Prakarana 33

Verse 635 (दोहा/सोरठा)

ग्यान निधान सुजान सुचि धरम धीर नरपाल। तुम्ह बिनु असमंजस समन को समरथ एहि काल।।291।।

gyāna-nidhāna sujāna suci dharama dhīra narapāla | tumha binu asamañjasa samana ko samaratha ehi kāla ||291||

O King—treasure-house of wisdom, discerning, pure, and steadfast in dharma—without you, at this hour, who has the power to dispel the kingdom’s bewilderment?

Verse 636 (चौपाई)

सुनि मुनि बचन जनक अनुरागे। लखि गति ग्यानु बिरागु बिरागे।। सिथिल सनेहँ गुनत मन माहीं। आए इहाँ कीन्ह भल नाही।। रामहि रायँ कहेउ बन जाना। कीन्ह आपु प्रिय प्रेम प्रवाना।। हम अब बन तें बनहि पठाई। प्रमुदित फिरब बिबेक बड़ाई।। तापस मुनि महिसुर सुनि देखी। भए प्रेम बस बिकल बिसेषी।। समउ समुझि धरि धीरजु राजा। चले भरत पहिं सहित समाजा।। भरत आइ आगें भइ लीन्हे। अवसर सरिस सुआसन दीन्हे।। तात भरत कह तेरहुति राऊ। तुम्हहि बिदित रघुबीर सुभाऊ।।

suni muni bacana janaka anurāge | lakhi gati gyānu birāgu birāge || sithila sanehaṁ gunata mana māhīṁ | āe ihā̃ kīnha bhala nāhī || rāmahi rāyã kaheu bana jānā | kīnha āpu priya prema pravānā || hama aba bana teṁ banahi paṭhāī | pramudita phiraba bibeka baṛāī || tāpasa muni mahisura suni dekhī | bhae prema basa bikala biseṣī || samau samujhi dhari dhīraju rājā | cale bharata paiṁ sahita samājā || bharata āi āgeṁ bhai līnhe | avasara sarisa su-āsana dīnhe || tāta bharata kaha terahuti rāū | tumhahi bidita raghubīra subhāū ||

Hearing the sages’ words, Janaka was moved with love; discerning the course of events, his knowledge ripened into detachment. His family affection slackened as he pondered within: ‘Coming here—was it well done or not? The king has sent Rama to the forest; he has sealed his own will as “dear,” and made love his warrant. Now I will send the forest back to the forest: I shall dispatch my daughter to Rama, and return rejoicing, with discernment enlarged.’ Seeing and hearing this, ascetics, sages, and brahmins were overcome by love, and grew especially tender. The king, understanding the time and holding firm to patience, went with his retinue to Bharata. Bharata came forward to receive him, and offered him an honorable seat suited to the moment. ‘Dear Bharata,’ said the king, ‘you know well the nature of Raghu’s hero.’

Verse 637 (दोहा/सोरठा)

राम सत्यब्रत धरम रत सब कर सीलु सनेहु।। संकट सहत सकोच बस कहिअ जो आयसु देहु।।292।।

rāma satya-brata dharama-rata saba kara sīlu sanehu || saṅkaṭa sahata sakoca basa kahi-a jo āyasu dehu ||292||

Rāma is vowed to truth, devoted to dharma, gentle and loving to all; yet, held back by modesty amid this calamity—speak: whatever command you would give.

Verse 638 (चौपाई)

सुनि तन पुलकि नयन भरि बारी। बोले भरतु धीर धरि भारी।। प्रभु प्रिय पूज्य पिता सम आपू। कुलगुरु सम हित माय न बापू।। कौसिकादि मुनि सचिव समाजू। ग्यान अंबुनिधि आपुनु आजू।। सिसु सेवक आयसु अनुगामी। जानि मोहि सिख देइअ स्वामी।। एहिं समाज थल बूझब राउर। मौन मलिन मैं बोलब बाउर।। छोटे बदन कहउँ बड़ि बाता। छमब तात लखि बाम बिधाता।। आगम निगम प्रसिद्ध पुराना। सेवाधरमु कठिन जगु जाना।। स्वामि धरम स्वारथहि बिरोधू। बैरु अंध प्रेमहि न प्रबोधू।।

suni tana pulaki nayana bhari bārī | bole bharatu dhīra dhari bhārī || prabhu priya pūjya pitā sama āpū | kula-guru sama hita māya na bāpū || kausika-ādi muni saciva samājū | gyāna ambu-nidhi āpuna ājū || sisu sevaka āyasu anugāmī | jāni mohi sikha dei-a svāmī || ehiṁ samāja thala būjhaba rāura | mauna malina maiṁ bolaba bāura || choṭe badana kahauṁ baṛi bātā | chamaba tāta lakhi bāma bidhātā || āgama nigama prasiddha purānā | sevā-dharamu kaṭhina jagu jānā || svāmi dharama svārathahi birodhū | bairu aṁdha premahi na prabodhū ||

Hearing this, his body thrilled and his eyes brimmed with tears; Bharata spoke, gathering a weighty composure. ‘To me you are lord, beloved, and venerable—like a father; a benefactor like the family preceptor—more helpful than mother or father. Here are Vishvamitra and the other sages, ministers, and the whole assembly—today all are oceans of wisdom. Knowing me as a child-servant who follows command, instruct me, my masters. In such a council I should ask you; if I keep silent it is sullenness—if I speak, it will be folly. With a small person I utter a great matter; forgive me, sir, seeing that fate has turned adverse. Scripture and tradition, and the renowned Purāṇas, declare service-dharma hard for the world. The master’s dharma stands opposed to self-interest; blind enmity is no awakening of love.’

