Shloka 2.115.23

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

Devanagari script

स वल्कलजटाधारी मुनिवेषधरः प्रभुः।नन्दिग्रामेऽवसद्वीर स्ससैन्यो भरतस्तदा।।।।

Transliteration

gataś ca vā divaṃ rājā vanasthaś ca gurur mama | rāmaṃ pratīkṣe rājyāya sa hi rājā mahāyaśāḥ ||

Translation

The king has gone to heaven, and my elder brother—my revered guide—dwells in the forest. I shall wait for Rama to take up the kingdom, for he alone is the illustrious, greatly renowned king.

Context

Bharata, the warrior and lord, wore bark garments and matted locks and lived the life of an ascetic in Nandigrama along with his army.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Daśaratha
• Rama
• Ayodhya

FAQs

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

Loyalty to rightful succession and truthfulness in duty: Bharata upholds rajadharma by recognizing Rama as the legitimate king and refusing personal gain.

What is the narrative situation?

After Daśaratha’s death and Rama’s exile, Bharata declares before the court that he will not rule as king and will await Rama’s return.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bharata’s integrity and fraternal devotion—self-restraint, refusal of power, and commitment to rightful order.