Shloka 2.11.3

कैकेयीवरप्रार्थना — Kaikeyi Demands the Two Boons

Devanagari script

प्रतिज्ञां प्रतिजानीष्व यदि त्वं कर्तुमिच्छसि।अथ तद्व्याहरिष्यामि यदभिप्रार्थितं मया।।।।

Transliteration

tenājayyenamukhyena rāghaveṇa mahātmanā | śape te jīvanārheṇa brūhi yan manas ecchasi ||

Translation

I swear to you by that Rāghava—invincible, foremost, great-souled, worthy of long life. Speak: what does your heart desire?

Context

If you are inclined to accomplish my desire, then promise me that you will fulfil them. Thereafter I shall reveal it to you.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī
• Rāghava (Rāma)

FAQs

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

The sanctity of an oath: Daśaratha invokes Rāma as the moral witness, making truthfulness (satya) and vow-keeping (pratijñā) a binding dharmic act.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha, eager to satisfy Kaikeyī, swears by Rāma and asks her to state her wish.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s invincibility and greatness of soul are emphasized as the highest standard by which the king seals his promise.