Shloka 2.82.21
भरतस्य धर्मप्रतिज्ञा तथा रामनिवर्तनयात्रा (Bharata’s Vow of Dharma and the Expedition to Recall Rama)
एवमुक्त्वा तु धर्मात्मा भरतो भ्रातृवत्सलः।समीपस्थमुवाचेदं सुमन्त्रं मन्त्रकोविदम्।।।।
evam uktvā tu dharmātmā bharato bhrātṛvatsalaḥ |
samīpastham uvācedaṁ sumantraṁ mantra-kovidam ||
Having spoken thus, righteous Bharata—affectionate toward his brother—addressed Sumantra, skilled in counsel, who was standing nearby.
Righteous Bharata who was full of devotion towards his brother having uttered thus, addressed the skilful counsellor Sumantra standing nearby:
Dharma is framed as loyalty and duty within family and state: Bharata’s righteousness is linked to brotherly devotion and reliance on wise counsel.
The narration transitions from Bharata’s prior statements to his direct instruction to Sumantra.
Bharata’s righteousness (dharmātmā) and brotherly affection (bhrātṛvatsala).