Shloka 2.99.24
चित्रकूटप्राप्तिः — Bharata Reaches Chitrakuta and Beholds Rama
प्रागुदक्प्रवणां वेदिं विशालां दीप्तपावकाम्।ददर्श भरतस्तत्र पुण्यां रामनिवेशने।।2.99.24।।
prāg-udak-pravaṇāṃ vediṃ viśālāṃ dīpta-pāvakām |
dadarśa bharatas tatra puṇyāṃ rāma-niveśane || 2.99.24 ||
There, at Rama’s dwelling, Bharata beheld a sacred, spacious altar sloping toward the northeast, its fire blazing bright.
Bharata beheld at Rama's residence a sacred and spacious altar sloping to the north-east, with a burning fire upon it.
Dharma is sustained through sacred order (ṛta): the maintained fire-altar signifies disciplined worship, purity, and continuity of righteous practice even in exile.
Arriving at Rama’s forest dwelling, Bharata first notices the ritual altar and fire, indicating the sanctity and regulated life of the exiles.
Rama’s tapas and steadfast observance: exile does not interrupt sacred duties.