Shloka 2.106.1
भरतवाक्यं—रामस्य पुनरायोध्यागमननिषेधः (Bharata’s Plea and Rama’s Refusal to Return)
एवमुक्त्वा तु विरते रामे वचनमर्थवत्।ततो मन्दाकिनीतीरे रामं प्रकृतिवत्सलम्।।।।उवाच भरत श्चित्रं धार्मिको धार्मिकं वचः।
evam uktvā tu virate rāme vacanam arthavat |
tato mandākinī-tīre rāmaṃ prakṛti-vatsalam ||
uvāca bharataś citraṃ dhārmiko dhārmikaṃ vacaḥ ||
When Rama had spoken those meaningful words and then fell silent, on the bank of the Mandākinī Bharata—the righteous—addressed Rama, who by nature cherished his people, with a clear reply grounded in dharma.
Rama remained silent after saying these meaningful words on the bank of river Mandakini. Then the Bharata, conforming to righteousness, replied in clear words to the virtuous Rama who was affectionate by nature.
Dharma is framed as clarity and right speech used to guide action: Bharata’s response is explicitly described as “dhārmika,” indicating that moral reasoning and measured words are essential to restoring rightful order.
At Chitrakuta/Mandakini’s bank, after Rama’s meaningful statement and silence, Bharata begins his reply—setting up his argument that Rama should return and uphold royal duty.
Bharata’s righteousness and discernment (dhārmikatva with “citra” clarity), and Rama’s innate compassion/affection (prakṛti-vātsalya).