Shloka 2.21.30

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

Devanagari script

ऋषिणा च पितुर्वाक्यं कुर्वता व्रतचारिणा।गौर्हता जानता धर्मं कण्डुनाऽपि विपश्चिता।।2.21.30।।

Transliteration

ṛṣiṇā ca pitur vākyaṃ kurvatā vratacāriṇā |

gaur hatā jānatā dharmaṃ kaṇḍunā ’pi vipaścitā || 2.21.30 ||

Translation

Even the learned sage Kandu—who knew dharma and lived by strict vows—killed a cow solely to carry out his father’s command.

Context

Learned sage Kandu who knew what is righteousness and a strict observant of vows, slew a cow for carrying out the command of his father.

Characters & Entities

• Kandu
• father (of Kandu)
• cow

FAQs

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

The verse foregrounds pitṛ-vākya-pālana—treating a father’s command as a binding duty—even when the action appears morally troubling, thereby presenting obedience as a powerful (and complex) dharmic claim in traditional narratives.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama is consoling Kausalya and defending his resolve to follow his father’s order; he cites earlier exemplars to show that such obedience has precedent among revered figures.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfastness in duty (dharma-niṣṭhā) expressed as unwavering commitment to fulfilling a पिता’s command.