WHOSE FAULT ?

So Bharata thinks that Srirama himself could be the cause. Since, Srirama having been declared as crown prince, in the previous day, by the king in front of the learned citizens and that they have also approved the appointment, could have refused to go to the forest. Since being the legal heir-apparent, nobody would have found fault with him for not fulfilling his father’s wishes. But, after a deep thought, Bharata feels how Srirama the Dharma personified could be found fault with. Whatever Srirama does, is Dharma and nothing but Dharma. If all the above persons who are connected with the events leading to Srirama’s departure to forest are not at fault, then why this has happened? Then he realises it is his own ill-luck or misfortune.

Then Bharata declares, "Noneelse is at fault. It is my sin that I might have committed knowingly or unknowingly which has led to these events. Only I should be found fault and none else".

"Na mantharaya na cha mathulasyaa
Dosho na ragjno na cha raghavasya
Mat papamevatra nimittamaseeth,
Vanapravese raghunandanasya"

How great is Bharata? Even though he is nowhere connected to any event leading to the departure of Srirama to forest, Bharata is prepared to take the fault on his own self rather than blaming others.