Shloka 2.115.16

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

Devanagari script

छत्रं धारयत क्षिप्रमार्यपादाविमौ मतौ।आभ्यां राज्ये स्थितो धर्मः पादुकाभ्यां गुरोर्मम।।।।

Transliteration

chatraṃ dhārayata kṣipram āryapādāv imau matau | ābhyāṃ rājye sthito dharmaḥ pādukābhyāṃ guror mama ||

Translation

Hold up the royal parasol at once. These are accepted as the venerable feet of my brother; by these sandals of my revered elder, dharma shall stand established in the kingdom.

Context

Hold the royal paresol now. This is the accepted symbol of the exalted feet of my brother. These sandals shall establish righteousness in the kingdom.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Rama
• royal parasol (chatra)
• pādukā (Rama’s sandals)
• kingdom (Ayodhya, implied)

FAQs

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

Legitimate rule rests on dharma, not on mere possession of power; Bharata installs Rama’s symbolic presence so that governance remains aligned with righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata instructs the court to treat the sandals as Rama’s very feet and to proceed with royal protocol (like the parasol) around this symbol.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Loyalty to rightful sovereignty: Bharata actively prevents any perception that he is the true king.