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Continued from yesterday's instalment
 Now that he was convinced about the intentions of Bharata, the same Guha who with an adamantine affection for Sri Rama declared a war against Bharata and challenged - 'Shall the cross today the deep waters of Ganges and are we bowmen afraid of the army because it is strengthened by elephants?' - agreed to take Bharata to the other bank of the river. When they walked on, Bharata's heart that was always set on Sri Rama wanted to know from Guha, where he slept when he was with Guha. Guha pointed to the bed of grass on the stony floor. That intensified Bharata's anguish. His tears drenched the earth.
'iyandrathu en poruttinaal iv idar unakku endra pozdhum' (even after knowing that) you suffered exile on my account 'ayindranai kizangum kaayum amudhu ena'
(even after learning that) you ate roots and berries as ambrosia 'pullil thuyindranai' (and that) you slept on grass, 'aavi thurandhilen' I have not given up my by breath. I continue to live. The crudities that you were subjected to were on my account. I was at the root of your sufferings and yet I breathe. That shows how hardhearted I am. At this rate, would I even wear the crown! (magudam soodum selvamum kolven
yaane.')
The agony that Bharata was passing through, his purity of heart and the guilt feelings that shrouded him show themselves through every other step he takes. With brotherly affection he enquired where Lakshmana passed the night. Guha replied, 'When the dark-hued handsome Rama and his consort slept, 'villai oondriya kaiyodum veiydhu uyirppodum' with his bow in hand and with many a sigh and tear 'kangul ellai kaanbu alavum nindran' he stood on guard the whole night. 'imaippilan nayanam' He didn't even wink - where is the question of his sleeping?
Need I mention that Bharata's heart found him guilty once again? 'Among the brothers of Sri Rama 'yaan endrum mudivu ilaadha thunbathuku edhu aanen' I became the cause of his endless miseries. 'avan adhu thudaikka ninndran' He (Lakshmana) stood by his side to alleviate them; to remedy them. 'azagidhu en adimai' O! The service that I have done to Rama is grand indeed!
 Well, Bharata was praising the way Lakshmana was serving Rama and was self-reproachful about himself. But Lakshmana on the other hand was not ready to trust
Bharata. That is the irony of life. The epic shows us one more instance of how even good intentions are to be proved threadbare. As Sri VVS Aiyar observes, "It is the plan of the poet to show off the pure gold of Bharata's character by melting it again and again in the fire of unjust suspicion and calumny. So here also Kamban exposes Bharata to unjust charges of Lakshmana."
It was so typical of Lakshmana. The reader will remember our observation in earlier instances. Lakshmana's entire life was devoted to the service of Rama. He was always alert and ready to guard Rama against the least little danger. In his intense love for Rama, Lakshmana is too ready to suspect anyone and anything of causing harm to the interests of Sri
Rama.
More follows…
Hari Krishnan
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