Valmiki Ramayana 2.90.21: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 90, Shloka 21
भरद्वाजाश्रमगमनम्
Bharata at Bharadvāja’s Hermitage
जाने चैतन्मनस्थं ते दृढीकरणमस्त्विति ।
अपृच्छं त्वां तथाऽत्यर्थं कीर्तिं समभिवर्धयन् ॥२१॥
jāne caitat manasthaṃ te dṛḍhīkaraṇam astv iti |
apṛcchaṃ tvāṃ tathā 'tyarthaṃ kīrtiṃ samabhivardhayan ||21||
„Ich weiß, was fest in deinem Herzen beschlossen ist; dennoch fragte ich dich, damit es noch fester bestätigt werde — und auch, um deinen guten Ruhm in hohem Maße zu mehren.“
I am aware of the feelings in your heart. Even then I enquired in order to confirm it and to further your fame.
FAQs
Dharma includes testing and confirming intention through truthful dialogue—so that virtue is made steady (dṛḍhīkaraṇa) and publicly affirmed as worthy conduct.
Bharadvāja explains to Bharata why he questioned him: not from doubt alone, but to confirm Bharata’s inner resolve and to establish his reputation for righteousness.
Bharata’s integrity (implied) and Bharadvāja’s wise mentorship—guiding speech that strengthens dharmic resolve and honors truth.
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