Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 104, Shloka 16
भरतस्य प्रार्थना—रामस्य धर्मोपदेशः
Bharata’s Petition and Rama’s Dharma-Reasoning
कुलीन:सत्त्वसम्पन्नस्तेजस्वी चरितव्रतः।राज्यहेतोः कथं पापमाचरेत्त्वद्विधो जनः।।।।
kulīnaḥ sattvasampannas tejasvī caritavrataḥ | rājyhetoḥ kathaṃ pāpam ācaret tvadvidho janaḥ ||
How could a man like you—nobly born, strong in character, radiant in power, and faithful to vows—commit sin for the sake of a kingdom?
How can a man like you, born of a noble race, endowed with energy, powerful and adherent to vows, commit a sin for the sake of a kingdom?
FAQs
Kingship is not worth adharma: Rama asserts that righteousness and integrity stand above political power, and he trusts Bharata’s dharmic nature.
Rama begins his response, rejecting any suspicion that Bharata seeks the throne through wrongdoing.
Bharata’s incorruptibility—Rama describes him as vow-keeping and incapable of sin for power.