Shloka 2.18.25

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

Devanagari script

यदि तद्वक्ष्यते राजा शुभं वा यदि वाऽशुभम्।करिष्यसि ततस्सर्वमाख्यास्यामि पुनस्त्वहम्।।।।

Transliteration

yadi tad vakṣyate rājā śubhaṃ vā yadi vāśubham | kariṣyasi tatas sarvam ākhyāsyāmi punas tv aham ||

Translation

If you will do everything the king declares—whether auspicious or inauspicious—then afterward I shall tell you all again.

Context

If you fulfil whatever the king says, pleasant or unpleasant, I shall relate to you everything.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Rāma
• Daśaratha (king)

FAQs

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

Dharma is framed as unconditional compliance with the king’s word; however, the verse also raises ethical tension about informed consent—Kaikeyī withholds full disclosure until compliance is promised.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī conditions her full explanation on Rāma’s prior commitment to carry out whatever Daśaratha says.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s obedience and integrity are being tested—whether he will commit to duty before knowing its cost.