Shloka 2.18.38

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

Devanagari script

भरतः कोसलपुरे प्रशास्तु वसुधामिमाम्।नानारत्न समाकीर्णां सवाजिरथकुञ्जराम्।।।।

Transliteration

tad apūrvaṁ narapater dṛṣṭvā rūpaṁ bhayāvaham | rāmo ’pi bhayam āpannaḥ padā spṛṣṭveva pannagam ||

Translation

Seeing his father the king in a terrifying, unprecedented condition, even Rāma was seized by fear—as though he had stepped upon a serpent.

Context

Let Bharata live in Ayodhya, the capital of Kosala and rule this kingdom rich in gems of different kinds in horses, chariots and elephants.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Dasaratha

FAQs

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

The verse foregrounds filial dharma: a son’s alertness and concern when a parent is in distress, even when the son is otherwise fearless and steady.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma comes to Daśaratha and is shocked to see the king’s dreadful, altered appearance caused by inner turmoil.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s sensitivity and dutiful concern—his immediate emotional response to his father’s suffering.