Shloka 2.18.26

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

Devanagari script

यदि त्वभिहितं राज्ञा त्वयि तन्न विपत्स्यते।ततोऽहमभिधास्यामि न ह्येष त्वयि वक्ष्यति।।।।

Transliteration

yadi tv abhihitaṃ rājñā tvayi tan na vipatsyate | tato 'ham abhidhāsyāmi na hy eṣa tvayi vakṣyati ||

Translation

If you will not violate what the king has said to you, then I shall speak; for he himself will not tell you.

Context

If you do not transgress the word given by the king I shall tell you everything. The king on his own will not tell you.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Rāma
• Daśaratha (king)

FAQs

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

The verse emphasizes adherence to a superior’s declared word (especially the king’s), while showing how dharma-language can be used to secure commitment before revelation.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī insists that Rāma commit to not letting the king’s word ‘fail,’ and claims Daśaratha is unable to disclose the matter himself.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s trustworthiness (ārya-bhāva) is targeted: he is expected to uphold commitments even under emotional strain.