Shloka 2.79.8

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

Devanagari script

रामः पूर्वो हि नो भ्राता भविष्यति महीपतिः।अहं त्वरण्ये वत्स्यामि वर्षाणि नव पञ्च च।।2.79.8।।

Transliteration

rāmaḥ pūrvo hi no bhrātā bhaviṣyati mahīpatiḥ | ahaṃ tv araṇye vatsyāmi varṣāṇi nava pañca ca || 2.79.8 ||

Translation

Rama, our eldest brother, shall indeed become king of the earth; as for me, I will dwell in the forest for fourteen years.

Context

Our eldest brother, Rama shall become king. As for me, I shall dwell in the forest for fourteen years.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Bharata
• forest (araṇya)

FAQs

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

Bharata upholds rightful succession and self-effacement: the kingdom belongs to the elder, Rama; Bharata accepts personal hardship to protect legitimacy and truth (satya) in governance.

What is the narrative situation?

After Rama’s exile, Bharata rejects any claim to the throne and declares that Rama must be king; he is prepared to undertake forest-life himself for the exile-term.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bharata’s integrity and loyalty—his refusal of unjust power and willingness to sacrifice comfort for righteousness.