Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 113, Shloka 2
पादुकाप्रदानं भरतस्य निवृत्तिश्च
The Sandals Bestowed; Bharata’s Return Toward Ayodhya
वसिष्ठो वामदेवश्च जाबालिश्च दृढव्रतः।अग्रतः प्रययु स्सर्वे मन्त्रिणो मन्त्रपूजिताः।।।।
vasiṣṭho vāmadevaś ca jābāliś ca dṛḍhavrataḥ | agrataḥ prayayuḥ sarve mantriṇo mantrapūjitāḥ ||
Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, and Jābāli—steadfast in their vows—together with all the ministers honored for their counsel, proceeded at the front.
Vasishta, Vamadeva, Jabali of rigorous penance and all the ministers honoured for their counsel proceeded ahead.
FAQs
Rajadharma values guided leadership: those revered for wise counsel and disciplined vows take the lead, signaling that righteous governance proceeds with tested advisors and self-restraint.
As Bharata’s party travels, senior sages and royal ministers move ahead, organizing and guiding the procession.
Disciplined wisdom—steadfast vows (dṛḍha-vrata) and respected counsel (mantra) as the basis of rightful action.