Shloka 2.112.24

पादुकाप्रदानम् (The Gift of the Sandals and Delegated Kingship)

Devanagari script

स पादुके सम्प्रणम्य रामं वचनमब्रवीत्चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि जटाचीरधरो ह्याहम्।।2.112.23।।फलमूलाशनो वीर भवेयं रघुनन्दन।तवाऽगमनमाकाङ्क्षान्वसन्वै नगराद्बहिः।।2.112.24।।तव पादुकयोर्न्यस्तराज्यतन्त्रः परन्तप।

Transliteration

caturdaśe tu saṃpūrṇe varṣe ’hani raghūttama || 2.112.25 ||

na drakṣyāmi yadi tvāṃ tu pravekṣyāmi hutāśanam |

Translation

But, O best of the Raghus, if on the day the fourteen years are completed I do not behold you, then I shall enter the consuming fire.

Context

Bharata bowed before the sandals and said to Rama, 'O tormentorr of enemies, O hero, wearing matted locks and bark garments, living on fruits and roots, placing the responsibility of ruling the kingdom on your sandals and looking forward to your arrival, I shall reside outside the city for fourteen years.'

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Rama
• Raghu lineage (Raghu)
• Hutāśana (fire)

FAQs

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

Radical accountability to truth: Bharata binds himself to Rama’s promised return, treating the vow as sacred and non-negotiable.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata intensifies his commitment by declaring a severe self-penalty if Rama does not return at the end of exile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bharata’s steadfastness (dṛḍha-vrata) and unwavering loyalty to dharma over personal survival.