Shloka 2.12.110
द्वादशः सर्गः — Kaikeyi’s Boons and Dasaratha’s Moral Collapse (Ayodhya Kanda 12)
न किञ्चिदाहाहितमप्रियं वचो न वेत्ति रामः परुषाणि भाषितुम्।कथन्नु रामे ह्यभिरामवादिनि ब्रवीषि दोषान्गुणनित्यसम्मते।।।।
na kiñcid āhāhitam apriyaṃ vaco na vetti rāmaḥ paruṣāṇi bhāṣitum |
kathaṃ nu rāme hy abhirāmavādini bravīṣi doṣān guṇanityasammate ||
Rāma does not utter even the slightest harmful or unkind word; he does not even know how to speak harshly. How, then, can you allege faults in Rāma—whose speech is pleasing and who is ever esteemed for his virtues?
How do you find fault with Rama who does not utter even one harmful or unpalatable word, who does not know how to use harsh words, and who speaks pleasingly and who is always honoured for his virtues?
It teaches fairness and truthfulness in judgment: one should not fabricate faults in a person known for virtue, restraint, and compassionate speech.
Daśaratha defends Rāma’s character against Kaikeyī’s hostile framing, emphasizing Rāma’s non-harmful and gentle speech.
Rāma’s vāg-saṃyama (restraint in speech) and benevolence—he does not speak harshly or hurtfully.