Shloka 2.104.9

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

Devanagari script

इमाः प्रकृतय स्सर्वा विधवा मातरश्च याः।त्वत्सकाशमनुप्राप्ता प्रसादं कर्तुमर्हसि।।।।

Transliteration

imāḥ prakṛtayaḥ sarvā vidhavā mātaraś ca yāḥ |

tvat-sakāśam anuprāptāḥ prasādaṃ kartum arhasi ||

Translation

All these subjects—and those widowed mothers—have come to you; you ought to grant them this favor.

Context

All these subjects and your widowed mothers have come to you. It behoves you to grant them this favour.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Rama
• Subjects of Ayodhya
• Queens (widowed mothers)

FAQs

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

A king’s dharma is relational: responsibility toward subjects and dependents (especially vulnerable widows) is a central measure of righteous rule.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata points to the presence of citizens and widowed queens as a collective appeal urging Rāma to accept kingship.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bharata’s sense of public duty: he frames the issue as the people’s welfare, not personal gain.