Shloka 2.90.1
भरद्वाजाश्रमगमनम् (Bharata at Bharadvāja’s Hermitage)
भरद्वाजाश्रमं दृष्ट्वा क्रोशादेव नरर्षभः।बलं सर्वमवस्थाप्य जगाम सह मन्त्रिभिः।।2.90.1।।पद्भ्यामेव हि धर्मज्ञो न्यस्तशस्त्रपरिच्छदः।वसानो वाससी क्षौमे पुरोधाय पुरोधसम्।।2.90.2।।
bharadvājāśramaṁ dṛṣṭvā krośād eva nararṣabhaḥ |
balaṁ sarvam avasthāpya jagāma saha mantribhiḥ || 2.90.1 ||
padbhyām eva hi dharmajño nyastaśastraparicchadaḥ |
vasāno vāsasī kṣaume purodhāya purodhasam || 2.90.2 ||
Seeing Bharadvāja’s hermitage from a distance of a krośa, Bharata—the best of men—halted his entire army and went forward with his ministers. That knower of dharma set aside his weapons and royal accoutrements, donned fine linen garments, and proceeded on foot, placing the family priest before him.
Bharata, the knower of righteous ways and the best among men, saw the hermitage of Bharadwaja from a distance of one krosa and brought his entire army to a halt. He laid aside all his royal robes and weapons. Clad in silk garments, he went on foot along with his ministers, with the family priest Vasistha ahead of him.
It shows maryādā (proper restraint) and reverence toward ascetics: Bharata reduces royal display and approaches a sacred place with humility, signaling that spiritual authority is honored above political power.
By abandoning arms and royal insignia, Bharata makes his intention transparent—he comes without threat or coercion. This outward simplicity supports satya as sincerity in action, aligning conduct with truthful, non-violent purpose.