Ayodhya Refuses to Leave Anyone behind
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 185
Doha 185 · Movement 1 of 2
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Joy rises like peacocks and rain birds hearing thunder. The decision to depart at dawn makes Bharata dear as life to everyone. After bowing to the sage and prince, citizens rush home to prepare.
They praise Bharata's life, character, and affection as they gather belongings. A great undertaking lies ahead, and every household wishes to join it.
Anyone asked to remain and guard a house feels as though his neck has been wrung. Some insist that no one should be told to stay, for who would refuse the true fruit of living when the chance has come to behold Ram? Locked doors and preserved property seem meaningless beside that opportunity.
Across Ayodhya, preparations begin with one protest: do not ask any heart to remain behind when the road leads to Ram.
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भा सब कें मन मोदु न थोरा। जनु घन धुनि सुनि चातक मोरा।। चलत प्रात लखि निरनउ नीके। भरतु प्रानप्रिय भे सबही के।। मुनिहि बंदि भरतहि सिरु नाई। चले सकल घर बिदा कराई।। धन्य भरत जीवनु जग माहीं। सीलु सनेहु सराहत जाहीं।। कहहि परसपर भा बड़ काजू। सकल चलै कर साजहिं साजू।। जेहि राखहिं रहु घर रखवारी। सो जानइ जनु गरदनि मारी।। कोउ कह रहन कहिअ नहिं काहू। को न चहइ जग जीवन लाहू।।
Great joy filled every heart, like peacocks and chataka birds hearing the rumble of thunder clouds. Seeing the auspicious signs at dawn for the journey, Bharat became dear as life itself to everyone. Bowing to the sage and paying homage to Bharat, all took their leave and set out for home. Blessed is Bharat's life in this world; his virtue and his love are praised without end. They said to one another, "A great task lies before us!" and all began to prepare their belongings for the journey. Whoever was asked to stay behind and guard the house felt as though his very neck had been wrung. Some said, "No one should be told to remain. Who in this world would not desire the fruit of truly living?"