|
Continued from yesterday's instalment
 There are not many instances when we see Satrughna speaking his heart out and such occasions can be counted on the fingers in one hand. He was in a fix and his pleadings went did not have any effect on Bharata. Finally, he had to obey Bharata who ordered him to light the fire himself. When he did so, the news reached Kausalya and she came running to Bharata. These fourteen years seem to have caused a sea change in her. She is unable to bear the thought of having to lose Bharata. And see how she tries to dissuade him.
'mann izaiththadhum'
That which was done by the king and 'maindhan izaiththadhum'
that which was done by the son (leaving to the forest) 'mun izaiththa vidhiyin muyarchiyaal'
are all caused by the design of Fate. 'pin izaiththalum ennil ap petriyaal' that which has happened now is also due to Fate. (She hints that Rama might perhaps not be living now!) And she once again repeats the idea very openly, in her attempt to stop Bharata from what he intends.
'If he doesn't come today, he would do so tomorrow. And if he doesn't do so tomorrow, there is only one possibility, since he is unfailing in his word - he might have ceased to live.'
'pondrum thanmai pugundhadhu poi'. 'oruvan maandanan endru kondu'
Consider that 'one' has died. 'ennil kodi Ramargal eninum annal nin arulukku arugu aavaaro'
I tell you my child even numberless millions of Rama would not equal your grace. It is your duty now to protect this world. You cannot give it up. You have to live my child to protect Dharma. If you still persist, it would lead to the death of all this world.'
 And that was her heart! This was the same Kausalya who fourteen years ago suspected Bharata's collusion in the exile of Sri Rama. Now she is able to think of Rama breathing his last, without showing much pain. The Poet wants us to see the change in her heart. Sri VVS Aiyar remarks here, "So spoke the grand-souled Kausalya forgetting even her grief for the delay of Rama in the sight of the immaculate Bharata. She could contemplate the death of Rama without swooning - so much had the sacrifice of Bharata endeared him to her heart. How then could she look on and allow him to fall into the fire in a mistaken sense of sin?"
That is the height that the character of Bharata reaches at the hands of Kamban. His steadfastness, his adherence to Dharma, his simple ways of living and his devotion - unswerving devotion - to Rama and undoubtedly towards Kausalya, have moved the heart of the poor mother to forget even her own son, for she is able to see him in the form of Bharata. And she, who is already living away from her most endeared son and who has no answer for the delay in his return, is not able to bear the thought that she might lose Bharata as well, by his falling into the fire. Not a single word more is needed than the most moving statement of Kausalya to describe the strength of character, the love and sincerity of
Bharata.
More follows…
Hari Krishnan
More
Articles
|
