Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 107, Shloka 18
पितृवाक्यपालनम्, गयाश्रुति-उपदेशः, भरतस्य राज्यग्रहण-निर्देशः
Rama’s Counsel on Vows, the Gaya Śruti, and Bharata’s Return to Rule
छायां ते दिनकरभाः प्रबाधमानां वर्षत्रं भरत करोतु मूर्ध्नि शीताम्।एतेषामहमपि काननद्रुमाणां छायां तामतिशयिनीं सुखी श्रयिष्ये।।2.107.18।।
chāyāṃ te dinakarabhāḥ prabādhamānāṃ varṣatraṃ bharata karotu mūrdhni śītām | eteṣām aham api kānanadrumāṇāṃ chāyāṃ tām atiśayinīṃ sukhī śrayiṣye || 2.107.18 ||
Let an umbrella, warding off the sun’s fierce heat, cast cool shade over your head, Bharata. As for me, content, I shall take refuge in the deeper shade of these forest trees.
Thereafter, O tiger among men, your illustrious mother of fair complexion, under oath demanded of that best of men, king Dasaratha, the two boons, namely kingdom for you and banishment for me. Bound by such agreement (oath), the king granted her the boons.
FAQs
Dharma is contented acceptance of one’s rightful path: comfort in kingship and austerity in exile are both valid when aligned with duty.
Rama contrasts Bharata’s royal protection with his own forest shelter, reinforcing the separation of responsibilities.
Rama’s santoṣa (contentment) and gentle goodwill toward Bharata.