Shloka 2.12.18

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

Devanagari script

तच्छ्रुत्वा शोकसन्तप्ता सन्तापयसि मां भृशम्।आविष्टाऽसि गृहं शून्यं सा त्वं परवशं गता।।।।

Transliteration

ikṣvākūṇāṃ kule devi samprāptaḥ sumahān ayaṃ | anayo nayasampanne yatra te vikṛtā matiḥ ||

Translation

O queen—once endowed with sound judgment—this great unrighteousness has now come upon the Ikṣvāku line, for your mind has become perverted.

Context

Further you are tormented with sorrow under the influence of others' insinuations. You are causing me great pain by entering the empty chamber of wrath.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī
• Ikṣvāku dynasty

FAQs

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

Individual choices affect collective dharma: a queen’s unrighteous intent can stain dynastic reputation and disrupt the moral order expected of a royal house.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha condemns Kaikeyī’s altered intention as a grave ethical rupture that threatens the honor of the Ikṣvāku lineage.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Guardianship of kula-dharma (family/dynastic righteousness): Daśaratha speaks as protector of the dynasty’s moral legacy.