Shloka 2.101.5
भरतस्य धर्मनिश्चयः — Bharata Affirms Lineage-Dharma and Urges Rama’s Coronation
केकयस्थे च मयि तु त्वयि चारण्य माश्रिते।
दिवमार्यो गतो राजा यायजूक: सतां मतः।।2.101.5।।
kekayasthē ca mayi tu tvayi cāraṇyam āśrite | divam āryo gato rājā yāyajūkaḥ satāṃ mataḥ || 2.101.5 ||
While I was in Kekaya and you had taken refuge in the forest, the noble king—ever devoted to sacrifices and esteemed by the virtuous—departed to heaven.
While I was in Kekaya and you took refuge in the forest, venerable king (Dasaratha), who was always engaged in sacrifices and was held in high esteem by the virtuous, ascended to heaven.
Dharma includes steadfast performance of sacred duties (yajña, righteous living) and honoring the virtuous reputation earned through such conduct.
Bharata reports the timing of Daśaratha’s death: it occurred while Bharata was away in Kekaya and Rama was already exiled to the forest.
Daśaratha’s piety and public esteem—his life of sacrifice and noble standing among the righteous.