Bharata's Legion of Army Continues its Journey To Reach Rama's Adobe

In the last post, we had learnt about the journey Bharata undertook from Ayodhya to the abode of Rama in the forest. The journey had started with the entire administration and civilians from the kingdom making their way out. Bharata comes across Guha and sage Bharadwaja thus far who have received Rama as well. He is being informed of all the moments of their interaction with Rama. The entire saga was unfolded with sole aim of bringing back Rama to Ayodhya and making him the king. The profound grief in Bharata was apparent in many instances which cannot be subdued until he meets the dear brother. Let us continue to see the journey evolving to that point in the next many chapters.

In chapter 91, having been instructed by Bharadwaja to bring the army to his place, Bharata allowed his army also to come to the hermitage. Then, Bharadwaja invokes Visvakarma, the divine architect and requests him to arrange for a befitting hopsitality to Bharata and everyone else.

Bharadwaja requested Bharata to stay on at his hermitage one more day, so as to offer him the full honors due to a noble guest. Disregarding Bharata's protests, the sage even asked the armies into the hermitage. Bharata said that kings or princes should always spare hermitages from desecration, as spirited horses and intoxicated elephants could damage plants and cottages." But the sage insisted. Invoking Visvakarma to offer the best to his guests he said, "May Viswakarma, the architect of the world, create shelter to house and entertain my guests. May Indra, Varuna, Yama and Kubera provide food and may the rivers be diverted here bringing with them the best of wines. I invite Rambha, Menaka and Urvasi along with Thumbura. May they hasten here along with their musical instruments and may the moon provide us with sumptuous food!"

Thus invoked the emaciated sage, who could survive on nothing more than sheer yogic power, without partaking of any food, if need be. He stood facing east, with joined palms, in an attitude of worship and welcomed those whom he had invoked. Celestial clouds showered flowers, to the reverberating sound of divine drums and gongs, while the earth and sky hummed a melody. Then there appeared a veritable paradise. Created by the Devas and invoked by Bharadwaja, its unparalleled beauty upon earth rivaled with the very heavens.

Extending five yojanas on each side was carpet like grasslands. Lush trees of gooseberry, mango, jackfruit and various other fruits, were bent down with the burden of their fruit. Magnificent mansions had sprung up all over. Even the animals had their own abodes by way of stables and ample resting places, filled with cool lakes and green foliage. The lofty palace dazzling with its turrets seemed to pierce the clouds. Furnished with rich carpets, filled with celestial scents, it had ambrosial drinks of every kind and delectable food. The people of Kosala were spell bound at the magnificence. Invited by Bharadwaja, Bharata entered the gem-encrusted palace, followed by his bedazzled counselors. There they saw in an enclosure, a golden throne meant for Bharata who circumambulated it, as if Rama were already seated in it. He then sat on a seat meant for the ministers, worshipfully avoiding the throne intended for him.

Into that brilliance arrived, the twenty thousand Apsaras sent by Brahma and the bewitchingly beautiful women, sent by Kubera, reputed to intoxicate the minds of men. Thumbura and the gandharvas sang for Bharata while celestials Alambusa, Punderika, Misrakesi and Vamana danced. Even trees were made to entertain. Commanded by the sage, the 'Maredu' trees played the drums, the 'Thandra' rang the cymbals and the 'Bodhi' trees danced. Each warrior was treated to the luxury of being attended to by seven or eight women, who pampered and supplied them their every need and much wine. Even animals were not denied the divine hospitality. They too were feasted and fussed over. Enchanted and thrilled with the spectacular hospitality of their host the soldiers grew delirious. Mesmerized by the Apsaras they swore never to return to Ayodhya nor enter the Dandaka. "Let Bharata live here and Rama be happy where he is" they declared! Eating, drinking and making merry, the soldiers wore garlands danced and sang to their heart's content. Wonder struck at the vast array of foods and drink they ate and drank insatiably. In that joyous atmosphere cows poured out streams of milk and trees dripped honey. Every one wore beautiful new clothes. The women in the army, the servants, attendants and wives of soldiers proudly showed off their new possessions.None among the sea of people wore any colour except pristine white. An unbelievable array of unguents, perfumes, mirrors, combs and every conceivable form of toiletry was provided. People bathed in the shimmering lakes afloat with lotus and lily while the myriad colors and aromas of food beckoned the guests. There were even step wells, which contained the wine called 'Maireya', with cooked meats of peacock and chicken placed around it. The day of feasting and festivity finally came to an end and Bharata took reverential leave of Bharadvaja.

