We can see Rama hosting Bears, Monkeys and Titans in the last post when they took leave of sages after listening to many great stories of the past. Rama loads the Vanaras and others with gifts and valuables as a token of admiration towards their unwavering loyalty in times of warring with Ravana. He bestows jewels and diamonds upon each of them and embraces them in gratitude. They indulge in Rama’s hospitality for a month cherishing his presence among them with content in their hearts. When the time for departure arrives, Rama’s asks them to walk in the path of dharma which will make their kingdoms impenetrable to any external force. The assembly, overcome with admiration and gratitude, sang praises of Rama’s intelligence, valor, and sweetness, comparing him to the one self-manifested. Hanuman expressed that as long as Rama’s tales are recounted on Earth so long would life continue to live in his body. Rama assured his wish would come true which gave Hanuman another name as ‘Chiranjeevi’ or one who lives forever. We can feel Hanuman is amongst us whenever we are recounting tales from Ramayana. Rest assured, Hanuman protects any group and becomes foremost devotee wherever Rama is being worshipped. We are all grateful that we are doing it for so long, invoking the compassion, blessings and gracious presence of Hanuman among all of us. Wherever Rama is worshipped, Hanuman resides and the place is believed to be filled with divine energy and blessings. It is said that Hanuman's presence brings protection, strength, and positivity from all evils and obstacles.
After the Vanaras take leave, Rama dismisses pushpaka chariot and begins to rule over Ayodhya. His rule brings all the good omens to the land. We can look at further proceedings in following chapters.
In chapter 42, the felicity enjoyed by Rama and Sita in aftermath of war is presented.
Rama, the long-armed hero, having dismissed the gold-encrusted Pushpaka Chariot, entered the mesmerizing Ashoka Grove. This sanctuary of unparalleled beauty was adorned with fragrant trees such as sandal, agallocha, mango, tunga, kalakeya, champaka, and devadaru, among others. The grove was a spectacle of nature's abundance, featuring trees like parijatras blazing like smokeless fires and others such as lodhra, nipa, and kadali screening the area with intricate thickets and creepers. Every tree exuded celestial fragrances, producing vibrant blossoms and marvelous fruits. Birds like kokilas and bhringarajas, with their heads dusted in mango pollen, added melodious music to the serene surroundings, while intoxicated bees hummed amongst the flowers.
The grove also housed pools of limpid water filled with blooming lotuses and lilies. These pools were encircled by ruby steps and flanked by flowering trees. The air resonated with the calls of datyuhas, shukas, geese, and swans. Grassy glades shimmered like emerald and pearl, while the earth beneath was strewn with flowers, resembling a starlit sky. The entire grove appeared divine, comparable to Indra’s celestial garden or Caitaratha, created by Brahma.
In this exquisite retreat, Rama entered and seated himself on a magnificent throne adorned with countless flowers and a carpet of kusa grass. Taking Sita by the hand, he lovingly offered her wine distilled from honey, recalling the offerings of Purandara to Saci. Servants presented pure fruits and delicacies, while celestial apsaras graced the gathering with their singing and dancing. Nymphs, kinnaris, and uragas, intoxicated with wine, performed before the radiant Rama, who delighted in the festivities.
Seated beside Sita, Rama shone with splendor, resembling the sage Vasishtha alongside Arundhati. In this joyous atmosphere, Rama constantly sought to provide new pleasures for Sita, treating her like a celestial being. Together, they reveled in the passing seasons, enjoying the delights of spring and nature's beauty. Despite their blissful life, Rama diligently fulfilled his royal duties while Sita performed her devotions and cared for her mothers-in-law with great humility. Each day, she adorned herself in exquisite jewels and rejoined Rama, radiating beauty and charm.
One day, observing her glowing form and the child she bore in her womb, Rama felt immense delight and asked her what she desired. Smiling, Sita expressed her heartfelt wish to visit the sacred hermitages of ascetics who lived along the banks of the Ganges, subsisting on fruits and roots. She longed to bow at their feet and spend a night in their sanctuaries, drawn by the tranquility and sanctity of their austere lives.
Pleased by her virtuous request, Rama promised to fulfill her desire. He assured her that the next day, her wish would be granted. Having comforted Sita with his assurance, Rama proceeded to the central court, surrounded by his companions, while Sita prepared herself for the upcoming journey.
In chapter 43, Rama informs himself concerning rumors from his friends.
Rama, seated among learned companions such as Vijaya, Madhumatta, Kashyapa, Pingala, Kusha, Suraji, Kaliya, Bhadra, Dantavakra, and Sumagadha, engaged in lighthearted conversations. They discussed a variety of topics and shared laughter, enjoying one another’s company. During one such gathering, Rama turned to Bhadra with a serious question. “O Bhadra,” he asked, “what are the people saying about me in the city and the kingdom? What do the residents of the city and countryside, who depend on me, speak of me, Sita, Bharata, Lakshmana, Shatrughna, and my mother, Kaikeyi? If there are grievances about a king, people may abandon their home in search of another ruler.”
Bhadra, joining his hands respectfully, reassured Rama with kind words. “O King, the people of the city speak only auspicious things. They celebrate your victory over Dashagriva (Ravana) and often discuss your glorious deeds.” Encouraged, Rama urged Bhadra to share all that was being said, whether agreeable or not. He assured his companion that he would use the feedback to perform good deeds and avoid actions that caused distress. “Speak without fear or hesitation,” Rama added, “and let me know the sentiments of the people.”
