Ayodhya Kaanda
91 - Bharata's arrival at Prayaga and dialogue between Bharata and the sage Bharadvaja
Chaupais
Description
The inhabitants of Prayaga (the king of sacred places), including anchorites, religious students, householders and recluses, were transported with joy. Meeting in batches of five to ten they said to one another, "Bharata's affection and amiability are artless and genuine." Hearing of Sri Rama's charming virtues he came to the great sage Bharadvaja. The sage saw him falling prostrate before him and looked upon him as his own good-luck personified. Running up and lifting him the sage clasped him to his bosom and gratified him by bestowing his blessing on him. Offered a seat by the sage he sat down with his head bent low, as if he would run away and hide his face in a den of bashfulness. He felt much perturbed at the thought that the sage might ask him any question. Seeing his amiability and confusion of mind the sage said to him, "Listen, Bharata! I have already heard everything; but we have no control over the doings of Fate."