Shloka 2.115.3

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

Devanagari script

गतश्च वा दिवं राजा वनस्थश्च गुरुर्मम।रामं प्रतीक्षे राज्याय स हि राजा महायशाः।।।।

Transliteration

sa valkala-jaṭā-dhārī muni-veṣa-dharaḥ prabhuḥ | nandigrāme ’vasad vīraḥ sa-sainyo bharatas tadā ||

Translation

Then Bharata—lordly yet heroic—clad in bark garments and wearing matted locks, having assumed a sage’s attire, dwelt at Nandigrāma together with his army.

Context

King Dasaratha has gone to heaven. My elder brother and guru is in the forest. I shall await his return for ruling the kingdom since he alone is the illustrious king of Ayodhya.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Nandigrāma
• Army (sainyā)

FAQs

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

Renunciation in service of truth: Bharata adopts ascetic simplicity to avoid enjoying royal comfort while Rama is exiled.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata relocates to Nandigrāma and lives austerely, maintaining the kingdom in Rama’s name.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-denial (tyāga) and disciplined restraint—power is treated as duty, not enjoyment.