Rama Places Bharata Above All Brothers
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 259
Doha 259 · Movement 1 of 2
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Beneath the forest canopy, Rama sees the affection flowing from Vasishtha toward Bharata, and a special joy rises in his heart. The guru has recognized what Rama has always known: Bharata bears the weight of dharma in body, mind, and speech.
Rama's voice enters the listening assembly with the softness of light through leaves. He swears by the sacred feet of his father that no brother like Bharata has appeared in all the worlds. One loved so deeply by the guru possesses a fortune that neither worldly praise nor scripture can measure.
Yet Rama does not merely praise Bharata from afar. Before every elder, citizen, and forest witness, he entrusts the decision to his younger brother's wisdom. Whatever Bharata says will lead to the good. Having placed such honor upon him, Rama becomes silent, and the entire burden of the moment passes into Bharata's heart.
Rama crowns Bharata without a throne, declaring his word to be the path of welfare and then waiting in silence.
Read the passage from the Manas
गुरु अनुराग भरत पर देखी। राम ह्दयँ आनंदु बिसेषी।। भरतहि धरम धुरंधर जानी। निज सेवक तन मानस बानी।। बोले गुर आयस अनुकूला। बचन मंजु मृदु मंगलमूला।। नाथ सपथ पितु चरन दोहाई। भयउ न भुअन भरत सम भाई।। जे गुर पद अंबुज अनुरागी। ते लोकहुँ बेदहुँ बड़भागी।। राउर जा पर अस अनुरागू। को कहि सकइ भरत कर भागू।। लखि लघु बंधु बुद्धि सकुचाई। करत बदन पर भरत बड़ाई।। भरतु कहहीं सोइ किएँ भलाई। अस कहि राम रहे अरगाई।।
Seeing the guru's deep affection for Bharat, Rama felt a special joy blossom in His heart. Knowing Bharat to be the very champion of dharma, devoted in body, mind, and speech, Rama cherished him as His own. Then, following the guru's loving command, Rama spoke words that were sweet, gentle, and rooted in all that is auspicious. 'O master, I swear by our father's sacred feet: in all the worlds, there has never been a brother like Bharat. Those who are devoted to the guru's lotus feet are truly blessed, both in the eyes of the world and according to the Vedas. When you bestow such love upon him, who could even begin to describe Bharat's good fortune?' Seeing the wisdom of His younger brother, Rama grew humble and praised Bharat with an open heart. 'Whatever Bharat says, that alone brings true good.' Having spoken these words, Rama fell silent.