Rama Places His Sandals upon Bharata's Waiting Head
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 316
Doha 316 · Movement 1 of 2
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Rama has unfolded the essence of royal duty, yet Bharata's heart still lacks the tangible support through which peace can remain. His virtue, the guru, ministers, and assembly make Rama tender with affection and reserve.
Then the Lord gives his sandals. Bharata receives them with reverence and raises them upon his head. The footrests of the ocean of compassion become guardians of the people's life, a casket holding the jewels of Bharata's love and sacred syllables protecting life through the years.
They stand as doors of the dynasty, hands of auspicious action, and pure eyes of righteous service. Bharata finally possesses the support he requested. The joy of receiving them gives him the same inward happiness as the presence of Sita and Rama, for they carry the authority and touch of the feet he serves.
Rama's sandals become throne, guardian, scripture, and living presence upon the head of the brother who would not wear a crown.
Read the passage from the Manas
राजधरम सरबसु एतनोई। जिमि मन माहँ मनोरथ गोई।। बंधु प्रबोधु कीन्ह बहु भाँती। बिनु अधार मन तोषु न साँती।। भरत सील गुर सचिव समाजू। सकुच सनेह बिबस रघुराजू।। प्रभु करि कृपा पाँवरीं दीन्हीं। सादर भरत सीस धरि लीन्हीं।। चरनपीठ करुनानिधान के। जनु जुग जामिक प्रजा प्रान के।। संपुट भरत सनेह रतन के। आखर जुग जुन जीव जतन के।। कुल कपाट कर कुसल करम के। बिमल नयन सेवा सुधरम के।। भरत मुदित अवलंब लहे तें। अस सुख जस सिय रामु रहे तें।।
The whole essence of raajdharma (royal duty) is this alone, like a cherished longing hidden within the heart. The brothers counselled Bharat in many ways, but without a firm foundation, the heart finds neither satisfaction nor peace. Bharat's noble virtue, the Guru's presence, the ministers and the whole assembly, all of these overwhelmed Raghuraaj with modesty and affection. The Lord, moved by compassion, bestowed His sacred sandals (paanvareen), which Bharat reverently placed upon his head. Those sandals of the Ocean of Mercy (Karunaanidhaan) were like the very life-breath of the people through the ages. A casket holding Bharat's jewels of love, like sacred syllables (akshar) that protect the soul across the yugas. They were the doors of the dynasty, the hands of auspicious deeds, the pure eyes of devoted and righteous service. Bharat was filled with joy at receiving this support; it brought him the same happiness as though Siya and Ramu themselves were present.