Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 106, Shloka 23
भरतवाक्यं—रामस्य पुनरायोध्यागमननिषेधः
Bharata’s Plea and Rama’s Refusal to Return
श्रुतेन बालः स्थानेन जन्मना भवतो ह्यहम्।स कथं पालयिष्यामि भूमिं भवति तिष्ठति।।।।
śrutena bālaḥ sthānena janmanā bhavato hy aham |
sa kathaṁ pālayiṣyāmi bhūmiṁ bhavati tiṣṭhati ||
In learning, in status, and even by birth I am lesser than you. How could someone like me govern the earth while you are still here?
Being younger to you in knowledge, position and birth, how can I rule the earth when you are present?
FAQs
Dharma includes recognizing rightful authority and personal limitations; governance should rest with the most qualified and legitimate protector of the people.
Bharata refuses the throne and insists Rama must rule; he argues he cannot govern while Rama, superior in every respect, is alive.
Bharata’s humility and integrity—he rejects power and acknowledges Rama’s precedence.