Shloka 2.12.82

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

Devanagari script

मया ह्यपितृकः पुत्र स्समहात्मा दुरात्मना।तं तु मां जीवलोकोऽयं नूनमाक्रोष्टुमर्हति।।।।

Transliteration

mayā hy apitṛkaḥ putraḥ sa mahātmā durātmanā | taṁ tu māṁ jīvaloko ’yaṁ nūnam ākroṣṭum arhati ||

Translation

By me—wicked at heart—that great-souled son has been made fatherless; therefore this living world is surely justified in condemning me.

Context

Wicked I am, I have made that magnanimous Rama fatherless. This world of living beings is certainly entitled to condemn me.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī
• Rāma

FAQs

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

It underscores accountability: violating paternal and royal duty leads to rightful social reproach; dharma is upheld through responsibility and truth.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha anticipates his own moral blame for making Rāma effectively fatherless by exile and separation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Acceptance of moral responsibility is emphasized—he does not deny culpability, even while in anguish.