Ayodhya Kaanda
81 - Sri Rama takes up His abode at Citrakuta; the services of the Kolas and Bhilas
Chaupais
Description
The Lord watched over Sita and Laksmana in the same way as the eyelids protect the eyeballs; while Laksmana in his turn waited upon Sita and Sri Rama (the Hero of Raghu's race) just as a fool (who identifies himself with his body) tends his own body. In this way the Lord, who was as friendly to birds and fawns as to gods and ascetics, lived happily in the forest. Thus have I told the delightful story of Sri Rama's journey to the woods; now hear how Sumantra reached Ayodhya. When the Nisada chief returned after escorting the Lord, he saw the minister (Sumantra) with the chariot. The minister was distressed to see the Nisada chief; words fail to describe the agony which he felt at the moment. Crying out "Rama, Rama, Sita, Laksmana" he (Sumantra) dropped on the ground utterly helpless; while the horses kept looking on to the south and neighed. They were as restless as birds shorn of their wings.