Shloka 2.1.20
गुणप्रशंसा–युवराजनिर्णयः (Praise of Rama’s Virtues and the Decision on the Heir-Apparent)
सम्यग्विद्याव्रतस्नातो यथावत्साङ्गवेदवित्।इष्वस्त्रे च पितु श्श्रेष्ठो बभूव भरताग्रजः।।।।
samyag vidyā-vrata-snātaḥ yathāvat sāṅga-veda-vit | iṣv-astre ca pituḥ śreṣṭho babhūva bharatāgrajaḥ ||
Having duly completed his disciplines of learning and taken the ceremonial graduation bath, Bharata’s elder brother became a knower of the Veda with its auxiliaries; and in archery he even surpassed his father.
With the appropriate sacred ablution marking the completion of the vow relating to the respective branches of learning in accordance with tradition, this elder brother of Bharata achieved proficiency in the Vedas and its auxiliary sciences. He surpassed his father in archery.
Dharma for a prince includes disciplined education—scriptural knowledge joined to responsible martial skill—so power remains guided by learning and restraint.
The narration continues establishing Rāma’s qualifications for rule through both Vedic training and mastery of arms.
Completion of rigorous training (vrata) and excellence without arrogance—competence grounded in tradition.