Verse 639 (दोहा/सोरठा)

राखि राम रुख धरमु ब्रतु पराधीन मोहि जानि। सब कें संमत सर्ब हित करिअ पेमु पहिचानि।।293।।

rākhi rāma rukha dharamu bratu parādhīna mohi jāni | saba keṁ sammata sarba hita kari-a pemu pahicāni ||293||

Keeping before you Rāma’s intent, his dharma and his vow—and knowing me to be under authority—do what all approve, what brings welfare to all, discerning what true love is.

Verse 640 (चौपाई)

भरत बचन सुनि देखि सुभाऊ। सहित समाज सराहत राऊ।। सुगम अगम मृदु मंजु कठोरे। अरथु अमित अति आखर थोरे।। ज्यौ मुख मुकुर मुकुरु निज पानी। गहि न जाइ अस अदभुत बानी।। भूप भरत मुनि सहित समाजू। गे जहँ बिबुध कुमुद द्विजराजू।। सुनि सुधि सोच बिकल सब लोगा। मनहुँ मीनगन नव जल जोगा।। देवँ प्रथम कुलगुर गति देखी। निरखि बिदेह सनेह बिसेषी।। राम भगतिमय भरतु निहारे। सुर स्वारथी हहरि हियँ हारे।। सब कोउ राम पेममय पेखा। भउ अलेख सोच बस लेखा।।

bharata bacana suni dekhi subhāū | sahita samāja sarāhata rāū || sugama agama mṛdu mañju kaṭhore | arathu amita ati ākhara thore || jyau mukha mukura mukuru nija pānī | gahi na jāi asa adabhuta bānī || bhūpa bharata muni sahita samājū | ge jahã bibudha kumuda dvija-rājū || suni sudhi soca bikala saba logā | manahũ mīna-gana nava jala jogā || devã prathama kula-guru gati dekhī | nirakhi videha saneha biseṣī || rāma bhakti-maya bharatu nihāre | sura svārathī hahari hiyã hāre || saba kou rāma pema-maya pekhā | bhau alekha soca basa lekhā ||

Hearing Bharata’s words and seeing his noble nature, the king, along with the whole assembly, praised him. His speech was at once easy and beyond reach—gentle, sweet, and yet firm; its meaning was boundless though the words were few. Like one’s face reflected in a mirror, or a mirror in clear water, such wondrous utterance could not be wholly grasped. King Bharata, with sages and the gathered court, went to where the gods—like lilies—and the lord of the twice-born were present. On hearing the true tidings, all were shaken with anxious thought, like a shoal of fish meeting fresh water. The gods first observed the movement of the royal preceptor; and seeing Janaka, their affection grew all the more. Beholding Bharata steeped in devotion to Rama, the self-seeking gods were startled and lost heart. They saw everyone drenched in love for Rama; their fear became beyond measure, and worry itself seemed to turn into an account-book of dread.

Verse 641 (दोहा/सोरठा)

रामु सनेह सकोच बस कह ससोच सुरराज। रचहु प्रपंचहि पंच मिलि नाहिं त भयउ अकाजु।।294।।

rāmu saneha sakoca basa kaha sasoca surarāja | racahu prapañcahi pañca mili nāhi ta bhayau akāju ||294||

Bound by Śrī Rāma’s love, and checked by their own uneasy restraint, the king of the gods spoke in anxious thought: “Let five of us join together and weave a device; otherwise our whole affair will come to nothing.”

Verse 642 (चौपाई)

सुरन्ह सुमिरि सारदा सराही। देबि देव सरनागत पाही।। फेरि भरत मति करि निज माया। पालु बिबुध कुल करि छल छाया।। बिबुध बिनय सुनि देबि सयानी। बोली सुर स्वारथ जड़ जानी।। मो सन कहहु भरत मति फेरू। लोचन सहस न सूझ सुमेरू।। बिधि हरि हर माया बड़ि भारी। सोउ न भरत मति सकइ निहारी।। सो मति मोहि कहत करु भोरी। चंदिनि कर कि चंडकर चोरी।। भरत हृदयँ सिय राम निवासू। तहँ कि तिमिर जहँ तरनि प्रकासू।। अस कहि सारद गइ बिधि लोका। बिबुध बिकल निसि मानहुँ कोका।।

suranha sumiri sāradā sarāhī | debi deva saranāgata pāhī || pheri bharata mati kari nija māyā | pālu bibudha kula kari chala chāyā || bibudha binaya suni debi sayānī | bolī sura svāratha jaṛa jānī || mo sana kahahu bharata mati pherū | locana sahasa na sūjha sumerū || bidhi hari hara māyā baṛi bhārī | sou na bharata mati sakai nihārī || so mati mohi kahata karu bhorī | caṁdinī kara ki caṇḍakara corī || bharata hṛdayã siya rāma nivāsū | tahã ki timira jahã tarani prakāsū || asa kahi sāradā gai bidhi lokā | bibudha bikala nisi mānahũ kokā ||

