Shloka 2.12.48

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

Devanagari script

एकाहमपि पश्येयं यद्यहं राममातरम्।अञ्जलिं प्रतिगृह्णन्तीं श्रेयो ननु मृतिर्मम।।।।

Transliteration

ekāham api paśyeyaṃ yady ahaṃ rāmamātaram |

añjaliṃ pratigṛhṇantīṃ śreyo nanu mṛtir mama || 2.12.48 ||

Translation

If I were to see—even for a single day—Rāma’s mother receiving salutations, then surely death would be better for me.

Context

If I were to see Rama's mother receiving homage from everybody even for a day, I shall prefer my death.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha
• Kausalyā
• Rāma

FAQs

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

It shows how adharma can arise from envy and status-obsession: personal resentment is used to override just succession and to manipulate a ruler’s duty-bound choices.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī declares she cannot bear Kausalyā’s elevation (through Rāma’s coronation) and frames death as preferable.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast, the virtue implied is equanimity (samatva); the verse highlights its absence and the destructive ethical consequences of jealousy.