Shloka 2.11.24

कैकेयीवरप्रार्थना — Kaikeyi Demands the Two Boons

Devanagari script

अभिषेकसमारम्भो राघवस्योपकल्पितः।।।।अनेनैवाभिषेकेण भरतो मेऽभिषिच्यताम्।

Transliteration

abhiṣekasamārambho rāghavasyopakalpitaḥ | anenaivābhiṣekeṇa bharato me 'bhiṣicyatām ||

Translation

The preparations for Rāghava’s consecration have been arranged; with these very coronation materials, let my son Bharata be anointed king.

Context

Preparations for Rama's consecration have been made. With these very materials for installation, my son Bharata should be consecrated.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Bharata
• abhiṣeka (coronation)

FAQs

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

The verse spotlights the ethical crisis of kingship: rightful succession and fairness are challenged by a demand backed by an earlier promise, forcing a conflict between procedural justice and pledged word.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī’s first boon is stated: stop Rāma’s planned coronation and crown Bharata instead using the already-prepared rites.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s adherence to satya is again the focal point, while the ideal virtue of impartiality in royal succession is implicitly violated by the demand.