Shloka 2.1.2

गुणप्रशंसा–युवराजनिर्णयः (Praise of Rama’s Virtues and the Decision on the Heir-Apparent)

Devanagari script

तत्र न्यवसद्भ्रात्रा सह सत्कारसत्कृतः।मातुलेनाश्वपतिना पुत्रस्नेहेन लालितः।।।।

Transliteration

tatra nyavasad bhrātrā saha satkāra-satkṛtaḥ | mātulenāśvapatinā putra-snehena lālitaḥ ||

Translation

There he stayed with his brother, honored with every courtesy—cherished by his maternal uncle Aśvapati with the affection one shows to a son.

Context

Treated with warm hospitality and fatherly affection by his maternal uncle Aswapati, Bharata stayed on there along with his brother.

Characters & Entities

• Bhārata
• Śatrughna (implied as ‘brother’)
• Aśvapati (maternal uncle)
• Kekaya (implied locale/kingdom context)

FAQs

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

Dharma here appears as kinship responsibility and hospitality: relatives uphold social order through respectful reception and affectionate care.

What is the narrative situation?

Bhārata (with Śatrughna) is residing away from Ayodhyā at his maternal uncle’s home, a circumstance that later affects the unfolding political crisis.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Warm familial care and proper honoring of guests/kinsmen (satkāra).