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He said, "My worthy father, I was the first one, who expressed a desire to be an ascetic. Pray do not impose the kingship on me." Dasaratha said, "Son, Dharma says that one cannot disobey his parents. I had made a promise to your mother, if it remains unfulfilled, it will leave a blemish on my character in the ages to come. Do you want your father to be remembered as a villan and a traitor?"
On hearing this, Rāma said, “My worthy father, you wish to fulfil my mother's desire and make my brother a king. My brother Bharata is young, but still can surpass any warrior in valour. He is also an expert administrator. I am sure, you are handing over your regalia to a worthy person. Do not ever think that you are violating the command of Dharma, and usurping my rightful claim by doing this. Did you ever notice me craving for the power ? Did you ever notice my irrespect towards you? This crown belongs to you and you alone, and you may hand it over to anyone. I have no desire to sit on the throne, nor do I have a right to disobey you. I am a slave of your slaves. How can I ever disrespect you? You can choose any one as your heir... I have acquired my person by your grace. You have given me the best of everything, taught me the ethics and inculcated moral values in me. You have a full right on my being, my heart and my wealth. May Bharata be coronated, any time you wish. After all, Rama and Bharata are two inseperable entities. The question of my consent therefore does not arise."
In order to persuade Bharata, Rāma said, "You have been offered the crown so that our father can be free from his debt. You are not craving for the power. You must shoulder the responsibility that our father has entrusted you with.” Bharata, with tearful eyes said, "My worthy brother, you are sacrificing your right to the throne to free father off his debt. I know that I am not worthy of the throne. I appreciate your generosity, but I shall never accept your proposal, for it will amount to greed and covetiousness. How can I ever deprive you of your rightful position?" am I not Dasaratha's son and your brother ? no... no.... my coronation is impossible."
Can a person of modern age think like Rāma? A modern son, placed in a similar situation would not hesitate to defy his father's authority. He may probably deprive his father of everything including the powers, so that he does not face similar problems again in future. Today's unabashed young man would not think twice before dragging his father to a court of law, in order to swallow up his parental property. This is the age of the fifth axis of Avasarpiņi. One cannot expect anything better from this age.
Rama said, “My worthy father, if I stay here any longer, my brother Bharata will never accept the throne. Therefore, allow me to retire from hither. I will stay in the woods for some years like an ascetic. It will compel Bharata to shoulder his responsibilities. You will be free from your debt and thus be able to embrace the vows." This was the devotion and dedication of Sri Rama ! He discarded the crown, pleasures of the palace, power and life, without hesitating for a moment. This generosity and selflessness is the essence of the Indian Culture,
When King Dasaratha heard Rama's words that were like a soothing balm to his wounded heart, he was very happy, but Bharata was adamant. He wanted to be an ascetic and didn't crave for power.
There are many versions of Rāmāyana which belong to the faiths other than Jainism. They mention that Kaikeyi had asked for two boons, (1) the coronation of Bharata and (2) expulsion of Rāma.
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