Vashishtha and Bharata Discuss Going to Chitrakoot
Sage Vashishtha explains dharma and the responsibilities of the kingdom to Bharata, but Bharata remains resolved to bring Rama back. With that sacred purpose, preparations begin for the journey to Chitrakoot.
Ayodhya Kand · Episode 28 / 49
Episode Text
पितु हित भरत कीन्हि जसि करनी। सो मुख लाख जाइ नहिं बरनी॥ सुदिनु सोधि मुनिबर तब आए। सचिव महाजन सकल बोलाए॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
pitu hita bharata kīnhi jasi karanī। so mukha lākha jāi nahiṃ baranī॥ sudinu sodhi munibara taba āe। saciva mahājana sakala bolāe॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The deeds Bharat performed for his father’s sake cannot be described even by a million mouths. Then, choosing an auspicious day, the great sage Vashishtha came and called all the ministers and leading men.
बैठे राजसभाँ सब जाई। पठए बोलि भरत दोउ भाई॥ भरतु बसिष्ठ निकट बैठारे। नीति धरममय बचन उचारे॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
baiṭhe rājasabhā̃ saba jāī। paṭhae boli bharata doau bhāī॥ bharatu basiṣṭha nikaṭa baiṭhāre। nīti dharmamaya bacana ucāre॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
All the people went and sat in the royal assembly. Then the sage sent for Bharat and both brothers. Vashishtha seated Bharat near him and spoke words filled with policy and righteousness.
प्रथम कथा सब मुनिबर बरनी। कैकइ कुटिल कीन्हि जसि करनी॥ भूप धरमब्रतु सत्य सराहा। जेहिं तनु परिहरि प्रेमु निबाहा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
prathama kathā saba munibara baranī। kaikai kuṭila kīnhi jasi karanī॥ bhūpa dharma-bratu satya sarāhā। jehiṃ tanu parihari premu nibāhā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
First the great sage narrated the whole story of the crooked deed done by Kaikeyi. Then he praised the king’s vow of righteousness and truth, who upheld love even by giving up his body.
कहत राम गुन सील सुभाऊ। सजल नयन पुलकेउ मुनिराऊ॥ बहुरि लखन सिय प्रीति बखानी। सोक सनेह मगन मुनि ग्यानी॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kahata rāma guna sīla subhāū। sajala nayana pulakeu munirāū॥ bahuri lakhana siya prīti bakhānī। soka saneha magana muni gyānī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
As he spoke of Shri Ramchandra’s virtues, conduct, and nature, tears filled the sage-king’s eyes and his body thrilled with emotion. Then, praising Lakshman and Sita’s love, the wise sage became absorbed in sorrow and affection.
सुनहु भरत भावी प्रबल बिलखि कहेउ मुनिनाथ। हानि लाभु जीवनु मरनु जसु अपजसु बिधि हाथ॥ १७१ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sunahu bharata bhāvī prabala bilakhi kaheu muninātha। hāni lābhu jīvana maranu jasu apajasu bidhi hātha॥ 171 ॥
Meaning:
The lord among sages said sorrowfully: Listen, Bharat, destiny is very powerful. Loss and gain, life and death, fame and disgrace—all are in the hands of Providence.
अस बिचारि केहि देइअ दोसू। ब्यरथ काहि पर कीजिअ रोसू॥ तात बिचारु करहु मन माहीं। सोच जोगु दसरथु नृपु नाहीं॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
asa bicāri kehi deia dosū। byaratha kāhi para kījia rosū॥ tāta bicāru karahu mana māhīṃ। socha jogu dasarathu nṛpu nāhīṃ॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Reflecting thus, whom should one blame? And on whom should one uselessly be angry? O father, think in your heart. King Dasharatha is not worthy of grief.
सोचिअ बिप्र जो बेद बिहीना। तजि निज धरमु बिषय लयलीना॥ सोचिअ नृपति जो नीति न जाना जेहि न प्रजा प्रिय प्रान समाना॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
socia bipra jo beda bihīnā। taji nija dharmu biṣaya layalīnā॥ socia nṛpati jo nīti na jānā jehi na prajā priya prāna samānā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
One should grieve for that brahmin who knows not the Veda and, abandoning his own duty, is absorbed in sense-pleasures. One should grieve for that king who knows not policy and for whom the people are not dear as life itself.
सोचिअ बयसु कृपन धनवानू। जो न अतिथि सिव भगति सुजानू॥ सोचिअ सूद्रु बिप्र अवमानी। मुखर मानप्रिय ग्यान गुमानी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
socia bayasu kṛpana dhanavānū। jo na atithi siva bhagati sujānū॥ socia sūdru bipra avamānī। mukhara mānapriya gyāna gumānī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
One should grieve for that vaishya who, though wealthy, is miserly and not skilled in honoring guests or in devotion to Shiva. One should grieve for that shudra who insults brahmins, speaks much, covets honor, and is arrogant with his knowledge.
सोचिअ पुनि पति बंचक नारी। कुटिल कलहप्रिय इच्छाचारी॥ सोचिअ बटु निज ब्रतु परिहरई। जो नहिं गुर आयसु अनुसरई॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
socia puni pati bañcaka nārī। kuṭila kalahapriya icchācārī॥ socia baṭu nija bratu pariharai। jo nahiṃ gura āyasu anusarai॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
One should grieve for that woman who deceives her husband, is crooked, quarrelsome, and self-willed. One should grieve for that celibate student who abandons his vow and does not follow the guru's command.
