Shloka 2.11.27

कैकेयीवरप्रार्थना — Kaikeyi Demands the Two Boons

Devanagari script

भरतो भजतामद्य यौवराज्यमकण्टकम्।।।।एष मे परमः कामो दत्तमेव वरं वृणे।अद्य चैव हि पश्येयं प्रयान्तं राघवं वनम्।।।।

Transliteration

pratijñāṁ pratijānīṣva yadi tvaṁ kartum icchasi | atha tad vyāhariṣyāmi yad abhiprārthitaṁ mayā ||

Translation

If you truly wish to fulfill my desire, first pledge your solemn promise; only then will I declare what I ask.

Context

Let Bharata be prince-regent without any rivals. This is my great desire. I am asking for an already granted boon. Let me see Rama's departure to the forest today itself.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

The verse foregrounds the binding force of a pledged word (pratijñā). In dharma-ethics, a promise—especially by a king—creates moral obligation and accountability.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī is about to demand her boons; she first compels Daśaratha to commit himself to fulfil her wish before she reveals it.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implied virtue is satya (truth-keeping): the duty to stand by one’s pledged word once given.