Shloka 2.12.19

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

Devanagari script

इक्ष्वाकूणां कुले देवि सम्प्राप्तस्सुमहानयम्।अनयो नयसम्पन्ने यत्र ते विकृता मतिः।।।।

Transliteration

nahi kiñcid ayuktaṃ vā vipriyaṃ vā purā mama | akaros tvaṃ viśālākṣi tena na śraddadhāmy aham ||

Translation

O large-eyed one, in the past you never did anything improper or displeasing to me; therefore I cannot bring myself to believe what I am hearing now.

Context

O queen, till now you had a moral sense. With your mind debased (now), a very great immorality has infected the Ikshvaku race.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī

FAQs

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

Dharma in relationships is grounded in consistent conduct and trust. When speech suddenly contradicts a history of right behavior, it creates a moral and emotional crisis requiring सत्य (truth) to be re-established.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha recalls Kaikeyī’s former goodwill toward him and expresses disbelief at her present harsh demands.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Faith in prior virtue: Daśaratha tries to interpret Kaikeyī charitably based on her past conduct, even while suffering.