Bharatha pines for Rama
Bharata had a sleepless night. He wept and wept for Rama. He was eager to rush to the forest and fall on Rama’s feet.
With the break of dawn, Bharata and Satrughna – accompanied by their mothers, Guru Vasishtha, ministers, a huge army, and thousands of citizens – left Ayodhya.
After travelling for two days, they reached the banks of the river Ganga. There, the tribal chief, Guha, saw them. He concluded that Bharata was bringing the army to fight with Rama and Lakshmana. He wanted to verify that, so he approached Bharata, who had a close resemblance to Rama. Bharata’s eyes were red with grief and he was wearing bark garments. When greeted, Bharata told him that he was going to the forest to fetch Rama back to Ayodhya.
Guha was overwhelmed by Bharata’s simplicity and sincerity. He made arrangements for the entire party to cross the Ganga. He also guided them to the Ashram of sage Bharadwaja. When they reached that Ashram, they stopped the army at a distance. Bharata and Satrughna approached the sage, bowed to him, and told him about their intention to meet Rama. Bharadwaja wanted to test them. So, he said, “Do you want me to give the movement of Rama, so that you could track Him and kill Him?” Bharata was greatly pained at these words and said, “I am really a great sinner to be accused of such intentions. Oh sage, do you really think I will stoop so low to do that crime?”
Bharadwaja could read Bharata’s mind clearly. So, he consoled him and gave them great hospitality for that night. But, Bharata’s heart was with Rama and he could not wholeheartedly enjoy the feast. Next morning, Bharadwaja guided Bharata to Chitrakuta, where Rama was staying with Sita and Lakshmana.
In Chitrakuta, Rama and Lakshmana built a simple cottage and were living happily. Rama made Sita happy by showing the beauties of nature and wandering among the lush, green meadows.
One afternoon, when all the three were resting under a tree in a happy mood, they heard a big noise approaching. The birds were disturbed. Lakshmana climbed a nearby tree and looked around. He rushed down the tree and shouted, “Brother, Bharata is coming with a huge army to capture us. Does he think it is so easy? He is going to meet his end at my hand.”He was so excited that he could not speak coherently. At last, Rama interrupted him and said, “Lakshmana, don’t be hasty. Bharata will never defile the Ikshvaku name. I know his love and devotion to Me. If you are interested in the kingdom, I shall see that Bharata gives it to you.”
These words pierced Lakshmana’s heart. He realised his folly. He felt ashamed of his behaviour and begged Rama to forgive Him. Then, all the three eagerly awaited Bharata’s arrival.
When Bharata was actually sighted, Rama was moved to see his ascetic dress and grief-stricken face. He rushed and embraced him, and both wept to their hearts’ content.
Rama inquired about the welfare of all in Ayodhya and asked about the state of the kingdom. At this, Bharata asked, “Brother, did You think that I would rule the kingdom after You left? Always, the eldest brother ruled in our dynasty. So, I came here to take You back to rule. After You left, our beloved father passed away, leaving us all desolate.”
Rama fainted on hearing of His father’s death. After a while, He recovered and the four brothers went to the river Mandakini and made the customary offerings to the departed soul.
When all were seated again, Rama asked, ”Bharata, why have you left the kingdom, worn ascetic robes, and come here?” Bharata replied, ”Dear Brother, after father’s death, Dharma left Ayodhya. I have no right to the throne. You are the rightful Person to rule. So, we all have come here to request that You come back to Ayodhya and re-establish Dharma. My mother, Kaikayee, who had planned all this harm to you, is now repenting.
To this, Rama replied, “I am grateful for the affection you all have for Me. As for mother Kaikayee, don’t blame her or father. As human beings, we are all bound by destiny and we should bow down to the inevitable. It was father’s wish that I spend fourteen years in the forest and you should rule the Kingdom. So, let his wish be done. His soul will be happy.”
Bharata was equally adamant. He said, “I will not return to the city without You. I have no right to the throne. So, please fulfil the desire of thousands of citizens, mothers, Satrughna, and me.”
Rama said emphatically, “I am clear in My mind. I must obey our father. No going back on that. It is your duty to look after the citizens after father’s death. Satrughna will help you there and Lakshmana will help Me here. So, go back and rule. My best wishes are there always with you.”
But, Bharata was not relenting. He said that he would undertake a fast there, until Rama came back to Ayodhya. So, Vashishtha came forward with a suggestion. “Bharata should rule Ayodhya as a representative of Rama till He returns”. This arrangement was acceptable to all. Bharata, however, said, “Rama, kindly give me Your sandals. I shall place them on the throne and I will carry out royal injunctions faithfully, till You return. I shall myself live like an ascetic in a small hut, in a nearby village and will only enter the city with You. If you don’t return at the end of fourteen years, I will lay down my life on a pyre?’
Everybody was amazed at the character of Bharata. Rama blessed them and bade farewell to all to go back to Ayodhya.
Questions:
- Why did Bharata refuse to accept the kingship?
- Why did not Rama agree to come back to Ayodhya?
- How did Vasishtha solve the problem to the satisfaction of all?