were gone

There were wounds almost on all visible parts

A question of who could have done that, filled Lord Rama’s thoughts

In a moment He turned back to see Shatrughna’s face

Shatrughna put down his face that showed no regret's trace

“Brother! I am very sorry. Forgive me if I was wrong

But the punishment she got, for her crime, is not too long

She is the one, who brain washed Mother Kaikeyi to greed

She is the one, who wrecked our family for material need

The maids and servants of Mother Kaikeyi informed me thus

Unable to control my fury I went on to treat her thus

I accept that on her face I repeatedly punched

And kicked her on her back that is already hunched

I caught her by the hair and on the ground I dragged

Knowing, she not just broke our family but also bragged

If not for brother Bharatha I would have killed

Bharatha said you wouldn’t like it and I became stilled”

Saying thus Shatrughna fell at Lord Rama’s feet

Promising, violence against women, he would never repeat

Lord Rama told Shatrughna to let go of the past

And give Manthara a place in their palace that was vast

Lord Rama also told Bharatha to treat Kaikeyi like before

In Bharatha’s heart, a place for Kaikeyi, Lord Rama did restore

Kausalya was heart broken on seeing Lord Rama’s humble state

For keeping her in comfort and her Son in discomfort, she cursed fate

Looking at the hut and mud utensils used by her Son

Except for shedding tears, she could do none

On seeing Lakshman’s state, Sumithra too felt very sad

But it was self-appeased by the pride she got on seeing her lad

She only told Lakshman to eat well and be strong

So that in serving Lord Rama nothing would go wrong

While Lord Rama, Mother Sita and Lakshman had conversed with all

There were stars on the sky along with the moon, as night did fall

On seeing everyone settle, Bharatha decided to open talk

About making his beloved Brother, the mighty Monarch

“Brother! I have a request to make and you must relent

Please do not refuse to grant my wish and make me repent

Please do accept the Kingdom from me and relieve me from burden

For I am unable to bear on my shoulders, the weight it has laden

Your life in this jungle is totally unfair and serves no purpose

You must be in Ayodhya and ruling, guided by Manu’s corpus

So we, the citizens of Ayodhya including our Guru, Vashishta sage

Came here to crown You and take You back paying regal homage”

Saying this, Bharatha onto Lord Rama’s face eagerly looked

Lord Rama’s mind to His own decision was firmly hooked

“You on the throne and me in the jungle, is what father owes

I have chosen to fulfill one half of the promise, without remorse

You on the other side, in keeping his word, have a role to play

As a good son, you have no choice but to do it without a say

Go back with our people, crown yourself and be a righteous king

Protect them like the hen that protects its chicks under its wing”

Bharatha felt as if he was irrevocably chained

For quite long, without a word, silently he remained

He hated himself for not being able to do his brother’s bidding

From his virtue of obedience, he realised he was skidding

But how could he bask in comfort and luxury?

While his Lord would remain in extreme penury

On the seat that belongs to his brother, how would he sit?

Above all, how would he endure the separation, the slightest bit?

“Brother! You are right! Our father’s word, we must protect

To his honour, as a man of word, there must be no defect

It is also unfair for a younger to rule while an elder is fit

Deliberating on all these, I have an idea, please consider it

One son of our father must do, for fourteen years, the exile term

And another must become king and make the kingdom firm

As Your slave, on Your behalf let me do the exile

And You please rule the Kingdom, checking all revile

If we do thus, Brother! Infamy on both father and me will be abated

The genuinity of all three of us will no more be debated”

Bharatha hoped, to this plan, Lord Rama would accede

Firm in His path, Lord Rama would let nothing impede

“Bharatha! Regarding which son to be crowned, our father was not given a choice

Rama’s exile and Bharatha’s crowning was clearly demanded by Mother Kaikeyi’s voice

So, there is no way I am coming back before fourteen years pass

You, trying to change this, will only result in time loss”

Like a fish that is caught in the net

Was poor Bharatha’s helpless mindset

On one side, he would be separated from his loving brother

On the other side, as a usurper, his guilt would make him wither

And before him stands his Brother, firm like a hill

Fixing His mind on completing the term, with immovable will

After much thought, Bharatha knew he had only one way left

To the holy feet of Lord Rama, that never snubs anyone, he tightly cleft

“If a younger brother, exiling his elder brother, sits on the throne

All the glory, earned by our forefathers, to the dust will be gone

Can you imagine in the line of the Sun

An usurper seizing the throne, with justice none

Brother! In not returning home, firm as a hill, you are

In not accepting the Kingdom, I am as firm as you are

I am sure you know, the justice on my side too

Considering all these, please tell me, what to do

I cling on to your feet in total surrender

A solution to this, please do render

Unlike to your nature, if you snub me

In fast until death, I will have to be

I cling on to these feet that can liberate a sinner

These feet that can make even the weak, a winner

I cling on to these feet that bestows supreme knowledge

These feet that deserves a red carpet and regal homage

I cling on to these feet that has walked on the ground

For keeping a promise of a father, ripe and round

I cling on to these feet that can remove all burden and pain

These feet that let no one’s prayers go in vain”

Seeing and hearing His Brother’s sincere prayer

Lord Rama no longer wished to be a silent player

The problem that existed, He decided to resolve

His brother from infamy, He decided to absolve

Lord Rama touched the back of Bharatha’s head

Lifted Bharatha by his shoulders, and lovingly said

“Bharatha! Dear brother! Give up this sorrow that you deserve not

Nobility and virtue in your actions are fraught

I had no wish or desire to become a King and rule

Yet the first time I accepted it, to be our father’s tool

And now again I accept to become the King and reign

Because I want your greatness on earth to always remain

May your name, in the pages of history, ever be etched

May your story ever be sung and let men deeply be touched

May it be, that Bharatha gifted a Kingdom out of love

And that, poor Rama accepted it with a bow”

Bharatha was both embarrassed and happy beyond a limit

At last, he had got, seemingly the almost impossible permit

He folded his palms and looked up to the sky

And then at Lord Rama’s feet, for long did he lie

Lord Rama started to talk immediately before giving hopes

To Bharatha’s short lived joy they were restraining ropes

“Bharatha! But before that, I must keep up our father’s word

For fourteen years let me live, making friends with the jungle herd

You on the other side go back now, to the city

And rule the country protecting it from other’s pity”

Bharatha looked up at his brother with painful eyes

But he knew his brother’s decision was just and wise

Bharatha for long remained silent in thought

He knew as a prince he had to play his part

He was clear, even for a day, not to relish regal privilege

To him, being a king even for a day was like causing sacrilege

Bharatha then came up with an obligation

He had by then decided to rule the nation

But that was only on Lord Rama’s behalf

He had decided to be an administrative staff

“Brother! My dear Lord and my favourite God!

I am happy, to come back, your heart has thawed

Till you come back I will certainly administer

The country with justice, only as your minister

I came here with hope to take you back

But for that to happen, time is still black

At least let your sandals come with me

And at the foot of the throne, let them be

Till You come back and start Your golden rule

Your sandals on your behalf will continue to rule

I will be the chief minister managing all affairs

And will submit all my reports to your sandal pairs

Let those sandals that are privileged to adorn your feet

Be my crown making my head as their privileged seat

Let the world know that Bharatha to Rama is always a slave

And that for Bharatha, before His brother’s love, nothing else is fave”

Saying thus, before Lord Rama, Bharatha kneeled as if for alms

Lord Rama placed, with tears, his sandals on Bharatha’s open palms

Bharatha smiled like a child at the motherly face of Ram

The crowd around shouted, “Jai Shri Ram! Jai Jai Shri Ram!!”

