Shloka 2.112.27

पादुकाप्रदानम् (The Gift of the Sandals and Delegated Kingship)

Devanagari script

मातरं रक्ष कैकेयीं मा रोषं कुरु तां प्रति।।2.112.27।।मया च सीतया चैव शप्तोऽसि रघुसत्तम।इत्युक्त्वाऽश्रुपरीताक्षो भ्रातरं विससर्ज ह।।2.112.28।।

Transliteration

sa pāduke te bharataḥ pratāpavān svalaṅkṛte samparipūjya dharmavit |

pradakṣiṇaṃ caiva cakāra rāghavaṃ cakāra te cottamanāga-mūrdhani || 2.112.29 ||

Translation

Then Bharata—valiant and discerning of dharma—reverently worshipped those well-adorned sandals, circumambulated Rāghava, and placed the sandals upon the head of the finest elephant.

Context

Look after your mother, O chief of the Raghus! Do not be angry with her. Swear in my name and in the name of Sita. So saying, eyes filled with tears, Rama took leave of his brother.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Rama (Rāghava)
• Pādukā (sandals)
• Elephant (uttama-nāga)

FAQs

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

Legitimacy is honored through reverence: Bharata publicly treats the sandals as the living symbol of Rama’s rightful rule, ensuring governance remains anchored in truth.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata ritually worships the sandals, circumambulates Rama in respect, and ceremonially carries the sandals back—signaling the regency arrangement.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bharata’s devotion to dharma and humility: he elevates Rama’s authority above his own status and makes that submission visible to all.