भरद्वाजाश्रमगमनम् (Bharata at Bharadvāja’s Hermitage)
एवमुक्तो भरद्वाजं भरतः प्रत्युवाच ह।पर्यश्रुनयनो दुःखाद्वाचा संसज्जमानया।।2.90.14।।
kacchin na tasyāpāpasya pāpaṃ kartum ihēcchasi |
akaṇṭakaṃ bhoktum anā rājyaṃ tasyānujasya ca || 2.90.13 ||
Surely you do not wish to commit a wrong against the sinless Rāma and his younger brother, seeking to enjoy the kingdom unobstructed?
At these words, Bharata, eyes filled with tears of grief, replied to Bharadwaja in a stumbling voice:
Dharma here is non-injury and rightful succession: the kingdom must not be pursued through harm or adharma against the blameless heir and his brother.
Bharadvāja tests Bharata’s intentions, voicing the suspicion that Bharata might seek power by wronging Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa.
Bharata’s integrity is being examined; the verse sets the stage for his self-vindication and commitment to righteous conduct over ambition.