A Devotee's Search for his God

Guha was beyond himself, boiling with rage

On seeing Bharatha’s advancing entourage

Bharatha’s army slowly gathered on Tamasa’s banks

Guha could see men in the army of all cadre and ranks

Guha summoned his men and told them to be ready

For a war might be fought and end up very bloody

“I see the army of Kosala headed by Bharatha assembled

The heart of a mother in a son is always resembled

Bharatha may plan to kill Rama, I fearfully suspect

A son of Kaikeyi, for elders, may have no respect

To do away with Rama, he may feel secure

So that after fourteen years, Rama in his path must not obscure

Anyway my heart also tells me not to suspect

As a brother of Rama cannot be a venomous insect

When Bharatha used to come with Rama for hunting

I’ve seen him treat Rama with devotion, unrelenting

Yet towards Bharatha I am cynical because

Kaikeyi’s love for Rama has already gone for a toss

Unbelievable and so dangerous is power greed

It can sow in any loving heart a poison seed

Let me go to Bharatha with good will first

I will understand his intentions and do what is best

If I realise, like Kaikeyi, he has changed from the past

We will defend Rama by fighting Bharatha till our last

On a boat only me will go to Bharatha’s side

Ready and watching let our army be in hide

After talking, if I duly fall at his feet

The will be no war and the army can retreat

Without falling at his feet if I return to the boat

Understand, for war I have decided to vote

Ofcourse after I come, we can talk more before action

Anyway please be keen and watch me, without distraction

As a king, in the empire of Kosala, Guha went

With good will towards Bharatha as he really meant

He noticed Bharatha was not wearing the regal crown

On his face there was sadness and a gentle frown

Bharatha was looking at Guha with eager and innocent eyes

Guha started to realise Bharatha’s heart was free from vice

Like the sun that reveals itself from behind clouds after a while

On seeing Guha, from behind Bharatha’s sad face emanated a smile

Bharatha rushed to the banks and waited with eagerness for Guha’s approach

Guha on seeing Bharatha’s eagerness started to regret his cynical reproach

Guha could see Bharatha bore no signs of royalty

But he looked more handsome decorated by the jewel of loyalty

From the banks Bharatha towards Guha excitedly waved

By that arm bereft of jewels and weapons, Guha became enslaved

Guha from his boat showed his respect with palms that were folded

For even suspecting Bharatha’s intentions, himself, he scolded

Guha rushed to Bharatha once the boat hit the floor

And accosted Bharatha whose heart was very sore

“Bharatha! Brother of Rama! And my dear friend!

Instead of staying put, to receive me, why do you descend?”

Bharatha caught Guha’s shoulders with friendliness

And questioned Guha eagerly, revealing his heart’s cleanliness

“Dear friend! Sumanthra said you may know Rama’s place

I like to meet my Lord, could you please help me trace?

I have come to surrender my Kingdom, to that noble one

The Kingdom which, by my mother, was deceitfully won

For the wrong that was done I have come to make amend

To help me in this process, on you and your men I depend

Like a devotee who surrenders to a Guru, to reach the Lord

I surrender to you to take me to my Brother, Lord and God

Like the devotee is ignorant of the intricacies of the path

I too am devoid of any knowledge about the jungle path”

Seeing the Prince of a great empire so humbly plead

Guha decided with all heart and joy that he must heed

Not just to signal but also out of respect Guha did fall

At the feet of Bharatha, who by character stood very tall

Guha took them to his capital and gave a tasty dinner

In delighting their heart with hospitality he was a winner

The horses and elephants too were well fed

They were bathed and rested near the river bed

Bharatha asked Guha all about Rama, to continuously repeat

Guha repeated the same stories without his enthusiasm deplete

Talking about all that The Noble three did, all night went

Bharatha asked Guha in detail about every event

“What did my Brother Rama choose to eat?

And when He ate it, which was His seat?

Where did my brother sleep during the night?

How did Mother Sita cope in the jungle without fright?”

Guha explained in detail all that Rama and Sita did

He respected the love with which Bharatha bid

Every son of Dasaratha, in Guha’ heart scored one above the other

Guha realised beyond doubt, Dasaratha was truly the luckiest father

Guha took Bharatha to the place were Rama and Sita slept

Bharatha knelt at the place, were Rama’s feet was kept

Bharatha shook his head in disbelief looking at the land

His Brother sleeping on the ground, he could not stand

Bharatha sat down there silently for long

His heart continued to sing the sorrow song

Bharatha could not tolerate, Rama coming down the comfort ladder

Thinking of where Rama might be sleeping then, he became sadder

Shatrughna, Guha and Sumanthra tried to cheer

People’s enthusiasm was already on top gear

They too sat around Bharatha and asked him to lighten

As they would soon meet Rama and things would brighten

Bharatha felt a little lighter by the coaxing of them

A pensive and hopeful smile lit up that gem

It looked as though his mood, in the sky, was reflected

As the Sun arose and all darkness was slowly deflected

Bharatha and Shatrughna worshipped the sun with water

Then they decided to start before the day gets hotter

People were all ready in a moment and gathered, prompt

At the banks of the Ganges awaiting Bharatha’s prompt

Bharatha discussed with Guha and gathered that

They must go to Sage Bharathavaja’s hut

For that they all had to cross the Ganges first

Guha asked his men to ready, boats that were best

On the banks of the Ganges, all types of boats were docked

Animals were helped to board them and were safely locked

People were asked to board on to a large ferry

A group boarded on to it with fun and merry

Another group, shouting and singing, boarded on to a schooner

Happy at the prospect of seeing Lord Rama, sooner

Even dogs that accompanied men on hunts

Wagging their tails, hopped on to little punts

The Royal Family boarded a well decorated junk

Even Manthara was on it, not wanting to bunk

Once they were all ready and settle

Boats on the waters started to bustle

With the junk at its head and the ferry at the back

And the schooner following the ferry with tack

It looked like a large eagle on water that glides

With wings of punts, flanking the ferry’s sides

The crowd got off the boats once they reached the banks

They now hopped on to animals according to their ranks

They traveled through the jungle creating rattle

The inmates of the jungle feared imminent battle

The travel through rocks and hills did not make them tire

But on the prospect of seeing Rama, their spirits were on fire

At the confluence of the two great rivers, they reached fast

They knew they were at Sage Bharathavaja’s ashram at last

Bharatha asked them to wait, while he would

Go by walk and meet the sage, as a prince should

Vashishta, Bharatha and Shatrughna went ahead

While the rest of them rested near the river bed

Sage Bharathvaja with due respect welcomed the three

He also summoned the crowd, and asked them to feel free

Bharathavaja heard from Vashishta all about Bharatha’s intention

And praised Bharatha for making a strong contention

“Even if this earth for a million years whirled

Your story will be said and heard in this world

You have made a point for all brothers, present and future

That pushing aside greed, selfless love, they must nurture

I am proud to have got a chance to meet you my son

Though very young, my respect you have won

Rama came like a sun and warmed my thought

Now you come like the moon and please my heart

Rama sacrifices a kingdom to help his father keep a promise

Lakshmana walks behind leaving the beautiful wife of his

Now you come all the way considering a kingdom to be nothing

The greatness of your virtues, words fails me while mouthing

How great must have been Dasaratha to be your dad?!

To see you all grow, the opportunity he had

To live in your times indeed I am fortunate

You four are nothing but Goodness incarnate”

