Shloka 2.109.19

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

Devanagari script

प्रत्यगात्ममिमं धर्मं सत्यं पश्याम्यहं स्वयम्।भार स्सत्पुरुषाचीर्णस्तदर्थमभिमन्यते।।2.109.19।।

Transliteration

asatya-sandhasya sataś calasyāsthira-cetasaḥ |

naiva devā na pitaraḥ pratīcchantīti naḥ śrutam ||2.109.18||

Translation

We have heard that neither the gods nor the ancestors accept the offerings of one who is bound to untruth—fickle and unsteady in mind.

Context

I personally regard this righteousness practised by the virtuous as an evident form of truth, as the supreme self. Therefore, this burden (difficult task of living as an exile) is gratifying to me.

Characters & Entities

• Devas
• Pitaras (ancestors)
• Satya (truth)

FAQs

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

Integrity is foundational: religious or social acts lose merit when performed by one whose inner commitment is to falsehood.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma strengthens his refusal by invoking a traditional moral teaching: untruth undermines spiritual legitimacy.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Śīla (moral character) grounded in truthfulness and steadiness of mind.