Shloka 2.14.45

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

Devanagari script

स समीपस्थितो राज्ञस्तामवस्थामजज्ञिवान्।।।।वाग्भिः परमतुष्टाभिरभिष्टोतुं प्रचक्रमे।

Transliteration

sa samīpasthito rājñas tām avasthām ajajñivān |

vāgbhiḥ paramatuṣṭābhir abhiṣṭotuṃ pracakrame ||

Translation

Drawing near to the king, he remained unaware of the king’s inner condition and began to extol him with words meant to please greatly.

Context

Sumantra approached the king unaware of the state of his mind and commenced praising him in highly pleasing words (as usual).

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as proper decorum and respectful speech toward one’s sovereign/elder, even before one fully understands the situation.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra comes close to Daśaratha and begins customary praise, not yet realizing the king’s troubled mood.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sumantra’s loyalty and refined courtly speech (vinaya) in serving the king.