On the fourteenth day following the demise of King Dasaratha, the esteemed council of ministers gathered to deliberate upon the pressing matter of crowning a successor. They approached Prince Bharatha with great reverence and said:
“O noble prince, King Dasaratha has departed from this mortal realm, and in his wisdom, sent his eldest son, Rama, accompanied by Lakshmana, into the forest. Yet, by fortune’s grace, anarchy has not yet touched the hallowed grounds of Ayodhya. However, should delay persist, peril may arise.
Thus, O illustrious Bharatha, the people, ministers, scholars, and well-wishers of Ayodhya await to see you crowned as king. The throne, by all rights, is yours to inherit. Take up this duty, complete the necessary rites, and reign with success and virtue, O best among princes.”
Bharatha, a man of unwavering principles, paid homage to the holy provisions prepared for the coronation by circumambulating them. With a firm yet humble voice, he declared:
“In our noble lineage, it is established that only the eldest son ascends the throne. This tradition, sanctified by centuries, cannot be disregarded. Your suggestion, though well-meaning, stands against this sacred custom. My elder brother Rama alone shall be king.
I shall take his place in the forest for fourteen years as his servant and substitute. Prepare the fourfold army, for we must journey to bring Rama back from exile. Let us carry the consecrated provisions and anoint him as king, even in the forest. My mother’s cunning desires shall never bind me. Instead, I shall dwell in the wilderness, honouring the eternal order. Sculptors must lay a fine path through the forest for the chariots and horses. Those skilled in the ways of the forest should lead us, clearing our path as needed for smooth travel.”
The ministers and citizens, moved by Bharatha’s integrity and devotion to Rama, praised his wisdom and resolute approach to the crisis. Confidence in Ayodhya’s future flourished as hope replaced despair. Bharatha’s gentle yet firm demeanour inspired faith and admiration among all, transforming their grief into vibrant optimism.
The ministers, teachers, and citizens, overwhelmed with gratitude, replied:
“O noble prince, your will is just, and the work shall commence immediately. Teams skilled in cutting through rock and forest, labourers, sculptors, well-diggers, and craftsmen have been assembled. They shall carve a path fit for the royal procession, ensuring the safety and sanctity of nature along the way. Such tasks, though rooted in the traditions of warcraft, now serve a greater cause – the return of our rightful king.”
With renewed fervour, the people laboured to create a path worthy of Rama’s return. They cleared obstructions, planted trees for shade, and prepared the land for the smooth passage of horses and chariots. Wells were dug, water channels constructed, and flowering trees preserved to honour nature’s harmony. Flags adorned the path, and rest houses were built, blending seamlessly with the forest’s serenity.
Astrologers ordained the auspicious timing for the journey, while security and vigilance ensured the safety of the king’s entourage. The path, resembling a well-planned urban realm, became a symbol of unity and devotion.
Bharatha’s noble endeavour, though rooted in fairness and duty, bore witness to the profound interplay of fate and divine will. His actions bridged the conflicting interests of human aspiration and cosmic order, honouring the eternal bond of word and honour while paving the way for Rama’s triumphant return.