Bharata Sets the Pilgrimage in Motion after Bowing
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 202
Doha 202 · Movement 2 of 2
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Morning begins with order rather than haste. Bharata completes the necessary rites while the crossed company gathers upon the farther bank.
He bows at the feet of the mothers and lowers his head before the guru. The journey receives its direction from reverence before it receives any command to march.
Only then does Bharata place the Nishada companies at the front and set the immense host in motion. Guha's people, who hours earlier guarded the river against this army, now guide it toward Ram. The reversal is complete without triumph over either side. Devotion recognizes devotion, and the former line of defense becomes the leading edge of pilgrimage.
With the mothers and guru honored, Bharata sends Guha's Nishadas ahead, and yesterday's defenders become today's guides.
Read the passage from the Manas
प्रातक्रिया करि मातु पद बंदि गुरहि सिरु नाइ। आगें किए निषाद गन दीन्हेउ कटकु चलाइ।।202।।
After completing his morning ablutions and bowing at his mothers' feet, touching his head to his Guru's feet, Bharat placed the Nishaad warriors at the front and set the entire army in motion.