Shloka 2.11.4

कैकेयीवरप्रार्थना — Kaikeyi Demands the Two Boons

Devanagari script

तामुवाच महातेजाः कैकेयीमीषदुत्स्मितः।कामी हस्तेन संगृह्य मूर्धजेषु शुचिस्मिताम्।।।।

Transliteration

yaṁ muhūrtam apaśyaṁs tu na jīveyam ahaṁ dhruvam | tena rāmeṇa kaikeyi śape te vacanakriyām ||

Translation

O Kaikeyī, it is certain I could not live even a moment without seeing him. By that very Rāma, I swear to carry out your word—your wish.

Context

The mighty king steeped in passion gently held Kaikeyi's hair in his hands and with a clear, bright smile said:

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Satya is intensified into a solemn oath: the king binds himself to fulfilment. Yet the verse also shows how attachment can push a person into irreversible commitments.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha expresses his dependence on Rāma and uses Rāma’s name to guarantee Kaikeyī’s demand even before hearing it.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s truth-commitment is emphasized—though it is portrayed as emotionally driven and thus precarious.