Shloka 2.11.1

कैकेयीवरप्रार्थना — Kaikeyi Demands the Two Boons

Devanagari script

तं मन्मथशरैर्विद्धमं कामवेगवशानुगम्।उवाच पृथिवीपालं कैकेयी दारुणं वचः।।।।

Transliteration

taṃ manmathaśarair viddhaṃ kāmavega-vaśānugam | uvāca pṛthivīpālaṃ kaikeyī dāruṇaṃ vacaḥ || 2.11.1 ||

Translation

To the ruler of the earth—struck as if by Manmatha’s arrows and borne along by the surge of passion—Kaikeyī spoke harsh and dreadful words.

Context

To the ruler of the earth (the king), struck by the darts of Kamadeva and overtaken by passion Kaikeyi spoke (these) dreadful words.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha
• Manmatha (Kāma)

FAQs

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

It warns that when desire overwhelms discernment, speech and action can turn cruel; dharma requires mastery over passion, especially for those in power.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī addresses Daśaratha at a moment when he is emotionally vulnerable, initiating the sequence that will lead to the demand for boons.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast (through its absence), the verse highlights the needed virtue of self-control (indriya-nigraha) in both private and royal life.