Shloka 2.111.29

अयोध्याकाण्डे एकादशोत्तरशततमः सर्गः (Sarga 111: Counsel on Gurus, Parental Debt, and Bharata’s Protest)

Devanagari script

उपधिर्न मया कार्यो वनवासे जुगुप्सितः।युक्तमुक्तं च कैकेय्या पित्रा मे सुकृतं कृतम्।।।।

Transliteration

upadhir na mayā kāryo vanavāse jugupsitaḥ |yuktam uktaṃ ca kaikeyyā pitrā me sukṛtaṃ kṛtam ||

Translation

As for forest-dwelling, it would be disgraceful for me to set up a substitute in my place—this must not be done. Kaikeyī spoke what was fitting, and my father performed a righteous act.

Context

As far as living in the forest is concerned it is reprehensible to keep a subsitute for me and it shall not be done. Kaikeyi has acted rightfully and my father has taken the proper decision.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha
• vana (forest)

FAQs

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

Maryādā (moral boundaries) in fulfilling vows: Rama refuses a workaround that would hollow out the father’s promise and the ethical meaning of exile.

What is the narrative situation?

Responding to Bharata’s willingness to take exile, Rama insists the original obligation must be borne by the one to whom it applies.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Uncompromising fidelity to dharma—Rama rejects convenient substitutions and accepts personal hardship.