Bharata, the noble brother of Rama.

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Mandara and Kaikeyi miscalculated the response of Bharata. He was furious to hear his mother seeking boon from King Dasaratha. He never desired for the Crown. All the four brothers were in fact, one in soul. They never differentiated based on physical barriers. Bharatha has only one aim. He wanted his brother to resume the throne. So he alongwith the followers started to the forest. Lakshmana was guarding Rama and Sita from harm. From the distance, he could notice that a huge retinue of people are approaching the place where Rama was camping. He could identify Baratha who leads. He too miscalculated the motive of Bharatha. He sought permission from Rama to meet the army of people following Bharatha. He thought that Baratha wanted to finish all even after ascending the Throne of Ayodhya. Rama pecified him saying, "Lakshmana! you have misjudged the noble Bharatha. He comes to beg me to ascend the throne and not with any evil intentions as you imagine. Meanwhile Bharatha approached Rama with tearful eyes . He laid himself at the feet of Rama sobbing. None could stand the pitiable sight. Rama lifted him and embraced him. With tears flowing, Bharata narrated the passing away of King Dasaratha. Rama, Lakshmana and Sita started lamenting over the cruel fate which snatched the King from their midst. Lakshmana felt sorry at the bad feelings he had. All performed the rituals for the departed soul. Baratha begged Rama to return to the Kingdom. Ayodhya is without a King to lead. Kindly resume the throne. He was wailing and pleading. Rama pecified him and saying that the Kings commands should be followed in true spirit. He said, You ascend the throne as per the command of father. No. Said Bharatha. He said it is not right for him to accept the throne when Rama is the legitimate king. Finally after much coersion Rama gave his own sandals(padukas) for coronating. He said, "Be my representative. You administer the kingdom in my absent. I will comeback after 14 years and resume the throne. But Baratha felt guilty for his mother's behaviour. Hence he stayed in "Nandigram" and enthroned "Rama's Divine Padukas" and administered the kingdom on behalf of Rama while staying in Nandigram. On the penultimate day of return of Rama, Baratha kept the Agni burning to descend on fire if Rama doesn't return. But Hanuman was sent as emissary to prevent such mishap. He conveyed Bharatha that Shri Rama and mother Sita are coming in the Pushpaka Vimana and he should desist from entering the fire. Thus Bharata was saved. Rama returned in due course and embraced Bharatha. Hence none can gauge the deep affection and devotion of the brothers to Rama. Ramayana Parayana is a sacred ritual. It is all the more sacred that it is recited in front of "SAI RAMA'. Those who witness the Yagna are really very fortunate. May Bagawan bless one and all. Sairam.