Shloka 2.26.35

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

Devanagari script

आराधिता हि शीलेन प्रयत्नैश्चोपसेविताः।राजान स्सम्प्रसीदन्ति कुप्यन्तिच विपर्यये।।।।

Transliteration

bhrātṛ-putra-samau cāpi draṣṭavyau ca viśeṣataḥ |

tvayā bharata-śatrughnau prāṇaiḥ priyatarau mama ||

Translation

And most especially, you must look after Bharata and Śatrughna, treating them as your brother and your son; for to me they are dearer even than life-breath.

Context

Kings are gratified if they are served with zeal and good conduct. If the contrary happens, they get provoked.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• Bharata
• Śatrughna

FAQs

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

Dharma extends kinship into responsibility: caring for brothers and younger family members preserves social order and familial harmony.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma anticipates his separation and instructs Sītā to maintain affectionate and respectful relations with his brothers.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Brotherly love and protectiveness: Rāma’s affection for Bharata and Śatrughna is portrayed as life-deep.