Shloka 2.12.23

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

Devanagari script

अत्यन्तसुकुमारस्य तस्य धर्मे धृतात्मनः।कथं रोचयसे वासमरण्ये भृशदारुणे।।।।

Transliteration

atyantasukumārasya tasya dharme dhṛtātmanaḥ | kathaṃ rocayase vāsam araṇye bhṛśadāruṇe ||

Translation

How can you wish that he—so exceedingly tender, and steadfast in dharma—should dwell in the forest, so terribly harsh?

Context

Why do you want Rama who is so tender and a firm follower of dharma to dwell in the highly dreadful forest?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Forest (araṇya)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes protecting the deserving and not subjecting the virtuous to disproportionate hardship.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha argues against the cruelty of exile by emphasizing Rāma’s gentleness and disciplined devotion to dharma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s self-mastery and steadfastness in virtue (dhṛtātman; dharme) are highlighted.