Shloka 2.73.25

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

Devanagari script

न तु कामं करिष्यामि तवाऽहं पापनिश्चये।त्वया व्यसनमारब्धं जीवितान्तकरं मम।।।।

Transliteration

na tu kāmaṃ kariṣyāmi tavāhaṃ pāpaniścaye |

tvayā vyasanam ārabdhaṃ jīvitāntakaraṃ mama ||

Translation

But I will not fulfill your desire, O woman resolved upon sin. By you a calamity has been set in motion—one that is fatal to my very life.

Context

O woman of sinful disposition!, I on my part will not fulfil your cherished desire. Youhave started a distressing deed to bring an end to my existence.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Kaikeyī

FAQs

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

Dharma may require refusing even a powerful elder’s demand when it is rooted in adharma; truthfulness includes a firm moral ‘no’.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata rejects Kaikeyī’s attempt to secure the kingdom through wrongdoing and describes the situation as personally devastating.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral courage and steadfastness against unjust gain.