Shloka 2.82.11
भरतस्य धर्मप्रतिज्ञा तथा रामनिवर्तनयात्रा (Bharata’s Vow of Dharma and the Expedition to Recall Rama)
चरितब्रह्मचर्यस्य विद्यास्नातस्य धीमतः।धर्मे प्रयतमानस्य को राज्यं मद्विधो हरेत्।।।।
caritabrahmacaryasya vidyāsnātasya dhīmataḥ |
dharme prayatamānasya ko rājyaṃ madvidho haret ||
Who—someone like me—could ever seize the kingdom from Rāma, who has lived the discipline of brahmacarya, is fully trained in learning, is wise, and strives steadfastly in righteousness?
Would any man seize this kingdom which rightfully belongs to sagacious Rama, who practises brahmacharya, who is well-versed in all branches of learning and who endeavours to protect righteousness?
Legitimate authority arises from virtue and qualification: Bharata argues that dharma forbids usurping rule from the truly qualified heir who embodies discipline, learning, and righteousness.
Bharata publicly rejects the idea that he could accept the throne after Rāma’s exile, asserting Rāma’s superior claim grounded in character and dharma.
Humility and loyalty: Bharata refuses personal gain and recognizes Rāma’s ethical fitness for kingship.