Shloka 2.14.22

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

Devanagari script

स्थाप्य राज्ये मम सुतं कृत्वा रामं वनेचरम्।निस्सपत्नां च मां कृत्वा कृतकृत्यो भविष्यसि।।।।

Transliteration

sthāpya rājye mama sutaṃ kṛtvā rāmaṃ vane-caram |

niḥsapatnāṃ ca māṃ kṛtvā kṛta-kṛtyo bhaviṣyasi ||

Translation

Only after installing my son in the kingdom, making Rāma a dweller in the forest, and rendering me without rivals, will you have fulfilled your obligation.

Context

Only after you have installed my son in the kingdom and sent Rama to the forest and made me free from rivals, you shall have your duty fulfiled.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha
• Rāma
• Bharata (implied as 'my son')
• kingdom (rājya)
• forest (vana)

FAQs

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

It frames how power can misuse the language of duty: Kaikeyī recasts Daśaratha’s dharma (truth to promises) into a program of injustice against Rāma.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī explicitly states her terms: Bharata must be enthroned, and Rāma must be sent to the forest.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Negatively, it highlights the vice of jealousy and political ambition; dharmic kingship is contrasted with self-serving demands.