Shloka 2.22.20

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

Devanagari script

यदचिन्त्यन्तु तद्दैवं भूतेष्वपि न विहन्यते।व्यक्तं मयि च तस्यां च पतितो हि विपर्ययः।।।।

Transliteration

yad acintyaṁ tu tad daivaṁ bhūteṣv api na vihanyate |

vyaktaṁ mayi ca tasyāṁ ca patito hi viparyayaḥ ||

Translation

Destiny is indeed inconceivable, and its force cannot be turned back in any being. It is plain that adversity has fallen—upon me, and upon her as well.

Context

Inconceivable is the power of destiny. Its impact on all beings cannot be averted. That an adversity has befallen me and Kaikeyi is (therefore) evident.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Kaikeyi (implied by 'her')
• Lakshmana

FAQs

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

Rama interprets suffering without hatred: he recognizes adversity as shared and avoids demonizing Kaikeyī, aligning with dharma as compassion and truthful appraisal of circumstances.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama explains to Lakshmana that the sudden reversal is an unavoidable working of destiny affecting multiple people.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Equanimity and empathy—Rama acknowledges his own loss while also seeing Kaikeyī as caught in the same adverse turn.