Bharata Speaks with Sita and Ram Enthroned in His Heart
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 210
Doha 210 · Movement 2 of 2
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Praise surrounds Bharata from sage, assembly, river, and heaven. His body answers with sacred trembling, but his attention does not turn toward his own name.
Sita and Ram remain enthroned within his heart. Tears fill his lotus eyes as he bows before the circle of sages, placing reverence between their blessing and his reply.
When he finally speaks, emotion closes around his voice. The faltering sound reveals what eloquence would conceal: all the honor he has received only intensifies remembrance of the forest pair. Bharata stands amid acclaim as one inwardly facing elsewhere, and every word must pass through the presence of Sita and Ram before it can reach the assembly.
With Sita and Ram seated within and tears upon his eyes, Bharata bows to the sages and lets love struggle into speech.
Read the passage from the Manas
पुलक गात हियँ रामु सिय सजल सरोरुह नैन। करि प्रनामु मुनि मंडलिहि बोले गदगद बैन।।210।।
His body thrilling with ecstasy, Rama and Sita enshrined in his heart, his lotus eyes brimming with tears, Bharata bowed before the circle of sages and spoke in a voice choked with tender emotion.