The mourning period was of fourteen days. Then the ministers met in the assembly hall with all the sages and learned men of the kingdom to decide what was to be the next action. The late King had given his word to Kaikeyi. That had to be upheld. So, the assembly decided that Bharata be crowned King. Bharata heard them out. Then with both palms joined in reverence he said, “I will not accept the crown. This is my final decision. Let us all go to the forest and ask Sri Rama to return to Ayodhya. He should be crowned King.” The assembled people were deeply touched hearing Bharata’s words and more happy to realise that they had not been mistaken in his character, as a devoted son and brother. Bharata and Shatrughna, with the three queens and Sage Vasishtha, were led into the forest by Sumantra. A huge crowd of citizens and an army of soldiers followed.
Bharata’s Decision
