Having established dharma in Kishkindha and Lanka, Ram returns to Ayodhya. But before he steps in, he confirms if Bharata still upholds dharma or has he changed his mind.
Last chance for Bharata
Fourteen years had passed. It was time for Ram to return. But what if Bharata had changed his mind in this time? What if he did not want Ram to return? What if he wanted to be king of Ayodhya himself? So Ram sent Hanuman ahead of him, disguised as a Brahman, to check if Bharata truly wanted Ram to return and reclaim the crown. Hanuman found Bharata living like a hermit outside Ayodhya in the village of Nandigram serving as Ram’s regent. Ram’s sandals were still placed on the throne. ‘Are you sure you want your brother to return?’ asked Hanuman. ‘You have a right to the throne. This could be your last chance to change your mind.’ ‘I have no intention of doing so,’ said Bharata firmly. Hanuman persisted, offering many arguments for why Bharata and not Ram should rule Ayodhya.
Bharata refuted them all. ‘Stop. No matter how hard you try I will not change my mind. Only Ram shall be king of Ayodhya,’ said Bharata, convincing Hanuman of his sincerity. Hanuman then revealed his true identity and pointed to the sky. There, emerging from the clouds, was the flying chariot carrying Ram, Sita and Lakshman. Bharata saluted Ram and wept tears of joy. The unhappy days of Ayodhya were finally over.
After Ram becomes king, Lakshman’s love and loyalty towards his brother is severely tested. In response to street gossip, Lakshman is asked by Ram to take Sita out of Ayodhya and leave her in the forest. He protests but finally obeys. Thus he survives a moral crisis, by staying loyal to his brother.
But in the end, circumstances force Lakshman to realize that there are times when, despite love for his brother, he has to disobey him for a greater good.