Rama sends Hanuman to Bharata - Chapter 47

In the previous chapter, we saw a Meeting with Bharadwaja. , Now we'll see Rama sends Hanuman to Bharata.

Rama decided to send Hanuman as a messenger to Ayodhya to get information about the welfare of all. He asked Hanuman to go first to Shringiberapura to inform Guha about Rama’s return and said that Guha would give him directions as to how to go to Ayodhya and also would give the news about Bharata. Rama further instructed “You tell Bharata on my behalf that I was returning after finishing my duty with my wife and Lakshmana. Tell him about Sita’s abduction by Ravana and how in my search for her I met Sugreeva. Tell him that you found out her whereabouts and also about our crossing the sea using a bund”.

For those who doubt if a bund was constructed by Rama to cross the sea, this is relevant. Rama makes mention of this detail frequently. Rama shows this to Sita while flying above this spot and again he wants this to be told to Bharata too.

Rama asked Hanuman to tell Bharata how he killed Ravana and how by the Grace of Lord Shiva he could speak to his father Dasharatha. It is interesting and important to note that Rama asks Hanuman to announce to Bharata that he was returning to Ayodhya and particularly asked Hanuman to watch carefully Bharata’s facial expressions if any when he hears these accounts. He cautions Hanuman that it was important to watch Bharata closely and note all his reactions. Rama said, “When one acquired a rich kingdom whose mind would not change. If Bharata wishes to rule the kingdom let him do it. Hanuman, you must find out what is in the mind of Bharata before we could reach Ayodhya”.

It is indeed very generous of Rama to be ready to abandon the kingdom that rightfully belonged to him in case his dear brother had any desire to keep it himself. As he understands very well the psychology of a mortal who could easily develop a desire to rule a kingdom that he envisages such a possibility. Rama does not want to embarrass Bharata, so he sends Hanuman ahead to study the situation. Hanuman is a brilliant person who knows very well the statecraft therefore Rama entrusts this important task to him. There is so much to learn from these things, which are useful even in today’s world.

Hanuman immediately left and rose up high in the sky and traveled to Shringiberapura. He met Guha and announced to him that his dear friend Rama enquired about him and that Rama who was in the Ashram of Bharadwaja would be visiting Guha very soon. Hanuman then quickly left that place and flew seeing Ramateertha and Valukini River. He also saw several thickly populated and rich cities and reached the village of Nandigrama close to Ayodhya. He saw Bharata who was in a hermit’s dress and living in an Ashram. His face was covered with dust and he was looking sad. He was spending his time in meditation and looked like a great Rishi. He was surrounded by his Ministers and he ruled the kingdom with Rama’s padukas as the authority.

Hanuman told Bharata “Sir, Rama who was living in Dandakaranya as a hermit sends you his regards and is doing well. Rama killed Ravana and liberated Sita and now they along with Lakshmana and other powerful friends are coming back”. Bharata hearing this happy news fell unconscious. Then he got up and hugged Hanuman and bathed him with his happy tears.

Bharata asked Hanuman to tell him how the Vanaras got acquainted with Rama and where they met. Hanuman was made to sit on a seat of Darbha grass and he started telling the whole story of what had happened.

Hanuman started from what had happened after Bharata met Rama in Chitrakoota Mountain. Hanuman described in detail what all had happened to Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana starting from their life in Dandakaranya. He told about Shoorpanakha who was put to shame by Lakshmana who cut off her nose and ears and who brought his brothers Khara and Dooshana to fight with Rama. Hanuman told Bharata that Rama wiped off all the rakshasas in Janasthana. He then told how Ravana came and cunningly stole and took away to Lanka. He told Bharata that while searching for Sita Rama and Lakshmana came to Rishyamooka Mountain where they met Sugreeva. Hanuman described the killing of Vali and how they all went in search of Sita.

Hanuman told Bharata how they all searched and how finally he crossed the sea and found Sita in Lanka where she was kept prisoner by Ravana. Hanuman mentioned the bund Setu built by Nala and described the terrible war that ensued between the Vanara and Rakshasa armies. He told that Lakshmana killed Indrajit and Rama killed Kumbhakarna and Ravana. Though he described all the events in detail he did not mention Rama asking Sita to enter the fire to prove her chastity but mentioned about the Grace of Lord Shiva by which Rama could see his father and talk to him. Hanuman concluded by saying that Rama accompanied by Sita, Lakshmana, Vibheeshana, and others were on their way from the ashram of Rishi Bharadwaja by Pushpaka Vimana and would be meeting Bharata the next day. Bharata was extremely happy to hear the whole story told by Hanuman and said that at last his wishes had been granted and his brother had returned.

In the next chapter, We'll see Rama’s meeting with Bharata.