Shloka 2.13.13

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

Devanagari script

नृशंसे पापसङ्कल्पे रामं सत्यपराक्रमम्।किं विप्रियेण कैकेयि प्रियं योजयसे मम।।।।अकीर्तिरतुला लोके ध्रुवं परिभवश्च मे।

Transliteration

nṛśaṃse pāpasaṅkalpe rāmaṃ satyaparākramam |

kiṃ vipriyeṇa kaikeyi priyaṃ yojayase mama ||

akīrtir atulā loke dhruvaṃ paribhavaś ca me |

Translation

O cruel Kaikeyī, of sinful intent—why do you seek to make me bring about what is hateful to Rāma, whose valor is founded on truth and who is dear to me? In this world, for me there will surely arise incomparable infamy and humiliation.

Context

O cruel, malevolent Kaikeyi, why do you propose such a harmful act against Rama who has truth as his prowess and who is so dear to me? Certainly, you will get unparalleled infamy and disgrace in this world.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī
• Rāma

FAQs

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

That harming the righteous—especially one grounded in satya (truth)—is adharma and inevitably produces social and moral consequences such as infamy and disgrace.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha, devastated by Kaikeyī’s demands, rebukes her for plotting against Rāma and foresees the public dishonor that will result.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s satya-centered valor (truth as the basis of heroism), presented as the standard that makes wrongdoing against him especially condemnable.