How many of know that it was Lord Ramachandra who coined the name "Bharata
Desa" ?. Read below about this wonderful fact from Swami's Vijayadasami
Discourse in 2004..
The spirit of sacrifice demonstrated by Bharata in the Ramayana is
unparalleled. When Rama went to the forest, Bharata was to be crowned as king.
But he went to the forest to entreat Rama to come back to Ayodhya and ascend
the throne. Lakshmana who was with Rama in the forest, observed the arrival of
Bharata and his entourage from a distance. He became furious with the
misconceived notion that Bharata was coming to wage a battle with Rama. In an
angry tone, he said, Mother Kaikeyi has sent us to the forest. Now, her son
does not want us to live in peace even in the forest. That is why he is coming
here with his army. If You permit me, I will teach him a fitting lesson.
Reacting to Lakshmana's outburst, Rama said, " Lakshmana, I think you have
developed a desire for the throne of Ayodhya. Better, you go to Ayodhya and
rule the kingdom. I will keep Bharata with Me in the forest. Bharata is one of
sacrifice and character. His spirit of sacrifice is matchless. You have
misunderstood his noble intention".
Meanwhile Bharata came there and fell at the feet of Rama. " My dear, how are
the parents?". This was the first question that Rama asked Bharata. He did not
enquire about His own mother Kausalya, but He asked about the well-being of
Kaikeyi. On hearing the name of Kaikeyi, Bharata became furious." It is because
of that wicked woman you are forced to live in forest. The very mention of her
name fills me with disgust. Please don't mention her name.
Rama put His hand on his shoulders and pacified him, saying, " Bharata, Mother
Kaikeyi is a noble woman. It is because of her that My Name is glorified and
spread far and wide. Do not go by the outward behaviour and talk ill of her.
Her heart is filled with noble intentions."
After speaking to Bharata in this manner, Rama went straight to Mother Kaikeyi,
fell at her feet and said, " Mother, by your blessings, I am fine here. Do not
worry about Me. Let Bharata be crowned as the king of Ayodhya. Teach him the
codes of governance. After the completion of 14 years, I will come back to
Ayodhya and see all of you. It is My duty to uphold the promise made by My
father. It is not enough if one listens to the command of one's parents. One
should strictly adhere to the rules and regulations laid down by the government
and strive for the welfare and happiness of fellowmen. Only then can one be
called an ideal citizen".
Rama's words made an indelible impression on the mind of Lakshmana. He fell at
the feet of Rama and repented for his outburst. He said, " Brother, when I saw
Bharata and his army from a distance, I was seething with anger. Now my mind
rests in peace having known the truth and listening to Your soothing words.".
Rama advised him not to be carried away by the outward scenario but to turn
inward and strive for experiencing bliss.
When Bharata started pleading with Rama to return to Ayodhya, Rama
affectionately drew him close and said, " Bharata, no doubt your intentions are
noble, but you should bear in mind the command of our father. You must follow
your mother's advice. That is the only way you can please Me. Share your love
with not only your friends and relatives but with one and all. Remember that
Thyaga (sacrifice) alone can bestow on you true Bhoga (pleasure)".
Sage Vasishta shed tears of joy listening to the words of Lord Rama. He said, "
Rama, You are forced to live in the forest for no fault of Yours. But, You have
forgotten the injustice done to You. You are seeing only the good in others. We
are really moved by Your magnanimity. However, we request You to establish
Ramarajya (kingdom of Rama) in Ayodhya and give joy to all".
Rama smilingly replied, " Now it is Bharatarajya, not Ramarajya. Henceforth, it
shall be called Bharatadesa (the land of Bharata)".
Sai Ram
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