Shloka 2.88.30
रामशय्यादर्शनम् — Bharata Beholds Rama’s Forest Bed
प्रसाद्यमान श्शिरसा मया स्वयं बहुप्रकारं यदि नाभिपत्स्यते।ततोऽनुवत्स्यामि चिराय राघवम् वनेचरन्नार्हति मामुपेक्षितुम्।।।।
ajinottarasaṃstīrṇe varāstaraṇasaṃcaye |
śayitvā puruṣavyāghraḥ kathaṃ śete mahītale ||
How can that tiger among men—who once slept upon a fine bed layered with excellent coverings and overspread with deer-skin—now lie down upon the bare earth?
I will seek his grace in many ways by bowing down my head. Even then if Rama does not grant my wish, I shall also live with him as long as it takes. He will not be able to ignore a forester like me.ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē ayōdhyākāṇḍē aṣṭāśītitamassargaḥ৷৷Thus ends the eightyeigth sarga in Ayodhyakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.
The verse highlights dharma as a standard of just treatment: virtue and rightful status should not be violated by wrongful suffering. Bharata’s question condemns the moral disorder that has forced Rama into hardship.
Bharata is imagining Rama’s changed life in exile—moving from palace comfort to sleeping on the ground—intensifying his remorse and urgency.
Bharata’s loyalty and protective love for Rama, expressed through grief at Rama’s undeserved austerity.