Bharata
- (May.
04th2001)
The reader that knows not Bharata misses more than half the
beauty of the Ramayana, and knows not one of the most touching
characters…
A
serious omission -
(May.
05th2001)
The coronation of Sri Rama was arranged in a hurry, without even
informing Bharata, who was not in Ayodhya then…
A
hunch-back and a crooked mind
- (May.
06th2001)
Even loving hearts turn hostile sometimes. Just a drop of poison
for a pot of milk…
The
emperor is dead. Long live the emperor
- (May.
07th2001)
Bharata was confused and pained. He understood that something
untoward had happened. He entered the palace and started looking
for his father…
When
motherliness dries up…
- (May.
08th2001)
Sometimes it is rather cruel to remain calm in the face of
grief. This is one such instance. On reflection, one would
realise that Kaikeyi was not calm…
Not
a mother…but a witch
- (May.
09th2001)
Bharata is torn asunder by what has befallen him. He sure is a
peculiar brother. He is not prepared to take the crown and shuns
it.
Sugriva,
Vibishana and Bharata
- (May.
10th2001)
Not only does Rama cheerfully give the kingdom up in favour of
Bharata but Bharata in his turn shows the same self-denial…
Bharata
and Kausalya
- (May.
11th2001)
'Child it looks like you were not aware of what Kaikeyi did,'
Kausalya asked. The question is half-genuine and
half-sarcastic...
Bharata
and Kausalya II
- (May.
12th2001)
What is most painful in life is being accused of bad intentions
when we are genuinely innocent. Having to prove our innocence…
Recall
Rama
- (May.
13th2001)
Bharata was quite different. When he differed from Sri Rama, he
would say, "Please, my brother, allow me to put in a
word".
Determined
and steadfast
- (May.
14th2001)
Now for a young fellow like Bharata to censure Vasishtha in the
midst of an assembly takes a deal of courage, a deal of
self-confidence.
The
meeting with Guha
- (May.
15th2001)
The simpleton could not think of being accepted as a brother of
Rama, even if it was the very same Lord that told him so.
Touching
the feet of Guha
- (May.
16th2001)
Then there comes a verse, which says that Guha paid his respect
to Bharata and Bharata fell at the feet of Guha.
'The
Emperor' and 'my father'
- (May.
17th2001)
Bharata refers to Dasaratha as 'my father' in the presence of
Guha, while he had always referred to him as 'the Emperor' in
earlier instances.
'The
Emperor' and 'my father' II
- (May.
18th2001)
The situation is peculiar here. Bharata got the kingdom and
because of the same act, he lost the rights of a son, for no
fault of his.
'The
King' and 'my brother' - 'mannan ' and 'annan'
- (May.
19th2001)
Do not think that I have taken the crown from my brother. I do
not consider myself the king. As far as I am concerned it is Sri
Rama who is the King.
Of
affection and defection(May.
20th2001)
Bharata was praising the way Lakshmana was serving Rama. But
Lakshmana was not ready to trust Bharata. That is the irony of
life.
Love
is not blind; it has a different eye!(May.
21st2001)
In his profound love for Rama, Lakshmana considered that he
could not afford a moment's delay. He should be ready for any
contingency
Not
all brothers are like Bharata(May.
22rd2001)
Rama smiled for a while. He then told Lakshmana, 'My child, is
it possible to expect all brothers to be like Bharata?'
Property
of Impropriety (May.
23rd2001)
'The kingdom was not given to me in accordance with Dharma. As
the eldest son, it is yours. It is you, who should adorn the
throne.
Property
of Impropriety II (May.
24th2001)
Our two epics show us the ways of the world. One presents an
ideal situation and the other presents the crude reality that
surrounds us.
It
is your kingdom in all wisdom(May.
25th2001)
'The kingdom was given to you by our parents. It is proper for
you to assume power and rule. Not only that. It is your duty to
do so.'
Faith
will move mountains(May.
26th2001)
Now we see Sri Rama changing his earlier stance. He is relenting
a little.
Take
your crown, now!
(May. 27th2001)
That Rama could be changed from his original stand was itself a
success for Bharata.
Let
me be the deputy of your sandals.
(May. 28th2001)
'Give me your sandals my brother. Let me carry them with me.'
Rama had to oblige.
Let
me be the deputy of your sandals…II
(May. 29th2001)
Bharata - in the strictest sense of Dharma - cannot be bigger
than his boss, whose authority he has accepted through the
insignia of his sandals.
Trusteeship
and transparent administration
(May. 30th2001)
The Ramayana speaks about transparent administration and clearly
states what it means by the acts of Bharata…
End
of fourteen years
(May. 31st2001)
Rama was delayed at Bharadwaja's ashram when returning, as the
sage wanted Sri Rama to accept the feast that he offered to
him…
The
power of Power
(Jun. 1st2001)
Rama wanted to be very sure that Bharata was still the same old
Bharata. If he was not, Rama did not want the kingdom for him…
The
acid test…
(Jun. 2nd2001)
'May it be that Rama returns or stays in the forest. I am going
ahead with the fulfilment of my vow of giving up my life in
fire,' Bharata decided…
A
mother in agony
(Jun. 3rd2001)
'I tell you my child even numberless millions of Rama would not
equal your grace. It is your duty now to protect this world,'
said Kausalya to Bharata…
The
happy reunion
(Jun. 4th2001)
Bharata is an example of what men of wisdom, patience and
justice would do in times of test and stress…
In the following pages we present a study of various major and minor characters of the Ramayana as told by Valmiki and Kamban. This study attempts to go into the character sketch, analyse the different ways in which the two poets have constructed their drama with liberal direct quotations and interpretations. These pages are sure to delight the heart of the devotee as well as the litterateur. Click on a link below to access all the articles under each character. Happy reading!
Ramayana – a character study
By
Hari Krishnan
Epics Generalia
The epics and their
relevance - (Feb. 23rd 2001)
You must read the story as a human story, lived among human beings, by a human being, and, then, Oh, what rich treasures there are of wisdom in it!
