Shloka 2.14.6

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

Devanagari script

सरितां तु पतिस्स्वल्पां मर्यादां सत्यमन्वितः।सत्यानुरोधात्समये स्वां वेलां नातिवर्तते।।।।

Transliteration

saritāṃ tu patiḥ svalpāṃ maryādāṃ satyam anvitaḥ | satyānurodhāt samaye svāṃ velāṃ nātivartate ||

Translation

Even the ocean, lord of rivers, though its boundary is slight, does not overstep its own shore when the time comes—out of fidelity to truth.

Context

The ocean, lord of rivers, even when (tidal) time comes does not cross the shore in obedience to truth.

Characters & Entities

• saritāṃ pati (ocean)
• maryādā (boundary)
• satya (truth)

FAQs

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

Satya and maryādā: righteousness is expressed as self-restraint—keeping to one’s rightful limits even when conditions (time/tide) press toward excess.

What is the narrative situation?

A proverbial illustration is offered: the ocean serves as a model for keeping boundaries, reinforcing the Ramayana’s emphasis on truth and propriety.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The virtue is principled restraint (niyama): the moral ideal of not transgressing one’s proper limits.