The Whole City Chooses the Forest Road
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 184
Doha 184 · Movement 2 of 2
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The assembly reaches one joyful certainty: they must go to the forest where Ram dwells. Bharata's counsel has changed the direction of the entire city.
Those drowning in the ocean of sorrow now find a firm support. The forest road becomes something to grasp, a line of action cutting through helpless mourning.
No one yet knows whether Ram will return, but movement toward him is already rescue. A city that could not speak in Bharata's streets now speaks with one intention. Grief becomes pilgrimage, and the absent Lord becomes a destination toward which household, court, teacher, and citizen can travel together.
Bharata gives drowning Ayodhya one firm support: a road leading every grieving heart toward Ram.
Read the passage from the Manas
अवसि चलिअ बन रामु जहँ भरत मंत्रु भल कीन्ह। सोक सिंधु बूड़त सबहि तुम्ह अवलंबनु दीन्ह।।184।।
We must surely go to the forest where Rama dwells. Bharat, you have given excellent counsel. To all who were drowning in the ocean of sorrow, you have offered a firm support.