Shloka 2.18.23

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

Devanagari script

अतिसृज्य ददानीति वरं मम विशांपतिः।स निरर्थं गतजले सेतुं बन्धितुमिच्छति।।।।

Transliteration

atisṛjya dadānīti varaṃ mama viśāṃpatiḥ | sa nirarthaṃ gatajale setuṃ bandhitum icchati ||

Translation

Having freely bestowed the boon on me, saying, “I will give,” the lord of men now wishes—vainly—to build a dam where the water has already drained away.

Context

The king bestowed on me boons saying, 'I shall grant you two boons'. But now he wishes in vain to build a dam when the water has run down.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha (viśāṃpati)
• Rāma
• setu (dam/embankment) (metaphor)

FAQs

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

Once a vow/boon is granted, dharma treats it as binding; attempting to retract it afterward is portrayed as futile and improper.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī uses a striking metaphor to argue that Daśaratha cannot undo what he has already promised.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfastness to one’s word (satya-niṣṭhā) is foregrounded—especially as a royal duty.