Shloka 2.11.16

कैकेयीवरप्रार्थना — Kaikeyi Demands the Two Boons

Devanagari script

सत्यसन्धो महातेजाः धर्मज्ञः सुसमाहितः।वरं मम ददात्येष तन्मे श्रृण्वन्तु दैवताः।।।।

Transliteration

satyasandho mahātejā dharmajñaḥ susamāhitaḥ | varaṃ mama dadāty eṣa tan me śṛṇvantu daivatāḥ || 2.11.16 ||

Translation

He is firm in truth, mighty in radiance, a knower of dharma, and self-possessed—this man grants me a boon. Let the gods hear this for my sake.

Context

King Dasaratha who is true to his vows, heroic and knows the ways of righteousness is granting me boons with a well-composed mind. Let all the gods stand witness to this (declared Kaikeyi).

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha
• daivatāḥ (gods)

FAQs

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

A king’s dharmic identity—truthfulness and knowledge of righteousness—creates binding moral expectations; satya becomes the foundation of legitimate authority.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī publicly frames Daśaratha as a paragon of satya and dharma, thereby tightening the moral net around his promise before stating her demand.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Satya-sandhatā (steadfast truthfulness) and composure—qualities expected of an ideal ruler.