The Village Women Recognize Bharata beneath Ram's Likeness
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 222
Doha 222 · Movement 1 of 2
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Women along the road study the two walking brothers and ask one another whether Ram and Lakshmana have returned. Age, complexion, beauty, conduct, tenderness, and gait awaken the resemblance.
Then one discerning woman notices the differences. Their clothing is not the forest dress, Sita is absent, a fourfold army has gone before them, and sorrow lies across faces that should be joyful. Some hidden history must explain the likeness and the grief.
The others honor her insight. Another woman tells the story of the broken coronation and Ram's departure, then speaks of Bharata's virtue, love, and blessed nature. Recognition comes not by appearance alone. The village learns to see Ram's brother through the sorrow with which he follows Ram.
The women first see Ram's likeness in Bharata, then recognize Bharata himself through the grief that likeness cannot explain.
Read the passage from the Manas
कहहिं सपेम एक एक पाहीं। रामु लखनु सखि होहिं कि नाहीं।। बय बपु बरन रूप सोइ आली। सीलु सनेहु सरिस सम चाली।। बेषु न सो सखि सीय न संगा। आगें अनी चली चतुरंगा।। नहिं प्रसन्न मुख मानस खेदा। सखि संदेहु होइ एहिं भेदा।। तासु तरक तियगन मन मानी। कहहिं सकल तेहि सम न सयानी।। तेहि सराहि बानी फुरि पूजी। बोली मधुर बचन तिय दूजी।। कहि सपेम सब कथाप्रसंगू। जेहि बिधि राम राज रस भंगू।। भरतहि बहुरि सराहन लागी। सील सनेह सुभाय सुभागी।।
They speak lovingly to one another: "Could these be Rama and Lakshmana, dear sakhi, or not?" Their age, form, complexion, and beauty are the same, O friend. Their sheela, their affection, and their conduct are equally matched. But the attire is not the same, sakhi; Sita is not with them, and a fourfold army has gone ahead. Their faces are not cheerful; their hearts seem burdened with sorrow. Friend, there must be some mystery behind this difference. Hearing her reasoning, the women accepted it in their hearts, saying none is as wise as she. Praising her, that woman finished speaking, and a second woman spoke in sweet tones. With tender feeling she told the whole story of how the joy of Rama's reign was shattered. Then she began praising Bharata for his noble sheela, his deep affection, and his blessed, gracious nature.