Shloka 14
भरतस्य कैकेय्याः प्रति धिक्कारः
Bharata’s Rebuke of Kaikeyi and Affirmation of Ikshvaku Royal Dharma
अहं हि पुरुषव्याघ्रावपश्यन्रामलक्ष्मणौ।केन शक्तिप्रभावेन राज्यं रक्षितुमुत्सहे।।।।
ahaṃ hi puruṣa-vyāghrāv apaśyan rāma-lakṣmaṇau | kena śakti-prabhāvena rājyaṃ rakṣitum utsahe || 2.73.14 ||
إن لم أرَ راما ولاكشمانا—وهما نمرا الرجال—فبأي قوةٍ أو بأسٍ أجرؤ أن أتعهد بحماية هذا الملك؟
When Rama and Lakshmana, the best of men stay away from me, by virtue of what mighty power am I competent to protect this kingdom?
FAQs
Legitimate rule depends on dharmic capability and rightful support; Bharata refuses to treat kingship as entitlement and measures it against responsibility.
Bharata laments that with Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa absent, he lacks the strength to safeguard the realm.
Humility and realism in governance—Bharata acknowledges merit and competence rather than clinging to power.