Shloka 2.99.35
चित्रकूटप्राप्तिः — Bharata Reaches Chitrakuta and Beholds Rama
चन्दनेन महार्हेण यस्याङ्गमुपसेवितम्।मलेन तस्याङ्गमिदं कथमार्यस्य सेव्यते।।2.99.35।।
candanena mahārheṇa yasyāṅgam upasevitam | malena tasyāṅgam idaṃ katham āryasya sevyate ||2.99.35||
How is it that the body of that noble one—once tended with precious sandal paste—is now tended by dust and grime?
How is it that the body of my venerable brother which was once smeared with expensive, fragrant sandal paste is now covered with dust?
True nobility is not dependent on luxury. Dharma can require accepting physical discomfort while preserving inner purity and truth.
Bharata grieves over the contrast between Rāma’s former royal care and his present forest hardship.
Rāma’s simplicity and steadfastness; Bharata’s empathy and reverence.