Ayodhya Kaanda
91 - Bharata's arrival at Prayaga and dialogue between Bharata and the sage Bharadvaja
Chaupais
Description
The blisters on the soles of his feet glistened like dew-drops on a lotus bud. The whole company was grieved to hear that Bharata had made the day's march on foot. After ascertaining that all had finished their ablutions, he repaired to the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati and did homage to it. He bathed in the particoloured waters with due ceremony and honoured the Brahmanas bestowing gifts on them. As he watched the coming of the dark and white waves Bharata felt a thrill of joy over his body and he joined his palms in prayer: "You are the bestower of all desired objects, O king of sacred places; your glory is known to the Vedas and manifest throughout the world. Abandoning the course of conduct prescribed for a Ksatriya I beg alms of you. But what vile act is there that an afflicted soul would not stoop to? Realizing this in their heart of hearts the wise and generous donors accomplish in this world the prayer of the suppliant.