Shloka 2.73.1

भरतस्य कैकेय्याः प्रति धिक्कारः — Bharata’s Rebuke of Kaikeyi and Affirmation of Ikshvaku Royal Dharma

Devanagari script

सश्रूत्वा तु पितरं वृत्तं भ्रातरौ च विवासितौ।भरतो दुःखसन्तप्त इदं वचनमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

sa śrutvā tu pitaraṃ vṛttaṃ bhrātarau ca vivāsitau | bharato duḥkha-santapta idaṃ vacanam abravīt || 2.73.1 ||

Translation

Having heard that his father had passed away and that his two brothers had been sent into exile, Bharata—burning with grief—spoke these words.

Context

On hearing about the demise of the father and his two brothers sent in exile, Bharata overtaken by sorrow spoke thus:

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Daśaratha (father, implied)
• Rāma (implied as brother in exile)
• Lakṣmaṇa (implied as brother in exile)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is the immediate moral awakening to familial and royal responsibility: hearing of injustice (exile) and loss (death), Bharata is moved to respond, not remain indifferent.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata receives the shocking news: Daśaratha has died and Rāma (with Lakṣmaṇa) has been exiled; this sets the stage for Bharata’s ensuing speech.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate integrity—Bharata’s grief signals love and moral seriousness, anticipating his refusal to benefit from wrongdoing.