BHARATA SUSPECTED

"Do not judge your mother harshly," said Bharadwaaja casting his gentle eyes on the sorrowing lady. "All that has happened has happened for the good of the world."

This episode of introducing the mothers is placed by Kamban in the earlier scene with Guha. Guha reverently inquires about the queens and Bharata explains. What Vaalmeeki describes as having taken place in Bharadwaaja's aashrama is, with more poetical effect, transferred by Kamban to its proper place.

Introducing Kausalya to Guha, Bharata says, in the Raamaayana of Kamban: "This is the mother of Raama. Her treasure was Raama and she lost it because of me." Of Sumitra he said: "This is the mother of Lakshmana, truer brother to Raama, who has a happiness beyond the reach of poor me." Kaikeyi in Kamban, as in Vaalmeeki, is introduced by Bharata in harsh terms.

Bharata and his great retinue took the forest path as directed by Bharadwaaja. They saw from afar the Chitrakoota hill and as they proceeded eagerly a column of smoke indicated the spot where the Prince's dwelling was and shouts of joy arose from the crowd. Leaving his following behind, Bharata went forward accompanied only by Sumantra and Vasishtha.

[ Back ] [ Up ]