Valmiki Ramayana 2.12.94-95: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 12, Shlokas 94-95
द्वादशः सर्गः · Kaikeyi’s Boons and Dasaratha’s Moral Collapse
Ayodhya Kanda 12
हन्तानार्ये ममामित्रे सकामा भव कैकयि ॥९४॥
मृते मयि गते रामे वनं पुरुषपुङ्गवे ।
सेदानीं विधवा राज्यं सपुत्रा कारयिष्यसि ॥९५॥
hantānārye mamāmitre sakāmā bhava kaikayi ||94||
mṛte mayi gate rāme vanaṃ puruṣapuṅgave |
sedānīṃ vidhavā rājyaṃ saputrā kārayiṣyasi ||95||
O meine Feindin, o ruchlose Kaikeyi, nachdem Rama, der Vornehmste unter den Menschen, in den Wald gegangen ist, werden deine Wünsche erfüllt werden. Und nach meinem Tod wirst du als Witwe zusammen mit deinem Sohn das Königreich regieren.
O my enemy, O wicked Kaikeyi, after Rama, the foremost of men, has left for the forest your desires will be fulfilled. And after my death, you as a widow along with your son will rule the kingdom.
FAQs
The verse illustrates the karmic consequences of Adharma. Dasaratha's bitter words reveal that actions driven by selfish desire and betrayal of Dharma ultimately lead to suffering, even for those who appear to succeed. The prophecy that Kaikeyi will rule as a widow carries an implicit curse - her 'victory' will be hollow and marked by loss.
King Dasaratha, devastated by Kaikeyi's demand to exile Rama, is speaking in anguish and anger. He addresses Kaikeyi as his enemy and predicts the bitter outcome of her actions: while her desires may be fulfilled temporarily, she will ultimately rule as a widow after his death, suggesting that her triumph will be marked by grief and loneliness.
The verse emphasizes the tragic consequences of adharma (unrighteousness) and the hollow nature of success achieved through unethical means. Dasaratha's words serve as a powerful reminder that true happiness cannot come from actions that cause suffering to others and violate sacred bonds of trust and duty.
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