Prakarana 19

Verse 368 (चौपाई)

कैकेई भव तनु अनुरागे। पाँवर प्रान अघाइ अभागे।। जौं प्रिय बिरहँ प्रान प्रिय लागे। देखब सुनब बहुत अब आगे।। लखन राम सिय कहुँ बनु दीन्हा। पठइ अमरपुर पति हित कीन्हा।। लीन्ह बिधवपन अपजसु आपू। दीन्हेउ प्रजहि सोकु संतापू।। मोहि दीन्ह सुखु सुजसु सुराजू। कीन्ह कैकेईं सब कर काजू।। एहि तें मोर काह अब नीका। तेहि पर देन कहहु तुम्ह टीका।। कैकई जठर जनमि जग माहीं। यह मोहि कहँ कछु अनुचित नाहीं।। मोरि बात सब बिधिहिं बनाई। प्रजा पाँच कत करहु सहाई।।

Kaikeyi is deeply attached to her body; her life is weary, her fortune lost. If my life is dear to me in separation from my beloved, I shall see and hear much hereafter. To Lakshmana, Rama and Sita he gave the forest; he sent them to the city of the gods, acting for their good. She took upon herself widowhood and disgrace; she gave sorrow and anguish to the people. To me she gave happiness, good fame and good rule; Kaikeyi accomplished all her own purposes. Therefore what is now good for me? Upon that you must place your interpretation. Kaikeyi was born in the world from my womb; in this there is nothing improper for me. My words have all been ordained by Brahma; how can the people now render help?

Verse 369 (दोहा/सोरठा)

ग्रह ग्रहीत पुनि बात बस तेहि पुनि बीछी मार। तेहि पिआइअ बारुनी कहहु काह उपचार।।180।।

The planet will seize the planet, then by the power of that word, she will again be struck down. She must be made to drink wine; tell me, what is the remedy?

Verse 370 (चौपाई)

कैकइ सुअन जोगु जग जोई। चतुर बिरंचि दीन्ह मोहि सोई।। दसरथ तनय राम लघु भाई। दीन्हि मोहि बिधि बादि बड़ाई।। तुम्ह सब कहहु कढ़ावन टीका। राय रजायसु सब कहँ नीका।। उतरु देउँ केहि बिधि केहि केही। कहहु सुखेन जथा रुचि जेही।। मोहि कुमातु समेत बिहाई। कहहु कहिहि के कीन्ह भलाई।। मो बिनु को सचराचर माहीं। जेहि सिय रामु प्रानप्रिय नाहीं।। परम हानि सब कहँ बड़ लाहू। अदिनु मोर नहि दूषन काहू।। संसय सील प्रेम बस अहहू। सबुइ उचित सब जो कछु कहहू।।

That which was fitting for Kaikeyi's son in the world, the wise Brahma gave to me alone. To me, Dasharatha's son Rama's younger brother, Brahma gave greatness after due deliberation. You all should advise me how to apply the tilak. The king's command is good in every way. What answer shall I give, and in what manner? Tell me easily, as each one pleases. Leaving me along with my foolish mother, tell me who has done me good. Without me, who in all the moving and unmoving world has no love for Sita and Rama in his heart? It is the greatest loss everywhere, yet a great gain. I am ever without fault; there is no blame in anyone. In doubt, yet under the sway of virtue and love, I am here. Whatever you say is all fitting.

Verse 371 (दोहा/सोरठा)

राम मातु सुठि सरलचित मो पर प्रेमु बिसेषि। कहइ सुभाय सनेह बस मोरि दीनता देखि।।181।

Rama's mother is of exceedingly simple heart, with special love for me. She speaks naturally, overcome with affection, upon seeing my lowliness.

Verse 372 (चौपाई)

गुर बिबेक सागर जगु जाना। जिन्हहि बिस्व कर बदर समाना।। मो कहँ तिलक साज सज सोऊ। भएँ बिधि बिमुख बिमुख सबु कोऊ।। परिहरि रामु सीय जग माहीं। कोउ न कहिहि मोर मत नाहीं।। सो मैं सुनब सहब सुखु मानी। अंतहुँ कीच तहाँ जहँ पानी।। डरु न मोहि जग कहिहि कि पोचू। परलोकहु कर नाहिन सोचू।। एकइ उर बस दुसह दवारी। मोहि लगि भे सिय रामु दुखारी।। जीवन लाहु लखन भल पावा। सबु तजि राम चरन मनु लावा।। मोर जनम रघुबर बन लागी। झूठ काह पछिताउँ अभागी।।