सोचिअ गृही जो मोह बस करइ करम पथ त्याग। सोचिअ जती प्रपंच रत बिगत बिबेक बिराग॥ १७२ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
socia gṛhī jo moha basa karai karama patha tyāga। socia jatī prapañca rata bigata bibeka birāga॥ 172 ॥
Meaning:
One should grieve for the householder who, deluded by attachment, abandons the path of action; and one should grieve for the renunciant who is attached to worldly show, lacking discernment and detachment.
बैखानस सोइ सोचै जोगू। तपु बिहाइ जेहि भावइ भोगू॥ सोचिअ पिसुन अकारन क्रोधी। जननि जनक गुर बंधु बिरोधी॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
baikhānasa soi socai jogū। tapu bihāi jehi bhāvai bhogū॥ socia pisuna akāraṇa krodhī। janani janaka gura bandhu birodhī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
That vanaprastha is worthy of sorrow who leaves austerity and delights in pleasure. One should grieve for one who is slanderous, angry without cause, and hostile to mother, father, guru, and brothers.
सब बिधि सोचिअ पर अपकारी। निज तनु पोषक निरदय भारी॥ सोचनीय सबहीं बिधि सोई। जो न छाड़ि छलु हरि जन होई॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
saba bidhi socia para apkārī। nija tanu poṣaka niradaya bhārī॥ sochanīya sabahīṃ bidhi soī। jo na chāṛi chalu hari jana hoī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
One should grieve for the one who harms others, nourishes only his own body, and is utterly merciless. And most certainly one should grieve for the one who, without abandoning deceit, does not become a devotee of Hari.
सोचनीय नहिं कोसलराऊ। भुवन चारिदस प्रगट प्रभाऊ॥ भयउ न अहइ न अब होनिहारा। भूप भरत जस पिता तुम्हारा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sochanīya nahiṃ kosalarāū। bhuvana cāridasa pragaṭa prabhāū॥ bhayau na ahai na aba honihārā। bhūpa bharata jasa pitā tumhārā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
King Dasharatha of Kosala is not worthy of grief, whose glory is manifest throughout the fourteen worlds. O Bharata, there has been no king like your father, none now, and none will be in the future.
कहहु तात केहि भाँति कोउ करिहि बड़ाई तासु। राम लखन तुम्ह सत्रुहन सरिस सुअन सुचि जासु॥ १७३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kahahu tāta kehi bhāṃti kou karihi baṛāī tāsu। rāma lakhana tumha satruhana sarisa suana suchi jāsu॥ 173 ॥
Meaning:
O dear one, tell me: how could anyone praise him, whose sons are Rama, Lakshmana, you, and Shatrughna—pure and noble as they are?
सब प्रकार भूपति बड़भागी। बादि बिषादु करिअ तेहि लागी॥ यह सुनि समुझि सोचु परिहरहू। सिर धरि राज रजायसु करहू॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
saba prakāra bhūpati baṛabhāgī। bādi biṣādu kariā tehi lāgī॥ yaha suni samujhi socu pariharahū। sira dhari rāja rajāyasu karahū॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The king was fortunate in every way. To lament for him is futile. Hearing and understanding this, give up grief and carry out the king's command with reverence.
रायँ राजपदु तुम्ह कहुँ दीन्हा। पिता बचनु फुर चाहिअ कीन्हा॥ तजे रामु जेहिं बचनहि लागी। तनु परिहरेउ राम बिरहागी॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
rāyaṃ rājapadu tumha kahuṃ dīnhā। pitā bacanu phura cāhia kīnhā॥ taje rāmu jehiṃ bacanahi lāgī। tanu parihareu rāma birahāgī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
The king gave the throne to you. You should make your father's word true, for he gave up Rama for the sake of his promise and consumed his body in the fire of separation from Rama.
नृपहि बचन प्रिय नहिं प्रिय प्राना। करहु तात पितु बचन प्रवाना॥ करहु सीस धरि भूप रजाई। हइ तुम्ह कहँ सब भाँति भलाई॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
nṛpahi bacana priya nahiṃ priya prānā। karahu tāta pitu bacana pravānā॥ karahu sīsa dhari bhūpa rajāī। hai tumha kahaṃ saba bhāṃti bhalāī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
To the king, words of promise were dear, not even life itself. Therefore, O father, make your father's word true! Carry out the king's command with reverence; in every way, it will be for your good.
परसुराम पितु अग्या राखी। मारी मातु लोक सब साखी॥ तनय जजातिहि जौबनु दयऊ। पितु अग्याँ अघ अजसु न भयऊ॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
parasurāma pitu agyā rākhī। mārī mātu loka saba sākhī॥ tanaya jajātihi jaubanu dayau। pitu agyāṃ agha ajasu na bhayau॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Parashurama obeyed his father's command and killed his mother; all the worlds bear witness to this. The son of King Yayati gave his youth to his father. By obeying the father's command, he incurred neither sin nor dishonor.
अनुचित उचित बिचारु तजि जे पालहिं पितु बैन। ते भाजन सुख सुजस के बसहिं अमरपति ऐन॥ १७४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
anucita ucita bicāru taji je pālahiṃ pitu baina। te bhājana sukha sujasa ke basahiṃ amarapati aina॥ 174 ॥
Meaning:
Those who abandon considerations of right and wrong and obey their father's words become worthy recipients of happiness and good fame, and finally dwell in Indra's heaven.
अवसि नरेस बचन फुर करहू। पालहु प्रजा सोकु परिहरहू॥ सुरपुर नृपु पाइहि परितोषू। तुम्ह कहुँ सुकृतु सुजसु नहिं दोषू॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
avasi naresa bacana phura karahū। pālahu prajā socu pariharahū॥ surapura nṛpu pāihi paritoṣū। tumha kahuṃ sukṛtu sujasu nahiṃ doṣū॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Surely make the king's word true. Give up sorrow and protect the people. By doing so, the king will be pleased in heaven, and you will gain merit and good fame, without fault.
