Shloka 2.81.6

एकाशीति तमः सर्गः — Bharata’s Grief, Courtly Summons, and the Assembly Hall

Devanagari script

तस्यैषा धर्मराजस्य धर्ममूला महात्मनः।परिभ्रमति राज्य श्रीर्नौरिवाकर्णिका जले।।।।

Transliteration

tasyaiṣā dharma-rājasya dharma-mūlā mahātmanaḥ |

paribhramati rājya-śrīr naur ivākarṇikā jale ||

Translation

For that great-souled king, whose rule is rooted in dharma, the kingdom’s fortune—grounded in righteousness—now reels about like a boat upon the waters without a helmsman.

Context

This kingdom, rooted in the righteousness of that noble king, is now whirling like aboat in a whirlpool without a helmsman.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• rājyaśrī (prosperity/fortune of the kingdom)

FAQs

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

Dharma is the stabilizing ‘root’ of governance; when the dhārmic ruler is gone and rightful succession is disrupted, prosperity and order become unsteady.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata interprets the kingdom’s condition after Daśaratha’s death as leaderless instability.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Political discernment: Bharata understands that legitimacy and dharma are essential to prevent the state from ‘drifting’ into chaos.