After Rama left, Bharata returned home and learned what had happened. He was shocked! His mother had taken away Rama’s crown and sent him to the forest.
Bharata was filled with sadness. “I never wanted the throne,” he said. “Rama is the rightful king.”
He rushed to the forest to find Rama. When he saw his brother dressed in normal cloths, Bharata cried and fell at his feet. “Please come back and rule the kingdom,” he begged.
But Rama said, “I must keep my promise to our father. I cannot return yet.”
Bharata understood. “Then I will not sit on the throne,” he said. “I will place your sandals on it and rule in your name. I will serve the people like you would.”
So Bharata returned with Rama’s sandals and placed them on the royal seat. Every day, he ruled wisely — as a servant, not a king.
Moral: True love and duty means doing what is right, not what is easy.
Parent Tip: Talk about putting others first, even when you have the chance to take more.
Sun's Paradise 