Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 112, Shloka 29
पादुकाप्रदानम्
The Gift of the Sandals and Delegated Kingship
स पादुके ते भरतः प्रतापवान् स्वलङ्कृते सम्परिपूज्य धर्मवित्।प्रदक्षिणं चैव चकार राघवम् चकार ते चोत्तमनागमूर्धनि।।2.112.29।।
sa pāduke te bharataḥ pratāpavān svalaṅkṛte samparipūjya dharmavit |
pradakṣiṇaṃ caiva cakāra rāghavaṃ cakāra te cottamanāga-mūrdhani || 2.112.29 ||
Então Bharata—valoroso e conhecedor do dharma—reverenciou e adorou aquelas sandálias ricamente ornadas, circundou Rāghava em pradakṣiṇa e colocou as sandálias sobre a cabeça do melhor dos elefantes.
Look after your mother, O chief of the Raghus! Do not be angry with her. Swear in my name and in the name of Sita. So saying, eyes filled with tears, Rama took leave of his brother.
FAQs
Legitimacy is honored through reverence: Bharata publicly treats the sandals as the living symbol of Rama’s rightful rule, ensuring governance remains anchored in truth.
Bharata ritually worships the sandals, circumambulates Rama in respect, and ceremonially carries the sandals back—signaling the regency arrangement.
Bharata’s devotion to dharma and humility: he elevates Rama’s authority above his own status and makes that submission visible to all.