Why did Bharat install padukas of Sree Ram on the throne instead of His idol?

 
Shrīrām

‘Asking for the paduka’ means ‘placing the head on the feet’ or ‘complete surrender’. When Bharat asked for Rama’s paduka the latter gave them to him. The former carried them placing them on his head such that the big toes faced the front. Then he installed them on the throne and worshipped them. Since then the custom of worshipping paduka of the spiritually evolved began.

After acquiring Shrīrām’s paduka Bharat took them to Nandigram and installed them there. He did not reside in Ayodhya.

When accepting Shrīrām’s paduka, Bharat requested Him to inform him about His return from exile along with Sītā, on the eve of His arrival, so that he could make preparations for His reception. Upon this, Shrīrām uttered, “So be it (tathastu)”. Click here to read more.

• 1. Implied meaning of some names in the Ramayan
  • 1.1 According to the Bhavartha Ramayan by Saint Ekanath
  • 1.2 As told by H.H. Anna Karandikar
• 2. Implied meaning of some incidents from the Ramayan
  • 2.1 Sita, the daughter of the Earth
  • 2.2 Kaikeyi’s asking for a boon
  • 2.3 Bharat’s asking for Rama’s paduka (wooden footwear)
  • 2.4 Bharat’s stay at Nandigram
  • 2.5 Lakshman’s life in exile
  • 2.6 Sita’s abduction
  • 2.7 Rama’s embracing the trees
  • 2.8 Slaying of Vali
  • 2.9 Rajak’s accusing Sita
  • 2.10 Slaying of Shambuk
  • 2.11 Rama’s renouncing His body in water (jalasamadhi)