A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.242

c5.242

3. Son of Dasaratha by his wife Kaikeyī, and half-brother of Rāma-chandra. He was educated by his mother's father, Aswa-pati, king of Kekaya, and married Māndavī, the cousin of Sītā. His mother, through maternal fondness, brought about the exile of Rāma, and endeavoured to secure her own son's succession to the throne, but Bharata refused to supplant his elder brother. On the death of his father Bharata performed the funeral rites, and went after Rāma with a complete army to bring him back to Ayodhyā and place him on the throne. He found Rāma at Chitra-kūta, and there was a generous contention between them as to which should reign. Rāma refused to return until the period of his exile was completed, and Bharata declined to be king; but he returned to Ayodhyā as Rāma's representative, and setting up a pair of Rāma's shoes as a mark of his authority, Bharata ruled the country in his brother's name. "He destroyed thirty millions of terrible gandharvas" and made himself master of their country.