Shloka 2.58.20

अष्टपञ्चाशः सर्गः (Sarga 58) — Daśaratha Questions Sumantra; Messages from the Forest Threshold

Devanagari script

कुमारे भरते वृत्तिर्वर्तितव्या च राजवत्।अर्थज्येष्ठा हि राजानो राजधर्ममनुस्मर।।।।

Transliteration

kumāre bharate vṛttir vartitavyā ca rājavat |

arthajyeṣṭhā hi rājāno rājadharmam anusmara ||

Translation

And toward the young Bharata you should behave as toward a king. For kings are ‘senior’ by virtue of kingship; remember the dharma of royalty.

Context

'Behave towards young Bharata as to a king. Irrespective of age, a king is a king. (Hence should be honoured). You should keep this rajadharma (royal prerogative) in mind.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Bharata
• Kauśalyā
• Rāja-dharma

FAQs

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

Rāja-dharma and institutional respect: authority must be honored for the stability of the realm, regardless of the ruler’s age; social order is protected by respecting rightful kingship.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma instructs that Bharata—though young—should be treated with the honor due to a king, emphasizing royal norms.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s political wisdom and commitment to orderly succession and governance are emphasized.