Shloka 2.18.1

अष्टादशः सर्गः — Kaikeyī Discloses the Boons: Exile to Daṇḍaka and Bharata’s Consecration

Devanagari script

स ददर्शासने रामो निषण्णं पितरं शुभे।कैकेयीसहितं दीनं मुखेन परिशुष्यता।।।।

Transliteration

sa dadarśāsane rāmo niṣaṇṇaṃ pitaraṃ śubhe |

kaikeyīsahitaṃ dīnaṃ mukhena pariśuṣyatā ||

Translation

There Rāma saw his father seated upon an auspicious couch; Kaikeyī was beside him, and the king looked wretched, his face pale and dried with distress.

Context

Rama beheld his father reclined on an auspicious couch and by his side was seated Kaikeyi. He looked wretched with a pale face.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī
• auspicious couch/seat (śubha āsana)

FAQs

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

Dharma of attentive filial responsibility: the scene sets the moral tension where truth, vows, and duty within the family will soon be tested.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma enters and notices that Daśaratha, with Kaikeyī nearby, appears deeply distressed.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s alertness and concern for his father, preparing the ground for his later commitment to satya and obedience.