Ram Bharat Milaap: Story of selfless love and sacrifice for family

Story

Shashi and Ravi were two brothers who behaved opposite each other. Ravi was older than Shashi, but they would always fight and argue over everything. They would often fight while playing out in the park, at the dinner table, studying, and even at bedtime.  

One day, their grandmother visited them. On seeing their behaviour, she called both of them into her room during bedtime. She asked them, “Do you know who is Bhagwan Rama?”

Shashi quickly said yes, “He is our Bhagwan whom we pray to. He was the prince of Ayodhya and he defeated Ravana in a battle to free his wife Sita from him.”

Grandmother said, “You are right, but do you know he is worshipped for his dharma (duty), righteousness, devotion, truthfulness, and obedience.”

She asked, ”Do you know who is Bharat?”

This time it was Ravi who answered. He said, “Yes. Bharat was Bhagwan Rama’s younger brother.”

Grandmother said, “Ravi, that is not all. He was not only Ram Ji’s brother but a devotee of him. His love and duty for his elder brother cannot be explained in words. Let me tell you their story.”

King Dashratha, (father of Bhagwan Rama, Laxmana, and Bharat) had given two boons to Kaikeyi (the youngest wife of Dashratha). Kaikeyi used these boons when Dashratha was going to announce Bhagwan Rama (the eldest son) as his successor to the throne. Kaikeyi wished for Bharat (her son) to be the successor of the throne instead of Rama and also wished that Rama was sent to exile for fourteen years. Dashratha unwillingly had to grant these wishes to Kaikeyi as he had made a promise.

Bhagwan Rama as an obedient son followed his father’s order and went away from Ayodhya to live in the forests. Laxmana and Devi Sita also accompanied him. Bharat, who was in a different city at the time of the exile, was unaware of all this. When he returned to Ayodhya and learned about what had happened, he was very upset. Bharat refused to sit on the throne, feeling that his brother Rama was the rightful king.

Filled with remorse and guilt, Bharat travelled to the forest to meet Rama Ji so that he could persuade Shri Rama to return to Ayodhya and take his rightful place as the king.

When Bharat met Shri Rama in the forest, he fell at Shri Rama’s feet, and the two brothers embraced, filled with love and respect for each other. Bharat pleaded with Bhagwan Rama to return to Ayodhya, but Rama Ji refused. He insisted on fulfilling the vow of exile as per their father's command. This entire episode is referred to as Rama- Bharat Milaap as it was very emotional for both the brothers. Both the brothers had immense love, respect, admiration, and regard for each other.

While going back, Bharat took Shri Rama’s sandals (Paduka) as a symbol of Bhagwan himself. He placed them on the throne of Ayodhya, ruling the kingdom in Rama’s name as a caretaker until his return.

Grandmother smiled and said, “Now children, what do you learn from this story?”

Ravi and Shashi looked at each other ashamed of themselves. They knew what their grandmother was trying to say. Both of them together said, “Sorry Grandma. We are really sorry for our behaviour. We will try to follow the footsteps of Bhagwan Rama and Bharat and show love and respect for each other.”

Grandmother smiled and hugged them. She said, “Always remember that family love, respect, and unity are very important. You should always follow the path of dharma and righteousness.”

Verse from Ramayana

परे भूमि नहिं उठत उठाए। बर करि कृपासिंधु उर लाए॥स्या

मल गात रोम भए ठाढ़े। नव राजीव नयन जल बाढ़े 

Pare bhoomi nahin uthat uthaaye Bar kari kripasindhu ur laaye

Syamal gaat rom bhaye thadhe Nav rajeev nayan jal baadhe

This verse captures the deep emotional reunion between Bhagwan Ram and his brother Bharat, highlighting Ramjis immense compassion and Bharat’s devotion.