Bharata'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 Dasharatha's death, a state council was convened. Everyone voted for Bharata to accept the throne, but Bharata declined the proposal. "It is my final decision that I will not accept the throne," said Bharata, addressing the committee. "We should all go to the forest and coax Brother Rama to return as he is the true heir to Ayodhya's throne."

All the ministers in the meeting supported Bharata's suggestion. Bharata was eager to bring Rama back from the forest. Along with him, Shatrughna, sages, the three Queen 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 Bharata's team reached the forest, Lakshmana heard an uproar. He climbed up a tall tree and tried to figure out the matter. Seeing Bharata and a large army approaching their cottage, Lakshmana grew suspicious. Rama assured Lakshmana that Bharata was only trying to get them to return to Ayodhya. Nevertheless, Lakshmana prepared for battle without knowing why Bharata was coming there.

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

Maharshi Vashishtha, Rama, and Lakshmana went to the Mandakini riverbank to offer water libations for the peace of King Dasharatha's soul. Vashishtha and the three Queens went to the cottage where the four princes were seated. Rama went toward Vashishtha, touched his feet, and took his blessings. Kaushalya hugged Sita. She was upset that Sita was enduring so much mental and physical hardship in the forest. 

"Oh, lotus-faced one, you have withered," said Kaushalya to Sita. "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?" 

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