Bharata (Sanskrit: भरत, IAST Bharata) was the youngest brother of Lord Rama, and the son of Emperor Dasaratha and Kaikeyi of the Solar Dynasty. It is said that after Rama, he was the symbol of dharma and idealism. As a matter of fact, there are a few commentators who deem Bharata to be even greater than Lord Rama himself in virtue.

Birth

Bharata is the youngest of the four sons of Dasaratha. Although the Ramayana describes all four brothers as loving and devoted to one another, Bharata is closer to Shatrughna as Lakshmana is closer to Rama.

Exile of Rama

The Ramayana relates how

Bharata's response

Bharata, upon learning of the exile of Rama, is mortified. He immediately declares his intention of bringing Rama back from the forests, and if need be serving out his exile for him. When the people of Ayodhya and the numerous allies of Rama learn of this, the scorned and hated prince is immediately made immortal in fame to the world by his selflessness, honor for his family's fame and tradition, adherence to truth and righteousness and last but not least, love for his older brother.

Bharata's Guru Vasishta states that no one had better learned the lessons of dharma than Bharata.

King of Ayodhya

After delivering the painful news of their father's death to Rama and Lakshmana, Bharata fights

The people support Bharata as he becomes the king of Kosala and Ayodhya, but Bharata himself puts Rama's sandals at the foot of the royal throne, and does not sit upon the throne or crown himself.

Bharata's reign is righteous, and the kingdom is safe and prosperous, but Bharata continuously pines for Rama's return. During this time he doesn't forgive his mother Kaikeyi, and diligently serves Kousalya, Rama's mother, and Sumitra, Lakshmana's mother.

Return of Rama

But upon Rama's return to Ayodhya fourteen years later, Bharata leads the procession to greet the rightful king and queen, and his brother Lakshmana. Although Rama first intends to crown Lakshmana the Yuvaraja, or Crown Prince after his own coronation, Lakshmana points out that Bharata's great virtues and years of experience as Ayodhya's king qualify him better, and thus he is immediately made Yuvaraja by Rama.

Retirement

When Rama decides to retire, Bharata and Shatrughna join him. When Rama walks into the river Sarayu, he transforms into his eternal and original Mahavishnu form, into which Bharata and Shatrughna walk and unite with.