Remembering Sarasvati, the gods praised her: “Goddess, protect us who have taken refuge.” “Turn Bharata’s mind back by your own power; save the race of the gods by casting a shadow of deceit.” Hearing their plea, the wise goddess spoke, knowing the gods to be dull with self-interest: “Tell me—how should I overturn Bharata’s resolve? Even with a thousand eyes, one cannot properly see Sumeru. The māyā of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva is exceedingly weighty; even they cannot perceive Bharata’s mind. To ask that of me is sheer folly—like stealing moonlight with the hand, or robbing the blazing sun. In Bharata’s heart Sita and Rama dwell; where the sun shines, how can there be darkness?” So saying, Sarasvati departed to Brahma’s realm; and the gods, shaken, passed the night like lamenting birds.

Verse 643 (दोहा/सोरठा)

सुर स्वारथी मलीन मन कीन्ह कुमंत्र कुठाटु।। रचि प्रपंच माया प्रबल भय भ्रम अरति उचाटु।।295।।

sura svārathī malīna mana kīnha kumantra kuṭhāṭu | raci prapañca māyā prabala bhaya bhrama arati ucāṭu ||295||

Those self-seeking gods, their minds grown impure, devised crooked and evil counsel. They wove a contrivance—māyā made strong—giving rise to fear, bewilderment, anguish, and restless disquiet.

Verse 644 (चौपाई)

करि कुचालि सोचत सुरराजू। भरत हाथ सबु काजु अकाजू।। गए जनकु रघुनाथ समीपा। सनमाने सब रबिकुल दीपा।। समय समाज धरम अबिरोधा। बोले तब रघुबंस पुरोधा।। जनक भरत संबादु सुनाई। भरत कहाउति कही सुहाई।। तात राम जस आयसु देहू। सो सबु करै मोर मत एहू।। सुनि रघुनाथ जोरि जुग पानी। बोले सत्य सरल मृदु बानी।। बिद्यमान आपुनि मिथिलेसू। मोर कहब सब भाँति भदेसू।। राउर राय रजायसु होई। राउरि सपथ सही सिर सोई।।

kari kucāli socata surarājū | bharata hātha sabu kāju akāju || gae janaku raghunātha samīpā | sanamāne saba rabikula dīpā || samaya samāja dharama abirodhā | bole taba raghubaṁsa purodhā || janaka bharata saṁbādu sunāī | bharata kahāuti kahī suhāī || tāta rāma jasa āyasu dehū | so sabu karai mora mata ehū || suni raghunātha jori juga pānī | bole satya sarala mṛdu bānī || bidyamāna āpuni mithilesū | mora kahaba saba bhā̃ti bhadesū || rāura rāya rajāyasu hoī | rāuri sapatha sahī sira soī ||

Having played a crooked move, the king of the gods kept brooding: in Bharata’s hands lay every outcome—right or wrong, gain or loss. Janaka drew near to Raghunātha, and the Lamp of the Solar race honored all with fitting reverence. When time, assembly, and dharma stood unobstructed, the priest of the Raghu line then spoke. He recounted the exchange with Bharata and repeated Bharata’s proper message: “Father, grant whatever command you deem right; my mind is this—that I shall do it all.” Hearing this, Raghunātha folded his hands and spoke words true, simple, and gentle: “While your own Lord of Mithilā is present, it would not be proper for me to speak at length. Your counsel itself shall be the command; by your oath—upon my head—so shall it be.”

Verse 645 (छंद)

रघुराउ सिथिल सनेहँ साधु समाज मुनि मिथिला धनी। मन महुँ सराहत भरत भायप भगति की महिमा घनी।। भरतहि प्रसंसत बिबुध बरषत सुमन मानस मलिन से। तुलसी बिकल सब लोग सुनि सकुचे निसागम नलिन से।।

raghurāu sithila sanehã sādhu-samāja muni mithilā-dhanī | mana mahũ sarāhata bharata bhāyapa bhagati kī mahimā ghanī || bharatahi prasaṃsata bibudha baraṣata sumana mānasa malina se | tulasī bikala saba loga suni sakuce nisā-gama nalina se ||

Śrī Rāma’s tender love loosened its hold; and the saints’ assembly—sages and Janaka, Lord of Mithilā—kept praising within their hearts the deep majesty of Bharata’s fraternal devotion. As all extolled Bharata, the gods showered flowers; yet hearts, clouded by sorrow, remained dim. Hearing it all, says Tulsī, the whole city trembled and drew inward—like lotuses at the coming of the moon.

