Shloka 2.14.10

सत्यपाशः — Kaikeyi’s Demand and the Noose of the King’s Promise

Devanagari script

समयं च ममार्येमं यदि त्वं न करिष्यसि।अग्रतस्ते परित्यक्ता परित्यक्ष्यामि जीवितम्।।।।

Transliteration

samayaṃ ca mamāryemam yadi tvaṃ na kariṣyasi | agratas te parityaktā parityakṣyāmi jīvitam ||

Translation

O noble one, if you do not carry out this agreement of mine, then—abandoned before your very eyes—I will renounce my life in your presence.

Context

O noble one, if you do not fulfil the agreement, it will mean I have been abandoned by you. (Therefore) I will give up my life in your presence.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

It tests satya (truth to one’s word) versus coercion: a vow is invoked, but the method is moral pressure and threat, raising questions about righteous use of promises.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī threatens suicide if Daśaratha does not honor the boons/compact, intensifying the crisis.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s commitment to truth is indirectly emphasized, because Kaikeyī weaponizes his vow-keeping nature.