Ayodhya Kaanda
94 - Bharata on his way to Citrakuta
Chaupais
Description
Hearing his own praises as well as of Sri Rama's virtues Bharata went on his way, thinking of Sri Rama. Whenever he happened to see holy waters he bathed in them and whenever he caught sight of a hermitage or a temple he made obeisance to it, asking in his heart only one boon, viz., devotion to the lotus-feet of Sita and Rama. Whomsoever he met, be he a Kola or any other forester or even if he were an anchorite, a religious student, a recluse or a hermit, he would salute him and enquire in which part of the forest were Laksmana, Rama and Videha's daughter (Sita). They told him all the news of the Lord and at the sight of Bharata obtained the reward of their life. Those persons who said they had seen the Lord doing well were counted as dear as Sri Rama and Laksmana themselves. Thus in polite phrases he would make enquiries from all and hear the story of Sri Rama's forest life.