Shloka 21
भरतवाक्यं—रामस्य पुनरायोध्यागमननिषेधः
Bharata’s Plea and Rama’s Refusal to Return
अथ क्लेशज मेव त्वं धर्मं चरितु मिच्छसि।धर्मेण चतुरो वर्णान्पालयन् क्लेश माप्नुहि।।।।
atha kleśajam eva tvaṁ dharmaṁ caritum icchasi |
dharmeṇa caturo varṇān pālayan kleśam āpnuhi ||
यदि आप सचमुच क्लेश से प्राप्त होने वाले धर्म का आचरण करना चाहते हैं, तो धर्मपूर्वक चारों वर्णों का पालन-रक्षण करते हुए राज्य-भार का वही क्लेश स्वीकार कीजिए॥
If you so desire to follow the path of dharma acquired out of physical exertion, then bear the trouble of governing the four castes of the social order righteously.
FAQs
True dharma is not escape from difficulty but acceptance of rightful burdens—especially the king’s duty to protect society justly.
Bharata reframes Rama’s inclination toward austere dharma: kingship itself is an arduous dharma when performed for the people.
Rama’s potential for sacrificial leadership; Bharata highlights that governance done righteously is itself tapas-like discipline.