Shloka 2.112.29

पादुकाप्रदानम् (The Gift of the Sandals and Delegated Kingship)

Devanagari script

स पादुके ते भरतः प्रतापवान् स्वलङ्कृते सम्परिपूज्य धर्मवित्।प्रदक्षिणं चैव चकार राघवम् चकार ते चोत्तमनागमूर्धनि।।2.112.29।।

Transliteration

sa pāduke te bharataḥ pratāpavān svalaṅkṛte samparipūjya dharmavit |

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

Translation

Then Bharata—the valiant knower of dharma—reverently worshipped those well-adorned sandals. He circumambulated Rāghava (Rāma) and placed the sandals upon the head of the finest elephant.

Context

The valiant and righteous Bharata, worshipped the well-decorated sandals and after circumambulating Rama reverentially placed them atop the best of elephants.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Rama (Rāghava)
• pādukā (sandals)
• elephant (nāga)

FAQs

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

It exemplifies dharmic humility: honoring rightful authority through symbolic kingship, placing duty above personal claim.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata receives Rama’s sandals as a royal substitute and ceremonially honors them before returning to govern on Rama’s behalf.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bharata’s devotion, self-effacement, and scrupulous adherence to righteous conduct.