Shloka 2.109.20

सत्यधर्मप्रतिपादनम् (Rama’s Defense of Truth and Dharma in Reply to Jabali)

Devanagari script

क्षात्रं धर्ममहंत्यक्ष्ये ह्यधर्मं धर्मसंहितम्।क्षुद्रैर्नृशंसैर्लुब्धैश्च सेवितं पापकर्मभिः।।2.109.20।।

Transliteration

kṣātraṁ dharmam ahaṁ tyakṣye hy adharmaṁ dharma-saṁhitam |

kṣudrair nṛśaṁsair lubdhaiś ca sevitaṁ pāpa-karmabhiḥ ||2.109.20||

Translation

I would renounce that so-called ‘kṣatriya dharma’—which is truly adharma disguised as dharma—pursued by the petty, the cruel, the greedy, and evildoers.

Context

I renounce the so-called kshatriya code of conduct followed by the mean the cruel, the greedy and by men of evil deeds which is unrighteousness under the cloak of righteousness.

Characters & Entities

• Kṣātra-dharma (kshatriya code)
• Dharma
• Adharma

FAQs

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

Dharma must be genuine; power-politics or self-serving conduct cannot be justified by labeling it ‘dharma’.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma rejects any argument that royal pragmatism should override his truthful vow and moral clarity.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral courage: refusing corrupted norms even if they are socially defended as ‘duty’.