In the Ramayana, Bharata, or Bharat, is the younger brother
of Sri Ram and Son of Dasaratha. He symbolizes nobility, selflessness and
devotion. When his mother, Kaikeyi, wanted him to be the king of Ayodhya
instead of Sri Ram; he refused and rebuked his mother.
Bharata performed the last rites of his father who had died
of shock at Sri Ram’s departure to the forest.
He declined to wear the crown and decided to go to the
forest and bring back Sri Ram. When he reached the forest, Sri Ram declined to
return and asked Bharata to rule Ayodhya in his place.
Bharata accepted Sri Ram’s advice. He placed Sri Ram’s
sandals on the throne and ruled on behalf of Sri Ram. He built a thatched hut
for himself away from the city and lived and austere life similar to that of
Sri Rama’s in the forest.
Bharata is eulogized in almost all literary works based on
the Ramayana. He symbolizes nobility, selflessness and devotion.
He married Mandavi, cousin sister of Mata Sita.