Shloka 3.10.20

दशमः सर्गः — Rama’s Vow to Protect the Sages of Daṇḍaka (Dharma of Refuge)

Devanagari script

तदवश्यं मया कार्यमृषीणां परिपालनम्।अनुक्तेनापि वैदेहि प्रतिज्ञाय तु किं पुनः।।।।

Transliteration

saṁśrutya ca na śakṣyāmi jīvamānaḥ pratiśravam |

munīnām anyathā kartuṁ satyam iṣṭaṁ hi me sadā ||

Translation

And having given my word, so long as I live I cannot act otherwise than the promise made to the sages, for truth is ever dear to me.

Context

Even before the sages requested me I should have protected them. What to speak of the promise I have already made ?

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Sita
• sages (muni)
• satya (truth)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Satya as dharma: once a pledge is made, moral integrity requires unwavering fulfillment for as long as one lives.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama explains to Sita that his promise to the sages cannot be reversed or diluted.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness and steadfastness—Rama treats a pledged word as binding.