Shloka 2.115.11
पादुकाभिषेकः — The Consecration of Rama’s Sandals and Bharata’s Trusteeship at Nandigrama
बलं च तदनाहूतं गजाश्वरथसङ्कुलम्।प्रययौ भरते याते सर्वे च पुरवासिनः।।।।
balaṃ ca tad anāhūtaṃ gajāśvarathasaṅkulam | prayayau bharate yāte sarve ca puravāsinaḥ || 2.115.11 ||
And when Bharata set out, the army—thronged with elephants, horses, and chariots—also departed unbidden, and so did all the citizens of the city.
When Bharata left, the army with hordes of elephants, horses and chariots and inhabitants of Ayodhya followed him unbidden.
Dharma is communal, not merely personal: citizens and army participate voluntarily in restoring rightful order. Their unbidden following reflects loyalty to dharmic resolution rather than coercion.
As Bharata departs, the military and townspeople spontaneously accompany him toward Nandigrāma.
Public devotion and solidarity—people align themselves with Bharata’s dhārmic purpose, showing trust in his intent.