Shloka 2.19.16

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

Devanagari script

यावत्त्वं न वनं यातः पुरादस्मादभित्वरन्।पिता तावन्न ते राम स्नास्यते भोक्ष्यतेऽपि वा।।2.19.16।।

Transliteration

yāvat tvaṃ na vanaṃ yātaḥ purād asmād abhitvaran |

pitā tāvan na te rāma snāsyate bhokṣyate 'pi vā || 2.19.16 ||

Translation

O Rāma, until you hasten from this city to the forest, your father will neither bathe nor even eat.

Context

O Rama!, as long as you do not hasten to leave this city for the forest, your father will neither bathe nor eat.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daśaratha (father, implied)
• Ayodhyā (implied by 'this city')
• Forest (vana)

FAQs

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

Dharma is framed as urgency to fulfill a pledged word; however, the verse also illustrates ethically problematic pressure—using the king’s suffering to compel immediate compliance.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī insists Rāma must depart quickly, claiming Daśaratha will not perform normal acts (bathing/eating) until he does.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s readiness to bear hardship for duty; Daśaratha’s grief-stricken incapacity is also highlighted.