Shloka 2.12.86

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

Devanagari script

यदि मे राघवः कुर्याद्वनं गच्छेति चोदितः।प्रतिकूलं प्रियं मे स्यान्न तु वत्सः करिष्यति।।।।

Transliteration

yadi me rāghavaḥ kuryād vanaṃ gaccheti coditaḥ | pratikūlaṃ priyaṃ me syān na tu vatsaḥ kariṣyati ||

Translation

If, when urged by me—“Go to the forest”—Rāghava were to act contrary to my command, that would suit my desire; yet my dear son will not do so.

Context

If this scion of the Raghu race (Rama) urged to go to the forest acts against my order, it will be welcome but my son will not do it.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• forest (vana)

FAQs

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

Even when an order is painful or unjust, the ideal son in the epic does not break the father’s command; the verse highlights commitment to duty over personal preference.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha reveals his anguish: part of him wishes Rāma would resist the exile-command, but he knows Rāma’s nature is to obey.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s steadfast adherence to duty (pitṛ-vākya-paripālana), contrasted with Daśaratha’s torn emotions.