Verse 646 (दोहा/सोरठा)

देखि दुखारी दीन दुहु समाज नर नारि सब। मघवा महा मलीन मुए मारि मंगल चहत।।301।।

dekhi dukhārī dīna duhu samāja nara nāri saba | maghavā mahā malīna mue māri maṅgala cahata ||301||

Seeing men and women everywhere, in every gathering, wretched and crushed, Indra—deeply tainted—still sought an “auspicious” end, like one who strikes a corpse.

Verse 647 (चौपाई)

कपट कुचालि सीवँ सुरराजू। पर अकाज प्रिय आपन काजू।। काक समान पाकरिपु रीती। छली मलीन कतहुँ न प्रतीती।। प्रथम कुमत करि कपटु सँकेला। सो उचाटु सब कें सिर मेला।। सुरमायाँ सब लोग बिमोहे। राम प्रेम अतिसय न बिछोहे।। भय उचाट बस मन थिर नाहीं। छन बन रुचि छन सदन सोहाहीं।। दुबिध मनोगति प्रजा दुखारी। सरित सिंधु संगम जनु बारी।। दुचित कतहुँ परितोषु न लहहीं। एक एक सन मरमु न कहहीं।। लखि हियँ हँसि कह कृपानिधानू। सरिस स्वान मघवान जुबानू।।

kapaṭa kucāli sīvã surarājū | para akāja priya āpana kājū || kāka samāna pākari-pu rītī | chalī malīna katahũ na pratītī || prathama kumata kari kapaṭu sãkelā | so ucāṭu saba kẽ sira melā || sura-māyā̃ saba loga bimohe | rāma prema atisaya na bichohe || bhaya ucāṭa basa mana thira nāhī̃ | chana bana ruci chana sadana sohāhī̃ || dubidha manogati prajā dukhārī | sarita siṃdhu saṅgama janu bārī || ducita katahũ paritoṣu na lahahī̃ | eka eka sana maramu na kahahī̃ || lakhi hiyã hãsi kaha kṛpānidhānū | sarisa svāna maghavāna jubānū ||

Indra, crooked with deceit—(all under Shiva’s knowing gaze)—loved another’s harm and his own advantage. Like a crow in habit, the serpent-slayer’s way was treacherous; stained and fraudulent, he was trusted nowhere. First he gathered deceit with perverse counsel, and cast restlessness upon everyone’s head. By celestial delusion all the people were bewildered, yet their love for Rama was not wholly cut off. Fear and agitation kept the mind from steadiness: now the forest seemed pleasing, now the home. The people, torn in two and sorrowing, were like waters at the meeting of river and sea. In such confusion they found contentment nowhere; nor could they tell their heart to one another. Seeing this, the Compassionate Lord smiled within and said: ‘Indra’s tongue is like a dog’s.’

Verse 648 (दोहा/सोरठा)

भरतु जनकु मुनिजन सचिव साधु सचेत बिहाइ। लागि देवमाया सबहि जथाजोगु जनु पाइ।।302।।

bharatu janaku munijana saciva sādhu saceta bihāi | lāgi deva-māyā sabahi jathājogu janu pāi ||302||

Bharata, Janaka, sages, ministers, and saints—letting their vigilance fall—were all seized by divine delusion, as though each received it according to his measure.

Verse 649 (चौपाई)

कृपासिंधु लखि लोग दुखारे। निज सनेहँ सुरपति छल भारे।। सभा राउ गुर महिसुर मंत्री। भरत भगति सब कै मति जंत्री।। रामहि चितवत चित्र लिखे से। सकुचत बोलत बचन सिखे से।। भरत प्रीति नति बिनय बड़ाई। सुनत सुखद बरनत कठिनाई।। जासु बिलोकि भगति लवलेसू। प्रेम मगन मुनिगन मिथिलेसू।। महिमा तासु कहै किमि तुलसी। भगति सुभायँ सुमति हियँ हुलसी।। आपु छोटि महिमा बड़ि जानी। कबिकुल कानि मानि सकुचानी।। कहि न सकति गुन रुचि अधिकाई। मति गति बाल बचन की नाई।।

kṛpāsiṃdhu lakhi loga dukhāre | nija sanehã surapati chala bhāre || sabhā rāu guru mahisura maṃtrī | bharata bhagati saba kai mati jaṃtrī || rāmahi citavata citra likhe se | sakucata bolata bacana sikhe se || bharata prīti nati binaya baṛāī | sunata sukhada baranata kaṭhināī || jāsu biloki bhagati lava-lesū | prema magana muni-gana mithileśū || mahimā tāsu kahai kimi tulasī | bhagati subhāyã sumati hiyã hulāsī || āpu choṭi mahimā baṛi jānī | kabikula kāni māni sakucānī || kahi na sakati guna ruci adhikāī | mati gati bāla bacana kī nāī ||

The Ocean of Mercy, seeing the people in distress, perceived how heavily Indra’s deceit had worked upon his own affection. In the court—king, preceptor, brahmins, ministers—Bharata’s devotion became the instrument that steadied every mind. All kept gazing at Rama as though painted in a picture; they spoke with trained words, yet with modest hesitation. Bharata’s love, humility, and reverent entreaty—sweet to hear—were hard to describe. At the mere sight of a trace of such devotion, sages and Janaka, lord of Mithila, were drowned in love. How can Tulsi tell that greatness? By nature devotion makes sound understanding bloom within the heart. Knowing himself small and the glory great, the poet—out of scruple for the craft—hangs back; he cannot speak those beloved excellences, his wit like a child’s speech.

