Shloka 2.74.30

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

Devanagari script

अहं ह्यपचितिं भ्रातुः पितुश्च सकलामिमाम्।वर्धनं यशसश्चापि करिष्यामि न संशयः।।।।

Transliteration

ekaputrā ca sādhvī ca vivatsā iyaṃ tvayā kṛtā |

tasmāt tvaṃ satataṃ duḥkhaṃ pretya ceha ca lapsyase ||

Translation

This pious queen—blessed with only one son—has been made childless by you. Therefore you will meet unbroken sorrow, both here in this life and after death.

Context

As for me, I shall do whatever is necessary for the atonement of the improper conduct shown towards my father and brother and for enhancement of my fame. There is no doubt about it.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Kaikeyi
• Kausalya
• Rama

FAQs

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

Dharma includes compassion and protection of the innocent; causing gratuitous suffering to a virtuous person is condemned and is said to yield painful consequences.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata accuses Kaikeyi of making Kausalya bereft of her only son by sending Rama to exile, and he predicts sorrow as the result.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bharata’s empathy for Kausalya and his sense of justice: he recognizes the moral gravity of harming the blameless.