Only Sight of Raghunath's Feet Can End the Burning
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 182
Doha 182 · Movement 2 of 2
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Bharata bows his head before the entire assembly and confesses the depth of his wretchedness without protecting dignity or royal appearance.
The burning within his heart will not end through argument, coronation, praise, or acquittal. Only sight of Raghunath's feet can cool it.
His need is therefore devotional before it is political. The hall keeps discussing what should be done with Ayodhya, while Bharata identifies the condition without which no decision can become inwardly true. Darshan is not escape from responsibility. It is the ground from which responsibility must be received.
Before throne and council, Bharata names one medicine for the heart: the cooling sight of Ram's feet.
Read the passage from the Manas
आपनि दारुन दीनता कहउँ सबहि सिरु नाइ। देखें बिनु रघुनाथ पद जिय कै जरनि न जाइ।।182।।
Bowing my head before all, I confess my own terrible wretchedness. Without beholding Lord Raghunatha's feet, this burning in my heart will never cease.