2025, Vol. 11, Issue 5, Part E

author(s)
N Kannan and K Srikanth

abstract

भरत (Bharata), the younger brother of श्रीराम (śrī-Rāma), embodies one of the highest ideals of भक्ति (bhakti, devotion) in the रामायण (Rāmāyaṇa). By enthroning राम (Rāma)’s पादुका (Pādukā-s, sandals) rather than claiming the throne himself, भरत (Bharata) revealed the sovereignty of devotion over worldly power. Traditional commentators—from Kamban to वेदान्तदेशिक (Vedānta Deśika)—extol his unparalleled शरणागति (śaraṇāgati, surrender), often declaring that even a thousand राम (Rāma-s) could not equal one भरत (Bharata).

This paper explores भरत (Bharata)’s भक्ति (bhakti) through an interdisciplinary lens, integrating scriptural testimony with symbolic mathematics. Utilizing the ancient कटपयादिसंख्या (kaṭapayādi saṃkhyā) system, key terms from the पादुका-सहस्रम् (Pādukā-sahasram) are numerically encoded to demonstrate a striking equation: भरत (Bharata)’s dedication multiplied by his total surrender yields the infinite radiance of the पादुका-प्रभाव (Pādukā-prabhāva, the glory of the sandals).

This synthesis reveals how भरत (Bharata)’s complete शरणागति (śaraṇāgati) mathematically and spiritually unveils the boundless brilliance of राम (rāma)’s पादुका (Pādukā-s), offering a unique integration of devotional theology and numerical symbolism.