When Rama, his brothers, and the people of the forest gathered to discuss various matters, the night passed unnoticed. At dawn, they completed their morning rituals at the sacred river Mandakini and returned to the hermitage in solemn silence. Bharatha then addressed Rama with heartfelt emotion:
“Rama, out of respect for my mother’s demand, you relinquished the kingdom to me. But now, I return it to you. Rule over it, free from obstacles. This kingdom is like a bridge, broken by the torrential rains of the monsoon—only you possess the strength to restore it. The vast expanse of this land is beyond my capacity to manage. None but you can bear this responsibility. Just as a donkey cannot match the gallop of a horse or a domestic bird cannot rival the speed of the Garutmantha, so too am I unfit to match your excellence and prowess.
“An independent and self-driven person achieves greatness and a meaningful life, while one dependent on others lives in misery. A barren tree, though mighty, brings sorrow to its planter. Likewise, Dasaratha’s great efforts and hopes would turn fruitless if you do not take up the reins of Ayodhya. Our father dreamed every day of you ruling this kingdom and protecting us. Shall his dreams now be in vain? O King, your coronation is the hope of every loyal citizen of Ayodhya, the strength of its workers, the honour of its scholars and teachers, and the joy of its merchants. Under your rule, agriculture and crafts will flourish, women will feel secure, and the entire land will prosper.
“The people assembled here unanimously echo my plea. Take your rightful place as the sovereign of Ayodhya.”
Moved by Bharatha’s earnest appeal, Rama, with calm and unwavering resolve, replied:
“O Bharatha, no one is truly independent in this world. All are subject to the will of the divine. Wealth, once accumulated, will ultimately perish; fame, however great, is destined to fade; and relationships, however strong, must end in separation. Birth is inevitably followed by death. Fruits cling to the tree, fearing separation, just as men fear death. The mightiest of homes will crumble over time, just as life itself ebbs away, leaving no trace behind.
“The river that flows into the ocean cannot return, nor can the night that has passed. The days, months, seasons, and years silently consume our longevity. Whether sitting, walking, or running, life slips away with every moment. Therefore, one must focus not on external concerns but on self-reflection. Man is pursued by the shadow of death, an unrelenting force. Illness and old age sap his strength, rendering him immobile. Though people rejoice at the dawn and work through the day, they fail to realize they are moving ever closer to their final journey.
“Like logs floating together in a stream, only to be separated by the current, so too are relationships with family, wealth, and loved ones. They are fleeting and impermanent. No one can escape the dictates of time, the ultimate master of all destinies.
“Our father, the venerable King Dasaratha, followed the path of virtue, performing countless sacred rituals and donating generously. He achieved the ultimate reward of heaven, leaving behind a legacy of righteousness. You need not grieve for him, Bharatha, for he has transcended mortal existence.
“I, too, must abide by the decree of our father. I cannot violate his will. Dasaratha was a noble soul whose every act was rooted in dharma. As his sons, we must uphold his values. You must rule Ayodhya with the same integrity and devotion he exemplified. Do your duty wholeheartedly, for it is through dharma that true greatness is attained.
“I shall remain in the forest, fulfilling my vow and preserving my virtues. A wise ruler must dedicate himself to dharma, for it yields the greatest results. You, Bharatha, have been ordained by our Father to rule. Accept this responsibility with courage and wisdom, and the people of Ayodhya will flourish under your care.”
With these profound words, Rama silenced the assembly. His speech, infused with deep philosophy and the transient nature of life, wealth, and relationships, left no room for deviation from his destined path. In his steadfast adherence to dharma, Rama skilfully reassured Bharatha and restored harmony, revealing the grand design of fate and the eternal truths of existence.