I have known the world as a sea, with the guru as wisdom itself. In whose hands the universe is like a badar fruit. That same one has adorned me with the tilak of sovereignty. Brahma has turned away from me, and everyone else has turned away too. Abandoning Rama and Sita in this world, no one will say that I have no counsel. Therefore I will hear it, endure it, and accept it with pleasure. In the end I will go where there is water. I have no fear that the world will speak ill of me. I have no concern even for the next world. One unbearable sorrow dwells in my heart alone. For my sake, Sita and Rama have become distressed. I have gained the profit of life, Lakshmana has done well. Abandoning all, I will set my mind on Rama's feet. My birth has been for the Lord of the Raghus' forest. Why should I, the unfortunate one, repent in vain?

Verse 373 (दोहा/सोरठा)

आपनि दारुन दीनता कहउँ सबहि सिरु नाइ। देखें बिनु रघुनाथ पद जिय कै जरनि न जाइ।।182।।

I speak of my own terrible lowliness, bowing my head to all. Without seeing the feet of the Lord of the Raghus, the heart cannot be consumed.

Verse 374 (चौपाई)

आन उपाउ मोहि नहि सूझा। को जिय कै रघुबर बिनु बूझा।। एकहिं आँक इहइ मन माहीं। प्रातकाल चलिहउँ प्रभु पाहीं।। जद्यपि मैं अनभल अपराधी। भै मोहि कारन सकल उपाधी।। तदपि सरन सनमुख मोहि देखी। छमि सब करिहहिं कृपा बिसेषी।। सील सकुच सुठि सरल सुभाऊ। कृपा सनेह सदन रघुराऊ।। अरिहुक अनभल कीन्ह न रामा। मैं सिसु सेवक जद्यपि बामा।। तुम्ह पै पाँच मोर भल मानी। आयसु आसिष देहु सुबानी।। जेहिं सुनि बिनय मोहि जनु जानी। आवहिं बहुरि रामु रजधानी।।

I see no other means. Who can understand the heart without the Lord of the Raghus? One thought alone is in this mind: at dawn I shall go to the Lord. Though I am unworthy and sinful, I have become the cause of all troubles. Yet I see him face to face as my refuge. He will forgive all and show special mercy. He is of good character, modest, exceedingly simple and noble by nature. He is the abode of mercy and affection, the Lord of the Raghus. Rama has not abandoned me, the unworthy one, though I am a wicked servant. I count five blessings from you. Give me your command and blessing with gracious words. Hearing which, knowing me as his servant, Rama may come again to the capital.

Verse 375 (दोहा/सोरठा)

जद्यपि जनमु कुमातु तें मैं सठु सदा सदोस। आपन जानि न त्यागिहहिं मोहि रघुबीर भरोस।।183।।

Though I was born of a wicked mother and am ever a wretched sinner, I will not abandon my own self, for I have placed my trust in the Hero of the Raghus.

Verse 376 (चौपाई)

भरत बचन सब कहँ प्रिय लागे। राम सनेह सुधाँ जनु पागे।। लोग बियोग बिषम बिष दागे। मंत्र सबीज सुनत जनु जागे।। मातु सचिव गुर पुर नर नारी। सकल सनेहँ बिकल भए भारी।। भरतहि कहहि सराहि सराही। राम प्रेम मूरति तनु आही।। तात भरत अस काहे न कहहू। प्रान समान राम प्रिय अहहू।। जो पावँरु अपनी जड़ताई। तुम्हहि सुगाइ मातु कुटिलाई।। सो सठु कोटिक पुरुष समेता। बसिहि कलप सत नरक निकेता।। अहि अघ अवगुन नहि मनि गहई। हरइ गरल दुख दारिद दहई।।

Bharata’s words were pleasing to all, as if they were steeped in the nectar of love for Rama. The people were scorched by the terrible poison of separation; hearing the counsel that was wholly good, they seemed to awaken. Mothers, ministers, the guru, and the men and women of the city were all exceedingly distressed with love. They praised Bharata again and again, saying that his very body was the embodiment of love for Rama. “Dear Bharata, why do you not speak thus? Rama is as dear to you as your own life. Whatever folly was mine, I attribute it to my mother’s cunning. That wretch, along with millions of men, shall dwell for a hundred kalpas in the abode of hell. He does not keep in mind this sin and these faults; he takes away poison, sorrow, and poverty, and burns them.”

Verse 377 (दोहा/सोरठा)

अवसि चलिअ बन रामु जहँ भरत मंत्रु भल कीन्ह। सोक सिंधु बूड़त सबहि तुम्ह अवलंबनु दीन्ह।।184।।

Rama must surely go to the forest, where Bharata has given good counsel. All were drowning in an ocean of grief; you have given them a support to cling to.

