Shloka 2.12.13

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

Devanagari script

तिष्ठेल्लोको विना सूर्यं शस्यं वा सलिलं विना।।।।न तु रामं विना देहे तिष्ठेत्तु मम जीवितम्।

Transliteration

parā bhavati me prītir dṛṣṭvā tanayam agrajam | apaśyatas tu me rāmaṃ naṣṭā bhavati cetanā ||

Translation

“When I behold my firstborn son, my joy becomes supreme; but when I do not see Rāma, my very consciousness fails me.”

Context

This world can exist without the Sun or crops (can be grown) without water but without Rama, life would not exist in my body.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Rāma

FAQs

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

The verse frames love and duty as deeply intertwined: for Daśaratha, Rāma embodies dharmic continuity (eldest son and rightful heir). The ethical tension is that personal attachment intensifies the pain of upholding vows and truth.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha, trying to soften Kaikeyī’s resolve, confesses how essential Rāma is to his emotional and even physical well-being.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s sincerity and paternal devotion—he speaks plainly about his dependence on seeing Rāma.