Shloka 2.20.27

अयोध्याकाण्डे विंशः सर्गः — Rama Enters Kauśalyā’s Antaḥpura; Ritual Preparations and the Shock of Exile

Devanagari script

देवि नूनं न जानीषे महद्भयमुपस्थितम्।इदं तव च दुःखाय वैदेह्या लक्ष्मणस्य च।।।।

Transliteration

devi nūnaṃ na jānīṣe mahad bhayam upasthitam | idaṃ tava ca duḥkhāya vaidehyā lakṣmaṇasya ca ||

Translation

Mother, surely you do not yet know: a great calamity has come—one that will bring sorrow to you, to Vaidehī (Sītā), and to Lakṣmaṇa as well.

Context

O mother! surely you do not know that a great misfortune has befallen, causing distress to you, Sita and Lakshmana, too.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Kausalya
• Vaidehi (Sita)
• Lakshmana

FAQs

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

Satya (truthfulness) joined with dayā (compassion): Rama speaks truth about impending suffering without deceit, preparing his mother for the reality of dharma-driven exile.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama begins to disclose to Kausalya that a major misfortune—his exile—has befallen the family and will affect Sita and Lakshmana too.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness with sensitivity—Rama’s responsible, compassionate disclosure.