Shloka 2.13.5
अयोध्याकाण्डे त्रयोदशः सर्गः | Kaikeyi Presses the Boons; Dasaratha’s Lament and Collapse
मृते मयि गते रामे वनं मनुजपुङ्गवे।हन्तानार्ये ममामित्रे सकामा सुखिनी भव।।।।
mṛte mayi gate rāme vanaṃ manuja-puṅgave | hantānārye mamāmitre sakāmā sukhinī bhava ||
When I am dead and Rāma—the best of men—has gone to the forest, alas, O ignoble one, my enemy: with your desire fulfilled, be happy then.
Alas! O ignoble woman, my enemy, your desire would be fulfilled after Rama, the foremost among men is exiled and I am dead. You will be happy thereafter!
It exposes the ethical tragedy of misused rights: a boon and vow (meant to uphold honor) can be weaponized against dharma, bringing ruin rather than harmony.
Daśaratha, despairing, speaks bitterly to Kaikeyī, predicting his death and Rāma’s exile.
Rāma’s stature as ‘foremost among men’ is affirmed even in crisis, implying his worthiness and dharmic excellence.