With hesitation but respect, Bhadra complied. He recounted the words circulating among the city’s residents and the countryside folk, even in crossroads, forests, and groves. He described their admiration for Rama’s exceptional accomplishments, such as building a bridge across the ocean, an unparalleled feat in history. They extolled Rama’s heroism in slaying the invincible Ravana, subjugating the armies of apes, bears, and rakshasas, and reclaiming Sita after her abduction.
However, amid this praise, some voices expressed criticism. They questioned Rama’s decision to accept Sita back after her confinement in Lanka, under Ravana’s captivity. These detractors speculated on the king’s heart, remarking that he seemed to find joy and contentment with Sita despite her ordeal. They wondered why he did not find her time in Lanka reprehensible, under the rakshasas’ influence. These individuals feared that Rama’s actions would set an example, forcing subjects to tolerate similar situations with their wives.
Bhadra concluded, “O King, this is what the people in the city and the countryside say, along with other such comments.” Hearing these words, Rama was deeply troubled. His heart weighed heavily with grief as he pondered the implications of such sentiments. Seeking confirmation, he turned to the other well-wishers present and asked if these words were indeed being spoken by the people. Lowering their heads in deference and sorrow, they affirmed Bhadra’s account without hesitation.
Overwhelmed by the weight of public opinion, Rama dismissed the gathering, allowing everyone present to leave. Left to reflect on these troubling revelations, Rama, the mighty scorcher of enemies, found himself confronting a profound dilemma that would shape his actions moving forward.
In chapter 44, Rama summons his brothers.
After dismissing his well-wishers, Rama sat in deep contemplation. Resolute in his thoughts, he decided to summon his brothers for counsel. Calling the gatekeeper near, he instructed, “Quickly fetch Lakshmana, the auspicious Soumitri, Bharata, the mighty-armed, and Shatrughna, the unvanquished. Bring them to me without delay.” The gatekeeper bowed respectfully and set off to carry out Rama’s commands.
The gatekeeper first went to Lakshmana’s residence. Bowing before him, he conveyed the king’s message: “Rama wishes to see you immediately.” Lakshmana, ever obedient to his elder brother, agreed without hesitation. He mounted his chariot and proceeded swiftly to Rama’s residence.
Next, the gatekeeper arrived at Bharata’s house. With hands joined in salutation, he delivered the same message. Bharata, upon hearing Rama’s command, rose immediately from his seat and set off on foot to see his elder brother. Without delay, the gatekeeper then went to Shatrughna’s residence and repeated Rama’s summons. Shatrughna, bowing to the ground in reverence, promised to obey. Learning that Lakshmana and Bharata had already departed, he wasted no time and made his way to Rama’s abode.
When the brothers arrived, Rama was already overcome with emotion. His thoughts weighed heavily upon him, and his senses were distracted. Upon hearing of their arrival, Rama instructed the gatekeeper, “Bring them to me quickly. My life depends on them. They are like my breath of life outside my body.” The brothers, dressed in pristine white garments, entered his presence with humility, their hands joined in salutation.
As they approached, they noticed that Rama’s face resembled the moon dimmed by a planet’s grasp, its radiance faded like the setting sun. His intelligent eyes brimmed with tears, and his countenance resembled a lotus that had lost its luster. Observing his sorrow, the brothers lowered their heads in respect and bowed at his feet.
Despite his visible distress, Rama greeted his brothers with deep affection. The mighty-armed king embraced each of them, raising them gently. After ensuring they were seated, Rama began to speak, his voice heavy with emotion. “You are everything to me,” he said. “You are my life and my strength. O lords of men, this kingdom exists and flourishes because of your actions. You are well-versed in the sacred texts and possess great intelligence. O my brothers, for my sake, I implore you to make efforts once again.”
His words were laden with gratitude and an appeal for unity, emphasizing the bond between the brothers and the shared responsibility they bore for the kingdom’s well-being. Despite his grief, Rama’s love and reliance on his brothers were evident, and he sought their support in addressing the challenges that lay ahead.
This concludes chapters 42, 43 and 44 where we had seen the felicity enjoyed by Rama and Sita in close companionship after the battle. Both spend some invaluable time in Ashoka grove, a place brimming with picturesque, mesmerizing natural beauty synonymous to the affection ignited in the foremost couple after years of dreaded exile and a period of tumultuous separation due to Ravana’s abduction. The rejoin is the most fruitful time period for the injured Rama and Sita to heal the many wounds of the past. Sita expresses her wish to live in the sacred hermitage of ascetics along the banks of the Ganges. Rama talks with his companions about the feedback they are hearing in kingdom about his rule. Among all, Bhadra plays a crucial role in conveying the sentiments of the people of Ayodhya to Rama. Despite Sita's trial by fire, which she passed to prove her purity, rumors and doubts about her chastity continued to circulate among the citizens. Bhadra informs Rama about these persistent doubts and the gossip that has been spreading in the kingdom. This news deeply troubles Rama, as he is committed to upholding his reputation as a just and righteous king. He realizes that the public's perception of Sita's purity could undermine his authority and the respect of his subjects. A deeply troubled Rama summons his brothers to take a heart wrenching decision which can be seen in subsequent chapters.
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