Shloka 2.37.35

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

Devanagari script

एकस्य रामस्य वने निवासस्त्वया वृतःकेकयराजपुत्री।विभूषितेयं प्रतिकर्मनित्या वसत्वरण्ये सह राघवेण।।2.37.35।।

Transliteration

tattvayā putra-gardhinyā putrasya kṛtam apriyam | loke hi sa na vidyeta yo na rāmam anuvrataḥ || 2.37.32 ||

Translation

Thus, by your son-centered greed, you have done what is harmful to your own son; for in this world there is none who would not follow after Rāma.

Context

O Kaikeyi, you asked that Rama only should dwell in the forest (wearing bark robes). Therefore let Sita, adorn her body daily, while she lives in the forest with Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Bharata (implied by putra)
• Rāma
• the people/world (loka)

FAQs

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

Dharma warns against selfish desire masquerading as care: actions driven by attachment can harm the very person one intends to benefit, and public dharmic allegiance gravitates toward the truly righteous (Rāma).

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī is admonished that her attempt to secure the throne for her son will backfire because society’s loyalty rests with Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s universal moral authority—people naturally align with dharma embodied in him.