Shloka 2.111.3

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

Devanagari script

पिता ह्येवं जनयति पुरुषं पुरुषर्षभ।प्रज्ञां ददाति चाचार्यस्तस्मात्स गुरुरुच्यते।।।।

Transliteration

pitā hy evaṃ janayati puruṣaṃ puruṣarṣabha |prajñāṃ dadāti cācāryas tasmāt sa gurur ucyate ||

Translation

A father begets a person in this way, O best of men; but it is the teacher who bestows wisdom—therefore he is called the guru.

Context

O best of men, the father brings forth a son. The teacher imparts him wisdom.Therefore, the teacher is considered superior.

Characters & Entities

• pitā (father)
• ācārya (teacher/guru)

FAQs

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

Reverence for wisdom as a dharmic authority: the teacher is ‘guru’ because he shapes moral discernment (prajñā), not merely biological life.

What is the narrative situation?

A didactic reflection occurs amid counsel and deliberation, defining sources of rightful authority (parental and pedagogical).

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Teachability and respect—dharma requires honoring those who cultivate wisdom and right judgment.