Passage 22

In English

Bharatha lived in Nandigrama devoting himself entirely to the contemplation of Rama. He was immersed in the contemplation of Rama, forgoing even food and sleep. His wife Mandavi was also a great devotee of Rama. She also lived in Nandigrama for fourteen years serving her husband. Since Bharatha was immersed in the contemplation of Rama, He too shone like Rama. When he entered Ayodhya with Rama, people could not distinguish between Rama and Bharatha. ‘Yad Bhavam Tad Bhavathi’ (As you think so you become). Mandavi was a virtuous lady, who was devoted to her husband by paying due obedience to the mothers-in-law and her husband. She shone as an ideal to others. She too became an ascetic with her hair in a single plait. When Rama was entering Ayodhya followed by three brothers and their wives, people could not distinguish between Sita and Mandavi. Sita shone like an ascetic due to fourteen years of contemplation on Rama. Mandavi also shone like her since she was always immersed in the contemplation of the lord. Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavati (The one who realizes the Brahman becomes Brahman himself.). As all the brothers had oneness of thought and feeling, their four consorts also had the same. All of them constituted an ideal home.