Aranya Kaanda
121 - Sri Rama's lament; His meeting with Jatayu
Chaupais
Description
When the Lord of Raghus saw His younger brother coming, He outwardly expressed much concern. "Alas! You have left Janaka's daughter alone and come here against my instructions. Hosts of demons are roaming about in the forest; I, therefore, suspect Sita is not at the hermitage." Laksmana clasped Sri Rama's lotus feet and replied with joined palms, "Lord, it is no fault of mine." Accompanied by His younger brother, the Lord went back to His hermitage on the bank of the Godavari. When He saw the hermitage bereft of Janaka's Daughter, He felt as perturbed and afflicted as any common man. " Alas! Sita, Janaka's daughter, the very mine of virtues, of such flawless beauty, character, austerity and devotion!" Laksmana consoled Him in many ways. He questioned all the creepers and trees (that stood on the way ) as He went along (in search of Her): " O birds and deer, O string of bees, have you seen the fawn-eyed Sita? The wagtail, the parrot, the pigeon, the deer, the fish, the swarms of bees, the clever cuckoo, the jasmine buds, the pomegranate, the lightning, the lotus, the autumnal moon, the gliding serpent, the noose of Varuna (the god of water), the bow of Cupid, the swan, the elephant and the lion now hear themselves praised. The Bilva fruit and the gold banana rejoice and do not feel the least misgiving or bashfulness* Listen, Janaka's daughter : in your absence today they are all glad as if they have got a Kingdom. How can you bear such rivalry? Why do you not reveal yourself quickly, my darling?" In this way the Lord searched and lamented like an uxorious husband sore smitten with pangs of separation. Sri Rama, who is Bliss personified and has all His wishes accomplished, and who is both unborn and immortal, behaved like a mortal. Further on they saw the king of vultures lying, with his thoughts fixed on Sri Rama's feet which bear characteristic marks on their soles.†