Shloka 1.1.38

श्रीमद्रामायणकथासङ्क्षेपः / The Ramayana in Synopsis (Narada’s Summary to Valmiki)

Devanagari script

स काममनवाप्यैव रामपादावुपस्पृशन् ।।।।नन्दिग्रामेऽकरोद्राज्यं रामागमनकाङ्क्षया ।

Transliteration

sa kāmam anavāpyaiva rāmapādāv upaspṛśan |

nandigrāme ’karod rājyaṃ rāmāgamanakāṅkṣayā ||

Translation

Thus, without fulfilling his wish to bring Rāma back, Bharata reverently touched Rāma’s sandals and administered the kingdom from Nandigrāma, longing for Rāma’s return.

Context

Disaaponted in his mission to take Rama back, Bharata worshipped the sandals of Rama and ruled the kingdom from Nandigrama, awaiting his return.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Rāma
• Rāma’s sandals (pādukā)
• Nandigrāma

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma as loyal stewardship: Bharata governs not as claimant but as caretaker, keeping the kingdom aligned with the rightful sovereign and awaiting restoration.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata fails to persuade Rāma to return; he instead rules from Nandigrāma, honoring Rāma’s authority through the sandals.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bharata’s devotion and detachment: he accepts administrative duty while refusing personal kingship.