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
He made the Nisada chief lead the van and then started the palanquins carrying the queen-mothers, and summoning his younger brother (Satrughna) told him off as their escort. The Guru proceeded next alongwith the other Brahmanas. He himself then made obeisance to the celestial river, invoked Sita, Rama and Laksmana and set forth on foot; while riding horses meant for the king were led by the bridle alongwith him. Again and again his faithful servants said, "Be pleased, sire,to mount your horse." "Sri Rama has gone on foot; while chariots, elephants and horses are intended for me! What behoves me is that I should walk on my head; for the duty of a servant is harder than any other duty." Seeing his behaviour and hearing his polite speech all his servants melted out of a feeling of self-disparagement.