Shloka 2.21.27

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

Devanagari script

ततस्त्वं प्राप्स्यसे पुत्र निरयं लोकविश्रुतम्।ब्रह्महत्यामिवाधर्मात्समुद्र स्सरितां पतिः।।2.21.27।।

Transliteration

tatas tvaṃ prāpsyase putra nirayaṃ lokaviśrutam | brahmahatyām ivādharmāt samudraḥ saritāṃ patiḥ || 2.21.27 ||

Translation

Then, my son, you will reach a hell renowned in the world—just as the ocean, lord of rivers, through unrighteous conduct incurred a sin like brahmin-slaying (brahmahatyā).

Context

O son! you will then fall into hell. As well-known in the world, the ocean, the lord of rivers, incurred the guilt of slaying a brahmin through unrighteous conduct.

Characters & Entities

• Kausalyā
• Rāma
• Niraya (hell)
• Samudra (ocean)
• Brahmahatyā (brahmin-slaying)
• Sarit (rivers)

FAQs

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

The verse asserts karmic consequence: acting from adharma leads to grave spiritual downfall, illustrated through a mythic exemplum (the ocean’s incurred guilt).

What is the narrative situation?

Kausalyā escalates her plea into a moral warning, suggesting that abandoning her would be unrighteous and yield terrible consequences.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral seriousness about dharma and the belief that actions—especially toward parents—carry heavy karmic weight.