Shloka 2.24.1

कौशल्यारामसंवादः — Kausalya–Rama Dialogue on Exile-Dharma

Devanagari script

तं समीक्ष्य त्ववहितं पितुर्निर्देश पालने।कौशल्या बाष्पसंरुद्धा वचो धर्मिष्ठमब्रवीत्।।2.24.1।।

Transliteration

taṃ samīkṣya tv avahitaṃ pitur nirdeśa-pālane | kauśalyā bāṣpa-saṃruddhā vaco dharmiṣṭham abravīt ||

Translation

Seeing him steadfast and intent on fulfilling his father’s command, Kauśalyā, her voice choked with tears, spoke words firmly grounded in dharma.

Context

Having perceived that Rama was determined to carry out his father's command, Kausalya with her throat choked with tears said these words of piety:

Characters & Entities

• Kauśalyā
• Rāma
• Daśaratha (implied as ‘father’)

FAQs

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

Dharma is portrayed as obedience to rightful authority—Rāma’s commitment to his father’s command is recognized as a righteous, sustaining principle even amid sorrow.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma is prepared to fulfill Daśaratha’s order (exile). Kauśalyā, overwhelmed with grief, begins to address him with dharmic counsel.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s steadfastness (niścaya) in duty, and Kauśalyā’s dharmic clarity despite maternal anguish.