Shloka 2.19.12

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

Devanagari script

सा हृष्टा तस्य तद्वाक्यं श्रुत्वा रामस्य कैकयी।प्रस्थानं श्रद्धधाना हि त्वरयामास राघवम्।।2.19.12।।

Transliteration

sā hṛṣṭā tasya tad vākyaṃ śrutvā rāmasya kaikayī |

prasthānaṃ śraddadhānā hi tvarayāmāsa rāghavam || 2.19.12 ||

Translation

Hearing Rāma’s words, Kaikeyī rejoiced; convinced that his departure was certain, she hastened Rāghava to set out.

Context

Kaikeyi, happy to hear the words of the son of the Raghus as she was convinced that his departure (to the forest) was certain, hastened him (to set out).

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Rāma (Rāghava)

FAQs

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

The verse contrasts dharmic steadfastness (Rāma’s certainty) with ethically questionable urgency (Kaikeyī’s haste), highlighting how intent shapes moral quality even when actions appear 'procedural.'

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī, assured that Rāma will truly leave, presses him to depart quickly.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s reliability (his word is trusted as certain), set against Kaikeyī’s determination to secure her goal.