The royal sage Vashishta, having elaborated on the origins and progress of the noble Ikshvaku dynasty, spoke with profound wisdom:
“O Rama, for every soul born into this world, three teachers are ordained by nature—mother, father, and educator. O best among men! The father is the root of one’s birth, while the tutor is the source of knowledge and wisdom, and hence he is the Guru. I am your teacher as well as your father’s. If you heed my counsel, you shall walk the righteous path followed by your ancestors.
O Rama, these venerable Brahmins, scholars, and sages are your people. As a prince, it is your sacred duty to protect and nurture them, following the tradition of righteous kings. Honor the aged and frail, especially your mother, Kaushalya, for a noble son never forsakes his mother’s care.
As for Bharata, a man of virtue and character, he humbly prays for your guidance. His pursuits are deeply intertwined with your own righteousness. Therefore, listen to his plea.”
Rama, hearing these words of duty and virtue, replied with equal resolve:
“Parents, the truest caretakers of their children, offer nourishment, clothing, love, safety, and affection. Their devotion cannot be repaid in any measure. My father, King Dasharatha, gave me life, and in his presence, I took a solemn pledge—a vow that must not be broken.
Sagacious Bharata, hearing this, addressed Sumantra: ‘Spread the sacred grass upon the ground. Until my plea is answered, I shall lie upon it, fasting like a Brahmin in penury. I renounce food, water, and comforts, confining myself to this hermitage.’
Moved by Bharata’s resolve, Sumantra turned to Rama for counsel. Yet Bharata, unwavering in his determination, spread the holy grass himself. Rama, divine in nature and calm in demeanour, said:
‘O young prince, why do you restrain me with this penance? Such a path is not suited to Kshatriyas. Abandon this fast and return to the holy city of Ayodhya. Bharata, your loyalty to dharma shines brightly, but my vow to my father cannot be revoked. The decree of Kaikeyi and the promise of my father are just, and no fault lies therein.’
Bharata, overcome with emotion, addressed the citizens: ‘Why do you not counsel my brother? Yet I know your silence reflects your understanding of Rama’s steadfast adherence to truth.’
The assembly urged Bharata to heed Rama’s advice, for Rama, bound by his oath, could not deviate from the path of righteousness. Rama then said:
‘Bharata, arise, take water in your cupped hands, and offer it to the Sun God. Pledge to rule Ayodhya in my stead, as decreed by our father. Uphold the honor of our lineage.’
Bharata, rising with tears streaming, declared: ‘O scholars, citizens, and ministers, hear me! I sought neither the throne nor provoked my mother’s actions. Rama’s exile was never my desire, even in the worst of dreams. Yet if ascetic life in the forest is the decree, I shall take Rama’s place.’
Rama, astonished by Bharata’s sincerity, addressed the assembly: ‘The decisions made during my father’s reign cannot be overturned. To send another to the forest in my place would be a grave sin. Bharata, your virtues and respect for elders are unparalleled. Fulfill your duties as king, and I shall return after fourteen years to rule alongside you.’
Bharata, overcome, fell at Rama’s feet, pleading: ‘O Rama, the people of Ayodhya yearn for your rule, like parched land longing for rain. Your wisdom and leadership are irreplaceable.’
Rama, lifting Bharata with affection, said: ‘By the grace of the gods, you are worthy of this responsibility. Rule with the counsel of wise ministers, and honor our mother with utmost respect. Do not harbor resentment toward Kaikeyi, for her actions were guided by love for her son.’
At Bharata’s request, Rama placed his feet upon a pair of golden sandals. Bharata declared: ‘These sacred sandals shall symbolize your rule. For fourteen years, I will live as an ascetic, trusting in your return. Should you not return after this time, I will immolate myself in the holy fire.’
Rama, moved by Bharata’s devotion, blessed him and said: ‘Honor your duties, and may the gods guide you. I pledge to return as promised.’
Bharata, carrying the sandals upon his head, circumambulated Rama and placed them with reverence on the royal elephant, Shatrunjaya. Rama bid farewell to the assembly and retreated to his hermitage, embodying the virtues of truth and duty.
The unity and integrity displayed by these brothers, though seemingly at odds in principle, shine as a testament to dharma. Their conduct reflects the profound harmony of fate’s design, inspiring humanity toward a life of virtue and values.