Verse 650 (दोहा/सोरठा)

भरत बिमल जसु बिमल बिधु सुमति चकोरकुमारि। उदित बिमल जन हृदय नभ एकटक रही निहारि।।303।।

bharata bimala jasū bimala bidhū sumati cakorakumāri | udita bimala jana hṛdaya nabha ekaṭaka rahī nihāri ||303||

Bharata’s stainless fame is like the spotless moon; and Right Understanding, like a young chakor-maiden, fixes her gaze unblinking upon it, as it rises in the clear sky of the devotees’ hearts.

Verse 651 (चौपाई)

भरत सुभाउ न सुगम निगमहूँ। लघु मति चापलता कबि छमहूँ।। कहत सुनत सति भाउ भरत को। सीय राम पद होइ न रत को।। सुमिरत भरतहि प्रेमु राम को। जेहि न सुलभ तेहि सरिस बाम को।। देखि दयाल दसा सबही की। राम सुजान जानि जन जी की।। धरम धुरीन धीर नय नागर। सत्य सनेह सील सुख सागर।। देसु काल लखि समउ समाजू। नीति प्रीति पालक रघुराजू।। बोले बचन बानि सरबसु से। हित परिनाम सुनत ससि रसु से।। तात भरत तुम्ह धरम धुरीना। लोक बेद बिद प्रेम प्रबीना।।

bharata subhāu na sugama nigama-hū̃ | laghu mati cāpalatā kabi chamahū̃ || kahata sunata sati bhāu bharata ko | sīya rāma pada hoi na rata ko || sumirata bharatahi premu rāma ko | jehi na sulabha tehi sarisa bāma ko || dekhi dayāla dasā sabahī kī | rāma sujāna jāni jana jī kī || dharama dhurīna dhīra naya nāgara | satya saneha sīla sukha sāgara || desu kāla lakhi samau samājū | nīti prīti pālaka raghurājū || bole bacana bāni sarabasu se | hita parināma sunata sasi rasu se || tāta bharata tumha dharama dhurīnā | loka beda bida prema prabīnā ||

Bharata’s nature is not easily comprehended even by the Vedas; how could a poet of small wit and fickle mind do it justice? Speaking of him—hearing of him—one’s true feeling for Sita and Rama’s feet cannot but awaken. Remembering Bharata, Rama’s love grows: such a one is rare, and none could be his equal. Compassionate Rama, knowing the hearts of His people, saw the condition of all. Steadfast, bearing dharma’s weight, skilled in wise conduct—an ocean of truth, affection, gentleness, and joy—Raghu-raja, discerning land, time, occasion, and assembly, spoke words as if they were his very all: their outcome was welfare, their hearing cool as moon-nectar. ‘Dear Bharata, you are a very pillar of dharma—versed in both folkways and Veda, and accomplished in love.’

Verse 652 (दोहा/सोरठा)

करम बचन मानस बिमल तुम्ह समान तुम्ह तात। गुर समाज लघु बंधु गुन कुसमयँ किमि कहि जात।।304।।

karama bacana mānasa bimala tumha samāna tumha tāta | gura samāja laghu bandhu guna kusamayã kimi kahi jāta ||304||

In deed, in word, and in mind you are pure, beloved—one with your own true self. Yet in such an untimely crisis, how can one adequately speak of the worth of elders’ counsel and the virtue of a younger brother?

Verse 653 (चौपाई)

जानहु तात तरनि कुल रीती। सत्यसंध पितु कीरति प्रीती।। समउ समाजु लाज गुरुजन की। उदासीन हित अनहित मन की।। तुम्हहि बिदित सबही कर करमू। आपन मोर परम हित धरमू।। मोहि सब भाँति भरोस तुम्हारा। तदपि कहउँ अवसर अनुसारा।। तात तात बिनु बात हमारी। केवल गुरुकुल कृपाँ सँभारी।। नतरु प्रजा परिजन परिवारू। हमहि सहित सबु होत खुआरू।। जौं बिनु अवसर अथवँ दिनेसू। जग केहि कहहु न होइ कलेसू।। तस उतपातु तात बिधि कीन्हा। मुनि मिथिलेस राखि सबु लीन्हा।।

jānahu tāta tarani kula rītī | satya-sandha pitu kīrati prītī || samau samāju lāja gurujana kī | udāsīna hita anhita mana kī || tumhahi bidita sabahī kara karamū | āpana mora parama hita dharamū || mohi saba bhाँti bharosa tumhārā | tadapi kahaũ avasara anusārā || tāta tāta binu bāta hamārī | kevala gurukula kṛpā̃ sãbhārī || nataru prajā parijana parivārū | hamahi sahita sabu hota khuārū || jaũ binu avasara athavā̃ dinesū | jaga kehi kahahu na hoi kalesū || tasa utapātu tāta bidhi kīnhā | muni mithilesa rākhi sabu līnhā ||

