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

Story

Shashi and Ravi were two brothers of unlike nature. 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. After observing their behaviour, she called both of them in her room during bedtime. She asked them, “Do you know who is Bhagwan Ram?”

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 good behaviour, truthfulness, obedience and kindness?"

She asked, "And 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. Bharat was not only Ramji’s brother but also a true devotee of him. His love and respect for his elder brother make him an ideal younger brother. Let me tell you their story.

King Dashratha, father of Bhagwan Ram, 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 Ram (the eldest son) as his successor to the throne. Kaikeyi wished her son Bharat to be the successor of the throne instead of Ram and also wished that Ram was sent to exile for fourteen years. Dashratha granted these wishes to Kaikeyi to keep his promise to her.

Bhagwan Ram being 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 got very upset. Bharat refused to sit on the throne, as he believed his brother Ram to be the rightful king.

Bharat decided to get Ramji back, he went to the forest to persuade Shri Ram to return to Ayodhya and take his rightful place as the king.

When Bharat met Shri Ram in the forest, he fell at Shri Ram’s feet, and the two brothers embraced, filled with love and respect for each other. Bharat humbly requested Bhagwan Rama to return to Ayodhya, but Ramaji gently declined, she kept duty above everything else. He insisted on fulfilling the vow of exile as per their father's command. This entire episode referred to as Ram-Bharat Milaap was very emotional for both brothers. Both the brothers had immense love, respect, admiration, and regard for each other.

While returning to Ayodhya, Bharat took Shri Ram’s sandals (Paduka) as a symbol of Bhagwan himself. He placed them on the throne of Ayodhya, ruling the kingdom in Ram’s place and he himself acted as a caretaker until Shri Ram's return from the exile."

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

Ravi and Shashi looked at each other filled with love and respect. They understood what their grandmother was trying to say. Both said in one voice, “Sorry Grandma. We are really sorry for our behaviour. We will try to follow the footsteps of Bhagwan Rama and Bharat and be loving and respectful towards 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. just like Bhagwan Ram.”