बेद बिदित संमत सबही का। जेहि पितु देइ सो पावइ टीका॥ करहु राजु परिहरहु गलानी। मानहु मोर बचन हित जानी॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
beda bidita saṃmata sabahī kā। jehi pitu dei so pāvai ṭīkā॥ karahu rāju pariharahu galānī। mānahu mora bacana hita jānī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
This is well known in the Vedas and accepted by all the scriptures: the one whom the father gives it to receives the royal coronation. Therefore, you should rule the kingdom; give up hesitation. Accept my words, knowing them to be for your good.
सुनि सुखु लहब राम बैदेहीं। अनुचित कहब न पंडित केहीं॥ कौसल्यादि सकल महतारीं। तेउ प्रजा सुख होहिं सुखारीं॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
suni sukhu lahaba rāma baidehīṃ। anucita kahaba na paṇḍita kehīṃ॥ kausalyādi sakala mahatārīṃ। teu prajā sukha hohiṃ sukhārīṃ॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Hearing this, Rama and Vaidehi will be pleased, and no learned person will call it improper. Kausalya and all your other mothers will also rejoice in the happiness of the people.
परम तुम्हार राम कर जानिहि। सो सब बिधि तुम्ह सन भल मानिहि॥ सौंपेहु राजु राम के आएँ। सेवा करेहु सनेह सुहाएँ॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
parama tumhāra rāma kara jānihi। so saba bidhi tumha sana bhala mānihi॥ sauṃpehu rāju rāma ke āeṃ। sevā karehu saneha suhāeṃ॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Whoever understands the noble bond between you and Rama will regard you as good in every way. When Rama returns, hand the kingdom over to him and serve him with affectionate devotion.
कीजिअ गुर आयसु अवसि कहहिं सचिव कर जोरि। रघुपति आएँ उचित जस तस तब करब बहोरि॥ १७५ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kījia gura āyasu avasi kahahiṃ saciva kara jori। raghupati āeṃ ucita jasa tasa taba karaba bahori॥ 175 ॥
Meaning:
The minister, with folded hands, says: surely obey the guru's command. When Lord Raghunath returns, then do whatever is proper.
कौसल्या धरि धीरजु कहई। पूत पथ्य गुर आयसु अहई॥ सो आदरिअ करिअ हित मानी। तजिअ बिषादु काल गति जानी॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kausalyā dhari dhīraju kahai। pūta pathya gura āyasu ahai॥ so ādaria karia hita mānī। taji'a biṣādu kāla gati jānī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Kausalya, steadying herself, says: “O son! The guru’s command is like wholesome food. It should be honored and followed as beneficial. Knowing the course of time, one should cast away sorrow.”
बन रघुपति सुरपुर नरनाहू। तुम्ह एहि भाँति तात कदराहू॥ परिजन प्रजा सचिव सब अंबा। तुम्हही सुत सब कहँ अवलंबा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bana raghupati surapura naranāhū। tumha ehi bhāṃti tāta kadarāhū॥ parijana prajā saciva saba aṃbā। tumhahī suta saba kahaṃ avalaṃbā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Sri Raghunath is in the forest; the king has gone to rule in heaven. And, O dear one, you are becoming so distressed! O son, family, subjects, ministers, and all the mothers—all of them have you alone as their support.
लखि बिधि बाम कालु कठिनाई। धीरजु धरहु मातु बलि जाई॥ सिर धरि गुर आयसु अनुसरहू। प्रजा पालि परिजन दुखु हरहू॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
lakhi bidhi bāma kālu kaṭhināī। dhīraju dharahu mātu bali jāī॥ sira dhari gura āyasu anusarahū। prajā pāli parijana dukhu harahū॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Seeing Providence as adverse and Time as hard, remain patient; mother is utterly devoted to you. Place the guru’s command upon your head, act accordingly, and by protecting the people remove the sorrow of your family.
गुर के बचन सचिव अभिनंदनु। सुने भरत हिय हित जनु चंदनु॥ सुनी बहोरि मातु मृदु बानी। सील सनेह सरल रस सानी॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
gura ke bacana saciva abhinaṃdanu। sune bharata hiya hita janu candanu॥ sunī bahori mātu mṛdu bānī। sīla saneha sarala rasa sānī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Bharat heard the guru’s words and the ministers’ approval, which were to his heart like sandalwood. Then he heard the gentle words of his mother, soaked in the essence of virtue, affection, and simplicity.
सानी सरल रस मातु बानी सुनि भरतु ब्याकुल भए। लोचन सरोरुह स्रवत सींचत बिरह उर अंकुर नए॥ सो दसा देखत समय तेहि बिसरी सबहि सुधि देह की। तुलसी सराहत सकल सादर सीवँ सहज सनेह की॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sānī sarala rasa mātu bānī suni bharatu byākula bhae। locana saroruha sravata sīṃcata biraha ura aṃkura nae॥ so dasā dekhata samaya tehi bisarī sabahi sudhi deha kī। tulasī sarāhata sakala sādara sīvaṃ sahaja saneha kī॥
Meaning:
Hearing his mother’s words, drenched in the sweetness of simplicity, Bharat became agitated. His lotus-like eyes poured forth tears, watering the new sprout of sorrow in his heart. Seeing that condition, everyone at that moment forgot all awareness of their own bodies. Tulsidas says that all respectfully praised the measureless depth of Bharat’s natural, spontaneous love.
