Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana, Part B

Part B

Bharata requests Rama's golden sandals

Web Source: Wikimedia

Upon his return to the palace, he learns that Dasharatha has died and his oldest brother, Rama, has been banished
His mother tells him not to be sad because now he is the ruler
This news does not excite Bharata because he states that his father would have kissed him upon his arrival. Instead, Bharata decides to find Rama in the jungle and bring him home so that he can become their new ruler
Bharata shows his loyalty to his brothers

Bharata expressed sorrow and grief
Saint Vashishtha provided support and told Bharata to continue with the ceremony, so he did.
During the funeral, it seems like Bharata is questioning Dasharatha and why Rama and Lakshmana were sent away.

Bharata and Rama reunite in the Chitrakuta jungle and mourn the death of their father

Rama plans to stay in the jungle and continue his exile, but Jabali chimed in and informed him that there is no reason to continue his oath to his "sire," when his sire is now dead.
Jabali also makes a point to say that the offerings are a waste of food because what is the dead going to do with it? They have already passed on and these ritual practices were created by priests who have selfish intentions.
Jabali tells Rama to take the raj and head back to the city, Ayodhya
Rama is reluctant and insists that he must fulfill his exile. He also suggests that Bharata reign while he remains in the jungle
Bharata then counters this with he will also remain in the jungle for the next 14 years. This story has occurred over several days.

Bharata is unable to get Rama to return, but takes a token from him back to the city instead

Rama's sandals are taken back to Ayodhya
Plot twist: Bharata vows to live his life as a devotee for the next 14 years, awaiting Rama's arrival. He does not remain in Ayodhya, but lives in a city on the outskirts named Nandigram.
Rama's gold-plated sandals will be placed on a throne and will be protected by Bharata
Bharata says that if Rama does not return in 14 years then he will perish

Rama goes off into the forest to hunt this deer and Lakshmana warns to not believe what the eyes have seen because it could be someone pretending.
Rama eventually catches the deer and shoots an arrow through its heart. Maricha (demon) popped out of the deer's body and imitated Rama's voice while calling out to Sita
Sita hears these cries and attempts to send Lakshmana to save her husband, but Lakshmana informs her that no rakshasa or man eater can harm Rama. He also tells her that he needs to obey the orders given to him by Rama and remain by his side.
Sita eventually is able to convince Lakshmana and he goes after Rama. Sita threatens that if Rama dies, she will too die by either drowning, poisoning, or hanging herself with a noose because she cannot live without Rama

Bibliography:

Ramayana Online: Public Domain Edition

Authors: Manmatha Nath Dutt, Romesh Dutt, Gould, Griffith, Hodgson, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Oman, Richardson, and Ryder

Indian Epics Blog