Shloka 2.18.22

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

Devanagari script

एष मह्यं वरं दत्त्वा पुरा मामभिपूज्य च।स पश्चात्तप्यते राजा यथाऽन्यः प्राकृतस्तथा।।।।

Transliteration

eṣa mahyaṃ varaṃ dattvā purā mām abhipūjya ca | sa paścāttapyate rājā yathā anyaḥ prākṛtas tathā ||

Translation

This king, having earlier honoured me and granted me a boon, now repents afterward—like any ordinary man.

Context

In the past the king had honoured me with (two) boons. Now like any other common man he is repenting (for the same).

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha (king)
• Rāma

FAQs

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

The verse points to the dharma of kingship: a king’s word should not become like an ordinary person’s wavering regret after granting boons.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī states that Daśaratha once granted her boons with honour, but now he regrets them, setting up her demand as a test of royal truth.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The virtue under scrutiny is satya and steadfastness in rulers; the failure implied is inconsistency after making a binding grant.