Valmiki Ramayana 2.19.14: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 19, Shloka 14
एकोनविंशः सर्गः (Sarga 19): Rāma’s Unshaken Acceptance of Exile and Kaikeyī’s Urgency
तव त्वहं क्षमं मन्ये नोत्सुकस्य विलम्बनम् ।
राम तस्मादित श्शीघ्रं वनं त्वं गन्तुमर्हसि ॥१४॥
tava tvahaṃ kṣamaṃ manye notsukasya vilambanam |
rāma tasmādita śśīghraṃ vanaṃ tvaṃ gantumarhasi ||14||
Da du begierig bist, in den Wald zu gehen, halte ich es nicht für richtig, dich aufzuhalten. O Rama, daher ziemt es sich für dich, von hier unverzüglich in den Wald aufzubrechen.
Since you are eager (to go to the forest), I do not think it is proper to delay. O Rama therefore it behoves you to proceed immediately from here to the forest.
FAQs
This verse presents a complex ethical situation where Kaikeyi uses the language of dharma to expedite Rama's exile. While her intent is manipulative, Rama's response demonstrates the dharmic principle of honoring one's word and father's promise, even when faced with injustice. It shows the tension between personal desire and duty.
Kaikeyi, having secured King Dasharatha's promise to send Rama to exile for fourteen years and install Bharata as crown prince, now urges Rama to depart immediately for the forest. She acknowledges his eagerness to fulfill his father's word and dismisses any delay in his departure.
The verse ironically highlights Rama's virtue of obedience and commitment to truth (Satya). Despite Kaikeyi's manipulative intentions, Rama's willingness to proceed without delay demonstrates his unwavering dedication to his father's honor and his own sense of dharma.
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