Shloka 2.74.35
भरतस्य कैकेयी-गर्हा तथा सुरभि-दृष्टान्तः (Bharata’s Reproach of Kaikeyi and the Surabhi Exemplum)
इति नाग इवारण्ये तोमराङ्कुशचोदितः।पपात भुवि सङ्कृद्धो निश्श्वसन्निव पन्नगः।।।।
aham apy avanīṃ prāpte rāme satya-parākrame |
kṛta-kṛtyo bhaviṣyāmi vipravāsita-kalmaṣaḥ ||
When Rama—whose very prowess is grounded in truth—comes to possess the kingdom, then I too will have fulfilled my duty and will be cleansed of all stain.
In this way like an elephant driven by prods and goads in the forest, highly enraged Bharata hissing like a serpent dropped down on the ground.
Rightful rule must align with satya and dharma; Bharata views restoration of Rama as the ethical completion of his responsibility and the removal of moral taint.
Bharata states that only when Rama receives the kingdom will Bharata feel his own role is purified and complete.
Truth-allegiance and humility: Bharata defines his success as placing the rightful, truth-driven Rama on the throne—not seizing it.