Shloka 2.11.13

कैकेयीवरप्रार्थना — Kaikeyi Demands the Two Boons

Devanagari script

यथा क्रमे शपसि वरं मम ददासि च।तच्छृण्वन्तु त्रयस्त्रिंशद्देवास्साग्निपुरोगमाः।।।।

Transliteration

yathā krameṇa śapasi varaṃ mama dadāsi ca | tac chṛṇvantu trayastriṃśad-devāḥ sāgni-purogamāḥ || 2.11.13 ||

Translation

Since you are, step by step, swearing and granting me a boon, let the Thirty-Three gods—with Agni at their head—hear it as witness.

Context

You are repeatedly swearing to grant me boons. Let the thirtythree crore gods headed by the fire-god, listen.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha
• Agni
• Trayastriṃśat Devāḥ (Thirty-Three gods)

FAQs

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

Satya is treated as publicly accountable; invoking divine witnesses frames a promise as morally and cosmically binding.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī formalizes Daśaratha’s pledge by summoning the gods as witnesses before stating what she wants.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Accountability to one’s word—especially for a king—since vows are not merely private but upheld before higher principles.