Shloka 2.24.19

कौशल्यारामसंवादः — Kausalya–Rama Dialogue on Exile-Dharma

Devanagari script

आसां राम सपत्नीनां वस्तुं मध्ये न मे क्षमम्।नय मामपि काकुत्स्थ वनं वन्यां मृगीं यथा।।2.24.19।।यदि ते गमने बुद्धिः कृता पितुरपेक्षया।

Transliteration

āsāṃ rāma sapatnīnāṃ vastuṃ madhye na me kṣamam | naya mām api kākutstha vanaṃ vanyāṃ mṛgīṃ yathā || 2.24.19 || yadi te gamane buddhiḥ kṛtā pitur apekṣayā |

Translation

O Rāma, I cannot endure to dwell amid these co-wives. O scion of Kakutstha, if you have resolved to go to the forest in obedience to your father’s wish, then take me also to the forest—like a wild doe.

Context

O Rama, I am not able to live in the midst of these co-wives. O descendant of Kakutstha, if you have resolved to go to the forest as per the wishes of your father take me-a wild deer-along with you into the forest.

Characters & Entities

• Kauśalyā
• Rāma
• Kakutstha (dynasty epithet)
• Daśaratha (implied by pituḥ)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights dharma as loyalty and shared fate within family bonds: Kauśalyā seeks to align her life with her son’s dharmic path, while also revealing the moral pain caused by palace rivalries.

What is the narrative situation?

Kauśalyā, distressed by Rāma’s impending exile and by her vulnerability among co-wives, asks to accompany him to the forest.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kauśalyā’s steadfast attachment and protective devotion (vātsalya) are emphasized, along with her desire for integrity in relationship rather than comfort in the palace.