Shloka 6.83.31

त्र्यशीतितमः सर्गः (Sarga 83) — Hanumān Reports Sītā’s ‘Slaying’; Rāma Collapses; Lakṣmaṇa’s Counter-Discourse on Dharma and Artha

Devanagari script

ममचेदंमतंतातधरोऽयमितिराघव ।धर्ममूलंत्वयाछिन्नंराज्यमुत्सृजतातदा ।।6.83.31।।

Transliteration

mama ced idaṃ mataṃ tāta dharo 'yam iti rāghava | dharma-mūlaṃ tvayā chinnaṃ rājyam utsṛjatā tadā ||6.83.31||

Translation

This too is my view, dear Rāghava: “this is dharma.” Yet when you renounced the kingdom then, you cut dharma off at its very root.

Context

"Dear Raghava! In my opinion also depending on desire and context, following dharma or adharma is proper. You have severed the roots of dharma by giving up the kingdom."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Ayodhyā kingship (implied by 'rājya')

FAQs

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

It frames kingship as a foundation for social dharma (rāja-dharma); renouncing the throne is portrayed (by the speaker) as undermining that foundation.

What is the narrative situation?

The speaker revisits Rāma’s acceptance of exile and relinquishment of rule, interpreting it as a pivotal ethical decision with societal consequences.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s self-sacrifice is central, though the speaker controversially questions its prudence.