Shloka 2.19.20

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

Devanagari script

नाहमर्थपरो देवि लोकमावस्तुमुत्सहे।विद्धिमामृषिभिस्तुल्यं केवलं धर्ममास्थितम्।।2.19.20।।

Transliteration

nāham arthaparo devi lokam āvastum utsahe | viddhi mām ṛṣibhis tulyaṃ kevalaṃ dharmam āsthitam ||2.19.20||

Translation

O lady, I do not strive to live in this world for wealth. Know me as akin to sages—one who stands solely upon dharma.

Context

O Devi, I have no desire to live in this world for the sake of wealth. Know me as one with the sages who are devoted only to righteousness.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kaikeyī
• ṛṣis (sages)
• dharma
• artha (wealth)

FAQs

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

Dharma is upheld as the primary aim of life, surpassing artha (wealth) and worldly advantage.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma responds to Kaikeyī’s demands by clarifying that he is not motivated by power or wealth and will accept exile as dharma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Detachment from material gain and unwavering commitment to righteous conduct.