Shloka 2.73.17

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

Devanagari script

अथवा मे भवेच्छक्तिर्योगैर्बुद्धिबलेन वा।सकामां न करिष्यामि त्वामहं पुत्रगर्धिनीम्।।।।

Transliteration

athavā me bhavec chaktir yogair buddhi-balena vā | sakāmāṃ na kariṣyāmi tvām ahaṃ putra-gardhinīm || 2.73.17 ||

Translation

Or even if I were to gain strength through political stratagems or through the power of intellect, I will not let you—greedy for your son—attain the end you desire.

Context

If I gather the strength (to carry the burden) either by employing the four expedients (available to a king against an enemy) or by the power of intellect, I will not allow you, covetous of your son, to fulfil your ambition.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Kaikeyī
• political expedients (yoga/upāya)
• son (putra) — Bharata (implied as the object of ambition)

FAQs

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

Dharma rejects success obtained through injustice; even legitimate skills of governance and strategy must not be used to validate an adharmic outcome.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata directly tells Kaikeyī that even if he had the means—strategy or intellect—he would not cooperate in fulfilling her plan to enthrone her son.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Satya and moral steadfastness—Bharata’s refusal to profit from wrongdoing, even when he could potentially consolidate power.