Shloka 2.13.18

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

Devanagari script

अथवा गम्यतां शीघ्रं नाहमिच्छामि निर्घृणाम्।।।।नृशंसां कैकयीं द्रष्टुं यत्कृते व्यसनं महत्।

Transliteration

athavā gamyatāṃ śīghraṃ nāham icchāmi nirghṛṇām |

nṛśaṃsāṃ kaikayīṃ draṣṭuṃ yatkṛte vyasanaṃ mahat |

Translation

Then let it pass quickly; I do not wish to look upon that merciless, cruel Kaikeyī, for whose sake this great calamity has arisen.

Context

'Or, pass off quickly. I do not want to see this merciless, malicious Kaikeyi who is thecause of this great misfortune'.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī

FAQs

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

Adharma is marked by lack of compassion (dayā). The king’s revulsion underscores that cruelty and manipulation within family and kingship are morally ruinous.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha, unable to bear the sight of Kaikeyī, wishes time would hurry on so he need not face her, whom he blames for the catastrophe.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral sensitivity—Daśaratha’s distress is not only personal loss but a reaction to perceived cruelty and injustice.