Saying thus Sage Bharathvaja silently remained

His emotional effluence within him he contained

Then he looked at Bharatha and spoke as if in request

He wanted Bharatha and the crowd to be his guest

Bharathvaja smiled on seeing Bharatha hesitate

Closed his eyes for a moment and he did meditate

As if speaking to someone, he said he wanted to provide feast

Numerous Apsaras started to come dancing from the east

Apsaras so beautiful, none could take their eyes off

Had come down to earth to be Bharathavaja’s staff

They worked with speed and grace in fulfilling his wishes

Before a wink, they created numerous drinks and dishes

They played music and performed many dances

They charmed the crowd with wonderful glances

Men and women were treated with respect and love

Before each one of them the Apsaras did bow

In a minute they created palaces for the guests to stay

It took long for the people to keep their wonder at bay

The palace floors were covered with carpets of red hued silk

And from the walls hung festoons of pearls, white like milk

Every family was provided with rooms for each

And an Apsara stood at each door at their reach

The rooms had beds that were decked on ornate cots

Near them were kept numerous drinks in golden pots

Baths were arranged with waters both hot and cold

The steps to it were made of silver and gold

The people did not have to ask for what they wanted

Even as they thought of something, before them it landed

At first the people with reluctance saw Bharatha’s face

Bharatha smiled and asked them to enjoy the Sage’s grace

He too accepted the food and drinks to make them feel free

Seeing that, the people started to dance and sing in uproarious glee

They shouted that they got all that because, Rama they sought

Hitting each other with fruits and flowers happily they fought

Bharatha was the reason they enjoyed all this, they said

Before Bharatha they went, and they bowed their head

Celebrating thus the night was going too fast

They got completely exhausted and slept at last

The next morning they woke up to see everything gone

They were all lying now, instead of beds, on grass lawn

Anyway they had experienced something out of the world

Those memories onto their hearts, they decided to hold

They saw Bharathvaja and Bharatha too in the same state

Now their only worry was to start before it is too late

Bharatha thanked Bharathvaja for the exotic treat

The people too echoed him in a rhythmic beat

Bharatha with the sage, discussed about the route

Horses and elephants carrying the people started to scoot

They soon went past Sage Valmiki’s hermitage

After Bharatha met with the sage and paid homage

They then hit the foot of the Chitrakut Mountain

The joy in Bharatha’s heart was an irrepressible fountain

Bharatha asked all of them to stop and remain there

He wanted to know where The Divine Three were

He took along Shatrughna and Guha and eagerly started

While the entourage with the animals obediently halted

Bharatha, Shatrughna and Guha and a few other men

Separated into groups to search and started from the glen

They walked up the hill eager and fast looking every where

They were sure that Lord Rama must be some where there

They climbed tall trees and surveyed the place

They traversed the hill in a hurried pace

They had to climb on boulders and rocks

They saw animals freeze or run hit by shocks

Then at one point amidst a pine patch

They could see a roof that was thatch

That hut to be Lord Rama’s ashram, they easily guessed

Unable to control their eagerness they hurriedly rushed

As they ran amidst the pine trees with a final search

Amidst the trees in the open they saw the ashram perch

The ashram had a garden with a fence made of wood

Amidst the garden, like a lion, Lakshman stood

Shouting out to Lakshman, Bharatha ran to the ashram gate

Following him closely was Shatrughna at a very fast rate

Bharatha could now finally see Lord Rama and Mother Sita also stand

Like God's vision to his devotee, that vision for Bharatha was very grand

The sight to Bharatha was both pleasing and trying

He saw Lord Rama with eyes that were crying

Lord Rama who always dressed the softest silk

Was now dressed in deer skin like a jungle ilk

He saw on the arms, which adorned gold

Chains of Basil beads tightly hold

His ears that adorned fish-shaped golden earrings

Looked as though they were now only for hearings

Lord Rama’s neck that bore a sapphire pendant

Was now like a temple without an attendant

But that smile, full of energy and love, like a child

Remained the same, as it was before being exiled

Bharatha on seeing that smile melted more

Rushing towards Rama he knelt on the floor

Calling out like a child, he hugged his Brother’s knees to his chest

Like a devotee who at last succeeded in his God searching quest

With or without a kingdom his Brother was his King

Whose, hands’ blessings were precious, even without a ring

Even if his Brother’s feet, without sandals, were dirty

Bharatha would kiss them adoring their beauty

With so much love and respect for his brother

Bharatha cried out his heart for his sorrows to wither

Keeping his fore head at the feet of noble Ram

He repetitively said, “Jai Shri Ram! Jai Jai Shri Ram!!”

Bharatha's Impeccant Heart

Bharatha had woken up, having inauspicious dreams

Memories of Dasaratha in his mind, gushed in streams

For reasons unknown he was uneasy and moody

Not talking to anyone properly he was broody

Shatrughna seeing Bharatha like that, became worried

News about their dullness, to their Uncle, hurried

Kaikeyi’s blood brother, Yudhajith, was their uncle

His father Asvapathi, King of Kekaya was old with wrinkle

Asvapathi and Yudhajith came to Bharatha’s presence

About Bharatha’s mood out, they wanted the essence

Bharatha told about his dreams that were inauspicious

About Dasaratha’s and Rama’s wellness he was suspicious

“I saw my father with oil in hands that were cupped

Without leaving a drop, he then completely sipped

Wearing torn clothes, he continuously laughed

As if caught by disease, now and then he coughed

He traveled south in a chariot driven by donkeys

Watching this and playing were a few monkeys

I saw stars and the moon falling from the sky

I saw mothers Kausalya and Sumitra helplessly cry

It is bad to see such dreams at dawn

Since I woke up my peace is gone

My father’s chest to my face, I want to tug

My beloved Lord Shri Rama, I want to hug

It has been quite a while, since I came here

With my parents and my brothers, I want to be near

My heart is wrecked by unknown fear

I regret I am not an all knowing seer”

Bharatha’s face was writ with a worry line

His grand father was worried, he would not dine

He brought before Bharatha royal courtesans

In making someone laugh they were expert artisans

For Bharatha, his wife Mandavi was no more a charm

His brother Shatrughna’s hug failed to make him warm

When all attempts to lighten Bharatha became fail

Messengers from Ayodhya came, carrying mail

The letter written by Sage Vashishta was superficial

It said Bharatha must return at once, for reasons official

Bharatha became eager and anxious to reach home soon

The prospect of seeing Rama made his face glow like the moon

Without heart, Asvapathi and Yudhajith, said their farewell

Without patience, Bharatha and Shatrughna, started their travel

Accompanying them were their grand father’s troupes

On horses, elephants and chariots they came in groups

They carried gifts from their king of enormous quantity

Gold ornaments, gems and silks, all, of supreme quality

They started at dawn from Rajagriha, Kekaya’s capital city

They traveled fast and safe with a mind that was witty

Through cities, villages and forests they quickly traveled

Across mountains, rivers and deserts their path unraveled

Where water and shade was available, they took rest

They knew, for the horses and elephants, it would be best

After traveling for seven days and seven nights

They could at last see, Ayodhya’s palace heights

But Bharatha was not happy with the sight

Caught by fright, his face became white

He could not see the flag that usually flutters

Shops along the streets were closed with shutters

He noticed, in the temples mantras were not uttered

People, at his sight, turned away their faces and muttered

People who always adored him, did not smile

The city which always buzzed had lost its style

Bharatha, after those dreams, was already troubled

On seeing the state of the city, his fear was doubled

Bharatha looked for his father all around the palace

Then he went and saw Kaikeyi whose face was callous

Seeing her face, anything untoward, he did not suspect

He fell at his mother’s feet and showed his respect

“Where has dad gone, my dear mum?

He will be glad to know, I have come

Hale and healthy, is he well?

I’m eager to know, please do tell!”

On her face there was no remorse

For choosing to walk the evil course

Thinking, her achievement will make him glad

She spoke with pride, to her innocent lad

“To what has happened there are two sides

From one person to other, luck always slides

The Kingdom to you, has been rendered

As your father’s luck, like his life, abruptly ended”

It took some time for Bharatha to grasp

Once he understood, he started to gasp

He fell on the floor, like a tree that is axed

Yet Kaikeyi stood like a giant, fully relaxed

Shatrughna too was completely baffled

Yet, the falling Bharatha, he tried to scaffold

On Bharatha’s cheeks, he gently patted

Cool water from his hands, he gently spatted

Bharatha awoke and asked his mother what she said

Unmoved Kaikeyi repeated that the king was dead

Catching his head Bharatha sat on the floor

His wailing was heard long beyond the palace door

Shatrughna on one side inconsolably cried

On the other, to console Bharatha, he tried

Sitting on the floor he cried like an orphan

Sorrows and shocks had not visited him often

The brothers cried for long hugging each other

They then became calm remembering their brother

The thought of Rama soothed their heart

Lord Rama to them, was the only resort

Kaikeyi watched them cry, as if it was childish

To the glory of the family she was a blemish

Bharatha turned to her for solace, not yet realising her nature

Like a pearl born in a stinking shell, he was an impeccant creature

“Mother! For Rama’s presence in the palace, I see no sign

Is my Lord and God, the ruler of my heart, doing fine?

As father is dead, he must now be leading the country

But in every direction I look, I do not see his entry!”

Bharatha looked at Kaikeyi, very eager!

Kaikeyi spoke as if, Rama’s importance was meager

“Oh! Rama! He lives in the forest donning deer skin

Sita and Lakshman too have followed suit, akin!”

Bharatha’s head was now reeling

Sheer pain was his only feeling

On hearing this news, he was totally confused

With a lot of questions, his mind was infused

‘A prince to live in the forest would mean

That, in evil and anarchic ways he had been

Why will noble Rama, the keeper of justice

Be punished as if he did an act of malice?’

Now he could connect the two apparent dots

Question after question buzzed in his thoughts

‘Father must have died on seeing Brother go!

Why did Brother to the forest, have to go?’

‘How did The Gem, who deserves all goodness

To be exiled from the kingdom, deem fitness?’

