Shloka 2.101.2

भरतस्य धर्मनिश्चयः — Bharata Affirms Lineage-Dharma and Urges Rama’s Coronation

Devanagari script

शाश्वतोऽयं सदा धर्मः स्थितोऽस्मासु नरर्षभ।ज्येष्ठेे पुत्रे स्थिते राजा न कनीयान् भवेन्नृपः।।2.101.2।।

Transliteration

śāśvato 'yaṃ sadā dharmaḥ sthito 'smāsu nararṣabha | jyeṣṭhe putre sthite rājann na kanīyān nṛpo bhavet ||

Translation

O best of men, this eternal dharma stands in our line: when the eldest son is present, the younger cannot become king.

Context

O best of men! there is an ancient tradition in our race that the younger son cannot become king when the eldest is there.

Characters & Entities

• Dharma
• Ikṣvāku/Raghu dynastic custom (implied)
• Eldest son (jyeṣṭha-putra)

FAQs

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

Maryādā (normative order) governs succession: rightful precedence prevents disorder and personal ambition from overriding justice.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata argues from dynastic dharma that he cannot accept the throne while Rāma, the elder, lives.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Commitment to lawful order and rejection of opportunism.