भरतु कमल कर जोरि धीर धुरंधर धीर धरि। बचन अमिअँ जनु बोरि देत उचित उत्तर सबहि॥ १७६ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bharatu kamala kara jori dhīra dhuraṃdhara dhīra dhari। bacana amiaṃ janu bori deta ucita uttara sabahi॥ 176 ॥
Meaning:
Bharat, the steadfast bearer of the burden of patience, composed himself, joined his lotus-like hands, and began to give everyone a fitting reply, as though dipping his words in nectar.
मोहि उपदेसु दीन्ह गुर नीका। प्रजा सचिव संमत सबही का॥ मातु उचित धरि आयसु दीन्हा। अवसि सीस धरि चाहउँ कीन्हा॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
mohi upadesu dīnha gura nīkā। prajā saciva saṃmata sabahī kā॥ mātu ucita dhari āyasu dīnhā। avasi sīsa dhari cāhauṃ kīnhā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The guru gave me excellent counsel. [Moreover], it is also approved by the people, the ministers, and all others. Mother has given her order only after finding it proper, and I too certainly wish to place it on my head and carry it out.
गुर पितु मातु स्वामि हित बानी। सुनि मन मुदित करिअ भलि जानी॥ उचित कि अनुचित किएँ बिचारू। धरमु जाइ सिर पातक भारू॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
gura pitu mātu svāmi hita bānī। suni mana mudita karia bhali jānī॥ ucita ki anucita kieṃ bicārū। dharamu jāi sira pātaka bhārū॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
[For] after hearing the words of one’s guru, father, mother, master, and well-wisher, one should rejoice and accept them as good. If one keeps weighing right and wrong in that way, righteousness departs and the burden of sin comes upon the head.
तुम्ह तौ देहु सरल सिख सोई। जो आचरत मोर भल होई॥ जद्यपि यह समुझत हउँ नीकें। तदपि होत परितोषु न जी कें॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tumha tau dehu sarala sikh soī। jo ācārata mora bhala hoī॥ jadyapi yaha samujhata hauṃ nīkeṃ। tadapi hota paritoṣu na jī keṃ॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
You are giving me only that simple instruction which, if followed, would be for my good. Although I understand this very well, still my heart does not find contentment.
अब तुम्ह बिनय मोरि सुनि लेहू। मोहि अनुहरत सिखावनु देहू॥ ऊतरु देउँ छमब अपराधू। दुखित दोष गुन गनहिं न साधू॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
aba tumha binaya mori suni lehū। mohi anuharata sikhāvanu dehū॥ ūtaru deuṃ chamaba aparādhū। dukhita doṣa guna ganahiṃ na sādhū॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Now listen to my plea and give me instruction according to my capacity. Please forgive this offense of mine in answering. Noble souls do not count the faults and merits of a distressed person.
पितु सुरपुर सिय रामु बन करन कहहु मोहि राजु। एहि तें जानहु मोर हित कै आपन बड़ काजु॥ १७७ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
pitu surapura siya rāmu bana karana kahahu mohi rāju। ehi teṃ jānahu mora hita kai āpana baṛa kāju॥ 177 ॥
Meaning:
My father is in heaven, Sri Sita-Rama is in the forest, and yet you are telling me to rule. In this, do you think of my welfare, or are you hoping to accomplish some great purpose of your own?
हित हमार सियपति सेवकाईं। सो हरि लीन्ह मातु कुटिलाईं॥ मैं अनुमानि दीख मन माहीं। आन उपायँ मोर हित नाहीं॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
hita hamāra siyapati sevakāīṃ। so hari līnha mātu kuṭilāīṃ॥ maiṃ anumāni dīkha mana māhīṃ। āna upāyaṃ mora hita nāhīṃ॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
My welfare lies in serving Sita’s Lord, Sri Rama; that has been taken away by my mother’s deceit. I have concluded in my heart that there is no other means for my welfare.
सोक समाजु राजु केहि लेखें। लखन राम सिय बिनु पद देखें॥ बादि बसन बिनु भूषन भारू। बादि बिरति बिनु ब्रह्मबिचारू॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
soka samāju rāju kehi lekheṃ। lakhana rāma siya binu pada dekheṃ॥ bādi basana binu bhūṣana bhāru। bādi birati binu brahmabicārū॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
What is this crowd of sorrow, and what is a kingdom worth, without beholding the feet of Lakshmana, Rama, and Sita? Just as ornaments are a useless burden without clothes, so contemplation of Brahman is useless without detachment.
सरुज सरीर बादि बहु भोगा। बिनु हरिभगति जायँ जप जोगा॥ जायँ जीव बिनु देह सुहाई। बादि मोर सबु बिनु रघुराई॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
saruja sarīra bādi bahu bhogā। binu haribhagati jāyaṃ japa jogā॥ jāyaṃ jīva binu deha suhāī। bādi mora sabu binu raghurāī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
For a diseased body, many kinds of enjoyments are useless. Without devotion to Sri Hari, recitation and yoga are useless. A beautiful body is useless without life. Likewise, without Sri Raghunath, everything of mine is meaningless.
जाउँ राम पहिं आयसु देहू। एकहिं आँक मोर हित एहू॥ मोहि नृप करि भल आपन चहहू। सोउ सनेह जड़ता बस कहहू॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jāṃu rāma pahiṃ āyasu dehū। ekahiṃ āṃka mora hita ehū॥ mohi nṛpa kari bhala āpana cahahū। sou saneha jaṛatā basa kahahū॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Give me your permission and let me go to Rama! In this alone lies my true good. And when you seek to make me king, you say it only under the spell of affectionate delusion.
