Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 111, Shloka 13
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकादशोत्तरशततमः सर्गः
Sarga 111: Counsel on Gurus, Parental Debt, and Bharata’s Protest
इह मे स्थण्डिले शीघ्रं कुशानास्तर सारथे।आर्यं प्रत्युपवेक्ष्यामि यावन्मे न प्रसीदति।।।।
iha me sthaṇḍile śīghraṃ kuśān āstara sārathe | āryaṃ pratyupavekṣyāmi yāvan me na prasīdati ||
इह मे स्थण्डिले शीघ्रं कुशानास्तर सारथे; आर्यं प्रत्युपवेक्ष्यामि यावन्मे न प्रसीदति।
O charioteer, quickly spread kusa grass on the bare ground. Until my esteemed brother shows his grace, I shall lie down here -- waiting.
FAQs
Bharata uses self-denial as moral pressure, attempting to restore righteous order (dharma) by urging Rama to accept kingship; the verse highlights duty to the kingdom versus personal vows.
At Chitrakūṭa (forest hermitage setting), Bharata has come to persuade Rama to return to Ayodhyā; he begins a protest by lying down on kuśa grass until Rama relents.
Bharata’s humility and persistence—he chooses hardship for himself to uphold what he believes is rightful governance and familial righteousness.