Bharata Performs Dasharatha's Last Rites

"Dear son, your father enjoyed his life and lacked nothing," Kaikeyi answered diplomatically. "He earned a great name and fame and lived a holy life. All his wishes had come true, and he had nothing more to acquire. He now resides in Svarga and ranks among the gods."

What Kaikeyi said was not enough to satisfy Bharata. Her words were unbearable to him. Out of intense grief, he fell to the ground and started crying bitterly, like an orphaned child. "Mother, where is Brother Rama? Now, he is both my father and mentor. I must go and take refuge at his feet," said Bharata anxiously. 

In the beginning, Kaikeyi tried to change the subject, but when Bharata repeatedly asked about Rama, she had no choice but to tell him the truth. She described how she had asked for two boons from King Dasharatha: Rama, Lakshmana, Sita's exile, and Ayodhya's throne for Bharata. After learning the actual reason behind Ayodhya's sorrow, he was filled with grief and anger. 

"Selfishness and greed have blinded you, the killer of your husband," Bharata spoke indignantly. "I no longer have a relationship with you."

Shatrughna overheard everything and was distraught. He saw the wicked Manthara wearing nice clothes. Just seeing Manthara was enough to flare up his anger. He couldn't control himself and pushed Manthara with so much force that her hunched back and head broke. Bharata, despite being engulfed in grief, maintained composure as he had to fulfill his duty of administering his father's last rites. Maharshis Vashishtha and Vamadeva consoled Bharata during this difficult time. 

"Son Bharata, take courage," they said. "Now you have to administer the last rites of your great father." 

Bharata followed the commands of the learned sages and bathed his father's body according to Vedic tradition. A grand pyre was prepared, and Bharata prevented his mothers from committing sati so that they could embrace Rama upon his return from exile. A sandalwood pyre was constructed on the Sarayu riverbank, and Dasharatha's body was set alight amid Vedic chants and hymns. After the cremation, everyone bathed in the Sarayu's water as a tribute to the departed soul. Bharata then made substantial donations to the sages and the poor. Upon receiving the donations, the Brahmins and sages departed content, praying for the departed soul to rest in peace.