Shloka 2.111.17

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

Devanagari script

ब्राह्मणो ह्येकपार्श्वेन नरान्रोद्धुमिहार्हति।न तु मूर्धाभिषिक्तानां विधिः प्रत्युपवेशने।।।।

Transliteration

brāhmaṇo hy ekapārśvena narān roddhum ihārhati | na tu mūrdhābhiṣiktānāṃ vidhiḥ pratyupaveśane ||

Translation

In this world, only a brahmin, lying on one side, is regarded as having the authority to restrain others in such a manner; but for one anointed to kingship, there is no scriptural rule permitting protest by lying down.

Context

A brahmin alone is competent in this world to prevent a person by lying down on one side (in front of him). One who is anointed king is not permitted by (scriptural) tradition to squat in protest.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Bharata
• brahmin (brāhmaṇa)
• anointed king (mūrdhābhiṣikta)
• pratyupaveśana

FAQs

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

Dharma is role-sensitive: Rama argues that methods acceptable to one social/religious role (a brahmin’s censure) are not automatically appropriate for a king, who must embody rājadharma and restraint.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama rebukes Bharata’s tactic, stating it violates the proper code for an anointed ruler.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s commitment to maryādā (propriety)—he defends ethical process, not just outcomes.