Shloka 2.14.16

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

Devanagari script

रामाभिषेकसंभारैस्तदर्थमुपकल्पितैः।रामः कारयितव्यो मे मृतस्य सलिलक्रियाम्।।।।

Transliteration

rāmābhiṣekasaṃbhārais tadartham upakalpitaiḥ | rāmaḥ kārayitavyo me mṛtasya salilakriyām ||

Translation

With the very materials prepared for Rāma’s consecration, Rāma will have to perform for me—once I am dead—the funeral rite of water-offering.

Context

With the materials already collected for the consecration of Rama he will perform my funeral rite of offering water to the dead.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī
• Rāma
• Abhiṣeka materials
• Salilakriyā (funeral water rite)

FAQs

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

Filial and ritual dharma: a son’s duty includes final rites for the father; the verse tragically contrasts coronation (public dharma) with funeral duty (family dharma).

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha foresees that the preparations meant to crown Rāma will instead serve the occasion of his own death rites, reflecting utter despair.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s implied commitment to duty—he will perform the father’s rites regardless of the injustice done to him.