Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 42

Śrī Rāmacandra-avatāra — Vow, Exile, Laṅkā-vijaya, and Rāma-rājya

Concise Bhāgavata Account

Devanagari script

पादुके भरतोऽगृह्णाच्चामरव्यजनोत्तमे । विभीषण: ससुग्रीव: श्वेतच्छत्रं मरुत्सुत: ॥ ४२ ॥ धनुर्निषङ्गाञ्छत्रुघ्न: सीता तीर्थकमण्डलुम् । अबिभ्रदङ्गद: खड्‍गं हैमं चर्मर्क्षराण्नृप ॥ ४३ ॥

Transliteration

pāduke bharato ’gṛhṇāc cāmara-vyajanottame vibhīṣaṇaḥ sasugrīvaḥ śveta-cchatraṁ marut-sutaḥ

Translation

O King, Lord Bharata carried Lord Rāmacandra’s wooden shoes, Sugrīva and Vibhīṣaṇa carried a whisk and an excellent fan, Hanumān carried a white umbrella, Śatrughna carried a bow and two quivers, and Sītādevī carried a waterpot filled with water from holy places. Aṅgada carried a sword, and Jāmbavān, King of the Ṛkṣas, carried a golden shield.

Synonyms

• pāduke: the two sandals
• pāduke: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: pādukā (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Strīliṅga, Dvitīyā, Dvivacana

• bharataḥ: Bharata
• bharataḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: bharata (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Puṁliṅga, Prathamā, Ekavacana

• agṛhṇāt: took/received
• agṛhṇāt: Kriyā (क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: √grah (धातु)
• Form: Luṅ (aorist/लुङ्), Prathama-puruṣa, Ekavacana; Parasmaipada

• cāmara-vyajana-uttame: the excellent chowries and fans
• cāmara-vyajana-uttame: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: cāmara (प्रातिपदिक) + vyajana (प्रातिपदिक) + uttama (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Napुंसकलिङ्ग, Dvitīyā, Dvivacana; Tatpuruṣa ‘the best (uttama) of chowries and fans’ (as two items)

• vibhīṣaṇaḥ: Vibhishana
• vibhīṣaṇaḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: vibhīṣaṇa (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Puṁliṅga, Prathamā, Ekavacana

• sa-sugrīvaḥ: with Sugriva
• sa-sugrīvaḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: sa (अव्यय/उपसर्ग-सदृश) + sugrīva (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Puṁliṅga, Prathamā, Ekavacana; Tatpuruṣa (सह-समास) ‘together with Sugrīva’

• śveta-cchatram: the white umbrella
• śveta-cchatram: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: śveta (प्रातिपदिक) + chatra (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Napुंसकलिङ्ग, Dvitīyā, Ekavacana; Karmadhāraya ‘white umbrella’

• marut-sutaḥ: Hanuman
• marut-sutaḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: marut (प्रातिपदिक) + suta (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Puṁliṅga, Prathamā, Ekavacana; Tatpuruṣa ‘son of the Wind-god’ (Hanumān)

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Vibhishana
• Sugriva
• Hanuman

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about Bharata carrying Rama’s sandals?

This verse highlights Bharata’s devotion and humility—he accepts the Lord’s sandals as the symbol of Rama’s rightful sovereignty and serves as His representative rather than claiming power for himself.

Why are Hanuman, Sugriva, and Vibhishana described holding royal emblems?

They are portrayed in active service to Lord Rāma, honoring Him as the rightful king—holding umbrella and cāmara fans signifies reverence, loyalty, and devotional attendance.

Practical application of this shloka’s teaching in modern life?

Cultivate seva-bhāva: support dharma-driven leadership, act without ego, and express devotion through practical service rather than mere words.