Shloka 2.73.15

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

Devanagari script

तं हि नित्यं महाराजो बलवन्तं महाबलः।उपाश्रितोऽभूद्धर्मात्मा मेरुर्मेरुवनं यथा।।।।

Transliteration

taṃ hi nityaṃ mahārājo balavantaṃ mahā-balaḥ | upāśrito 'bhūd dharmātmā merur meru-vanaṃ yathā || 2.73.15 ||

Translation

That righteous great king, himself mighty, always relied upon the powerful Rāma—just as Mount Meru relies upon the forest around Meru.

Context

The mighty and righteous maharaja used to rely upon the powerful Rama just as mount Meru depends on the forest surrounding it for its protection.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Daśaratha (mahārāja, implied)
• Rāma
• Mount Meru
• Meru forest (meru-vana)

FAQs

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

Dharma in leadership includes recognizing and relying on virtuous strength for the welfare of the kingdom; righteous power supports righteous rule.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata explains how Daśaratha depended on Rāma’s capability, emphasizing the loss created by Rāma’s removal.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s protective strength and trustworthiness—so dependable that even a mighty king leaned upon him.