Shloka 2.14.5

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

Devanagari script

तथा ह्यलर्कस्तेजस्वी ब्राह्मणे वेदपारगे।याचमाने स्वके नेत्रे उद्धृत्याविमना ददौ।।।।

Transliteration

tathā hy alarkas tejasvī brāhmaṇe vedapārage |

yācamāne svake netre uddhṛtya avimanā dadau ||

Translation

So too did radiant King Alarka: when a brahmin, well-versed in the Vedas, begged him, he plucked out his own eyes and gave them, without wavering.

Context

In the same way the lustrous king Alarka, on being solicited by a brahmin who was an adept in the Vedas, plucked his own eyes and gave them to him without hesitation.

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Daśaratha
• Alarka
• brahmin (brāhmaṇa)

FAQs

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

Dharma is extreme generosity and truthfulness in giving: a ruler upholds his word and the duty of dāna even at great personal cost.

What is the narrative situation?

Within Sumantra’s praise/awakening sequence, he cites an exemplum (Alarka) to elevate Daśaratha toward noble, selfless conduct.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-sacrifice and unwavering commitment to charitable duty (dāna-dharma).