Ram - The Delight of the sages

As the sun dipped in the western sky, the deafening roar of Yamuna’s swift waters could be heard gliding down to blend with the great Ganges. Lord Ram, recognising this, concluded that the abode of the great sage Bharadwaj was nearby. Sri Ram, Sita and Lakshman were greatly pleased as they had been longing to lay eyes on the wise and ancient sage.Sage Bharadwaj was a highly elevated being. A disciple of the great sage Valmiki, he was one of the great rishis who blessed India with his presence and knowledge. He was so advanced that he formulated the Vaimanika Shastra many thousands of years ago, elaborately detailing all aspects of many machines capable of flight, even outlining the skills required of a pilot to fly them. Pausing for a moment upon the outskirts of the hermitage, Sri Ram gains permission from one of the noble sage’s disciples, before proceeding. The sage, surrounded by some of his disciples, is absorbed in deep meditation. Greeting him with folded hands, the ascetic prince introduces himself and his companions. Sage Bharadwaj receives them with the highest regard, honour and esteem, providing water and offering varied delicacies prepared from wild roots and fruits..The learned sage then acknowledges that he was indeed expecting their arrival, and that he is aware of their recent exile and eventful past. He further offers the divine travellers his hermitage as a dwelling place for the remainder of their exile. Though beautiful, sacred and serene, the lord respectfully declines the kind offer, explaining that the fair and noble land is well known and also in close proximity to Ayodhya. Understanding this, sage Bharadwaj directs them to the holy mount of Chitrakut, a pleasing, picturesque locale that is home to many sages practicing their austerities. The great sage accommodates the fatigued visitors for a night. Sri Ram engages him in discourses on various topics. As dawn breaks, he respectfully requests sage Bharadwaj’s permission and blessings for their departure to Chitrakut. Sri Ram, who is forever delighting with his tone and manner, was blessed by the sage for his onward journey.This incident highlights that one capable of delighting a sage of great spiritual wisdom such as Bharadwaj, must certainly be one who is evolved and divine in every way.