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
Bharata took comfort at the words of his friend and proceeded towards his lodgings with his thoughts directed towards the Hero of Raghu's race. On receiving this news the men and women of the city sallied forth to see the place (where Sri Rama had slept one night) much distressed at heart. Pacing round the spot clockwise they made obeisance to it and blamed Kaikeyi to their heart's content. Tears rushed to their eyes again and again and they reproached cruel Fate. Some would praise Bharata's love, while others said the king had vindicated his affection. They would reproach themselves and praise the Nisada chief; who can describe their confusion and woe? In this way they all kept vigil overnight and at daybreak the passage across the river began. The Guru was put on a good and handsome boat, and all the mothers on another newly-built one. In an hour and a half everyone was taken across. When Bharata had alighted, he made sure that all had come.