Shloka 2.18.4

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

Devanagari script

तदपूर्वं नरपतेर्दृष्ट्वा रूपं भयावहम्।रामोऽपि भयमापन्नः पदा स्पृष्ट्वेव पन्नगम्।।।।

Transliteration

acintyakalpaṁ hi pituḥ taṁ śokam upadhārayan | babhūva saṁrabdhataraḥ samudra iva parvaṇi ||

Translation

As Rāma contemplated that unimaginable grief of his father, he grew still more disturbed—like the ocean heaving on the full-moon tide.

Context

Never before did Rama see such frightful appearance of his father. He was seized with fear as if he trampled a serpent.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Dasaratha

FAQs

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

A dhārmic person does not ignore suffering in the family; Rāma’s increasing agitation shows responsible empathy rather than indifference.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma observes Daśaratha’s condition and tries to grasp the depth of the king’s sorrow.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s compassion and attentiveness to his father’s welfare.