Shloka 2.11.9

कैकेयीवरप्रार्थना — Kaikeyi Demands the Two Boons

Devanagari script

भद्रे हृदयमप्येतदनुमृशोद्धरस्व मे।एतत्समीक्ष्य कैकेयि ब्रूहि यत्साधु मन्यसे।।।।

Transliteration

sa rājarājaḥ bhava satyasaṅgaraḥ | kulaṁ ca śīlaṁ ca hi rakṣa janma ca | paratravāse hi vadanty anuttamaṁ | tapodhanāḥ satyavaco hitaṁ nṛṇām ||

Translation

Be a king of kings, steadfast in truth. Protect your dynasty, your conduct, and your noble lineage. For the sages, whose wealth is austerity, declare that for one’s welfare there is no excellence beyond truthfulness, for it secures well-being in the world beyond.

Context

O gentle lady! my heart is sinking. Touch my heart and deliver me from distress. O Kaikeyi considering all this, tell me what you think is good.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha
• Sages (tapodhanāḥ)
• Other world (paratra)

FAQs

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

Satya is presented as the supreme dharmic merit: truthfulness and fidelity to vows are said to have unsurpassed value, including consequences for one’s state in the afterlife.

What is the narrative situation?

After stating her demand, Kaikeyī pressures Daśaratha by invoking the dharmic authority of sages: truth-keeping is portrayed as the king’s highest duty.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The virtue emphasized is satyasaṅgara—unyielding commitment to truth and vows—framed as the defining quality of an ideal sovereign.