Shloka 2.74.6

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

Devanagari script

त्वत्कृते मे पिता वृत्तो रामश्चारण्यमाश्रितः।अयशो जीवलोके च त्वयाऽहं प्रतिपादितः।।।।

Transliteration

tvatkṛte me pitā vṛtto rāmaś cāraṇyam āśritaḥ |

ayaśo jīvaloke ca tvayāhaṃ pratipāditaḥ ||

Translation

Because of you, my father has perished and Rāma has taken refuge in the forest; and because of you I have gained only disgrace among the living.

Context

You have caused my father's death and Rama's exile. As for me, I have obtained ignominy in this world.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha
• Rāma
• Araṇya (forest)

FAQs

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

Adharma harms not only the direct victim but the entire family and polity: it destroys life, displaces the righteous, and stains communal honor.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata attributes a chain of calamities—Daśaratha’s death, Rāma’s forest life, and his own public dishonor—to Kaikeyī’s actions.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bharata’s concern for truth and public righteousness: he rejects benefiting from wrongdoing and laments the loss of honor.