At the Words Friend of Ram, Bharata Leaves His Chariot
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 193
Doha 193 · Movement 1 of 2
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Love and enmity cannot remain hidden forever. Guha turns from weapons to welcome, gathering roots, fruits, birds, game, fat fish, and stored provisions until bearers bend beneath the meeting gifts. Auspicious signs accompany him toward the royal company.
From a distance he announces himself and bows to the sage. Knowing Guha as dear to Ram, the sage blesses him and explains his identity to Bharata. The simple phrase friend of Ram reaches the prince like a summons.
Bharata steps down from his chariot at once, love rising beyond restraint. Guha approaches, gives his name and community, and places his forehead upon the ground. The army that seemed threatening recedes behind a single prostrating figure, while Bharata sees not rank or forest lineage but the nearness of his absent brother.
The moment Bharata hears that Guha is Ram's friend, the chariot loses all claim upon him and love carries him to the ground.
Read the passage from the Manas
लखन सनेहु सुभायँ सुहाएँ। बैरु प्रीति नहिं दुरइँ दुराएँ।। अस कहि भेंट सँजोवन लागे। कंद मूल फल खग मृग मागे।। मीन पीन पाठीन पुराने। भरि भरि भार कहारन्ह आने।। मिलन साजु सजि मिलन सिधाए। मंगल मूल सगुन सुभ पाए।। देखि दूरि तें कहि निज नामू। कीन्ह मुनीसहि दंड प्रनामू।। जानि रामप्रिय दीन्हि असीसा। भरतहि कहेउ बुझाइ मुनीसा।। राम सखा सुनि संदनु त्यागा। चले उतरि उमगत अनुरागा।। गाउँ जाति गुहँ नाउँ सुनाई। कीन्ह जोहारु माथ महि लाई।।
Love and enmity, by their very nature, cannot be concealed however one may try. Saying this, they began to prepare offerings: roots, fruits, birds, and game. Fat fish and aged provisions were brought by bearers carrying heavy loads. With the meeting-gifts arranged, they set out, and received the most auspicious omens along the way. Seeing the sage from afar, Guha announced his own name and bowed low in reverence. Knowing him to be dear to Rama, the sage blessed him and explained everything to Bharata. Hearing the words "friend of Rama," Bharata left his chariot at once, overflowing with love. Guha came forward, announced his name and lineage, and touched his forehead to the ground in homage.