Shloka 2.18.33

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

Devanagari script

तत्र मे याचितो राजा भरतस्याभिषेचनम्।गमनं दण्डकारण्ये तव चाद्यैव राघव।।।।

Transliteration

tatra me yācito rājā bharatasyābhiṣecanam |

gamanaṃ daṇḍakāraṇye tava cādyaiva rāghava ||2.18.33||

Translation

Therefore I have asked the king for Bharata’s consecration—and for your departure today itself to the Daṇḍaka forest, O Rāghava.

Context

O scion of the Raghus, hence I have asked the king for consecration of Bharata and your departure to Dandaka forest today itself.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Daśaratha
• Bharata
• Daṇḍaka forest (Daṇḍakāraṇya)

FAQs

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

The verse foregrounds a conflict of dharmas: the sanctity of a promise versus justice in succession; it sets the ethical dilemma Rāma resolves through adherence to satya and obedience.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī states her two demands derived from the boons: Bharata’s installation and Rāma’s immediate exile to Daṇḍaka.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s impending virtue is steadfastness to dharma despite personal loss; Kaikeyī’s action highlights manipulation rather than virtue.