Shloka 2.13.10

अयोध्याकाण्डे त्रयोदशः सर्गः | Kaikeyi Presses the Boons; Dasaratha’s Lament and Collapse

Devanagari script

कथमिन्दीवरश्यामं दीर्घबाहुं महाबलम्।अभिराममहं रामं प्रेषयिष्यामि दण्डकान्।।।।

Transliteration

sukhānām ucitasyaiva duḥkhair anucitasya ca, duḥkhaṃ nāmānupaśyeyaṃ kathaṃ rāmasya dhīmataḥ.

Translation

Rāma is fit for happiness, not for suffering—how could I ever bear to see that wise Rāma in distress?

Context

Rama with a charming personality has a complexion like the blue lotus. He has long arms (with immense strength). How can I banish him to Dandaka forest?

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Dharma aligns reward with virtue: the righteous should not be made to suffer through unjust power, and a ruler must protect the deserving.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha protests the moral absurdity of forcing suffering upon the wise and virtuous Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s dhī (wisdom) and worthiness, making his imposed suffering ethically intolerable to a conscientious father-king.