Bharata Invokes the Fate of Those Who Forsake Hari and Hara
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 167
Doha 167 · Movement 2 of 2
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Bharata's oath reaches beyond human law into worship. Some abandon the feet of Hari and Hara and turn toward terrifying spirits instead.
If Kaikeyi's intention was also his, he asks the Creator to grant him the same fallen destination. He places his relation to the highest refuge under judgment.
The vow reveals what accusation threatens most deeply. Bharata does not fear only loss of reputation or throne. To be counted an enemy of Ram would mean severance from the sacred feet toward which his whole being moves. He would rather accept every dark fate than preserve himself through a false claim of devotion.
Bharata offers even his spiritual destiny as proof that his heart never turned from the feet of Hari and Hara.
Read the passage from the Manas
जे परिहरि हरि हर चरन भजहिं भूतगन घोर। तेहि कइ गति मोहि देउ बिधि जौं जननी मत मोर।।167।।
Those who abandon the feet of Hari and Hara and worship terrible spirits instead; may the Creator grant me their fate, if this be my mother's will.