राम
Contemplative Interlude

Bharata Calls Himself the Revealed Enemy of Ram

Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 162

Doha 162 · Movement 2 of 2

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Providence has drawn Kaikeyi's hostility toward Ram out of concealment, but Bharata sees his own name written across its consequence. The kingdom was demanded for him.

Therefore he calls himself the openly revealed enemy of Ram and asks who could be more sinful. His blame turns inward more fiercely than it turns upon his mother.

There is little left to gain from reproaching her, because the deepest wound is his apparent benefit. Bharata cannot accept innocence while standing beside the throne produced by exile. Love would rather condemn itself than permit even the shadow of advantage gained through the beloved's suffering.

The plot was Kaikeyi's, yet Bharata sees the crown bearing his name and calls himself the enemy whom fate has exposed.

Read the passage from the Manas

राम बिरोधी हृदय तें प्रगट कीन्ह बिधि मोहि। मो समान को पातकी बादि कहउँ कछु तोहि।।162।।

Providence has laid bare from your very heart your enmity toward Rama. Who is as sinful as I? What more can I say to reproach you?