9.8. The character of Bharata

Bharata, the son of Daśaratha and Kaikeyī is presented in the Hanumannāṭaka by the author very nicely.^[1] Bharata, younger brother of Rāma, having heard of Rāma’s banishment becomes very nervous. When he asks his mother about his father and about Rāma, Kaikeyī says that due to separation from his dear son Rāma, Daśaratha died. At this terrible news, Bharata becomes tormented with grief, and says that by having caused the king’s death and having sent Rāma to exile, she had concurred grief above grief on him, and like the night of death she has come for the destruction of the race, and says that because of his mother Kaikeyī, Kauśalya and Sumitrā live overwhelmed with grief for their sons. Bharata asks his mother how she could encourage the king Daśaratha to banish Rāma without feeling pity. He says that he can’t bear the separation from Rāma.^[2] Thus the author depicts Bharata’s heart-rending grief for his father and brother. After his father’s cremation, Vaśiṣṭha consoles and exhorts him to put an-end to his sorrow and carry on his further duties.