Shloka 2.19.19

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

Devanagari script

तदप्रियमनार्याया वचनं दारुणोदयम्।श्रुत्वा गतव्यथो रामः कैकेयीं वाक्यमब्रवीत्।।2.19.19।।

Transliteration

tad apriyam anāryāyā vacanaṃ dāruṇodayam |

śrutvā gatavyatho rāmaḥ kaikeyīṃ vākyam abravīt || 2.19.19 ||

Translation

Having heard those unpleasant words of the ignoble woman—words with dreadful consequences—Rāma, free from agitation, spoke to Kaikeyī.

Context

Rama listened to the dreadful, cruel words of the ignoble woman but, without feeling any sorrow, said to Kaikeyi, these words:

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kaikeyī

FAQs

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

Dharma as equanimity and truth-anchored conduct: even when confronted with morally charged, harmful speech, Rāma remains unperturbed and responds without loss of righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration reiterates Kaikeyī’s harsh demand and frames Rāma’s calm readiness to reply, emphasizing the gravity of consequences.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vairāgya-like detachment and steadiness (gatavyatha): Rāma’s freedom from personal agitation while facing injustice.