Shloka 2.82.9
भरतस्य धर्मप्रतिज्ञा तथा रामनिवर्तनयात्रा (Bharata’s Vow of Dharma and the Expedition to Recall Rama)
तच्छ्रुत्वा भरतो वाक्यं शोकेनाभिपरिप्लुतः।जगाम मनसा रामं धर्मज्ञो धर्मकाङ्क्षया।।।।
tac chrutvā bharato vākyam śokenābhipariplutaḥ | jagāma manasā rāmaṃ dharmajño dharmakāṅkṣayā ||
Hearing those words, Bharata—knowing what dharma demands—was flooded with grief; yet, yearning to act righteously, he went to Rama in his mind, fixing his thought upon him.
On hearing those words, Bharata who knew his duty was overwhelmed with distressand, resolved to abide by righteousness, reached Rama through his mind (thought of Rama).
Even in intense sorrow, Bharata’s inner aim is dharma—his mind turns toward Rama as the rightful standard of righteousness and legitimate kingship, showing that duty should guide emotion.
After hearing distressing news/words in the unfolding crisis at Ayodhya, Bharata becomes grief-stricken and mentally reaches for Rama, preparing inwardly for the righteous course.
Bharata’s dharma-consciousness and loyalty—his immediate impulse is not self-advantage but alignment with what is right, centered on Rama.