Bharatha knew Rama would not have flawed

This made Bharatha’s heart even more gnawed

“Mother! So many questions, your vague statements arouse

Please tell me clearly, why did Brother have to leave the house?

Our mighty king‘s life has been eaten by the fatal mouse

Yet you seem indifferent, being father’s favourite spouse”

All that had happened, Kaikeyi decided to reveal

She wanted to put it in a way that would appeal

To Bharatha’s heart and give him a desire

To decorate himself with the regal attire

“To make you King I acted clever and fast

I exiled Rama, and the king breathed his last

Your father! And Brother! Leave them aside!

About crowning yourself, you must decide

I have won the kingdom with an idea of my make

Now the Kingdom of Kosala, is yours to take

I have taken care that no one will dare to talk

While towards the throne, you royally walk! ”

Saying thus Kaikeyi smiled with pride

That was the last time, that way, she smiled

Bharatha became furious and her pride was crushed

On to her fallen face, the shameful blood rushed

“What the hell are you talking, you ugly bitch?

To me you have become a lifetime itch!

How did you expect I will support this treason?

For me to live, you have wiped off all reason!

My beloved father, you have wickedly killed

Why does your heart beat without becoming stilled?

Who in the world told you, that I would steal?

My Lord’s throne, before which, I will always kneel?

I am unable to control my fuming anger

I will crush you to death, if I stay any longer

I am afraid My Lord Rama will dislike such act

That is the only reason you are still in tact”

Saying thus Bharatha walked out of her room

All of Kaikeyi’s dreams were fallen to doom

Shatrughna silently followed though boiling with rage

Without Bharatha’s consent he would not turn a page

Bharatha rushed to Kausalya and fell at her feet

Kausalya towards him tried but failed to be sweet

“For you to rule, the Kingdom has been won

You can now happily sit, in the place of my son

If only you told him, you wanted the kingdom to rule

My son would have gifted it happily and remained cool

Yet your mother acted with a mind that was bent

To the forest for fourteen years, he was unjustly sent”

“Mother! Mother! Mother! Don’t doubt me please

If you do so my life would immediately cease

Do not think of me, any different from Ram

Without Him, I am a tree fallen by storm

Anymore, do not think of me as Kaikeyi’s son

Relationship between her and me is long undone

In exiling My Lord, if I had a hand

In the deadliest of hells, may I land!”

Saying this before Kausalya, Bharatha pleadingly knelt

Seeing this, Kausalya’s motherly heart started to melt

Kausalya blessed him passing her hand through his hair

She asked him to do, what he thought was fair

“Forgive me son! For talking thus

I have lost my mind in this fuss

All wellness upon you, I heartily bless

Do what is right, as per your guess

Bereft of my husband, bereft of my son

To live on this earth, I have reasons none

You sitting on the throne, I won’t hate to see

But with my beloved Rama, I long to be

My son and me, if you can unite

I will be grateful, for giving me respite”

Saying these words Kausalya became quiet

Even those words, to Bharatha, were a bitter diet

“Mother! I will certainly take you to that immaculate sapphire

But to sit and rule, in my Lord’s place, I have no desire

Anyone thinking of me as a usurper is unbearable shame

I will do what it takes to wipe off this dirt from my name”

Saying thus Bharatha took leave from Kausalya and went

To Sage Vashishta’s ashram seeking guidance and consent

Vashishta advised Bharatha to ritually cremate

Dasaratha’s preserved body before it is late

Dasaratha’s body was kept, soaked in oil

In a large golden vessel to prevent spoil

Dasaratha’s body was bathed and royally dressed

Then on an ornate palanquin, it was made to rest

The dead king was taken royally to the cremation ground

Trumpets, conches and drums made his greatness resound

A white umbrella and canopy, above the king’s body towered

From both sides of the path, fragrant flowers were showered

The procession was followed by people creating a rattle

Talking about the king’s, mercy in giving and valour in battle

To the royal family, condolences were said

Tears of love and sorrow were silently shed

The king’s body was kept on a sandalwood pyre

Bharatha to it, sadly set fire

On the banks of Sarayu, the king was burnt

Lessons of impermanence were once again learnt

The tall and hefty Dasaratha was now a handful of ash

Which was offered to and dissolved by Sarayu’s splash

In offering water and sesame, Bharatha did Rama’s role

To quench the thirst and hunger of the departed soul

Carrying only the King’s memories as remnants

His family and friends returned to their residence

Bharatha and Shatrughna started to mourn

And remained so, until ten days were gone

Sage Vashishta approached Bharatha, eleventh day morning

Informed him that it was high time he ended the mourning

He said, ministers and citizens were anxiously assembled

Fearing, without a king, the kingdom will become dissembled

“Bharatha! The kingdom needs a king and the country a ruler

Without Dasaratha and Rama, you must now act as leader

If no one from the Royal House, takes over control

Evil in every field will start to soon enroll

Without a judge to do justice

Prosperous will become, injustice

People will loose faith in sticking to Dharma

They will no more do their prescribed Karma

Do not keep your lips anymore tight

Overcome your grief and do what is right

On you is fixed, everyone’s expectant sight

Lead us all, as a man of might!

Rama has moved, to make you way

To honour and make true, His father’s say

Things needed for your coronation, are all ready

Make a decision and act with intellect that is heady”

After listening to this silently, Bharatha nodded

He knew the country by a king, must be guarded

After some thought he made up his mind

Vashishta walked to the court and he went behind

Bharatha fell prostrate before his father’s throne

Tears welled up on seeing the empty throne

He circumambulated the items used by the king

Then he stood with firmness amidst the people ring

“Venerable Gurudev! Honourable ministers and fellow men!

The house of the Ikshvaku’s has been wrecked by a hen

To get me the throne, without my consent, my mother has vied

So our Lord Rama has left us and our king has died

Now the kingdom is like a woman without husband

And we, its citizens, like children who are orphaned

I have no desire or strength to be a king

An eagle’s job cannot be done by a sparrow’s wing

Noble Rama, the mighty Dasaratha’s favourite son

To rule us like a God, He is the only one

It has been the desire of our king at start

In this very place, before all, he had revealed his heart

And all of you, dear fellow men, have jumped with joy

Celebrated, blessed and supported Rama as your own Boy

The wish of all must not be crushed for one woman’s whim

We must make Rama our King and start serving him

For, that God among men, with mighty arms

Knows all nuances of Dharma and ethical norms

When that mighty man protects us, being our head

Enemies will not dare to attack, fearing blood shed

He has ultimate faith in the strength of truth

For every creature’s welfare, He thinks with ruth

See the way He happily gave up his right

And sacrificed all comfort without fight

Now! That prince who deserves all wellness

Live like a mendicant in the wilderness

All because He wanted me, his beloved brother

To happily adorn, the royal feather”

Bharatha, when he said this became overwhelmed

His flow of speech for a moment got stemmed

Then he composed himself and continued to talk

Clearing that, his mother’s greedy wish, he would balk

“My Brother Rama to me is like a God

I consider Him as my guide and guard

I will jump into fire if He commands!

I will give up my life, if He demands!

My Lord Rama has the largest heart

Welfare of all always fills his thought

He would even forgive the greatest offender

He always protects the ones who humbly surrender

He is a mother to them giving what is best

He is a servant in doing for them what is best

He is always a man of His words

He would allow them to be free like birds

To solve ego issues, He would try to bend

For people who err He gives time to amend

Even for His enemy’s welfare, He would sincerely wish

He would happily remain hungry, if he has to offer His dish

By character that is spotless he is gold

His greatness for eons will be told

I am only fortunate to be the brother of such a great man

To spend every second of life for him, I will do all I can

Sitting at His feet and seeing his face

I love to forget myself singing his grace

I wish to keep His feet on my thigh

And look at it forgetting hours go by

To make Him laugh, I like to joke

And get from Him an appreciative stroke

Reading texts, I want to sit by His side

And discuss on topics He would decide

I would like to see him sleep and then go to bed

And be back at dawn, to see him wake, near his bed

I like to sit by His side and eat my food

And hear from Him, all that is good

Leading such a life has always been my dream

In my heart flows, for him, a devotional stream

I am unable to accept this kingdom he readily gave

I would surrender it to his feet, and be His slave”

Hearing this effulgence of love towards a Brother

Everyman in the court, towards Bharatha, became a mother

They blessed Bharatha with tears and all their heart

To go to the jungle and bring Rama, they were eager to start

Bharatha ordered his army to prepare for the journey which was long

He invited every one in the city who wished to come, to join along

His plan was to crown Rama in the jungle and bring Him back

He wanted Rama, only as a King, to return in the track

Rama’s fave elephant Shatrunjayan, which was strong

For Rama to travel back on it, was to be taken along

It was bathed and decorated with ornaments of gold

It trumpeted shedding off its grief, till then untold

With Sage Vashishta heading it, the procession started

Even new born babies, for Rama, promptly departed

Men and women, both young and old

Journeyed as if to get a treasure of gold

They danced with joy to music that was heard for far

Bharatha, like Rama, had become their super star

All the way, they sang the glories of Bharatha and Ram

All the way they shouted, “Jai Shri Ram! Jai Jai Shri Ram!!”

