Shloka 2.82.12

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

Devanagari script

कथं दशरथाज्जातो भवेद्राज्यापहारकः।राज्यं चाहं च रामस्य धर्मं वक्तुमिहार्हसि।।।।

Transliteration

kathaṃ daśarathāj jāto bhaved rājya-apahārakaḥ |

rājyaṃ cāhaṃ ca rāmasya dharmaṃ vaktum ihārhasi ||

Translation

How could one born of Daśaratha become a usurper of the kingdom? Both the kingdom and I belong to Rāma—therefore, in this matter you ought to speak the truth of dharma.

Context

How can any usurper of the kingdom be born of Dasaratha? Or, how would anyprogeny of Dasaratha become the usurper of the kingdom? I and the kingdom, both belong to Rama. You should tell the truth about this.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Daśaratha
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Satya aligned with dharma: Bharata insists that truth must be spoken even in politically charged moments, and that rightful inheritance cannot be overridden by opportunism.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata challenges any narrative that paints him as an usurper and urges Vasiṣṭha to affirm the dhārmic truth that Rāma is the rightful king.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness and self-effacement: Bharata refuses to be positioned as claimant and places himself under Rāma’s rightful authority.