Neev: Hey everyone! Welcome back to Mythical Masala with Neev! Today, we’re diving back into the Ramayana with the next chapter in Bharata’s journey.

Co-host: Oh yes, Bharata’s about to make a choice that will shape his entire life, and the whole kingdom is watching.

Neev: We’ll pick up right after Bharata’s return to Ayodhya, as he prepares for his father’s funeral and has a decision to make about the throne.

Co-host: And along the way, we’ll explore more traditions, symbols, and some unforgettable moments of sacrifice. It’s a journey packed with meaning and depth.

Neev: So, let’s get started! Buckle up, everyone, as we dive back into the Ramayana and explore what true loyalty, love, and sacrifice look like.

Neev: Despite the storm of emotions swirling inside him, Bharata knew he had a duty to fulfill. Dasharatha’s body had to be laid to rest, and as the eldest son present, it was Bharata’s responsibility to perform the final rites. 

The day of King Dasharatha’s funeral arrived. The queens, relatives, ministers, and citizens of Ayodhya gathered by the banks of the River Sarayu. Everyone was dressed in simple white garments, a symbol of mourning. 

Co-host: Cultures around the world have such different ways of representing occasions. In the west, black is often worn at funerals and symbolizes mourning. In Hindu culture, white symbolizes purity, cleanliness, and the cleansing of the soul. It also serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of life. 

Neev: Exactly. And in Indian culture, this isn’t just about showing respect for the deceased—it’s about sharing that grief, as if saying, “You’re not alone.”

Bharata stood by the pyre, his face pale with exhaustion and heartbreak. With trembling hands, he lit the sacred fire, sending his father’s body on its final journey. The flames danced, crackling softly, as if carrying Dasharatha’s soul into the next world. Everyone watched in silence as tears streamed down his face as the fire consumed his father’s earthly form.

Co-host: This process is called cremation as there is a belief that the body is no longer needed after death and that the soul is what is important. The soul is reborn into a different form, and that each death is supposed to bring the soul closer to Brahma, the Hindu God.

Neev: Kaushalya and Sumitra held onto each other, their faces etched with grief. Even Kaikeyi, now fully aware of the consequences of her actions, stood silently, lost in regret.

Bharata poured water from a brass urn into the river, offering it to the spirit of his father. According to tradition, this act ensured that Dasharatha’s soul would find peace in the realm of the ancestors.

Co-host: It’s such a beautiful tradition—offering water and giving the spirit what it needs to move forward. And it’s still something people do today. especially at riverbanks in India.

Neev: Yes, it’s a tradition that’s been passed down through generations. Even today, when someone passes away, their loved ones often offer food, clothes, and water to the needy—it’s a way of spreading kindness in honor of the person who has left.

After the pyre had burned down, Bharata turned to the court ministers and the assembled sages. His voice, though quiet, carried the weight of his sorrow.

“I cannot accept the crown of Ayodhya. This throne belongs to Rama, and I will not take what is rightfully his.”

His words stunned the gathered crowd. The ministers exchanged glances, unsure of what to do. Traditionally, Bharata, as the eldest son present, should have taken the throne. But his loyalty to Rama was unwavering.

Co-host: Can you imagine the shock on the ministers’ faces? They were probably thinking, “Wait, what? We just got you back, and now you don’t want to be king?”

Neev: I know, right? It must have been so confusing for them. They were probably hoping for a smooth transition, and here was Bharata, flipping the script.

But Bharata wasn’t done. With both hands folded in respect, he spoke again.

 “I will leave for the forest and beg Rama to return. He is the rightful king of Ayodhya. Until he returns, I will serve in his name and rule only as his representative.”

Neev: Bharata gathered his ministers, soldiers, and the royal entourage. Even the queens—Kaushalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi—prepared for the journey. The entire court would follow Bharata into the forest. No one dared question his decision. The bond between the brothers was legendary, and the people knew that Bharata was not the kind of man to seize power for himself.