Dasaratha's Death

Tears flowed down Dasaratha’s eyes, ceaselessly

His wide open eyes stared afar lifelessly

After reporting Rama’s exile, Sumanthra had just left

Since Rama left, in Dasaratha’s actions, life was bereft

The day his sons left, he stood at the gates for long

Unable to believe his favourite Rama was gone

Once the chariot disappeared, he fell in a swoon

His wives rushed to him, and held him soon

He awoke to see Kaikeyi, holding him close

To unimaginable heights his anger arose

He shook her off and pushed her away

He warned her angrily to stay at bay

“I renounce you today for your wicked act

We are no more tied by our marriage pact

To rule the kingdom, I hope Bharatha will not choose

If he does, rights to perform my cremation, he will lose”

To be with Rama’s mother, he longingly opted

To Kausalya’s chambers he immediately departed

He was made to lie on a silken bed

It soon became wet by the tears he shed

Now that Sumanthra, in detail, had exclusively reported

About how The Divine Three, to the jungle were deported

The King’s state fell from bad to worse

In his memory flashed, a long forgotten curse

Like a helpless man he loudly wailed

To see and hear his senses failed

He called to Kausalya, his hands searching in the air

He regretted for showing her, before Kaikeyi, lesser care

Already sad, Kausalya was now easily irritated

She censured him with angry words, fully frustrated

Unusual to her nature, she spoke a lot

She made bitter remarks that were tart

“You deprived my son of kingship, breaking norm

Did my son bring upon your Kaikeyi, any harm?

To exile my son when Kaikeyi was bent

All you could do was to remain silent!

On seeing Kaikeyi, you always melted like wax

Unaware, to cut yourself, you were polishing that axe

You have made me stand deprived of all

Wanting what more from me do you hysterically call?”

Dasaratha felt, he deserved the scolding

Kausalya’s hands, he caught for holding

His hands searched for her face and touched her cheek

Remorsefully he spoke, with a voice that was meek

“Kausalya! Please be kind to me dear

Your husband’s death is already near

I know, I deserve to be verbally whipped

In my duty to you, as a husband, I have slipped

Yet! I beg of you to show me some mercy

I know, for the mother of my Rama, it would be easy

In spite of my misgivings, you have always been good

Upholding this noble quality of yours, you always should”

Hearing her majestic man plead, giving up pride

All feelings of hatred, from Kausalya’s heart dried

In to her heart, womanly feelings for a husband rushed

Remorseful tears from her eyes profusely gushed

“What did I do now, losing my mind?!

How could speak I words, so unkind?!

Knowing well that you are morally great

How did I treat you with disrespect and hate?!

Forgive me my Lord! You have not wronged

To cause dissension between us, fate has longed”

Saying thus and crying, she kept his head on her lap

At last, their hearts were bonded with a thick love strap

At last, Kaikeyi lost and Kausalya won

Now, Dasaratha’s and Kausalya’s souls were one!

Both of them mourned the ill luck of their son

Who, even in sleep would commit, mistakes none!

In Dasaratha’s mind, memories of the past flooded

Dasaratha realised, towards death, he was headed

The burden in his heart, he wanted to lessen

He spoke to his wife, almost like a confession

“Kausalya! My beloved lady! Do you hear?

I’ve lost my sight and my death is near

For this state of mine, I know the reason

For a sin I committed, this is harvest season”

Kausalya was shocked by her husband’s declaration

To her, this was unbelievable information

To know what happened, she became keen

Dasaratha narrated the happenings while he was a teen

“I was then young and robust like a bull

Even my moustache had not grown to its full

In all kinds of warfare I was trained

To excel in archery, I always strained

Soon to expertise level, I became skilled

To test my skills, I went hunting and killed

That particular day, I had hunted for long

Night insects had started to hum their song

I thought it was time to try my favourite shot

Which, was to hear the sound and hit the spot

Sabthavethi was the name of the technique

To excel in that, one needs to be unique

I waited nearby a river, with a wild hunch

‘Animals would come, for their thirst to quench’

Gulping sound I heard, from a distant spot

An elephant to be drinking, I wrongly thought

Towards that direction, an arrow I shot

Ignorant of the miseries, it could wrought

In return, I heard a young man’s painful cry

Realising my folly, my throat went dry

I ran towards the spot with hope after hope

But with the speed of fate, I could not cope

I had hit a young man, as I feared

All over his fallen body, blood was smeared

From his chest, the arrow I shot protruded

Deep into his lungs, the arrow must have intruded

Hit by shock and my arrow, he confusedly wailed

On the ground, towards the river, hot blood trailed

“To be punished thus, what is my crime?

Why should I die, before it is time?

Even to die young, I don’t mind

But who’ll care for my parents, old and blind?”

His words pierced my heart with unbearable guilt

I walked unsteadily towards him on the silt

Nearby him in submission, I humbly knelt

Not knowing how, the situation must be dealt

With painful eyes, he asked me who I was

I explained how the accident came to pass

At first he was angry but cooled down later

Being a sincere ascetic, he was no hater

Realising in my act, no harm was intended

Even without me trying, he became contended

Without me asking, he forgave me

With words of love, he tortured me

“Accidents happen. Leave it Sir!

To face inevitable death, I don’t care

Only when I think of my helpless parents

My heart is flooded with painful torrents

My parents and I live in a nearby cave

They needed nothing as I was their slave

I loved them and they loved me

After my death, how will they be?”

Saying thus he inconsolably cried

Then to speak, he pitifully tried

I too cried beating my head

Catching my hand, the following he said

“Could you please pull this arrow out?

It hurts me bad that I want to shout

Anyway my life is ebbing, believe me

At least from this pain, relieve me”

As per his words, I pulled out the arrow

He left his body, leaving me to sorrow

Sitting on the bank, I cried a lot

Then composing myself, I filled his pot

With water for his parents, I searched for their place

With the marks he had left, I could easily trace

Ready to accept any punishment they give

I stood before them, no more wanting to live

They thought it was their son

Remaining silent just for fun

The old man spoke giving out a chuckle

On his son, his confidence was muckle

“Son! What is the reason you newly play

By silently standing, what do you say?

We like to hear your loving voice

Only because of you, living is our choice”

First I gave the unlucky couple some water to drink

My silence was pushing their patience to its brink

To speak the truth I gathered strength

Their son’s death, I narrated at length

The unsuspecting couple was completely shaken

Like a deer that was, by a tiger, unawares taken

Unable to believe, they cried so bitter

While they cried, their bodies shook in a jitter

While the old mother was still crying

The father composed himself after much trying

He suddenly caught me by my hair

His anger now was a flare!

“Why have you not yet, killed us both?

To torture people have you taken any oath?

If you had killed us without disclosing the news

To us, you could have been of much more use”

Not knowing to answer I fell at their feet

To my death, I wanted them to beat

Realising my state, the old man’s anger subsided

To be taken to his son, in me he confided

On my shoulders I carried them both

To the spot where I sinned, inviting loathe

They sat with their son’s head on their lap

They couldn’t believe or digest this bitter hap

Beating their head and chests they wailed piteously

Then they asked me to arrange for cremation courteously

I placed their son’s body on logs of wood

They lit up the pyre and silently stood

The old man turned to me and calmly spoke

He had regained his composure and no more broke

He looked as if he was newly born

His sorrow was now completely gone

“You have done me both good and bad

Though to curse you it makes me sad

I am unable to forgive, the killing of my son

For that act of yours justice must be done

Though I can curse that your head must burst

Considering your good side, I will not be worst

One day in future, like me, you too will die

Separated from your son and heaving a sigh!”

