Raam Bhakt le chala re Raam ki Nishaani

The arrival of his highness, the Lord of Videh, King Janak was great fortune for the diminishing sun of Awadh. Janak was not only the lord of the great Mithila kingdom but also regarded as saint and an ascetic personality among the intellectuals of that time. All hopes were on King Janak, that he would find a way out of this debate that who will hold the throne of Ayodhya.

When Maharaj Janak, listened to the arguments of both brothers, he was amazed to see the immense Love and selfless devotion of Bharat towards his elder brother Ram. At the same time, Ram's leaving to Forest and abduction of Ayodhya was dutiful behaviour and his responsibility towards his ancestors. Janak was bemused and seek the help of his lord Ashutosh.

After a long silence Janak spoke. "Bharat's love won over Ram's duty", Janak said. Bharat's devotion could not be left unrewarded. He can take Ram, back to palace. Listening to this, all Awadhwaasi got filled with joy. Their ray of hope widened. Mothers cant believe their ears. Bharat feels like all the holy deeds of his past lives fruited at this very moment.

Janak said further, Bharat can have Ram, as his devotion is selfless, he is the first Bhakt and Servant of Prabhu Ram. But what does a servant serves for ? Can a Bhakt or Devotee ask for the payment of his service. A true devotee, what does he ask for. What does he wants for his service. Nothing. He wishes for nothing. His service is selfless. He forgets his mere existence. There is nothing but Ram. Only selfless devotion can win Ram. Then why Bharat is asking for Ram to return. Why does he wants Ram near to him. Do he doubt the existence of Ram in his heart ? If he is in the first service of Lord, he must be in full devotion, no demands, no self at all.

Janak words opened the eyes of Bharat. He felt that he was demanding Ram for him, for his benefit, for his comfort. And this mere demanding for self was obstacle for him to reach Prabhu Ram.

Bharat stood and moved to Ram's feet, bow down and said to Lord, " I was asking for me, which is not a devotee's prerogative. O lord, just tell me what you wish, I am a servant of yours, I just know what you commands, nothing else".

Ram was filled up to the neck with Bharat's devotion. He accepted Bharat's request to accept the Kingdom and made the Awadhvaasi happy. But to keep father's word true, he said Bharat to look after the kingdom on his behalf until he returns after 14 years in Vanwaas.

शीश पे खडाऊ और आंखों में पानी ... राम भक्त ले चला रे राम की निशानी ...




Bharat placed Ram's footwear on the throne of Ayodhya and served as Ram's servant and looked care for all the state affairs of the kingdom, for fourteen years.

Jai Shri Raam

When wisdom failed at the holy bank of Mandakini

The wiser among the wisest saints of that age, Maharshi Vashisht was in dilemma today, not able to find path for him. His all knowledge and wisdom seems lost in front of Bharat's enourmous love and devotion. Even the all omniscient, Lord Shri Ram, were left with no words to convince Bharat.

Bharat had made all the preparations for coronation of Shri Ram as the King of Ayodhya. He was not ready to accept the kingdom offered to him by his father and former King of Ayodhya and decided to give his life in case Ram declined his request to return Ayodhya. Mothers of the princes were witnessing this strange discussion along with all the natives of Awadh.

History have recorded many battles and disputes among brothers, who fought for each other's wealth and land. But this one was incredibly different and only one of it's kind. Both the brothers are giving their arguments over why Other should own the kingdom.

Ram says, "Bharat must keep the King's word, who had given Vanwas to one of his son and Crown to other. He should not do anything to defame his father's soul and mitigate the image of Raghukul. "

Bharat on the other hand argues that if Shri Ram is living in Forest in all such adverse situations, then how can his servant and devotee accept the pleasures of a palace. If Shri Ram, is honoured with words like KarunaNidhan and KripaSindhu, then He must show some mercy on his devotee and should not leave him alone for 14 years."

Maharshi Vashisht was speechless, Bharat's devotion and love towards his brother was drowning everyone's knowledge. The debate was between Duty and Love, the judgement was awaited and judges were appearing lost.

To be contd ..