Shloka 2.75.21

अयोध्याकाण्डे पञ्चसप्ततितमः सर्गः (Sarga 75: Bharata and Kausalya—Reproach, Oaths, and Reconciliation)

Devanagari script

कृता शास्त्रानुगा बुद्धिर्माभूत्तस्य कदाचन।सत्यसन्ध स्सतां श्रेष्ठो यस्याऽर्योऽनुमते गतः।।।।

Transliteration

kṛtā śāstrānugā buddhir mā bhūt tasya kadācana | satyasandhaḥ satāṃ śreṣṭho yasyāryo 'numate gataḥ ||

Translation

May such a thought never arise in one whose mind is trained to follow the śāstras—that my noble brother, steadfast in truth and best among the righteous, went into exile with that person’s approval.

Context

Did not the one who counselled the banishment of my noble brother who is steadfast and bound by truth and virtue, ever adhered to scriptures?(or)My noble brother (Rama), the best among the virtuous, bound to truth, is banished. Let not such thought occur at any time to one who steadfastly adheres to scriptures!

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Kausalyā
• Rāma (ārya, satyasandha)

FAQs

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

A śāstra-aligned conscience should not entertain complicity in adharma; Bharata frames truth-bound Rāma as the ethical standard and rejects any association with his unjust exile.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata, defending himself, invokes śāstric morality and rejects the idea that he approved of Rāma’s banishment.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s satya (truth-steadfastness) and Bharata’s dhārmic conscience shaped by śāstra.