Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 9, Shloka 31
चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि रामे प्रव्राजिते वनम्।रूढश्च कृतमूलश्च शेषं स्थास्यति ते सुतः।।।।
caturdaśa hi varṣāṇi rāme pravrājite vanam | rūḍhaś ca kṛtamūlaś ca śeṣaṃ sthāsyati te sutaḥ ||
For when Rāma has been exiled to the forest for fourteen years, your son will have grown strong and taken deep root—he will remain secure thereafter for the rest of his time.
After Rama has been exiled into the forest for fourteen years your son grown strong and deep-rooted will remain (king) for the rest of his life.
FAQs
It contrasts dharma with realpolitik: stability gained through another’s unjust suffering is portrayed as ‘rooting’ power, revealing the adharmic logic of consolidation.
Mantharā argues that a long exile will allow Bharata to become firmly established, making any later challenge ineffective.
No virtue is celebrated; instead, it underscores strategic patience and consolidation—skills that can serve either dharma or adharma depending on intent.