Rama Opens Chitrakoot as Bharata's Pilgrimage
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 308
Doha 308 · Movement 1 of 2
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Bharata carries one great desire but cannot speak through awe and hesitation. Rama gives permission. Bharata asks to behold the sacred expanse of Chitrakoot, its forest, birds, deer, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, and earth marked by Rama's feet.
Rama tells him to place Sage Atri's instruction upon his head and wander without fear. Through the sage's grace, the forest gives blessing and reveals its supreme purity and beauty.
Wherever Atri directs, Bharata should establish the gathered pilgrimage waters upon land or water. The materials of coronation will not return unused. They will enter Chitrakoot's sacred geography, joining the holy places of the world to the ground sanctified by Rama's steps. Bharata bows joyfully at the sage's lotus feet.
Rama turns the unspent waters of coronation into a pilgrimage through Chitrakoot, guided by Atri and traced by the Lord's own footprints.
Read the passage from the Manas
एकु मनोरथु बड़ मन माहीं। सभयँ सकोच जात कहि नाहीं।। कहहु तात प्रभु आयसु पाई। बोले बानि सनेह सुहाई।। चित्रकूट सुचि थल तीरथ बन। खग मृग सर सरि निर्झर गिरिगन।। प्रभु पद अंकित अवनि बिसेषी। आयसु होइ त आवौं देखी।। अवसि अत्रि आयसु सिर धरहू। तात बिगतभय कानन चरहू।। मुनि प्रसाद बनु मंगल दाता। पावन परम सुहावन भ्राता।। रिषिनायकु जहँ आयसु देहीं। राखेहु तीरथ जलु थल तेहीं।। सुनि प्रभु बचन भरत सुख पावा। मुनि पद कमल मुदित सिरु नावा।।
Eku manorathu bad man maaheen. There is one great longing in my heart, but shyness and awe prevent me from speaking it aloud. Kahahu taat prabhu aayasu paaee. Rama said: Speak freely, dear son, you have my blessing. And Bharat spoke, his words sweet with affection. Chitrakoot suchi thal teerath ban. Chitrakoot is a pure and sacred ground, a place of pilgrimage in the forest, filled with birds, deer, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and mountains. Prabhu pad ankit avani biseshee. Its earth is especially hallowed by the imprint of the Lord's feet. If you permit, I would come to behold it. Avasi atri aayasu sir dharahoo. Rama replied: You must certainly honor the command of Sage Atri. Dear son, wander the forest free from all fear. Muni prasaad banu mangal daataa. By the sage's grace the forest itself becomes a giver of blessings, most pure and beautiful, O brother. Rishinaayaku jahan aayasu deheen. Wherever the chief among sages gives his command, keep the sacred waters at that very place, both upon the water and the land. Suni prabhu bachan bharat sukh paavaa. Hearing the Lord's words, Bharat was filled with joy and bowed his head gladly at the lotus feet of the sage.