Shloka 2.100.5
शततमः सर्गः — Rāma Questions Bharata on Rājadharma (Governance, Counsel, and Public Welfare)
चिरस्य बत पश्यामि दूराद्भरतमागतम्।दुष्प्रतीकमरण्येऽस्मिन् किं तात वनमागतः।।।।
cirasya bata paśyāmi dūrād bharatam āgatam |
duṣpratīkam araṇye 'smin kiṃ tāta vanam āgataḥ || 2.100.5 ||
After so long—alas—I see Bharata coming from far away, worn and haggard, into this forest. Why, dear brother, have you come to the wilderness?
You have come a long distance (from Ayodhya) to this forest, O Bharata! It is a pity, dear brother, to see you after a long time, so emaciated. What brings you to the forest?
Dharma appears as familial responsibility and concern: Rāma’s immediate response is protective empathy toward Bharata, reflecting righteous affection and duty among brothers.
At the forest hermitage during exile, Rāma suddenly sees Bharata arriving from Ayodhyā and asks the reason for his unexpected journey.
Compassion and attentiveness: Rāma notices Bharata’s hardship and responds with sincere concern rather than suspicion.