Hare Krishna Prabhus and Matajis,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
The Sastras teach us that by hearing and speaking about the pastimes of the Supreme Lord Ramachandra, chanting His holy name, and seeing His Deity form, Vaishnavas can attain purification and deepen their love for the Lord.
We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to read the Sri Ramayana every day in celebration of Dusshera at our temple. Currently, we are reading the chapter where Bharat, Lord Rama’s devoted brother, travels to the Chitrakut forest to meet Lord Rama, Mother Sita, and Lakshmana.
A particularly touching and instructive aspect of the Ramayana is Bharat’s role, exemplifying the highest conduct and faithfulness towards Lord Rama. Bharat urged Rama to return to Ayodhya, emphasizing that, as the eldest brother, Lord Rama should govern the kingdom.
However, Lord Rama replied that He was duty-bound to fulfill His vow of remaining in the forest for 14 years. In response, Bharat requested Lord Rama’s padukas (sandals), placing them on the throne as a symbol of Rama’s true kingship. He never sat on the throne himself, instead choosing to live as a mendicant, mirroring Lord Rama’s own lifestyle.
Bharat remained uncorrupted by power and position, always seeing himself as a servant of Lord Rama and demonstrating extraordinary faithfulness. In contrast, Dhritrashtra, who ruled as an interim king in the Mahabharata until Yudhishthira came of age, succumbed to corruption due to bad associations and his attachment to the throne.
Bharat displayed a remarkable degree of integrity. From this, we can also learn an important leadership lesson: when leaders act with selfless service as their only motive, society is blessed with shining examples.
As Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita:
yad yad ācarati śreṣṭhas
tat tad evetaro janaḥ
“Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow…”
Such leaders inspire others to live life of service, contribution, and giving—benefiting others rather than just themselves.
Thus, Bharat stands as the great example of loyalty and devotion to the Lord, embodying the true spirit of faithfulness, integrity, and leadership.
Your servant,
Satya Sara das
October 2, 2024