The glory of the Lord’s feet (Padukas) is demonstrated by a significant episode in the Ramayana. After Rama left for the forest, Bharata came to him and pleaded earnestly with him to return to Ayodhya. Rama was equally determined not to return. Vashistha noticed the equal determination of the two brothers. The sage told Bharata: ‘Rama has come to the forest to carry out the command of his father. It is not right on your part to ask him to change his mind. Let us take his Padukas to Ayodhya. Those Padukas will reign over the kingdom.’ Vashistha gave this timely advice and persuaded Bharata to take Rama’s sandals and install them on the throne in Ayodhya.

These incidents show that the worship of the Lord’s feet and of the Lord’s sandals has a long antiquity. The sacredness of this worship was propagated to the world by Bharata from ancient times as part of its spiritual message to mankind. Indians today have largely forgotten this ancient practice. In those days it was the practice of the disciples, after the completion of their education at the Guru’s ashram, to take with them Padukas of the Guru to worship them on their return to their homes. But even the worship of Padukas is an external activity. True devotion calls for the installation of the Padukas in the heart. This means that starting with the external form of worship, we should in due course make it an internal exercise. (SSS Vol.29, pp. 349-350)

You must recognise the inner significance of this episode. People generally regard the sandals as objects to be despised. But Rama taught a different lesson about them. Rama treated the kingdom and the sandals on par. ‘I don’t want a crown. Enthrone my sandals.’

Acting on Rama’s injunctions, Bharata performed the coronation of Rama’s sandals and spent his time peacefully, contemplating on Rama. (SSS Vol.28, p. 91)

When the Padukas are worshipped, the thoughts should be concentrated on the Feet of the Lord. Bharata is the supreme example of one who worshipped Rama’s Padukas with such devotion. Setting himself in a hermitage outside Ayodhya, he worshipped Rama’s Padukas with such concentration for 14 years that his mind merged in the Lotus Feet of Rama. He identified himself totally with Rama and dedicated every moment to Rama. (SS Oct ’98, p. 263)

Wherever the Padukas are worshipped, I will be physically present there and will look after the welfare of the family. (SSSm Vol.7, p. 113)