Shloka 2.8.19

मन्थराकैकेयीसंवादः — Mantharā’s Counsel to Kaikeyī (Ayodhyā’s Succession Alarm)

Devanagari script

राज्यं यदि हि रामस्य भरतस्यापि तत्तदा।मन्यते हि यथात्मानं तथा भ्रातृ़ंश्च राघवः।।2.8.19।।

Transliteration

rājyaṃ yadi hi rāmasya bharatasyāpi tat tadā | manyate hi yathātmānaṃ tathā bhrātṝṃś ca rāghavaḥ || 2.8.19 ||

Translation

If the kingdom belongs to Rāma, then it belongs to Bharata as well—for Rāghava regards his brothers as he regards his own self.

Context

If the kingdom is Rama's, it is also Bharata's, since Rama regards his brothers as his own self

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Bharata
• Rāghava (epithet of Rāma)

FAQs

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

Dharma is framed as fraternity and non-possessiveness: rightful authority is not treated as private gain when one’s heart is committed to kinship and shared welfare.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī argues that Rāma’s accession would not harm Bharata because Rāma’s attitude toward his brothers is one of complete identification and shared interest.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s brotherly affection and selflessness—seeing brothers as extensions of himself rather than rivals.