Shloka 2.82.16

भरतस्य धर्मप्रतिज्ञा तथा रामनिवर्तनयात्रा (Bharata’s Vow of Dharma and the Expedition to Recall Rama)

Devanagari script

राममेवानुगच्छामि राजा स द्विपदां वरः।त्रयाणामपि लोकानां राज्यमर्हति राघवः।।।।

Transliteration

rāmam evānugacchāmi rājā sa dvipadāṃ varaḥ |

trayāṇām api lokānāṃ rājyam arhati rāghavaḥ ||

Translation

I shall follow Rāma alone; he—best among men—is the king. Rāghava deserves sovereignty even over the three worlds.

Context

I shall follow Rama the best among men. He alone and no one else deserves to rule over the kingdom of the three worlds.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• three worlds (trailokya)

FAQs

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

True allegiance is to rightful authority: Bharata defines kingship by dharma and merit, not by circumstance or coronation.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata declares he will go to Rāma and recognizes him as the only legitimate king despite Rāma’s forest exile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Loyalty and renunciation: Bharata relinquishes power and commits himself to serving the rightful ruler.