Shloka 2.19.11

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

Devanagari script

दण्डकारण्यमेषोऽहमितो गच्छामि सत्वरः।अविचार्य पितुर्वाक्यं समा वस्तुं चतुर्दश।।2.19.11।।

Transliteration

daṇḍakāraṇyam eṣo 'ham ito gacchāmi satvaraḥ |

avicārya pitur vākyaṃ samā vastuṃ caturdaśa || 2.19.11 ||

Translation

As for me, I shall depart from here at once to the Daṇḍaka forest; without disputing my father’s word, I will dwell there for fourteen years.

Context

As for me, without deliberating on the propriety of my father's orders, I shall go from here at once to Dandaka forest to live (there) for fourteen years.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daśaratha (implied as 'father')
• Daṇḍaka forest

FAQs

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

Satya to a father’s word and dharma of filial duty: Rāma treats the king’s promise/command as binding, choosing integrity over personal gain.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma responds to the exile demand by immediately consenting to go to the forest for fourteen years.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Satya-niṣṭhā and tyāga (devotion to truth and self-sacrifice): immediate willingness to renounce the kingdom.