Bharata: The Embodiment of Brotherly Love and Righteousness

In the Ramayana, we commonly mention Rama alongside Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna. However, chronologically, Bharata was born after Rama, followed by the twins Lakshmana and Shatrughna.

 Bharata

King Dasharatha, who had no children, performed the Putrakameshti Yajna, from which he received a divine offering (payasa) from the Yajna Purusha. He distributed this sacred food among his three queens — Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi. Sumitra, by divine grace or accident, received a second helping of the payasa. Some traditions even say that Kausalya and Kaikeyi shared their portions with Sumitra. From this divine offering were born the four royal princes — Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna.

Lakshmana, born to Sumitra, became Rama’s constant companion, like his very shadow. Shatrughna, Sumitra’s other son, shadowed Bharata. Some believe Bharata to be the namesake of our country - Bharatavarsha. While others attribute the name to the Chandravamshi king Sarvadharma-Bharata, this belief in Bharata’s connection persists deeply in the cultural psyche.

Raised in his maternal grandfather’s kingdom of Kekaya, Bharata grew up under the care and affection of King Ashwapati and his maternal uncle Yudhajit. Shatrughna also accompanied him there. When Dasharatha passed away and Rama had already been sent into exile, Vasishta sent an urgent message to Bharata. Like a telegram reading “Start immediately,” the message was clear: “Destiny has unfolded in your favor. The kingdom awaits you. Return at once”. Even the messengers were unaware of the full details. Without delay, Bharata and Shatrughna embarked on a relentless seven-day journey — with no concern for food, water, or sleep.

Upon reaching Ayodhya, Bharata was struck by the lifelessness of the city. No welcoming crowds, no festive decorations — only silence and sorrow. He rushed to his mother Kaikeyi’s chamber. Adorned in regal jewelry, she was ready to celebrate what she considered a triumph.

“A mother, why does the city look cursed? Where is Father? Where is Rama?” Bharata’s questions poured out. With disturbing calm, Kaikeyi replied: “Your father is dead. Rama is in exile. The kingdom is yours now, my son. I’ve secured it for you. Rule and rejoice”.

These words ignited righteous fury in Bharata. He nearly cast her out immediately but restrained himself only for Rama’s sake. “My heart tells me to exile you right now. But I hesitate because Rama would not approve”, he declared.

The Ramayana includes a striking quote from Manthara: “Even an inanimate wall would evoke love if nearby; those bound by blood may seem like strangers from afar”. Yet, in Bharata’s case, this sentiment proves false. Innocent of the scheme, Bharata became a victim of guilt and suspicion. Everyone — the citizens, the sages, even his elders — scrutinized him. But Bharata’s integrity stood tall.

After performing the last rites for Dasharatha, Bharata prepared to meet Rama. Sage Vasishta joined him, and even Kaikeyi followed — a surprising turn. The citizens of Ayodhya insisted on accompanying him as well. On their way, Bharata encountered Guha, the boatman, who too was suspicious — “Has Bharata come to finish what was started?”, he wondered.

Eventually, they located Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana in Chitrakoot. Lakshmana, ever wary, assumed Bharata had come for war. But Rama, calm and wise, reassured him. Despite repeated pleading, Rama refused to return to Ayodhya. Even when Bharata offered to join him in exile, Rama declined. “Bharata, I’ve entrusted the kingdom to your care. You are now its guardian. To forsake one’s duty is unworthy of a Kshatriya. You must serve our mothers and protect our people. After fourteen years, I shall return”, Rama said firmly.

Bharata, overwhelmed with emotion, declared: “Until your return, I will not enter Ayodhya. I will live as a hermit in Nandigram. If you are even half a moment late after fourteen years, I shall end my life in fire”. Thus began Bharata’s long and noble wait, living not as a prince, but as a penitent devotee.

What a stark contrast Bharata presents to modern greed for power and wealth. He willingly renounced the throne, embodying sacrifice, simplicity, and sincerity. As Rama prepared to return from Lanka, he sent Hanuman ahead to console Bharata — afraid that Bharata might carry through his vow and immolate himself.

Hanuman met Bharata for the first time and began narrating Rama’s story. Bharata was so enthralled, he refused to let Hanuman leave until he had finished. He worried: “What if Rama doesn't return?”

Such was Bharata — the humble prince, the righteous brother, the true messenger of Rama’s ideals. A symbol of brotherhood, devotion, and Dharma.