Ayodhya Kaanda
86 - Dialogue between Bharata and mother Kausalya and king Dasaratha's cremation
Chaupais
Description
"Rama is dearer to you than your own life, and likewise you are dearer to the Lord of Raghus than his own life. The moon may diffuse poison (through her rays) and snow emit fire; nay, an aquatic creature may shun water and spiritual enlightenment may fail to eradicate error; but in no case will you turn hostile to Rama. Those in this world who allege this plot was contrived with your connivance shall never attain happiness or salvation even in a dream." So saying mother Kausalya clasped Bharata to her bosom; milk began to flow from her breasts and her eyes filled with tears. In this way they squatted away the whole night lamenting in profusion. The sages Vamadeva and Vasistha then came and summoned all the ministers and the elite of the city. Vasistha admonished Bharata in many ways speaking to him words of wisdom appropriate to the occasion