Shloka 2.104.4
भरतस्य प्रार्थना—रामस्य धर्मोपदेशः (Bharata’s Petition and Rama’s Dharma-Reasoning)
इत्युक्तः कैकयीपुत्रः काकुत्स्थेन महात्मना।प्रगृह्य बलवद्भूयः प्राञ्जलिर्वाक्यमब्रवीत्।।।।
ity uktaḥ kaikayīputraḥ kākutsthena mahātmanā |
pragṛhya balavad bhūyaḥ prāñjalir vākyam abravīt ||
Thus addressed by the great-souled Kakutstha (Rama), Kaikeyi’s son (Bharata), folding his hands in reverence and gathering himself with firm resolve, spoke these words.
Thus enquired by the magnanimous Rama, Bharata, joining his palms tightly, replied:
Respectful speech and humility are part of dharma; even amid crisis, Bharata approaches Rama with reverence and restraint.
After Rama’s question/statement, the narration describes Bharata’s composed, reverent posture as he begins to reply.
Vinaya (humility) and self-control—Bharata steadies himself and speaks with folded hands.