Uttar Kaanda
199 - Bharata's desolation; meeting of Bharata and Hanuman; rejoicing in Ayodhya
Chaupais
Description
The term of Sri Rama's exile, which was the sole hope of his life, was going to expire only a day hence: the thought filled Bharata's mind with untold grief. "How is it that the Lord did not turn up? Has He cast me out of His mind, knowing me to be crooked? Ah ! How blessed and fortunate is Laksmana, who is truly devoted to Sri Rama's lotus-feet. The Lord knew me to be false and perverse; that is why He refused to take me alongwith Him. If the Lord were to consider my doings, there would be no redemption for me even after countless cycles. But the Lord never takes into account the faults of His devotees, being a friend of the humble and most tender-hearted. I have a firm conviction in my heart that Sri Rama will surely meet me; for the omens are so propitious. But, if I outlive the expiry of the time-limit, no one would be so despicable in this world as I."