Ramayana

Stricken with sorrow, Bharata lamented before all, his heart heavy with grief. He cried out that even Rama—their mighty protector—had been banished to the forest by his own mother, Kaikeyi, who had turned away from righteousness. Witnessing Bharata’s anguish, so pitiable and distraught, all the women present could not contain their sorrow and wept aloud. As Bharata grieved, the illustrious sage Vasishta, renowned for his knowledge of royal duty, entered the assembly hall of the Ikshvaku kings. The hall itself was splendid, its polished clay walls adorned with gems and jewels, shining like the divine Sudharma hall, and bustling with attendants. Vasishta, the knower of all the Vedas, seated himself upon a golden throne draped with the finest cloth. With calm authority, he gave instructions to the messengers: they were to summon the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, warriors, ministers, and leaders of the people at once, for urgent matters awaited them. He also directed them to bring Shatrughna, ever loyal to the king, the illustrious Bharata himself, Yudhajit, Sumantra, and all those faithful to the royal house. Soon, a great tumult arose as people arrived in chariots, on horses, and atop elephants, filling the hall with anticipation and energy. When Bharata entered, the people welcomed him with reverence and joy, as the gods would welcome Indra, just as they had once honored King Dasharatha. The assembly, now adorned by Dasharatha’s son, shone with a quiet majesty, like a tranquil lake filled with mighty creatures, its banks glittering with gems, shells, and pebbles—just as it had once sparkled under Dasharatha’s presence. The next chapter began as Bharata, wise and discerning, beheld the assembly hall. Filled with noble elders, it was like a night made radiant by the full moon. As the elders entered and took their seats in proper order, the hall seemed to glow even brighter, like a clear night after the clouds have parted, illuminated by the moon’s fullness. Surrounded by learned men, the assembly sparkled with wisdom and dignity. When all the royal counselors, versed in righteousness, had gathered, the chief priest Vasishta spoke gently to Bharata: “Dear child, King Dasharatha has departed for heaven, having upheld righteousness, after bestowing upon you the prosperous earth, rich in wealth and grain. Rama, steadfast in truth and resolve, remembering the duty of the virtuous, did not abandon his father’s command—just as the moon, when risen, does not forsake its light. The kingdom, now free of thorns, was given to you by your father and your brother; enjoy it with your joyful ministers and quickly perform the consecration. Let those from the north, west, the pure southerners, and those at the farthest ocean-bound frontiers bring you treasures and jewels.” Hearing these words, Bharata—overwhelmed by grief and devoted to righteousness—turned his thoughts to Rama, longing for what was right. With his voice choked by tears, soft as the cry of a young swan, he lamented in the midst of the assembly and reproached the chief priest: “Who would take the kingdom from one such as Rama—devoted to discipline, learned, wise, and ever-striving in righteousness? How could one born of Dasharatha become a usurper of the kingdom? Both the kingdom and I belong to Rama; you ought to declare what is right here. Rama, eldest and best, righteous in soul, equal to Dilipa and Nahusha, deserves the kingdom just as Dasharatha did. If I were to commit such a sinful act, unworthy of the noble and leading to no heaven, I would become a disgrace to the Ikshvaku line. I do not approve of the wrong done by my mother; here I stand, with joined palms, to bow to Rama, though he dwells in the remote forest. I will follow only Rama, who is king and best among men; Raghava deserves the kingdom of all three worlds.” Hearing these words, filled with righteousness, all those present in the assembly shed tears of joy, their hearts turning with love and loyalty toward Rama. Bharata then declared, “If I am unable to bring back my noble brother from the forest, I will remain there in the forest, just as Lakshmana does. I will use every means to bring him back by force, in the presence of elders, the virtuous, and those devoted to good conduct. All the carpenters, road-clearers, and guards have already been sent ahead by me; the journey also pleases me.” Having thus spoken, the righteous Bharata, devoted to his brother, addressed Sumantra, the wise counselor who stood nearby: “Rise quickly and go, Sumantra, at my command; immediately order the march and assemble the army.” Sumantra, delighted to receive the great-souled Bharata’s order, carried out all instructions exactly as desired. When the command for the march to bring back Raghava was heard, the citizens, army commanders, and troops rejoiced. In every house, the wives of warriors joyfully urged their husbands to prepare for the journey. The army commanders, with swift horses, ox-carts, and fast-moving chariots, mobilized the entire force. Seeing the army ready before his elders, Bharata turned to Sumantra and said, “Hasten my chariot.” Receiving this command with joy, Sumantra brought forth the chariot, yoked with excellent horses, and set out. Thus, Bharata—steadfast in truth, mighty in valor, a man of noble speech and firm resolve—prepared to set out, determined to appease his illustrious elder, Rama, who had gone to the great forest.