Shloka 2.18.6

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

Devanagari script

इन्द्रियैरप्रहृष्टैस्तं शोकसन्तापकर्शितम्।निश्श्वसन्तं महाराजं व्यथिताकुलचेतसम्।।2.18.5।।ऊर्मिमालिनमक्षोभ्यं क्षुभ्यन्तमिव सागरम्।उपप्लुतमिवादित्यमुक्तानृतमृषिं यथा।।2.18.6।।

Transliteration

etena tvāṁ narendro ’yaṁ kāruṇyena samāplutaḥ | śokasaṅkliṣṭavadano na śakn̄oti nirīkṣitum ||

Translation

For this reason the king, overwhelmed with compassion, his face strained by grief, cannot bear to look upon you.

Context

Maharaja (Dasaratha) with his senses dulled had become emaciated due to sorrow and suffering. With an agitated and troubled mind, he was breathing heavily. Although unshakable, he looked agitated like an ocean with successive rows of waves, like the Sun in eclipse, like an ascetic who has uttered falsehood.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyi
• Dasaratha
• Rama

FAQs

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

Dharma here is the moral burden of difficult vows: compassion can paralyze action, yet duty still demands a righteous resolution.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī interprets Daśaratha’s grief-stricken silence and inability to meet Rāma’s gaze.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s paternal love and compassion—though shown as emotionally overwhelming.