Dasharatha's Death Shocks Returning Bharata

Bharata returns to Ayodhya, learns of King Dasharatha's death and Rama's exile. Kaikeyi reveals her role, urging Bharata to take the throne. Emotions run high as duty clashes with love. 

Bharata's Return to Ayodhya (Shlokas 2.72.1 - 2.72.2)

Bharata, upon not finding his father in the royal chambers, proceeded to his mother Kaikeyi's apartments. Kaikeyi, delighted to see her son who had been away, sprang up from her golden seat.

Bharata's Greeting and Kaikeyi's Inquiries (Shlokas 2.72.3 - 2.72.6)

Bharata, entering his home, reverently touched his mother's feet. Kaikeyi embraced her son, kissed his forehead, and seated him on her lap. She then began to question him:

"My son, how many nights have passed since you left your grandfather's abode? I hope the swift journey by chariot hasn't exhausted you. Are your grandfather and your uncle Yudhajit well? Tell me everything about your stay there."

Bharata's Response (Shlokas 2.72.7 - 2.72.10)

Bharata answered his mother:

"Mother, it's been seven nights since I left my grandfather's place. Both my grandfather and uncle Yudhajit are in good health. The wealth and gems the king bestowed upon me slowed my journey, so I came ahead. Urged by the royal messengers, I hastened here. Now, mother, please answer my questions."

Bharata's Observations and Inquiries (Shlokas 2.72.11 - 2.72.13)

Bharata noticed the unusual atmosphere and asked:

"Mother, why is your gold-adorned couch empty? The attendants of the Ikshvaku (the founding dynasty of Ayodhya) family don't appear cheerful. Father usually spends most of his time in your chambers, but I don't see him here. I wish to pay obeisance to him. Is he perhaps in Queen Kausalya's apartments?"

Kaikeyi's Fateful Words (Shlokas 2.72.14 - 2.72.15)

Kaikeyi spoke to Bharata, who was unaware of recent events:

"My son, your father, the great soul who was a refuge for the virtuous and ever-engaged in sacrifices, has departed for the realm that all beings must eventually reach."

Bharata's Grief (Shlokas 2.72.16 - 2.72.20)

Upon hearing these words, Bharata collapsed to the ground, overwhelmed by grief for his father. He cried out:

"Alas! I am ruined!"

Bharata lamented:

"This couch of my father once shone like the spotless night sky illuminated by the autumn moon. Now, bereft of that wise king, it no longer gleams - like the sky without the moon or the sea drained of water."

Bharata's Lament (Shlokas 2.72.21 - 2.72.23)

Bharata wept profusely. He covered his face with his garment and fell to the ground. Kaikeyi lifted her son, who resembled a fallen sala (a type of tree) trunk cut by an axe, or a mighty elephant brought down.

Kaikeyi's Attempt to Comfort (Shlokas 2.72.24 - 2.72.25)

Kaikeyi spoke to Bharata:

"Rise, rise, O illustrious prince! Why do you lie on the ground? Men of wisdom like you, worthy of honor in the assembly, should not grieve thus. Your wisdom, following virtuous conduct and scriptures, entitles you to dispense charity and perform sacrifices. You will shine like the light of the Sun."

Bharata's Continued Grief (Shlokas 2.72.26 - 2.72.29)

Bharata wept for a long time, rolling on the ground. Then he addressed his mother:

"I had undertaken this journey with delight, thinking the king would either consecrate Rama or perform some sacrifice. But everything has turned out differently. My mind is shattered. I no longer see my father who was always intent on my welfare and happiness. O mother, what ailment caused the king's death before I could return? How fortunate are Rama and others who performed the last rites for my father."

Bharata's Recollection (Shlokas 2.72.30 - 2.72.33)

Bharata continued, recalling his father's affection:

"Surely the illustrious maharaja was not aware of my arrival. Otherwise, he would have quickly embraced me and kissed my forehead."

"Where is that hand of my father that would wipe away the dust from my person with a pleasant touch?"

"Announce at once my arrival to the wise Rama, my brother, father, and friend."

"To one who knows righteousness, the elder brother becomes like a father. Indeed, Rama is my refuge now, and I shall seek his guidance."

Bharata's Inquiry About His Father's Last Words (Shlokas 2.72.34 - 2.72.38)

Bharata asked his mother:

"What were the last words of my venerable father, who was conversant with righteous conduct, true to his vows, and whose strength was in truth?"

Kaikeyi replied:

"Your father, caught by the noose of death, uttered these last words: 'Fortunate are those who will see Rama returning home with Sita and the mighty-armed Lakshmana.'"

Bharata's Further Inquiries (Shlokas 2.72.39 - 2.72.45)

Distressed by this second piece of unpleasant news, Bharata asked:

"Where has righteous Rama, who enhances Kausalya's delight, gone with Lakshmana and Sita? Did Rama seize any brahmin's wealth? Did he harm any innocent person, rich or poor? Did he covet another man's wife? Why has he been banished to the Dandaka forest like one who has committed a grave sin?"

Kaikeyi's Revelation (Shlokas 2.72.46 - 2.72.54)

Kaikeyi revealed the truth to Bharata:

"Rama did not rob any brahmin of wealth, nor did he harm any innocent person. He never looked at another's wife with desire. My son, upon hearing of Rama's impending consecration, I asked your father for the kingdom for you and for Rama's banishment. Your father, keeping his promise, did exactly that. Rama, along with Lakshmana and Sita, was sent away. Unable to bear the separation from his beloved son, your father, stricken with grief, passed away."

Kaikeyi then urged Bharata:

"Now, O knower of dharma (righteous duty), assume kingship. All this has been done for your sake. Do not give in to sorrow or remorse. Be courageous. This city and kingdom, free from obstacles, are under your control. Therefore, my son, under the guidance of Vasishtha and other noble brahmins, quickly perform the funeral rites for the king and then get yourself coronated as the lord of this earth."

This concludes the Seventy Second chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.