कैकेई सुअ कुटिलमति राम बिमुख गतलाज। तुम्ह चाहत सुखु मोहबस मोहि से अधम कें राज॥ १७८ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kaikēī sua kuṭilamati rāma bimukha gatalāja। tumha cāhata sukhu mohabasa mohi se adhama keṃ rāja॥ 178 ॥
Meaning:
O son of Kaikeyi, crooked-minded, turned away from Rama, and shameless! Under the sway of delusion, you desire happiness through the kingdom of one as lowly as I am.
कहउँ साँचु सब सुनि पतिआहू। चाहिअ धरमसील नरनाहू॥ मोहि राजु हठि देइहहु जबहीं। रसा रसातल जाइहि तबहीं॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kahauṃ sāṃcu saba suni patiāhū। cāhia dharamasīla naranāhū॥ mohi rāju haṭhi deihahu jabahīṃ। rasā rasātala jāihi tabahīṃ॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
I speak the truth; listen and believe me all of you: only a righteous man should be king. The moment you forcibly give me the kingdom, the earth itself will sink into the netherworld.
मोहि समान को पापनिवासू। जेहि लगि सीय राम बनबासू॥ रायँ राम कहुँ काननु दीन्हा। बिछुरत गमनु अमरपुर कीन्हा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
mohi samāna ko pāpanivāsū। jehi lagi sīya rāma banabāsū॥ rāyaṃ rāma kahuṃ kānanu dīnhā। bichurata gamanu amarpura kīnhā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Who is a den of sin like me, because of whom Sita and Rama had to go into exile? The king gave Rama the forest, and as soon as they parted, he departed for the city of the immortals.
मैं सठु सब अनरथ कर हेतू। बैठ बात सब सुनउँ सचेतू॥ बिनु रघुबीर बिलोकि अबासू। रहे प्रान सहि जग उपहासू॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
maiṃ saṭhu saba anaratha kara hetū। baiṭha bāta saba sunauṃ sacetū॥ binu raghubīra biloki abāsū। rahe prāna sahi jaga upahāsū॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
I, the wicked one, who am the cause of all calamities, sit here and listen to everything! Even after seeing a home bereft of Sri Raghubir and enduring the world’s mockery, these very breaths still remain.
राम पुनीत बिषय रस रूखे। लोलुप भूमि भोग के भूखे॥ कहँ लगि कहौं हृदय कठिनाई। निदरि कुलिसु जेहिं लही बड़ाई॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
rāma punīta biṣaya rasa rūkhe। lolupa bhūmi bhoga ke bhūkhe॥ kahaṃ lagi kahauṃ hṛdaya kaṭhināī। nidari kulisu jehiṃ lahī baṛāī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
The reason is that these breaths are not attached to the sacred taste of worldly things centered on Rama. They are greedy and hungry only for land and pleasures. How far can I speak of the hardness of my heart—one that has won greatness even by scorning a thunderbolt?
कारन तें कारजु कठिन होइ दोसु नहिं मोर। कुलिस अस्थि तें उपल तें लोह कराल कठोर॥ १७९ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kārana teṃ kāraju kaṭhina hoi dosu nahiṃ mora। kulisa asthi teṃ upala teṃ loha karāla kaṭhora॥ 179 ॥
Meaning:
Because of its cause, an action becomes difficult; the fault is not mine. From bone comes the thunderbolt, from stone comes iron—terrible and hard.
कैकेई भव तनु अनुरागे। पावँर प्रान अघाइ अभागे॥ जौं प्रिय बिरहँ प्रान प्रिय लागे। देखब सुनब बहुत अब आगे॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kaikēī bhava tanu anurāgē। pāṃvara prāna aghāi abhāgē॥ jauṃ priya birahaṃ prāna priya lāgē। dēkhaba sunaba bahuta aba āgē॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
These wretched, lowly lives, which have loved the body born of Kaikeyi, are unfortunate to the full. When, even in separation from the beloved, life still feels dear to me, then I shall yet see and hear much more ahead.
लखन राम सिय कहुँ बनु दीन्हा। पठइ अमरपुर पति हित कीन्हा॥ लीन्ह बिधवपन अपजसु आपू। दीन्हेउ प्रजहि सोकु संतापू॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
lakhana rāma siya kahuṃ bana dīnhā। paṭhai amarapura pati hita kīnhā॥ līnha bidhavapana apajasu āpū। dīnheu prajahi soku santāpū॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
He gave Lakshmana, Rama, and Sita the forest; sent them to heaven and did what was for the husband's welfare; he himself accepted widowhood and disgrace; and brought sorrow and anguish upon the people.
मोहि दीन्ह सुखु सुजसु सुराजू। कीन्ह कैकईं सब कर काजू॥ एहि तें मोर काह अब नीका ॥ तेहि पर देन कहहु तुम्ह टीका॥ तेहि पर देन कहहु तुम्ह टीका॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
mohi dīnha sukhu sujasa surājū। kīnha kaikaiṃ saba kara kājū॥ ehi teṃ mora kāha aba nīkā॥ tehi para dena kahahu tumha ṭīkā॥ तेहि पर देन aहहु तुम्ह टीaा॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
And he gave me happiness, good fame, and a noble kingdom! Kaikeyi has accomplished everything! What good is left for me now? And even then you say that I should receive the coronation!
कैकइ जठर जनमि जग माहीं। यह मोहि कहँ कछु अनुचित नाहीं॥ मोरि बात सब बिधिहिं बनाई। प्रजा पाँच कत करहु सहाई॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kaikai jaṭhara janami jaga māhīṃ। yaha mohi kahaṃ kachu anucita nāhīṃ॥ mori bāta saba bidhihiṃ banāī। prajā pāṃca kata karahu sahāī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Having been born from Kaikeyi's womb into this world, this is in no way improper for me. All that concerns me has already been arranged by Fate. Then why are you five lending support?
