Shloka 2.14.13

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

Devanagari script

विह्वलाभ्यां च नेत्राभ्यामपश्यन्निव भूपतिः।कृच्छ्राद्धैर्येण संस्तभ्य कैकेयीमिदमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

vihvalābhyāṃ ca netrābhyām apaśyann iva bhūpatiḥ | kṛcchrād dhairyeṇa saṃstabhya kaikeyīm idam abravīt ||

Translation

With eyes overwhelmed, as though he could not see, the king—steadying himself with great difficulty and courage—spoke these words to Kaikeyī.

Context

The king was unable to see with his eyes overwhelmed (with tears). Gaining with great difficulty a firm footing and courage he addressed Kaikeyi:

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī

FAQs

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

Self-restraint in suffering: even in grief, one should speak and act with steadiness rather than collapse into chaos.

What is the narrative situation?

After staggering under grief, Daśaratha gathers composure to address Kaikeyī directly.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Dhairya (courage/steadfastness) in the face of moral and emotional catastrophe.