Uttar Kaanda
199 - Bharata's desolation; meeting of Bharata and Hanuman; rejoicing in Ayodhya
Chaupais
Description
At this sight Hanuman was over-joyed; every hair on his body stood erect and his eyes rained copiously. He felt gratified at heart in everyway and addressed Bharata in words that were as nectar to his ears: "He, in whose absence you sorrow day and night, the catalogue of whose virtues you are incessantly recounting the glory of Raghu's line, the delight of the virtuous and the deliverer of gods and sages, has safely arrived. Having conquered His foe in battle, with the gods to hymn His praises, the Lord is now on His way with Sita and Laksmana." The moment Bharata heard these words he forgot all his woes, like a thirsty man who has secured nectar. "Who are you, my beloved friend, and whence have you come? You have told me a most pleasing news." " Listen, O fountain of mercy: I am the son of the wind-god, a monkey; Hanuman is my name. I am a humble servant of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus), the befriender of the meek." Hearing this, Bharata rose and reverently embraced him. The affection with which he embraced him was too great for his heart to contain; his eyes streamed with tears and every hair on his body stood erect. "At your very sight, O Hanuman, all my woes have disappeared. In you I have embraced today my beloved Rama Himself." Again and again he enquired after Sri Rama's health and said, "Listen, brother; what shall I give you (in return for this happy news)? I have pondered and found that there is nothing in this world to match the news you have brought. I am thus unable to repay my debt to you. Now, pray, recount to me the doings of my lord." Then Hanuman bowed his head at Bharata's feet and narrated all the meritorious deeds of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus). "Tell me, Hanuman, does my gracious lord ever remember me as one of His servants?" (1-8)