Bharat's Quest: A Journey to Chitrakoot

In the Vedic tradition, the mourning period for an individual's death is thirteen to fourteen days. During this time, no celebrations are allowed. Fourteen days after King Dasharath's death, a state council was convened. Everyone voted for Bharat to accept the throne, but Bharat declined the proposal. "It is my final decision that I will not accept the throne," said Bharat, addressing the committee. "We should all go to the forest and coax Brother Ram to return as he is the true heir to Ayodhya's throne."

All the ministers in the meeting supported Bharat's suggestion. Bharat was eager to bring Ram back from the forest. Along with him, Shatrughna, rishis, the three mothers, and a vast army (for protection from wild animals) proceeded toward Chitrakoot. As the large group of people left for the forest, dust clouds appeared in the sky. The creatures of the forest started running hither and thither out of fear. When Bharat's team reached the forest, Lakshman heard an uproar. He climbed up a tall tree and tried to figure out the matter. Seeing Bharat and a large army approaching their cottage, Lakshman grew suspicious. Ram assured Lakshman that Bharat was only trying to get them to return to Ayodhya. Nevertheless, Lakshman prepared for battle without knowing why Bharat was coming there.

Bharat left his army at some distance and approached Ram's cottage with Shatrughna, Guru Vashishth, and Prime Minister Sumantra. He saw Ram standing with matted hair alongside Seeta and Lakshman. Filled with brotherly love, Bharat ran toward Ram, fell at his feet, and started sobbing. Ram lifted Bharat, embraced him, and hugged him tightly. "Father is no longer in this world," said Bharat after summoning courage. "He could not bear to be separated from you. Before taking his final breath, he kept saying your name." When Ram heard about his father's death, he was heartbroken. Bharat, Lakshman, and Seeta tried to console him.

Maharshi Vashishth, Ram, and Lakshman went to the Mandakini riverbank to offer water libations for the peace of King Dasharath's soul. Maharshi Vashishth and the three queens went to the cottage where the four princes were seated. Ram went toward Rishi Vashishth, touched his feet, and took his blessings. Kaushalya hugged Seeta. She was upset that Seeta was enduring so much mental and physical hardship in the forest. 

"Oh, lotus-faced one, you have withered," said Kaushalya to Seeta. "Your golden aura has become somber. Seeing your pitiful situation, my mind is troubled. How will a beautiful young princess like you live in this forest?" 

Ram addressed Bharat and said, "Dear Bharat, nothing is greater than duty. Why are you not fulfilling your royal duty? And why is your hair matted?" The ministers, rishis, mothers, and princes who had come to take Ram back gathered outside the cottage.