Shloka 2.18.15

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

Devanagari script

अतोषयन्महाराजमकुर्वन्वा पितुर्वचः।मुहूर्तमपि नेच्छेयं जीवितुं कुपिते नृपे।।।।

Transliteration

atoṣayan mahārājam akurvan vā pitur vacaḥ | muhūrtam api neccheyaṃ jīvituṃ kupite nṛpe ||

Translation

If I have ever displeased the great king—my father—or failed to carry out his command, and the king has become angry, I would not wish to live even for a moment.

Context

If I have (ever) displeased the maharaja, my father or disobeyed his command which has angered him, I do not wish to live for a moment৷৷

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

Pitṛ-śuśrūṣā (devotion/obedience to one’s father) is treated as central dharma; Rāma values alignment with his father’s will over his own life.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma expresses anguish that he may have angered Daśaratha by disobedience, and declares he cannot bear living under his father’s displeasure.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Tyāga (self-sacrifice) and niṣṭhā (steadfastness) in duty.