Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 74, Shloka 25
भरतस्य कैकेयी-गर्हा तथा सुरभि-दृष्टान्तः
Bharata’s Reproach of Kaikeyi and the Surabhi Exemplum
ममकायात्प्रसूतौ हि दुःखितौ भारपीडितौ।यौ दृष्ट्वा परितप्येऽहं नास्ति पुत्रसमः प्रियः।।।।
mama kāyāt prasūtau hi duḥkhitau bhārapīḍitau | yau dṛṣṭvā paritapye ’haṁ nāsti putrasamaḥ priyaḥ ||
Mereka lahir dari tubuhku sendiri; menderita dan terhimpit oleh beban. Melihat mereka, aku terbakar oleh duka—tiada yang sebanding kasihnya dengan seorang putra.
'These bulls were born from my body and they are oppressed by the burden. Having seen their anguish, I am extremely grieved. There is none so dear as a son'.
FAQs
Dharma recognizes the sanctity of familial bonds and the duty of care; the suffering of one’s dependents becomes a moral claim upon the conscience.
Surabhi intensifies her explanation: the bulls are her own offspring, and their forced labor causes her acute grief.
Vātsalya (parental affection) as a virtue that motivates protection and compassion.