Shloka 2.14.3

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

Devanagari script

आहु स्सत्यं हि परमं धर्मं धर्मविदो जनाः।सत्यमाश्रित्य हि मया त्वं च धर्मं प्रबोधितः।।।।

Transliteration

āhuḥ satyaṃ hi paramaṃ dharmaṃ dharmavido janāḥ | satyam āśritya hi mayā tvaṃ ca dharmaṃ prabodhitaḥ ||

Translation

Those who know dharma declare that truth is the highest dharma; and relying on truth, I have instructed you too in your duty.

Context

Those conversant with righteousness say that truth is a great virtue. By following the truth, I have enlightened you about your duty.

Characters & Entities

• satya (truth)
• dharma
• dharmavids (knowers of dharma)
• Vasiṣṭha (implied by context)

FAQs

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

Satya is presented as the supreme dharma: moral life and right governance are grounded in truth as the highest norm.

What is the narrative situation?

A teacherly voice frames the events by asserting truth’s primacy and recalling that duty has been taught on the basis of truth.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Commitment to truth as a guiding virtue—especially crucial for rulers and those who advise them.