Life is full of challenges, known and unknown, but what makes one a winner is the one who stands and faces them with faith in Almighty and belief in self. Ramayan is full of such personalities who faced great challenges with conviction and faith. It was not only Shri Ram who withstood the trials of difficulties for Dharma, but his brothers too, especially Bharat who underwent a great deal of sorrow for no fault of his, but overcame all with devotion in Shri Ram.
Unexpected separation from Shri Ram – The first adversity Bharat faced was the unknown happenings in his absence in Ayodhya. While he was away at his uncle’s place, Manthara‘s evil thoughts influence Queen Kaikeyi and she in turn forces Maharaj Dasarath to send Shri Ram to the exile in the name of Dharma. Had Bharat being in Ayodhya, Ramayan would have a different story. Bharat faces great shock of losing his father, being separated from his brother and getting the inheritance of a kingdom which he never wanted. But, Bharat gives preference to Dharma although it was going against his own mother. Bharat teaches Kaikeyi that family bonds are greater than riches and power.
Blasphemy of people – Bharat faced the blasphemy of the people of Ayodhya for the mistake he never committed. When he returns back to Ayodhya, the people of Ayodhya accuse him of being a part of Kaikeyi’s evil plot and do not trust him. Bharat faces this with a bold heart and does what is right for Dharma. With Bharat’s decision to get Shri Ram back to Ayodhya and more importantly his pure devotion for Shri Ram, the people of Ayodhya get convinced of his righteousness and selflessness.
Understanding Shri Ram’ s Dharma – Accepting to come back without Shri Ram was the greatest difficulty of Bharat. While Shri Ram maintains that Bharat becomes king, Bharat tries his best to convince Shri Ram to come back to Ayodhya. Bharat also mentions that he switch places with Shri Ram to fulfil their father’s wish. However, with Shri Ram’s loving advice, Bharat understands the true nature of Dharma which lies in upholding it in spite of all difficulties. He stands united with Shri Ram for the same although he knew that he would be separated from his brother for fourteen years and life would be very difficult for him.
Self- imposed hermit life – Letting Shri Ram fulfil the promise of being in exile did not mean that Bharat enjoyed the status of a king although Shri Ram insisted upon. As the true epitome of sacrifice, Bharat instead opts for a life as similar to Shri Ram and becomes a hermit renouncing all the comforts of a palace. But he does not let away his responsibilities and takes up the rule of Ayodhya as a representative of Shri Ram staying at Nandigram placing Shri Ram’s padukas on the throne and his heart.
Destiny was tough to Bharat, but he accepted it and overcame all the challenges through the strength of his devotion of Shri Ram. All his life, he was steadfast in his devotion and that made him an inspiration for many who dare to face challenges with faith and the dearest to Shri Ram.