Co-host: This was more than just a royal expedition—this was a procession of love and loyalty.That kind of dedication is rare, but in Indian culture, the bond between brothers is sacred. It’s not just about love—it’s about duty and honor.

Neev: The entourage set off early one morning. The queens rode in grand palanquins, and the soldiers followed on horseback. Ministers, priests, and sages traveled alongside them, their robes fluttering in the wind. Even ordinary citizens joined in, eager to see Rama return as king.

They traveled for several days, crossing rivers and trekking through dense forests. The path was long and difficult, but no one complained—not even the palace attendants. They knew this journey wasn’t just about finding Rama—it was about making things right.

Co-host: This must’ve been such an incredible sight! Feels like a multi-family,  multi-day camping trip out to the wilderness. Do you think they had a magical tent like Hermoine in Harry Potter movies - the one that fit in her little bag but became a 2-3 room refuge for them. 

Neev: Mom! Focus please!

Co-host: Yes, yes! Back to the Ramayana 

Neev: The deeper they went into the forest, the more challenging the journey became. They had to cross muddy rivers, climb rocky hills, and set up camp under the stars. But Bharata never slowed down. His heart was heavy with the news he carried—the news that their father, Dasharatha, was gone. He knew this would break Rama’s heart, but he also knew Rama deserved to know the truth.

Neev: Meanwhile, deep in the forest, Lakshmana was busy gathering firewood near their camp at Chitrakoot. The forest was peaceful, with birds chirping in the treetops and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. But then, something strange happened—the air seemed to change.

Lakshmana noticed that the animals, which had been calm a moment ago, suddenly grew restless. The birds stopped singing, and the forest became eerily quiet.

Co-host: Uh-oh. This is never a good sign. You know, there is anecdotal evidence that animals can sense earthquakes, though scientists have not been able to consistently record this behavior. In fact, the earliest reference we have to unusual animal behavior prior to a significant earthquake is from Greece in 373 BC. 

Neev: Lakshmana scanned the horizon, trying to figure out what had spooked them. Then, in the distance, he spotted something—an enormous procession winding through the forest, with soldiers, horses, and palanquins. The sight of the approaching army sent a jolt of alarm through him.

He ran back to the camp, shouting, “Rama! Bharata is coming—with an army! They’ve found us! Prepare to defend yourself. He must be here to fight us!”

Lakshmana grabbed his bow, ready to defend his brother and Sita. His protective instincts kicked in, and he stood like a wall between his brother and what he thought was a threat.

Co-host: I am sure Rama was calm as ever…so predictable!

Neev: Yes! Rama—calm and composed as always—stood up slowly, placing a hand on Lakshmana’s shoulder.

“No, Lakshmana. Bharata would never harm us. He is our brother. If he has come, it is not for war.”

Co-host: Haha! Lakshmana’s ready to go full warrior mode anytime, and Rama’s just like, “Chill, bro. It’s Bharata.”

Neev: I know, right? Lakshmana’s all fired up, but Rama knows his brother’s heart. He trusts that Bharata’s intentions are pure. That’s the kind of bond they have—unshakable trust, even after everything that’s happened.

Rama looked out toward the forest, a small smile on his face. “Prepare a welcome, not a battle,” he told Lakshmana. “Our brother has come in peace.”

Lakshmana, still on edge, kept his bow close, just in case. But he followed Rama’s lead and began making preparations to greet Bharata and the royal procession.

Co-host: I like Lakshmana - he keeps the story interesting! Think how boring it would be if everyone was just calm as Rama. 

Neev: The brothers waited by their simple forest hut, surrounded by trees and the few belongings they had brought with them. The bows and arrows hung neatly on the walls, and a pile of firewood sat ready by the entrance.

It wasn’t long before the royal procession emerged from the trees. Bharata and Shatrughna rode at the front, their horses kicking up clouds of dust as they approached the hut. Behind them followed the three queens, the ministers, and all the attendants who had joined the journey.

Co-host: Imagine Rama seeing his family, especially his mother!

