Shloka 2.18.36

अष्टादशः सर्गः — Kaikeyī Discloses the Boons: Exile to Daṇḍaka and Bharata’s Consecration

Devanagari script

भरतस्त्वभिषिच्येत यदेतदभिषेचनम्।त्वदर्थे विहितं राज्ञा तेन सर्वेण राघव।।।।

Transliteration

bharatas tv abhiṣicyeta yad etad abhiṣecanam |

tvadarthe vihitaṃ rājñā tena sarveṇa rāghava ||2.18.36||

Translation

And with these very preparations for consecration—made by the king for your sake—let Bharata be anointed, O Rāghava.

Context

Bharata shall be consecrated, O descendant of the Raghu dynasty with all these preparations made by the king to install you.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Bharata
• Daśaratha
• abhiṣeka (consecration)

FAQs

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

The verse raises the ethical tension between procedural legitimacy (using arranged abhiṣeka preparations) and moral legitimacy (rightful succession), a central dharma-conflict in Ayodhyā.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī states that Bharata should be installed using the very coronation arrangements originally made for Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s virtue is implied by contrast: even when wronged, he upholds dharma through restraint and adherence to promise.