Shloka 2.12.33

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

Devanagari script

क्षमा यस्मिन्दमस्त्याग सत्यं धर्मः कृतज्ञता।अप्यहिंसा च भूतानां तमृते का गतिर्मम।।।।

Transliteration

kṣamā yasmin damas tyāga satyaṃ dharmaḥ kṛtajñatā |

apy ahiṃsā ca bhūtānāṃ tam ṛte kā gatir mama ||

Translation

Without him—Rāma—in whom abide forgiveness, self-restraint, renunciation, truth, righteousness (dharma), gratitude, and non-violence toward all beings, what refuge or course remains for me?

Context

Where is the refuge for me without him in whom dwell forgiveness, forbearance, renunciation, truthfulness, righteousness, gratefulness and also nonviolence towards all living beings?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kaikeyī
• bhūtas (living beings)

FAQs

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

Dharma is portrayed as a lived moral ecology—truth, gratitude, self-restraint, and ahiṃsā—whose absence makes life directionless.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha expresses despair at the prospect of losing Rāma (through exile), describing him as the very embodiment of sustaining virtues.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Ahiṃsā and kṛtajñatā alongside satya—Rāma’s compassion and gratitude are central to his dharmic identity.