Shloka 2.12.101

द्वादशः सर्गः — Kaikeyi’s Boons and Dasaratha’s Moral Collapse (Ayodhya Kanda 12)

Devanagari script

कस्यैतद्धारुणं वाक्यमेवंविधमचिन्तितम्।।।।रामस्यारण्यगमनं भरतस्याभिषेचनम्।

Transliteration

kasyaitad dhāruṇaṃ vākyam evaṃvidham acintitam | rāmasyāraṇya-gamanaṃ bharatasyābhiṣecanam ||

Translation

Whose dreadful words are these—this unthinkable scheme: Rama’s going to the forest and Bharata’s consecration as king?

Context

Whose are these dreadful words, this inconceivable plan of Rama's exilement and Bharata's enthronement?

Characters & Entities

• Dasaratha
• Kaikeyi
• Rama
• Bharata
• araṇya (forest)
• abhiṣeka (royal consecration)

FAQs

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

Dharma rejects adharmic manipulation: the verse frames the plan as ‘unthinkable,’ implying it violates natural justice and rightful succession grounded in merit and truth.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha reacts in disbelief to the proposal that Rama be exiled and Bharata enthroned.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s sense of moral order and legitimacy in kingship, even amid emotional collapse.