Bharata Bhet

BHARATHA BHET OR THE MEETING OF BHARATHA: Rama has vanquished Ravana and has rescued his charming wife Sita from Lanka. Hanuman flies back to Ayodhya to inform Bharatha that Rama is returning to Lanka after his 14 year exile and victory over Ravana. Bharatha is elated upon hearing the news and proceeds to Nandigrama, a village on the outskirts of Ayodhya to receive his brother.

Bharatha also carries Rama’s wooden sandals (padukas) and other insignia of royalty like the white umbrella, the fly whisk, etc. Upon meeting Rama, they embrace one other and the tokens of kingship are handed over to Rama. Rama is then crowned as the king of Ayodhya.

In this print from the Ravi Varma Press derived from a painting by Raja Ravi Varma, the moment of transition of power is depicted. Hanuman and Lakshmana acknowledge the conferment of power while Sita looks on. The vestiges of royalty are found in the foreground in the form of a throne, sword and wooden slippers.