The Hindu : Bharata's supreme sacrifice

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 12, 2003

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Bharata's supreme sacrifice

CHENNAI FEB. 12 . God can fathom the hearts of everyone and He can understand the feelings of devotees when they offer their prayers and will be ready to respond to their pleas. Before the idols in temples instead of closing one's eyes one should enjoy His beauty and submit oneself at His feet. The "Satari" (or the models of Divine Sandals mounted on a crown) placed on one's head will make one bow in reverence in utter humility.

The "Paduka Sahasram" of Sri Vedanta Desika in which the theme is the sandals of Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam, in 1008 verses in various metres, partly praises Sri Rama's Padukas, which were taken by Bharata to Ayodhya and which are identified with the former's (Ranganatha's). The poem, composed in one night accepting a challenge, consists of 32 chapters, spelling out the Lord's innumerable attributes, how He welcomes devotees who take refuge in Him and how a person should conduct himself in his life's journey. The sentiments of the Azhwars are fully reflected therein.

While no one suffers punishment unless he commits a sin, Bharata, who was absolutely innocent, was a victim of circumstances and underwent supreme sacrifice for no fault of his. The poem also unfolds how, due to quirk of fate, a total and unbelievable change took place in the life of Rama. His father decided about His coronation. Rama's acceptance was taken, citizens hailed His choice, but all events got reversed overnight and Rama had to leave the capital. The poem recalls how the Lord, while in human form, worshipped the family deity, the idol of Ranganatha, how the Sun God had earlier obtained it from Brahma, how all the emperors of the solar dynasty, including Rama continued the Puja and how He handed it over to Vibhishana who left it at Srirangam.

In a discourse, Sri M.V. Ananta Padmanabhan referred to a drama, "Pratima", which portrays Bharata's reaction when he returned to Ayodhya from his stay with his uncle. He was taken to a hall of fame where the images of all the past emperors of the dynasty were kept and he was stunned to see Dasaratha's there, when he was told about the chain of calamities on his mother's demand, his father's demise and Rama's exile. Bharata rushed to Rama, obtained His sandals and kept them on the throne (in place of Rama) and ruled the country for 14 years in His absence. In Paduka's regime there was not only prosperity but also flawless administration.

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