Shloka 2.13.20

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

Devanagari script

साधु वृत्तस्य दीनस्य त्वद्गतस्य गतायुषः।।2.1.20।।प्रसादः क्रियतां देवि भद्रे राज्ञो विशेषतः।

Transliteration

sādhu vṛttasya dīnasya tvadgatasya gatāyuṣaḥ |

prasādaḥ kriyatāṃ devi bhadre rājño viśeṣataḥ |

Translation

O queen, gracious lady, show me favor: to this wretched man of good conduct, devoted to you, whose life is nearly spent—especially since I am your king.

Context

O gentle queen, I am an old man and my life is almost over. I am a wretch devoted to you. I am a man of good conduct. Do me this favour especially as I am king.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī

FAQs

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

Dharma includes dayā (compassion): Daśaratha appeals to humane consideration and the moral duty to treat an aged, afflicted person with mercy.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha, broken and fearful of the consequences, begs Kaikeyī to relent and show him grace.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility and dependence on compassion—Daśaratha lowers himself to pleading, underscoring how severe the crisis has become.