Valmiki Ramayana 2.82.11: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 82, Shloka 11
भरतस्य धर्मप्रतिज्ञा तथा रामनिवर्तनयात्रा
Bharata’s Vow of Dharma and the Expedition to Recall Rama
चरितब्रह्मचर्यस्य विद्यास्नातस्य धीमतः।धर्मे प्रयतमानस्य को राज्यं मद्विधो हरेत्।।।।
caritabrahmacaryasya vidyāsnātasya dhīmataḥ |
dharme prayatamānasya ko rājyaṃ madvidho haret ||
Wer—einer wie ich—könnte je das Reich von Rāma an sich reißen, der die Zucht des Brahmacarya gelebt hat, in der Lehre vollendet, weise ist und standhaft im Dharma wirkt?
Would any man seize this kingdom which rightfully belongs to sagacious Rama, who practises brahmacharya, who is well-versed in all branches of learning and who endeavours to protect righteousness?
FAQs
Legitimate authority arises from virtue and qualification: Bharata argues that dharma forbids usurping rule from the truly qualified heir who embodies discipline, learning, and righteousness.
Bharata publicly rejects the idea that he could accept the throne after Rāma’s exile, asserting Rāma’s superior claim grounded in character and dharma.
Humility and loyalty: Bharata refuses personal gain and recognizes Rāma’s ethical fitness for kingship.
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