Verse 378 (चौपाई)

भा सब कें मन मोदु न थोरा। जनु घन धुनि सुनि चातक मोरा।। चलत प्रात लखि निरनउ नीके। भरतु प्रानप्रिय भे सबही के।। मुनिहि बंदि भरतहि सिरु नाई। चले सकल घर बिदा कराई।। धन्य भरत जीवनु जग माहीं। सीलु सनेहु सराहत जाहीं।। कहहि परसपर भा बड़ काजू। सकल चलै कर साजहिं साजू।। जेहि राखहिं रहु घर रखवारी। सो जानइ जनु गरदनि मारी।। कोउ कह रहन कहिअ नहिं काहू। को न चहइ जग जीवन लाहू।।

There was joy in the hearts of all, no little joy; it was as when the chataka bird hears the thunder of the clouds. At daybreak, seeing the auspicious omens as they set forth, Bharata became dear as life to everyone. Bowing to the sage and making obeisance to Bharata, they all departed, taking leave for their homes. “Blessed is Bharata, the very life of the world; his character and love are worthy of all praise.” They said to one another that a great work had been accomplished; they all set forth, making ready their preparations. Those whom they left behind to guard their homes felt as if their very necks were being severed. Some said there was no one to ask to stay; no one in the world desired any gain other than this life.”

Verse 379 (दोहा/सोरठा)

जरउ सो संपति सदन सुखु सुहद मातु पितु भाइ। सनमुख होत जो राम पद करै न सहस सहाइ।।185।।

Let wealth, the comforts of home, friends, mother, father and brothers all burn; who does not, with his whole heart, serve the feet of Rama a thousand times?

Verse 380 (चौपाई)

घर घर साजहिं बाहन नाना। हरषु हृदयँ परभात पयाना।। भरत जाइ घर कीन्ह बिचारू। नगरु बाजि गज भवन भँडारू।। संपति सब रघुपति कै आही। जौ बिनु जतन चलौं तजि ताही।। तौ परिनाम न मोरि भलाई। पाप सिरोमनि साइँ दोहाई।। करइ स्वामि हित सेवकु सोई। दूषन कोटि देइ किन कोई।। अस बिचारि सुचि सेवक बोले। जे सपनेहुँ निज धरम न डोले।। कहि सबु मरमु धरमु भल भाषा। जो जेहि लायक सो तेहिं राखा।। करि सबु जतनु राखि रखवारे। राम मातु पहिं भरतु सिधारे।।

In every house they prepared various conveyances; at daybreak they set forth, their hearts filled with joy. Bharata went and considered his own home, the city, the horses, the elephants, the dwellings, and the storehouses. All this wealth belonged to the Lord of the Raghus; if I were to leave it without taking proper care, that would be wrong. Then the outcome would not be for my good; I would be guilty of the supreme sin, I declare. That servant alone serves his master's interest who gives him no cause for blame by millions. Thus reflecting, the virtuous servant spoke, who never wavered from his own duty even in a dream. He told all the secrets and the proper course in fitting words, and placed each thing in the charge of him who was worthy of it. Having taken every precaution and appointed guardians, Bharata went to Rama's mother.

Verse 381 (दोहा/सोरठा)

आरत जननी जानि सब भरत सनेह सुजान। कहेउ बनावन पालकीं सजन सुखासन जान।।186।।

Knowing that his mothers were in anguish, and being full of affection, the wise Bharata ordered palanquins to be made ready and comfortable seats to be prepared.

Verse 382 (चौपाई)

चक्क चक्कि जिमि पुर नर नारी। चहत प्रात उर आरत भारी।। जागत सब निसि भयउ बिहाना। भरत बोलाए सचिव सुजाना।। कहेउ लेहु सबु तिलक समाजू। बनहिं देब मुनि रामहिं राजू।। बेगि चलहु सुनि सचिव जोहारे। तुरत तुरग रथ नाग सँवारे।। अरुंधती अरु अगिनि समाऊ। रथ चढ़ि चले प्रथम मुनिराऊ।। बिप्र बृंद चढ़ि बाहन नाना। चले सकल तप तेज निधाना।। नगर लोग सब सजि सजि जाना। चित्रकूट कहँ कीन्ह पयाना।। सिबिका सुभग न जाहिं बखानी। चढ़ि चढ़ि चलत भई सब रानी।।

As the men and women of the city turned round and round, their hearts were filled with great anguish at the coming dawn. All had stayed awake through the night, and now it was morning; Bharata called his wise counselors. He said, "Gather all the retinue; I shall give the kingdom to Rama in the forest." Hearing this, the counselors quickly made obeisance; they straightaway made ready the horses, chariots, and elephants. Arundhati and the fire-god were invoked; mounting their chariots, the chief sages set forth first. Mounting various conveyances, the company of brahmins set out, all of them repositories of austerity and splendor. All the townsfolk, having made themselves ready, set forth and journeyed toward Chitrakoot. The beautiful palanquins cannot be described; mounting them one after another, all the queens set forth.

