Shloka 1.1.33
श्रीमद्रामायणकथासङ्क्षेपः / The Ramayana in Synopsis (Narada’s Summary to Valmiki)
मृते तु तस्मिन्भरतो वसिष्ठप्रमुखैर्द्विजै: ।। ।।नियुज्यमानो राज्याय नैच्छद्राज्यं महाबल:।
mṛte tu tasmin bharato vasiṣṭha-pramukhair dvijaiḥ |
niyujyamāno rājyāya naicchad rājyaṃ mahābalaḥ |
When he (Daśaratha) had died, mighty Bharata—though urged by Vasiṣṭha and other brahmins to assume the kingship—did not desire the kingdom.
After Dasaratha had passed away, mighty Bharata did not desire to rule the kingdom against the orders by Vasishta and other brahmins.
Dharma is integrity over ambition: Bharata refuses power when it would violate righteousness and fairness toward Rāma’s rightful position.
After Daśaratha’s death, elders attempt to install Bharata as king, but he declines.
Bharata’s non-attachment to power and commitment to justice and truth (satya) in succession.