ग्रह ग्रहीत पुनि बात बस तेहि पुनि बीछी मार। तेहि पिआइअ बारुनी कहहु काह उपचार॥ १८० ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
graha grahīta puni bāta basa tehi puni bīchī māra। tehi piāiā bārunī kahahu kāha upacāra॥ 180 ॥
Meaning:
If someone is seized by an evil planet, then afflicted by a wind-disease, and then stung by a scorpion, and liquor is given to him, tell me, what kind of remedy is that?
कैकइ सुअन जोगु जग जोई। चतुर बिरंचि दीन्ह मोहि सोई॥ दसरथ तनय राम लघु भाई। दीन्हि मोहि बिधि बादि बड़ाई॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kaikai suana jogu jaga joī। catura biraṃci dīnha mohi soī॥ dasaratha tanaya rāma laghu bhāī। dīnhi mohi bidhi bādi baṛāī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Whatever was fit for Kaikeyi's son in this world, the wise Creator gave to me alone. But the glory of being 'Dasharatha's son' and 'Rama's younger brother' was bestowed on me by Fate in vain.
तुम्ह सब कहहु कढ़ावन टीका। राय रजायसु सब कहँ नीका॥ उतरु देउँ केहि बिधि केहि केही। कहहु सुखेन जथा रुचि जेही॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tumha saba kahahu kaṛhāvana ṭīkā। rāya rajāyasu saba kahaṃ nīkā॥ utaru deūṃ kehi bidhi kehi kehī। kahahu sukhena jathā ruci jehī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
You all are also telling me to have the coronation prepared! A king's command is good for everyone. In what way, and to whom, should I answer? Speak as you please, each according to his own liking.
मोहि कुमातु समेत बिहाई। कहहु कहिहि के कीन्ह भलाई॥ मो बिनु को सचराचर माहीं। जेहि सिय रामु प्रानप्रिय नाहीं॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
mohi kumātu sameta bihāī। kahahu kahihi ke kīnha bhalāī॥ mo binu ko sacarācara māhīṃ। jehi siya rāmu prānapriya nāhīṃ॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Leaving me together with my wicked mother, tell me, who else will say that this has been well done? In all the moving and unmoving creation, apart from me, who is there to whom Sita and Rama are not dear as life itself?
परम हानि सब कहँ बड़ लाहू। अदिनु मोर नहिं दूषन काहू॥ संसय सील प्रेम बस अहहू। सबुइ उचित सब जो कछु कहहू॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
parama hāni saba kahaṃ baṛa lāhū। adinu mora nahiṃ dūṣana kāhū॥ saṃsaya sīla prema basa ahahū। sabui ucita saba jo kachu kahahū॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
What is the greatest loss seems to all to be a great gain. It is my evil day; no one is at fault. Whatever you all say is उचित, for you are ruled by doubt, gentleness, and love.
राम मातु सुठि सरलचित मो पर प्रेमु बिसेषि। कहइ सुभाय सनेह बस मोरि दीनता देखि॥ १८१ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
rāma mātu suṭhi saralicita mo para premu bisēṣi। kahai subhāya saneha basa mori dīnatā dēkhi॥ 181 ॥
Meaning:
Rama's mother is very simple-hearted, and she has special affection for me. Therefore, seeing my helpless condition, she speaks thus out of natural affection.
गुर बिबेक सागर जगु जाना। जिन्हहि बिस्व कर बदर समाना॥ मो कहँ तिलक साज सज सोऊ। भएँबिधि बिमुख बिमुख सबु कोऊ॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
gura bibeka sāgara jagu jānā। jinhahi bisva kara badara samānā॥ mo kahaṃ tilaka sāja saja soū। bhaeṃbidhi bimukha bimukha sabu koū॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The guru is the ocean of wisdom, as the whole world knows; for him the universe is like a jujube berry in the palm. Yet even he is arranging the coronation for me. Truly, when Fate turns hostile, everyone turns hostile.
परिहरि रामु सीय जग माहीं। कोउ न कहिहि मोर मत नाहीं॥ सो मैं सुनब सहब सुखु मानी। अंतहुँ कीच तहाँ जहँ पानी॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
parihari rāmu sīya jaga māhīṃ। kou na kahihi mora mata nāhīṃ॥ so maiṃ sunaba sahaba sukhu mānī। antaṃhu kīca tahāṃ jahaṃ pānī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
If Rama and Sita are set aside in this world, no one will say that I have no part in this matter. I shall hear it and bear it gladly, for where there is water, mud is found in the end.
डरु न मोहि जग कहिहि कि पोचू। परलोकहु कर नाहिन सोचू॥ एकइ उर बस दुसह दवारी। मोहि लगि भे सिय रामु दुखारी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
ḍaru na mohi jaga kahihi ki pocū। paralokahu kara nāhina socū॥ ekaī ura basa dusaha davārī। mohi lagi bhe siya rāmu dukhārī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
I am not afraid that the world will call me vile, nor do I worry about the other world. One unbearable fire burns within my heart: that, because of me, Sita and Rama have been made unhappy.
जीवन लाहु लखन भल पावा। सबु तजि राम चरन मनु लावा॥ मोर जनम रघुबर बन लागी। झूठ काह पछिताउँ अभागी॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jīvana lāhu lakhana bhal pāvā। sabu taji rāma carana manu lāvā॥ mora janama raghubara bana lāgī। jhuṭha kāha pachitāũ abhāgī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Lakshmana has gained the best reward of life: giving up everything, he fixed his mind on Rama's feet. My birth was meant for Raghubar's exile to the forest. Being unlucky, why should I lament in vain?
