Shloka 2.11.28

कैकेयीवरप्रार्थना — Kaikeyi Demands the Two Boons

Devanagari script

भरतो भजतामद्य यौवराज्यमकण्टकम्।।2.11.27।।एष मे परमः कामो दत्तमेव वरं वृणे।अद्य चैव हि पश्येयं प्रयान्तं राघवं वनम्।।2.11.28।।

Transliteration

tām uvāca mahātejāḥ kaikeyīm īṣad utsmitaḥ | kāmī hastena saṅgṛhya mūrdhajeṣu śucismitām ||

Translation

The mighty king, smiling faintly, moved by passion, gently took Kaikeyī by her hair and spoke to her, whose smile was pure and radiant.

Context

Let Bharata be princeregent 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

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī

FAQs

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

The verse sets up a dharmic tension: personal desire and indulgent intimacy can cloud discernment, becoming the precondition for later unethical outcomes.

What is the narrative situation?

After Kaikeyī asks for a promise, the narration describes Daśaratha’s affectionate, desire-tinged response as he prepares to speak.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

No virtue is directly praised; rather, the scene highlights vulnerability—how a ruler’s self-control can be tested by attachment and pleasure.