Shloka 2.111.13

अयोध्याकाण्डे एकादशोत्तरशततमः सर्गः (Sarga 111: Counsel on Gurus, Parental Debt, and Bharata’s Protest)

Devanagari script

इह मे स्थण्डिले शीघ्रं कुशानास्तर सारथे।आर्यं प्रत्युपवेक्ष्यामि यावन्मे न प्रसीदति।।।।

Transliteration

iha me sthaṇḍile śīghraṃ kuśān āstara sārathe | āryaṃ pratyupavekṣyāmi yāvan me na prasīdati ||

Translation

O charioteer, quickly spread kuśa grass for me here on the bare ground. Until my noble elder brother shows me favor, I will lie here in protest, waiting for him.

Context

O charioteer, quickly spread kusa grass on the bare ground. Until my esteemed brother shows his grace, I shall lie down here -- waiting.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Sumantra
• Rama
• kuśa grass
• bare ground (sthaṇḍila)

FAQs

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

Bharata uses self-denial as moral pressure, attempting to restore righteous order (dharma) by urging Rama to accept kingship; the verse highlights duty to the kingdom versus personal vows.

What is the narrative situation?

At Chitrakūṭa (forest hermitage setting), Bharata has come to persuade Rama to return to Ayodhyā; he begins a protest by lying down on kuśa grass until Rama relents.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bharata’s humility and persistence—he chooses hardship for himself to uphold what he believes is rightful governance and familial righteousness.