Shloka 2.77.3

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

Devanagari script

बास्तिकं बहु शुक्लं च गाश्चापि शतशस्तथा।दासीदासं च यानं च वेश्मानि सुमहान्ति च।।।।ब्राह्मणेभ्यो ददौ पुत्रो राज्ञस्तस्यौर्ध्वदैहिकम्।

Transliteration

bāstikaṃ bahu śuklaṃ ca gāś cāpi śataśas tathā | dāsīdāsaṃ ca yānaṃ ca veśmāni sumahānti ca || brāhmaṇebhyo dadau putro rājñas tasyāurdhvadaihikam ||

Translation

For the king’s rites that secure welfare beyond this life, the son gave the brahmins many white goats, cows by the hundreds, male and female servants, conveyances, and spacious houses.

Context

At the time of performing the rites pertaining to the other world, Bharata bestowed on brahmins herds of white goats, cows in hundreds, male and female servants and spacious houses and carriages.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Daśaratha
• Brāhmaṇas
• Dāna (ritual gifting)
• Aurdhvadaihika rites

FAQs

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

The verse highlights pitṛdharma and dāna: honoring the departed through proper rites and generous giving to brahmins as part of socially sanctioned ritual duty.

What is the narrative situation?

During Daśaratha’s post-death observances, Bharata performs ritual gifts—livestock, servants, vehicles, and houses—to brahmins.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Generosity aligned with tradition: Bharata’s readiness to fulfill obligations through prescribed charitable acts.