Uttar Kaanda
200 - Sri Rama's Reception; meeting with Bharata; universal rejoicing on meeting Sri Rama
Chaupais
Description
Alongwith Bharata came all the other people, emaciated in body because of their separation from the Hero of Raghu's line. When the Lord saw the great sages Vamadeva, Vasistha and others, He dropped His bow and arrows on the ground and ran with His brother (Laksmana) to clasp His preceptor's lotus-feet with every hair on their body erect. Vasistha (the chief of the sages) embraced them (in return) and enquired after their welfare. Sri Rama replied, "It is in your grace alone that our welfare lies." The Lord of Raghu's race, the champion of righteousness, now met all the other Brahmanas and bowed His head to them. Then Bharata clasped the Lord's lotus-feet, which are adored by gods and sages, Sankara and Brahma not excepted. He lay prostrate on the ground and would not rise even though being lifted up, till at last the All-merciful forcibly took and pressed him to His bosom. Every hair on His swarthy form stood erect and His lotus eyes were flooded with tears.