Shloka 2.109.16

सत्यधर्मप्रतिपादनम् (Rama’s Defense of Truth and Dharma in Reply to Jabali)

Devanagari script

सोऽहं पितुर्नियोगं तु किमर्थं नानुपालये।सत्यप्रतिश्रव स्सत्यं सत्येन समयीकृतः।।2.109.16।।

Transliteration

so 'haṃ pitur niyogaṃ tu kimarthaṃ nānupālaye | satyapratiśravaḥ satyaṃ satyena samayīkṛtaḥ ||

Translation

I—true to my pledged word—am bound by truth itself, and my covenant is made in truth. Why, then, should I not carry out my father’s command?

Context

I am always true to any promise. I am bound by truth. Why shouId I (now) disobey my father's command (to keep his promise)?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Jābāli
• Daśaratha (implied: father)

FAQs

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

Fidelity to truth requires honoring lawful vows and commands—especially the father’s pledge—making personal sacrifice secondary to satya.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma concludes this segment of rebuttal by grounding his exile in a concrete obligation: obedience to his father’s commitment and command.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Pitṛbhakti and vow-keeping: unwavering commitment to a promise even at great personal cost.