Know, dear Bharata, the sacred code of the Solar dynasty: your father was vowed to truth and cherished his spotless fame. Consider time and assembly; uphold the honor of elders; keep the mind even while weighing gain and loss. You know the deeds of all; your highest good is dharma—so too is mine. I trust you in every way, yet I speak as the moment demands. Without you, dear brother, our standing would rest only on the grace of the guru’s house; otherwise the people, our kin, and every household—along with me—would all be ruined. If one acts without regard for occasion, even the Sun himself is shaken—who in this world escapes turmoil? Such an upheaval Providence has brought to pass, yet the sages and King Janaka held all in restraint.

Verse 654 (दोहा/सोरठा)

राज काज सब लाज पति धरम धरनि धन धाम। गुर प्रभाउ पालिहि सबहि भल होइहि परिनाम।।305।।

rāja kāja saba lāja pati dharama dharani dhana dhāma | gura prabhāu pālihi sabahi bhala hoi hi parināma ||305||

The affairs of the realm, all honor, the royal upholding of dharma, the steadiness of the earth, wealth and home—by the sustaining power of the guru all shall be preserved, and the end shall be auspicious.

Verse 655 (चौपाई)

राजधरम सरबसु एतनोई। जिमि मन माहँ मनोरथ गोई।। बंधु प्रबोधु कीन्ह बहु भाँती। बिनु अधार मन तोषु न साँती।। भरत सील गुर सचिव समाजू। सकुच सनेह बिबस रघुराजू।। प्रभु करि कृपा पाँवरीं दीन्हीं। सादर भरत सीस धरि लीन्हीं।। चरनपीठ करुनानिधान के। जनु जुग जामिक प्रजा प्रान के।। संपुट भरत सनेह रतन के। आखर जुग जुन जीव जतन के।। कुल कपाट कर कुसल करम के। बिमल नयन सेवा सुधरम के।। भरत मुदित अवलंब लहे तें। अस सुख जस सिय रामु रहे तें।।

rājadharma sarbasu etanoī | jimi mana māhā̃ manoratha goī || bandhu prabodhu kīnha bahu bhā̃tī | binu adhāra mana toṣu na sā̃tī || bharata sīla guru saciva samājū | sakuca saneha bibasa raghurājū || prabhu kari kṛpā pā̃varī̃ dīnhī̃ | sādara bharata sīsa dhari līnhī̃ || caraṇapīṭha karuṇānidhāna ke | janu juga jāmika prajā prāna ke || saṃpuṭa bharata saneha ratana ke | ākhara juga juna jīva jatana ke || kula kapāṭa kara kusala karama ke | bimala nayana sevā sudharama ke || bharata mudita avalaṃba lahe tẽ | asa sukha jasa siya rāmu rahe tẽ ||

The whole essence of kingship is just this: that a ruler’s inward purpose should be like a well-governed mind. Rama counselled his brother in many ways; for without a true support, the heart finds neither contentment nor peace. Seeing Bharata’s character, the elders, and the ministers, Raghuraja was overcome with modest, tender love. Then, in compassion, the Lord gave him His feet; and Bharata reverently lifted them to his head. Those feet of the Treasure of mercy became, as it were, the world’s load-bearing support and the very life of the people. They were the jewel-casket of Bharata’s love, and the two syllables by which living beings strive onward. They were the family’s protecting portal for auspicious action, and the pure-eyed service of stainless duty. Bharata rejoiced to find such a refuge—such happiness and glory as Sita and Rama themselves possess.

Verse 656 (दोहा/सोरठा)

मागेउ बिदा प्रनामु करि राम लिए उर लाइ। लोग उचाटे अमरपति कुटिल कुअवसरु पाइ।।316।।

māgeu bidā pranāmu kari rāma liye ura lāi | loga ucāṭe amarapati kuṭila kuavasaru pāi ||316||

He sought leave and bowed, and Rama drew him close upon His breast. The people were left uneasy, while the lord of the gods, with crooked intent, found an ill-timed opening.

Verse 657 (चौपाई)

सो कुचालि सब कहँ भइ नीकी। अवधि आस सम जीवनि जी की।। नतरु लखन सिय सम बियोगा। हहरि मरत सब लोग कुरोगा।। रामकृपाँ अवरेब सुधारी। बिबुध धारि भइ गुनद गोहारी।। भेंटत भुज भरि भाइ भरत सो। राम प्रेम रसु कहि न परत सो।। तन मन बचन उमग अनुरागा। धीर धुरंधर धीरजु त्यागा।। बारिज लोचन मोचत बारी। देखि दसा सुर सभा दुखारी।। मुनिगन गुर धुर धीर जनक से। ग्यान अनल मन कसें कनक से।। जे बिरंचि निरलेप उपाए। पदुम पत्र जिमि जग जल जाए।।

so kucāli saba kahã bhai nīkī | avadhi āsa sama jīvani jī kī || nataru lakhana siya sama biyogā | hahari marata saba loga kurogā || rāmakṛpā̃ avareba sudhārī | bibudha dhāri bhai guṇada gohārī || bhẽṭata bhuja bhari bhāi bharata so | rāma prema rasu kahi na parata so || tana mana bacana umaga anurāgā | dhīra dhuraṃdhara dhīraju tyāgā || bārija locana mocata bārī | dekhi dasā sura sabhā dukhārī || munigana guru dhura dhīra janaka se | gyāna anala mana kasẽ kanaka se || je birañci nirlepa upāe | paduma patra jimi jaga jala jāe ||

