Srimad Valmiki Ramayana

Bharata reiterates the importance of serving one's mother (Matri-shushrusha). Given that his own mother Kaikeyi is the cause of the trouble, this oath is layered. He asserts that if he is complicit, he should lose the merit and opportunity to serve his mother—essentially disowning the relationship that allegedly motivated the coup. The descriptors 'long-armed and broad-chested' (Dirghabahu Mahavaksha) are standard epithets for a warrior hero (usually Rama, but applicable to Bharata here). It suggests a tragic irony: may the one who has the physical form of a hero act like a fool, wasting his life in 'anartha' (useless or harmful pursuits) instead of noble duty.