Shloka 2.110.35

लोकसमुत्पत्ति-वर्णनम् तथा इक्ष्वाकुवंश-प्रशंसा (Cosmogony and Ikshvaku Genealogy as Counsel to Rama)

Devanagari script

इक्ष्वाकूणां हि सर्वेषां राजा भवति पूर्वजः।पूर्वजे नापरः पुत्रो ज्येष्ठो राज्येऽभिषिच्यते।।।।

Transliteration

ikṣvākūṇāṃ hi sarveṣāṃ rājā bhavati pūrvajaḥ |

pūrvaje nāparaḥ putro jyeṣṭho rājye 'bhiṣicyate ||

Translation

Among all the Ikṣvākus, it is the eldest who becomes king. While the elder lives, no younger son is consecrated to the throne.

Context

In the line of the Ikshvakus, only the eldest son becomes king. When the eldest is living, a youger son cannot become the king. The eldest son alone is consecrated in the kingdom.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Bharata
• Ikṣvāku dynasty
• consecration (abhiṣeka)
• kingship (rājya)

FAQs

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

It upholds kuladharma (dynastic law/custom): succession follows the elder-born, preserving social order and legitimacy.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata argues from royal precedent that Rama, as eldest, should be anointed rather than any younger brother.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bharata’s integrity and commitment to lawful succession over personal gain.