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
Sri Rama had never heard any mention of sorrow; the king (our father) tended him like the tree of life. Nay, all the mothers cherished him day and night even as the eyelids protect the eyes or a serpent guards the gem on its head. The same Rama now wanders through the forest on foot living on bulbs, roots, fruits and flowers. Accursed is Kaikeyi (my mother), the root of evil, who turned hostile to him (her own husband) who was the dearest object of her life. And twice accursed is my own wretched self, the ocean of sin and the occasion of all trouble. While God created me as a blot on my family, my wicked mother has made me the enemy of my master." Hearing this the Nisada chief lovingly comforted him: "Why should you lament in vain? Sri Rama is dear to you, and you are dear to Rama: this is a settled fact, and the blame rests with an adverse fate.