Ayodhya Kaanda
100 - Dialogue between Sri Rama, Bharata and others
Chaupais
Description
The gods rejoiced to hear Bharata's guileless speech; and acclaiming him in the words "Well done!" they rained down flowers. The people of Ayodhya felt much puzzled, while the ascetics and the foresters were greatly delighted. The Lord of Raghus, who was very considerate by nature, kept mum; and observing His silence the whole assembly felt perturbed. That very moment messengers from King Janaka arrived. When the sage Vasistha heard of it he sent for them promptly. After making obeisance they looked at Sri Rama and were much grieved to behold His attire (which resembled that of a hermit). The chief of sages, Vasistha, made enquires from the messengers: "Tell me if all is well with King Videha (Janaka)." The noble messengers felt abashed to hear this. They bowed their head to the ground and replied with joined palms: "Your loving enquiry itself, O lord, has proved conducive to our good, holy father."