Shloka 2.12.81

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

Devanagari script

रममाणस्त्वया सार्धं मृत्युं त्वां नाभिलक्षये।बालो रहसि हस्तेन कृष्णसर्पमिवास्पृशम्।।।।

Transliteration

ramamāṇas tvayā sārdhaṁ mṛtyuṁ tvāṁ nābhilakṣaye | bālo rahasi hastena kṛṣṇasarpam ivāspṛśam ||

Translation

While I took delight with you, I did not recognize you as death itself—like a child, alone and unawares, touching a black serpent with his hand.

Context

While sporting with you, I did not realize you were death incarnate. Like a child handling a black cobra I caressed you.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī

FAQs

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

It cautions that unchecked pleasure and attachment can obscure truth (satya) and lead to ruin; dharma requires awareness and restraint.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha compares his indulgent relationship with Kaikeyī to a child’s dangerous ignorance, realizing too late the harm it brings.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-control (dama) and vigilance (apramāda) are implied as necessary virtues for a ruler and householder.