Brahmins Plead for Rama's Return
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 45
Discover Agile, Tech, and Compelling Stories
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 45
Rama's exile begins as devoted citizens and brahmins of Ayodhya follow him. Amid tears and pleas, Rama praises Bharata and comforts his people, showcasing his righteous character and their unwavering loyalty.
As Rama, the great soul whose strength lay in his truthfulness, set out for the forest, the devoted people of Ayodhya (the capital city of Rama's kingdom) followed him. Even when the king and his friends were forcibly sent back, the people continued to follow Rama's chariot. The virtuous and illustrious Rama was as dear to the inhabitants of Ayodhya as the full moon.
Although pleaded with by his subjects not to leave, Rama proceeded to the forest to fulfill his father's vow. Looking at the people with affection, as if they were his own children, Rama addressed them:
"O citizens of Ayodhya, may the love and respect you have shown me be bestowed upon Bharata (Rama's younger brother). He possesses an auspicious character and will enhance Kaikeyi's (Bharata's mother) delight. Bharata will do everything appropriate, agreeable, and beneficial for you."
Rama continued to praise Bharata: "Though young in age, Bharata is mature in intellect. Gentle, valiant, and virtuous, he will dispel all your fears and act as a true protector. Endowed with kingly qualities, he is recognized as the heir-apparent. Therefore, as I did, all of you should obey the king's order."
Rama then requested the people: "If you wish to please me, act in such a way that the king does not grieve after I have gone to the forest."
The more Rama committed to righteousness, the more the subjects desired him as their king. Rama, along with Lakshmana (Rama's younger brother), attracted the city-dwellers who were choked with tears and looked miserable. It appeared as if they were bound by his virtues.
The elderly brahmins (priests and scholars versed in sacred knowledge), who were senior to Rama in age, wisdom, and spiritual energy, spoke to him from a distance, their heads shaking with age.
The brahmins addressed the horses pulling Rama's chariot: "O noble steeds, turn back! Do not carry your master swiftly any farther. Do good to him." They explained that animals, especially horses, have keen hearing and should heed their entreaty.
They praised Rama as righteous, pure-souled, brave, and firm in his resolve. They insisted that he should be carried back to the city, not taken to the forest.
Seeing the aged brahmins uttering these pitiful lamentations, Rama immediately alighted from the chariot. He began walking on foot with slow steps towards the forest, accompanied by Sita (Rama's wife) and Lakshmana.
The brahmins, deeply distressed, told Rama: "The entire order of brahmins, with our sacrificial fires on our shoulders, is following you, our well-wisher. See these umbrellas, acquired during the Vajapeya sacrifice (an important Vedic ritual), following behind us like clouds at the end of the rainy season."
They offered to provide shade for Rama with these umbrellas, as he had no royal umbrella and was scorched by the sun's rays. The brahmins declared that their minds, usually focused on Vedic hymns (sacred verses from the Vedas), were now set on following Rama to the forest.
They explained that the Vedas (ancient sacred texts), their greatest wealth, resided in their hearts, while their wives, protected by their fidelity, would stay at home. The brahmins affirmed their decision to follow Rama, questioning what would be left of righteousness if Rama disregarded their devotion.
The brahmins, their white hair soiled with dust, begged Rama to return. They explained that many of them had commenced sacrifices whose completion depended on Rama's return. They pointed out that all beings, movable and immovable, were devoted to Rama and entreating him to return.
Even the trees and birds seemed to join in the plea. The trees, though unable to follow due to their roots, appeared to be weeping as they swayed in the wind. The birds, instead of foraging for food, sat motionless on the trees, as if imploring Rama to return.
As the brahmins cried out, the Tamasa river (a tributary of the Ganges) came into view, as if seeking to turn Rama back to Ayodhya. Meanwhile, Sumantra (Rama's charioteer) unyoked the tired horses from the chariot, allowing them to relax, drink, and graze near the Tamasa river.
This concludes the forty fifth chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.