Shloka 3.62.18

सीतावियोगे रामविलापः (Rāma’s Lament in Separation from Sītā)

Devanagari script

अम्बा च मम कैकेयी सुमित्रा च त्वया विभो।।3.62.18।।कौसल्या च यथान्यायमभिवाद्या ममाऽज्ञया।रक्षणीया प्रयत्नेन भवता सूक्तकारिणा।।3.62.19।।

Transliteration

gāḍham āśliṣya bharato vācyaḥ mad-vacanāt tvayā | anujñāto 'si rāmeṇa pālayeti vasundharām || 3.62.17 ||

Translation

Embracing Bharata tightly, you should tell him on my behalf: ‘You have been authorized by Rāma—govern and protect the earth.’

Context

My mother Kaikeyi, Sumitra and Kausalya should also be offered due obeisance. You should protect them with great effort, carrying out my instructions.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Bharata
• Vasundharā (earth/kingdom)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Even in personal catastrophe, governance and protection of subjects must continue—rāja-dharma is upheld through Bharata’s stewardship.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma, overwhelmed by Sītā’s loss, imagines sending Lakṣmaṇa back to instruct Bharata to rule in his stead.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Public duty over private sorrow—Rāma still ensures the kingdom’s welfare is not abandoned.