आपनि दारुन दीनता कहउँ सबहि सिरु नाइ। देखें बिनु रघुनाथ पद जिय कै जरनि न जाइ॥ १८२ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
āpani dāruna dīnatā kahauṃ sabahi siru nāi। dēkheṃ binu raghunātha pada jiya kai jarani na jāi॥ 182 ॥
Meaning:
Bowing my head before everyone, I speak of my terrible helplessness. Without beholding the feet of Raghunatha, the burning in my heart will not depart.
आन उपाउ मोहि नहिं सूझा। को जिय कै रघुबर बिनु बूझा॥ एकहिं आँक इहइ मन माहीं। प्रातकाल चलिहउँ प्रभु पाहीं॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
āna upāu mohi nahiṃ sūjhā। ko jiya kai raghubara binu būjhā॥ ekahiṃ āṃka ihai mana māhīṃ। prātakāla calihauṃ prabhu pāhīṃ॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
No other remedy occurs to me. Without Rama, who can understand the thoughts of my heart? There is only one resolve in my mind: at dawn I shall go to the Lord.
जद्यपि मैं अनभल अपराधी। भै मोहि कारन सकल उपाधी॥ तदपि सरन सनमुख मोहि देखी। छमि सब करिहहिं कृपा बिसेषी॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jadyapi maiṃ anabhala aparādhī। bhai mohi kārana sakala upādhī॥ tadapi sarana sanmukha mohi dēkhī। chami saba karihahiṃ kṛpā bisēṣī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Although I am not good and am guilty, and all these troubles have arisen because of me, yet when Rama sees me standing before him in refuge, he will forgive all faults and show me special grace.
सील सकुच सुठि सरल सुभाऊ। कृपा सनेह सदन रघुराऊ॥ अरिहुक अनभल कीन्ह न रामा। मैं सिसु सेवक जद्यपि बामा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sīla sakuca suṭhi sarala subhāū। kṛpā saneha sadana raghurāū॥ arihuka anabhala kīnha na rāmā। maiṃ sisu sevaka jadyapi bāmā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Raghunatha is the abode of virtue, modesty, utmost simplicity, compassion, and love. Rama never did harm even to an enemy. Though I am crooked, I am still his child and servant.
तुम्ह पै पाँच मोर भल मानी। आयसु आसिष देहु सुबानी॥ जेहिं सुनि बिनय मोहि जनु जानी। आवहिं बहुरि रामु रजधानी॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tumha pai pāṃca mora bhala mānī। āyasu āsiṣa dehu subānī॥ jehiṃ suni binaya mohi janu jānī। āvahiṃ bahuri rāmu rajadhānī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
You five, too, please regard this as my welfare and give me your command and blessings with gracious words, so that, hearing my plea and knowing me as his servant, Rama may return to the capital.
जद्यपि जनमु कुमातु तें मैं सठु सदा सदोस। आपन जानि न त्यागिहहिं मोहि रघुबीर भरोस॥ १८३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jadyapi janamu kumātu teṃ maiṃ saṭhu sadā sadosa। āpana jāni na tyāgihahiṃ mohi raghubīra bharosa॥ 183 ॥
Meaning:
Although I was born of a wicked mother and am wicked and always full of faults, still I trust in Raghubir that, knowing me as his own, he will not abandon me.
भरत बचन सब कहँ प्रिय लागे। राम सनेह सुधाँ जनु पागे॥ लोग बियोग बिषम बिष दागे। मंत्र सबीज सुनत जनु जागे॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bharata bacana saba kahaṃ priya lāgē। rāma saneha sudhāṃ janu pāgē॥ loga biyoga biṣama biṣa dāgē। maṃtra sabīja sunata janu jāgē॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Bharat's words were dear to everyone, as though steeped in the nectar of Rama's love. The people, scorched by the terrible poison of separation from Rama, seemed to awaken as soon as they heard the mantra with seed (the living mantra).
मातु सचिव गुर पुर नर नारी। सकल सनेहँ बिकल भए भारी॥ भरतहि कहहिं सराहि सराही। राम प्रेम मूरति तनु आही॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
mātu saciva gura pura nara nārī। sakala sanehaṃ bikala bhae bhārī॥ bharatahi kahahiṃ sarāhi sarāhī। rāma prema mūrati tanu āhī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Mother, ministers, guru, and all the men and women of the city became utterly distressed by affection. All, praising Bharat again and again, say that your body is indeed the very embodiment of Rama's love.
तात भरत अस काहे न कहहू। प्रान समान राम प्रिय अहहू॥ जो पावँरु अपनी जड़ताईं। तुम्हहि सुगाइ मातु कुटिलाईं॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tāta bharata asa kāhe na kahahū। prāna samāna rāma priya ahahū॥ jo pāṃvara apanī jaṛatāīṃ। tumhahi sugāi mātu kuṭilāīṃ॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
O father Bharata, why do you not say so? Rama is dear to you as life itself. Whoever, in his own folly, would judge you by your mother's crookedness...
सो सठु कोटिक पुरुष समेता। बसिहि कलप सत नरक निकेता॥ अहि अघ अवगुन नहिं मनि गहई। हरइ गरल दुख दारिद दहई॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
so saṭhu koṭika puruṣa sametā। basihi kalapa sata naraka niketā॥ ahi agha avaguna nahīṃ mani gahī। harai garala dukha dārida dahī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
That wicked one, together with crores of men, will dwell in the abode of hell for a hundred ages. The serpent does not hold the jewel as something useful; rather, the jewel removes poison and burns away sorrow and poverty.
