Shloka 2.73.6

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

Devanagari script

त्वां प्राप्य हि पिता मेऽद्य सत्यसन्धो महायशाः।तीव्रदुःखाभिसन्तप्तो वृत्तो दशरथो नृपः।।।।

Transliteration

tvāṃ prāpya hi pitā me 'dya satyasandho mahāyaśāḥ |

tīvraduḥkhābhisantapto vṛtto daśaratho nṛpaḥ ||

Translation

For, after falling under your sway, my father—the renowned king Dasharatha, steadfast to truth—burned with intense grief and has now passed away.

Context

My father king Dasaratha who is bound to truth and highly renowned, having come under your influence and tormented by intense grief has departed from this world.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Kaikeyi
• Dasharatha

FAQs

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

Satya as vow-keeping is central: Dasharatha’s truthfulness is upheld even as it leads to personal ruin, underscoring the Ramayana’s ideal of integrity under pressure.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata explains that Dasharatha’s death resulted from unbearable grief after being compelled by Kaikeyi’s demands tied to his pledged word.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Dasharatha’s satya-niṣṭhā (steadfastness to truth), presented as a defining royal virtue.