Shloka 2.22.13

अभिषेक-निवृत्ति-उपदेशः (Withdrawal of the Coronation: Rama’s Counsel to Lakshmana)

Devanagari script

मयि चीराजिनधरे जटामण्डलधारिणि।गतेऽरण्यं च कैकेय्या भविष्यति मनस्सुखम्।।।।

Transliteration

mayi cīrājina-dhare jaṭā-maṇḍala-dhāriṇi | gate ’raṇyaṃ ca kaikeyyā bhaviṣyati manaḥ-sukham ||

Translation

When I, clad in bark-cloth and antelope skin and bearing a circlet of matted hair, have gone to the forest, then Kaikeyī will at last have peace of mind.

Context

Kaikeyi will attain peace of mind only after my departure to the forest in tatteredclothes, an antelope skin and a crown of matted locks.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Kaikeyī
• Forest (araṇya)
• Bark-cloth (cīra)
• Antelope skin (ājina)
• Matted hair (jaṭā)

FAQs

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

Dharma is voluntary sacrifice: Rāma embraces ascetic hardship to remove conflict and fulfill the demanded course without retaliation.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma describes the visible signs of exile—ascetic dress and matted hair—and notes that this will satisfy Kaikeyī’s desire.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Tyāga (renunciation) and kṣānti (forbearance).