Shloka 2.18.20

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

Devanagari script

न राजा कुपितो राम व्यसनं नास्य किञ्चन।किञ्चिन्मनोगतंत्वस्य त्वद्भयान्नाभिभाषते।।।।

Transliteration

na rājā kupito rāma vyasanaṃ nāsya kiñcana | kiñcin manogataṃ tv asya tvad-bhayān nābhibhāṣate ||

Translation

O Rāma, the king is not angry, nor has any misfortune befallen him. Yet, fearing you, he cannot utter what lies within his heart.

Context

O Rama, the king is neither angry, nor has any misforturne befallen him. But out of fear for you he is not able to speak out what he has in mind.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Rāma
• Daśaratha (king)

FAQs

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

The verse implicitly contrasts dharmic clarity with emotional pressure: truth should be spoken responsibly, yet Kaikeyī frames silence as fear, preparing to compel action without transparent dialogue.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī explains Daśaratha’s silence to Rāma, claiming the king is unable to speak what he intends.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s expected virtue is steadiness and obedience to dharma; Daśaratha’s vulnerability is shown as emotional incapacity to speak against his beloved son.