Shloka 2.106.28
भरतवाक्यं—रामस्य पुनरायोध्यागमननिषेधः (Bharata’s Plea and Rama’s Refusal to Return)
ऋणानि त्रीण्यपाकुर्वन्दुर्हृदस्साधु निर्दहन्।सुहृदस्तर्पयन्कामैस्त्वमेवात्रानुशाधि माम्।।।।
ṛṇāni trīṇy apākurvan durhṛdaḥ sādhu nirdahan | suhṛdaḥ tarpayan kāmais tvam evātrānuśādhi mām ||
Having fully discharged the three debts—to the gods, the ancestors, and the seers—burning away the ill‑hearted, subduing your foes, and satisfying your well‑wishers with what they desire, you alone here in Ayodhyā have the right to command me.
Discharging completely the three debts, to gods, to ancestors and to sages, subduing your enemies and gratifying your friends, you alone (have the right) to dictate me.
It frames kingship and authority as grounded in dharma: fulfilling sacred obligations (the ‘three debts’), protecting society by restraining enemies, and nurturing allies—only then is one fit to command.
Bharata pleads with Rama to accept rightful rule and guide him; he argues Rama alone is qualified to govern Ayodhya according to dharma.
Bharata’s humility and dharmic discernment—he subordinates personal claim and asks to be directed by the truly righteous.