Shloka 2.18.30

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

Devanagari script

तद्ब्रूहि वचनं देवि राज्ञो यदभिकाङ्क्षितम्।करिष्ये प्रतिजाने च रामो द्विर्नाभिभाषते।।।।

Transliteration

tad brūhi vacanaṃ devi rājño yad abhikāṅkṣitam |

kariṣye pratijāne ca rāmo dvir nābhibhāṣate ||2.18.30||

Translation

Therefore, O Queen, tell me plainly what the king desires. I will do it—I vow it; Rāma does not speak in two ways.

Context

Hence tell me, O Devi Whatever be the desire of the king: I promise I shall carry out, Rama does not say two things (does not go back on his word).

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

Satya as dharma: the moral duty to keep one’s word and to act consistently with vows, even under pressure or personal loss.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma urges Kaikeyī to state Daśaratha’s desired command clearly, assuring her he will fulfill it without contradiction.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness and reliability—Rāma presents himself as one whose speech and action are unified (no duplicity).