Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 26, Shloka 33
अयोध्याकाण्डे षड्विंशः सर्गः
Rama’s Departure and Sita’s Questions; Disclosure of Exile and Counsel on Courtly Conduct
भ्रातृपुत्रसमौ चापि द्रष्टव्यौ च विशेषतः।त्वया भरतशत्रुघ्नौ प्राणैः प्रियतरौ मम।।।।
bhrātṛ-putra-samau cāpi draṣṭavyau ca viśeṣataḥ |
tvayā bharata-śatrughnau prāṇaiḥ priyatarau mama ||
Et surtout, veille sur Bharata et Śatrughna, les regardant comme ton frère et comme ton fils ; car pour moi ils sont plus chers encore que le souffle de la vie.
Kings are gratified if they are served with zeal and good conduct. If the contrary happens, they get provoked.
FAQs
Dharma extends kinship into responsibility: caring for brothers and younger family members preserves social order and familial harmony.
Rāma anticipates his separation and instructs Sītā to maintain affectionate and respectful relations with his brothers.
Brotherly love and protectiveness: Rāma’s affection for Bharata and Śatrughna is portrayed as life-deep.