Vibhishana Longs to See the Feet Whose Sandals Bharata Worships
Sundara Kanda, Doha 42
Doha 42 · Movement 2 of 2
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One final remembrance joins Vibhishana's flight. Far from the sea, Bharata remains devoted to a pair of sandals placed upon Ayodhya's throne, ruling only as the servant of the absent Lord.
Those sandals bear the form of Rama's feet. Bharata has fixed his mind upon them through the long years of separation, finding in their silent presence the authority, nearness, and command of the brother for whom he waits.
Vibhishana is traveling toward the feet themselves. What Ayodhya reveres through their imprint, his own eyes may behold alive upon the ocean shore. Wonder gathers inside that thought. The brother cast out by Ravana remembers the brother who refused Rama's kingdom, and Bharata's single hearted devotion becomes part of the welcome already shining ahead.
The feet enthroned in Ayodhya through their sandals are about to rise before Vibhishana's eyes.
Read the passage from the Manas
जिन्ह पायन्ह के पादुकन्हि भरतु रहे मन लाइ। ते पद आजु बिलोकिहउँ इन्ह नयनन्हि अब जाइ।।42।।
Those feet for whose sandals Bharata stayed with single-hearted devotion, those very feet I shall now behold with these eyes of mine!