Shloka 6.127.20
भरद्वाजाश्रम-समागमः / Meeting Bharadvaja at the Hermitage (Homeward Blessings)
तथेति च प्रतिज्ञातेवचनात्समनन्तरम् ।।6.127.20।।अभवन्पादपास्तत्रस्वर्गपादपसन्निभाः ।
so 'pṛcchad abhivādyainaṃ bharadvājaṃ tapodhanam |
śṛṇoṣi kaccid bhagavan subhikṣānāmayam pure ||6.127.2||
kaccit sayukto bharato jīvanty api ca mātaraḥ |
After greeting Bharadvāja—whose wealth is austerity—he asked: “O venerable one, have you heard whether the city is free from famine and disease and enjoys prosperity? Is Bharata diligently engaged in his duty? And are the mothers living well?”
When Bharadwaja promised saying, 'Be it so' and the trees on all sides grew like heavenly trees.
Dharma is measured by welfare and duty: Rāma’s questions prioritize the city’s well-being (prosperity and health), Bharata’s diligence in governance, and the care of elders—hallmarks of righteous kingship and family duty.
Arriving at Bharadvāja’s āśrama during the return toward Ayodhyā, Rāma respectfully inquires about conditions in the capital and the state of his family.
Rāma’s responsibility and compassion—his first concern is public welfare and Bharata’s dutiful conduct, reflecting a dharmic ruler’s priorities.