Shloka 2.79.17

भरतस्य राज्यत्यागः तथा रामानयनप्रतिज्ञा (Bharata Rejects Kingship and Vows to Bring Rama Back)

Devanagari script

ऊचुस्ते वचनमिदं निशम्य हृष्टा स्सामात्या स्सपरिषदो वियातशोकाः।पन्थानं नरवर भक्तिमान् जनश्च व्यादिष्टस्तव वचनाच्च शिल्पिवर्गः।।2.79.17।

Transliteration

rājyaṃ gṛhāṇa bharata pitṛpaitāmahaṃ dhruvam | abhiṣecaya cātmānaṃ pāhi cāsmān nararṣabha ||2.79.5||

Translation

O Bharata, accept this firm ancestral kingdom; have yourself consecrated, O best of men, and protect us.

Context

All the ministers and members of the council, relieved of their distress, were delighted to hear these words and said O best among men, on your orders devoted people and groups of artisans have been instructed to lay the road.ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē ayōdhyākāṇḍē ēkōnāśītitamassargaḥ৷৷Thus ends the seventyninth sarga in Ayodhyakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Rājya (kingdom)
• Abhiṣeka (coronation, implied)

FAQs

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

Rajadharma as protection: kingship is presented not as privilege but as the duty to safeguard subjects and maintain stability.

What is the narrative situation?

The people formally request Bharata to accept the throne and undergo consecration.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The ideal of the protector-king: the ruler’s primary virtue is guardianship and responsibility toward the people.