Shloka 2.104.10
भरतस्य प्रार्थना—रामस्य धर्मोपदेशः (Bharata’s Petition and Rama’s Dharma-Reasoning)
तदानुपूर्व्या युक्तं च युक्तं चात्मनि मानद।राज्यं प्राप्नुहि धर्मेण सकामान्सुहृदः कुरु।।।।
tad ānupūrvyā yuktaṁ ca yuktaṁ cātmani mānada |
rājyaṁ prāpnuhi dharmeṇa sakāmān suhṛdaḥ kuru ||2.104.10||
O giver of honor, in rightful order of succession—and because it befits you—accept the kingdom in accordance with dharma, and fulfill the hopes of your well-wishers.
O bestower of honour! by the law of primogeniture and as a worthy successor it is appropriate that you should accept the kingdom righteously and fulfil the desire of your friends.
Rājadharma: legitimate rule should be accepted and exercised righteously, aligning personal worthiness with lawful succession and public welfare.
In counsel to Bharata, Rāma frames kingship as a dharmic responsibility tied to succession and the expectations of supporters.
Bharata’s fitness for rule (implied) and Rāma’s commitment to dharma-centered governance rather than personal claim.