Bharata Gets Rama's Padukas

Bharata, son of Kaikeyi was not in Ayodhya when Rama went on exile with Sita and Laxman. He had great shock and anguish at his mother's selfishness. He refused to have  a royal coronation and sit on the throne which he thought rightfully belonged to elder brother Rama . He proceeds to forest, to persuade Rama to return to Ayodhya. When he fails in his mission, he carries Rama's Padukas (wooden sandals) back to Ayodhya. He vows to keep them on the throne and worship till Rama returns.

kamat.com/Kamat's Potpourri

Bharata Asks for Rama's Footwear
Painting by Balasaheb Pandit Pant Pratinidhi

• Source of Picture: Chitra Ramayana by Ramachandra Madhwa Mahishi, Illustrated by Balasaheb Pandit Pant Pratinidhi, 1916
• Commentary: Dr. Jyotsna Kamat