Ayodhya Kaanda
89 - The Nisada's suspicion and precautions
Chaupais
Description
Through the majesty of Sri Rama and by your might, my lord, we shall leave no fighting man or horse in the enemy's ranks. We shall never retrace our steps so long as there is life in us; nay, we shall strew the earth with the trunks and heads of fallen warriors!" The Nisada chief saw that he had a good band of warriors and exclaimed, "Beat the martial drum." Even as he said so someone sneezed on the left. The sooth- sayers said, "The sneeze has come from an auspicious quarter! (The issue will be a happy one.)" An old man thought over the meaning of the omen and exclaimed, "Let us go and meet Bharata; there will be no conflict. Bharata is out to persuade Sri Rama to return. The omen tells us that there will be no discord." On hearing this Guha said, "The old man says aright. Fools act precipitately and repent. If we come to a clash without knowing Bharata's intentions and ascertaining his temper and disposition, we shall be doing much harm to our own cause.