Ayodhya Kaanda
106 - Bharata deposits the sacred waters; his perambulation through Citrakuta
Chaupais
Description
The night was pleasantly spent in narrating sacred legends with love till it was dawn. Having finished their daily morning routine and receiving the permission of Sri Rama, Atri and the preceptor (the sage Vasistha), the two brothers, Bharata and Satrughna, proceeded on foot to roam about in the forest associated with the name of Sri Rama, accompanied by their followers, all in simple attire. Feeling inwardly uncomfortable at the thought that the two brothers walked without shoes on their tender feet, Earth smoothened her surface and hid into her body all disagreeable, hard and unsightly things such as the spiky blades of Kusa grass thorns, stones and crevices. In this way Earth made the paths delightful and smooth, while a refreshing breeze breathed cool, soft and fragrant. The gods rained down flowers; the clouds afforded shade; the trees blossomed and bore fruit; the grass made the earth's surface soft; the deer cast their charming glances; while the birds whispered their sweet notes: in this way all offered their services to the two princes, whom they knew to be Sri Rama's beloved brothers.