Shloka 2.106.10

भरतवाक्यं—रामस्य पुनरायोध्यागमननिषेधः (Bharata’s Plea and Rama’s Refusal to Return)

Devanagari script

कथं दशरथा ज्जात श्शुद्धाभिजनकर्मणः।जानन् धर्ममधर्मिष्ठं कुर्यां कर्म जुगुप्सितम्।।।।

Transliteration

kathaṃ daśarathāj jātaḥ śuddhābhijana-karmaṇaḥ |

jānan dharmam adharmiṣṭhaṃ kuryāṃ karma jugupsitam ||

Translation

How could I—born of Daśaratha, of pure lineage and righteous deeds—while knowing dharma, commit an act so hateful and so contrary to righteousness?

Context

How shall I, born to Dasaratha of noble race and righteous deeds, with the knowledge of dharma, do such a reprehensible and unrighteous deed?

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Rama
• Dasaratha

FAQs

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

Knowing dharma creates moral accountability: Bharata insists that awareness of righteousness makes an unrighteous act even more blameworthy, so he refuses to legitimize wrongdoing.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata argues before Rama that accepting the kingship gained through injustice would be morally intolerable, given his upbringing and understanding of dharma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Integrity (anṛśaṃsya) and conscientiousness: Bharata’s refusal to participate in a tainted outcome despite political advantage.