Shloka 2.99.36
चित्रकूटप्राप्तिः — Bharata Reaches Chitrakuta and Beholds Rama
मन्निमित्तमिदं दुःखं प्राप्तो रामः सुखोचितः।धिग्जीवितं नृशंसस्य मम लोकविगर्हितम्।।2.99.36।।
man-nimittam idaṃ duḥkhaṃ prāpto rāmaḥ sukho-citaḥ | dhig jīvitaṃ nṛśaṃsasya mama loka-vigarhītam ||2.99.36||
Because of me, Rāma—accustomed to comfort—has fallen into this suffering. Fie upon my life: cruel, and condemned by the world.
It is on my account that Rama who was accustomed to all comforts has fallen into this misfortune. Fie on my life of cruelty which is condemned by the world.
Dharma includes moral accountability: Bharata accepts responsibility for outcomes associated with his position, even if he did not desire the wrongdoing.
Seeing Rāma’s hardship, Bharata blames himself and condemns his own life as shameful.
Bharata’s conscience, humility, and commitment to truth over self-justification.