Shloka 2.12.24

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

Devanagari script

रोचयस्यभिरामस्य रामस्य शुभलोचने।तव शुश्रूषमाणस्य किमर्थं विप्रवासनम्।।।।

Transliteration

rocayasy abhirāmasya rāmasya śubhalocane | tava śuśrūṣamāṇasya kimarthaṃ vipravāsanam ||

Translation

O fair-eyed lady, why do you desire the banishment of charming Rāma—who is devoted to serving you?

Context

O woman with attractive eyes, why do you want Rama who is so charming and serving you to be exiled to a distant place?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Exile (vipravāsa)

FAQs

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

Dharma condemns ingratitude: harming one who serves faithfully violates moral reciprocity and household ethics.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha appeals to Kaikeyī’s conscience, pointing out that Rāma has been attentive and dutiful toward her.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s service-mindedness and filial/household devotion (śuśrūṣā) are emphasized.