Shloka 2.73.24

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

Devanagari script

तवापि सुमहाभागा जनेन्द्राः कुलपूर्वगाः।बुद्धेर्मोहः कथमयं सम्भूतस्त्वयि गर्हितः।।।।

Transliteration

tavāpi sumahābhāgā janendrāḥ kulapūrvagāḥ |

buddher mohaḥ katham ayaṃ sambhūtas tvayi garhitaḥ ||

Translation

Even in your own lineage, the kings—your forebears—were men of great distinction. How, then, did this blameworthy delusion arise within your mind?

Context

Even the kings in your ancestral family were highly distinguished men. How did this condemnable deflection originate in your mind?

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Kaikeyī
• Kaikeyī's ancestral kings (janendrāḥ)

FAQs

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

Dharma requires clear judgment; moha that distorts judgment is condemned because it leads to unrighteous choices and social harm.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata contrasts Kaikeyī’s present conduct with the nobility of her own ancestors, questioning the source of her moral lapse.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Commitment to moral discernment (viveka) and critique of delusion (moha).