Shloka 2.73.20

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

Devanagari script

अस्मिन्कुले हि पूर्वेषां ज्येष्ठो राज्येऽभिषिच्यते।अपरे भ्रातरस्तस्मिन्प्रवर्तन्ते समाहिताः।।।।

Transliteration

asmin kule hi pūrveṣāṃ jyeṣṭho rājye 'bhiṣicyate |

apare bhrātaras tasmin pravartante samāhitāḥ ||

Translation

In this lineage, by ancestral custom, the eldest alone is consecrated to the kingdom; the other brothers remain self-controlled and act toward him with loyal regard.

Context

In our race only the eldest son is installed in the kingdom and the other brothers behave with utmost respect towards him.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Kaikeyī
• Ikṣvāku lineage
• Rāma (implicit as jyeṣṭha)

FAQs

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

Rājadharma is safeguarded through stable succession: the eldest is crowned, while younger brothers uphold unity and serve the rightful heir.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata states the Ikṣvāku norm of consecrating the eldest, countering Kaikeyī’s attempt to invert succession.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Fraternal loyalty and disciplined restraint in the face of power (bhrātṛ-bhakti, saṃyama).