Shloka 2.18.12

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

Devanagari script

अप्रसन्नमनाः किन्नु सदा मां प्रति वत्सलः।विवर्णवदनो दीनो न हि मामभिभाषते।।।।

Transliteration

aprasannamanāḥ kinnu sadā māṃ prati vatsalaḥ | vivarṇavadano dīno na hi mām abhibhāṣate ||

Translation

He who has always been affectionate toward me—why is his mind displeased now? Why is his face pale and downcast, and why does he not speak to me?

Context

Father has always been affectionate to me but today why is he in a dejected mood? Why does his countenance look pale and wretched? Why does he not speak to me?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

Dharma includes attentive care for family: noticing a parent’s suffering and seeking its cause, rather than ignoring it.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma observes Daśaratha’s abnormal pallor and silence and asks Kaikeyī why the king, usually affectionate, is now withdrawn.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sensitivity and filial devotion: Rāma is alert to emotional and physical signs of distress in his father.