Shloka 2.73.21

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

Devanagari script

न हि मन्ये नृशंसे त्वं राजधर्ममवेक्षसे।गतिं वा न विजानासि राजवृत्तस्य शाश्वतीम्।।।।

Transliteration

na hi manye nṛśaṃse tvaṃ rājadharmam avekṣase |

gatiṃ vā na vijānāsi rājavṛttasya śāśvatīm ||

Translation

O cruel one, I think you neither honor the royal dharma nor understand the enduring course and consequence of proper royal conduct.

Context

O cruel one! I suppose neither have you any respect for the royal tradition nor are you aware of the everlasting benefit that ensues in following the royal traditon.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Kaikeyī
• Rājadharma
• Ikṣvāku royal custom (rājavṛtta)

FAQs

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

Dharma is not merely a rule but a long-term moral order; violating rājadharma brings lasting harm and disorder.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata indicts Kaikeyī for disregarding royal norms and for ignorance of the lasting consequences of such disruption.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral clarity about governance and accountability (rājadharma-bodha).