Shloka 2.106.12
भरतवाक्यं—रामस्य पुनरायोध्यागमननिषेधः (Bharata’s Plea and Rama’s Refusal to Return)
को हि धर्मार्थयोर्हीनमीदृशं कर्म किल्बिषम्।स्त्रियाः प्रियं चिकीर्षु स्सन्कुर्याद्धर्मज्ञ धर्मवित्।।।।
ko hi dharmārthayor hīnam īdṛśaṃ karma kilbiṣam |
striyāḥ priyaṃ cikīrṣuḥ san kuryād dharmajña dharmavit ||
O Rama, knower of dharma: who, though wise in righteousness, would commit so sinful a deed—bereft of dharma and artha—merely to please a woman?
O Rama, conversant with righteousness, will any one who knows the meaning of righteousness, do such a sinful act contrary to dharma and artha to please a woman?
Private desire must not override dharma and artha: Bharata condemns decisions driven by personal gratification that damage moral order and political welfare.
Bharata challenges the rationale behind Rama’s exile, implying it was done to satisfy Kaikeyi’s wish rather than uphold justice.
Moral reasoning and courage: Bharata speaks plainly about the ethical failure behind the decision.