Quick Answer
According to the Valmiki Ramayan, Ayodhya Kand, Sarga 4, Dashrath wanted Ram's coronation to take place while Bharat was away because he feared that even a righteous person could act unexpectedly under changing circumstances. He trusted Bharat's character, but he did not want to risk a change of mind or an obstacle to Ram's coronation. His old age, inauspicious dreams and astrological warnings also made him anxious to act quickly.
The Story
King Dashrath had four sons: Ram, Bharat, Lakshman and Shatrughna. The four princes were born after Dashrath's sacred yajna. Although he loved all four, he considered Ram exceptionally qualified to rule Ayodhya. Ram was virtuous, self-controlled, wise and deeply loved by the people.
Dashrath had grown old and wanted to see Ram established as crown prince during his own lifetime. He had also experienced frightening dreams and observed what he regarded as inauspicious celestial signs. Astrologers warned him of possible danger to his life. These concerns made him feel that he should not delay the coronation.
But there was another important consideration: Bharat was away at his maternal uncle's kingdom.
When Dashrath explained his plan directly to Ram, he specifically addressed Bharat's absence. He acknowledged that Bharat was righteous, compassionate, disciplined and accustomed to following the path of his elder brother. Ram's virtues and commitment to dharma were also well known.
Yet Dashrath added a troubling observation: human minds are not always constant. Even a good person, he feared, might act unexpectedly under certain circumstances.
Therefore, he wanted Ram's coronation completed while Bharat was away, rather than risk circumstances changing before the ceremony.
This is the crucial detail in Valmiki Ramayan. Dashrath did not accuse Bharat of being wicked or openly disloyal. Instead, he expressed confidence in Bharat's virtues while admitting that he feared the unpredictability of human behaviour.
The irony is that Bharat later proved his father's concerns unnecessary. When he learned that Ram had been exiled and that the throne had been offered to him, he rejected the kingdom and went to the forest to persuade Ram to return.
Dashrath's fear of what Bharat might do was ultimately contradicted by Bharat's extraordinary loyalty to his elder brother.
Did You Know?
- Dashrath praised Bharat himself: In Ayodhya Kand, Sarga 4, he described Bharat as righteous, compassionate and self-controlled.
- The king feared for his own life: His dreams, celestial signs and astrological warnings contributed to his urgency.
- Bharat was staying with his maternal uncle: Bharat and Shatrughna were residing in Kekaya, the kingdom of Bharat's maternal uncle.
- Bharat's actions overturned the fear: Rather than claim the throne, he asked Ram to return and rule Ayodhya.
Why It Matters Today
Dashrath's decision shows how fear can influence even an experienced ruler. He trusted Bharat's virtues but still allowed the possibility of unexpected behaviour to shape a major family and political decision.
Bharat's response offers the other side of the lesson: character is ultimately demonstrated through actions. Although Dashrath feared that circumstances might change Bharat, Bharat chose loyalty over power.
References
- Valmiki Ramayan
- Ayodhya Kand, Sarga 4, especially the passage in which Dashrath explains Bharat's absence and his concern about human nature.
- Ayodhya Kand, Sarga 1, for Bharat's stay with his maternal uncle and the description of Ram's virtues.
- Ayodhya Kand, Sargas 99-105, for Bharat's meeting with Ram and his efforts to persuade Ram to return to Ayodhya.
