Shloka 2.19.21

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

Devanagari script

यदत्र भवतः किञ्चिच्छक्यं कर्तुं प्रियं मया।प्राणानपि परित्यज्य सर्वथा कृतमेव तत्।।2.19.21।।

Transliteration

yad atra bhavataḥ kiñcit śakyaṃ kartuṃ priyaṃ mayā | prāṇān api parityajya sarvathā kṛtam eva tat ||2.19.21||

Translation

Whatever—even the least—I can do here to please my venerable father, I shall do in every way, even if it costs my life.

Context

If I am able to do anything which pleases my venerable father, it shall be done in every possible manner, may be even at the cost of my life.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daśaratha (as 'bhavān/bhavataḥ')
• Kaikeyī

FAQs

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

Filial obligation and the protection of a parent’s honor are treated as dharma worth even life itself.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma affirms that he will do whatever pleases Daśaratha, including accepting exile, regardless of personal loss.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Unconditional devotion to duty and readiness for sacrifice.