Shloka 2.82.14

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

Devanagari script

अनार्यजुष्टमस्वर्ग्यं कुर्यां पापमहं यदि।इक्ष्वाकूणामहं लोके भवेयं कुलपांसनः।।।।

Transliteration

anāryajuṣṭam asvargyaṃ kuryāṃ pāpam ahaṃ yadi |

ikṣvākūṇām ahaṃ loke bhaveyaṃ kulapāṃsanaḥ ||

Translation

If I were to commit such a sin—favoured by ignoble people and leading away from heaven—I would become, in the eyes of the world, a disgrace to the Ikṣvāku lineage.

Context

If I commit this evil act followed by wretched people which would not lead any one to heaven, I shall only be bringing disgrace to the kings of the Ikshvaku dynasty.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Ikṣvāku dynasty

FAQs

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

Dharma includes responsibility to one’s lineage and public moral order: wrongful gain stains not only the individual but the dynasty’s ethical legacy.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata rejects the throne by describing acceptance as a sinful act that would bring lasting dishonour to the Ikṣvāku house.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral restraint and concern for collective honour: Bharata values righteousness over power and reputation over possession.