Shloka 2.11.19

कैकेयीवरप्रार्थना — Kaikeyi Demands the Two Boons

Devanagari script

तत्र चापि मया देव यत्त्वं समभिरक्षितः।जाग्रत्या यतमानायास्ततो मे प्राददा वरौ।।।।

Transliteration

tatra cāpi mayā deva yat tvaṃ samabhirakṣitaḥ | jāgratyā yatamānāyās tato me prādadā varau ||

Translation

There too, O King, I protected you; because I remained vigilant and strove to save you, you granted me two boons.

Context

O king, I rescued you there. Since I was alert to protect you, you granted me twoboons.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha
• two boons

FAQs

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

Dharma here is framed as reciprocal obligation: protection and service rendered create a rightful claim, and a king’s integrity is measured by honoring what he has granted.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī explicitly states that she once saved Daśaratha and that he rewarded her with two promised boons.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vigilance and devoted effort (jāgratā, yatna) are highlighted as Kaikeyī’s claimed merit; in response, Daśaratha’s virtue of honoring grants is implied.