Shloka 2.112.22

पादुकाप्रदानम् (The Gift of the Sandals and Delegated Kingship)

Devanagari script

सोऽधिरुह्य नरव्याघ्रः पादुके ह्यवरुह्य च।प्रायच्छत्सुमहातेजा भरताय महात्मने।।2.112.22।।

Transliteration

so ’dhiruhya naravyāghraḥ pāduke hy avaruhya ca |

prāyacchat sumahātejā bharatāya mahātmane || 2.112.22 ||

Translation

Rāma, tiger among men and resplendent in great glory, stepped onto the sandals and then stepped down; thereafter he presented them to the great-souled Bharata.

Context

Rama, the best of men, one with great brilliance, put on and then put off the sandals and presented them to the magnanimous Bharata.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Bharata
• Pādukā (sandals)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Authority is transferred not through ambition but through righteous delegation: Rama enables Bharata to administer the kingdom as a trustee, preserving legitimacy and truth.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama consents to Bharata’s request by stepping on the sandals and formally handing them over, creating a symbolic regency.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s adherence to satya and dharma—he supports Bharata’s dharmic plan without breaking his own exile vow.