Shloka 2.14.24

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

Devanagari script

धर्मबन्धेन बध्दोऽस्मि नष्टा च मम चेतना।ज्येष्ठं पुत्रं प्रियं रामं द्रष्टुमिच्छामि धार्मिकम्।।।।

Transliteration

dharma-bandhena baddho ’smi naṣṭā ca mama cetanā |

jyeṣṭhaṃ putraṃ priyaṃ rāmaṃ draṣṭum icchāmi dhārmikam ||

Translation

I am bound by the bond of dharma, and my clarity of mind is shattered. I wish to see my beloved eldest son Rāma, the righteous one.

Context

I am bound by bond of righteousness. My intellect is destroyed. I wish to see my beloved, virtuous firstborn, Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī
• Rāma
• dharma (as principle)

FAQs

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

Dharma is portrayed as a binding force—Daśaratha feels compelled by righteousness and truthfulness, even when it breaks him emotionally.

What is the narrative situation?

Under Kaikeyī’s demands, Daśaratha confesses his moral bondage and asks to see Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truth-bound integrity: Daśaratha’s sense of obligation to dharma (and his word) overrides personal desire and peace.