Shloka 2.22.16

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

Devanagari script

कैकेय्याः प्रतिपत्तिर्हि कथं स्यान्मम पीडने।यदि भावो न दैवोऽयं कृतान्तविहितो भवेत्।।।।

Transliteration

kaikeyyāḥ pratipattir hi kathaṃ syān mama pīḍane | yadi bhāvo na daivo ’yaṃ kṛtānta-vihito bhavet ||

Translation

For how could Kaikeyī have found such resolve to wound me, if this turn of mind and this misfortune were not ordained by destiny?

Context

If this thought and my misfortune were not caused in Kaikeyi by destiny, how could she muster such determination to inflict pain on me?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Kaikeyī
• Destiny (Kṛtānta/Daiva)

FAQs

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

Rāma practices charitable interpretation and restraint: rather than demonizing Kaikeyī, he situates the cruelty within the larger framework of destiny, reducing hatred and preventing adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma explains Lakṣmaṇa’s shock by suggesting Kaikeyī’s harsh resolve is not her natural disposition but a fate-driven reversal.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kṣamā (forgiveness/forbearance) and freedom from vindictiveness.