Shloka 2.18.18

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

Devanagari script

एतदाचक्ष्व मे देवि तत्त्वेन परिपृच्छतः।किं निमित्तमपूर्वोयं विकारो मनुजाधिपे।।।।

Transliteration

etad ācakṣva me devi tattvena paripṛcchataḥ | kiṃ nimittam apūrvo 'yaṃ vikāro manujādhipe ||

Translation

O queen, as I keep asking, tell me this truthfully: for what reason has this unprecedented change come upon the lord of men (the king)?

Context

O Devi I am repeatedly asking you the cause of this unprecedented change in the king please tell me the truth.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

Satya (truth) is demanded as a moral necessity in crisis; truthful disclosure prevents further harm and supports righteous action.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma presses Kaikeyī to reveal the real reason for Daśaratha’s strange transformation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Satya-niṣṭhā (commitment to truth): Rāma insists on an honest explanation before acting.