Shloka 2.74.4

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

Devanagari script

भ्रूणहत्यामसि प्राप्ता कुलस्यास्य विनाशनात्।कैकेयि नरकं गच्छ मा च भर्तु स्सलोकताम्।।।।

Transliteration

saṃrakta-netraḥ śithilāmbharas tadā vidhūta-sarvābharaṇaḥ parantapaḥ |

babhūva bhūmau patito nṛpātmajaḥ śacī-pateḥ ketur ivotsava-kṣaye ||

Translation

Then the prince, scorcher of foes, lay fallen on the ground—his eyes bloodshot, garments disordered, ornaments cast aside—like Indra’s banner drooping when the festival ends.

Context

O Kaikeyi! by destroying this race you have earned the demerit of killing an embryo and shall enter hell. You shall never attain the same state of living, in the afterworld of your husband.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Indra (Śacīpati)
• Śacī
• Ketu (banner/standard)
• Festival (utsava)

FAQs

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

The verse underscores how social and cosmic order (dharma) is mirrored in human emotion: when truth and rightful order are disturbed, even the noble are brought low.

What is the narrative situation?

The narrator describes Bharata’s physical collapse and disarray after his intense denunciation, closing the sarga with a vivid simile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bharata’s earnestness and sincerity: his grief is not performative but bodily overwhelming, reflecting genuine devotion to dharma and Rama.