Shloka 2.19.18

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

Devanagari script

रामोऽप्युत्थाप्य राजानं कैकेय्याभिप्रचोदितः।कशयेवाहतो वाजी वनं गन्तुं कृतत्वरः।।2.19.18।।

Transliteration

rāmo 'py utthāpya rājānaṃ kaikeyyābhipracoditaḥ |

kaśayevāhato vājī vanaṃ gantuṃ kṛtatvaraḥ || 2.19.18 ||

Translation

Rāma, having helped the king up, and urged on by Kaikeyī, hastened to go to the forest—like a horse driven by the lash.

Context

Rama lifted up the king and, urged by Kaikeyi, hastened to depart for the forest like a horse flogged by a whip.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha (king)
• Forest (vana)

FAQs

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

Dharma as swift compliance to a binding word is portrayed, while the simile critiques the harshness of coercion—duty is fulfilled, yet the method is morally abrasive.

What is the narrative situation?

After Daśaratha collapses, Rāma supports him and then, under Kaikeyī’s pressure, prepares to depart immediately.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s compassion (helping the king) and resolve (hastening to fulfill the command).