(harichandran) 11 Left The City Ayodhya (Part Ii)

Sathyakeerthi brought fruits Which they all ate, But Sukran did protest That it wasn’t sufficient. He said, “I don’t eat Mere fruits and nuts, I need regular food The one nicely cooked.” Harichandran said, “No other good food Except fruits and nuts We can find in forests.” “This now you take, Please, for my sake, When we reach the city We’ll get food plenty.” “I’ll see that you get Cooked food to eat Also the dues are paid.” This much he assured. The Sage Viswamithra sent Fearful devils and ghosts Just to terrorize them Without killing them. They moved on and on Despite storm or rain, Until they reached near The holy Ganges River. It gave them little pleasure, To take bath in the river. For rest, they went then To a nice flower garden. It was time for the sunset. They stayed there for rest And quiet that night went With no unusual event. The sound of tigers Lions and elephants, Disturbed not their sleep As it was so deep. Next day, Sukran said, “Further tortures to avoid, Better, take back your land Forget your promise, friend.” He tried to tempt the King, Who was not yielding To such temptations As a man of principles. They crossed the River Sona. And then the River Yamuna. Moving from place to place Gave them tiresome experience. Suddenly, the Sage appeared. To the King, he said, “Out of pity, I came here. Yes, it’s too late never.” “Say you didn’t give free Any of your lands to me, Then they become yours. Be free from such ordeals.” The King said, “Never I’ll say Today or any other day, Just to satisfy you, a lie Despite troubles I may buy.” “Such an act would mean, Take back the alms given From a beggar and then eat Without shame or self-respect.” “At least, marry my two girls And go free from such ordeals. You’ll then be happy And make me also happy.” He replied, “Desire on gold, Land and maid is no good, And it shall be, to anyone Never on other’s compulsion.” “Will anyone vomit And then back eat it? Such a disgusting act It’ll be, back if I take it.” The Sage said, “Twice You must think, not once, When you give alms, To win or lose others.” The King replied, “Throw me In fire or into pieces cut me, Still I’ll not take back again What was once given.” The hot sage shouted, “For this, be prepared To face further ordeals And serious troubles.” He thought of Sukran, Who came there then. He gave him instructions To give them more pains. He asked the Fire God Around them to spread And create more fear Without going near. Fire God replied, “I’m so afraid Of Chandramathi For her chastity.” “Yet, I must obey you, To avoid curse from you, ” Near them fire came But didn’t burn them. When asked, Sukran said, “Fire will not subside Until a royal body it eats This is what I forecast.” The minister offered first, The king offered second, The mother came third, And the son, as the last. But the fire didn’t go near, As it had its own fear Against the heat of chastity, That came from Chandramathi. With all their anxiety, They reached Kasi City, Where they could find A new life of some kind.