On Bharata having returned, while Rama was dwelling in the woods, he
noticed affright among the ascetics, added to a desire to remove to
another place. And those ascetics that were living happily in the asylum
in Chitrakuta, relying upon Rama (for their protection), he found to be
wrought up with anxiety. And by means of signs by the eye and
contractions of the brow, they, afflicted with fear, were, alluding to
Rama, slowly speaking to each other. Perceiving their anxiety, Rama
apprehensive of himself, with joined hands addressed the patriarchal
ascetic, saying, "0 reverned one, do ye find me deviating from the path
of former sovereigns, or acting contrary to their practice,-- which hath
perplexed (the minds of) these ascetics? Have the sages seen my younger
(brother), the high-souled Lakshmana, do anything from inadvertance that
is unworthy of him? Doth not Sita engaged in serving you, having to
serve me, now minister unto you as a woman should?" Thereat a certain
aged and decrepit ascetic, with his frame trembling, said upto Rama ever
kind towards creatures, "Where is the falling-off of that one of
excellent character, engaged in offices of beneficence,--more specially
with reference to ascetics? This fear arising from Rakshasas afflicts
the ascetics because of thee and they, extremely agitated, converse with
each other (on the subject). A Rakshasa named Khara, a younger brother
of Ravana, hath been harassing the ascetics dwelling in Janasthana. And
Dhrishta also a fearless and wicked Rakshasa feeding on human
beings,--and the unrighteous Avalipta, cannot bear thee, my child. As
long, my child, as thou hast been residing in this asylum, the Rakshasas
have been plaguing the ascetics. And they show themselves sometimes in
disgusting shapes, sometimes in horrible and dreadful ones,--in various
frightful forms capable of frightening folks. And they throw execrable
and unclean things among the anchorets, and torment those that happen to
come before them. And they take delight in approaching asylums
unperceived, and slaughtering ascetics, after having bound them by means
of their arms. And on the occasion of sacrifices, they throw away the
vessels containing sacrificial articles, pour water on the sacrificial
fire and break vessels containing water. Eager to renounce this asylum
infested by those wicked ones, and removing to another place, the sages
today have been exhorting me (on the subject). And, O Rama, ere this,
those wicked ones have slain ascetics. Therefore we would renounce this
asylum. Not far from here is a picturesque wood abounding in fruits and
roots. Thither shall I betake myself together with my own folks. Khara
shall also annoy thee. If thou think it proper, go hence in company with
us. O Raghava, although thou art vigilant, able, and in all ways
capable, it would be unpleasant for thee to dwell here now in doubt."
When the anxious ascetic had said this, Rama could not console him by
his words. Then having paid homage unto Rama, and spoken to him and
encouraged Raghava, the patriach ascetic renouncing the asylum, went
away along with his own people. And Rama having (for a time) followed
the sage who was departing from that place, and having paid him
respects, being permitted by them, well-pleased, and advised (as to what
it behoved him to do), came to his quarters reposing there.
(Thenceforth) Raghava never for a moment left that asylum forsaken by
the sages.--Raghava having such qualities in his character as were
likely to stand the sages in stead, the ascetics (that remained behind)
ever followed Raghava.