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Continued from yesterday's instalment
 With Bharata and Rama not moving an inch from their resolve, the poet had no alternative but to call for celestial help. All the celestials (Devas) gathered in the skies, he says. 'If Bharata persists any more and succeeds in his efforts, it would defeat our purpose. That would set the entire purpose of Rama's incarnation at nought. Therefore it is high time that we made our voice heard,' they thought.
'It is your duty Bharata to rule the empire during all the fourteen years that Rama has undertaken to pass in exile, in accordance with the will of his father,' sounded their incorporeal words, thus giving Rama an opportunity to stay firmer in his position. And just listen to his words to Bharata.
'vaanavar uraiththalum marukkar paaladhu andru.' One should not disobey the words of Devas. 'yaan unai irandhanen' I beg of you Bharata. 'en aanayaal aanadhu or amaidhiyin aliththi paar.' Rule this world with my authority. Let peace prevail under your leadership. So saying, Rama took hold of the hands of Bharata as if to beseech. The reader would observe that Rama says 'en aanayaal' once again. But it cannot be interpreted to mean 'my order' any more, as he had to use the word 'irandhanen,' I beg of you, to Bharata. What he now means by the word 'order' is, rule the world with my authority.
Bharata had to relent for he had no other go. He did not have anything else to do but to listen to Rama now. 'If that be so,' said Bharata 'you should return after the period of fourteen years. You should accept the crown of Ayodhya. You should be the ruler. If that doesn't happen, I will light a huge fire and burn myself in it. This is an oath that I make on you.' After uttering these words Bharata appeared calm, 'thunbu ilan', says the poet. Rama saw his firm resolve and melted was he at heart, seeing the unselfish devotion that Bharata had and agreed to his condition.
Rama accepted to reduce the term of Bharata's kingship to fourteen years and to return to rule Ayodhya. He had also said a little while ago, 'rule the world with my authority. Therefore, Bharata asked for a favour from Rama, which to this day is celebrated by one and all. There is no devotee of Rama who has not shed tears over this act. 'Give me your sandals my brother. Let me carry them with me.' Rama had to oblige.
Bharata carried the sandals over his head. This is how Sri VVS Aiyar writes on the incident. "Bharata with many a sob requested Rama to give him his Padukas
- the wooden shoes that he wore - as he would rule the land in the name of these sacred shoes only as the symbol of Rama's personal authority; and Rama gave them - those shoes that give temporal as well as spiritual salvation to those worship them in faith and love. And placing them upon his head and shedding tears profusely at the thought of separation from Rama, Bharata at length took his leave with all his host and returned home. But he would not enter Ayodhya, for, was not Rama an exile therefrom? He therefore stopped at Nandigram, placed the Padukas on the throne and conducted the affairs of the state as their vice-regent, himself living the life of an anchorite!"
And how he spent those fourteen years!
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Hari Krishnan
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