Shloka 2.113.1

पादुकाप्रदानं भरतस्य निवृत्तिश्च (The Sandals Bestowed; Bharata’s Return Toward Ayodhya)

Devanagari script

तत श्शिरसि कृत्वा तु पादुके भरतस्तदा।आरुरोह रथं हृष्टः शत्रुघ्नेन समन्वितः।।।।

Transliteration

tataḥ śirasi kṛtvā tu pāduke bharatas tadā | ārurōha rathaṃ hṛṣṭaḥ śatrughnēna samanvitaḥ || 2.113.1 ||

Translation

Then Bharata, placing the sandals upon his head, joyfully mounted the chariot, accompanied by Śatrughna.

Context

Then Bharata accompanied by Satrughna, placing the sandals on his head in delight, boarded the chariot.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Śatrughna
• pādukā (Rāma’s sandals)
• chariot

FAQs

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

Dharma is self-effacing service: Bharata accepts symbolic rulership only as stewardship under Rāma’s rightful authority.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata departs from Rāma carrying the pādukās as a sacred emblem, returning to govern in Rāma’s name.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility and loyalty—placing the sandals on his head signals reverence and refusal to usurp what is not his by dharma.