A Dead Father and an Exiled Ram Stand before the Throne
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 177
Doha 177 · Movement 2 of 2
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Bharata reduces the assembly's proposal to its unbearable image. Dasharatha has gone to heaven, while Sita and Ram live in the forest.
In that very hour, his elders ask him to rule. The crown would be placed between a dead father and an exiled brother, as though their absence created opportunity.
He asks them to judge whether this is truly for his welfare or whether some larger need of their own drives the counsel. The question is not disrespect. It forces public necessity to look directly at the personal wound it is asking Bharata to wear as royal duty.
Bharata points from Dasharatha's empty place to Ram's forest road and asks how a throne between them can be called his good.
Read the passage from the Manas
पितु सुरपुर सिय रामु बन करन कहहु मोहि राजु। एहि तें जानहु मोर हित कै आपन बड़ काजु।।177।।
Father has gone to Surapura, Sita and Rama are in the forest, yet you tell me to rule the kingdom! From this, judge whether you truly seek my welfare or have some great purpose of your own.