Shloka 2.12.25

द्वादशः सर्गः — Kaikeyi’s Boons and Dasaratha’s Moral Collapse (Ayodhya Kanda 12)

Devanagari script

रामो हि भरताद्भूयस्तव शुश्रूषते सदा।विशेषं त्वयि तस्मात्तु भरतस्य न लक्षये।।।।

Transliteration

rāmo hi bharatād bhūyas tava śuśrūṣate sadā | viśeṣaṃ tvayi tasmāt tu bharatasya na lakṣaye ||

Translation

Rāma, indeed, serves you even more than Bharata does, always; therefore I do not see any special ground in you for favoring Bharata over him.

Context

Rama is doing greater service to you than Bharata. Therefore, I do not find any reason for you to have a special love for Bharata.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Bharata

FAQs

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

Dharma requires impartiality and just evaluation: preference should align with merit and conduct, not manipulation.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha argues that Kaikeyī’s demand cannot be justified by devotion to Bharata, since Rāma has served her even more.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s consistent service and respect toward elders in the household is emphasized.