That adverse turn proved good for everyone—hope itself is the very limit by which life is lived. Otherwise, at separation from Lakshman and Sita, all the people would have wailed and died of a grievous sickness. By Rama’s grace the disorder was set right; even the gods took on form, praising the Mine of virtues. When Bharata met his brother and clasped Him in his arms—Rama’s nectar of love cannot be put into words. Love surged through body, mind, and speech; even the foremost of the steadfast let go of composure. The lotus-eyed Lord shed tears; seeing this, the assembly of gods grew sorrowful. Sages, elders, and the supremely steady Janaka—tested by the fire of knowledge—were like gold on the touchstone. Even those whom Brahma had fashioned as unstained remained, like lotus-leaves amid the world’s waters.

Verse 658 (दोहा/सोरठा)

तेउ बिलोकि रघुबर भरत प्रीति अनूप अपार। भए मगन मन तन बचन सहित बिराग बिचार।।317।।

teu biloki raghubara bharata prīti anūpa apāra | bhae magana mana tana bacana sahita birāga bicāra ||317||

They too, beholding the matchless and boundless love between Raghubara and Bharata, were absorbed—mind, body, and speech—in thoughts of renunciation and discerning reflection.

Verse 659 (चौपाई)

जहाँ जनक गुर मति भोरी। प्राकृत प्रीति कहत बड़ि खोरी।। बरनत रघुबर भरत बियोगू। सुनि कठोर कबि जानिहि लोगू।। सो सकोच रसु अकथ सुबानी। समउ सनेहु सुमिरि सकुचानी।। भेंटि भरत रघुबर समुझाए। पुनि रिपुदवनु हरषि हियँ लाए।। सेवक सचिव भरत रुख पाई। निज निज काज लगे सब जाई।। सुनि दारुन दुखु दुहूँ समाजा। लगे चलन के साजन साजा।। प्रभु पद पदुम बंदि दोउ भाई। चले सीस धरि राम रजाई।। मुनि तापस बनदेव निहोरी। सब सनमानि बहोरि बहोरी।।

jahā̃ janaka guru mati bhorī | prākṛta prīti kahata baṛi khorī || baranata raghubara bharata biyogū | suni kaṭhora kabi jānihi logū || so sakoca rasu akatha subānī | samau sanehu sumiri sakucānī || bhẽṭi bharata raghubara samujhāe | puni ripudavanu haraṣi hiyã lāe || sevaka saciva bharata rukha pāī | nija nija kāja lage saba jāī || suni dārun dukhu duhū̃ samājā | lage calana ke sājana sājā || prabhu pada paduma bandi dou bhāī | cale sīsa dhari rāma rajāī || muni tāpasa banadeva nihorī | saba sanamāni bahori bahorī ||

‘Where I—Janaka’s teacher—am so simple-minded, it is a great fault to speak of mere worldly affection.’ To describe the separation of Raghubara and Bharata—people will deem the poet hard-hearted to listen to it. That rasa of modest restraint is beyond speech; remembering that time and that love, words themselves grow shy. Having met Bharata, Raghubara counselled him, and then the Subduer of foes took him again to His heart in joy. The servants and ministers, reading Bharata’s intention, each went off to his own duty. Hearing the dreadful grief on both sides, preparations for departure began. The two brothers bowed to the Lord’s lotus feet and set out, bearing Rama’s command upon their heads. They saluted sages, ascetics, and the forest deities, honoring all again and again.

Verse 660 (दोहा/सोरठा)

लखनहि भेंटि प्रनामु करि सिर धरि सिय पद धूरि। चले सप्रेम असीस सुनि सकल सुमंगल मूरि।।318।।

lakhanahi bheṇṭi pranāmu kari sir dhari siya pada dhūri | cale sa-prema asīsa suni sakala su-maṅgala mūri ||318||

Meeting Lakshmana, he bowed; and placing upon his head the dust of Sita’s feet, he set forth. Hearing loving blessings, he went on—he who is the very embodiment of all auspiciousness.

