Shloka 2.37.27

अयोध्याकाण्डे सर्गः ३७ — चीरधारणं, सीतासंकल्पः, वसिष्ठोपदेशः (Bark-Robe Episode and Vasistha’s Admonition)

Devanagari script

भरतश्च सशत्रुघ्नश्चीरवासा वनेचरः।वने वसन्तं काकुत्स्थ मनुवत्स्यति पूर्वजम्।।2.37.27।।

Transliteration

bharataśca saśatrughnaścīravāsā vanecaraḥ |

vane vasantaṃ kākutstham anuvatsyati pūrvajam ||

Translation

And Bharata, accompanied by Śatrughna, clad in bark garments and living as a forester, will dwell in the forest, following his elder brother, the scion of Kakutstha.

Context

Wandering in the forest and wearing bark, Satrughna and Bharata will live in the company of their elder brother (Rama) in the jungle.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Shatrughna
• Rama
• Kakutstha

FAQs

Why does the speaker predict Bharata will wear bark robes?

Vasistha asserts that Bharata, bound by Dharma and brotherly love, will reject the kingdom obtained through Kaikeyi's intrigue and instead choose the ascetic life of his elder brother, Rama.

What is the significance of referring to Rama as 'Kakutstham' in this context?

Referring to Rama as the scion of Kakutstha emphasizes the noble lineage of the Ikshvaku dynasty, suggesting that Bharata will uphold the family's honor (Dharma) by following the rightful heir rather than usurping the throne.