Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana, Part B

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In Ramayana by Public Domain Editions, I am focusing on Bharata, one of the sons of King Dasharatha. Bharata was appointed as the new king. Rama was actually appointed first to be king by King Dasharatha and his counsel. However, due to a boon that King Dasharatha owed Kaikeyi, Bharata's mother, Bharata became the Yuvarajah, the crown prince. Not only did Kaikeyi take away, Rama's right to rule, but she also wanted King Dasharath to banish Rama for fourteen years in the jungle. King Dasharatha was reluctant, but he kept his word. 

 What interested me about Bharata was his nobleness. When King Dasharatha died, Bharata wept. However, Kaikeyi told him to stop because it was a sign of weakness. You can tell how much Bharata looks up to Rama, because when Shatrughna tried to slay Manthara, he stopped him because he knew Rama would not forgive him. Bharata said he would have slain his mother otherwise. The grief from Rama's banishment caused King Dasharatha death. The thing that is so noble about Bharata is that he felt that Rama deserved the throne and wanted to give it to Rama. The status of being is exalted, and being able to give up that status is selfless. Bharata tries to gift Rama with golden sandals, but Rama refuses them. Rama wants to be a humble hermit who roams the jungle. Therefore, Bharata places the sandals on the throne to save the throne for Rama's return.If I were to retell this story, I would keep Bharata's character the same because of how great of a person he is. He could have easily just have been the new king without remorse from taking it from Rama. I do not know if he did it to atone for his mother's sin or if he was just trying to be a good person.
(Picture of Bharata Gifting Rama Golden Sandals PDE Ramayana)

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