Ramayana: Can a son oppose his own mother’s decision? Can a prince reject an entire empire placed before him? And can a brother live an ascetic life for his brother for 14 years?
There is one such character in Sri Ramayana, whose name is Bharat. People often consider Bharat, the younger brother of Lord Shri Ram, as just a servant character, but the truth is that his sacrifice and devotion make him one of the greatest characters of Shri Ramayana.
Bharat openly opposed the decision of the mother who did everything to make him the king of Ayodhya. He did not choose power, he chose religion, not the throne, he chose his brother’s respect. This is the reason why even today Bharat is considered the symbol of an ideal brother.
Why wasn’t there another brother like Bharat? who put religion above even his own mother
When Bharat returned to Ayodhya from his maternal home, he came across a truth that changed his world. He came to know that his mother Kaikeyi, on the basis of her two boons, had sent Shri Ram on exile for 14 years. Not only this, King Dashrath has also sacrificed his life due to the separation of Shri Ram and now the throne of Ayodhya is ready for Bharat.
Hearing this, Bharat’s mind was filled not with joy, but with deep sorrow and remorse. The kingdom which any prince could have dreamed of, had started to seem to him a symbol of burden and injustice. Standing in front of his own mother, he clearly said that he would not accept such a throne, the price of which would be his brother’s exile and father’s death. Instead of supporting Kaikeyi’s decision, Bharat chose the side of religion and justice.
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At the same time, he proved that true relationships are made great not only by blood, but by love, trust and adherence to religion. This was the moment that transformed Bharat from an ordinary prince to one of the most ideal and inspirational brothers in history.
Such a promise kept for 14 years, which still inspires
Bharat had the throne of Ayodhya on one side and the authority of his elder brother Shri Ram on the other side. When he came to know that Mother Kaikeyi had sent Shri Ram into exile and asked for the kingdom for him, he considered it not a good fortune but an injustice. Bharat opposed his mother’s decision and clearly said that he would not accept the throne of Ayodhya without Shri Ram.
After this, he himself reached the forest to bring back Shri Shri Ram, but when Shri Shri Ram asked to follow his father’s promise, Bharat decided to return to Ayodhya with his feet.
After reaching Ayodhya, Bharat installed the throne of Shri Ram on the throne and considered himself only his representative. He renounced the royal pleasures and lived an ascetic-like life in Nandigashree Ram and kept waiting for the return of Shri Ram for 14 years. This sacrifice of Bharat shows that true greatness does not lie in gaining power, but in sacrificing one’s selfishness for the sake of religion, love and respect of relationships.
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