Ram Sends Bharata a Kingdom of Duties
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 152
Doha 152 · Movement 1 of 2
Keep this contemplation
Preserve, print, or share
Ram asks Sumantra to entreat citizens and kin. Whoever keeps Dasharatha content is truly his well wisher. When Bharata returns, he must be told never to abandon righteousness after receiving the throne.
Let him protect the people through action, thought, and speech, honor every mother equally, fulfill the obligations of brotherhood, and serve father, mother, and noble elders. The crown reaches Bharata not as privilege but as a field of care.
Lakshmana had spoken some cutting words, but Ram stopped him. Now he binds Sumantra with repeated oaths not to report the younger brother's rashness. Even while assigning a kingdom's duties, Ram protects the reputations and relationships that grief might injure, sending governance home wrapped in compassion.
From exile, Ram gives Bharata no rivalry to inherit, only a kingdom measured by service to people, mothers, elders, and dharma.
Read the passage from the Manas
पुरजन परिजन सकल निहोरी। तात सुनाएहु बिनती मोरी।। सोइ सब भाँति मोर हितकारी। जातें रह नरनाहु सुखारी।। कहब सँदेसु भरत के आएँ। नीति न तजिअ राजपदु पाएँ।। पालेहु प्रजहि करम मन बानी। सेएहु मातु सकल सम जानी।। ओर निबाहेहु भायप भाई। करि पितु मातु सुजन सेवकाई।। तात भाँति तेहि राखब राऊ। सोच मोर जेहिं करै न काऊ।। लखन कहे कछु बचन कठोरा। बरजि राम पुनि मोहि निहोरा।। बार बार निज सपथ देवाई। कहबि न तात लखन लरिकाई।।
Having entreated all the townsfolk and kinsmen, Rama said, 'Father, please convey my humble prayer.' Whoever keeps the king at ease in every way, that person alone is truly my well-wisher. When Bharata arrives, give him this message: even after receiving the throne, never forsake dharma. Protect the people with deed, mind and speech. Serve all the mothers, regarding each one equally. And, dear brother, fulfill your fraternal duties. Serve father, mother and all noble elders with devotion. Father, in whatever manner you keep the king content, let him never have cause for sorrow on my account. Lakshmana spoke some sharp words, but Rama checked him and once more entreated me with folded hands. Making me swear again and again by his own oath, he said, 'Father, please do not speak of Lakshmana's youthful rashness.'