अवसि चलिअ बन रामु जहँ भरत मंत्रु भल कीन्ह। सोक सिंधु बूड़त सबहि तुम्ह अवलंबनु दीन्ह॥ १८४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
avasi calia bana rāmu jahṃ bharata maṃtru bhala kīnha। soka sindhu būḍata sabahiṃ tumha avalaṃbanu dīnha॥ 184 ॥
Meaning:
O Bharata, you should surely go to the forest where Rama is; you have given excellent counsel. To all who were drowning in the sea of sorrow, you have given a great support.
भा सब कें मन मोदु न थोरा। जनु घन धुनि सुनि चातक मोरा॥ चलत प्रात लखि निरनउ नीके। भरतु प्रानप्रिय भे सबही के॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhā saba keṃ mana modu na thorā। janu ghana dhuni suni cātaka morā॥ calata prāta lakhi niranau nīke। bharatu prānapriya bhe sabahī ke॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Everyone felt no little joy—indeed, great joy. It was as if the chakora bird and the peacock were delighting on hearing the thunder of the clouds. Seeing the auspicious decision to set out in the morning, Bharata became dear to all as life itself.
मुनिहि बंदि भरतहि सिरु नाई। चले सकल घर बिदा कराई॥ धन्य भरत जीवनु जग माहीं। सीलु सनेहु सराहत जाहीं॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
munihiṃ bandi bharatahiṃ sira nāī। cale sakala ghara bidā karāī॥ dhanya bharata jīvanu jaga māhīṃ। sīlu sanehu sarāhata jāhīṃ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Bowing to the sage and to Bharata, everyone took leave and went to their respective homes. They kept praising Bharata's noble conduct and affection, saying that his life in the world is blessed.
कहहिं परसपर भा बड़ काजू। सकल चलै कर साजहिं साजू॥ जेहि राखहिं रहु घर रखवारी। सो जानइ जनु गरदनि मारी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kahahiṃ paraspara bhā baḍa kājū। sakala calai kara sājahiṃ sājū॥ jehi rākhahiṃ rahu ghara rakhavārī। so jānaï janu gardani mārī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
They say to one another, 'A great task has been accomplished.' Everyone began making preparations to depart. Whoever is told to stay behind for guarding the house feels as if his neck has been struck.
जरउ सो संपति सदन सुखु सुहृद मातु पितु भाइ। सनमुख होत जो राम पद करै न सहस सहाइ॥ १८५ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jarau so sampati sadana sukhu suhṛda mātu pitu bhāi। sanamukha hota jo rāma pada karai na sahasa sahāi॥ 185 ॥
Meaning:
Let that wealth, that home, that comfort, and those friends, mother, father, and brother be burned up if they do not gladly help one stand before Rama's feet.
घर घर साजहिं बाहन नाना। हरषु हृदयँ परभात पयाना॥ भरत जाइ घर कीन्ह बिचारू। नगरु बाजि गज भवन भँडारू॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
ghara ghara sājahiṃ bāhana nānā। haraṣu hṛdayaṃ parabhāta payānā॥ bharata jāi ghara kīhna bicārū। nagaru bāji gaja bhavana bhaṃḍārū॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
In every house, various conveyances were being made ready. There was great joy in the heart because they were to set out at dawn. Bharata went home and reflected: the city, horses, elephants, palaces, the treasury—
संपति सब रघुपति कै आही। जौं बिनु जतन चलौं तजि ताही॥ तौ परिनाम न मोरि भलाई। पाप सिरोमनि साइँ दोहाई॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sampati saba raghupati kai āhī। jauṃ binu jatana calauṃ taji tāhī॥ tau parināma na mori bhalāī। pāpa siromani sāīṃ dohāī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
All the wealth belongs to Shri Raghunath. If I leave it as it is and go away without making proper arrangements, the outcome will not be good for me. For betrayal of one's master is the crown among all sins.
करइ स्वामि हित सेवकु सोई। दूषन कोटि देइ किन कोई॥ अस बिचारि सुचि सेवक बोले। जे सपनेहुँ निज धरम न डोले॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
karai svāmi hita sevaku soī। dūṣana koṭi dei kina koī॥ asa bicāri suci sevaka bole। je sapanehuṃ nija dharama na ḍole॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
A servant is one who works for the master's welfare, no matter how many faults someone may point out. Reflecting thus, Bharata called trustworthy servants who had never wavered from their duty, even in dreams.
कहि सबु मरमु धरमु भल भाषा। जो जेहि लायक सो तेहिं राखा॥ करि सबु जतनु राखि रखवारे। राम मातु पहिं भरतु सिधारे॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kahi sabu maramu dharamu bhala bhāṣā। jo jehi lāyaka so tehiṃ rākhā॥ kari sabu jatanu rākhi rakhavāre। rāma mātu pahiṃ bharatu sidhāre॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Bharata explained all the details to them and then spoke of the proper code of conduct; and each person was assigned to the task for which he was fit. After making all arrangements and posting guards, Bharata went to Rama's mother, Kaushalya.
आरत जननी जानि सब भरत सनेह सुजान। कहेउ बनावन पालकीं सजन सुखासन जान॥ १८६ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
ārata jananī jāni saba bharata saneha sujāna। kaheu banāvana pālakīṃ sajana sukhāsana jāna॥ 186 ॥
Meaning:
Bharata, wise in the ways of love, seeing all the mothers to be sorrowful, ordered palanquins to be prepared for them and comfortable seats and conveyances to be arranged.