Bharata, determined to bring Sri Rama back to Ayodhya and install him as the rightful king, embarked on a journey through the forest in search of his beloved brother. During his quest, he arrived at the ashram of Rishi Bharadwaja. The sage, wise and perceptive, decided to test Bharata's devotion to Rama to see if his intentions were genuine.
Upon Bharata's arrival, Rishi Bharadwaj welcomed him and
his entourage, inviting them to enter the ashram. However, Bharata hesitated,
expressing concern that there was not enough room for everyone. Sensing an
opportunity to examine Bharata’s sincerity, the sage instructed him to wait.
Rishi Bharadwaja then performed a sacred ritual before the
sacrificial fire, making offerings and invoking the celestial architect,
Vishwakarma. He requested Vishwakarma to create a magnificent palace akin to
Indra’s heavenly abode. Instantly, a golden palace with resplendent golden
rooms materialized. In the palace grounds, a lake bloomed with lotuses, and
within the golden rooms, luxurious golden cots awaited. Apsaras, celestial
nymphs, sang melodious songs, filling the air with enchanting music. The rooms
were fragrant with the scent of musk, and rivers of exquisite drinks and
mountains of delectable food appeared. Kubera, the god of wealth, provided
golden utensils, adding to the opulence. All of this manifested in the blink of
an eye.
When Bharata and his followers entered the palace, they were
mesmerized by its splendor and were invited to indulge in its luxuries. The
gods, observing from the heavens, were curious about the outcome. They knew
that if Bharata succeeded in convincing Rama to return, it would disrupt the
divine plan that necessitated Ravana’s defeat. Consequently, they cast an
enchantment over Bharata's followers, causing them to forget their mission and
succumb to the palace's allure. They reveled in the comforts and pleasures,
content to stay indefinitely.
However, Bharata remained steadfast, his thoughts
continually focused on Rama. Despite the temptations around him, his mind did
not waver from his purpose. After spending the night in the palace, Bharata
approached Rishi Bharadwaja the following morning, seeking guidance on Rama's
whereabouts.
Impressed by Bharata’s unwavering devotion, the sage offered
him a boon. Bharata’s only wish was to see Rama. Acknowledging his pure
intentions, Rishi Bharadwaja revealed that Bharata would indeed meet Rama, but
warned that Rama would not return to Ayodhya with him at that time. He then
directed Bharata to Chitrakoot, where Rama was residing.
Bharata, filled with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose, set out towards Chitrakoot, his heart steadfast in its devotion and his resolve unshaken. This journey not only brought him closer to his brother but also demonstrated the depth of his loyalty and love for Rama.
This story is not part of Valmiki Ramayan but found in the Krittibasi Ramayana from Bengal.