Shloka 2.61.15

कौसल्याविलापः — Kausalya’s Lament and Ethical Analogies on Kingship

Devanagari script

एवं कनीयसा भ्रात्रा भुक्तं राज्यं विशाम्पते।भ्राता ज्येष्ठो वरिष्ठश्च किमर्थं नावमंस्यते।।2.61.15।।

Transliteration

evaṃ kanīyasā bhrātrā bhuktaṃ rājyaṃ viśāṃpate |

bhrātā jyeṣṭho variṣṭhaś ca kimarthaṃ nāvamaṃsyate ||

Translation

So too, O lord of men: if the younger brother has already ‘enjoyed’ the kingdom, why should not the elder, worthier brother disdain it?

Context

O Lord of the world! why not the eldest and the most distinguished among the brothers likewise disdain the kingdom enjoyed by the younger brother?

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha (viśāṃpati)
• elder brother (Rāma, implied)
• younger brother (Bharata, implied)
• kingdom (rājya)

FAQs

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

Dharma is rightful order and legitimacy: what belongs to the elder by justice should not be made morally ‘second-hand’ through political maneuvering.

What is the narrative situation?

Kauśalyā argues that once Bharata rules, the kingdom becomes ethically tainted for Rāma—like a ‘leftover’—thus warning Daśaratha of irreversible harm.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Concern for maryādā (propriety) and royal righteousness—Kauśalyā defends the principle of rightful succession and honor.