Ayodhya Kaanda
108 - Returning to Ayodhya, Bharata enthrones the sandals and takes up his residence at Nandigrama; the virtue of listening to Bharata's story
Chaupais
Description
His body thrilling all over (with emotion) and heart full of Sita and Sri Rama, his tongue repeated Sri Rama's name and tears flowed from his eyes. Laksmana, Sri Rama and Sita dwelt in the forest; while Bharata mortified his flesh through austere penance even though living at home. After considering both sides, everyone said that Bharata was praiseworthy in everyway. Holy men felt abashed to hear of his religious vows and observances and the sight of his condition put the greatest of sages to shame. The most sanctifying story of Bharata's doing is delightful and charming and a fountain of joy and blessings. It drives away the terrible sins and afflictions of the Kali age; it is a veritable sun to disperse the night of the great delusion (which has thrown us into this world) and is a lion (the king of beasts) for crushing the herd of elephants in the shape of sins and allays all kinds of sufferings. It delights the devotees, relieves the burden of transmigration and is the essence of the moon of devotion to Sri Rama.