Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 72, Shloka 33
भरतस्य मातृसदनगमनं कैकेय्या दारुणवृत्तान्तकथनं च
Bharata in Kaikeyi’s apartments: revelation of Daśaratha’s death and Rāma’s exile
पिता हि भवति ज्येष्ठो धर्ममार्यस्य जानतः।
तस्य पादौ ग्रहीष्यामि स हीदानीं गतिर्मम।।2.72.33।।
pitā hi bhavati jyeṣṭho dharmam āryasya jānataḥ |
tasya pādau grahīṣyāmi sa hīdānīṃ gatir mama || 2.72.33 ||
ஆரிய தர்மத்தை அறிந்தவர்க்கு மூத்த சகோதரன் தந்தையெனவே ஆவான். நான் அவரின் திருவடிகளைப் பற்றுவேன்; இப்போது அவரே என் ஒரே அடைக்கலம்.
To one who knows the ways of righteousness the elder brother is (like) the father. Indeed, he (Rama) is my refuge and I shall hold his feet now.
FAQs
Maryādā-dharma: the elder brother carries paternal responsibility; honoring him sustains righteous family order.
In the wake of his father’s absence, Bharata turns to Rama as the rightful moral center and protector.
Bharata’s submission to dharma over personal claim—he seeks refuge at Rama’s feet.