Shloka 2.112.25
पादुकाप्रदानम् (The Gift of the Sandals and Delegated Kingship)
चतुर्दशे तु संपूर्णे वर्षेऽहनि रघूत्तम।।2.112.25।।न द्रक्ष्यामि यदि त्वां तु प्रवेक्ष्यामि हुताशनम्।
tatheti ca pratijñāya taṃ pariṣvajya sādaram || 2.112.26 ||
śatrughnaṃ ca pariṣvajya bharataṃ cedam abravīt |
“So be it,” Rama promised; and embracing Bharata with affection, and embracing Śatrughna as well, he then spoke these words to Bharata.
O best of the Raghus, if I do not behold you on the day after completion of fourteen years I shall enter the blazing fire.
Dharma is upheld through truthful commitment joined with compassion—Rama accepts Bharata’s plan and seals it with affectionate solidarity.
Rama agrees to Bharata’s vow and prepares to give final counsel, embracing both brothers.
Rama’s empathy and integrity: he responds with warmth while remaining firm in his promise-bound path.