Bharata's Curses Reveal Devotion to Rama
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 75
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Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 75
Bharata's anguished oaths of innocence and Kausalya's response reveal deep family bonds in the Ramayana. Witness their raw emotions as Rama's exile tears the royal family apart.
After a long period of unconsciousness, the valiant Bharata regained his senses. With eyes filled with tears, he looked at his unfortunate mother and, in the presence of the royal counselors, began to speak:
I have never desired the kingdom, nor have I ever consulted with my mother about it. I am not even aware of the consecration that was planned by the king. I have been away in a distant land with Shatrughna.
I knew nothing of great Rama's banishment to the forest. Nor do I know how Saumitri (Lakshmana) and Sita went into exile.
Bharata's words conveyed his complete lack of involvement in the events that had transpired.
As the magnanimous Bharata continued to lament, Kausalya recognized his voice and spoke to Sumitra:
Bharata, the son of Kaikeyi (Rama's stepmother), who performed this cruel deed, has arrived. I wish to see that far-sighted Bharata.
Having said this to Sumitra, Kausalya, now pallid, sullied, and emaciated, set out trembling and almost lifeless to where Bharata was.
At the same time, Bharata, the younger brother of Rama, accompanied by Shatrughna, proceeded to Kausalya's residence.
Bharata and Shatrughna, overcome with sorrow, approached the grief-stricken and semi-conscious Kausalya. With great anguish, they embraced her.
Bharata and Shatrughna (Rama's youngest brother), overcome with sorrow, embraced the grief-stricken Kausalya, who was weeping and almost unconscious. Then, the deeply afflicted Kausalya, noble-hearted, addressed Bharata:
This kingdom, which you supposedly desired, has been acquired without obstacles. Alas, Kaikeyi (Rama's stepmother) has quickly secured it for you through her crooked act.
What advantage did cruel-minded Kaikeyi envision in sending away my son to dwell in the forest, wearing robes of bark?
Kaikeyi should send me without delay to that place where my illustrious, golden-naveled son stays. Or else, I shall go happily on my own, with Sumitra as my companion, holding the sacred fire before me, to where Rama dwells.
Or you should certainly take me now to that place where my son, the tiger among men, is performing austerities.
This vast kingdom, abounding in wealth, grain, elephants, horses, and chariots, has been delivered to you by her.
Reproached by these and many other harsh words, the sinless Bharata was intensely pained, as if pierced by a needle in a wound. With his senses reeling, he fell at Kausalya's feet. After lamenting repeatedly and losing consciousness, he regained his senses and stood up.
Then, with palms joined in reverence, Bharata replied to Kausalya, who was overwhelmed with intense sorrow:
Noble lady, why do you upbraid me, who is unaware and guiltless? You know well my profound, steadfast affection for Raghava (Rama).
May the one who counselled the exile of my esteemed brother be cursed with these sins:
Obtaining servitude under the most sinful of men
Passing urine facing the Sun
Kicking a sleeping cow
Performing difficult work without remuneration
Betraying a king who protects his subjects like a father
Receiving taxes from people without offering protection
Denying promised offerings to ascetics at a sacrifice
Failing to discharge the duty of a fighter in battle
Destroying the subtle meaning of scriptures imparted by a sage
Never beholding Rama seated on the throne, radiant as the Sun and Moon
Partaking of sweet milk-rice, sesame-rice, and goat's flesh without purpose
Disrespecting teachers
Causing great offense to friends
Divulging words of abuse secretly confided by friends
Being hated universally as one who never helps anyone, who is ungrateful and shameless
Eating delicacies alone without sharing, despite being surrounded by family and servants
Die without winning a worthy wife, without begetting offspring, and without performing religious deeds
Live an entire life of anguish without begetting children or seeing his own children
Acquire the sin of murdering a king, a woman, children, and the aged, and of deserting dependents
Support his wife and children by trafficking in lac, wine, meat, metal, and poison
Be slain while fleeing from war at its peak
Wander this earth begging alms, holding a human skull, dressed in rags like an insane man
Be always addicted to wine, women, and gambling, and be swayed by desire and anger
Have his mind never established in virtue, practice unrighteousness, and confer charity on the unworthy
Have his accumulated wealth snatched away by thieves
Acquire the sin of sleeping at the twilight hours of dawn and dusk
Acquire the sin of setting fire to human settlements, violating the preceptor's bed, and betraying friends
Fail to show obedience to the gods and ancestors, and to serve his parents
Be expelled from the world approved by virtuous men, from their renown, and from their noble actions
Abdicate ministration to his mother and engage in purposeless acts
As Bharata continued his lamentations, deeply afflicted Kausalya spoke these words:
My son, my suffering grows even more. By swearing these oaths, you are choking the very breath of my life.
Fortunately, your mind has not swerved from righteousness. O dear child, being far-sighted and truthful to your promise, you shall attain the world of virtuous men along with Lakshmana (Rama's devoted brother).
Having said this, Kausalya drew the mighty-armed Bharata, who was affectionate towards his brother, onto her lap. She hugged him and cried out with extreme grief.
This concludes the Seventy Fifth chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.