Shloka 2.12.59

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

Devanagari script

विरमैतेन भावेन त्वमेतेनानृतेन वा।।।।यदि भर्तुः प्रियं कार्यं लोकस्य भरतस्य च।

Transliteration

viramaitena bhāvena tvam etenānṛtena vā |

yadi bhartuḥ priyaṃ kāryaṃ lokasya bharatasya ca ||

Translation

Refrain from this intention—or from this false course—if you truly wish to do what is beneficial for your husband, for the people, and for Bharata as well.

Context

If you wish to do good to your husband, to the world and also to Bharata, refrain from this illusory thought.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī
• Bharata
• loka (the people)

FAQs

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

True welfare (priya/hita) must align with dharma and satya; actions rooted in falsehood harm not only individuals but also the social order (loka) and even the intended beneficiary (Bharata).

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha urges Kaikeyī to abandon the plan for Bharata’s coronation and Rāma’s exile, warning of its harmful consequences.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral discernment: Daśaratha appeals to the broader good (husband, people, Bharata) rather than narrow desire.