Bharata lamented that Dasaratha had died without coronating Rama. He did not know of Rama’s exile at that point. Kaikeyi told him that she did what she had to, keeping in mind the welfare and good fortune of Bharata. Answering Bharata’s question, Kaikeyi spoke the truth. She said, “He chanted Rama's name and wailed thinking about his separation from the three - Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita." Bharatha was confused and asked if the three of them were not near him at the time of death. That is when Kaikeyi narrates to Bharatha what transpired. Later on, she meets Rama in the forest and is profusely critical of her own behaviour. She confesses that Maya had clouded her thinking. She realizes the divinity of Rama at that point and Rama also forgives her. While in Valmiki Ramayana also Kaikeyi speaks the truth to Bharata, her apology is not part of the narration. Picture Credit: J Martin and Manoj Publications

In Adhyatma Ramayana, Bharata rushes to meet Kausalya to apologize to her. When he prostrates at the feet of Kausalya, she embraces him and laments about her fate. She does not blame Bharata. She says "It is our karma that Sita and Rama are in the forest along with Lakshmana. Sadness is my constant companion, it seems." When Bharata wails, Kausalya tell him that she knows that Bharata had no blame for these events. In Valmiki Ramayana, Kausalya rushes to confront Bharata on his return and tells him that his desire is now fulfilled. A distraught Bharata pronounces that if he has any blame let him meet severe and worst possible consequences. This reassures Kausalya who says that it is good fortune that like Lakshmana, Bharata is also devoted to Dharma. Picture is Kala Pahara painting, 16th Century CE.

Sage Vashishta tells Bharata that relatives will cry for a while, and then they all carry on with their work. Once born, all of us are destined to die one day. Also, the dead will be born again in the life cycle. There is nothing to grieve over a death nor there is anything to rejoice over a birth. Jeeva leaves the old bodies and takes up new bodies during a particular lifetime. But the witnessing reality, the ultimate truth, Atman, is devoid of any such modifications. In Valmiki Ramayana, a similar intense philosophical dialogue takes place between Bharata and Rama when Bharata goes to the forest to persuade Rama to return. Picture Credit: J Martin and Manoj Publications

After the rites for Dasaratha are completed, Vashishta asks Bharata to get coronated as the King as that was the word of Dasaratha. Bharata replied that when Rama is the King of Kings, what is the use of this kingdom. He said that he would go to the forest with Vasishta and his mothers, but not with Kaikeyi. He goes on to say that he would have killed Kaikeyi but Rama would not have approved of slaughter of a woman. He vows to go to the forest dressed and living the same way as Rama when he went on exile. Additional Source: Adhyatma Ramayana, Swami Tapasyananda Picture Credit: J Martin and Manoj Publications

Bharata goes along with the royal family and sages to meet Rama. They meet Guha and Rishi Bharadwaja on the way. Eventually they meet Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. They convey the news of Dasaratha’s death. Rama and Lakshmana perform the rituals. Bharata then tells Rama that the coronation ceremony should happen and that Rama should be crowned. He is the eldest and being a king is the proper conduct for Kshatriyas. Looking after subjects is the most important of their duties. Then he says dwelling in the forest is not appropriate for Rama now. The time to live in the forest will come when Rama’s son is ready to take over the helm of the kingdom. This is the vanaprastha stage when individuals have to detach from material concerns, handover duties to the next generation and guide them. Picture Credit: J Martin and Manoj Publications

Bharata ruled from Nandigram. When Rama was returning to Ajodhya, Hanuman came in advance and met Bharata here. Rama wanted to confirm that Bharata desired the return of Rama to Ayodhya to take up the throne. Therefore Hanuman came in disguise as a Brahmin and prompted Bharata to reveal his mind. The temple here shows Bharata and Hanuman in embrace after Hanuman revealed to Bharata his true form. The Jata Kund here is believed to be the place where Lord Rama and Lakshman cut their matted hair at the end of their exile.

Source:
Footsteps of Rama, Vikrant Pande and Neelesh Kulkarni.
Uttar Pradesh A to Z, UP Tourism

Picture Credit:
Ravi Varma painting of Bharat Milap

Rama refuses to return to Ayodhya and reminds Bharata that Dasaratha’s wish and command still stands even though he may not be alive. Keeping the word is Kshatriya dharma and Rama cannot do anything to the contrary. Bharata then declares that he will also follow Rama in the forest, like Lakshmana. If Rama stops him from following, he will take his life by fasting until death. At that point, Vashishta takes him aside and reveals the divinity of Rama to him. Narayana has taken birth as requested by Lord Brahma. Sita Devi is Yoga Maya and Lakshmana is Adishesha. Do not compel Rama to return to Ayodhya now and do not shy away from doing your duty. Rama will return to Ayodhya after fourteen years, after killing Ravana. Having heard this from the guru, Bharatha was exhilarated and said that he will serve the country, not as a king but as the servant and custodian of Rama. He took Rama’s padukas. Picture Credit: J Martin and Manoj Publications

In the forest, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita continued staying at Chitrakoot. Several people continued visiting them. Rama was concerned that another delegation may come from Ayodhya to persuade Rama. So, they moved to Dandaka forest. They met Rishi Atri in Dandaka. Rishi’s wife Anusuya blessed Sita and gifted her clothes, jewellery and a special perfume paste. She insisted that Sita should wear them and look beautiful all the time. She blessed that Sita would not lose her splendour even after the ordeal of fourteen years. Picture Credit: J Martin and Manoj Publications