Ayodhya Kaanda
90 - Bharata's meeting and dialogue with the Nisada chief; the love of Bharata and the citizens of Ayodhya for Sri Rama
Chaupais
Description
When Bharata beheld the town of Srngaverapura, all his limbs were overpowered with emotion. Leaning on the Nisada chief he presented a goodly sight; it appeared as if meekness and love had taken a living form. In this way Bharata with all his army went and saw the stream of the Ganga, which purifies the whole world. He made obeisance to the ghat where Sri Rama had bathed and said His prayers; and his soul was a enraptured as if he had met Sri Rama Himself. The men and women of the city bowed low; they were glad to see the divine stream. Taking a dip into the river they begged with joined palms to be favoured with abundant love for Sri Ramacandra's feet. Bharata exclaimed, "Mother Ganga! your sands are delightful to all and the very cow of plenty to your devotees. With joined palms, therefore, I ask of you only one boon; viz., spontaneous love for the feet of Sita and Sri Rama."