Verse 383 (दोहा/सोरठा)

सौंपि नगर सुचि सेवकनि सादर सकल चलाइ। सुमिरि राम सिय चरन तब चले भरत दोउ भाइ।।187।।

Entrusting the city to the faithful servants and sending them all forth with honor, and remembering the feet of Rama and Sita, Bharata and his brother set out.

Verse 384 (चौपाई)

राम दरस बस सब नर नारी। जनु करि करिनि चले तकि बारी।। बन सिय रामु समुझि मन माहीं। सानुज भरत पयादेहिं जाहीं।। देखि सनेहु लोग अनुरागे। उतरि चले हय गय रथ त्यागे।। जाइ समीप राखि निज डोली। राम मातु मृदु बानी बोली।। तात चढ़हु रथ बलि महतारी। होइहि प्रिय परिवारु दुखारी।। तुम्हरें चलत चलिहि सबु लोगू। सकल सोक कृस नहिं मग जोगू।। सिर धरि बचन चरन सिरु नाई। रथ चढ़ि चलत भए दोउ भाई।। तमसा प्रथम दिवस करि बासू। दूसर गोमति तीर निवासू।।

All the men and women were intent upon beholding Rama; as if drawn by a cord, they went along gazing. Understanding in their hearts that Sita and Rama were in the forest, Bharata and Shatrughna went on foot. Seeing the people's love and devotion, they dismounted and went forward, abandoning their horses, elephants, and chariots. Coming near, they set down their own palanquin; Rama's mother spoke gentle words. "My son, mount the chariot, O mighty one; your family will be dear to you, though it is stricken with grief." "When you go, all the people will follow; there is no path fit for all this sorrow and distress." Bowing their heads at his words and placing their heads at his feet, the two brothers mounted the chariot and set forth. On the first day they halted at the Tamasa; on the second they dwelt on the bank of the Gomati.

Verse 385 (दोहा/सोरठा)

पय अहार फल असन एक निसि भोजन एक लोग। करत राम हित नेम ब्रत परिहरि भूषन भोग।।188।।

He takes milk for food, fruits for his meal, and eats but once in the night; he practices vows and austerities for Rama's welfare, shunning all adornment and pleasure.

Verse 386 (चौपाई)

सई तीर बसि चले बिहाने। सृंगबेरपुर सब निअराने।। समाचार सब सुने निषादा। हृदयँ बिचार करइ सबिषादा।। कारन कवन भरतु बन जाहीं। है कछु कपट भाउ मन माहीं।। जौं पै जियँ न होति कुटिलाई। तौ कत लीन्ह संग कटकाई।। जानहिं सानुज रामहि मारी। करउँ अकंटक राजु सुखारी।। भरत न राजनीति उर आनी। तब कलंकु अब जीवन हानी।। सकल सुरासुर जुरहिं जुझारा। रामहि समर न जीतनिहारा।। का आचरजु भरतु अस करहीं। नहिं बिष बेलि अमिअ फल फरहीं।।

They dwelt upon the riverbank and set forth at dawn; Shringaverapura now drew near. The Nishadas heard all the tidings, and in their hearts they pondered with great sorrow. "What cause has Bharata to go to the forest? Is there some deceitful purpose in his mind? If there were no guile in his heart, why then has he brought an army with him? They know that Rama, along with his brother, has been slain, and so I shall rule the kingdom unopposed and in happiness. Bharata has not brought the ways of statecraft into his heart; now he bears disgrace, and his life is forfeit. All the gods and demons together would join in strife, yet none could conquer Rama in battle. What wonder then that Bharata should act thus? The poison creeper does not bear the nectar fruit."

Verse 387 (दोहा/सोरठा)

अस बिचारि गुहँ ग्याति सन कहेउ सजग सब होहु। हथवाँसहु बोरहु तरनि कीजिअ घाटारोहु।।189।।

Thinking thus, Guha said to his kinsmen, "Be vigilant, all of you; ferry across the boatmen, and make ready the landing place."