Bharata Leads Quest for Rama
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 82
Discover Agile, Tech, and Compelling Stories
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 82
Bharata refuses the throne, insisting it belongs to Rama. He rallies an army to journey into the forest, determined to bring his exiled brother back to rule Ayodhya.
Sagacious Bharata entered the assembly hall filled with honorable members. The seats were occupied according to rank, and the assembly looked splendid with the brilliance of the members' apparel and the fragrance of their unguents (aromatic oils or ointments).
The assembly, filled with learned people, resembled the night sky illuminated by the full moon.
Vasistha, the chief priest and knower of righteousness, addressed Bharata in a gentle voice:
"Dear child, King Dasharatha has ascended to heaven after following the path of righteousness. He has bestowed upon you this vast kingdom abounding in wealth and grains. Rama, abiding in truth, did not abandon his father's command, like the rising moon with its beams.
The kingdom, free from obstacles, has been passed on to you by your father and brother. Get yourself coronated quickly and enjoy it along with your cheerful ministers. Let kings from all directions and sea traders offer you countless gems as gifts."
Upon hearing these words, Bharata was overwhelmed with distress and fixed his thoughts on Rama. With a voice as melodious as a swan's, choked with tears, the young prince lamented in the midst of the assembly and reproached the family priest Vasistha, saying:
"How can I, knowing my duty, seize the kingdom that rightfully belongs to Rama, who practices brahmacharya (celibacy and spiritual discipline), who is well-versed in all branches of learning, and who strives to protect righteousness?"
"Who like me would seize the kingdom from one who has practiced brahmacharya, is well-versed in all branches of learning, and strives for righteousness? How can a son of Dasharatha become a usurper of the kingdom? Both the kingdom and I belong to Rama. You should speak the truth in this matter.
Rama, the eldest and most eminent, righteous and comparable to Dilipa and Nahusha, deserves to inherit this kingdom just as Dasharatha did. If I were to commit this evil act, I would bring disgrace to the kings of the Ikshvaku dynasty in this world.
I do not approve of the wrongdoing committed by my mother. From here, I shall pay obeisance with folded palms to my brother who dwells in the impenetrable forest. I will follow Rama alone, for he is the best among men and the rightful king. Rama deserves to rule over the kingdoms of the three worlds."
Hearing Bharata's words full of righteousness, all the assembled members shed tears of joy, thinking of Rama.
"If I am unable to bring back my noble brother from the forest, I shall dwell there like my noble brother Lakshmana. I shall employ all possible means to bring him back, in the presence of these virtuous and pious noble ones."
He had already dispatched explorers and protectors of roads to prepare for the journey. He then instructed Sumantra, who was skilled in counseling:
"Sumantra, quickly rise and go. On my authority, order the expedition and let the army be marshalled at once."
Sumantra, on hearing the words of Bharata, ordered everything as instructed.
The subjects and army chiefs were delighted. In every household, the wives of the soldiers, having come to know of the expedition, gladly hastened their husbands.
The chiefs of the army urged the soldiers, horses, fast-moving bullock carts, and swift chariots to move on.
When Bharata saw that the army was ready, he instructed Sumantra, who was standing by the side of the preceptor:
"Quickly prepare my chariot."
Sumantra received Bharata's command with great delight and set out with a chariot harnessed with excellent horses.
Bharata, firm in truth and valiant, whose valor comes from unwavering truth, spoke judiciously:
"Sumantra, arise, go at once to the leaders of the army and ask them to assemble the troops. I wish to bring Rama back from the forest, having appeased him, for the welfare of the world."
The charioteer, distinctly ordered by Bharata, communicated the royal mandate to all important subjects, chiefs of the army, and friends.
Thereafter, men from every household - kshatriyas (warriors), vaisyas (merchants), sudras (laborers), and brahmins (priests) - came out and harnessed their camels, asses, elephants, and horses of high pedigree to chariots.
This concludes the Eighty Second chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.