Ramayana Part V Rama Bharat Meeting Poem by Diwakar Bhatt

Rama reached Chitrakut, the hermitage,
Tranquil, serene, suitable for final stoppage.

Laxman built a hut with straw, Rama’s abode,
Not only a simple home but a temple of God.

One day somebody told them about Bharat’s arrival
With an army and all mothers at fastest pace possible.

Why would Bharat come to jungle in such a hurry,
Unanswered questions increased dutiful Laxman’s worry.

The thought of Bharat’s wickedness made him angry,
Who would come here to kill Ram to secure his sovereignty.

His vengeful feelings against Bharat roused tremendously,
With hatred spoke harsh words contemptuously.

He was furious like a lion who could panic a herd of elephants,
Swearing to Gods to bring an end to Bharat and his sycophants.

But Rama the compassionate and forgiver of even dreadful sins,
Forbade Laxmana in his virtuous words never jump to conclusions.

Rama said with utmost faith about Bharat’s innocence and loyalty,
Kingship of many such kingdoms cannot make him ignoble and untrustworthy.

Meanwhile Bharata leaving all his retinue on the banks of Mandakini,
Came over to meet Ram and laxmana with a guilt feeling uncanny.

The very thought of his mother’s evil deeds enervated all his strength,
But the desire to get a place at Ram’s holy feet enabled him to take any brunt.

Every single step towards his master made his heart throb faster,
Excitement mingled with fear of repugnance, gave him jitters.

As he approached the hermitage, he felt himself relieved,
Like a sinner taking asylum in the realm of god he believed.

He saw Ram and Sita sitting on a high seat amidst hermits,
Obliging them with blessed words, enlightening their spirits.

Bharat and Shatrughna fell prostrate at Ram’s feet at once,
Their obeisance and imploring words washed all abhorrence.

Rama hastily left his seat forgetting everything but his affection,
Which he poured on Bharat with an unending passion.

The scene enthralled everybody as they embraced each other,
Emotions were overflowing not even a single word they could utter.

Slowly they could regain self consciousness as the trance ended,
Ram wiped away the tears of Bharat with his own eyes wetted.

Bharat touched the feet of Sita with reverence,
She smiled and blessed him in kind and affectionate parlance.

Ram and Bharat rushed to meet Guru and mothers all,
Overwhelmed they were at the sight of Ram the savior of all.

Gloom and white robes of all mothers conveyed the inexorable pain,
Ayodhya has lost its master a loss never to be recouped again.

He could not attend the king at his last, his heart sank and wept,
Miserable he felt as he could not relieve himself from the paternal debt.

They requested him to come back to kingdom,
To be the rightful ruler with all his prowess and wisdom.

But he simply refused to accept this plea,
He had to obey the order of a father dutifully.

He spoke in soft words but with authority,
Bharat has to hold the reins of kingdom with responsibility.

Rama with his melodious voice gave sermons ethical,
Bharat has to be dutiful and accountable to Ayodya’s people.

His behaviour must always be respectful to every mother,
Never should he make decisions to regret in future.

Bharat took slippers from the holy feet of Rama with reverence,
To put those on the throne symbolising Lord’s benign presence.

With tearful dove eyes Rama looked all of them dearly,
Took leave and turned to his hut in pain hurriedly.

Bharat left for Ayodhya with retinue with a new vision,
Relieved of his burden being labelled an enemy of his brethren.