Bharat

Also known as: Good Bharat · Family: Ayodhyá · Role: prince · First appears: Book I, Canto 1 · Nárad

In Nárad’s summary of the poem, Bharat refuses the throne and goes to meet Ráma, asking him to return and rule. When Ráma keeps to their father’s decree and gives Bharat his sandals as a pledge, Bharat governs from Nandigráma while awaiting his brother’s return. Book I, Canto 19 tells of Bharat’s birth to Kaikeyí; in Book I, Canto 73, he marries Mándavi. He later departs with Śatrughna for Kekaya, where Aśvapati welcomes him.

In Book II, Bharat returns to learn that Daśaratha has died and that Kaikeyí secured Ráma’s exile and the throne for him. He rejects her actions and the crown, declaring, “Ráma is eldest born, and he The ruler of the land shall be.” He performs Daśaratha’s funeral rites, then sets out with an army to bring Ráma home. At the Gangá, Guha offers him lodging; Bharat assures him, “He is my eldest brother, he Is like a father dear to me.”

When Ráma refuses to end his exile, Bharat accepts his sandals and entrusts the affairs of state to them. He returns to Nandigráma, places the sandals on the royal seat, and governs in his brother’s name, living in hermit’s dress with scanty fare. In Book VI, Hanumán brings word that Ráma is returning; Bharat welcomes Sugríva as a fifth brother, then returns the sandals and the kingdom to Ráma.