Shloka 2.22.18

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

Devanagari script

सोऽभिषेकनिवृत्त्यर्थैप्रवासार्थैश्च दुर्वचैः।उग्रैर्वाक्यैरहं तस्या नान्यद्दैवात्समर्थये।।।।

Transliteration

so ’bhiṣeka-nivṛtty-arthaiḥ pravāsa-arthaiś ca durvacaiḥ | ugrair vākyair ahaṃ tasyā nānyad daivāt samarthaye ||

Translation

As for those harsh and fierce words of hers—meant to stop my consecration and to drive me into exile—I can account for them by nothing other than destiny.

Context

I do not find any reason other than destiny for the cruel and brutal words spoken by Kaikeyi with the objective of preventing my coronation and exiling me.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Kaikeyī
• Consecration (abhiṣeka)
• Exile (pravāsa)
• Destiny (daiva)

FAQs

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

Dharma is restraint in judgment: Rāma refuses to escalate hostility and treats the event as destiny-driven, thereby preventing adharma in response.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma interprets Kaikeyī’s severe speech—aimed at blocking his coronation and enforcing exile—as something he will not explain through malice alone.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s equanimity and non-reactivity—he absorbs insult without collapsing into hatred.