Bharata's Journey to Changed Ayodhya

Bharata's journey to Ayodhya reveals a city in decline. As he enters his father's palace, he witnesses the devastating changes in the once-prosperous capital, foreshadowing tragic news. 

Bharata's Journey Towards Ayodhya (Shlokas 2.71.1 - 2.71.2)

Bharata, the glorious Ikshvaku prince, left Rajagriha and headed east. His journey took him across several rivers:

• He first crossed the Sudama river

• Then he traversed the wide Hladini river, which flowed westward with cresting waves

• Finally, he crossed the Satadru (Sutlej) river

The Route Through Various Regions (Shlokas 2.71.3 - 2.71.4)

Bharata, ever true to his word and pure-hearted, continued his journey:

1. He crossed a river at Eladhana

2. Reached the Aparaparpata region

3. Crossed a river originating from a hill

4. Traversed the Salyakarsana region in the northeast

5. Observed the course of the Silavaha river

6. Went beyond great mountains towards the Chaitraratha forest

Crossing More Rivers and Forests (Shlokas 2.71.5 - 2.71.7)

Bharata's journey continued:

• He arrived at the confluence of the Saraswati and Ganga rivers

• Traversed the north of the Veeramatsya region

• Entered the Bharunda forest

• Crossed the swift-flowing Kulinga river, surrounded by hills

• After crossing the Yamuna river, Bharata ordered his army to rest

At the resting point:

"The weary horses cooled their bodies. They bathed and drank. We set out again refreshed, taking with us a store of water," Bharata recalled.

The Final Stretch to Ayodhya (Shlokas 2.71.8 - 2.71.20)

Bharata and his army moved swiftly through a vast, uninhabited forest. They crossed several more rivers:

• The Uttanika river

• Various mountain streams, using horses bred in the hills

• The Kutika river, which Bharata crossed on an elephant

• The Kapivati river at a place called Lauhitya

After crossing the Sthanumati river at Ekasala village and the Gomati river at Vinata village, Bharata's horses were extremely tired. They rested in the sala forest in Kalinganagara before quickly setting out again.

Traveling through the night, Bharata caught sight of Ayodhya at sunrise - the city built by King Manu. After seven nights on the road, he approached the outskirts of the city.

Bharata spoke to his charioteer:

"O charioteer, I can see Ayodhya in the distance, but not clearly. That white-clay city of sacred gardens, once ruled by rajarshis (sage-kings), filled with wealthy people, virtuous brahmins, and priests well-versed in the Vedas - it seems changed."

The Eerie Silence of Ayodhya (Shlokas 2.71.21 - 2.71.23)

"In the past, Ayodhya was filled with the tumultuous sounds of men and women. Now, I hear no such noise throughout the city."

"Early mornings, people used to enjoy the parks. Now, I see no one. The parks seem abandoned, as if weeping. O charioteer, the city appears to me like a forest."

Signs of Neglect and Sorrow (Shlokas 2.71.24 - 2.71.29)

Bharata no longer saw important people on elephants or horses entering or leaving the city. The gardens, once filled with birdsongs and suitable for lovers, now stood silent. Paths were covered with dry, fallen leaves. The sounds of animals and birds were absent in the morning light.

Bharata wondered aloud:

"Why is the fragrance of sandal and incense, which used to fill the air, not present in our city now? Why are the sounds of mridangas (drums) and veenas (stringed instruments) not heard? Why is the city filled with melancholy?"

Bharata's Growing Apprehension (Shlokas 2.71.30 - 2.71.32)

"I see many inauspicious and sinful sights. My mind is filled with grief. O charioteer, I don't see any signs of well-being among my relations. I feel deluded, and my heart is heavy with sorrow."

Entering Ayodhya (Shlokas 2.71.33 - 2.71.39)

Bharata, dejected and losing control over his senses, swiftly entered Ayodhya. He passed through the Vaijayanta gate with his exhausted horses. The doorkeepers stood up and greeted him with cries of victory.

Bharata, his mind bewildered, reciprocated their greetings and then addressed his exhausted charioteer, Ashwapati:

"O irreproachable one, why was I brought here in such haste without reason? My heart apprehends something inauspicious. I feel indisposed."

Bharata observed:

• Houses were unswept and dirty, with doors left open

• No beauty was visible anywhere

• No one was offering oblations or burning incense

• Families seemed to have no food

• People looked cheerless

The Desolation of Ayodhya (Shlokas 2.71.40 - 2.71.46)

Bharata noted:

• Temples stood without floral offerings, their front yards unswept

• Markets that once sold garlands were now empty

• Traders seemed distracted, their businesses at a standstill

• People, both men and women, looked dull and emaciated, their eyes filled with tears

With a heavy heart, Bharata proceeded to the king's palace. He observed:

"The crossroads, houses, and highways are deserted. The fittings on the doors are red with dust. This city, which once had the lustre of Indra's abode, now overwhelms me with grief."

Bharata Enters the Palace (Shloka 2.71.47)

Witnessing these unpleasant sights that had never occurred before, Bharata, looking cheerless and dejected, entered his father's palace with his head bowed down.

This concludes the Seventy First  chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.