In chapter 92, Bharata approaches the sage Bharadwaja and seeks his permission to leave. Bharata asks Bhardwaja the exact route by which he can reach the abode of Rama. Bharadwaja gives the details of the path towards the banks of river Mandakini, situated at the north of Chitrakuta mountain, where Rama is stationed along with Seetha and Lakshmana.

Bharata thanked Bharadwaja profusely for his lavish hospitality, which would forever remain a cherished memory in the minds of all of them. To Bharata pining to see Rama the sage said, "A few miles from here, where no men dwell other than the Rishis, is the mountain known as Chitrakuta and to the north of it flows the river Mandakini. Between that river and the mountain, is a cottage, where Rama, Lakshmana and Sita live. Travel south from here and you will soon reach your destination."

After Bharata had taken leave of the sage came the queens to pay their homage. Asked by the sage, Bharata began introducing them. "The one who is despondent and emaciated with grief is Kausalya. Foremost among the queens and divine mother who bore a divine son, like Aditi bore Vishnu. The one who stands to the left plunged in sorrow is Sumitra, who holds middle place among the queens. She is mother to the celestially handsome and noble brothers Lakshmana and Satrughna." Of Kaikeyi, with utter disdain Bharata said, "For the blame of this woman, the most virtuous among men is banished to live in the wilderness and noblest among kings to his death. An arrogantly ambitious woman, who in her arrogance believes herself the most beautiful and intelligent, has imperiled the very world with her greed. She stands stripped of all respect and her virtuous facade belies her sinful nature. Know this to be my mother, a ruthless woman full of evil and the cause of my misery."

Bharata's impassioned tirade was broken by his frustrated sobs. The red in his eyes matched the fire of his anger and the anger in his sighs matched the hissing of angry serpent. Pacifying him, Bharadwaja in his wisdom said, "Do not deem Rama's banishment to be Kaikeyi's fault for in times to come it will prove a great boon for the Devas, Danavas and the Rishis."

The night of revelry passed and disappeared with the light of dawn. The apsarasas and gandharvas left but the armies from Ayodhya still inebriated were in a dream like state. Their crushed garlands bore testimony to a glorious night of song, dance and festivity. Bharata once again started on his journey followed by an army that moved like a large cloud spreading over the entire Southern region.

In chapter 93, travelling for a long time, Bharata and his army reach Chitrakuta mountain. Bharata appreciates the beauty of that place and identifies it as an abode of ascetics. He instructs his soldiers to explore the woods and find out where Rama and Lakshmana are living. Valiant men penetrate into the forest and pursuing their search, they observe a plume of smoke rising at some distance and concluding the site to be the hermitage of Rama. Bharata commands his army to halt and decides to walk with Sumantra and Dhriti, his spiritual preceptor to Rama's hermitage.

Beholding the intimidating numbers invade their territory, the denizens of the forest scattered in fright. Elephant herds and animals fled in terror, as dappled deer, bear and antelope ran helter-skelter. Reaching Chitrakuta, Bharata said "These trees with their dark foliage, crowned with fragrant flowers seem like the people of the south, who adorn their hair with flowers. The peacock fears us and tries to hide its spectacular plumage behind a rock. How enchanting, how mesmerizing, is this the holy retreat of the Rishis? It is like the threshold of heaven."

Though spellbound by the gorgeous display of nature's beauty and its creatures, not for a moment did Bharata's mind lose track of Rama! Commanding the army to begin their search and penetrating the forest they saw a plume of smoke rise above the treetops. Hoping it to be the abode of Rama or an ascetic who would guide them to Rama, a wave of happiness passed through the masses. Bharata raced ahead with Vasishta and Sumantra, while the rest joyously waited to see their beloved lord.

In chapter 94, Rama describes the beauty of Chitrakuta mountain to Seetha. He delightfully shows her the various colorful minerals, several kinds of birds and animals, several type of trees with flowers and fruit, as also the enchanting springs and Cascades in the mountain. Thus, he also diverts his own mind in seeing that captivating scenery.

Meanwhile, Sita had for a long time wanted to share the joys of nature with Rama. To make her happy and to revel in that happiness, Rama, one day showed her the Chitrakuta Mountain, a mammoth heap of rock and forest. True to its name and fame, Chitrakuta was a treasure trove of nature's wonders. Rama said, "Beholding this ravishing mountain, lost in this paradise, neither the loss of friends nor the kingdom, distress me anymore. In this splendor prevails a charm that mesmerizes even fearful beasts, the serene presence of the ascetics seems to have rendered them docile. The mango, the gooseberry, neem, jackfruit, and Bilva are among the hundreds that have the privilege of having Chitrakuta as their home. A playground of the celestials, this mountain seems to have shot out of the very depths of the earth. I can live here forever with no grief of Ayodhya, for this mountain holds me a prisoner of its charms. Even my exile seems a blessing. My father cannot blame me for dereliction of duty and Bharata can rule in peace. At night the medicinal herbs on these majestic mountains show up in their own luminance, glowing like fire. Sita, do you not desire, to lose yourself in the song of the nightingale or be caressed by the cool breezes that come floating off the green canopy? In this tranquility and beauty will pass the fourteen years of my exile with you by my side. Treading the path of truth, observing the Kshatriya dharma of my race, I will I enjoy the life of a king."

