Shloka 2.26.34

अयोध्याकाण्डे षड्विंशः सर्गः — Rama’s Departure and Sita’s Questions; Disclosure of Exile and Counsel on Courtly Conduct

Devanagari script

विप्रियं न च कर्तव्यं भरतस्य कदाचन।स हि राजा प्रभुश्चैव देशस्य च कुलस्य च।।।।

Transliteration

vanditavyāś ca te nityaṃ yāḥ śeṣā mama mātaraḥ |

sneha-praṇaya-sambhogaiḥ samā hi mama mātaraḥ ||

Translation

And the rest of my mothers too you must ever honor; for in love, affection, and the duty of devoted attendance, all my mothers are to me alike.

Context

Now Bharata is the king of the country and head of the family. Therefore, you should never do anything disagreeable to him.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• Kauśalyā
• Kaikeyī
• Sumitrā

FAQs

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

Dharma in the household is impartial reverence: one must honor all parental figures, not selectively, sustaining unity and dignity.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma sets standards for Sītā’s conduct in the palace during his absence, extending respect to all queens.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Fair-mindedness and humility: treating all elders with equal regard in speech, service, and demeanor.