Shloka 2.13.23

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

Devanagari script

मम रामस्य लोकस्य गुरूणां भरतस्य च।।।।प्रियमेतद्गुरुश्रोणि कुरु चारुमुखेक्षणे

Transliteration

mama rāmasya lokasya gurūṇāṃ bharatasya ca | priyam etad guruśroṇi kuru cārumukhīkṣaṇe ||

Translation

O queen of stately hips, fair-faced and bright-eyed—do this pleasing deed: for me, for Rāma, for the people, for the elders and teachers, and for Bharata as well.

Context

O lady with heavy hips, charming eyes and a beautiful face, do this favour to me, to Rama, to the world, to all the preceptors and to Bharata too.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī
• Rāma
• Bharata
• loka (people)
• gurū (elders/teachers)

FAQs

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

Dharma is framed as loka-hita (public good): the right decision is what benefits the kingdom, honors elders, and preserves harmony among heirs.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha argues that letting Rāma take the throne is beneficial not only personally but socially and institutionally.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

A king’s duty to consider the welfare of all stakeholders—people, teachers, and family—rather than private desire.