Shloka 2.115.6
पादुकाभिषेकः — The Consecration of Rama’s Sandals and Bharata’s Trusteeship at Nandigrama
नित्यं ते बन्धुलुब्धस्य तिष्ठतो भ्रातृसौहृदे।आर्यमार्गं प्रपन्नस्य नानुमन्येत कः पुमान्।।।।
tatas tu bharataḥ śrīmān abhiṣicyārya-pāduke | tad-adhīnas tadā rājyaṃ kārayāmāsa sarvadā ||
Thereafter, illustrious Bharata, having consecrated the noble sandals, administered the kingdom ever after as one wholly subordinate to them.
You are always attached to your relations, firmly established in the welfare of your brothers and are pursuing a noble path. Who would not approve of this?
Legitimacy and accountability in rule: Bharata governs only under Rama’s authority, modeling dharmic restraint in political power.
After installing the sandals as the emblem of kingship, Bharata continues governance as Rama’s representative.
Humility and fidelity to rightful sovereignty—Bharata’s refusal to appropriate the throne.