Shloka 2.106.16

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

Devanagari script

तदपत्यं भवानस्तु मा भवान् दुष्कृतं पितुः।अभिपत्ता कृतं कर्म लोके धीरविगर्हितम्।।।।

Transliteration

tad apatyaṃ bhavān astu mā bhavān duṣkṛtaṃ pituḥ |

abhipattā kṛtaṃ karma loke dhīra-vigarhītam ||

Translation

Therefore be that true son; do not endorse the wrongful deed our father committed—an act censured in the world by the wise and steadfast.

Context

So be a worthy son and let not the sinful act committed by our father and condemned by men of wisdom be approved by you.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Rama
• Dasaratha
• Wise people (dhīra)

FAQs

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

Dharma prohibits legitimizing wrongdoing: moral agents must avoid becoming ‘approvers’ of injustice, especially when public wisdom condemns it.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata pressures Rama to return and rule, warning that accepting exile as final would effectively ratify the unjust act.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Accountability to ethical standards recognized by the wise (dhīra), not merely to power or custom.