Shloka 2.19.1

एकोनविंशः सर्गः (Sarga 19): Rāma’s Unshaken Acceptance of Exile and Kaikeyī’s Urgency

Devanagari script

तदप्रियममित्रघ्नो वचनं मरणोपमम्।श्रुत्वा न विव्यथे रामः कैकेयीं चेदमब्रवीत्।।2.19.1।।

Transliteration

tad apriyam amitraghno vacanaṃ maraṇopamam |

śrutvā na vivyathe rāmaḥ kaikeyīṃ cedam abravīt || 2.19.1 ||

Translation

Hearing those unpleasant words—painful as death—the enemy-slayer Rāma did not waver; instead, he spoke these words to Kaikeyī.

Context

The destroyer of enemies (Rama) did not feel distressed to hear these words painful like death. To Kaikeyi he said:

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kaikeyī

FAQs

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

Steadfast self-mastery in the face of suffering: Rāma does not collapse under harsh speech, modeling dharmic composure and commitment to right conduct rather than reactive anger.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī has delivered a demand that is grievous to hear; the narration emphasizes that Rāma remains unshaken and is about to respond to her.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kṣānti and dhairya (forbearance and courage): Rāma’s inner stability when confronted with words 'like death.'