Bharata

In an episode of Ramayana, Bharata meets Rama at Chitrakuta during his exile. Despite Bharata’s implorations, Rama refuses to return to Ayodhya and rule, choosing instead to continue his exile in honour of the promise his father Raja Dashratha had made to mother Kaikeyi. Bharata requested Rama for his padukas or wooden sandals, which he then placed on the throne of Ayodhya. In this image, the sandals lie on a cushion and Bharata stands on the double lotus. The hooks on all four sides of the base allowed the image to be carried in ritual processions.