Shloka 2.21.21

अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः — Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā

Devanagari script

न चाधर्म्यं वच श्रुत्वा सपत्न्या मम भाषितम्।विहाय शोकसन्तप्तां गन्तुमर्हसि मामितः।।2.21.21।।

Transliteration

na cādharmyaṃ vacaḥ śrutvā sapatnyā mama bhāṣitam | vihāya śokasantaptāṃ gantum arhasi mām itaḥ || 2.21.21 ||

Translation

Having listened to the unrighteous words spoken by my co-wife (Kaikeyī), it is not proper for you to leave me here, scorched by grief, and go away from this place.

Context

By heeding the unrighteous words of my co-wife (Kaikeyi) it does not behove you to leave me grief-stricken and go away from here.

Characters & Entities

• Kausalyā
• Rāma
• Kaikeyī

FAQs

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

Kausalyā appeals to dharma in the form of compassion and filial responsibility: a son should not abandon his mother in acute suffering, especially when the cause is rooted in adharma (unrighteous counsel).

What is the narrative situation?

Kausalyā, devastated by the impending exile, pleads with Rāma not to depart after he has heard Kaikeyī’s harsh demands.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kausalyā highlights the virtue of familial care and moral discernment—urging Rāma to recognize and resist adharma-driven speech.