Shloka 2.35.9

सुमन्त्रस्य कैकेयी-निन्दा (Sumantra’s Reproof of Kaikeyi in the Royal Assembly)

Devanagari script

यथावयो हि राज्यानि प्राप्नुवन्ति नृपक्षये। इक्ष्वाकुकुलनाथेऽस्मिं स्तल्लोपयितुमिच्छसि।।2.35.9।।

Transliteration

yathāvayo hi rājyāni prāpnuvanti nṛpakṣaye | ikṣvākukulanāthe 'smiṃs tallopayitum icchasi || 2.35.9 ||

Translation

After a king’s death, the princes obtain the kingdom according to seniority. Why do you wish to overturn that established custom in the case of Rāma, the lord of the Ikṣvāku line?

Context

After the death of the king, the princes will obtain the kingdom according to seniority. Why do you want to break this tradition in the case of Rama, the lord of the Ikshvaku dynasty?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Ikṣvāku (dynasty)

FAQs

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

It upholds rāja-dharma and social order: inheritance of kingship should follow established lawful custom (here, seniority), and breaking it is portrayed as adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

In Ayodhyā, amid the conflict over Rāma’s consecration and Kaikeyī’s demands, the king appeals to dynastic precedent and the normal rule of succession.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s concern for maryādā (institutional propriety) and the legitimacy of rule—he frames the issue as fidelity to tradition rather than personal preference.