Shloka 2.105.6

भरतस्य प्रार्थना—रामस्य कालधर्मोपदेशः (Bharata’s Petition and Rama’s Instruction on Time and Mortality)

Devanagari script

गतिं खर इवाश्वस्य तार्क्ष्यस्येव पतत्रिणः।अनुगन्तुं न शक्तिर्मे गतिं तव महीपते।।2.105.6।।

Transliteration

gatiṃ khara ivāśvasya tārkṣyasyeva patatriṇaḥ |

anugantuṃ na śaktir me gatiṃ tava mahīpate ||2.105.6||

Translation

O lord of the earth, I lack the strength to follow your course—just as an ass cannot keep pace with a horse, nor any bird with Tārkṣya (Garuḍa).

Context

O lord of the earth! as an ass cannot follow the pace of a horse or a bird, the pace of Tarkshya (Garuda), I do not have the capability to follow you.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Rāma
• Tārkṣya (Garuḍa)

FAQs

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

Dharma is paired with humility: Bharata acknowledges Rāma’s superior capacity and moral stature, implying rightful leadership should rest with the most qualified.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata, trying to persuade Rāma to return, admits he cannot equal Rāma’s capability to lead.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility and sincerity—Bharata minimizes himself rather than asserting entitlement.