In chapter 95, Rama describes to Seetha the beauty of Mandakini River with its multi-coloured beaches, swans, geese, deer and flowery trees on its banks. He shows some sages taking dip in the river and herds of elephants and monkeys coming for a drink there. Thus, Rama and Seetha spend some of their time in enjoying the charms of Chitrakuta mountain.

Sita's ever-serene face, luminous like the moon, never ceased to enchant Rama. Every time he beheld her, his lotus like eyes opened wide in wonder at her breath taking beauty. Reveling in her company aware of her intense love of nature Rama led Sita on to the banks of the river Mandakini. Its crystal clear waters were filled with lotus, vibrant with color and the call of heron and swan. Rama said, "The river seems to beckon me to bathe in it. The charm of this place rivals Kubera's Saugandhika Lake. Sita come bathe with me among the lotuses, whose beauty will pale into insignificance in your divine aura. Vanquished, they will submerge themselves into the water of Mandakini. From now on, think of the beasts of the forest as the citizens of Ayodhya, this river as Sarayu and Chitrakuta as the city of Ayodhya. Going through the ritual baths with you three times a day, living on honey and fruits, I desire neither kingdom nor kinsmen. No man seeing these elephants, lions and monkeys will tire of this forest, nor fail to wonder at its gorgeous display of nature's best blooms, birds and all its other bounties.

In chapter 96, Rama hears a gigantic clamour of an army nearby and asks Lakshmana to find out what it is. Lakshmana ascends a tree and informs Rama that Bharata's army is approaching towards their hermitage. Lakshmana expresses his apprehension to Rama, saying that Bharata's army may be coming there in order to kill both of them. An enraged Lakshmana says that he will kill both Bharata and Kaikeyi together with the army.

Having shown Sita the river that meandered at the foot of Chitrakuta, Rama sat with her on the hillside. He regaled her with his culinary skills and the many different ways of cooking meats. It was a blissful scene but short lived as Bharata would soon invade this sylvan paradise with his troops. Rama saw the dust that rose by Bharata's vast armies and heard its clamor. Rivaling the din of the approaching army was a more powerful and tumultuous noise. Animals fled from a danger they sensed but could not define. Alarmed at an impending disaster even mighty elephants turned tail and lumbered away as fast as their large legs could carry them. "What are these sounds Lakshmana? Could a king on a hunt have frightened the denizens of the forest? See what causes this great terror and the rumble akin to thunder," said Rama.

Lakshmana quickly clambered up a tree and scanned the horizon. Towards the north, the armies loomed clear and large. Seeing the vast armies of Bharata, with their horses, elephants, chariots infantry and fluttering banners, Lakshmana called out to Rama, "Brother, I see troops. Put out the fire, hide Sita in the cave. Ready your bow, your arrows and your shield." Rama asked, "Under which banner does the army march?" Lakshmana said, "To safeguard his throne it is evident that Bharata has come to eliminate us. I see the emblem of the Kovidara on his chariot. The ruthless son of a ruthless mother, not content with what he possesses, wanting to rid his kingdom of all its enemies comes to slay us. Should we go up the mountain or remain here? Bharata and his banner shall soon fall prey to us and he shall pay for our misfortune. Kill him Rama and rule the earth. I do not see any blame in putting an end to Bharata, who has caused you great harm and is devoid of all dharma. May Kaikeyi grieve, beholding her son destroyed like a tree, felled by an elephant! I shall fight the army and slay Kaikeyi and her hunch- backed friend, ridding the world of a great taint." With his pent up emotions giving way to burning anger Lakshmana threatened to let loose his arrows saying, "I shall rive the bodies of Bharata's men and their blood shall drench Chitrakuta. Let their bodies be dragged away by the beasts of the wild!"

This concludes chapters 91, 92, 93, 94, 95 and 96 of Ayodhya Kanda where we had seen Bharata along with his troops reaching the residence of sage Bharadwaja and receiving great hospitality. Rama along with Sita revels in the nature’s beauty of Mount Chitrakuta and river Mandakini before being disturbed by the incoming army. Lakshmana grew suspicious of approaching men, denounce them while preparing for battle. We can see how this misunderstanding was cleared and how Bharata gets to meet Rama in the subsequent posts.