Shloka 2.115.15

पादुकाभिषेकः — The Consecration of Rama’s Sandals and Bharata’s Trusteeship at Nandigrama

Devanagari script

भरत श्शिरसा कृत्वा सन्न्यासं पादुके ततः।अब्रवीद्धुःखसंतप्त स्सर्वं प्रकृतिमण्डलम्।।।।

Transliteration

bharataḥ śirasā kṛtvā sannyāsaṃ pāduke tataḥ | abravīd duḥkhasaṃtaptaḥ sarvaṃ prakṛtimaṇḍalam ||

Translation

Then Bharata, placing the entrusted sandals upon his head, and scorched by grief, spoke to the entire assembly of the realm.

Context

Then Bharata placed the sandals held in trust on his head and, overcome with grief, he addressed the concourse of subjects:

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• pādukā (Rama’s sandals)
• prakṛti-maṇḍala (subjects/assembly)

FAQs

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

Reverence for rightful authority: placing the sandals on his head symbolizes Bharata’s submission to dharma and legitimacy, not personal ambition.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata publicly honors Rama’s sandals and prepares to address the people, clarifying his intention to act only as caretaker.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility and devotion: Bharata’s gesture shows deep respect and grief-driven sincerity.