Neev: The moment Bharata saw Rama, he leaped off his horse and ran toward his brother, his heart heavy with sorrow but also filled with relief. The two brothers embraced tightly, their tears mingling as they held each other for the first time since Rama’s exile.

Bharats “Rama... I didn’t know what Mother had done! I swear, I had no part in her plans. Please, brother, come back to Ayodhya. The kingdom needs you. I need you.”

Co-host: poor Bharata- desperately trying to undo what his Mother did. 

Neev: Rama gently placed his hands on Bharata’s shoulders, steadying him. His expression remained calm, though sadness flickered in his eyes. “Bharata, I know your heart. I know you had no part in this. But I made a promise to our father—and I must honor it.”

Co-host: I was just reminded of a classic Bollywood movie dialog by one of my favorite actors! Please, please, can I say it!

Neev: Do I have a choice? 

Co-host: Well….it sounds way better in Hindi but for our international audience, I will translate and say it in English….”Once I have made a commitment, I don’t even listen to myself!” 

Neev: Hmm..Can I continue? 

Co-host: Yes…of course!

Neev: Rama’s devotion to dharma—doing what is right—was unshakable. Even in the face of his brother’s tears, he remained firm in his decision.

Bharata fell to his knees, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He knew Rama wouldn’t break his vow. But he also couldn’t imagine ruling Ayodhya without him.

That’s when an idea struck Bharata—a way to honor his brother and still serve the kingdom.

 “If you will not return, brother, then give me your sandals. They will sit on the throne in your place. I will rule only as your representative, waiting for your return.”

Neev: Without hesitation, Rama handed over his sandals. Bharata took them with reverence, holding them like a sacred treasure.

This wasn’t just a symbolic gesture—it was a promise. A promise that Bharata would guard the kingdom not for himself, but for Rama. The sandals would sit on the throne, serving as a reminder that the rightful king would one day return.

Co-host: This is so beautiful. Honestly, though if Rama gave away his sandals, what’s he going to wear for the rest of the 14 years exile? 

Neev: Mom!??? What’s gotten into you today? 

Co-host: What…its a practical question. I am thinking maybe the ever handy Lakshmana made him some new ones. After all these sandals also known as padukas were usually made of wood. So maybe he just fashioned some Jimmy Choo replicas right there in the forest!

Neev: Well… these sandals weren’t just footwear—they became a symbol of loyalty, trust, and hope for everyone in Ayodhya. Bharata didn’t want to be king—he wanted to serve. And this gesture showed just how deeply he respected Rama’s place on the throne. It also gave the people of Ayodhya hope.

Bharata then placed the sandals on his head—a sign of humility and devotion. “I will wait for you, Rama,” he vowed. “For fourteen years, I will live outside the city and rule in your name. When you return, the kingdom will be yours once more.”

Neev: Carrying Rama’s sandals with reverence, Bharata and the entire royal court began their journey back to Ayodhya. But instead of sitting on the throne in the grand palace, Bharata chose to live outside the city in a simple hut at Nandigrama. There, he lived like an ascetic—dressing in simple clothes, eating plain food, and spending his days in prayer, all while ruling in Rama’s name.

Co-host: So, he basically put himself under house arrest? Well, hut arrest? 

Neev: Yep! It wasn’t just symbolic—Bharata really wanted to honor Rama’s exile by living simply. It’s like he was saying, “If my brother can live in the forest for fourteen years, so can I—well, close enough.”

And so, with the sandals on the throne and Bharata acting as the guardian of the kingdom, Ayodhya waited patiently for Rama’s return.

Neev: And that’s where we leave off today. What an episode! The bonds of brotherhood, loyalty, and the weight of duty are at the heart of this chapter of the Ramayana. It’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifices people make for family and honor.

Co-host: Absolutely, Neev. And we’re just getting started! There’s so much more to come in this epic tale.

Neev: So, what do you all think will happen next? Will Bharata succeed in convincing Rama to come back? Or will Rama continue his exile? You’ll have to tune in next time to find out! Until then, this is Mythical Masala with Neev, signing off!