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 ||
O sarathi, dito sa hubad na lupa ay madali mong ilatag para sa akin ang damong kuśa. Hanggang hindi ako kinahahabagan ng aking marangal na nakatatandang kapatid, dito ako hihiga bilang pagtutol at maghihintay.
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.