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CHIDBHAVANANDA GNANA AMUTHAM-VOL.16
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Pushpaka chariot
ew northward in the air taking Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Sugreeva, Vibheeshana and their followers. Rama pointed out from air to Sita the places connected with their forest life. e chariot nally touched at Bharadvaja Asrama. Fourteen years ago Rama’s asceticism in the forest was formally commenced at Bharadvaja Asrama and now it was formally terminated at the same sacred place. e Maharishi was immensely pleased with the exploits of Rama. e trio that set out southward then had now returned with a multitude. e Maharishi bade the party stay a day at the Asrama. In the meanwhile Hanuman was sent in advance to communicate to Guha and to Bharata the glad news of Rama’s arrival at Ayodhya on the morrow. Hanuman was further commissioned to observe if Bharata had got attached to the power of sovereignty that he had tasted and enjoyed for fourteen years. In that case he would be le undisturbed to reign over the vast empire. Hanuman, the harbinger of happy news, brought delight rst to Guha and then hastened to Nandigram in the outskirts of Ayodhya. He saw Bharata and understood the stuff he was made of. ere was no trace of regal splendour in him. Attired as an ascetic, thin and worn out, he was absorbed in the thought of Rama. He was surrounded by able and upright ministers and generals who had developed the empire in every respect. Meditation on Rama for fourteen years made its mark on Bharata. In thought, word and deed he was the vehicle of Rama. “Will I see my brother Rama again?’’ was the anguish burning in his heart day and night. e long expected day of Rama’s return had come; but no news of his whereabouts. “If my brother does not turn up today as promised I will not be able to hold on to life”, so thought Bharata. Presently a person presented himself and declared, “Rama returns tomorrow with Sita and Lakshmana.” It seemed as if the dying Bharata was infused with new life. “Are you man or god who give this message to me?” he interrogated and swooned with joy. e agreeable shock over, Hanuman introduced himself and recounted brie y all that took place since Bharata parted with Rama at Chitrakutam. e languishing life of the two brothers at Nandigram got lit up with new hope and energy.