जय श्रीराम!
चित्रकूटवनस्थं च कथितस्वर्गतिर्गुरोः ।
लक्ष्म्या निमन्त्रयाञ्चक्रे तमनुच्छिष्टसम्पदा ॥१२.१५॥
Notes: Bharata saw Śrīrāma, Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa in their hermitage in Citrakūṭa, a small hillock in the forest. He rushed to Śrīrāma and fell at his feet. There were copious tears shed all around, everyone overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation. Lakṣmaṇa's misgivings about Bharata's intentions upon seeing the large army following him were put to rest immediately.
Śrīrāma asked softly, 'How are you, dear Bharata?" These words opened a flood of emotions in Bharata and he blurted out that their dear father, Emperor Daśaratha, had breathed his last. The pathos of the situation was unbearable.
Bharata again fell at Śrīrāma's feet and swore that he had no part in Kaikeyī's macabre plan that had caused this series of catastrophic events. He said, "Brother, I have not touched the throne. This glorious kingdom is unsullied by me or anyone else. I offer you the Rajyalakṣmī, the rulership of Ayodhyā. Please accept it without any demur or delay. The kingdom awaits you with bated breath."
Trust Kālidāsa to state the most important sentiments in any situation. It was not that Bharata had sat on the throne, and had been coerced by events or advisors to bring back Śrīrāma by popular demand. It was not a second thought on his part about giving the throne to his elder and more deserving brother, despite the adamant intentions of Kaikeyī. He was simply acting according to his Dharmic nature and sense of right and wrong. He was trying to save the sinking ship.
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जय श्रीराम!
