Shloka 2.20.50

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

Devanagari script

ममैव नूनं मरणं न विद्यतेन चावकाऽशोस्ति यमक्षयेऽमम।यदन्तकोऽद्यैव न मां जिहीर्षति।प्रसह्य सिंहो रुदतीं मृगीमिव।।।।

Transliteration

mamaiva nūnaṃ maraṇaṃ na vidyate na cāvakāśo 'sti yamakṣaye mama | yad antako 'dyaiva na māṃ jihīrṣati prasahya siṃho rudatīṃ mṛgīm iva ||

Translation

Surely death does not come to me, nor is there any place for me in Yama’s realm—since Death does not seize me even now, forcibly, as a lion carries off a crying doe.

Context

There is no room for me in the abode of Yama (the god of death). If he does notcarry me off forcibly like a lion carrying away a crying female deer, certainly there is no death for me.

Characters & Entities

• Yama
• Antaka
• Rāma

FAQs

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

It reveals truthful speech in suffering; Dharma does not deny grief, but gives it voice without turning it into cruelty or deceit.

What is the narrative situation?

Overwhelmed by separation, Kausalyā speaks as if death itself refuses to take her, intensifying the tragedy of having to live through the loss of Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Emotional authenticity—her lament is extreme but sincere, showing the human cost behind epic duty.