Ayodhya Kaanda
87 - Dialogue between the sage Vasistha and Bharata; Bharata prepares for a journey to Citrakuta in order to bring Sri Rama back to Ayodhya
Chaupais
Description
"I tell you the truth: you should all listen and believe what I say. A virtuous man alone should be crowned as king. The moment you instal me on the throne perforce the earth will sink into the lowest depths. Who is such an inveterate sinner as I, on whose account Sita and Rama have been exiled into the forest? The king sent Rama into exile and himself ascended to heaven the moment the latter left him. My wretched self, which is the root of all evil, is sitting quietly and hears all talk unmoved. Even though I find the palace without Rama, I have survived and endured the world's jeers. Devoid of attraction for Sri Rama, who is a sacred object of love, my soul is rapacious and hungers for land (dominion) and enjoyment. I have no words to depict the cruelty of my heart that has attained notoriety by surpassing even adamant."