Saying thus the couple entered the pyre

Soon they were ashed by the fire

This happened long before we wed

From my memory it was long shed

Now that time has come for me to reap

In my memory this incident stands too steep”

Saying thus Dasaratha, closed his eyes

Kausalya helplessly hoped that these were lies

Dasaratha lay with closed eyes for a while

Remembering something he opened it with a smile

“Kausalya! I don’t think Bharatha will accept to rule

Bharatha may try to bring back Rama, if I am no fool

Do you remember something Bharatha did?

While he was just a five year kid”

Dasaratha talked with a smile forgetting grief

Seeing him like that, Kausalya got some relief

“To sit or stand near Rama’s side

The other three brothers always tried

Regarding this they always fought

One on the other complaints they brought

Once Bharatha came running to me

Near Rama’s side he wanted to be

Lakshman and Shatrugnan would not allow him near

Bharatha said this with his chubby cheeks wet with tear

I somehow tried to console my boy

I talked to him hoping to give him joy

“Being away from Rama is good for you

As Rama’s black colour may stick to you

You are white

So pleasant for the sight

But Rama is dark

So not worthy of talk”

What I said only made him sad

In his little eyes I became bad

He jumped from my lap and ran in a craze

And came back applying kajal all over his face”

Saying this Dasaratha became stilled

Again in his heart sorrow was filled

His favourite son’s name, for sometime he chanted

And then again loosing composure he loudly ranted

After sometime he went into sleeping

Life was no more for his keeping

While in sleep, his soul had left

As a man of his word, his glory was heft!

Not just a king, he was his citizens’ father!

Not just a man, he was God’s own father!

His reputation stood tall by the sacrifice of Ram!

Jai Shri Ram! Jai Jai Shri Ram!!

Chitrakut

Lord Rama, Mother Sita and Lakshman were now climbing a slope

Lord Rama and Lakshman often slowed for Mother Sita to cope

They were now climbing the Chitrakut hill

Against a downhill breeze that was chill!

They were looking for a place that would suit

To build a cottage and start their spiritual pursuit

They came across a flat land, surrounded by pine

Lord Rama felt, the place would be perfectly fine

The river Mandakini flowed, down hill, near by

Varieties of fruit bearing trees all around grew high

Flowers blossomed all around, emanating uplifting scent

To Mother Sita’s mind, great amusement they lent

As Lord Rama deemed the place to be fit

Lakshman meticulously started working on it

When Lord Rama tried to help, he accepted not!

To keep his Brother like a King, was his only thought!

Within hours the cottage was amazingly ready

With tree trunks as pillars, it was steady

Grasses and straw made up the thatched roof

For Lakshman’s dexterity, it was a proof

Walls were made with bamboo reeds

Cut in different shapes to suit the needs

Smooth rocks and logs were readied to sit

To live for years, the cottage was made fit

Finishing his work, Lakshman humbly stood before his boss

To appreciate Lakshman’s skill, Rama’s words were at loss

Lord Rama was happy about his new found house

He knew it would be comfortable for His beloved spouse

Lord Rama felt, an offering must be made to the Gods

Mother Sita and Lakshman accepted it with nods

Lakshman soon returned with a deer he hunted

Offering it to the Gods, into the cottage they entered

In serving Rama and Sita, Lakshman’s days were packed

With Lakshman’s service, there was nothing Rama and Sita lacked

In each others’ company, The Three were immensely content

To desire or want for more, they had no intent

They visited sages who lived in hermitages nearby

The sages too dropped in leisure to say, ‘hi!’

Spiritual matters and stories of Gods were spoken

Fruits gathered were shared as a friendly token

Lakshman grew a garden of plants that can be eaten

In front of his relentless work, even the ants were beaten

Rama and Sita had time to spend near some lotus pond

In each other’s company, they were tirelessly fond

Chitrakut in its abundance was a child of nature

Nature for Lord Rama, raised it to a heavenly stature

There were ponds, lakes and cascades enhancing the beauty

Musical birds continuously chirped, as if it was their duty!

Water bodies were decorated with lotuses blue and pink

Nature had sketched a master piece with multihued ink

Lord Rama and Mother Sita walked around exotic places

The sight they saw brightened their astonished faces

Sunlight reflected from the water and lit up the space

Which, made flowers to blossom adding grace

Flocks of birds and herds of animals were seen

Well fed by Mother Nature, none of them were lean!

Hefty elephants, sturdy bison and gentle deer

Roamed about everywhere with unrestrained cheer

Cheetahs and tigers at times cautiously walked

To hunt down their prey, they stealthily stalked

Every day they saw a new kind of bird

Invisible cuckoos singing, they always heard

Flowers for worship they plucked from the lakes

On their return they saw on the rocks crawling snakes!

Thus life in the jungle moved on for The Divine Three

From the pains of separation, they were mostly free

The jungle was sanctified by the presence of Ram!

Jai Shri Ram! Jai Jai Shri Ram!!

A sage with a past!

The sun rose up, brightening yet another day

Untired of his role, in this endless play

Lord Rama worshipped him offering water

Which He did thrice a day, without falter

The divine three then approached, the sage

Who looked much younger, for his age

For the hospitality shown, they expressed their gratitude

And asked him about some place, to reside in solitude

In letting them go, the sage was reluctant

For his admiration for The Three was so abundant

He tried to persuade them in staying along

But Lord Rama felt, city from there was not very long

With the city so close people may often come

And to the sage that could become bothersome

This reason to the sage Lord Rama explained

The desire to keep them with him, the sage contained

The sage appreciated the thought and wished them well

About a place called Chitrakut, they heard him tell

He described the way for them to pursue

And then with a smile, he bid them adieu

Lord Rama, Mother Sita and Lakshman were now walking

About sage Bharadhvaja’s wisdom and love, they were talking

From the confluence of rivers, along Yamuna, they proceeded east

The sight of the river upstream to the eyes was a feast

They crossed the river at one point building a raft

Which, Lakshman had built with utmost craft

They then walked through a bamboo thicket

It’s soft ground and music to them was a welcome ticket

They then came across a banyan tree, Shyama by name

Which, with its majesty, was putting all other trees to shame

Mother Sita circumambulated the tree in the clock wise direction

This worship she did as per sage Bharadhvaja’s direction

They then proceeded further and saw another sage’s place

Seeing the ashram’s location they admired nature’s ways

They entered the ashram eager to meet its owner

Who welcomed them, considering it, to be his honour

The sage gave them seats and offered them water

And some fruits, roots and honey in a wooden platter

He then enquired after their well-being and appreciated their life

And then with a little regret he started to talk about his life

“My life is not as worthy as yours’

For the wounds I caused, there is no medicine that cures

Even to see you I know not, if I have any merit

For I have wasted my youth as a cruel culprit

Unlike you, in a family of thieves I was born

To expect any ethics from them was lorn

Grown up by them, I started at an early age

As a highwayman and thief, to earn my wage

When people came through the forest, their throats I gripped

Their possessions off them, by intimidation I stripped

When they failed to submit, without hesitation I killed

In my black heart, only arrogance and cruelty were filled”

The sage said this with pain in his eyes

Regret was evident about his pastime vice

Opening his heart before the Lord, made him light

He continued to narrate his story with a renewed insight

“I had no regret or remorse for my act

I was proud of my wealth, to say in fact

I loved my parents, wife and children more than my life

To keep them happy and wealthy I used my sinful knife

Days went by like passing clouds

On my vision, casting a shadow that shrouds

Then came in my life a very revealing day

That passed through my dark mind, wisdom’s ray

On the fateful day I was waiting for my prey

While an effulgent man came my way

With a voice very sweet, I heard him sing

Enrapturing music he made, plucking his veena’s string

I forgot myself lost in the delight of my senses

Gone was he, before I came back to my senses

Shocked was I, as I realised I let go of my catch

Hurriedly I traced my steps, through the bamboo patch

I saw him walking a furlong ahead, as if he was in leisure

I caught up with him in minutes and held him in my seizure

He was not, but I was in shock

As, with a cool smile, he started to talk!

“Why are you so tensed, my dear friend

Is there any service for you, I can lend?

You seemed to have run for very long

May I know, what went wrong?”

