Shloka 2.82.10

भरतस्य धर्मप्रतिज्ञा तथा रामनिवर्तनयात्रा (Bharata’s Vow of Dharma and the Expedition to Recall Rama)

Devanagari script

सबाष्पकलया वाचा कलहंसस्वरो युवा।विललाप सभामध्ये जगर्हे च पुरोहितम्।।।।

Transliteration

sabāṣpakalayā vācā kalahaṃsasvaro yuvā |

vilalāpa sabhāmadhye jagarhe ca purohitam ||

Translation

Young Bharata, his swan-like melodious voice broken by tears, lamented in the midst of the royal assembly and reproached the family priest Vasiṣṭha.

Context

Young Bharata with the melodious voice of a swan, choked with tears, lamenting in the assembly, reproached the family priest Vasistha, saying:

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Vasiṣṭha
• sabhā (royal assembly)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is expressed as moral accountability within public life: Bharata’s grief becomes a dhārmic protest against any legitimization of adharma (wrongful kingship), even if it might benefit him.

What is the narrative situation?

In the court assembly at Ayodhyā, after Rāma’s exile, Bharata speaks emotionally and confronts the priestly authority, pressing for a righteous resolution.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Integrity and moral courage: Bharata dares to challenge even revered authority (the purohita) when he believes dharma and truth are at stake.