Verse 661 (चौपाई)

सानुज राम नृपहि सिर नाई। कीन्हि बहुत बिधि बिनय बड़ाई।। देव दया बस बड़ दुखु पायउ। सहित समाज काननहिं आयउ।। पुर पगु धारिअ देइ असीसा। कीन्ह धीर धरि गवनु महीसा।। मुनि महिदेव साधु सनमाने। बिदा किए हरि हर सम जाने।। सासु समीप गए दोउ भाई। फिरे बंदि पग आसिष पाई।। कौसिक बामदेव जाबाली। पुरजन परिजन सचिव सुचाली।। जथा जोगु करि बिनय प्रनामा। बिदा किए सब सानुज रामा।। नारि पुरुष लघु मध्य बड़ेरे। सब सनमानि कृपानिधि फेरे।।

s-anuja rāma nṛpahi sir nāī | kīnhi bahuta bidhi binaya baṛāī || deva dayā basa baṛa dukhu pāyu | sahita samāja kānanahiṃ āyu || pura pagu dhāri-a dei asīsā | kīnha dhīra dhari gavanu mahīsā || muni mahideva sādhu sanamāne | bidā kiye hari hara sama jāne || sāsu samīpa gae dou bhāī | phire bandi paga āsiṣa pāī || kausika bāmadeva jāvālī | purajana parijana saciva sucālī || jathā jogu kari binaya pranāmā | bidā kiye saba s-anuja rāmā || nāri puruṣa laghu madhya baṛere | saba sanamāni kṛpānidhi phere ||

Rama, with his younger brother, bowed his head to the king and in many ways made humble entreaty. By the ordinance of divine compassion he had come upon great sorrow, and with his company he set out for the forest. Setting foot outside the city, he received blessings; the lord of men, steadying his heart, began his journey. Sages, venerable holy men, and saints he honored, dismissing them with leave, knowing them as worthy as Hari and Hara. The two brothers went near the queen-mothers and returned after bowing at their feet and receiving blessings. Kaushika, Vamadeva, Jabali—citizens, kinsmen, ministers of good conduct—each, as was fitting, he saluted with humility; and all were sent back by Rama with his brother. Women and men, the young, the middling, and the great—showing honor to all, the ocean of compassion turned back (to proceed onward).

Verse 662 (दोहा/सोरठा)

भरत मातु पद बंदि प्रभु सुचि सनेहँ मिलि भेंटि। बिदा कीन्ह सजि पालकी सकुच सोच सब मेटि।।319।।

bharata mātu pada bandi prabhu suci sanehaṃ mili bheṇṭi | bidā kīnha saji pālakī sakuca soca saba meṭi ||319||

Bowing at the feet of Bharata’s mother, the Lord met her with stainless affection. He took his leave; the palanquin was made ready; and all her shame and anxious thoughts were dispelled.

Verse 663 (चौपाई)

परिजन मातु पितहि मिलि सीता। फिरी प्रानप्रिय प्रेम पुनीता।। करि प्रनामु भेंटी सब सासू। प्रीति कहत कबि हियँ न हुलासू।। सुनि सिख अभिमत आसिष पाई। रही सीय दुहु प्रीति समाई।। रघुपति पटु पालकीं मगाईं। करि प्रबोधु सब मातु चढ़ाई।। बार बार हिलि मिलि दुहु भाई। सम सनेहँ जननी पहुँचाई।। साजि बाजि गज बाहन नाना। भरत भूप दल कीन्ह पयाना।। हृदयँ रामु सिय लखन समेता। चले जाहिं सब लोग अचेता।। बसह बाजि गज पसु हियँ हारें। चले जाहिं परबस मन मारें।।

parijana mātu pitahi mili sītā | phirī prānapriya prema punītā || kari pranāmu bheṇṭī saba sāsū | prīti kahata kavi hiyaṃ na hulāsū || suni sikha abhimata āsiṣa pāī | rahī sīya duhu prīti samāī || raghupati paṭu pālakīṃ magāīṃ | kari prabodhu saba mātu caṛhāī || bāra bāra hili mili duhu bhāī | sama sanehaṃ jananī pahuṃcāī || sāji bāji gaja bāhana nānā | bharata bhūpa dala kīnha payānā || hṛdayaṃ rāmu siya lakhana sametā | cale jāhiṃ saba loga acetā || basaha bāji gaja pasu hiyaṃ hāre | cale jāhiṃ parabasa mana māre ||

Sītā met her own kinsfolk—mothers and fathers—and returned their love, dearer than life, sanctified by devotion. Bowing low, she greeted all the queen-mothers; as the poet speaks of that love, his heart finds no end of delight. Hearing their counsel and receiving cherished blessings, Sītā remained absorbed in love for both families. Raghupati ordered the palanquins; and, gently consoling them, had all the mothers seated. Again and again the two brothers met and embraced, and with equal affection escorted the mothers. With royal splendor—music, elephants, and many kinds of mounts—King Bharata set forth with his host. With Rāma, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa enshrined in their hearts, the people moved as if stunned; even the beasts—horses and elephants—grew faint, going on helplessly, their spirits crushed.

Verse 664 (दोहा/सोरठा)

गुर गुरतिय पद बंदि प्रभु सीता लखन समेत। फिरे हरष बिसमय सहित आए परन निकेत।।320।।

guru guratiya pada bandi prabhu sītā lakhana sameta | phire haraṣa bisamaya sahita āe parana niketa ||320||

Bowing at the feet of the Guru and the Guru’s wife, the Lord—together with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa—turned back; and, with joy mingled with wonder, they came to the hut of leaves.