Shloka 2.104.21

भरतस्य प्रार्थना—रामस्य धर्मोपदेशः (Bharata’s Petition and Rama’s Dharma-Reasoning)

Devanagari script

यावत पितरि धर्मज्ञे गौरवं लोकसत्कृतम्।तावद्धर्मभृतां श्रेष्ठ जनन्यामपि गौरवम्।।।।

Transliteration

yāvat pitari dharmajñe gauravaṁ lokasatkṛtam |

tāvad dharmabhṛtāṁ śreṣṭha jananyām api gauravam ||

Translation

O best among uphold­ers of dharma! Whatever honor is shown to our father—who knows dharma and is revered by the world—so too that same honor should be shown to our mother.

Context

O best among the protectors of righteousness! the honour shown to our father who is conversant with the ways of righteousness and much revered by the world ought to be shown towards our mother also.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Bharata
• Dasharatha
• Kausalya

FAQs

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

Equal reverence is owed to both parents; honoring the mother is as binding as honoring the father, because dharma is upheld through balanced filial duty.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama is instructing Bharata in the aftermath of the royal crisis, emphasizing how Bharata should relate to their parents and uphold dharma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Maryādā (propriety) and impartial filial reverence—Rama models principled conduct without bias between parents.