Reading Notes: Ramayana Part B

Bharata Returns ¹

With Bharata on course to be the new king with work of Kaikeyi. It was entirely possible for him to do so and there would not have been a rejection from anyone as Dasharatha was bound by his boons, thus so was Bharata. However, Bharata was reluctant to become the raj. He felt betrayed by his own mother and was distraught at the loss of his father and brother. He vowed that "he would never sit on the throne, but would hasten after Rama to entreat him to return" (it doesn't work).

The Sandals ²

After failing to get Rama to return a become the raj Bharata offered to Rama a pair of fancy sandals. Rama, also, rejected these returning them to Bharata. This results in an interesting aspect to form in Bharata rule over Ayodhya. These sandals will now serve as a stand-in for Rama as the figurative authority in Ayodhya. Sandals...ruling a city...

Battle with Khara ³

One note aspect that has made numerous appearances in these stories from the Ramayana is the immense power that Rama has obtained. This power comes from both the fact that his is an Avatar of Vishnu, but it also comes from the many Celestial Weapons he has received as gifts. The extensive use of a magical bow can be seen in this story, slaying the likes of fourteen thousand rakshasas.

The Chase ⁴

The story of the chase highlights the amount of power that Sita is able to possess over both Rama and Lakshmana. Despite Lakshmana knowing that Rama would not have been harmed by a rakshasas he was rendered powerless against the 'harsh' words of Sita. This lack of faith of Sita in Rama directly led to her capture by Ravana.

Rama Chasing the Golden Deer. Source.

Bibliography 

Bharata Returns
The Sandals
Battle with Khara
The Chase