July 25 - Sargas 115 and 116 of Ayodhya Kanda.
Bharata moves to Nandigrama, installs Sri Rama's padukas on the throne, and living the life of an ascetic, rules Ayodhya.
Some rishis tell Sri Rama of the great troubles they face from rakshasas related to Ravana in the forest ever since Sri Rama arrived and set up his ashram. The ascetics are moving away for safety.
***
Bharata decides to establish his own "exile" in Nandigrama, a small place in the forest skirting Ayodhya. He receives much appreciation from the sages and ministers for his fortitude and dedication. Bharata takes his mother's blessings and leaves along with Shatrughna, accompanied by ministers and sages. Of course, they are followed by the army and eager citizens.
रथस्थः स तु धर्मात्मा भरतो भ्रातृवत्सलः ।
नन्दिग्रामं ययौ तूर्णं शिरस्यादाय पादुके ॥
"Seated in his chariot, Bharata, full of righteousness and deeply attached to his brother Sri Rama, proceeded speedily to Nandigrama, carrying Sri Rama's sanctified sandals on his head."
एतद् राज्यं मम भ्रात्रा दत्तं संन्यासवत्स्वयम् ।
योगक्षेमवहे चेमे पादुके हेमभूषिते ॥
"This kingdom has been given to me by my brother Sri Rama by an act of entrustment during his ascetic exile. These golden Padukas have been empowered by him to ensure the welfare and security of the kingdom."
The Padukas were taken in a procession with the royal bejewelled white umbrella and other paraphernalia. They were duly installed with Pattabhisheka on the throne in Nandigrama.
अभिषिक्ते तु काकुत्स्थे प्रहृष्टमुदिते जने ।
प्रीतिर्मम यशश्चैव भवेद्राज्याच्चतुर्गणम् ॥
"When Sri Rama returns and is duly coronated, welcomed with joy by all the citizens, it will please me immensely. It will augur our fame and prosperity. Our kingdom will prosper fourfold."
Bharata wore bark garments, sported matted locks. He lived an austere life. He was surrounded by his ministers, advisors, and the army. Every major decision would be duly deliberated and proposed to the sanctified sandals on the throne and then implemented.
***
Sri Rama notices in Chitrakuta that of late the sages seem all agitated. They are speaking in whispers casting glances at the three of them. There is obviously something amiss.
Sri Rama proceeds to meet the head of that large conclave of rishis. Their head is described by Valmiki as Kulapati or chieftain. It is said that such a title is given when there are nearly ten thousand students and practitioners under his care.
The aged sage looks quite shaken for some reason. Sri Rama enquires anxiously if his actions have been remiss and fall short of the standards set by his ancestors. Has he committed some offence to the sages? Or has Lakshmana given some cause for their displeasure? Or has Sita fallen short in her respectful courtesies and duties towards the sages?
The old rishi says,
कुतः कल्याणसत्त्वायाः कल्याणाभिरतेः सदा ।
चलनं तात वैदेह्याः तपस्विषु विशेषतः ॥
त्वन्निमित्तमिदं तावत्तापसान्प्रतिवर्तते ।
रक्षोभ्यस्तेन संविग्नाः कथयन्ति मिथः कथाः ॥
"Dear son, Rama, how can Sita, daughter of Videha, full of auspicious qualities, always engaged in righteous and auspicious actions, ever cause any displeasure by her conduct towards the ascetics?
"The fact is that your very presence here bodes difficulties as apprehended by the ascetics on account of the demons in this region. The ascetics are afraid and thus speaking amongst themselves about you."
"There is a demon, by name Khara, one of the half brothers of Ravana, living in Janasthana. He is extremely evil and cruel and has uprooted the ascetics from Janasthana. He will not tolerate your presence.
"In fact, since your arrival, rakshasas have started giving much trouble to us. They torment and kill ascetics. They spoil our yajnas. They defile our surroundings.
"Therefore the ascetics have urged that we all move away from this place. We are moving away to another region to save ourselves. That is a lovely spot endowed with fruits and roots not far from here.
"In fact, Khara is bound to trouble you too. You can also move with us.
सकलत्रस्य सन्देहो नित्यं यत्तस्य राघव ।
समर्थमपि हि सतो वासो दःखमिहाद्य ते ॥
"To be very frank, although you are always vigilant and very capable of defending yourselves, there will surely be trouble lurking for you since you are here with your wife."
Sri Rama is unable to persuade the chief of ascetics to stay back. He accompanies them a short distance as they all relinquish the place.
Sri Rama returns to the hermitage and stays very vigilant.
***
॥ श्रीरामजयम् ॥
