Shloka 2.12.80

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

Devanagari script

चिरं खलु मया पापे त्वं पापेनाभिरक्षिता।अज्ञानादुपसम्पन्ना रज्जुरुद्बन्धिनी यथा।।।।

Transliteration

ciraṁ khalu mayā pāpe tvaṁ pāpenābhirakṣitā | ajñānād upasampannā rajjur udbandhinī yathā ||

Translation

O sinful woman, for a long time I protected you—sinfully and in my ignorance—like one who preserves a rope that later proves to be a hanging noose.

Context

O wretch I protected you in my folly for a long time through ignorance, like a rope preserved which turned out to be a noose to hang me with.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī

FAQs

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

It warns that protection or patronage without discernment can empower adharma; dharma requires wise judgment, not blind attachment.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha bitterly regrets having long favored Kaikeyī, now seeing that trust as self-destructive.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse emphasizes the need for viveka (discernment) as a supporting virtue for dharmic governance and household life.