Shloka 2.93.6
चित्रकूटमार्गवर्णनम् — Bharata’s Army Reaches Chitrakuta and Searches for Rama
स यात्वा दूरमध्वानं सुपरिश्रान्तवाहनः। उवाच भरत श्श्रीमान् वसिष्ठं मन्त्रिणां वरम्।।2.93.6।।
yattā bhavantas tiṣṭhantu neto gantavyam agrataḥ | aham eva gamiṣyāmi sumantro gurur eva ca || 2.93.25 ||
“All of you remain here, vigilant; you must not go forward from here. I alone will proceed—along with Sumantra and the revered preceptor.”
With his draught animals extremely wearied by covering a great distance, the majestic Bharata said to Vasistha, the best of counsellors:
Maryādā (propriety) and non-threatening approach: Bharata restrains the army and advances with only elders, ensuring the meeting is respectful, not coercive.
Near Rāma’s vicinity, Bharata orders the troops to halt while he goes ahead with Sumantra and Vasiṣṭha.
Saṃyama (self-restraint) in power—he deliberately limits force to preserve trust and righteousness.