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Continued from yesterday's instalment
 Rama called Hanuman to send him as his messenger to convey to Bharata the happenings of the past fourteen years - including the abduction of Sita, friendship with Sugriva and the victory over Ravana - and then to inform him that Rama has arrived and is detained and delayed at the Bharadwaja ashram. Valmiki shows Rama in a different mould altogether.
Of course that is intended to show Rama in one of the shining qualities. Like giving a fair chance to even his enemy. He had sent Angada as his emissary to Ravana before the commencement of war, just to give him one more opportunity, knowing full well that he would not budge). Or remaining steadfast in observance of Dharma, even if it comes to the repudiation of his very own loving wife or even Lakshmana for that matter. He had in fact censured Lakshmana for having left Sita in the forest in violation of his instructions. And again in Uttara Kanda when with the greatest mental suffering he had to punish his Lakshmana, the most loved of all for him, one could even daresay dearer than Sita herself, with death sentence for violating his instruction not to interrupt him when he was in discussion with the Lord of Death himself.
 Fairness in the strictest sense of the word, was the very breath of Rama and it is with this in mind that the reader is requested to read what follows. I am giving the portion from Valmiki Ramayana, containing Rama's elaborate instructions to Hanuman.
"Say to him, 'Having conquered the hosts of enemies and won unsurpassed glory, his purpose thus accomplished, Rama has arrived near with (other) friends endowed with extraordinary might.
"Nay, the expression which Bharata wears on his face on hearing this news should also then be observed by you as also all that he intends to do in relation to me. All the reactions of Bharata and his gestures too should be truly ascertained through the colour of his face, glances and speech. Whose mind will a kingdom exceedingly rich in all coveted enjoyments (nay) with elephants, horses and chariots and inherited from one's father and godfather not actually attract?
If through association (with rulership or with his mother) the glorious Bharata has himself grown covetous of sovereignty, let the delight of Raghu rule the entire globe without exception. Ascertaining his mind and resolve as well, O monkey, you ought to return apace before we are gone far (from the hermitage of Sage Bharadwaja." (Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda, Canto 125, verses 13 to 18.)
 The kind of steadfastness! The minute details of the weaknesses that even the strongest willed person is susceptible to! Rama without doubt shows that he is aware of the changes that may come over a person once he takes over the reins of power in his hand. It is not due to he frailties, weaknesses and fickle-mindedness of human beings alone that this should be attributed. The power of Power is such that it can change even the strongest of minds to falter a little here or there. Rama did not want to take the least of chances. He wanted to be very sure that Bharata was still the same old Bharata. If he was not, Rama did not want the kingdom for him. He was so ready to give it up once for all.
More follows…
Hari Krishnan
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