Shloka 2.100.61

शततमः सर्गः — Rāma Questions Bharata on Rājadharma (Governance, Counsel, and Public Welfare)

Devanagari script

कच्चिद्गुरूंश्च वृद्धांश्च तापसान् देवतातिथीन्।चैत्यांश्च सर्वान्सिध्दार्थान्ब्राह्मणांश्च नमस्यसि।।।।

Transliteration

kaccid gurūṃś ca vṛddhāṃś ca tāpasān devatātithīn | caityāṃś ca sarvān siddhārthān brāhmaṇāṃś ca namasyasi ||

Translation

Do you offer due reverence to teachers and elders, to ascetics, to the gods and to guests, to all sacred shrines, to accomplished souls, and to the brāhmaṇas?

Context

I trust you pay homage to the preceptors, the aged ones, ascetics, gods and guests, to shrines and to accomplished brahmins.

Characters & Entities

• Gurus (preceptors)
• Elders
• Ascetics (tāpasas)
• Gods (devatā)
• Guests (atithi)
• Shrines (caitya)
• Accomplished persons (siddhārtha)
• Brāhmaṇas

FAQs

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

Dharma is sustained by reverence and hospitality: honoring teachers, elders, holy persons, guests, and sacred places preserves moral order and social harmony.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama continues his examination of Bharata’s conduct as a ruler, focusing on respectful relations with spiritual and social pillars of the kingdom.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility and respect—recognizing authority, sanctity, and merit beyond royal power.