Shloka 23
भरतवाक्यं—रामस्य पुनरायोध्यागमननिषेधः
Bharata’s Plea and Rama’s Refusal to Return
श्रुतेन बालः स्थानेन जन्मना भवतो ह्यहम्।स कथं पालयिष्यामि भूमिं भवति तिष्ठति।।।।
śrutena bālaḥ sthānena janmanā bhavato hy aham |
sa kathaṁ pālayiṣyāmi bhūmiṁ bhavati tiṣṭhati ||
En saber, en dignidad y aun por nacimiento, soy inferior a ti. ¿Cómo podría alguien como yo gobernar la tierra mientras tú permaneces aquí?
Being younger to you in knowledge, position and birth, how can I rule the earth when you are present?
FAQs
Dharma includes recognizing rightful authority and personal limitations; governance should rest with the most qualified and legitimate protector of the people.
Bharata refuses the throne and insists Rama must rule; he argues he cannot govern while Rama, superior in every respect, is alive.
Bharata’s humility and integrity—he rejects power and acknowledges Rama’s precedence.