Shloka 2.11.21

कैकेयीवरप्रार्थना — Kaikeyi Demands the Two Boons

Devanagari script

तत् प्रतिश्रुत्य धर्मेण न चेद्दास्यसि मे वरम्।अद्यैव हि प्रहास्यामि जीवितं त्वद्विमानिता।।।।

Transliteration

tat pratiśrutya dharmeṇa na ced dāsyasi me varam | adyaiva hi prahāsyāmi jīvitaṃ tvad-vimānitā ||

Translation

Having promised it in accordance with dharma, if you do not grant me my boon, then—dishonored by you—I will abandon my life this very day.

Context

The boons you have vowed to give shall rightfully be given to me. If not, disgraced by you I shall give up my life right away.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha
• boon
• dharma

FAQs

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

A vow made under dharma is presented as binding; the verse dramatizes how satya can be tested under emotional pressure, raising questions about dharma versus manipulation.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī escalates her demand by threatening suicide if Daśaratha refuses to grant the promised boon.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s commitment to truth is the targeted virtue; Kaikeyī uses the moral weight of his promise to compel compliance.