A kingdom is unsafe in the absence of a king who protects the kingdom and its subjects and carries out administrative duties. Thus Sage Vasishtha called a council of ministers to decide what was to be the next course of action. Bharata was also present there. Some of them wanted that Rama should be called back and crowned king as the late king had himself announced in the assembly. The others said that the late king had given his word to Kaikeyi. That had to be upheld. So, the assembly decided that Bharata be crowned king.
With both palms joined in reverence Bharata said, “Rama alone is entitled to the crown. Even father desired so. I will not accept the crown. This is my final decision.” Hearing the words of Bharata the assembly fell silent. When Bharata was asked to give them his decision, he observed. “Let us all go to the forest and ask Rama to return to Ayodhya. He alone should be crowned king.”
The assembled people were deeply touched hearing Bharata’s words. They all agreed to what Bharata said. The next morning, Bharata and Shatrughna, with the three queens, council of ministers, Sage Vasishtha and Sumantra, headed towards the forest. A huge crowd of citizens also followed them.
Meanwhile, Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana reached Chitrakoot and started living there by making a hut. After getting the information, Bharata accompanied by all went towards Chitrakoot. He also took chieftain Guha along with him.
Soon, they reached Sage Bharadwaj’s ashrama. Ahead of it was the dense forest. After taking some rest, they resumed their journey.
When Lakshmana spotted the huge army, he grew angry and thought that Bharata was coming to attack them. He alerted Rama and Seeta. Rama, however, was confident that he knew Bharata and his noble heart. In a few moments, Bharata and Shatrughna reached there.
Looking around Bharata saw Rama seated beside Seeta on a boulder. Bharata ran forward, and overwhelmed with love, he fell at his brother’s feet. Rama lifted him and embraced him. Shatrughna also bowed down to Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana. Sage Vasishtha and Sumantra also came there. Rama bowed to Sage Vasishtha.
Rama asked Bharata about father. Hesitantly, Bharata told him that their dear father Dasharatha was no more. Rama was terribly shaken and depressed.
Rama poured out libations (Tarpan) in river Mandakini for the peace of his father’s soul. Then Sage Vasishtha led him to the three queens. Rama met the three mothers with great affection. Kaikeyi wept to see her sons and Janaka’s daughter living in such a miserable condition in the hut.
The next day, Bharata with his both palms joined in reverence told Rama that they had all come to crown him king. But Rama was firm about upholding his father’s promise. He asked his brothers to help him fulfil that promise. He observed, “Now our father is no more; I have to keep his word.” Everyone tried to persuade Rama, but he politely declined. Finally, Bharata agreed if Rama would give him his wooden sandals. Rama agreed to Bharata’s kind proposal. Carrying the sandals on his head, Bharata stated, “These wooden sandals shall rule over Ayodhya till you return. I am a mere representative of them.” He built a hut in Nandigrama, where he lived an ascetic life for fourteen years, ruling on behalf of Rama. This decision of Bharata endeared him to the subjects all the more.
While returning Bharata said. “O Brother! If you fail to return even after fourteen years, I will give up my body.” The subjects of Ayodhya felt gladdened to see the love of the two brothers.
Thereafter, all returned to Ayodhya. After installing Rama’s wooden sandals on the throne, Bharata carried out his stately duties as a mere representative of Rama.
