Ayodhya Kaanda
98 - Hospitality of the foresters towards Bharata and his party; Kaikeyi's remorse
Chaupais
Description
Disguised as my mother it was Fate that wrought this mischief, even as a crop of paddy ripening for the harvest may be visited by some pest. How can Sri Rama's coronation be accomplished ? I can hit upon no device to secure this. He would certainly return in obedience to the Guru's commands; but the sage will ask Sri Rama to return only when he knows that the latter will like it. The Lord of Raghus would return even at the bidding of his mother; but will Sri Rama's mother ever insist on it? As for myself, I am only his vassal and as such count for nothing. On top of it I have fallen on evil days and Providence is against me. If I assert my own will, it would be a grievous sin; for the duty of a servant is more arduous than the lifting of Mount Kailasa (Siva own Abode)." Bharata could not decide upon anyone device and he spent the whole night in speculation. At daybreak he bathed, bowed his head to the Lord and was going to sit down beside Him when he was sent for by the sage (Vasistha).