Little was he affected by my horrible looks

He spoke words of class, as if from grammar books

Numerous people, all my life, I had seen

Only two kinds, they have always been

The ones who give all, in fearful submission

Or the ones who fight and die, in angry aggression

But this man was different, with no fear or anger

This man to me was truly a stranger!

For the first time in life I admired a person

For me to be in awe, he gave enough reason

Anyway driven by my usual nature

I stared with angry eyes at his stature

“Nothing has gone wrong, my dear friend

Just that you may be at your end

Only if you can give me all your wealth

I can consider, not giving you a painful death”

The man in my hold was not in shock

But his reaction to my wit was a lock

For he answered to my question in affirmation

It was difficult for me to conceal my admiration

“Ofcourse, I can share my wealth without trouble

As the nature of my wealth, when shared, is to double

But before that may I know why

You threaten people, making their throats go dry”

Out of my control I answered the man

Justifying myself with reasons I can

“I have parents who are now very old

Wife and children who, on to me, always hold”

“But my friend, you accumulate sins by this, didn’t anyone tell?

For which you may be thrown afterlife into the deepest hell!”

Stirring my soul with fright, the sage asked me the question

Not knowing why, I saw myself answering his question

“What ever I earn is for my family to share

With them by my side, even if it is hell I do not care”

The man in my clutches

Continued to point out my glitches

“But don’t you know, when in hell, you’ll be alone

You to your family would then, long be forgone!

Relations crowd around, when a man lives wealthily

But when he is in bad luck, they disappear stealthily”

“I can bet, my family is definitely not so

Even to hell, with me, they would happily go”

“There is no family that partakes of in sins, as far as I know

If there were such people, I would be happy to know”

The sage’s words provoked me strong

I was desperate to prove that he was wrong

As I was about to leave to fetch my folks

I got a doubt that he was playing jokes

I thought he was playing with words to make me a fool

And while I left, he would walk away cool

I gripped his throat, angry beyond measure

And intimidated him to reveal his place of treasure

“You cunning fox, how deceitful you are

You plan to run away, once I go far

To make me go, you talk wise and sweet

But I am not a fool to fall to your deceit”

The man was not shaken, the slightest bit

To every doubt of mine, he gave answers that fit

With none of my victims, I have talked so long

But now I realise, it was fate playing strong!

To come along with me, he said he was ready

To take him to my secret home, I was not ready

Understanding which he made a suggestion

Which, wiped off all my unwanted suspicion

“I have an idea to wipe out your fear

Tie me to a tree and leave me here

Go back home and check if I am wrong

In this case, to be wrong, I sincerely long!”

I could no more take this man lightly

Though in my hold, he had caught me tightly

I tied him to a tree and hurried home

Little did I know, it was my last trip home!

I went straight to my mother with ultimate hope

I told her about the man, I had tied with a rope

I then asked her about my sins, if she would share

But she answered to me, as if she had no care

“Son! I have worked for you lifelong and now very old

I eat what is given and sleep where I am told

You have enraged the sage with a behaviour cold

The consequences of which only you must hold

As my son, it was your duty to feed me well

Between good and bad, as a grown up, could you not tell?!

Instead of taking responsibility for what you have done

Do you expect me to suffer, despite of mistakes none?”

Unbelievable were those words, my mother spoke

Needles of reality at my heart started to poke

I went to my father who hurriedly denounced me

And then to my children, who similarly renounced me

Shaken was I, for I had loved them so much

All that I did, I did for their welfare as such

All the time I spend, was now waste

Only leaving me alone with a bitter taste!

With one last hope I went to my wife

With whom, I never had any strife

In front of whom I renounced all my shame

And spent endless hours in sensual game

I asked her the same question, I asked my mother

She answered as if, for me, she could no more bother

“Lord! The duty of a wife is to run family affairs

Within the limited income her husband acquires

I would have done my job with perfection, eagerly

Even if you had earned a honest income, meagerly

Without my consent you chose a path that accumulates sin

On your way to hell, why do you want to drag me in?”

Sorrow was heavily resting on my helpless heart

Something within me broke and fell apart

Something for which I lived all this while

Something within me, that had no guile

In front of them, I spoke not, another word

Though in my nest, I was a lonely bird

I left my house and family never to return

Disgusted by the gratitude, they showed in return

In want of love, I cried like a child

And hurried back to the sage, in the wild

I fell at his feet and wept out all my pain

And told him about the life, I had lived in vain

I told him, I had no more cause to live

Even my life to him, I was ready to give

I clung on to his feet, which was my only refuge

And washed it with my tears, which was now a deluge

Seeing my state, the sage’s loving heart melted

Forgoing the fact that I had earlier insulted

He asked me to get up and wipe my eyes

And then asked me to severe his ties

“It is difficult to bless being tied up with strands

As I am unable to lift, both my hands”

The sage said jokingly, while I was cutting the rope

And smiled brightly, sending through me a ray of hope

He made me sit and taught me mantra to chant

He said that was the best boon, one could ever grant

The mantra was nothing but Lord Vishnu’s name

But I could not chant it as my tongue was not tame

The sage suggested different names of the Lord

One after the other

Unable to pronounce any of them in accord

My hope started to wither!

My loving Guru Narada, would not give up on me

For he had accepted me as his disciple, with my tear as fee

He then told me to try, your name that is simple, beloved Ram!

But even those two syllables, my tongue could not form

I apologized to the sage for wasting his time

But the sage was lost in thought and came up with a rhyme

“Ma Raa, Ma Raa, Ma Raa, Ma Raa” He musically led

“Ma Raa, Ma Raa, Ma Raa, Ma Raa” I easily said

The sage told me to repeat this as much as I could

I continued to repeat it forgoing, water and food

MaRaa became Rama eventually, as I uttered

For many years, only your name I muttered

I was so lost in your name, forgoing all

Around me grew an anthill, very tall!

After many years I came out of it

The name Valmiki, for me, became fit!

Since then I have been living here in peace

My regrets now have started to slowly, cease

Today before me, my noble Ram stands

Is there anymore I can ask, than your merciful glance!”

Saying thus with a smile Sage Valmiki ended his narration

The Divine Three were engrossed, for the whole duration

Lord Rama’s heart was filled with respect for the sage

He admired the sage for breaking the Karmic cage

“You had loved and served your family selflessly

Such selfless heart is never left helplessly

Thus came Sage Narada on your way

And with his wisdom and love, showed you the way”

The sage nodded with a smile at Rama in acceptance

This recognition to him was of utmost importance

After that, about spiritual matters, they talked a lot

Lord Rama then enquired the sage about the Chitrakut spot!

The sage told them the way to the beautiful place

In his knowledge of that area, he was an ace

The Divine Three took leave of the wise man

Eager to see their home, they walked and ran!

Lord Rama knew not, He was playing hero in a fabulous story

Valmiki knew not, He was going to fabulously write the story!

While he stood near his hermitage, watching Ram

Chanting in his mind, Jai Shri Ram! Jai Jai Shri Ram!!

Life and its breath!

The Ganga flowed behind them with rhythmic chime

The oarsman stood with tears as it was farewell time

Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman wished him well

And started their journey, in search for a place to dwell

They entered the woods which were dark in the day

Through rocks and trees they had to make their way

The crafty jungle before them slowly loomed

Wild animals all around roamed and vroomed

To clear the path and watch out for danger

Lakshman went ahead as a dutiful ranger

Following him closely was Mother Sita at the centre

Behind Her went Lord Rama who was now the mentor

That was a forest; Sun could not enter, from the start

Now his descendants were exploring its deepest part

Looked like the Sun failing to enter the forest through his ray

Had sent his descendants to explore it to have his say!

