Book Title: Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 4
Author(s): Hemchandracharya, Helen M Johnson
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra
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CHAPTER FOUR Though urged by these, unhappy men, Rāghava did not return. For the promise of the great does not change, like the foot of a mountain. Though dismissed by Rāghava again and again, they all went along with hopes fixed on his return. Jānakī, Rāma and Lakşmaņa reached a forest on Pārijātra 101 which was the abode of terrible wild animals, with no human inhabitants, densely wooded. On the road they saw a river, Gambhirā, terrifying from its deep whirlpools, with a wide stream. · Rāma halted there and said to the vassals, et cetera: "Turn back at this place. For the road is very difficult beyond this. Go and tell good news of us to our father. In future serve Bharata like me, or rather, like my father.” With repeated loud lamentations, "Shame on us who are not suitable for the noble Rāma," they turned back, their clothes wet with tears. Then Rāma with Sītā and Lakşmaņa crossed the river hard to cross, watched by them standing on the bank in tears.
When Rāma was out of sight, the vassals, et cetera, somehow went to Ayodhyā and reported to the king. The king said to Bharata, "Rāma and Lakşmaņa have not come. Take my kingdom. Do not be an obstacle to my initiation.” Bharata said, “I will not take the kingdom in any way, but I myself will go and appease my elder brother and bring him here."
Then Kaikeyi went to the king and said: "You gave the kingdom to Bharata, O you who keep a promise. But your son, knowing what is proper, does not take the kingdom. There is great pain to his other mothers and to me, also. I, very wicked, did that, acting without reflection. Alas for the kingdom without a king though you are alive and have sons ! My heart is breaking in two as I hear the cries hard to hear of Kausalyā, Sumitrā, and Suprabhā. I shall go with Bharata to the sons, Rāma and Laksmana, and bring them with me after conciliating them. Give me permission, lord.”
181 496. The Western Vindhya range.
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