Shloka 2.14.7

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

Devanagari script

सत्यमेकपदं ब्रह्म सत्ये धर्मः प्रतिष्टितः।सत्यमेवाक्षया वेदा सत्येनैवाप्यते स्परम्।।।।

Transliteration

satyam ekapadaṃ brahma satye dharmaḥ pratiṣṭhitaḥ | satyam evākṣayā vedā satyenaivāpyate param ||

Translation

Truth—spoken in a single word—is Brahman; upon truth dharma stands firmly established. Truth itself is the imperishable Veda, and by truth alone the supreme state is attained.

Context

Truth is Brahman in one word. Righteousness is firmly established in truth. Truth is the imperishable Vedas. The supreme state can be attained by means of truth.

Characters & Entities

• Satya (Truth)
• Brahman
• Dharma
• Vedas
• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī

FAQs

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

Satya (truthfulness) is presented as the foundation of dharma itself; righteousness is stable only when grounded in truth, and spiritual attainment is linked to unwavering truth.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī invokes an exalted doctrine of truth to bind Daśaratha morally, preparing to demand fulfillment of the boons he once granted.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The ideal of satyavrata—steadfast commitment to truth—expected especially of a king whose word must be reliable.