Shloka 2.24.16

कौशल्यारामसंवादः — Kausalya–Rama Dialogue on Exile-Dharma

Devanagari script

मया चैव भवत्या च कर्तव्यं वचनं पितुः।राजा भर्ता गुरु श्श्रेष्ठस्सर्वेषामीश्वरः प्रभुः।।2.24.16।।

Transliteration

mayā caiva bhavatyā ca kartavyaṃ vacanaṃ pituḥ | rājā bhartā guruḥ śreṣṭhaḥ sarveṣām īśvaraḥ prabhuḥ ||

Translation

By me and by you as well, our father’s word must be carried out. He is king, protector-husband, teacher, the best among men—lord and master of us all.

Context

You and I should obey father's words. He is the king, supporter, preceptor, the best (among men) and lord and master of all of us.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kauśalyā
• Daśaratha (father/king/guru)

FAQs

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

Dharma is obedience to legitimate authority and honoring hierarchical duties: the father is simultaneously king, husband, and guru, so his command becomes a binding moral imperative.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma reinforces to Kauśalyā that both must comply with Daśaratha’s word, grounding it in Daśaratha’s multiple roles.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s commitment to satya (truthfulness to pledged duty) and his ability to articulate dharma as a social and familial order.