Shloka 2.77.19

और्ध्वदैहिकक्रिया-शोकविलापः (Obsequies for Daśaratha and the Brothers’ Lament)

Devanagari script

तयोर्विलपितं श्रुत्वा व्यसनं चान्ववेक्ष्य तत्।।।।भृशमार्ततरा भूयस्सर्वएवानुगामिनः।

Transliteration

hīno bhrātrā ca pitrā ca śūnyām ikṣvākupālitām | ayodhyāṃ na pravekṣyāmi pravekṣyāmi tapovanam ||

Translation

Deprived of both brother and father, I will not enter Ayodhyā, now empty of the Ikṣvāku rule; instead I will enter a forest-grove of austerity.

Context

Having heard the lamentataions of both the brothers and reflecting the calamity befallen on them, the attendants felt extremely afflicted once again.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Rāma
• Daśaratha
• Ayodhyā
• Ikṣvāku dynasty
• Tapovana (ascetic grove)

FAQs

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

It reflects the idea that rulership must be legitimate and dharmic; Bharata rejects enjoying a kingdom in the absence of rightful order.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata declares he will not return to Ayodhyā without Rāma and Daśaratha, and instead speaks of going to an ascetic forest.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Integrity and self-denial—Bharata refuses power that would be tainted by adharma or grief-driven opportunism.