Shloka 2.53.12

पञ्चाशत्तमः सर्गः (Sarga 53) — Rāma’s Lament, Vigil for Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa’s Consolation

Devanagari script

स हि सर्वस्य राज्यस्य मुखमेकं भविष्यति।ताते च वयसाऽतीते मयि चारण्यमास्थिते।।।।

Transliteration

sa hi sarvasya rājyasya mukham ekaṃ bhaviṣyati | tāte ca vayasā ’tīte mayi cāraṇyam āsthite ||2.53.12||

Translation

For he will become the single head of the whole kingdom—since, dear one, my father is advanced in years and I have taken up life in the wilderness.

Context

The king is advanced in age and I have to dwell in the forest. Therefore, Bharataalone will be the chief of this entire kingdom.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• kingdom (rājya)
• Daśaratha (implied father)
• araṇya (forest)

FAQs

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

Dharma is responsibility under changing circumstances: when the rightful heir is exiled and the king is aged, practical governance falls to another—raising questions of legitimacy and moral order.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma explains why Bharata will effectively become the sole ruler: Daśaratha’s age and Rāma’s forest-dwelling.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s acceptance of consequence—he recognizes the political reality created by his adherence to the exile command.