Lakshman walked ahead removing stones and thorns

Sita watched at distance, few stags locking their horns

Lord Rama took delight in naming them for her

And also enumerated the uses of their skin and fur

Various flowers were grown to decorate the forest

Trying to better one another in a colourful contest

Flowers of colours white, red, yellow and blue

Had blossomed to contrast the wild’s greenish hue

Sita was excited on seeing the incandescent scene

For, to such beauteous locales she had never been

Like a little child she wished for flowers to hold

Lakshman got them for her before being told

Tall tree branches laden with luscious fruits

Bent down to the ground touching their roots

Looked like the trees prostrated with gifts to Ram

Welcoming Him in their home which was always calm

Elephants lifted their trunks and trumpeted loud

As if welcoming Lord Rama to rule the fauna crowd

Peacocks spread their plumes as if to hold a banner

For Lord Rama to enter the jungle in a royal manner

The large hearted lions watched Lord Rama’s arrival

Considering Rama to be, in majesty, a perfect rival

The tigers watched from distance, Lakshmana’s gait

Fearing Lakshmana’s might they went to a frozen state

The deer and rabbits watched Mother Sita’s face

And felt safe like kids who were in their mother’s embrace

Beautiful birds, around Her, flew and fluttered

With musical chirps, their welcome, they uttered

Admiring the beauty around, the trio steadily walked

About the exotic visuals they happily talked

Now and then they stopped to take some rest

Under trees on which birds had built their nest

They walked all day long until sun set

They picked up woods that were not wet

They lit up fire to evade darkness and cold

Emitting heat and light, the fire glittered like gold

Around the fire they sat, in the open, under the sky

Thinking of His parents Lord Rama breathed a sigh

With no people around, His emotions took over Him

In a pensive mood He became silent and grim

Tears flowed down when He thought of His mum

Thinking of His father’s health He became numb

Seeing His sad face Sita tried to cheer Him up

But He continued to drink from His broody cup

“Damn my birth, for giving my parents, pain

After raising me well, this is what they gain

A son who cannot be a devoted staff

But snatches away their happy laugh

Mother always eats only after I eat

Father, to me, has always been sweet

Now, not knowing if I’ve eaten, how will she eat?

How will dad sit, with majesty, in his royal seat?

How did mother Kaikeyi who was always kind

Out of lust for power and wealth, become blind?

Only for kingdom, over king, does she care?

Even to kill my father, for kingdom, would she dare?

When I think of this my head starts to spin

How could one love wealth over their kin?

I am afraid Mother Kaikeyi might even plan

To kill father, if he does not go by her plan!

If thus be the state of my father, such a mighty one

What would not happen to my mother, the puny one?

Lakshman! You have made a mistake by joining me

Did you think of what Mother Sumitra’s state would be?

You must return immediately home, I beseech

Please! With kindness, see sense in my speech

Mothers Kausalya and Sumithra need your protection more

For Kaikeyi might try to settle some past time’s score

Lakshman I want you to go to Ayodhya now

And serve our parents with devotional love

It would be selfish of me to keep you here

While our parents are bereft of any sons near

To serve one’s parent comes first, before all

From serving your mother you must not fall

For me to be in the jungle, fate has decreed

But for you to be here, what is the need?

Sita and I can take care of ourselves

Our old parents are the ones who need your helps

Did you think of your wife Urmila, the humble?

The one who bid good-bye to you without a mumble

I have made up my mind, my dear brother

Anymore for my welfare you need not bother

Tomorrow at dawn, in the jungle, Sita and I will stay

While, towards Ayodhya, you must make your way”

Hearing this Lakshman was in utter shock

For a moment, he knew not, what to talk

He felt forsaken, by his God

Was he a burden to his Lord?

To stay with his Brother, he was desperate

How can life and breath, ever be separate?

Collecting himself, he expressed his view

Drops of tears from his eyes fell in queue

“Brother, our mothers are no ordinary women

To serve them, at their behest, there are a thousand men

Both men and women, await for them to clap

And get things done in a split second’s gap

But who would care for You, in these woods that are deep?

Who would make bed for You, while You go to sleep?

Who would bring water for Your daily needs?

Who would ready the place to perform Your religious deeds?

Will You do these all by Yourself?

And while You do this, leave Sita all by Herself?

In this jungle where wild animals linger

Searching for a prey, to quench their hunger

Please Brother, don’t do this to me

Serving You in the forest let me be”

Saying thus Lakshman fell at Lord Rama’s feet

Hugging Lord Rama’s knees, he made the ground his seat

Mother Sita tried to speak on Lakshman’s behalf

She tried to make Lord Rama see the other half

“Lord! With us, by Mother Sumithra, Lakshman has been sent

Her son to us, for our service, she has happily lent

By serving us, Lakshman does serve his mother

For he will only be carrying out her precise order

If Lakshman goes back, our mothers will be worried

Deeper in their sorrows, about us, they will get buried

At least now they take respite in knowing we two are not alone

If Lakshman goes back, even this consolation will be gone

People will also criticize Lakshman as being weak in mind

For the determination at start, he will be leaving behind”

But Lord Rama was not convinced with any of these points

He would always stick with his decision, even if it disappoints

His wife, or His brother or any of His kith and kin

For He always wanted what is right to always win!

“No Sita! It is not fair for him to be here

About my parent’s life, I am in fear

Lakshman! Tomorrow at dawn, you must go

That’s an order from me, so don’t say no!”

Lord Rama’s words were like needles that pierce

But against His orders, Lakshman could not be fierce

With no heart at all, Lakshman agreed to obey

Bereft of any energy, he became like lifeless hay

The night went by, a silent one

Against Lakshman’s prayers fate had won

Sun rose up lightening all but Lakshman’s face

Who was with much difficulty trying to brace

Lord Rama embraced Lakshman to console

Lakshman’s emotions were not easy to control

Lakshman embraced Rama very tight

And cried like a child until his heart became light

Lakshman asked Rama and Sita together to stand

He fell at their feet, prostrated on the land

He came around them keeping them to his right

Both to Lord Rama and Sita, he was a pitiful sight

He hugged Lord Rama for very long

The embrace, like his love, was very strong

Lord Rama caressed his back and head

And kissed him on his cheek with love unsaid

Though it pained for Lord Rama too

To change the decision, He did not want to

Lakshman now smiled at his brother

And at Sita, who, to him, was always a mother

“I take leave of both of you

Though this act, at my heart does hew

Sorry brother, for not obeying without talking back

The courage, to do what is right, I always lack”

Saying thus Lakshman bid farewell and turned

Though to stay back, his heart strongly yearned

He walked away with steps that were unsteady and slow

His head as if in defeat, hung very low

The mighty man was now crying like a child

And tracing his steps back in the wild

Lord Rama could see Lakshman wiping his eyes

And could sense Lakshman heaving heavy sighs

Lord Rama saw Lakshman’s walk was a stumble

Lord Rama was afraid Lakshman was going to tumble

With tears barring his vision Lakshman tripped

At Lord Rama’s heart, for Lakshman, sympathy gripped

Lakshman slowly walked and disappeared behind a tree

Lord Rama’s love for his brother was now at spree

Tears flowed from His eyes like a profuse river

Lord Rama shook His head as if in a shiver

Calling out to His brother Lord Rama ran

Following Him behind Mother Sita too ran

Both of them, to Lakshman, called out loud

From Lakshman’s heart disappeared the sorrow cloud

Not sure if he was being called but with hope

He peeped from behind the tree to see his Brother lope

Waving out to him, he saw the Divine Two running

He realised his Brother was going to get back the shunning

He ran towards his Brother, like a calf to a cow

And stood before Rama with a respectful bow

With a curious look and a hesitant smile

For his Brother to talk, he waited for a while

“Never will I send you hereafter away from me

If I have to do so in future, that would be the end of me”

Saying thus Lord Rama took back his order

Lakshman smiled a smile that could not be broader

The divine three now felt light at heart

Lakshman was happy for Rama could not see him apart

They continued their journey deeper into the jungle

Sita teased Rama’s act, like in a jingle

All three laughed at the turn of the event

And continued to walk enjoying the moment

They soon reached the junction of two sacred rivers

The waters colliding with each other and creating quivers

Situated between the Ganga and Yamuna was a hermitage

In which lived a groups of hermits serving a sage

The sage’s name was Bharadhvaja, the wise

Whose, spiritual powers were always on the rise

The divine three entered the sage’s place

Which, was brimming with vibration of divine grace

The sage was more than happy to receive the three

His assistants, to serve them, became busy like bee

Sage Bharadvaja appreciated Lord Rama for his adherence to Dharma

And reassured Him that He was earning by this, very good Karma

The sage praised Mother Sita for taking up such pain

He wished very good life and children for her to gain

He appreciated Lakshman for being so devoted

“You set example for brothers!” the sage denoted

The sage offered them fruits and roots for food

And provided them shelter, for the night, under his hood

After relishing the food, the divine three slept

To lofty heights, the sage’s joy had leapt

Pondering all night about the identity of Ram

The sage said unto himself, “Jai Shri Ram! Jai Jai Shri Ram!!”