Shloka 2.74.3

भरतस्य कैकेयी-गर्हा तथा सुरभि-दृष्टान्तः (Bharata’s Reproach of Kaikeyi and the Surabhi Exemplum)

Devanagari script

किन्नु तेऽदूषयद्राजा रामो वा भृशधार्मिकः।ययोर्मृत्युर्विवासश्च त्वत्कृते तुल्यमागतौ।।।।

Transliteration

bhrūṇa-hatyām asi prāptā kulasyāsya vināśanāt |

kaikeyi narakaṃ gaccha mā ca bhartuḥ sa-lokatām ||

Translation

By bringing ruin upon this royal line, O Kaikeyī, you have incurred the sin likened to killing an embryo. Go to hell—and do not attain the same blessed realm as your husband.

Context

Death for the king and exile for Rama, similar fate for both, have befallen on your account. What possible harm, either the king or the highly virtuous Rama has done to you?

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Kaikeyi
• Ikshvaku lineage
• Dasharatha

FAQs

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

It asserts moral accountability: acts that destroy a family’s stability and righteous order are treated as grave adharma, bearing severe consequences.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata denounces Kaikeyi for the chain of events leading to Dasharatha’s death and the destabilization of the dynasty.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bharata’s uncompromising commitment to righteousness and protection of the dynasty’s moral order, even against his own mother.