Shloka 2.18.5

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

Devanagari script

इन्द्रियैरप्रहृष्टैस्तं शोकसन्तापकर्शितम्।निश्श्वसन्तं महाराजं व्यथिताकुलचेतसम्।।।।ऊर्मिमालिनमक्षोभ्यं क्षुभ्यन्तमिव सागरम्।उपप्लुतमिवादित्यमुक्तानृतमृषिं यथा।।।।

Transliteration

bharataḥ kosalapure praśāstu vasudhām imām | nānārत्नasamākīrṇāṁ savājirathakuñjarām ||

Translation

“Let Bharata rule this land from Kosala’s city, Ayodhyā—this realm filled with many kinds of jewels, and rich in horses, chariots, and elephants.”

Context

Maharaja (Dasaratha) with his senses dulled had become emaciated due to sorrow and suffering. With an agitated and troubled mind, he was breathing heavily. Although unshakable, he looked agitated like an ocean with successive rows of waves, like the Sun in eclipse, like an ascetic who has uttered falsehood.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Kosala
• Ayodhya
• Rama

FAQs

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

It frames a claim about rajadharma (who should rule). In the larger episode, the tension is between political power and the higher dharma of truth-keeping and rightful conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī states her demand that Bharata should rule Ayodhyā, implying Rāma’s removal from succession.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Indirectly, it sets up Rāma’s virtue: renunciation and commitment to dharma despite the lure of a wealthy kingdom.